Finding your Wings

Twilight had called Spike away, making him do chores around the castle. In the interim, she'd told Scootaloo to leave the castle, and to be back by six at the latest, five at the earliest. Aunt Holiday was keeping Aunty Lofty at bay, and Twilight herself had sent Rainbow to Canterlot with some busywork. The point in doing so was to prevent anypony from influencing Scootaloo's decision.

Contrary to this, however, and with Aunt Holiday's permission, Scootaloo was still allowed to come back to the castle to talk with Twilight. This was for Scootaloo's safety, as if there was a sudden health problem, Twilight would be the one who knew the most about caring for a sick dragon. At the same time, Twilight was not allowed to give Scootaloo any advice on the subject, just to make sure there was no bias.

It was strange to walk through Ponyville when nopony knew who you were. She'd left her scooter at the castle, having fallen off twice trying to speed off. She'd have to relearn her balance, as even walking on her back feet was odd. But it wasn't nearly as odd as the way she was being treated.

Ponies waved to her, some introduced themselves, and even Apple Bloom, looking right at her after crashing into her, responded with "Sorry 'bout that, miss," before rushing off with her bag of supplies. They didn't recognize her. If she really wanted to, she could reinvent herself here and now. Be a whole different being entirely.

She shook the thoughts from her head. That was crazy. Sure, she could do that, and it would be nice to break away all of the hurt she'd accrued from her bad relationships. Diamond Tiara would have no insults, as she'd have to build up a new set. But she'd be throwing away her loved ones in the process, and even if Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle didn't recognise her at first, they were still her friends, and she wouldn't trade that for the world.

That was one decision down: She would remain Scootaloo. Whether with Spike or without him, she was the same filly. It was a little late to change, anyway, as Rainbow and Twilight both knew, as did her aunts. If she talked with any of them with other ponies nearby, they'd find out rather quickly who she was, and the relationship she'd built on lies would come crashing down.

She walked into Sugarcube Corner. She still had the bits from yesterday that Aunt Holiday had given her for lunch. She'd skipped lunch and broken her promise to eat something healthy, but perhaps her aunt would agree that what was healthy for her right now was to calm down.

"Hey there, sweetie," smiled Mrs. Cake, waving her over. "What can I do for you?"

"I'm having a bit of a personal crisis," chuckled Scootaloo. "I need a bit of a pick-me-up." She put the bits on the counter. "What do you recommend?"

Mrs. Cake nodded. "Why don't you have a seat over at that table?" she suggested, pointing to a small nook. "I'll send my recommendation in just a minute."

Scootaloo nodded and took a seat. It wasn't often that Sugarcube Corner brought food to the customers. It was often only with catering orders or private functions and public events. Normal customers would order at the counter, and then pick it up and carry it back to the table, or out the front door.

She buried her face in her claws. Even with something to eat, how would she figure out what she wanted to do? All she knew was that she didn't want to hurt anypony, but in either case, someone was going to be hurt.

Suddenly, a party horn smacked the tip of her nose. Looking up, she spotted Pinkie Pie, holding a tray of cupcakes. "Howdy-doo, Scootaloo!"

Scootaloo shrank down. "How'd you know it was me?"

Pinkie shrugged. "Same colours, same body language, same voice, same filly!" She chuckled. "Plus, I guessed."

Scootaloo sighed. "I suppose some ponies will be able to make the connection. Plus, I don't suppose I was hiding."

"So what's up?" asked Pinkie, sitting across from her and scooting a cupcake her way. This one had emeralds on it. "Mrs. Cake said there was an upset dragon in need of friendly conversation over here."

"Did she recognise me?"

"Not that I could tell. She thought you were new in town, and wanted me to come talk to you to find out whether or not you wanted a "Welcome to Ponyville" party."

"I'm not really in a party mood..."

"I figured as much." Pinkie produced a pillow and clipboard from under the table. "Now, when did your troubles seem to start?"

Scootaloo hugged the pillow. "Can we skip ahead to the part where I tell you what's bothering me, and you tell me what you think I should do?"

"Okey-dokey-lokey! What's up?"

Scootaloo took a deep breath. "I'm not supposed to seek a bias, so I have to keep this anonymous."

Pinkie zipped her lips with a hoof.

"A friend of mine, a colt, engaged in coitus with another friend, a filly. Now the colt's mother is angry at the filly, even though it was the colt's idea. She's threatening to never let the two of them interact again. The colt can either make his mom happy and leave his partner, or make his partner happy and his mom angry. They may be pregnant."

"Ooh..." Pinkie rubbed her chin. "That is a tough one..."

Scootaloo picked an emerald off the cupcake and stuck it in her mouth. "What am I going to tell him?"

Pinkie took a deep breath, then snorted. "I know exactly what you're going to tell him."

"It can't be a party," warned Scootaloo. "This is anonymous."

"It will be," nodded Pinkie. "How long do we have to set up?"

"Until dinnertime."

"That's plenty of time." Pinkie ripped off the top page of the clipboard and hastily scribbled something down. When she was done, she sealed it in an envelope and gave it to Scootaloo. "Give this to your friend. Tell him not to open it until dinner, and then he has to read the whole thing aloud to the table. Make sure the girlfriend is there, too."

Scootaloo looked at the envelope. "Are you sure about this, Pinkie?"

"Positutely!"

Scootaloo put the letter on the table. "Just for my own reference, who'd you pick?"