The Visit
The trip to Las Pegasus was a long one, and for the first time Rainbow Dash found herself wishing Ponyville was large enough to have a prison. But that thought ended when she looked at Scootaloo, who looked as if she was ready to throw up.
“You sure you want to do this, squirt?”
“Yes,” the filly said, with so little hesitation it actually surprised her caretaker. “I can’t avoid doing something I think is right just because it’s hard.”
Soarin ruffled the little one’s mane. “You’re a good one, Scootaloo.” The two guards at the entrance opened the door to let her through.
The inside looked remarkably unlike what Rainbow Dash had been expecting, though in retrospect she wasn’t sure what she expected. This was a visiting area, after all.
“Are you sure you don’t want us to come in with you?”
Scootaloo shook her head. “I want to do this myself.”
Rainbow Dash didn’t know whether to feel proud or shake her head. “Okay, but remember, you’re doing this on your terms. You can leave if it gets too uncomfortable.”
“I will,” Scootaloo said. She received a kiss on the head from her caretaker, then followed the guard into the next room.
Rainbow Dash was surprised when another guard led them into an adjacent room. There was what looked like a window peering into the room where Scootaloo was taking a seat.
“What is this?” Rainbow Dash asked. Scootaloo was sitting at one end of a table with two guards in the farther corner.
“This is usually an interrogation room,” the guard admitted. “But due to the nature of your request, we decided to bend the rules a bit. Celestia’s request got us to approve temporarily transferring that mare here for a bit, so we figured we’d go all out. It’s a one-way mirror.”
Both Rainbow Dash and Soarin nodded, turning back to the scene at hand.
Scootaloo waited for an eternity before the door opened. Two guards escorted Speedy and Quick Delivery in, both of them wearing shackles on all four hooves, the chains connected to a large band around their torsos, pinning their wings to their sides. The grey stood out against the orange prison suits they wore.
Speedy glared at his daughter, while Quick simply stared. Scootaloo, oddly enough, found herself staring more at her, wondering what was different about her.
She’s not blitzed out on “Mommy’s special drink,” she realized.
“Have you come to gloat?”
Scootaloo was caught off guard at Speedy’s words, shriveling in her seat. “N-no,” she said. Then, remembering what she was here for, put on a brave front. “You’re n-not worth gloating to.”
“Cute,” the stallion said. “It’s a shame Celestia has to butt in on how I raise foals, because you deserve a good smack for mouthing off to me.”
“You take another inch towards her, I’ll give you a concussion on your way to solitary,” a guard threatened.
As Speedy stood there, glaring daggers at her, she turned to the guard with an appreciative look.
“So, you found somepony else to hide behind?” Speedy said.
Scootaloo looked at her father. Any remaining fear in her fled. “You really don’t get it, do you?”
“Get what?”
Scootaloo pointed at the guard in question. “I barely noticed that guard before he stepped forward to defend me. But just for that, he’s officially done more for me than you ever have.”
“What? I fed, clothed, and nurtured you, you ungrateful brat.”
The guard actually looked heartbroken at Scootaloo’s statement. Still, he stayed professional and didn’t move.
“Not for me, though. You did it for you. I was just something you could show off. You were always talking about how hard it was to raise me. You wanted to make it sound like a burden so everypony would know how great you were. You never did anything for me because you loved me.”
Speedy stared at his daughter. “Did you rehearse that?”
Scootaloo blushed. “...Twilight helped me put it together,” she admitted. “I mean everything, though. I told Twilight, who is another pony who’s been there for me more than you have, by the way, and she help me put it in the best possible way.”
Speedy laughed. “Should have known you were too stupid to do anything yourself.”
Scootaloo blinked. No tears. She couldn’t. She needed to be strong.
“I came here because there was something I needed to say to you. Actually, there were several things I need to say to you. To the both of you.”
At that, Quick was taken aback. She had been quiet through the whole thing. Her daughter’s attention returning to her had startled her.
“Loo-Loo...”
The young filly took a deep breath. “Speedy... Quick...”
“You’ll address us as Mother and Father,” Speedy said.
“No,” Scootaloo said without hesitation. The interruption had been expected. “I won’t. Because you have no right to call yourselves parents.”
Speedy stood in anger, and immediately two guards were upon him. They pressed strong forelegs on his shoulders, forcing him down. He glared at the guards, but knew he was beat and didn’t resist them.
“Rainbow Dash and Soarin are my mom and dad. They’ve only had me for a year and they’ve done so much.” She started crying. “Th... the first morning at Rainbow Dash’s house, when I got up, Soarin had already made me breakfast. He sat and talked to me, asking me about myself. When Rainbow Dash got up, they took me outside and gave me another flying lesson. We were out there all day, and every minute they were telling me how special I was. When I... when I messed up, they just helped me up to try again.
“We had dinner together, and Soarin actually tucked me in and read to me. I hadn’t talked to him much, and he loved me more than you did.”
She had to stop talking because she was crying so hard. The guards glared at Speedy to stop him from saying anything.
It took a full minute for Scootaloo to calm herself. When she looked up, she saw the glare Speedy gave her. But not Quick.
Quick was actually crying. Silently, but there the tears were.
Scootaloo almost hesitated, but she went forward.
“And don’t think they’re alone. Pinkie threw me a ‘Congratulations on getting adopted!’ party. Rarity and Applejack both told me I should have told them about how you were treating me, since they would have done something about it. Fluttershy was ten times the mother whenever she foalsat me. Pick anypony in Ponyville, and they’ve probably done more for me than you have, and they’ve done it without complaint.
“There were three adult ponies at the bowling alley who are there all the time. After the first time they saw us try to bowl, they actually took time when we were there next to teach us. Three strangers. Taking time for me. And all they asked was that we stay away from this one stallion on another team...”
Scootaloo shivered, remembering that look he had given them. But she shrugged it off.
“What’s the point in all this?” Speedy asked.
Scootaloo looked at him.
“There’s something else I wanted to say to you. And I have to bring up the one other pony who helped me. His name isn’t any of your business, but he was like you once. He hurt his daughter bad. But he realized what he did was wrong, and went right to her and asked to be forgiven. And he got it.
“I saw somepony brainwash my friend Sweetie Belle and really hurt her. She asked for forgiveness, and got it. Rainbow Dash just introduced me to a griffon that had been a jerk to her. She asked for forgiveness, and got it. I saw Twilight get hurt by everypony. They asked for forgiveness, and got it.”
Scootaloo stopped to take a deep breath again. She couldn’t break down again, not now. “That got me thinking, why couldn’t I forgive you? And then it hit me: it’s because you never asked for it.
“I was so confused on whether or not that meant you deserved it. I asked Rainbow Dash and Soarin, they didn’t know. I asked Twilight, she didn’t know. But she offered to let me write to Princess Celestia and ask her. And she, the ruler of Equestria, had the time to reply.”
“You know I don’t like Celestia...”
“Because she knows what a horrible pony you are.” Scootaloo tried and failed not to smile. She had been wanting to say that to him for a year. She was hoping he would say that to get the chance to reply.
“I got a letter back. I read it every day before I left for school, and every night before I went to bed. I actually memorized it. I can say it word for word.”
She took a deep breath. “‘Scootaloo, forgiveness is a tricky thing. Anger and hurt can make it hard, and circumstances are always different. But I believe that I’ve learned the answer in thousands of years of life. I will share it with you. Forgiveness is being able to let go of your rage and pain. Those things can bind you as surely as chains. Long after they’re out of your life, those that have hurt you can still be in your mind, controlling your actions. Do not not hate your parents, feel pity for them they couldn’t recognize what a gift you were. Feel pity that they did not understand love and friendship the way you do.
“‘However, forgiveness does not mean allowing one to escape consequences. As much as it hurt me, I refused to free my sister until the Elements decided their seal was no longer needed. And you are not obligated to just allow them back in your life. Let go of your rage, but be wary if you welcome them back...’”
Scootaloo stopped. Speedy and Quick were a bit stunned at their former daughter's eloquence. Not one stutter or mispronounced word had come out of her mouth.
“I read that letter every morning and every night, wondering what to do. I thought about how mad you made me. And you know what? I found out that I was not mad.”
“Not mad?”
Scootaloo shrugged. “Why would I be? You're here in jail where you can’t hurt me. I have Rainbow Dash and Soarin and everypony else. You’re not worth worrying about.”
Speedy gave a growl of anger that sent Scootaloo back, but the guards stopped him from doing anything else.
“Then why are you here?”
“Because I wanted to know if you realized you were wrong.”
“Wrong? I was just raising you. This is Celestia’s fault, and Rainbow Dash’s, and yours, you ungrateful foal.”
Scootaloo flinched and started to cry. Then she stood firm, though the tears were still flowing. “Then... I’ve given my address to the guards. At any time you change your mind, you... you can write me a letter saying so. Until then, I won’t visit or write you... ever. When you... when you’ve learned your lesson... we can start talking again.”
“Like I’d want you back,” Speedy growled.
Scootaloo flinched. She looked to Quick, hoping for some attempt at an apology.
Her mother stared back. She was crying. She opened her mouth... but closed it. No words came out.
“I wasn’t mad. I was sad. I love Rainbow Dash and Soarin, but I really was hoping there was still some good in you two. Please, one of you say something.”
The two older ponies just looked at her, Speedy with Rage, Quick with sadness. But niether spoke.
“Then... goodbye M...” She caught herself. She took a deep breath. “Goodbye Quick. Goodbye Speedy.”
She tried to keep a calm tone, but her voice cracked on their names. In a blur she dashed out of the room.
She slammed it shut behind her. She started crying again, her tears coming out in full force. She felt so confused. A weight had lifted off of her, but at the same time a pit had formed in her stomach. Relief and dread, warring to be dominant.
It wasn’t five seconds before two ponies had her in a loving embrace. She felt herself be picked up and carried to a sitting area.
“That was amazing, Scoots!” Rainbow Dash said, kissing her on the side of the head.
“I don’t think I could have stayed that strong at your age,” Soarin said.
“Y-you were watching?” the filly asked.
“Through the mirror,” Rainbow Dash explained. “I’m very proud of you. We both are.”
Scootaloo stood there and let herself be held by the two older Pegasus.
“Why don’t we get out of here and get some lunch?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“...Can we get pizza?”
“No problem,” Rainbow Dash said.
“Okay then. Let’s get going...” Scootaloo swallowed, as if the word was caught in her throat. She looked up at Rainbow Dash and Soarin, and saw that they were looking at her with... hope?
“...Mom,” she said at last. “...Dad.”
They hugged her tighter, and she felt another bit of weight leave her heart.
“Y-you sure it’s okay to call you that?” Scootaloo asked as he pulled away, looking at Soarin. “You’re not even engaged to R... to Mom.”
Soarin smiled. “Kid... if things don’t work out between us... I’ll still be there for you. Promise.”
Scootaloo hugged him. He kissed her forehead.
“Well... we’re in Las Pegasus. We could make it official real quick.”
Soarin’s eyes widened at his fillyfriend’s suggestion. “Wh-what?”
As Scootaloo giggled, Rainbow Dash went on. “Come on, we’re raising a foal together, you practically live in my house whenever you’re on leave, and we already have... ‘fun’, I see no reason why not.”
“Wha... but... shouldn’t we be getting pizza?”
Rainbow Dash smiled before scooping Scootaloo on her back. “Sure.” She looked at her newly christened daughter. “You have to call the other girls ‘Aunt’ from now on. that includes Gilda, okay?”
“Okay,” Scootaloo nuzzled into her mane. As her parents carried her out, she felt more ice leave her stomach. the pain would be there awhile, but her real mom and dad would help her through it.
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Excellent job on the exchange, emotional content and wrap-up in this story. I'll definitely be looking forward to more of your work as soon as time and inspiration will allow.
Just want to put this out there:
A very heart tugging story.
Closure is always necessary to move on...but sometimes it hurts to get. I wasn't sure I wanted to read this story...but I'm glad I did.
Quick question I'll put in spoilers: I'm assuming this takes place sometime either during or after Direction, and at least after all current chapters (since Rainbow recently had that moment of upset disconnect over Scoot not calling her Mom). Will we be seeing what happened here influence future chapters of Direction? (For example, a mention of Rainbow and Soarin' taking Scoot to see her parents in jail, and her calling Rainbow Mom when they get back.) Or does this take place completely post Direction?
...years later
Rainbow Dash: We were engaged for like forever!
Soarin: It was seventeen minutes, Dash.
Scootaloo: Just because there was a line at the chapel, and you insisted on the Elkvis impersonator, Mom.
Rainbow Dash: Well, I wanted it done right. Besides, it was so cool! We got married by Elkvis!
Wonderful
How is it possible that the posted date is tommorow?
This was a good job. Scootaloo finally tells her parents that she isn't mad at them for their abuse, but doesn't need to let them into her life or forgive them until they realize they're wrong. Nice being able to call Rainbow and Soarin Mom and Dad, and Rainbow teasing Soarin about eloping. I actually thought there were hints of them having "fun" together at the end of Families and at one point in Directions but I was never sure until now. I hope they do work out like Rainbow dreams of, then they can be a family for real!
I have a feeling Scoots father will never change, but I am suprised her mother didn't try at least. Always figured she was a drunk and did what she did more through benign neglect rather than malice.
6879925
How do you see spoilers?
Perfectly written, and that was more than Scootaloo ever needed to say to Quick and Speedy. It's obvious they're too far gone, they still believe they did nothing wrong, and sometimes you can't help someone if they won't help themselves.
6880199
Hover your mouse over the black bars.
6880217
Okay. Thanks.
6879925
It takes place maybe a chapter or two from where Direction is now.
6879973
Go to your account settings and check your time zone.
6880176
Her mother wants to, but unlike Scoots she can't do what's hard. At least, not yet...
6880227
So we'll be seeing the aftermath of this in the story? Sweet!
Cathartic, and sweet at the end.
I'd forgotten what a flaming asshole Speedy was. I mean, I just read a series where Fluttershy's mother not only belittled and cut her as a filly for being "weak" but brainwashed her into keeping up the practice on herself well into marehood, and the father of one of the protagonists treated him as subequine for being born without a horn- and both of them had as flagrant disregard for the Princesses' authority as Speedy does- and another where the father of two of the protagonists disowned one for having the wrong talent and blacklisted the other (from the industry he was forcing both of them into) for calling him out- and he still stands out to me.
That creep can roll, though.
It seems like Scoots may get one letter in the future, at least. But I'm not holding my breath.
That was good. Very emotional, very strong with a sweet ending. I actually wished Quick had said something though. Sure, she was drugged out most of the time, but I think she actually cared to some degree.
Heh, nice one.
Hey, this story's featured on the main page! Congrats!!!!!
6879973
Twilight's been messing with spells from the Starswirl section again.
This was beautiful, well done.
Whoa this story got to me, strongly emotional on that situation as scootaloo talks to her former parents.
6880227 And which chapter had the parents being arrested?
I really should go back and start reading Direction again.
mlpforums.com/uploads/monthly_04_2014/post-25189-0-10400300-1396720227.jpg
What is one of the worst things you can do to someone who hates you?
Not hate them back, for Hate only fuels more Hate.
Not show compassion for them, for Compassion is seen as weakness through the eyes of Hate.
Not give them mercy, for the open hand of Mercy is a hand that Hate will bite &/or stab at.
Not even forgive them, for doing so is akin to pouring out the cool waters of Forgiveness in your canteen, onto the blazing hot desert sands of Hate.
What is one of the worst things you can do to someone who hates you...?
Pity them.
.
"Sympathy is a compliment. Pity is an insult."
~ Tenzin Gyatso
You fucking nailed this. I grew up in an abusive home and this was dead on for how I felt when I started the process of forgiving my dad. Excellently done.
6880771
It happened at the tail end of Families
Wow, it left me spechless. Maybe there is hope with her biological mother to get it. The father however is a stupid moron who never understood which gift he just threw away. He actually makes me mad. I have some friends who suffered from something like that and I will never understand these people. Parents are supposed to protect and help their children! They are NOT supposed to hurt them!
It took a lot of strength for Scootaloo to do that. While her father may not have appreciated it, it looks like she may have gotten through to her mother a little. There might just be hope for her yet.
Okay so I just jumped into this so forgive me...... but where in these stories did Rainbow and Gilda ask for forgiveness?
6884594
The latest chapter of Direction has Gilda writing a letter to Dash asking to mend things, and Dash deciding to give her a chance. This takes place a few chapters later.
6885591 Awesome. Glad to hear they're mending in your universe.
I'm glad that I looked up fics to re-read. Directions lead me to this one, and it was a cute little fic. I'm glad that Scoots got something akin to closure after all that happened to her.
What chapter does this take place alongside btw? Or is that chapter not out yet in Directions?
This was so sweet...and enraging
Scootaloo has something to say?. Good
I hope its to tell her mother she's a worthless sow and her dearest and highest hope the stallion her dad calls sweet daddy one day perforates his colon with all the vigour and glee he can muster
Very touching!
(Almost made me cry no joke) I'm writing a story similar to this right now actually, but this one is amazing! Good job and keep writing. :)
8592876
Which what?
8593075
It refers to a lot of things....
8593416
If you mean the series he reminded me of, I was thinking of the Blooming Moon Chronicles and No Heroes.
It is ironic that Scootaloo was far more mature than the parents who belittled her.
This is amazing. I love it! Is there a story before this one?