The Love of a Family

Chapters

An Uncomfortable Conversation
Research and Developments
Hope for the Future
Bumpy Path to Happiness
Meeting of the Minds
Games of the Heart
Date Night
How to Train Your Chicken Part 2 - To Be a Pegasus 101
Sweet Dreams are Made of This
Adoption Day
Parties, Tests and New Arrivals
We're Gonna Need a Montage Part 1
We're Gonna Need a Montage Part 2
Interlude: Making Decisions
Escalating Tensions
Zero Hour
A Special Night
Non-Chapter
Solid Rainbow
How to Train Your Chicken Part 1: Doctor's Orders

An Uncomfortable Conversation

Chapter 1 – An Uncomfortable Discussion

Rainbow Dash soared through the skies above Ponyville, trying to clear her head and sort out the thoughts and feelings that were careening around inside her multi-hued head worse than Pinkie Pie on a caffeine rush. After completing a complex series of loops and twirls, she managed to sort her thoughts into two piles, How to help Scoots and Things to discuss with Twilight.

The Scootaloo pile was fairly simple, centering mainly around helping her surrogate sister get into the air and fulfill her promise to get the little orange filly to fly under her own power. But this came with a whole different set of issues. By Pegasi Law, Rainbow couldn’t teach Scootaloo how to so much as glide without written permission from her parent or guardian. As a certified flight trainer, Dash had the necessary paperwork. By the sisters, she already had it filled out and ready to be signed, which meant she would need to get the squirt to introduce Rainbow to her parents and get them to sign off.

The pile of things she needed to discuss with Twilight was another manticore altogether. Back in flight school, she had realized that she was attracted to mares. This became even more evident after failed teenage romances, first with Soarin and then with Thunderlane. She had confided in her closest friend, Fluttershy, shortly after being transferred to the Ponyville weather team once she graduated. Moving romance to the back burner, Rainbow focused on her career, soon becoming the youngest head of town weather team in twenty years. Then came the fateful Summer Sun Celebration when Twilight first came to the quiet town. The pretty lavender mare had distracted her so much on their first meeting that she literally knocked Rainbow out of the sky.

After several seasons of adventures and shenanigans, Rainbow had realized what was originally a close friendship had become a deeper feeling that she didn’t want to acknowledge let alone verbalize, lest her hard won reputation for being the coolest, most awesome pony in Equestria be throw out the window. Thinking about the newest member of the Equestrian Royalty brought a delightful jolt through the cyan Pegasus, similar to when she would fly through an active storm cloud.

Righting herself after completing a spiraling dive that brought her closer to the ground, her sharp Pegasi eyesight caught sight of Scootaloo leaving the schoolhouse and decided she would drop in on her favorite filly. Slowing down to match Scoots’ speed, Rainbow followed the orange filly to the town park and watched as leaned her precious blue scooter against a tree. Stretching out her tiny wings, Scootaloo buzzed like a hummingbird and jumped into the air, trying to gain even the littlest bit of flight. Hovering for a few seconds, she gave a whoop of excitement before crashing to the ground. Dash waited until the squirt had picked herself up and dusted herself off before making her move.

With a quick backflip, Rainbow zoomed to the ground before flaring her wings and skidding to a stop in front of the little filly. Flashing her trademark cocky grin Dash did her best hero pose before addressing her biggest fan.

“Hey Squirt,” She said, ruffling Scootaloo’s mane, “How’s everything going today?”

“Dash!” The filly exclaimed as she trotted up to her idol, “Things are good. We had history class today. You know how much I love that. How are things going for you?”

“Can’t complain,” Dash responded, folding her wings around her barrel, “Got some good news for you though. Remember when I promised to teach you to fly?”

“Do I ever!” Scootaloo squeed, “Can we start today? Please, please, please!”

“Wish we could, squirt.” Rainbow said, sitting on her flank, “Law says I need to speak to your parents and get them to sign off on me taking over your flight training.”

“Wait, what law?” Scootaloo asked, panic creeping into her voice, “What if you don’t get permission?”

“Well, if I don’t get permission, I can’t teach you anything.” Dash replied, a look of concern on her face, “But, I’m a little surprised your parents haven’t taught you about the Code of the Air. That’s one of the first things a Pegasus learns when they are young.”

Scootaloo grumbled to herself to low for Dash to hear and hung her head. Softly, Dash could her sniffles and sobs coming from the little filly as tears streaked wet tracks across her muzzle. Moving next to her little sister in all but blood, Rainbow wrapped on of her large wings around the crying child before pulling her close.

“What’s wrong, Scoots?” She whispered, concern cutting through the thick layers of indifference and ‘coolness’ she usually had when she was speaking to someone.

“I don’t know my parents,” Scootaloo said bluntly, “I’ve been living in the Ponyville orphanage for as long as I can remember and the people that run the orphanage are Earth ponies. So no one has taught me this code your talking about and no Pegasus family has come in to adopt me. I mean, is there anything we can do?”

“I don’t know of anything that we can do…” Dash replied, giving the little filly an affectionate nuzzle, “But I know someone who might be able to give me an idea or two. Go grab your scooter and we’ll hit Sugar Cube Corner before we go talk to her.”

As Scootaloo walked over to the tree to collect her most prized possession, the skies overhead began to darken as a roar of thunder echoed through the sky. Trotting back over to Dash, Scoot looked up at the older mare with a trace of fear in her lavender eyes.

“Is there supposed to be a storm today?” She asked, her voice cracking.

“No, there’s not a storm scheduled until the end of the week. This must have blown in out of the Everfree,” Dash replied, kneeling down on her forelegs, “Climb on kid, I’ll carry your scooter and fly us to Twilight’s castle. She’ll be able to help.”

Gently climbing onto Rainbow’s back, Scootaloo lay down between her wings and gently wrapped her hooves around the older mare’s neck. Grasping the small blue scooter between her forelegs, Dash flapped her wings, catapulting the two into the sky. Looking over the horizon, Dash could see a large storm cell churning above the Everfree forest, bolts of green lightning cascading across the clouds and occasionally striking a tree.

Gotta move fast Dashie, she thought to herself, The squirt is counting on you to get her to safety.

Taking off in a rainbow colored blur, Rainbow sped over the countryside towards town, hoping she would be able to outpaced the magical storm.

Research and Developments

Chapter 2 – Research and Developments

Twilight Sparkle sat at her desk in the spacious bedroom in the Palace of Friendship created by the Tree of Harmony following the intense Battle with Tirek. As comfortable as her new home was, she would occasionally long for the simplicity of being a simple librarian in a small town. Then she would remember that being a simple librarian in Ponyville meant a new round of craziness or shenaniganry every week.

At least I have my friends, she thought, staring at the framed picture they had all taken when she moved into the castle.

Breaking herself free from her reminiscence, Twilight picked up the scroll her mentor had sent the previous evening detailing her new responsibilities.

To my precious student,

As you have now moved into your new palace, I believe it is time that you begin to take on additional responsibilities as a ruling monarch. Effective immediately, I, Princess Celestia, Diarch of Equestria, Princess of the Sun, do bestow upon you the title of Duchess of Ponyville and Guardian of The Everfree. I have included with this letter several books which should serve useful in learning the new responsibilities I have given you as well as the pertinent laws of your new principality. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact either Cadence, Luna or myself. We all expect great things in your future.

Your Caring Mentor,

--Celestia.

Since receiving the letter and books (and after helping Spike with a serious case of indigestion), Twilight had begun reading. And she had not stopped until the very early hours of the morning when her draconic son had forced her to go to bed. Some of the things she had already known, having grown up as a Unicorn and living under the Sage’s Wisdom. She was surprised how militaristic the Code of the Air had been, but considering it was written by Commander Hurricane after the Unification, she should have expected it. She had not yet gotten into the Earthmover’s Lexicon written by Chancellor Puddinghead and was pointedly ignoring Princessing for Dummies and a Beginners Guide to the Newly Ascended.

Gazing out the window, Twilight could see the tell tale signs of her best friends presence in the clear blue sky, her technicolor contrail flashing through the air in complex patterns. Smiling to herself, Twilight reached down with her magic and opened Princessing for Dummies and began reading the simplistic tome.

Most of the information was common sense. She would need to maintain and train her own personal guards as well as arrange for a place for their barracks to be built. She would also need to collect a cabinet of ministers to serve as her advisors and speak to Mayor Mare about transitioning power to the newly crowned princess. Reading over the section about finding a consort, a deep blush spread across her face as she set the book to the side.

“Spike?” She called, as she collected herself and stood up from her desk, “I need you to take a letter.”

Exiting her room, Twilight walked across the hall and knocked gently on her son’s door, trying to get his attention. Though the thick, crystalline walls of the balance acted as good noise insulators, she could still hear the deep base rumbling from one of DJ Pon-3’s records blaring behind the door. Gently opening the door with her magic, she poked her head in and found Spike sprawled on his bed, a large bowl of gems at his side as he read a towering stack of comics.

“Spike, how many gems have you eaten.” She scolded playfully, “You shouldn’t just snack, have some breakfast.”

“Aww, com on mom,” Spike said, turning down the volume on his record player, “I’m a growing dragon and I need all the gems I can get.”

“Your right, you do,” She replied, walking over to the young dragon and giving him a nuzzle, “But you also need to eat some oats or fruit or you’re going to start getting squishy around the middle. Come on, I’ll make you some breakfast and then you can help me send a letter to the Mayor. I need to set up a meeting with her in a couple days to discuss taking over Ponyville.”

“Don’t you mean I’ll make breakfast?” Spike said with a laugh as he set down the comic book and leapt out of bed, “The last thing you cooked came to life and moved into the basement.”

“Yes, but Kevin is so helpful with collecting your gems isn’t he?” Twilight responded as they walked towards the kitchen. “After we send out my letter, do you have any plans other than lazing about reading comics?”

“Um, well, see,” Spike said, his scales darkening lightly as he blushed, “I kind of have plans later to Hang out with Applebloom.”

“Applebloom?” Twilight asked, “No longer crushing on Rarity?”

“I realized somethings,” Spike said, hanging his head as he stepped into the kitchen and pulled on his pink apron, “For one thing, Rarity is ten years older than me. Two, she’s one of my mom’s best friends. Things never would have worked out. So, I decided to try and find a mare in my own age bracket.”

As the kitchen settled into a comfortable silence, Spike began making pancakes for the two of them while Twilight busied herself making a cup of tea with her magic. Taking a sip, she cast an appraising glance at her son. In the years they had lived in Ponyville, he had grown from the baby dragon she had raised into a teenager who stood nearly as tall as she did. While she did focus on her own studies, she made sure her son was no less educated and had been privately tutored for many years.

“Do you need any bits for your date?” She teased over the rim of her teacup.

“Just because I’m spending my time with a cute farm filly doesn’t mean its automatically a date,” Spike shyly said as he placed 2 plates of pancakes on the table, “I mean we’ve only kissed like twice.”

“Fourteen years old and you’ve already kissed a mare,” Twilight said with a smile, patting him affectionately on the knee, “I think I might need to crack open that book of Earth pony laws sooner rather than later so you know how to court your ‘cute farm filly’.”

Seeing his shocked look as he choked on a mouthful of pancakes, Twilight patted him on the back and magicked over a cup of water.

“There’s really a book like that?” Spike squeaked, “I mean, if I don’t follow Earth pony laws I could end up in jail?”

“As far as the book, yes, I have it upstairs in my room,” Twilight replied between bites of pancakes, “Going to jail? Can’t really say, we would need to read the book together later. For now, lets get that letter off then you can go see Applebloom.”

After quickly scribbling the letter to Mayor Mare and sending it off via Dragon Fire, Spike hurried through his breakfast and rushed out the door as Twilight retired to her room to begin making plans. Sitting down at her desk, she took quill in magic and began making a list of potential members of her royal court.

She would appoint Applejack to be her Agricultural advisor as farming was her specialty. The influx of bits from the appointment would definitely help around the farm and the notoriety would spread Sweet Apple Acres products all across Equestria. Pinkie Pie would be her Royal Entertainment advisor as well as acting as her social secretary, knowing the overly excitable mare would embrace the challenge of handling all of Twilights royal parties and dinners. Rarity would head her finance team, managing the trade of her new realm and maintaining the tax flow as well. Fluttershy would be responsible for looking out for the local wildlife, both flora and fauna, making sure things stayed in a natural balance.

When Twilight thought of her best friend Rainbow Dash, one word rang through her mind echoing cavernously as a fierce blush tinging her normally purple color a deep rose. Consort. Since moving into the library over four years ago, Twilight had looked deep inside herself and found that after finally spending quality time around other ponies, she was attracted to mares more than stallions. And every time she found the urge to….relieve some stress….it was a certain cyan furred Pegasus that filled her thoughts. Reading through the Code of the Air helped her understand the complicated steps in Pegasi courtship. She would need to have a long talk with Dashie soon to feel her out.

Hehehehe feel her out, Twilight thought, a goofy smile spread across her face.

Thinking of her crush, Twilight looked out the massive window again, concern replacing hey previous joy. Dark clouds rose into the sky above the Everfree Forest, green lightning arcing outwards as the ambient magic of her castle collided with the still active magical forces of the forest. As the clouds sped towards town, a familiar blue and chromatic blur raced to stay ahead of the storm streaking towards the castle. But even at her sub-sonic speeds, Rainbow wasn’t able to move faster than magic. As the enchanted rains began to fall across town, Twilight used her magic to through open her balcony doors and arrange a pile of blankets and pillows into an improvised crash pad.

As the blue blur raced through the doors, a loud clattering echoed through the spacious room as Rainbow dropped the blue scooter she held tight to her barrel to the floor. Tucking her wings tight to her body, Dash crashed hard into the comforting closeness of the padding, sending out a cloud of feathers and stuffing. Standing up on wobbly legs, Dash sat back on her flank and helped her unseen passenger onto the ground.

“You ok there, squirt?” She asked, wrapping a wing around the little orange filly.

Receiving a gentle nod in response, both Dash and Scootaloo collapsed onto the heap of bedding as exhaustion overtook both of them. Picking them both up in her magic, Twilight gently laid them down on her bed, allowing them to rest comfortably. Without any warning, Dash reached out her foreleg and wrapped it protectively around the filly before pulling her against her barrel and laying a wing gently over Scoots as their breathing slowed and sleep overtook them. Smiling gently to herself, Twilight turned back to her planning and books as she prepared for a discussion with her best friend.

Hope for the Future

Chapter 3 – Hope for the Future

Rainbow cuddled closer to her secret plushy she had hidden under her mattress, her bed more comfortable than she ever remembered. Slowly surfacing from her nap, she began to hear people talking around her.

“….explained somethings….afraid of what will happen….” Said a familiar, masculine voice.

“….best friend….protective of his little sister….” Said a second, more angelic female voice.

Sitting up and wiping the sleep from her eyes, Dash held her plushy tight to her barrel as she looked at her surroundings. Realizing she was not lying in her own bed in her spacious cloud house, Dash let out an uncharacteristically feminine squeak alerting the other occupants of the room to her wakefulness.

“Mom?” Said a quiet, sleepy voice muffled under her wings.

Lifting her wing gently, Dash realized very quickly that she wasn’t cuddling her Princess Twilight plushy. Instead, she was holding the warm body of her biggest fan. Hearing Scootaloo call her mom while dreaming lit a spark within Dash she never felt before. Gently laying the still sleeping filly back on the bed, Rainbow gently climbed off the bed trying not to disturb her.

Walking over to the desk situated against the far wall, Dash took in the scene in front of her. Twilight sat in front of the desk, a large book opened in front of her, held in the grip of the purple aura of her magic. Seated next to her was the familiar form of Spike, his head hung low and a worried expression upon his face. Coughing into her hoof, Dash smiled sheepishly as she drew their attention.

“Thanks for saving Scoots and I like that Twi,” She said, running a hoof through her chromatic mane, “I don’t know why were so exhausted like that though.”

“Oh, that’s actually very interesting,” Twilight replied, going into full-lecture mode, “See when the storms brew up out of the Everfree like that, the clash of differing magics causes the rain to take on all kinds of bizarre and interesting side effects. Since you were soaked, the rain sapped all of your strength and left you exhausted. I did a quick check on both of you while you were napping and saw that there wouldn’t be any adverse effects, so I decided to just let you sleep it off.”

“Yeah, real interesting Twi,” Dash replied, not really following the explanation other than the fact she would be ok, “What were you and Spike discussing before I woke up?”

“I asked Applebloom about what I would need to do to be able to court her,” Spike replied, wringing his claws, “She told me I have to ask Big Mac’s permission since he’s her closest male relative. He’s my best friend. He’s gonna kill me.”

“Spike, your getting worked up over nothing,” Twilight replied, nuzzling her son, “Just remember, you have to be respectful, use both of your full names, and state your intentions. He won’t kill you for having an interest in his sister.”

“Isn’t that like against the Guy Code or something?” Rainbow asked, sitting on her flank next to the small family.

“Exactly, that’s what I’m trying to tell you mom,” Spike said, his nervousness ratcheting up another notch, “Bro Code says you cannot date your best friend’s sibling.”

“So, tell me then,” Twilight asked, shotting a sly grin at Rainbow, knowing exactly what her son’s answer would be, “What’s more important to you, sticking to the Bro Code or courting Applebloom?”

“How could you even ask,” Spike shouted, leaping to his feet, “The only thing more important than how I feel about Bloom is my family.”

“Then why are you so worried, Big Guy?” Dash asked, giving Spike a noogie, “You got this, man.”

“Thanks, Dash,” Spike said, squirming out of her hold and rushing for the door, “I’m gonna go practice what I’m gonna say.”

Turning away from the desk, Twilight looked over at her best friend and saw her in a new light. She wasn’t just the ‘cool stunt pony’ she showed to everyone, she was also a caring mare who was there to support her younger friends. Thinking about this new development, Twilight’s decision crystalized in her mind.

“Um, Dash, there’s something I need to talk to you about.” Twilight said, a light blush on her face, “It’s kind of important.”

“Like, princess stuff important?” Rainbow asked, “Sure. Lets head to the library so we don’t wake up Scoots. She’s still a little out of it.”

Standing up, the two mares walked side by side in a companionable silence as they entered the spacious library now housed within the walls of the Castle of Friendship. Sitting down in a small reading nook in the corner, Twilight summoned a pot of tea with her magic and poured for the two of them. Carefully placing two sugar cubes into her own cup before offering them to Rainbow Dash who declined.

“So, Dash, Princess Celestia sent me a few books that I needed to familiarize myself with as I’m now in charge of Running Ponyville,” Twilight began, taking a sip of her tea, “I’ve got to learn all of the laws for all of the different pony types and set up my court. And I kinda need help from my friends.”

“So that’s how you were able to help Spike to court AJ’s sister,” Dash asked, relishing the bitter taste of the unsweetened tea, “What do you need from me though, I’m already in charge of Ponyville weather, I’m fairly certain that’s not a part of your royal court or whatever.”

“It’s not,” Twilight said, a shy smile on her face as her blush got worse, “See I want AJ to be in charge of food and farming, Pinkie is gonna plan all my parties and everything, Fluttershy is going to take care of the local animals and forests, and Rarity is going to take care of business stuff and taxes. I was hoping you would help me in a different way.”

“What way, Twi?” Rainbow asked, seeing the blush on her friend’s face, “I’ll do anything to help you, you are my best friend after all. I am the most awesome pony in Ponyville after all, there’s nothing I can’t do.”

“Well, you see,” Twilight stammered, “There is a court position that I want to give you, but I can only do that if you….”

“If I what Twilight,” Rainbow asked, her mouth going dry, “What do I need to do?”

Reaching her hoof over the table, Twilight gently touched hooves with the Cyan furred mare in front of her. Looking deep into her beautiful pink eyes, Twilight took a deep breath and summoned her courage.

“Its not really something you need to do, its something you need to feel. For me.” Twilight said, silently begging in her own mind for the answer she wanted to hear, “I want to court you.”

Rainbow was shocked. Her secret crush has made the first step and said she was interested. As a blush stained her normally blue fur a bright purple, Dash stood up and sat next to Twilight gently wrapping her hoof around the lavender alicorn’s barrel.

“So, um, Twi, I need to ask,” Rainbow stammered, “Have you…. I mean did you read a book called the Code of the Air?”

“I have,” She replied, “So, I am familiar with Pegasus courting practices.”

“Then, you know that I need to plan our first date since you made your interest known.” Dash stated, enjoying the warmth coming from Twilight.

“I’m...looking forward to it,” Twilight stuttered, nuzzling the cute mare beside her.

“So am I,” Rainbow said with a cocky grin, “Since you read the Code, hopefully you can help me find a loophole to help Scoots.”

“Why do you need a loophole?” Twilight asked.

“Scoots told me some stuff at the park today,” Dash sighed, “And it’s gonna make it next to impossible for me to teach her to fly unless I can find a work around.”

“From what I read; you just need her parent’s permission correct?” Twilight asked.

“Normally, yes, there wouldn’t be an issue,” Dash replied, grasping her teacup with her wing, “But, Scoots has been living in the Ponyville Orphanage her entire life and it’s run by Earth Ponies. They can’t make any decisions for her based on the code.”

Placing her hoof on her chin, Twilight thought hard on the problem brought to her by her friend…marefriend…possible consort…Celestia, relationships are complicated. The code said that the Pegasus parent or guardian of a filly or colt could voluntarily allow another Pegasus to act as their flight instructor. That wouldn’t be an issue if one of the caretakers was a Pegasus or if Scootaloo was adopted by a Pegasus.

There’s a thought, Twilight pondered, but that’s a huge step that would affect Scootaloo, Rainbow, even the possible relationship with me.

“I know that look, Twi,” Dash said with a grin, “You’ve got an idea.”

“I have an idea alright,” Twilight answered, “But, it’s a big decision to make. One you would need to discuss with Scootaloo and think real hard on yourself and consider how it might impact both of your lives and if its in both of your best interests and –“

Leaning down, Rainbow silenced Twilight with a fierce, passionate kiss. As the lavender mare leaned into her embrace, a goofy grin spread across her face as her eyes slid shut. Finally coming up for air, Dash rested her forehead against Twilight’s and tried to calm down her own rapidly pounding heart.

“Sorry to stop what was turning into probably a truly epic level freak out,” Dash said with a smile, “But maybe, you can tell me your idea before deciding the worlds ending first?”

Giggling to herself, Twilight leaned her head on Dash’s shoulder and welcomed the new feelings welling up inside her.

“Ok, well, the easy answer would be for you to adopt Scootaloo yourself,” Twilight whispered, her anxiety melted away, “Then, you’d be her mom and there wouldn’t be an issue about you teaching her to fly.”

Dash’s mouth dropped open as her mind ground to a halt. Suddenly, Twilights freak out didn’t seem so epic in comparison. She wasn’t wrong, this was not a decision to be made lightly.

Could Dash be the Mom Scootaloo needed? Most definitely, I’m the most awesome pony ever.

Would Scootaloo want Dash to adopt her? I would need to talk to the squirt about it, but I was fairly certain Scootaloo would be over the moon.

Did Dash want to juggle a relationship with the most perfect princess ever and being a single mother? If things worked out with Twilight and we became special someponies, I won’t be a single mom for very long.

“Will you come talk to Scootaloo with me?” Dash asked shyly, nuzzling Twilight, “It might help having an experienced mom with me.”

“I’d love to,” Twilight responded, leaning into Dash’s embrace.

********

Scootaloo woke with a start, relishing the feeling of the soft, luxurious bed she found herself in. Rolling to her feet, she found herself alone in the darkened bedroom of the newest member of Equestrian Royalty.

It’s been a long time since I had that dream about Dash adopting me, she thought, walking slowly towards the door, I wonder where she went. I hope she has had a chance to talk to Twilight about finding a way for her to train me.

Opening the door, Scootaloo looked around and found only an empty hallway. Looking across the hall, she could just barely make out a soft glow coming from a cracked open door. Walking over, Scootaloo knocked gently and waited to be invited in.

“Come in, its open.” Called a familiar male voice.

Walking into the room, Scootaloo saw Spike standing in front of a floor length mirror, a tailored suit jacket around his broad shoulders.

“Hi, Spike,” She said, a smile on her face, “What’s with the fancy getup?”

“Oh, hey, Scoots,” He replied, turning to face her, “I’m just practicing what I need to say to Big Mac tomorrow.”

“Are you asking him out or something?” She joked, sitting on her flank.

“No, you goob,” He answered with a snort, “I have to follow Earth pony traditions and ask his permission since –“

“Since you’ve been secretly dating Applebloom and wanna become special someponies?” Scootaloo teased.

“Exactly!” Spike exclaimed, “Can I practice on you? I need to make sure I don’t get tripped up actually saying it to Mac.”

“Of course,” Scoot replied, “That’s what friends are for.”

Taking a deep breath, Spike straightened his jacket and stood up tall.

“Macintosh Apple, my name is Spikereous Sparkle-“ He started.

“Wait, what?!” Scootaloo shouted with a laugh, “Your name is Spikereous? For real? I thought I had it bad with a name like Scootaloo.”

“Ha ha, laugh it up,” Spike replied, “Can I finish this time?”

“Sure, sure,” She replied, twirling her hoof, “Go ahead...Spikereous.”

Sticking his tongue out at the orange filly, Spike took another deep breath and started again.

“Macintosh Apple, my name is Spikereous Sparkle.” He said proudly, “Only son of Princess Twilight Sparkle, Hero of the Crystal Empire. I come to you today to humbly ask for your permission in courting your younger sister Applebloom.”

“Ehnope!” Scootaloo said, doing her best Big Mac impression, “No fancy purple dragon, even if he is a hero and my best friend, is good enough for my little sugar cube. Now vamoose before I plant you in the ground and see what grows.”

“You’re not funny,” Spike deadpanned, “Not at all.”

“Ok, I’m sorry,” Scoot said, “That was a little much. You’ve got nothing to worry about though. Big Mac won’t have any reason to deny your request. You’re a really amazing guy and Bloom is lucky to have you.”

“So what about you Scoots,” Spike asked, a blush spreading across his face, “Is there anypony you’re interested in?”

“Who me!” Scoot stammered, sweat beading on her brow, “I’m too cool for that mushy stuff, I mean its not like I wanna cuddle with a marshmallowy white unicorn with a purple mane-“

“Wait, what?!” Spike shouted, grabbing Scootaloo’s shoulders, shaking her forcefully, “Please tell me you don’t have a crush on Rarity! She’s way too old for you!”

“It’s…not…Rarity…” Scootaloo said between shakes, “I...like…the other…marshmallow…”

“Other marshmallow?” Spike questioned, letting the filly go as she crashed to the ground with swirls in her eyes, “You mean Sweetie Belle?”

“What other adorable white unicorns are there in town?” Scootaloo snarked as she staggered to her feet, “Not that I could ever tell her. She’ll think I’m weird and never want to be my friend again and then I’ll be all alone and I’ll be depressed and-“

Slapping his claw over Scootaloo’s muzzle, Spike couldn’t help but shake his head.

If I didn’t know better, I’d swear I was dealing with one of Twi’s freak outs, He thought.

“Now, I’m going to move my claw and you have to promise not to continue freaking out, ok?” He said calmly, getting a nod from the orange filly.

Removing his claw from the filly’s muzzle, Spike saw some movement form the corner of his eye. Turning to his door, he saw his mom smiling as Rainbow Dash leaned against the door jam.

“So, adorable marshmallow ponies are what makes you smile, ay Squirt?” Dash joked, walking over Scootaloo and ruffling her main, “She’s cute and all, but I’m more into lavender eggheads myself.”

“Wait, you’re getting all mushy over Princess Twilight!” Scootaloo said, a horrified look on her face, “But, your Rainbow Dash. You don’t do mushy stuff, its so uncool.”

“Listen squirt,” Dash said, placing a hoof gently on the filly’s shoulder, “Caring about a special somepony doesn’t make you uncool or anything. In fact, love and affection are two of the coolest things under Celestia’s sun. Now, come on. Let’s let Spike practice his speech for Big Mac while you, me and Twilight go have a talk in her room.”

Pushing the orange filly gently out the door using her wings, Dash followed Twilight across the hall and sat next to her at Twilights desk. Moving a stool across from them, Dash gently lifted Scootaloo up and sat her down.

“So…. what do you wanna talk to me about?” Scootaloo asked, a little worry creeping into her voice.

“Well, Dash and I may have found a way to help you with your flying situation.” Twilight said, “And since your twelve summers-“

“Thirteen actually.” Scootaloo said with pride, before looking a little sheepish for interrupting the princess.

“Even better,” Twilight continued, “Since your thirteen summers old, we thought it would be your decision if you wanted to go through with this.”

“And what exactly is this?” Scootaloo asked.

“I want to teach you to fly,” Dash began, “And the best way Twilight and I thought we could accomplish that without you getting shipped off with some other family is If I adopt you.”

“You want to what!?” Scootaloo shouted, tackling the larger mare and pushing her onto her back, “Like I would be permanently your family until the end of forever?”

“Well, yeah,” Dash said nonchalantly, “I could still be your sister or if you want I could be your mom-“

“Oh My Celestia!” Scootaloo shrieked, wrapping her tiny forelegs around Dash’s neck, “Rainbow Dash, THE Rainbow Dash, wants to be my MOM! SQUEEEEE!”

“I’m guessing that’s a yes then?” Dash asked, hugging the little filly, “Alright, tomorrow we will talk to the caretakers and get the ball rolling on making us the best little family in Equestria.”

Bumpy Path to Happiness

Chapter 4 – The Bumpy Path to Happiness

As day faded into night with the raising of Luna’s Moon, Rainbow Dash dropped a still smiling Scootaloo off at the orphanage before continuing onto her cloud mansion on the outskirts of Ponyville. Stepping through her front door, Dash realized how alone she actually was in the cavernous home. After fixing herself a simple daffodil sandwich and making sure Tank was fed and watered, she retired to her home office for the evening as she had plans to make.

As much as she would be loath to admit it, Dash knew from work that planning ahead and making to-do lists were important, even if it was a thing only ‘eggheads’ would do. After researching Equestrian Adoption Laws with Twilight, Rainbow learned everything she would need to do to finally be able to give Scoots the home she deserved. Pulling out a piece of paper and a quill, the cyan Pegasus planned out her next steps.

Step 1: Go to Orphanage and get Adoption Application.

Step 2: Arrange for Scootaloo to get a check-up (Pegasus Standards)

Step 3: Have discussion with Twilight over Dinner (first date <3)

Step 4: Find a home on the ground until Scootaloo can fly and sell cloud mansion back to Weather Factory.

Step 5: Find New head of Ponyville Weather Team and resign from the Wonderbolt Reserves.

The final step was the one that Dash found the hardest to write down. While she wouldn’t change the past 24 hours for anything in the world, finding out that she couldn’t retain her position on the weather team or the Wonderbolts as she would be outside of the chain of command on both teams by becoming Twilight’s consort hurt her more than a little. The small sacrifices would be worth it though.

Before today, I never realized how lonely I really was, she thought, setting her quill to the side, I have my friends and all, but coming home to an empty house just isn’t the same now.

Pulling out a thick stack of files from her desk, Dash began reviewing candidates to take over the weather team. Derpy was a good hearted young mare, but her flightiness and air headed personality could cause issues running Weather services for the small town. Thunderlane had attitude issues, but he knew how to manage and delegate almost as good as Dash did. The only other option would be the new transfer from Cloudsdale, Featherpoint. She was relatively new to the team, but her aeromancy skills were even better than Dash’s own. Looking over Featherpoint’s performance reviews, showed a hard working mare who was ambitious but not willing to step over anypony to get what she wanted. Making her decision for the weather team leadership, Dash picked up a clean sheet of paper and began drafting the hardest letter she would ever write, her resignation from the Wonderbolts.

********

After watching Dash wing her way out the balcony door and take off into the air, Twilight wrote out 4 invitations to the rest of her friends, letting them know she needed to speak to them the following afternoon regarding some important princess business. She had left things purposefully vague on the invitations as she wanted to ease them into considering her request.

While Spike and Scootaloo entertained themselves in Spike’s room after the orange filly made her decision about the adoption, Twilight and Dash sat down and went over what was needed for the process as well as what would be expected when Dash became her consort.

As the significant other of Equestrian royalty, Dash would be made aware of all of the important decisions being considered by the princess as well serving as one of her principal advisors. The only true downside would be that Dash would need to leave her public positions. It just wouldn’t be feasible for the Head of the Weather Factory or Commander Spitfire to be able to give commands to someone on the same level as royalty.

Absentmindedly, Twilight began doodling on a scrap piece of parchment drawing loops and spirals, a gentle smile on her face. Drawing a heart on the paper, she quickly scribbled TS + RD inside it, a warm feeling welling up inside her.

I know I don’t have any experience in a relationship, She thought, But I can’t wait to see how things work out with Dashie. She makes me happy even when she’s not around. Celestia, I feel like a filly with a school yard crush.

Thinking of fillies and romance, Twilight stood up and walked across the hall to check on Spike. Nudging his door open with the tip of her horn, she knocked gently getting Spike’s attention. Turning around, he still stood in front of his mirror, his suit jacket long abandoned and hanging loosely over his desk chair.

“You know there’s such a thing as being overprepared, right Spike?” She said with a laugh.

“You know what,” Spike began, “Kettle, this is Pot. I hate to break it to you. Your black.”

“Oh haha, who taught you that joke,” Twilight scolded, “You should head to bed soon. You’re going to wanna be fresh and alert when you present yourself to Big Mac.”

“You’re going to come with me, right?” Spike asked, walking over to his bed and climbing under the blankets.

“Of course,” Twilight answered, kissing her son gently on the cheek, “Both families need to be there when you talk to each other.”

“Does…does that mean Dash and Scoots are gonna be there too?” Spike asked.

“They can be if you want them to be there,” Twilight replied, sitting on her flank and leaning against the bed, “Why do you ask.”

“Well, Scootaloo told me that Dash is adopting her. And you told me that your and Dash are going to be special someponies.” Spike explained, “So that’s going to make Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash my family too right?”

“Well, that’s a very simplistic way of looking at things,” Twilight said proudly, “Very mature, but simplistic. Dash and I haven’t even had our first date yet and you’re practically walking me down the aisle already. Are you in that big a hurry to have me wrapped up in a relationship?”

“It has been just the two of us since you hatched me,” He replied, placing one of his claws on her foreleg, “Not that I haven’t loved having you as my mom. But, first you would just cut yourself off from everypony with your studies. Then we moved to Ponyville and you made friends with the girls. And you were happier than I’ve ever seen you. And then whenever you would spend time with Dash you would be even happier. I wouldn’t really mind if they joined our family. I’d be getting the coolest pony in Equestria, her words not mine, as a second mom. And I would gain Scootaloo as a sister which is even better.”

“So, you don’t mind sharing me?” Twilight asked, a trace of concern in her voice.

“Mom, I’ve had you to myself for 13 years now. And you’ve made me the happiest little dragon in Equestria.” He answered, throwing his arms around her barrel, “I’m happy to share you with Dash and Scootaloo. Especially if you make them as happy as you have made me.”

Returning the embrace of her loving son, Twilight carefully pulled away and stood up, leaving the room. Gently reaching out with her magic, She put out the candles on his bedside table and shut the door gently. Walking back into her own room, Twilight extinguished her own candles and climbed into bed under the gentle glow of Luna’s Moon.

Just another thing to talk to Dash about, Twilight thought, pulling a Rainbow Dash plushy from her end table drawer, Who knew my son could be so grown up.

********

Waking up early, Rainbow Dash ate a quick breakfast of dry oats and flew off towards Ponyville Orphanage. Landing gently at the front door large stone building, she slowly walked through the wooden entrance into the main foyer. Following a small sign on the wall, she soon found herself at the matron’s office. Knocking on the door, she waited a few minutes to be invited inside.

Entering the office, Dash found herself in front of twin desks with twin Earth ponies seated behind them. They were each colored black and white with mirrored Ying Yang symbols for their cutie marks. On the right sat Mrs. Minder, on the left Mrs. Taker.

“Thank you for coming to Ponyville Orphanage,” They said in unison, “How can we be of assistance.”

That’s more than a little creepy, Dash thought, repressing a shudder.

“Hello,” She began, coughing into her hoof, “My name is Rainbow Dash. I’d like to speak to you about adopting one of the fillies that lives here.”

“That is good to hear,” Mrs. Minder, “May I inquire as to which filly you are referring?”

“Her name is Scootaloo,” Dash replied, “Little orange Pegasus with a striped shield cutie mark with a wing on it.”

“Oh she’s such a dear,” said Mrs. Taker as she rose from behind her desk, “My sister will provide you with the paperwork while I see if the little filly is amenable to spending some time with you. Please, excuse me.”

As Mrs. Taker left the small room, Dash moved to sit on the large cushion in front of Mrs. Minder’s desk. Puffing out her fur a little, she rustled her wings and made herself comfortable.

“I’m glad to hear you expressing an interest in adopting Ms. Dash,” Mrs. Minder said, opening her desk drawer and removing a file, “Scootaloo has been a special case with us since we found her on the front stoop one rainy morning 13 years ago. We’ve attempted to place her with a couple of Pegasus families over the years, but once they learn of her…deficiency so to speak, they decide to choose a different child.”

“That is their loss,” Dash replied, “In the time that I have known Scootaloo, I have found her to be a kind, sweet and very talented young filly. There is no ‘deficiency’ as you put it.”

“You are correct,” Mrs. Minder replied, “It is the firm hope of my sister and myself that someone would see those qualities within her and be able to move past her flight troubles.”

“I hope to be able to help her with those ‘troubles’,” Dash said, making air quotes with her wings, “I know you have taken her to see a doctor while she ahs been here, but I would like to arrange for her to see a flight specialist sometime this week at Ponyville General.”

“I believe we can allow that,” Mrs. Taker stated as she guided Scootaloo into the office, “Now, Scootaloo, Ms. Dash has expressed an interest in adopting you. How do you feel about that?”

“I’m excited about it,” Scootaloo replied with a smile, “She discussed it with me last night before she dropped me back off.”

“That’s good to hear,” Mrs. Minder replied with a smile of her own as she pulled out a small stack of forms from Scootaloo’s file, “These are the forms we will need you to fill out and return so you can be considered. If you’d like, Scootaloo, you can spend the day with Ms. Dash. We only ask that you be back by 8 o’clock curfew.”

“Yay!” Scoot replied, her tiny wings buzzing and lifting her a few inches off the ground before she landed again and turned to Rainbow, “Can we go with Spike and Twilight to Sweet Apple Acres?”

“You couldn’t keep me away,” Dash replied, tucking the paperwork under her wing before standing up, “Thank you for your time ladies. I’ll make sure Scootaloo is safe.”

As the orange filly and cyan mare exited the building, they settled into a companionable silence as the began walking towards the apple farm at the edge of town. Halfway to Sugar Cube Corner, Dash turned to her potential daughter and flashed her a wide smile.

“Any particular reason why you wanted to be there when Spike goes through this Dog and Pony show?” She asked, ruffling Scootaloo’s purple mane.

“Well, there’s a couple of reasons,” Scoots replied, scuffing her hooves, “Spikes a good friend and an honorary Crusader. Plus, since your special someponies with Twilight, there’s a big possibility that Spike is gonna be my brother someday. So I really want to support him and Bloom.”

Thinking about a future with Twilight, a goofy grin spread across her muzzle as she imagined having a family with the lavender Alicorn and the two children. Realizing she was standing still in the middle of the road smiling like an idiot, Dash coughed into her hoof and gently guided her young charge along the road.

Before long, they found themselves on the hill overlooking the expansive apple orchard. Waiting for them were Twilight and Spike, the young dragon wearing his suit jacket again while Twilight wore her gold crown upon her head.

“You two got here quick,” Spike said as he walked in front of the group towards the farm house, “I’m glad you guys are here to support me.”

“Of course we’re here for you,” Scootaloo said with a giggle, “I wouldn’t miss seeing Big Mac buck you into next week for all the bits in Canterlot.”

“You are such a pill Scoots,” Spike joked back, “Just wait till you ask out a certain squishy unicorn.”

Scootaloo blushed a deep red as she nearly face planted. Puffing up her feathers, She glared at the purple dragon.

“Can you not tease me when my crush might be around.” She growled.

“Ok, ok,” Twilight said with a giggle, “Neutral corners you two. Celestia, you would think you two were already brother and sister.”

“Is that such a bad thing, Sparkles?” Dash asked, laying a wing over the lavender mare.

Blushing a little, Twilight lifted her eyebrow and shot a questioning look to the athletic Pegasus.

“Sparkles?” She asked, flicking her tail and smacking the blue mare.

“Yup,” Dash beamed, a wide grin on her muzzle, “Wanted to give my marefriend a cutesy name.”

“Mare…marefriend!” Twilight squeaked, her blush intensifying as her eye twitched, “I…you…me…gah!”

Laughing out loud, Dash jumped into the air and began flying backwards, her forelegs crossed over her chest.

“Not funny, Dashie!” Twilight shouted, joining the other mare in the air and flying after her.

Chasing the trained stunt pony through the sky, Twilight felt happier than she had ever felt in her life. After following her through a simple set of loops and twirls, Twilight eventually dove and tackled Dash to the ground, pinning her underneath her slightly larger frame. Seeing the unexpected blush on her marefriend’s face, Twilight leaned down and pecked her on the cheek before lifting herself off and brushing the dust from her body.

“Your…your really getting comfortable with Pegasus courting rituals aren’t you Twi,” Dash stuttered as she climbed to her feet, “Oh look, there’s AJ!”

Seeing the orange farm pony in the distance, Spike straightened his jacket and marched over to her as she was mid buck. Clearing his throat, he tried to get her attention.

“Hello Applejack,” She said proudly, “Is Big Mac around? There’s…something I need to speak to him about.”

“Howdy, ya’ll,” Applejack replied as she slammed her back hooves into the tree, knocking loose several apples and sending them into the bushel below, “I’m guessing we’re doing this thing today then?”

“We are,” Spike replied, standing as tall as he could.

“Alright, come along ya’ll,” She replied, motioning towards the main house, “He’s waiting for you in the sittin room with Granny and Applebloom. Kinda surprised to be seein Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash here with ya though. Typically, this type’a thing is fer kinfolk only.”

“Well, I mean, that is to say,” Twilight stammered, following the cowfilly, “Part of that is what we are going to discus at the meeting this afternoon.”

“That thar meetin that all of us Elements are fixin to be at?” Aj asked, flipping her blond mane.

“That’s the one,” Dash replied, a slight blush still on her face.

“It also got to do with why ya’ll two are blush up a storm over there?” Applejack teased.

“Ma…maybe,” Twilight replied with a decidedly unprincess-like squeak.

“Thought so,” AJ laughed as they approached the front door to the farmhouse, “Ya’ll wait here. I’ll send Applebloom out in a couple of minutes to come fetch ya.”

Very little time passed before Applebloom walked out the front door and crossed the few feet separating her from Spike. Her normally ribbon bound mane was subtly styled, falling across her back in gentle waves. A sky blue dress flowed over her barrel just reaching the knees of her back legs.

“Are ya’ll ready to come in?” She asked, nuzzling the young dragon, “It’s time.”

Walking through the front door together, Spike placed a claw gently on the middle of her back. Hearing the gentle plodding of his family walking in behind him settled Spikes nerves and calmed his racing heart. Stepping into the sitting room, his heart rate skyrocketed as an aura of intimidation washed over him.

Big Mac sat in a large wing back chair, his rear legs crossed, his forelegs tented in front of him. Seated beside him in her old rocking chair was Granny Smith, her hooves working tirelessly and majestically with her knitting needles. The blinds were drawn, letting in very little light. Clearing his throat, Big Mac drew everyone’s attention as he glared at Spike.

“So, Spike,” the large red Clydesdale drawled, “I hear tell there’s something you wanna ask me. Well, get to it.”

Drawing himself up to his full height, Spike crossed his claws behind his back before addressing the much older stallion.

“Yes sir, I do,” Spike said, “Macintosh Apple, my name is Spikereous Sparkle. Hero of the Crystal Empire. Only child of Princess Twilight Sparkle. With respect to you and your family, I humbly request your permission to court your youngest sister, Applebloom.”

“Spikereous Sparkle, we have been friends for a few years now,” Mac said, rising out of the chair and walking over to her sister’s beau, glaring down at him the entire time, “And in all that time I have known you to be honorable and upstanding member of Equestrian society. Be truthful with me now, boy. Have you been smoochin’ with my little sugar cube?”

“I won’t lie to you Macintosh,” Spike replied, swallowing loudly, “I have kissed Applebloom twice now with her permission. I apologize for any disrespect I have shown you and your family. I was unaware of the traditions of Earth ponies until recently after speaking to her and reading over my mother’s recently acquired copy of the Earthmover’s Lexicon. I know my ignorance is no excuse, however, I hope to ask your forgiveness.”

Allowing a short growl to escape his lips, Big Mac leered down at the younger male. He truly felt bad for Spike. He wasn’t trying to be too much of a hardflank, but he needed to make sure Spike new the lay of the land. Allowing the dragon to sweat a few moments more, Mac sat down on his flank and extended his left foreleg.

“I will allow it,” He said with a smile, shaking Spike’s claw, “But, I do want you to understand exactly where I’m coming from little dragon. You hurt my precious little sister or make her cry, I’m gonna grind you under my hooves and sow what’s left over in the back forty to see if we can grow some spicy dragon apples. Savvy?”

“Understood, sir.” Spike replied, his voice cracking.

“Woohoo! Spike’s ma coltfriend!” Applebloom shouted, wrapping her hooves around the young dragon before planting a long kiss on his scaly snout.

“Hey now,” Applejack shouted, “Ain’t ya’ll a little young fer all that!”

“Oh, relax, AJ,” Rainbow Dash laughed, “She’s just doing exactly what you would do in her position.”

“Speaking a that, honey pie,” Granny Smith asked, setting her knitting aside, “When you fixin’ to bring some young feller round to meet your brother.”

Her face turning a bright, flaming red, Applejack pulled her hat down over her muzzle trying to hide her embarrassment.

“Soon as I meet some stallion that don’t got a problem with me being stronger than him, I’ll bring him around,” She said trying to collect herself, “For now, I’m just happy Applebloom found her special somepony. Now, why don’t we let the youngn’s go out crusading while Dash, Twilight and I go to our meetin.”

Meeting of the Minds

Chapter 5 – A Meeting of the Minds

Walking quietly behind her two friends, Applejack couldn’t help but notice that Twilight and Rainbow Dash were acting differently. Secretive glances were shared between the two mares, glancing touches from fluttered wings, a teasing remark followed by blushes and giggles. If she didn’t know any better, Applejack could have sworn there was something more going on between them, but she cast that thought aside as quickly as it entered her mind.

Ah just can’t see Dash being all hush hush about being in a relationship, AJ thought with a flick of her tail, especially if she was involved with a princess of all people.

Shifting her attention away from her two friends walking in front of her, she couldn’t help but ruminate on what her Granny had said before they had left the farm. With little Applebloom paired up with Spike and her brother married to that sweet unicorn Sugar Bell, she knew Granny would be looking to see her little AJ matched up before Granny moved on to the Great Beyond.

If she was truthful with herself, there had only been one pony that had ever meant anything to her. Way back when she was a little filly, there had been a young colt she had known from school. He had been a scrawny little Pegasus, his fur a deep sunset orange, his windswept azure mane always looking like he had just stepped off a cloud. He had been a true gentlecolt, kind to everyone around him and standing up for little foals that were being picked on. After one memorable day where he stood up to a gang of kids all on his own, his cutie mark had appeared, a blue checkered shield with a yellow lightning bolt in front of it.

As tough as the farm pony was, whenever he turned those bright, baby blue eyes her way, she would feel squiggly inside and her face would heat up enough to bake one of Granny’s pies. She had never worked up the gumption to tell Flash Sentry how she felt, opting to just be friends with him. After graduation, AJ had taken over the reins at Sweet Apple Acres and Flash had moved to Canterlot to become a Royal Guard. After that they lost touch and drifted apart.

That was until Applejack had gone to the Crystal Empire to defend it against the return of King Sombra. She had seen him standing guard outside of Cadence’s throne room, his golden armor shining in the sunlight. Her stomach did more flips and twirls than Rainbow Dash on a caffeine rush. Hiding behind her hat, she avoided the handsome guard until the trip was over. On the train back, only Pinkie Pie noticed the tears running down the stubborn farm pony’s muzzle. Enveloping her in a tight hug, AJ poured her heart out to the cotton candy colored mare, confessing not just her attraction to the charming colt who had become a handsome stallion but her fear of putting her heart on the line. After hearing her much stronger friend cry her eyes out, Pinkie’s Pinkie Sense went into overdrive as the doozie of all doozies hit her. A manic smile plastered across her frizzy haired face, Pinkie assured AJ that everything would eventually work out between the farm pony and the unwitting guard.

Finally reaching the gates of the Palace of Friendship, the three mares entered a small meeting room dominated by a large triangular table with two chairs on each side. Each of the large chairs bore the cutie mark of one of the Elements of Harmony. Already seated around the table were Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Fluttershy.

“Heya, girls,” Applejack said with a smile, “How’s everyone doing today?”

“Oh..umm…today has been good…” Fluttershy replied softly, “Angel Bunny and his mate just had a fluffle of the most adorable little babies.”

“Oh Darling, that’s so sweet,” Rarity said with a smile, “I was just finishing up a small order for a special client in Manehattan before I sent Sweetie Belle off to join her little friends for the day.”

At the mention of Rarity’s little sister, Rainbow couldn’t help but giggle to herself thinking about how Scootaloo had described the little unicorn. Receiving a gentle wing swat from Twilight, Dash composed herself before meeting the gaze of her other friends.

“So,” Twilight began, “The reason I asked you all hear today is because there are a few things we will need to discuss that Princess Celestia has brought to my attention now that I am a member of the Peerage.”

“What is it? What is it?” Pinkie asked, bouncing in her chair, “Tell me, tell me. Huh, huh, huh.”

“What she has informed me is that as a Princess, I will need to establish my court here in Ponyville.” Twilight replied with a grin at her friend’s exuberance, “So, I have decided to ask the ponies I trust most to become my advisors.”

“Ooo, ooo, ooo,” Pinkie said, her bouncing getting so fast it looked like she was vibrating, “That’s US!”

“Darling, you’re asking that the five of us become your court advisors,” Rarity stated, shock evident in her voice, “I’m honored. I really am. But, I must ask, what positions would we have within your court?”

“I’ve put a lot of thought into that,” Twilight stated, pointing to each of her friends in turn, “Firstly, I would like Pinkie Pie to become my Entertainment advisor as well as taking on the role of being my social secretary. Frankly, in all of Equestria, there’s nopony more qualified.”

“Oh. MY CELESTIA!” Pinkie shrieked, sending spiderwebbing cracks across the tables crystalline surface, “I get to plan all your official royal parties and visits from visiting lords and your wedding to Dashie and your adoption of Scootaloo-“

“Wait, what!?” Rarity shouted, “Twilight is getting married to Dash. That’s the first I’m hearing of it. And what’s this about adopting Scootaloo as well.”

“Yeah, Pinkie,” Applejack said, questioning the pink mare, “I don’t even think Twilight and Rainbow are evening dating, let alone getting married.”

“We’ll circle back to that,” Twilight said, suppressing the blush that was fighting to dominate her face, “Next is Rarity because her going to be one of the most important. I’d like you to head up my finance team, work with the local merchants and make arrangements for taxes to be collected from all of our Ponyville residents.”

Fainting to the side and landing on a magically conjured feinting couch, Rarity laid herself out as a fan held in her magical aura waved in front of her face.

“Drama queen,” Rainbow laughed, “Who’s next Twilight?”

“Fluttershy, if it’s ok, I would like you to handle being my environmental advisor,” Twilight requested, “It really won’t be much different than what you already do other than advising me of any issues that come up concerning the local plants and animals.”

“Of course,” Fluttershy said, giving her trademark smile, her voice barely above a whisper, “Oh this is so wonderful. Yay.”

“Applejack, you will have another of the important positions,” Twilight said, “And I’m hoping your up for a real challenge. I’d like you to become my agricultural advisor and work with the local farmers to ensure that we are able to maintain trade with the other cities as well as feeding our citizens.”

“That’s a big ask there, Twi,” AJ stated, “I mean, I wanna help, but Sweet Apple Acres is a workin farm. I’m needed at home to help out with the harvest and planting seasons. This here request is gonna be a lot of responsibility.”

“I understand completely,” Twilight said, “That’s why I’m not asking for your answers right away. I want you each to take the next week and think about your decisions. If it helps, by accepting these positions, you will all be made Ladies of The Court as well as receiving a salary from the royal treasury.”

“Oh dear,” Rarity stated as she sat up, “I believe I may have drifted off there. Now Twilight, aren’t you forgetting someone. You haven’t given Dashie a position in the court yet.”

“Oh, yes, about that,” Twilight said with a smile, losing the battle against the blush, “I have asked Rainbow to take on a special position in the court.”

“Just one position,” Rainbow mumbled, “I think we can be more creative than that.”

“Oh, hush you,” Twilight said, giving the cyan Pegasus seated beside her another playful swat before clearing her throat, “I’ve asked Dashie to be my Royal Consort.”

“And I already told Sparkles I would be happy to,” Dash stated, a wide grin plastered across her face.

“See! I Knew It!” Pinkie yelled, standing on her back hooves and doing a happy dance. “TwiDash is best ship!”

“Pinkie, darling,” Rarity asked, stunned by the recent news, “Our friends are not a ship. What are you talking about?”

“Oh don’t worry about it,” Pinkie stated, pulling a pencil and pad from out of her mane, “I have plans to make.”

“Now, ah need to ask,” Applejack said, turning towards the new couple, “Are the both of ya going to be filing the paperwork to take care of little Scootaloo?”

“That is something that Twi and I will need to discuss together,” Rainbow replied, wrapping one of her blue wings around the princess sitting next to her, “We haven’t even really had our first date yet, so that’s a pretty big jump.”

“…umm…is there anything else we need to talk about,” Fluttershy asked, “I need to get back home and take care of the animals.”

“There is one other thing,” Twilight said, snuggling into Dash’s embrace, “We will be needing to set up a barracks in town to house the royal guards that will be serving here in the palace. I’ve already asked the other princesses if I can have a handful of their personal guards transferred here and they’ve agreed. Cadence is even sending one of my brother’s personal protégés to serve as Captain of the guard.”

“Cadence is sending him,” AJ said, fighting to not get her hopes up, “Did she say what his name was?”

“She hasn’t sent along that information yet,” Twilight replied, “What I need to ask you girls is where we should house them?”

“Well, I have a thought on that,” Rarity said, resting her chin on her hoof, “Not to be unfeeling, but what about building the barracks where the Golden Oaks Library was. It is fairly centrally located.”

“That actually would be a great idea,” Dash said, “What do you think Twilight?”

“That actually is a good idea,” Twilight answered, “I will need to get in contact with the builders corps to get things started. I’ll be seeing you all next week so we can discuss your decisions.”

As the rest of the girls filed out, Rainbow and Twilight hung back a little. Walking side by side to Twilight’s private quarters, Twilight opened the door for them, admiring Dash’s flank as she walked past.

I’m so out of my depth with this mare, Twilight thought, But she makes me feel so happy.

Crossing the large room, the two mares sat before the large fireplace as Twilight summoned two glasses and a small bottle of red wine.

“I’m assuming we need to have a talk about the beginning of our romance?” Twilight asked, pouring glasses for herself and Dash.

“Definitely,” Dash replied, grasping her glass with the tip of her wing, “I’d like to take you to The Wellspring for dinner tomorrow. The owner owes me a favor from way back.”

“That sounds lovely, Dashie,” Twilight said, a gentle smile on her muzzle, “I think we should also discuss the Scootaloo situation as well.”

“What do you think we should do, Twi?” Dash asked, taking a sip of her wine.

“We haven’t even had out first date yet,” Twilight began, “And knowing the girls, Pinkie is already planning a royal wedding and Rarity is designing our dresses.”

“That’s pretty on point,” Rainbow replied with a chuckle, “And Scoots practically pushing me down the aisle already.”

“Same with Spike,” Twilight giggled, “Since you are going to be my royal consort, it would make more sense for the two of us to adopt Scootaloo together. And for the two of you to move in here as well.”

“Moving a little fast aren’t we Sparkles?” Dash joked, reaching across the table to hold Twilight’s hoof, “In all seriousness, we’ve been friends for a long time. I couldn’t ask for a better partner than you.”

“Neither could I Dashie,” Twilight replied, lifting Dash’s hoof to her lips,” Neither could I.”

Games of the Heart

Chapter 6 – Games of the Heart

Scootaloo, Applebloom and Spike left their respective parental figures behind as they made their way through the apple orchard towards the Carousel Boutique where Sweetie Belle and Rarity called home. Hearing the soft breeze rustle the leaves above them, Scootaloo sent up a silent prayer to all four princesses, asking that her new mother-to-be would be able to train her to fly on her own. She loved riding her scooter around the town, but the sky sang its siren song to her, goading her to soar amongst its cloud covered expanse.

Looking in front of her, Scootaloo paid close attention to her best friend and her kind-of-brother. Looking from the outside, it was easy to see that the two cared deeply about each other. The young dragon lavished his attention on the smaller filly, even as they walked along in silence. Applebloom was no less obvious, the spring in her step and the happiness that seemed to just shine out of her as she walked next to her purple paramour.

I hope I can find that someday, Scoot said, Dash has Twilight, Spike has Applebloom, even Pinkie Pie has that Cheese guy. And all I can think of is cuddling that cute marshmallowy Unicorn.

Exiting the orchard near the road leading to the boutique, Applebloom looked behind her and saw her best friend trailing behind them, occasionally scuffing her hoof in the dirt, her head hung low. Turning to Spike, Bloom nudged him with her shoulder and gestured behind them.

“I’ll run ahead and get Sweetie Belle; you guys catch up ok?” She said, running ahead.

Slowing down to catch up to Scootaloo, Spike cleared his throat to get her attention.

“Everything ok there, little sis,” He asked, clasping his claws behind his head, “Looks like somethings got you down.”

“Little?” Scootaloo said indignantly, “You’re like 5 minutes older than me. Besides, our moms haven’t made it official yet, so technically you’re not my brother.”

As the orange filly stuck her tongue out at him, Spike couldn’t help but laugh at how cute she was acting.

“Your deflecting,” He replied, “What’s wrong Scoots?”

“I’m jealous, ok?” She replied, a blush staining her cheeks, “Not of Applebloom having you, she’s been trying to catch herself a purple dragon for a while now. I just want to be able to have what you and Bloom have.”

“And you want it with a squishy white Unicorn correct?” Spike said, raising the spines over his left eye.

“Hey now,” Scootaloo said, poking the larger dragon, “Only I can call her squishy. She’s all soft and fluffy.”

“Ok, I’ll tone down the teasing.” Spike said with a laugh, throwing his claws in the air, “Seriously though, why don’t you just tell her how you feel about her?”

“What if she doesn’t feel the same way?” Scootaloo replied, her eyes going wide, “What if she thinks I’m weird and doesn’t want to be my friend anymore? What if she runs all over town telling everyone that I’m some sick perv and everyone decides to form an angry mob and run me out of town? What if-“

Reaching out quickly, Spike clamped his claws around Scootaloo’s muzzle as she continued mumbling out her panicked reasoning.

“Slow down Scoots.” He asked, trying to calm down the little orange bundle of energy, “Jeez, you’re as bad as mom when she gets on a tear. Listen, Sweetie Belle isn’t going to stop being your friend if she doesn’t feel the same. Things will be awkward, but it will get better. Also, it’s not like you three are still running the Gabby Gums articles. You’re not gonna be run out of town. Now, relax and let your big brother help you.”

“You’d help me?” Scootaloo mumbled around Spike’s claws, “How?”

“Catch some dirt and listen to the master,” Spike said, brushing some non-existent dirt from his shoulder, “Here’s what we’re gonna do….”

*******

Walking up to the door of the boutique, Applebloom couldn’t help smiling to herself. She knew something was wrong with Scootaloo and had a fairly good idea what it was. Little did her best friend know, Bloom was in on some secret info that would lift her little orange heart higher than Rainbow Dash’s cloud house.

Knocking on the front door of the boutique, Applebloom could just barely see her handsome knight in scaly armor helping his little sister through a fairly intense panic attack. As the door was flung open, Applebloom found herself gripped in the lime green aura of Sweetie Belle’s magic as she was dragged inside the shop.

“AB help,” squeaked the high-pitched voice of the white Unicorn as she rummaged through a chest of clothes Rarity had designed.

“Whoa, simmer down there Sweetie Belle,” Bloom drawled, “What’s got a bee in your bustle?”

“You know what,” Sweetie hissed, “Scootaloo is right down the street talking to Spike and I’m panicking because I haven’t had a chance to talk to her about my crush and she’s always so cute and cool and amazin and I wanted to wear a nice dress when we hang out and….help.”

Pulling a paper bag from one of Pinkie Pie’s surprise part emergency stashes, Bloom shoved it on Sweetie’s muzzle as she started stroking her mane.

“Breath Sweetie Belle, breath.” Bloom said, rolling her eyes, “First, Scootaloo isn’t gonna care if you’re wearing some high falutin’ frou-frou dress. Just wear something simple if you feel you gotta. Second, whatcha worried bout anyfer? Scoots would be crazy not to want to be yer special somepony.”

“Yeah…your right…” Sweetie Belle wheezed, “Ok, I’m calm. I’m in control. I’m gonna barf!”

Rushing out of the main room and into the toilet, Sweetie Belle slammed the door shut with her magic and Bloom began nonchalantly rummaging through the clothes chest on her own, whistling as she worked. Pulling out several choices, she finally landed on a light purple dress and saddle that would well with Sweetie’s pale coloring. Knocking on the door, Applebloom entered when asked.

“So, I found something that’ll look good on ya and should hold up while we’re hanging out.” She said, hanging the outfit on the door, “Now, what I want ya to do now that you got that thar hissy fit out of yer system to clean up a little bit, brush your teeth and get dressed. I don’t think Spikey and Scootaloo are gonna take much longer gittin’ here.”

Walking over to the sink, Sweetie splashed some water on her face before grabbing her toothbrush and scrubbing her mouth.

“Ib wawn’t a hipfy fip.” Sweetie garbled, glaring at the butter yellow filly behind her.

Spitting out the foamy suds, Sweetie reached for the mouth wash and swish a few times to make sure she wouldn’t smell. Turning around, she took in the full view of the outfit Applebloom had selected. Teleporting the dress and saddle onto her small frame, Sweetie had to admit Bloom had made a good decision.

“See, yah look great,” the farm filly said, “Now, come on. Spike and Scootaloo are almost here.”

“But what if I mess this up?” Sweetie whimpered, “Scootaloo could have her pick of special somepony. And I’m just a magically challenged Unicorn. “

“Ya’ll are great just the way you are Sweetie,” Bloom replied, giving the Unicorn filly a reassuring hug, “Yer a sweetheart and Scoots won’t be able to resist you.”

Walking to the front door of the boutique, Sweetie eased it open before stepping through, followed close by Applebloom. Shutting the door took more energy than she would have liked, leaving her slightly winded. Turning around, she saw Spike and Scootaloo behind her, a starstruck grin plastered on the Pegasus’s face.

“Wow, Sweetie Belle,” Scootaloo stammered, a blush darkening her cheeks, “You…umm…you look nice.”

“You like it?” Sweetie Belle replied demurely, “Bloom helped me pick it out.”

“Looks like my marefriend has good taste in dresses,” Spike joked, grinning at the young Earth pony.

“Joke all ya want to mister,” Applebloom said, flipping her mane, “I know what looks good.”

“So…what should we do?” Scootaloo asked shyly.

“Why don’t we go back to the treehouse and play some cards,” Spike suggested, “I found this great game in a book I read the other day that would be perfect.”

“Sounds like fun,” the three fillies chirped.

Walking quickly back through the orchard, Scootaloo kept sneaking glances at Sweetie Belle. Her crush looked amazing in the purple dress, the fabric making her already pale coat seem to shimmer and shine under the afternoon light. She looked like a little angel. For some reason, Scootaloo had the weird compulsion to drape one of her stubby orange wings over the Unicorn’s back.

Arriving at the tree house, the foursome moved a small table and four small cushions so they could comfortably play the game. Pulling out the well-worn pack of playing cards, Spike began shuffling before dealing out the first hand.

“Hope no one minds if I deal while we play?” He asked, placing the remaining cards on the table, “It’s a little easier considering I’ve got claws and all.”

“That’s fine,” Scootaloo said, gathering her cards in her wingtips, “What are we playing anyway?”

“Well, its basically poker,” Spike replied, gripping his own cards, “Except the winner of each hand gets to ask one of the losers as question.”

“Um…are ya’ll sure that’s a good idea, Spikey?” Applebloom asked, struggling to hold her cards.

“Come on Bloom,” Sweetie Belle said, wrapping her own cards in her magic, “It’ll be fun.”

The first few hands went well for everyone, innocent questions being asked between the four friends. It wasn’t until Spike won with a royal flush that he put his plan into motion.

“Is there anypony that you have a crush on Sweetie Belle?” He asked with a grin.

“I…that’s…why…” Sweetie stammered, tapping the tips of her hooves together as her eyes darted back and forth between the Dragon in front of her and the Pegasus on her left.

“Its an innocent enough question.” Spike teased.

“Innocent for you maybe,” Sweetie mumbled under her breath, “Yes, there is someone I have a crush on. They are athletic and cool and super dependable.”

“They sound…nice.” Scootaloo said, her ears pulled down against her head.

As the next hand was dealt, Applebloom couldn’t help but smirk at Sweetie’s response, helpful but just vague enough to not alert Scootaloo to her affection. Picking up her cards, she repressed a squeal as she saw that she had an almost unbeatable hoof, aces and eights. She would use this hoof to boost Scoots spirits. After the normal back and forth of calling and raising, Bloom laid down her cards and grinned wide.

“Looks like that’s mah win,” She chirped, proud of herself, “Scootaloo, what about you? Anypony catch yer eye?”

“There is,” Scootaloo replied dejectedly, “There’s this cute unicorn that I’ve had a thing for for like ever. Too bad she has a thing for someone else?”

“Ya’ll never know until you tell ‘em.” Bloom replied with a smirk.

As both Sweetie and Scootaloo won the next couple of hands, no burning questions were asked. In fact, the would-be couple seemed to be avoiding asking the questions they needed to. Nodding discreetly to Spike, Applebloom decided that if anything was going to happen, she would need to work with her coltfriend to make it happen.

The next round of cards taxed Spike’s ability to bluff. He had only dealt himself a Princess High but was able to masterfully lead the three fillies to fold. Showing off his cards, he set his sites on his soon to be sister and pulled the metaphorical trigger.

“Scootaloo,” He began, a devilish smile on his face, “What would you tell your crush if they were here right now?”

Grinding her teeth, Scootaloo glared at Spike from behind the safety of her mane. Turning towards him to hide her blush, she practically growled at the Dragon.

“I would tell them that I think they are an amazing and special pony to me.” She said, tears forming in her eyes, “And that I wish they would look at me and feel the same mushy feelings that are totally uncool but make me happy anyway.”

Floored by the heartfelt words, Spike struggled to deal out the next set of cards, feeling like he had crossed a line and that this hadn’t been a good idea. Feeling a reassuring pat on the leg from Applebloom, Spike steadied himself and continued the game.

As Applebloom won the next hand, she zeroed in for the kill. Tenting her hooves on the table, she focused on Sweetie Belle and rolled the figurative dice.

“Sweetie Belle,” She said somberly, “Who is your crush?”

A pin could have been heard in the silence that followed. Sweetie Belle continued tapping her hooves together nervously while trying to avoid everyone’s gaze.

“I can’t,” She whispered, “If I tell you guys it will just make things bad.”

“No it won’t,” Scootaloo said, fixing her violet eyes on the Unicorn, “We won’t judge you, no matter who it is. We’ll even help you.”

That’s what we’re trying to do right now! Both Spike and Applebloom thought at the same time.

“Really?” Sweetie Belle asked, tears gathering in her lime green eyes, “It won’t change things or make them awkward.”

“Of course not,” Scootaloo replied, her attention only on her friend in front of her, “You telling us who your crush is won’t change how I…how we all fell about you.”

Sweetie Belle focused on the Pegasus and whispered something to low for anyone at the table to hear.

“Ah’m sorry, what was that?” Bloom asked, rubbing her ear with her hoof.

“I said that I have a crush on Scootaloo.” Sweetie Belle repeated, barely louder than Fluttershy’s normal volume.

“You…you do?” Scootaloo asked, her little wings fluttering open.

“I do,” Sweetie Belle answered, tears falling from her eyes, “I’ve had a crush on you for so long but could never work up the nerve to tell you. Your just so cool and intimidating. How could a plain little unicorn like me ever catch your eye?”

Moving to sit next to Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo quickly wrapped her small wing around her fluffy furred barrel and nuzzled her.

“Your anything but plain, Sweetie Belle; you adorable little marshmallow,” Scootaloo said with pride, nuzzling the white filly “Your smart and creative, you sing beautifully and you make me want to be a better pony. Frankly, I’m the one who is lucky that you want to be my special somepony.

Leaning into Scootaloo’s embrace, Sweetie Belle enjoyed the warmth and strength that seemed to flow out of the orange Pegasus. Sighing gently, She cuddle as close as she could.

“You know what you need to do now right?” Applebloom chirped.

“No, what?” Scootaloo asked.

“Ask each other to be yer special somepony,” She answered, “Then kiss, consarnit.”

“Scootaloo,” Sweetie Belle asked shyly, “Will you be my special somepony?”

“Only if you’ll be mine,” Scootaloo replied, turning and kissing the filly.

It was a short kiss, but for the new couple time seemed to grind to a halt. Fireworks exploded behind their eyes as the pounding of their hearts filled their ears. Separating, Scootaloo leaned her forehead against Sweetie Belle’s and whispered to her.

“Best Marefriend Ever.” She said, a wide grin on her face.

“Darn right you are.” Sweetie Belle replied cheekily, wrapping her forelegs around Scootaloo’s barrel, “Can’t wait to see where you take me for our first date.”

Date Night

Chapter 7 – Date Night

Celestia’s sun rose high into the sky as Rainbow Dash landed outside of the Carousel Boutique, a light twitch to her eye. She had raided her closet and found herself wanting as none of her outfits would be dressy enough except for her dress blues. She definitely wasn’t going on a date in her military uniform. Walking through the doorway, she was immediately greeted by Rarity calling out her signature welcome.

“Welcome to the Carousel Boutique, where everything is chic, unique and magnifique,” Rarity called, a happy lilt to her voice, “How can I – Oh Dashie its you. What can I do for you today?”

“I need a new dress,” Dash mumbled, her head hung low.

“What was that?” Rarity asked, taking a step closer, “I couldn’t quite hear that, darling.”

“I need a new dress for tonight,” Dash replied, louder this time, “Twilight and I are going to The Wellspring tonight and the only acceptable outfit I have is my Wonderbolt’s dress uniform.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful, Dashie,” Rarity squealed, clapping her front hooves together, “I have just the thing, it should complement your coloring nicely.”

Trotting off to the backroom, Rarity began singing a nameless tune as she began searching through the hanging garments before finding a garment bag labeled: ‘For Dashie, in case of emergency.’ Pulling down the bag with her magic, she returned to her friend, a wide smile on her face.

“Here we go,” Rarity said, unzipping the bag and removing it from the garment from the bag, “I made this just for you in case this situation ever came up.”

Rainbow dash was blown away. The dress was a crimson sheathe of satin and velvet, cut to show off her athletic figure and backless to accommodate her large wings.

“Rare, its amazing!” Rainbow squealed before catching herself, “You’ve outdone yourself.”

“Oh, think nothing of it, dear,” Rarity scoffed, as she placed the dress back into the garment bag, “Just let me know how your night goes.”

“Sure thing, Rarity,” Dash said excitedly, before hanging the dress over her foreleg and flying out the door.

After dropping the dress off at her cloud home, Dash went through the boxes in her attic looking for her copy of the Code of the Air. The book had been a gift from her father when she had graduated from flight school. The ancient tome had been in her family for generations. She wound need to start teaching Scootaloo what it meant to be a Pegasus and quick. Especially if she was looking to start courting Sweetie Belle.

It took her several hours to find the book thanks to several trips down memory lane. Flying down from the attic, Dash noticed that she only had an hour before she would need to meet Twilight at the restaurant. Jumping into the shower, she grabbed out her secret supply of girly shampoo and washed up, luxuriating in the smell of roses and vanilla. Washing her chromatic mane and tail, Dash enjoyed one of her rare moments of femininity. Turning off the water, Dash beat her wings as fast as she could, kicking up a small tornado to dry herself off. Leaving the bathroom and walking to her bedroom, Dash removed the dress from its protective covering and poured herself into, loving the way the material clung to her muscular curves.

Moving over to her dresser, Rainbow grabbed her hairbrush and actually made an attempt to style her mane and tail. By the time she was finished, she had managed to straighten out the normally chaotic spikes and add a few faint curls. For nearly a minute, she debated with herself whether or not to wear any makeup. Letting out a loud huff, she applied a little bit of eyeshadow and lip-gloss and decided it was enough.

Looking at her bedside clock, she found herself with just enough time to get to the restaurant and not mess up her carefully styled hair. Inside, she felt a tiny piece of well-built tomboy persona die a painful, fiery death. Walking out the front door, Dash gazed in awe at the majesty of Luna’s night. The stars hung like diamonds in the moonless sky, shining down upon all of Equestria. Spreading her wings wide, she leapt from her front porch and glided gently to the outskirts of the sleepy little town.

Landing gently, Dash walked a few feet to where Twilight was waiting for her. The youngest princess had decided to wear an altered version of her Gala gown, the poofiness of the skirt had been cut down to fit closer to her softer, feminine curves. Twilight smiled softly as Dash landed, nuzzling the cyan mare gently.

Walking side by side, Dash laid a wing over her marefriend’s back and guided her towards the podium at the entrance to The Wellspring. The open-air restaurant was centered around the circular kitchen, each station handled ably by a different colored Pegasus. Each table had a trio of lit candles centered on the crimson tablecloths. Brightly lit crystals sat at the four corners of the fenced in restaurant, glowing brightly in the night.

“Hi there,” the Hostess said in a Fillydelphian accent, grasping a pair of menus under her wings, “Miss Dash, your table for the evening is all set. If the two of you will follow me, please?”

Weaving their way between the tables, the hostess led the couple to a secluded, private table just inside the circular kitchen. As they were seated, one of the chefs trotted over, a smug smirk on his face. His mane was slicked back, the black coloring matching well with his maroon coat, a cutie mark of a silver cloche standing out under the bright lights.

“Yo, Dash,” He said, placing a bottle of wine on the table, “My sista from anotha mista. How you doin’ tonigh.”

“Manzo, you old jadrule, whatcha doin here tonight?” Dash said with a laugh, “Mari said you were gonna be off tonight.”

“Ah, I catch wind ya bringin ya main squeeze to my place and ya think I’m takin the da night off?” Manzo replied, “Maron. Princess, it’s nice to meet ya, Manzo Diavolo, at your service.”

“A pleasure, Manzo,” Twilight said, “How do you know Dashie?”

“Dashie, ha.” He laughed, “We were neighbors for like ever, went through Flight Camp together, whole shebang. Tatarus, she was best mare at my sister Maraschino’s wedding.”

“Really?” Dash deadpanned, “Just really, Manzo?”

“Ok, I’ll leave the embarrassing stories for lata,” Manzo replied with a laugh, “Fa now, Imma get back to work and let my team take good care of ya.”

And take care of them they did. Course after course of the best Istallion food Twilight had ever had. Caprese salad, polenta cakes with parmesan cheese, cheese tortellini with oil and garlic. By the time the main courses were brought out, Twilight looked like she was ready to burst while Dash looked ready for more. Twilight was served a large plate of eggplant parmesan over a bed of fresh angel hair pasta. The rich smells of cheese and fried eggplant were enough to make her mouth water. Rainbow’s dish instantly made her stomach turn. Nestled in a mound of fresh linguine covered in a dark red tomato sauce were several large shrimp.

“Dash, are you really going to eat those!” Twilight said, shocked by her marefriend’s dish.

“Of course,” She replied, using the tips of her wing to hold a fork, “I’ve been eating Manzo’s recipe for Shrimp Fra Diavolo for years.”

“But…that’s meat.” Twilight said, confused by Dash’s response.

“Pegasus eat fish all the time.” She replied, placing a large forkful of the spicy dish into her mouth, “Alicorns probably do to.”

“I think I’ll stick with the eggplant,” Twilight answered, lifting her utensils with her magic.

Dinner continued without any further issues. Wine was poured and conversation was light. As the night continued, both Twilight and Rainbow could feel themselves growing closer together. As the plates were cleared away, coffee was placed on the table alongside two portions of tiramisu.

“So how are things going with adopting Scootaloo,” Twilight asked, placing a few spoons of sugar in her coffee.

“Slowly,” Dash replied, taking a sip from her own unsweetened cup, “I managed to get most of the paperwork filled out. And tomorrow we are going to the hospital in Cloudsdale to have a flight specialist review her case. It…it would mean a lot to both of us if you came with us.”

“You couldn’t keep me away,” Twilight said with a smile, “Do you need any help with the paperwork?”

“Not really,” Rainbow replied, a light blush on her cheeks, “Just need to decide if you’re…if you’re going to be adopting her as well.”

“You want me to co-parent with you?” Twilight asked, “That’s…yes Dash of course I will.”

“You will?” Dash responded, a smile on her face, “Thank you Sparkles. I…this will mean so much to Scoots. To me. You’re amazing.”

Blushing at her marefriend’s compliment, Twilight took another sip of her coffee before taking a bite of the creamy dessert. The flavors of coffee and chocolate played across her tongue and sent pleasant tingles through her body.

“This brings up another question Dashie,” She asked, gazing into her majestic lavender eyes.

“What’s that?” Rainbow asked.

“If we are going to be Scootaloo’s parents,” She began, “I guess we should discuss Spike as well. He’s already my son, but do you want him to be yours as well.”

“Of course I do,” Dash said proudly, “I’m already close with the little guy after everything we have all been through since you guys came to town. I’d love to be his mom.”

“Look at us trying to be one big, happy family.” Dash said with a smile.

As the evening came to a close, Dash pulled a small bag of bits from her dress and set it on the table. Thanking Manzo once more for the wonderful meal, the happy couple walked happily from the restaurant and headed towards Twilight’s Castle. Placing a wing possessively over Dash’s back, Twilight walked close to the cyan mare and enjoyed the warmth coming from the Pegasus’ body. Arriving at the front gate toe the palace, Twilight turned to face Dash.

“What time should I meet you for Scootaloo’s appointment?” Twilight asked.

“Let’s pick her up around nine, that way we can make a quick stop at Sugar Cube Corner for breakfast beforehand.” Dash replied.

“Sounds like a plan,” Twilight replied, licking her lips, “I guess I should head to bed. Lots to do tomorrow.”

“Yeah, your right,” Dash replied with a smirk, “Being this awesome takes lots of rest.”

“Says the pony who spends most of her days napping,” Twilight snarked, kissing Dash on the cheek before opening the gate with her magic, “Goodnight Dashie.”

As Twilight left the stunned Pegasus on her front step, Dash’s wings responded to the kiss with a loud Flumph as they popped open. Lifting a hoof to her cheek, Rainbow let out a whoop of excitement before taking off into the air and flying back to her home. Trotting up to her room, Dash pulled the Twilight plushy from under her bed and wrapped her hooves lovingly around the small doll.

Soon, I’ll be able to cuddle the real thing every night, Dash thought as she drifted off to sleep.

How to Train Your Chicken Part 2 - To Be a Pegasus 101

Chapter 9 – How to Train Your Chicken Part 2 – To Be a Pegasus 101

Twilight, Rainbow and Scootaloo made themselves comfortable in the large library of the Castle of Friendship. Lifting a quill in her magic, Twilight wrote a quick note to the matrons of the orphanage stating that Scootaloo would be spending the night. Ringing a small bell on the table signaled to Spike that his assistance was needed.

“What’s up, Mom?” Spike asked, peaking his head in the doorway.

“I need you to send this off before you rush off to spend time with Applebloom,” Twilight replied before hoofing over the scroll, “Scootaloo is going to be spending the night and we don’t want them to get worried.”

Holding the scroll gently in his claws. Spike blew a thin stream of green fire to send the message on its way. Giving first Twilight, then a surprised Rainbow Dash a hug, the little dragon rushed out of the castle, off to meet his fillyfriend.

“So squirt, first things first,” Rainbow said, reaching her wing into her saddle bag, “This is for you.”

“A book?” Scootaloo said, accepting the gift in her outstretched hooves before reading the title, “The Code of the Air. Is this gonna be self-study cause Ms Cherilee tried that once before, it didn’t work out the well.”

“Oh no,” Rainbow replied with a laugh, “I’m going to be teaching you myself. It’s a tradition though that when a Pegasus is old enough, they are given their family’s copy of the Code, Mother to Daughter, Father to Son.”

“This…this is your family’s copy…” Scootaloo whimpered, a tear sliding along her muzzle.

“Yes it is,” Dash said, ruffling the filly’s mane, “It may not be official yet, but your my daughter now. And I’m going to help you be the best Pegasus you can be.”

Wiping the tears from her eyes, Scootaloo straightened up and fluttered her wings, a fierce determination lighting her eyes.

“So, where should we start Mama Dash,” She asked, using her wings to open the ancient book.

“First thing you need to know is that Pegasus culture started off being very military based,” Rainbow began, “I mean, you remember the Hearth’s Warming play when I played Commander Hurricane, right? For the first couple hundred years, his family was the strongest Pegasus warriors in Equestria and held the throne of Cloudsdale. After the Princess’s came to power, Cloudsdale’s ruler became more of a military advisor. Around that time, it was decided that the ruler would be decided based on a challenge called the Thunderhead Marathon.”

“Does that mean anyone can run the race?” Twilight asked, “How are you not in charge of all of Cloudsdale at this point.”

“I’m not eligible,” Dash said matter-of-factly, “My grandfather, Spectral Blaze, was the leader for almost 30 years. The Code won’t allow someone within two generations from the same family to compete. But there’s nothing stopping the squirt here from competing.”

“Oh, I am so doing that!” Scootaloo shouted, her tiny wings launching her temporarily into the air, “I’m gonna make the official sport of Cloudsdale scooter riding. Oh, and every Thursday will be free ice cream day!”

“That’s ambitious,” Twilight said with a grin, “Gonna take a lot of work though.”

“I’m not afraid of hard work,” Scootaloo growled.

“Good, because there’s gonna be a lot of long days with hard workouts,” Dash said, “Mama Twilight will take care of your meds and the Ambrosia while I handle building up those wing muscles.”

“Thanks Moms,” Scootaloo said with a smile.

“Anytime, squirt. So, you already know that Parents teach their kids how to fly, so that’s already covered.” Rainbow said before Twilight cut her off.

“I have a question on that one,” Twilight asked, “Who’s going to teach Pound Cake. His parents are both Earth ponies.”

“That’s…kind of a touchy subject,” Rainbow said, scratching the back of her neck, “Pinkie and Cup Cake actually let me in on the situation. Apparently, Mr Cake isn’t able to have foals so they used donated material from two donors, a Unicorn and a Pegasus. So, Pound Cake’s biological dad already signed off on allowing a flight instructor.”

“What did they donate?” Scootaloo asked.

“Hasn’t Cherilee gone over reproduction yet?” Twilight asked, slight panic in her voice.

“Oh, that’s next month,” Scootaloo replied, “We had to wait for Rumble to be 13 before we could have that class.”

“Cherilee will go over that.” Twilight quickly said.

“Moving on,” Rainbow giggled, “Next is a very important part of Pegasus Culture, Challenges. Any time a challenge is made it has to be met.”

“Any time?” Scootaloo asked, “That sounds kind of one sided.”

“Oh, there’s all sorts of rules on how the challenges are made,” Twilight replied with a smirk, “They have to be in writing, they have to be fair to both parties and there has to be at least three witnesses.”

“Is that why you always get so wound up when someone questions your abilities?” Scootaloo snarked at Rainbow.

“No that’s just what makes your mom the special pony she is.” Twilight joked.

“Really? Just really?” Rainbow asked, “Anyway, challenges are also how relationships are formalized.”

“What?!” Scootaloo shouted, “I’m gonna need to challenge Sweetie Belle! That’s so unfair.”

“How?’ Rainbow asked, “Like Twi said, challenges need to be fair to both participants. Once your ready to write that letter, we’ll help you come up with something fair.”

“What was your challenge?” Scootaloo asked, reading from the ancient book in front of her.

“I…I haven’t gotten around to challenging Twilight yet…” Rainbow said, fluttering her wings a little.

“Might want to get on that,” Twilight said with a grin, “Can’t have it said that the royal consort was ignoring the traditions of her people. Or the traditions of the princess for that matter.”

“Whatchootalkinbout, Twiley?” Dash asked.

“Oh my turn to teach,” Twilight replied, clapping her hooves together and grabbing a much thinner book in her magic, “So, this is called the Sages Wisdom. It is the basis for Unicorn culture that was written by Closer the Clever. Most of it details the rules for magical research but there are rules for when a Unicorn is seeking a prospective mate.”

“And those are?” Scootaloo asked, twirling her hoof.

“The interested party needs to meet with the most magically capable member of the prospective mate’s family and perform a magical test as outlined by that member.” Twilight said, quoting the passage from memory, “As detailed in the Unification Act of 25 AU, should the interested party be from a non-Unicorn race, the challenge will need to be in a field of magic pertinent to that race.”

“Magic?!” Scootaloo screeched, “Pegasus don’t use magic. I’m never gonna be able to impress Sweetie Belle’s family. I’m going to be alone forever. Who’s going to want a Pegasus that can’t fly. I’m doomed!”

“That…was an impressive freak out Scoots,” Dash said, shooting a grin at Twilight, “Geez, she is definitely our daughter.”

“Oh, hush you,” Twilight replied, a blush dusting her muzzle, “There’s nothing to worry about silly filly. While Unicorns have easier access to magic because of their horns, all Ponies have magic. Earth ponies have a strong bond with nature. That’s why they are so strong and are able to grow crops quicker than they would normally grow. Pegasi are even more special. You have the magic of the skies. Flight, weather control, and most importantly Aeromancy.”

Hearing the word Aeromancy, Rainbow Dash’s normally bright blue coloring paled to a near white as her knees began knocking. Letting out a loud “Eeep”, the Pegasus mare flipped on her back, her hind leg twitching.

“Mama Dash!” Scootaloo shouted, rushing over and shaking the older mare.

“Meep.” Dash said, repeating the word over and over again.

Getting up slowly, Twilight went to a small bathroom off of the library and retrieved a glass of water. Carrying it over in her magic, she returned to her marefriend before dumping the liquid over Dash’s head. Coughing and sputtering, Rainbow rolled to her feet and glared at Twilight.

“Better?” The princess asked.

“Yeah,” Dash replied, running a hoof through her wet mane, “Just had a flashback to flight school. I was never very good in Aeromancy class.”

“What!” Said a shocked Scootaloo, “Something Rainbow Dash isn’t awesome at?!”

“Laugh all you want to little missy,” Dash replied, “It just means its something that we will both be learning together. I’m guessing that I need to talk to you parents then, Twi.”

“No such luck, Dashie,” Twilight said with a grimace, “See, since I’m a princess, I’m part of the Royal family. That includes Cadence, Princess Luna and Princess Celestia.”

“Ok, not going to pretend that’s not a little intimidating,” Dash said, her eyes wide as saucers, “Please tell me its Cadence.”

“Nope.” Twilight replied.

“Shining Armor?” Dash guessed.

“Try again.” Twilight answered.

“Princess Celestia?” Dash whimpered.

“Getting warmer.” Twilight giggled.

“I’m doomed.” Dash sighed, collapsing onto her stomach.

Sweet Dreams are Made of This

Chapter 10 – Sweet Dreams are Made of This

Following the extended study time, Twilight made a simple meal for the three of them of hay fries. The conversation flowed easily between them, with gentle ribbing sent back and forth between Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash about their upcoming requests. The thought of having to ask Rarity for a challenge paled in comparison to having to ask Princess Luna. As the dishes were cleared away, the little filly’s head began drooping as a massive yawn split her muzzle.

“Looks like I need to get someone to bed.” Dash said, stroking a wing along Scootaloo’s back.

“But I’m no tiiirrrreeddd.” She whined, trying to slap her momsister’s wing away.

“If we want to be at Town Hall first thing, we need to go to bed a little earlier, little one.” Twilight said as she used her magic to clean the few dishes.

“Town Hall? What are we going there for?” Scootaloo asked.

“Well, there is a big stack of paperwork burning a hole in the table next to the door,” Dash said with a grin, “Quicker we get that finalized, quicker we can get to Sugar Cube Corners for your adoption party.”

“Paperwork…. finalized….adoption party….” Scootaloo repeated, her mind refusing to catch up to what was being said, “Doesn’t…doesn’t that take like a long time?”

“It’s good to be the princess.” Twilight giggled.

“Oh my Celestia, I’m such a good influence,” Dash shouted, sweeping Scootaloo into her forelegs before spiraling into the air, “I knew giving her that History book was a good idea.”

“You realize it was comedic fiction, not real history, right?” Twilight scoffed.

“Doesn’t matter, I’m awesome,” Dash crowed.

“Yes, you are, Mom,” Scootaloo replied, wrapping her forelegs around the older mare’s barrel.

Hugging the little filly tightly, Dash landed gently and set Scootaloo down before ruffling her mane.

“Twi’s right though,” She said, “Let’s get you up to bed. Got a surprise for you.”

As the two parents walked the filly through the labyrinthine corridors of the castle, they soon found themselves at a large door with Scootaloo’s cutie mark on it. Looking back at both Twilight and Rainbow, a shocked smile soon spread across Scootaloo’s muzzle. Pushing the door open, Scootaloo found a room from out of her wildest dreams. Wonderbolts posters covered the walls along with pictures of Scootaloo with her friends. A small bookshelf was filled with flight books and Daring Doo novels. Small plush animals made their home in a small wicker basket beside a filly sized, four poster cloud bed. Her scooter and helmet found pride of place near the entrance. Across from them, a door opened onto a small balcony overlooking the center courtyard.

“Welcome Home, Scootaloo.” Dash said, as she and Twilight enjoyed the expressions playing out on Scootaloo’s face.

As her wings buzzed to life, Scootaloo shot across the room, hugging first Dash then Twilight before brushing a few tears from her eyes.

“I’ve got the best family ever.” She said quietly.

“Yes, you do, sweetheart. Now, there’s a small bathroom through the door near your bed,” Twilight said, happiness shining out of her, “Go brush your teeth and then Dashie and I will read you a bedtime story.”

As the orange bullet roared into her own bathroom, Dash laughed out loud before picking up the first book in the Daring Doo series from the bookshelf. The leather cover was glossy and practically glowed under the light of the chandelier overhead. Twilight and Dash walked over to the bed just as Scootaloo emerged from the bathroom. Settling down onto the softest bed she had ever felt, Scoots was still in awe over her new home.

An hour passed as both Dash and Twilight took turns reading the book to their filly. As her purple eyes drifted shut, Dash placed a feather from her wing in to act as a bookmark. Placing the book on the small end table, the two adults left the room, leaving the filly to her dreams before retiring to their own room for the night.

******

Dash dreamed of flying high above the clouds, Scootaloo and Twilight flying beside her. They darted around each other, flitting in and around clouds with the precision that could only be rivaled by the Wonderbolts themselves. The exuberance and speed shown by the younger Pegasus was infectious as both Twilight and Rainbow Dash began completing more complex aerial maneuvers. After completing a complicated series of loops and spirals, Dash found herself crashing through the sky as if it were made of glass. Finding herself in a cavernous hallway, Dash tried to go back the way she had come, only to find the shattered reality quickly heal itself.

“Rainbow Dash! Present thy self to our royal personage at once!” Shouted a familiar voice in Old Equish using the Royal Canterlot Voice.

Following the cavernous hallway, Rainbow soon found herself in the throne room of the Castle of the Two Sisters. Seated on a large silver cushion at the top of a large, stepped dais was Nightmare Moon in all her villainous splendor. Walking to the base of the stepped dais, Rainbow knelt and waited for the monarch to command her.

“You may rise, Element of Loyalty,” Nightmare Moon commanded.

“Yes, your Highness,” Dash replied, instantly snapping to attention while in the presence of the Princess.

Rising from the cushion, Nightmare Moon began to descend the steps leading to her subject, her silver horseshoes sending musical peals through the air. As she reached the bottom of the dais, she could not help but beginning to laugh. With a surge of shadowy magic from her horn, Nightmare Moon transformed back into Princess Luna.

“Oh relax, Rainbow,” Luna said, sitting on her flank, “I was merely playing a prank on you. How are you?”

“I’m good, Luna,” Dash replied, finally cracking a smile, “Seems a little convenient you are calling me to your dream palace thingy like this.”

“Oh, there is no coincidence,” Luna said, fluttering her wings, “I hear all things said under the night sky I paint. I believe there is something that you need to ask of me, is there not?”

“Um, yeah ok, thought I would have more time for this,” Dash said, slightly worried, “So, it’s like this, I want to become Twilight’s consort and apparently I need to ask you for a challenge since you’re the most magically gifted member of Twi’s family and she was a unicorn before she became an alicorn.”

“Ah yes, Twilight Sparkle,” Luna said with a smile, “A brilliant young sorceress in her own right and for all intents and purposes the adopted daughter of our illustrious sister, unspoken though it be. Also, to clarify young Pegasus, Unicorns offer tests, not challenges.”

“I understand, Ma’am,” Dash replied, gulping audibly before sitting up as straight as she could, “Princess Luna, Diarch of Equestria, Painter of the Night Sky and Guardian of Dreams, I formally request your guidance and ask what test you would put before me to be able to request the hoof of the fair Princess Twilight Sparkle.”

“I do so love when I get the pleasure of speaking with Pegasi, so formal and militaristic,” Luna said to herself before addressing Rainbow directly, “Rainbow Dash, Daughter of Buccaneer Blaze and Glistening Star, Element of Loyalty and Savior of Equestria many times over, the test I put before you is to utilize your skills in Aeromancy to accomplish for myself what others have accomplished for our illustrious sister. I request that you create for me a pearl of crystalized moonbeam the size of one of your friend Applejack’s prized wares. Do this one task, and we shall grant you permission to wed our niece in all but blood.”

“I…Aeromancy…moonbeam!?” Dash squeaked, “Um, I mean, as you request your highness. I shall present to you an apple sized pearl of crystalized moonbeam in two weeks’ time.”

“Tis no small task I have set before you,” Luna asked, a look of shock on her muzzle as she slipped once again into old Equish, “Art thou sure thou dost not require more time?”

“Two weeks, Princess Luna,” Rainbow repeated, determination burning in her eyes, “The Summer Sun celebration is in 3 weeks and I want to be able to propose to Twilight on the anniversary of our first meeting.”

“In the past, Rainbow Dash, you have said that you are not one for the ‘mushy stuff’,” Luna said, a smile on her face, “Yet you are truly an old school romantic deep down. Very well, I will send several of our personal Weather Ponies the Canterlot Weather Factory to begin the process of liquifying moonlight. You should be able to collect the first sample of the material in 3 days. Make sure you are prepared.”

“I will be,” Dash replied, saluting the Diarch, “Now, how can I get back to my dream.”

Igniting her horn once again, Luna cracked the dreamscape again, leading to the same sky Dash had found herself in previously. As the prismatic Pegasus flew out to join her family in the sky again, a shiver passed through Luna’s body, summoning her to a dream realm currently under assault from a rogue nightmare.

******

Scootaloo dreamed of walking through the streets of Ponyville, a fluffy, white unicorn filly beside her. The happiness and excitement of the new couple was evident on their faces. Occasionally, Sweetie Belle would lean over and brush against her orange furred marefriend who would return the same affection with a gentle touch from her small wings.

“Sweetie Belle, what in Discord’s name do you think your doing?” Called a high-pitched, whiny voice from behind the couple.

Turning around, Sweetie and Scootaloo found themselves being stared down by the angry form of Rarity. Her horn was wreathed in a violent corona of periwinkle colored magic, flames erupting from her mane and tail.

“Rarity, why are you so mad?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“I am mad, young lady, because you are out galivanting with this little miscreant,” Rarity shrieked, “And as a proper young lady, you should be investing your time into finding an appropriate young colt, not this crippled degenerate orphan. Now, get home this instant.”

Sweetie Belle moved closer to Scootaloo as the young Pegasus flared her nostrils and spread her wings threateningly.

“Who are you to call me names,” Scootaloo roared, “How can you judge me!”

“Very easily, you horrible little cretin,” Rarity scoffed, “I am a well bred and successful businessmare where as you are a filthy filly-fooler orphan who can’t fly. The best that could ever come from your life would be to live out the rest of your miserable life on the streets like the little vermin you are.”

Charging up the magic held within her horn, Rarity launched a burst of pale blue energy straight at Scootaloo, launching her down the street before encasing Sweetie Belle in a bubble of energy and dragging her to Rarity’s side.

“I am not…a vermin, whatever that is,” Scootaloo wheezed as she struggled to her feet, “I am Scootaloo, adoptive daughter of Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle, sister to Spikereous Sparkle. I am going to fly thanks to both of my mothers and will not allow a monster like you to stand between me and my Sweetie Belle. Not to mention you’re a hypocrite for calling me a ‘filthy filly-fooler’ after all the things I heard about you and Coco Pommel. So let her go or I will make you.”

In a burst of rage, the flames billowing from Rarity’s hair rose into a typhoon. Charging the magic into her horn once more, Rarity launched a sustained blast of near white energy, carving a deep trench in the road. Scootaloo closed her eyes and prepared to take the impact. But the pain of that much magical energy hitting her tiny body never came. Opening her eyes, Scootaloo found herself in the presence of Princess Luna, a black shadowy shield of energy erupting from the ground and deflecting the beam of destruction.

“That is enough!” Luna bellowed, using the Royal Canterlot voice, “Tarry here no longer!”

With another surge of shadowy magic, the nightmare dissolved back into pure dream energy as the world dissolved into shifting sands.

“Thanks, Princess,” Scootaloo said, still out of breath from the encounter, “What are you doing here?”

“Your nightmare drew my attention,” Luna replied, reforming the world around them, “Perhaps a more pleasant dream with calm your fears.”

Scootaloo’s scooter seemed to form itself out of the ground. Her signature purple helmet hung from the handlebars. Climbing onto the scooter, the orange filly ruffled her wings before donning the protective headpiece. Lifting a small salute to Luna, Scootaloo buzzed her wings and shot off down the road towards Sugar Cube Corner. Waiting for her outside the bakery was Sweetie Belle, a pale green helmet at her feet. Drifting to a stop in front of the young Unicorn, Scootaloo winked at her before offering her hoof.

“Hey Sweetie, going my way?” She asked, flashing a Rainbow Dash like smirk at her fillyfriend.

“I’d follow you anywhere fluff-head.” Sweetie replied with a blush, strapping on her own helmet before climbing onto the scooter and wrapping her forelegs around Scootaloo’s barrel.

As the pair shot off down the street, Luna couldn’t help but laugh to herself.

Young love, so innocent, so pure, She thought, they really are so precious.

Adoption Day

Chapter 11- Adoption Day

Celestia’s sun crested the peak of Canterlot Mountain, bathing the land of Equestria in golden rays of life-giving light. As the sun shone down on the Castle of Friendship, a single shaft of light made its way through the silk drapes of Twilights bedroom. As the glowing beam made its quiet journey across the floor, it quickly reached the sleeping form of Rainbow Dash as she lay with her hooves and wings wrapped around her Princess’s barrel. As the shining light shone in her tightly closed eyes, she struggled to stay asleep, but it was to no avail. Gently unwrapping herself from around Twilight, Dash rolled off the bed onto the cold, crystalline floor. Fluttering her wings a little to relieve any stiffness, she walked around to the other side of the bed and gently shook Twilight awake.

“Wakey wakey, Sparkles, time to get the kiddos up and head to Town Hall.” She said with a grin.

“…you need to wake her up with a kiss…” whispered Twilight, trying not to move her lips as she pretended to be asleep.

“Oh, well if you insist.” Dash snarked, leaning down and giving Twilight a brain melting, soul searing kiss.

“Mmmmm best marefriend ever,” Twilight giggled, finally opening her eyes, “You go get the kids up while I get ready.”

“Oh yeah, give me the hard job, thanks sweetie,” Dash replied, before turning to the door, giving a little wiggle of her flank as she walked.

Nudging the door open with her wing, Dash walked across the hall first and knocked on Spike’s door, waiting until she heard the young Dragon walking around. Walking a short way down the hallway, she knocked gently on Scootaloo’s door next. When she didn’t hear any movement from within the room, Dash nudged open the door and poked her head inside.

“Scoots? Time to get up squirt, we need to go to Town Hall.” Rainbow called, knocking on the door again as she walked inside.

Looking towards the bed, Dash could still see the filly curled up under her blankets, the slow rhythmic rise and fall of her breathing signaling that she was still asleep. Walking over to the bed, Dash tried again, gently shaking the filly this time.

“Come on, silly filly,” Dash repeated, “Rise and shine, we got things to do.”

“…mumble mumble…five more minutes, mom…” Scootaloo grumbled as she pulled the blankets tighter around her.

A wicked smile spread across her face as Dash reared back on her back legs and flared her wings before crowing like a rooster. As the loud noise echoed around the bedroom, poor Scoots shot into the air, her wings buzzing like a hummingbird before she bounced onto her cloud bed. Glaring at her soon-to-be mother, Scootaloo shook out her mane and tail before ruffling her wings.

“One, that was mean. I was having a really nice dream.” Scootaloo said.

“Dreaming about fluffy little Unicorns, were we?” Rainbow teased.

“Two, how did you do that, it was so cool.” Scootaloo asked, ignoring the gentle ribbing.

“Oh, the whole imitation thing?” Dash answered, rubbing her hoof on her chest floof, “That’s a little trick your grandad taught me. I’ll teach it to you while we work on getting our…Aeromancy skills up to scratch.”

“Why do you get all twitchy when you talk about that kinda stuff, mom?” Scootaloo asked, leaping off the bed and walking towards her bathroom.

“That is a story for a different time,” Dash replied with a shudder, “For now, get cleaned up. Knowing Sparkles, we’re gonna be heading out soon.”

As the filly walked into the bathroom and shut the door, Dash returned to her and Twilight’s room just as Twilight was walking out of the bathroom. Temporarily mesmerized by the sight of her marefriend, her mane dripping from the shower, Dash was rooted to the spot. Seductively, Twilight walked over to Rainbow and gave her a quick nuzzle.

“Tag, your it, featherbrain.” Twilight said with a smile, “Go take a shower and see if you can straighten out that bird’s nest on top of your head.”

“Hey, not all of us can roll out of bed looking like a practically perfect princess first thing in the morning.” Rainbow snarked, “Do you mind if I borrow your body wash? I haven’t had a chance to pick up more yet.”

“Not worried about smelling like sunshine and flowers?” Twi asked, a smirk on her face.

“There is no way you have a body wash like that.” Dash replied.

Walking out the door, Twilight paused and looked over her shoulder.

“Its good to be the Princess.” She said before leaving the room to check on Spike and Scootaloo.

Walking into the bathroom, Dash marveled over how someone could take a shower without kicking a rain cloud. Fiddling with the strange silver knobs, Rainbow eventually figured out how to get the shower hot enough for her. Lifting the bottle of body wash with her wing, Dash realized that Twilight did indeed have bodywash that was called Sunshine and Flowers. Taking a quick smell, it reminded her of all of the best parts of springtime. Squeezing a generous dollop onto her wings, Dash lathered up and rinsed off before working some more into her mane.

Stepping out of the shower, Rainbow kicked up a miniature tornado to dry off and began hacking at her mane with a hairbrush. Once it resembled something close to what Twilight would consider ‘acceptable’, Dash brushed her teeth before leaving the bathroom.

Walking towards the front door, Rainbow saw Twilight fussing over Scootaloo’s mane as Spike began tying on his bowtie. Putting on her saddlebag, Dash retrieved the stack of important papers from the side table near the door.

“Everybody ready?” Dash asked, giving Twilight a nuzzle.

“We’re set,” Spike and Scootaloo answered at the same time before looking at each other and laughing.

“Then head out,” Twilight said, her royal tiara fixed firmly on her head.

Walking out the large double doors, Twilight and Rainbow kept the younger ones between them, a bounce in everyone’s step as they wandered through the town. Before long, they found themselves at the towering town hall. Entering the front door, they soon found their way to the desk of Mayor Mare.

The tan pony was seated behind her desk, a teacup clasped in her hooves. Looking up, from the stack of papers she was reading, a gentle smile spread across her face.

“Princess Sparkle, Miss Dash, so wonderful to see you,” She said, setting her teacup aside, “Do you have all of the paperwork prepared?”

“Yeah, right here,” Dash replied, pulling the stack of papers from her saddle bag with her teeth before placing them on the desk, “Everything is set for Sparkles and I to become these two’s parents.”

“Oh my,” Mayor Mare replied, clutching her hoof to her chest, “I wasn’t aware you would be adopting young Spike as well Miss Dash. That shouldn’t be a problem though.”

Pulling the adoption paperwork in front of her, she began leafing through it verifying all of the information. Looking up with a smile, she grabbed a small stamp in her teeth and stamped a few places. Returning the stamper to its ink pad, Mayor Mare tapped a small bell on her desk, summoning a pair of squirrels from a small house hanging from the ceiling.

“Now dears,” She said, addressing the squirrels, “Take these down to the archives and make sure they are filed correctly.”

Flicking the Mayor a small salute, the squirrels rolled up the paper work and scampered through a small doggy door built into the bottom of the wall. Reaching into her desk, Mayor Mare pulled out to blank adoption certificates as well as an ink pot and quill. Taking the quill in her mouth, she filled out the pertinent fields before sliding them across the desk.

“Now, Young Spike and Scootaloo, I need to ask. As you are old enough to make your own decisions, do you have any reservations or concerns with Princess Twilight Sparkle and Miss Rainbow Dash adopting you?”

“I don’t,” Spike said, “Twilight has been taking care of me for as long as I can remember, and Dash is pretty awesome.”

“Me either,” Scootaloo replied, “Mama Twilight and Mama Dash are the most amazing moms ever.”

“Well then,” Mayor Mare said with a laugh, “Princess Twilight, Miss Dash, if you would please sign on the dotted line for each certificate. Once that is completed, you will both officially be the parents of Spikereous Sparkle-Dash and Scootaloo Sparkle-Dash.”

With a flourish, both Twilight and Rainbow signed their names on the forms before sweeping both Scootaloo and Spike into bone crushing hugs.

“Next stop,” Twilight began.

“Adoption Party!” Dash finished, happy in the knowledge that she had an amazing family.

Parties, Tests and New Arrivals

Chapter 12 – Parties, Tests and New Arrivals

Despite being in their early teens, both Spike and Scootaloo began running down the street back towards the castle, laughing and playing the entire way. It pleased both Twilight and Rainbow Dash that their children were getting along and made them hopeful for the future.

“Think Pinkie will have everything set up,” Dash asked, draping her wing over the princess’s back, “I mean, we might be taking our time, but those speed demons are tearing through town like Sombra himself was chasing them.”

“It’s Pinkie,” came Twilight’s answer, “I have long since given up finding out how she does what she does or if something is impossible for her. She just is.”

“So…Luna visited my dreams last night,” Dash said awkwardly.

“Oh really, do tell Dashie.” Twilight teased.

“Oh, haha,” Dash said, bumping Twilight with her flank, “You know you’re the only princess for me. She did give me my test. Its…a doozie.”

“How big of a doozie?” Twilight asked, concern creeping into her voice.

“She’s sending her personal weather ponies to the Weather Factory,” Rainbow explained, “And in three days’ time, I’m expected to show up there and pick up a sample of liquified moonbeam so I can work on creating a pearl of crystalized moonbeam the size of an apple and I have to complete it in 2 weeks so I can present it to her before the Summer Sun Celebration.”

“That’s…intense,” Twilight replied, floored by the test put before Dash, “Two weeks? That’s not a lot of time, especially with your fear-“

“Fear? Who said anything about fear, I’m not afraid!” Dash shouted, panic in her voice, “I just have a minor aversion to Aeromancy thanks to flight school.”

“Ok, your aversion to Aeromancy.” Twilight said with a giggle, “May I continue? Moving on, you will need to relearn Aeromancy and use it to replicate one of the most difficult tasks in Equestria. A task that has been thought to be impossible since the time of the Pillars. And you’re going to complete this in two weeks.”

“Too ambitious?” Dash asked, flashing her trademark cocky grin.

“You wouldn’t be my Dashie if you weren’t ambitious,” Twilight giggled, “Come on, lets catch up to the kids. Would not look good for the adopted children of the resident Princess to be causing too much chaos.”

“You realize our daughter is one of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, right?” Dash said with a laugh tearing off down the street, sending up a cloud of dust.

“And what will they say about the Royal Consort!” Twilight shouted, before chasing after the three of them.

Arriving at the front gates of the Palace of Friendship, Twilight found Spike, Rainbow and Scootaloo all sitting in front of the gates, innocent looks on their faces.

“I thought it would be a better idea if we all went into the party together.” Dash said, ruffling her feathers.

“Well then, let’s not keep our guests waiting any more than we have to.” Twilight replied, draping a wing over Dash’s back.

Watching the children rush a head of them again, Twilight noticed a blush darkening Dash’s cheeks.

“Does it make you uncomfortable when I place my wing on your back?” She asked.

“No…not uncomfortable…” Dash stammered, “Placing a wing over another Ponies back as a Pegasus is a sign of possession.”

“Well, you are my Dashie,” Twilight answered, “Why shouldn’t I be possessive?”

“…we haven’t had our challenge yet.” Dash replied shyly, “So, there’s a chance that I could win and I would be your Strategos. It means-“

“It means you would be the dominant part of our relationship.” Twilight said, interrupting her marefriend, “It means you would be able to make all of the decisions for our family.”

“You’d also be the first Princess to the underwing to a Pegasus.” Dash said with a smile, “Tell ya the truth though Twi, I’m kind of interested in being your underwing though.”

“Well, this will be good practice for when I win your challenge,” Twilight teased, leaning in close and kissing Dash’s cheek.

Turning right at one of the intersecting hallways, the happy couple could hear the deep rumble of music coming from the open door of the ballroom. Walking into the cavernous room, Twilight and Rainbow were shocked by what their cotton candy colored friend had been able to throw together in a couple of hours.

Rainbow colored streamers were draped from the circular balcony to the magically lit chandelier suspended high above the dancefloor. Tables were spread all over the room, four settings to a table. The back wall had a large stage against it, towering speakers belting out the controlled chaos created by Vinyl Scratch and her marefriend Octavia Philharmonic. Ponies of all ages crowded the dance floor, dancing to the music either on their own or paired up together. Spike, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom were standing over near the catering tables, loading plates full of sugary treats. Applejack had commandeered a corner of the room and stood with Big Mac, Rarity and Fluttershy next to a large stack of Sweet Apple Acres Cider, both kid friendly and the harder adult version. Overseeing the festivities like the King and Queen of Partytown were Cheese Sandwich and Pinkie Pie, mingling amongst the partygoers easily. As soon as the pink mare saw her friends, Pinkie Pie lifted an old-fashioned megaphone to her muzzle.

“Everyone, can I have your attention please,” She shouted, excitement causing her to bounce in place, “The other half of the guests of honor have finally arrived. Presenting my good friends, Princes Twilight Sparkle and her royal consort, Rainbow Dash.”

As the words left her mouth, the ballroom erupted into cheers and applause for the new parents. A blush on her face from the sudden attention, Twilight waved to everyone while Dash basked in the attention. Winding their way through the crowds of ponies, they soon found themselves with the older crowd in the back corner, mugs of cider in their hooves.

“So, darlings, do tell, how does it feel being the parents to that rambunctious pair of foals?” Rarity asked, swaying gently from the adult beverage.

“Well, I’ve been raising Spike since the day he hatched,” Twilight said, “So that’s nothing new. Scootaloo’s a little more energetic than I’m used to, but she’s an amazing little filly and we love her.”

“Couldn’t ask for a cooler pair of kids if I wanted to,” Dash replied with a smile, “Can’t wait to start teaching Scoots how to fly.”

“That thar filly’s been itchin ta get in the air as long as ah can remember,” Applejack drawled, “Not to mention, she’s been lookin up ta yah fer a while now Rainbow.”

“Eyup.” Big Mac said, leaning against one of the larger barrels.

“And just think, all four of those adorable troublemakers have paired off now,” Rainbow said, waving her wing over towards where the kids sat, “Might even need some more attentive supervision if you know what I’m talking about during their sleepovers.”

“I know Applebloom and Spike are seeing each other,” Fluttershy asked, “But who are Sweetie and Scootaloo involved with?”

“Nice going Dashie,” Twilight hissed before turning back to their friends, “Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle have decided to begin courting each other.”

“Oh, that’s so cute,” Fluttershy said, a warm smile on her face.

“Yes it is,” Rarity said, taking a long drink from a mug held in her magic, “Which reminds me, I need to have a discussion with Scootaloo today.”

“Have you decided what her test will be, Rares?” Dash asked.

“Oh yes, I know just the thing,” Rarity replied curtly, “And she will definitely need your guidance, Rainbow Dash. If you’ll excuse me.”

********

As Rarity crossed the crowded dance floor, a bright flash of green burst from the table Spike and the Crusaders were sitting at. Disguising the flaming burp as a cough, Spike placed a small scroll on the table before turning towards his moms. The sight of a determined Rarity marching across the ballroom sent a tingle of fear through the young Drake.

“Look out Scoots, incoming Rarity at 9 o’clock.” He said, nodding towards his little sister.

“Oh good, that gives me plenty of time before I have to talk to her tonight.” Scootaloo said, oblivious to the oncoming storm.

“I think she means that she’s coming over here from your left side Scoots,” Sweetie giggled, giving the orange filly a nuzzle, “Like right now.”

“Wait, what?” Scootaloo asked.

“I believe she is saying that I am here right now to address the fact that you are currently interested in dating my sister.” Rarity said, a smirk on her face.

Scootaloo whirled around and found herself muzzle to muzzle with the older unicorn. Taking a deep breath, Scootaloo fluttered her wings and tried to use the self-assured look her new mom usually used.

“Yeah, I’m interested in dating Sweetie Belle,” Scootaloo said, “And I am formally requesting whatever test you feel is appropriate so that I can have your permission to openly be with her.”

“You are definitely your mother’s daughter, I’ll give you that,” Rarity said with a laugh, “Very well, produce for me a gemstone made of crystalized rainbow by the Summer Sun Celebration and I shall see you as worthy of my little sister.”

“Three weeks…” Scootaloo squeaked, her eyes going wide, “I mean, of course. I will have it for you by then, Ms. Rarity.”

“Very good then,” Rarity replied, before turning around and looking over her shoulder, “I look forward to seeing what you can produce.”

As Scootaloo watched her fillyfriend’s sister walk away, all of her bluster and confidence whooshed out of her like a deflated balloon. Collapsing onto the table, her stubby wings fell to her sides and a long, drawn-out sigh escaped her lips.

“Ya’ll ok there, Scoots?” Applebloom asked, reaching her hoof across the table.

“Well, my fillyfriend’s sister has given me a test based on Pegasus magic, which I have absolutely no experience with and my mom locks up any time someone so much as breathes the word Aeromancy.” Scootaloo replied, “Meaning I am up against a wall and will have to work twice as hard. Its just like learning to fly. It’s frustrating. At least it will be worth it in the end when I succeed.”

“Your…your not worried you’re going to fail?” Sweetie gasped.

“I am Scootaloo Sparkle-Dash,” She replied, iron creeping into her voice, “Failure is something other ponies need to worry about. It’s just like when I’m doing one of my scooter tricks. No matter how many times I fall down or get hurt, I’m gonna get right back up.”

With a loud squeak, Sweetie Belle leapt forward and tackled Scootaloo to the ground before giving the orange filly a fierce but chaste kiss. Gagging slightly at the sight of his sister making out with her crush, Spike grabbed the scroll he had just been sent before motioning for Applebloom to follow him.

********

Twilight watched with a smile as her daughter’s fillyfriend tackled her in a passionate embrace and her son escaped as quickly as he could, his own special somepony trotting beside him. Leaning against the sky-blue Pegasus beside her, she enjoyed the warmth coming from her consort and sighed to herself.

“You ok over there, Sparkles?” Dash asked.

“Yeah,” Twilight answered, nuzzling the mare beside her, “Just realizing that I’ve never been happier than I am right now.”

“Can’t argue with that,” Dash replied, “We’ve got an awesome little family. I’ll be able to get Scoots in the sky in no time. Same with Spike once his wings come in.”

“Do…do you mean it Rainbow Dash?” Spike asked, finally making his way through the crowd, “You’ll teach me to fly, even though I’m not a Pegasus?”

“Why wouldn’t I?” Dash asked, cocking her head to the side, “I helped Sparkles here learn to fly, I’m gonna teach your sister to fly. Celestia, it’s practically a family tradition at this point.”

Shocked and at a loss for words, Spike through his scaly arms around Dash’s neck as a few tears rolled down his snout to be absorbed by her fur. Straightening up, he wiped the tears from his eyes.

“That means a lot to me…mom,” Spike said, trying to look cool in front of Applebloom, “Um, yeah, Aunt Cadence sent this.”

“I’ll take that,” Twilight said, grabbing the scroll in her magic, “Looks like your sister is done making out with Sweetie Belle, why don’t the four of you hit the dance floor.”

“Sounds like a good idea, don’t want to see my mom’s being all lovey dovey either.” He said with a laugh.

Ignoring his little verbal jab, Twilight unrolled the scroll and read the message to herself.

“Looks like the guards are being transferred on the day of the Summer Sun celebration,” She said to her friends, “So we’ve got a deadline for building the barracks. Cadence also included the information about the Guard Captain she’s sending. Apparently, he volunteered for the posting.”

“Lucky us,” Applejack slurred, already into her fourth glass of cider, “What’s the name of this high falutin Captain that bein sent our way?”

“Somepony by the name of Flash Sentry.” Twilight answered, “I think we met him a couple times when we were up north.”

“Did…did ya’ll say Flash Sentry?” Applejack asked, the color draining from her normally orange face, “I…he…that…eeep!”

As her eyes rolled back in her head, Applejack collapsed to the ground like a puppet who had their strings cut. As Fluttershy tried to rouse the farm pony, Big Mac shook his head in amusement.

“Mac, darling, would you like to enlighten us about your sister’s rather amusing reaction?” Rarity asked, a grin on her face.

“Eyup,” He replied, Sitting on his flank and taking a mug of cider in his hoof, “AJ there had some powerful feelin’s fer that Flash Sentry feller when they were both yungins. She took over her responsibilities on tha farm fore they could work things out tween themselves and he ran off and joined the guard. I’m thinking them thar feelings didn’t ever really go away.”

“How romantic!” Rarity squealed, “Young love separated by time and distance, reunited after years apart to fan the flames of passion.”

“Yay!” Pinkie screamed, “I get to throw a huge welcome to Ponyville party once they get here.”

“Don’t go to overboard, Pinkster,” Dash said, “We’ve got the Summer Sun Celebration to plan for as well.”

“Between Cheese and I, we’ve got this,” Pinkie said, a manic glee in her eyes, “I mean, what could possibly go wrong.”

Dash glared at the pink pony as a chill went through the group’s bodies.

“You fool, you’ve doomed us all.” Dash whispered before draining the rest of her cider.

Author's Note

Apologies to everyone on the major delay in getting this new chapter up. Writers block is a real thing. Hope you all enjoy.

We're Gonna Need a Montage Part 1

Chapter 13 – We’re Gonna Need a Montage Part 1

Day 1 After Test Acceptance (ATA), 13 days remaining until deadline.

Rainbow Dash awoke with the sun, a determined look etched on her face as she rushed into the library. Combing the shelves, she eventually found several books on beginner and advanced Aeromancy as well as an ancient tome detailing the magical process to create crystalized rainbow.

This…looks complicated, Dash thought, carefully flicking through the aged book with her wing tips, And I have to teach Scootaloo while learning to do it myself. Luna and Rarity wouldn’t have asked for this if it was impossible though.

Setting all of the books to the side on a small table, Dash went to the kitchen first to collect an assortment of healthy foods before walking back to Scootaloo’s room. Knocking gently on the door, Dash expected to hear some sounds of movement from the room. When no answer came, Dash knocked again, louder this time. When she found silence to be the only reply, Dash poked her head in the room and saw the orange filly snuggled deep into the covers of her bed, a wide smile stretched across her face, her hooves wrapped tightly around a large stuffed bear.

“Mmmm, I like cuddling with you, Sweetie Belle,” Scootaloo mumbled, sleep still holding a firm grasp on her tiny form as her wings extended with a light ‘fumph’.

Oh wow, Dash thought, a blush staining her cheeks, I was soooo not ready for that.

“Scoots, come on,” Dash said sternly, a blush on her face, “It’s time to get up, we’ve got learning to do.”

“Huh…wha…” Scootaloo said, looking around with bleary eyes, “It’s summertime, I shouldn’t have to learn…”

“Your right, it is summer,” Dash said, dragging the filly out of bed by her scruff, “Which means I have two weeks to complete my ‘test’ and you have three. And that’s including all of the time we need to teach both of us Aeromancy.”

Rubbing a hoof over her eyes to clear the crust away, Scootaloo blinked a few times as she started to fully wake up.

“Breakfast at Sugar Cube Corner?” She asked, her eyes shining.

“Yeah, no,” Dash mumbled around the filly held gently in her mouth, “Healthy food only until further notice. Now, you head down to the Library while I grab our snacks again.”

Setting the orange filly down, Dash retrieved the small bags of healthy treats she had collected before following Scootaloo down the hall and into the library. Seeing the shocked look on the younger Pegasus’s face, Dash couldn’t help but smile.

“I’ve got to learn all of this!?” Scootaloo asked, staring wide eyed at the large pile of books waiting for them.

“Both of us do, Squirt,” Rainbow replied, ruffling the filly’s mane with her wing, “We’ll start with the beginner books for today and tomorrow we will try to do some practical exercises.”

For hours the two Pegasi sat in comfortable silence, pouring through the books detailing their tribe’s innate magic. Snacks were eaten periodically, but the entire time Dash and Scootaloo sat in quiet contemplation of what they were reading. Eventually, Twilight wandered into the library on her own looking for her two favorite girls. Seeing them, heads bent over ponderous tomes of magical knowledge, brought a smile to her face. Until she got nearer and heard the unmistakable sound of two ponies snoring.

“Hey, wake up you two,” Twilight said, raising her voice slightly, “Its nearly sundown. Have you been at this all day?”

“Hey Mama Twilight,” Scootaloo said, shaking her head to clear away the cobwebs, “Yeah, we’ve been studying all day. We’ve gotta learn this stuff or else Momma Dash can’t be with you and I won’t get to be with my squishy marshmallow pony.”

“Yeah, don’t make me think about you and Sweetie Belle,” Dash said, yawning loudly, “Walking in on your snuggle dream this morning was bad enough.”

“You WHAT?!” Scootaloo squeaked, her face turning a darker shade of reddish orange.

“Well, you didn’t answer when I knocked.” Dash answered.

“New family rule,” Twilight said, trying to stop a family argument, “Three knocks before going into the kid’s rooms. Agreed?”

“Sounds fair,” Dash answered, before turning to her marefriend, “So, what’s for dinner?”

Day 2 ATA, 12 days remaining until deadline

The early morning light shone down upon the open field surrounding the Palace of Friendship. Several buckets of water littered the grounds, ready for the first hands on lesson in Aeromancy.

“Alright Scoots,” Dash said, shifting into Coach Mode, “From what we read yesterday, what’s the most form of Aeromancy?”

“Um…ok yeah, Weather control is an offshoot of Aeromancy, but the most basic form of Pegasi magic is being able to make clouds.”

“Awesome,” Dash said with a grin, “Glad one of us was paying attention. So, how does a Pegasus create a cloud?”

“That’s easy,” Scootaloo said, bouncing slightly, “By touching a source of water, they force it from a liquid to a gas and form it into fluffy piles of awesome.”

“Well then, lead on,” Rainbow said, motioning towards the nearest bucket, “Let’s see who can make the most clouds.”

Breaking into a run, both Pegasi began moving between the buckets laid out on the castle grounds. Being larger and quicker than her daughter, Dash reached the first bucket and dipped her hoof into it cautiously, focusing intently on drawing the liquid out and forming into cloud vapor. Her first attempt was shaky, only a few thin strands winding around her hoof. Gritting her teeth and growling lightly, she thrust her entire foreleg into the bucket before pulling it back out, now covered in a dense layer of fluff. Wiping her other foreleg along the cloud covered one, Dash collected the cottony goodness into a ball the size of a small melon. Looking over her shoulder, Dash began to brag before the words died on her lips.

Scootaloo had reached her own bucket and gently tapped the surface of the water, focusing her magic like the book had said. When there wasn’t an immediate response, Scootaloo squeezed her eyes tightly shut and forced every ounce of magic in her tiny body into her hoof. With a massive ‘whoosh’, all of the water in the bucket rocketed skywards as it solidified into a column of shimmering, crystalline ice. Tapping a hoof against the frigid surface, Scootaloo was shocked by what she had accomplished.

“Um, Mama Dash, I think I did something wrong.” Scootaloo shrieked, panic radiating through her words.

“Not wrong, just different,” Dash replied, in awe of what the squirt had done, “Looks like you skipped step one and moved into step two.”

“Is that a good thing?” Scootaloo asked.

“Its impressive, that’s for sure.” Rainbow replied, “Lets try again, remember, think fluffy cloudy goodness.”

And so, it continued throughout the day. Dash slowly, but surely began to get a better handle on creating clouds from water. Scootaloo, on the other hoof, was still having issues. She would either produce singular wisps of nearly invisible vapor or the entire bucket would erupt into subarctic geysers of ice. Finally giving into her frustration as the sun began to set, Scootaloo kicked over her latest failure, sending the frozen pillar falling to the ground where it shattered into razor sharp shards.

“Why can’t I get this!” She screamed, tears falling from her rose-colored eyes, “I’m either getting nothing or I’m overshooting, there’s no middle ground.”

“Give it time weein’,” Dash said, wrapping a wing around the sobbing filly, “Only reason I’m able to do this at all is because I was trained how to do it when I was little, as much as I avoided it. Today’s only been your first day of practice.”

“But I’ve only got 19 days left!” Scootaloo shouted, stamping her hoof, “I should have asked Rarity for more time.”

“I can tell you why you didn’t,” Dash said with a smile, “I may not have given birth to you, but I’m your mom in every way that matters. And you are definitely your mother’s daughter. Second best is not an option. Quitting is for lesser Ponies. You are a Dash. We never say die, we never give up, we practice until we fall down then we get back up and do it again until we get it right. Now, who are you.”

“I’m…I’m Scootaloo…” The filly replied with a sniffle.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that.” Rainbow teased.

“I’m Scootaloo.” She answered, more forcefully.

“One more time?” Rainbow asked, trying to hype up her little pony.

“I AM SCOOTALOO SPARKLE-DASH!” She shouted, leaping out from under Rainbow’s wing and glaring at the nearest bucket of water, “AND I WILL NEVER GIVE UP UNTIL I AM THE BEST AEROMANCER EVER!”

“Yes, you are,” Dash replied, “But for now, you need to rest. You can practice again all day tomorrow while I’m picking up supplies form the weather factory.”

“If I have to,” Scootaloo said, the fire still burning behind her eyes, “Doesn’t mean I can’t stay up tonight and keep reading.”

“That’s my girl.” Dash shouted, scooping the filly up into her forelegs.

We're Gonna Need a Montage Part 2

Chapter 14 – We’re Gonna Need a Montage Part 2

Day 3 ATA, 11 days remaining until deadline

Waking up before the rising sun, Rainbow Dash hurried to setup the training field for Scootaloo before leaving a note on Twilight’s bedside table with instructions to have the squirt continue practicing until she got back. After placing a gentle kiss on the sleeping Alicorns cheek, Dash grabbed her saddlebags and leaped through the balcony door and rushed off into the early morning sky.

Winging her way through the air, Dash followed the well-traveled skies with practiced grace, her signature chromatic contrail following her like an eager puppy. Angling her wings carefully, she sent herself into a lazy barrel roll. As she flipped onto her back, Dash remained in that position as she ruminated on the current changes in her life.

It had been a couple of years since the eggheaded protégé of Princess Celestia had arrived in Ponyville to supervise the Summer Sun Celebration. Even after all of the time that they had spent together, both as friends and more recently as special someponies, Dash still wanted to fly to the top of the palace of friendship and scream her happiness to the sky everyday. Becoming the co-parent to not just the most amazing filly, but a rocking baby dragon as well made her want to explode from happiness.

Performing a complex spiral-flip combination, Dash righted herself just as Cloudsdale came into view on the horizon. Banking around the glittering spires and poofy cloud columns of the city, Rainbow made a beeline for the weather factory.

After I pick up the supplies I should stop by and see the ‘rents, Dash thought with a smile, I can’t wait to see their reaction when I tell them they are grandparents. Or that a princess is going to be their soon to be daughter-in-law.

Landing at the entrance to the Weather Factory, Rainbow Dash trotted up to the check in desk. Seated behind the desk was a cream-colored mare with a silver mane and hooves, a hoof file clasped in on of her wings as she buffed and polished her left front hoof.

As the other mare continued to ignore her, Dash started to become impatient, until the receptionist blew a large bubble with her gum. Reaching out with one of her wings, Dash rang the bell sitting on the desk.

“I can see you standing there, you didn’t need to ring the bell,” The receptionist said, setting her hoof file to the side.

“Then why are you ignoring me?” Dash asked.

“I wasn’t,” Laughed the receptionist, “I just needed a second to finish this pass. How may I help you today?”

“I need to collect a few vials of Liquid Rainbow,” Dash said, taking a deep breath, “Princess Luna has also arranged for me to collect a few vials of Liquid Moonbeam as well.”

“Yes, ma’am,” The receptionist said, scribbling a note on the pad of paper in front of her before “I’m sure you now where the sunlight collection chamber is as one of the weather managers in Ponyville?”

“Yes, I know how to get there,” Dash replied.

“After you collect the Liquid Rainbow, continue down the hall and take two lefts, a right and follow the hallway until you come to a door with a large moon etched on it,” The receptionist instructed, “Give this note to the lead Thestral inside that door and they will give you the Liquid Moonbeam.”

Shooting a quick thank you over her shoulder, Dash walked down the familiar hallways until she reached the sunlight collection and condensation room. Skipping the usual small talk with the team running the complex machinery used to turn sunlight into a liquid, Dash collected 5 vials of liquid rainbow before continuing on to the moonlight chamber.

Opening the door marked with a large crescent moon etched on it, Rainbow Dash was surprised by what she saw inside. Similar to the Sunlight condenser, the machinery inside the room gathered moonlight into large crystals which were then focused in concentric layers, through smaller and smaller gems until it was blinding. These small gems stones, filled to the brim with the cold, white light of the full moon were then lined up on a specially made shelf, shielding the room from the piercing opalescence. The key difference was that were the sunlight condenser burned hot, the moonlight condenser burned cold, making the breath of all the Ponies in the room fog.

“Velcome, Lady Dash,” Said a large, black Thestral stallion who seemed to appear out of thin air, “I assume you are here for your liquid moonlight.”

“Ye…yes I am,” Dash squeaked, holding out the note from the receptionist, “I guess you’re the one in charge?”

“No, that would be me,” Called a slight, silver furred Thestral female who stood close to the machinery, “Pay no attention to Vlad there, he enjoys playing up the vampire bat-pony aesthetic a little too much.”

“You take all the fun out of being a Thestral, you know that Moondancer?” Vlad asked, huffing slightly.

“Leave the poor girl alone and go monitor the condenser levels,” Moondancer said, smacking him lightly with her webbed wing, “Follow me, Ms. Dash, and we will get you squared away.”

Leading dash over to a large machine next to the crystal laden shelves, Moondancer twisted a few knobs and slid the crystals into a large chamber in the middle of the machine. As a heavy metal door slid shut, the sound of grinding could be heard through out the room, followed by swirling liquid and the sound of liquid being sucked up. With a loud ding, the heavy door slid open again and three crystalline vials of shimmering pearlescent liquid were held within.

“I trust you know the safety procedures, Ms. Dash?” Moondancer asked, sliding the vials into a special pouch.

“I’m guessing it’s the same as liquid sunlight?” Dash snarked, reaching out a wing for the pouch.

“Ah, not so fast,” Moondancer scolded, pulling the pouch to her chest, “Liquid moonlight requires an additional precaution. Should a single drop of moonlight come in contact with a drop of sunlight, the two energies will cancel each other out and explode rather violently.”

“Ok, that’s a little more dangerous than I had originally thought,” Dash said, “I’ll make sure to keep the two containers in separated, especially when there’s a tween filly involved. You have my word.”

“Very good then Ms. Dash,” Moondancer said with a smile, “And please accept our fondest hopes that you succeed. It would mean the world to Princess Luna to finally have a Lunar Pearl to rival her sisters Solar Diamond.”

“This is a no failure task,” Dash said, sliding the pouch full of vials into the saddlebag opposite the liquid sunbeam, “There’s a little more on the line than bragging rights.”

Trotting back through the hallways of the weather factory, Dash waived to the receptionist before she flew out the doors back on her way to Ponyville. Taking a more leisurely pace so as to not jostle to volatile magical reagents in her saddle bags, Dash became one with the sky, riding the thermals back home. Before long, the noonday sun glinted off the faceted towers of the palace of friendship. Smiling gently, Rainbow Dash launched herself into a gentle dive before landing gracefully on the balcony outside the room she shared with Twilight. Finding the door open, Dash stepped into her lover’s room.

Dash found the resident princess hard at work at her desk, a quill locked in the field of her magic as she scribbled notes while reading from a massive tome. Sneaking up behind her, Dash attempted to goose the gorgeous lavender mare, only to be captured in a magical field all her own.

“Gonna need to try harder than that if your gonna surprise me Dashie,” Twilight giggled, setting the quill down on the desk before turning around and kissing her marefriend on the cheek, “I’m guessing you got everything you needed?”

“I did,” Dash said, struggling a little in the field of purple haze, “Care to let me go, I need get these put somewhere safe. And preferably far, far away from each other.”

“Why the safety precautions?” Twilight asked, dispelling the magical field.

“Let’s just say that things would get very scary if liquid sunlight and liquid moonbeam mix.” Dash explained, setting the saddlebag gently on the ground, “Do you have a lab stashed somewhere around here that I can store the moonbeam in until I’m ready to test it out?”

“Oh yes, right this way,” Twilight said, getting up from the desk and walking over to one of the bookshelves.

Pulling on the spine of one of the books, Dash heard a loud click as machinery in the walls came to life. Slowly, the bookshelf rose into the ceiling, revealing a long, spiraling stairwell. Summoning a small ball of light with her magic, Twilight lead the way deep into the bowels of her palace. Before long, the two ponies arrived at a large door with Twilight’s cutie mark etched into it. Sending the ball of magic into the doorway, it swung open on well-oiled hinges, leading into a room filled with various pieces of magical and scientific equipment.

“Lets put them in the lock box for now, then you can go check on Scootaloo,” Twilight said, leading Dash over to a cartoonishly large iron safe.

“Why do you even have something like this?” Dash gaped.

“You never know when you might need to store something capable of leveling half the town.” Twilight said off hoof.

“That is oddly specific,” Dash said, tilting her head to the side.

“It’s Ponyville,” Twilight said with a grin, “You never know what’s gonna happen.”

Lifting the vials of liquid moonbeam from her saddlebags, Dash handed them over to Twilight who quickly stored them in the safe.

“So, how has Scoots handling things today?” Dash asked, making her way back up the stairs.

“You need to see it to believe it,” Twilight said, “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

Reaching the bedroom again, Twilight lit her horn and reset the hidden doorway leading to her lab. Laying her wing over Rainbow Dash’s back, Twilight walked side by side with her down to the front lawn.

Scootaloo had obviously had a busy morning. Pillars of ice stood tall, jutting form the buckets like large trees. A couple had toppled over, littering the ground with razor sharp shards which were slowly melting in the afternoon sun. A couple of the pots not filled with ice had small clouds hanging above them. Without warning, a large crack of thunder split the sky. Looking around, Dash couldn’t see any storm clouds which confused her to no end.

“What the Faust was that?!” She exclaimed.

“A new trick our daughter learned,” Twilight giggled, “She started off with the buckets and seemed to make some progress with them. Until she tripped while focusing her magic and realized she could make thunder by clapping her hooves.”

“I remember when I learned that trick,” Dash said wistfully, “It’s one of the only things I remember from my old lessons.”

Charging her magic, Dash spread her forelegs wide before clapping her hooves together. A much louder blast of sound erupted around the two mares, causing thousands of cracks to appear in the pillars of ice before they collapsed in on themselves.

“Figures you would cling to the memory of how to be even louder than normal.” Twilight laughed.

Without warning, an orange and purple blur roared across the lawn, tackling the cyan mare to the ground. As they rolled to a stop, Dash found herself cuddling Scootaloo.

“Mama Dash!” The filly chirped, “Its so cool, I can finally make some clouds and I’m not making ice as much and then I learned how to make thunder and it is so awesome! I can’t wait to learn how to fly then I can go pranking with you on Nightmare Night!”

“Whoa, you’re a little amped up there Scoots,” Dash said, setting the filly on the ground, “You didn’t happen to drink one of my Green Unicorn’s did you?”

“Oh yeah, I drank one this morning before I started training,” Scootaloo said, literally vibrating in place, “Then I had another one about twenty minutes ago. Those are really tasty!”

“Ok, new rule, no energy drinks for the kiddos,” Twilight said, rubbing the bridge of her nose, “You need to burn off all that energy.”

“I know what she can do,” Dash said, an evil glint in her eye as she turned to Scootaloo, “Ok rookie, TEN-HUT!”

Snapping to attention, Scootaloo sat on her flank and saluted with one of her small wings.

“Now, your hyped up on so much sugar and caffeine right now I can literally see the energy coming off of you,” Dash said in an authoritative tone, “So, for sneaking two of my energy drinks, I want you to do laps around the castle. Move, Move, Move!”

Scootaloo started running around the outside of the castle, quickly looking like an orange blur. In less than a minute, the young Pegasus had completed the circuit and moved into her second lap.

“What is in those energy drinks?” Twilight asked, quickly getting dizzy watching the filly circumnavigate the palace.

“Lots of things with very long names that I can’t pronounce.” Dash laughed, “I honestly don’t drink them unless I have an overnight shift with the Weather Team.”

“Well, seeing as how that’s not a thing anymore, those energy drinks need to go far, far away” Twilight said, royal authority dripping from every word.

“Good Idea,” Dash said, rubbing the back of her head, “It might be a little dangerous to have something like that around the kids.”

“Look at you, being all maternal,” Twilight teased, kissing Rainbow Dash gently on the cheek.

“Yeah, well, I’m The Rainbow Dash,” She replied, blushing furiously, “I’m awesome at everything. Including being a mom.”

Interlude: Making Decisions

Chapter 15 – Interlude: Making Decisions

Day 4 ATA, 10 Days Until SSC

Applejack was up with the sun, a long list of chores ahead of her before her meeting with Twilight and the other girls at the end of the day. She still hadn’t finalized her decision yet, despite a lengthy discussion with Big Mac, Granny and her new sister-in-law Sugar Belle about the future of Sweet Apple Acres.

Big Mac was his usual stoic self, stating that while he agreed with her that the family tradition of working the orchard on their own was important, more hands in the fields would make life easier for the whole family. Sugar Belle’s opinion that the notoriety would increase the demand for their products was definitely a plus. But it was Granny that made the most convincing argument when she brought up the fact that being a ‘Lady of the Court’ would put her in a better position to get closer to her feller.

Would Flash even still have feelings for me, Applejack thought, a slight blush on her face as she bucked the next tree on her harvesting list, Its been nearly ten years since he left to become some hot shot guard pony. He might not even remember me.

The hours passed in silent contemplation as tree after tree was divested of its fruit. With each kick of her powerful hind legs, Applejack continued to flip flop on the two important decisions in her life. Pursue Flash when he arrived and open her heart to him. Avoid the stallion and keep her feelings locked away. Become a Noble Mare and accept all of the good and bad that came with it. Turn Twilight down and maintain the status quo.

Before long, AJ found herself in front of Brambleton, the persnickety old Empire Apple tree that Granny Smith swore had been planted by Applejack’s great grandfather when the Apple Clan had first settled in Ponyville. Granny regularly came out to the old tree at least once a week to talk to the gnarled old brute, connecting her ancient Earth Pony magic into her daddy’s tree. Running a hoof over the trenches and valleys of the rough bark, AJ could feel the ancient trees connection to her family and the valley they farmed. Spinning gracefully, she kicked out, knocking the large, ruby colored fruit to the ground below. Looking up, Applejack frowned as she saw one last fruit hanging from the highest bough of the old tree.

“Now you listen here, Brambleton,” She said, bucking the tree again, “You can’t always be so stubborn. *thunk* You can’t keep holding back. *thunk* Ponies want what you got.”.

As her hooves collided with the tree trunk one last time, the large fruit broke from the branch and fell at terminal velocity, hitting Applejack in the head and knocking her to the ground. As she got to her feet, AJ saw a bright, hazey outline of a pony standing in front of her. Rubbing her hooves over her eyes, she heard a voice she didn’t think she would ever hear again.

“Whatcha laying in the dirt for, girl?” The sweet voice called, a soft southern drawl to it, “Not letting Old Brambleton git the better of ya, right?”

“Mama….” AJ said, her voice thick with emotion, “How….”

“I told ya lotsa times, girl, don’t go askin questions you’d rather not have answered.” Pear Butter said with a laugh, “Suffice it to say, I’m just here to tell ya’ll something you already know. Everythin you was just spoutin at that finicky old tree, you need to take to heart yerself.”

“Whatcha mean, Mama?” Applejack asked, pawing at the ground.

“You need to stop being so gosh darn stubborn, you need to let other people in, and you need to help people by giving them what only you can give.” Pear Butter replied, “Take the leap, help yer friends, and lasso your self that cute orange Pegasus. Who knows, he just might like it.”

“Mama!” AJ shrieked, her face turning several shades of red.

“Just think about it, sugarcube,” Pear Butter said, her form starting to fade, “Takin care of the farm is good an all, but don’t not live yer life…..”

Applejack blinked her eyes and found herself still face down in the dirt, the fruit induced hallucination fading like a dream. Tears in her eyes, she picked up the offending fruit and tossed it in the air a few times before tossing it into one of the bushels.

“Ya been gone 5 years now,” She sniffed, “And yer still taking me to school.”

Dragging the heavy bushels of apples back to the cart, Applejack trudged back to the barn before walking back into the large farmhouse. Walking into her room, she made sure both of her siblings were not within peeking distance before locking the door and pulling a small key out of the music box she kept next to her bed. Unlocking the wardrobe in her room, Applejack pulled out a fancy-ish dress made of soft, blue fabric and an old makeup case with the letters PB carved into the top. Pulling on the dress, AJ looked in the mirror before lightly applying some of her mother’s makeup to her face. Placing the makeup case lovingly back in the wardrobe, Applejack leaned out the doorway again, looking up and down the hallway for her siblings. Seeing no one around, she snuck down the hallway and crept to Granny’s door. Knocking gently, the old green mare opened the door and gasped seeing her granddaughter all gussied up.

“Well, don’t you look as pretty as a spring field,” Granny said, tears in her eyes, “Been a long while since I see’d this dress. Tell me young’n, what brought this on?”

“I…I figured that if I’m gonna be a lady of the court, I should dress the part,” AJ replied, “Was hoping you could help me with my hair.”

“Sure thing, dumplin. Come one in and sit a spell.” Granny replied, motioning her into the room.

An hour later, Applejack emerged, her long blond hair primped and preened and braided into a tight rope, secured at the end with a pin in the shape of a Red Delicious apple. Giving Granny a big hug, AJ made her way out of the house to meet her friends in the conference room.

The walk to the Palace of Friendship was short, but Applejack felt like every pony she passed was staring at her. Sitting outside the castle with a large spell book was Sweetie Belle, but it was easy to see that the filly’s eyes weren’t focused on what she was studying. Her gaze was fixed on the orange Pegasus filly who was currently exercising her wings under the shade of a large tree where Rainbow Dash was lazing, counting off with each repetition.

“Sweetie Belle,” Applejack whispered, leaning in close to the young Unicorn, “You’re drooling.”

“Yeah….” She replied dreamily, reaching out to turn the page and missing the book my several feet.

“What are you studying?” Applejack asked, laughing a little at the younger mare’s antics.

“Uh…just…book…wah?” Sweetie said, staring at Scootaloo’s flank as she bent over stretching.

“Hey, Bluebird,” Applejack called, signaling to Dash, “Tha others hear yet?”

“All except you and Shy,” Rainbow answered before leaping out of the tree and turning to Scootaloo, “Alright, squirt, cooldown time. The girls and I have our big meeting with Sparkles, so you can grab some bits and hit the town tonight if you want. Just remember, be back no later than 10, ok little missy?”

“You got it Mama Dash,” Scootaloo replied, mopping some of the sweat from her face with a towel, “Hey Sweetie, after I got take a shower, wanna hit Sugar Cube Corner with me?”

“Sh…sh…sh…shower…” Sweetie Belle squeeked as steam literally poured out of her ears, “Sure thing Scoots…”

Applejack laughed to herself watching the orange filly rushed to her marefriend’s side as Sweetie Belle collapsed on her back, her eyes glazed over and swirling. Pushing gently on the palace gates, Aj walked through them, Rainbow Dash next to her.

“Not gonna worry bout those two?” Applejack asked, motioning to the two teenagers.

“Nah,” Dash replied, leading AJ towards the same conference room they had used last time, “I mean, I don’t need to go all hover mom when they are by themselves. I mean, you trust Bloom with her special some-dragon, right?”

“That’s different,” She replied, “Spike’s afraid of setting one pointy clawed toe out of line or else Big Mac would make him into a wallet.”

“You have a point,” Dash laughed, “But, I trust my girl. They are both good kids.”

Both mares continued down the hallway with grins on their faces. Before long, they entered the conference room to find their friends all there minus Fluttershy. As they took their respective seats, the hurried sound of hooves on crystal floors echoed through the room.

“Oh…sorry to interrupt…,” Fluttershy said, panting as she made her way to her seat, “I tried to get here earlier…but Zephyr showed up out of the blue and I didn’t want to be rude.”

“It’s ok, Fluttershy,” Twilight said, “We were just sitting down to get started. So, I, Princess Twilight Sparkle, Duchess of Ponyville, do hereby formally request that my fellow Elements of Harmony join my court as my advisors. Are you prepared to give your answers?”

As one the table replied with an echoing “Yes.”

“Very well,” Twilight said, conjuring a small clipboard and quill with her magic, “Rarity, we’ll start with you.”

“I, Rarity Belle, of the Canterlot House of Belle, will serve as requested.” Rarity replied.

“Very good,” Twilight said, marking a check on her list, “Pinkie?”

“I, Pinkamena Diane Pie, of the most Ancient and Honored House of Pancakes, will serve as requested.” Pinkie said in a rare moment of seriousness.

“Ok….” Twilight said, checking the box next to Pinkie’s name, “Fluttershy, you’re up.”

“I, Fluttershy Stormgale, of the Cloudsdale house of Stormgale, will serve as requested…if that’s alright.” She replied, tapping her forehooves together.

“That’s just fine Shy,” Twilight said with a smile, “Last up, AJ.”

“Ah, Applejack Apple, of the Ponyville branch of the Apple Clan, will serve as requested.” AJ replied.

“Good,” Twilight said, “I’ll be sending out information to you all after the Summer Sun Celebration”

“Yay…” Fluttershy said, her voice barely above a whisper.

“One more thing,” Rainbow said, turning to face Twilight, “Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Equestria and Duchess of Ponyville. I, Rainbow Dash Aurora, of the Cloudsdale house of Aurora, request your hoof in marriage, following the completion of the task set for me by Princess Luna.”

“Rainbow…”Twilight squeaked, “Mhmm, following the completion of the task set for you by Princess Luna, it will make me the happiest mare in Equestria to become your wife.”

“Oh. MY. CELESTIA!” Pinkie and Rarity said at the same time.

“There’s so much we need to do,“ Pinkie shouted.

“I have so many ideas, so many designs,” Rarity shrieked.

“There’s not enough time!” They cried in unison again.

“You realize its only the engagement right,” Dash deadpanned, “It’s not like we are gonna have the wedding in three weeks.”

“Yes, but there’s the engagement party,” Pinkie said, scribbling on a notepad she had pulled out of her mane.

“And you’re going to both need dresses for that,” Rarity answered, pulling a sketch pad and colored pencils from her saddle bags.

“Not to mention the ceremony,” Pinkie chimed in.

“And your dresses,” Rarity agreed.

“And your reception,” Pinked finished, “There’s just so much we need to do.”

“If anyone can plan the celebrations for our engagement and wedding,” Twilight said, wrapping a wing around Rainbow Dash, “It’s the two of you.”

Author's Note

Authors Note: Sorry for the long break between chapters everyone. The writer's block is real. Hope you all enjoy a little segway between Training Days.

Escalating Tensions

Chapter 16 – Escalating Tensions

Day 8 ATA, 6 days Until Deadline

The past four days had been rough for Ponyville’s Chromatic Pegasus. While she no longer had her Weather Team or Wonderbolt’s duties, the pressure to complete the test imposed by Princess Luna weighed heavily on her as the pages fell off her calendar. Each morning, Rainbow would push herself to near exhaustion, only taking occasional breaks for water, struggling to get her skills in Aeromancy to the point where she was able to crystalize liquid light. Each night, the setting sun would find her having dinner with Twilight and the kids before she would drag Scootaloo to the library where they would both study into the wee hours of the morning. Today would be her first attempt.

After having Twilight retrieve one of the vials of liquid moonbeam, Rainbow sequestered herself in one of the out of the way bedrooms on the ground floor. After bribing Spike with a large Opal she had been saving for a rainy day, she instructed the young dragon to stand outside the door and make sure no one came in unless it was an emergency.

Standing in the middle of the empty room, Dash took a test tube holder she had borrowed from Twilight and set it down on the floor before placing the vial in it. Sitting on her flank, Dash held her forehooves parallel to each other with the vial between them. Concentrating her magic as hard as she could, she imagined a small drop of liquid moonbeam rising from the container, held in place by her will alone. Flaring her wings, she began pouring every ounce of her being into condensing and hardening the ethereal silver liquid into a rough ball shaped pearl. As the sweat began to bead on her forehead, her left eye began twitching from the exertion. Letting out a frustrated shout, Dash felt her tenuous control of over the magic fade.

Flopping onto her back, Dash expected to hear the splash of the liquid hitting the crystalline floor of the palace. When a soft “ping” echoed through the air, an almost manic smile spread across her face. Looking at the ground in front of her, Dash found the small pearl, little bigger than a snow pea. Still, it was progress and from what she had read, would be something to build off of.

“YES!” She shrieked, zooming around the room like a crazed tornado.

Spike, hearing all of the commotion from behind him cracked the door and peaked inside, only to be blinded as a Sonic Rainboom detonated feet from him blasting the door off its hinges as Dash rocketed down the hallway, crashing through on of the large stained-glass windows as she headed skyward. Laughing like a mad mare, she wrapped the entire palace of friendship in the scintillating corona of her rainbow contrail. Heading in for a landing, she spied her favorite filly still practicing with the buckets and decided to share her excitement. Going in for a landing, Dash skidded across the lawn like it was an ice rink before coming to a stop in from of Scootaloo.

“Scoots, great news!” Dash shouted, startling the filly.

“Celestia, Mama Dash,” Scootaloo huffed, pouting as she glared at the bucket in front of her, “You ruined my concentration!”

“Sorry, squirt,” Dash said, “I’m just so excited, I cracked the lunar pearl test! Couple more days, maybe another trip to the weather factory, I’ve got this in the bag.”

“Whoop-di-doo,” Scootaloo groused, twirling her wing tip in the air, “Bully for you.”

“Scootaloo, this isn’t like you,” Dash asked, wrapping a wing around the younger mare, “Is something wrong?”

“Wrong? WRONG!” Scootaloo shouted, “Lets see, first, I’m still struggling with the basics here and I have less then 2 weeks before I have to give Rarity a rainbow gem. Two, she laid down the law yesterday and said that until I succeeded, Sweetie and I couldn’t hang out anymore which kicks coconuts because I really like spending time with her. Then you show up and it’s just….argh!”

Lashing out, Scootaloo kicked the large tub of water in front of her causing it to break apart. Leaping back, her tiny wings buzzing like a chainsaw, Scootaloo expected the water to come rushing out the sides. When a tub shaped cloud held its shape and bobbed above the ground, the young Pegasus began doing a happy dance in mid air.

Blinking several times, Rainbow stared first at Scootaloo as she hung effortlessly in the air before turning back to the cloud.

“Squirt,” Dash said carefully, “Don’t look down…”

“Huh, what?” Scootaloo said, immediately doing the opposite, “Wait, I’m in the air. I’M IN THE AIR!”

Little wings buzzing as fast as they could, she shot forward, her tiny hooves latching onto the cloud she had finally succeeded in making. Pushing the mound of fluffy goodness along the ground, her stamina finally gave out, sending her face first into it.

“Ok,” Dash said, stunned by this, “Ok, ok, ok. Catch your breath kiddo, once your ready, we’re gonna try to replicate this.”

********

Day 11 ATA, 3 days until Deadline

It was slow going, but Dash was eventually able to get Scootaloo to both fly and reliably create clouds. The combination of Dash’s workout routines, the nutritional supplements, and Twilight’s homemade Ambrosia had done wonders for the little daredevil. Her stamina was still something to be desired, but she continued pushing the little filly. Taking a chance, Dash was ready to gamble that Scoots was ready to try her hoof at making the gemstone.

“Are you sure I’m ready?” Said the Orange bundle of nervousness and energy, “I mean, even you are having troubles with this step. You’ve got a pearl the size of a cherry and it needs to be the size of an apple. AN APPLE!”

“It’s actually the size of a plum now,” Twilight said, looking up from a small journal held in the aura of her magic that she was furiously writing in, “Its really rather breathtaking.”

“Yeah, I’m gonna be cutting it close, but I should have it done either tomorrow night or the night after,” Dash said proudly, “Then, it’s off to Canterlot to present it to Her Royal Mooniness.”

“I don’t think Aunt Luna would like you calling her that,” Scootaloo giggled.

“Yeah, well Aunt Luna shouldn’t have picked such a hard test for your mom,” Dash scoffed, “Now, lets do this Scoots, what’s the first step?”

“Have a stable platform to safely store the liquid rainbow on while working,” Scootaloo recited from memory, pulling a small metal dish from her saddlebags, “Then, we carefully pour the liquid rainbow into the contained, making sure we don’t splash it around because this stuff is hotter than the deepest pits of Tartarus. At least that’s what Mama Dash said.”

“She’d be right,” Twilight said, making sure a fire extinguisher was on hand, “Now, what’s next.”

“Get comfortable,” Scootaloo said, sitting on her flank and flaring her wings, “And hold my hooves on either side of the either side of the container. Now, I concentrate my magic and force it into my hooves while willing the liquid to rise into the air.”

Squinting her eyes shut, Scootaloo reached for the greased rope in her mind that led to her control of her magic. No matter how much she had achieved lately, she was still a young mare with little training and very narrow connections to her magic. Mentally grasping the tenuous control, Scootaloo yanked hard, forcing a large portion of the liquid to rise out of the bowl. However, it was not what she had expected. Only the red portion of the polychromatic liquid was hovering between her outstretched hooves. Gritting her teeth, she began concentrating harder and harder, pushing more and more of her magic into the red blob of liquid. As a small jolt of electricity arced between the tips of her wings, the liquid solidified, forming a jagged, multifaceted gemstone which glowed a deep crimson. Letting her hold on her magic go, Scootaloo dropped the gem to the ground.

“You did it!” Dash shouted, scooping up the little filly into her forehooves and hugging her tightly, “That’s farther than I could ever have hoped to get when I was your age.”

“But, its just red,” Scootaloo whined, “Its supposed to be rainbow colored and its only red.”

“That’s because red is the longest wavelength of visible light,” Twilight said, not even bothering to look up form her book, “You may need to do the same thing Dashie is doing and layer your gemstone with each color. You have time Scootaloo, you don’t need to rush this.”

“But I miss my cuddly marshmallow,” Scootaloo said, her voice breaking as she pouted, “I haven’t seen Sweetie Belle in almost a week. How would it feel if you were separated form the pony you love-“

“Love?” Dash repeated, “Aren’t you a little young for that?”

“Says who,” Scootaloo said, wriggling out of Dash’s grip before crossing her forelegs over her barrel, “I’m thirteen years old. I’m old enough to know what love is. And I’m old enough to know that what Sweetie and I have is special. That’s why this is so important.”

“Well, you’ve got six more colors to layer on this beauty,” Dash said, picking up the cherry sized chunk of red crystal, “Even if you only add a color a day, you’ve got more than enough time. Why don’t you go work on you stamina exercises and we will come back to this tomorrow after breakfast?”

“Kay, Mama Dash,” Scootaloo said outloud before grumbling under her breath, “Stupid Rarity and her stupid rules. And her even stupider test.”

“Stupider is not a word, sweetheart,” Twilight scolded, earning a blown raspberry from the filly.

Waiting until the door was closed, Dash trotted over to her marefriend and wrapped a wing around her.

“Think we are doing a good job with her, Sparkles?” Dash asked, nuzzling the lavender mare.

“Yeah, she’s a good kid and she’s got great parents helping to guide her and an amazing brother to help her when she falls down.” Twilight said, leaning into Dash’s embrace, “You’re a great mom, Dashie, never doubt that.”

Zero Hour

Chapter 17 – Zero Hour

Day 14 ATA, Date of Deadline

Rainbow Dash was practically glowing as she walked through the streets of Ponyville. The sun had risen not long ago and she needed to pick up one final item before she made the flight to Canterlot. Walking into the second largest store in town, Quills and Sofas, Dash walked up to the well-dressed Earth pony stallion who ran the store.

“Davenport, how’s everything going? Listen I need something special.” She said, leaning on the counter, “I need a ten-inch box, as fancy as you got, skies the limit. Think you can help me out?”

“Well, Miss Dash,” Davenport replied, leaning across the counter, “How high is the sky?”

“High enough to be worthy of Princess Luna,” Dash replied, setting a large bag of bits on the counter, “I’ve got a trinket that needs to be delivered to her and I want it to be as impressive as possible.”

“I think we can do business,” Davenport squeaked, bit signs in his eyes, “Let me go in the back and see what I can find.”

Trotting into the back storage, Dash waited at the counter while looking around the store. Originally only selling quills, inkwells and all things couchy, Davenport soon expanded his merchandise to include all things home and office related. Walking out of the back, Davenport held a large drawstring bag in his mouth before setting it on the counter.

“This should be just what you need.” He said, pushing the box across the counter.

Opening the bag, Dash pulled out an Olive wood box covered in lunar patterns and stars with gold hinges and a gold clasp. Opening the box, Dash found a soft felt lining colored a deep, midnight blue.

“It’s perfect,” She whispered, “How much?”

“500 bits,” He said, flashing her a million-watt smile, “Then again, have dinner with me and I’ll cut that in half.”

“You don’t get out much do you Davenport?” Dash asked, counting out 500 bits from her large money bag, “Otherwise, you would know better than to proposition the future consort of Princess Twilight Sparkle.”

As she placed her money bag and the Olive wood box into her saddle bag, Dash left Davenport standing gape mouthed at the counter, his eyes the size of saucers. Leaving the store, Dash quickly winged her way to Sugar Cube Corner, looking to drop in on her favorite pink mare. Knocking on the second story window that led to Pinkie Pie’s room, Dash waited patiently for Pinkie to answer. Hearing the curtains being drawn, Dash was surprised to find herself eye-to-eye with an orange Earth Pony stallion with a frizzy brown mane.

“Dash,” He said flatly, “You realize it is incredibly early, right?”

“I know Cheese,” Dash replied, “But, this is important. Like probably the most important thing ever! I’ve got a huge party that I need you and Pinkie to plan.”

“Party…” came a zombie like moan from within the room.

“Cheese, is she ok?” Dash whispered.

“Yeah, she’s just been in planning overdrive for the past few weeks,” Cheese said, reaching into his mane and pulling out an apple, “What’s so special about this party anyway?”

“I’ve passed the test Princess Luna gave me.” Dash said proudly, “After I make the trip to Canterlot, I’m planning on proposing to Twilight tonight. I’d like for you guys to arrange a small get together for us. I want to keep it small though, just Twilight and I, the kids, the rest of the girls, and the rest of the CMC. Assuming you will be Pinkie’s plus one?”

“You…want me to be at your party?” Cheese asked, “I mean, as a guest? Are we even friends? Or am I just one of those peripheral ponies that’s in the background and gets the occasional story centered on them.”

“Of course, we’re friends, Cheese,” Dash said, “Here, use this, plan something amazing. But make it small. Fifteen ponies at most, just in case the Princesses decide to join us.”

Pulling her money bag back out of her saddlebag, Dash placed it on the windowsill before shooting Cheese a salute and flying off. Making a short stop at the palace, Rainbow winged her way to Canterlot, pushing herself to just under Sonic Rainboom speed. Landing at the draw bridge leading to the castle, Dash drew herself up to her full height and saluted the guards.

“Rainbow Dash of the Elements of Harmony, respectfully requesting a meeting with Princesses Luna and Celestia,” she said proudly, ruffling her wings.

“Princess Luna told us you would be expected,” said a large, Thestral stallion, his fur the color of storm clouds, “Please continue to the throne room where their highnesses will meet with you.”

Nodding to the two guards, Dash walked through the palace making her way to the throne room. Passing through the Hall of Honors, Dash couldn’t help but smile at how many of the stained glass windows showed her and her friends succeeding against one villain or another. Presenting herself to the court crier, Dash sat on her flank and waited for her to be led inside.

“Presenting, Lady Rainbow Dash, Embodiment of the Element of Loyalty,” came the muffled cry from the other side of the door.

Shouldering the large doors open, Dash walked up the log aisle leading up to the stepped dais and kneeled before both Diarchs of Equestria.

“You may rise, Rainbow Dash,” Princess Luna said, “Am I to assume that you are here to deliver proof you have successfully completed the test we have put before you?”

“I have, Your Highness,” Dash said, removing the olive wood box from her saddle bag.

“Then, you may approach and present what you have made.” Luna said.

Climbing the steps, Dash held the box in front of her with the tips of her wings. Reaching the top of the dais, Dash bowed again and placed the box in front of the Princess of the Night. As Luna lit her horn, she wrapped the ornate box in the aura of her magic and flipped open the lid. As her magic made contact with the large, pearlescent sphere inside, the throne room was bathed in a bright silver light. Drawing the orb out of the box, a large smile founds its way to Luna’s face.

“Its incredible,” She whispered, “It is more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. You have exceeded our expectations more than you could ever know. You have our blessing to court our niece, Twilight Sparkle.”

“I thank you, Princess Luna,” Dash said, “May I ask, would you be able to recommend a good jeweler?”

“A jeweler?” Celestia asked, “You move fast Rainbow Dash.”

“Twilight and I have been friends for years now,” Dash replied, “We’re even co-parenting Spike and Scootaloo together. Frankly, it doesn’t make sense for us to not to be engaged.”

“Oh no, now you’ve done it.” Luna said as she paled, inching away from Celestia.

“Do what now?” Dash asked, tilting her head to the side.

Slowly, a high-pitched whine started to fill the air before Celestia’s hooves began clapping together.

“I’ve got grand foals!” Celestia shrieked, sunlight pouring out of her, “Oh my Faust, I am going to spoil her and Spike so much!”

“Wait, I thought Twilight was already Spike’s mom?” Dash said, shielding her eyes.

“Stupid laws made it so she couldn’t adopt him officially unless she was in a relationship.” Celestia said with a pout, folding her forehooves over her chest and turning down the glowing energy, “I couldn’t even have that changed because it would be favoritism.”

“Well, it’s all good now,” Dash said.

“Indeed, it is,” Luna said, “We would recommend you go visit Crystal Quartz in the merchant district, she will be able to assist you in selecting an appropriate gift for our niece.”

“I’ll do that now,” Dash said with a smile, “If your interested, I’m going to be hosting a little surprise party tonight where I’m going to propose. Your both welcome to come if you’d like.”

“EEEEEEE!” Celestia shouted, before rocketing through an open window, “I need to go to a toy store!”

“And there she goes…” Luna said, her head in her hooves, “I’ll make sure we are both there. What time should we arrive?”

“7ish?” Dash replied, throwing a quick bow to Luna, “I’ll have Spike send a message once I’m back home.”

“I apricate the invitation, Rainbow,” Luna said with a smile, “And really, your family now. So I think we can all be a little less formal with each other.”

“Sure thing, Aunt Luna,” Dash laughed, before leaping out the same window Celestia had left form.

Sometimes, I think I’m the only sane one in the family, Luna thought.

But, then you remember I’m still here, said a darker voice within her mind.

A Special Night

Chapter 18 – A Special Night

Cheese Sandwich watched as Rainbow Dash soared away, her rainbow contrail hanging briefly in the air. For all his bluster and confidence in being one of Equestria’s premiere party ponies, he knew that with the exception of a few friends he was alone in the world. That all changed when he moved full time to Ponyville. Everyone was so friendly here. Everyone said hi to him as he walked down the street.

The welcoming nature of the town made the wandering party planner decide to put down roots. At first, he had rented a small apartment off of Mane Street while he got accustomed to living in one place for more than a few days. That was when he was approached by the pretty pink pony that had stolen his heart with the proposition of a merger. It took all of two seconds for Cheese to decide. And thus was born Cheese Pie Party Planning. The first year had been a little rough. But following the defeat of Tirek (and the ensuing celebration Pinkie and Cheese and planned), requests started coming in from all over.

As their business partnership grew, so did their personal relationship. Once it was time to renew the lease on his apartment, Pinkie had invited him to move in with her. With their combined reality warping Earth pony magic, the small one room apartment over top of Sugar Cube Corner was never cramped and served as a handy home office.

Learning that Rainbow Dash considered him a friend made Cheese decide to pull out all the stops. Carefully walking over to the bed he shared with Pinkie, the orange stallion nuzzled his pink mare, trying to gently wake her.

“Mmmmm, morning Cheesy,” she said, nuzzling him back, “Sleep well?”

“Cuddled up next to you, who wouldn’t,” He replied, “You just missed Rainbow Dash, she had a request for us.”

“Oooooo Dashie was here,” Pinkie said, crawling out of bed, “I’m sorry I missed her. What was she asking for?”

“She wants us to throw a party tonight,” He replied, pulling an espresso cupcake from his mane and handing it to the cotton candy colored mare, “A small one, just you girls, the CMC and maybe the princesses. She invited me along as well which is kind of a first for me.”

“Silly Cheesy, of course she invited you,” Pinkie said, inhaling her ‘power up cupcake’, instantly feeling the rush of caffeine enter her system, “What’s the occasion though? We just got done with the adoption party a couple of weeks ago and its too early for the wedding.”

“She finished Princess Luna’s test and is planning on officially proposing to Princess Twilight tonight,” Cheese explained, “She said she wants it to be a huge night for a small group.”

“I can’t wait to see Twilight’s face,” Pinkie squeed.

“Didn’t she already propose when you guys decided to become her royal court?” Cheese asked.

“Conditionally following the completion of her test,” Pinkie answered, “But that is not the point. I am going to need Engagement Party Plan Green Tango Felix 0. While I get to work making a triple layered strawberry chiffon cake with blueberry macaroons, I want you to go to Rarity’s and tell her to have designs Ruby Oscar Tango Lima and Lilac Mike Alpha 0 ready for tonight and delivered to the palace. Once the cake is done I’m going to have AJ pick the most romantic part of her orchard that she can find. So much to do, so little time…”

Carefully, Cheese backed out of the door as Pinkie reached into her mane and pulled out a large green and white can that read ‘Green Unicorn’ on it. As she popped the top on the fizzy drink and chugged it down, an almost manic look came into her eyes as she began zipping around their apartment faster then Rainbow Dash could fly.

She’s taking this serious, Cheese thought as he ran out of the bakery towards Carousel Boutique, just wait till I tell her she can’t plan our engagement party. Or our wedding. I’m doomed.

*******

The sun was nearing the end of its journey overhead by the time Dash arrived back at the Palace of Friendship. She half expected to see Scootaloo running about the yard, jumping off of every high point she could climb, practicing her burgeoning flight skills. Walking in the front doors, Dash spotted Spike talking with Cheese Sandwich who was dropping off a couple of packages. He called a quick “Hi-Bye” before rushing out the open doors.

“What was that about?” Dash asked the young Drake.

“Just dropping off some gifts from Rarity.” Spike said coolly, “For the party. That’s tonight.”

“Something wrong Spike?” Dash wondered.

“Nothings wrong,” Spike huffed, “It’s just that you know mom isn’t big on surprises, right? A little warning would have been nice.”

“Yeah, sorry bout that,” She replied, rubbing the back of her head with her hoof, “I totally would have if Celestia hadn’t run off to the nearest toy store so she could ‘spoil her grandfoals’.”

“Wait, time out,” Spike said, making a T with his claws, “Celestia has grandfoals? Since when?”

“Well let’s see,” Dash joked, “Your about 14 summers old now right? So 14 years.”

“I…wha…who…” Spike stuttered.

“The look on your face,” Dash giggled as she laid a wing over the confused Drake, “Spike, you’ve been adopted by Twilight and me for like two weeks now dude. And since Celestia thinks of Twi as the daughter she never had, boom, instant grandma.”

Retrieving the dress boxes from her shell-shocked son, Dash trotted through the castle until she reached the room she had been sharing with Twilight. Peaking inside she saw the beautiful Lilac mare of her dreams laying on their bed, her nose buried in a thick book of Equestrian Law. Setting the boxes on the chest at the foot of the bed, Dash climbed up next to Twilight and laid her wing gently over the studious mare.

“Welcome back, Dashie,” Twilight said, turning a page with her magic, as she nuzzled her marefriend, “Everything set with Princess Luna?”

“Oh Yeah, Aunt Luna is all squared away.” Dash said, loving the exasperated look on Twilight’s face, “That’s almost the same look Spikey had when I told him Celestia considers the kiddos as her grandfoals.”

“Oh Faust, she’s going to try and spoil them rotten isn’t she,” Twilight asked, massaging her temples with her wingtips.

“Oh yeah, big time,” Dahs laughed, “But enough about that, time to get your party dress on.”

“Where are we going?” Twilight asked, “You didn’t tell me you had anything planned.”

“It’s a surprise…” Dash replied, making circles in the air with her forehooves and wings, “While you get cleaned up, I’m gonna check up on Scoots. Any Idea where she is?”

“She’s not outside practicing?!” Twilight shouted. “Oh no.”

“She wouldn’t.” Dash growled.

“She’s our daughter.” Twilight said flatly, “Yes, she would.”

Leaping off the bed, both mares began rushing through the castle, searching all over for their impulsive young filly. Dash ended up being the one to find her in an out of the way room that was currently empty. Scootaloo was sitting on the floor, sweat pouring down her small body as she trembled, exerting her magic to its fullest. Knowing the dangers of interrupted magic thanks to many late night talks with Twilight, Dash waited and fumed, her wings puffed up and flared. As soon as the filly set the nearly completed rainbow gemstone on the ground, she rolled over onto her back, panting and wheezing for overworking herself.

Scooping the filly into her forelegs, Dash soared through the castle back to her room before placing the exhausted teenager on the bed. Rushing into the adjoining bathroom, she emerged with a glass of water and helped the struggling child drink it down.

“Scootaloo Sparkle-Dash!” She shouted, once she was sure the filly wasn’t going to keel over, “What The Celestia Were You Thinking! We covered safety procedure 20 berjillion times. Never do magic without supervision. Never push yourself to the brink.”

“I know…” Scootaloo panted, “But this is important.”

“So important your gonna ignore everything Dashie and I taught you?” Twilight asked as she rushed into the room, “You could have hurt yourself or even worse.”

“Yes it is,” Scootaloo almost shouted, “I have seven days before I need to turn that gemstone in and that is way to long to wait to see my Sweetie Belle again. Was it a risk, yes. Was it dangerous, oh you betcha. Was it worth it, you bet your flank. I have one color left. One. They I can present it to Rarity and I can see Sweetie Belle again.”

“Wow, you got it bad don’t cha kiddo,” Dash said, nuzzling Scootaloo, “Guess I wasn’t much better trying to rush things so I could give the pearl to Aunt Luna. How do you feel.”

“I’m sore, but in a good way.” She replied, “You’re not gonna ground me, are you?”

“Not tonight, but the last of your liquid sunlight is on lockdown until the weekend.” Twilight said, “I understand why you were in a hurry. If we see Rarity tonight-“

“Oh we will.” Dash interjected.

“As I was saying,” Twilight said, glaring at the cyan mare, “When we see Rarity tonight, we’ll talk to her about why she won’t let you and Sweetie Belle spend time together.”

“She’ll see Sweetie Belle tonight,” Dash said with a grin, “At the surprise.”

“Go get your brother and then get ready ok Scootaloo,” Twilight huffed, giving the filly a nuzzle, “Your mom and I need to talk about surprises.”

“Sure thing Mama Twilight,” Scootaloo said before climbing off the bed and racing down the hall.

********

Applejack took in the sites around her. The clearing was ringed by some of the oldest trees on the farm. Paper lanterns hung from every bough with a large table set right in the middle with mountains of food laid upon it. Off to the side on a small stage was Octavia Melody who was quietly tuning up her Cello. Beside her was a more sedate Vinyl Scratch, an acoustic guitar held in the field of her magic.

The girls were all there along with two thirds of the CMC, Big Mac and Granny Smith, each dressed in clothes designed by Rarity to accentuate their colorings. Princesses Celestia and Luna had even teleported into the clearing a short time ago. All that was missing were the guests of honor. Slowly, a small mouse scampered over to Fluttershy and began squeaking at her.

“Oh really…thanks you Cheasers,” She whispered to the mouse before addressing the rest, “Cheasers says that they are coming now.”

“Well, you heard ‘im,” Applejack said, gesturing to Vinyl and Octavia, “Hit it ladies.”

Slowly, the two musicians began playing a soft, elegant song filling the clearing with its soft tones as Twilight, Rainbow, Spike and Scootaloo walked in. They were all in awe at the romantic setting in front of them.

“Girls, what is all this?” Twilight asked.

“This is to celebrate me being able to officially ask for your hoof in marriage, Sparkles,” Rainbow Dash said proudly, pulling a small black box from under her wing and kneeling, “I’ve aced my test with flying colors. So now, before our friends and family I ask you, Princess Twilight Sparkle, will you accept this ring and my heart, becoming my wife from now till the end of forever?”

Wiping a tear from her eye with the back of her hoof, Twilight looked into the eyes of her marefriend and saw deep magenta wells overflowing with love and affection. Reaching out with her wing, Twilight opened the jewelry box and gazed at the elegant horn ring Dash had bought. The thin band was a spiderweb of rose gold with a pair of gemstones at its center, one a large amethyst the other a like colored sapphire. Lifting the ring gently in the field of her magic, Twilight slid it down to the base of her horn.

“Yes, Dashie,” Twilight said, trying to hold back the flood of tears threatening to poor from her eyes, “A thousand times yes.”

“Congratulations, My Little Ponies,” Celestia said, “I am so happy I am able to help share this wonderful evening with you.”

“I as well,” Luna said, “This truly is a special evening.”

“Come on everybody,” Pinkie Pie shouted, perched on top of her Pinkie Cheese Party Tank, “Lets get this party started!”

Blasting out a tidal wave of confetti, everyone began mingling and munching on the mountain of party foods and dancing to the wonderful music supplied by Octavia and Vinyl. Spike lavished attention on his marefriend, spending a good deal of time dancing with the young farm filly. Seeing the sad looks on both Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo’s faces, Rainbow Dash quickly made her way over to Rarity who sat chatting with Princess Luna. Seeing her niece-in-law walking over like a mare on a mission, Luna politely excused herself. Seeing her chance, Dash gently tapped Rarity’s shoulder with her wingtip.

“Oh, darling, this is so wonderful tonight,” Rarity said, sipping from a glass of hard apple cider.

“Yeah, its great,” Dash said, trying not to glare at her fashionista friend, “Listen, I need to talk to you about something.”

“What’s wrong?” Rarity asked, her eyes going wide, “You don’t like the dresses. No, you and Twilight both showed up in them. You don’t like the latest design for your wedding dresses?”

“It’s not clothes related,” Rainbow said, almost growling, “It’s about the kids.”

“Oh darling, whatever could be wrong with the children,” Rarity asked, “Spike seems to be doing well with young Applebloom and from what I hear, you’ve been able to help Scootaloo truly come into her own as a Pegasus.”

“Rarity, I need you to stop guessing and just listen please,” Dash said, “I need to know why you are dead set on my daughter spending time with your sister. Scootaloo almost killed herself today trying to power through making this Celestia forsaken diamond for you.”

Her eyes going wide, Rarity chugged down the glass of cider she already had before chugging down another, giving herself some liquid courage.

“I am not against your daughter spending time with my dau…darling sister,” Rarity said, stumbling over her words, “I gave her the test so she could prove herself didn’t I?”

“Then why aren’t they allowed to spend time together,” Dash exclaimed, “I mean, for real, they are at a party and our not letting them be closer than 10 feet from each other.”

“The reason I’m putting some distance between them isn’t because of Scootaloo,” Rarity said, the alcohol starting to affect her, “That little orange bundle of energy is a good influence on my little Sweetie. But, Sweetie shares her mother’s predilection for physical affection and I don’t want her making my mistakes.”

Dash blinked a few times, trying to piece together what Rarity was saying. Like a rock dropped from Ghastly Gorge, realization crashed down on the cyan mare.

“Sweetie’s your daughter?!” Dash hissed in a low whisper.

“Yes,” Rarity answered, “And before you ask, yes she does know. Her…father…has never been involved in her life so it has always just been the two of us. Now that I am an established designer, as well as being a member of Twilight’s court, I don’t feel it is necessary to hide it anymore.”

“When are you going to tell everyone?” Dash asked.

“If it is alright with you,” Rarity asked, “I would like to do it when young Scootaloo presents me with the diamond I have no doubt she will be finishing soon.”

“She’ll have it done this weekend Rares,” Dash huffed, “Let the kids spend sometime together. I think it’s safe to say those two are gonna be together a good long time.”

“Oh, on that we can definitely agree,” Rarity giggled, “Excuse me for a moment Dashie, I need to go tell Sweetie she can spend time with her marefriend.”

As the clearly inebriated mare made her way over to her daughter, Rainbow couldn’t believe how she never saw it before. They were practically cookie cutter copies of each other. As Rarity leaned down and nuzzled the young filly, she saw a wide smile spread across Sweetie Belle’s face before she took off like a rocket, glomping onto Scootaloo, sending the two of them into an adorable little pile with Sweetie Belle cuddled into Scootaloo’s chest.

Those two are so cute together, Dash thought, making her way over to where Twilight sat, carrying a pair of glasses of cider with her wings, can’t wait to see the look on Sparkle’s face when she finds out though.

Non-Chapter

Hello Ya'll,

I'm still alive and still writing this story, things have just been a little hectic as of late. I'm trying to find a work-life balance so that I can continue writing these amazing stories that you enjoy reading. Please Read and Review to keep feeding the beast.

Love Ya'll,
Asterid

Solid Rainbow

Chapter 19 – Solid Rainbow

Time marched forward for the next couple of days. Scootaloo continued training with both her parents and spending time with her friends. By the time the weekend rolled around, Scootaloo was relaxed, but ready to finally finish the task set for her by Rarity. Rolling out of bed to the sound of her brand new Daring Doo alarm clock, she brushed her teeth and finished a quick preening before trotting down the hall to her parents room. Knocking on the massive door with Mama Twilight’s Cutie Mark on it, Scootaloo waited a few minutes expecting a response.

They know I would be getting up early, She thought, Why aren’t they answering.

Knocking again, Scootaloo waited a few more minutes before deciding she needed to take matters into her own hooves. Butting her head against the massive door, Scootaloo struggled to push the door open wide enough for her to slip through. Entering the room, the young filly was met with the cacophonous sound of Mama Dash snoring loudly. Tip-hoofing over to the bed, she fluttered her tiny wings before jumping quietly into the air and landed on her mothers’ bed.

Twilight lay on her side with ear plugs in her ears, her hooves curled against her body which was pinned against Dash who had one of her large wings wrapped around the slightly larger Princess. Imagining herself and Sweetie Belle in a similar position, a small blush spread over Scootaloo’s face. Gently walking along the squishy Princess sized bed, the younger Pegasus poked Dash’s flank with her hoof, trying to wake the older speedster.

“Mama Dash…come on…wake up,” Scootaloo whispered.

Kicking her back leg gently, Dash’s breathe hitched before once again falling into a gentle, sleepy rhythm. Trying twice more, Scootaloo received the same response which caused a pout to spread over her muzzle.

You brought this on yourself Mama Dash, Scootaloo said with a wicked grin.

Focusing her magic, she spread her hooves wide before bringing them together, producing a loud thunderclap that echoed off the crystalline walls of the room. Dash’s eyes flew open along with her wings as she leapt into the air and began scanning for danger. Seeing a laughing orange filly on the bed, Dash scrunched up her face and landed back on the bed.

“Dude, so not cool, Squirt,” Dash scolded, “You scared the Tartarus out of me.”

“I know,” Scootaloo said, trying to look as innocent as possible, “Payback is fun though.”

“This is for me crowing over your bed, isn’t it?” Dash asked.

“Oh yeah,” Scootaloo said, “Why didn’t that wake-up Mama Twilight though?”

“When she has her ear plugs in she’s dead to the world,” Dahs replied, “Don’t know why she wears them every night though.”

“Could it be because you sound like an angry manticore when your sleeping?” Scootaloo joked.

“Ok enough comments from the peanut gallery,” Dash said, poking Twilight in her side.

As the lavender Alicorn opened her eyes, Dash motioned for her to remove her ear plugs. Pulling them out gently with her magic, Twilight slowly rolled out of bed.

“Well, I see someone is excited about finishing her test today,” Twilight said with a yawn.

“You bet I am,” Scootaloo said, “So come on, let’s get some breakfast and then we can bust out the remaining goop.”

“Alright, alright,” Twilight said, wrapping her wing around Dash, “Let’s get this filly fed. Come on girls, we’ll wake Spike up on the way.”

As the trio walked down the out of the room, Twilight loudly knocked on Spike’s door, rousing the young drake. Family all together, they walked through the halls of the castle before arriving in the Palace kitchen. As Spike pulled out a large pot, he began making a hearty breakfast of oatmeal and fruit while Dash sat reading the paper and Twilight began making two cups of coffee for the older mares. Rushing through the meal, Scootaloo began bouncing in her seat while she waited for the rest of her family to finish.

“You ok over there, Scoots,” Spike asked, “You’re practically vibrating.”

“No different than you over preparing for your little chat with Big Mac,” Scootaloo quipped, “I’m just excited that I’m almost done. I kinda wish all I had to do was talk to Sweetie Belle’s dad.”

“Oh yeah, like that would have happened,” Rainbow Dash said before freezing up and throwing her hooves over her muzzle.

“What do you mean, Mama Dash?” Scootaloo asked, cocking her head to the side.

“I don’t mean anything, what are you talking about,” Dash rambled, “Isn’t Mama Twilight pretty in the morning. Hey look, a squirrel!”

As all three of her family members turned to look out the window, Dash flared her wings, preparing to take to the air and shoot out of the room…or she would have, had Twilight not wrapped her in field of magenta energy.

“Why don’t you two go get the rest of the supplies while Dashie and I go get your Liquid Rainbow from the safe room.” Twilight said, her voice filled with motherly authority.

As the filly and drake left the kitchen, Twilight levitated the dishes into the sink before laying a wing gently over Rainbow Dash’s back. Guiding the speedster through the castle, the two stopped in front of their bedroom door. Pushing it open gently, Twilight pushed Dash through the doorway before glaring at the cyan colored mare.

“You know something don’t you?” Twilight asked.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Twi,” Dash replied, sweating a little, “I’m just a goofy jock speedster, I don’t know nothing.”

“Ok, one, we both know that’s not true,” Twilight deadpanned, “I’ve seen you pull off next level aerodynamic calculations on the fly in your head, so you’re not ‘a goofy jock speedster’. Two, you have a tell when you’re trying to hide something. So please, tell me what you’re hiding.”

“Ok, so only reason I’m telling you this is because it’s gonna come out as soon as the squirt gives Rarity this Celestia forsaken diamond she asked for and I wasn’t asked to make a Pinkie promise,” Dash said, sitting on her flank, “Rarity is Sweetie Belle’s mom.”

“Ok…don’t understand why she wouldn’t be able to ask Sweetie’s dad for permission if they were Earth Ponies though.” Twilight asked.

“He’s no in the picture…since like ever,” Dash replied, “Now that she’s Miss Fashion pony as well as being a member of your court she doesn’t care who judges her anymore and she’s gonna make an announcement at the presentation.”

“That makes a lot of sense,” Twilight said, walking over to the bookcase and opening the hidden door, “I always wondered why Rarity’s parents were so hands off with Sweetie Belle.”

********

Sequestering themselves in the same room Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash had both previously used for their Aeromancy experiments, the filly and the drake busied themselves with preparing the small room for the end of Scootaloo’s test. As Spike closed the drapes to keep out the light, Scootaloo set up the small metal she had been using as well as the small beaker stand Twilight had given her. Her work space set up, Scootaloo sat on her flank and began going through the calming exercises both Twilight and Dash had taught her. Slowly, she began mentally going through her checklist while mumbling her centering mantra.

“What on Equestria are you saying over there, Scoots?” Spike asked.

“Hmm, what?” Scootaloo asked, opening her eyes, “Oh just my focusing mantra. ‘I am a Pegasus. I dominate the skies. I weigh less than a slice of bread.’ You know, that sort of hokey, self-empowerment mumbo-jumbo.”

“Does it help?” Spike asked.

“Hasn’t hurt so far.” Scootaloo said with a smirk, “So how are things going with you and Bloom?”

“Really good actually,” Spike answered with a smile, “Just yesterday she was teaching me to buck apples.”

“You, Spike the Dragon, were bucking apples on the farm,” Scootaloo asked, “I mean, your legs aren’t really that long, how did that work.”

“It was rough at first,” Spike answered, “But then I realized I could use my tail to whap the tree and knock down the apples.”

Hearing her brother say this brought a large smile to large smile to Scootaloo’s face as uncontrollable laughter bubbled up inside her.

“What are you laughing at?” Spike asked, tilting his head to the side.

“It’s like in this game I like to play about teenagers training monsters,” Scootaloo giggled, “’Spike used Tail Whip! Its super effective!’”

“I am not Pokemon!” Spike shouted, smoke curling up from his nostrils, “For one thing, I can say more than just my name.”

“So could Meowth,” Scootaloo joked, poking fun at the young dragon, “Are we sure Mama Twilight didn’t just lose your Pokeball?”

“I didn’t lose his Pokeball, Scootaloo,” Twilight said, as she walked into the small room, “I left it in my room in Canterlot because her would never stay in the dang thing.”

“E Tu, mother?” Spike asked dramatically.

“Enough teasing the poor Drake,” Rainbow said, trying not to laugh, “He might use Dragon Rage and wipe out half the castle.”

“You all suck,” Spike said, “Can we get on with this?”

“As much fun as this has been teasing Spike,” Scootaloo said, “I do kinda want to get this finished. Then I can give Rarity this stupid gem. Did you bring the last of my liquid?”

“Sure thing,” Twilight said, levitating the nearly finished gemstone in front of Scootaloo before placing the last vial of liquid rainbow in the beaker stand.

Closing her eyes, the little orange filly sat on her flank and held her forehooves apart over the vial of dark purple liquid and began focusing her magic. What had previously been a taxing procedure was slowly becoming easier for the young filly. Slowly the violet liquid rose gently into the air between her outstretched hooves. Motioning with her wings, the nearly finished gemstone slowly rose into the air before it toughed the liquid violet. With a gently twitch of her eyes, a small jolt of electricity jumped form her wings to the gemstone which instantly solidified into a rough, irregularly shaped gemstone which shone with all the colors of the rainbow.

“It’s done,” Scootaloo said with a touch of finality creeping into her voice.

“It looks amazing, Scoots.” Rainbow said.

“Yes, it does, it’s so different than the ones I’ve seen in the palace.” Twilight said, “I think I prefer the rougher design of yours.”

“Your just saying that because you’re my mom,” Scootaloo said, a blush staining her muzzle, “But, thanks. So, what do I do now?”

“Well, later today, you and I are going to go to Barnyard Bargains and get something nice to put it in while Mama Twilight and Spike go get Pinkie to send invitations to all the girls and the rest of the Crusaders.” Dash replied.

“Does it have to be some big thing?” Scootaloo asked, “Can’t we like just go to the boutique and give it to her all-quiet like?”

“Normally, it would just be something private,” Twilight said, “But because your part of the royal family, things have to be a little more…extravagant.”

“But Mama Dash didn’t need to do that,” Scootaloo pouted.

“The Tartarus I didn’t,” Dash replied with a laugh, “I had to go to the Day Court and present that infernal Moon Pearl to Aunt Luna. Im just glad no one was petitioning the court that day. For now, lets get some training in before lunch, see if you can beat you time from yesterday.”

Author's Note

Hello Everyone. Im Not Dead! Just had a major case of writers block. Next in rotation is Soaring Shadows. R&R to keep feeding the machine.

How to Train Your Chicken Part 1: Doctor's Orders

Chapter 8 – How to Train Your Chicken Part 1: Doctor’s Orders

Scootaloo woke up in her room at the orphanage, a smile stretched across her muzzle. Her dream the previous night had starred her sister/mother Rainbow Dash as well as her favorite white unicorn, Sweetie Belle. Dash had been teaching her how to fly and after having completed her own version of the Sonic Rainboom, Sweetie Belle had been very…enthusiastic in helping Scootaloo celebrate.

Flinging the Wonderbolts blanket from her body, Scootaloo rolled out of bed and trotted out the door to her room. Walking down the hallway towards the dining room, the young filly saw a familiar flash of rainbow-colored hair turn the corner leading to the caretaker’s office. Deciding that Dash was probably more important than breakfast for the time being, Scootaloo used the skills she had gained during the recent ‘Cutie Mark Crusaders Ninjas’ adventure to sneak down the hallway unnoticed. Pressing her back against the wall, she edged to the doorframe of the caretaker’s office. Straining her Pegasus hearing to its fullest, Scootaloo struggled to eavesdrop on the conversation.

“…made arrangements for the doctor’s appointment for today.” Dash said, “My partner and I would have her for most of the day.”

“Partner, Miss Dash?” Mrs. Minder asked.

“We were under the impression that you would be adopting Scootaloo as a single parent,” Mrs. Taker stated, “Who will be helping you raise her?”

“Princess Twilight Sparkle,” Dash said proudly, “We have decided that we will be raising both Scootaloo and Spike together.”

“Oh, how wonderful,” Mrs. Minder said happily, “Two loving parents and an older brother to take care of her. She’s truly lucky to have you come into her life.”

“Hey!” Scootaloo shouted as she leapt into the room, “I don’t need someone to take care of me. I’ve been taking care of myself just fine.”

“Slow it down there, Scoots,” Dash said, “No one’s saying you can’t take care of yourself. Sparkles and I care about you and want you to become part of our family. Plus, if I’m your mom, there’s nothing stopping me from helping you find out what’s got you stuck on the ground and helping you get in the air.”

Dash’s response caused Scootaloo’s train of thought to grind to a halt. A family wanted her. There were ponies that cared about her. Maybe even…loved her. She could feel cracks forming in the icy wall she had built around her heart to protect herself.

“Would…can I call you mom?” Scootaloo asked.

“Of course you can,” Dash replied, sweeping the little filly into her forelegs, “But, what are you gonna call Twilight.”

“Oooo I know,” Pinkie interrupted, popping out of a filing cabinet, “She can be Mama Twilight and you can be Mama Dash!”

“Pinkie, what are you doing here?” Dash deadpanned, setting Scootaloo down.

“Helping you, of course,” Pinkie replied, “See you guys later.”

Diving back into the filing cabinet, the drawer shut itself in a cloud of confetti.

“How did she do that?” Scootaloo asked.

“It’s Pinkie Pie.” Was the only response from all three adults in the room.

“Alright, now that the mushy stuff is all taken care of,” Rainbow said, “We’re gonna go meet Twi at Sugar Cube Corner for breakfast before we head to Cloudsdale. You’ve got a doctor’s appointment.”

“Doctor’s appointment, yay.” Scootaloo said, unenthusiastically.

Walking side by side, both Pegasi had a bounce in their step as they neared the bakery. Walking through the front door of the shop, Scootaloo spotted a familiar lavender mare browsing the muffins in the display case. Trotting up to Ponyville’s resident princess, Scootaloo nuzzled her before looking in the display case herself.

“What are you thinking of getting, Mama Twilight?” The filly said cheekily.

Looking down at the orange Pegasus, Twilight was knocked for a loop hearing what she called her. Draping one of her wings possessively over the filly, Twilight pulled her close to her side.

“Well, Scootaloo, I was thinking about a nice, healthy, cranberry orange muffin.” Twilight asked, her eyes glistening, “What about yourself?”

“I want a double chocolate cherry muffin,” Scootaloo replied, “Gotta keep my energy up.”

“A double chocolate cherry muffin is not breakfast, that’s dessert,” Twilight scolded, “Dash back me up here.”

“Your mom’s right, Scoots,” Rainbow said, “Try the blueberry muffin. We’ll save the junk food for after your appointment. I’m going to stick with a coffee for now.”

“Yay, Mama Dash is awesome!” Scootaloo chirped, her tiny wings buzzing as fast as possible.

Placing her order with Pinkie Pie and hoofing over 6 bits, Twilight and Dash walked the little orange filly over to a table and each sat at her side. As both Twilight and Scootaloo began eating their treats, Dash sipped her coffee and enjoyed a few minutes of domestic happiness with her soon to be family. As soon as they were finished, they waved goodbye to Pinkie before placing Scootaloo on Rainbow’s back and setting off on their way to Cloudsdale.

The smile on Scootaloo’s face couldn’t get any wider as she enjoyed the feeling of the wind rushing through her fur and rustling her feathers. Looking to her left, Scootaloo saw the same look of pure joy written all over Twilight’s face as well.

Cresting another cloudbank, the city of Cloudsdale unfurled itself in all its splendor. Celestia’s sun glinted off of the marble like pillars and domes. Wonderbolt’s stadium stood proudly in the center of the city, surrounded by statues depicting the famous Pegasi, all crafted from crystalized rainbow.

“While we’re here,” Dash shouted over the sound of the wind, “We should visit my parents. That way I can introduce them to my special somepony and our daughter.”

“Are you sure?” Scootaloo asked, her hooves wrapped around Dash’s neck, “What if they don’t like me? What if they hate me for not being able to fly? I don’t want to come between you and your parents.”

“There’s nothing to worry about wee’in.” Dash said, “My parents are the last ponies who would judge you. Trust me on this, your grandparents will love you.”

Flying around the stadium, the large hospital complex came into view. Standing 7 stories, the massive complex dominated the skyline and nearly blocked out the light of day with the incredible shadow it cast.

Entering the main door, Scootaloo climbed off of Dash’s back and heard the musical falling of water. Turning towards the main atrium, the filly saw an incredible sight. A large fountain made out of metalized clouds launched liquid rainbow into the air for it to fall harmlessly into a shallow pool at its base.

“Beautiful…” The little filly gasped.

“I know right?” Dash replied, “Come on, lets get you checked in.”

Walking up to the reception desk, the trio found a pure white Pegasus with a blue main and tell with a blue cross on her flank.

“Hello, my name is Nurse Blue Cross,” She said, pulling a small clipboard from a rack on the wall, “How may I be of assistance.”

“My marefriend and I are taking little Scootaloo here for an appointment with Doctor Science,” Dash said, placing a wing protectively over the filly, “We are hoping to get some assistance with her flight issues.”

“I’ll let Doctor Science know you’re here,” The mare replied, handing Twilight the clipboard, “Just need you to fill out this information. Please sit over in the waiting area, the Doctor will collect the information from you.”

Taking a seat in the waiting area, Twilight picked up a quill in her magic and began filling out the form while Scootaloo and Dash began reading a flight magazine with an article about the Wonderbolts. Before long, a fluorescent green pony with neon blue hair came trotting up to them. A white lab coat was wrap around his barrel, with slits for his wings on the back.

“Hallo, everyvone,” He said with a thick Germaneian accent, “My name iss Doctor Veird Shience, I believe I vill be helping young Shcootaloo today, ja?”

“Ja…sorry, yes,” Rainbow replied, “I’m hoping you can tell us why Scootaloo is having trouble flying.”

“Ze little one iss having problems flying?” The Doctor asked, “Vell, let us go up to the magic shcanner and shee vhat ve shee.”

Guiding the TwiDash family down a long hallway, the Doctor entered a small room portioned into two parts. On the right-hand side was a small console with several controls on it. On the left-hand side was a small, clear cubicle with small diodes along the walls.

“Now, young Shcootaloo, please shtep into ze shcanner und shtand very shtill. Ve vill run a few tests and record your magic levels. Once zat is completed, ve vill shee vhat can be done to ashist you.” The Doctor said, walking up to the console.

Walking cautiously into the small scanning cubicle, Scootaloo felt like she was being put on display. She tried to stay still, but her discomfort was causing her tiny wings to buzz at odd intervals. As the Doctor began pressing buttons on the console, the diodes int the cubicle began to glow and a small net of light began passing over the fillies body, scanning her from all angels.

“Hmmm, interestink,” The Doctor said, reading from the monitor screen as paper began rolling out of the console, “Vary, vary interestink.”

“What’s up Doc?” Dash asked, her own wings fluttering.

“Let us have young Shcootaloo join us and we will discuss this in my office.” The Doctor replied, collecting the printouts and turning off the scanner.

“Come on Scoots,” Twilight said, waiving over to the little filly, “The Doctor is going to go over your results with us now.”

Stepping across the hall, the four ponies found themselves in a large office with a desk against the opposite wall. A small fireplace was set into the right-hand wall, with large bookshelves on the wall opposite it. Taking a seat behind the desk, the Doctor motioned the family to sit before them.

“Zo, I half found a few very interestink things based on the readings from ze shcanner,” The Doctor began, “To begin vith, young Shcootaloo has a very large magical core, eshpescially for one zo young.”

“That’s good right?” Dash asked, “I mean, a large core means she’s got access to all the Pegasi magic she could need to be able to fly.”

“Ya, zhat is correct,” The Doctor replied, “Ze problem zeems to arice from ze child’s fairy sreads. Zey grow normally from her core, howefer, zey do not reach all the way the ze tips of her vings, causing ze vings to be undergrown und underpovered.”

“So, I’ll never be able to fly?” Scootaloo asked quietly, her head hung low.

“Oh no, you vill definitely be able to fly,” The Doctor said, a smile on his face, “Howefer, you vill need to begin a long rechiment of exercises und supplements. You vill also need to take daily doses of Ambrosia for roughly vone months’ time. Zhat vill help your fairy sreads to extend sroughout your wings and allow zem to grow big und shtrong.”

“This is wonderful new Doctor,” Twilight said, happy tears tracing lines along her muzzle.

“Doc, thanks for making all of our days.” Dash said, wrapping a wing around Scootaloo, “We’ll start training tomorrow Scoots. Tonight, Twilight and I have a few things we need to teach you. Especially since you have to learn courting rules for Pegasi and Unicorns.”

“Wait, both!?” Scootaloo shouted, her wings buzzing loudly, “Why both?”

“Well, you have to explain Pegasi rules to Sweetie Belle and you need to learn Unicorn rules.” Twilight replied, “I appreciate your help today Doctor. Now, come along girls, we have to go visit the pharmacy to get your supplements. I’ll brew the Ambrosia myself.”