A Clean Slate

The girls and I made our way outside, where they immediately started to jump around and roughhouse with one another. They were causing a pretty big commotion and started to bicker over what to try. One would suggest something and another would say they already tried that. They did this for a couple minutes before they reached an impasse. Then with a quick buzz of her wings, Scootaloo jumped up and started to shout.

"Oh, oh! I know! We could try cloud surfing! I saw some ponies doing it in a sports magazine I read once. It looked really fun, I think we should do that. What do you say girls?" Scootaloo said excitedly.

"Cloud surfin'? Now how in tarnation are we gonna do that? Me and Sweetie Belle can't stand on clouds.?" Apple Bloom said with skeptical look in her eyes.

"Well you don't stand on the clouds, you just tie a rope around them and you stand on a board and hold the rope. The wind pushes the cloud around and we move with it." Scootaloo explained.

They all agreed that they wanted to do that, but first we needed a really long rope and three boards for the girls to stand on. Apple Bloom said that they have extra planks of wood on her farm and there's a lot of rope there too. So we started to make our way to her farm. It wasn't a terribly long walk, it was only about 30 minutes, but what you see when you get there makes it all worth it. Acres and acres of the biggest and most beautiful apple trees. And it fits with the giant sign above the gate that reads 'Sweet Apple Acres'. We began walking towards a large red barn when we heard repeated loud thumping.

"What's that noise girls? It sounds like someon- I mean somepony getting slammed into the ground. We should check it out to see if they need help." I hastily said.

"No, it's alright. That just mah brother and sister bucking apples for the harvest. They buck the tree trunk and make the apples fall out so we can sell 'em." Apple Bloom stated.

We walked around the barn to see Applejack rear up, and I had to admit she has a nice roundness to her backside, before she hit the tree as hard as she could with her hind legs causing a large amount of apples to fall down. She turned an noticed us walking up to us.

"Howdy girls and Mike. What're you guys up to today?" Applejack asked as she wiped her brow.

"We were gonna go try cloud surfing today!" Apple Bloom shouted.

"Yeah, Scootaloo saw in a magazine and we agreed that's what we would do next for our cutie marks." Sweetie Belle finished.

"Yes, and we were wondering if we could have three planks and about 100 feet of rope." I asked

"Well shoot, we got plenty 'o that in the barn. Sure you can get as much as you want." Applejack said with a smile.

Just then a much larger red pony came trotting up to us.

"Hey, Bic Mac. This is the feller I was tellin' ya about. This is Mike." Applejack told Big Mac.

I extended my hand to shake his hoof.

"It's nice to meet you Big Mac. Apple Bloom has told me a little bit about you." I said

"Eeyup." Was Big Mac's reply.

We bid each other farewell and made our way to the lake, which was only a short walk from the farm. While we were walking I got to thinking about how we were going to do this. I certainly couldn't throw a rope that high and I don't think the girls could either.

"Say girls, how do you suppose we're going to get the rope around the cloud? I can't throw it that high." I said.

"Aww man. I didn't think about that." Scootaloo said with a frown.

Then I saw a cloud float by with a rainbow colored tail coming off of one side.

"Hey, I think that's Rainbow Dash on that cloud. Do you think she'll tie the rope to a cloud?" I asked. "Hmm, hey Rainbow Dash!!! Can you come down here for a minute?! We have a question!"

"What? Who woke me up?" Rainbow asked as she came down. "Oh, it's you Mike. You're lucky I was almost done napping. Now what is it you wanted to ask?"

"We want to know if you can wrap this rope around a cloud for us.The girls wanted to try this thing called cloud surfing." I said.

"Yeah sure, give me the rope an I'll get it done in less than 10 seconds." She said as she sped off toward a cloud."

And sure enough, within 10 seconds she brought the rope wrapped tightly around a large cloud. We thanked her and continued on our way to the lake. About five minutes later we came to the most crystal clear lake I've ever seen. I couldn't believe there was no one else was here. We walked to the shore to set up, we agreed that they would each go one at a time while the other two would sit on the shore in case something went wrong. I had them guess a number between one and 10 to see who would go first. It came out to be Apple Bloom first, Sweetie next and finally Scootaloo. I picked up Bloom and waded out into the water with a plank and the rope. I helped her onto the board and she grabbed the rope in her teeth. I sllowly released her as I felt the wind start to tug at the cloud. She started to move pretty quickly around the lake.

"Whoa whoa whoa!! I'm doin' it! I'm doin' it!" Apple Bloom hollered back to us.

That was all she managed to get out before a sharp gust of wind blew her off balance and she tumbled into the water. I swam as fast as I could to make sure she was okay. I picked her up and she had the biggest grin on her face.

"Did ya see me?! That was the coolest!" She shouted.

We could hear shouting and cheering from the shore. We waved to Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo to show them we were okay. I brought Bloom back to the shore and picked up Sweetie. We repeated the same actions and Sweetie lasted a few seconds longer. Then it was Scootaloo's turn. I got her on the board and she immediately took off. She went on for a few minutes until a large wave knocked her off balance. I gathered her up and brought her back to the shore.

We sat for a little while and relaxed in the the sun while we dried off. We then heard a deep growl come from out left. We turned to see a large creature that looked like a giant bulldog on steroids that could walk on two legs. I sprang up ready to defend myself.

"Oh no! That's a Diamond Dog! They kidnapped my sister once! And they're really mean and fast!" Sweetie Belled screamed.

"Girls," I started very calmly, "I want you to get behind me in case anything happens. You get behind me right now."

They didn't need to be told twice as they were already 10 feet behind me before I could finish my sentence. I shouted at the dog trying to scare it, but that only seemed to make him angrier. Then, with great speed he ran towards me and jumped. I did the only thing I could think and I grabbed a plank and swung blindly. I knew I hit my target as I heard a sickening crunch. I turned to see the dog backpedaling holding his head. There was a good amount of blood coming from his wound. I looked down to see that my plank had snapped in half.

The diamond dog roared and lunged at me. I wasn't as lucky this time because he got a good swipe across my chest and left arm. As I stumbled back I saw him running towards the three little fillies.

"Oh no you don't! AUUGHHHHH!!!" I yelled as I chased him down and tackled him to the ground, struggling to keep him there.

I did the only thing I could think of and started to punch and kick and beat any way I could. He was starting to struggle less and less, but in my blind fit of rage I took no notice as I continued ravaging his body with my fists and legs. At some point I picked up the broken plank and drove it into his body several times. I only stopped when I couldn't move my arms anymore. Panting, I cam back into conscious thinking and took a look at the mess before me. I've always had a soft spot for kids. They're innocent and haven't had they're minds destroyed by the evils the world has to offer yet. So when I see one in danger I can't help myself.

Panting and weak, I stood up and the girls immediately rushed to my side. They helped me keep my balance as we made our way back to Apple Bloom's. We got there and were greeted by Applejack. I don't think she could see from where she was on her porch because she waved and shouted a welcome back to us. As we got closer she could see something was wrong. She rushed out to help as she called for Big Mac. They two older ponies helped me up the steps and sat me down on their porch swing.

"What in tarnation happened to ya Mike?!" AJ asked with a look of extreme worry on her face.

The girls all started shouting at once. I put a hand up to silence them before I spoke.

"Well, we were at the lake trying out cloud surfing. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle each balance for a few seconds until the splashed in the water. Afterwards it was Scootaloo's turn. She lasted quite a bit longer. We were then drying off on the beach when a 'Diamond Dog' attacked us. I fought him and you know the rest." I explained.

"Well shoot, I'm sorry you guys got attacked and I'm glad the girls weren't hurt. That's mighty fine 'o you ta defend the girls like that." AJ said with a pat on my back. "I'm just sorry you got hurt."

"It's no too bad. The cuts aren't deep, but I'll still go see a doctor to get patched up." I said

"Well not before ya get some supper in ya. A good hot meal'll do ya good and give ya a little energy." AJ Said.

We all went inside and had a nice dinner. I met Granny Smith and I told her my story. We were all eating happily except Scootaloo, who was wolfing down plate after plate. The other fillies explained that she was on a low calories diet to keep in shape and that she must have worked up an appetite after today. Dessert consisted of apple tarts and apple pie. After everything was put away I left with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Big Mac offered to come along, but i told him it was alright and I was feeling better.

I dropped sweetie off and explained to Rarity what had happened and she rewarded me with a hug and thanks you kiss. I couldn't help think about how soft her lips would feel around my- NEVER MIND! I then left to drop Scootaloo off. She told me that the hospital was closer than her house and that we should stop there to get me patched up first.

We arrived at the hospital and were greeted by Nurse Tenderheart. I told her what happened as she and Nurse Redheart stitched and bandaged me up. We thanked them and them made our way out and headed towards Scootaloo's home.

We walked up the the house and were greeted by a slightly angry blue stallion with a yellow and white slick back mane.

"Young lady, where have you been?" He piped up as he looked us over.

"I'm sorry Uncle Left Lane." Scootaloo pouted. Uncle? What happened to her parents?

"Excuse me sir, my name is Michael and if you left me come inside I'll explain everything.

He nodded and led us inside. Scootaloo and I took our seats on a dusty couch while Left Lane took a seat in an easy chair. I then recounted what had happened that day and why we were so late returning. He accepted this and turned to Scootaloo.

"I was very worried about my precious niece. I didn't want her to be tragically taken from me like her parents were." Left Lane said. I noticed Scootaloo winced with his words.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

He then went on to tell me about how he used to work with Scootaloo's mother and father, Pipe Dream and Hot Wheels, at the Cloudsdale Weather Factory, more specifically the Rainbow Station. He told me that he and Scootaloo's parents were called to fix the number two yellow mixing vat ad it was malfunctioning and spewing color everywhere. There was a mishap and part of the machine caught Pipe Dream and Hot Wheels.

"And that was the last time I ever saw them. It happened nearly eight years ago. Scootaloo was just a little foal when it happened. I've been taking care of her ever since." He concluded with a slightly creepy grin at that last part.

"I'm very sorry to hear that, sir. I couldn't imagine what that must feel like." I said apologetically.

"Yes, I couldn't believe what had happened, but with time, and Scootaloo by my side, I could get along with my life." He said with a half grin and furrowed brows.

I took my leave and headed back to Rarity's for the night. I needed a goo nights rest. I arrived home and immediately threw my bloody clothes out and took a shower. As I stepped out I heard Rarity call my name. I got dressed and made my way downstairs. I was greeted by Twilight, Rarity, Sweetie and... The princesses?

"I told Twilight what had happened and she notified the Princesses right away. They made their way here as fast as possible, they would like to have a word with you." Rarity said.

"Yes. We are most thankful for your action today in protecting my little ponies." Celestia began. "Taking on a Diamond Dog in hand to hand combat is no easy task. But you did it without a second thought. Thank you."

"Well, I just sort of went into auto pilot and took care of it. He was going to hurt the girls if I didn't do anything and if I can help it, no one will hurt a child if I'm around. What kind of sicko would do that?" I said as I spat near the end.

Luna and Celestia both thanked me again and then returned to Canterlot. While Twilight, Rarity and I talked for while more before Twilight left. Rarity thanked me and hugged me again before going to bed. I also made my way upstair and we gave each other a smile for going into our rooms.

A couple minutes after I laid down, Sweetie Belle came into my room. She trotted up to my bed and barely spoke above a whisper.

"Can I sleep in here tonight? I don't wanna have a bad dream and I feel safe with you. Like the monsters can't get me because you'll beat them up." Sweetie pleaded with puppy dog eyes.

It brought another HHNNNGGGG to my heart. How could I say no to that? I smiled and picked her up. I told her it was no problem and if she ever gets scared she can come to me. She thanked me and hugged me tight before curling up next to me and falling asleep with a smile on her face. I followed soon after.

A/N: This marks the use of the gore tag. There will be more soon as you may be able to guess from events in this chapter. This was a nice chapter to write as the CMC are my favorite group in the show. And Scootaloo is best pony.