The Trials

by ReapersSprint

Rating: everyone
Tags: Adventure, Dark
Length: 2678

Scootaloo comes of age and must prove her worth to Ponyville

Everypony must undergo a trial upon turning 16. It seems simple enough, go from one side of the everfree forest to the other, but many ponies don't succeed for reasons unknown. Scootaloo has finally turned 16 and must face the trials, she has been training with Rainbow Dash for almost a month and is ready for the journey. Her friends and even the class dunces have completed their trials, so it should be easy enough for the mirror mare of the great Rainbow Dash. However, the everfree forest has been changing recently without any notice from the residents of Ponyville. Will Scootaloo make it through the everfree forest and back, or will she end up like so many others?

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2012-02-01 23:31:14 UTC

Scootaloo's Birthday

Scootaloo smiled at all of the ponies gathered around her as she walked into her home. "Happy Birthday!" They all yelled in unison." Scootaloo finally turned 16 and everypony she knew was there to celebrate it with her. "Happy Birthday Scoot!" Her two best friends Sweetie Belle and Applebloom yelled at her.

"Thanks you guy's!" Scootaloo said pulling both of them into a tight hug. "You don't know how much this means to me."

"You know we wouldn't miss this for the world." Sweetie Belle said to scoot while Applebloom chimed in, "Besides, you were there for me when ah turned 16 three months ago and for my trials."

Scootaloo groaned as it hit her that her trials began the next day. Everypony who comes of age has to undergo a trial that consisted of traveling from one end of the Everfree Forest to the other and then back. Nopony is allowed to use their special abilities be it magic or flight. Its a frightening trial since many ponies don't return, their fate unknown whether they simply wished to not make the journey back, or died deep within the bowels of the forest.

Hearing the conversation between the friends and Scootaloo's anxious groan Rainbow Dash walked over to the mare. "Hey there Scootaloo, happy birthday. I know your worried about your trials tomorrow, but just remember what I've been training you for this past month."

"I know Rainbow, but I'm still nervous as buck." Scootaloo said.

"Hey no need for that kind of language, besides Applejack helped Applebloom out and she made it through fine so it should be a piece of cake for you!" Rainbow said proudly, noticing Applejack glaring at her across the room, "Oh Um, no offense?" Dash said chuckling towards Applejack who just smiled and turned back to the ponies she was talking to.

"You know what, your right Rainbow, I am ready for this!" Scootaloo exclaimed jumping up and startling some ponies. She blushed a little realizing how loud she was, "Uh sorry about that..." she said chuckling in a way that mirrored Rainbow dash's.

"Trust me, you're going to do great! I'm going to go talk to some ponies, enjoy your party!" Dash said walking away.

"She's right in a way you know," Applebloom said, "Other than the part about me and mah sister, you couldn't ask for a better pony to help you than Rainbow."

"And if Snips and Snails were able to make it through the forest and back then you'll definitely make it!" Sweetie Belle added

"I guess you guys are right, I don't want to think about this anymore, let's go liven this party up a little!" Scootaloo said happily as they all ran towards the ponies just standing around.

That night nopony in Ponyville slept while the party raged into the night. Rainbow Dash made sure Pinkie made this party the best she ever had, the Crusaders just added their own touch to the noise and commotion of the party.

That night after the party was over an everypony left for home, Scootaloo told her parents good night as she went up to bed and fell into a deep sleep dreaming about the day ahead of her.

Shortly after falling asleep, Scootaloo began to dream. Although it wasn't a dream, it was the worst nightmare Scootaloo had ever experienced. She was already deep within the Everfree Forest, except she was being followed by some creature. She didn't know what it was and the Scootaloo in the dream wasn't aware of its presence. She watched as the shadowy figure slowly moved out from the bushes sneaking up on the unsuspecting mare. It made its way closer to Scootaloo slowly reaching above its head revealing its razor sharp claws. As it was about to strike, Scootaloo woke up with a gasp and sweat coating her fur.

Scootaloo turned and looked out her window to see Celestia's sun rising above the Everfree Forest. The longer she looked at the forest, the colder and more frightened she felt. She was broken from her trance by the smell of Pancakes and haybrowns. Now noticing how hungry she was despite the load of cake she downed the night before, Scootaloo stretched and got out of bed ready for her trials to begin.

Rules of the Game

Everypony in Ponyville was gathered on the edge of the Everfree Forest awaiting Scootaloo's appearance. Friends and relatives are usually the only ponies present for thee trials. However, Scootaloo is the last of her age group to come of age, so tradition has everypony present for the beginning of the Trials. This boosted Scootaloo's moral, but she was still feeling slightly apprehensive.

"Wow, this must be what it feels like to be Rainbow Dash," Scootaloo thought to herself, walking towards the excited ponies.

"Here's the pony we have all been waiting for now!" The mayor began to speak, "As you all know Scootaloo is the last of her age group to come of age. So, as we have done every year in the past, we have all gathered here to see her on her way!  Just to clarify in case anypony has forgotten, there are 5 simple rules to these trials."

"1.The pony is tasked with the challenge of traveling across the Everfree Forest from our side here in Ponyville, to the lands beyond. Once they have reached the far side, the pony must retrieve one object as proof of their travels. After they have collected this object, they must then start their journey back here to Ponyville. You are given a time limit of two weeks to return to Ponyville."

"2.The pony who is facing these trials is forbidden to use any special abilities that they may posses. This includes a Pegasi's flight as well as a Unicorns' Magic."

"3.Prior to starting the trial, the pony in question is allowed to pack any items they feel to be useful for their trials, anything is permitted."

The mayor's face became more stern, and she spoke with a much more serious tone as she reached the fourth and fifth rules.

"4.If the pony happens to meet any past contestants who failed to return, they are forbidden to speak to, or even acknowledge the existence of these ponies. As far as this town is concerned, these ponies are a disgrace that do not belong among us."

"Finally, rule number 5. If the pony breaks any of the above rules or fails to retrieve an object and/or fails to return to Ponyville in the required amount of time, this pony will forever be exiled from Ponyville. Any attempt at returning will be punished by death."

"If the pony dies during the trials, they will be given a proper funeral as well as honored by the citizens of Ponyville." As she finished the rules, the mayor returned to her usual cheery attitude. "Now that the rules are out of the way, we can proceed with the Trials once Scootaloo here has collected her items and is prepared to leave. Now without any further ado, are you ready to begin Scootaloo?"

Everypony looked to where Scootaloo was once standing, however she was nowhere to be seen. The only thing that remained were her orange saddlebags packed for the journey. The crowd began to grow restless, if Scootaloo didn't return, then she would face the same fate as if she had failed the trials.

"Everypony just calm down, I'm sure this is just some sort of misunderstanding." The Mayor stated.

"I was afraid this was going to happen..." Rainbow Dash said to herself as she backed away from the crowd and took off into the sky. Although she wasn't sure where Scootaloo may have disappeared to, Rainbow Dash's intuition led her to her own house. Sure enough as she approached her cloud home, she spotted an orange and purple pony sitting next to her rainbow fall. She landed next to Scootaloo who was staring into the pool of rainbow colored liquid.

"I'm sorry Rainbow, I felt like I was ready, but I'm just so scared of failing the test. I didn't mean to let you and everypony else down, but I just can't do it..."Scootaloo forced out through tears, "Now you're seeing me crying...please...don't hate me."

"Scoot, you know I can never think any less of you. If it were my choice I would end these stupid trials, but there is nothing I can do about it. You know you will be exiled from Ponyville if you don't even try." Rainbow Dash said sympathetically. Scootaloo began to cry harder knowing full well that she will never be able to return to Ponyville. Even worse was never being able to see her friends and family again...

"Wait here." Rainbow said as she rushed into her home. Scootaloo watched the door with a mixture of confusion and anticipation. A few minutes later Rainbow Dash returned carrying her crown from the Best Young Flyers competition.

"Take this with you through your trials both as a good luck charm and as a reminder of everypony waiting for you back here." Rainbow Dash smiled, holding up the crown in front of Scootaloo.

"But Rainbow, you haven't let anypony near this since you won it 10 years ago!" Scootaloo exclaimed.

"Which is why I expect you to return with this at the end of your trials." Rainbow Dash laughed with a wink.

Scootaloo smiled, now fully understanding Rainbow Dash's faith in her. "I think I'm ready to leave now."

Both Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo unfurled their wings and took off back towards the starting point where the crowd was waiting with anticipation and confusion. Everypony let out a collective sigh as Scootaloo landed once more, ready to begin her trials.

"I'm sorry about causing you all to worry," Scootaloo apologized, "But Rainbow has reassured me and I think I'm ready."

Everypony in the crowd cheered as Scootaloo picked up her saddlebags. She felt a tug and looked back to see Rainbow Dash placing her crown into one of the saddlebags. As she pulled her head out she smiled and winked at Scootaloo.

"See you in two weeks." Rainbow Dash whispered to Scootaloo returning to the front of the crowd.

"Well, now that everything is back to normal, we can begin! Whenever you are ready Scootaloo, take your first steps into the Everfree Forest!" The Mayor exclaimed.

With a deep sigh, Scootaloo took her first steps into the Everfree Forest marking the start of her unforgettable journey.

The Everfree Forest

Sorry about this taking so long for anyone still reading, had some stuff to do and a horrible case of writers block. I have everything set now though so hopefully I can get them out quicker. Not my favorite chapter wish I could of made it longer, but I promise more well written ones after this.

A few hours had passed since Scootaloo first stepped into the Everfree Forest. So far she hasn't seen anything frightening or unnerving. However, she continued to keep her guard up not knowing what could come through the thick layering of trees and brush. For the duration of the next few hours she spent in the forest, every single noise and movement caused Scootaloo to jump from fear. It was already getting dark and Scootaloo felt like she had barely gotten anywhere.

"I better find a place to set up camp, no way I'm continuing through this place at night." Scootaloo said to no one in particular. Scootaloo's heart dropped as she looked around to see trees everywhere, not a single area of open space.

"Maybe I can stay up in a tree for the night." Scootaloo was about to lift off the ground when the mayors voice played in her mind.

"What am I supposed to do!?" Scootaloo yelled in frustration. As her echo reverberated back to her through the never ending trees. Scootaloo's ears perked as she heard another faint noise almost hidden beneath her returning voice. She dismissed it as nothing as she continued to search for a safe place to stay. Scootaloo walked into a small clearing with a few rays of moonlight seeping through the towering trees.

"Well this'll have to do." Scootaloo said beginning to dig through her saddlebags. She pulled out her sleeping bag and one of the apples that Applejack let her take. "Man, am I starving." She sighed taking a bite from the juicy red apple. After finishing her apple, Scootaloo looked around for some wood to build a fire. Once she had collected enough for the night, Scootaloo piled the wood and attempted to create a spark with 2 sticks.

After 10 minutes of nothing Scootaloo threw the sticks in frustration. "Why is this so bucking hard!?" She yelled. As her echo faded into the depths of the Everfree Forest, a terrifying noise reverberated back towards Scootaloo. She never heard such a threatening noise before in her life. The pegasi froze, unsure of what to do. Only a few seconds passed before Scootaloo heard the noise again, only this time it was louder, and sounded like it had multiplied. Without anymore hesitation, Scootaloo grabbed her sleeping bag and hazardously shoved it back into her saddle bags.

As another howl ripped through the bushes, Scootaloo took off at full gallop, where she was going she didn't care. All she wanted was away from that noise. But no matter how quickly she ran, the noise only grew closer. In one quick instant, Scootaloo felt her whole body jerk back from some unknown force.Fearing the worst, Scootaloo snapped her head around so she could see the monsters chasing her.

Instead of monsters, all she could see was her sleeping bag, leading from her saddlebags to an outstretched branch.

"I'm such an idiot!" Scootaloo yelled at herself tugging at the sleeping bag. Just as the branch released the sleeping bag, the source of the noise burst through the bushes. The noise was not caused by one creature however, three Timber Wolves now stood towering over the trapped pony.

As if on cue, all three wolves snapped their eyes towards the cowering pony flashing their knife-like teeth. All three pulled back on their hind legs ready to spring onto Scootaloo. The three wolves pushed off the ground and as they closed in on the pegasi, a spear impacted the wolf on the right, knocking him and the other two off into the bushes. Scootaloo heard thee wolves take off, their steps becoming more and more faint.

Gazing through her tears, Scoootaloo searched for the pony who saved her life. she only heard a voice though.

"Do not fear, my little pegasi," Scootaloo's eyes widened as she recognized the voice, "for today is not yours to die."

*My Apologies*

*My Apologies*

I feel the need to apologize for what I am about to do. I am no longer able to further this story, for i have managed to run out of ideas. I have, however, been writing a fic alongside this that is more well written, and honestly, much better than this one. I apologize for putting such an abrupt end to this story, but i feel it is better to cut it loose rather than continue writing half-assed stories. It just isn't fair to you guys. So please, take a look at my preferred fic, it is titled *Fallen Angels*. You can find it by going to my profile, or just simply searching it. A friend of mine is also well into a fic of his own, that i personally feel is not getting the attention it deserves. His is titled *Deadeye Musings* and it is a story about, well I don't want to spoil anything. Anyway, I'll leave a link to each below if you are interested. I really feel horrible about ending this, but my quality will only become less if I continue with it. I'm sorry and hope that you will like my alternate story better.

My Apologies,

-ReapersSprint

Deadeye-Musings:

http://www.fimfiction.net/story/6821/Deadeye-Musings#new_comment

Fallen Angels:

http://www.fimfiction.net/story/7864/Fallen-Angels