Scootaloo and the School of Ghouls

In the wee hours of the morning, a tiny flash of light popped briefly into existence over the still sleepy, coffee-deprived town of Ponyville. A small slit in the fabrics of reality appeared soon after, from which came a tiny bone dragon, about the size of an owl, a small letter held in his claws.

"Ugh..." it grumbled. "Twilight's going to be lucky she's already dead if I can't fall back asleep after this..."

At that, he began to view its surroundings a bit more. A light snow fell upon the town below him, it looking like a picturesque seen of winter beauty only seen in paintings. Snow covered roofs were all that could be seen, with stringy, dancing icicles hanging off them. To add to the scene, the paths and roads through town were still unclear, completely overtaken by the null of the winter's white.

However, the bone dragon was still... less than impressed.

"Stupid mortal winter," he grunted. "It's always way too white..." He then squinted his eyes slightly. "...And too friggin' bright..."

Taking a deep breath, it continued to scan its surroundings, eventually spotting his destination: a smoking chimney on the outskirts of town, it belonging to a medium sized building.

"Thank the night," he said breathily. "Time to get this over with. As Yultide the Gift Pony would say: ho ho ho!"

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Like a tiny peganinja, Scootaloo crept silently through the front halls of the orphanage, the front door in her sight. It was still mostly silent, save for the occasional groan of the wind and the sound of the automatic heater powering on, though still... she heeded to caution.

"So closssse," she whispered, grinning mischievously.

A door creaked some ways away, causing her to pause in her steps, her eyes widening. Hoofsteps then began heading her way.

Scootaloo gave a gulp as a tiny exclamation point appeared above her head.

"Alright, rule one of life: don't panic. Think Scootaloo... what would Solid Blake do right now?" she whispered.

Glancing about, she quickly spied a small cardboard box sitting by the front door, it having been used for a package.

"Aha!" she smirked, quickly darting under it.

There she waited another thirty seconds, the hoof-steps passing her. The front door then creaked open.

"Ugh, somepony stole the paper again?!" a somewhat obnoxious voice growled.

The door then slammed, disgruntled hoofsteps quickly making their way back down the hall.

At that, Scootaloo lifted her box slightly, glanced about, and smiled widely, nopony in sight.

"Yay!" she beamed.

She then crept out from under the box, creaked open the door and stepped outside into the cool winter's null. She then took a deep, victorious breath, glancing about at her snowy surroundings. It was certainly cold out, and she quickly gave a shiver... though for some reason, it didn't feel quite as cold as it usually did, and a nearby thermometer did read the usual temperature...

"Mmm, must just be the humidity," she quickly chirped, shrugging it off and taking a step forward, only for-

"Scootaloo!"

"Awwwww...." she sighed, turning about to gaze upon the orphanage's mistress, an elderly, stern looking pony. "Uhhh... good morning, Madame Hardknock."

She quickly narrowed suspicious eyes. "What are you doing?"

"Just going to be with my friends," she smiled. "Uhhh... if that's alright."

"Mmmm... while conveniently forgetting that it's your turn to clean both the kitchen and the bathroom," she grunted, tapping her hoof.

"B-But can't I do them later?" Scootaloo complained. "My friends and I were going to go snow shoveling... to try to get our Cutie-Marks in it."

"Ugh," she groaned. "And there never was a more pointless escapade. You're to do your chores before heading out. I want a clean kitchen to eat in."

"B-But Madam-"

"No buts!" she growled.

"Um... Ms. Hardknock… if it's alright with you... I wouldn't mind cleaning the kitchen," a tiny, accented voice called from behind her.

The old caretaker turned to glance at its origin.

"It's Scootaloo's birthday, you see," Pipsqueak smiled. "And well, it is an old tradition in my family..." He closed his eyes for a second, before taking a deep breath. "Well, it was an old tradition that nopony should have to clean the ship on their birthdays... or the orphanage in this case."

At that, Madame Hardknock twirled about, raising an eyebrow Scootaloo's way. And to the young filly's surprise, a small,  warm smile actually found its way to her cold lips. "Ah, that's right. I forgot what today was. Happy Birthday, Scootaloo."

Scootaloo smiled widely.

Ms. Hardknock raised a hoof. "However, I still want those chores done, though you can have Pipsqueak's help. The best gift I can give you is work ethic. You still want to be adopted, right?"

"Y-Yes," Scootaloo squeaked, glancing downward.

"Well, your chances will go up if I can tell prospecting parents that 'Scootaloo cleaned this spotless kitchen' when I give them a tour, and that could be this morning for all you know." She paused for a second, before stating in an almost rehearsed way, "the less worthless you look, the better your chances. Remember, Hearth's Warming Eve is the time of year for that."

At that, Scootaloo gave a defeated sigh, Pipsqueak gazing at her sympathetically. "Yes, Madame Hardknock..."

She then quickly joined his spotted side, the two sauntering down the hall towards the kitchen.

"Oh, and Scootaloo," Ms. Hardknock called.

"Y-Yeah?" she said, turning about.

"Throw out those disgusting rotten eggs," she growled. "Weirdos stand even less of a chance than lazy brats."

"W-Will do," she gulped, before giving Pipsqueak a betrayed look and hissing, "why did you tell her?!"

"S-She must have seen the note," Pipsqueak said defensively. "I thought you'd be the first to see it..."

"Ugh.." Scootaloo sighed, the two continuing on.

As they did so, Ms. Hardknock took a deep breath, rolling her eyes ever-so-slightly.

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"Hey Rainbow!" Twilight smiled, walking into Sugarcube Corner and spying the blue pegasus sitting at a table.

"Mornin' Twi," she smiled, sipping on a mug of hot cocoa, a satisfied, warm look coming upon her. "Mmmm... I don't know how, Mrs. Cake, but this stuff gets better and better each passing year!"

"Oh, thank you dear," the cheery pony called from behind the counter. "I didn't do much, though, just added a bit of cinnamon to it is all."

“Still, utterly awesome,” Rainbow grinned.

“You’re too kind,” Mrs. Cake smiled, before turning to Twilight. "What can I help you with, Ms. Sparkle?"

Twilight put on an anticipating smile. "One triple mocha with extra chocolate sprinkles, please, with soy milk, heated to about seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit with a dash of whip cream on the top, but not too much because I don't want to spill over, oh, and with a bit of cinnamon on the top of it. Ooo, and about one and a half teaspoons sugar. Actually, make that one and a quarter... but... no wait, that's too little. Make that one and three-fourths. If you could, please!"

Mrs. Cake took a deep, patient breath, hiding a blank look. "One triple-mocha."

"Thanks!" Twilight beamed merrily, before taking her place at Rainbow's table, the blue mare rolling her eyes slightly. "So, what's got you up so early in the morning?"

"Oh you know me," Rainbow smirked. "I love admiring the beauty of a fresh snow. How the entire town, it and all its vibrant colors, becomes overwhelmed by a simple, unifying white."

"Wow, Rainbow! I never knew you were such a romantic!" Twilight said, smiling.

Rainbow gave a cheeky grin. "Oh you haven't seen anything, yet. I also enjoy long walks on the beach, smelling flowers, and the laughter of children."

Twilight's eyes widened in awe. "O-Oh my gosh!" she beamed. "R-Rainbow, you're finally letting out your more-"

Dashie quickly chuckled.

"Annnd you're just messing with me, aren't you?" Twilight groaned.

"Haha! Yeah. Sorry, Twi, had to do it," she said, still chuckling. "Still, I wasn't lying about the latter. It's Scootaloo's birthday, you know."

"Ah," Twilight said, her smile returning. "I suppose Flight Rainbow is ready for takeoff?"

"You bet," she smirked, wiggling her wings slightly. "I like taking her out in the morning, you know, so she can spend the rest of the day with her friends. And believe it or not, I do like the view of dawn this early, at least during the winter."

"You really love that kid, don't you?" Twilight said, admiration lacing her words.

"Heh," Rainbow smiled, before sighing slightly and gazing at the reflection of herself in her mug. "She just... reminds me of somepony is all."

"Her story is yours, just one hoof before it?" Twilight said sympathetically.

Rainbow merely gave a chuckle, taking another sip of hot cocoa. "Sometimes, Twilight... I wish I could view the world the way you do."

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Within the kitchen of the orphanage, a magic music rock blared:

"And anytime you feel the pain, hey Jude, refrain,

Don't carry the world upon your shoulders.

For well you know that it's a fool, who plays it cool,

By making her world a little colder!"

Scrubba-dub-dub!

One colt and one filly worked diligently, cleaning the counters to a spotless degree.

"Hmmmm," Scootaloo sighed, sulking a slightly sorrowful head, a few thoughts of what she saw in the mirror earlier still eating at her mind

Glancing away from Pipsqueak, she quickly prodded her new fangs, a worried look coming upon her.

Pipsqueak quirked his head. "What's wrong, Scoots?"

"Eh... nothing," she said, smiling (toothlessly) his way. "Sorry for getting angry with you earlier, by the way. I know you were just looking out for my health is all..."

"Heh, no worries," Pipsqueak smiled. "Believe it not, I've actually eaten worse back aboard the Black Pearl." He then shivered slightly. "It prevented some rather... unsettling come-abouts of malnutrition."

Scootaloo raised an eyebrow, before returning to her scrubbing, staying silent as Hey Jude continued to play.

Pipsqueak soon turned a curious eye her way. "That music rock of yours... a gift from Twilight?"

"A gift from a ghost, for all I know," Scootaloo sighed. "It came for me yesterday, no return address."

Pip's eyes widened. "D-Do you think it was-"

"Captain J?" Scootaloo said, shrugging. "I don't know..."

"Heh... you know, Captain J, that was my family's ole captain's initials," Pipsqueak smiled with just a hint of nostalgia. "Though I suppose this is someone different... maybe somepony in the military?"

"Possibly..." Scootaloo said, before smiling slightly, her ponderous mind pondering something. "Sometimes I wonder if I had a single father or something... in the army or air defense force. Maybe it was this Captain J. What if my mother died while he was out serving, and he couldn't have the time to raise me… cus he was too engraved in his work or something. Too much of a noble soldier."

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In his quarters, Captain Jack smiled slightly before tossing a dart towards his wall. A small series of papers were bunched in a group in the middle of it, all with the names of prominent Equestrian figures upon them. He liked to call it 'Captain Jack's Boogy Board.'

Thud!

The dart landed, his eyes widening in delight as a promiscuous grin came to his face.

"Ooooh yes! You're next, Princess Cadence!" he said, his grin widening. "Let's see if you really are the princess of love!"

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"It still doesn't explain who 'RD' is though," Scootaloo grunted. "All she left was a note saying 'don't run with scissors.' Was my adoption some huge joke or something?"

"I'm sure it wasn't," Pip said, raising a hoof. "Maybe she or he was just a bit... daft."

"Yeah... maybe," Scootaloo sighed.

She then continued scrubbing silently again. However, a moment later it was broken by a knock on the window.

"Hey Scoots!" a grinning, blue pegasus called. "Happy birthday, kid!"

"Rainbow!" Scootaloo beamed.

Rainbow's grin quickly turned into a warm smile, though she soon raised an eyebrow.

"Watcha doin in there being Ms. Clean!?" she grunted. "Have you forgotten our tradition?"

At that, Scootaloo squinted in thought for a second before nearly face-hoofing. "Oh, duh! Sorry, Rainbow... this Cutie-Mark stuff has just been eating my head lately..."

"No worries, kid! Just quit scrubbing and get out here," Rainbow smirked. "Can't you do your chores later?"

"Well... Madame Hardknock really wants them done..." she said, sulking slightly.

"Don't worry, Scoots," Pipsqueak winked. "The kitchen's nearly done, and we already got the bathroom over with. Go on out, I'll handle the rest of this raunchy mess."

"Pip... I can't just let you..."

"Do you know how many times I had to swab the deck back in the day?" he smirked. "I'll have it over by the time you take off! Go on," he said, gesturing her out the door.

"Hah! Looks like somepony's trying to score a date with you, Scoots," Rainbow grinned. "And hey, there's a lot worse out there."

Pip rolled his eyes.

"Thanks, Pip," Scootaloo squeaked. "I'll see you tonight, I guess."

Pip gave a quick salute. "You bet. Just try not to get yourself killed!"

Scootaloo put on an honest smile. "No worries, Rainbow Dash is the best flier there is. She'll keep me out of trouble."

"Hehe, if you say so!" Rainbow grinned.

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Wearing a wool sweater, Scootaloo smiled as she climbed upon Rainbow's back, positioning herself firmly and gripping her sides, her magic music rock still blaring.

"Alright, Major Scoots," the pegasus smiled. "All systems ready for liftoff?"

"This is Major Scoots to ground control, all systems ready," she smirked.

"Then take your protein pills and put your helmet on!" Rainbow grinned. "You're about to really make the grade!"

Before Scootaloo could even respond, Rainbow let loose a brilliant 'BEEYA!', before sailing into the early morning breeze, the snowy town quickly becoming a moving entity below her.

"Woooo yeah!" Scootaloo cried, her mane rippling in the wind. She then glanced at her music locket, before shouting: "Volume Level: 25!"

"Hang on tight, kid! Gonna show you a little bit of what I've been learning this year!" Rainbow smirked.

"Ooo! Ooo!" Scootaloo called. "Do a barrel roll!"

"Haha! Your funeral, kid! Just keep a good grip!" she called.

Making sure that was true, Rainbow then spun about like a mad, sideways top.

"Hahaha! YEEEEEES!" Scootaloo cried in joy, hanging on the best she could.

Rainbow smiled widely. "All good back there, Scoots?"

"Best I've felt all week!" she called.

"Now that is what I'm talking about!" Rainbow said, her voice laced with a hint of pride. "That grip you were keeping though? Make it about twenty percent tighter, cus we're getting fancy up here!"

"Huh? WAHHHHH!!!!!!!"

Her ride began an epic upward arc, before actually performing a huge loopty-loop.

"WEEEEEEEEE!"

Rainbow gave a hearty laugh over the howling winds. "I'm gonna make an adrenaline junky out of you yet, kid!" She then glanced downward. "But hey... you really don't get a good idea of my awesome speeds way up here, though!"

At that, she descended downward towards a snow-covered Everfree, the trees whizzing by below her in blurs, almost scraping at her hooves.

"Woah! Rainbow! A-Are you sure this is safe?!" Scootaloo called.

"Don't worry, Scoots," Rainbow smirked. "Believe it or not, I've flown over these woods a million times. The only way we'll hit something is if it appears out of thin air!"

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Null Space (The Space Between Spaces)

The TARDIS

"Another great journey to the New Lunar Republic, Doctor!" Derpy called, munching down on a muffin nearly the size of her. "I don't know how they learned to make muffins this big in the future, but we seriously need to learn!"

"Maybe the next trip, Derpy," the Doctor smirked, before turning towards two other ponies within the TARDIS. "So, Bill and Ted, how are you liking your tour of history?"

"A most excellent adventure, Dr. Whooves!" Bill called.

"I totally think we're ready to ace our report, now!" Ted smiled confidently.

"Well, I'm glad you've learned to appreciate it!" Dr. Whooves smiled proudly. “Now that is what I call a Hearth’s Warming Eve gift! From me to you to back to me again!”

And naturally, upon his head, fit for the season, he wore a red Yuletide the Gift Pony hat.

However, he quickly lifted a hoof, narrowing an eyebrow.

"Still, do either of you want to tell me what not to do in medieval courting practices?" he asked, wincing slightly as he glanced at Ted's face, most of the fur having been burnt off of it.

"I have solemnly learned that it is most uncool to say to a medieval princess, especially Princess Luna, that her flank is the best full moon I have ever seen!"

"Or any princess for that matter," Derpy grunted, taking another bite of her muffin.

"They're learning!" the Doctor cried in joy. "For the love of all that is good, they're learnin-"

At that, the TARDIS began emitting a whirring sound.

The Doctor quickly smiled. "Righto! Now for a tour of my time, Ponyville: 2012!"

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Right in Rainbow's path, the blue phone box that was the TARDIS materialized, hovering above the canopy of Everfree.

"Rainbow! Look out!" Scootaloo shrieked.

Rainbow raised an eyebrow. "Huh-"

"OOOOOF!"

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THUD!

"What was that?!" Derpy cried.

"Bloody hell, did something just hit us?!" the Doctor growled, marching over to the front door and opening it.

His eyes widened at the sight of the winter forest below him.

"Doctor! I do declare, we are high in the air!" Ted called.

"Woah! Totally awesome rhyme dude!" Bill complimented.

"Ugh! Our coordinates must not have been sound," the Doctor grumbled. "We're supposed to be on the ground!"

Ted's eyes widened. "Doctor! Your rhyme came just in time!"

"Epically Maretallica, dude! The rhyming has been tripled!" Bill grinned, before the two leapt together and began an air guitar solo.

"Oh that's it. We are so never visiting the eighties again," the Doctor groaned.

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The world spinning around her, Rainbow careened towards the Everfree forest, her eyes spinning in circles. Above her, Scootaloo struggled with her tiny wings to hover safely to the ground below.

"Ugh! Stupid. TINY. WINGS!" she cried, sweating bullets as her strength began to wane. As her eyes widened, it finally gave way completely. "Oh CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAP-

-OOOF!"

A snow bank quickly became filled with her wiggling presence.

"Uuuugh...." she groaned, climbing out of her cold, new home and shaking the newly acquired snow off her. She took a glance around, spying blackened trees that had no right to still be alive. She was within the Everfree forest, or at least what she thought was it.

However, for some reason, despite the freezing air... she didn't shiver. It was as if the cold, that would normally eat at her this time of year, (especially after climbing out of snow), had decided to be kind to her. Either that or every nerve in her body was refusing to work...

"Weird," she said, shaking a debilitated head before glancing about. "R-Rainbow. You here?"

As if to answer her, a groan soon followed.

Twirling about, Scootaloo's chuckled slightly as she spied her idol climbing out of a snow-covered thorn bush.

"Kid... please do me a favor and never tell your friends about this," Rainbow Dash moaned, wincing violently.

"Hah, no worries Rainbow," she smiled.

Scootaloo then gave her a look over. She was in bad shape, multiple bloody scrapes visible through her fur, though it wasn't unusual for her to perform 'totally intentional' crash landings.

However, for some reason, what wouldn't normally be worthy of a second glance... quickly took hold of her.

"Rainbow, you're uh... bleeding a little," Scootaloo said, quirking her head slightly.

Drip... drip... drip...

The blood was beginning to fall now, staining the snow red, and Scootaloo couldn't help but stare at it...  Something about it was captivating to her. The red... delicious liquid... so salty... yet so sweet.... nourishment.

"Tis just a flesh wound, no worries kid," Rainbow said nonchantly, quirking an eyebrow at Scootaloo's apparent concern.

"Yeah..." Scootaloo said, continuing to stare blood intently, before nearly hypnotically saying, "just a flesh wound..."

At that, she took a step forward, almost beyond her own will, as Rainbow began to glance about, taking hold of her surroundings.

'It's right there... take it... just a little sip,' a voice in her head chimed. 'She won't mind... she's your friend.'

“Huh, where are we?” Rainbow grunted, still glancing about with a narrowed eyebrow.

'Sooooo good.... you know you want it... mmmm mmmm. Even better than rotten eggs...'

"N-No," Scootaloo whispered, shaking her head rapidly, almost as if she wanted to send the strange thoughts flying from her mind."W-What the heck is wrong with me?"

"Scoots?" Rainbow said. "Everything good? You didn't bump your head, did you?"

'The precious... you wants the precious... the precious is good...'

The thoughts continued, as her sanity decreased.

"K-Kid?" Rainbow said, her voice laced with concern.

A beat of silence followed, broken only by a gust of wind... and eventually:

"Feed me,"  Scootaloo droned, almost robotically, before taking another step forward, her head quirking again slightly.

"W-What?" Rainbow said.

"Feeed me...."