//------------------------------// // Beach Trip // Story: Stripped Away // by littlebrony //------------------------------// Scootaloo woke up early, excitement filling her mind. Today was the day that her and Mike was going to the beach. She was so happy to finally be getting away from the property. She peeked out of her window, and saw that it was still dark out. She thought about waking Mike up, but decided that she should let him sleep. Both of them had been busy the day before packing. Mike was practically falling asleep in his closet. Scootaloo decided that she would go out on the back porch and take in the morning breeze. Sh slowly slid the door open. Being careful not to wake Mike. A cool breeze hit her as she stepped out onto the porch. All around the crickets could be heard, singing their sweet tune. It was rare that she was up early enough to enjoy it. She looked down below the deck on the dirt path, and saw a family of raccoons. *Well that is what has been making the mess.* She said to herself. Scootaloo's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Mike’s alarm clock going off. She expected him to sleep a little longer, but that was not the case this morning. She turned to see Mike walking towards her room. *I’m out here.* she said from the sliding glass door. Mike turned around and stretched his arms out. *How long have you been up?* He asked. *Not long, I just didn't want to wake you. So i decided to come out here instead.* Mike came over to her, and picked her up. *How about we grab something to eat. So when can hit the road.* Mike said, as he carried her back inside. Scootaloo watched as Mike began making her a bowl of oatmeal. She always liked the way he made it. He would always mix in brown sugar and maple syrup. To Scootaloo it was heaven in her mouth. Mike ended up having a bowl of cold cereal. She did not understand why humans liked it so much. She had never really liked cold food, unless it was ice cream. Then she would eat that all day long. *How far away is the beach Daddy?* Scootaloo asked. Mike thought for a moment. *About 5 hours from here.* He said, taking a sip from his coffee mug. *Thats a long ways away.* Scootaloo said, finishing her last bite of oatmeal. After breakfast was done, They began to load up Mike's van. This was the first time Scootaloo had ever ridden in a vehicle before, and was a bit nervous about it. Mike had set back seats down, so she would have a place to take a nap, or just relax while going down the road. The windows were also tinted in the back, so people could not see in. *I think we are all set.* Mike said closing the back door of the van. Scootaloo was a little apprehensive about getting in the van. She had never been in one before. *Well if Daddy can ride in it every day, then I guess I can give it a shot* She thought. Mike opened the door for Scootaloo. She was very slow about getting in it. Something about it making strange sounds, and moving without a pony pulling it made her kind of uneasy. She quickly found the bed that was made for her, and sit down. Mike then came in and put a net up in front of her. *What's this thing for?* She asked. *This is just in case I have to stop really quick. To keep you from flying across the van.* Mike said. *Oh.* Scootaloo said, now sounding a bit uneasy. But Mike assured her that everything was going to be ok. Mike closed the side door and then went up front. Scootaloo watched as he put a key in a hole and turned it. The Van roared to life, and nearly scared Scootaloo half to death. Mike looked back and saw her hiding under a blanket. Mike laughed. *It’s ok Fuzz Butt, it's normal for it to make that sound.* Scootaloo poked her head out from under the covers. *If you say so.* She said, in a shaky voice. She started to stand up, only to fall back once the van started moving. Mike was once again laughing. *You should wait until I get up to speed before you try to move. Or else you will fall all over the place. Scootaloo scooted back over to her spot and kept still, as she felt the van start going faster and faster. She was about to get up again, when she felt it stop again. She as starting to get rather annoyed. She couldn't stand sitting still. Once again the van started to move again. She watched as Mike turned the wheel to make it go where he wanted it. She was fascinated with how he could so easily control such a big thing. After a few minutes, she noticed that the van to be going pretty steady, so she decided to get up and look out the side windows. She watched as the trees and the scenery all went by in a blur. It amazed her, she was started to get the same rush that she got when in the air with Rainbow Dash. She turned and looked out the back glass. She could see other vehicles behind them, in all shapes and sizes. Even one with two wheels, like her scooter. Except the person was sitting down on it, she wanted to ride it. *Daddy what do you call a car with two wheels?* Scootaloo asked. Mike found her curiosity adorable. *That is called a motorcycle.* He said while trying to focus on the road. He knew that she was going to be asking all sorts of questions on this trip. And he was loving every bit of it. The next hour was spent, with Scootaloo asking questions and being mesmerized by the different things she was seeing as they drove down the highway. Mike could see Scootaloo was getting a little restless in the back. *Are you ok honey?* He asked. *I need to use the bathroom Daddy.* Scootaloo, said feeling somewhat panicked. This was the one thing that Mike had not planned for. *Ok I will find a place to pull off soon.* He said, trying to figure out what to do. He quickly spotted a sign for a lake. It was coming up on the next exit. He contemplated if it would be a good idea or not. But it was better than her using the bathroom in the van. He pulled off the road and started to follow the signs. A little side road caught his eye. It did not look like it was traveled that much, so he decided that would be his best bet. He traveled down the road for a mile, and saw a little pull off. Once pulled over, he quickly looked around making sure he didn't see or hear anyone. Going to the side of the van, he opened the side of the van and Scootaloo jumped out. She quickly darted into the bushes. Mike was watching the road the whole time they were parked to make sure no one came by. Scootaloo finished her business and came out from behind the bushes. * I really had to go.* She said, as she came back to him, and nuzzled him in the side. Mike patted her on the head. *Lets get out of here, before someone comes by.* He said, as he opened the door to the van. Scootaloo stretched out, and jumped into the back of the van. She quickly found her way back to her bed, and laid down on it. Mike closed the door, the proceeded to get back in himself. It was not long before they was back on the main highway heading towards the beach. After a few minutes he looked back to check on Scootaloo. She was sound asleep. She was even sucking on the end of her hoof. He just found it so adorable. Mike spent the next three hours in silence. With the occasional snoring sound from a sleeping Scootaloo in the back. He always like to watch her sleep. But the road in front of him was more important right now. Where he was going was a special place, and he really wanted the next few days to be great. Mike heard a rustling sound in the back. He looked back to see Scootaloo digging around in one of the many bags. *What are you doing honey?* he asked. *Daddy what bag are the chips in? I am hungry.? Scootaloo asked, with an audible growl coming from her stomach. *Look in the big grey bag. And bring me a bag up here.* He said remembering that he had not ate since they left the house. The cereal that he ate before they left, only lasted him a few hours, and he had been hungry for a while now. He just didn’t want to wake the sleeping filly in the back. Scootaloo, was quick to produce the bag of chips. Salt And Vinegar was one of his favorite, but Scootaloo always turned her nose up at them. *How can you eat those? They are just so nasty.* Scootaloo said with a grimace. *I would like to ask you the same. How can you eat those spicy ones? They just burn my mouth up.* Mike said waving his hand over his face, like he was fanning his mouth. *They don’t taste that spicy to me. Plus I like the tingle it gives me.* Scootaloo said, while burying her muzzle in the bag. Mike laughed. *Whatever you say honey. Oh and we will be to the beach in one hour.* *Really!* Scootaloo said, taking her muzzle out of the bag quickly, scattering spicy chips everywhere. *Yes really, now would you clean up the mess you just made all over the floor?* Mike said trying to keep a straight face, as he looked at her face covered in spicy powder. The rest of the trip was rather uneventful. Of course Scootaloo would ask, *Are we there yet?* Every ten minutes or so. Finally after what seemed like forever. Mike turned onto the road leading up to the beach house. The road was not traveled a lot. So it was a bit overgrown, but it was nothing that Mike’s big van couldn’t handle. They arrived at a old pale blue gate, with a chain and a lock on it. Mike got out of the van, and walked over to the gate. Scootaloo watched as he produced a key out of his pocket, and unlocked the gate. The gate made a loud screeching sound as he pushed it open. It was loud enough to make Scootaloo cover her ears. Her hearing being a little more sensitive than Mike’s. Mike got back in the van, and began driving up the road. As he crested the hill, Scootaloo saw one of the most beautiful sights she had ever seen. A vast blue ocean as far as the eye could see. Along with a pretty white sandy beach. There was a rustic looking cottage on a small hill overlooking the ocean. This was her first time seeing the ocean, and it was so amazing to her. She had only heard of places like this. Now she was seeing it for herself. Mike pulled up to the cottage, and opened the door to the van so Scootaloo get out. Scootaloo was quick to jump out of the van, and run to the edge of the hill. Mike watched as her little wings buzzed with excitement. Just barely getting her off the ground. *This is so amazing Daddy!* She said, turning back to him. He walked over to join her. *I hope you enjoy it here.* He said patting her on the head. *I will.* Scootaloo said, jumping up and hugging Mike. Mike let her stand there and enjoy the view while he unpacked the van. This trip was for her, and he was going to let her enjoy it. It didn’t take Mike long to finish. *Hey Fuzz Butt, come and help me fix lunch.* Mike said getting an evil eye from Scootaloo, by using the terminology. *Why do you have to keep calling me that?* She asked in an irritated tone. *Because I just love how you react to it.* Mike said with a chuckle. Scootaloo really didn't want to go inside, but her stomach was telling her different. The chips she had eaten on the road had already worked their way through her system. She turned to go towards the cabin, giving the ocean another view before she headed inside to eat. If Scootaloo could she would stay outside all day. Mike decided that he was going to make a picnic lunch and carry it down to the beach, But he didn't want her to know that. While Mike was preparing lunch. Scootaloo just leaned up against the counter looking at the ground. Being inside was killing her. The ocean was calling her name, and she was stuck inside. *Hey Fuzz Butt help me spread the peanut butter on the bread.* Mike said. Scootaloo glared at him again. This was the second time in 20 minutes that he had used that name. She huffed and began work spreading the peanut butter. Mike could tell that she was not happy with being inside. Her attitude was getting kinda bratty. *If you don't straighten up. I guess we will just go home he said.* Hoping to trigger a change in her attitude. Scootaloo dropped the butter knife and gave him a big pouty face. *I’m sorry daddy. I just want to be outside. Please don't take us home.* Scootaloo said, with a few tears leaving her eyes. *Mike patted her on the head. *It’s ok honey, help me with this and we will have a picnic on the beach. How does that sound?* Scootaloo's eyes lit up. *Yeah I would like that.* She said, getting back to work spreading the peanut butter. Scootaloo was practically dancing as she helped with the sandwiches. Mike even made up some kool aid, so they would have something to wash everything down with. While Mike was putting everything in the bag to take down with them. Scootaloo was waiting by the door. *Can we go swimming in the Water while we are down there?* Scootaloo asked. *I guess we can, but don't go too deep.* Mike said in a firm tone. With that they were out the door. Scootaloo wanted to run down to the beach, but opted to stay by Mike. She had never been to the beach before, and really wasn't sure what to expect. It did not take long for them to reach the beach.  Scootaloo was so excited that she took off running on the sand. Quickly falling on her face. The strange surface causing her to trip. Mike laughed a bit. *It’s not that easy to run on sand Fuzz Butt. Scootaloo stuck her tongue out at him. * I would like to see you try it.* *Ok suit yourself.* He said as he took off down the beach. Scootaloo found herself feeling a bit jealous. She really wanted to be able to do that. But for some reason her hooves would just dig into the sand, and it would cause her to trip. Mike ran back to Scootaloo and patted her on the head. *How about we eat now.* He said reaching in the bag and pulling out a towel to sit on the sand. Scootaloo’s belly growled. *Well I guess I got my answer.* He chuckled. The two sat together and watched the waves crash against the shore. And Mike told stories of him and the ocean. Scootaloo was just enthralled with it all. She wanted to know all she could about the ocean. With a loud belch, Scootaloo finished her sandwich. *I’m done daddy, Can we go swimming now?* She asked giving him the puppy eyes. She knew it was hard for him to say no when she done that. *Ok.* Mike said getting to his feet. *But you gotta be carefull. Swimming in the ocean is different than swimming in the pond. The water here moves, and there is an undercurrent that can pull you out from shore.* He said warning Scootaloo. *I promise to be careful. I will not go in past my belly.* She said. *Ok as long as you are careful.* Mike said as he lead he towards the water. Scootaloo was slow to enter the water. The feeling of the sand being pulled out from below her hooves, was very unnerving to her. But she watched Mike wade in, and that assured her that it would be ok. Each little wave that would crash, would send little sprays of water all over her coat. She could tell that ocean water was nothing like what she was used to. It felt very heavy on her fur. It kinda felt nasty. But she was determined to swim, and that was what she did. With a huge leap, she jumped into the water and splashed down. A small bit of salt water got up her nose, and she began to cough a little. Ponies liked salt but this was even a little to much for her. *Bleh, that is so nasty.* She said coughing the water up. Mike laughed. *You’re not supposed to swallow it you goof.* *How was I supposed to know.* She said in argument. Mike got to work, and began to show her how to swim in the ocean. It was not much different than swimming in a pond. But she learned how to account for the undertow, so she wouldn’t get swept away from shore. Her and Mike played in the water for a good little while, till both of them were started to feel tired from fighting the constant waves. Scootaloo found it hard to pull herself back on shore. She had grown used to being somewhat weightless, now her full weight was making it hard for her. She dragged herself back to the towel where they had been eating, and laid down. The feeling of the sun on her back was heavenly. But the feeling of all the sand in her coat bothered her somewhat. *This is going to take forever to clean out.* She thought to herself. Mike sat down on the towel beside her, and took a drink. *Are you having fun honey?* He asked. *Yeah I am having lots of fun. I am just not used to swimming in that salty water.* She said letting out a sigh. *I am just dreading cleaning myself now.* *Well how about I help you in the bath tonight. I am sure you wouldn’t mind some help. I know that fur is not going to be easy to clean.* Mike said rubbing her back. *Yes please, that would be great.* Back in Equestria we would help each other bathe all the time. So it’s something I have been missing alot.* Scootaloo said cuddling up to Mike, and laying her head on his leg. Before Scootaloo knew it, sleep had overcome her. Mike always loved watching her sleep. She was just too cute. Mike continued to sit on the beach and watch the waves. And occasionally a seagull would land near by and check them out. Mike began throwing bread out to them. And soon he had a whole flock gathered up. He nudged Scootaloo so she would wake up. * Hey honey wake up, you should see this.* Scootaloo woke up to see a flock of about 13 seagulls. She was amazed by this. *How did you get them to come here?* She asked. *I just feed them a bit of bread. Next thing you know, every seagull in the area is here.* Mike said. *Do you think I could give it a try?* Scootaloo asked. *Sure why not.* He said, giving Scootaloo a piece of bread. She carefully tore a piece off, and threw it at the flock. They all began to go after it like a pack of timberwolves. Scootaloo threw another piece, and the same thing happened. She must not have been throwing the bread fast enough. Because soon they started to squawk at her in anger. Scootaloo didn’t like the sound, and started to back away. Something was wrong and she knew it. Mike watched her, and got the hint. One of the seagulls took to the air, and the rest followed. They began to dive towards Mike, and Scootaloo. Mike grabbed Scootaloo and took off towards the house. Not even caring about the stuff on the beach. They got about halfway to the cabin and looked back. The seagulls were having their fill, with what was left in the bag. Scootaloo was holding on to Mike for dear life. *It’s ok honey. They are not going to bother us anymore. They got what they want.* Mike said patting her on the head. Scootaloo looked over at the picnic being picked through by the seagulls. She felt an anger towards the birds. She had never been attacked like that before. It was all she could do, to keep from charging after them. Mike lead them inside and took a look over Scootaloo, to make sure she was not hurt. *If I could fly, I would show them.* Scootaloo said. *We don’t attack them honey.* Mike said, looking her in the face. *But why? They are the ones who bucking attacked us.* Scootaloo said in anger. Mike had figured out what the word “Bucking” meant in her world. *Scootaloo watch your language.* Mike said scolding her. Scootaloo’s ears went back, and she looked towards the ground. *Sorry daddy, I won’t say it again.* Mike lifted her chin up. *It’s ok honey, but we just can’t hurt the other animals. They are just trying to get food. Would you like it if someone was trying to keep food away from you?* He asked. Scootaloo huffed. *No I guess not. Can we eat here tomorrow instead of eating on the beach?* *Sure thing.* Mike said giving her a hug. *Now how about you get you into the bathtub, and get that sand out of your coat.* Mike said. *Yes please!* Scootaloo said, she was more than happy to take a bath. The way her fur felt was starting to bug her. Once the tub was filled Scootaloo jumped right in, splashing water everywhere and drenching Mike. *I thought you were taking the bath, no me.* Mike said wiping the water away from his face. Scootaloo turned and stuck her tongue out at him. *What's the matter, afraid of getting wet.* Scootaloo said as she splashed him with more water. Mike stood up and looked at Scootaloo. *Nope.* He said as he winked and left the room. Scootaloo listened as he rummaged through the kitchen. She could hear the sound of the water running. She was not sure what he was doing. She sat still in the tub listening. Finally she heard him coming back towards the bathroom. She watched as he entered the room, and slowly shut the door behind him. He was carrying a large bucket. A sloshing sound could be heard from the inside. Scootaloo’s heart sunk, as she realized what was in the bucket. She tried her best to get away, but Mike had her cornered. *No No No!* Scootaloo screamed. A splash and an ear piercing scream could be heard coming from the bathroom. Scootaloo stood there shivering from the cold water. Mike laughed.  *Are you going to splash me again?* he asked *No! Just no more cold water please.* Scootaloo said sinking back into the water trying to get warm again. Mike laughed and got back to work trying to get all the sand out of her coat. He never thought getting sand out of her coat would be that hard, but it was putting up a fight. After about an hour of scrubbing and Scootaloo's nagging to hurry up. He finally finished up. *There you go Fuzz Butt, all clean.* He said as he pulled the stopper on the tub. Scootaloo was quick to jump out of the tub, and began to shake her body to get the water off. Drenching Mike in the process. Scootaloo looked over at Mike, and grinned sheepishly. *Hehe, Sorry about that.* she said. Mike let out a chuckle. *Well I guess I better take a bath too. After cleaning you, I feel like I need one.* Mike said. *What is that supposed to mean?* She said, giving him a stern look. *I didn’t mean anything by it Fuzz Butt. It’s just that when I gave you a bath. I kind of got dirty in the process.* Mike said, scratching Scootaloo behind the ears. *Oh ok. Sorry about that.* Scootaloo said as she looked at the ground feeling kind of embarrassed.* She never liked to falsely accuse others of things. Considering when she was in the orphanage everypony blamed her for everything. Mike thought her embarrassment was kinda cute. He always enjoyed seeing her this way. But also felt for her. Cause he knew how hard her life has been, and how confusing it must still be. *Why don’t you go and watch some tv, while I clean up. Then after I get out, we will make some s’mores out back. Mike said, causing Scootaloo’s eyes to open wide. *Ok I can do that.* She said as she happily trotted out of the bathroom. She was so glad that there was at least one thing from Equestria here that she liked. Of course being a filly, she liked anything sweet. Scootaloo sat patiently as she listened for the shower to stop. It seemed like forever but finally it stopped, and she began pacing the floor waiting for him to get out. The door creaked open and the steam from the shower rushed out into the room. Out came Mike rubbing a towel through his hair, to help dry it. Mike could see Scootaloo was ready for s’mores, so he decided to pick on her a bit. *I really don’t feel like making s’mores tonight.* He said, trying not to grin. *But Daddy you said we would.* Scootaloo said, as she began to pout. Mike laughed. *I am kidding, come on Fuzz Butt. Lets go make some s’mores.* Mike said turning towards the door. Scootaloo was quick to follow. Making sure to bump him slightly in the butt. She watched as Mike gathered the wood, and started the fire. She could tell that he had done this a lot in his life. Fire kinda made her nervous, if she was too close. Soon though Mike had everything ready for them to make S’mores, and got a stick ready for her to roast a marshmallow with. As Mike handed her the stick, she backed away. *I’m sorry. Can you please roast it for me? I don’t trust myself around fire.* Scootaloo said. *Sure thing honey.* Mike said, as he began to roast a marshmallow for her. Soon both of them were enjoying the sticky messy treat that is s’mores. After they was done. Mike had wrapped a blanket around them. So they could sit and watch the waves, as the moon lit the ocean with its beautiful light. The sound was very relaxing, and caused Scootaloo to fall into a deep peaceful sleep in Mike’s ams. This was one thing he always enjoyed. It brought him peace of mind, but also made him wonder. How long he would be able to hold onto Scootaloo. And if and when her kind would find her, and come to bring her home. Would he be able to let her go. A tear rolled down his face. He looked off into the distance to find the answer to his question. *I guess when the time comes, I will go back with you. I could never let go of the closest thing I have ever had to a daughter.* He whispered as he kissed her cheek, and continued to watch the waves crash on this wonderful night.