My Little Pony: Nine Elements

Book 3

Written by Brandon Nell, Rachael Ravens, and Blake Hawkins

Chapter 6: Sleepless in Ponyville

One week had passed since the ordeal with the Alicorn Amulet. On this particular day, Scootaloo was racing through town on her scooter. She dodged past various ponies who were handling their own affairs in town or just casually enjoying the autumn day. All the while, Rainbow Dash was watching from above.

“Whoa~!” yelped one pony as Scootaloo narrowly avoided hitting her.

“Sorry!” Scootaloo called back.

“Watch where you’re going, you maniac!” Shoeshine shouted.

“My bad!” Scootaloo called back.

Rainbow flew closer to Scootaloo.

“Hey, Scoots,” Rainbow said. “Your maneuvering is pretty good, though, you could use a bit more work on that.” Scootaloo turned to acknowledge Rainbow. “AND KEEP YOUR EYES ON WHERE YOU’RE GOING!”*

“Whoa!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she focused back on her path. “Thanks for the tip, Rainbow!”

“I know this is rich coming from me,” Rainbow said. “But, if you don’t watch where you’re going, you could crash.”

“You do make a good point, though,” Scootaloo said. “I’ll try and be more careful.” She then saw a huge ramp caused by an overturned cart. The little pegasus immediately got an idea in her head and increased her speed again.

Rainbow watched on with a sense of worry for Scootaloo’s safety and a sense of hope for Scootaloo’s stunt going well. Scootaloo rolled right up the cart and jumped as her scooter soared into the air. She briefly rose up, still holding onto her scooter with her front hooves, but, allowing her back hooves to lift off. She buzzed her tiny wings. She was actually flying. Sure, maybe not to the same extent as Rainbow Dash. But, it was close enough to count.

“Whoo-hoo!” she exclaimed happily.

Alas, what goes up must come down. The short make-shift flying session ended all too soon as Scootaloo's scooter wheels touched the ground again.

“Ah, well,” Scootaloo panted, calming down from her adrenaline rush. “It was fun while it lasted.”

“Nice moves, kid,” Rainbow said.

“Thanks, Rainbow,” Scootaloo smiled in a modest way. Internally, she was jumping for joy. Rainbow thinks I have nice moves! Caught up in her praise, Scootaloo didn’t notice she was on a collision course with her aunts.

“Scoots!” Aunt Holiday called out.

“Look out!” Auntie Lofty called out.

Scootaloo saw them, but, she built up too much momentum to stop right away. Holiday pushed Lofty aside and allowed herself to take the brunt of Scootaloo’s collision. She was knocked onto her back while Scootaloo landed safely on Holiday’s plump belly.

“Thanks, Aunt Holiday,” Scootaloo panted. “Are you guys okay?”

“Oh, I’m okay,” Holiday said. “You know from the hugs I give you how soft I am. Though, you’ll have Lofty to contend with.”

“Sorry about that,” Scootaloo said. “I was riding my scooter through town and I guess my head was in the clouds with joy about Rainbow complimenting my moves.”

“We’ve told you to be careful when on your scooter,” Lofty said. “Your aunt Holiday won’t always be there to cushion your impacts.”

“Yeah, I know,” Scootaloo said sheepishly.

“So,” Holiday asked gently. “What else has you so excited?”

“Well, when I came upon an overturned cart,” Scootaloo said. “I went over it with my scooter and I was airborne! It felt like I was flying!”

“Uh, aren’t you forgetting the other thing?” Rainbow said.

“Oh, right,” Scootaloo said. She then turned to her aunts as her excitement flared up again. "CanIgoonasleepoverandcampingtripwithRainbowDashtoWinsomeFallsplease?"

“Whoa there, Scoots,” Auntie Lofty said coolly. “We get you’re excited, but, think you could slow down and explain your idea in a way your paternal aunt and I can understand?”

Scootaloo blushed and explained more slowly. "Can I go on a sleepover and camping trip with Rainbow Dash to Winsome Falls, please?"

The two aunts looked at each other and they smiled giving an approving nod.

“Is that all?” Aunt Holiday smiled.

“I don’t see why not,” Auntie Lofty said. “I assume the other members of your club here in Ponyville are going as well?”

“Apple Bloom invited all of us and the older sisters,” Scootaloo said. “She even invited Rainbow so I could join.”

“That sounds like oodles of fun,” Aunt Holiday said happily.

“Course you can go, slugger,” Auntie Lofty said, lovingly noogying Scootaloo’s head. “Though, don’t try anything funny with Spike.”

“Actually,” Rainbow said. “Spike’s not coming. He’s away at Canterlot to be watched over by Luna while Twilight’s helping Princess Celestia hide the Alicorn Amulet.”**

“Ah, that sounds important,” Auntie Lofty said with a serious tone in her voice.

“I guess you’ll have to invite him next time,” Aunt Holiday said kindly.

“I can already see Rarity compensating Spike,” Rainbow said.

“That sounds like her alright,” Auntie Lofty said. “She seems quite fond of that dragon. After what I’ve seen and heard of him, it’s small wonder. I had my concerns about you consorting with a dragon, but, Spike’s clearly as decent as any pony.”

“He really is,” Scootaloo said.

The very next day, Scootaloo had already packed her saddlebags and was eager to set off on the trip even though she knew it would be a while. She waited impatiently at the edge of Sweet Apple Acres, right by and just outside the clubhouse she so often shared with her fellow Cutie Mark Crusaders. The clubhouse that also doubled as her home away from home of sorts and the place she always held meetings of the Rainbow Dash fan club until the Mare-Do-Well debacle.

“So, what do you think, girls?” Scootaloo said. “Are you as excited about this Winsome Falls camping trip as I am?”

“I’ll admit,” Sweetie Belle said. “I was surprised Rarity agreed to it. Then, she explained that she, quote, didn’t wish to have another Sisterhooves Social debacle, end quote.”***

“Ah’m sure she’ll like it when she’ll give it a try,” Apple Bloom smiled. “Applejack n’ Ah have been campin’ fer a long time n’ we’ve been gettin’ better at it each time.”

“I’ve never been camping before,” Scootaloo said. “Which is kind of weird when you think about it and know my parents.”****

“Either way,” Sweetie Belle said. “We’re glad you’re going to give it a try now.”

Rarity approached Sweet Apple Acres with a pile of luggage bigger than herself.

“Whoa,” Apple Bloom said, gazing at the impressive luggage pile. “Didn’t Applejack tell ya ta just pack the essentials?”

“She didn’t specify what constitutes essentials,” Rarity said. “I don’t often go camping.”

“Ah guess that makes sense,” Apple Bloom shrugged. “Applejack n’ ah made sure we got stuff like water canteens, bug spray, sunscreen, cookware, food, sleepin’ bags, n’ our tent.”

“What about your sewing machines, irons, and fabrics?” Rarity asked.

“We don’t need those,” Apple Bloom answered. “Unless ya mean blankets.”

“And dresses,” Rarity said.

“We’re going camping, not checking into a hotel,” Sweetie Belle said.

“One never knows,” Rarity said. “Why, if we were going to the moon, I’d still pack a fine gown.”

“Make sure yer also able ta breathe,” Applejack said as she came up to them. “Princess Luna might’ve survived there fer 1,000 years, but, that’s ‘cause she’s immortal. We ain’t.”

“Immortal and invulnerable’re the same thing?” asked Apple Bloom.

“Apparently in her case… yes,” said Scootaloo.

“Well, somewhat,” Rarity said. “That’s a topic for another day.”

“So, are we ready to get going?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Almost,” Scootaloo said. “Rainbow isn’t here yet.”

“Ah told her ta meet us at the first campsite,” Applejack said. “But, since most o’ us are here, let’s get a move on, y’all.”

“First campsite?” Scootaloo asked.

“It takes a few days ta get ta Winsome Falls,” Apple Bloom explained. “We stop at campsites along the way.”

“Oh, that makes sense,” Scootaloo nodded.

“Need help moving the supplies?” Sweetie Belle asked Rarity.

“Thanks anyway,” Rarity said. “But, I can manage. I may not be as strong as Applejack, but, I’m by no means weak.”

“That’s for sure,” Sweetie Belle smiled. “But, if you do need any help, let me know, okay?”

“Surely you don’t expect me to make you a pack mule,” Rarity said.

“No,” Sweetie Belle said. “We could always share the work.”

The ponies continued on their way, going up hills and through woods.

“Are we there yet?” Rarity asked as they reached a clearing after a while.

“The last thousand times ya asked, the answer was no,” Applejack said. "But, this time, it’s actually yes, ‘cause there’s Rainbow Dash up ahead. Looks like she’s already gettin’ a head start on makin’ a pit fer the fire.”

“Hey, everypony,” Rainbow called. Using her legs, she delivered karate kicks that chopped down several trees in the blink of an eye. Then, she threw the logs she had gathered down in a small circle, ready to surround them with stones to create a proper fire pit. And she made every step look so easy.

“Incredible,” Rarity gasped.

“Years of practice,” Rainbow smiled modestly. She then noticed Rarity’s stack of supplies. “Geez, Rarity, it looks like you packed everything but the kitchen sink!”

The fashionista unicorn snorted. “Oh yes, laugh it up now. But, we’ll see who gets the last laugh when you’re absolutely desperate to curl your lashes and you realize you didn’t bring your eyelash curler.”

“Don’t you wear false eyelashes?” Rainbow pointed out.*****

“Yes,” Rarity said. “But, I still treat them as if they were my own. That trip to the dessert competition aside, the adhesive is quite strong usually.”

“Anyway,” Scootaloo said as she walked up to Rainbow. “Thanks again for inviting me out here. I’ve never been camping before and I’m glad to spend time with you and my friends.”

“Haven’t your aunts said that your parents are adventurers?” Rainbow asked.

“Yeah,” Scootaloo explained. “But, because their jobs keep them really busy, they haven’t been able to take me camping.”

“I think it’s weird that adventurers haven’t taken their daughter camping,” Rainbow said.

“Regardless,” Scootaloo said. “There’s a first time for everything and now I have this as my first experience with camping.”

“We need ta set up the tents before nightfall,” Applejack said.

“Then, when the sun goes down,” Apple Bloom said happily. “It’ll be good dinner n’ marshmallows roastin’ over an open fire.”

Everypony pitched in, even Rainbow and Rarity. Soon, two tents had been set up a ways back from the firepit, which had been set near some logs that were big enough to sit on. One was brown in color and the other was green.

“Looks like you’re bunking with me, Scoots,” Rainbow smiled. “That’ll make it easier to keep an eye on you. You want to share a tent with me?”

“Yeah, that would be great,” Scootaloo smiled excitedly. But, regaining her composure, she cleared her throat and said. “I mean… yeah, sure.”

“You don’t snore, do you?” Rainbow asked.

“Ah can honestly say she don’t snore,” Apple Bloom said.

“It’s true,” Sweetie Belle added. “We had sleepovers and I don’t usually hear any snoring from her.”

Just then there was a rather loud popping sound, followed by a sudden whoosh of wind. All eyes turned to the source and saw that it was Rarity’s tent that was making the noise. Her tent was an inflatable one and it was massive. It was at least two stories tall and had an elegant purple color to it, along with yellow and orange trim. It had a balcony (which Rarity was currently leaning out of) and a flag pole with a small white flag flapping in the breeze. For the windows, there were violet-purple curtains.

“Wow,” Rainbow said. “Even when camping, Rarity goes super fancy. It’s honestly pretty ridiculous. It defeats the whole point of roughing it.”

Rarity either didn’t hear or chose to ignore the comment.

“Sweetie Belle,” Rarity called. “Would you mind picking some flowers for our bedside vase please?”

“I don’t mind,” Sweetie Belle called back. “I see some pretty ones over there with some nice long stems.”

After she trotted off, Scootaloo felt a bit curious. “Hey, if that tent’s inflatable, how’s that balcony able to–” Her question was interrupted when the inflatable balcony folded down under Rarity’s weight, causing her to fall and land on her barrel with far less grace and dignity than she’d care to admit. “Never mind.”******

“I’m alright,” muffled Rarity while her face was still on the ground.

Suddenly, there was a rather deep, loud growling sound. “What was that?” Scootaloo asked.

Apple Bloom giggled. “That was mah sister’s belly rumblin’.”

“It’s true,” Applejack said with a blush. At that moment, her belly decided to make another growl. “Mah belly’s sayin’ that after hikin’ all the way here n’ settin’ up the tents, it’s chow time.”

“We’ll need a campfire ta make our dinner,” Apple Bloom said.

“No biggie,” Scootaloo said. “I can get some firewood from the woods.” And she dashed off.

A short time later, the sun had set and the fire in the fire pit was roaring brightly. Applejack was preparing food for all the campers. She mixed a vegetable soup with carrots, celery, and white beans. She served each camper their own bowl.

“Thanks, AJ,” Apple Bloom smiled.

After finishing the soup, Rainbow was eager to engage in another aspect of camping.

“Okay, everypony,” Rainbow said. “Get comfortable, because I’m about to tell you the greatest ghost story you’ve ever heard!”

Scootaloo, caught up in her excitement, hadn’t heard the ghost part. “Is it the one where Rarity got wings, acted loopy, flew too close to the sun, and you had to save her from plummeting to her death?”

Rarity facehoofed herself in embarrassment.

“That’s a great regular story,” Rainbow said with a smirk. “But, I was thinking something a bit more spooky. You like scary stories, don’t you?”

“Do those moans I hear from my aunts’ room each night count?” Scootaloo asked.

“Whoa~!” Rainbow said with a blush. “No way. That’s a totally different kind of scary that you shouldn’t know about for at least 8 more years. Same with you, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. Though, for Sweetie Belle, I’d say around 9.”

“Fair enough,” Scootaloo said. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle also nodded.

“Anyway,” Rainbow said. “This is a story that happened on a night just like this one and in a forest, just like this one…”

The story went on for a little while before Rainbow Dash got to the truly scary part, at least in her mind. “...And then, the Olden Pony asked the mare ‘Who’s got my rusty horseshoe?’” She delivered the last part in the best old sounding voice she could muster up.

“Not me~!” Sweetie Belle squeaked frightfully as she and Apple Bloom held onto Scootaloo.

There was a suspenseful pause before Rainbow shouted, “You do!” And just then, a small ember suddenly sparked for a brief second.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle screamed with fright from the ending of the story. Scootaloo jumped a bit, too, but, regained her composure and cleared her throat.

“Had a little something in my throat,” Scootaloo said. “That was a great story, Rainbow.” The filly hoped she sounded more confident than she felt.

“I had a feeling you’d like it,” Rainbow smiled. She then noogied the little pegasus. “You’re proving to be pretty fearless. I saw a bit of that yesterday when I saw you jump that overturned cart.”

“Yeah… fearless,” Scootaloo said timidly.

“I propose we get some rest,” Rarity said. “It’s a pity Spike couldn’t come. I wouldn’t have minded seeing him cuddled by my sister or the other crusaders.”

“Yeah,” Sweetie Belle said. “But, we can always do something special for him the next time we see him.”

Applejack let out a deep yawn.

“But, yer right ‘bout us all hittin’ the hay,” she said, rubbing one of her eyes. But, when she noticed Apple Bloom trembling, she comforted her little sister. “Don’t fret none, li’l sister. There ain’t no Olden Pony in our tent. The mare that likely inspired the legend passed away peacefully a long time ago n’ is restin’ in peace.” Those words soothed Apple Bloom.

“Thanks, Applejack,” Apple Bloom said softly. And she and her sister went into their tent.

“Good night, everypony,” Scootaloo said. But, Scootaloo gulped nervously. I hope I am able to sleep tonight after that scary story, she thought to herself. I wouldn’t want Rainbow to know I was really afraid. She followed Rainbow into her tent.

Scootaloo, though still feeling uneasy, managed to fall asleep. Unfortunately, she tossed and turned as she slept. Outside of the tent, she thought she heard the sound of hoof steps walking around. One hoof step sounded different from the other three. It sounded as if it didn’t have a horseshoe on.

“Hello?” Scootaloo called, softly. She didn’t want to wake Rainbow, but, she had to know who was out there, if anyone. Despite every instinct telling her to stay put, she opened the tent and headed outside. “Is anypony out here?” As she looked around, things seemed very different. The trees seemed to creak and groan as if they were alive… in the capacity of animals instead of plants. Scootaloo’s breathing was heavier as she looked around her and sweat trickled down her face. The hoof steps got closer. “Who…whoever you are… show yourself.” Though, I hope they don’t, she thought to herself.

She found herself facing a withered old mare in tattered robes. “Who’s got my rusty horseshoe?” she said in an old raspy voice.

“W-what are you asking me for?” Scootaloo asked.

“You’re out here~” she answered eerily. This did little to ease the filly’s concerns. “You could have easily picked it up… and I intend to get my horseshoe back!” And she started to give chase to Scootaloo, who ran as fast as she could trying to get away.

Scootaloo ran until she felt the mare was out of sight. She looked around for a way to get back to the tent so she can get back to sleep, but, as she looked around, she could swear she saw Princess Luna walking past some trees.

“Huh?” Scootaloo said to herself, rubbing her eyes to make sure she was seeing things right. When she looked again, the figure was gone. “Huh… I must have been seeing things.” Before she realized it, she found herself face to face with the olden pony again.

“You!” she croaked menacingly. “Have you got my horseshoe or not?!”

Scootaloo dashed off.

“I have to get back to the tent!” she panted. She spotted the tent and practically dove inside it. She then buried herself in her sleeping bag. When she dared to look out, she saw that Rainbow wasn’t splayed out on her open sleeping bag as she remembered her before she left the tent. “Rainbow?” She carefully moved the covers. But, when she looked, she didn’t see Rainbow. Instead, she saw the olden mare.

“You do!” she exclaimed as she leapt towards Scootaloo.

The next thing she knew, Scootaloo was in a cold sweat in her sleeping bag and saw Rainbow splayed out on her open sleeping bag as she remembered. Scootaloo took deep breaths to calm down. She was about to fall back asleep when Rainbow began to stir.

“Damn my bladder,” Rainbow groggily said as she stepped out of the tent.

“I hope Rainbow never finds out about that,” she said when she was alone. “I don’t want her to see me as a coward.”

So, Scootaloo tried to drift back to sleep, but, her efforts were in vain. Even after Rainbow returned, Scootaloo stayed up until the morning.

“Rise n’ shine, y’all!” Applejack called from outside of the tents. “Ah got flapjacks all cooked up.”

Rainbow yawned and stretched. “Boy, that was a great sleep.”

“Y-yeah,” Scootaloo said nervously. “Best night ever…” She turned to Rainbow to reveal bags under her bloodshot eyes.

“Whoa,” Rainbow said. “Did you get any sleep?”

“Oh, uh,” Scootaloo said, trying to come up with a good excuse. “No, I guess I was too eager to be on this camping trip.” She then chuckled nervously.

Rainbow wasn’t fully convinced, but, decided to wait until later to discuss it. “Okay, then. Well, come on. Let’s get some flapjacks.”

After breakfast, the ponies were on their way again. Rarity noticed that her cart felt heavier.

“What in the-?” Rarity gasped. “I remember my cart feeling heavy, but, not this heavy.”

“A little exercise would do you some good, Rarity,” Rainbow said.

“Oh, ha-ha,” Rarity said flatly. None of them knew that Scootaloo was napping among Rarity’s luggage.

So, they continued on their path towards the next clearing. The birds were singing and the sun shone bright on them. There was a slight breeze in the air, but, it was more refreshing than freezing.

“We’ll need ta set up camp before it gets dark,” Applejack said, unknowingly waking Scootaloo.

“Huh… wha?” Scootaloo muttered. “Dark?”

“Yeah,” Apple Bloom said upon locating her. “We made it ta our next stop. Ya were awfully quiet, Scoots.”

Scootaloo quickly took out her scooter and helmet. “Oh, yeah,” she said. “I was in awe with the nature and the weather was nice.” She started riding her scooter ahead.

“Hey, where are you going?” Sweetie Belle asked.

Scootaloo quickly thought up an excuse. “Uh, I have a little extra energy to burn off. I’ll be back soon, okay?” She left before she could get a reply.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looked at each other in confusion.

Meanwhile, Scootaloo struggled to stay awake. But, she drifted to sleep, still riding on her scooter. Her wings unknowingly flapped steadily to keep her momentum and she had an unexpected ride through that part of the forest. The next thing she knew, she was on top of a bush right next to the group.

“Welcome back,” Rainbow said. “Applejack said we won’t need tents tonight.”

“Huh?” Scootaloo said. “Why not?”

“‘Cause we’re takin’ shelter in that there cave,” Applejack said.

Scootaloo looked at the cave. It was large with gray rocks. It also looked a bit unsettling since it was dark inside.

“Uh…” Scootaloo trembled. “Sure, that makes sense.”

“All we need is a campfire and we’re good to go,” Rainbow said. “This time, Rarity’s preparing dinner.”

“Me?!” Rarity asked.

“What?” Rainbow asked. “You packed everything but the kitchen sink.”

“I didn’t pack food!” Rarity said. “It would make a mess and spoil!”*******

“Welp,” Applejack said. “Looks like ah’m on cookin’ duty again.”

“Yer purty useless at campin’,”******** Apple Bloom said to Rarity. “Food’s somethin’ ya always pack when campin’.”

“You must forgive me,” Rarity said. “I don’t have as much experience as you and Applejack do.”

“The fact that you packed everything except what you actually need makes that very clear,” Rainbow said.

“Alright, everpony,” Sweetie Belle said, trying to keep the peace. “Cut Rarity some slack. She’s trying, okay? Rarity just made a mistake and she’s learning from it.”

“How about you get some firewood, Scoots?” Rainbow said.

“Oh, yeah, sure,” Scootaloo nodded.

“Thanks,” Rainbow smiled.

Scootaloo looked over to see the shadows of the forest growing bigger with the setting sun. This gave everything a creepy look. She found it difficult to gather her nerves.

“Okay,” Scootaloo said to herself to prep herself. “I can do this… on three. One… two… three… go!” But, she didn’t go. She then took a deep breath and charged at the patch of fallen branches and twigs. She picked up some and ran back to the others. She panted deeply. She then pretended to regain her composure. “Piece of cake.”

“Surrounded by trees and that’s all you could find?” Rainbow said. “We might as well have asked Rarity to get the firewood.”

“I heard that,” Rarity called.

“It’ll do,” Applejack said. “Thank ya kindly, Scoots. N’ good thing, too. It’s colder’n a timberwolf’s toenail tanight.”

Applejack made the fire and prepared dinner for all the campers. After they finished eating, Rainbow was telling another ghost story.

“Now, where was I?” Rainbow said. “Oh, yeah, the scary part.”

Scootaloo quickly cut in. “Hey, Rainbow. Think I can try to tell the story tonight?”

“Well, okay,” Rainbow said. “Make it good and scary, Scoots.”

Scootaloo cleared her throat. “There was once a really nice pony who lived in a bright and sunny land, where there are rainbows every day and lots and lots of happy friends, and-”

“Uh, no offense, Scoots,” Rainbow interrupted. “But, I was expecting a ghost story and a sunny land isn’t really selling the ghostly aspect. In fact, I’ve heard that these very woods are haunted… by the Headless Horse!”

“Me n’ Rarity already heard that one,” Applejack said.

“I haven’t,” Sweetie Belle squeaked eagerly.

“Me neither!” Apple Bloom said excitedly. “But, if it don’t got no head, how’s it see where it’s goin’?”

“That’s because the Headless Horse is headless, not brainless,” Rainbow explained. “It gallops at night, looking for unsuspecting-”

“Wait,” Sweetie Belle interrupted. “If it doesn’t have a head, where’s its brain? For that matter, what good is its brain without eyes?”

“Do you want to hear this story or not?” Rainbow asked, increasingly becoming annoyed. “Because, if you’re going to keep interrupting me and pointing out any plot holes, I won’t tell it.”

“We’re sorry,” Apple Bloom said.

“We won’t interrupt again,” Sweetie Belle apologized.

“As I was saying,” Rainbow said, putting on a creepy narrator voice. “Fear was dripping in the air…”

It was nightfall by the time Rainbow finished.

“And they were never heard from ever again~” Rainbow concluded.

“Never?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Never!” Rainbow emphasized as a crack from the fire came.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle jumped. Scootaloo didn’t scream, but, she instead trembled.

“Not to worry, Sweetie Belle,” Rarity said, comforting her younger sister. “You shall be safe with me tonight.”

Scootaloo was alerted. “W-what? It’s not time to go to bed now, is it?!”

“‘Fraid so,” Applejack said.

“Yeah,” Apple Bloom said. “It’s been a long day, n’ ah know we’re all eager ta keep goin’, but, we should all get some shut-eye.”

“But, we haven’t sung any campfire songs!” Scootaloo said.

“As delightful as that sounds,” Rarity said. “We should all get some rest first. Sweetie does have a lovely singing voice, but, she sounds her best after she’s well rested.”

“Yeah,” Sweetie Belle admitted with a sheepish blush. “I’m sure there’ll be time for a sing along tomorrow or something.”

With that, all the campers entered the cave. Applejack noticed Scootaloo’s uneasy behavior.

“Hey, sugarcube,” Applejack said comfortingly. “Ya seem like yer not too keen on gettin’ ta bed. Is everythin’ okay? N’ don’t try hidin’ nothin’.” She raised her left eyebrow. “Ah’ll know.”

Scootaloo, well aware of Applejack’s Mystic Eyes, decided to take a deep breath and whisper her explanation in the farm mare’s ear. She was hoping that her secret would be kept. Applejack patiently listened.

“Ah’ll speak ta Rainbow ‘bout this later,” Applejack said. “Meantime, ya best get shut-eye. ‘Tain’t healthy fer a filly yer age ta stay up all night.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” Scootaloo sighed. “Good night, Applejack.”

With that, she slid into her sleeping bag. Try as she might to deny it, her eyelids felt heavy and she eventually drifted to sleep.

In her dream, she was alone in the forest. She heard hoof steps approaching her.

“That must be the Headless Horse,” Scootaloo gasped. “If it captures me, I’ll never be heard from again! I’m not exactly eager to find out what that entails!” She began galloping as fast as she could.

Unfortunately, she misstepped and she fumbled as she approached the side of a cliff. She saw the creature get closer. She backed up nervously, panting with a mixture of exhaustion and panic.

“This is it… this is the end…” Scootaloo said in a scared tone.

But, there was suddenly a brilliant flash of white light on the moon and the creature transformed into a much friendlier figure… Princess Luna.

“Good evening, young Scootaloo,” Luna smiled. “A warm welcome to you.”

“Princess Luna?” Scootaloo said.

“Were you expecting the Headless Horse?” She asked. “Apologies, but, he was only a part of Lancelot Crayon’s story, ‘The Legend of Drowsy Valley.’********* That was entirely fictional. I hope I haven’t disappointed you.”

“You’re a much better sight,” Scootaloo said. “But, what are you doing here? I thought I saw you last night, too.”

“You had, in a way,” Princess Luna explained. “I was patrolling the Dream Realm. It seems that the baku haven’t reached you yet.”

“I see,” Scootaloo said, before realizing what Luna had said. “Wait… this is a dream? But, it feels so real.” She held her hoof out, but, she touched an invisible surface and there was a reverberating beat. “Whoa~”

“Dreams can feel more realistic in heightened emotional states,” Luna said. “I could sense your distress and came to help you. However, when you awake, what you fear the most will still be present.”

“But, I thought the Headless Horse wasn’t real,” Scootaloo said.

“He isn’t,” Luna said. “But, is the Headless Horse really what you fear the most?”

“Well… no,” Scootaloo admitted. “I’m afraid that Rainbow would think that I’m not as tough as she thinks that I am.”

“Even Rainbow Dash has fears of her own,” Luna said. “I could tell from the dreams that the baku have brought back.”

“Wait,” Scootaloo said. “Don’t baku eat bad dreams?”

“They do,” Luna said. “Though, some prefer to bring them back to Canterlot to eat before going back. I manage to see the dreams before they’re eaten. Sometimes, I guide them to bad dreams if they can’t find them themselves.”

“I see,” Scootaloo said.

“But,” Princess Luna said. “Remember this: you must face your own fears, Scootaloo. If you should not, these nightmares will continue and your life can seem like a waking nightmare.”

Scootaloo began to wake from her dream.

“Whoa!” she exclaimed. “What’s happening?”

“You are waking up,” Luna explained quickly as her wings opened and she began to fly. “I must return. But, remember: face your fears~!”

Scootaloo woke with a start. “Princess Luna?!” She yelped. She looked around. She was inside her sleeping bag in the cave. She panted. “It was just a dream.” She then heard a deep gurgling sound echo in the cave. While she started to panic, she quickly realized that the sound was Applejack’s stomach digesting the dinner from earlier. She breathed a sigh of relief. “Okay, Scoots, get a hold of yourself,” she said softly. “That gurgling is just Applejack’s stomach. Weird that nopony else woke up from that, though.” She then looked around and gasped. “What if it wasn’t what I thought it was?!” She saw Rainbow snoring in a way that sounded like whinnying. “Huh, never knew she sounded like that while she’s asleep. Wait, why didn’t her snoring sound like that last night?” Rainbow started talking in her sleep.

“Oh, hey, Princess Luna,” the older pegasus said sleepily. “What brings you here?”

She’s dreaming, Scootaloo thought.

“What about Scootaloo?” Rainbow said through a yawn while still asleep. Scootaloo could tell that this meant Luna was telling Rainbow about her own dream. “Whoa. That’s making it hard for me to feel good about myself.” Scootaloo, hearing this, suddenly felt guilty. “Let me talk with her, please. I want to straighten something out.” In a few seconds, Rainbow woke up. “Oh, hey, you’re up. Scootaloo, can we talk?” Applejack’s stomach continued to noisily digest, which echoed in the cave. “Preferably somewhere where that’s not interrupting us?”

“Yeah,” Scootaloo said.

So, the two pegasi stepped outside of the cave, enough where the stomach growling and its echoing wouldn’t bother them, but, not too far away so that they wouldn’t accidentally get lost.

“So, Princess Luna approached me in my dream and said you feel you need to be tough all the time or I’ll think you’re a wimp,” Rainbow said. “Is that true?”

Scootaloo gulped uneasily, but, she remembered Princess Luna’s words and she knew she had to tell Rainbow the truth. “Something like that. For most of my life, I wanted you to take me under your wing and be like a big sister to me. Now that we’re on this camping trip, I have the chance to do that. But, when you started telling all of those spooky stories, I got scared. So scared that I was even having nightmares about all of the creepy characters hunting me down in the forest. So… that’s what the deal is.”

Rainbow carefully listened as Scootaloo explained. When Scootaloo finished, Rainbow said her piece. “Luna probably told you that I have my own fears, didn’t she? Well, she’s right. I do get scared sometimes, but, I know I can count upon my friends to help me through them, even if I sometimes try to deny it or shrug it off. You should never have to feel like you have to hide your fears from me. If you want me to be your sisterly figure, it’s a good idea to confide in me and talk to me whenever you're feeling troubled. I may not always help you, but, you can count on me to listen. So, do you promise to try and tell me when things are bothering you from here on out?”

“I guess so,” Scootaloo said. Rainbow could see that Scootaloo needed extra encouragement.

“Look,” she said. “I get that you feel spooked out by ghost stories, but, you don’t have to worry because they’re not real and can’t hurt you.” She then chuckled. “Besides, AJ’s belly growling sounds scarier than any ghost story I’ve ever told, but, we’re not scared of that, either.”**********

Scootaloo couldn’t help but chuckle at Rainbow’s remark. “Yeah, you’re right,” she said with a smile.

Rainbow hugged Scootaloo warmly. “Feeling better?”

“So much better,” Scootaloo smiled. “Thanks, Rainbow. And I’m sorry for putting you through this trouble.”

“And I’m sorry if I made you feel like you had to hide your feelings from me,” Rainbow said. “We better get you to sleep. Think you can handle AJ’s belly digesting the rest of the night?”

“With you by my side and helping me out,” Scootaloo smiled. “I think I can handle anything.”

“That’s the spirit,” Rainbow said.

So the two pegasi returned to their sleeping bags in the cave.

The next day after breakfast, the campers were on their way. After almost an hour of walking, they reached the beautiful Winsome Falls. The falls came in all colors of the rainbow.

“Wow~” Scootaloo gasped in amazement. “I can see why you come here. It’s incredible!”

“You should see Rainbow Falls,” Rainbow said before spotting a rusty horseshoe. “Ugh! Widow Oldenmare misplaced her rusty horseshoe again.”

“Widow Oldenmare?” asked Scootaloo.

“You remember the scary story I told the first night out?” Rainbow said. “She’s the mare from the story.” That caught the attention of the other campers.

“Wait,” Applejack said. “Ah woulda thought that the story happened an even longer time ago. Yer tellin’ me that the mare in that story’s not only real, but, still alive?!”***********

“Yeah,” Rainbow said. “Every time Widow Oldenmare can’t find her rusty horseshoe, she stalks the woods at night and accuses ponies minding their own business in the woods of taking it when she has no evidence they even knew about it. At this point, it’s more annoying than scary.”

“Huh,” Applejack said. “Well, ah’ll be danged.”

“I’ve gone camping on this trail three times in the last six months alone,” Rainbow said. “And she’s misplaced her rusty horseshoe and stalked the woods trying to get it from me every single time.”

“Ah guess some ponies have a hard time takin’ a hint,” Applejack said.

“Think I can go with you to give it back, Rainbow?” Scootaloo asked. “It’ll be like another way of facing my fears.”

“Okay,” Rainbow said. “You four go ahead. We’ll catch up.”

“See you soon,” Sweetie Belle called as she and Rarity were playfully chasing each other.

Rainbow and Scootaloo went into the woods. There, they saw an old mare that matched what Scootaloo saw the night before last.

“Who’s got my rusty horseshoe?” she asked in her raspy voice.

“We found it just near Winsome Falls,” Rainbow said as she tossed the horseshoe to the old mare. She was able to put it on the hoof that it belonged to.

“Thank you,” Widow said with a smile.

“You really need to work on your greetings,” Rainbow said.

“I’ll try,” Widow said. “Both of you have a nice day now.” And with that, she set off back to her home in who knows where.

“Let’s head back to the others,” Rainbow said.

“Right there with you,” Scootaloo smiled.

Rainbow and Scootaloo then started to make their way back to where the others were.

End of chapter.

Author's Note

Here's the next chapter.

*Rainbow showing more concern for Scootaloo early on.

**Legit reason for him not to be there.

***Character growth FTW!

****Yeah, considering who Scootaloo's parents are, it's weird she never went camping.

*****Hey, look! Continuity!

******Reality ensues. Also Spongebob reference.

*******Let's face it, this is in line with Rarity's character at this point.

********She is not wrong.

*********Sorry, The Background Conquerer. Hopefully, this compensates.

**********Comedic heartwarming!

***********

Full disclosure, the next chapter will not be uploaded next week because this chapter was uploaded on Memorial Day.

If you liked this chapter, feel free to contact me via private messages if you'd like to help make future chapters.