To Scoot, Perchance to Dream

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11

Chapter 1

The warm, freshly risen sun crested gently over the hillside as a flitter of bird's wings sounded above the clubhouse roof. Scootaloo rested in the glow by the window having spent the night in Apple Bloom's newly restored tree harbored chateau. As the light hit her eyelids she slowly woke, taking care to open her eyes gently.

'A new day dawns but the shame is still there. I thought if I slept on it, it would go away,' she mused silently to herself. 'If only I could go back and try again...!'

She slowly rose to her hooves. She stretched, forelegs first then back, in great arches the way a lazy cat might. She made her way to the window. The scene outside was as lovely as it always was on such sunny days in Sweet Apple Acres. The birds that flew past before were making their way towards Ponyville as a breeze blew through the trees. An aromatic love-letter made its way to Scootaloo from Sugar Cube Corner. She breathed in deeply and let out a short sigh of longing.

'If I can smell what the Cake's are up to this far from town, they must be baking like crazy! I wonder what the occasion could be? We just had the Summer Sun Celebration, and I haven't heard of anyth-'

“Scootaloo, what're ya doin' here?”

Scootaloo turned around with a start. “Apple Bloom! Wh- what are you doing here?”

“I asked ya first! Didn't ya go home last night? I'm sure your family miss ya!”

“Yeeaaahh I don't think there's much chance of that, considering how awfully I did in my competition.”

“Well it doesn't matter right now anyways, it's almost time fer school! I just came in here ta grab my saddlebags and head out. C'mon!”

“School? No way, nu-uh, I'm not going today. Everypony will just mock me, make jokes about me, and tell me what a loser I am!” She dropped onto her haunches and stifled back the flood of tears she felt coming on.

“Oh Scootaloo!” Apple Bloom rushed to her friend's side and wrapped a consolatory foreleg around the orange filly's back. “Now ah know it's going to be hard but if you don't go to school today it'll only make things worse! Ponies'll wonder where you are and know why you stayed home today. Ah'll be by yer side the whole time and we can meet Sweetie Belle on the way.”

Scootaloo raised her head to meet her friends eyes. She knew what Apple Bloom said was true.

'I know I'm better than that! Let's get it together, Scoots, come on!'

She sniffed gently and wiped the sadness from her eyes. “You're right, Apple Bloom. There's no point in sitting here and feeling sorry for myself. Let's go, I know it's going to be a great day!”

The two walked down the ramp that lead to the clubhouse with Apple Bloom leading and Scootaloo not far behind. Bloom beamed with pride having helped her friend conquer her fears. Scootaloo put on a brave front, grinning only when Apple Bloom looked back at her. Deep in her heart the ache from her weekend held fast and the long walk only let her muse on what it took to even get that far.

The two ponies made found their way onto the road that lead to the school. As they did, Scootaloo thought back to three months ago when she first discovered there was an extreme sports competition, much less one that had seen fit to come to Equestria...

Chapter 2

“Guys! Guys! Oh my gosh, have you seen, have you seen?” Scootaloo stormed into the CMC clubhouse with a look of excitement strewn across her face and her eyes beaming.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were resting across from each other on the wood floor doing homework. Upon hearing Scootaloo rush inside, both turned to face her.

“Seen what?” questioned Sweetie Belle. “What's that magazine you're pulling from your bag?”

“Only the best magazine in all of Equestria! It's Extreme Ponies Quarterly. They show off all kinds of amazing things ponies do all over the country! Earth ponies that skydive, Pegasi that scuba dive, unicorns that skateboard, and a great new competition that's coming soon. See?”

She threw the magazine in front of the two resting fillies and it flew open to a two-page advertisement for an extreme sports competition called the Equine Xtreme Games, or EX Games for short. In it there were descriptions of all the sports that would be on display. Skating, gymkhana, but best of all...

“Scooter riding! Can you believe it? I didn't even know it was a real sport until I found this magazine today.”

“That's great, Scootaloo! But why're ya so excited about it? It's not coming ta town fer months.”

“That's just it, Apple Bloom. I've got lot's of time to train for the Amateur Youth Scooter contest. I know I can only get better with practice and you guys can help me!”

“You mean you want to enter the competition? But how are you going to do that? The EX Games don't know who you are,” Sweetie remarked.

Scootaloo pointed to the bottom right of the advertisement where an official entry form was printed, still blank. “I can tell them who I am, or better yet, I can show them! The entry form says I can send in pictures or video to tell my story and earn a spot in the contest of my choice. So what do you say? Will you guys help me find a camera and film me?”

“Of course, Scootaloo! This will be great! Gather around, girls.” Sweetie motioned with her forehooves for the girls to make a circle.

Suddenly, and in perfect unison, the three shouted at the tops of their lungs, “CUTIE MARK CRUSADER EXTREME SPORTS EQUINES, YAY!”

Just as they did, Applejack was walking past with full baskets of apples on either side of her. Though she was anxious to drop off the freshly picked fruit and continue her daily work, the yell of the three fillies couldn't help but catch the farm girl's attention. Applejack set the baskets down and called out towards the clubhouse.

“'Ay Crusaders! What's all that fracas, ah' mean ruckus, ah' mean... What're ya'll doin' up there?”

Apple Bloom stuck her head out of the window closest to her sister's call. “Hiya sis! We were just making plans ta help Scootaloo.”

“Yeah!” chimed the pony in question. “I found out that scooter riding is a real sport and I'm going to enter a competition that's coming to Equestria.”

“That so? What kinda competition has scooter riding?” Applejack made her way up to the front door of the clubhouse so they wouldn't have to yell at one another.

“It's called the EX Games. Ponies from all over Equestria enter every year and do all kinds of things like freestyle carriage riding, water skiing, cloud wrestling...”

“Well now all that sounds a might dangerous, don'tchya think Scootaloo?”

“Maybe, but I really love riding my scooter as fast as I can. Haven't you seen me ride through town? Jumping over ponies, weaving in and out between carts during market...”

“Ah have, and can't help but think what a silly filly you're bein' doin' all that. You ain't broken anything yet, either on yourself or somepony else, but it don't exactly inspire much confidence with you whippin' around like that.”

“Well I guess I could find some way to practice somewhere outside of town, but for now I wanted to ask you something.”

“Shoot.”

“Do you possibly, maybe, have a camera we could borrow? I need pictures or video to send in with my entry form for the competition.”

“Why, sure I do! It's been in the Apple family for generations.”

“We usually use it ta take pictures fer birthdays and holidays,” Apple Bloom added.

“That's right, little sis. I'll let ya'll borrow it on one condition.”

“Name it!” Scootaloo exclaimed. 'I never thought it would be so easy to get a camera. I'm glad I asked!'

“Don't use it anywhere in town. I want ya to have exciting pictures ta send off, but it shouldn't be at the expense of the ponyfolk's safety or your own. Got it?”

“GOT IT!” the Crusaders excitedly agreed.

“Well, alright then. Follow me girls and we'll get ya that camera.”

Applejack and the CMC left the clubhouse and headed towards the barn, AJ grabbing her full baskets of apples on the way. Behind the barn, near the cellar doors, was a shed that held a lot of tools the Apple family didn't use much anymore. AJ dropped her baskets outside of the shed and opened the door.

As the door swung open a plume of dust caused the four ponies to cough and sputter. Inside, the equipment was covered in thick layers of dust and spider webs. Once the cloud cleared Applejack grabbed the camera from its place on a shelf near the door with her teeth. She swung it around and the tripod legs that were attached snapped into place. She gently dropped the camera onto the ground once the legs had opened so she could proudly show off the one piece of high technology the Apple family owned.

“Here it is girls! One gen-u-ine camera ready for your extreme scootin' needs!” The device was still covered in dust and was very old, as evidenced by the sagging accordion attachment between the lens and viewfinder. “In fact, this camera might be one ah the first ones ever made here in Ponyville. Ah think Granny Smith bought it all those years ago once she made enough money with the farm.”

“Yeah, it kind of looks like it,” Scootaloo said without thinking. Apple Bloom nudged her in the side as a reminder to be polite. “OW! I mean, uh, yeah! It looks cool, if a little old. Are you sure it still works?”

“Sure I'm sure! If you fillies stand there in front of it, ah'll take a picture of ya'll to prove it. There you go. Now stand perfectly still, o.k.? Big smiles and on the count'a three I'll take it. One, two, THREE!”

A blinding flash of light hit the three fillies and stunned them. The camera did its best to actually take a photo, but upon AJ's squeezing of the bulb trigger it fell apart completely. The bulb flash was the old machine's last hurrah and it fell in a pile of rusted metal mish-mash onto the grass.

“Cornsakes! Granny Smith'll be awful upset when she hears about this. I thought I did everything the way she did...”

“That's too bad, Applejack,” Scootaloo replied with just a hint of relief in her tone. “We couldn't have used it anyway, since we would have had to stay completely still. That's no good for the kind of high-motion action shots we need it for!”

“I know!” Sweetie Belle's voice cracked. “Rarity has a really nice camera she uses to take pictures of her finished designs to send to local stores. I'll be she'll let us use it.”

“Well, sorry I couldn't be more help ta ya'll. Good luck Scootaloo. I hope you find a way to enter that EX Games. Just be careful, ya hear?”

“Thanks for your help Applejack, see you later!” The CMC quickly took their leave and headed into town. Rarity still had the Carousel Boutique open for a few hours yet. The late afternoon sun started to fall, covering the sky in warm orange and purple tones. It would soon be night and the girl's were beginning to get anxious to start their new assignment.

Chapter 3

The three girls approached the front door of the boutique. The glow of electric light shone through the windows invitingly. Sweetie Belle stopped her friends before they entered. “Just let me do the talking. Last time I used something of Rarity's, things didn't exactly go well.”

Sweetie Belle opened the door leading the group inside. The bell above the door chimed brightly. As they entered, the girls saw that Rarity was wearing her glasses, hard at work at her desk. The posh pony turned around and begin her usual greeting.

“Hello and welcome to the Carousel Boutique! How may I- Oh, hello Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo. What brings the three of you by at such a late hour?”

“Good evening, big sister! You look like you're hard at work on your next fabulous dress design.”

“Why yes I am, Sweetie Belle. I was just in the middle of a few last minute tweaks to the initial design sketch. The client I'm making it for is someone I met in Canterlot the last time I visited there.”

Sweetie Belle trotted to the desk and clambered onto the nearby stool to see the sketch more clearly. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom slowly made their way further into the boutique and exchanged sidelong weary glances. Rarity paid the pair no mind and approached Sweetie Belle, stopping by her side. She was surprised at her younger sister's sudden infatuation with her work. Rarity set her glasses down beside the sketch and spoke.

“Now Sweetie Belle, I know the three of you didn't come here just to exchange pleasantries. What is it you need?”

“Need? Well, now that you mention it...” Sweetie's snout curled in anticipation, unsure how to word her request.

“Yes...?”

“Scootaloo found a magazine advertising a new sports competition called the EX Games. She's super excited to enter but in order to do that, she needs to take pictures or video to show to the judges. So I was wondering...”

“Oh, no. Sweetie Belle, you know I love you very much, but every time I let you near any of my things it ends in total disaster! Things are broken, lost, enchanted, ruined, stuck in strange places...”

“I know, I know, I know, I know...” Sweetie Belle chanted in-between the breaths of her older sister's descriptive tirade.

“What if,” Scootaloo interrupted, “we take the camera to Twilight Sparkle and had her use some kind of spell to protect the camera while we use it?”

“Well now, I suppose that is a reasonable possibility. I'm not so sure such a spell exists but there would be no harm in checking with Twilight to see.”

The Crusaders grinned ear-to-ear in Rarity's direction.

“This by no means is me allowing you to use the camera just yet, girls. Turn around and I'll get it so that we can have Twilight take a look. Noooo PEA-king!” Rarity's horn glowed with magic as she opened the curtains of her stage. The camera sat behind it on one of the makeup tables backstage. The curtain closed behind the camera as it floated gently towards the marshmallow colored pony. Floating by its strap, the camera came to a rest softly around Rarity's neck. “It's getting late, so if we're going to do this we need to do it immediately. Come, girls, let's away.”

The three bolted through the door in a rush of excitement. “SWEETIE BELLLLLLEE!” Rarity called after her sister as she began to gallop in an attempt to catch up to the three fillies. The few townsponies that were still out now that the sun had gone down stared at Rarity with confusion. Rarity grinned nervously in the direction of a group that was nearby and then focused her attention back onto the girls. Before she knew it, the four of them had reached Twilight's library. The girls started rapping anxiously at the studious pony's door.

“Twilight! TWIIIILIGHT!” The CMC beckoned skyward, hoping it wasn't just the light of shining stars they saw reflecting in Twilight's windows as she made her way down to the front door.

The large wooden door swung open with a dim purple aura. “Yes, hello?” Twilight saw who was standing on her doorstep and grinned. “My little ponies! What brings you by so late?”

“Oh, I'm terribly sorry for their behavior Twilight. I just couldn't keep up with them on the way over and they began pounding madly upon your door.”

“That's alright, Rarity. If they hadn't I might not have heard them! Come in, girls, come in. What's going on? Nothing too urgent, I hope.”

Scootaloo quickly went over the details of what had happened that day. “...and we were hoping you might know a spell that would protect the camera while we use it.”

“That's very exciting Scootaloo. I don't know of anything off-hoof, but I'm sure I could find something. Spike?”

“Coming, Twilight!” The green and purple baby dragon rushed out of the kitchen wearing a stained white apron with pink frills. As he approached the ponies standing in the main room of the library he blushed and tossed the apron aside. “What's up?”

“Do you think you can find my copy of Incantations for the Cautious?”

“No problem. You used it a few days ago when you were refitting the lamps upstairs with lightbulbs, remember?”

“EH-heh-heh, um yeah.” Twilight's cheeks flushed. On seeing this, the Crusaders giggled under their collective breaths. Rarity looked at them with her best impression of Fluttershy's 'Stare'.

“Found it!” Spike said from midway up the nearby ladder. Twilight took it from him with her magic and began to flip through it, looking for something that might help the trio. Spike climbed down the ladder to join the group, looking at Rarity as Twilight searched.

“Hmm, ah maybe? No, that won't work... Here we go! This one doesn't look too difficult. It lasts for three days and protects against shocks, falls, and submersion in liquids. But this is all up to you Rarity. It is your camera, after all.”

The CMC looked as cute and trusting as they could at Rarity and gave a long, “Pleeeeaaseeeee?,” in chorus.

“So it isn't exactly invulnerable. It can still be crushed by a runaway stagecoach or if it gets stuck under any sort of great weight?” questioned Rarity.

“Yes, definitely,” remarked Twilight. “But they would never do something so foolish, would you girls?”

“No way!”

“Absolutely not!”

“Nope.”

“Well...” Rarity let out a brief sigh. “Against my better judgement, I'll let the three of you borrow my camera. Don't make me regret my decision.”

“Oh thankyouthankyouthankyou!” Scootaloo jumped up and hugged Rarity to drive her point home.

“Eh, yes. You're welcome dear. But don't you think it's time you all went home? It is very late and you couldn't possibly perform such daring feats by the light of the moon.”

The Crusaders groaned in unison as they realized they wouldn't get to try out the camera today. Scootaloo looked to Twilight and asked, “Would it be alright if we waited until tomorrow to protect the camera?” She then glanced to Rarity and said, “We could always pick up the camera tomorrow morning and have it for three full days starting then.”

“Yes, I suppose that would be for the best. I know I can trust Twilight and Spike to take care of such delicate equipment.”

“You can count on us, Rarity!” Spike looked at his unrequited love with a sweet smile, not realizing he had completely forgotten about the dinner he had been cooking until... “Wait a minute, what's that smell? OH NO!” He bolted into the kitchen at lightning speed. All the ponies could hear were muffled words while pots, pans, and who knows what else clanged and banged in the kitchen as Spike desperately tried to salvage the meal he had been preparing.

Twilight let out a nervous giggle. “Maybe I'll just bring this upstairs with me for the night. I look forward to seeing the three of you bright and early tomorrow morning. Have a good night, everypony.”

“Goodnight, Twilight!” The Crusaders walked out of the door into the night as the mare in the moon glared o'er Equestria, providing its glow to the world below. Rarity followed close behind, making sure to keep an eye on the three as they made their own ways home.

Chapter 4

“Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, wait up!” When Sweetie Belle called out to the two fillies walking down the path, Scootaloo briefly jolted back to reality to greet her friend.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle began to talk about anything and everything that came to mind. When they realized they couldn't get the attention of their fellow Crusader, Sweetie Belle worryingly asked Apple Bloom, “What's going on with her? Is she still upset about the other day?”

“Eeyup. I reckon she's going to be kind of gloomy all day. We need to make extra sure she keeps her mind off of her troubles once we get to school. I don't want anypony to pick on her if we can help it.”

“Got it. Poor Scootaloo, I've never seen her so upset about something before.”

Scootaloo had not heard a word of their conversation, having already slipped back into her memories. 'I need to find where I went wrong. I'm sure there's some kind of clue somewhere.'

The morning the Cutie Mark Crusaders went to pick up the camera was overcast. Gray, low hanging clouds filling the sky around Ponyville. Scootaloo wasn't sure if there was rain in the forecast despite being a pegasus. She hadn't been trained in weather patterns since she was lived on the ground. Despite her lack of confidence in the day's weather she walked to Twilight's library with her best friends, hope glowing in her heart.

The trio made sure to arrive at Twilight's with enough time and fully prepared to head to school. They didn't know what to expect from her magic or how long it might take to protect the camera.

“Good morning, fillies. Are you excited to starting shooting today?”

“Shooting what? I don't want to get hurt!” Sweetie Belle queried fearfully.

Twilight laughed lightly. “Don't worry Sweetie Belle, you're in no danger. I was just reading up on photography before you came over. When a photographer has a model or subject to take pictures of in a predetermined place, they call it a 'photo shoot.' The photographer is the one taking pictures or 'doing the shooting.'”

“Oh, heh, I knew that.”

“If you like, I can let you borrow the book I was reading about it. It has a lot of basic instructions on the best way to take pictures. It's perfect for a beginner!”

“I was thinking you could take the pictures, Sweetie Belle,” Scootaloo added, “since you have such a keen eye for fashion. I'm sure that skill will cross over into taking pictures!”

“Wow, cool! Sure Twilight, I'll take the book. Thank you.”

“Not a problem. Now, let's see about actually getting your camera protected and send you all on your way. We don't want you to be tardy for school.”

Twilight pulled her copy of Incantations for the Cautious from the podium where Owlicious sat. The nocturnal bird was fast asleep, having helped Twilight with some late night studying. The camera floated down the stairs that led to Twilight's bedroom and set down gently in front of her forelegs. The magical purple pony quickly re-read the spell and braced herself. A quickly growing purple aura surrounded both her horn and the camera. A brief flash illuminated the room, and then Twilight relaxed. The camera now had a thin, light blue sheen surrounding it.

“A complete success, my little ponies! You now have a rough and tumble camera to use for your session. Just remember the limits. It can fall from long heights, it won't get hurt in liquid, and can even withstand an electrical shock. That's the limit of it's magical protection.”

“We remember Twilight,” Scootaloo said reassuringly. “We will protect this camera with our lives.” The CMC each lifted a foreleg to their heads in a traditional Royal Canterlot Guard salute.

Sweetie Belle opened her saddlebags. She began reorganizing them so that the camera would be on top of her lightest school supplies, reducing the danger it would be in for the day. She put all of her books, including her newly borrowed photography guide, on the opposite side and then closed both sides securely. She slid her bags onto her back and almost toppled under the uneven weight. Twilight quickly saved her from falling over and waited until the filly regained her balance.

“O.k. Twilight, we should probably get going. But before we leave I need to ask you a quick question.”

“Yes, Scootaloo?”

“Do you know what the weather is supposed to be like today? It looks kinda gloomy outside.”

“Actually, I do! I was talking to Rainbow Dash yesterday and she said that there's going to be a major rainstorm the entire weekend. There might even be some thunder and lightning. It will finally give me a chance to test out some theories on weather patterns I've been working on for a few weeks.”

“You're kidding me, right? Why didn't you say something before?”

“I didn't think it mattered. You can still scoot around and take pictures in the rain. The camera is weather proof!”

“But I can't do anything if all the roads are nothing but mud!”

Twilight's bottom lip curled, upset at the situation. “I'm sorry Scootaloo. I'm sure you'll think of something.”

“Thanks Twilight. If you get a chance to talk to Dash again, can you tell her I'm looking for her? It's important.”

“Sure thing. But you all should start making your way to school. It's getting late.”

The girls expressed their gratitude and headed out the door. Just as they did, a crash of thunder rumbled through the sky. Rain begin to fall in great sheets, and the three unprepared fillies began galloping across town.

The school day was dull and uneventful. Everyone ate lunch inside, and recess was free reading time. Sweetie Belle got a chance to study the book on photography while Scootaloo and Apple Bloom went over plans regarding what they could do about scooting in the rain.

“Well what I was hoping to do is talk to Rainbow Dash about clearing a patch of sky for me to practice under. But that won't do anything to fix the ground from being a muddy mess. I'm not sure what we could do.”

“Y'know something? Ay still have some supplies left over from fixing up the clubhouse. Maybe I could make somethin' fer you. It'd be made outta wood but if I got a little help from Big Mac I'll bet you could ride around on it.”

Scootaloo gasped with a sudden burst of inspiration. “That would be amazing! We could look at my copy of Extreme Ponies Quarterly and try to recreate part of a professional skate park. I'll bet we could make one just like the real thing!”

Apple Bloom agreed it was an excellent idea. The two ponies spent the rest of their recess looking at pictures in the magazine and drawing crayon blueprints. There were ramps to jump off of, transfers over stairs, a quarter pipe on one side...the plans continued to get bigger and bigger. Before they knew it recess was over and they had a four page layout of what the ultimate scooter park would look like. Cheerilee called the class to attention and began the remainder of the day's lessons.

After school, the CMC made their way to the Sweet Apple Acres farm house. Rain continued to fall heavily as they galloped there. Once on the front porch, they shook themselves dry, wiped their hooves on the doormat, and entered the home. Granny Smith, Applejack, and Big Macintosh were inside, busy with chores. Apple Bloom walked up to her big brother who was helping move some furniture so that Applejack could sweep and dust.

Bloom told her brother about the plans for the scooter park. “There are a few things ah'll need yer help with. Mostly moving supplies in tha barn so I can work, and bendin' wood fer the quarter pipe.”

“This sounds like a mighty big project, Apple Bloom. Are ya sure you can do it yerself? I'd be more than happy to help get it started considering your sister and I won't have much ta do outside fer a few days.”

“Ah'll swing a hammer fer ya, little sis,” Applejack interjected. “This project is ambitious. You might be bitin' off more'n you can chew.”

Apple Bloom looked towards Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle who were standing quietly in the living room behind the Apple family. Both shook their heads up and down as quickly as they could, trying to get Apple Bloom to accept the help.

“I think your friends agree. C'mon sis, let's get the barn situated so you can begin yer build.”

“Ahlright. But I still wanna do most of the work.”

Chapter 5

The five ponies made their way into the empty barn. Everypony helped clean up what little mess there was. Big Mac and Applejack pulled the building supplies from the barn's attic and down onto the floor. Scootaloo took the blueprints and magazine from her saddlebags and passed them to Apple Bloom. She and Sweetie Belle went over the ideas they had brainstormed for the park during recess. Once all of the materials had been gathered, Mac and Jack joined the fillies in their debate over plans. Each offered advice about what was possible to do within the three day time limit set by their camera.

After about an hour, the final plans had been decided and agreed upon by all. “If you want this done quickly, we can start now and hopefully be done by mid-day tomorrow,” Applejack explained.

“I'm glad it's Friday,” said Scootaloo. “We have the whole weekend to work on this non-stop.”

“There's no time like tha present, everypony.” Apple Bloom took to the leadership role naturally. “Let's get ta work!”

So that it would be easier to organize, the build remained in four quadrants in the blueprints. Apple Bloom smartly decided to start with the hardest section, the part that included the quarter pipe. Everypony helped attach ropes around the largest, flattest piece of wood in their supply both vertically and horizontally. The vertical rope was thrown around the barn's pulley by Applejack. She pulled on the rope until the wood was standing upright on its edge. Big Mac weighted the knot in the middle of the two ropes to keep the plank steady for the next step. He then grabbed the end of the horizontal rope and pulled with all of his might, causing the wood to bend in accordance to the design. He tied his end to a nearby anvil and Applejack tied her end to a hook on the barn wall. There was just enough tension to keep the wood bent. It was left to set overnight.

The crew continued to work on smaller parts of the design. They sanded the wood to a fine finish and lacquered it until it shined. Before the day was done they had built a funbox, a kicker, and a stair set. They attached the newly made pieces to the floor in their appropriate quadrants and retired for the night once everything that had been built was put into place.

The five ponies returned at dawn the next morning refreshed and ready to work hard. They pulled the bent wooden plank down from its makeshift rope vice and finished it the way the had for the other pieces. A small piece, about a quarter of the total size of the quarter pipe, was cut off and turned upside down to make a roll in ramp. By the time Granny Smith had prepared lunch for everyone the project was complete. The inside of the barn was now a scooter park made just for Scootaloo to ride on.

They all took a well deserved break and ate lunch next to their finished creation. Granny Smith couldn't quite grasp what it was for but congratulated them all on a job well done. Scootaloo couldn't contain her enthusiasm to start riding and scarfed her lunch down so quickly she got a bit of a stomach ache. It was the furthest thing from her mind as she took her scooter and ran to the roll in.

Applejack, Big Macintosh, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith all looked at her in anticipation. Scootaloo stood proudly at the top and surveyed her new playground. She strapped her helmet safely to her head, stood on her scooter, and pumped her back hoof. She glided into the park for the first time and took to it like a fish to water. Every jump, every spin, every trick she wanted to try she did. Of course, she didn't land every single one but the others stood by to cheer her on to get up and keep trying. With her little crowd to encourage her, Scootaloo practiced for the better part of an hour without stopping, only coming to rest when she flew off of the quarter pipe too horizontally and landed in a large pile of hay. She giggled with delight as the others came rushing to her side to see if she was alright.

“I don't think I've ever had so much fun!,” the purple maned pony exclaimed breathlessly. “I'm ready to start taking pictures whenever you are, Sweetie Belle.”

“Great. I'll go grab the camera from my saddlebags.” Sweetie Belle did just that, and ran back to her friend just as Scootaloo had gotten herself out of the hay pile. “Let's take a couple of glamor shots before you start doing tricks. It will let the judges get an idea of your personality. Go stand on the roll in ramp and I'll pose you.”

Scootaloo stood atop the now familiar spot. “What now?”

“Take off your helmet and cup it under your left foreleg. Just like that, good! Now put your scooter next to your right side with your right foreleg hanging over the hoofbar. Perfect. Look towards me and give me your most confident smile.” FLASH! This kind of direction went on for a while and Scootaloo started getting bored.

“Maybe I should, I don't know, start riding around now? In fact, give me that camera.”

“Hey! I thought that was my job.”

“It still is. But this thing is fall-proof now, right? I'm going to try and take pictures while I'm riding. That should be a unique enough perspective!” Scootaloo did what she could to ride and photograph at the same time but it never quite worked. Most of the time the camera would slip out of her grasp and go bouncing wildly about the barn. Not to mention all of the bouncing she did in her futile attempts. After a particularly nasty bail, the winded pony said, “You know what? Maybe you should take the pictures after all.”

Though Sweetie Belle was upset it took her friend so long to realize that, she still took the reigns with the camera. After another hour or so, Scootaloo was, “...plum tuckered,” as Applejack put it. The Cutie Mark Crusaders decided to call it a day and pick up where they left off tomorrow. Scootaloo was determined to figure out the best line to ride and wanted to sleep on it. Sweetie left with her, but not before saying their goodbyes and expressing their gratitude to the Apple family. The rain outside had slowed to a trickle, so the girls took a more leisurely pace on their ways home.

“What an amazing day. I can't wait to see all of those pictures you took Sweetie Belle. How do you think they came out?”

“I'm not sure, but I do know I had a lot of fun taking them. Twilight's book really helped me find my eye.”

“Your what?”

“You wouldn't understand. It's a professional photographer thing.”

Scootaloo chuckled. “If you say so. How many pictures do you have left?”

“I used up the film that was in the camera today, but I could always borrow another roll from Rarity. Why do you ask?”

“No real reason. I'm just making sure you have enough film for tomorrow. I'm planning to pull out all the stops.”

“I'll make sure to have a fresh roll loaded and ready. Are we meeting at the barn around the same time tomorrow?”

“You bet. Well, this is my turn. See you in the morning Sweetie Belle. Thanks again for all of your help.”

The girls parted ways. Scootaloo began to imagine all of the great moves she could pull off if only her wings were stronger. Her mind wandered all the way home. She immediately climbed into bed and let her dreams carry her away until morning.

Chapter 6

Scootaloo's alarm clock never had a chance to ring. She awoke to a mighty thunder clap and an explosion of nearby lightning illuminating her room. Startled, she threw her arms forward and sat up in bed, letting out a sharp gasp. Rain pattered strongly against her window pane. 'Now is as good a time as any to get up, I guess.' She had a quick breakfast of fruit and a glass of milk.

Once Scootaloo had finished her morning routine she donned her raincoat, gathered her things, and headed toward the barn. Applejack greeted her outside of the barn doors.

“Good morning, Scootaloo. Are ya ready ta have a good day today?”

“You bet!”

“How about a great day?”

The filly stared at Applejack, a look of confusion strewn across her face.

“There's a little surprise waitin' fer ya inside. Why not find out what it is?”

Scootaloo's eyes widened as she smiled ear to ear. Wasting no time at all, she flung open the door and ran inside. As she made her way around the tallest part of the park a multicolored tail came into view. There's only one pony Scootaloo knew of with such style. It was her hero.

“RAINBOW DASH!”

The cyan pony turned around to face her fan.“Hiya, squirt. Word around town is that you're looking for me.”

“Ohmygoshohmygosh! This is so amazing! I can't believe you came!” Scootaloo made exclamations of disbelief for some time before Rainbow Dash interjected.

“So what is this thing you've built anyway? It looks like a lot of nonsense.”

Scootaloo regained some composure, still in shock that she was finally talking to her life-long idol. “Well, it's a scooter park. Everything was put together just so that I could ride my scooter around on it.”

“Really? That's sounds pretty cool! Why not show me a few moves?” Dash raised an eyebrow in a teasing gesture.

“You've got it!”

Scootaloo gave Rainbow Dash a demo of her capabilities on the shiny wooden equipment. Not once did she fall or miss any trick she tried, including things she failed at the day before. Scootaloo came to a sudden stop in front of Dash and Applejack, who had been watching the entire display with her friend.

“That was awesome! You are one crazy filly, Scootaloo.”

Scootaloo blushed deeply and coyly turned her head away from Rainbow Dash in an attempt to hide it. “You really think so?”

“Absolutely! You'll take the gold in your competition and leave everyone else in the dust.”

“You know about the EX Games?”

“Applejack caught me up on all of the details. I really came down here to see what she had built. As far as I know, this is the first scooter park of its kind ever built in Ponyville. But Twilight had mentioned specifically that you were looking for me. So what's up?”

Scootaloo thought back onto her original plan to have Dash clear the clouds so that she might practice outside. Now that she had the scootpark indoors, it didn't really seem necessary. Unless...

“Well, I know you don't exactly run the weather or anything, but do you think you could clear a big enough space in the clouds for all of this to sit outside? I don't want it to get wet, but if I got pictures of me outside with lightning in the background it would look totally epic! The judges would put me in the competition for sure.”

“That's an awful big request Scootaloo,” remarked Applejack. “It would take all of us just ta pull this thing outta tha barn. Then Dash would have ta clear a path as we brought it out. Once it's out there, it might be out there fer good. It'll probably sink inta the mud an' we won't be able ta budge it.”

“If you're worried about the rain, this is the last major storm of summer. Anything after this should be a light drizzle.”

“Ah'm worried about having this thing taking up space behind the barn. I don't want it any place it's gonna disrupt the workflow of tha farm.”

“Well, if it's too much trouble...” Scootaloo started to sniffle and cried crocodile tears. The mares were wise to it, but could tell having the park outside was important to the filly. They gave each other a long look and came to the same conclusion.

“If'n it means that much to ya, we'll do it Scootaloo.”

“Really?” Her eyes lit up like it was Hearth's Warming Eve.

“We're just going to wait until Sweetie Belle shows up. In the meantime, why don't you show me where you want to put the park?”

Scootaloo led Rainbow Dash to the back of the barn and opened the door. She went over in great detail where she wanted the park. The idea was to have as little of the surrounding farm in view so that the chances of capturing lightning in the pictures would be greater.

“You know I can drum up some lightning for you on cue. All you have to do is tell me when.”

By the time all the pertinent details were laid out, Sweetie Belle had arrived. The Apple family walked in with her, eager to start the move. Ropes were attached to the strongest parts after Mac had lifted the park enough to get rollers underneath. Every pony except Dash helped drag the wooden behemoth from the barn. The pegasus cleared the skies as they moved it, being careful to be far enough ahead to allow the rain that did fall to fall before the park was in range. Once it had been set in place the rollers were removed and the sky surrounding it was filled back in with cloud cover.

Sweetie Belle wasted no time setting up her camera. Scootaloo followed suit and began a trial run of the line she had perfected while Dash watched her earlier. Rainbow took notes on where Scootaloo would be most often and planned accordingly where to set up lightning clouds.

“Alright everypony. I think it's time to get underway. Sweetie, Dash, you know what to do?”

“My camera is loaded and ready Scootaloo.”

“Yeah, yeah. Let's get this going. I'm missing out on some valuable nap time.”

So the Apples sat and watched an amazing display of both technical skill and personal expression as thunder rolled and lightning blazed through the sky. Scootaloo was in the zone as the sound of Sweetie Belle's whirring camera clicked with precision. After a few hours of hard work on the part of the two pegasi and the unicorn the skies cleared on their own. It was just as Applejack had predicted: the scootpark had sunken into the mud for good.

Pleased with another day of practice, Scootaloo thanked everyone for helping her yet again. "It wouldn't have been possible for me to try without the help of such wonderful, hard working, and thoughtful friends."

Chapter 7

The rolls of film were developed, Scootaloo filled her entry form, and sent it away hoping for the best. The next week a confirmation came. The judges were impressed with her skill and creativity. Her hard work had paid off and she was given a chance to try out for the Ex Games in person. Since the real course had yet to be built the judges decided it would be easier to come to Ponyville. Having read the news, Scootaloo started practicing harder than ever.

Finally, the long-awaited day had come. The judges were former professional extreme sports competitors themselves, making them the most qualified for the job. Spinning Falcon, the eldest of the group, was a famous skateboarder who was best known for his vertical mid-air turns. Miracle Mirror rode bicycles like nopony else. Traveling Pasta made up for his silly name by being the first pony to ever backflip a motorcycle. Scootaloo was more struck with awe and wonder than when she spoke with Rainbow Dash just weeks before.

“So you're the little filly that caused a sensation with the show organizers,” remarked Spinning Falcon. “It's great to finally meet you.”

“Those photographs? In-sane, girl,” commented Miracle Mirror.

“Not to mention putting yourself and your camerapony at risk like that in a rainstorm. You've got to be an incredible talent to inspire enough confidence to do that,” added Traveling Pasta.

“It's so amazing to finally meet you all. I've read so much about you and your accomplishments. It's really inspired me to push my skills as far as I could.”

“Talk is cheap, Scootaloo,” Falcon sneered. “Let's see you put your bits where your mouth is.”

Scootaloo led the sports ponies behind the barn of Sweet Apple Acres to the scootpark's permanent spot. She introduced the Apples before climbing to the top of the now well used and familiar roll in. The three judges were impressed with the quality of the build. Scootaloo dropped in and started a special routine she had prepared for the occasion. Soon the judges were more impressed by how she used the park than just by the park itself. The filly fell only once, though the judges remained resolute. They had decided long ago they wanted Scootaloo in the contest but needed to confirm their suspicions firsthoof for the sake of the EX Games committee.

Miracle Mirror gave Scootaloo a packet with directions to and instructions for the competition. “Make sure to show up at least a day ahead of time. You're gonna want to ride the park before your contest starts.”

Scootaloo's newfound fame was the talk of her school, neigh, the talk of Ponyville for the weeks leading up to the competition. All the foals and fillies would come to Sweet Apple Acres to watch her practice. When ponies started to show up with their own scooters, skateboards, and bicycles, Applejack (being ever the entrepreneur) began to charge them two bits per half hour. Soon the beneficial relationship between the farm girl and the filly grew into something more: a reliable business that could bring money to the Apple family during winter or bad seasons. A new structure was built around the scootpark and it was expanded to allow more riders at any one time.

Though they were happy for their friend and what it meant for her, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom couldn't help but feel ignored by Scootaloo when they were the ones that had helped her in the beginning. Scootaloo was at the scootpark in all of her spare time. She started to ignore homework and her grades were slipping. Her singular focus was driving those that knew her best away.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders finally approached the school house, but it was too late. The ringing bell signaled as such, and brought Scootaloo out of her stupor long enough to realize it.

“C'mon Scootaloo, we're late!” Apple Bloom called after her friend. “You can't afford ta miss any more school as it is.”

The trio trotted through the door and the entire class commented on their arrival with a long, “oooOOOO.” Cheerilee stared in their direction and said, “Before you start with any excuses, just have a seat girls. We have a lot to cover today.”

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom sat attentively facing the front of the class. Scootaloo had opened her binder and began writing a list of the things she believed had gone wrong during her competition. Since Cheerilee believed the filly was taking notes, the teacher never bothered to stop her. Soon Scootaloo stopped writing altogether and drifted slowly into her memories. Her daydreaming brought her back to Los Agisters for the EX Games...

Chapter 8

It was several days travel by train to the famed city by the sea. Los Agisters is best know for it's suburb Halterwood where the most elite celebrities work and play. Everypony who's anypony finds their way there to try and gain fame in the bustling metropolis. It was Scootaloo's chance now. She stared in wide-eyed wonder at the magnificent buildings that seemed to touch the sky as the train rolled through the city. When it finally came to a stop in Unicorn Station the filly sat in disbelief.

'I can't believe it. I'm here. I've worked hard and followed my dreams, and it's paid off! I need to use this chance for all it's worth. I'm going to find my way to the site and practice all day until they force me out!'

Scootaloo set out from the train station and did just that. She took a trolley to Greenbroke Park, the largest in the area and the place the EX Games were being held. As she walked towards the entrance she was greeted by Spinning Falcon who was relaxing nearby.

“Scootaloo! So glad to see you made it. How was your trip?”

“Kind of long.”

Falcon laughed. “Yeah, I've been hearing that a lot today. So, how about a quick tour? I'm sure you're anxious to see what's going on behind the fence.”

“You bet I am. Let's do it!”

Falcon introduced the filly to all kinds of important ponies in the world of equine sports. Sponsors, ponies competing in other sports, and show organizers had heard great things about her and were excited to chat. Scootaloo did her best to be kind and keep an interest, but really just wanted to start scooting. After what seemed to her to be an eternity, Spinning Falcon finally led her to the one place she wanted to be.

“WHOA.” It was all Scootaloo could do to not have her jaw hit the floor. Coming to the Games she never imagined the park could be much bigger than what Applejack had built back in Ponyville, but this really put it to shame. Every funbox was massive, every staircase tall and foreboding. There was a half-pipe that was two stories tall and a massive ramp that seemed like it was at least FIVE.

“So what do you think?”

“Think? I think I'm in heaven!”

Falcon gave Scootaloo a friendly slap on the back. “Well, don't just stand there. Get to it, little filly. Have fun!”

Scootaloo approached the park with some caution. She quietly surveyed the surroundings and saw that the scooting group had congregated to one particular corner of the park. She made her way over and decided to introduce herself to the first pony she came to. He did not reciprocate her greeting and instead dropped into the course to practice. The flow of his tricks impressed the girl though his attitude did not. He came back towards her after he was finished and finally spoke.

“Name's Rider.” He was an earth pony of a light brown color with a grey, almost silver, mane, which he cut short to keep hair out of his face. His flank was adorned with a spinning scooter wheel that was kicking up dust.

Scootaloo answered tepidly. “Nice to meet you.”

“So, how did you get here? I've never seen you in competition before.”

“Actually I won one of the spots in the Extreme Ponies Quarterly entry contest.”

“I heard about that. I'm surprised they would even hold a contest for something so exclusive. You never know what kind of trash might clutter the competition.”

“Hey! What do you mean by that?” Scootaloo questioned indignantly.

“I'm just saying that ponies that are picked in such a way couldn't possibly be as good as we professionals. I do this for a living. How long have you been scooting? A few weeks?”

Scootaloo was falling for Rider's baiting. Her anger rose with every word he spoke. “You think you're so great? I'll show you!”

Rider smugly looked in her direction. Scootaloo rode down the roll in nearby and jumped from the nearest quarter pipe. She flew higher than she ever had on her home-made equipment. The pegasus wasn't prepared to negotiate her landing from such a distance. As she came down she instinctively threw her scooter away from herself and futilely fluttered her wings in an attempt to slow down. Her landing was hard, the cement unforgiving. Her helmet broke upon impact.

A nearby crew of emergency responders ran to her aid as someone blew a whistle to clear the course. Scootaloo looked in Rider's direction only to see him giggling at her misfortune before he walked away. Her pride had gotten the best of her. Luckily she came out of the wreck relatively unscathed, though the filly was upset about her helmet. It wasn't long until somepony gave her a replacement.

Scootaloo sat quietly in the first aid tent sipping water. As she finished her cup, another filly approached and spoke.“I saw what happened to you out there. Too bad about your helmet. Here, take my old one. My sponsor just brought me another specifically for the competition.”

“Gee, thank you. What's your name?”

“Flipping Cricket, but everypony calls me 'Flips'.” She was a unicorn who, naturally, presented herself with grace and poise. Her vermillion mane flowed gently in the breeze. Her body was aqua which complemented her hair color and made her stand out even more. Scootaloo was in awe of the girl's generosity.

“It's a pleasure to meet you Flips.” Scootaloo thought for a moment before asking, “So what's the deal with Rider?”

“He's like that with everypony. Like he's so superior. You know, ponies are quick to forget their roots once they reach the top, and Rider's head has inflated so much he can't even see his feet beneath him. It's a small wonder he can even scoot that way.”

The girls giggled at the thought. Scootaloo was happy to have found someone she could relate to. “I think I'm ready to get back out there and try again. Want to come with me?”

Flips smiled. “Absolutely, eh... sorry, I didn't catch your name.”

“Scootaloo.”

“With a name like that you're sure to have some skill. Alright Scootaloo, let's hit the course.”

Only when the sun began to set did the new friends stop for the day. They had shared a few laughs, some stories about themselves, and Flipping Cricket even gave her fellow competitor a few tips about the competition and the judge's expectations. Scootaloo felt lucky to have met somepony so kind, considering her initial rude reception.

After they finished their riding, both fillies wished each other good luck for the following day and parted ways. Scootaloo headed to her hotel room and took a long, hot bath then ordered room service. After eating, Scootaloo breathed a long sigh of relief. She turned off her lamp, snuggled into the covers of the bed, and stared at the glowing moon rising over Los Agisters. She drifted gently off to sleep, excited for what the next day would bring.

Chapter 9

There were only twelve ponies competing in the Scooter Youth competition. Only a qualifier for the finals was held to determine the top five ponies who would be left to battle for the gold. Scootaloo had never felt as much pressure as she did when stepping in front of the crowd that day. Thousands of ponies from all over Equestria had come to witness the festivities and now all of their eyes were trained on the scooter course. The filly felt the beads of sweat collecting on her forehead.

Flipping Cricket came up behind Scootaloo and gave her a friendly clasp on the shoulder. Scoot did her best not to jump out her skin at the sudden friendly gesture. “Best of luck to you out there,” the aqua pony remarked with a smile. “You're going to need it.”

“Same to you, Cricket,” Scootaloo replied, and she strained a smile through gritted teeth.

Each pony had ten minutes of warm-up to themselves. When it came time for Scootaloo's, she felt her stomach flip. After some mental coaxing, she launched into the routine she had planned. On one particularly daring jump over some stairs, Rider screamed out, “Don't blow it, doofus!” Scootaloo landed awkwardly on her scooter and flipped over the hoofbar, landing on her back. The crowd let out a collective gasp. Rider laughed cruely at the stunned filly, but she recovered quickly on her own and practiced through her remaining time without any more slip-ups.

Finally the qualifying round began without much ceremony. Each pony had fifty seconds per their three rounds to show what they had. If anypony should fall during a round, the round was forfeit and the next pony's round would begin. A few of the Youth competition let the pressure get the best of them and were disqualified for falling in each of their rounds. Rider and Cricket each performed flawlessly in their rounds and moved on effortlessly. Scootaloo wasn't so lucky. During a transfer between quarter pipes with a small stair set between, she miscalculated a bar spin and wound up landing with the scooter sideways, causing her to do the same. However, she made up for this failing and scored the fifth spot in the finals with an amazing no-hoof back flip roll-in on her final round.

In-between the qualifiers and the finals, there was an hour long rest. Cricket and Scootaloo met up and congratulated each other for having made it through. Rider wasn't exactly as gracious.

“What do you think you're doing?” he demanded of Scootaloo.

“Look,” she retorted, “I don't know what your problem is with me, but it ends now. I've made it here fair and square.”

“Fair and square? You won a contest! The only thing you have on your side is luck!”

“It took skill and dedication to get here, not luck! I worked my feathers off to impress the judges when they came to interview me.”

“But it's not fair!”

“What? Just because I haven't been riding in competitions my whole life? Sometimes ponies are just born naturals. I don't doubt you worked hard to get here. In fact, I know you must have! But if you think you're being robbed of your chance to win, you're right. I'm going to take that gold all the way back to Ponyville with pride.”

Rider stood in front of the two girls with his mouth agape in disbelief. Tears began to well in his eyes. “No one talks that way to Rider! You're going to be sorry you silly filly. I'm going to show you just how I got this far.”

“Bring it.”

The foal stormed off in a fit. Flipping Cricket looked at Scootaloo in shock. “Wow. Where did that come from?”

“I'm just sick of him mocking me! It's all he's done since I showed up yesterday. Besides, you said yourself he always acts that way. Sounds to me it was about time somepony put him in his place.”

“I certainly think you did. Save some of that energy though. We've only got a little while to cool down before the final round.”

“I know. I think I'm going to take a little walk to clear my head.”

“Alright. See you on the flips.”

Scootaloo couldn't help but laugh. “No way, did you really just say that?”

Flipping Cricket just grinned like a fool. “Now get out of here! Go clear that noodle, you purple-maned poodle.”

Scootaloo walked away laughing. Soon, her face showed a more somber mood as she thought over what a whirlwind the last few days had been. Long travels, new friends, crazy tricks, and loud music. It was a lot to take in and it almost over already! She found a quiet grassy knoll to rest on and watched other ponies go by. It wasn't long until she heard the P.A. System call out, “All Youth Scooter finalists to the course, please. Youth Scooter finalists to the course.”

Chapter 10

Scootaloo ran across the bustling festival to her equipment behind the scenes. She strapped on her helmet, threw herself onto her scooter, and rolled about two feet before both wheels on the front truck of the scooter fell off.

An official looking pony walked towards Scootaloo holding a clipboard. After a moment of chatter into his headset, he spoke to her. “Last call for Youth Scooters! C'mon kid, let's go.”

“But the wheels on my scooter just fell off on their own! I can't go out there right now!”

“Well you better find some way to get them back on in the next five minutes or you're disqualified.”

Scootaloo was about to argue with the pony in charge, even going so far as raising an accusatory hoof towards him. But then in a flash, she realized there was no time as the first horn sounded for riders to begin. The filly ran around backstage frantically yelling, “Has anypony got a wrench? I need a wrench!” Nopony seemed to pay much attention as the second horn blew. Just as she was about to give up, she found a tool box sitting alone behind a pile of boxes. Without thinking she flung it open, grabbed the first wrench she saw, and galloped at full speed back to her scooter. The third horn sounded. Luckily for her it fit the nuts on her trucks and she got them back on in time to hear the fourth horn.

Just as the fifth and final horn sounded she flew, or as close as she could come to flying, out onto the course and gave the performance of her lifetime. As it ended, the crowd cheered uproariously in approval. Scootaloo breathlessly returned to the staging area for the competition.

“Where were you?” Cricket asked. “I thought you had left or something.”

“Just the opposite. I've been here the whole time trying to fix my scooter.”

“What do you mean?”

Scootaloo quickly went over the last few minutes with Flipping Cricket. “At this point, I can only suspect that it was sabotage by you-know-who.” She pointed at Rider, who was in the middle of his second set. He was stoic as he rode and made his repertoire of tricks look like they were the easiest things in the world to do.

“How can you be sure? Do you have any proof?”

“No, but it doesn't matter now. I've got to do what I can to win.”

Another horn sounded. “That's me. Good luck!,” shouted Flipping Cricket as she rode down the roll-in. Rider looked in Scootaloo's direction but said nothing. They exchanged a dirty glance and went back to watching their competition perform her daring feats. 'Flips' showed off just how she had earned her nickname in a variety of different ways before rolling back to the staging platform. Everypony was quiet now, thinking of what they could do to best their rivals.

Scootaloo's second run began easily enough. She tried to change things up from what she had done on the previous attempt, taking into consideration the advice she had gotten from Flipping Cricket. Unfortunately, a tricky grind rail on a funbox tripped her up because of a bad approach. She bailed, and her second run was forfeit. She hung her head as she reached the platform.

As the third rounds began Rider was in first with Cricket closely behind in second, mirroring their standings in the qualifying round. Scootaloo, for all her effort in her first run, was in fourth. She grew increasingly worried, but tried to combat those feelings by concentrating on what she had to do in her final attempt.

Finally, her turn came. Scootaloo kept to the things she knew at first. Soon, the filly attempted the grind that caused her to fall before. She landed it with ease, and the crowd roared with delight. She pushed as hard as she could to gain speed from a quarter pipe and landed a 720 spin doing her best to keep the speed she gained. In her line of sight was a simple gap from kicker to kicker over the largest stair set. Time for her seemed to slow for just a moment as she launched off of the small ramp. She bent herself into a superpony position then went for the no-hoofer.

As Scootaloo landed, the final horn of the contest sounded. Parts of the crowd stood and cheered! Soon, everypony was pounding their hooves in approval not just for her, but the entire contest. The now exhausted Youth competitors waited on the staging platform, suspended in anticipation as the judges tallied final scores. The final standing was revealed. Flipping Cricket had won first place, Rider took second, and Scootaloo, by only the slightest margin, took third.

Medals were passed to the three podium winners. Flipping Cricket was ecstatic at her accomplishment and rushed to hug Scootaloo. Congratulations were spoken by each of the winners, even Rider. After all, one has to put on a face of good sportsmanship to keep their sponsors. Flips soon led Scoots to the V.I.P. Lounge to party into the night. Scootaloo couldn't keep up for long, and soon excused herself. Before she left, Flipping Cricket took her aside.

“Leaving so soon? Aw, come on. Stay! Just a little while longer?”

“I'd love to Flips but I'm just so exhausted.”

“Alright, silly filly. But don't think you're getting out of here without another hug.”

The new friends warmly embraced, and Flips pushed herself from Scootaloo while she held on to the bronze winner's shoulders.

“Don't lose touch, Scootaloo. I'll see you again at another competition soon, I'm sure of it. Don't give up!”

“Never. Have a great night, Flips. You've earned it.”

They soon waved their goodbyes and Scootaloo retired to her room for the night. All she did was go over her runs in her head all night. She couldn't sleep, eat, even breathe without it being first and foremost in her head. She was disappointed in herself and alone in a strange place. She couldn't help but let her own ideas of being the best flood her thoughts. In her mind, she had failed.

The train ride home that started the next morning wasn't much help. The thoughts continued to stew and fester. Scootaloo was in a rut. She hardly ate and stayed in her sleeping cab for much of each day. She arrived at Ponyville station with no fanfare. No one was waiting to greet her. 'Did they forget I was coming home today?' She made her way, alone, to the CMC clubhouse and wept herself to sleep.

Chapter 11

After what felt to Scootaloo like the longest day of school in her life, the bell rang and the Crusaders left together. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle walked on either side of their friend and tried to chat her up.

“Wasn't that funny what Snips did at lunch today? Ah couldn't believe he actually slipped on a banana peel! Ah thought ponies only did that stuff in tha movies.”

Scootaloo nodded her head in acknowledgment.

“You know what you need?” Sweetie Belle asked. “How about something sweet from Sugar Cube Corner? I'll bet Mrs. Cake has fresh cookies. She almost always does after school.”

“I don't know, Sweetie Belle. I kind of just want to go home.”

“That's tha last place ya'll need ta be goin' right now, Scootaloo. C'mon, just one cookie. It'll be good fer you.” She smiled and nudged her friend, shoulder to shoulder.

Everyone stopped and locked eyes for a moment. Bloom and Belle grinned their biggest pleading grins hoping to convince the filly to follow them. Scootaloo caved.

“I guess a cookie couldn't hurt. Alright girls, let's go.”

The trio arrived at the bakery, and the moment they opened the door a plume of confetti shot at their faces. Scootaloo stood in the doorway in disbelief. Tons of ponies were waiting inside and screamed, “SURPRISE!” Nearly everyone in Ponyville was there. Her friends from school, the ponies who had used the Scootpark at Sweet Apple Acres, even the keepers of the Elements of Harmony themselves showed up to support the filly.

“Wh-what is all this?”

“Why, it's a party just for you, silly!,” Pinkie Pie excitedly shared to Scootaloo's face. “When I heard you went all the way across the country to compete in something you loved and WON, I just couldn't help myself from having a 'Congratulations on Following Your Dreams/Welcome Back to Ponyville/Let's All Eat Cookies Until We're Sick' party!”

“But I didn't win.”

“Whaddya mean, sugar cube?” inquired Applejack.

“I only got third place. I thought I was good enough to get first. I tried my hardest and failed.”

“Failed? Oh no no NO, dear,” interjected Rarity. “You didn't fail. Far from it! You worked hard on something you cared very much about and proved you were worthy of a national sport! Third place is an amazing accomplishment for it having been your first time against the best ponies in Equestria.”

Scootaloo's eyes began to brighten. Her cheeks flushed and a small smirk crossed her lips briefly. “You really think so?”

“Absolutely!,” enthused Twilight Sparkle. “You used every skill you knew and learned more about your sport than anypony else in Ponyville! You helped build a new place for ponies to express themselves and are helping them discover who they are. You also are trying to discover who you are and what you're best at. There's no better way to earn your cutie mark than to do what you love, deep down. Don't let anypony tell you otherwise.”

By now Scootaloo's eyes had begun to well with tears of joy and relief. She tried to choke out her thanks through the emotions but couldn't get the words out. Her friends and mentors all gathered around her in a group hug and embraced for a long moment. Afterwards Pinkie jumped into the middle of the floor and shouted, “Enough with the sappy, it's time to get HAPPY!” She dropped the needle on the record that sat on the Victrola. Everypony cheered and the festivities began.

'These ponies are my best friends in the world,' Scootaloo thought. 'No matter what, they'll be there for me.' She and her Cutie Mark Crusader compatriots laughed though the night. As the party began to wind down, Twilight Sparkle took the filly aside and asked if she wanted to send a letter to Princess Celestia about what she had learned.

“Me? REALLY?”

“That is, of course, if you learned something.”

“Sure I did! O.k., let's do it.”

“Spike?”

“Ready and waiting, Twilight.”

The filly began her dictation.

Dear Princess Celestia,

I've always believed that the only way to be proud of yourself is if you proved to others you were worthy of being admired. Today, I learned that pride is something that, if left unchecked, can get the best of you. You should be proud that you try things that are hard for you, proud that you leave what you know and love behind to pursue your dreams, and proud of your failures as well as your successes because of the lessons you learn from both. You should never let your pride overwhelm you to the point that you believe you've failed when in reality you've won against the harshest critic of all: yourself.

Your Faithful Subject,

Scootaloo