RATED S FOR SCOOTALOO

Day Three: Sunday

Scootaloo ran across the roof, leaping over to the next silently. She had to continue her mission. Another building crossed. She stopped and listened. The wind brushed her through her mane. She took small, quiet breaths, the light of the moon overhead shining on her.

Suddenly she reached into a compartment in her sleeve, pulling something out and swiping behind her. The other figure fell back. That’s when they all came out. Before Scootaloo could blink, dozens of shadow-like figures surrounded her. She took a stance, ready for the first strike with a cool, confident grin. Her scarf blew in the wind dramatically, its flapping being the only noise on that roof.

She swiped behind her once again, and the shadow fell back into the crowd. They all turned towards it, then stared at Scootaloo, the light of their eyes glowing stronger than the moon. She twirled the mouth-grip of her weapon, grinning casually. They all charged, and Scootaloo retaliated. Effortlessly she slashed and stomped the competition away, but even in her preoccupied state she could see their reinforcements coming in, for every one she defeated, two would take his place.

She gasped and stumbled as a stinging pain went through her leg. She looked back. One of them managed to get a decent hit in. She frowned and flipped over the offender, kicking him off the roof. Looks like things were getting good...

“SCOOOOOOOTS!~” A sharp voice rang through the dead of night. Scootaloo looked up and gasped, as a giant menacing shadow came crashing down on he-

“GAH!” Scootaloo flew out of bed as a familiar weight came crashing down on it, giving her quite an impressive amount of airtime until she landed on the rug with a thud. “Uggggh... what was that for, mom...?” She cried, getting up, still groggy from her less-than-pleasant awakening.

“You told me to wake you up early, dear.” The grey-maned pegasus cheerfully responded, already straightening up the mess of a bed she helped to create. “And you wouldn’t wake up.” Scootaloo idly wondered where her alarm clock went, before noticing a suspiciously-sized hole in the window. She coughed and got her mother’s attention away from that part of the room.

“What time is it, anyway?”

“I dunno. Like, one?”

“...Mom, that’s not at all what I meant by early!” Scootaloo yelled a little higher than she felt was necessary, heading into the bathroom to wash up and dunk her head in cold water.

“Oh, sorry dear. Should I have woken you up a little later?” She didn’t hear a response... other than ‘AAAAAH, COLD COLD COLD.’ a few seconds later. She shrugged, brushing her mane back and heading downstairs.

Minutes later, a fully awake Scootaloo rushed her way downstairs. “I’m heading to Sweetie’s house.” She gulped nervously. “I need something from Rarity.”

“Just remember to pick up my hat this time, honey.” Scootaloo heard, just as she got on her scooter and sped off.
__________________________________________________

“So, um, that was my week.” A yellow pegasus said to the white unicorn sitting across from her on the table outside. Rarity put her sandwich down, dabbed at her mouth with a napkin, and stared at Fluttershy stoically.

“Fluttershy, darling. Be a dear and remind me; when you tell me “You don’t want to hear how my week has been”, I really must take your word for it.”

“W-well, um, okay...” Fluttershy blushed, staring at the table. Rarity patted her shoulder comfortingly. “I-if it helps, the squirrels were fine afterwards.”

“No, Fluttershy, it honestly doesn’t help at all.” Rarity commented. Fluttershy squeaked and continued pretending to be fascinated by the table. The fashionista looked off to the side, noticing an orange blur speeding towards them. “....Hm...?” The blur got bigger and more detailed, and Rarity stared in interest as it began to swerve along the path, eventually crashing into the gate and landing on the table between the 2 chatting mares. “Ah! Scootaloo?” Fluttershy silently stared at the food-covered filly who began to lift herself back up.

“Ugg... Rarity! I need you to make me... ugh, pretty... for a date! Fast!”

Rarity blinked and looked at Fluttershy, who gave a helpless shrug in return. Scootaloo nonchalantly took a bit of the sandwich stuck in her hair and ate it. Rarity shuddered. This was going to be a challenge... She sighed.

But this was what the fashionista lived for.

…........

….........

“I REGRET EVERYTHING I’VE EVER DONE. APPLEBLOOM, SWEETIE BELLE, AVENGE ME.” A sharp cry pierced the walls of Carousel Boutique, breaking the spirits and vases of several passerby ponies. “AUGH. TOO TIGHT.”

“Oh hush now darling, we’re almost done! It’s your fault for waiting for the last minute!” A sophisticated voice responded, much quieter than the younger voice. “Oh you will look simply marvelous for this. You have to, of course, it is your first!” the mare voice sighed romantically. “Filly love, oh how adorable~”

“I-I don’t even know if this is worth it anymore!”

Rarity sighed wistfully. “Honestly, you complain more than Rainbow Dash...”

…........

….......

Scootaloo stared up the path to Ruby’s house. She gulped nervously. The trip here had been a little longer than she’d have preferred; Rarity specifically warned her not to do anything to ruin the dress she had eventually settled on. The orange filly resisted the urge to scratch her now-forcibly-brushed mane. It was easier than resisting the urge to black out from embarrassment in being seen in this get up.

She carefully trotted up to the door and knocked, taking a deep breath. The door creaked open and she smiled nervously. “H-hello miss Punch. Is Pinchy ready? N-not that I’m rushing or anything...” she added, already feeling the sweat going down her neck.

Berry, surprisingly sober for once, stared at the orange filly judgmentally. Scootaloo resisted every urge to break down crying as she was examined. Finally, the older mare smiled invitingly. “Ruby, dear, your date is here!” she called into the house. Berry stepped to the side of the door for the filly, but Scootaloo decided to wait outside. She could hear the steps upstairs from here anyway.

The orange filly glanced behind her, to her scooter and the ‘romantic’ version of what had once been her wagon, courtesy of Fluttershy deciding to help Rarity in whatever way she can; this of course meant adding ribbons, flowers, and the smell of various small animals to the ride.

Love is hard.

She turned back around when she heard a gasp. Her jaw would have dropped then and there if Berry wasn’t standing right next to her. Speaking of Berry, the older mare sighed. “My baby’s growing up...” she whispered to nopony in particular, “...And I expect you to take good care of her. And have her back early.” she exclaimed, turning towards the stunned pegasus. Scootaloo eeped and nodded, face red. She looked over the mare’s shoulder towards the pink filly, who was currently wearing a rose colored, flowery dress, with a blush to match Scootaloo’s own. She smiled nervously as she trotted over to Scootaloo, giving the other filly a small nuzzle. Berry looked at the 2 fillies, frowning slightly, but relented and smiled. “Just... have fun, okay? Both of you.”

Ruby smiled up to her mom, giving her a reassuring hug and closing the door, turning to Scootaloo, who was still clearly busy admiring. “Let’s go, Scooty!” she cheered, skipping towards Scootaloo’s ride, hopping in as a loveblind Scootaloo followed and drove them to the restaurant that Rarity (thankfully) booked for them...

~~~~~~<3~~~~~~~~~~~~<3~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I’m having fun, Scooty.” The overly adorable, cheerful filly commented as she ate her food. Scootaloo blushed and nodded, poking at her own salad. “It’s a little cold outside, but still, fun!” Ruby added.

“Y-yeah, me too...” Scootaloo gave as a rather delayed response. She shivered a little. Probably should have brought a jacket.

“I don’t really get out much... You know, mom’s a little overprotective and stuff.” Scootaloo just gave another nod, wincing and rubbing the back of her neck with a hoof. “So it’s nice to be out with somepony my age!” Ruby smiled sweetly. Scootaloo gulped and nervously scarfed down some salad to hide the small heart attack she got from it. “So, um, how was your weekend, Scooty?”

“Oh, you know, boring. Applebloom was busy and I have no idea where Sweetie Belle got off to.” Scootaloo half-lied. She felt a little guilty, realizing how she had been neglecting the fellow cutie mark crusaders all week! Celestia knows what they’d been up to. She gave a small shrug to herself. She’d just have to talk to them tomorrow. Speaking of tomorrow... “We should probably get going, Ruby. Don’t want ya getting home late.” Scootaloo shivered at the thought of an angry Berry Punch.

“Huh? Oh, okay...” Ruby said, an obvious tone of disappointment in her tiny voice, finishing the small bit of food on her plate and standing up. Scootaloo did the same, walking the other filly to the scooter and hopping on.

Scootaloo sighed, looking up at the sky. A few pegasi passed by. She couldn’t really get a good look to see if she knew any of them. Honestly, some ponies in this town just blended in with each other too much; they were starting to look alike.

“Scooty, I had a really good time tonight.” She heard a voice say behind her. Scootaloo cleared her throat and kept riding down the road at a slow pace. “Like, um, probably one of the best nights I’ve ever had. Thanks for taking me out...” Scootaloo stopped and took that in, face red as her wings flared out in embarrassment.

“W-wow, really Ruby? Thanks! I-I mean, I’m glad I could spend the day with you... I had a really good time.”

“Yeah, I could tell...”

Scootaloo scratched her head. “And, um, before we get into hearing distance from your mom I should probably say this...”

“Say what, Scooty...?”

Scootaloo stopped the scooter, shaking with nervousness. Now or never. I hope I’m doing this right. “I...” Scootaloo gulped, “I looooooove... I love you! I-I know it’s sudden, Ruby, but I’m really happy around you and this date was totally worth getting thrown through a wall by your mom and-and- I love you, that’s that!” she exclaimed into the wind, resting her head against the handlebars of her scooter.

All was silent... and then Scootaloo heard a sniffle. She turned and saw Ruby crying! She frowned and went over. Ouch. “Wh-what’s wrong, Ruby? Oh jeez, please don’t be mad at me... j-just pretend I didn’t say anything!” You totally did it wrong, Scoots. Now’s not a good time, Inner-Scoots.

“S-scooty! I-I can’t do this anymore. I-it just... it’s too much! I’m sorry!” The filly whimpered, staring at the pegasus through her tears.

“S-sorry for what? I should be sorry! I shouldn’t have rushed things!”

“N-no. It’s not that!” Ruby hopped off the wagon and looked around. She noticed the coast was clear and took a deep breath. “I-I... I’m not Ruby Pinch!”

“...What”

“I-it’s true! I-I’m actually...” Ruby(?) sighed and, after a hiccup, took a deep breath, suddenly bursting into green flames.

“WHAT”

Scootaloo couldn’t believe her eyes. Where Ruby supposedly once was, a familiar, bug/pony combination stood. And a rather... sad, embarrassed looking one as well. It was noticeably smaller than the ones she saw in Canterlot during that dumb wedding thing, too. The changeling looked up at her, then sniffed and stared at the ground in supposed shame. “I-I’m a changeling. The real Ruby is trapped. I-I’m sorry! I thought it would be easy, just, um, taking a little love and then putting her back like nothing happened, but you confessed to me!”

The changeling yelped as Scootaloo grabbed it by the collar. “...WHAT!?”

~~~~~~~~~</3~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</3~~~~~~~~~

“Not so fast!” The increasingly annoying young changeling cried out, holding onto the wagon for dear life.

“NO TIME FOR THAT!” Scootaloo exclaimed, travelling through Ponyville as fast as she could. “If I don’t get Ruby, the real Ruby” the orange filly stressed, “home on time, Berry will literally KILL me. And I do NOT plan on dying before confessing to Ruby, OR getting my cutie mark!”

“Just a little slower! Please Scooty! I don’t want to die!”

“Too bad! And you don’t get to call me that you homewrecker!” the pegasus screamed, a few tears in her eyes. She shook them off. First dates aren’t supposed to be this exciting/terrible, are they?

“I said I was sorry!”

“Yeah that doesn’t help! Just tell me where the real Ruby is!!”

“T-take a left!”

~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~

The changeling commander looked over the cocoons with a menacing grin. The light of the moon shone into their secret hideout. Nopony would ever find it. Ever realize how many of their own were being replaced. An ingenious plan, if he could say something like that so smugly. Which he did. He stared into a small cocoon, a little filly resting snugly within. He rolled his eyes, reminded of a certain ‘recruit’ he was forced to bring along. The social structure within the hive had fallen apart ever since the failed invasion, and so he had to take any scattered drone he could find. But after he takes over Ponyville, turning it into the new hive base, all the drones would simply come to hi-

“Commander! Commander!” A drone flew towards its superior, a panicked look on its face. “W-we have an intruder! And she has a hostage!”

The changeling commander grunted in frustration and turned to the interrupting drone. As much as he wanted to hurt him for rushing in, he was already short on grunts. “Only one intruder? Well, go stop her... and save the hostage too, I suppose” he half-heartedly added to the end of the order, already guessing who would get caught so easily so quickly. The other changeling saluted and charged out of the room.

The commander took a deep breath and continued his internal monologue... where was he...? Oh, right. Yes, all of his plans were coming together. Soon all the changelings would know of his greatness. The greatness of COMMANDER P-

And then the changeling commander was greeted by the door being smashed open. Several changelings flew amongst the debris of the door, along with an unfamiliar little filly, in a very oddly frilly dress even, on a scooter, speeding through the open entrance, skidding to a stop. The commander took note of the familiar changeling grub cowering in the wagon connected to said scooter. The armored changeling groaned and looked between the two young ones boredly. “A filly? The intruder? Really?” he sighed “The quality of grunts these days.” he grumbled.

Scootaloo took off her helmet and shook her head, her mane returning to its usual messy look. “Where’s Ruby?!”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, filly. Why don’t you go home and pretend this never happened. I might just let you leave. Nopony would believe you.”

Scootaloo took a battle stance, wings flaring. “The one that this clown” she screamed, pointing a hoof at the young changeling, who squeaked and ducked into the wagon, “replaced! Where is she!? I want her back!”

The commander snorted. “No. You foolish little pony. I’m not letting any of these go. We’ve worked too hard, too long to let this plan fall out of reach now.” He kicked at the ground, smirking. “But now that you insist on annoying me, I will be happy to get rid of you before the invasion starts!” He said, boasting an evil laugh.

The changeling gave an uncharacteristic ‘eep’ as a sudden force smashed into his muzzle, one of his fangs chipping off as he slammed into the wall behind him. He shook the daze away and stared in shock. Scootaloo shook her hoof. “Ouch! You guys are REALLY solid...” she commented, wincing a bit before glaring back at the commander, grinning.

“Now you’ve done it, you foolish filly.” The commander growled, charging towards Scootaloo. The orange filly jumped over the commander, pulling all of her weight down and slamming into his back and crushing him into the ground. The commander grunted, shaking the pegasus off of him. “Grr... just stay... still!!” he growled, calling his magic, firing a few beams at Scootaloo. The orange filly gasped and weaved out of the way, although the sound of tearing and shearing reaching her ears told her the dress wasn’t so lucky.

Well, at least Rarity was significantly less murderous than Berry.

Scootaloo tackled Commander Piece into the wall, he grunted, too stunned to move, as she turned around. “Scoota...” She murmured as she propped her forelegs onto the ground solidly. “KICK!!” And with that she slammed both of her hind legs into Commander Piece’s chest. The changeling yelled in pain as he went flying straight into the wall and into the night.

The only conscious changeling in the room stared wide-eyed at the hole in the wall. “C-commander!”

Scootaloo ran over to the cocoons and peaked into each one, before finally finding the silhouette she was looking for. “Hey, changeling. Come here for a bit.” The tiny changeling squeaked and climbed out the wagon, nervously running over. Before she could ask, Scootaloo grabbed her head and bent her down, using her horn to cut the cocoon open. She then casually pushed the changeling away and pulled the familiar filly out. “Ruby... a-are you okay...?” The filly in her arms began to stir. Wait... how much of what happened between us was... real? The thought scared Scootaloo, shaking her core.

Ruby slowly opened her eyes, looking up at the orange filly in a daze. She then shook her head and smiled. “S-Scooty!” she exclaimed as she wrapped her arms around Scootaloo’s neck and gave her a kiss on the snout. Scootaloo nearly fainted then and there. “It was super scary! Everything was green! And they caught me by surprise! But I knew you’d come save me! Cause you’re awesome, and strong!” Ruby said ecstatically, causing quite a blush on the orange hero.

“R-right... um... you kinda missed your date. Sorry Pinchy... now come on, we gotta get you home quick.” Scootaloo said tiredly, helping the pink filly into the wagon and climbing onto the scooter. “Oh yeah, you. Free all the other ponies too I guess.” She said, pointing to the young changeling and speeding off with Ruby in tow, not even waiting for it to respond.

The young changeling stared at all the cocooned ponies, and then at its horn, and gave a defeated sigh.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~@~~~~~~~~~~~~~@~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Still no hat, dear?" Scootaloo heard as she stumbled into her room and limply dropped herself into the bed. Her mom came up to check on her after she practically zombied her way upstairs. “Soooo.... how’d the date go, sweetie?~”

“Terrible...” Scootaloo mumbled into her pillow, wiggling out of the ruined dress and casually discarding it on the floor. “Can I stay home tomorrow, mom? I wanna rest... and sulk.”

“Oh sweetie...” Daring cooed. “No.” She flatly said, then smiled and walked over, giving her daughter a kiss on the forehead. “Sleep well, my little hero” she said, leaving the room and shutting the door.

Scootaloo groaned and just let the stress of her first date tire her into dreamland.

END OF SUNDAY....

Author's Note

Lots of things happened in this chapter. The weekend arc has ended with as much sillyness as I could muster, and now we must move on to the best day of the week, Monday!