> But I'm here for you now
>  by Dashzilla93
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> A Dream
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was a very calm night, a beautiful full moon shining down on Ponyville; one that could make Princess Luna herself proud, and the night sky filled with twinkling stars, sparkling like jewels. It was quiet, for everypony had turned in about this time of night, and all that could be heard was the gentle breeze and the soft musical chirping of crickets as they sang their chirps into the night.

"~Scootaloo~" a mysterious, gentle voice softly called out throughout the calm atmosphere.

"Huh?" Scootaloo opened her eyes, jolting awake from her sleep, her ears perking up upon hearing a gentle voice call her, "What? Who said that?" She sat up on her bed in a room with other fillies in an orphanage she lived in ever since she was just a tiny foal. She looked around and saw nothing but the walls and the ceiling, and a few posters of the wonderbolts and her fellow orphan fillies who were still fast asleep. 

There were two beds on both sides of the room; Scootaloo slept on the bed to the far left. The orphanage had very little money, so the lights had to be turned off in the evening in order to save power. The window between Scootaloo's bed and another filly's bed across from hers was the only light source needed for them, and the window was big enough for the sun and, occasionally, the moon to beam their rays of light inside for her and the other fillies to see and wake up; kind of like the sun and moon's way of kissing their little faces to wake them up to a new day, or bidding them a peaceful goodnight. It was still night, though.

Scootaloo looked around again then fell back, connecting her head with her pillow and tried to return to sleep, thinking it was nothing. Her left ear twitched when she heard, "~Scootaloo~" again, which made her sit up and growl in frustration as she looked for the voice responsible for waking her up at this time of night. "~I'm here~" It cooed out, "~It's me~"

"What's going on? Who's there?!" she asked, but got no response. She was about to go back to sleep when she noticed a faint light flashing under the door and noticed a shadow appear just as fast as it disappeared. 

"~Hellooooo~" The voice spoke out once more as if calling to her from beyond the door.

She blinked a few time before a chill ran down her spine, "Um, i-is anypony there?" she asked again but got no response. She shivered in fear and held her blanket over her muzzle. This was spooky… and it was creeping her out at every ticking second.

"~Scootaloo~" the voice called out again.

Scootaloo jumped and hid under the covers. Her shaking intensified but she slowly calmed when she heard the soft voice again "~I'm here, Scootaloo… it's me~" and threw the blanket off herself, looking at the door. She had no idea who or what was calling her, or what it wanted, yet, somehow, the voice sounded oddly familiar the more she listened to it. 

"~Hellooooo?~" It rung out once more as if it was trying to beckon Scootaloo to follow it.

She didn't know why she recognized it. She never even met anypony with a voice as soft or loving as that before. What was going on?

"~Come home, Scootaloo~" the soft voice chimed in her ears.

Scootaloo perked her ears up and widened her eyes, "W-who are you? And how do you know my name?"

The voice didn't answer. Instead, it softly said, "~My little baby, come home~," which got Scootaloo to remove her covers and hop out of her bed and tempting her to walk over to the door; which she did. She stopped and noticed that the other fillies were still asleep and never budged an inch. They weren't hearing any of this? But why were they not hearing the voice? Is she the only one hearing this; If so, why only her?

"~Scootaloo~" the calm voice chimed again. "~I'm here, my little baby… It's me~" 

Scootaloo turned her head and glued her eyes back at the door as she slowly walked to it. 

"~Please come home, Scootaloo~" The voice practically sung out to her, as calm as the night, yet as beautiful as the moon itself. "~I miss you, my little Scootaloo~" It was as if the voice was trying to get her attention, and wanted no one else but her to follow. "~Hellooooo~"

Scootaloo, when she was a foal, could hardly remember anything, but one thought, and guess, did come to mind as she listened to the voice call her. Could it be?

A whisper crawled out of her throat and elude from her lips in only one single word, "M-mom?" her eyes slowly widened in shock, confusion, and dismay.

The voice called out to her, again, but it definitely had that motherly tone now that the word had escaped out of her mouth, "Scootaloo, my little baby, come home."

Scootaloo gasped, "Mommy!" she hesitated for a minute, but she grabbed the doorknob as the light grew brighter and brighter…
"~Scootaloo~"

She opened the door and watched as a mysterious, shadowy figure of a mare stood before her where the light flashed behind her. The voice, without a doubt, had been coming from her. "~Scootaloo~" The dark figure sat and held out her arms for her, her loving voice calling to the little filly to come and hug her.

A tear developed under Scootaloo's eye and slid down her cheek, "M-mother!" She could hardly believe it. Her mother had come back for her! "Mother, you came back for me." She slowly approached the figure, sniffling in overcoming joy as she gazed up at the figure. "I can't believe it… You came back!" She smiled happily, but it immediately dropped to a horrified frown when she saw the dark figure had begun to slowly fade and stray away from view. 

"Mother?… mother!" Her voice nearly broke as she called to the figure as it slipped further away from her. Her arms still held out for her little foal; she couldn't leave! Not now!

"Wait, don't go, mother! Mother, please, wait for me!" Her mother had just come back, but now she's leaving again? Why?

No!  This can't be happening!

She didn't think, nor hesitate, as she instinctively jumped in the light and dashed after the mare as fast as her little legs could carry her, "Don't go!"

"~Scootaloo~"

"Mommy, please!" Her eyes started swelling up with tears as she ran after the figure. Her wings buzzing as she even desperately tried to fly after the fading mare, trying to catch up with her, "Mommy, please don't go!" she shouted as she ran through a white void. 

But as fast as she wanted to go to desperately be with her 'mother', the shadow mare slowly faded away from Scootaloo's view. Scootaloo gasped and kept running, but no matter how fast she went she could not get any closer.

The mare had disappeared. 

And she was all alone, once again. Alone within this white void.

Scootaloo stopped and stood still, stiff as a board. She looked out at where the mare had once been with a pair of heartbroken eyes matched with an equally destroyed face. She sat down with her face in her little hooves and sobbed softly before shouting into the white void, desperate for the figure to return, feeling so alone without its loving voice to comfort her, "Mommy!"

***Scootaloo's room***

"Scootaloo, Scootaloo, wake up," Applebloom said, gently shaking Scootaloo to try and wake her up while Sweetie Belle was watching beside her. Both were very worried about their friend.

Scootaloo whined, whimpered and murmured in her sleep. Dry tear streaks trailed down her face which gave her friends a solid clue that Scootaloo had been crying in her sleep. With one final shake, Scootaloo snapped her eyes open. She gasped deeply and took several breaths, "W-what the--…" Scootaloo rubbed her head and sat up in her bed as she tried to calm down from that nightmare.

"Thank goodness!" Sweetie Belle said with a light squeak, she was relieved they finally woke up their friend. 

Scootaloo looked at her friends with tired eyes, her mane slightly messed up as a bit of it hovered in her face, which she brushed away, "What... happened?" she asked in a groggy tone before letting out a morning yawn.

"You were having a nightmare, Scootaloo," Applebloom answered, "You tossed and turned so much, I had to wake you up so you wouldn't hurt yourself." She pointed to the dried up tear streaked on her face, "You seemed like you were crying, too."

With all the noise she was making, along with how often she had been tossing and turning in bed, they believed it must've been bad.

"Oh, ok. Thanks, I guess," Scootaloo said as she wiped her eyes with her hoof and looked at her sheets, thinking to herself, 'What was that? Why did I have a dream like that?' She climbed out of bed with a pondering face while Applebloom and Sweetie Belle looked at her confused.

"You alright, Scootaloo?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Huh?" Scootaloo gazed at her friends before nodding to them. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just had a really weird dream, that's all…"

But it didn't explain the tear streaks she had. Applebloom raised a brow and pondered, as well, "Well, it couldn't have been a nightmare, could it?"

"It didn't feel like one. But it certainly wasn't a good dream either."

Both fillies looked at each other curiously, then back at Scootaloo in bewilderment. This had their attention.

"What was the dream, Scootaloo?" Sweetie Belle asked.

Scootaloo shrugged innocently, but tried to remember "Well, I think was--"

"Wait" -Applebloom interrupted- "you can explain while we go to the clubhouse." She didn't like talking in Scootaloo's orphanage. It felt kind of uncomfortable to her and gave her the creeps as she looked around the room. 

Sweetie Belle didn't mind either way. They just came here to get Scootaloo so they could hang out and play. 

Both she and Scootaloo shrugged at one another and nodded at Applebloom before walking out of Scootaloo's room, passing an assistant mare named Greedy Bags, who Scootaloo bid farewell to as she headed out with her friends and out of the orphanage. The three then journeyed straight for their clubhouse to do what they do best: find a way to earn their cutie marks. 

***Ponyville***

In Ponyville, Fluttershy walked past Roseluck's flower shop and walked over to Sugarcube Corner with a soft smile on her face. An hour ago, Pinkie Pie had asked her to come over to the bakery and help her cook up muffins for Derpy, because of a party she was planning for a friend of hers, and knowing her bubbly friend, Pinkie couldn't say no to a party or two, at all.
Fluttershy spotted Sugarcube Corner and was about to walk up when she watched the Cutie Mark Crusaders walk out of the bakery the exact moment she placed her hoof on the first step. Sweetie Belle and Applebloom looked up at her and openly waved with smiles before they walked past her. As they did, Fluttershy noticed Scootaloo came out last with her head craned down, but the look on her face didn't set right with Fluttershy. 

The look Scootaloo had on her face was a look of confusion, sadness and in thought. What was she thinking? Fluttershy wanted to know. 

‘Oh dear, my poor baby. What's wrong?', she thought to herself as she glanced at Scootaloo worriedly as they walked away. 

Fluttershy frowned. Her mother instincts were kicked into high gear and it told her tried to go and help cheer her little one up, and to make her feel better. She wanted to go through with it, but the secret she was keeping also came into mind that mixed with her current instinct. It was a conflict she didn't want to happen, but it did anyway. If she helped Scootaloo in any way, she would suspect something and ask questions she shouldn't be asking. It was best to stay back and let Scootaloo work out what was bothering her -- and it was aching at Fluttershy's heart.

"Oh!" She removed her gaze away from the fillies and looked down, feeling ashamed and full of regret. Her ears folded flat against her head as she could practically feel the sort of sadness Scootaloo must be feeling.
"I'm so, so sorry," she whispered to herself as she walked up and opened the door to Sugarcube Corner. The door touched the bell and rang, echoing throughout the bakery and letting those who heard it know of Fluttershy's presence.

Instantly, as if a blink of an eye, Pinkie Pie burst onto the scene with her trademark smile and stood behind the front desk, "Hi, welcome to-- Oh hi, Fluttershy! I'm so glad you're finally here," she said with an energetic and happy tone. She started up a conversation really quick, "Derpy requested a lot of muffins and I mean, really, a lot," Even though she knew everypony, Derpy sometimes proved to be a mystery that even she, the party planner of Ponyville and friend to every citizen, could not solve. "I couldn't do it all on my own. Sure, I would've asked Applejack, but I think we would've ended up making apple muffins. Have those even been made yet?" She tapped a hoof on her chin and thought about it for a second, but shrugged it off. Maybe they have, maybe they haven't, who knows? She looked back and immediately noticed a sad look on Fluttershy's face as she walked up to the front stand, her eyes cast down. Pinkie Pie raised a confused brow and tilted her head from seeing this out-of-nowhere behavior, and asked her, "Why the long face, Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy glanced away to the side, "I saw her with her friends when I came here," she replied to Pinkie, "She seemed really sad about something," Pinkie straightened her neck and perked her ears up, instantly solving Fluttershy's gloomy puzzle and figured out who exactly she was talking about.

"It's Scootaloo, isn't it?" She asked… or rather, she whispered, keeping quiet so no one would hear even though no one was around.

"Yes," she nodded, confirming the answer to her dearest friend, "She looked sad and confused." She rubbed her arm as she longingly looked back towards the door as if to try and see Scootaloo from there. "I-I wanted to know what was bothering her. I wanted to try and help her. I wanted to cheer her up, but at the same time, I don't want to raise any suspicions, either," She said, nearly choking on her words, but sighed softly to herself as she looked away. She tried not to cry in front of her friend, but it was becoming hard for her.

"Oh Pinkie… I'm sorry." She apologized to her friend for arriving so glum when she was meant to come here with a smile and help out with Derpy's muffin order. "I really do want to help out with the muffins Derpy wanted, but now after seeing Scootaloo look so broken…" She whimpered a bit, "I just don't know what to do."

"It's okay, Fluttershy," Pinkie said as she nodded understandably and dropped her goofy side for a moment. It was serious time and she openly explained to Fluttershy what the CMCs were talking about earlier while she was working, "She had a dream about meeting a mare with a soft voice in her room." Pinkie wasn't too fond of spying on somepony, especially on one of her friends, unless it was absolutely necessary -- but listening in on something involving Scootaloo was an entirely different case. 

Fluttershy perked her ears and jolted her eyes at her. Concerning the party mare, that happy-go-lucky attitude and behavior, in general, was always with her in almost every situation; no matter how serious it got; but this kind of situation brought the serious out of her. If it regarded her friends, Pinkie will always be serious. And this was that moment.

If there was ever a guessing game that Pinkie participated in, she would be a guess and her hunches were nearly right. So, when she heard what Scootaloo told her friends, she had to lay it down to Fluttershy, "Fluttershy, I think it's time you tell Scootaloo the truth," She suggested to her while laying on her arms crossed over the glass.

Fluttershy felt like she had just got hit by a rock and felt her body go cold. She widened her eyes and shook her head frantically, refusing that idea, "Pinkie, I can't do that!" she softly exclaimed. "If I told her the truth, I don't know what would happen." 

She felt her heart race a little at the thought of her daughter knowing the truth. If Scootaloo found out that she was her mother, and that she had placed her in that awful-looking orphanage, her little filly wouldn't want to look at her again.

"What if she gets angry, o-or furious, or sad?!" She said as she gasped lightly and widened her eyes, "W-What if she gets so upset that she'll never want to speak to me again?!" She was about to freak out when Pinkie placed her hoof on her muzzle and closed her mouth, shutting her up.

Pinkie sighed and figured this might happen. She may not be a mother herself, but she'll try her best to give advice on this, "Look, Fluttershy, I know and understand that you want to keep it a secret from her, I really do," she nodded, understanding how much her friend wanted this to be kept quiet. Not to mention, it was difficult finding the right moment to tell the truth, when the truth itself had found its way into the situation, "But you got to get this off your chest; it seems to be hurting you more than it's hurting Scootaloo, and she doesn't even know!" she disconnected her hoof from Fluttershy's muzzle. 

When she did, Fluttershy looked down and took a few relaxed breaths before looking back up at Pinkie, "Y-You're right. I'm getting all worked up over nothing. But maybe I should just wait until I'm ready," she suggested.

Pinkie Pie just sighed and said, under her tongue, "You've said that before and look what almost happened?"

Fluttershy scrunched her muzzle and blushed, recalling a few episodes she had and remembered Pinkie and Rainbow Dash had to calm her down. She really does need to tell Scootaloo soon, otherwise, the prankster duo might just end up putting Fluttershy in a therapy home. Ironic, since she lives in a cottage some with therapeutic animals. She giggled awkwardly and reassured Pinkie, "Okay, it won't take *that* long, I swear."

Pinkie shrugged her shoulders, settling with that suggestion since Fluttershy seemed a bit more comfortable with that. She was not going to force her sensitive friend into telling Scootaloo the truth, because that would not make her a good friend. It was up to Fluttershy herself to make that decision. "Whatever you want, Mamashy," she smiled while Fluttershy blushed a little at the nickname. 

"Come on, let's make those muffins. Derpy can be a little impatient at times," she cringed a bit at that, knowing that it isn't a good idea to keep a muffin obsessed pegasus waiting. Fluttershy smiled in return and walked to the kitchen with her.

***Apple Acres***

A mile away, the CMC had arrived at Apple Acres and made their way to the clubhouse. But Scootaloo still couldn't process what she saw this morning, or why she had it. 

What did she see? Why did it happen? Why is this affecting her so much? Those questions kept rolling through her head over and over. And as much as she wanted them to stop, they couldn't; they were begging to be answered. 

But nopony she knew personally knew if they had the right answers to her questions or not. And that made her sad mood even worse. Not even a trip to Sugarcube Corner helped her mood in the slightest; not even sweets could help.

As they walked, they stumbled upon Applebloom's big brother, Big Macintosh, who had just returned from running errands for Granny Smith and Applejack.

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo could honestly agree that while they loved Applebloom, they couldn't see themselves working as hard as her family does. And she had quite a big family, as far as they knew from the Apple Family Reunion portraits.

"Howdy, big brother!" Applebloom greeted, approaching him with her friends behind her.

Big Macintosh placed a sack of apples and nails down next to the barn door and looked at his younger sister with a smile, "Howdy, lil' sis. What can I do for ya?" he asked, ruffling her hair which caused her to giggle.

Applebloom smiled in return, "Nothing, I thought we'd say hi before we head to the clubhouse." She said. It felt it would be nice to brighten someone's day with a smile and a hello; Ponyville, let alone Sweet Apple Acres, wasn't known for being the friendliest place around for nothing.

"A'right, then" Big Mac rubbed the back of his neck to loosen some muscles, especially from pulling wagons with the apples he and his family make a living selling. Second to his sister Applejack, he was the strongest member of the family, but no matter what type of chore he had to do, he loved nothing more than to be with his family; especially his cute little sister. "How's yer school petition goin' with the clock tower?"

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle joined Scootaloo in the 'looking down' boat, "We got little progress," Applebloom responded.

"Some of the other ponies agreed with the parking lot idea," Sweetie Belle sighed, rather down.

Big Macintosh perked his ears down, bummed to see his sister and friends depressed. He looked away in thought before an idea came up, "Why don't ya'll play a game to pass the time; like hide ‘n seek?" he suggested, hoping that'll cheer them up.

The CMC thought about that idea. Applebloom looked up at her brother and kindly said, "We'll think about it, Big Mac." She turned to her friends, "Come on crusaders, let's go to the clubhouse."

With that, they start walking away from the farm and leaving Big Macintosh. Applebloom gave her big brother a hug and waved him good-bye, which waved back to her, before disappearing from his view and walking on the dirt path towards the clubhouse.

Scootaloo sighed lightly as she followed her two friends, which unfortunately did not go unnoticed. Big Mac noticed that out of the three fillies, she hardly spoken a peep; Was something bothering the little filly?
"Scootaloo?" The filly flinched a little as she looked up at the red stallion who looked at her in concern, having caught her looking depressed either way, "Is everything okay?"

Scootaloo looked away, her ears lowered once more, "Y-Yeah… just thinking about this dream I had…"

"A dream?" He tilted his head to the side. So, the little filly had a bad dream of sorts? Is that why she's looking upset?

"Yeah, but don't worry, I'm fine." She said as she sniffed.

‘You're clearly not fine, sugarcube.' He thought, and seeing one of his little sister's friends so down was very worrisome. This even brought his big brother instincts up to bat as he wanted to comfort the little filly as he stepped forward, his voice laced itself with concern, "Scootaloo…I-Is there something I can do for ya, little sugarcube?" He was no stranger to help out ponies who needed a helping hoof, and it looked like Scootaloo needed some help herself. "Anything you wanna talk about?"

However, the little filly sighed and shook her head. "No, Big Mac. I… I don't think you can help," She sniffed a bit, trying to keep herself from crying as she could only think back on her dream, "I…I gotta go…" She followed after her friends, wiping her eyes.

Seeing her look so upset greatly concerned the stallion, but seeing that Scootaloo didn't want to talk about what was bothering her, he didn't want to make it worse.

"Poor little filly," He did not know what was bothering her, but he hoped she would open up to what's bothering her, and feel better soon. 

Thanks to his little sister being quite close to these two fillies, and the two of them being around all the time with his little sister, they were practically family; and families look after one another. 

"Hope she feels better, soon," He sighed lightly to himself but walked off to the farm to quickly finish up the last of his chores. Hopefully, he can talk with Scootaloo and find out what's bothering her later.

As they walked, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle look back at Scootaloo and saw that she was lagging behind, especially when they noticed her talking with Big Mac; She was still puzzled about her dream, most likely. Did it really cause that big of an impact on her? Applebloom wasn't going to take any more of this.

Both fillies stopped and turned around to face her. "A'right Scootaloo, what the hay!?" Applebloom said annoyed and slightly irritated. "You've been acting more down than a bullfrog full of soda-pop ever since we came to get you. What was in that dream of yours that got you so gosh-darn down?"

Scootaloo flinched from Applebloom's light outburst and leaned back with one hoof up. She tried to come up with an answer, but she could barely remember what her dream was, "Um, I can't remember much, just bits and pieces," she responded as best she could to her two friends, "All I remember is seeing a bright light, a dark pony, and hearing a voice; that's it," she summed up what she could remember most from her odd dream.

"A voice?" Sweetie Belle pointed out. "What did the voice sound like?"

"I don't know. It sounded rather soft, I guess," Scootaloo said. "And a tad creepy. Yet… it felt soothing too."

"Do you remember what the pony looked like?" Applebloom asked.

Scootaloo sat down and thought about it, grabbing her head and tried hard to remember the mare she saw in her dream, "It… it was… a mare. Yeah, it was a mare with a calm voice. She was calling out to me." She rubbed the side of her head; That part was spooky, yet the tone in the mystery mare's voice felt comforting.

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were surprised but nod, wanting her to continue, "Do you remember what she said?" Applebloom asked.

"I think I remember a little bit of what she said," She explained as she recalled its gentle calling. "I remember her saying ‘Helloooo~', ‘Scootaloo~', ‘Scootaloo, come home~', ‘I'm here, it's me~' and ‘My little baby, come home~'."

They widen their eyes while saying "whoa" at the same time. Whoever she saw in her dream must've been trying to get her attention something fierce. Scootaloo nodded at them and tried to remember more about her dream, but nothing else came to mind. She squinted her eyes and tried forcing herself to remember, but it was no use. She patted her hooves on the ground and groaned a bit.

"Do you know who it was that told you to 'come home' to ‘her', Scootaloo?" Sweetie Belle asked.

Scootaloo sighed and looked at her friends, "I think so," She inhaled deeply and slowly exhaled before she continued. "I think it was my mother I saw in my dream."

"Your mother?!" Her friends both shouted in unison, surprised and shocked to hear that.

"Yes," Scootaloo nodded. "I was trying to figure out why I had a dream of my mother. I heard dreams sometimes mean something, or they're trying to tell you something; but… what is my dream trying to tell me?" Scootaloo said as she thought about it.

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle looked at each other surprised before they looked back at Scootaloo. Applebloom walked up to her and sat in front of her, "Maybe we'll figure it out once we get to the clubhouse?" she suggested, willing to help her friend figure her dream out. Sweetie Belle approached them and nodded in agreement.

Scootaloo looked back up at her friends and cracked a small smile, nodding a bit.

Sweetie Belle narrowed her eyes up to the sky before an idea struck her skull, "Hey, I got an idea!" she squeaked out as she started to grin.

Both of her friends looked at her before she started to explain. "Maybe we can get our cutie marks by solving dreams," she suggested, "We've never done it before, so why don't we give it a shot?"

Scootaloo and Applebloom gave Sweetie Belle two wide, excited grins and nodded, loving the idea.

All three jumped in the air and shouted out in joy, "Cutie Mark Crusaders Dream Solvers!" They high-hoof one another in joy upon gaining a new mission. 

"YEAH!"
> Finding Clues
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The clubhouse door immediately swung open. The CMC rushed into their clubhouse with excited faces as Scootaloo and Applebloom sat around the table in the middle of the clubhouse; Sweetie Belle closed the door before joining them. All three had eager, excited smiles on their faces, ready to try out this new idea.

Applebloom spoke first with excitement in her tone, "Okay, girls, let's see if we can get our cutie marks by solving dreams," The girls had their eyes glued on Applebloom as she pointed at Scootaloo and asked her a few questions, "So, Scootaloo, you said you had a dream about seeing your 'supposed' real mother, right?"

Scootaloo nodded, "That's right." 

While Applebloom asked the questions, Sweetie Belle brought out a pen and notepad, writing down anything Scootaloo had to say. She had been getting a little better with her magic – and that was good because, in her honest opinion, drawing or writing with one's hooves or mouth was not exactly easy or clean.

"Alright, you remember hearing a voice, seeing a shadow and being at that orphanage when it happened. Well, think you can remember what she looked like?" Applebloom asked curiously. 

If Scootaloo could remember all of this, then surely she had to at least remember a glimpse of what her 'mother' looked like or at least remember a distinct feature.

Scootaloo looked down in thought and tried her best to remember. She concentrated as best she could, but, like before, she had a hard time remembering anything else about her dream, and it didn't help that when she did think about that mysterious mare, she recalled that she looked like she was made of shadow. She couldn't see any other feature on the mare because of that, "Gah! All I remember about what she looked like is that she looked like she was made of shadows while some bright light was behind her. I couldn't make out any other feature," She facehooved in frustration, "I'm sorry, but I can't remember anything else." She let out a heavy grunt and slammed her forehead on the table. ‘C'mon, you stupid brain! Remember!' She bitterly cursed at her brain, trying to get it to remember.

"Uh, Scootaloo, if you do that again, you might cause your head to blow up," Sweetie Belle teased for the heck of it. Scootaloo looked at Sweetie with unamused eyes. She wasn't buying that for a moment. Plus, Sweetie Belle wasn't good at making jokes. Heck, she probably couldn't do stand-up comedy to save her life!

Scootaloo rolled her eyes, "Right! And my eyes will pop out if I squint really hard," She joked, receiving a chuckle from her two besties.

"I'm just saying," Sweetie Belle giggled as she wrote down something on the notepad.

Scootaloo shook her head and cracked a little smile before trying again. She placed her hooves on her head and concentrated, closing her eyes, but after a few minutes, nothing. Not one thought of what she saw came back. She opened her eyes and pouted in frustration, "Darn it all to Celestia, why can't I remember?!" 

"Maybe you should try sleeping again," Sweetie Belle suggested, "that should help, I think?"

Applebloom raised an eyebrow at Sweetie Belle, "I don't think that's how it works, Sweetie Belle," she said. "My sister once told me that dreams only happen once and when you sleep again, you dream of something different."

"Yeah, but it was just a thought," she placed the notepad and pen down and sighed. "Besides, I think your sister and mine have different ideas. Rarity once told me that when your dreams start repeating, it may mean something is about to happen soon." 

Mentally agreeing that perhaps their respective siblings had different ideas on how dreams work, Applebloom saw the notepad and took it. She gazed at it to see if Sweetie actually wrote down anything but only saw a drawing of herself singing behind a microphone. 

Applebloom looked at the drawing bemused and gave Sweetie Belle that exact same glance, thinking she wasn't taking this seriously. ‘Really, Sweetie Belle?' was the only thought that came for this one. 
Sweetie Belle just shrugged and smiled innocently.

They sat around the table for a while and waited for any more ideas to come up. Silence embedded the whole clubhouse, but Applebloom spoke, again, "This is gonna tougher than I thought."

Scootaloo pouted as she held her cheek while trying to think, "Maybe I should've taken your brother up on his offer to talk about this. I bet he would've had a better idea on who it could be."

Applebloom then perked up when Scootaloo brought that up; They may not be able to solve it themselves as they were three fillies, but it wouldn't hurt to have a little adult help, "My brother? Scootaloo, that's a good idea," She nodded at the surprised Scootaloo and admitted to her, "My big brother may not be the most well-spoken pony in Ponyville, but he may know a thing or two on mares."

They nod in agreement, it wouldn't damage their efforts to get a little bit of help from those close to them.

But when they were about to head out to get his aid, a few knocks on the door suddenly introduced themselves. A familiar feminine voice called out to Sweetie Belle, "Sweetie Belle, are you in there?"

"Rarity?" she said in a squeaky, confused tone.

"Can you open up? I need to tell you and your friends something," Rarity asked. "It's kind of important."

Sweetie Belle walked up to the door and opened it. A beautiful, if not graceful white unicorn with a purple mane and tail stood in front of the entrance and gave her a small smile. She had three blue diamonds that bore on each side of her flank symbolizing her cutie mark and her talent as a fashionista. She wore fake eyelashes to enhance the beauty she already possesses. Almost all stallions would agree that she would win any beauty pageant and modeling contest, hoofs down. Though with Sweetie Belles' older sister, as far as she's concerned, the beauty from the inside or outside was never enough for her, but, thankfully, this did not make her a vain pony to others. 

But despite their thoughts, she doesn't partake in any of pageants or modeling contests. Not that she wasn't interested, but she would much rather focus on designing fashion accessories, clothing and, most importantly, being generous towards others. For she is one of the six element bearers: generosity.

"Um, hi Rarity, what are you doing here?" Sweetie Belle asked confused as to why her older sister was here.

"Hello, girls!" Rarity said with a warm smile. "I came here to ask you girls for assistance. You see, there is going to be a filly fashion show premiering sometime this week, and you girls are perfect for helping me design the dresses for the show," she explained while the CMC secretly rolled their eyes. "It's not much really, all you get to do is stand or sit around while I work," that got them to smile a bit. It wasn't that they -- especially Scootaloo -- didn't care about fashion as they were just little ones, but they just didn't have much a love for it as Rarity did – which was kind of ironic in Sweetie Belle's case, seeing how this is her big sister who was talking to them; she just didn't find herself as talented with fashion as her, but it made her happy. When it came down to doing nothing while Rarity did her work, however, they didn't mind that at all.

Sweetie Belle glanced back at her friends then looked up at her sister, "Hold on a second, Rarity, let me talk to my friends first," she said with a slight squeak in her voice and rushed back to her friends as the huddled up.

"Um, alright, Sweetie Belle," Rarity said as she waited for a little bit.
It didn't take long for the three fillies to nod to one another and give Rarity agreeing nods; they'll happily help out. This caused Rarity to squee and clap her hooves, "Thank you so much, girls! Once this is all done, I promise to do something special for the three of you," she said with a giddy smile. 

"Funny you mention that, Rares." Her little sister sheepishly giggled, which got her curious. 

Applebloom nodded, "Could you meet us outside in five minutes?"

Rarity blinked but gazed at the clock in their clubhouse, she still had enough time to do her work, but it wouldn't hurt to listen to what the little fillies were up to. Plus, she was curious to why she didn't come across them in town, because they don't normally take this long in their little clubhouse. Normally, they'd be out around town by now, doing their crusader thing. Something must've gotten to them.

"Very well." She agreed in return for their agreement to help her.

***Outside at the Clubhouse Ramp***

The two fillies and mare waited for Applebloom to return, which wasn't long as they soon saw her coming back with her brother.

"Hey, Scootaloo… you feelin' any better?" He asked the little Pegasus in a calm, worried tone once he arrived. 

Scootaloo rubbed her arm and smiled sheepishly, as if to apologize for worrying him, seeing how she had gently rejected his offer of talking about what was bothering her, "I-I'm fine now."

Now officially curious, Rarity looked to her sister and Scootaloo, "What were you three doing up there? You don't normally take this long in your clubhouse." 

Big Mac looked curious as well, raising a brow at his little sister, for he had to agree with the fashionista, "Normally, you'd be playin' or crusadin' around at this time." 

This caused the respective siblings to blush, mentally cursing to themselves because their older sister and brother had known them all too well.

"Oh, well, we were trying to solve this dream Scootaloo had," Applebloom said, openly telling her.

"A dream?" Rarity raised a brow. Scootaloo nodded sheepishly.

Big Mac sat down near the three, ears perked as he listened to this while eyeing Scootaloo. He may not be the most talkative pony there is, but he could tell by her actions that she was a bit shy to bring this up around older ponies. 

Amused, he smiled and wrapped an arm around her. It caused her to look up at him in a bit of surprise, but his smile got her to relax. 

Despite being Applebloom's older brother, and due to the fact this is probably the first time she ever got to talk this long with not only him but also Rarity, Big Macintosh felt like a big brother-figure to Scootaloo. Whenever she, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle had a little problem – they verbally make it known, much to her embarrassment when she found out – he was always there to listen to what they had to say, no matter how odd, bad or even stupid it was. He would calmly let them speak out their feelings and just do what he could to help.

‘Guess that's one of the perks of having a sibling,' Scootaloo thought to herself, ‘They're always there to listen to you when you're having a problem.' She didn't notice due to being so distracted in her thoughts, but she subconsciously cuddled up to him, letting his comforting, warm embrace enfold her as it unknowingly reminded her of how warm the voice sounded.

"Yeah, she was dreaming about seeing her mother show up at the orphanage," Sweetie Belle explained to Rarity and Big Mac, and received a surprised face from them in return.

"Her… mother?" Rarity looked at Scootaloo who started to blush a little and acted very shyly when Rarity was staring at her. 

"Oh… was that why you were glummer than a spider without a web earlier?" Big Mac spoke to her gently, now getting an understanding of why she looked so sad earlier. Scootaloo shyly nodded once more.

Both Rarity and Big Mac smiled softly at her and giggled a bit at Scootaloo's shyness, "That's so cute!" She said. 

"Eeyup!" He agreed with her, finding it just as adorable. 

"Do you remember anything else about your dream, dear?" She asked kindly and curiously, actually getting invested in this. She hasn't spent any time with her little sister for a while now and she'd figured some quality time would ease some stress she's been having during her dress designing; a break would be good now and then and this was the perfect time for it.

Same went for Big Mac. He wanted to learn more of this. Despite being a hard worker on the farm, a little break wouldn't hurt every now and then. Granny taught him better than to overexert himself. Some bonding with his little ‘baby' sister and her friends seemed like a good idea for a break too.

"Um, well--" Scootaloo paused for a second before giving the two grown ponies some form of an answer "--all I can remember is hearing her voice. How calm and soft it sounded. It sounded all echo-y and then it disappeared," she explained as best as she could, then received an understanding nod from the white unicorn and red stallion.

"We've tried to find ways of solving her dream, but we couldn't come up with anything," Sweetie Belle said in a sad tone.

"Well, you did mention that sleep again part," Applebloom pointed out from their earlier conversation.

"Yeah, but you said that wasn't going to work since Applejack said you only dream of something once--"

"—Yeah, but then you said that Rarity said that sometimes a dream repeats itself, which means it could mean something's gonna happen!"
The two fillies started to glare at one another as they were about to argue, if not for the older brother of the group to split them up.

"Simmer down there, girls," Big Mac gently separated the two before they could do something they would regret. "We all have different opinions on how this dream hoo-ha works. Some work the way Applejack thinks or some work out the way Rarity would think," He rubbed his forehead, a bit puzzled himself at this type of explanation. "But sometimes, dreams work in the most oddest of ways."

"And amazingly, he's right," Rarity interrupted, causing the three fillies and stallion to look at her in surprise before she continued to talk. "Some dreams do have meaning. If you remember parts of your dream, then it does mean something," she tapped her hoof under her chin to see if she could come up with an idea for the CMC as they watched her before she caught an idea and suggested, "Perhaps searching for clues could solve your investigation."

Big Mac nodded as he smiled lightly down at the three fillies, "It's important to get the facts so y'all can get a better idea on what this dream means, or who it is referrin' to."

The three fillies looked at each other and thought about that idea. That's not a bad idea, at all. They smiled and glanced back at Rarity and Big Mac, they all nodded in agreement to their suggestion, "Sure, we'll give that a shot," Scootaloo said.

Rarity smiled warmly from hearing that, "I'm happy you three like the idea."

Big Mac was equally pleased to hear they approve, "Eeyup." He smiled softly, feeling achieved with helping the three.

"What made you come up with that idea, big sis'?" Sweetie asked.

"Well," Rarity pondered. "I've been having the same things happen to me before."

"Come to think of it?" Big Mac tapped his chin in thought as he gazed up. "That happened to me too." He admitted, which caused Applebloom to look at him in surprise.

"Wait, you both have had the same dreams as me?" Scootaloo cocked her head to the side and raised a confused brow.

Big Mac chuckled and blew a raspberry at that silly idea, "Pfft!" He reassured Scootaloo, "Not like that, little sugarcube." He ruffled her mane, causing her to squeak a bit before he and Rarity tried to give a better explanation.

Rarity giggled and waved a hoof, "No, no, darling," she said. "What I mean is that I always have dreams when I sleep. But for most of them, I wake up and remember them like they became an actual memory," The fillies gave off the same confused looks to the element bearer, still not getting it.

"Eeyup. I used to believe that dreams were just weird thoughts in our head when I was your age," Big Mac pointed to them, "But as I grew older, I found out that when I wake up from one of my dreams, I could actually feel it really happening." 

Applebloom looked intrigued as she looked up at her brother, "Really?" and she received a nod from him in return.

"Eeyup. It's a bit difficult to explain, little sis."

Rarity cleared her throat and explained it to them as best to their understanding, "What I'm trying to say is that my dreams become ideas that I use for my work. Those fashion clothes you see in the Boutique? They came to me while I was asleep. I woke up remembering every detail I could. Every stitch, fabric, gem, everything. I worked on them as much as I could and before I knew it I brought them into reality," she said with a tone of triumphant. Though, she did receive amazed looks from the three fillies.

"And you know how hard I've been working lately at the orchards? It wasn't because it was my job; it was because my dreams told me that I needed to work my tail off to get through life, but at just the right pace. So that I could be there for those who needed me," Big Mac smiled at his little sister and her little friends as they look at him in awe, "And lately," He chuckled as he recalled how often he had been finishing his chores within almost record-breaking time, "I find myself finishing my chores early just so I could get to spend time with those closest to me: my friends and my family."

That almost brought tears to their eyes as Sweetie, Applebloom and even Rarity couldn't help but feel touched by such words.

"So, is my dream telling me a message?" Scootaloo asked with bliss in her eyes and an excited smile.

"In a way, yes," Rarity said, nodding. "If you want to learn more, I suggest you look for clues to start you off."

Big Mac nodded in agreement with her, "Eeyup."

Scootaloo's smile faded when she said that. Finding at least one clue was gonna be a challenge in itself, "But I don't have any clues to help me. I don't even know where to start." 

"How about the orphanage?" Sweetie Belle suggested.

Scootaloo beamed her eyes on Sweetie Belle and shook her head in defiance at the thought of even going back there, "No thank you, Sweetie Belle. That place has been a pain since day one," she said buzzing her tiny wings in a slight fit of anger. "The last thing I want to do is talk to that stupid assistant Greedy Bags."

Rarity cocked an eyebrow wondering what was going on in that orphanage to make Scootaloo so angry, "What's been going on with the orphanage, Scootaloo?" She asked, slightly worried. 

"Yeah, what's her deal, little sugarcube?" Big Mac looked concerned at how aggravated she looked; has she been having trouble there?

Scootaloo sneered and looked away with hate in her eyes, "Pfft, nearly every orphan there is a bully. They steal from each other, won't help anyone else and are only good when grown-ups are around." She rolled her eyes at how devious they can be. It's the literal definition of wolf in sheep's clothing. She hated it to its very core. She sighed to herself then said, "You name one bad thing and they'd likely done it." She acted as though that orphanage was Tartarus itself.

Needless to say, the two grown-ups were speechless.

‘Please tell me you're exaggerating, Little Sugarcube?' Big Mac thought as worriedly hoped that she wasn't being serious. 

And Rarity thought Scootaloo was just being huffy because, well, kids will be kids. But to hear Scootaloo lash out about one of the workers there made it seem like something wasn't right with this picture, "Oh my." That's all she could say after hearing an aggressive tone like that while Big Mac let out a light gasp. She guessed she couldn't blame her. But they noticed rage from the little filly seeped out a bit; she wasn't done.

"And to make it worse, Greedy Bags does nothing about it! She just sits around and files her hooves like nopony matters to her," she looked at them with an understandably hated glare, "She doesn't care one way or another, and I'm sick of it!" The four ponies around her gave sorry looks, feeling bad that Scootaloo's going through that. "And that's why I never go back there. It's an awful place!" She shouted as she buzzed her wings out of anger and floated briefly before dropping back down. She huffed for a moment before looking down, feeling bummed, "But I have to be there because no one wants to adopt me."

With a name like Greedy Bags, there was no doubt that orphanage had some issues. 

Rarity placed a hoof over her heart and looked at Scootaloo, feeling so bad for her. She hoped somepony would adopt her soon. She's a good friend to her little sister.

Big Mac felt the same way as his ears folded down in dismay as he looked at Scootaloo in heartbreak. His heart felt heavier than any plow he worked with. It made his blood boil that somepony like Greedy Bags would do that to such an innocent little filly. He glared lightly off into the distance – if he had the right things to deal with Greedy Bags himself, he'd give that mare a piece of his mind. Heck, if he had his way, he would even adopt Scootaloo himself if it meant making this little Pegasus happy – just like Rarity, he hoped things would turn out good for Scootaloo soon. She makes his sister very happy when they're together.

"Alright, Scootaloo. We won't go there, then" Applebloom chimed in, hoping to make Scootaloo feel better by saying that. "Any other ideas on where to start?"

Sweetie Belle shook her head, running on blanks right now. She felt like she was no help at all to them. Rarity, however, had keener eyes than the three fillies and managed to find one thing to use as a good start. 

Scootaloo shrugged until Rarity spoke to them, "Do not fret, fillies," She said in a cheerful tone, "If you feel like the orphanage can't help you, then perhaps your scooter just might give you an answer." Applebloom and Sweetie Belle just gave Rarity looks as if she was a crazy mare for saying that Even Big Mac had a hard time figuring out what she meant by that.

Scootaloo looked at Rarity, confused, "My scooter?" she said as she took a moment to think of her favorite scooter leaning against the treehouse wall outside the window. "How can my scooter give me--" A sudden flashback of her last birthday party came to mind and she remembered how much fun she had; How many ponies were there and how many presents she got from everypony; From Applejack, to Rainbow Dash, to Fluttershy, even Sweetie Belle and Applebloom. It was a blast! But the one thing that was out of the ordinary was one present-- in fact, the only present-- she received was from a pony named anonymous. Why they named themselves that, she didn't know; it was weird. Yet, funny enough, the best present she received was from that anonymous pony was her favorite scooter. "--the answer."

Big Mac noticed Scootaloo's puzzled look and smiled a bit, thinking she should use that as a start, "Might wanna go find it, then. Maybe it might hold something for ya." This was beginning to be a fun mystery right now.

Rarity was all for a good mystery solving moment, but right now, she still needed to work on those fashion designs for the filly fashion show, "Sweetie, it's time to head back," she reminded her.

"Huh? Oh, right."

"Scootaloo, we'll see you once you find out who gave you that scooter," Rarity said as she motioned Applebloom and Sweetie Belle to follow her. 
But Scootaloo remained behind with Big Mac, hypnotized by the questions she gave to herself.

"You still got that scooter during your last birthday party, right?" Big Mac gazed at the scooter over at the clubhouse and then back at Scootaloo. She only slowly nodded as the questions clouded her mind.

"But it was the only one who didn't have a name of who it was from," He hadn't been able to attend due to having to do deliveries through town, but Applejack filled him in.

Yes. Who bought the scooter? Why would this anonymous pony buy such a great gift? And where? 

Where?! 

Scootaloo snapped out of her thoughts, "That's it!" she shouted, almost knocking the stallion off his hooves from the shock. "Oop, sorry, Big Mac.

"Scootaloo!" Applebloom called out, "You coming or what?"

Scootaloo perked her ears and turned her head, gazing at the trail where her friends were walking on. "Coming!" she replied. She rushed after her friends as they waited with Rarity, but she screeched to a stop and looked back, she quickly hurried back and hugged Big Mac close.

This caught him off guard for a minute. But he smiled and hugged her gingerly, rubbing her back but minded her wings.

"Thanks, Big Mac. It means a lot that even you would try to help me figure this out," She felt grateful that he was around to lend a hoof to even her, even if they were not related.

"Eeyup," That was all he could say, but she knew he was saying ‘You're welcome' in his own way, "If you ever need help, y'all know where I am." Scootaloo nodded, promising to come to him for help more often.

Sharing a hoofbump, she hurried after her friends and Rarity. Once she caught up, they walked together when Rarity took lead and escorted them back to the boutique.

"What was with that shout, Scootaloo?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"I think I might know where I can find my answer," Scootaloo replied and made the two crusaders stop to face her surprisingly.

"Really?!" they said in excitement and prompted Rarity to turn around to see what the commotion was about until Scootaloo walked up to her.

"Miss Rarity, is it okay if I go to the Ponyville toyshop real quick?" she asked, "I need to ask the pony that works there something."

Rarity smiled down at Scootaloo and giggled to herself. Looks like Scootaloo didn't pay attention to what she said. "Darling, I said we'd see you later. You're free to go, if you wish. But make it fast, time is not on anypony's side."

Scootaloo nodded before she eagerly darted for the toy shop in Ponyville, leaving Rarity and her friends.

***Ponyville***

Fluttershy walked away from a carrot stand. She bought three carrots for Angel so he wouldn't be grouchy and go hungry. She placed them in a bag and happily trotted further into Ponyville to find more groceries and supplies for her animal friends and herself.

She spotted a lettuce stand two feet away and trotted over to the stand with a soft, peaceful smile. She was in a good mood today and doing something nice for her friends always lifted her spirit. She approached the lettuce stand, "Um, excuse me," she said with a soft, innocent tone to her voice.

"What do you want?" a big, brawny pegasus with a slightly shaved beard and darkish brown fur rose from over the other side of the table and glared at Fluttershy with crude, aggressive eyes. He goes by the name Rocky Road.

Rocky made Fluttershy jump and crouch a bit, shaking from that sudden approach "I, uh, I-I'd like to buy three heads of lettuces, please," she shook in fear from the mere appearance of the bulky stallion.

"You want three heads of lettuces, do ya?" he talked in a thin, country-like voice and kept beaming those aggressive eyes down at Fluttershy. His brown pupils spelled 'don't waste my time'.

"Y-yes, please," Fluttershy said with moisture forming in the corner of her eyes.

He leaned his head down towards the frightened pegasus, "Well then, little miss sunshine," he growled lightly but suddenly shifted to soft chuckle and snicker then leaned his head back and laughed hysterically. "That'll be four bits, Fluttershy," he said, cracking a half smile at the shy Pegasus as he gave her a little nudge with his hoof. He was joking all along and having fun with the poor mare. A rough sense of humor was his style.

Fluttershy stood herself back up and calmed down, taking deep breaths to hold back the tears and spoke to the tough pegasus like what just happened didn't happen, "Goodness, you scared me, Rocky," she pouted a bit at him for doing that, "You shouldn't scare me like that!" she was speaking firmly for a bit, but all Rocky heard was a regular tone, but he got the hint anyway.

"I did?!" Rocky snickered, again, acting like this was a typical thing. Plus, he kind of found it cute how shy she always got. But he did feel sorry for her and looked at her sympathetically when he noticed those tiny specks of tears trying to form in her eyes, "Aw, I didn't mean to scare ya. I was only joking with ya, Fluttershy", he said, "But, you're right. I should ease up on my jokes. I keep forgetting how tender you are."

Fluttershy giggled a little and stopped her pouting, "Oh, it's quite alright, Rocky. How's business going?" she asked in her kind, friendly tone.

He smiled proudly, "Going well! Customers come now and then and it's making business stand up." He chuckled happily, "But comparing them to you, you're the one that holds the record for coming here the most," he complimented.

"Do I really?" she asked, blushing sheepishly.

"Yup! Say, where's that little rabbit friend of yours?" Rocky asked with an eyebrow raised. He even looked over the Pegasus real quick to see if he could spot the little bunny. Usually, Fluttershy would have an animal friend or two follow her during her shopping.

"He's back home with the other animals," she said. "He normally doesn't want to come unless he wants to."

"Alright, then," he gave her the lettuce as she swaps it with four bits, "Here's your lettuce. You take care now."

"Thanks, Rocky," she smiled again and placed the lettuce in her bag, then walked away before she waved good-bye to him.

Rocky waved in return and chuckled with a slightly fond smile as he watched her leave, "She's such a sweet, beautiful mare," he then sighed then turned his head with a disappointed glare at the shadows of his stand, "It's a shame you had to go and abandon her like that all those years ago." A box was placed on the ground hard behind Rocky, "But I can see you don't care about that—or her." A mysterious shadow walked away and disappeared behind the stand without a word, leaving Rocky to himself. 

"Ok, where to next?" Fluttershy dug her muzzle in her bag and brought out a pen and checklist of things to buy. 

Written on the list was carrots, corn, apples, fish, and sugar cookies checked off. The only things left to buy were crackers, honey, and new PJs; the next time Rainbow Dash decides to barge in the middle of the night just to wake her up for cider, she'll be prepared, "Oh, how embarrassing," She blushed and facehooved her forehead at that memory.

Getting off-track, she looked at her list again and spotted the next thing to buy: PJs. "Oh, Rarity's Boutique isn't that far!" she squeed with joy. She trotted down the right path across Town Hall, and straight down leading to the honey shop. She soon passed the toy shop she went to a few days ago. She stopped to look back at the store. Memories of Scootaloo's birthday splashed in her mind and caused her to remember the presents she bought for the young filly; seeing her laugh and smile when she opened them. It made Fluttershy feel all warm inside, knowing that her own flesh and blood enjoyed that wonderful day. 

"Scootaloo…" she whispered to herself as she walked away from the store, only to be bumped into, causing her to fall right on her haunches and knock the bag off her back and onto the ground. Thankfully, her stuff didn't spill out. She rubbed her head as the one who bumped into her groaned as well. 
"Ow," she shook her head and glanced at who she bumped into, only to end up having a surprised look to see who was in front of her… 

"Scootaloo?"

Scootaloo sat up and shook her head, then looked at Fluttershy as she got back up, "Oh, hey Fluttershy, sorry for bumping into you," she said with a groggy groan, "I was in a hurry to go somewhere." She shook her head again and regained her equilibrium. For a soft pony, bumping into Fluttershy was like bumping into a wall.

Fluttershy stood back up and looked down at Scootaloo "It's alright, Scootaloo. No harm done," she said and smiled softly as she helped her up. "Where are you off to?"

"I'm going to the toy store. I need to ask an employee something," Scootaloo explained.

"Alright then. Oh, how is the petition signing coming along?"

Scootaloo sighed disappointingly, "It went okay. We had twenty-five or twenty-six ponies sign the petition, but that's about it."

Fluttershy's ears drooped and she frowned from hearing the sad news, "Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that."

"It's fine, Fluttershy. Anyway, I'll see you later. I've got a lot of things to do."

Fluttershy tilted her head, curiously "Oh? Like what?" She blushed faintly, feeling as though she's intruding. "If you don't mind me asking, that is."

"Just some dress designing for Rarity," Scootaloo said with a shrug nonchalantly. "Anyway, I better go, later Fluttershy," she galloped around Fluttershy and headed inside the toy store first. She waved at Fluttershy before disappearing inside.

Fluttershy waved back before she grabbed her bag and placed it on her back. She looked at the ground with another gloomy frown as she started walking, "Oh Scootaloo, I'm still so proud of you for trying," she said as she walked toward the Carousel Boutique. 

But then her conscious told her about what Pinkie told her 'Sooner or later, either you tell her, or she'll find out the truth on her own!' 

Fluttershy quickly snapped out of her space and groaned a bit "I know Pinkie, but this isn't the time and place! Maybe some other time." she said to herself as she walked to the boutique. Then another thought occurred to her, "Wait, if Rarity's Boutique is that way, why is Scootaloo going the other way?" she pondered but didn't want to oppose any further.

***Ponyville Toystore***

Scootaloo entered the toy store and widened her eyes in awe. As expected, the shelves were crammed with toys from action figures and doll to skateboards and scooters. Scootaloo smiled with glee, her mind went into a fantasy world where all she wanted to do was play with these toys for hours on end. If she had her way, she would've wanted to live in this toy store if she got to play with them all day.

She beamed her eyes all different direction to look at toys of different shapes and sizes. She even found the scooter isle where she saw scooters that had the same color and sticker style she owned. She was in a world of paradise and wished she could live in here for the rest of her life. "This. Is. So. Awesome!"

Her glorious fantasy, however, was cut short when a voice snapped her back into reality "Hello?" the voice called out to her in the form of the toy store employee.

Scootaloo blinked and looked up at the employee, "Hi" she responded.

The employee smiled at her, "Is there anything I can help you with?" he asked with a friendly tone.

"Um, no thanks, I'm good," she said and completely forgetting why she was here.

"Alright then, take your time," the employee said before walking away to do his job.

Scootaloo smiled before her face faded into a forgetful look. She felt like something slipped her mind the moment she walked, gazing around the aisle until her eyes landed right on the scooters. She gasped when the thought came back to her like a rolling rock, "Wait!" she called the employee back.

The employee heard her and trotted back to her, "Yes?"

Scootaloo dug deep in her mind to try and spill her question as best as possible, "Um, a few weeks ago, was there anyone who bought a scooter like these?" she pointed to the scooters next to her.

The employee couldn't understand her question and raised a confused brow at her, "Little one, there were dozens of ponies who bought scooters just like those, but I don't fully understand your question."

Scootaloo sighed in frustration and tried to think, "Okay, two weeks ago was my birthday. I got a scooter as a present from an anonymous pony. Was there anypony here that bought a scooter as a present around that time?" She finally described her thoughtfully.

The employee lifted his head up to think. Her question seemed serious, but unfortunately, while he wanted to help, asking about someone's purchase, no matter the time, was against the rules. He looked back at Scootaloo and saw anticipation and desperation in her eyes. The employee had no idea who Scootaloo was talking about, but he had to say something until a memory splashed into his mind. The employee sighed and leaned his head down to whisper in her ear, "Look, I can't tell you who bought the scooter because I don't know who bought it. And it's against the rules." Scootaloo felt gravity take her heart and crush it. Her hope of finding out the anonymous pony had been decimated. She felt like she wanted to cry for her failure, but the employee spoke again, "But, I do remember the last employee who worked here said that there was only one mare that day who bought a scooter," he said, lifting Scootaloo's spirit a bit. "He didn't exactly remember what her color was, but he did remember how soft her voice was; caring, kind and sweet. He could've sworn he felt his heart and spirit being carried off when she talked to him. Almost as if he was talking to an angel."

Scootaloo raised a brow at the employee, "A soft voice?" She was surprised to hear this. Her hopes were slowly rising again by the employees' words. She smiled at the employee relieved, "Thanks, I think I might know who you're talking about."

"Anytime! Just don't say anything, okay? If my boss found out, I won't hear the end of it," he winked as the happy little orange filly giggled and galloped out of the toy store and rushed back to Rarity's Boutique with a skip in her step.

Finally, she had a hint of who her mother could be. In her dream, the mystery mare had a soft, but loving voice, just like the employee described.

As she galloped, Scootaloo tried to think of any mares that could have soft voices. Roseluck? Moondancer? Octavia? Milky Way? Any other mares would've been decent. Either one of them could be her actual mother. But then something hit her and caused her to skid to a stop. She then thought, ‘So many mares in Ponyville. Right, so how long will it take for me to find the right one? Too long!'  She groaned in frustration and anger, "Doggone it!" She stamped a hoof as she pouted hard, "Who am I kidding?! I'll never find my mother in this town! Gah! Might as well call it quits," she started doubting herself as she just walked back to the boutique instead of running and hung her head low.
> One Step Closer
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Rarity, is this really necessary?" Sweetie Belle whined, having a frou-frou hat put on her head while wearing a tan silk dress with multi-colored flowers reigning over parts of the fabric. It covered her hind legs all the way to her neck.

"It's completely necessary, Sweetie Belle," Rarity mumbled having pins between her teeth, "Now hold still, this is delicate material." She used her magic to levitate a pin out of her mouth and into a folded piece of fabric on Sweetie Belle's dress.

"I look stupid," Sweetie Belle groaned with an unamused pout. 

Of all the dresses in the world that her sister could've made her wear, she couldn't have made one that didn't make her look like she was on a vacation in Haywaii? 

"Yeah, right!" Applebloom exclaimed, wearing a cotton style dress with a bright red tone on the body, darker red edges, a ruby shaped tiara, and high heels. She felt like some awkward big-shot for Manehattan.  "At least you don't have high heels on," she grunted uncomfortably as she shuffled a little. "These things are more uncomfortable than washing Granny Smith's back," She said, before shivering a bit at what she just said.

"Come now girls, you both look fabulous," Rarity complimented, putting the last pin in Sweetie Belle's dress. They looked away and sighed quietly, wishing they'd go back in time and stop themselves from ever saying yes to Rarity; this was so boring. 

Sweetie pouted at her sister, commenting on how the multi-colored flowers and tan silk looked on her, motioning to it with a hoof despite Rarity reminding her to hold still, "Rarity, you're making me look like I'm on a sunny vacation in Haywaii with mom and dad, trying to attract the nearest boy with a pretty face." 

When she said that they wouldn't have to do anything while she works, they didn't think she meant it like this! They should be outside helping Scootaloo find more clues about her mom, not be in a boutique and look like dress-up dolls for way younger fillies!

The bell over the door dinged loudly throughout the boutique, "Oh, who could that be?" Rarity said.

"Maybe it's Scootaloo?" Sweetie Belle thought as her older sister went to go check it out, much to the fillies' relief. When she left the room, the uncomfortable, pampered fillies sat down and rested on their haunches.
Rarity walked downstairs with a friendly smile as she approached the entrance to see who stepped in her boutique, "Hello and welcome to the Carousel Boutique," she greeted, "My name is Rarity. How may I help you--" her sentence was cut off when she found out who it was that walked in, and couldn't help but put a large smile on her face.

"Hello Rarity, I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

Rarity giggled and waved an assuring hoof, "Not at all, Fluttershy," she said in a friendly tone to the shy mare. "It's so good to see you, darling. How are things?" she happily asked. She hasn't had a conversation with her best friend in quite a while and it was alright to catch up while she worked, or if Fluttershy needed to purchase something.

"Just wonderful! I was shopping around Ponyville and thought I'd come here to purchase something, and maybe visit for a bit?" She asked and smiled happily as she approached the center of the boutique.

Rarity nodded to her and said, "And I'm glad you did, darling. What can I do for you today?"

"Oh, I'd like to buy some pajamas, please."

Rarity nodded and turned away from Fluttershy and walked towards a movable clothes rack. She used her magic to pull the rack back and walked back to Fluttershy with it to show her two rows with four pajamas each with different colors and designs, much to Fluttershy's surprise and excitement, "Take your pick. I have four cotton and four silk," she pointed out, showing Fluttershy the variety to choose from. There were two small ones, three mediums, and three large. Knowing her actual weight, Fluttershy chose the mediums. Three were hoofmade made from the softest cotton to ever exist in all of Equestria. The designs were also a sight to see. One was light green in color that had flowers sewed all over the bottom. The second was a sky blue with clouds displaying within the pajamas, not sewed on. The last one was a light purple displaying a slimmer design than the other two; some spots, like the legs and back, were coated with bright blue diamonds. But what really gave off its cuteness was the red-orange phoenix located dead center in the chest area.

"Oh wow Rarity, they're so beautiful," she complemented with eyes sparkling in amazement.

Rarity blushed lightly and smiled a bit, "Thank you, Fluttershy. They're not my best work. But at least they sell well," she said. "So which one would you like, darling?"

"I don't know Rarity, they all look so amazing."

Rarity chuckled at Fluttershy's bewilderment, finding it somewhat adorable. She looked like she was a filly in a candy store, "Take your time, Fluttershy," she said with a bright smile.

Fluttershy eyed the pajamas and tried her hardest to decide, but it was futile to choose. They were all too good and Rarity was that much of an artist in the fashion work despite her saying that they weren't her best work, "Oh my, they're all so beautiful. I can't choose."

The bell chimed, again. Rarity and Fluttershy both turned their heads and looked back to see Scootaloo walk in the boutique as the door closed behind her.

"Sorry I'm late, Rarity."

Rarity sighed in slight disappointment, "Scootaloo, you have to be more--" she noticed the sun in the corner of her eye and looked at the clock and out the window behind Scootaloo; it was still sunny outside. Time was still going, but Scootaloo surprisingly made it back three minutes earlier, "--Actually, you made it just in time," she said, giggling from her own mistake, "So sorry, dear."

Scootaloo looked at Rarity and slightly rolled her eyes. Despite Rarity trying to lighten things up, it didn't stop or help her feel any better, yet she still pretended to laugh. She looked back down at the floor before walking between the mares. Fluttershy noticed the look on Scootaloo's face and knew right away that she was faking it, she had to find out why she was looking down. 

Just earlier she was in a hurry and had a smile on her face, but now it's back to a sad frown.

"What's wrong, Scootaloo?" Her voice spoke to the filly, laced with worry.

Scootaloo stopped to look at Fluttershy and sighed lightly. "It's nothing, Fluttershy."

"Did you get what you needed from the toy store?" Rarity asked. She gazed to Scootaloo, hoping that the little filly had gotten some sort of lead to further her investigation.

Scootaloo glanced at Rarity and nodded in response, "Yes, but the answer I got kind of left me thinking. What if what I'm looking for will take me longer than expected?" She said as she walked past the older mares with a disappointed frown and headed up to Rarity's bedroom. "Maybe this whole investigation is impossible…" She sighed lightly before disappearing into the bedroom, closing the door.

Rarity looked after Scootaloo with a slight frown as well. Despite not getting an exact clear answer, she knew Scootaloo shouldn't give up that easily.

"What was she looking for, Rarity?" Fluttershy asked in a curious tone.

"Oh, she was looking for the clerk who worked there and said she needed to ask him something," she looked back at Fluttershy and told her what Scootaloo told her, thinking it was alright to tell. "You won't believe this, but, she told me she had a dream about meeting a mare at her orphanage. I know it sounds a little silly, but--"

Fluttershy's ears perked up and sat down, surprised and shocked to hear that, "A mare… at the orphanage?!"

Rarity nodded to her, "Yes, she believes this mare could be her actual mother."

"Oh, my. D-does she remember anything else?" she leaned forward a bit, hesitant but eager to know more about Scootaloo's dream.

Rarity shook her head, "I'm afraid not, my dear. All she remembers is hearing her voice," she said while Fluttershy secretly panicked. Her eyes shrank pea-sized as a bead of sweat dripped down her head to her right cheek; she thought that Pinkie might be right about Scootaloo figuring this out on her own, and maybe that it's time she told her daughter the truth. She felt an invisible rope mentally pull her and drag her close to the truth. Rarity's Boutique was the perfect spot to tell her. But she needed more time.

Rarity noticed Fluttershy's unusual reaction and placed a hoof on her shoulder, "Fluttershy, darling, is something wrong? You seem tense about something." she gently nudges her to try and wake her up, even gently tap her left cheek to get her attention.

Fluttershy blinked a few times and snapped back into reality. She looked at her concerned friend, "Oh, um, no, I'm fine, Rarity," she said with a giggle and an awkward smile.

Rarity raised a brow and shrugged it off. She smiled at Fluttershy then asked, "So have you decided, yet?"

Fluttershy cocked her head and raised a brow, thinking it over. She remembered what she came here for, but then another idea popped into her head, "Um…" she looked at the pajamas before she looked back at Rarity and smiled happily, "Actually…"

***Rarity's room***

Scootaloo walked inside, her eyes filled with depression. She sighed lightly to herself and looked up before her sad behavior transformed into a look of surprise, which melted into an amused smile which finally changed with a burst of laughter escaping her lungs. 

She apparently walked in on her pampered, uncomfortable friends and was now seeing them in their silly outfits as she laughed at their appearances, pointing at them in hilarity.

"Nice outfits," She said sarcastically. She got their attention but the unamused frown from Applebloom and pouty face from Sweetie Belle made it even more hilarious. "Are you tryin' to look like fancy Carrot Patch Kids Dolls?" She laughed so hard, she could almost feel her gut trying not to burst as she fell over, gripping her sides.

"Haha, very funny," Sweetie Belle said with a slight groan.

"It's not funny, Scootaloo!" She scowled a bit as her cheeks started lighting up from being laughed at by her best friend.

Scootaloo giggled slightly before she closed the door behind her and walked up to her friends, and said, "Sorry. It's just that you two look so hilarious and ridiculous in those clothes," She smirked and tried to withhold more laughter, tears of laughter started forming as she snickered quite a bit.

"I wouldn't continue laughing if I were you. Rarity still has your dress to make," Applebloom said with a devilish smile, instantly making Scootaloo stop and gulp with wide eyes.

It went silent for a minute until the three fillies started laughing from their brief fiasco. 

"So… how'd it go at the toy store?" Sweetie Belle looked to her friend, a bit surprised that she got here in such a short time. She humorously thought it would've taken a bit longer if Scootaloo had gotten distracted by the toys inside like any other foal would. Did something go wrong?

Scootaloo sat down in front of her friends and started to discuss her time in the toy store. She explained her answer to them she got from the toy store clerk and also brought up the thought of how long it would take for them to search. The result ended with both dressed-up fillies sharing Scootaloo's hope and defeat. There were so many mares with gentle voices, any one of them could be Scootaloo's mother.

"Wow, I never thought of it'd be like that," Applebloom said with a sad tone.

"I guess getting our cutie marks through dream solving isn't gonna happen anytime soon," Sweetie Belle said dipping her head in shame.

Scootaloo nodded, gazing down at the floor with disappointment, commenting with a sour expression, "Back to square one again."

Who knew that solving a dream mystery was going to be so difficult?

"So what do we do now?" Applebloom asked. They disliked feeling like failures, so they had to find something to take their minds off of it in the meantime, otherwise the rest of the day is not going to be any fun for them.

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo thought about it for a moment, until Sweetie Belle softly gasped when an idea came to her, "I know!" she said with a squeak in her voice. "Let's have a slumber party."

"Hey, that sounds like a good idea!" Scootaloo said with Applebloom nodding in agreement.

"Cool, I'll ask Rarity when she…" before she could finish, right on cue, Rarity opened the door and walked in her bedroom with Fluttershy.

"Is everything alright, girls?" Rarity asked carrying clothes on her back.

Sweetie Belle nodded before popping the question to Rarity, "Hey big sis, can my friends and I have a slumber party here?"

Rarity gasped in shock, "Oh my. I'm sorry Sweetie Belle, but I can't watch you three today. Remember? I still have those dresses to make for the pageant," she said apologetically, letting her little sister and her friends down gently – even though it breaks her heart to see her little sibling so upset.

"Oh yeah, I completely forgot about that," Sweetie Belle facehooved, feeling foolish that she forgot that her sister had her own plans – and knowing her sister, every opportunity is a chance to further her business career. 

She frowned, giving her older sister a sad, yet disappointed look. Her friends shared the same look as her; this was just not their day, was it? Bad luck was fully consuming them and enjoying it with a mocking grin on its face as they suffer. 

"But you promised you'd do something special for us?" Sweetie said pointing that out.

"I know, but--" Rarity looked down at the three frowning faces when a blissful voice stopped the four in one single sentence. 

"Maybe I can look after them." 

Rarity perked her ears and turned her head to look at Fluttershy, "Are you sure, Fluttershy?" she asked, very surprised. "Don't you remember the last time they stayed over?" It was an overwhelming experience last time that almost got them turned to stone by a Cockatrice.

Fluttershy nodded, "Yes I do. I believe they've learned their lesson about the first; never going into the Everfree Forest and taking matters into their own hooves," She smiled because she too learned that lesson after that event with a sick Philomena. 

The CMC threw their heads up, surprised to hear Fluttershy offer to look after them. They smiled excitedly that the sleepover was back on. "Yay, the slumber party at Fluttershy's!" Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle started jumping about.

Rarity gasped in horror, "Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, please stop jumping! You'll ruin the dresses." she shouted dramatically and a tad angrily.

Fluttershy smiled warmly, placing a hoof on her chest as she watched the sight before her. Her heart melted to see her daughter so joyful and full of life, again. All the sound around her faded away, and the only sound she heard was Scootaloo giggling.

She could hear her daughter's joyful laughter all day. But sadly, Rarity's shout snapped her back into reality.

"Girls!"

The fillies stopped when Rarity walked up to them; her face had an annoyed expression as she tapped her front left hoof like a disapproving parent.

"I can tolerate childish behavior and other childish things; but please, for Celestia's sake, be careful with those dresses!" she exclaimed, "They are very delicate and can tear very easily."

"Sorry, Rarity." Applebloom apologized, shuffling a hoof in embarrassment.

Sweetie Belle looking up at Rarity with sad puppy dog eyes. "Sorry, sis…"

Rarity sighed a bit then took in a gentle breath, and said, "I forgive you little sister, and you as well Applebloom. Just be more careful," she smiled calmly, "Now then, why did I-- oh right!" she looked at Scootaloo who flinched once she had been spotted by the fashionista, catching her about to sneak out of the room, "It's your turn, Scootaloo."

Scootaloo nervously looked at Rarity, she had a bad feeling that despite what Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were wearing, she was going to look twice as foolish than them combined, "Do I have to?"

"Yes. You volunteered, remember?"

"I guess," Scootaloo said with a groan in her voice, and then hung her head a bit. Her friends smirking and chuckling behind her.

Three hours flew by and Rarity finally finished the dress around Scootaloo. She backed away to look at her creation while Scootaloo sat there with a very unamused frown. The dress she wore wasn't helping, either; a diamond coated tiara, a slightly long dress made of silk with flowers embedded in it, and light green high heels. 

Scootaloo let out a heavy sigh before Applebloom and Sweetie Belle started laughing in hysteria.

"Not funny girls!" Scootaloo said with a snarl, her cheeks started turning bright red from being laughed at by her two friends. They still laughed, not caring in the slightest if they got death glares from Scootaloo.

Fluttershy approached her with a sweet smile, giggling lightly at the dress she was wearing, "Don't be upset, Scootaloo. I think it looks adorable on you," Fluttershy complimented. If anything, the little filly looked somewhat like a princess with that dress on.

Scootaloo looked away and blushed beet red, "Thanks, Fluttershy," she said in a near quiet tone. She felt so embarrassed in the dress. First her friends, now Fluttershy. Who's next on the list, Rainbow Dash? She hoped to Celestia and Luna that Rainbow Dash doesn't walk through that door. If she saw her in this dress, she'd never let her live it down and the embarrassment won't leave her for years to come.

Fluttershy smiled reassuringly at Scootaloo before looking at Rarity and watched her walk to her desk, putting her threads and needles back near the sewing machine. She walked back to her and sighed softly, happy and relieved to have her dress done.

Rarity looked at the three fillies, feeling mesmerized by her work and how adorable they looked in them, "Alright, I think we're done for today, girls," She said before she glanced at Fluttershy, "Now, are you sure you want to do this, Fluttershy?" she nervously asked. The story Fluttershy told her about with the Cockatrice made her worry and stress a bit. As much as she and Sweetie Belle get in fights most of the time, Rarity still loves her younger sister; she would be devastated if her little sister got hurt. 

"Oh, of course. Don't worry Rarity," Fluttershy said in a soft tone, trying to comfort and reassure her friend, "Everything will be fine. They know not to go out at night." She looked at the CMC, "Right, girls?"

"Right!" They said sitting down in front of the older mares.

Fluttershy smiled and was thrilled to foalsit them again. She thought it was also a wonderful way to secretly bond with her daughter, but her conscious told her to withdraw herself from telling Scootaloo the truth; she felt like she wasn't ready, yet. Why can't she just flat out tell her right now? It's as simple as the alphabet. Maybe it's because she didn't want to see her daughter's reaction or something? The pain from these thoughts almost got to Fluttershy when Rarity spoke out and brought her back to reality, again.

"Oh, I almost forgot, Fluttershy went out of her way and bought a present for each of you," She said as her horn flashed a light blue. The three fillies watched as Rarity levitated three small pajamas off her back, "She was so kind to buy these three for each of you."

Sweetie Belle smiled at her music note covered pajamas then glanced at Fluttershy, and happily said, "Thanks, Fluttershy."

Applebloom looked at her pajamas and noticed apples on it. She smiled with joy, and said, "Thank you, Fluttershy." 

Scootaloo smiled at her sky blue pajamas. She saw lightning bolts on each side with two holes on the back to fit her wings through. She looked at Fluttershy with a giddy and thankful smile. "Yeah, thanks, Fluttershy. This is awesome!"

"You're welcome, girls" Fluttershy replied with a shine on her face, happy to see them smile. It even warmed she heart twice as much knowing she made her daughter happier than she's ever been. The time was almost upon them, "Are you three ready?" she asked.

"Wait! Before they do, they need to take the dresses off first," Rarity said.

The fillies glanced at themselves and carefully removed their dresses. Rarity then used her magic to levitate the dresses over to three small mannequins and very carefully placed them down. She placed the high heels next to the stands as her magic on her horn faded away.

Sweetie Belle looked at Rarity with an eager face, "Does this mean…" Scootaloo and Applebloom were eager to know, too. They had sleepovers before and had tons of fun, but having a sleepover at Fluttershy's cottage was more special to them than anywhere else they planned to sleepover. The peaceful vibe around her cottage was strong, there was a lot of room for them and the animals were friendly and fun to play with; even carnivores like bears and pythons were friendly around the cottage.

Fluttershy was eager to know, too. Even though she knew the answer Rarity was going to say, she still loved the suspense. And at this rate, it seemed Rarity was making a long dramatic pause; she knew exactly what she was doing, and it was really starting to get to the fillies. But it sure was adorable to see the little ones in such suspense and getting excited in such a way.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Rarity looked back and smiled at them, "Oh, alright. Go have fun at Fluttershy's, and be careful."

And just like that, the CMC cheered with pure excitement as they shouted, "Cutie Mark Crusaders: Slumber party at Fluttershy's," and rushed out the door.

Fluttershy giggled and walked away, but stopped to look back at Rarity, "I promise nothing bad will happen to Sweetie Belle this time." She would also make sure Elizabeak stays inside her chicken coop this time. 

Rarity nodded and gave her a trusting smile "I know. I completely trust you, Fluttershy."

Fluttershy exited Rarity's room with the pajamas in her bag and walked out of the boutique where the three hyperactive fillies bounced around in circles, giggling excitedly and frantically. "Ok girls, front and center," Fluttershy said in her soft voice which got them to do so as came up to her and sat down forming a straight line. They stared and listened to what Fluttershy had to say; she appreciated their obedience. A sign that they remembered their lesson and were cooperating this time.

"Alright girls, you ready?" They nod their heads eagerly at her. Fluttershy smiled and walked ahead with fillies behind her. As they did, deep down, Fluttershy was just as happy as the fillies. She could bounce off the walls; she was that happy. She would finally have more time to spend with Scootaloo that she could shed tears of joy, but then she thought to herself that telling Scootaloo the truth would be her first priority. Maybe when the time was right; that idea still lingered in her head, and she would tell her eventually. But when they get home in the meantime, she would have to get them settled first, then have loads of fun with them and hope nothing bad will happen again once she watched them.

They walked over the small bridge with the smaller creek underneath. Fluttershy and the CMC walked up to her cottage door and was about to open it when she noticed nightfall slowly approaching. Fluttershy looked at the falling sun and glanced at the beautiful evening scenery for a few seconds then looked away with a smile. ‘Home Sweet Home', she blissfully thought; it's a walk away from Ponyville and close by the Everfree, but it was home to her.

She opened the door as she and the three happy fillies walked into the cottage she called home. When Fluttershy walked inside and closed the door, she looked at the fillies and gave them a friendly smile as she watched them sit in the middle of the cottage. She approached them and asked, "Okay, girls, we have a few hours to spare. What do you want to do first?" she sat down in front of them.

They put on their thinking caps and tried to think of some ideas.

"Um, we could play a game," Applebloom suggested being the first to talk.

"But what should we play?" Scootaloo asked with a questioned look.

Fluttershy and the fillies took their time and thought up ways to play games, but nothing came to mind. Fluttershy thought about playing cards with them, but she doesn't have any cards. Maybe tag! Then again, most of the stuff in her home is pretty fragile.

It wasn't long before the fillies' presence didn't go unnoticed. Fluttershy's animal friends started peeking from their hiding spots within the cottage, they were happy to see their beloved caretaker was home, but they quickly noticed she brought company. 

Sweetie Belle felt a little rubbing against her flank and looked down to see an adorable kitty with a blue bow, purring up at her with such a sweet cat-smile. She gasped and squealed as she picked up the kitten, falling under the adorable spell it has cast on her, "Kitty!"

Fluttershy noticed the kitten and smiles as she approached Sweetie Belle, "Aww, hello Mina. Did you come to say hello to Sweetie Belle? Did you, girl?" Mina purred, rubbing her cheek against the little unicorn and Fluttershy's cheeks, causing some giggle-fests out of the two.

Applebloom noticed and, with a bit of wide eyes, looked around and saw other animals were coming out of their hiding spots, to probably examine her and her friends. She suddenly felt a bit jumpy, they may have done a sleepover here before, but the only animals they had gotten to see were Elizabeak and her fellow chickens. The other animals didn't show themselves like this last time, "F-Fluttershy, Scootaloo… d-don't think y'all noticed by now..."

Scootaloo quickly noticed their company and curled up a bit, startled by their sudden approaching. She finished Applebloom's thought, speaking to Fluttershy as she pointed to their approaching company of the cottage, "But I think we're surrounded."

Surprised, Fluttershy looked around to see her creatures were coming out from all sides to see the three little ones. She realized quickly and giggled, smiling at the three foals, "Aw, they want to say hello, too," She patted her little bunny friends as they hop forward, "They didn't get to properly met you the last time you came here for a sleepover."

Clucking filled Applebloom's ears and turning her head, she grinned when she saw a familiar chicken among the animals – and the chicken seemed to be smiling at her and her friends, "Elizabeak!" 

The chicken strutted up to the farm filly and cuddled up to her, clucking in greeting, allowing her to pet her feathers. Applebloom giggled from the tickly feeling around her hoof by the chicken's feathers. She felt more familiar with Elizabeak since she and her family have chickens on their farm, "Haven't seen you in a while." Elizabeak clucked in response, agreeing with her.

Scootaloo, at first, was a teeny bit hesitant since her friends were approached by familiar types of animals, while the other creatures were getting a bit too close for comfort. She squeaked a little when she spotted a spider crawl near her, "Eek!" she would've screamed, if not for said spider to offer a little daffodil to her with what seemed to be a smile on its face.
"Oh!" She blinked in surprise. She was a bit worried that the spider would try to bite her, but instead, it was being friendly and offered her a flower, probably to try and be friends with her. "Um… thanks," She took it from the arachnid's leg.

Fluttershy smiled and giggled at this interaction, glad that her animals are befriending the little fillies, "Looks like Charlotte likes you, Scootaloo." A green hummingbird playfully buzzed over to the orange filly and playfully buzzed his wings against hers, causing those wings to buzz in response just like his wings are. The hummingbird made laugh-like chirps as Fluttershy laughed a bit, too, "And so does Hummingway!"

"Imagine my delight," Scootaloo teased with her lips stuck out in a pucker, a bit bashful that she had gotten startled by Fluttershy's animal friends when it turned out that they didn't mean any real harm. She blushed a bit faintly and waved a hoof at the other animals as they examine her, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle, "H-Hello there."

Fluttershy smiled at her friends and explained, "I'm pretty sure Elizabeak told you about these little fillies: Scootaloo, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle." A few of the smaller animals nodded while the bigger ones shrugged. "They're going to having a sleepover here at the cottage, isn't that delightful?"

The animals made a chorus of noises; they seemed to sound pleased to have some friends over for the night.

Sweetie Belle smiled excitedly as she looked around at the creatures before looking at Fluttershy, stricken by an idea. "Fluttershy, can we play with your animals?"

The other two smile hopefully and nod at Fluttershy, wanting to play around with her animal friends since they didn't get acquainted with one another during their last sleepover here.

This request came as a surprise to Fluttershy. While she knew her companions are sweet and friendly around here at the cottage due to all the care and kindness she's been giving them – this was the first time some little ones wanted to actually play with them. Even her creatures were a bit stumped, they were familiar with the term ‘play', but it surprised them to learn that these little fillies wanted to play with them.

"Well, we have enough time, a-as long as you all behave yourselves, it's alright with me," She sheepishly blushed and gazed at her critters, hopefully, "You all wouldn't mind some playtime with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, would you?"

Checking the sky, the animals saw they still had enough time before bedtime, so that could be a good idea. They exchanged looks with one another and utter out separate noises while conversing with each other. It took a minute or two before looking back at their caretaker with smiles and nods.

The fillies cheered gleefully, although a bit too loud for the smaller creatures as the mice and bunnies held their sensitive ears from the cheering. This change of events brought relief to Fluttershy, she worried if they didn't come up with a game soon, they would've wasted the entire time here in the living room. She took them out back since it provided some extra space before reminding them all, "Now be careful. Try not to hurt one another." 

While she knew that the animals could take care of themselves, she didn't want harm to come to Sweetie Belle, Applebloom and her little Scootaloo and the animals themselves due to too much rough play. Thankfully, they all agreed and rushed onto the grassy field to start playing.

"Kiss your butt goodbye, Grizzler the Terrible!" Scootaloo spouted as she held a long stick and a pillow like a sword and shield while wearing her trusty helmet, acting like a brave knight.

The bear she faced mock roared at her while Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were hiding in his cave, guarded by Angel along with Mr. Slithers and a few of his friends, acting as a block off. 

"Save us, Scootaloo!" Sweetie Belle giggled lightly, having a lot of fun acting like a captive princess since she knew it was all just pretend.

"Or Grizzler will keep us locked up forever!" Applebloom giggled as well, it was kind of funny seeing Scootaloo face off against one of the largest land animals.

Earlier, it was just a few of the ferrets, bunnies and mice playing chase with them, then it started sprucing up when Mr. Slithers allowed them to swing on his tail when he coiled up in a tree. After that, an eagle and hawk gave Sweetie Belle and Applebloom a first-look at how flying feels like by taking them in their talons and flying into the sky, which earned them some excited squealing. 

Scootaloo was amazed by the other bigger animals that were keeping watch – like the lounging lioness, or a sneaky crocodile that believed he could fool her by staying still long enough for her to come close, or the near wolf pack that stayed close by while the pups play as well. But when she bumped into a grizzly bear, she had a near panic-attack until she saw the large mammal seemed gentle and wanting to play as well, much to her surprise. 

After a glance at Fluttershy and earning the green-light, believing this to be a onetime thing since she was safe with Fluttershy around – should something go wrong – she and her friends started playing a new game: Princesses and the Knight. Apparently, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom were to play the damsels in distress, a few of the volunteering animals were to prove as the lookouts while the bear acts like a dragon, a final boss of sorts and Scootaloo gets to play as the knight since they couldn't see her as playing the princess role due to how ‘lame' and ‘sappy' they get. They agreed that Fluttershy gets to be the Queen since her kindness seems to match the behavior of a queen.

"Back! Back, horrible beast!" She danced around, looking for an opening as she and her ‘opponent' circled one another while Fluttershy watched in absolute amusement as the shy mare couldn't stop giggling at this adorable game, especially when she saw Scootaloo give chase towards her bear friend as she swung her ‘sword'. They neared her and the search for an opening continued with her daughter.

"Oh, please, save ‘my' little princesses, Knight Scootaloo!" Fluttershy playfully spouted while her daughter searched her opponent for an ‘attack' before finally seizing it, smacking his paw with her stick.

He yelped and grasped his paw as he stepped back, yipping in ‘pain' – which Fluttershy understood as actually being playful whining, childishly complaining of that shot not being fair. 

Scootaloo grinned in victory, leaping for joy, "YEAH!" She smirked as she approached, making poking motions with her stick, "Now I've gotcha, Grizzler!" Her opponent then put on quite an act as he seemed to beg for her mercy before acting like he got stabbed, placing the stick under his arm while making it appear like he got stabbed through, before collapsing and playing dead. 

Her two friends cheer for her ‘victory' as she stood victoriously, "You did it, Knight Scootaloo!"

Fluttershy smiled warmly at them as they were all enjoying themselves before she noticed the sky had darkened over their playtime.

The sun had finally set, letting the moon slowly climb its way to create its dark sky, and replace the sun's place. 

"Oh my… it's getting late," Three tired yawns suddenly filled her ears. She turned to see three heads hang down displaying droopy, heavy eyes. She smiled warmly and walked up to them, "I think it's time you three-" she placed a hoof over her mouth and yawned, getting tired herself "-went to bed." 

Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo looked up at Fluttershy with soft disappointed ‘aww's'  and wanted to refuse, but their heavy eyes and constant yawning proved otherwise. Fluttershy giggled at the cute sight and would simply d'aww over this, but motherly instincts kicked in as she walked up to the tired fillies and gently nudged her head against them, "Come on fillies, time for bed." They looked at her groggily, but got up and walked back inside to go upstairs to Fluttershy's room. Fluttershy walked behind them to make sure they don't pass out right away. 

She smiled tiredly over her shoulder at her critters who too started to get sleepy, due to spending all that extra energy on playtime, "I'll be back to make sure you're all tucked in bed." They nodded, smiling tiredly back at her as she followed after the fillies.

As they walk to the door, Fluttershy walked around the tired fillies and opened the door to her bedroom, then walked in. She walked up to her bed and unfolded her bed sheets for them. The CMC immediately walked up and climbed into the soft bed as Fluttershy covered them under the bed sheets. Applebloom fell asleep almost immediately the moment the covers ate her body. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo stood strong and fought their heavy eyes. But sadly, Sweetie Belle closed her eyes and succumbed to dreamland when her head met with the pillow, falling asleep next to Applebloom. Whatever Fluttershy did to those bed sheets, it felt as soft as a cloud.

Fluttershy smiled warmly and quietly walked away, but stopped when a groggy, soft voice called to her, "Good night, Fluttershy." She looked back and gazed at Scootaloo smiling faintly before falling asleep next to her friends.

Fluttershy smiled a bit and felt her heart warm up, "Good night, Scootaloo." She walked back to the fillies and gave them gentle, quick kisses to their foreheads, her lips lingering on Scootaloo's head for a little longer before walking away, then quietly closing the door behind her. She walked down the hall with a slight heavy sigh.

Angel sat down on the living room floor and waited impatiently for Fluttershy. Lucky for him, he didn't have to wait long as he saw Fluttershy walk down the stairs and towards the couch with her head hung down and her face covered from view by her mane. Angel sternly hopped up to Fluttershy to tell her to help put him to sleep. He stopped and growled but he perked his ears and widen his eyes in shock when he heard sniffles and choppy breaths coming from Fluttershy which contorted his mood from stern to caring. He watched as Fluttershy climbed onto her couch and lied down, softly bawling in her arms. The white rabbit lowered his ears and hopped towards his owner. As much of a tough guy he thinks he is, seeing his owner cry really made things go downhill for him, and it's usually his and the other animal's job to cheer their caretaker up. He jumped up on the couch and stood in front of her, rubbing her hoof softly and looking at her with caring, sad eyes.

Fluttershy stopped her crying and looked at Angel with teary eyes, and sniffled, "Oh Angel, I-I'm sorry," She apologized for not noticing him before, but she had to get this off her chest. "I'm really glad you and the animals pitched in like that. I almost didn't know what to do," she said softly. "My child is here with me, again, and it almost didn't go like how it should," She sniffled, wiping the trails of tears off her cheeks, "I wanted to have fun with her. And if you and the others didn't interfere, we would've just wasted so much time doing nothing." She was relieved that they came to the rescue in a way as several tears slid down her cheeks. 

Depression was about to take its toll on the poor mare until Angel rubbed Fluttershy's hoof and then he smiled lightly at her while brushing her mane, he was telling her that he didn't mind coming to the rescue with the other animals for once. While he preferred playing with her, he allowed himself to swallow some of his dignity and aid in playing with the kids until it was bedtime. He then gestured her about what she should do, and reassured her that there was still plenty of time to tell Scootaloo.

Fluttershy smiled a little, "Y-you're right Angel, I should tell her tomorrow, but what if she doesn't believe me?" She pondered about it, looking worried before nearly going into a panic. "What if she thinks I'm just a crazy mare? I just… I just…" Angel stopped her from going any further by placing a paw on her muzzle and gesturing her to take a deep breath and pointed to a box on top the shelf next to the stairs.

Fluttershy did so and took a gentle, deep breath before looking at her pet with calming eyes before Angel released her muzzle so she could look back at the shelf and eye the box. Fluttershy didn't know what to think at first, but a click brought a certain memory back, "Oh, I almost forgot about that," she turned to look at Angel before nuzzling against him as she calms down, "I guess I'm getting too worked up over this," she sighed then said, "But it's just so pressuring. I want to see her reaction, but I'm also nervous, too." 

Angel gestured to her again, this time pretending to snore.

"Yeah, you're right. I should get some sleep. I'll tell her when I think the time is right," She smiled softly at him as he gave her a thumbs up.

With that approval, she quickly went back out to make sure the critters got into their respective den, cove or nest to sleep for a new day. She smiled gratefully at them for their efforts today, "Thank you all, my furry, feathery and slithery friends. You kinda saved the day somewhat." They coo, hissed, squeaked and growled in chorus, they were glad that they could help. In fact, they actually kind of enjoyed this little experience themselves. 
It wouldn't hurt to do this again sometime.

Fluttershy smiled and made sure they were all cozy before bidding them each goodnight, heading back inside for her couch. She yawned lightly as Angel hopped up next to her and cuddling against her fur as she curled up. She smiled at him and wiped any remaining tears off from her face. She laid her head down on the couch pillow and drifted away into dreamland. 

"Soon, my little Scootaloo. Soon."
> The Truth Revealed
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was dark, but it was eerily calm. No crickets were singing this time, yet the light of the moon was the only light source. Its source managed to awaken Scootaloo from her sleep.

"Ugh, my head. I guess I shouldn't have gotten so wild with those animals," She felt a bit dizzy and had a slight headache from all that excitement from playing with Fluttershy's animal friends with Fluttershy, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle.

It wasn't long before she took notice of her surroundings.

"W-Where am I?" Scootaloo said as she sat up and rubbed her head. When she had opened her eyes, she found she was not in Fluttershy's cottage, or in the orphanage. She looked around confusingly and could barely see a thing in front of her; not even her own hoof, it was so dark. "Hello?!" she called out while getting up. "Is anypony there?" 

But no answer came when she called out. It started to make her feel a little nervous. She was not in a familiar location, it was dark and needless to say, for a filly her age, that no doubt will start getting someone a little frightened. She gazed behind, but only saw an empty trail, the bright moon being the only thing looking right back at her. "W-What's going on?" 

She moved forward and attempted to call once again, a bit of fear starting to tremble in her voice, "Girls?" She gulped lightly as she looked to the left, "F-Fluttershy?" She then looked to the right, but only more darkness could be seen. "R-Rarity? B-Big Mac?" She wanted someone to answer her; being alone in the dark in an unknown area has got to be the spookiest thing ever. She even called out for her idol, hoping to see her as she looked towards the cloudy sky, "Rainbow Dash?!"

But as she walked, she felt a hard, lumpy surface under her hoof. 

"What the heck?" she said as she felt the ground beneath her; which felt familiar. It wasn't wood like the tiles of a home or orphanage; it wasn't concrete like the streets of a town; actually, it was-- "Dirt?" Scootaloo cocked her head in even more confusion.

It was dirt, like the soft ground from out back of the cottage. Those gophers really thought ahead in hide and seek during their playtime. 

‘Okay, so, apparently I'm in the forest, now?' She thought in confusion, now managing to make out some trees and lumpy dirt that only a forest would have, until a sound emitted.

Her small right ear twitched as she heard a bush rustle a few feet away. She cautiously looked at the direction of the bush, "Who's there?" she nervously asked, but got no response. She approached the rustling bush to get a closer view of what could be in there, but hesitated to back up in case something did pop out; she didn't want to think about that too hard as she walked up to the rustling bush until it suddenly stopped and stood stiff like nothing ever happened. 

It was if it knew she was there…

Scootaloo leaned her head closer to the now visible bush and wondered what was inside, but the sound of eerie caws made her instantly freeze her body and caused her heart to skip a beat. Her eyes grew as big as dinner plates and her body shook, she fearfully looked up and examined her unwanted guests only to witness various numbers of red-eyed ravens perched on top of selected tree branches fearlessly look down at her and watch her every move, similar to Timberwolves and mountain lions. The dark, magenta sky covered their feathered, furry bodies to look like black silhouettes; the sight made it look like it came straight from a horror movie. 

And while unable to tell, it felt like they were frowning down upon her as they watch her closely, as if waiting for something to happen to her. 

‘P-Pull yourself together, Scootaloo! T-They're just stupid birds… with glaring red eyes… watching… my every move.' She gulped lightly as she tried to get a hold of herself. ‘They're just sitting there… menacingly.'
Scootaloo crouched down in fear and shook like a leaf. She was unaware of what the birds were going to do but she was reluctant to find out. She thought about asking them why they were here, but she could not cough up the words from not only fear, but from the fact that it'd be stupid on her part; very stupid. Plus, she couldn't speak animal, not the way Fluttershy can.

It didn't make the situation more comfortable when the shadow-cloaked birds beamed their stalking eyes at Scootaloo; it's as if they wanted something, and that something was right in their line of view. ‘What do they want?' She thought as she couldn't speak it out. This was getting major creepy for her. And she felt like if she and the birds stared at one another any longer, these creepy birds would dive down to devour her.

Scootaloo needed to get out of there, fast. But what could she do? Her body wasn't responding to her. Her legs wouldn't budge, and her wings were useless for flight. She tried in vain to scream for help, but her voice was trapped in her throat; all she could do was breathe out short, weak breaths. 

The wind started to pick up and gently blow through the surrounding area and distracted Scootaloo as it blew her mane up some, causing her to wince as leaves brushed past her. She gazed up to see the clouds slowly darkening the area as they threatened to remove the moon's light. 

It felt cold against her fur. The bush started to rustle again; she heard the rustle loud and clear and looked to the bush with wide, frightened eyes until a small black figure in the form of another raven flew out of the bush at her, cawing loudly. 

Her body finally reacted and caused Scootaloo to jump back and scream, startling the rest of the ravens into flying in the air and forming a massive, horrifying cloud of black. 

Like demons fresh out of Tartarus. And if that wasn't enough, they formed together and started taking a dive right at the filly!

The sound of caws echoed as the ravens flew straight at Scootaloo. She screamed bloody murder as she quickly turned and ran for her life, her hooves skid across the ground and kicked up dirt before galloping away from the sound of wings flapping right behind her. 

Following the dirt path, Scootaloo ran as fast as she could as she screamed at the top of her lungs, her efforts were ultimately futile as the ravens caught up to her; one of them having their beak close to her tail as it tried snapping it on her tail. Desperately, she tried using her wings to fly. "Come on, you stupid wings! Fly! Fly!" She desperately spouted at her wings as they buzzed, trying to get in the air. "Fly!" But as always, her tiny wings were useless and could not support her body weight as she dropped down to the ground. 

"Help me!" she called out to anyone who could hear her, but the only response she received was the caws gaining up on her, "Somepony, help me!"

She ran and ran, but no matter how fast she went the carnivorous ravens were on her tail. She shed a tear and thought that this could be the end. She ran as far as she could but just when the leader of the ravens was just about to grab hold of her with its talons as it dove in close – suddenly, unknowingly, and miraculously, she fell in a large hole and tumbled down its tunnel as she yelped and squeaked while tumbling, the leader of the flock barely missing her as those talons scraped dirt in her place before joining the rest of the flock. 

The ravens flew over the hole and disappeared into the eternal night; their caws fading away.

Scootaloo grunted and yelped as she rolled and toppled down the tunnel before finally reaching the end, "Whoa!" she fell out of a short hillside and landed on her face and chest before laying flat on the ground. Not one of her best graceful landings.

With a grunt of pain from the tumble, she righted herself and sat on her haunches, rubbing her head groggily.

"Ow, my aching everything," she shook her head to clear it up from that unexpected tumble – well, at least she got away from those ravens, "Wh-where am I?" she opened her eyes to see where she was, but her vision was clouded by leaves and twigs. 

She groaned again and realized she had toppled herself inside a bush. "It's just a…" She growled lightly. Of all the places to land in, it had to be a bush. "Aw, gimme a break… Gimme a break!" She scowled and scuffled with loose twigs and leaves to get them out of her mane until…

"~Scootaloo~"

"Huh?" She said as she quickly crawled her way out of the bush and scanned the area around her. "T-That voice," She recognized that voice from her last dream. It was that same gentle voice of that mystery mare that called to her in the orphanage.

"~I'm here, it's me~"

But as she looked around, all she could see were trees, more bushes and another dirt path leading to Celestia knows where. 

"Oh great, another trail," Scootaloo said under her tongue, "What's next, a fork in the road?" she hung her head, unamused and annoyed. She gazed at the dirt road and looked both ways, wondering which one to take; more importantly, which one leads the way home?

"Which way do I go?" she asked herself quietly while trying not to draw any attention that might loom around her.

She placed a hoof on her chin and thought about which direction to take. She grunted in frustration; the decision was overwhelming her. If she chose the wrong path she could be lost in this forest forever and never find her way home. She glared at her wings and flapped them as hard as she could. They only buzzed behind her and never took her more than a few inches into the air before dropping her back down. 

She growled in frustration then sighed in defeat. She couldn't fly even if she tried. She almost got attacked by birds, she fell down a hole and now she's caught in a hard decision. She sighed again and sat down then dipped her head, feeling hope just slip away. Her ears twitched when a gentle whisper chimed in her ears…

"~Come to me, Scootaloo~"

Scootaloo perked her ears up and beamed her head steady to the left side of the path, then listened closely for the voice. Faintly, she heard the voice call out to her, again.

"~Scoo… ta… loo~"

Scootaloo gasped in shock and widened her eyes.

"~Hello…~"

That voice… there was no mistaking it. "M-Mother?" she said as she ran on the gravel path and rushed towards the source of the voice, hoping her would be there. She was now more determined than she had ever been, and nothing will stop from reaching her goal; not even those stupid ravens.

A large winged shadow flew high above the sky and disappeared over the trees.

Scootaloo ran farther down the path. Her determination growing stronger by the minute. She felt like she was getting close, closer to finding the voice; her mother's voice. Her face grew a smile of excitement and confidence. The adrenaline was pumping her blood, making her go almost as fast as Rainbow Dash had as a filly. 

She could feel the rush flowing throughout her body as she ignored what was around her. Further and further she went; she felt like she was drawing closer to the end of her trail—boy was her ever-so-wrong-- she skids across the dirt as she stopped in front of an unwanted view that reared its ugly head in the form of a three-way fork-in-the-road.

Scootaloo widened her eyes in disbelief from this unexpected turn-of-events. She jerked her head at the three paths and gazed at them in major confusion. "Oh, come on!" she shouted, desperately trying to choose which path to go. Left, middle, right, she couldn't decide which path to go on. She started to panic and stamp her hooves on the ground over and over as she spun a little, "I had to jinx it… I just had to jinx it, didn't I?!" 

She thought she was gonna lose it, until she faintly heard the voice, again.

"~Come to me, my child~"

She beamed her eyes in the direction it had come from, the closest one near her.

Right!

She dashed on the right path at the pace she did before, but she suddenly stumbled upon a few obstacles in her way. 

She eyed them and tried to be as athletic like Rainbow Dash so she could avoid and brave the obstacles; she succeeded. She jumped over a log, ducked and dodged hanging tree branches and maneuvered away from tripping rocks. She ran past a couple of nesting ravens perched on a branch, giving her multiple cold, blood-thirsty stares. 

She gasped a bit at the sight of the carnivorous birds, but quickly shook herself out of her fear and pressed on, never stopping until she reached her destination. The ravens cawed at her to try and scare her, but that still wasn't going to stop Scootaloo no matter what. 

The leader of the flock landed before her and glared those cold, blood-thirsty eyes at her as the bird blocked her path. Scootaloo gasped lightly. She almost backed up in fear and would've turned and ran the other way if not for the memory of the soft voice of her mother calling to her. She glared as she gained the strength and courage to stand up against this bird of nightmares. "No!" 

The raven's expression momentarily changed, those glaring eyes melting into shocked, albeit frightened eyes – as if it had not expected Scootaloo to buck up and stand up to it. 

"I'm not gonna let you stop me from seeing…my…mom!" Scootaloo shouted at the bird as she backed up before charging and leaped over the bird, landing behind it and continuing her run. 

When she was out of sight, the ravens flew away and vanished into the night sky and became one with the darkness.

Scootaloo ran further down the path and unknowingly and ultimately tripped over a small dent in the ground, causing her to stumble face-first again; she skids a bit and ruffled up her snout and fur. She slowly lifted herself back up and sat down on her haunches, rubbing her snout. 

"Ow!" She grunted softly before she opened her eyes and slowly regained her vision. "Again!" She was getting a teeny bit annoyed with how often that she is falling on her face right now. She stood back up and continued her pursuit until a very peculiar aroma flew in the air and into her nostrils. She stopped again and took in a whiff of what grabbed her muzzle; it doesn't smell like flowers, nor does it smell like the usual scents she smelled in Ponyville. It smelt more like…

"Water?" 

She smelled the air, again, before following the scent to its source, stepping off the gravel path and into more bushes. She stopped and groaned in annoyance, "Not more bushes!" she said before closing her eyes and shrugged. 

If she wanted to know where the smell was coming from, she had to get through those bushes. She was relieved they weren't thorn bushes, those ones hurt; that was a plus, at least.

"Whatever," she opened her eyes and carefully walked into the bushes, swimming through leaves and twigs; a few twigs nearly got caught her tail, but she pressed on. She soon ventured into some tall grass, but she still pushed her way through and ignored what was around her. 

That is until the sound of rushing water filled her ears. 

"Huh?" her curiosity grew stronger as she pushed herself harder through the annoying foliage. The sound of water grew louder until she pushed herself through one last bust and finally reached the end of her grass blockade.

When she walked out of the grass, Scootaloo kicked the leaves and twigs off her fur legs and tail before she gazed straight ahead, and what she saw was a sight to behold. A waterfall with clear water gently crashing into a medium-sized lake with a stream flowing in a small, smooth river. It seemed twenty-four-feet tall and looked as if no hoof has ever touched it. Foliage covered the edges and was topped with many different flowers on the vines and branches. It was beautiful. How has nopony ever found this place? But more importantly, did her 'mother' lead her here? Is she around? A glow emitted from the moon and illuminated brightly off the crystal clear water. Water droplets flew into the air from the clashing waters and made the moonlight shine on them, setting an illusion to trick Scootaloo into thinking she was looking at tiny stars soaring in the air before disappearing. It was calming to look at and it actually took away the stress she dealt with when dealing with those ravens. It almost felt worth it.

She sat on the edge that connected the waterfall and the stream and listened to the soothing waters, watching its hypnotic beauty. Wherever she was, she was glad she stumbled on this. It was a good change from what she had been through.

Scootaloo then peered at the flowing stream and eyed the direction it was heading. She got up and took one step until the gentle voice called out her name…

"~Scootaloo~"

She immediately stopped and looked around the waterfall, "Mother! Mother, where are you?" she cried out but received no response.

Scootaloo lowered her ears and hung her head, feeling that crushing feeling of being alone just like she had felt from the previous dream. She had been so close… and yet so far. She sniffled a bit before eyeing the stream in front of her. 

With no other options left, she decided to walk and follow the gentle stream in hopes of finding what she was looking for. Or, what little hope there was left. She looked down at the stream as walked and gazed at her reflection, watching the waving, dancing water. She noticed the moon's reflection floating high in the sky shining and glowing its beauty down on the land, brightening everything for Scootaloo to see. Yet all she saw was the glittering water sparkle from her eyes; she couldn't look away from it. She thought about taking a break to enjoy nature's music and let it calm her down, but she was still determined to find her mother. She's calling out to her and she won't stop until she finds her. She looked away and pressed on.

Time passed and there seemed to be no end to this stream. Scootaloo stopped to rest and take a breath. She sat down and hung her head, thinking that following this stream was pointless now. She had hoped it would give her at least some sign, any sign that she was getting close to home or at the very least close to her mother – but sadly, there was no dice.

She felt like she was getting nowhere, "Where are you, mom?" She was lost, alone, still a bit scared but was trying to be brave. But how is she going to find her mother now?

She sighed and lifted her head up until her eyes widen in shock and disbelief and gasped. 

There, a few feet in front her, with the moon almost blinding her with its light as it shined on, was a shadowy figure sitting next to the stream, looking down at the flowing water as it shimmered. The figure was shaped like a mare.

Scootaloo smiled a wide, excited grin as hope finally gave her the wish she wanted, "Mommy!" she dashed toward the mare with glossy eyes. At last, she finally found her! She was so close, she could almost cry!

Her mind was filled with bliss and happiness. After so many years of hoping, pleading and begging when no one was looking, she'd get to see her mother for the first time and she'll actually get to see who it was and what she looked like.

"Mommy! It's you!" She got the boost she needed and made it the mare. "Mommy!" She rushed up, closing the distance between them and hugged the mare joyously. "I can't believe it! Mommy, I found you!" She started nuzzling the mare happily, her wings buzzing out of happiness, "Where have you—" but something didn't feel quite right.  The mare felt smooth, but she also felt hard and stiff to the touch, not to mention she was ice-cold, not warm the way she imagined. "Mom?" Scootaloo released the mare and slowly backed away to see what was going on. 

The rising moon shined down its light on the mare and all the hope Scootaloo felt just shattered to dust. Her heart sank like a stone and the need to cry was all she could feel. Scootaloo felt devastated as the light from the moon revealed to her the mare was not what she seemed…

"You're not my mother… you're just a rock," she said in a depressed tone.

Her ears flat against her skull, Scootaloo lowered her head as tears began to drip from the side of her face. She slowly crushed her eyelids and quivered her lower jaw; she was trying so hard not to cry. She wanted to be strong like Rainbow Dash because Rainbow Dash never cried in the face of adventure. 

But all that trouble to follow what she thought was her mother's voice ended up bringing her to a cold, lifeless rock. It was as if fate was mocking her now. But the pain she was feeling was all-too-real, the pain of a broken heart, and the unbearable feeling of failure.

She had failed to find her mother. All this horror she had gone through to find her, only to lead her to this.  She decided to give up her search as her heart broke into two. Her hope drained and sank down into the river. Her struggle not to cry was all in vain; her lips quivered and her breaths became choppy. The pain was excruciating.

Poor Scootaloo screamed out in pain at the night sky and bawled out of anger and sadness, "Mommy! Where are you?!" Another single tear slid down her cheek and dropped to the ground. As expected, no such answer came – once again, she was all alone.

She shook her head in heartbreak and denial before the anguish took over her voice. 

"MOMMY!!!!" the young filly brokenheartedly yelled out into the night one last time before collapsing, curling up into a little ball, and planting her head in her arms, crying in front of the mare-shaped stone. 

Poor Scootaloo… she missed her mommy so much… she had been so excited to finally find her, but it seemed it was all for nothing as a stone resembling her mom stood before her. She was in so much grief that in one last act of gaining comfort, the filly despondently nuzzled against the mare-shape stone as if to get the darn thing to come alive and wrap her up in an embrace.

She hardly noticed that a shimmer of light gave off from the moon, nor the figure that approached out of that shimmer, coming towards her crying figure.

A light silver glittered hoof suddenly appeared and placed itself on Scootaloo's shoulder. She gasped and jumped her head up and looked to her left to see a blurry figure stand next to her; her eyes still puffy and red from crying, making it hard to tell who it was. The mystery figure removed its hoof off of her shoulder as she rubbed her tears away so she can see who was next to her. Scootaloo blinked a few times before eyeing the figure, only to get a huge surprise.

Scootaloo gasped softly, "P-Princess Luna?"

"Hello, Scootaloo," Luna greeting in a soft, friendly tone.

"What are you doing here?" Scootaloo asked as she sat back up and gazed at the night princess.

Luna gave her a small smile, and said, "I came here because your dream summoned me."

Scootaloo sniffled and looked at her, confused, "what do you mean?"

"I felt a small wave of force during my travels through the dream realm," She said. "It led me to believe something was wrong, so I followed its trail and it brought me to your dream."

Scootaloo perked her ears and gasped at the revelation, looking around the area, "I'm… dreaming? But it seems so real." No wonder nopony had answered her when she was calling – she was dreaming!

"Yes, dreams do have that effect on every pony; I've had experiences with other ponies having these situations as you do, but it only happens to them once," Luna said, explaining to Scootaloo as the young filly frowned and looked back at the ground.

"Well, this is the second time it has happened to me."

Luna raised a surprised brow, "Twice? That is some unique news, Scootaloo."

Scootaloo looked back up at Luna flabbergasted and asked in a sad tone, but with determination returning, "What does it mean? Why am I having this dream again?" 

Luna placed a hoof on her chin and tried her best to come up with an answer for Scootaloo, "Well," she looked back at the filly, and asked, "Before I answer, would thou please tell me your first dream?"

Scootaloo nodded and told Luna all the details she could remember about her previous dream; where she told her about the orphanage, the mare's voice and the silhouette, and how it all lead her to believed it could be her mother.

Luna nodded and continued to listen, "I see." She started to get the diagnosis of what Scootaloo was saying and going through, but she let the filly finish her story before she could speak.

"After that, I woke up and told my friends about it, Rarity, Big Mac, and now you," she said, panting a bit to catch her breath.

Luna nodded again, "I believe I know what you're dealing with Scootaloo," she said in a calm tone, with a soft little smile that brought comfort to the young. 

"What, what is it?" she said as she stood up, ready to hear Luna's answer.

Luna smiled proudly and happily said, "Your dreams are giving you a message, Scootaloo."

"A message?" Scootaloo said as she tilted her head in confusion. 

Luna nodded once more, and explained, "Yes. It seems your dreams are trying to tell you that the answer you seek is closer than you think."

Scootaloo grunted in annoyance, "I don't understand, Luna!" she looked bemused at the princess. "You rhymed as if you took lessons from Zecora."

Luna sighed at Scootaloo's lack of understanding and patience but made it a bit more simpler for her, "Very well. What I'm trying to say is that your mother is not far; that's what your dreams are telling you"

Scootaloo relaxed and softly said, "Oh, okay," She chuckled a bit sheepishly before looking up at Luna with innocent eyes. "Sorry, Luna."

Luna smiles again, "It's quite alright, Scootaloo. I was like you when I was a filly." She ran her hoof gently through the young pegasus filly's mane, allowing a smile to grow on Scootaloo's face with new hope starting to grow.

A growing gust of wind flew through Scootaloo's dream. 

"Oh my, not this again," Luna said, concerned.

"What's going on, Princess Luna?" Scootaloo said as she blocked her eyes from the slowly roaring wind.

"I best be off, Scootaloo. More dreams are infested with nightmare-ish entities." She said as she turned to fly away.

"Wait!" Scootaloo called out. "What entities? What are you talking about?"

"It's best if you not know. Just beware of any eerie singing
and scraping claws." 

The princess of the night descended and soon disappeared as the wind suddenly died out.

Scootaloo scratched her head in confusion but shrugged it off before walking away. And seeing as how this was a dream, Scootaloo's smile grew back as she chuckled childishly. An imaginary Rainbow Dash soared down from the sky and scooped her up, flying her out of the forest and into the clouds. 

"Woohoo!"

***Fluttershy's Cottage. Almost afternoon***

"Scootaloo. Hey Scootaloo, wake up!" Applebloom said as she lightly shook Scootaloo.

Scootaloo struggled to open her heavy, tired eyelids. She rubbed her eyes before she let out a frustrated groan, "Applebloom, it's the middle of the night. Wake me up when it's morning," Scootaloo tossed her back at Applebloom and went back to sleep.

"But it is morning, Scootaloo," Applebloom raised an impatient brow, " It's eleven o'clock."

Scootaloo groaned again and tried to ignore Applebloom. Applebloom just sat there and sighed in annoyance at Scootaloo's stubborn behavior.
Sweetie Belle walked in and stood next to Applebloom, and asked: "Did you wake her yet?"

Applebloom shook her head, "No. She's just being stubborn like Applejack," she said groaning sigh as she and Sweetie Belle glared at Scootaloo with her back still turned to them.

Sweetie Belle puffed her cheeks and exclaimed with a squeak to her voice, "Come on, Scootaloo! Fluttershy gave us a job to do, and we need your help!" The orange filly stubbornly ignored them. She didn't want to do any work at all. Matter of fact, Fluttershy's bed was so comfortable she didn't want to get up; if Rainbow Dash was there, she'd be proud… and that mare sleeps on clouds, for goodness sake!

Sweetie Belle placed a hoof on her chin in thought until an idea popped into her skull. She leaned towards Applebloom and whispered in her ear.

Applebloom slowly nodded and grinned evilly at Sweetie Belle before the two devious fillies backed up from the unsuspected Scootaloo.

There was a sudden silence in Fluttershy's room. Scootaloo sighed happily at that and slept just as comfortably. Until a haunting thought revealed itself. Applebloom and Sweetie are suddenly quiet and she finally had peace.

Something was wrong here. 

Before she could open her eyes to check, two ear-piercing shouts and a pushing bump thrust her up in the air and immediately eyed the floor. She scrambled her hooves and comically fell flat on the floor with the sheets covering her.

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle laughed in hilarity as they sat up on Fluttershy's bed and looked down at a mumbling, frustrated Scootaloo. Scootaloo picked herself back up and glared at her friends.

"What was that for?!" she growled.

"We had to find some way to get you out of bed," Applebloom said before she chuckled at Scootaloo's bedhead.

"Come on! Fluttershy needs us to watch the house while she's taking care of her chickens; some of them laid eggs, I guess," Sweetie Belle said with a shrug.

Scootaloo shook her head to try and wake herself up; it barely worked. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle hopped off the bed and chuckled, glad that they finally got her lazy plot out of bed, feeling quite accomplished with themselves. 

She gave her friends an unamused look before they walked down the stair and into the living room; Fluttershy had already made brunch for them and placed them on a table in front of the couch. Cereal, toast, and haycakes.

Scootaloo perked her head up and smiled gleefully, "Yay, I'm starving." Her stomach growled loudly as she walked up to her food. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle followed her; their stomachs growled just as loud.

A few minutes passed by and the fillies finished their brunch and politely put their plates in the sink before walking back to the living room and sat down near the front door.

"So what do we do now?" Scootaloo asked as looked at her friends, pondering.

"I don't know," Sweetie Belle shrugged, "We could play a game."

"Yeah, but what game should we play?" Applebloom asked.

"Hide and seek?" Scootaloo suggested only receiving rejecting head shakes from the other two. "Well, then I got nothing." She folded her arms.

Applebloom thought hard until an idea popped into her head, "I know! Why don't we wrestle?"

Scootaloo beamed her eyes at Applebloom and smiled eagerly and determinedly, "Count me in. I've always wanted to know who'd beat who. But I think we all know who the clear winner would be," She boasted and pointed at herself.

Applebloom snorted, "Pfft, as if! I can take you down in seconds." She retaliated and took pride in herself that she knew she would beat her friends. Living on a farm with an overprotective, apple bucking older sister, an even older, hardworking brother and a massive amount of chores, she got plenty of exercise out of it. Applebloom smiled with confidence, she had that apple family pride course through her veins.

Sweetie Belle shook her head, "Count me out!" she said with a squeak to her voice. "I'm not getting involved in something like that." Unlike Applebloom and Scootaloo, she doesn't really take too kindly to physical play, because she doesn't want to get in trouble by Rarity and she was kind of fragile.

Scootaloo chuckled at what Sweetie Belle said, "Apple doesn't fall too far from the tree."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Sweetie Belle asked confused with her face scrunched up in slight anger.

"You and Rarity are a lot alike," Scootaloo said before posing by flicking her mane and fluffing it "'Oh dear, I do not wish to partake in such a rough game. It'll ruin my mane'" She teased, making a squeaky imitation of Rarity's voice.

"Hey! That's not the least bit true." Sweetie Belle said before she groaned in annoyance. "I just don't want to, okay!"

"Ha, whatever. What are you? Chicken?" Scootaloo said as she tauntingly bawked at Sweetie Belle.

Applebloom chuckled, "Leave her alone, Scootaloo. If she doesn't want to, she doesn't want to," She said defending Sweetie Belle and waving her hoof.

Scootaloo stopped and pouted, "Fine. Ruin my fun."

"Thanks, Applebloom." Sweetie thanked her but also gave Scootaloo a little raspberry for gaining victory over this round.

Applebloom nodded, "You can be the referee, Sweetie Belle," she suggested receiving agreeing nods from Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.

Both Scootaloo and Applebloom took opposite sides of the living room and faced one another. Sweetie Belle quickly moved the table was out of the way to make more room for her friends before climbing on to a chair and watched. 

They stretched their little legs and cracked their necks, determined to claim victory. No animals were in the house, which probably meant they were outside and having their own breakfast. Which also means hurting any of them is out of the question. Applebloom lowered her head and prepared to charge. Scootaloo did the same thing, raking her hoof across the floor and prepared a devastating charge. All they needed now was Sweetie Belle to give any form of signal.

The silence went on for another few minutes before Sweetie Belle gave the signal, "Go!"

Like miniature Minotaurs, both fillies charged at one another. Applebloom struck first and tackled Scootaloo and pinning her in a strong full nelson with a victorious smile, but unbeknownst to her, Scootaloo countered with a front roll, rolling them both over and slamming Applebloom on her back. 

The counter move forced her to let go of Scootaloo. Scootaloo quickly rolled away and got back on her hooves before jumping onto Applebloom and pinning her with all her strength.

Applebloom was caught off guard and struggled to free herself, but her arms got stuck under her friend's weight. Sweetie Belle made the countdown. Applebloom had to think of something quick or she'll lose. An idea suddenly popped into her brain. When in doubt; cheat. Applebloom slid her hind legs under Scootaloo's chest and stomach and, unknowingly, unintentionally and accidentally, kicked the orange filly in the air with big amount strength and sent her careening to a shelf holding a ton of boxes full of ornaments and books. She smacked onto the shelf and caused it to rock back and forth, rattling the ornaments that were free from their boxes. Thankfully, Scootaloo smacked against the small double wooden doors at the bottom.

Sweetie Belle gasped and rushed over to Scootaloo. Applebloom rolled back on her hooves and saw Scootaloo down and out. She widened her eyes and gasped before rushing to her fallen friend. 

Scootaloo slowly sat back up and rubbed the back of her head as her friends approached her.

"Scootaloo, are you alright?" Sweetie Belle asked concerned if her friend is hurt.

"Yeah, I'm alright," Scootaloo said regaining her composure, "That happened out of nowhere." She rotated her shoulders to make sure nothing was broken or dislocated; she was completely fine.

"I'm sorry, Scootaloo. I didn't know that was going to happen. I didn't mean to kick ya into flying like a bird," Applebloom apologized and slightly whimpered.

Scootaloo cracked a smile and chuckled, "Applebloom, calm down. I'm fine. But I do wanna--" a heavy, brown box suddenly slammed in between the three fillies and startled them into jumping back with a surprised "Whoa!"

"What in tarnation!" Applebloom barked before they slowly started to calm down to take some breaths.

"What is that?" Sweetie Belle asked, tilting her head in confusion.

"It's a box, Hoofstein." Scootaloo said in a smart-alecky tone.

"I know that, but what's in it?" she said, giving Scootaloo an unamused glare as they walk slowly back to the object after it startled them.

"Well, let's find out," Applebloom suggested as they walked up to the slightly large box. It was big, but they were able to look over it seeing tape sealing the top.

Sweetie Belle looked down to see a word on the side of the box in front of her. She took a closer before reading the word out loud, "Memories?"

Applebloom looked at Sweetie Belle confusingly before leaning her head down to see the word 'Memories'. 

Scootaloo poked her head over the box and walked around as she got in the middle of Applebloom and Sweetie Belle, curiously looking at the word ‘Memories'.

Applebloom noticed the tape was loose. She told her friends as she walked over to open it. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle watched as Applebloom gripped the tape with her teeth and pulled back, peeling the tape off as it made an uncomfortable, false ripping noise. The tape was all the off and the box halfway opened.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle noticed and opened each side of the box, revealing what's inside. The three fillies stood on their hind legs and peeped inside. They gasped in shock and surprise at what they find in the box, completely blown away.

Applebloom was the first that dove in and pulled out a small picture from the box. She looked at the picture in the frame and suddenly giggled as if she was looking at something cute; which she was, "Aww, look at this girls." Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle sat next to Applebloom in individual sides and looked at the picture, only to make the same expressions Applebloom made. The picture revealed a tiny yellow filly with a pink mane and tail lying on a cloud, hugging a teddy rabbit.



"Is that Fluttershy? She looks so tiny and cute!" Sweetie Belle said with a squeak as she held her cheeks. She cooed and went a little gaga from seeing the picture – it was pure unadulterated adorableness!

"This must be a box full of her old memories!" Applebloom realized why the box was titled ‘Memories', it was filled with memories of Fluttershy's life, including her childhood, judging by that picture Sweetie Belle was cooing over.

"Wonder what else in here?" Scootaloo wondered and peeped into the box before slightly diving in and pulling out a small blanket that could, actually, cover her. "Big blanket for such a tiny foal," She thought in confusion before Sweetie Belle got her turn and dug around.

It didn't take long for Sweetie Belle to pull out another picture of Fluttershy. This time, she looked a bit older. "Hey!" she said with a giggle. "I think this must be her in high school?" She may not be at high school herself, but she heard that high school tends to have goofy picture-worthy moments sometimes.

Applebloom and Scootaloo placed their items down and walked over to Sweetie Belle to take a look at the picture. They giggled a little too at Fluttershy's apparent ‘high-school' picture.

"What's up with the berets in her hair?" Scootaloo asked in wonder before little out a small chuckled. "That's kind of silly."

Sweetie Belle shrugged, "Must've been a fashion thing back then?"

Applebloom looked a little closer at the picture before raising a brow at something odd with Fluttershy, "Doesn't she look a bit chunky in this picture?"

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo pondered about what Applebloom was talking about before they gazed back at the picture and looked closely until they noticed what Applebloom was talking about.

"Yeah, you're right. Fluttershy packed some pounds when she was younger," Scootaloo said, a bit wide-eyed. She may not be in high-school, yet, but she never knew ponies got a bit pudgier around that time. Hopefully, she doesn't go through something like that.

Sweetie Belle scratched her head in confusion about why Fluttershy was like this, but she decided it would be best not to dwell on it as she placed the picture down next to the picture of filly Fluttershy. 

Applebloom decided to dig through the box again and go a little deeper. She succeeded in grabbing another picture of Fluttershy. She backed up and sat between her friends. It was another picture of Fluttershy in her high school years, but something was off; way off. Applebloom widened her eyes in bewilderment when saw Fluttershy sitting on a chair, holding her big, round belly, looking slightly worried down at her round dome. She compared the picture with the picture of the younger Fluttershy and realized what was going on with Fluttershy's ‘chunky' appearance. "Uh, girls?" she sat back for the other two to see, "I don't think Fluttershy is fat in these pictures," Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle raised similarly confused brows before Applebloom spoke again; "I think she's pregnant."



"What?!" both fillies shouted and beamed their eyes at the picture of Fluttershy, again, before comparing the picture of her younger self side by side. They were having trouble processing what Applebloom just said. Fluttershy couldn't be pregnant in these pictures; she was too young.

"Yeah, I think she might be pregnant in these pictures."

Sweetie Belle was stunned as she looked at the pictures side-by-side again, "Really? But she looks so young!" She stated in a bit of worry; Fluttershy was pregnant? And judging by the picture, it looked like it happened during high school.

"What? No way." Scootaloo said in disbelief. "If she was a mother, wouldn't we have seen her foal by now?"

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle shrugged but thought Scootaloo had a point. Why would she hide her foal from them and her friends? It didn't make any sense.

"She must've put her foal in an orphanage; she does look young in these pictures," Sweetie Belle theorized. It was the best guess she had, and she received an agreeing nod from Applebloom.

"Maybe she had no choice? Granny once told me that young mares, high school mares, tend to make a lot of mistakes that they're not ready for," She recalled her wise grandmother's words.

Scootaloo walked up and dug into the box while looking at her friends, "If that's the case, then I guess her kid must be in the same orphanage like me," she said as she randomly tried to grab anything she could get a hold of, not paying attention before finally grabbing something and pulled it out. "When I get back, I'll have to find Fluttershy's kid and tell him or her I found..." She looked at the picture, and her voice was immediately cut off. It was another picture of Fluttershy but as an adult. She sat down and glared shocked eyes at the picture. 

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle looked at each other with confused faces before they looked back at Scootaloo and walked up to her to look at the picture. They took a glimpse and what they saw made them dropped their jaws in pure shock, surprise and disbelief; the picture frame Scootaloo was holding held a picture of Fluttershy sitting on a chair and holding a foal. 

Her foal.



"That… must be her foal," Sweetie Belle said in a soft whisper, blown away by what she's witnessed.

"It's so tiny," Applebloom said as she looked closely at the photo while Scootaloo remained silent, now being the only one to process longer by what she's witnessing. 

Sweetie Belle and Applebloom looked at the foal in the picture a bit closer before realizing what color it possessed. 

Orange and purple. Just like…

They took two steps back and looked at each other with shocked faces while Scootaloo stayed behind.

"Orange and purple" Applebloom whispered to Sweetie Belle.

"You don't think…?" Sweetie Belle whispered back before the two of them looked at Scootaloo, who still gazing at the picture. 

"Scootaloo?" Applebloom said to her but got no response from her friend.

Scootaloo's irises shrank to penny-size. She saw the foal Fluttershy was carrying and the colors; the colors matched her colors very clearly. Scootaloo fought her thoughts and shook her head, wanting to make sure she wasn't seeing things. She looked at the picture, again. This had to be a cruel joke, right? But, this is Fluttershy, the nicest pony to ever walk in Equestria. There's no way she would pull a joke like this, would she? Scootaloo pondered and continued to process what she's holding until Sweetie Belle called her name and snapped her out of her pondering trance, "Huh, what?" she looked back at her worried friends.

"You alright, Scootaloo?" Applebloom asked in a concerned tone. "You're being awfully quiet…"

"Oh yeah, I'm fine. Why wouldn't I be?" she said as she faked her laughs and smiled nervously. 

"Well," Sweetie Belle motioned to herself and Applebloom before she pointed to the picture, and nervously yet suspiciously said, "We think the foal in that picture…" She then nervously pointed at her friend "…is you."

Scootaloo's smile slowly faded as she looked back at the picture, and defiantly said, "What? No. No. That can't be me. That foal has darker colors than I do," She said, wanting to disprove everything in this picture; that Fluttershy is her real mother. But Applebloom wasn't having it.

"Scootaloo, there's no other pony we've met that have colors like yours. We think this foal is you. There's no other guesses on who it could be."

Applebloom may have laid down the truth hammer, but Scootaloo shook her head defiantly; her stubbornness was kicking in and Applebloom clearly noticed, "No, this has to be a joke! There's no way I--"

Scootaloo was going through grief and Applebloom had to stop her. There was no denying what they were looking at and Scootaloo had to wake up, "Scootaloo, stop it," Applebloom barked. "That foal has got to be you. Who else would it be? Will you open your eyes and look!" She sternly pointed at the picture, so Scootaloo can see this was no mirage or prank photo.

But unfortunately, it went by deaf ears and Scootaloo glared angrily at Applebloom, "I am looking, but what I'm seeing is some kind of cruel sick joke!" Scootaloo was not having it. There was no way Fluttershy was her mother. If she was, Fluttershy would've gotten her back by now when she was at the right age. "That can't be me. It just can't!"

Sweetie Belle walked around Scootaloo to look inside the box. She looked carefully this time before finding an orange envelope barely hidden under a few other pictures and a doll. She reached down and grabbed it while Scootaloo and Applebloom still had their argument. She carefully slid it out from under the other items and successfully pulled the envelope out. She turned and sat down.

Applebloom rolled her eyes at how annoying Scootaloo was acting. It's like talking to her sister all over again. Applebloom growled like a wolf and snapped a bit, "What will it take to convince you, Scootaloo?" She pointed to the box. "There is evidence that clearly show she's your dagum mama!"

Scootaloo snorted and refused to even acknowledge that, "Photos are not gonna convince me. Unless that box actually has something to prove it, photo's are not gonna be enough!" 

That was the final straw and Applebloom was on her last nerve with Scootaloo. She gave the stubborn pegasus a fiery glare before Sweetie Belle cut them off.

"How about this?" Sweetie Belle caught their attention as she pulled an envelope out of the box and ceasing their fight.

"What's that?" Applebloom asked.

Scootaloo never said a word as she just gazed at Sweetie Belle.

"I don't know," Sweetie replied as she carefully opened the envelope.

Applebloom and Scootaloo both shared equal anticipation when Sweetie Belle spread the envelope open. She looked inside and saw a single piece of paper lazily lying inside. She dipped her muzzle in and carefully pulled the piece of paper with her teeth so she wouldn't get any bite marks on it. Applebloom and Scootaloo watched as Sweetie Belle grabbed the paper and successfully slid it out. Sweetie Belle placed the envelope down and browsed the paper before she started reading it. 

Scootaloo and Applebloom grew more confused but quickly noticed Sweetie Belle widening her eyes in utter shock from reading what was on the paper; her irises shrank to golf ball-size. Like Scootaloo, she became paralyzed with disbelief and bewilderment. 

"Sweetie Belle, what's wrong?" Applebloom said as she tried to snap her friend out of her trance, but ended up glancing at the piece of paper as well. And just like Sweetie Belle, her eyes widened in the same expression, "No... way…" she said, softly.

Scootaloo felt a little scared at her friend's reaction. What were they looking at? What was on that paper that caused them to react like that? More questions beamed into the filly's mind, until she finally blurted something out, "What's wrong with you two?" she asked out of panic, only to see Sweetie Belle nervously give her the piece of paper.

Scootaloo nervously reeled her head back and glanced at the paper before she grabbed it in her shaking hooves and read it. She read the following:

~
Birth Certificate

Foal was Born: 10/18/02

Name of Foal: Scootaloo

Proud Mother: Fluttershy

Proud Father: Unknown. 

~

On the lower far right of the paper was a tiny inked hoofprint in a square display.

Scootaloo's heart skipped a beat as she stared at the paper; waves of emotions bombarded her without any hint of mercy. She felt pressure in her chest as she slightly hyperventilated. There was no way of getting out of this. Applebloom was right all along and the messages her dreams were telling her became crystal clear. The rock formation? The waterfall? everything! She found her home and... and... 

The biggest proof she needed to know who her mother was was right in her hooves, for Celestia's sake. 

She suddenly remembered the events that occurred; the clerk telling her about a mare with a soft voice; Luna telling her that her mother was close; her scooter! All the pieces came snapping together, and Scootaloo can no longer deny the facts. It all made sense now. 

What she was holding in her hooves was a certificate... her birth certificate.

All this time, it was her. It was Fluttershy the whole time. Her lips quivered as a tear slowly rolled down her cheek. Her mind raced and tried to process everything she and her friends just discovered. Scootaloo froze in grief while Applebloom and Sweetie Belle looked at each other with worry for their friend. They sat there and gave Scootaloo her space until they saw a shadow hovering over them. They looked up in time to see the yellow figure standing in the doorway with a horrified and dismayed face upon catching them looking in her box of memories.

Both fillies gasped in horror, "Fluttershy!"
> A Filly's Pain
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"What are you doing?!" Applebloom and Sweetie Belle flinched under the firm voice.

Fluttershy glared in shock and anger from what she had just witnessed. She had just gotten back from tending to Elizabeak when she stumbled upon the CMC… with her memory box, the box wide open. Her irises shrank to penny size and knew dozens of problems had aroused, yet she hooked her eyes on the filly who didn't glance back; she didn't even flinch from hearing her voice.

Angel hopped over to the box and tugged it away from them, glaring lightly at them. Yes, he knew Scootaloo had to find out sooner rather than later, but he didn't want it to be in the form of snooping.

Sweetie Belle and Applebloom flinched from the sudden defense from the rabbit; they looked up and flinched even harder when it got the others attention.

Charlotte narrowed her eyes at the fillies and hunched a bit. The birds frowned disapprovingly and turned their heads away. Mr. Slithers glared and hissed at them for getting in something that they weren't meant to get into. Mina, that sweet innocent kitty, glared at Sweetie Belle and hissed, waving her now unsheathed claws at her.

They apparently managed to get the entire cottage mad for getting into this box; the two fillies panicked and rushed over to Fluttershy and apologized while crying for her forgiveness. 

"We're so sorry Fluttershy." Sweetie Belle cried, she felt extremely guilty.

"We didn't mean to look inside your box. We were just curious!" Applebloom said as she felt the same guilt Sweetie Belle felt. They whimpered and pleaded, but got no response from Fluttershy.

Fluttershy narrowed her eyes at the two crying fillies. Her eyes hinted anger, but they also displayed more of guilt, regret, and curiosity. She'll come up with punishments for them for snooping, but her mind wasn't focused on that. 

She gazed at the pleading fillies a bit with a firm answer for the two guilty foals, "I'll deal with you two later."

The two wince but look down, understanding that they invaded Fluttershy's privacy. 

Fluttershy looked to the creatures and silently motioned with her head, silently ordering them to back off, which they did. She nodded at them before focusing on the true situation. 

She watched Scootaloo's back and waited for her to do something, but all she did was kept her eyes on what she held in her hooves. 

‘I was too late for her to tell her…' 

Pinkie Pie was right; she waited too long and had done nothing but procrastinate her promise to tell Scootaloo the truth. Her daughter found it out on her own, and she just let it happened. All she needed to do was say something, and that's what she intended to do. 

Fluttershy walked pass Sweetie Belle and Applebloom as they watched her walk up to Scootaloo and sat behind with her ears perked down. 

"Scootaloo?" Fluttershy softly said in the hope she'd listen.

Sweetie Belle walked a bit closer to Applebloom as they watched. They were still teary-eyed with the guilt still hurting them. They tried to take a step closer, but Mr. Slithers blocked them off with Snappers the crocodile, his tail slapping down in front of Applebloom while Snappers growled at Sweetie Belle. The two reptiles narrowed their eyes down at the earth filly and unicorn filly, warning them to stay out of this.

Fluttershy ignored what was occurring behind her and simply watched her daughter and waited, but Scootaloo never moved a muscle. She just sat there hunched over and stared down at the certificate. 

Fluttershy narrowed her head to her daughter's left shoulder and saw the birth certificate that she was looking at. She frowned as she waited for Scootaloo to say something, but she still didn't say or do anything. She knew her real mother was behind her and didn't respond, not a reaction, a sound, anything; all Fluttershy wanted was to hear her daughter's words. She assumed the worst until Scootaloo finally spoke to her. She was relieved for a split second until she heard the tone in Scootaloo's voice. Something was off and it was starting to scare her.

"All this time… this whole time…you were my real mother? W-why?" Scootaloo said in a calm, yet sad and confused tone. 

Fluttershy was glad to hear her talk, but her voice didn't sound too happy; she figured it would happen. She took one step and was about to get up and hug Scootaloo and help cheer her up, but noticed a tear droplet fell from Scootaloo's cheek and splashed on the floor. Fluttershy looked back at Scootaloo with worried eyes, "Scootaloo, I--"

Scootaloo took a sharp turn and glared daggers at Fluttershy, "Why didn't you tell me?!" she growled with teary eyes. "Why did you do this to me?! Why did you put me in that orphanage?!" she stepped a bit closer to Fluttershy and gave her an angry, confused look. "Why did you abandon me?!"

The sudden action caused not only Applebloom and Sweetie Belle to flinch, but it caused the reptiles alarm, too. They did not expect Scootaloo to react like this, but it certainly paled to how Fluttershy was reacting.

Fluttershy flinched and widened eyes in fear and shock. Time slowed and her heart felt heavy. She felt really guilty for letting her daughter find out this way, and when she tried to speak – that's when it got really difficult.
She tried so hard to give Scootaloo an answer, but she choked on her words as she sadly looked at her angry daughter; pressure began to build up. "I… I… I…" her voice grew damp as she managed to say one word before Scootaloo threw her blind rage again at her.

"All this time, you were my mother and you never told me?!" she grinded her teeth as her eyes became teary and red. "Do you have any idea what that orphanage put me through? Do you have any idea what it's like living in that dump full of loud-mouthed, thieving creeps?" Scootaloo barked as she stepped a bit closer to Fluttershy. 

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle stepped back and felt like they should not get involved in this. They climbed up the stairs and peeped from behind the wall as they watched Scootaloo verbally tear Fluttershy apart. They've never seen Scootaloo so angry and emotional.

Mr. Slithers, Snappers and the animals kept their distance and blocked the stairway where the two fillies are, making sure that they don't get involved, yet they kept their eyes on their mistress and little Scootaloo. They felt really bad for her being this upset, especially at Fluttershy. 

‘To think we were having such a good time, too…' The critters sadly thought to themselves, the fun and happiness that had occurred hours ago yesterday, the good mood that was brought by the bliss of play, had all but crumbled to pieces because of the thirst of curiosity.

Fluttershy tried her best to stay strong and respond to her daughter as best she could, but the pressure grew in her chest. Her mind raced drastically. It was too much for her. 

Tears wallowed up and rolled down her cheeks and her lip quivered, "S-Scootaloo… I… please…" she tried desperately to fight her choking words, but the sheer pain of the pressure and her daughter's words were overwhelming. She tried to talk, but Scootaloo interrupted her.

"It's horrible!" she shouted as Fluttershy backed up. 

"I've been bullied, made fun of, humiliated! And the caretakers don't do a darn thing about it. They don't even care I'm in pain!" she miserably said with tears flowing down her face. "I was forced to put my stuff in the clubhouse!" she motioned her hoof at the direction of the cutie mark clubhouse. "Because the other orphans at that dumb orphanage are always stealing my stuff!" she hiccupped and sobbed, from the pain, the anger and the confusion of it all.

Fluttershy gasped in horror from what Scootaloo was told her. 

Her own daughter was suffering and she never knew about it. She thought that the orphanage would've been a better place for Scootaloo, but now she can see she was plainly wrong; she felt her heart crumble from hearing Scootaloo's sorrow. Her mind was filled with despair. 

She wanted to go up and hug her daughter tight, but something held her back. Even though she choked, Fluttershy spoke out, "I… I never knew…" she softly said, but that made it a little worse. 

Scootaloo started to cry, "Of course you never knew, you weren't there!" she screamed and grabbed her face as she wiped the stinging tears from her eyes and glared red, puffy dagger at her, "Every day, I dreamed of having a family who would adopt me. I wanted to have a mother and father to support and love me. When parents came to the orphanage, I was excited and hoped they'd adopt me, but no, they didn't!" she cried painfully. "Instead, they adopt those… those… those bullies!" she jumped a bit and crushed her eyelids with tears rolled down her cheeks.

Fluttershy sat there heartbroken at what her daughter was saying. She craned her head down, but her words finally caught up to her for her to say, "Scootaloo… please, let me explain."

Scootaloo glared at her again and snapped, again, "Explain what?! Explain why you abandoned your only child? Explain why you let her suffer in a place where caretakers don't give two hooves about anything and only care about themselves?!" she choked back a sob. 

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle widened their eyes and gasped at this revelation. 

The animals were just as equally shocked as they looked to one another in worry. One of their own has been suffering for that long? Unbelievable!

They continued to watch as Scootaloo exploded with rage, "Who else knows about your stupid secret?!"

Fluttershy jumped and frightfully responded, "Pinkie and Rainbow Dash--"

"What?!" Scootaloo shouted and widened her eyes from hearing those certain names. She sat down in shock and breathed choppy breaths trying to take in what she just heard. She looked at the ground, feeling devastated and betrayed. 

Rainbow Dash, the pony she idolized as a sister and role-model, knew as well and kept that secret from her. And Pinkie Pie knew, too. Did Princess Luna know about this, too? Her thoughts, questions, emotions, all bombarded her violently. She wiped the tears but kept sobbing from receiving that fact. 

Fluttershy realized her error when she said Rainbow Dash's and Pinkie Pie's names, but she weakly walked up to Scootaloo in tears and said again, "Scootaloo, please, let me explain."

Scootaloo looked up angrily and backed away from Fluttershy, "No, stay away from me…"

Fluttershy flinched but reached a hoof towards her, "But… sweetie…" 

However, no one was prepared for what slipped out of Scootaloo's mouth next.

"I hate you!" she shouted in pure frustration and anger.

Fluttershy felt her mind, heart, and soul break. Those three words echoed through her mind and hit their mark as she sat back down.

The fillies and animals gasped in shock and horror at hearing those three words. 

Applebloom and Sweetie looked beyond shocked but heartbroken upon witnessing their friend say such a thing. Sure, they themselves had struggles with their own siblings or family too, but never in their lives had they ever say that they hated them.

Angel and every creature were stunned. They had mixed emotions running through them – shock that Scootaloo had been going through so much, fear that if she yelled any more she might explode, anger that she should give Fluttershy a chance to explain – plus for Fluttershy to tell her daughter the truth, but heartbreak when they heard those three words escape out of her mouth. To hear those words from someone like her caused a piece of not only Fluttershy, but they themselves, to break.

Scootaloo glared at Fluttershy and everyone before her being melted into pure heartbreak. Her lower lip quivered, her eyelids tightened, she couldn't bear to look at Fluttershy and everyone around her. Rage and pain took over and, before anyone in the cottage knew it, she dashed towards the front door and ran out, crying from the pain and betrayal. 

Fluttershy gasped and ran to the entrance of the cottage, "Scootaloo, wait!" she called out, but it was too late; Scootaloo was gone. Even her bird friends tried to call her back, but not even that worked.

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle dashed down the stairs, over Mr. Slithers and Snappers and headed straight outside to get Scootaloo back. They ran passed Fluttershy and over the bridge, calling her name.

Her one chance to tell her daughter everything and it lead to this. It's as if fate decided a happy moment had to be earned; a cruel choice in the long run. She could go after Scootaloo, but it would make things worse for both of them. Fluttershy turned around and walked back inside with her head hunched down. A tear dropped from her cheek. The monstrous impact of failure slammed into her hard and it showed no remorse. Her body gave out from the pressure and she collapsed in the center of her cottage in tear of pain and sorrow. She then saw a picture frame in front of her and weakly reach out and pulled it close to her. Her animal friends watched on in heartbreak and grief. They didn't know what to do, at all. What could they even do? Fluttershy looked at the picture frame and suddenly felt herself broken in two as she caved-in and covered her face in her arms with the picture frame of her holding baby Scootaloo and cried out loud. 

"I'm sorry, Scootaloo," She whimpered and sobbed in heartbreak, she had been broken, emotionally and physically, "I'm so sorry!"

Her animal friends gathered around her quickly and tried to give her comfort, even if they themselves felt broken. They wanted to go after Scootaloo, but they knew that they could not leave their mistress.

Angel sighed sadly as he lowered his ears while giving Fluttershy a hug in an attempt to comfort her, for even he didn't know what to do. He's never seen Fluttershy this broken before.

***near the Ponyville school***

Scootaloo ran until she came near the elementary school. She tightened her eyes and screamed in her mind as she buzzed her wings and clenched her teeth in rage; tears fell from her cheeks. She slowly stopped beside a bench in front of the fence in front of the elementary school.

Scootaloo panted heavily from exhaustion. She noticed the bench and instinctively walked up and sat down to rest her hooves and cool herself down after what happened. But her cooldown was gonna take much more time than she realized. Fluttershy was her biological mother the whole time and she kept it a secret from her for so long; not to mention Rainbow Dash knew, too, and she didn't tell her. This information was putting a gigantic weight on her and it was taking its toll, hard.

Even Pinkie and, possibly, Princess Luna knew about it, too? This was madness! Did other ponies know?  So many questions popped into her skull that it gave her a small headache. She had such a hard time processing this that it made her wonder if there were other secrets she didn't know about. Like, does she have any secret siblings? Or, was Derpy Hoove secretly her cousin? No, that would just be too silly. She shook her head and grabbed it and let out an annoyed, frustrated grunted. On the plus side, she was glad to be alone. She needed to think.

Scootaloo looked at the ground in sorrow. She may need time, but the pain was still noticeable, "Why?" She sniffled lightly, "Why did you do this?"

Two shadows appeared in front Scootaloo, "Well, well, well," a familiar, unwanted voice said. Scootaloo's right ear twitched as she carelessly looked up slightly. The last ponies she wanted to see were Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. She still felt hurt and betrayed, but it was immediately covered up with annoyance and out of patience. She was having enough problems as it was; she didn't want these two making it worse. But she knew they weren't going to leave until they broke her. Ironic, really.

Scootaloo didn't say anything, but Diamond Tiara kept going, "One of the blank flanks is here alone," Diamond Tiara said. "Where're the other two? Are they finally fed up with your uselessness?" Silver Spoon chuckled at that last part. These two were just hoping to get a rise out of the orange filly.

Scootaloo rolled her eyes and groaned, she said in a snappy tone, "Go away! I don't want to deal with you two."

The two snobbish fillies flinched but never got rid of their smug smiles. They chuckled before Diamond Tiara decided to continue her taunting, "You know Mother's day is just around the corner, and the school's going to have all of us make gifts for our mothers, right? What gift are you going to make for your mommy?" Diamond Tiara said with a snicker. Scootaloo's eyes slowly widened, the Pegasus filly was starting to see red and her target was right in front of her. "Oh wait, that's right. You don't have a mommy!" She pointed at Scootaloo and laughed at her. She wanted to make sure to go all-out in bring Scootaloo down. Let her know what her place is around here. 

Her annoyance bubbled back into anger. Her patience was stretching thinner with every second, "Shut up. leave me alone," Scootaloo said as she grinded her teeth as she gave these two rich fillies a glare that went unnoticed. The miniature volcano was about to burst.

"Hey Diamond, speaking of mothers, do you think a mare would ever adopt a filly who can't fly?" Silver Spoon smirked. Diamond Tiara snickered in return.

"Let me think. Hmm, nope!" they both laughed in front of Scootaloo. Diamond Tiara grinned evilly at Scootaloo, not caring if she's getting angry, this was fun for her, "Face it, no pony is going to adopt you. Might as well give up and stay in that crummy orphanage," Diamond Tiara said with a smug grin as she jabbed a hoof at Scootaloo's chest. "Not even a pony like Rainbow Dash would adopt you." Another verbal jab was thrown, but it only fueled the impending lava within.

Diamond Tiara's words were aggravating and tiresome to listen to. As treating her like dirt wasn't bad enough, using Rainbow Dash as ammunition barely affected her anyway. She felt betrayed by her, so what was the point? Scootaloo just wanted to be alone, but these obnoxious fillies were being a pain worse than any crash she's had with her scooter. Don't these fillies have anything else better to do?

The red in her vision faded and she simply rolled her eyes and looked away from the bullies to hopefully ignore them, but they just wouldn't stop. She had to go someplace else. Clearly, they weren't going to leave and the way they were acting was very parasitic. Trying to calm down was going to be a challenge, but she had to at least try. She shook her head at the two bullies, disappointed that they would go out of their way just to get her angry. It almost worked, but she was better than that.

She was just about to hop off the bench when...

"Or even Fluttershy!" Silver Spoon said out loud to further the taunt, laughing with Diamond Tiara as if they hit the final blow.

She stopped. A snarl curled itself and teeth flared. Daggers glared and targets acquired. The volcano erupted. That was the final straw and she had enough. She could ignore them saying what they previously said, but to bring her own mother into this and use her as ammo? They know nothing of what she went through and they certainly don't know how much it hurt her. Scootaloo was gonna let them off the hook, but no more. She was done. All she felt was rage and merciless intent. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon crossed the line.

Scootaloo hopped off the bench and approached the two fillies, seeing nothing but red, again.

Diamond Tiara laughed some more, relishing the moment in taunting her favorite victim. She and Silver Spoon glanced at each other for a moment, sharing the same intent before they looked back at Scootaloo to try and see if they can aggravate her a little more, glutton for more of her reactions.

"Hey, yeah, not even Fluttershy would want someone as weak, worthless and obnoxious as—" Diamond Tiara was ready to deliver, what she thought was, the final blow to Scootaloo's physique, but she wasn't ready for an orange hoof to grab her by the skin of her chest and see another orange hoof come crashing into her face. The force was decently strong enough to send her toppling on her back hooves and tripping on her back. A tooth dropped next to her face as she lied on the ground, dazed from the impact. Blood slightly spread across her muzzle and mouth while her right eye was starting to swell.

Silver Spoon gasped in horror as she watched her friend sprawl on the ground, out cold. She looked at Scootaloo and shouted, "Hey!" but her anger instantly contorted into fear when she stared into the eyes of an annoyed, angry, agitated Scootaloo. 

The frightened gray filly shook in cold fear. She backed down, slightly crouching. She wanted to run, but she couldn't. Those eyes, something was off about them. She stared into them and never looked away; they seemed... hypnotic. Almost as if she was looking into the eyes of a demon. "P-Please... d-don't hurt me," she finally worked up the nerve to ask in a soft, terrified tone with choppy breaths as Scootaloo glared down at her with her soul-piercing stare.

She was in luck, Scootaloo's intentions were not to hurt Silver Spoon, but she was at least grateful she got the message. Least one of them was the smart one. Maybe now she'll understand this, "Leave me alone and never bother me again. Got it?!" Scootaloo said with a slight growl at Silver Spoon. 

The message was received and Silver Spoon nodded immediately and quickly run towards the unconscious Diamond Tiara. Silver Spoon was wise to stop what she did because that punch looked like it hurt more than getting hair plucked out. She picked Diamond Tiara up and hauled her away, crying in fright and terror. They disappeared out of sight and the moment Scootaloo immediately walked away from the school.

Maybe someplace secluded was something she needed. And she knew exactly where to go.

***Ponyville***

Meanwhile, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle unknowingly took a different path as they rushed through Ponyville, avoiding other ponies and objects, desperately trying to find Scootaloo. Panic overtook them like an unwanted virus. They expected Scootaloo to get angry, but they never expected her to blow up on Fluttershy and take off crying. They should've never looked through that box. 

"This is all our faults!" Sweetie Belle blamed herself as she glanced at Applebloom, the guilt running through her veins.

Applebloom agreed as she tried to fight her own tears; if she had known this was going to happen, she would've never looked in that box either. "We should've never looked in that box!"

They dashed through one street full of ponies, zig-zagging and narrowly avoiding any oncoming ponies. They succeeded, only to stumble upon three familiar ponies blocking their way. They skid trails before stopping in front of their older sisters.

"Whoa there, fillies," Applejack said in her southern accent. "Where's the fire?"

"Yes, why are you two in such a rush?" Rarity asked them in a gentle, confused tone.

Big Mac paused his delivery walk as he looked to his sister and Sweetie Belle, concerned to why they're in such a rush. "What's goin' on, Applebloom?" The wagon creaked behind him. "Y'all look like a pack of timberwolves is chasin' ya." He also took notice of one of the fillies being absent, he softly asked in a hint of worry, "Where's Scootaloo?"

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle gasped and tried to come up with excuses, but panic grew stronger and forced them to run around their siblings while blurting out, "Can't talk! Gotta find Scootaloo!" Applebloom said as they ran.

"Fluttershy is Scootaloo's mom! We have to find her so they can talk," Sweetie Belle accidentally blurted.

Applejack raised a brow while Rarity scratched her head, Big Macintosh just blinked slowly from how those two fillies were off in such a rush, all three very confused by what their little sisters said. They looked at each other and shrugged before Applejack and Rarity head to Twilight's library for a little comic book hang out while Big Mac continued his delivery rounds until they all stood stiff and gasped in shock…

"Fluttershy is Scootaloo's mom?!" they all said in unison.

Big Mac looked very concerned now. He knew something had to be wrong since Scootaloo wasn't with them, but to hear that Fluttershy is the little filly's mom, it didn't take him long to figure out that Scootaloo had ran off – with a lot on her mind, no doubt. 

"Aw no, Little Sugarcube," He lowered his ears in worry and fear; he didn't want Scootaloo to get herself hurt. He knew she most likely wanted to be alone to think after finding out the truth, but his big brother instincts were now put on overdrive. 

He facehoofed in stress as all he could think about was making sure Scootaloo – his "Little Sugarcube", that little sister-figure of his – was okay. "Oh, if anything happens to that little filly while she's alone…" He gazed out beyond town, knowing she was out there. "…I'll never forgive myself." He finished with a fearful tone of voice, the worry about his little sister-figure overwhelming him. It was too much to ignore now.

With his mind made up, he decided right then and there what he had to do. "I've got to find her!"

At this moment, his rounds meant nothing to him, and with a swift kick, he released himself from being tethered to the wagon by his yoke and he quickly ran off to go find Scootaloo.

"Little Sugarcube!" He started calling for her as he began his search, worry etched on his face as he looked from left to right for an orange pegasus filly "Little Sugarcube!" 

He vanished among the town and the citizens as he ran off down the path, determined to find her. And no pony was going to stand in his way until he does.

"Big Mac, wait!" Applejack called out, but it was too late. She gets he cared for the little pegasus, but he should've focused on -- oh, who was she kidding. "Dang-nab it!" she looked at Rarity with a defeated, but determined glare. "Rarity, I think Twilight's hangout is gonna have to wait."

Rarity nodded in agreement. As much as she would've loved to visit Twilight, her little sister had a friend that's missing. Fluttershy had a lot of explaining to do, but that can wait until they find Scootaloo. And with Big Mac acting the way he did, it made her feel the same way. "Right. We'll explain it to Twilight, later. Our sister's need help."

With that, the apple farmer and fashionista ran together to go help find Scootaloo.

***Ponyville, an hour later***

Just like Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and now Big Macintosh, Fluttershy ran to a different street in Ponyville, in a desperate search for her daughter. Her animal friends formed a search party and went to spread the word to the other woodland creatures to keep an eye out for Scootaloo.

She aimed her vision left and right but couldn't see her daughter anywhere in town. "Scootaloo!" She slowed her pace when she passed a cabbage stand near Sugar Cube Corner. She sat down and sighed; her eyes still a bit red and puffy from earlier. She hung her head and looked at the ground, feeling distressed. "I'm sorry, Scootaloo…" Her voice was barely heard as she felt tremendous guilt for not telling Scootaloo about this sooner. "I'm so sorry…"

Her thoughts suddenly came to her in a flash, beating her up with images of Scootaloo yelling and tearing up. A stern, aggressive voice that almost matched her own suddenly revealed itself and spoke to her.

‘Why did you choke?!' her conscious shouted at her for choking back at the cottage. ‘Why didn't you explain it to her? She was right there! You could've told her why, but no, you didn't! You are such a coward and a—‘

"I'm not," she whispered and cringed a bit. "I wanted to tell her, but... it was too late."

"Fluttershy!" a somewhat high-pitched, kooky voice quickly brought her back to reality. She cocked her head and looked straight ahead to find the smiling, pink form of Pinkie Pie call out to her, again, "Come here, I need to talk to you about something. Something so important, only you should hear it" the pink mare blurred out; a loud, grumbly groan emitted inside Sugar Cube Corner; Fluttershy, unfortunately, didn't hear it.

Fluttershy rubbed her eyes before getting up and walking over to Pinkie Pie. As much as she loved talking to Pinkie about all sorts of things, she wasn't in the mood to talk; unfortunately, Pinkie Pie doesn't take no for an answer, so the depressed pegasus walked up to her anyway.

Once Fluttershy approached the bubbly, pink mare, her smile was instantly replaced with a confused frown as she tilted her head, "What's wrong, Fluttershy?" Pinkie Pie asked. "You look like you've been through something much worse than Twilight going through a day without reading."

Fluttershy let out a deep, exhausted, impatient sigh. She was not in the mood to talk to Pinkie. She had to find her daughter, "Pinkie, I'm kind of in a crisis right now. What do you need?" Wait... does Pinkie Pie know where Scootaloo is? Okay, maybe a small break wouldn't hurt.

Funny business aside, Pinkie Pie gave a serious, straight face to Fluttershy and took a guess on what the crisis could be, "Would that crisis involve Scootaloo?" she asked, thinking that was probably the answer.

Fluttershy perked her head and widened her eyes in surprise. "Y-yes…"

"Scootaloo found out?"

"Yes, but…"

"She didn't take it well and she yelled at you?"

"Yes, but she…"

"Took off crying and now Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and you are trying to find her?" Pinkie asked, raising a questioned brow.

Fluttershy didn't question how Pinkie Pie found all of that out and just exhaled another deep sigh, "Yes, it's all true." She openly admitted to Pinkie Pie, because, at this point, she hated herself for what she did. "I choked under the pressure and I couldn't explain anything to her. I'm a useless pony, I'm such a coward and a--"

"If you even finish that sentence, I'll clean your clock so hard you'd wish you'd never have said that, to begin with," A frustrated voice with a familiar tomboyish tone called out behind Pinkie Pie.

Fluttershy flinched and tried to look behind Pinkie Pie, but the voice erupted behind her again, "Will you two get in here already? Do you want other ponies to know what's going on?" Pinkie jumped and dragged Fluttershy into the small bakery before closing the door behind her and locking it.

Fluttershy looked back at Pinkie Pie before turning to see a familiar cyan pegasus with a rainbow mane and tail hover in front of her, forearms crossed and looked at her with a stern face.

"R-Rainbow Dash?" Fluttershy said before gulping and asking, "H-How did you--"

"I found out when I was on my daily flights around Ponyville," Rainbow Dash interrupted. "My senses are 20/20 when I'm flying, you and everypony else should know that."

Of course. Dash always makes daily flights around Ponyville, she's like the eyes in the sky. No doubt she'd find out

"And it so happened that I overheard your conversation with Scootaloo, and how she found out the truth," Rainbow Dash said. "Why didn't you tell her? Why did you let her storm off?"

Fluttershy scrunched her face in annoyance, tired of the pressure everypony has been giving her and in a fit of anger, she exploded, "I choked and couldn't form the bucking words I wanted to tell her, okay, Rainbow Dash?!"

The outburst caused Pinkie Pie to flinch, but Rainbow Dash kept her figure firm despite the light wince on her face from the unexpected eruption, "I wanted to tell her this morning, but I had things to do at that time!" 

Dash would've made a snide comment but kept quiet, because not only would that make it worse, but she knew that Fluttershy had animals to take care of, especially if it concerned those chickens that she once or twice sees Fluttershy tending to while she herself had been making her daily flights.

Tears slowly appeared and rolled down her cheek. "I saw her looking at her birth certificate, I wanted to tell her, but she didn't want to listen to me. I just didn't know what else I was supposed to do," She coughed a bit from the pressure; the pain was just too much for her. "I was too late." Fluttershy sat down and started to sob once again. That's all she could do. She felt useless trying to talk to Scootaloo, she felt terrible for putting her in that orphanage and she regretted holding everything in. 

She sniffled, her voice drenched in heartbreak, "Now I don't know what to do anymore… She hates me!" Pinkie Pie gasped lightly while Dash widened her eyes at hearing this; it's one thing getting angry, but it got to the point where those three painful words were said? This just got even more heartbreaking as the two finally understood the pain that Fluttershy was going through.

Poor Fluttershy sat there like she lost everything, and she didn't know how to get it back. "My own daughter…. She hates me." She could not stop her tears, only shutting her eyes from the salty stinging of said tears; however, the stinging sensation in her eyes was nothing compared to the heartbreak she was feeling. "I lost her. I lost Scootaloo," She looked down, blaming only herself for what has happened. She wished she had never placed her daughter in that forsaken orphanage in the first place. 

"She's gone, Rainbow… Pinkie… and it's all my fault." She whimpered only lightly as she cried, looking down as her mane covered her entire face as her sobs continued to fill the bakery. "It's my fault."

Pinkie Pie walked around Fluttershy and stood next to Rainbow Dash, feeling very sorry for her friend, "Don't cry, Fluttershy," she said before she approached Fluttershy and gently gave her a soft, warming hug. "I-It's going to be okay…"

But Fluttershy, being in so much pain, only pushed away from the embrace and covered her face, sobbing in her hooves. Pinkie Pie lowered her ears, her mane starting to deflate as she listened to her friend's crying.

Rainbow Dash's frustration slowly relaxed before guilt and sorrow replaced it. Just like Pinkie, she felt really bad for Fluttershy and felt guilty for pressuring her so much. Now her best friend was suffering big-time, feeling like there's nothing she can do. She had to try and comfort her.

She lightly landed on the floor and approached her gloomy friend, and spoke, "F-Fluttershy, it's alright. Um, how about Pinkie Pie and I help you find her?" She offered. "I know you're having a tough time right now, but you got to stay strong. If one of us finds her, we'll talk to her, er, I'll talk to her." She winced but offered to talk to Scootaloo herself.

As much as Pinkie Pie loved to talk, she wasn't there when Fluttershy was pregnant. She would just make things worse. Rainbow Dash has been through the entire experienced and stayed with Fluttershy until the time arrived. If anything, Rainbow Dash did felt a surge of regret for not knowing sooner about Scootaloo being Fluttershy's daughter; she was fully aware of Fluttershy's delivery but wasn't aware it was Scootaloo.

Hearing that conversation in the cottage even surprised her; much more than Pinkie Pie finding out.

Fluttershy glued her teary eyes to Rainbow Dash, parting her mane to look at her, her eyes red and bloodshot but yet the tears still flowed, "Y-you will…?" 

"Of course, Mamashy" Pinkie Pie said as she chuckled. "We'll help find your little joy and get her back to you." She smiled, enthused about the search.

"Yeah, what Pinkie said." Rainbow Dash gave a little smile at Fluttershy before addressing their bubbly friend. "I'll do the talking, Pinkie." She looked at Pinkie nonchalantly "You just stay back."

"Aww, why?" Pinkie Pie whined with a pout, looking at Dash sadly. "I wanna help!"

"Pinkie, the last time you talked to Fluttershy, you almost broke her into never performing on stage that one time, at all!" Rainbow Dash reminded her about that incident when their shy friend once had to fill in for Big Mac in the Ponytones group she loved so much, making pink mare shrug; Fluttershy remembered that clear as day. Perhaps it would be for the best.

"I thought I was--"

Rainbow Dash gave her a deadpan look and gave her the cast-iron truth of what her talking had done during that event, "No, you only made it worse." She sighed lightly and shrugged, "No offense, Pinkie, I know you have good intentions, but sometimes your form of helping does a little more harm than good." 

Pinkie winced lightly; that kind of hurt, just a bit. But thinking about other situations that she claimed she helped, she was a bit embarrassed to find out that in certain instances, she actually ended up making things a lot worse. 

She simply gave a big embarrassed yet apologetic smile in Fluttershy's direction once she realized this, her pink cheeks turning red.

"Just help me find Scootaloo and let me talk to her, okay?" Dash asked her, asserting that she is to let her deal with the talking.

"Okie Dokie Loki," Pinkie Pie hung her head down in defeat.

Fluttershy finally stopped crying and smiled softly at her friends, happy to know they want to help her. Wiping her tears away, she made her gratefulness known as she thanked the two "Thanks, girls."

Dash nodded and smiled in return, "Don't worry, Fluttershy, we'll find your kid in no time." She said proudly until a thought miraculously emerged. "In fact, I think I might know where she could be."

"You do?" Both Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy said.

The cyan mare with rainbow hair nodded, "It's a spot where I used to go when I wanted to be alone from other ponies." She looked a bit sheepish as she traced the floor, bashfully stating, "But I hardly ever use it anymore." She explained, yet she was surprised to know Scootaloo found it, that is if she's there.

Fluttershy brushed the last of her tears away, cleaning her eyes before nodding to her cyan friend. "Alright." She sighed softly, her ears lowering down, "Rainbow Dash…"

The tomboy mare glanced at her as she got up to spread her wings, readying herself to go look for the little filly who considered herself as her biggest fan, "Yeah?"

"If you find her, make sure she's okay, and tell her that I'm so sorry," Fluttershy whimpered; she just couldn't bear the thought of her only child hating her for the rest of her life.

Rainbow rubbed her snout with a determined and promising smile, "You got it, Fluttershy." She said before walking out of Sugar Cube Corner. "Oh, and, I'll make sure to let her know you never meant to hurt her in the first place," She glanced back at Fluttershy.

Fluttershy smiled a bit and nodded again, "Please, she has to understand. She has to." she pleaded to the athletic mare. She gazed down with her ears low, before looking back up at her. "Bring her home."

With one final nod, Rainbow Dash looked away from the two mares, and spreading her wings wide, she burst out of Sugarcube Corner and into the air as fast as lightning.

The search for Scootaloo had begun…
> A Heartfelt Reunion
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fluttershy walked out of Sugar Cube Corner shortly after Rainbow flew out to search for Scootaloo and sat down on the stairs in front of the entrance of the bakery. She sighed lightly as Pinkie Pie bounced out of the entrance and stood in front of her gloomy friend, noticing the still depressed emotion on her face.

"Aw, come on, Fluttershy," Pinkie Pie said reassuringly with a reassuring smile. "Cheer up. Dashie will find Scootaloo faster than you can say cupcakes," her stomach suddenly growled like a dog. "Speaking of cupcakes, you want to get a few before we start searching? My treat."

As much as she wanted too, Fluttershy just wasn't in the mood for it. She looked away from Pinkie Pie and was quiet for a moment. She liked how her friends were willing to help her out, but the guilt constantly tore at her very soul. She blinked now and then before waking up when Pinkie called her name, "Huh?" she looked at Pinkie confusingly before shaking her head and responding with a down tone, "That's okay, Pinkie Pie. I think I'll just head home," she got up with a sad look on her face. She needed her own alone time, so this agonizing feeling may go away.

She wanted to sit this one out because she figured if she found Scootaloo instead of Rainbow Dash or Pinkie Pie, she'd make things worse for her and risk getting Scootaloo even madder; she didn't want that to happen. "I'll leave it to you and Rainbow Dash."

"You sure?" Pinkie raised a confused brow and tilted her head. "I was going to give you a special cupcake with extra sprinkles on it."

Fluttershy nodded, "I'm sure. I just need to be alone for a while," She walked away from Pinkie Pie and headed back her home at a rather slow pace, looking down at the ground.

"Oh, okay. See you later, then" Pinkie Pie frowned, her ears lowering. She felt so bad to see her friend like this. She wanted to try and cheer her up, but seeing Fluttershy in this condition made her realize that only time can heal wounds as bad as the ones Fluttershy had. 

Pinkie Pie watched on until the sound of her stomach perked her head up and looked down at it confusingly. "Huh?" her stomach growled, again. This time, sounding almost like a lion growl. "Oh, almost forgot. Let's eat" She giggled, hopping back into Sugarcube Corner.

***Diamond Lake***

A sparrow flew high above the sky with a dead worm in its mouth. When it reached its destination, it dived down like a professional diver and let the air brush against its fur as it neared the secluded lake, disappearing in the surrounding oak trees. The bird timed its dive before spreading its wings its graceful wings and saving itself from the water below as it made an 'L' turn over the clear lake. The bird easily soared over the lake with grace and elegance before it aimed at a specific oak tree with a bowl-shaped nest. The sparrow flapped its wings to keep itself balanced so it flew could use its momentum to fly straight into the oak tree and carefully land on the thick branch where the nest is. It hopped two times as it looked down to see her three baby sparrow chicks await their mother for their food; all three chirping from hunger.

The mother sparrow proceeded to feed her young ones when she spotted a bush rustling near the oak tree. She didn't pay a single thought to it and happily fed her chicks. When she was done, she noticed an orange mass walk out of the bush and head to the lake's edge.

Looking closely, the mother bird realized it was just a filly, and it looked like she was upset. However, looking closely, she noticed the little filly also had purple to her, just like her friend Hummingway had tweeted to her about. Earlier, he and their fellow birds came around to spread word of a little filly's runaway. Perhaps this is the filly that they're looking for. She must spread the word, but she couldn't leave her babies alone where they could get hurt – they couldn't fly yet. But seeing the other birds and dragonflies that were flying here, she started tweeting to the surrounding critters in the area.

A depressed Scootaloo slowly walked up to the edge of the lake and sat down, looking at her reflection in the water. Finally, some alone time. She let out a deep sigh before looking up at the blue sky and thinking about the hidden truth she found. 

Fluttershy was her real mother and kept it hidden. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie knew all along and never told her from the start. A few questions burned into her skull that she couldn't help but want to know, but didn't bother to ask because she figured everyone else would've either dodge her questions, ignore her or hide that truth just to keep Fluttershy safe. She felt painful pressure build up in her chest as tears began to form.

Waves of emotion thrashed about inside her and forced her to grab her head; anger, betrayal, bitterness, and confusion. Why? Why did this have to happen? Scootaloo dropped her hooves and gazed at the reflecting waters as a tear dropped and rippled the water. Can she even trust her older friends anymore? Depression was really taking its toll on the poor filly.

A soft, soothing breeze covered Scootaloo's back like a blanket. It got her to stop crying; it's like it knew she was troubled. She blinked a few times and shook her head, snapping herself out of her mental breakdown before gazing out into the lake. The lake was crystal clear; so clear, she could see the fish swimming about, almost like they were putting on a show. Scootaloo couldn't help but crack a small smile at the sight. She noticed a few birds fly above the trees and chirping a melody-like tune. 

Scootaloo's smile grew a bit; her secret spot was working its charm. When she would get depressed or sad from something, she would sometimes come here to this secret lake to calm down and enjoy the peaceful scenery it provided to her. And today, it felt right to come here; she desperately needed it; even thinking about that punch she gave to Diamond Tiara boosted the smile on her face, almost making her giggle. 

The half-smiling filly looked at what the lake had in store; besides the usual gentle breeze. She was greeted with the sound of birds chirping in the trees, rustling bushes from the wind, and an occasional fish jumping out of the water. She even spotted two or three dragonflies buzzing over the water. The place looked like it hasn't been touched by any hoof for many, many years -- aside from her's, but she knew she wouldn't dare mess with anything. This place was so therapeutic.

Scootaloo slowly closed her eyes to let the soothing sounds of the lake and forest take all her stress away. A few slow, deep breaths, it slowly worked for her. It helped take her mind off of today's stupid event. Or, at least, that's what she thought until an unwanted memory was too stubborn to leave. Hasn't been a few hours and what happened earlier can't be pushed away. And other memories just had to join in!

Her smile faded; a frustrated frown took its place. Everything she remembered leading up to this point was torturous. From growing up living in an orphanage with other demonic orphans and an equally lousy deadbeat caretaker; to going to school and dealing with snooty, stuck-up brats who think they're better than everypony; to now finding out the one pony to a well-known group who watched over them a few times, cared for them, and saved the world dozens of times... was her mother all along. And, yet, she hid that secret from her and never bothered to tell her. The mere glimpses of those memories were painful; these memories were hard to get rid of. Her body twitched, her eyelids crushed, she grinded her teeth and grabbed her head. She groaned in frustration before it turned into a hot-tempered growl as she pounded the ground with her small hooves. 

She shot up on her hooves and shouted angrily, "Why did you abandon me?!" Her voice echoed around the last as she took several breaths before she sat back down to calm down from that brief mental explosion. Silence only answered her call; even the visual therapy the lake provided didn't help her. At least she was alone, but the thought of someone investigating her shout briefly occurred. She let out a frustrated sigh before closing her eyes to try and get rid of these thoughts, again. But when she opened them back up, she gasped in shock to see an unwanted reflection in the water of her ‘mother' sitting next to her and giving her a warm smile. Scootaloo snapped her gaze behind her but saw nothing; no one was there. What's going on? She looked back to see the same reflection, again. Was the lake trying to tell her something?  If it was, she didn't want to hear it. In fact, this reflection made her more furious than ever. The filly snarled, and shouted, "Go away!" as she lashed out at the water and splashed the illusion away. A few more repeated hits in the water and Scootaloo finally stopped. As the water's ripples contorted back to a flat surface, Fluttershy was gone. Never to be seen again.

Scootaloo sat there and looked at her reflection for some time before feeling the gentle breeze brush against her fur. But it still didn't help wipe the frown off her face; she was too hurt and sad to have her spirit lifted. Her secret place failed to help her. No, it tried to help, but it wasn't enough. One last question crept into her brain, 'Can I trust Rainbow Dash anymore?' a single tear slid down her cheek. She was furious with Fluttershy, but her confusion and angry was also not just hooked on to Rainbow Dash, but Pinkie Pie, too. She rested on her stomach and chest as she crossed her arms to lay her head on with a bitter scowl on her face. 

Aside from Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Rarity, she doesn't know who to believe, or trust, anymore. 

Who else was hiding this secret from her?! Princess Luna? Twilight? Big Mac? Anyone of them could know Fluttershy's secret and would they even bother spilling the beans? Probably not. 

Just the thought made her mad even more as she pounded the surface of the lake one last time with an angry grunt. The lake probably paid her back for that by splashing a glob of water in her face. Scootaloo rolled her eyes and shook her head to dry it off. 

"Okay, I'll stop," Scootaloo said as if the lake told her to stop hitting it.

She calmed down long enough to see her rippling reflection; she looked a little surprised that her reflection seemed to be changing.

The wind strangely picked up a bit as it blew into Scootaloo's face and startled her into sitting back up; the sudden sound of wings flapping and hooves patting the ground caught her attention. She looked at the lake one more time and was stunned to see her own reflection seemed to have changed into a red pony, frowning lightly right at her. 

Intrigued, Scootaloo peered back to see a familiar cyan Pegasus fold her wings and smile sheepishly and happily at her. But she wasn't the only one – there was also, to her slight surprise, Big Macintosh. He looked like he had been through Tartarus as his mane was a little messy and he was sweating.

"Hey, squirt," Rainbow Dash greeted.

"Little sugarcube…" Big Mac panted lightly, exhausted from his search. He had spent every minute of every passing hour, trying to find her. When he saw Rainbow Dash fly overhead, he asked if she had seen her – and when she answered that she may have an idea of where she went, made his heart soar. "…thank Equestria, you're safe." He held out a hoof to bring her into a hug.

Scootaloo raised a brow at him but gave a dirty look to Rainbow Dash and frowned at her ‘idol'. Slapping Big Mac's hoof away, she lowered her front hooves and looked away from the two.

Rainbow Dash frowned. That look alone told the athletic pegasus that Scootaloo wanted her to leave, and that her trust in her was completely shattered. She knew Scootaloo was still mad, but she never expected her to be this broken; she needed to approach lightly with the filly; she didn't want to make things worse for her. Even Big Mac was going to have a tough time with this -- even though she was surprised to know he cared just as much as she did. Guess raising Applebloom must've brought out his inner father-figure or something. Whatever was going on, she was happy to at least have some help.

Big Mac was stunned, he knew that Scootaloo was rightfully angry, but the very thought of her being this mad was terrifying. He felt a little hurt that she rejected his comfort, but he was no fool. He knew she wanted to be alone, but his worry for her drove him to stay here.

Silence engulfed their surroundings for minutes until Rainbow Dash broke it, saying "I take it you found out, didn't you? About the truth?" she said, asking the young filly but received no answer. She just looked at the lake and remained silent.

Big Mac sighed, "Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle told us what happened. I was real worried for you, Scootaloo…" his voice dripping with relief. But she still kept her sight on the lake's surface.

Rainbow sighed, as well, and continued, hoping to get through to her, "Look, Scootaloo, I know you're upset, but you gotta know. Fluttershy--"

"How'd you two find me?" Scootaloo asked sternly, interrupting her.

"I was lookin' everywhere in and out of town for you, before I saw Dashie flying and followed her… had a feelin' she knew where you were," Big Mac somberly answered. 

Rainbow Dash raised a brow at her, "It wasn't hard. I just followed your shout while I was flying around looking for you. And I was right all along," she said, boasting a little and smiling that she was right about Scootaloo's location. Her conscious, however, wanted to scowl at her so badly, because this was not the time and place to boast.

Big Mac narrowed his eyes lightly at the cyan pony, seeing that Scootaloo was in no mood for one of her boastings.

Scootaloo rolled her eyes in irritation. She wanted to lash out at Rainbow for what she did, instead of that she just asks, "Right about what, exactly?"

"That you'd be here… at my old secret spot," Rainbow Dash said in a calm tone.

"What?!" Scootaloo looked back at Rainbow Dash, surprised and shocked by what she heard. 

Big Macintosh blinked at the tomboy mare. What was she talking about now?

Rainbow Dash nodded, "Yup, you heard right. This place used to be my old hiding spot when I was a filly; if I ever felt angry and sad about anything, I would fly down here to calm down and relax," Rainbow Dash looked around the mystic-looking lake and smiled, "And I can see it hasn't changed; not one bit."

She peered back at Scootaloo and chuckled in surprise, gazing down at the ground under the little filly's hooves.

"You're even sitting on the exact spot where I use to sit," She pointed her hoof at the spot Scootaloo was sitting.

Scootaloo glanced under herself then back at Rainbow Dash. This may be a surprising revelation to her, but that still doesn't change her attitude towards the athletic pegasus. She looked away and huffed.

Big Mac lowered his ears lightly, seeing Scootaloo this upset was chipping away at his spirit piece by piece. He sighed lightly and took a seat, he made sure to give her space but there was arm's distance between them as he looked to his own reflection. He looked to her and wanted to speak to her, but they were a bit jumbled. He had to word this carefully.

Rainbow Dash frowned and had that face of defeat on her. So much for that little surprise. She sighed before saying, "Scootaloo, I know you're mad at Fluttershy, but let me explain. She was just--"

"Fluttershy isn't the only one I'm mad at, Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo snapped at Rainbow Dash without looking at her.

Rainbow Dash flinched and jerked a folded front hoof close to her chest; there's the anger she was looking for. She figured it'd come up eventually.

"She told me that you and Pinkie Pie knew from the start," Scootaloo said as she breathed choppy breaths, letting her know how angry she was, "I can't believe you and Pinkie Pie knew about this the whole time and never bothered to tell me. I thought I trusted you; both of you!" She said as she kept her eyes on the water, a depressed face shown. 

Rainbow Dash widened her eyes in slight shock. She never expected Fluttershy to tell Scootaloo that, then again, she only caught the part where Scootaloo confronted Fluttershy before storming off. 

"Little Sugarcube, she—" Big Mac wanted to speak to her but was stunned when she turned on him too, glaring those heartbroken eyes at him.

"Did you know about this, too?" Scootaloo narrowed her eyes at the stallion that she had considered her big brother-figure. If he had known about this, she would decide that she couldn't trust anypony anymore. "Did you know about Fluttershy being my mom, Big Mac?"

Confused, but giving his genuinely honest answer, he swiftly shook his head, "Eenope!" He told her the cast iron and honest truth, "I really didn't know, Scootaloo. I only found out just a while ago from my little sister and Sweetie Belle. They're plum worried out of their minds for you and looking for you," He lowered his ears, again, feeling sad she's going through all this pain, "Just like I was, I was wanting to make sure you're okay."

"Well, I'm sure not okay now!" Scootaloo barked at him, making him wince.

Rainbow Dash looked at Scootaloo with sad, sorry eyes before saying, "You can trust me, Scootaloo. But I had a reason why Fluttershy and I kept it from you."

"A reason?"

A snarl crept Scootaloo's face as her angerslowly grew. She swiftly turned her body and shouted, stamping her hooves on the soft grass, "What was your reason?!" she glared venomous, angry, puffy red, tear-filled daggers at Rainbow Dash. 

Rainbow Dash quickly got back on her hooves and backed up a bit to give her space, but that wasn't enough to keep Scootaloo from unleashing her anger on her. "Was it so you could lie to me? To betray me? To crush me? Let me suffer from not knowing who my parents were?!" she squeezed her eyelids tight as she grunted from the pain in her eyes as sobbed in front of Rainbow Dash. "I thought you were cool, Rainbow Dash!" she opened her puffy, red eyes, trying so hard to ignore the pain from the salty tears, "But no! You lied to me behind my back. Why? Why would you do that?!" she exclaimed, yet Rainbow Dash remained firm through her meltdown.

"Little Sugarcube, listen! Dash said she's got a reason and if you just let her explain—" Big Mac calmly tried to defuse this situation, but what Scootaloo said next broke the camel's back.

"You stay out of this, Big Mac!" Scootaloo scowled at him, furiously, "Just go home! This is between me and Rainbow Dash! And I don't need you to defend my so-called idol or hold my hoof!" That jab hurt both the adult ponies, but Dash remained strong. 

Big Macintosh, however, had quite enough of this. With a firm frown, he responded back, "No, I will not ‘stay out of this'. I have just as much right to be involved in this conversation as much as Dash does. I may not know the entire story, but I came here on my own accord – for you."

Scootaloo scoffed with a roll of her eyes, "Gee, don't I feel special."

"You should be!" He grunted in a bit of frustration, "I was worried out of my mind about you, you know that?"

"Well, I didn't ask for you to come searching for me, did I?!" The filly stood up. "And I really don't need your help right now."

Big Mac frowned lightly as he took a sober expression, "That's not what you said yesterday when you wanted to find out who your mother was." He jabbed back that she came to him and Rarity for help yesterday, so if she thought she can get out of this scot-free, the joke's on her. "You definitely needed help. More than you ever knew."

"Yeah, well, maybe I shouldn't have let you and Rarity or my friends know about my dream, then!" She growled almost viciously, "Besides, why do you even care?!" Scootaloo angrily pointed at the stallion. "You're not my brother!"

That last sentence broke something in the stallion. He looked stunned at her, going silent after her personal stab at him. His stunned expression slowly turned devastated; his Little Sugarcube was so angry, that she regretted asking him for help about finding out more on her dreams, and unknowingly, yet verbally disowned him.

"Just leave me alone; both of you!" The orange filly stomped before turning away, starting her waterworks again.

When Scootaloo stopped her verbal meltdown, Rainbow Dash looked at her crushed composure and felt ever-so-sorry for Scootaloo. She frowned at the crying filly before she sat back down and thought about Scootaloo's pain; knowing exactly how she felt. The only difference was that Scootaloo found her mother; Rainbow Dash never knew her mother when she was a filly. She was raised by her father. And it was her father alone that made her be what she is today; tough and loyal. But being loyal did have its consequences, and this was one of them; she just didn't expect something like this to happen. Needless to say, she wouldn't question her loyalty, because she made a promise to Fluttershy. But now that the cats out of the bag, she thought it was time to tell Scootaloo the whole truth.

Rainbow Dash sighed and replied to Scootaloo with one sentence that even she never expected the cyan pegasus to say, "She wanted you to have a better life with another family. She asked me to never tell, and I promised her I'd never tell anypony; not even our friends and family." 

Scootaloo felt a cold touch spread in her chest as she sat down; her eyes widen with more tears rolling down. She couldn't believe what she just heard. Better life? Another family? Rainbow Dash was wrong; very, very wrong. She has no clue what she's been through. That place was full of hate and neglect; bitterness and greed. Anger and denial slowly swelled up inside, and it hurt. Scootaloo glared at Rainbow Dash, and said, "Then she, and you, were wrong; No family adopted me," her small wings buzzed out of anger.

"Scootaloo, it's only a matter of patience before--"

"No!" Scootaloo shouted. She was sick to death of hearing that. "I'm tired of waiting. I'm sick of that orphanage. I'm sick of those bullying orphans. I'm sick of those caretakers. I'm sick of the lies!" She was fed up with everything. "I hate my life! If Fluttershy said I'd have a better life then she's wrong. So very wrong!" Scootaloo breathed heavily, having her voice nearly diminished from releasing all that rage.  She sat back down to catch her breath, but the glare never went away and the rage was far from gone.

Rainbow Dash slowly and cautiously walked up to the mentally exhausted Scootaloo and sat in front of her, "Scootaloo, I'm sorry you think that, but your mother felt like it would've been better if she let another family take good care of you." 

"Well, fat load of good that does me!" Scootaloo glared at her, "Because nopony wants me!"

Dash flinched a bit, stunned by the sudden declaration of Scootaloo's hate of the orphanage. She knew she hated it there and it sounded really bad, but really? No pony wanted her?

She was about to speak, but Big Mac spoke up, having never left but still hurt, "That's not true, Little Sugarcube…"

"I told you to stay out of this and leave me alone, Big Mac!" Scootaloo yelled in fury, even going so far as to try and push the stallion away physically, but it was difficult seeing how he was older and stronger than her. "You don't even know what being an orphan's like!"

At that jab, the red stallion's frown deepened, "You should try witnessing your parents dyin' in front of you when you couldn't save them." Scootaloo froze at that comment, stumped because she didn't see that coming. Rainbow Dash was the same. Scootaloo looked up at Big Mac shocked when he said in a pained tone, "Applejack's, Applebloom's and my parents…" He sighed lightly and looked away, "They died when they were trying to make a surprise delivery trip to Vanhoover on hoof. They left us under Granny's care – but what they didn't know was that a wicked storm was occurring during their trip. They were crossing a bridge across a ravine when lightning struck…" 

He sniffed, "The cart's weight made it worse when the bridge started weakening from the stress of Mother Nature, and the weight it held… they tried running back to the other side. I hurried out of the barn and ran as fast as my hooves could carry me to get to them so I could bring them home… only for dad to warn me to stay back just as the bridge broke." He looked down sadly; he had blamed himself for not being quick enough to save their parents. 

He frowned firmly as his eyes hardened, "I do know what being an orphan's like, but you don't see me makin' a big ol' hissy fit over it like some big baby!"

Scootaloo had been stunned to hear Big Mac's confession of being an orphan, but when he said that she was making herself look like a baby by making this into a big fuss, she resumed her scowl – a look of hate on her face. "I'm not a baby!"

He shrugged a shoulder, "I never directly said you were. But I'm trying my absolute best to be a supporting figure towards you."

"Then where were you when I needed you when the orphanage started getting even worse?" She frowned, her tears starting to overflow her eyes.

"Apparently, stuck on the farm – because some little filly never bothered to tell me about this orphanage being as worse than landing in a big, steaming pile of cow patties." He jabbed back, he only knew about it being worse just yesterday. "So if you're looking to blame anyone, you should've come to me sooner. I wanted you to have a loving family, just as much."

"Yeah, but nobody wants me!" She glared furiously, hating having to repeat that no pony wanted her.

"Well, have you given any couple a chance? They would've seen you were something special!" He assured, but could tell this was hardly getting through to her. "Then you would truly have a home. But all honesty, I think you should return to Fluttershy."

"Never in a million years!" Was the immediate response to that suggestion.

"Well, at least she's been treating you kinder than anypony else has been!" He scowled, he was getting really frustrated about her stubbornness, for it reminded him all too well about his sister's own stubbornness. "Especially when you have this kind of attitude."

Scootaloo huffed, "Yeah, but that was before I found out she was my mom!"

He retorted back with his own eye roll, giving her a slight mocking ‘yeah' in return, "Yeah, but she wanted to tell you sooner or later." He gave a slight defend for Fluttershy before bringing up what Scootaloo's dreams had been telling her, "Maybe your dreams meant she was willing to get you out of that orphanage." He encouraged her to give Fluttershy a chance, so that they could be happy, at long last. "If no other couple would take you, then she will. If you just gave her a chance. She can take you away from there… You could be part of a happy family." 

But that only seemed to set the poor filly off as she yelled at the top of her lungs at him. He winced when she did, but it only made him angrier and it was hard to keep what was bottled inside bottled up any longer.

"BUT NOPONY EVEN WANTS TO TAKE ME OUT OF THAT STUPID ORPHANAGE, BIG MAC!!! NOPONY WANTED TO MAKE ME A PART OF THEIR FAMILY!!!" Scootaloo exploded on him with utmost fury, her face almost as red as his fur, she was sick of repeating herself but she had to get it through his apparently thick skull that nopony wanted her until he finally exploded himself and silenced her with a declaration that rocked her whole world.

"I DID!!!!" He yelled at her in anguish, looking broken as his ears had fallen flat against his skull. His eyes were filled with tears, but they were also filled with defeat and heartbreak. He looked away, sitting down with his short tail wrapping around his hip, looking down at his reflection in great sadness.

Scootaloo and Dash looked at him, stunned. Did they hear that right? Did he really just confess that he himself wanted to adopt Scootaloo?

Rainbow Dash couldn't believe it. The quietest pony – next to Fluttershy – in Ponyville, and the big brother of her farmpony friend, wanted to make Scootaloo a part of his family?

Scootaloo looked shocked. For the longest time, every couple that came to the orphanage, they gazed at her and sized her up, but when she hoped that they would choose her they ended up choosing one of the rotten orphans that picked on her – but Big Mac, he wanted to bring her into his family as his own? 

But why didn't he? And how come he didn't say anything sooner? How long had he been feeling this way?

"W-When?" She was about to ask, but he beat her to it.

"Before I found out about Fluttershy being your mom…" He said as he sniffled, "And before the dreams," He wiped his nose, hiccupping a little before glancing at the filly that he had viewed as his little sister figure. "Before everything." He revealed to her; ever since his little sister first became friends with her and Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo had been unknowingly bringing brightness to not only his little sister's life but also his, too. And over time, as she and her friends started trying new things every day to get those cutie marks, she had become a littler little sister to him.

But now this pain was so great, he was finally letting it all out to how he really felt about the young Pegasus filly.

"Seeing you so happy with my little sister was all I ever wanted. You brought brightness in her life. But when she brought you around more often, especially at that tree house of yours, you somehow brought that brightness in my life, too." He blushed lightly, gazing away at the view. "Over time, you became quite like a littler little baby sister to me." This had managed to calm down Scootaloo and finally bring her anger to a temporary stop as she stared at him with wide, surprised eyes. "We weren't related by blood, but the bond I felt with you was genuine."

But Scootaloo's eyes widened to basketball-size when he spoke out one sentence that really caught her attention for sure, "I wanted to take you in so badly. Especially after you told me how bad that orphanage really was."

"W-Why didn't you?" She reluctantly asked him.

"We may be famously known for our apples and the goods that come with it, but it's tricky bit-wise… for whatever Greedy Bags had, if I had the right amount of bits, I would've gladly taken you," He sighed sadly, "Though, Granny would get on to me for having another mouth to feed. Plus, I don't think you'd handle working on a farm, doing chores like me and my sisters do when you deserve to be free."

Scootaloo couldn't blame him for that reason, while she loved her best friend, she knew that she herself probably couldn't get used to all the hard work they do each and every day.

Big Mac sadly looked at her, broken and defeated as he admitted one last thing. "I love you, Scootaloo. I love you as if you were a part of the apple family," He heard her gasp lightly from the filly and the sound of wings springing out in surprise byRainbow  Dash, but he didn't dare make eye contact as he lowered his head.

Scootaloo's eyes widened to the size of pumpkins in shock. This was the first time any pony had ever said that to her with such genuine love. And it was coming from him, of all ponies. "You…. You…" But she couldn't utter any other word out. 

Scootaloo was speechless, and she knew he wasn't faking this to comfort her – this was all too true for he wouldn't be this emotional if it was fake; she just looked up at him in stunned silence.

He sighed lightly as he gazed at her, making eye contact, overcome with grief, "Now you know." 

"Big Mac… I…" She tried to speak, but once again, couldn't form the words. His revelation had stumped her, and it had brought her anger down significantly.

He looked away for one second, ears pinned to his head in depression and refusing to rise back up, before he looked back at the little filly giving the last word, "Scootaloo, I just want you to be happy." He shook his head, wanting his little sister-figure to be happy no matter what happens to her. "Regardless of what happens now." He coughed a bit from crying silent tears as his cheeks were soaking wet, "Because, no matter what, you'll always be my Little Sugarcube." He then turned his head away and stayed silent as he cast his sight on the lake and the dirt beneath him.

Rainbow Dash slowly and cautiously walked up to the stunned Scootaloo and sat in front of her, but also felt bad for the hurt filly, "Scootaloo?"

Scootaloo didn't look at Rainbow Dash; she kept her eyes on the mentally exhausted, broken stallion nearby. She just sat there, before finally replying to her with a soft, stumped "W-What?"

Rainbow Dash needed to take easy steps with Scootaloo. She didn't want to risk hurting the poor filly even more. She had to tell her the truth, but approaching it was difficult. She needed the right words, but how? Time wasn't on her side in this situation until she remembered what Fluttershy did before she decided to put Scootaloo in that orphanage. She softly spoke to Scootaloo, "I know you hate that orphanage, and I know you probably still want to be alone, and I don't blame you either way. But, please, hear me out on this."

Scootaloo just gave Rainbow Dash a glance, but she allowed herself to listen.

"When Fluttershy was younger, she wanted to keep you."

Scootaloo's glance turned into a full-blown, turnaround, shocked face as she hooked her full attention to her, "W-What?"

Big Mac glanced lightly at the mare but once again looked away, feeling he should stay out of this, now that he spoke his piece.

Rainbow Dash nodded, "That's right." She smiled a bit, happy to get her attention, and explained, "When Fluttershy and I were very young, we didn't know any better back then. Heh, especially during high school." Those were wild memories back then, now that she thought about her high school experiences. "It was a sophomore year, and I was pretty competitive and tough. I always remind other ponies I meant business; I'm still like that today." She giggled at herself. "Anyway, your mother hadn't changed that much back then; she was always shy and timid, almost everyone pushed her around. But lucky for her, I was always there to protect her from those who bullied her." 

She went on for a few minutes as Scootaloo calmed down while she was telling her story. The little filly was intrigued and enjoyed the bits where Rainbow Dash fought off others to protect Fluttershy. However, Rainbow Dash's smile contorted into a soft frown as she told her more.

"But, by the time senior year rolled around, your mother went on and on about wanting to start a family; it was a phase she was going through," she said thinking that she was glad she didn't go through that herself but felt ashamed she wasn't there to stop Fluttershy from doing something stupid. "I thought ‘Hold up, Fluttershy, we're still in high school. Can't you wait before thinking about that?' So, I told her what I thought about her decision. Big mistake." She said with soft chuckle and told Scootaloo about how her mother flipped and chewed her out for not agreeing with her. This caused Scootaloo to smile a little and chuckle.

Scootaloo finally calmed down, her anger gone and she continued to listen to Rainbow Dash, "What happened after that?"

"Well, a few days went by and your mother actually got herself a coltfriend. She loved him so much, she thought that he was the one for her. But, I knew something was up. She was so clueless and naive about what he actually had planned for her, and I tried so hard to tell her what he was up to," Rainbow Dash explained, trying very hard not to bring Fluttershy down and let Scootaloo think she was the worst mother ever, but gosh-darn-it, ever since that infuriating event happened, Rainbow Dash thought Fluttershy was the biggest idiot in Equestria. She wanted to chew her out for making that decision, but she couldn't since she herself made a decision that was just as idiotic. She could've prevented it, but it was too late, and then she said, "But, she was completely oblivious to the truth. We argued for a while until ‘he' showed up and took her away. I was so furious, I gave up after that and went on with my day. I wasn't aware of what 'he' was going to do until the deed was done."

Something clicked in Scootaloo's mind. She thought about what Rainbow Dash said by 'he', but quickly solved what piece she had, and asked "Was he… my…"

Rainbow Dash nodded slowly, "Yes, it was your father who tricked your mother into using her for his needs." Rainbow Dash cringed at the memory, hating how all that turned out back then. The look on Fluttershy's face when they saw each other again, and the look when they found out she was pregnant, it wasn't a happy face she saw. It was a look of regret. Fluttershy made a mistake. No, they both made a mistake. Rainbow Dash remembered how she wanted to scold Fluttershy for what she had done to herself, but decided against it; she was suffering enough; her mistake would remain with her for a long time. Yet, Scootaloo's father thought he got off easy for what he did. A terrible mistake she hoped he'd still remember.

"My father used my mother? But…" she was confused on a new level. More questions started to develop in her mind-blown skull. "Why did my dad use Fluttershy?"

Rainbow Dash scrunched her face in shock and thought that telling Scootaloo about her moronic father was a huge slip-up. Her irises shrunk to pebble size; she zipped her irises left and right and tried to come up with something to get her out of this, until an idea popped in her noggin, "That is something you and your mother need to talk about. To me, he wasn't the brightest stallion out there."

Scootaloo regained her sad look and blinked a few times before looking back down at the grass, "Oh."

Rainbow Dash smiled warmly and approached Scootaloo, sitting next to her, "But if it wasn't for them," she wrapped her wing around the sad filly, "You wouldn't be here with me…and your mother…" She looked up, remembering they were not alone. "…and Big Mac, too." she meant it, too. Despite the mistake Fluttershy and Scootaloo's father made, Rainbow Dash was happy, no, thrilled, that Scootaloo came into Equestria.

Scootaloo looked up at Rainbow Dash, never saying a word as the loyalty bearer gazed down at her with a warm, comforting smile. She smiled a little in return. She finally understood Rainbow Dash's reason and hugged her close, nuzzling against her fur as if she was like an older sister.

Rainbow Dash giggled, "There's that happy filly I wanted to see."

Scootaloo hooked her eyes back to Rainbow Dash and asked, "Hey Rainbow Dash, what did you do to my dad when you found out Fluttershy was pregnant?"

Rainbow Dash let out a loud ‘ha' before replying, "I went and decked him so hard, I made sure his ancestors felt it."

Scootaloo giggled a bit before they both started to laugh, enjoying their moment. As it went on, her trust and friendship with Rainbow Dash slowly grew back to normal.

"You feeling any better, squirt?" Rainbow Dash asked, releasing her from the hug.

Scootaloo nodded to her, "Yeah, I'll be fine. But I'm still upset that Fluttershy never told me from the start."

Rainbow Dash facehooved herself kind of hard at that. She thought that this might be a while; she even thought that Scootaloo's stubbornness might rival Applejack's. She sighed deeply, agitated a bit before saying, "Scootaloo, Fluttershy was very young. She wasn't capable of taking care of a foal back then," This caused Scootaloo to scrunch her face angrily and look down at the grass, "but…" she looked back at Rainbow Dash as she said, "She wasn't a dummy either. She's more mature than me." She joked about herself. "Remember the time she foalsitted you and took care of you and the other two?"

Scootaloo nodded, blushing lightly as she recalled how wild she and her friends were the first time that happened.

"I think she'll reconsider her decision and take you back. Fluttershy is at the right age now and she would probably love to have her daughter back," Rainbow Dash said as she grinned again, hopefully raising Scootaloo's spirit; which started to work. Scootaloo grew a small smile on her face. "What do ya say, squirt? Think you'd give your mother a second chance?" she asked the recovering filly.

Scootaloo thought about it and tried to come up with an answer, "Well..." 

"Before you answer, I'd also like to tell you this," Rainbow Dash said while telling herself ‘Sorry, Applejack, Applebloom, Big Mac. Please, forgive me', she gazed at Big Mac apologetically. Scootaloo gazed back at Rainbow Dash as she sighed, and said, "Be happy you actually found your mother. I never knew my mother when I was a filly. When I was younger than you, she up and left my dad to take care of me all alone."

Scootaloo widened her eyes in shock, never realizing this at all. She sat there speechless. 

"And look at Applebloom. When she was a filly, she never knew her mother or father; she only remembers glimpses and that's it, Applejack and I were the only ones who got to know mom and dad," Big Mac said, feeling rather backstabbed that Rainbow Dash was telling Scootaloo about this, but he knew it was in the right place. He sighed lightly, "Why else do you think I've been overprotective of my family?"

But nonetheless, Scootaloo was baffled by this revelation and realized that she never took any time to think about how others felt; rage and confusion just corrupted her. The guilt started to come to her when she finally realized that her rage and confusion had been trying to get her to push them away when they only wanted to help her.

"I… I never knew about that. Rainbow Dash, I'm so sorry I yelled at you" she said, feeling bad for what she did. 

Rainbow Dash waved a forearm at her, "Pfft, don't worry about it, Scootaloo. I understand what you were going through. You had every right to be mad. I'm sorry for never telling you, but I had to keep my promise. You know, element of loyalty and all that. I was loyal way before I even got that element." Rainbow Dash started to drift off before Scootaloo stopped her with a hug. Rainbow Dash was caught off-guard, but she smiled softly and hugged Scootaloo back. 

Scootaloo smiled lightly after hugging her before realizing that she isn't the only one who deserved an apology. Rainbow Dash gingerly nudged her and motioned her to go ahead.

Scootaloo lowered her ears and looked over toward the lakeside to their company, "Big Mac?" she started to speak, but her eyes widened upon seeing he was no longer at the spot he was at. Dash looked equally surprised about his sudden disappearance. Looking around, they found he was leaving the area for his own home, with his head down and no longer speaking a word as he walked out the same way he came in here. 

She called out desperately, wanting to make up with him for what she said to him after finally learning the truth from him, "Big Mac, I'm sorry!"

But he didn't hear her, he was gone, heading for home. He said his piece, so it's best that Scootaloo made her own decisions without his aid.

Scootaloo winced, her ears lowered down. While she was no longer mad after learning the complete truth, she ended up hurting the one pony that was the closest thing to a brother, or even a father, she could've ever had, "Oh no…"

Worried, Dash rubbed her back and gave the best reassurance she could give, "I-It'll be okay, maybe you and him can catch up later?" She had been stumped upon learning about his personal feelings, but she had no idea of the sibling-like relationship that he shared with Scootaloo. But hopefully, they can make up soon. 

Scootaloo sighed lightly, feeling guilty for being so hard-headed and hard in general on him, "I hope so…" But she understood now Big Mac needed his own space to recover, especially after that emotional explosion.

Deciding to change the subject, Rainbow Dash looked at her and gently asked, "Hey, you made your decision, though?"

Scootaloo looked up at Rainbow Dash and nodded, "Yes. I'll go see Fluttershy." She backed away and buzzed her tiny wings a bit excitedly.

Rainbow Dash smiled with joy, "I won't stop you, Scootaloo," she stepped out of the way. "She's waiting to see her daughter; waiting to see you," She said.

Scootaloo looked at Rainbow Dash one last time before nodding and heading back to the cottage, running as fast as she could while Rainbow Dash watched her go.

Rainbow giggled before saying to herself, "You did good, Rainbow Dash. That turned out better than I thought," she said before gasping, remembering something. Since the talk about Scootaloo's father was brought up, she slightly turned her head to her right and glanced back at the sky with a one-eyed venomous glare. "Now there's one more thing I gotta do, and you better still be there, because when I see you--" she stretched she wings out, "--I'll be settling one huge score with you. You ungrateful, abandoning, uncaring, piece of--" she burst into the clear blue sky like a rocket and darted straight to Ponyville, leaving a rainbow trail as she did.

***Fluttershy's cottage***

The living room was filled with sorrowful animals, cooing, growling and whimpering sadly. The aura in the air was sad, and they all stared in the same direction it was coming from.

Angel hopped onto the couch next to Fluttershy; She returned a while ago from Ponyville still feeling depressed about what happened with Scootaloo.  He looked very worried as he gazed at his master, feeling crushed from seeing her so sad.

She sobbed in her arms and mane as sorrow and pain ate away at her body; her heart nearly torn apart by guilt. Angel hopped close to Fluttershy and rubbed his paw on her forehead. 

He, and other animals that showed up to give her comfort, felt sad to see her so down. A few animals squeaked and chittered, thinking of ways to cheer their caretaker up, but others suggest she should be left alone.
Angel kept rubbing his owner's forehead before she slowly raised her head to look at him. Her eyes blistered red and grew puffy from crying. She sniffled as more tears rolled down her cheeks; her mane covering her left eye. Her vision became blurry before slightly clearing up as she looked at her animal friends who all shared concerned looks. She then looked at Angel who was the most concerned and most worried; he didn't like seeing Fluttershy so destroyed.

"Angel? My friends…" She sniffled, her nose sounding stuffy. "Am I… Am I a bad mother?" she asked the white rabbit and her animal friends, choking from asking that question.

Angel perked his ears and twitched his whiskers, widening his eyes in shock. He knew Fluttershy was a mother from the start, but hearing her ask that question wasn't right. He looked at the other animals that heard her ask that question; they all had a look of shock before quickly making noises of disagreement. He looked at them seriously and nodded. Fluttershy always took care of him and all the other animals that approached her. Whether sick, physically and mentally hurt, depressed, or just needing some comfort and love, Fluttershy would tend to them and make them feel better. 

Like Angel, they cared deeply about Fluttershy, because she wasn't just a caretaker. She was more than that and she was definitely more than just a best friend to most of them; she was family – she was like a mother to them, and they didn't want to see her torn up; they wanted their mother to smile again. 

Mr. Slithers quivered and hissed gently, openly disagreeing with her question, he lowered himself from the support beam and nuzzled her cheek, wiping away her tears with his cheek.

Snappers growled and whimpered, shaking his head at her. He hissed and clicked his tongue repeatedly, telling her that she most definitely wasn't a bad mother.

Harry groaned in disagreement that she was a bad mother; from what they've witnessed of her ever since each of them met her, he growled out that she was an amazing mother and they loved her with all their hearts because of how kind and loving she had been to all. He reached over and grabbed her gently, bringing her in for a close yet gentle and warm hug, kissing her forehead in reassurance.

Angel gazed up at Fluttershy and gives her a sharp head shake.

Fluttershy, while appreciating and returning the hug, gave a confused notion, "You all don't think I am?" she asked. Angel shook his head again and gestured to himself and the animals in front of her.

She looked at them then back at Angel who gestured at her again, squeaking as he motioned, explaining and letting her know the times when she took care of them; all of them. How she gave them the love they deserved and that love was returned with loyalty, respect, friendship and their own love. 

Fluttershy raised her head up and wiped the tears away. She recalled doing those things, and yet, she still does it to this day. She looked to all her animal friends as Angel squeaked each animal's story out and how she found it in her heart to care for them when no one else did. She started to smile back as they gazed upon her with warm, loving smiles.

Angel continued to gesture to Fluttershy and let her know that she's been a mother-figure to them from the very start and that what she's been doing can be used on Scootaloo. He made one last point gesture to her that made her realize what she doing. 

Fluttershy blinked and gasped softly from the revelation, "Y-you're right, Angel. I was too young to take care of a filly; it would've been harder on me. But, I don't think my child would ever come back to me; not after what happened," She sadly narrowed her eyes away from Angel only to have a small, white paw softly thwack her on the side of the head, getting her to look at him as he gestured to her, again; he was going to make sure his point got across to her.

"You mean all those years of taking care of you and the others made me learn what it means to be an actual mother?" Angel nodded while the other animals chorused out their agreement. "And that I shouldn't judge myself for the things I already know?" Angel nodded again and motioned his arm to her whole cottage. "Y-you're right. My house is big enough for another to live in." she examined her house and grew a smile on her face. Angel gestured to her and to the door, smiling. "You want me to go find her?" he nodded, knowing that her daughter and she must be reunited, and end this ridiculous drama.

"B-But, I don't know where she is, Angel," Angel widens his eyes and lowered his whiskers, not even thinking that one through. The animals had looked so eager momentarily looked crestfallen; of course, there was still that.

As angry as they temporarily were at the filly for her hurtful words, it didn't stop them from worrying about her safety – but they were saddened because so far, they hadn't heard back from any of the other animals of Equestria yet if they found her. Harry growled out and flapped his lips in a disappointed exhale, his shoulders sagging in exaggerated disappointment. 

"It's okay, guys. She must've gone back to the orphanage. I wouldn't blame her. She must still be mad at me for keeping that secret from her," Fluttershy looked away with gloomy eyes. 

Angel sighed, disappointed in himself. The rest of the animals felt the same way, feeling they failed in aiding her when she needed it most.

Fluttershy then looked at her animal friends and gave them a soft smile while gently pushing on her bear friend's chest, getting him to carefully put her back down on the couch, "I know you all want me to be happy. Truthfully, I'm happy you all see me as a mother figure, but when it comes to an actual foal, it's completely different. I hope all of you understand. I went through a terrible life before meeting all of you, and it tore me apart," she placed a hoof on her chest, "This was my child, my daughter. She was a part of me that I couldn't take care of. I was a young filly who made a foolish decision; a decision that I lived with for many years." 

As she gave her speech, a shadow loomed over the door as it slowly and quietly opened behind them, letting a shadow loom inside. Some animals looked behind themselves and gave shocked, relieved and surprised looks.
"And I wouldn't blame her if she was still mad at me for what I did," another tear rolled down Fluttershy's cheek before softly saying, "Oh Scootaloo, my baby, I miss you so much."

"I missed you, too," a voice illuminated in the cottage. All the animals shifted their attention to the front door where a silhouette of a filly stood between the entrance and the evening light.

Fluttershy cocked her head up and widened her eyes as big as they could. She thought she was going crazy from hearing voices. She then noticed the walls behind her gleam with shadows of her animal friends, and a shadow of a familiar filly. 

She looked at her animal friends as they made a clearing. Her eyes glittered with hope as she saw the same silhouette her animal friends did. The silhouette moved closer inside the cottage revealing who it was. 
She gasped softly and held her muzzle. She shed more tears as she watched an exhausted, teary Scootaloo approached her, panting heavily from running.

"Scootaloo…" Fluttershy crawled off the couch while Angel hopped off. She slowly walked up to her daughter and sat down; the animals just watched, not making a sound so they can have their moment. Scootaloo sat down and took deep breaths. Not because she was catching her breath, but because she wanted to say something to her mother. Anger still lingered within the filly and she wanted to scowl Fluttershy for lying and abandoning her, but happiness seeped in and built-up inside her mind, too. She was happy that she finally found her mother and was able to see her again. She finally caught her breath as the two nervously looked at each other in silence. 

Angel and the other animals watched with anticipation; the suspense was getting to them.

The whole cottage got quiet for a while until Fluttershy broke the barrier and talked to Scootaloo nervously, "Scootaloo, I'm so sorry for what I did to you. I understand how angry and confused you were when you found out about the truth," She said, trying not to sob in front of her daughter. "I'm sorry for putting you in that orphanage, I didn't know it would be that bad. And, I'm sorry you went through so much pain because of it," Her lower jaw quivered. Trying might be harder done than said. "If you're still mad at me, I completely understand. I understand if you still hate me, too" Fluttershy crushed her eyes and lowered her head, sobbing from the pain. Darn it! Her effort failed too easily; she felt so weak. She thought Scootaloo came back just to yell at her for what she had done. She wanted Scootaloo to have a better life, with a better family; to have happiness with her new life. Instead, she got the complete opposite.

Fluttershy continued to cry in front of Scootaloo until a small force approached her with what felt like small arms wrapping around her chest. Fluttershy snapped her eyes and gazed down to see a crying Scootaloo cling to her tight. She looked at her daughter in confusion.

"I'm sorry too, Fluttershy," Scootaloo said as she whimpered, nuzzling against Fluttershy's fur and hugging her close.

Upon seeing this, Angel and the animals of the cottage started to smile in hope, their spirits started rising.

Fluttershy blinked a few times as she watched Scootaloo. Her confusion turned to care and love as a warm smile formed on her face. She wrapped her arms around her little daughter, and softly said, "You don't need to be sorry, sweetie. I'm the one who made those mistakes, not you." 

"I know, but I shouldn't have stormed off like that. I was just so mad, I didn't know what to think. I'm so sorry --" Scootaloo was unaware of Fluttershy using her wings to wrap around Scootaloo, making her stop to feel the full embrace of her mother; a motherly hug Scootaloo longed for and wanted.

Scootaloo peeled her teary eyes open and looked around to see Fluttershy's arms and wings around her body. Her embrace felt soft like a pillow and warm like a blanket. Scootaloo looked up as Fluttershy gave her a caring, motherly smile. The young filly had finally, for so long ever since she was born, got to be in her mother's arms, and it felt great. Tears welled up. Words could not describe how Scootaloo felt. Rainbow Dash was right to say what she said. She felt so bad for Big Mac and Applejack and Applebloom for losing their parents, but she really did felt lucky she found her mother. Her lips quivered and she planted her face in Fluttershy's fur. The emotional pressure was too much to bear and she finally erupted into a massive sob.

Fluttershy held her daughter close and nuzzled the top of her head, letting her cry it all out, "My baby, I'm sorry I wasn't there for you, but I'm here for you now," she said as she caressed her daughter's back, keeping her close and never letting go.

Scootaloo nuzzled her head under Fluttershy's chin before eventually calming down enough to rest her head against her chest. She was still teary-eyed, but they were tears of joy, this time, "I missed you… I missed you so much…" she sniffled until she finally worked the nerve to call Fluttershy what she was supposed to call her, to begin with, "…mommy!"

Fluttershy gasped quietly and paused for a moment. She looked down at Scootaloo and slowly smiled. Her heart warmed up. She expected it to be later done the line for Scootaloo to call her that, but to hear her say that one word now made it all the more special; it felt like a dream come true. Tears began to roll down Fluttershy's cheeks as she hugged her daughter close, "I missed you too, Scootaloo, my sweet, sweet baby."

The animals, touched beyond recognition by the loving sight, quietly left the cottage, taking the back-way, so that the reunited mother and daughter could be alone together. 

Some animals left the cottage in tears from that heartwarming scene, crying softly as they left. Some were grinning in happiness, glad that at last, their mother will finally be happy again – and happy to see that their little one had returned – if she's gonna be staying with them, they're probably gonna have to do their fair share of helping care for the little filly. Besides, it will all be worth it, just like it was worth it tonight in the end.

Angel closed the door and turned around to see them still hugging. Angel let out a warm smile of his own at this beautiful sight before hopping away to let them have their moment. He hopped upstairs and headed for his bed as nightfall had approached Equestria.

Turning in for the night, he had a feeling that from this moment on, everything is going to finally be okay.
> A Mother's Objectives
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning, school was about to begin. Fluttershy had just finished packing Scootaloo her lunch and her schoolbag. Though, Scootaloo just thought she was being overexcited about this, although this was highly amusing at the same time. She was just going to school.

"Okay dear, I packed your lunch. You should have your books, notepad, and pencils already in your bag," Fluttershy said with a huge grin, "I hope you have a great day today."

Scootaloo softly rolled her eyes while smiling. She chuckled and said, "Thanks, mom."

A sudden jolt slammed into Fluttershy's mind, realizing, "Oh gosh, I hope I didn't leave anything out," she said in brief paranoia, "Erasers, markers, highlighters… apples?" she started to hyperventilate through her words, but Scootaloo called out through a playful laugh.

"Mom, it's okay, I have the stuff I need in here. You did pack all the supplies I needed, after all," she chuckled again, "If I wanted to get really organized, I'd go ask Twilight," she joked with an amused grin. Although she had winced lightly when her mother brought up ‘apples'; she still had to do some mending. 

Maybe after school, she can be successful; she just got her mommy back after all this time, so how hard could winning her brother-figure back be?

Fluttershy calmed herself down and giggled at her daughter's joke, "You're right. I shouldn't overreact, but this is my first day of being an actual mother; I thought I'd make it perfect."

Scootaloo rolled her eyes, but had a loving yet happy smile, and shook her head, before saying "You're doing fine, mom, relax," She looked at the clock next to the front door and noticed the small hand was almost at seven. She gasped, "Oh man, I'm going to be late. Bye mom," She quickly pecked her mother's cheek before she opened the door and darted out of the cottage, heading straight for school.

Fluttershy stood halfway out the door and watched Scootaloo gallop to school. She smiled warmly and hoped her daughter would have a pleasant day; maybe she'd tell her other friends the truth and that she's living with her from now on. 

Those were some nice thoughts, but another sudden jolt pierced her mind as if a mystic force told her what to do; she was forgetting something but instincts reminded her, "Oh right…. The orphanage," she said as she frowned in disgust. After what her daughter had told her, it was high-time she ended that torture once and for all. 

But as she grabbed her bags, she felt a cold yet smooth touch on her arm. She looked down to see Mr. Slithers and Snappers, "Oh, hello, Mr. Slithers, Snappers. You're up early today." She was a bit surprised to see the two reptiles awake so early, especially Snappers. Usually, he liked to relax in his watering hole just letting the morning sun pass by. 

Snappers, however, growled lightly, clicking his tongue, and hissed a bit, talking to her. 

"Yes, you're right. I'm heading over to the orphanage to officially get Scootaloo out of there," She frowned softly, "This torture she's been through has to stop." She nodded as she knew her daughter also had to get her things, too, since she'll be moving into the cottage now.

Mr. Slithers hissed as he frowned, his tongue flicked occasionally, communicating with her that she shouldn't go alone if this orphanage was as bad as Scootaloo had put it.

"But I'm sure I'll be okay on my own, sweetie," Fluttershy reassured only for a chorus of hisses from the two reptiles. She then looked surprised once they finished, "You both want to come with me?" This earned a nod from the python and crocodile. "Well…" She thought about it. If Greedy Bags is as bad as Scootaloo puts her, then she might need a little help. "Alright, but behave yourselves." She agreed to let them come along.

Followed by her two reptile friends, she closed her door and walked to the orphanage. Little did she know, another little friend snuck up onto Fluttershy and was coming along for the ride as a little creature hid inside her mane without the timid mare noticing.

But as she walked, memories of what Scootaloo told her started to flood. The thought of that orphanage treating Scootaloo like dirt sparked a new instinct in her mind. Fluttershy frowned and crushed her forehead in a furious manner but took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, calming herself and ridding those thoughts, for now; mama bear has arrived and she's on a hunt.

***Ponyville Schoolhouse***

Scootaloo arrived just in time at the Ponyville Schoolhouse. As she approached the school, she immediately stopped midway and gazed at the playground. Classes hadn't started yet and there was no sign of Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon; which was a big plus in her book. She did notice some fillies and colts playing before she decided to go and join them, only to have her attention quickly grabbed by a worried Applebloom and Sweetie Belle who ran up to her with faces so worried, they reminded her of Fluttershy -- no surprise there.

"Scootaloo!" Sweetie Belle shouted with worried eyes. "Where were you? We looked everywhere for you," she said with a squeaky tone

"We were worried sick. We could've looked all day, but our sisters had to stop us," Applebloom said, "We had to explain to them about what happened because somepony had to open their big mouth," she glared a bit at a rather embarrassed Sweetie Belle.

"I said I was sorry. I can't shut up when I'm nervous." Sweetie Belle shrugged apologetically under the earth filly's glare.

Scootaloo held her hooves up and tried to calm the misgiving fillies, "Whoa girls, calm down. I'm fine. I was just upset is all," She rubbed the back of her head, and felt a little bad for running off on them, "I talked with Rainbow Dash and Big Mac. Then, I went back to Fluttershy's house and, well, I'm going to call her mom from now on," She explained to them and received shocked looks from Applebloom and Sweetie Belle.

"So does this mean?" Applebloom asked in suspense.

Scootaloo smiled, "I have a mother now," she held back her joy, but she thought about releasing it when school ended. However, that didn't stop her friends from showing their joy to her. They cheered for her and hugged her close; they were happy that their friend was back with her mother. 

But Applebloom suddenly frowned softly as she gazed at her friend, "Although…"

Scootaloo winced a bit visibly under her gaze, having a feeling why she's looking at her like that, "What?"

Applebloom looked at her with a raised eyebrow, "When Applejack and I got home for the night after searching for you, we came home to find Granny worried sick because my brother came back before we did." She twirled her hoof, rolling her eyes up to gaze at the clouds, but her tone remained the same. "She said something ‘bout him refusing to talk to her; not one single "Eeyup" out of him. He just went to bed, in his room and the next thing she knew, he was bawling his eyes out like he's been choppin' a room full of onions or like he missed out the latest Apple Family Reunion, and you know how important family means to me and my family."

Scootaloo winced hard, the guilt started to come back. ‘I know I unintentionally pushed him away and was really hard on him, but is he really that upset?' She mentally beat her brain up for thinking that question when the answer was as plain as the nose on her face; she saw how down he looked when he was leaving just last night. ‘What am I talking about? Of course, he is! I practically disowned him as my brother-figure out of anger no more than 24 hours ago… but now he's got his own family really worried about him?' She sighed lightly to herself. ‘Man, I really messed up this time.'

Applebloom crossed her hooves, that raised eyebrow directed at Scootaloo once she noticed the guilty expression on her face. She sighed and frowned at her, knowing that she had something to do with her brother being upset, "Scootaloo, what did you do to my brother?"

Scootaloo sighed lightly and rubbed the back of her head while wincing, before explaining what had happened between her and Big Mac, "He and I got a little into each other's faces because I was being too stubborn to listen to Rainbow Dash… then things got really deep, and I probably said some things I shouldn't have," She sighed in guilt once more, before looking to her friends. She felt like this needed to be shared. "Did you guys know that he wanted to adopt me?"

Needless to say, her two best friends were surprised by this little piece of info; apparently, they didn't know about this. Not even Applebloom knew about this at all, and her family is quite the honest one.

"He did?" Sweetie Belle looked curious; she knew that he was a good stallion, but she never thought he of all ponies would've been interested in adopting a child, especially if that child was her best friend.

Scootaloo nodded, "He told me with his own words." She blushed a bit faintly, "He said that every time Applebloom brought us around to the clubhouse, I somehow became a littler baby sister to him."

"Really?" Applebloom looked stunned. She never knew her brother wanted to adopt Scootaloo; but as she thought about it, she did however seemed to notice that whenever she brought her friends around, her brother did seem to look after them in a way. ‘Huh. I guess we brought out a secret parental side of him.' 

She blushed lightly as a thought came to her, "Heh, if my brother did adopt you, Scootaloo… I guess we'd be more than friends." Scootaloo looked at her oddly before she tells her why, "We'd be aunt and niece."
That made the fillies giggle and laugh a bit at the mere thought of such a scenario. It was cute, but boy, would it have been awkward between the two fillies at first at the same time!

"I love you, Applebloom, but your brother made a good point about one thing: I probably wouldn't get as used to hard farm work like you, him and Applejack do every day," Scootaloo giggled, accepting that truth since she wasn't a hard-working earth pony like the Apples.

Applebloom shrugged and rolled her shoulders, admittedly, "Yeah, you're probably right." Applebloom agreed. Her pegasus friend was more of a free-spirited daredevil more than a farm-worker. But they smiled at one another and hugged once more while laughing about the silly scenario. 

"Though, I expect you to make up with him soon, Scoots." She gently reprimanded, "You know how sensitive he is." That was true, not only is her brother shy and quiet but a good listener at the same time, he was also sensitive, too.

Scootaloo nodded, agreeing that the first thing after school, she's going to go find him, "I'll go find him after school."

"Hey Scootaloo, what did you do when we were trying to find you?" Sweetie Belle asked as she and Applebloom released her from the dual hug, changing the subject for now.

"Yeah, I'd like to know that, too," Applebloom said having curiosity as strong as Sweetie Belle's. 

Scootaloo snickered as she recalled what she did before heading to Diamond Lake and meeting up with Rainbow Dash and Big Mac, "Funny you should ask that," she said in a sly tone with a matching smirk to boot. "I—"

"…will feel sorry after what you did!" a familiar, tempered voice flared in their ears as it cut her explanation in half.

Applebloom and Sweetie sighed impatiently and turned their attention towards the owner of the voice and expected the worse. What they didn't expect was to see a sight so hilarious, it made them both chuckle and snicker with their bestie who was smirking up a storm.

"—May have done something like that," Scootaloo snickered to her friends and pointed to a black-eyed, anger-filled Diamond Tiara, with Silver Spoon by her side, staring at them with one glaring eye, her other one too swollen for use.

"What happened, Diamond? Did you trip and fall on a rock?" Applebloom said and laughed with her friends.

Diamond Tiara rolled her good eye at that joke, "Laugh it up, blank flanks, because you just signed your death notes," Diamond Tiara snarled and glared at them, "No one punches me and gets away with it!" But that was greeted with a scoff from the filly who had punched her.

"Whatever, I'm not scared of you, Broken Tiara." Scootaloo mocked her as they laughed.

Diamond Tiara growled, inflamed with rage, before she stormed up to Scootaloo and prepared to throw a beat-down on her. She approached the laughing fillies and lifted a hoof until Cheerilee called out to them, "Girls, time for class!"

They all stopped and glanced at Cheerilee before Diamond Tiara looked back at Scootaloo with a hateful stare with her good eye, a visible snarl on her face, "I'll get you back for this, I swear. One way or another." she turned and walked away, heading to class with Silver Spoon who stuck her tongue out at them; but the three fillies, they didn't care and just chuckled.

"Yeah, like that'll ever happen," Sweetie Belle said with a smirk, heading to class with Applebloom and Scootaloo. 

They shared a high-hoof as they walk up the stairs. No matter what Diamond Tiara says, they won't let anything she says bother them anymore.

***Orphanage***

Fluttershy, Snappers and Mr. Slithers approached the front door of Scootaloo's orphanage. The mere stench of the place spelled bad news to the snake and crocodile. The two frowned at the sight of this orphanage; it's no wonder that their little Scootaloo didn't like it here.

Fluttershy took a few seconds to think about what to say before looking to her two animal friends, she pointed down, "Wait here for my signal," She said in a soft but firm voice. She was ready to end this and fix her daughter's pain of this place.

Snappers and Mr. Slithers nod in confirmation. If her words and proof don't work, then things were gonna get real personal, real fast. 

Fluttershy took a deep breath before storming inside. Inside, she entered a room with a dark green carpet, walls painted tan brown with a picture of the original owner on the left side of the entry room; a concrete-grey mare that looked as old as Granny Smith with a monocle and old-fashioned hate; honestly, she looked like an obvious villain from an old spy movie. Who knew? There was a lot of decorations inside which got her puzzled at first, but she didn't let that stop her as she gazed at the mare in front of her, sitting nonchalantly behind a hardwood desk and filing her hooves -- just like Scootaloo said. She immediately took note of the employee's attitude before she approached the front desk, yet the snooty employee never once took her eyes off her hoof and gave her service; if her social skills taught her anything it's that this kind of behavior wasn't something like hers. While she used to be timid and scared, this mare was ignoring everything and seemed to have a snooty vibe to her. Already, Fluttershy didn't like this mare and she now realized how much Scootaloo didn't like her and why she gave her so much trouble. Fluttershy glared at this mare with boiling anger slowly rising.

Snappers and Slithers were not impressed by this rude mare, either. She seemed more concerned about filing her hoof than run a business, especially when she had a customer right in front of her. Snappers started to growl in disgust, but it took every ounce of willpower not to go in there and bite this woman in half. 

Mr. Slithers fought down every instinct that involved choking the life out of this mare; unlike Snappers, he had a bit more self-control. But needless to say, this behavior was unacceptable and it started to rustle his scales bad.

But, against her judgment and kind persona, Fluttershy was a mare of gentle approach, so she calmed herself to have a clear mind before speaking to the unprofessional mare, "Excuse me," she said politely, but got no response from the employee as she kept filing her hoof. Fluttershy raised an eyebrow but spoke again, "Excuse me!" she said a little louder, loud enough to let this employee know that she's right in front of her. 

The Pegasus employee named Greedy Bags finally responded, but it wasn't the response Fluttershy wanted to hear, "Um, can you, like, wait for just a minute? I'm working on my hooves here," She said in an unamused valley-girl accent, not even looking at Fluttershy eye to eye. Not even a simple gaze up out of her as she continued to file her hoof before going to file her other hoof. "If you want your turn, you gotta wait like the rest."

Fluttershy tilted her head confused before she looked behind her; there was no one. Not a soul. She let out a hard huff before she looked back at the disrespectful mare, "But there's no one else here," she corrected her but received an impatient groan as Greedy Bags turned her back towards Fluttershy.

Fluttershy's left eye twitch, quickly growing impatient herself. She couldn't believe this mare. Who in their right mind would hire a mare like this? Were the higher-ups that desperate to decide this? Her impatience increased every second while her assertiveness and annoyance grew tenfold. This mare's service was so bad, it made other services seem very tolerable. 

She watched this pony file her hoof nonstop, waiting for her to stop. But then she noticed something was off with how this mare was filing her hoof. She looked at the large clock hanging in the hall and quickly put two and two together -- it was almost noon; this worthless employee was stalling time! Her left eyelid twitched and her tolerance peaked. This was not gonna fly with Fluttershy and it was time to teach this disrespectful mare a very valuable lesson. She raised a hoof and slammed it hard on the front desk, causing Greedy Bags quite a scare and made her drop her file. 

Greedy Bags growled in frustration before she swung herself around to give an irritated glare at Fluttershy, "Hey!" she shouted, "I was in the middle of fixing my hoof and you interrupted me!" she was about to scowl her if it weren't for her body to tense up at what she saw. She gasped and flinched when Fluttershy retaliated with a mama bear glare. If she was going to come up with some stupid excuse, Fluttershy wasn't going to buy any of that. Not one bit!

"Now you listen to me," Fluttershy snarled as she glared, "I can't believe the service I'm seeing right now. Is this how you treat other ponies who want to adopt fillies and colts?" she asked sternly at Greedy Bags, who now had fear dwell in her mind. "You should be fired for the way you've acted to me and previous ponies that came here. Unbelievable!"

Greedy Bags immediately shook out of fear of how scary and mad this yellow pegasus was -- guess stalling was not gonna work with this one. Hoping not to make her angry any further, she responded as best she could, sort of, "Um, I'm s-sorry, ma'am. H-how can I help you?" she asked, almost choking on her words. From appearances, this pegasus seemed like a nice pony, but looks can be deceiving as she could see this pony was not only scary but bent on getting what she wanted. But what did she want, exactly? One of the orphans? She could do just that.

"That's better." Fluttershy slowly calmed down but kept the glare at full power. She was gonna let Greedy Bags know she meant business and that fooling around with her was gonna be the last thing she'd ever do, "I'd like to know where Scootaloo's room is. I'm here to pick up her things," she asked.

Greedy Bags nodded, "Second room to your left." she pointed to the direction of Scootaloo's old room before looking back at this horrifying mare, and asked in a broken-eggshell tone, "Are you planning to adopt? We have other fillies and colts here that would love to have you as a mother."

Fluttershy just shook her head at her. The mere thought of adopting another one of them would not go so well. She was happy with the filly she just got back, "I'm not here to adopt any of these foals. I'm here to pick up my daughter's things."

Greedy Bags looked at this mare confused before Fluttershy switched her glare off and smiled and giggled a bit as if what just occurred didn't happen, "Again, I'm not adopting a foal. I'm taking Scootaloo back. I'm her real mother." She walked around the front desk and passed by Greedy Bags who looked on shocked and surprised.

"W-Who are you?" Greedy Bags asked.

"Fluttershy," her voice echoed across the hall as Greedy Bags heard it and widened her eyes in shock.

***

"F-Fluttershy is Scootaloo's r-real mother?" Greedy Bags uttered out in complete shock. That couldn't be true. Scootaloo had been left in a basket bundle on the porch as a little baby, no sign of a mother anywhere. But now, Fluttershy showed up out of nowhere and told her that she's Scootaloo's mother? No way! Scootaloo can not be one of the elements of harmony's daughter?

"That can't be true. It just can't!" She refused to accept that. No pony can just barge right in here and declare that one of the foals is their daughter or son – that's not how it works! "I refuse to believe this." She frowned and crossed her hooves. She could hardly even believe that she's even letting herself get pushed around by this mare who had the gall to yell at her. "This is impossible – that is not that little brat's real mom. There is no proof." She scowled lightly as she looked over her shoulder to where Fluttershy had gone. "And she has no right to do this to me."

If Fluttershy thought she can get off scot-free here, she's got another thing coming.

***

Fluttershy walked down the orphanage hall and stood in front of the door. She smiled and happily opened the door, expecting to see some well-behaved orphans playing with one another; only to see a sight that was just as sickening as the awful service. 

Three orphans, one male unicorn,  and two earth ponies, one male and one female, were snooping around the room for items to steal, and it so happens that their first target was Scootaloo's stuff. 

"Looks like Scootaloo left her stuff behind, again." The unicorn colt, Copper Iron, smirked as he targets them.

"Let's take ‘em," The earth filly, Frazzle Curl, smirked greedily while the earth colt, Cobalt Clop, chuckled deviously.

This angered Fluttershy enough to make her blood boil. Her snarl returned as she walked into the room and approached the thieving orphans. "Mr. Slithers…" The snake snuck his way past Greedy Bags and came to her side. She pointed at Scootaloo's things that were about to be taken by the three little thieves.

Upon seeing the possessions of their little Scootaloo in danger of being stolen, Mr. Slithers quickly acted. He hissed as he lunged, giving the three thieves quite a jump. Once near, he protectively coiled around Scootaloo's bags and sneered at the three little mean orphans, hissing at them. This was their first warning from him, telling them to back off – and if they didn't, they will be getting a new home: a one-way trip down his throat and into his gullet.

"It's a snake, man!" Cobalt flinched as they backed up quickly and leaped onto their beds as they screamed.

"Snake!" Frazzle clung to the bed frame as tight as she can for support and for an attempt to keep herself away from the snake "Snake!" She screamed in panic at the sheer size of it.

"How did that thing get in here?!" Copper screamed, wondering how in Equestria a large snake got in here. But by the looks of it, it didn't seem all too happy and looked quite hungry – hungry for the three of them.
But he wasn't the only one, leaping out of Fluttershy's mane and near Frazzle, landing on her bed while hissing and growling was a small bipedal lizard-like creature that walked near avian-like in some way; it was a young Compsognathus. Fluttershy noticed and would be surprised by her entrance, but like them, she was deadset on getting Scootaloo's bags back and scolding these thieving orphans.

Frazzle screamed and backed up as the little reptile glared warningly at her while trying to nip her, only managing to get a mouthful of her tail as a clump of it easily torn off. "What is that thing?!" Frazzle shouted.

"And just what do you three think you're doing?!" Fluttershy barked, startling the three orphans into looking back to see her in shock, never expected to get caught. 

"A-An adult!" The filly flinched while the colts winced, they weren't aware they were getting a customer. 

"Mr. Slithers…" The snake looked to her, and Fluttershy looked to the Compsognathus, still a bit surprised but grateful she also came along – because seeing her attempting to scare these three troublemakers was worth it. "And Caitlyn…" The compy looked to her with a coo. She motioned them back to her side with her hoof, which they gladly responded, making their way back to her before she directed her attention back to the orphans that tried to steal her daughter's belongings which were safe in Mr. Slither's coils.

Fluttershy gave them a disappointed look before scolding them, "You three should be ashamed of yourselves; stealing stuff that doesn't belong to you," Fluttershy said softly to them. 

Mr. Slithers and Caitlyn sneer at the three while the snake carefully held Scootaloo's items close without destroying them, being very gentle with them – they meant a lot to Scootaloo and he wouldn't forgive himself if they were accidentally destroyed.

Being they were orphans, they didn't know any better. One of them even gave an innocent look to the timid pegasus, hoping she wouldn't punish them.

"W-we're sorry, miss," Copper said in a sad tone, lowering his ears, "We won't do it again." He looked up at her as the two earth ponies secretly rolled their eyes and figured that they'll do it again since Greedy Bags wouldn't care.

Fluttershy looked at the young unicorn's eyes and saw wavy, innocent irises with a sad pout on his face. She looked at his eyes again and noticed something odd – no tears were forming under the pupils; that could only mean one thing. Fluttershy gave him a very suspicious look before remembering the things Scootaloo said about others who'd bully and steal from others. These must be the orphans she was referring to. Her two scaly friends quickly caught on as well with Caitlyn growling at Copper and Mr. Slithers hissing distastefully at Frazzle and Cobalt with a slit-eyed glare.

She looked at them with disappointed eyes. "You must think I'm really stupid, do you?" They look at her with shocked eyes, which only further confirmed that they were trying to lie their way out of trouble. "Unbelievable. Just unbelievable." She glared at the audacity of these orphans before allowing Mr. Slithers to carefully place Scootaloo's things in her bags. "Taking Scootaloo's things for the sheer joy of it, especially when she isn't around?" She glared at the three while he does so, "This is totally unacceptable." She shook her head in disgust, "She was so right about you – you are rude, unkind, undisciplined, troublemaking delinquents, brats, and bullies." She even pointed at each orphan for each title, causing the three to wince. "Here I was hoping to see wonderfully well-behaved children during my visit here, only to find this… selfish, low-down, lying little monsters that don't deserve to be adopted – if anything, the only available homes for scum like you is the belly of Tartarus, or the Everfree Forest."  

She rolled her eyes and added with sarcasm, "I'm sure the Timberwolves would love to have you as one of their own since you'd rather grow up to be troublemaking little savages, stealing scraps from one another, especially the youngest, just to get through the day."

That hurt. That really hurt as Cobalt started to hiccup a little as his ears lowered. Frazzle whimpered a bit while Copper started to breathe choppily, genuinely frightened by this mare's rage.

She was not only angered by the lack of service from earlier, but she was also sickened by the behavior of these three children that were bunked with her baby. "You have no respect for somepony else's property whatsoever. If this is how you really behave towards one another, and towards Scootaloo, I'd really hate to see how you behave behind the walls of your new homes should anypony want to adopt such vulgar, disgusting, lying little ones who think they can get away scot-free by pulling the sad-eyes bit when they really deserve to be spanked on the flanks with a paddle until it's the color of the red feathers on a parrot." 

She shook her head, frowning firmly at the three, "I can't believe that Scootaloo had to put up with such disgusting, obnoxious foals like you – when you're just as bad as Diamond Tiara." Scootaloo had mentioned to her that Diamond is quite a mean little filly even if they go to school together. "Only difference is, at least she has parents who love her – while sniveling snot-nosed criminals in children's bodies like the three of you coop yourselves up in here. I bet you're the reason why this place isn't doing so good – the service and behavior here is repulsive."

The three foals winced from the very personal and hurtful words coming out of the mare's mouth. Ironically, this was the same type of pain they had been putting Scootaloo through, and boy, did it sting badly like sticking a hoof in a beehive!

She wasn't going to take any of their excuses, no matter how hurtful her words were – these three deserved it from what her daughter had told her about. "You're very lucky that Mr. Slithers isn't hungry right now for little punks like the three of you."

Mr. Slithers would've begged to differ, he was indeed hungry, but he'd rather eat when they get home. The mere stench of this orphanage was making him gag. And as much as he wanted to devour these three brats, he had to hold back because he didn't want this situation to escalate to a point where there's going to be some major consequences – especially if three missing orphans were involved. 

So he gave the three a warning hiss, telling them in snake that if he ever caught them trying to steal from Scootaloo or trying pick on her again, he won't hesitate to squeeze them within his coils until they pass out. He even opened his mouth and points at the back of his throat with his tail, which was only from their POV a dark, fleshy tunnel that had no end – threatening them in his own way whilst semi-agreeing with his ‘momma'. 

It seemed to work as the children whimper and hid under their covers and pillows, shaking like scared puppies.

Caitlyn glowered at the three and hissed before hopping up onto the bag and using it as leverage to climb onto Fluttershy's back.

"C'mon, you two, let's go." Fluttershy motioned for the three of them to leave the way they had come.

The orphans watched her walk away with the stuff they were going to steal, but Frazzle spoke out to her and asked, "W-Who are you, miss? And how do you know Scootaloo?" She tried not to break down from the harsh words that Fluttershy had inflicted on them, or from the fear of being eaten by a hungry, angry python. 

Fluttershy placed the bag down and looked back at the orphans with a firm scowl, and answered, "I'm Scootaloo's real mother. And I better not catch you three picking on my baby anymore." before she took the bags and left with Mr. Slithers and Caitlyn, letting the three orphans stay in that room to think about what they had done.

But they could only watch her with shocked, yet puzzled looks just like Greedy Bags had.

"She's Scootaloo's mother?" Cobalt sniffled.

Copper shuddered, "S-she's scary…"

"Scootaloo's mom is kind of a witch," Frazzle agreed, still stung and traumatized by what just happened.

***

As Fluttershy returned, Greedy Bags watched her walk by, feeling proud of herself, but as she did the employee called to her, "What is going on? Did you just threaten the children?" Apparently, she overheard the screaming and the threatening.

‘Oh sure, now she cares?' Fluttershy bitterly thought before speaking, "They were trying to steal Scootaloo's things – but did you try to stop them? No." She frowned in disgust. "You're just sitting here on your plot, filing your hooves like you don't give a care in the world – which you clearly don't."

A vein started bulging and an embarrassed, yet angry blush appeared on Greedy's cheeks as she scowled at the mare before her, "I do to care about these kids. I make sure they are well-behaved and deserve loving homes."

"Not from what I witnessed," Fluttershy huffed; her encounter with the three children was anything but well-behaved.

"You know, with that type of attitude, I can be free to deny you any business. Especially if this is involving Scootaloo," She scowled at Fluttershy, getting real tired of her assumed smart-mouth. "For all I know, you can't be Scootaloo's mother. Barging in here, like you're the bucking police – demanding to see your so-called kid. Last I checked, none of the orphans even remember what their own mothers look like – and neither would Scootaloo. You're not her mother, at all." She leaned in, a disgusted scowl on her muzzle. "You're a fraud." She crossed her forelegs in a huff, "And you don't have any type of proof that she is your daughter."

Fluttershy rolled her eyes so hard at this absurd assumption – she's probably been sitting there for so long, her brain had stopped working. But what did it was Greedy's last set of words.

"Scootaloo isn't going anywhere with you, and that's final." Greedy scowled at her and pointed, "Now get out of here before I call security."

It was bad enough that the service sucked, and the behavior of the orphans was disgusting, but now this mare had the sheer nerve to refuse her taking her daughter home? No wonder Scootaloo hated it here so much. 

"That does it!!" The irate mother glared angrily at Greedy Bags. "MR. SLITHERS!" Fluttershy screamed in fury.

The python didn't need to be told twice as he hissed and lunged, he coiled quickly around Greedy Bags as the mare screamed in shock and a bit of fear from the sudden arrival of the snake before gagging as the python squeezed her, keeping her firmly in her chair, her arms pinned to her sides.

Caitlyn hopped on the desk and glowered, crouching down as she waited for Fluttershy's signal, she was ready to tear this mare a new one.

"I don't think you grasp the severity of this situation, Miss Greedy Bags," Fluttershy slowly stated as she rubbed her temple while coming to the front desk. It was at this point, she decided that playing a temporary villain was going to be needed for this. It wasn't her style, but she had no choice. Greedy Bags decided to mess with a mama bear, "I am Scootaloo's mother. I'm the one who placed her on that porch eight years ago, because I was too young to know how to raise a foal." She frowned firmly as she made eye contact with the despicable mare, "And Scootaloo knows the truth about me, and she has also told me that this place has been nothing but torture to her ever since you brought her in – and that you don't do a single thing to help her or listen to her. You don't even stop these cruel demon foals from picking on her," She scoffed lightly, intimidating her by slamming her with the stone-cold truth, "It's no wonder this place hardly makes any bits a month." She shook her head before resuming her talk with her, "But you want proof? I'll give you proof."

She placed Scootaloo's bag down and pulled out Scootaloo's birth certificate, showing Greedy Bags. She then calmly yet sternly asked the mare, "Is this proof enough?"

Greedy Bags winced as Slithers started to tighten his ‘hug' on her and nearly screamed a little when Caitlyn hopped onto the top of the snake's coils and grabbed a mouthful of her mane, tugging it sharply, forcing her to take a look at the birth certificate. 

"You may have noticed this right now, but I brought a few little friends of mine… and they're awfully attached to Scootaloo," Fluttershy said as Caitlyn growled at the horrible mare. Mr. Slithers glowered down at the mare that was within his grasp and hissed so lowly it sounded like a poison gas leak threatening to kill whatever it touched. But when Greedy looked to her right, she gasped in fear as she saw Snappers – the crocodile had wandered in while she was ranting earlier, and he did not look happy either. In fact, he was furious as it could be seen by that killer-look in his eyes, that guttural growl in his throat and those sharp teeth were bared as he growled at her. "They aren't too happy with this either. They want Scootaloo to come home just as much as I do. But since you're starting to make this difficult… I should inform you that they haven't had breakfast, yet." 

A cold sweat started dripping down Greedy's forehead as she realized that she was in quite the hot water right now – these reptiles were hungry and they looked very protective of Scootaloo since she's being brought up. This was frighteningly serious, and it seemed that these four are not going to take a simple no for an answer.

"So… think this certificate is real? Do you still think I'm not her mother or have you changed your mind?" Fluttershy frowned firmly, leaning over the counter as she made eye contact with Greedy Bags, again; Caitlyn tugging her mouthful of mane, Mr. Slithers slowly tightening up more and Snappers growling deeply as he neared, keeping his scowling eyes on her as she looked over the certificate. Date of birth, Scootaloo's name, the hoofprint, the names of the mother and father, it was all there -- minus the father. Fluttershy's name was written on there; it was true.

Greedy nervously looked at Fluttershy with an agreeable nod once she read it over and allowed the pegasus to take the certificate back, "T-This is proof enough…you're her real mother," She attempted to gulp as Fluttershy took the birth certificate back. "You don't need to sign a form or anything… you can take her things and be on your way." She nervously smiled to appease the mare.

Fluttershy frowned lightly and nodded before carefully placing the birth certificate back into her bag.

Greedy Bags softly sighed in relief and looked at her desk, thinking that she was in the clear; she could never be so wrong as she looked back up to see Fluttershy glaring blood-soaked, soul-piercing daggers at her. She wasn't done with her just yet. 

"Caitlyn…" The pegasus started, the compy nodded and lunges, nipping at the mare's face as she screamed in pain as she frantically shook her head about, the little reptile gnawing on her muzzle before finally letting go. 

"What the heck is wrong with you?!" Greedy Bags yelled in pain, frantically swinging her head about, if it weren't for the fact that her hooves were bound by snake coils, she'd be gripping her muzzle right about now.

Fluttershy gave Greedy Bags a deadly scowl, one that would get any pony who looked at it a freezing chill,  "Shut up, you disgrace of a mare," Fluttershy snapped at her as Snappers bellowed in rage, opening his mouth near the mare's head, causing Greedy to wince in terror, whimpering like a foal.

The hissing stopped, but the glares of fury were still on her from all sides. The three bully foals wince in fear as they watch from their door, shaking in fright. 

Greedy Bags shook in absolute fear when Fluttershy silently signaled Mr. Slithers to uncoil her for a minute and allow her body to breathe, so that she can talk to her, "I can't believe I put my own daughter here and left her for eight years," Fluttershy started softly, shaking her head before slowly lifting it to glare back at the bound Greedy. "Of all the things she told me, the look on her face, the agony she felt and the misery she showed me… I should sue this orphanage and put all the orphans here in a better, sweeter orphanage than this trash heap," The orphans look a bit surprised. Maybe that would be better, but none dare speak for fear of igniting the flames of Fluttershy's wrath. "Not only did this place cause Scootaloo so much pain, but it made me hate myself for deciding to place her here, to begin with." But what happened, happened and she couldn't go back in time to fix it.

Her snarl formed again as she tore into this mare, "Never in all my life have I seen such a horrible place and have ever been so insulted," She scowled as she and the three reptiles circle her. "Listen close, you pathetic, selfish, greedy sow…" Greedy Bags held her breath a bit and listened, not wanting to anger this intimidating mare any further with just mere words. She heard this mare was supposed to be the kind one of the mane six, what changed? Then it quickly dawned on her what did 'Oh, right'. The pain was just making it hard for her to think, but she could still hear the outraged mare, "…Scootaloo is coming home with me where she should've been in the first place. I'm leaving– and if I hear you and any of the other employees haven't changed the way how you treat others, I will come back and when I do, I will find all of you and I will have you all arrested." Her eyes practically radiated red as she threatened her and indirectly at the three bullies. "If I ever see any of you try and speak to my daughter and make her miserable again, I will personally send all of your souls…" Snappers grabbed Greedy's cheeks in his claws and nearly dug them in deep while snarling, Caitlyn threatened to tear a huge clump of her mane out as she tugged once more, and Mr. Slithers tightened his grip so hard that Greedy Bags worried she was going to break in two as she can feel her bones threatening to crunch in his hold, flinching in unadulterated pain as Fluttershy shouted "…STRAIGHT DOWN TO TARTARUS!!!!"

With that, she finally made Mr.Slithers release Greedy Bags, knowing they've had enough, she whistled to Snappers and Caitlyn. The three reptiles immediately hurried to her side, Caitlyn quickly taking her spot on her back, hanging onto the strap of the saddlebags as their mother placed it back on. 

"Good day," She said politely and headed out the door, leaving the orphanage once again acting like what she just did never occurred, at all. Villain-mode was switched off and the kind, caring Fluttershy was out and about. Did she have any regrets doing what she did? Fluttershy thought to herself and shrugged it off. She didn't care one way or another; only thing she could care was having her point across.

Once that door closed itself shut, Greedy Bags fell behind the front desk and fainted while the three foals started crying their eyes out. That was the scariest pony they have ever seen and met. But her point definitely came across to them.

***Ponyville Schoolhouse***

Hours passed and school was finally over. All the fillies and young colts ran out cheering, happy to be heading home. 

Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Applebloom were the last to walk out of school, laughing and talking to each other while enjoying the fact that another day of school ended.

"Hmm…"

"What is it, Scootaloo?" Applebloom asked curiously.

"I can help but wonder if I'm forgetting something," she stared at the ground bemused until shadows appeared under her and making her stop to look up. She got annoyed real quick when Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon already showed up in front of them a few feet away, glaring at them angrily.

"Ugh, can't you two just leave us alone!" Sweetie Belle said in an aggravated tone. She was sick of having to deal with these two that she wouldn't mind decking them in the faces herself.

"Not until I settle the score with motherless filly there," Diamond Tiara retaliated and pointed at Scootaloo. She glared at said filly as she started to approach her, each step of the hoof turning into a stomp as she gets closer, "I told you I will make you pay for this, one way or another."

Applebloom groaned at the local bullies, and spoke out, "Will you just back off already! We're about tired of dealing with you two. And Scootaloo has a mother now," Applebloom said to them which Scootaloo didn't mind at all. 

But Diamond Tiara didn't care and just ignored Applebloom but scoffed at the last sentence, "Yeah right. I doubt her real mother would ever take her back," She grinned evilly at Scootaloo once they were face-to-face with one another once more.

"Yeah," Silver Spoon said, "That's just stupid. Abandoning their child, then take back just like that? What a joke. I bet she's as flightless as you are, blank flank."

"Yeah, so why don't you all do us a favor and buzz off like you always do with those little wings?" Diamond Tiara smirked as she pushed Scootaloo down, knowing that her wings were another weakness. Scootaloo grunted once she hit the ground, the two fillies then laughed at them.

Scootaloo was about to go up to them and deliver round two to them but gasped softly as she and her friends slightly looked up a bit with joyful smiles growing on their faces. They back up a bit and watched as Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon continue to laugh, unaware of the surprise in store for them. They just waited to see what else they had to say.

"Who is your mother anyway? A chicken? Would make sense since you can't fly worth a feather," Diamond Tiara said and mocked Scootaloo again with a snicker.

Applebloom would've spoken up by now because she knew her friend hated that type of jab, but then her smile got even bigger when she saw an even bigger surprise coming up behind Diamond and Silver. So she kept quiet and watched the upcoming fireworks.

"Or a hummingbird or even a bee?" Silver Spoon smirked at her, "Those are the only filthy beasts that can buzz their wings the way you do, but at least they can fly and not ride scooters unlike you." Hook, line, and sinker.

"Her mother would happen to be me," a softish, angry voice spoke behind them and caused them to stiffen like statues with pale faces. They only got whiter when hisses and growls sounded off after the voice. 

"Eeyup…" A just as soft but firm and angry voice also spoke up from behind them. 

The two immediately shut up and looked at Scootaloo and her friends with shocked if not horrified eyes; somehow, they felt like Scootaloo had led them to a trap. They slowly crane their heads around and glanced behind them individually. 

Scootaloo smiled happily, "Girls, meet my mother, my real mother, Fluttershy," she pointed behind them while Applebloom and Sweetie Belle shared amused looks before Applebloom's look immediately changed for a moment.

Applebloom grinned and waved, "Howdy, big brother!" she looked glad to see that a member of her kin was here as well.

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon looked up in fear as Fluttershy displayed a furious face to them and Big Mac scowled down at the two. Mr. Slithers, Caitlyn and Snappers didn't look too happy either, judging by the disapproving, hateful glares that they were giving the foals. They heard every word these two fillies said, and they were not the least bit happy about it whatsoever.

"I've seen you two now and then roaming around Ponyville and bully other fillies and colts, even my daughter and her friends. It infuriates me to see you two get away with it and never get in trouble for the things you've caused," Fluttershy glared daggers and frowned at the two fillies, Snappers and Caitlyn growling while she scolded, "Now that you two know the truth, it's about time that I say that I've had it," she snapped and caused the fillies to flinch and tear up a bit.

"Eeyup!" Big Mac agreed with an angry frown on his face. Mr. Slithers hissing threateningly at the two bullies.

"Now I remember, my mom was going to pick me up today."

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle looked at Scootaloo and snickered, both thinking that Scootaloo became a crafty filly.

"Planned that out and never told us, huh?" Sweetie Belle said, actually liking Scootaloo's plan.

"Why do you think I was never nervous, to begin with?" Scootaloo said. "I knew something would come up and my mom would be by my side if something ever happened."

"Clever girl," Applebloom said with a devious smile on her face as they look back to watch the entertainment before them. 

Scootaloo grinned proudly but at the same time she was relieved to see Big Mac was here, this made her next objective so much easier.

"Y'all should be ashamed of yourselves, pickin' on my sister and her friends like that, especially little Scootaloo." Big Mac glared at the two fillies who back up a step when he got in their faces, "You don't even know what she's been through and I've just about had it with hearing the two of you talk smack about my sister and her friends, calling them blank flanks and whatnot. But what I cannot tolerate in the very least bit, it's insulting a family member." He scowled at the two fillies, putting his left foreleg on his hip, glaring softly down at them, but more importantly Diamond Tiara since she delivered that ‘motherless' insult. "Does your father know you act like this?"

When he brought up her father, Diamond Tiara winced hard with her eyes nearly bugging out in sheer alarm and horror.

"Please don't tell him…" Silver Spoon whimpered out a bit; she doesn't like seeing her friend get in trouble with her dad. 

Filthy was a powerful pony, not as powerful as the sun and moon princesses of Equestria, but it's because of his family business that their town wouldn't be here if it weren't for his founding ancestors.

And on cue, Filthy Rich showed up to see Fluttershy, the three reptiles and Big Mac stand in front of his daughter and friend. Feeling concerned, he walked on over and called to them, "What's going on here?"

Fluttershy heard Filthy Rich and looked back to see him approaching them, much to Diamond's horror. She watched as her daddy approached and stood next to Fluttershy with a concerned look.

"Howdy, Mr.Filthy Rich…" Big Mac gruffly greeted.

Filthy Rich uncharacteristically flinched upon seeing Big Macintosh, "G-Greetings, Big Macintosh, my friend," He returned the greeting. He and Big Mac have been more acquaintances than anything rather than friends, but both stallions had respect for one another due to both their businesses being stable with one another and one not being greedier over the other; hence why Spoiled Rich hasn't done anything to tamper with said businesses. Big Mac may not have a wife, yet, but he was sure glad Flithy was keeping the sour mare under control, business-wise. Family-wise, not so much. Filthy Rich eyed the scene before him before glancing to both Big Mac and Fluttershy. "Is everything alright?" he asked Fluttershy first, but the look on the animal's faces told him otherwise; they looked downright annoyed with what was behind them.

"Are you Diamond's father?" Fluttershy said sternly to him and caused him to flinch a bit, but regain his composure.

"Yes, I am," Filthy Rich replied with a brow raised and noticed both fillies smiling innocently at him. He immediately grew suspicious; Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon never smiled like that before. Something was up.

Fluttershy turned her attention on to Filthy Rich and started to tell him everything that occurred with Big Mac confirming that each word was true, while the CMCs watched in the background, smiling victoriously.

Caitlyn smirked at Diamond and Silver before pointing at the two of them and dragged a claw across her throat, making a gagging-like face in their direction.

"Where's the popcorn?" Scootaloo joked as they heard the commotion until Filthy Rich beamed his eyes at his daughter and exploded with rage.

"I can't believe you would do such a thing, young lady; sneaking your way into bullying others, and behind my back nonetheless," he did notice Diamond's black eye, but he'll question that later. This bullying shenanigan of hers was more important. 

"Daddy, I--"

"Don't ‘Daddy' me. This is unacceptable behavior and I will not tolerate it. I raised you to be better than this, young lady." He pointed at his daughter, narrowing his eyes. She looked down as he scolded her. "I am very disappointed in you. Now, you march your little flank right home this instant. You are in big trouble." He exclaimed to her, very agitated, he frowned firmly at her daughter's friend who winced under his stern tone. "That goes for you too, Silver Spoon."

"Yes, sir," Silver whimpered.

Diamond sighed sadly, knowing she had been caught red-hoofed, "Yes, daddy…"

They both walk away with heads hung in defeat and heading home with Filthy Rich while Fluttershy, the animals, and Big Mac watched; Scootaloo and her friends high-hoofed each other, secretly cheering. Snappers smirked lightly and bumped his tail against Mr. Slithers' tail and even returned the ‘hoof-bump' when Scootaloo offered a hoof-bump, using his tail to bump against her hoof. Karma was on their side

As they left, Fluttershy turned her attention back to the CMC and approached them with a soft smile on her face, "Are you girls alright?" she asked, receiving nods from the three happy fillies. 

Fluttershy giggled a bit, "That's good. Hopefully, they'll learn a lesson after this."

"Same here. Thanks, mom. You're the best," Scootaloo smiled joyfully at Fluttershy as she smiled warmly from hearing that. Mr. Slithers pouted and hissed at her, causing her to giggle. "You three are awesome too, Mr. Slithers." That pleased the three reptiles as they smile.

Applebloom gasped happily and thought, "Hey, now that Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon are gone, you girls want to hang out and do some crusading?" she asked ecstatically to them.

Sweetie Belle nodded and agreed to go. Scootaloo was about to say yes when mixed thoughts raced through her mind. She looked at her friends then at her mother who was smiling at the two happy crusaders. She wanted to go crusading and have fun with her friends, but she realized that her mother was right in front of her and that she would spend so much time with her, bond with her and catch up on whatever. Plus, with her mother's help, she can also befriend the animals easier. And she saw Big Mac starting to head back home in silence, a neutral frown on his face. That's when she came to her conclusion and looked at her friends, "Actually girls, I think I'll sit this one out today." This caused Applebloom and Sweetie Belle, as well as Fluttershy, to look at her in shock and surprise, the trio of reptiles seemingly surprised by her choice. Big Mac slowly looked back in surprise.

"Why, Scootaloo?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Well," she thought, "I think I should be with my mother this time. I haven't seen her since I was a baby, and I thought…" She walked up to Fluttershy and nuzzled her leg softly, "…Maybe we could catch up on what we've been doing." She said with a smile, warming the very core of Fluttershy's heart. 

She then looked towards Big Mac, "And I… I need to talk with Big Mac, too." 

"Scootaloo… I don't know what to say," Fluttershy slowly started to tear up and hugged her close with the arm she nuzzled.

But Big Mac remained silent. He didn't care what happened, his Little Sugarcube was alright now, as was his little sister and Sweetie Belle – so he had no other reason to stay. 

Applebloom and Sweetie smiled at them and understood well enough to know that they should have more time with each other. 

"Alright Scootaloo, See ya later," Applebloom said as she walked away.

"See ya tomorrow, Scootaloo," Sweetie Belle said as she followed Applebloom and leaving the school.

Fluttershy looked curious though when Scootaloo mentioned that she wanted to talk with Big Mac, wondering what she wanted to speak with him about. So to get answers, she watched her daughter walk towards the stallion with her ears lowered down.

"Big Mac…" Scootaloo started, but flinched when he cut her off.

"I got nothin' left to say to you that I haven't said already, Scootaloo." He bluntly exclaimed, causing her to wince under his jab. "You clearly don't need me to hold your hoof anymore. So I'm lettin' you deal with your own problems by yourself, like how you want." He looked away huffily.

Fluttershy winced at the uncharacteristic bluntness of their soft-spoken friend, he sounded upset with her daughter, so what happened; she looked to Scootaloo in curiosity. "Sweetheart, w-what is he talking about?"

She winced and explained what went on last night, about her talk with not only Rainbow Dash, but also Big Mac. She looked ashamed once she told her that she said some pretty hurtful things to him out of anger – something she really regrets.

"Oh dear." Fluttershy said worriedly, glancing at the stallion who walked on the trail, the two of them quickly followed after him, she understood her daughter wanted to make things right. She didn't like her friends fighting, although it did surprise her to learn that Big Mac would've adopted Scootaloo himself had he had the right bits but also the courage to do so, or that he viewed her daughter as another baby sister next to Applebloom.

"B-Big Mac…" She called to him as he soon stopped after listening to them follow him. 

He turned his head and simply glowered at the two of them from over his shoulder. It must be a bit intimidating because the two pegasi winced when he made eye contact with them.

"You're really that upset with me??" Scootaloo guiltily asked, her ears lowered in shame and her eyes slowly start to turn glossy.

He simply nodded with a light frown. That was the only answer he could give instead of using his words. He had learned once before in his youth, that words can hurt, hence why he doesn't like talking much unless it truly called for it. And Scootaloo's words definitely hurt him last night. In fact, he's been in a bad mood all morning – he's been a bit snappy with AJ, he's a bit forceful with handling things and he nearly startled poor Granny with the slam of a door. He's been struggling to deal with the aftershock of his emotions, but it wasn't that easy – and it wasn't easy to bottle them back up.

"Big Mac, I…" Scootaloo whimpered as he looked away, "Please, if you don't want to talk, then at least listen to me."

He really didn't want to, but she sounded desperate – may as well let her say her piece. "You sure you haven't said enough already like you did last night?..." He jabbed lightly.

"About that…" Scootaloo began, looking deeply ashamed as she rubbed her shoulder. "…I was way out of line back there, and I shouldn't have said those things to you. Those were personal words that I had no business using against you." She sighed sadly, "I was just mad, that's all." That was greeted with a scoff from the stallion, "Okay, it was a bit more than that and I had no right to push you away that harshly -- especially when I finally learned the truth from you. I literally had no idea how deeply you felt about me." She still couldn't believe how much Big Mac cared for her, his words from last night still rung in her brain.

"Well, you know now, don't you?" He uttered out, looking down the trail. He refused to make eye contact with her, because he worried if he does, his emotions will erupt and it'd be a big mess.

"Yeah… I do," Scootaloo sighed sadly and looked up at him. "Big Mac…" It must've had something to do with the tone in her voice because this time, Big Mac finally turned to face her, raising a brow at her.

She looked down for a moment, her ears lowered and pinned against her head. "I have a confession, too… ever since I became friends with Applebloom and started hanging around her more at our clubhouse, I started to see you as the big brother I never had or never knew I had." She looked back up at him, her eyes started to fill with tears. "But I never said anything because I didn't want to make things awkward between us. But when you started calling me "Little Sugarcube" more often, it just felt right. Like, I really belonged for at least one moment," She smiled lightly, "I actually felt like I was part of the family, even if we weren't related in any way… and I realized the way I feel that way was because I love you."

Big Mac's eyes widened in shock and surprise when she confessed that she loved him like the older brother that she had always wanted. His ears start lowering as he listened to her, his eyes started becoming all glossy.

"I love you like you were the older brother I had always wanted. You always made sure I was okay, that I was happy or even comforted me when I started to look like I wanted to cry," Scootaloo nodded, telling him the truth. "You were the most amazing big brother-figure I could ever have, and it took me until last night to realize that." She saddened as she sniffled a bit, "I should've been more considerate with how I was making you feel. You only wanted to make sure nothing bad happened to me… and I was just being stupid." She sighed lightly, "A real big stupid head." She nodded, agreeing that what she did was not that smart before clearing her throat and telling him what she had really wanted to say but never got the chance to the other night. "And… I'm sorry."

Fluttershy never felt so proud of her daughter. She was being the bigger pony and apologizing to the pony whose feelings she had hurt. She smiled lovingly at her little filly while placing a hoof on her heart, watching proudly as she was then approached by the stallion. She's learned so much without her presence over the years, she really has earned her chance to come back home to her and Fluttershy couldn't be happier -- even if that outcome didn't go as she wanted it. But, things were patched up and all her worries are out the window. But, right now, what was Bic Mac going to do?

"I know you're really mad at me… and I don't blame you… but I just want to say you're the best big brother I could ask for, I'm really sorry, I hope that you'll forgive me one day, and I'll always love you." Scootaloo worried that her words fell on deaf ears and she was a bit worried when Big Mac approached with a neutral frown on his face. She braced herself for impact, having a feeling he was going to chew her ear off – only to look surprised when he wrapped an arm around her. "

"Who said I was mad at ya?" He asked her.

In actuality, instead of a harsh chew-out, Big Mac had knelt down and brought her into a close hug and he was smiling warmly at her, "I love you too, my Little Sugarcube." 

Grinning happily, Scootaloo returned the hug as tight as she could, ecstatic that she managed to win her big brother figure back and received his forgiveness as well. Fluttershy smiled happily as she shed tears of joy as she witnessed this beautiful moment between her daughter and her ‘big brother-figure'. Snappers gave a toothy grin while Caitlyn wiped a tear away; Mr. Slithers simply smiled, feeling happy for their little Scootaloo.

"I told y'all… no matter what, you'll always be my Little Sugarcube," He promised her that no matter what, she'll always be family to him. Scootaloo gleefully cuddled into his fur, glad they made up. He chuckled softly as he knowingly glanced up at Fluttershy's direction. "I think I've stalled you both long enough," He winked at her, blushing lightly as Fluttershy blushed bashfully as well. "You two deserve to catch up with one another."

Blushing but looking grateful, Scootaloo nodded, agreeing with his words, "Maybe I'll see you later?"

"Perhaps. Better spend some time with your mama though." He teased as he nudged her, causing her to squeal before hurrying to her mommy and three reptile friends. He smiled softly and bid them goodbye before heading his own way for home.

Fluttershy smiled proudly and hugged her daughter close before the five of them head home to relax and enjoy their day not as friends, not as acquaintances…but as mother and daughter, as a family.
> Epilogue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

***Yesterday since the talk between Rainbow Dash, Big Macintosh and Scootaloo***

Rocky Road stood inside his lettuce tent as his last customer gave him the right amount of bits for five heads of lettuce and walked away, smiling from having such good service.

"Have a great day. Come back anytime," Rocky said in a friendly tone as he sat down, sighing a little in relief once he took the chance to relax.

He was just about to pack up and close for the night. He thought that a nice nap would do him some good after a day like this. He was about to turn around when a familiar cyan pony dove straight down out of nowhere and landed in front of him and his lettuce stand, kicking up a good amount of dirt and gravel.

Rocky winced and covered his face from the flying gravel before he lowered his arm to see the pony rise up with a face of anger and determination, "Rainbow Dash?" He said as he wiped the dirt off his apron, and made sure what was left of the produce wasn't too covered in dirt, "Warn me the next time you do that! You'll spoil the veggies!" Rocky said in a bit of frustration. He didn't want to make his customers sick with dirty vegetables. He calmed himself before asking, "What's with the sudden dramatic entrance?"

The hot-tempered mare approached the stand, and sternly asked, "I'm looking for somepony who works here. I have a bone to pick with him, Rocky." She made sure Rocky got the message. She would've loved to say hi to him, but she wasn't in the mood for distractions. She scowled as she leaned over the tent to try and spot who she's looking for, speaking angrily, "I know he's in there."

Rocky wasn't scared of Rainbow Dash, but he did understand the look in her eyes and tone in her voice; he got the message real quick, but he had to ask, "Yeesh, what the heck did he do to make you so angry?" He was kind of confused as to what she meant. He had five employees who are all males that work in his lettuce shop, and Rainbow Dash wasn't being specific on who she was talking about. "And mind being a bit more specific? I have five employees working for me, Dash – so details matter right here."

"What did he do?!" She put a sarcastic hoof on her chin and said, "Let's see, hmm, oh yeah!" She glared at Rocky as she listed off, "He hurt my best friend, knocked her up, abandoned her when she was pregnant and refused to even speak to her. Shall I go on or is this perfectly clear?" She said in a tone so serious and furious Rocky widened his eyes in shock from the aggression Rainbow Dash had shown him. He's never seen her so angry before but he nodded anyway.

"Oh, I see. I think I know who you mean. Lucky for you, he's in the back putting some stuff up. Want me to fetch him?" he asked with a small bead of sweat on his forehead. He's going to feel sorry for his employee when Rainbow Dash sees him. No doubt nab him and strangle him until his throat is nothing but a thread.

Rainbow Dash nodded with an angry glare, "Do it fast. I don't have all day." She said as she waited. She had to do it. She had questions that needed to be answered.

Rocky walked away and opened the curtain that lead to the back of the tent. Rainbow Dash watched shadows of Rocky and another pony. She heard glimpses of them talking, but they were just mumbles; she was going to say something until she heard shouting inside.

"What?! How did she know where I worked?" a confused, frightened voice emitted from inside the tent.

"I don't know, and I don't really care. She's impatient and she's also in a really bad mood," Rocky shook his head, "Might as well go out there and talk to her unless you want a trip on the pain train, and the conductor is out there waiting for you," Rocky suggested as he pointed outside. "She mentioned something about you hurting her best friend."

The employee let out a loud, grunting sigh complete with an exaggerated eye-roll before responding, "Fine, I'll talk to her. And you know who her best friend is; I've told you a thousand times," he talked rather assertively to his boss.

"Hey! Don't you take that tone of voice with me, buster!" He narrowed his eyes at his employee. "Talk to me like that again and you're out of here. Got it?!" Rocky retaliated, promising to fire him should he disrespect him again before the stallion nervously nodded – he needed this job and Rocky was generous when he hired him, and it wouldn't be a good idea to cross him today. "I know who it is, but I am not going to get involved in it. This is all on you!"

'Wow, Rocky doesn't mess around when managing this place,' Rainbow Dash thought as she watched and overheard him talking to his employee like an actual boss. 'Spitfire should take some lessons.'

"Sorry, boss," He dipped his head before walking away and peeling back the curtain, approaching Rainbow Dash who still had a stern look on her face. "Long time, no see, Rainbow Dash," he said in a bitter tone, narrowing his eyes at the cyan pegasus.

Rainbow Dash blinked and snapped herself out of her thoughts before she gave a cold glare to the stallion before her, "Oh, spare me your formal greetings, pal," Rainbow Dash snarled, "You have tons of explaining to do." She replied in an equally bitter tone.

***Present time***

A heavy storm kicked in during the night. Raindrops crashed onto the roof as thunder woke up half of the animals who were staying in Fluttershy's cottage. Lightning occasionally brightened up the night sky now and then accompanied by thunder afterward, naturally frightening the little defenseless critters, spooked by the danger of the stormy nights.

Yet, throughout the booming, scary noise brought from the storm, Fluttershy slept soundly in her bed, giving off a gentle snore. She snuggled her head close to her pillow as she slept during the storm.

A sudden boom of loud thunder erupted and woke up Scootaloo. She let out a quick gasp before panting softly. She sat up on the edge of her bed and looked out the window and watched the rain pour down and splash outside the window. It was too dark for her to see anything, yet she was able to see her reflection. She then thought she was dreaming the whole thing about Fluttershy being her real mother and figured she was still in that crummy orphanage; life was a cruel deity. She blinked a few times and narrowed her eyes down in depression, anger and exhaustion from being woken up. She sighed to herself, thinking she had no parents and that she'll always be an orphan until the day she dies. She laid back down and rested on her side before closing her eyes to try and get some sleep, again.

Lightning shined through the window and thunder crashed into the earth, causing Scootaloo to jump up back on her haunches from the shock; that felt closer than usual. She looked out the window, again, only to feel two soft arms gently wrap around her in a hugging motion and easily pulled her back down, but she didn't fight back. Confused, she looked down at what was holding onto her. Being it was dark as a cave, her mind clouded her to realize that and she calmed down long enough for her vision to slowly adapt and adjusted to the darkness as she was able to see what was grabbing her. She saw two yellow arms coiled around her in a cozy hug. Scootaloo widened her eyes a bit before feeling something touch her back and tiny wings. It felt like soft fur. 

Scootaloo turned her head and looked up to see Fluttershy holding her close in her arms. Scootaloo's eyes grew wider and her jaw locked open. It wasn't a dream, she wasn't in the orphanage; it was all real, and she was with her real mother. Her mind just gave her a sick, twisted illusion! Her surprised look turned into happiness when she realized all of this was real and that she was finally back in her mother's arms and in the pajamas she gave her earlier. Okay, life may not be as cruel, but it loved to play dirty tricks.

"Don't be scared, sweetie," Fluttershy said as she held her daughter close and placed her head on top of hers, smiling lovingly as she comforted her little one as best she could.

"I'm not scared, mom. I was just startled," Scootaloosaid as she smiled, trying to act tough, but the warmth of Fluttershy's arms felt like a blanket to her as she slightly snuggled close to her chest. The tough act really didn't last long as a joyful, relaxed smile embedded on her face as she closed her eyes. 

Fluttershy looked down to see her daughter snuggle close to her and nuzzle her head against her fur. She smiled warmly and nuzzled her head against Scootaloo's head as she gently tightened her hold a bit. Scootaloo looked up at Fluttershy only to have a tender, motherly kiss pressed against her forehead. 

"I'm so happy I have you back home and in my arms, my precious little baby." Fluttershy said warmheartedly to her daughter as she kept nuzzling her child, glad to finally have her home.

Scootaloo smiled and nuzzled under Fluttershy's chin as a small tear slid down from her eye, "I'm happy I finally found you. I missed you so much, mommy," no more nightmares, no more worries, no more anguish. Scootaloo couldn't be at any more peace. 

The storm raged on, but that didn't stop them from snuggling close to one another. They laid down with the covers over them while Scootaloo nestled in her mother's arms.

Fluttershy smiled warmly as a single tear rolled down her cheek. She softly caressed her daughter's head and gave her another gentle kiss on the forehead, "I missed you so much too, my little baby," she said as she enjoyed this moment with her flesh and blood. She couldn't ask for any more than this.

"Mommy…" Scootaloo softly called out, drawing Fluttershy's attention.

"Yes, sweetie?" she responded softly to her.

"I… I love you," Scootaloo softly said as she fell back to sleep.

And at that moment, Fluttershy was at a loss for words. Her eyes widened only slightly. She bit her lip to prevent them from quivering and tried her best to hold any hiccups that wanted to come out, but the tears from hearing her daughter say those three words begged to differ. Her heart filled to the brim with warmth and love. If there was any goal in life she never thought of expecting until now, this was it. It didn't occur to her of that very thing and she couldn't be more prouder of herself. She smiled softly down at Scootaloo and nuzzled her motherly, holding her close in her soft, loving, comforting embrace as she slowly drifted to sleep after her daughter.

"I love you too, Scootaloo."