Will of Fire

Chapter 37 - Rainbow's resolve

By: TheXIIILightning

Meanwhile, in Ponyville

"Mornin' Big Mac, mornin' AB. Y'all doin' fine?"

"Eeyup."Said Big Mac from the kitchen, not averting his gaze from the pancakes he was cooking. They were apple flavored of course.

Applejack had just finished her morning chores, so now it was time for a well earned breakfast. The pigs had been properly fed, the cows were doing fine, and the orchard was as green as ever. It was just another normal day in Sweet Apple Acres.

"Morning sis..." Said a very bored looking Apple Bloom, her eyes were half closed and her shoulders slump.

She was holding her head in her hooves while lacking her usual perkiness that Applejack was used to. Applejack, being the caring and supportive sister she is, would have none of that.

"Apple Bloom? What's wrong sugarcube, ya'll acting weird today." Applejack said while she sat at the table, in front of her sister.

"Ah'm just bored, I guess..." A few moments had passed and the filly didn't say anymore. Applejack had to know more so she could help the poor filly.

"Ah don't remember the last time ah heard ya say, ya were bored." She chuckled a bit. "Well, so why don't ya tell me what's really the matter."

The filly sighed, she knew it was a losing battle to try and keep a secret away from her sister. Besides, it wasn't anything special really, so she had no reason to hide anything.

"It's just that Ah haven't been spending much time with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo lately. Sweetie's been hangin' around with Rarity all day, and I don't know were Scoots is..." Apple Bloom gave out a loud groan. "School is out and all I've done so far were mah chores and..." The filly groaned again, even more loudly this time. "Arrgh! That's all I've done so far!"

Applejack smiled, it is good that Apple Bloom has the responsibility to remember her chores, so maybe giving her a day off wouldn't be a bad idea. She's still a little filly after all.

"So ya meaning to tell me that the Cutie Mark Crusaders, the same fillies that lost mah good rope while bungie jumping near the river, are all outta plans?" Thankfully the river was deep and the bridge was low, but she still lost her rope... it was a good rope... "Why don't ya go hang out with yer friends today, I'm sure you three can think of something fun to do today."

Apple Bloom gave a small smile towards Applejack, but it was gone as soon as it came. Applejack frowned, there was something bothering her sister. She knew that because Big Mac just put the food on the table and the filly made no attempt to ravage her plate, like usual.

"What's on ya mind AB?"

"It's just that I know where Sweetie Belle is, but I don't know anything about Scoots. I haven't seen her in days."

"I'm sure she's just busy with her homework or something." Applejack was too busy stuffing her mouth with the pancakes to give her sister a proper response, everything does tastes better after you work for it, even Big Mac's excellent cooking.

"Scootaloo's never too busy to go crusading, especially with some dumb homework." Applejack threw her sister a small frown, Apple Bloom just gave her a 'C'mon, I know you hate Math as much as I do' kinda look in return.

"Maybe she went on vacation or something, Ah heard that flight camp started this week, wasn't that Rumble kid going there?" Thunderlane came to the farm yesterday to help water some plants since Rainbow Dash was still out of town. Besides, it's good to make small talk with somepony else for a change, and since they both had siblings, they had common grounds for a pleasant conversation.

"Yeah, Ah think he is, but not Scoots because she can't fly yet, so I don't think she'd go this year.... besides, she'd tell us if she was going on vacation. That's not something you'd hide from yer friends."

"You're right there sugar." Applejack frowned again for a moment. "Then I guess she's just home sick, or something.Why don't you go find Sweetie Belle and go visit her? Together." Apple Bloom groaned and slammed her head on the table.

"We already thought of it yesterday but neither of us knows were Scootaloo lives." Applejack lifted an eyebrow at that.

"Ya mean ta tell me that you've been best friends for what... over an year? And ya don't know whee she lives?"

"That's exactly what I meant ta tell ya sis! We planned a couple of sleep-overs at each others house over time, but Scoots always came up with an excuse when it was her turn. It was always something about her Ma or Pa being sick, or some cousin visiting. We always end up sleeping here, at the clubhouse or at Rarity's... Ah guess we just stopped asking after a while."

Applejack had already finished with her pancakes, but Apple Bloom had barely touched hers. Applejack couldn't stand seeing her sister so sad like that, she had to do something!

"Tell ya what AB, Ah sold a lot of apples yesterday so Ah guess Ah can take a day off from the market today. Ah'll see if Ah can track down your lil' friend if you help Big Mac with some of mah chores today. Ya can even invite Sweetie Belle over and try out for yer apple bucking cutie mark again."

Applejack glanced at Big Mac who gave her a small nod in approval, Apple Bloom was already perking out at the thought of spending some time with her friend.

"Oh! Can Ah, Big Mac!?"

"Eeyup!" Said the bright red work-horse.

"That settles it! Now finish yer breakfast AB, ye'll need yer energy for later."

The little filly shoved her entire plate in her mouth while Applejack just chuckled and went towards the door. 'Where to start', she thought to herself...

Cheerilee should know, Scootaloo is her student after all. The problem is that she's on vacation in Manehattan right now for the school break.

She could ask Pinkie Pie, that pink filly knew just about everypony in town! Surely she knows their homes as well... Nah, it won't work. Pinkie went to visit her folks for the whole week, so it won't do...

'Maybe Derpy could help me find her!' thought Applejack. Derpy is the town's mail mare, surely she would know Scootaloo's address!

"Well, Ah guess it's worth a shot." Applejack said as she made her way towards Derpy's home.

"Don't worry Sweetie Belle, I'm sure Scootaloo is fine. I'll see what I can find out about her, so why don't you go play with Apple Bloom in the meantime?"

"Okay big sis, if you say so..."

Rarity couldn't take it anymore, Sweetie was starting to become unbearable! Yes, she was having fun trying to teach her little sister how to sew and sketch, but a ponies's patience can only stretch so far. She had already lost a fortunes worth of fabric and one of her sewing machines, and now... Rarity glanced at the floor and her left eye twitched... Now her sister was threatening to dig a hole in her precious carpet, with that random scootling of her's! No, she would have none of that! One un-cleanable stain due to a dropped glass of grape juice was the last of her sister's mischief she would have!

...

For the day that is...

"Oh, but I do say so! I will not have you moping around the boutique any longer, your mood is ruining my creativity." Sweetie Belle tried to give her sister an intimidating glare, an impossible feat for a filly as cute as her.

"Oh, and because I worry for my dear, little sister." Rarity said as she craned her neck to nuzzle her lovingly. "Don't worry Sweetie, I said I'd find your friend, and you know that I'm not one to break promises. I just don't want to leave you unattended in my boutique, I trust that I don't have to explain myself any further, right?"

Rarity made the sternest face she could muster, but Sweetie's happy expression made her loose her composure slightly.

"Thank you sis! You're the best!" Said the little filly as she hugged Rarity's leg. She kept the hug for a few more seconds before darting off towards Sweet Apple Acres. "Don't worry! I'll be back before dinner!" She waved at Rarity and Rarity waved back with a smile, trying to hide the concern she felt for Scootaloo and her sister.

"Poor Sweetie Belle is so heartbroken that her friend left, and I can't help but wonder where she is..." Rarity tapped her chin in thought. "Who knows, I might even end up getting some good gossip out of this."

Rarity closed the boutique by flipping a small sign, turning the side that read "CLOSED" for the public to see. She made her way towards the house of the towns mail mare, Derpy Hooves.

If somepony had left town for a vacation or even definitely, Derpy would certainly know about it. How else would she redirect any mail she had gotten for them?

With Pinkie Pie and Cheerilee unavailable, Derpy was the best option Rarity could think off.

"That mare may be a little bit clumsy, but she knows our small town like the back of her hoof."

"Miss Applejack, Miss Rarity, what a pleasure it is to see you again." Said Sparkler. "What brings you here today?"

"Mornin' Sparkler, we just wanted to have a little chat with yer mom, is she home?" Asked Applejack. Sparkler nodded and got a little worried.

"Yes, she's inside playing with Dinky." She sighed. "I'm sorry Miss Applejack, but if my mom did something wrong, please don't be too har-" Rarity cut her off.

"Nonsense dear, Derpy did no such thing as off late. Besides, we would never do anything to hurt that sweet little mare. Isn't that right Applejack?" Said Rarity, glancing towards the orange mare.

"Eeyup!" Said Applejack, earning a sigh of relief from the pink unicorn that was at the door.

"Thank Celestia... I'll go get her, please come in and make yourselves at home. She will be with you shortly." Sparkler opened the door further and led the two ponies towards the living room, before she left to get Derpy.

"Sparkler's seems to be growing up into a fine mare, ain't that right Rares?"

"That she is..." Rarity got a bit distant for a few seconds. "How long ago did Derpy adopt her? Two, three years perhaps?"

"Ah reckon, yes. I can't really tell since time flies fast at the farm." Applejack chuckled.

"Time flies for everypony, I can't help but feel old when I start reminiscing about the past..." Rarity sighed.

"Reman-rema-what? Rares, ya nineteen and Ah'm only a couple o months younger than ya. Are ya telling me Ah'm old?" Said the orange mare in a mock tone, feigning insult.

"No, of course not!" Rarity shrieked. I just meant to say that we are at the prime of our youth and beauty, without proper care we will only go..." She gulped. "downhill, per se..."

"Ah, not me! Ah got tons of apple tree to buck, so Ah won't have any trouble in keeping these flanks in check." Applejack sat down on a couch, crossed her legs and tilted her hat in order to cover her eyes. Rarity gasped.

"Applejack! Where are your manners!?"

"Ah dunno, in Winona's water bowl Ah guess." She chuckled.

"Ah swear, you're just trying to get under my skin right now." Rarity glared at AJ. Applejack looked up with a smug grin.

"Why not? Ya make it so easy."

Rarity's cheeks got red in anger while Applejack just leaned back and smiled. They both waited patiently for the grey mare to come join them and hopefully answer their questions. They had met each other on their way here, after a while they both agreed that their sisters needed to know where the third Crusader was. In fact, even they were starting to get curious.

Scootaloo is just a little filly, where could she be?

Derpy entered the room with a bright smile, the one she always wore when she met a good friend or spent some quality time with her daughters. But there was something in her eyes that told them, that she already knew why they were there.

"Good morning Applejack, Rarity." Said the grey mare, the other's greeted back in their own way. "Sparkler told me you wished to talk about something?"

"We sure did Derpy, but before that, how are ya doing?" Applejack asked out of politeness. Derpy beamed a bit more at the chance to talk about her daughters.

"Oh, I'm doing very well, I only crashed eight times this week you know?" Her eyes moved slightly away from Applejack's own, so she couldn't notice the orange mare cringe. 'That's ten less than last week Ah reckon...' "Dinky's grades have improved a lot this year, so I'm planning on getting enlisted on a magic camp for the Summer. She's been very interested in magic lately, but Sparkler and I can barely help her on that."

"Oh, I believe I understand you, dear." Rarity spoke."My father is the only Earth pony in a family of four, he still gets amazed on how easily we use our magic." Derpy and Applejack nodded in understanding. "By the way, how's Sparkler doing?"

"Sparkler has been as sweet as ever." Derpy beamed. "She's been offering to foal-sit Dinky every now and then, she mostly does this out of generosity, but I know she's been keeping an eye on one of your dresses, Rarity." Rarity suppressed a giggle.

"Oh, I know how she feels, I was once her age you know?" She said, not really as a question. "Tell her to stop by my boutique whenever she has the time, I'm sure we can discuss some sort of discount or alternative means of payment. I would feel terrible if Sparkler missed any special occasion just for missing a few bits."

"That's very generous of you, Rarity. I'll be sure to tell her when I have the chance." The three mares shared a smile. "Well, as much as I'd love to talk about my two little muffins, I suspect you both came here for some other reason?" Derpy said, still smiling like before.

"Yeah, we have. We wanted to ask ya 'bout some little filly that hangs around with our sisters." Applejack spoke clearly. "Scootaloo, she's a orange pegasus with a purple mane. Always on a scooter, ruffled mane." She made a circling motion with her hoof, as if to say there weren't any more features to add.

"Oh, I see..." The grey mare said with a slight frown and a slightly more sullen tone. "What do you want to know?" She asked.

Derpy was not a mare that liked to talk about the personal lives of other ponies, if Applejack and Rarity wanted answers, they would need to ask the right questions.

"We want to know where Scootaloo lives. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom haven't seen her friend for nearly a week and are getting quite worried, we were starting to wonder about her ourselves as well, so we came in search of her." Rarity said while Derpy focused her gaze on her and Applejack.

"I think Scootaloo was staying with Ms. Golden Clover. Just down the street from Sugar Cube Corner." She said.

"What do ya mean, 'was'?" Applejack asked, Rarity seemed like she was about to ask the same question, since she opened her mouth and closed it without a peep. Derpy sighed.

"Ms. Clover had to leave for Las Pegasus a few days ago. It seems like her parents got very ill over the last month, so she had to move there to care for them. That's why her house is for sale right now." Rarity gasped.

"Oh my! Isn't that the mare that tends to... troubled foals?" Derpy nodded sullenly and Rarity hung her head. Applejack was the only one that didn't understand the sudden change in mood.

"What's wrong?" She sounded angry, but more concerned than that. "Do ya'll know something Ah don't?"

"Applejack..." Rarity started. "Ms. Clover is like a foster parent for orphaned foals. She gives them a family until they find somepony to adopt them." Applejack turned her eyes to the floor.

"Oh..." Was the only thing that escaped the orange mare's mouth for a while.

"She was the one that introduced me to Sparkler a few years ago." Said Derpy with the hint of a smile. "I knew that she had lost her parents, but I could only see a sweet little filly that was waiting to be loved." The three mares smiled at that phrase. "I invited Sparkler over a few times to come play with Dinky, we all got along so well that I ended up loving her like she was my own daughter in just a few weeks."

"Ah hope that Scoots gets the same luck Sparkler did..." Rarity nodded in agreement while Derpy sighed, again.

"I might as well tell you the rest. I believe that Scootaloo was sent to an orphanage in Canterlot. Ms. Clover couldn't tend to, or properly raise a filly in Las Pegasus, and since Scootaloo could not fly yet, an orphanage in Cloudsdale with other pegasi was out of the question."

"We appreciate your help Derpy, it means a lot." Rarity said as she got up to leave. "That's everything we needed to know, dear, now we just need to think of a way to break it to the crusaders..." Rarity got a small tear in her eye. "Could they still be the crusaders with one less member?

"Ah guess we should them them in the mornin', let them spend the night in peace..." Rarity nodded in silent agreement with Applejack while Derpy escorted them to the door, opening it without a word.

"I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, at least you two took it better than Rainbow Dash did." Derpy said.

"What? Ya mean Rainbow already knows 'bout Scoots?" Applejack asked, surprised.

"Yes, she came to me the day after Ms. Clover left town. Rainbow Dash took the news way harder than the both of you, she stormed out of my home without saying a word."

"Rainbow Dash was here?" Rarity said to nopony in particular. "Why would she possibly want to know about poor Scootaloo?" Derpy got a bit flustered, face-hoofing a bit hard than it was deemed healthy.

"Ohhh! Silly me, I forgot another important detail... Sorry for not mentioning it sooner!" Derpy asked, genuinely sorry of causing disturbance to somepony, despite just helping them a lot.

"Don't be ridiculous dear, you were an amazing help today." Rarity said as she and Applejack turned around to leave. "I'm really sorry but we have to leave now, send our regards to young Dinky and Sparkler."

"Will do~!" Said the grey mare as she closed the door.

"Now, why would that feather brain come here asking for Scoots? Of all places!?" Applejack asked Rarity as they made their way towards the farm.

"I don't know, but why her sudden interest in that little foal?"

The two kept walking in silence, trying to remember anything that might had been strange about the pegasus behavior.

After a few minutes, it all clicked.

Rainbow Dash is still in Canterlot. Scootaloo is in an orphanage, in Canterlot.

She's been acting really strange and emotional lately, possibly trying to hide something from them.

Then they remembered a certain party that was held a few days ago...

Lightning smashed his hoof on the floor and turned angrily towards Rainbow Dash.

You of all ponies, don't have the right to say that somepony else doesn't care about others! In all my time here I'm yet to see a self-less action from you. You just gloat and boast all the time, not caring about the feelings of those around you! And above all, you shouldn't judge ponies on how they act! I can tell you're a great pony, but if it wasn't for you damn pride you could see how much hurt you were causing to others."

After the ranting Rainbow Dash left the party almost wordlessly, clearly stricken by the harsh words.

Applejack and Rarity turned to one another, their eyes as wide as saucers and their thoughts clearly the same.

"She wouldn't..." Rarity said.

"She would..." Applejack said.

End of Chapter 37

Rainbow Dash!

Please tell me you're not doing what I think you're doing...

Now for the Hype. *Ahem*

Poor Scootaloo, abandoned in the same place that Trixie, Sunshine and Lightning spent their youth together.

What terrible things await the orange filly?

Find out in the next chapter of...

Will of Fire!