Dedicated to a very special friend who showed me the importance of being who you are and doing what you love no matter what anyone thinks. You know who you are, and this story is for you.
Bad Habit
By Mist
Twice my size, and probably three times my strength, a lot of ponies would tell you that I was in over my head for standing up to a colt like that. Many would tell you that I’m arrogant; they’d be right though. If there was one thing that I learned in life it was that you couldn’t just run away from your problems. I only wished somepony had told me that sooner.
“I warned you plenty of times what would happen if I caught you picking on my friends. I’m sick and tired of telling you, and clearly you don’t take the hint, so now we settle this the old fashioned way,” I spoke, stamping my front hoof in the dirt.
He laughed at my threat. Puffing out his brutish chest he proclaimed his dominance over me, and assured himself that he was mightier than me. His cockiness would only prove to be his downfall.
“Why do you care about a couple of blank flanks anyways?” He asked in a rather mocking manner.
I hissed my response in the most hostile tone I could bring forth. “They’re my friends, Clipper… I’m only giving you one more warning; get lost.”
Clipper took a step forward, accompanied by his two equally aggressive looking friends. His attempt at intimidation however was met with one of my own.
A Neanderthal grin came across his face. “What makes you think that you can take us?”
“Scoot, just let it go. He ain’t worth it,” A softer voice called out to me.
Clipper’s trio broke into laughter at the filly trying to gain my attention.
He chortled and began speaking in a mocking tone while waving his hooves around in an effeminate manner. “Yeah Scoot, listen to the blank flank. Turn around and run before things get too… Colorful…” Clipper’s expression dipped into a more sinister one near the end of his sentence, his brow lowered making him appear far more brutish.
“You don’t scare me Clipper, you or your idiot friends!” I yelled.
He sighed heavily and shook his head in disappointment. He gave a gesture tilting his head to the other two of his group. Taking the signal, they trotted slowly away from him and began to circle around me cautiously. Three against one, just the kind of pathetic advantage I imagined Clipper needed to give himself. He may have been big, but he certainly wasn’t going to put himself in a situation where he would need to fight fairly.
“Come on you guys, it’s easier to walk away then explain how all three of you got your flanks kicked by a filly,” I antagonized with a mocking smile upon my face.
He may have had strength and numbers, but I had speed. I knew as a fact that even the three of them combined wouldn’t be even half as fast as they’d need to be to keep up with me.
“Tell you what, since you’re so sure of yourself, I’m going to give you first swing,” Clipper spoke confidently, extending his chest in my direction indicating where I should swing at him.
“How generous of you,” I replied.
The second I finished that sentence I pivoted on my front hoof and planted a backswing directly into his face. Staggering he attempted to retaliate only to be met with my second back hoof. That hit took him down to the ground.
His two henchmen came from both my left and right sides attempting to take me by surprise.
Predictable.
Leaping into the air and with a single flap of my wings I was able to curl my body and bring down the backside of my hind hoof onto the left colt’s skull. Using the momentum of the collision I pushed myself back into the air where I came down front hooves first, stomping him into the ground.
Making my landing, I quickly flung my back hoof in a complete horizontal circle, bucking the last one in the chin. The impact caused a small white item to fling out of his mouth with a small trickle of blood trailing behind it.
The thug placed a hoof on his mouth and started to feel around where the tooth was. Realizing it was no longer attached, he clearly decided that he didn’t want to take any more chances with me and skidded off.
The other one managed to pull himself up, and aided Clipper whom was just recovering from being out cold in escaping the situation. They were bolting off quickly, though it was unnecessary; I wasn’t going to waste my time chasing them.
“Wimps!” I called out to the trio as they dashed off.
With a sigh I gently approached the two fillies without cutie marks being challenged by Clipper and his group.
“Dang Scoot’ y’all sure are tough, but once they tell Cheerilee ‘bout this y’all are probably gonna be suspended again,” Apple Bloom commented.
I shrugged and threw a smile her way.
My face lit up with an arrogant grin. “Not that big a deal, just means more time at home,” I replied.
Apple Bloom sighed and gave out a hearty laugh. My careless attitude towards getting in trouble at school always seemed to amuse her. I imagined she was living vicariously through me at times.
“Y’all are tougher than nails, Ah swear,” Apple Bloom laughed.
I rolled my eyes.
“I suppose,” I said.
The white unicorn of the group finally spoke up after remaining silent this entire exchange. Glancing up with an inattentive look on her face, she sighed.
Her mouth barely seemed to move when she spoke. “You didn’t have to do that…” She said.
I gave a nasty glance in her direction.
“And why is that?” I quizzed.
Her reply was rather plain, “We’re not worth it…”
I rolled my eyes and took a step towards her. Placing a hoof on her shoulder she finally met my eyes and a warm smile I had for her.
“You have to stop it with that attitude, Sweetie Belle. You act like the weight of the world is on your shoulders or something. Things aren’t that bad, you just have to cheer up, that’s all,” I reassured her.
She looked away solemnly, still impossible to read.
“You don’t understand.”
That was the answer I was accustomed to, unfortunately. Sweetie Belle was diagnosed with manic depression some years ago, and ever since she was essentially always miserable. We went extra lengths to try and cheer her up because of it, with little success.
“Just try and cheer up alright?” I smiled.
She sighed and just gave her usual unenthusiastic half hearted response. “Whatever you say Scootaloo…”
She always did that anytime that I gave her the chance to open up and tell me what was wrong. She’d just nod and give me the old “whatever you say Scootaloo.”
“Well, anywho, we’re goin’ back to class. Y’all coming, Scoot?” Apple Bloom chimed in to break the awkwardness.
“Nah, Cheerilee is probably already looking for me to give me another lecture about ‘respecting your fellow classmates,’ so I think I’ll wait out here for a little while,” I replied while giving a gesture that they recognized as me mocking Cheerilee and her lectures.
Apple Bloom nodded.
“Alright, well we’ll see ya’ soon! Y’all were awesome in that fight though, if I do say so myself,” Apple Bloom praised.
I gestured for her to leave before she started praising me anymore.
“Don’t inflate my ego,” I joked.
Apple Bloom giggled and shoved the depressive lump of a Sweetie Belle to leave with her.
I sort of took a little pride in her compliment, actually. I felt good that I stood up for my friends.
A sly remark came from my side that would disrupt that pride however, “Hey Scoot, what’s it like being a behemoth?”
Turning to meet it, I was face to face with a group of colts of varied sizes, all of which snickering at the comment. I stamped a hoof in intimidation.
“Easy there, hulk, lower the testosterone levels just a fraction, alright?” He mocked.
The group didn’t stick around much longer than that. They dissipated rather casually, laughing and voicing snide opinions as they did, most of which just complimenting those of the one who made the initial remark.
A sigh escaped me, as I lowered my head to look into a puddle. A rather thuggish looking pegasus looked back at me. Her magenta mane was streaked with precise black highlights and looked about as tidy as if she had just woken up. Staring deeply into her purple eyes I began to question what I saw more and more.
She was one of the boys, and didn’t have an effeminate bone in her whole body. The more I thought about it, the more I agreed that she was a brute. She’d certainly been in her fair share of scrapes, and definitely was quick to start throwing hooves when it came down to it.
A rather displeased voice echoed from the entrance to the courtyard breaking my chain of thought. “Scootaloo!”
I already knew who it was, and I was already certain what she wanted.
“Meet me at the principal’s office; you’re in a lot of trouble miss,” Cheerilee scolded.
I sighed and put on a smile for her. There was no sense going down and being ashamed of it at the same time.
“Yes Miss Cheerilee,” I replied.
“How many times do we have to tell you, Scootaloo; no fighting on school grounds. I don’t like you getting suspended Scootaloo. This stays on your permanent record, you know?” Cheerilee lectured.
I was more or less letting her complaints go right through my skull. I was already prepared to give her the same old bull story that I did every time; tell her what she wanted to hear so I could get home faster.
“Come on, Miss Cheerilee, that’s the same threat you give me every time I come here. We all know that permanent records are just a big joke anyways, can’t you come up with a better one?” I taunted.
At this point I was only thinking to have fun with the situation.
Cheerilee sighed and took a seat before rubbing her forehead, clearly stressed by the situation. “You’re not a bad student Scootaloo… you just seem to get into a lot of squabbles with the other students…”
Miss Cheerilee always liked me, probably because I hung out with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. Either way, she had always stuck her neck out for me, despite getting chewed out by her superiors for it. As long as I did the homework and passed the tests I would always stay on her softer side. I was late to class every now and then, but I’d always turn in the assignments.
“To be fair ma’am, they started it. They were picking on my friends, so I had to do something,” I defended.
Cheerilee smiled half-heartedly.
“That’s very noble of you; however you shouldn’t resort to violence so quickly. You should have tried to talk it out or gotten a teacher. You can’t go around solving your problems by kicking them…” Cheerilee’s face had a hint of concern upon it.
“No way, I’m no snitch!” I crossed my front hooves and looked away as if she just suggested the most shameful thing a pony could do.
She sighed and shook her head in disapproval.
“I’d rather be a snitch than suspended,” she replied.
“Good thing I’m not you then…” I let out.
Cheerilee sighed again and handed me a note off of the principal’s desk, who had remained silent during this entire meeting. It was very much like him to let Cheerilee do all the talking, as he wasn’t exactly very good at “connecting” with the kids.
Peeking at the note, I caught that it more or less was a letter to my parents telling them that I got into another fight, and that I was suspended for two days. I already knew where this was heading.
“Please have your parents sign that and bring it back when your suspension is over,” Cheerilee instructed.
I stuffed the scrap of paper into my saddlebag without much care, Cheerilee giving me worried looks the entire time.
“Scootaloo, I really hope you’ve learned your lesson this time, and you’re not just telling me what I want to hear… You’re a wonderful young mare, and I just don’t want you to fall in with the wrong crowd, that’s all…” Cheerilee attempted to comfort me.
I nodded carelessly.
“Don’t worry about me, Miss Cheerilee. I got everything under control,” I assured.
Cheerilee didn’t seem too convinced, which was to be expected as I had a tendency to make her promises that I couldn’t keep.
“I hope you mean that, Scootaloo…” Cheerilee sighed.
“So how bad did Cheerilee chew ya’ out?” Apple Bloom questioned.
I grinned deviously, looking in her direction.
“Oh she just gave me the same old, ‘you need to stop getting into fights, because I’m really worried about you falling in with the wrong crowd’ speech, then gave me a note that my parents need to sign for when I come back on Friday,” I said.
Apple Bloom winced at the thought.
“Ain’t yer’ parents gonna’ flip when they find out y’all been suspended again?”
I shook my head.
“Nah, they’re just going to tell me not to do it again and ask how my grades are doing. After they see I’m still getting A’s and B’s, they’ll forget about it and go off and do their thing. That’s how it usually goes. My dad just says I’m like one of the boys and congratulates me for being able to throw down with them. Then mom just laughs it off,” I explained.
Apple Bloom seemed a little in disbelief.
“Shucks, wish my family was so laid back about that kind of thing. You get away with a lot of stuff, Scoot. Like that time when you put those streaks in your mane,” Apple Bloom reminded.
I started dying my mane last year. Apple Bloom had warned me numerous times that my parents would have a heart attack if I did it without their permission. Sure enough though, I grabbed some dye from Sweetie Belle’s sister and did it anyways. My parents never said heads or tails on the matter, and we just pretended nothing ever changed.
“They just like it when I express myself, I guess…” I shrugged, not really certain why my parents never showed concern over it.
Sweetie Belle finally chimed in with her usual pessimistic demeanor. “Maybe you shouldn’t take advantage of your parents so much…”
My attention turned to the white unicorn.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
Sweetie Belle turned away shyly and spoke under her breath, as if she was afraid I was going to strike her.
She mumbled her response. “I’m just saying maybe you shouldn’t give your parents such a hard time.”
“What’s on your mind Sweetie Belle?” I asked almost as a subject changer.
She turned to face me now. Her expression looked rather tiresome, and reflected the pessimistic attitude that seemed to radiate from her. Just looking at her was depressing at times, it seemed. Her condition was almost like a disease, infecting anyone she touched.
“I’m just saying that you should appreciate them more… You never really know how much something means to you until it’s gone…” Sweetie spoke, still moving her face away from me as if to protect it.
I was confused as to what she was getting at. It seemed like an odd thing for her to bring up, even for how depressed she was all the time.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
She shook her head.
“Forget it, it’s nothing,” she assured.
A moment of silence came between us. It was broken by Sweetie taking her leave.
“I’m going to go home, I’ll see you guys later,” she said.
We watched as the young mare trotted away slowly. My mind could only focus on thoughts of what could possibly be going through her head.
“I’m worried ‘bout her, Scoot…” Apple Bloom admitted.
I replied with a sigh, “Aren’t we all?”
“What do y’all think we can do to help her?” Apple Bloom asked.
I lead the way as we continued heading home, and shook my head dismissing the question.
“I doubt that there’s much we can do that years of therapy can’t. She’s seen every school counselor, and from what I hear from Rarity she’s on a ton of different medication too. I’m afraid there isn’t much we can do for her,” I answered.
Apple Bloom sighed and nodded in agreement, though I’m sure it was begrudgingly.
We stopped just a few feet away from my front door.
“You want to come inside? I’m sure my parents won’t mind,” I gave her an inviting smile, as I really would have enjoyed the company as opposed to no doubt sitting alone for a few hours.
She shook her head. “Nah, Big Mac needs my help on the farm today so Ah gotta’ rush on home. Ah’d love to hang out, but Big Mac really needs me, y’all understand right?,” Apple Bloom lowered her head.
I smiled sheepishly before answering with, “Alright, if you say so…”
“Thanks for understandin’ Scoot,” she grinned as she spoke.
Apple Bloom waved before walking away. I returned the wave and entered my home by myself with a sigh.
“I’m home,” I spoke upon entering.
I was greeted by silence.
“Mom? Dad?” I called out.
My voice rang through the house, but no answer was given. This was all seeming very familiar to me at this point.
Wandering towards the kitchen, I noticed a scrap of paper hanging off of the refrigerator. Snagging the scrap I threw it on the counter and read it, already having a pretty good idea of what it said.
Scootaloo,
Your mother and I are out visiting friends. There’s some money on the counter for you to order a pizza. Your friend Rainbow Dash will drop by some time tonight to check up on you. We’ll be back around 11PM.
Love,
Mom and Dad.
I sighed and scooped up the small pouch of coins.
Typical.
Collecting my saddlebag from the living room where I had left it, I tossed the sack of bits in. I almost made my way out the door before I halted, realizing I had forgotten my helmet. Scanning over the room quickly, I was able to locate it sitting on the counter top. With a toss I landed it atop my head and strapped it on nicely.
I sped through town as quickly as I could, feeling the wind ripping through my coat. It was a rather relaxing feeling actually. To speed the trip up, instead of going around obstacles, I’d flap my wings and lift myself and the scooter over them. I jumped over an elderly couple to hear them scolding me as I passed them.
I was very proud of my flying skills as I had learned from the best: Rainbow Dash. I could still recall all the countless lessons the two of us went through.
“Hey Scoot, nice to see you again,” a friendly voice called out to me as I entered the grocery store.
With a wave I returned the greeting. “Hey Miss Berry Punch, just picking a few things I need to make dinner,” I replied.
The purple mare smiled and nodded.
“You know, most kids your age don’t know how to cook. Shoot, my kid would just order a pizza…” She laughed. Irony didn’t even begin to describe her comment.
“Well, I’m kind of on a diet, I try and stay in good shape,” I explained.
“You are so complex, Scootaloo. How did a kid like you get so responsible?” she questioned.
“Don’t know, it’s just the way I am, I guess.” I shrugged.
She smiled warmly and rubbed my mane playfully.
“So, how’s that band of yours going? What did you call yourselves again…?” She looked up in thought.
“We’re called ‘Ponies and a Dragon’, and it’s going pretty well. We got another show sometime this week, and I just got suspended so I guess I’ll use the time to get them together to practice a bit,” I said.
Berry Punch chuckled; she had heard this before from me.
“Suspended again? What’d you do this time?” She giggled.
“Got into a fight. Actually, I take that back. I won a fight,” I bragged.
“Oh Scoot, you’re a regular tomboy!” She laughed.
I lowered my head slightly.
“Thanks…” I replied quietly.
“Well, I’ll let you get to your shopping,” she said.
Trotting away I began to pick out the supplies I’d need, making sure to get the freshest ones I could pick out, especially for lettuce. I hated biting into some lettuce to find it’s soggy and wilting.
After a short 10 minutes of shopping, I had picked out what I wanted and went to the check out. Berry Punch tallied up my total and gave me the price.
“That’ll be fourteen bits.”
I reached into my bag and dumped out some coins. Counting them up I had twenty all together, I would have some to spare then. Almost every time my parents left me money for food or something I would take it and spend less than they gave me, and put the rest into a saving stash I kept in my closet. I wasn’t exactly sure what I was saving for, but it never hurt to save money.
Paying Berry Punch, I smiled and took my now bagged groceries.
“Take care Scoot!” She called out as I was leaving.
“You too,” I replied.
Staring at the vanity mirror in my room I kept turning my face to see myself from different angles in the reflecting glass.
“Maybe you’re just maturing faster than them…” I spoke out loud.
I sighed and laughed a little.
“Listen to you Scootaloo, you’re talking to yourself…” I teased.
DING DONG
The doorbell rang through the entire house. It was too early for mom and dad to have come home, so naturally I knew it was Rainbow Dash. Usually if she promised my parents she’d stop by, she would, many times when she didn’t have to.
Scurrying down the stairs I rushed to open the front door before she was forced to ring the doorbell a second time.
She had already opened the door by the time I stood at the doorframe. Her prism mane shined brightly in the setting sun behind her. Jerking her head to the right she flicked her mane out of her face. I was always envious of her impressive haircut.
“What’s up Scoot? Your mom and dad told me to come by and make sure you didn’t set the place on fire or anything,” she taunted.
I rolled my eyes and gestured for her to come inside.
“I take it you’ve already eaten? I smell some fancy cooking going on in here,” Dash commented.
“I made a casserole,” I replied.
Dash laughed.
“Still on that diet I see?” She smirked.
“I just don’t want to get fat, that’s all…” My cheeks lit up.
Dash threw herself onto the living room couch carelessly crossing her hind hooves as she laid on her back.
“So what’s new, squirt?” She asked.
“Well I got suspended again,” I shrugged.
Dash turned her head in my direction with a big grin shining across her face.
“Nice, did you get into another fight?” Dash questioned.
I nodded.
“Did you beat the snot out of him?” She grinned.
“More or less,” I shrugged again, not certain how to respond.
Dash nodded happily.
“Well as you know, I got suspended my fair share of times in middle school. Heck I must have gotten into a fight every week! Man, those guys didn’t think a filly could fight; I sure surprised them!” Dash chuckled.
I trotted over to the couch and sat at the end with her.
“I swear you’re a bad influence Dash,” I smirked.
Dash flipped over and roughed up my mane with her front hoof.
“Only to little trouble makers like you, squirt,” she replied.
“Spike, for Celestia’s sake, try and keep up!” I scolded.
Spike rolled his eyes.
“Sorry, this new one you’ve come up with is a little bit fast for me, I don’t even understand what inspires you to write this stuff,” he said.
I leaned over his drum set and smiled.
“A little voice in my head whispers it to me,” I teased.
He seemed to grow a bit nervous at that comment. “Not sure how I feel about that…” he said.
The mare standing at the keyboard let out a hearty chuckle before lifting her purple sunglasses and giving a big grin in our direction.
“Sounds about right, I think it’s interesting stuff. Experimental is always a good way to go,” she grinned.
“Experimental is putting it lightly,” the other mare of the group said.
“Lighten up Trixie, the kid has vision. I, for one, think it’s amazing stuff, Scoot, and I think you’re a musical genius! These two will get it, we just gotta practice with them some more,” the unicorn at the keyboard spoke.
I smiled deviously in her direction.
“I’d be lost without you Vinyl, I swear.” I winked.
Vinyl waved a modest hoof.
“So, you got suspended again? What’d you do?” Spike changed the subject.
I took a deep sigh and picked my guitar back up. I eyed it up and down tracing every detail in my mind. It looked a lot like my cutie mark, which made it that much more special to me. It was a gift from Vinyl when I first learned to play. To this day I still don’t know how much she spent on it, as she insisted on never telling me.
“Got into another fight…” I mumbled.
“How many?” Vinyl chimed in.
“Three against one,” I responded.
Vinyl whistled.
“Not bad, you’re a regular tank,” she complimented.
“Can we not talk about this?” I retorted.
“What’s wrong?” Trixie questioned.
“Nothing, I just want to focus on this new song that’s all…” I lied.
“I think that’s the best idea right now,” Trixie replied with a smile.
“I’m rubbing off on ya’ Trixie,” Vinyl smirked.
Trixie rolled her eyes.
“Let’s just do this,” I interrupted.
Mom and dad left early that morning, leaving behind one of their famous notes assuring me how much they loved me and telling me to take care. With no school I decided I’d go and visit Trixie that day.
She had moved to Ponyville sometime about two years ago after retiring from her traveling side show “business.” Something must have happened to her during her travels, as when she returned her demeanor became much more approachable and less arrogant. The only pony offering her any kindness when she first arrived was Pinkie Pie, who gave her employment and a roof over her head. Vinyl ended up picking her out for bass guitar sometime after that when we were starting a band.
Trixie never had much to say; she became more of a listener than anything else. I always got the impression that she must have had something traumatic happen to her while she was traveling. We never tried to discover what that might be, though.
Standing at the door of Sugar Cube Corner I saw the cyan mare levitating a batter spatula over a steel mixing bowl, Pinkie Pie in front of her taking care of the customers. Pinkie, who had caught me in the corner of her eye, threw me a wave which I returned. A quick giggle and she returned to attending to her customers.
Leaning over the counter I gave a smile to the over worked Trixie. She glanced up to see me and returned the smile.
“Hey Scootaloo, what brings you here, I thought you were on a diet?” Trixie raised a brow.
I nodded.
“I just came to see your pretty face,” I teased.
“You slay me.” She rolled her eyes.
“How’s the bakery life treating the great and powerful Trixie?” I laughed.
Trixie rolled her eyes again.
“Pick on me all you like, but I actually like my job. It’s peaceful and relaxing,” Trixie answered.
We heard a perverted whistle from behind me. Both of us focused our attention to its origin to see a pair of colts leaning awkwardly to get a glance at the mare behind the counter.
Trixie sighed and let out a simple laugh.
“Boys will be boys I suppose?” She smiled.
“Yeah… Boys will be boys…” I replied.
“What’s wrong?” Trixie asked.
“Nothing, I just remembered I have something I have to do. I’ll see you at practice tomorrow…” I lied.
I turned to leave before she could argue with it.
I slithered down the street like I had nowhere to be and nopony to care. I suddenly felt rather depressed.
As I wandered it wasn’t any more than ten minutes before somepony else noticed the sulking filly trotting down the streets with her head down.
I stopped when I noticed a black set of hooves in blocking my path. Glancing up, I saw they were attached to a colt with the most exotic looking white mane I had ever seen. It was messy and rugged, but it seemed to suit him. He looked so collected.
“You look a bit down in the dumps there,” he smiled.
I took a step around him.
“I’m just having a bad day…” I spoke under my breath.
“I’ve heard that one before,” he replied taking a step back in front of me.
I attempted yet again to get around him, only for him to block me again. “Well that’s great for you…”
“What’s wrong, girl?” He smiled.
He had a very warm smile, despite coming off as a rather suspicious colt.
“What does it matter to you?” I rolled my eyes.
“I just don’t like seeing girls sad, that’s all,” he said.
“Well, unfortunately there’s nothing you can do about it, stranger…” I replied emphasizing the last word so that maybe it would encourage him to leave me be.
His smile returned.
“It’s Shady, and what’s got you down?” he questioned.
“You wouldn’t understand anyways…” I sighed.
His horn glowed and a small rounded bottle with a pea green liquid levitated in front of him. He brought the bottle to my face and peeked around it with yet another bright smile. His crystal blue eyes seemed to match his bright smile and shiny mane.
“This will make you feel better, I promise,” he said.
I offered a hoof out, to which he placed the bottle on. I stared at the liquid before looking back at him.
“What is it?” I questioned.
“Just a little pick-me-up, put a few drops on your eyes.” He smiled.
Extending my hoof back to him I offered the bottle back.
“I don’t do drugs,” I replied.
He laughed before answering.
“This is not a drug, I assure you. It’s something I came up with myself a while ago, and it’s perfectly legal. Just trust me,” he said.
I glanced down at the bottle then brought my eyes back to him.
“How much is this going to cost me?” I asked.
“For you? Nothing.” He smiled again.
My brow rose with doubt as my suspicion grew.
“Why are you giving this to me?” I questioned.
He craned his neck to get a better look at me. It was obvious that he was checking me out, but so boldly that he didn’t seem to care if I noticed.
“I have a soft spot for pretty girls like you; I can’t stand to see them sad…” he admitted.
Pretty? A small blush crossed my face with heat.
“You don’t need to use it, consider it my gift to you. No pressure, no strings attached. If you do end up using it though, and you like it, well then come find me. I’m here just about every day.” His face lit up.
“Thank you, by the way my name is-“ He placed a hoof over my mouth.
“Shhh… Not yet. Save it for our next encounter,” he whispered.
A smile snuck onto my face. He was far more charming than I had thought at first glance. He was untidy and rugged, but there was something very alluring about him. His ability to articulate was almost breathtaking.
As he turned away, I placed his gift into my bag. I figured the least I could do is hold onto his gift in exchange for the compliment.
“You haven’t touched much of your dinner, sweetheart.” The soft voice of my mother rang out.
“That’s because I don’t eat half of this stuff…” I rolled my eyes.
My father curiously leaned in to ensure he heard me correctly.
“Since when?” He inquired.
His wrinkles showed when he spoke. He was getting older and it was showing. Everything about him said middle aged, right down to his fading yellow coat.
“I’ve been on a diet for almost two years,” I said, while adding “I told you this already dad,” after.
My father blinked and then nodded.
“Ah, that’s right,” he replied.
I could see right through him. He didn’t remember I was on a diet at all; we had this discussion probably every other week.
“How is school going sweetheart?” My mother asked.
“I was suspended, remember?” I remarked.
“Ah that’s right. You really need to stop getting into so many fights, dear. It’s not proper for a lady to be throwing down with the colts,” she reminded.
I took a sip of the glass in front of me before just nodding and agreeing with the older orange mare.
“Yeah I know…” I sighed.
I stood up and pushed my chair in before announcing my leave.
“I’ll be up in my room if anyone needs me,” I spoke.
The two gave a simple “alright,” without even turning to my direction. Sighing, I made my exit and ascent up the staircase.
Closing the door gently behind me I threw myself onto my bed. For a few moments I just laid there quietly, trying to clear my mind. Something began to itch at me though, a memory of yesterday. That colt, Shady, and his special “gift”.
Reaching into my bag at the foot of the bed, I grabbed the little glass container in my teeth and dragged it up onto the bed, setting it in front of me. Then I just stared at it. The liquid inside reminded me of pea soup, just without many objects floating in it.
He said it would make me feel better…
I sat upright and clasped the bottle in the cleft of my forehoof, just studying it. I laughed and dropped the bottle in the waste basket next to the dresser.
The last day of my suspension had come around, and I had spent the whole day messing around with Vinyl Scratch. She worked at a recording studio, so we usually just spent our time together playing around with the equipment, trying to make our voices sound strange. Sometimes we’d actually be productive and record me singing, but this was only on rare occasions. Vinyl’s boss seemed to be fine with her disregard for doing anything productive, but then again he wasn’t around whenever I was there, so perhaps he was unaware of the unicorn’s antics.
“Mom, dad I’m home!” I called out as I entered the house.
Work for them usually ended around 2PM, they had it set up that way so they’d be home when I got out of school, though sometimes they’d be elsewhere. It seemed as though they weren’t around more often than they were, that’s for sure.
“Mom? Dad?” I called again.
No response.
Poking my head in the kitchen, I saw a familiar note, along with a familiar sack of coins placed carefully on the counter. Sighing, I scooped the bag and the note up and went upstairs.
I briefly skimmed the note on my way up, and the only bit of information that was any relevance to me was that Rainbow Dash wouldn’t be coming by this evening, because she had an appointment to attend to, and that she was very sorry.
Dash was practically part of the family, really. She spent enough time here, and been to dinner with us enough times that she could pass herself off as my sister.
I crumpled the note up and tossed it into the waste bin. Walking past it however, I saw sitting at the bottom right next to the discarded paper ball that same bottle I threw away yesterday. It had been two days since I acquired it, and I hadn’t even so much as opened it.
I reached down into the bin and pulled it up onto the vanity before taking a seat in front of it.
Staring once again at the young pegasus in the mirror, I looked down towards the bottle and lifted it.
He said just put a few drops in your eyes...
Curiously I popped the top off of the vial and inhaled the aroma it let off. The liquid had a sweet smell to it, almost like it was filled with sugar.
I carefully leaned it over my head and tilted it towards my eye slowly. I winced at the first drop, but I managed to get another in after. Repeating the steps for my other eye, it wasn’t as difficult the second time, though I wasn’t used to putting things in my eyes.
Closing the vial and setting it down I gazed at myself in the mirror. Nothing changed. The same orange pegasus looked back at me.
“Guess it was too good to be true…” I thought out loud.
I crawled back into bed and closed my eyes, trying to take a nap. I had my eyes shut no longer than sixty seconds before I lifted myself back up and sat up wide awake.
“Actually… Things aren’t so bad…” I smiled.
It was true, when I thought about it; I was a kid with money and no pony to tell me what to do. There was enough money in the bag my parents left me to go to the arcade and see a movie. There was plenty of food in the refrigerator.
I’d have a night on the town without any worries. It was a far better idea than moping around.
“Scootaloo, do you know the answer?” Cheerilee questioned.
I lifted my head up from my forehooves that I was leaning into pressing my temples. I hadn’t the slightest clue what she was asking me, as I was finding it difficult to focus with the splitting headache I had since earlier that morning.
“Sorry Ms. Cheerilee, I’ve got this really bad headache. I’m having a hard time paying attention…” I admitted.
Her smile bent and turned her whole face into one of concern.
“Do you need to see the nurse?” She questioned.
“Nah I’ll be fine,” I lied.
She nodded and looked back to the rest of the class. “Anyone else?”
“How about you, Sweetie Belle?” She pointed.
Sweetie Belle sighed and leaned forward in her seat. An uninterested expression on her face, she spoke the answer as if she was reading it out of a textbook.
“If you take the second number and multiply it by the first, then you can solve for X which is 72 in this case…” she drawled.
“Very good Sweetie Belle!” Cheerilee praised.
“Whatever…” She sighed.
Sweetie Belle was depressive as always, so it was obvious that hadn’t changed in my absence, not that I expected it to. I was still curious as to what could possibly be keeping her in such a state for so long. It was probably better I didn’t know though, lest I put myself in that same position.
Cheerilee rambled on about arithmetic and other various educational topics that I paid little mind to. When my headache was starting to subside I began to remember its possible origin; the vial from last night. Did it actually work? Now that I thought about it, the liquid did exactly as that colt said it would. Then again, it may have only been coincidence. How did I know for certain?
The thought lead me to the only answer I could fathom: I’d have to try it again.
“Ms. Cheerilee?” I raised a hoof.
She ceased her lesson and glanced in my direction.
“Yes Scootaloo?”
“Could I use the bathroom?” I asked.
“Of course,” she replied.
Nodding, I stood up and left the room casually picking up my saddlebag.
“You don’t need your bag Scootaloo...” Cheerliee scolded.
“It’s a medical thing...” I lied.
“Oh! I apologize, go right ahead...” Cheerilee blushed. There was no telling what kind of medical excuse she was thinking of, but I assumed she thought it was a “mare” one. I took my leave without another comment.
As soon as the door was closed behind me I rushed to the bathroom and flipped open my saddlebag.
There wasn’t much liquid in the little vial, even though I only used a few drops before. It must have been only enough for a sample; I suppose he didn’t just want to give away too much of his wares without promise of a return.
I cautiously checked the stalls to make sure that I didn’t have any pony watching me. Sure enough I was alone.
I crawled up to the mirror and tilted the bottle over my eyes again. Placing three drops in each eye, I emptied the rest of the vial and put it back into my bag. I then sat quietly awaiting the effects. It wasn’t more than a minute later when I felt some kind of strange sensation sweep through me. My whole body just suddenly woke up. My headache dissipated in a second, and I had this warm feeling throughout my entire body.
I couldn’t remember what was bothering me moments ago, and I just felt… Good… I felt like I could take down a full grown dragon at that moment.
When the effects would wear off later, I would come to realize that stuff actually worked. It worked better than I could ever imagine.
This is the same place I saw him before…
“Shady? Are you here?” I poked my head into an alley between the nearby buildings.
“You remembered my name, I’m flattered.” The smooth talking Unicorn crept from the shadows.
“I take it you liked my stuff?” he added.
“Yeah, but I had a few questions…” I replied.
He gestured with his hoof.
“Walk and talk with me.” Another of his charming smiles shot across his face.
I did as instructed and trotted alongside him.
“That’s some pretty interesting stuff you have… What do you call it?” I asked.
“It’s something I made myself. I call it Chemical,” he answered.
“What’s in it?” I questioned.
He laughed.
“Well one of the main ingredients is a sugar-like substance, that’s what gives it that sweet smell. As for the rest, well, you know I can’t give away my secrets. All I can tell you is that it’s perfectly legal, and made entirely of legal substances,” he explained.
“I had a huge headache after I used it…” I said.
He nodded and smiled.
“A side effect from your body not being used to it. After the first few times that’ll go away.” He acted like he was bragging.
“What’s it going to cost me?” I asked.
He stopped and turned to me as if I had just asked the million bit question he was waiting for.
“For you? Nothing, all I ask if you run a few errands for me now and then. Nothing too bad, sound fair?” He offered.
“Why are you doing this for me? You hardly know me…” I responded.
Another smile crossed his lips as he replied.
“Like I said, I have a soft spot for pretty girls like you…” He replied.
I could feel my face turn crimson, but I did my best to hide it from him.
“How will I find you again…?” I turned away trying to hide my face.
“We meet at a place right on this street. It’s the old abandoned storage place, you can’t miss it. Come by on Tuesdays and I’ll set you up with what you’ll need. Keep it to yourself though, we don’t want just anyone walking in our doors, you know?” He said.
He levitated a vial from his bag and tossed it my way. I jumped and snatched it between my teeth.
“Welcome aboard…” He leaned in.
“Scootaloo, my friends call me Scoot though… It’s kind of a dumb name…” I sighed.
“I like that name. It’s cute. See you on Tuesday… Scoot.” He winked when he said my name.
I don’t think I ever recalled anyone else saying my name was “cute.”
The delivery business that Shady had enlisted me into actually wasn’t that bad. I’d show up on Tuesdays, pick up a few packages and drop them off at various clients. Then after I was done, I’d return and he’d give me praise along with more Chemical. Part of me actually enjoyed working with him.
“Hey Scoot, how was school?” A familiar pegasus spoke as I walked into the door.
My attention turned to the rainbow maned flyer lying on the couch with a book sprawled on her chest.
“Oh hey, it was cool. What’s going on?” I smiled, flicking the strand of my mane in my face.
“Not much, just thought I’d grace you with my presence,” she smirked.
“Very funny…” I rolled my eyes.
“Trixie’s here too,” Dash replied.
I turned my head to see the sky blue mare come out of the kitchen area to the living room.
“What’s up?” I questioned.
“I just thought I’d drop by and say hello. Dash tried to invite the rest of the band, but Spike had errands he had to run for Twilight, and well Vinyl Scratch couldn’t get out of work early. So it’s just the three of us,” Trixie shrugged.
Trixie was always a mystery to me. I couldn’t quite understand how she went from being a frivolous braggart to an understanding older sister figure in the short time she was gone from Ponyville. I had always meant to ask her what happened to her on the road that caused her to come back, but any time we mentioned her show mare business, she would just say how it didn’t pan out and change the subject.
“I say we go into that kitchen, raid the fridge and make one of the most tasty meals that our taste buds have ever had the pleasure to touch,” Dash drooled.
Trixie laughed and nodded.
“Sounds fine to me,” Trixie replied.
I followed the two of them into the kitchen, not entirely interested in eating that much, but I’d stick around for the experience.
Trixie started levitating some boxes from the cabinets, while Dash searched through the contents of the refrigerator. Trixie shot a glance my way as I leaned on the counter.
“Who’s that colt that I saw you with the other day?” Trixie broke the silence.
I nearly bit my tongue.
“What colt?” I asked, already knowing which she was referring to.
“He had that jet black coat and that white mane. I saw you around him the other day when I was picking up groceries,” Trixie said.
“Oh, he’s just a guy I get guitar stuff off of. He works at a warehouse so he gives me a huge discount,” I lied.
It was at least half the truth, he did work at a warehouse, and he certainly was giving me a discount on something.
“Oh,” Trixie nodded and continued with her cooking venture.
I let out a sigh of relief.
I sped up on my scooter to catch up to Sweetie Belle, who was trotting away at an incredibly fast speed, almost as if she was trying to escape me.
“So Sweetie Belle, we still on for my place tomorrow night?” I asked.
The young filly shrugged responded with the phrase “I guess…” which has almost become her catchphrase at this point.
I hated when she did that, but today I felt particularly annoyed by it. I was getting tired of Sweetie Belle’s moping.
“Man, what is with you Sweetie Belle? You never want to do anything anymore… I’m really worried about you…” I admitted.
“I guess I’m just going through some changes…” She sighed.
By that logic she had been going through some changes for the past two years.
I lowered my voice in an effort to make myself sound more trustworthy to her, hoping she’d open up to me.
“What kind of changes? You can tell me…” I tried to smile for her.
She just let out another sigh, looked away and shook her head. A common response from her when she didn’t want to tell somepony something.
“It’s nothing, you wouldn’t understand anyways,” she replied.
For some reason that really lit a fire under my hooves. I really couldn’t explain why, but I just became irate with her in a split second, almost unnaturally.
Trying to withhold my irritation I spoke.
“Trust me; I think I could understand just about anything these days…” I admitted.
She gave me this odd look. She studied me with confused eyes, I honestly couldn’t tell what she was thinking about me, but for some reason I didn’t like it.
“Is there something going on with you? You’ve been acting strange for the past few weeks,” she questioned.
“Pot calling the kettle black, don’t you think?” I smirked.
She nodded, which took my smirk away. I was hoping to get a smile out of her for once.
“I’ve just been really busy with stuff outside of school is all, takes up a lot of my free time,” I answered.
She shot me a look of disbelief.
“This isn’t about me though, it’s about you…” I changed the subject back.
“I don’t want to talk about it…” She sighed.
My patience with her was running out. I skidded in front of her and blocked her path.
“You never want to talk about it… I’m getting sick of that answer, and so is everypony else. What is going on with you?” I hissed.
She appeared to be intimidated by me and looked away while sinking down a little.
“Just forget it, Scootaloo…” She attempted to get me to drop the subject, but I wasn’t giving up that easily. Before I knew it, I was yelling at her.
“No! I’m sick of this! You think you have it so tough? You think you’re the only one with problems? I got news for you: you’re not,” I growled.
I couldn’t understand why I was getting so upset with her.
“I don’t think anypony has a problem quite like mine,” she answered.
How arrogant of her…
“Maybe if you told somepony they’d at least be able to help,” I suggested.
“It’s too complicated to explain…” She replied.
I couldn’t contain myself any longer.
“Of course it is… You’re Sweetie Belle, everything is complicated with you! No pony could possibly comprehend the enigma that is Sweetie Belle,” I rolled my eyes at her.
“What’s it to you anyways?” She retorted.
“I’m your friend, and I’m sick of seeing you like this!” I yelled.
She paused and bit her lip. We both observed a moment of silence.
“What if I told you I have a curse…?” She was nearly whispering.
I rolled my eyes at the thought.
“Curses don’t exist Sweetie Belle,” I explained.
She let out a sigh before speaking again.
“I suppose you’re right…” She said.
I suddenly felt bad about losing my temper with her. I wrapped a hoof around her neck and pulled her close to me, giving her a smile.
“Sweetie Belle, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have implied your problems are meaningless, I’m just a little stressed lately. If you don’t want to talk about it, then all I can do is wait. I’ll be here for you whenever you need some pony to talk to.” I smiled.
“Out of curiosity, what’s got you so stressed out?” She questioned.
I shook my head in a gesture telling her not to concern herself over it.
“It’s just some random junk, don’t worry about it. I’m more concerned about you than anything else,” I said.
A weak smile finally came to her face.
“Thanks Scootaloo. I’ll keep that in mind…” She said.
“No problem.” I smiled.
I knew she’d open up eventually; it was just a matter of when. I could tell though that a crack was made in her thick shell.
“Come on guys, try and keep up for once,” I scolded.
Trixie sighed and nodded.
“Hey Scoot, not that I’m not loving the fire and all, but why are you getting so bent out of shape? We’re just a little tired from this week, give us a break,” Vinyl chimed in.
“I’m not getting bent out of shape; you guys just aren’t playing right. You haven’t been practicing at home have you?” I asked.
“Unlike you, the three of us have day jobs that we have to attend to,” Vinyl replied.
“Quit making excuses,” I chastised.
“Why are you getting so mad?” Vinyl questioned.
I had half expected resistance from Vinyl Scratch. She was often the one to tell every pony to “chill out”.
I took a deep breath and sat down. I thought about it for a moment, and tried to remember why I was getting so upset. This practice really wasn’t that important, and we didn’t have any kind of show to do for another few weeks. I couldn’t understand why I was so angry.
“Sorry, I’m just a little bit stressed out today…” I lied.
Trixie leaned in curiously.
“What’s bothering you?” She asked.
Once again it was made obvious that Trixie was the most compassionate member of the group, though the one that I related to the least. Still I had to award her points for effort at the very least.
“Just some family stuff,” I lied yet again.
“Hey, don’t sweat it. Your parents are cool ponies, whatever they’re mad about they’ll come around, they always do after all,” Vinyl chimed in.
There were times where I questioned if my parents ever understood that I had done anything wrong. I don’t recall ever being grounded or spending much time in time out.
Trixie placed a hoof around my shoulder and smiled warmly in my direction. She almost looked motherly.
“You can always talk to me Scootaloo, I’ll be here to listen,” she spoke quietly.
“Thanks Trixie, but let’s just get back to practice alright?” I stood back up.
She nodded, along with Vinyl and Spike, whom had remained silent this entire time. My guess was the young dragon was uncertain of what to say. I couldn’t blame him for that; I wasn’t even certain what was wrong.
Rainbow Dash waved her hooves about frantically while flapping her wings as she reached the end of the story she was telling. She was always very visual when she was speaking.
“So Twilight just sends them all to Princess Celestia, because she has no idea which one was the one she was looking for!” Rainbow Dash finished.
The rest of us broke out into a chuckle, myself included.
“Scootaloo, you sure are lively tonight,” my mother commented.
I couldn’t answer as I was taking a sip of my soup.
“Yes dear, what’s the occasion?” My father leaned in with a smile.
“She’s just excited because I’m here!” Dash bragged.
I laughed and nodded.
I was happy to see her, but it probably had to do with the six drops of Chemical I had taken before I got home. It had become part of my routine now; I’d take a little every school night, right before I got home to get through the rest of night.
This particular night Rainbow Dash decided to stop by for dinner.
“So Scootaloo, how have your friends been?” My mother smiled.
“Well Apple Bloom is as good as ever, and Sweetie Belle, well… She’s still a depressive lump, but I think she might come around soon,” I replied.
“The poor dear,” she frowned.
“I wouldn’t worry about it, I’m sure the problem will fix itself given enough time,” I replied.
“Did you hear Sweetie Belle is dating the new kid?” A young gossiping filly spoke to her friend.
My ear twitched as I entered the bathroom, just catching her statement. I froze and listened to their conversation.
“Apparently his name is White Star, he’s from Canterlot too,” she added.
The other giggled.
“Well, he’s pretty cute, totally shy though. Good for her though, that girl needed something to lift her spirits some. She’s been depressed for so long, she deserves it,” the other said.
The two finished their conversation and pranced out of the restroom without even noticing I was there. My body remained frozen in disbelief. How could I have not noticed this? White Star had joined our class not two weeks ago, and I hadn’t even noticed the two of them together.
My thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of the school bell, excusing every pony for lunch. Almost instinctively I wandered out to the courtyard where I usually ate, and after I’d usually take a few drops of Chemical to help me focus.
There they were, Sweetie Belle and White Star. Then I saw something I hadn’t seen in almost two years; Sweetie Belle was laughing. My eyes almost couldn’t believe what I was seeing, Sweetie Belle was laughing with this White Star; something none of us could get her to do. He laughed with her, and with each chuckle his dark purple mane bounced.
Taking a few steps closer, I saw something else that instilled even more shock into me: a cutie mark! Not just any cutie mark though, an identical cutie mark. White Star and Sweetie Belle shared the exact same cutie mark, of a yellow halo.
From what was understood about cutie marks, was that they were always unique to a pony, and represented what their special talent in life was. Mine was a guitar for my ability to play and perform, but even if other ponies had the same talent or a very similar one, they would never have the same cutie mark. Although some cutie marks may bear a resemblance to others, never has there been a time where two ponies shared the same cutie mark. It just wasn’t possible.
White leaned into his lover and planted a gentle peck on her nose with a blush on his face. I turned away in disgust.
I couldn’t stand to look at the two anymore, I darted off to the back of the school where the sports teams usually practiced. At this time of day it was usually deserted and today was no different.
Catching my breath I jabbed my front hoof into the brick wall of the school. Falling to my haunches I tried to compose myself, before realizing the trickle of warm blood running off the hoof I just slammed against the wall.
“It doesn’t even make sense!” I yelled to no pony in particular.
“How can he be interested in her!? What could he possibly see in that depressing excuse of a filly!?” I growled.
I took a deep breath as I tried to calm myself. I couldn’t even fully understand why I was getting angry in the first place.
“Rainbow Dash, can I ask you about… Colts?” I nearly bit my tongue at the end of that sentence.
Dash poked her head out of the book she was reading with a confused expression.
“Colts?” She asked.
“Yeah, well Sweetie Belle is dating this colt, and I just don’t feel right about it…” I explained.
Setting her book down Dash gestured for me to sit next to her, which I nodded to and took a seat on the couch adjacent to her.
“What doesn’t feel right about it?” Dash’s brow rose.
“I don’t know, I just think something about it isn’t right… Like Sweetie Belle isn’t the kind of filly who should be dating some pony…” I said.
A smirk grew on Dash’s lips.
“Sounds like some pony is jealous,” she teased.
Me? Jealous of Sweetie Belle?
“I’m not jealous! Why would I be jealous of Sweetie Belle?” I protested.
Dash sighed and chuckled just a little more.
“You’re getting to be that age Scoot, and I think it’s time we had a talk. Your mom and dad really should be the ones telling you this, but since they’re not here I guess it’s up to me,” she said.
I rolled my eyes trying to tune her out.
“You’re going to start noticing colts now Scoot, and you’ll do some stupid stuff to impress them. I remember when I was around your age I did some really stupid stuff to impress a few colts.” Dash reminisced.
“That’s not it at all! I’m not interested in colts, that has nothing to do with it!” I denied.
I only succeeded in making Dash laugh again.
“Well maybe you’re interested in fillies, that’s all fine too. I can’t say I’m not guilty of a little curiosity…” She blushed a little.
“Gross!” I gagged.
She pulled me close with her front hoof and smiled.
“It’s perfectly natural Scoot, the body wants what it wants. So there’s nothing wrong with being attracted to fillies,” she assured.
I pushed her hoof off of me.
“I’m no fillyfooler!” I proclaimed.
“Why are you getting so defensive?” She questioned.
“I don’t know! I just know that I’m not interested in colts, and I’m certainly not a fillyfooler!” I hissed.
Dash sighed and leaned back on the couch.
“Whatever, I’m not the one you have to convince,” she remarked.
Tuesday rolled around, and as usual I swung by Shady’s “establishment” to pick up my usual deliveries. The group had been having some kind of meeting when I entered.
“Ah, Scoot. Sit down for a bit, I’ll have your stuff ready in a minute. We’re just having a little business meeting, we won’t be long,” Shady gestured for me to join them.
I pulled myself up onto a nearby crate and took a seat.
“What are we going to do about these herb sellers? They’re hurting our business, it’s impossible to move our stuff when the cops are inspecting the area because of these idiots…” Shady complained.
A brute responded to him with, “ponies are just more familiar with herb is all.”
Shady hurled a pebble in his direction which hit his target clean between the eyes.
“They’re living in the past. Our stuff is the future, we just have to let them know that,” he smirked.
“How’s that, boss?” a scrawny pony in the circle asked.
Shady put his hoof to his chin in thought. Glancing around the room his eyes rested on me. A smile on his face, he jumped down from his perch and trotted over to me.
“Scoot can help us,” he spoke in a rather matter-of-a-fact tone.
“Me?” I questioned.
He nodded in agreement.
“Just give them a bottle of our stuff and tell them that there’s a new product in town. Inform them that they’re trespassing on our territory,” he suggested.
He placed a bottle gently onto my hoof.
“Why me?” I asked.
“No pony could say no to a pretty face like yours, besides I trust you.” He placed his hoof upon my chin as he spoke.
I felt another blush encompass my face.
“You think?” I squeaked the words.
“I do…” He pressed his forehead to mine.
I could feel his breath run down my chin and onto my neck. At this distance I could get a proper whiff of his pleasant body spray. For a pony that looked as untidy as he did, he smelled fresh. I only hoped he couldn’t hear my heart pounding as loudly as it sounded to me.
“Will you do this for me?” He asked sweetly.
I couldn’t say no to him even if I wanted to.
“I’ll do it,” I smiled.
“Excellent, I’m not going to send you out there by yourself though mind you. Rock and Iron will make sure they don’t touch even a single hair on that gorgeous head of yours if things get out of hand.” He tilted his head to point me to the two henchmen.
One was a giant with hooves that could probably crush a pony’s skull without even trying. His girth was only matched by the length of his mane, which appeared as though he didn’t even know the meaning of the word “barber”. The other was just as intimidating, but a size smaller than his companion. He had completely shaved his mane off it appeared, which effectively made his eyes stand out even more.
Shady turned my head back to face him. The blush upon my face only grew.
Lowering his hoof from my cheek he wrapped it around the back of his neck. His muzzle brushed against mine gently before he pulled my lips to meet his.
My whole body stopped functioning. I relaxed my muscles and tried my best to follow the kiss with him. He tasted so… Interesting, nothing like I expected him to. He tasted… Sweet, he tasted sweeter than the smell of the Chemical he sold, and that was saying something.
When he released me, I tried my best to avoid stuttering. The last thing I wanted was to look like a love sick fool in front of him.
“What was that for…?” I managed to squeeze out in between heavy breaths.
“Good luck.” He smiled.
I smiled back at him, giving him a shy glance.
“I’m definitely feeling a lot luckier now…” I replied.
From that last meeting things started to change when it came to me and Shady. I wasn’t making deliveries anymore; instead I was the one dictating them. He always talked about how I had what it takes to keep up with him in this business.
Whenever I wasn’t at school, or practicing with the band I was with Shady. Whether it be business or pleasure, I was right there next to him every second I could spare, which made it difficult to hide the relationship the two of us had.
“Scoot, the numbers are in,” Iron said.
“And?” I gestured for him to continue.
“Sales are up, it seems your influence is starting to intimidate the other drug dealers into working for us,” he replied.
I smirked.
“I’m impressed Scoot, you truly are a rose…” Shady commented as he stepped down from his seat upon a bunch of old crates.
Pulling me close to him and resting us both on our haunches he left a hoof around my back side and a hoof on my cheek. I felt the heat in my face increase as he pressed his forehead to mine.
“Beautiful, but full of thorns…” He added.
“Stop it…” I turned away bashfully.
“I mean it… You’re so mysterious Scootaloo…” Using my full name only intensified my blush, “beautiful and feminine, yet there is a fire in you… You’re a powerful adversary. You may walk with the stallions with the grace of a mare…” He said.
I was relieved that he didn’t call me a tomboy.
“You’re just being a flirt…” I snickered.
“Is it working?” He smiled.
I couldn’t resist that smile of his.
“Oh it’s working.” I nuzzled his neck.
I had just finished taking a few drops before heading out to lunch. Most of my classes for the day I had either skipped or made an excuse to leave them early.
The courtyard was fairly empty this afternoon. Most of the students opted to eating inside today, probably because of the recent rain. One colt in particular stood out, I suppose he stood out more because of the lack of a companion, White Star.
Seeing this rare opportunity, I decided to observe him from up close. I advanced towards him trying to think of what I wanted to say to him.
“Is there perhaps something I can help you with?” The colt sunk down.
“Uh, nothing in particular, I just noticed you and Sweetie Belle are really close… That’s all…” I spoke.
I must have sounded like some kind of creepy stalker to him.
“Oh? You must be Scootaloo then? Sweetie Belle has told me about you from time to time. I’m glad to finally meet you, you should come and hang out with us sometime, that is… If you really want to…” He winced away.
He seemed intimidated by my presence.
I gave him a smile to lower his anxiety.
“Maybe we will,” I replied.
He smiled in return.
“How’s Sweetie Belle been doing?” I asked.
“Oh, she’s fine! She seems to have come out of her depression a great deal,” he answered.
He must be a miracle worker then.
“That’s good. I tried going to see her, but she’s never home,” I said.
“We’re usually at my cousin’s house actually,” he laughed.
I had forgotten he was related to Twilight. He certainly didn’t have the same personality as her, must have been a distant part of the family.
“You’re living with Twilight, right?” I asked.
He nodded.
“Maybe I’ll come by and visit some time…” I spoke.
“That’d be cool,” he replied.
He seemed legitimate enough. Though there was something I couldn’t quite figure out about him. How was it that a mare who suffered through manic depression for two years suddenly shows this much improvement? It didn’t quite add up to me, but I was going to find out.
“He just makes me happy that’s all…” Sweetie Belle said.
Walking along side her I tried to keep my attention on where I was going, while still trying to focus on her.
“I don’t get it though, no pony has been able to make you ‘happy’, not your sister, your friends, or the counselors; then all of a sudden this colt comes in and the problem is fixed? On top of that you suddenly get your cutie mark too?” I said.
She raised her eyebrow in confusion.
“Is that so hard to believe?” She asked.
“You’re not telling me something…” I glared.
“You should talk,” she huffed.
I stopped and planted my hooves.
“What do you mean?” I spoke in an irritated tone.
She sighed and stopped walking while pivoting back to face me.
“Why don’t we ever see you anymore?” She asked.
“Because you’re spending all that time with your stupid boyfriend,” I hissed.
She shook her head.
“Not true; Apple Bloom has hung out with us several times, and I still talk to her every single day. I’ve been dating him for almost a month now and you didn’t even come and say hello. Any time I come and try to find you, you’re either gone somewhere or have some kind of excuse as to why you can’t hang out with us,” Sweetie Belle explained.
I couldn’t believe Sweetie Belle of all ponies was accusing me of making excuses.
“Why don’t you mind your own business?” I scowled.
“Why are you getting so defensive?” She questioned.
I took a step forward and pushed her backward with my front hooves.
“Why not stay out of it?” I growled.
Sweetie Belle brushed herself off and took a step back. She apparently took the hint as she changed the subject.
“Listen, I have to go. My boyfriend is waiting for me,” she said.
“You haven’t answered my question…” I responded.
She rolled her eyes and took another step away from me.
“Give it a rest Scootaloo, you won’t understand the answer anyways…” She insisted.
She was getting on my nerves.
“Try me,” I retorted.
“Good bye, Scootaloo.” Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes and continued walking away from me.
“Apple Bloom, something about the two of them seems suspicious,” I spoke.
Apple Bloom brushed her mane out of her eyes and sighed.
“Scoot, why can’t ya’ jus’ be happy for her? She’s feeling better, what difference does it make as to why?” Apple Bloom questioned.
It wasn’t uncommon for the two of us to disagree. Apple Bloom and I had a history of arguing over apples and oranges.
“It just doesn’t add up Apple Bloom… How does she overcome two years of depression so quickly?” I asked.
Apple Bloom clearly wasn’t interested in the subject. As we came closer to her house, she seemed eager to get inside and end the discussion.
“She’s keeping secrets, Apple Bloom… There’s something she’s not telling us…” I suggested.
She turned to my direction with a sigh.
“Y’all ain’t exactly one to talk, Scoot…” She replied.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I grunted.
“That’s what I’m talkin’ ‘bout. Y’all are scarin’ folk with the way you’re acting. You’ve been skippin’ class and losin’ your temper pretty quickly. I also hear word that y’all are hanging out with some pretty shady ponies…” She explained.
“What of it?” I barked.
“Listen Scoot, I don’t wanna argue ‘bout it. All I know is that I know y’all are up to somethin’ and I hope you know what you’re gettin’ yourself into…” Apple Bloom replied.
The two of us stopped at her front door.
“What do you know?” I asked.
“I don’t wanna talk about it,” Apple Bloom slipped into the house and shut the door behind her.
Rushing to the door I tugged at it, only to find she latched it shut.
“Apple Bloom! Get out here!” I yelled for her.
I continued to rattle at the door trying to get her attention.
“Apple Bloom!” I called out yet again.
My attempts to get the attention of Apple Bloom however attracted instead the red stallion out in the nearby field.
Big Macintosh loomed over me with a serious expression.
“Oh sorry, Apple Bloom and I just had a little fight is all,” I lied.
“Why don’t y’all go home?” Big Mac suggested.
“I was just trying to ask her a question…” I tried to lower my voice to him.
Big Macintosh leaned in and gave me a rather unimpressed expression.
“I suggest y’all go home…” He said.
“I’m sorry, is there something wrong…?” I raised a brow.
“I ain’t blind, Scoot. I see things, and I hear folks talkin’, and I hear plenty ‘bout you. I know you’re up to no good. Y’all may be able to fool every pony else, but you ain’t foolin’ me. I don’t care what you got yourself into, but y’all best be wise and not get my sister involved…” He leaned in and touched his nose to my forehead, “or we’re gonna have a problem,” he said.
“Do we understand each other?” He added.
I took a step back and rolled my eyes.
“Whatever…” I scoffed.
What are you doing? What secrets are you keeping? Why are you keeping us all in the dark Sweetie Belle?
I could see her and her boyfriend just laughing and chatting through the window. They seemed so content with themselves, content with the secrets they were keeping, content with just existing. I was grinding my teeth with frustration; I couldn’t possibly fathom what their secret could be.
The longer I stared, the most confused I became though. Neither of them acted any differently than an ordinary pony. Not even Twilight paid them any mind. She would just sit there in the corner with a mountain of books to be read next to her as she scanned through them one at a time. She didn’t find it the slightest bit odd; it was as if the whole world had become oblivious to that which didn’t make sense.
I must have spied on them for hours before I was convinced that whatever it was that changed them wasn’t going to become apparent through observation. It was something mental, something I couldn’t witness myself. I decided to take my leave.
Making my way home I couldn’t help but thrive on whatever it was Sweetie Belle was keeping from me. The more I thought about it, the more my head started to hurt. I was getting the worst migraine I had ever had.
Taking a quick look around to ensure no one was watching me, I reached for a familiar vial.
It was empty.
I must have used the last of it sometime today without thinking about it. I fell to my haunches and growled as I smashed the vial on a nearby building.
“DAMN IT!” I screamed.
A black drop of liquid hit the ground in front of me. I studied it and determined it was mascara, mascara mixed with tears. The moment I realized it I allowed my front hooves to give way and let me fall into the dirt sobbing.
“Scootaloo?” I heard an older female voice call to me.
I didn’t even bother lifting my head. I just let myself lay in the dirt with my make up running down my face.
A strong presence was felt over me, and a hoof placed upon my shoulder.
“What’s wrong Scootaloo?” She questioned.
I choked between sobs, but I managed to get out “I don’t know…”
The mare scooped me up as she fell back on her haunches and held me close to her chest. My wet make up was staining her sky blue coat, but she didn’t seem to pay any mind to it. She only tightened her hold on me.
“It’s okay, everything is going to be fine…” She petted my head affectionately.
She was very motherly, it was odd to see.
“Trixie…” I managed to get out.
“Yes?” She questioned still petting my mane.
“A friend once asked me what it would be like… If she was cursed…” I began.
“What a silly thing to ask,” Trixie replied softly.
“I thought so originally…” I said. I wiped some of the tears from my face and took a deep breath trying to calm myself. “Now I wonder, what if I’m cursed too…”
She continued to flatten my mane with her hoof. “We all have to suffer a little bit in life Scootaloo, and sometimes the pain can feel almost unbearable,” she turned my head to face her. She had a smile on her face. “But that doesn’t mean we’re cursed.”
“How do you know?” I questioned still fighting back tears.
“I just do…” She spoke quietly.
I wanted to believe her. I didn’t care if she couldn’t prove it.
“Once we start humoring the idea of curses, we will only ensure we will live in a world of misery…” Trixie explained.
Something about what she said seemed unlike something she’d say. She had a very good point though.
Living in a world… Of misery…
Vinyl Scratch nodded her head gently to the vibrations of her headset plugged right into the sound control. A shining smile decorating her face as she enjoyed the sounds.
I glanced once or twice at her through the window to the control room. I tried not to make a habit of it as I was concentrating on playing.
"Horse apples..." I said as I missed a chord.
Vinyl's voice came through my headset. "Chill kid, you're too tense. It's art, no need to rush it," she said.
"Sorry, I just have a lot on my mind right now," I replied rolling my eyes.
"In all the time I've known you, you've always had a lot on your mind. What's going on this time?" Vinyl asked with a laugh.
I recalled when Vinyl and I had met two years ago. She had been DJing at a party that a friend of mine was having, and I had come up to ask her if I could try at her turn tables. She laughed at me telling me that I couldn't handle it.
Being as persistant as I was, I kept badgering the unicorn until she gave in. I recall her showing me how everything worked and being impressed at how quickly I learned. Afterwards we just found a common interest in music and had been friends ever since.
"I forget, what's Trixie's deal anyways? Didn't she used to be an annoying show off?" I questioned.
Vinyl shrugged, "don't know. The first time I met her was when you and I went to Sugar Cube Corner." She adjusted her headset so that I could hear her better. "I heard stories that she was involved in some bad stuff in Canterlot; something about her rolling with gangs."
"Do you think any of it is true?" I questioned.
Vinyl shrugged yet again. "Can't say for sure," Vinyl yawned and stretched. "She doesn't seem the type to me, but I've been surprised before."
There were plenty of gangs that roamed around Canterlot. Many would steal or sell drugs to get by, but most were just simple purse snatchers. Every now and then a story about a gang getting violent would pop up, but as bad as ponies said Trixie used to be, I just couldn’t bring myself to thinking of her as a gang member, though it was possible as she never talked about her past.
“Has she ever mentioned anything that would suggest it?” I asked.
Giving another shrug, Vinyl dismissed the subject. “Like I said, I have no idea. Trixie’s deal is a mystery to most of us. It doesn’t matter anyways; all that matter is who she is now, right?”
I hesitated before answering. “Right…”
“Rainbow Dash, there’s something going on with Sweetie Belle and her boyfriend, I’m certain of it,” I spoke as I adjusted my make up in the vanity.
Dash just sighed and rolled her eyes as she laid on my bed flipping through a magazine.
“Scoot, you’re obsessed…” She sighed.
“I’m not obsessed; it just doesn’t make much sense to me… How can she be chronically depressed one day, and then back to normal the next? It doesn’t make sense,” I protested.
“Sounds to me like some pony is jealous,” Dash laughed.
“I’m not jealous!” I growled.
“Keep telling yourself that,” Dash didn’t even take her eyes off of her magazine.
“Alright, so I might be a little jealous, but that’s not why I’m concerned, something about the whole thing doesn’t make sense,” I admitted.
“Who cares?” Dash questioned.
She was starting to irritate me.
“What do you mean?” I questioned.
Dash finally lowered her magazine and met my eyes with her own.
“I mean it doesn’t matter, you’re obsessed with something that isn’t even relevant. You keep acting like this and it’s not healthy,” Dash informed.
“I’m not obsessed!” I yelled.
Dash sat up with a face of concern.
“Is there something going on? Something you’re not telling me?” Dash asked.
My patience with her was starting to run out.
“Nothing, everything is fine…” I lied.
“Your teacher called while you weren’t here. I took the message for your parents,” Dash’s face became twisted with anguish. “She said you’ve been skipping classes every other day, and you’re not even trying to do the work…”
I rolled my eyes and turned back to my mirror with a grunt.
“She says you’re on your way to being expelled,” Dash continued.
“School is stupid, I don’t need it anyways,” I replied returning to my grooming.
Dash pulled herself off the bed and approached me. “I know school sucks, but you still have to go. I had to force myself just to get through it but I did,” she said. Dash placed a hoof on my shoulder, “want to tell me what’s going on?” She quickly changed the subject.
I swatted her hoof away. “Nothing; it’s none of your business anyways,” I hissed.
Dash didn’t let up, “Scoot, I’m just trying to help you,” she said.
“I DON’T NEED YOUR HELP! WHY DON’T YOU MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!?” My voice rose to its maximum volume in only a split second, pushing Dash backwards and rendering her speechless for a moment. I covered my mouth only a second after the outburst.
Hesitating only for a second Dash nodded and headed towards the door. “Fine,” was all she managed to say.
“Dash, wait…” I extended a hoof in her direction trying to call her back, feeling regret for what I had just done.
“No, I understand Scoot. I’ll keep my nose out of your business from now on,” her tone seemed very sincere. I could easily tell that I hurt her feelings, but Dash would never admit to it.
“Rainbow Dash!” I called out.
Dash ignored my plea and made her exit. In frustration I slammed my hoof on the vanity table.
I was alone during lunch, which wasn’t much of a surprise after the way I scared Apple Bloom away. I had come to find out that her brother hadn’t been too fond of me for a few months now; he thought I was a bad influence.
“Scootaloo?” A soft male voice came from behind me.
I turned to be face to face with a smiling White Star levitating a bag next to him, presumably his lunch.
“What’s up?” I blinked; I was actually a little surprised that he was even speaking to me.
Giving me a weak smile, I could still see how shy he was. “It’s great to see you again,” he said, to which I merely nodded.
Only a few moments later we were joined by his familiar girlfriend. I flicked my mane from my face and attempted to keep my cool around her.
Sweetie Belle just stood there with a blank expression upon her face. Standing there frozen she just stared at me with empty eyes for several minutes before White Star turned to her.
“What’s wrong Sweetie Belle?” He asked affectionately.
Sweetie Belle stammered backwards slightly uttering, “it changed…” almost under her breath.
“What changed?” White Star placed a hoof on her shoulder trying to stabilize the wobbly filly.
“The last time I saw her… it was a different date… now though… it changed…” She was stuttering as she fell down on her rump.
White Star’s demeanor seemed to be altered as well; his expression became more serious. “Are you sure?” He asked.
“Positive,” she replied. “Have you ever seen it change before?” She asked him.
“Never,” he answered.
“What are you two talking about?” I asked, now becoming annoyed at them speaking in some kind of code around me.
The two ignored me and continued.
“It moved forward, it’s far less time than I saw before… The cause changed too…” Sweetie Belle spoke.
“What does it mean?” White Star questioned turning to get a look at me.
“Stop talking like I’m not here and tell me what’s going on!” I commanded.
“Nothing, nothing at all…” Sweetie Belle assured, which I already knew was a lie. “We have something we need to do, so if you excuse us…” She added. Without giving me a chance to protest she took off escorting White Star with her.
I wanted to follow them, but I already knew from before that any kind of secrets they were keeping weren’t going to present themselves from just watching them. They had some other way of ensuring that I wouldn’t find out about them.
“I thought we had an understandin’, lil’ Scoot…” A rather irritated Big Mac spoke from behind the wooden fenced off area of Sweet Apple Acres.
“I just want to talk to her,” I assured.
Big Mac sighed and shook his head. It was obvious he had no intentions of letting me in to see his younger sister.
“I told ya’ before, I don’t want to see y’all around here anymore.” Big Mac was stern. He leaned in over the fence and continued, “I know what kind of company y’all are keepin’ and I don’t want my sister involved with it. Y’all can take yer’ troubles elsewhere,” he scoffed.
Anger was flooding my body. Every nerve in my body was screaming to jump over that fence and take down the stallion and go look for Apple Bloom, even if I knew I stood no chance against him; I restrained myself however.
“Fine!” Was all I could get out, and with that I stormed off.
I stopped on the path back to town and rested myself up against a tree. Rummaging through my bag I pulled out my vial of Chemical. It was still fresh, I had just picked it up yesterday and it hadn’t even been opened for the first time yet.
That vial was the only thing that made me happy anymore. I couldn’t count on my family, I had pushed all my friends away, and every pony else was slowly drifting away from me.
I was alone now.
Staring at the bottle I sighed, cracked it open and leaned it over my eye. I hesitated though before pouring a single drop. My mind picked out a random memory and projected it before me. I could hear Trixie’s voice echo in my ears.
Living in a world of misery…
My whole body became limp as I collapsed in the dirt, allowing the bottle to spill and soak into the earth.
I had had enough.
“I want out Shady, I’m done with this,” I said.
Shady trotted around me and put his hoof around my neck from behind and met the corner of my eye with a frown on his face. “Scoot, think about what you’re doing. You’ve got a future with us; you’re the best we’ve ever had.” He smiled.
I wasn’t fooled by that smile of his this time though. The spell it once had over me was long broken.
“Listen Shady, you’re not being honest about Chemical... there’s some serious side effects, and you’re not telling any pony about them. It’s only a matter of time before some pony starts getting the police involved,” I explained as I jerked my shoulder away from his hoof. “I’m not going to go down with you,” I added.
“You’re overreacting Scoot, why not just take some Chemical and-“ He attempted to offer me a bottle which I swatted away. The bottle shattered as it hit the ground, causing the drug to splash in all directions.
“NO!” I asserted. “I don’t want anymore, I told you I’m done! You lied to me, you said it would make me feel better, you said it would make me happier!” I yelled as I took a few steps back from him, turning my head in disgust. “Now I can’t even be happy unless I’m on it… I lost my friends, my family, and even myself. I don’t even know who I am anymore…” I was holding back tears; I didn’t want him to see me cry.
“Are you sure about this?” He sighed.
“Yes,” I replied.
He nodded and took a few steps forward, “surely I can change your mind?” He gave me another of his famous smiles.
“The filly said no,” a stern voice called from behind me. I recognized it right away, but I didn’t believe the owner of it would actually be here.
“Can we help you?” Shady feigned ignorance.
“Actually you can.” The other mare said as she stepped into sight. “I told you that the filly said no, so why not back off?” She suggested.
Shady rolled his eyes, “and you are?” He asked.
“Rainbow Dash, and I suggest you take my advice and leave her alone and stop wasting time,” she answered.
He laughed.
“Why is that?” He asked humorously.
“Well, if I were you I’d be spending more time getting out of here before the police show up,” she smirked.
His expression changed quickly, a scowl grew on his face. “You’re bluffing…”
“Afraid not, they’ve all been tipped off about your operation in Ponyville, and by the look of it, I doubt you’ll be able to conduct business here again.” She replied.
He bit his lip, unsure of how to respond.
“If you leave now, you should be able to get away before they show up,” Dash suggested.
“You have no idea what you’ve just done!” Shady yelled.
“Save it for some pony that cares, now scram before I take you in myself,” Dash waved a hoof in an uncaring fashion.
Shady grunted, but ultimately darted off. Before we knew it, he was out of sight.
“What a wimp,” Dash giggled.
I couldn’t help but stare at her in silence. Finally she turned to me and smiled.
“Let’s get out of here before the police show up, alright?” She suggested.
I nodded, and the two of us began to walk home in silence. I truly wasn’t expecting Rainbow Dash to come to my rescue, especially after the way I dismissed her.
“How did you know…?” I finally asked.
Dash turned to me with a smile. “Trixie told me something was up. She said you’d been acting strange for a while; rapid mood swings, great depression, and being irrational in general. She snooped through your bag when you weren’t looking at one point and found a bottle of that Chemical stuff. As soon as she found out, she came and told me and where I could probably find you.”
Trixie was far cleverer than I had thought.
“I’ll have to thank her later…” I spoke quietly, still in shock.
“She mentioned something about how she didn’t want you to make the same mistakes that she did, or something like that…” Dash said.
“So… Are you going to tell my parents?” I winched at the thought.
Dash looked up for a moment then turned back to me. “Well, after all you’ve been through… I’d say you learned your lesson.” A smile grew on her face as she spoke.
“I don’t get it… Why did you come to help me after the way I treated you?” I questioned.
Dash sighed and shook her head. “I’d never leave you hanging Scoot. Even if you were mad at me, and even if you didn’t want my help, I couldn’t live with myself if I let something happen to you.” She explained.
I should have known it would take more than what happened to shake her loyalty.
For the first time in weeks, I felt my lips come to a smile, a real smile. I knew that the road to recovery would be long, but at the same time I was happy. I was happy to know that I was going to shake off my addiction like a bad habit.
Epilogue
After a long day at school, the young yellow filly tossed her bag aside onto a vacant rocking chair. Normally it was occupied by her grandmother; however she must have been attending to the fields with her elder brother. With a sigh she trotted to the staircase quickly to take sanctuary in her room on the top floor.
Making no detours, she made it to her bedroom unquestioned. Throwing herself facedown onto her bed she let off another sigh before stuffing her face into her pillow. Maybe if she just laid there she would fall asleep and forget about everything going on. Maybe she would fall into a pleasant dream that she would never have to wake up from.
She heard hoofsteps before a young mare stood at her door. The mare had some severe bed head and appeared as though she hadn’t groomed herself in weeks. Her eyes looked exhausted and worn as she struggled just to keep them open.
A smile grew on the mare’s face as she spoke out to the filly buried into the pillow.
“Howdy Apple Bloom.”
