> Fallen Pegasus > by TheGreatAndPowerfullHaje > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1: A Manehatten Night > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Of all the places to get a drink, I had to walk into that one.” It was a cold night outside, yet the streets of Manehatten were buzzing with life, ponies living there lives and having fun into the late hours. But for one orange pony, it wasn’t so fun. Standing on the Bucklyn Bridge, Scootaloo looked out over the water. ‘Just one big failure’ she sighed. The buzzing water far below looked so inviting, all she needed was a little push. And the world would be a better place. She drew a deep breath..and stepped away from the edge. ‘Not today, Not today.’ 'Time for a drink' she thought as she made her way back to the city. ============={OOO}============= Slowly making her way through the Manehatten night scene Scootaloo looked around for a nice place to forget the world. She was looking so hard she didn’t even notice the couple in front of her when she smacked right into them. “Well I say” “Such nerve” “Sorry..” Scoots managed to get out before the couple walked away with their heads held high. Scoots looked around when she spotted a sign in an alleyway, “The Fallen Pegasus lounge” ‘well it doesn’t get more accurate then that’ She thought as she laughed at the coincidence. She walked down some stairs and went inside; To immediately be greeted by the sound of soft sad jazz and the smell of strong liquor. The inside of the of the place looked classy and a little too expensive for Scootaloo her tastes. Not that she was short on money or anything, the place usually just didn’t sport her kind of crowd. And by the looks of the people in the fancy close here tonight this place didn’t seem like an exception, although the crowd looked a lot less stuck up then what you would find in a Canterlot Lounge. For one these people seem to actually be having fun. She made her way passing two mares who seemed to be excited about something, though Scootaloo couldn’t hear what. When she could to the bar, the bartender looked up with a smile, she was a white unicorn mare, with a black and red mane, and pair of cards as a cutiemark. Scoots quikly averted her eyes when she realized she was starring at the mares flank. When her eyes finaly came back to the barmare; she saw that the mare could barely contain a giggle. Before scoots could say anything, the barmare opened her mouth “Don’t worry about it, you’re pretty cute yourself” ‘wait what?’ “If I didn’t knew my marefriend would kill me, I would have taken you home without a doubt” she added with a wink. Scootaloo was looking at her with wide open mouth, blushing profusely. “So orange what’s your poison.” “Uhm..my poison??” Scootaloo said as she was regaining her composure. “What are you ordering, that’s why you’re here right? For the booze?” “Uhm yeah, I’ll a have a glass and a bottle of Wild Pegasus.” Scoots said, “No Ice” she added. “I like your style, kid. On bottle coming right up.” Scootaloo looked around while the barmare was grabbing the bottle, ‘maybe this joint isn’t so bad after all’ she thought as the bottle and a glass were put down on the bar. “Hey, I have to have to check on tonight’s entertainment, I’ll hope you stick around for the show..ehm..” “Scootaloo.” “Scootaloo, funny name, anyway hope you’ll stick around.” The mare said as she walked away from the bar. “Wait I you haven’t said your name..”Scoots tried to say, but the barmare was out of hearing range. She poured herself a glass and tasted the sweet amber goodness that was Wild Pegasus. With burn in her throat that longed for more, she poured herself another glass, and another, and maybe a few more. It wasn’t long till she started feeling a lot better than she did earlier that night, and also a lot lighter in the head. She realized that she hadn’t seen the barmare for a while, some stallion had taken her place at the bar. As she looked around she saw the white coated mare talking to a gray Pegasus with a purplish mane ‘must be the marefriend’ Scoots smiled. Suddenly the lights dimmed and the spotlights above the stage started to shine down. A brown colt walked up on the stage and grabbed a microphone. “Stalions and Gentlemares, it’s a great night out tonight. I see a lot of familiar faces here tonight, as well as some new ones. Now I don’t want to ramble on to much; so enjoy the atmosphere, enjoy each other, and most of all enjoy the show.” All the light went out, the slow sound of a piano started followed by a pair of trumpets, and then the rest of the brass. A cello could be heard somewhere in the background. A single spotlight lit up the stage, and from the darkness came a slow beautiful and haunting singing voice, slowly it grew louder as a shape moved into the light. The shape turned out to be a beautiful young unicorn mare with bright green eyes. And Scoots mouth fell wide open when she saw who it was. ‘Sweetie Belle’ Scootaloo’s old friend, her fellow crusader. And Scootaloo was shocked, there she was, right there. She could hardly believe it. The young mare with the golden voice was dressed in a black dress simple yet elegant. ‘No Doubt made by Rarity’ Scoots remarked as she followed Sweetie Belle with her eyes. The singing unicorn was making quite the show as her crowd looked in awe. When she stopped the whole room exploded into applause, the next song was little slower than the last. And Sweetie Belle was walking around slowly looking at her audience. Some of the stallions in the audience looked like they could faint at any moment, a few mares too. But none of that reached Scoots because she only had eyes for the unicorn on stage. When the song finally stopped the room again exploded in applause, when the applause was starting to die down again Sweetie opened her eyes and looked around only to stop at the bar, to see Scootaloo sitting there with a big smile. Sweetie Belle smiled back and gave scoot a quick wave as the music started again and she became lost in the next song. Scoots waved back and poured herself another drink. ‘This is beginning to be a pretty good night.’ Scoot thought. Sweetie Belle sang a few more songs when she thanked the audience with her sweet voice and went backstage. The piano player started playing the regular jazz again. And a the barmare from earlier was dragging a cello backstage. Scootaloo finished the rest of the bottle and was about to get up when the stalion behind the bar put two drinks on the counter. “I didn’t order these.” “They are on the house. Compliments of our owner.” “Uhm okay thanks…” Scootaloo was about to take a zip when a familiar unicorn sat down next to her. “My free drinks are already here, yay.” Sweetie said. Taking a second to realize what was going on Scoots finally managed to say. “Hi..Sweetie.” “Hey, Scootaloo.” More silence. “Soooo….” Sweetie started “What did you think of the show?” Scootaloo smiled, “You were amazing Sweetie Belle, I mean wow I still need to recover from. That was awesome.” “Glad you liked it” Sweetie mumbled while looking slightly flushed ‘wait a minute is she blushing? Nah’ “So what brings you here, Scootaloo?” “Oh I’m in town to visit uncle Redsteel, needed a change of scenery and take care of some stuff, you know?” “I meant what brings you to this place.” Sweetie smiled. “Oh well that’s easy, the promise of alcohol did that.” Scoot said proudly. Making Sweetie Belle. “Honestly Sweetie If I knew you’d be performing I would have been here a lot earlier. It’s great running into you. It’s been way to long.” “It’s great to see you too, and yeah you’re right it’s been like what? 2 years. What have you been up to anyway?” ‘Crap’ That wasn’t something Scootaloo wanted to talk about, she hadn’t really been doing anything, mostly a lot of commercial skywriting, it wasn’t that bad of a job, but it also wasn’t anything to boast about. Especial since both her old friends did so well, Sweetie with her singing carreer and Apple Bloom with her job as big shot architect. Nervously she replied: “Oh this and that.” ‘This and that? Real smooth Scoot, Celestia damned brain.’ “This and that?” Sweetie Belle asked skeptically, raising an eyebrow. “Oh you know, flying stuff..” Scootaloo added trying her best not to seem nervous. “Right…Well I’m glad you’re keeping busy.” Sweetie smiled seemingly forgetting het earlier skepticism. ‘ Glad you keeping busy’ what’s that supposed to mean? Still Scoot was glad that she had a chance to change the subject. “So how’s Apple Bloom?” Scoot asked. “Well, I haven’t seen her for a while, but last time I checked she was doing really well, Celestia had her working on some secret project. Wouldn’t tell me a thing.” “A secret project for Celestia?” Scootaloo was impressed and maybe a little bit envious at her friends success. “Yeah, she said Applejack was really impress…” Sweetie suddenly stopped as the music changed in a more energetic swing. “I love the song, Benny Goodcolt is just the greatest, come on Scootaloo let’s dance.” “Wait?”Scootaloo looked at her friend in terror. “You wan’t me…to dance? Me?” “Yeah” “Not going to happen.” Sweetie seemed a little dismayed by that. “Why not?” “I don’t dance.” “Not even for an old friend?” Sweetie looked at Scootaloo with her big eyes and she pouted her mouth. “A friend you haven’t seen in ages?” Scootaloo remaind strong. “Please…..” Oh no “Pretty pleasssee” And she cracked. Sigh “Fine.” Sweetie didn’t hesitate a minute and dragged scoot from her bar stool onto the dance floor. While Scootaloo didn’t know how to dance, Sweetie Belle surprised her by taking the lead, and soon they actually moved kind of decent. And not long after that Scootaloo even dared to look somewhere else than at her feet. Has she looked up a few seconds earlier she might have seen a blushing unicorn. But when her eyes met Sweetie Belle’s all she saw was her smiling unicorn friend. After a while they finally sat down. “Okay maybe I do dance.” An out of breath Scootaloo managed to say. “Yeah you did okay.” “Okay?? I ruled the Dance floor.” Sweetie Belle couldn’t contain her laughter, and burst out in giggles. And although Scootaloo tried to look insulted it wasn’t long before she joined in laughing as well. “Hey, you, want, to, get, out, of, here?” Sweetie managed to say in-between giggles. “Sure Sweetie Belle, what did you have in mind?” “You’ll see, I have to get my stuff from backstage? Wait for me here?” “Yeah, I still have to pay for my drinks anyway.” Scootaloo replied “Just tell them your with me, that should take care of it.” Sweetie said teasingly “Oh look at who’s miss big shot now.” Scootaloo teased back. “Oh hardy har har” Sweetie Belle ‘laughed’ as she got up and walked way. Scootaloo walked over the white barmare from earlier, who just finished talking to some stallion sitting at the end of the bar. “Oh hey orange, nice dancing” The barmare teased. “Yeah, Yeah, bite me.” “I just might.” Recovering from that statement Scootaloo replied with a blush: “Uhm yeah, what?...Anyway I still need to pay my tab.” “Oh you don’t need to pay that, consider it on the house, any friend of Sweetie Belle is a friend of mine.” ‘miss big shot’ Scootaloo mumbled in herself. “Oh” the mare continued “Might I just say, you two make a great couple.” “Yeah than…” Scootaloo was about to finish that when she realized what the barmare had just said. “Wait, no! It’s not like that…We’re just friends.” The barmare just smiled back, Scootaloo was just about to say something more when Sweetie stepped up besides her. “Ready to go Scootaloo.” “Uhm yeah, let’s go.” “Just Friends..” The Barmare whisperd. Scootaloo was about to walk away, until she remeberd something: “Wait, what’s your name?” She asked the barmare. “Oh I go by many names, but you can call me Blackjack.” “Well by then Blackjack, and thanks for everything.” “Have a great night Orange.” Blackjack said with a wink. Scootaloo shook her head as she caught up with Sweetie. ============={OOO}============= Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle walked through the city for about 20 minutes, barley talking at all. When suddenly Sweetie Belle nudges Scootaloo into a Pony Joe’s. “What’s so special about this place Sweetie Belle?” “Look out the window.” Sweetie Belle said as she went to order. And that’s when Scootaloo saw it, the Donut shop had a perfect view of the Manehatten harbor, with the statue friendship in the distance, and because it was night the time, all the separate lights made the city look like a giant, urban, Hearts Warming’s eve tree. “Quite a sight isn’t it” Sweetie Belle said as she sat down levitating a box of Donuts. “Yeah. It really is.” Scootaloo said, not looking outside. “Anyway, we have so much to catch up” Sweetie Belle continued. “So I was telling you about Applebloom earlier, did you know….” ============={OOO}============= They had talked for what seemed like hours, about home, about friends, about the good ol’ days as the crusaders. When Scootaloo eventually looked out of the window again, the sun was already starting to rise. “Wow, we really forgot the time didn’t we.” “We sure did Scootaloo.” “Oh crap, I have to see my uncle in two hours” Scootaloo realized as she looked at the clock. “Oh, I guess this is goodbye then.” Sweetie said, slightly sad. “Yeah, I guess so. I had a great time tonight though, we should really do this again.” “Definitely, I had a really great time too. Oh Wait! I know, Rarity is having some big party next week and she wanted to invite you, Applebloom and the rest of Ponyville will be there to.” “That sounds like a great idea!” “Great, see you then, It’s next Thursday at around nine PM.” “See you then Sweetie Belle.” Said Scootaloo as she rushed out of the shop. Leaving behind a smiling Sweetie Belle. As she walked towards her uncle’s apartment Scootaloo couldn’t help but feel good about the night she just had, although it had left her with a strange feeling in her stomach. > Chapter 2: Train Ride > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “All right my little ponies, this one represents ‘Victory’” “How cool would it be to have that for a cutiemark.” “Coooool, if you were actually victoryful at something.” “My wings! why aren’t my bucking wings working” Scootaloo was falling, and fast the ground was nowhere to be seen but it couldn’t be far away. Shadow engulfed the orange Pegasus. And a feeling off pure despair came over her. Then suddenly she saw a light in the distance. But is wasn’t as she had hoped Celestia’s sun. It was a house engulfed in green fire. Burning everything In its wake. Scoots ran towards it, but she was too late. Everything was turned to ash. As she looked at the death and destruction she could hear a familiar voice in the distance… Rest now my love, for all will be fine. Just remember that soon you’ll be all mine. OOOOOOWWWWEEEEEH That was another fine song by the up and coming young starlet Sweetie Belle… Her head was pounding as Scoots threw her alarm in a corner ‘Sweet Bucking Celestia another nightmare! seems like Luna’s having fun.’ Scootaloo groaned as she massaged her temples. She was almost ready to go back to sleep. When it dawned on her what day it was. It was Thursday morning and Scootaloo had a train to catch, so she dragged herself out of bed and into the shower. As the hot water poured down, she started to relax, and after a while she almost dozed off again. Not wanting to fall asleep In the shower, Scootaloo started to clean her wings, and after about ten minutes off scrubbing she came out of the shower again. Walking through her uncle’s apartment, while drying her mane, Scootaloo started to dig through the old music collection her uncle had. “Hmm let’s see: Lame, lame, super lame..” She said as she threw the records away. Such classics as Danny Mane, Filly Holliday and Vera Steed . Nothing really appealed to her until she saw a beaten old record hidden away in a corner. “Django Reignheart, eh?” Scoots put the record on her uncle’s old record player and smooth swinging jazz filled the apartment. She started to move to rhythm on route to the best place in the whole apartment, the kitchen. Her uncle had a nice enough apartment, though a little too much brown for Scootaloo’s tastes. ‘I should leave him some breakfast or something’ Scoots thought. ‘Before I leave at least.’ After she’d made breakfast and packed her bags it was time to leave. She made sure she had everything grabbed her leather jacket and was on her way ‘Ready or not, Ponyville here I come.’ ============={OOO}============= It was busy at Manehatten central station, pony’s buzzing around trying to get somewhere else. But one pony was not is a much of a rush. ‘Because one stupid pony missed her train and has to wait an hour for the next one.’ Scootaloo sighed and looked up at the stained glass window of Celestia looking down on all the pony’s. “I like her sister better anyway.” Wait was it her imagination or did the window just glare at her for a second. ‘no need to lose your mind Scoot’ she thought as she stood up. Time to get some coffee. She walked around for a bit past all the local shops that where spread out along the platforms. Little food shops, magazine stands, even a record store tucked away in a corner. But straight ahead was Scoots goal: a Stirrbuck. “Best damn coffee in Equestria.” Stirrbuck was a coffee store-chain that was originaly started in Canterlot by a buck named: You guessed it, Stirrbuck. The coffee was so good that it took Equestria by storm. And even in the Zebra Lands, Griffin Kingdom, and Caledonia. Stirrbuck stores were opening. As she approached the store she heard someone calling out her name. “Like O M C is that you Scootaloo” Oh no. “It like totally is you!” Sweet merciful Celestia no! Scootaloo knew that voice all too well, and when she finally turned around her fears where confirmed. Standing there was a Pink mane’d white coated unicorn. “Hello Loose Legs…” Damn it Scootaloo! “uhhh..lips, Loose Lips.” Scootaloo said to her ex-marefriend. “Oh Scootaloo your so funny…” Loose lips said sarcastically, rolling her eyes. The relationship(If you could even call it that) had started a while ago when Scootaloo had a little too much to drink.(As all good love story’s do.) Scootaloo found herself waking up next to a pretty looking mare , who made her breakfast and everything. However Scootaloo and Loose Lips were not meant to be. Their personalities clashed all the time and Loose Lips proved a little to controlling for Scoots. Going as far as claiming Scootaloo was cheating on her with Rainbow Dash. Loose lips didn’t take the break up that well. “Scootaloo I haven’t seen you in ages what are you doing in Manehatten?” In fact, she never accepted it. “Hanging out.” She really didn’t feel like talking to Loose Lips. Loose Lips looked unsettled for a moment then she composed herself again. “So where are you headed?” “Ponyville.” Scootaloo mumbled as she looked at the Celestia window again. Okay either she was going insane or that window was now grinning sadistically at her. Loose lips continued: “O M C me too, well Canterlot actually, but my train passes through Ponyville.” Loose Lips seemed to be jumping with joy. “We can totally travel together.” ‘Celestia Bucking Dammit’ “Yaaay…” It was ten minutes later when Scootaloo finaly boarded the train. She had managed to lose Loose Lips in the chaos and now she just needed to find a nice quit coupe to hide in. And it wasn’t long until she spotted one, the coupe was almost empty except for an old looking Pegasus buck who seemed to be asleep. Scootaloo sat down on the pillow, and looked out the window, the train was starting to move. The Manehatten skyscrapers turned into suburban homes and then into fields of green. Scootaloo was about to light a cigarette when the old buck spoke. “Ya know kid, ya ain’t allowed to smoke on the train. So let me mooch one from ya and I won’t tell on ya.” He said with a chuckle. It seemed like a fair deal, so Scootaloo gave him her last smoke. The buck used a lighter (Wait where did that lighter come from?) and lit it up. After that they took turns looking out of the window, barley speaking. Until Scootaloo looked up again and saw that the old buck was holding a flacon. “Whiskey?” He asked with a grin. “Don’t mind if I do.” Scootaloo took a long gulp of the burning goodness. It might not have been Wild Pegasus, but at this moment it might as well have been. “You looked like you needed that kid.” “Yeah? How so?” “I know ponies kid, it’s my curse.” He said with a sad smile. Scootaloo couldn’t help but chuckle “How is that a curse? most of the time I wish I understood people better.” “See that lunch mare out there?” The buck said pointing at a mare heading into the coupe opposite of theirs. “Her name is Platter, has a..well platter for a cutie mark. Can ya imagine that? her special talent is serving ponies, and she working for two bit an hour pay on this crappy train. you might not see it but it’s breaking her, and she ain’t happy.” “Wait how do you know her name is platter?” The buck chuckled “I’ve taken this train a lot of times in my life kid.” He took on last look on the lunch mare who was moving away through the hallway. It almost looked like a look of nostalgia. “Eh, there is nothing wrong with her a hundred bits won’t fix” He said as he stared out the window again. The rest of the ride was mostly filled with the old buck telling Scoot about placed he’d been. Even lived in Ponyville a while he told her. And now he was visiting some family, before heading out to Staliongrad for some great adventure. As the train slowly crept into Ponyville. Scootaloo got up and grabbed her bag. “This is my stop. So uhh thanks for the Whiskey.” “Hey kid, before you go, how about some words of old buck wisdom.” “Hit me.” “Well take it from someone who’s seen it all. Never stop laughing, no matter how much it hurts, keep laughing, at yourself, at your friends, at life itself. Because the moment you stop laughing you’ll find that your truly lost.” He handed Scoot his flacon. “Here keep the whiskey.” “T’t’thanks..” As the old buck fell back into his seat he closed his eyes. And drew his last breath. Scootaloo didn’t notice this as she was walking away. She emerged from the train on the station of the town, that a long time ago she considered home. “Welcome back to Ponyville Scootaloo!” > Chapter 3: Home Sweet... > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “These namby pamby stories aren’t bringing us any closer to our cutiemarks.” “Welcome back to Ponyville Scootaloo!” Standing in front of her was a large mass of smiling pink. “Om my gosh, when Sweetie Belle told us you where coming we couldn’t believe it, but she was right!” “Pinkie..” “I’ve never been so excited well except that one time when Twiligh…” “PINKIE!” The pink pony turned her head upside down. “Yes Scootaloo?” “You were rambling.” It was all a bit too much for Scootaloo, still she had to admit, it was good seeing Pinkie again. “Oh yeah I do that sometimes, like the time me and Dashie…” Well something that was close to good anyway. Scootaloo wondered why the Pink pony was there at all. “Pinkie what are you doing here?” “Well to welcome you back of course, I’d throw you a party but you’re already going to a party tonight.” Pinkie said while jumping around Scootaloo, how she could do that without breaking something is to this day still a mystery. How did Pinkie even know when she would be here? “Wait? How did you know when I was arriving?” “The writer told me, silly.” “Right..” Scootaloo didn’t get it, and thought it best to leave it at that. Suddenly Pinkie came to a full stop almost making Scootaloo trip. “Oh no, I forgot something super duper important.” She turned around and raced away. Scootaloo was grateful for the sudden peace as she slowly made her way to the town inn. Looking up she thought she saw some trace of a rainbow. "Nah it's just my imagination." Ponyville looked no different than it had years ago, the market was still buzzing with ponies, and Scootaloo was sure she saw the apple family apple stand somewhere around here. And sure enough, in the distance manned by none other than Applejack herself. The country pony looked no worse for wear, in fact Applejack was looking even better with age. ‘Dammit Scoot that’s Applebloom’s sister for Luna’s sake.’ She scolded herself. Recovering and moving on, her destination came in to view. ‘Punch Drunk Tavern.’ Was a local tavern and inn that was started a few years back. Run by Berry Punch. It was quite renowned as the best place in Ponyville to get a cheap bed and a stiff drink. Although the outside was your standard Ponyville architecture. When Scoot went inside, she found it looking like a cross between a Coplin pub and one of those taverns the Griffins had up north. “Well well well, look who finaly decided to show her face again” Berry Punch was standing behind the bar with a smug face. “Hello to you too Berry Punch.” Scootaloo said with a smile. “Hehe, good to see you kid, when the I heard you were coming I could hardly believe it. So I guess you’d want a room.” “Yeah..Wait! How did you know I was coming?” Berry Punch chuckled. “Well you see, Sweetie Belle mentioned it to Rarity and Rarity mentioned it to well, everypony.” Scootaloo couldn’t help but laugh “Yeah that’s Rarity alright.” “Well let me show you to your room, oh and consider it on the house.” “Berry I have enough money to pay for it you know?” “Your money isn’t good here.” Berry said with an iron face. Berry showed Scootaloo her room and left, when the door was closed Scoots immediately crashed down on the bed. Scoot groaned “Why am I even here?” ‘It’s just one party Scootaloo, you told her you’d be here.’ “I hate this place.” ‘You miss this place’ Reluctantly Scootaloo got up and started to unpack. Well, grabbing stuff out of a bag and throwing it all in one dresser technically, but I’m sure you catch my drift. Finishing that she turned on the radio in the corner of the room, ‘that seemed oddly out of place with the rest of the room’ Scoot noted. And started fiddling with the buttons. It wasn’t long until a DJ spoke up: “Why hello colts and fillies, this next song is for all of you, from me. ‘Cause you see I’m afraid. Too afraid, to love you…by The Black Steeds .” Scootaloo smiled. “Dear princess Celestia I love this song.” Dropping on her bed, she closed her eyes. ‘surely there’s time to take a nap before the party….’ ============={OOO}============= Three little fillies were racing. “I’ll beat ya yet Scootaloo!” The pale earth pony shouted. “Don’t count on it on it Applebloom.” The Orange Pegasus shouted back. The gray unicorn filly in last place, watched with a smile as she ran after her friends. She loved moments like these. Suddenly her leg got trapped on a tree branch tripping her, and making her tumble down a hill. She could barley move, her leg hurt to much. And she almost started to cry. When out of the blue a orange sight filled her vision. “Scootaloo you came back!” They gray filly said with excitement. “Well yeah, did you think I would leave you crying when there’s room on my back for you. Climb up here, and we’ll soon be flying. I can go just as fast with two.” And then they raced off, trying to catch up to their friend. Sweetie Belle softly opened her eyes. She smiled as she remembered her dreams. She missed times like that. She saw to little of Applebloom these days, and she almost never saw Scootaloo. And honestly it was making her sad, they’d grown apart. “Well at least I’ll see them tonight.” She thought giving herself new spirit. She had been looking forward to this for a while now, ever since..well ever since Scootaloo said she was coming. Of course nobody in Ponyville believed it when she told them. “The day that Pegasus shows her face in this town again, is the day chocolate rains out of the sky…again.” Pokey had said. But Sweetie had no doubt. Scootaloo would be here tonight. No doubt at all. None. Well maybe a little. Forcing those thoughts away, she started to choose what to wear tonight. Rarity had been kind enough to let Sweetie Belle stay here for the week, and even ‘kinder’ in giving her a whole new wardrobe to wear. She found a simple dress and put it aside for the night. Then she turned on the radio and let herself drop back on the bed. Sweetie Belle really needed this break from performing. She’d been traveling all over Equestria taking on any singing job she was offered. ‘Brand building.’ Her manager had called it. “I’ll show him where he can stick his brand.” Sweetie Belle mumbled. After a show in Appleloosa where a drunken cowpony groped her flank, she had decided it was time for a little break. Her manager didn’t like it, but honestly he could go buck himself. Grabbing a book from her nightstand she started to read. But no matter how hard she tried her thought kept going back to the coming night. She sighed as she threw the book away. Maybe Rarity could distract her, she thought as she jumped off the bed. “Sit still Darling.” Of course, as it turned out. Rarity immediately took the opportunity to use Sweetie Belle as a mannequin. “Ughhh why did I agree to this.” Sweetie groaned. “Because I’m your big sister and you love me. Sweetie Belle.” Rarity retorted. “Now regarding your manager Sweetie, it’s your own fault for signing up with those conbucks.” “Rarity!” “Well it’s true, I warned you, Applejack warned you, even dear Macintosh warned you. But did you listen? Of course you didn’t.” “But, but he had a song….” Sweetie Belle tried to protest. “Darling it’s Flim we’re talking about here! Don’t you remember that cider season all those years ago.” “No, I wasn’t there.” Not wanting to continue this discussion Rarity quickly changed the subject. “So what color do you want your dress to be? Orange? or Blue?” “Orange.” With a small hint of amusement in her voice Rarity continued. “Oh but blue looks so much better on you darling.” “But I feel like orange.” Rarity could barely contain her grin. “Really now? Oh I guess that makes lots of sense darling.” Suspiciously Sweetie Belle looked up. “What are you implying?” “Oh nothing, it’s just…ever since dear you knew dear Scootaloo was coming you’ve been talking an awful lot about her.” A amused Rarity continued. “Well yeah, she’s my friend. I miss seeing her.” “HmmHmm of course Sweetie Belle. But just so you know…I have nothing against Fillyfoolers darling. In fact some of my best friends are…” “RARITY!!” Sweetie Belle was blushing, looking both angry and embarrassed. While Rarity was rolling on the floor no longer containing her laughter. “You can find someone else to play dress up with!” Sweetie Belle shouted. As she walked back to her room. “So worth it.” Was the last thing she could hear Rarity say. Back in her room Sweetie Belle was going through her bags, not stopping until she found what she was looking for. It was a folded up picture of three little fillies under a tree house. On the back a small heart was scribbled with S + S written in its center. With a sad smile Sweetie Belle looked out the window. Spotting a mass of pink heading towards the train station. And a streak of Rainbow flying towards town. > Chapter 4: Parties, Ponies and Rainbows > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Let’s get right down to our first order of business. I motion that Rainbow Dash be declared the most awesome pony in Ponyville.” Nighttime in Ponyville, and not a creature was stirring…except at Carousel Boutique. From the darkness, a young Pegasus came running towards the party. Passing the left side of the boutique she spotted Pinkie Pie trying to sneak in a rather large cake. But Scootaloo had no time to waste, because she may have overslept a little bit. Just a little bit…. She was late. Reaching the front entrance Scootaloo was halted by a Gigantic, Humongous, (Basically he was big.) Minotaur. The beast looked like he’d lived a hundred lives. Big scary eyes, a grey coat and a face filled with scars, the beast stood guard by the front entrance. Before Scootaloo could even get a word out he spoke with a deep and intimidating voice. “You’re not on the list.” Two things went through Scootaloo’s mind at that moment. What the hell is he talking about? And how did Rarity get, or even need this kind of security. “You don’t even know my name.” She protested. “Doesn’t matter it isn’t going to be on this list.” “But..” “Get lost.” Scootaloo was getting really angry with this cow, who the hell does he think he is anyway? “You want to make this a thing big guy?” The minotaur laughed mockingly. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” Scootaloo raised her front hooves: “Let’s dance baby.” The minotaur was about to teach this little pony a lesson when a voice stopped him. “Spleen Ripper darling, could you please not fight our guests?” Rarity was standing behind him. “Scootaloo dear, I’m so sorry if Spleen Ripper here was a bother to you, he knows better than to act that way. Spleen Ripper say you’re sorry.” Scootaloo was speechless at the sight of seeing this minotaur slumping down and saying: “Yes miss Rarity.” He turned to face Scootaloo. “And sorry to you miss Pegasus.” “Right then. Looks like we’re all friends again.” Rarity said, motioning for Scootaloo to follow. As she walked passed Spleen Ripper Scootaloo had to stick out her tong. Causing an angry growl from the Minotaur. “Oh don’t mind him dear, he just a little overprotective.” “Yeah I get that, what’s he doing here anyway?” “Keeping the store safe dear.” “From what?” “Oh that’s a long story.” Rarity said in a tone that meant Scootaloo shouldn’t pry any further. “Anyway it’s so great to see you again Scootaloo dear, Sweetie was so excited about you coming.” Rarity continued as they walked into the party. Rarity had really expanded her shop these last few years Scootaloo noticed. In her sight she could see most of ponyville. Smooth brass music filled the room, not really party music, but hey it was a Rarity party. “Now Scootaloo you really should visit Ponyville more often we really miss you here.” Rarity spoke with a sincerity.” Scootaloo hadn’t seen coming from her. “Now I know that what happen with your mother..” “Stop!” Scootaloo almost shouted causing a few ponies to stop what they were doing and turn to look at Scootaloo much to her embarrassment. “Look Rarity..” She continued more hushed. “I get what you’re trying to say. But I don’t want to talk about that. I’m sorry.” “No Scootaloo I’m sorry, I should have been more careful.” Rarity said apologetically. “It’s alright Rarity, I should probably get to mingling, you don’t happen to know where Sweetie Belle is?” “I’m afraid she even fashionably latter then you are dear, she went out right before the party started saying she had to take care of something and that she should be back later.” That disappointed Scootaloo, more then she would’ve thought. “Uhm okay..What about Applebloom? Is she here?” “I’m sorry, she was here but left to pick up her coltfriend from the station.” “Applebloom has a coltfriend?” Scootaloo said with a little more skepticism then she should’ve. “Well then I guess I’ll just have to find the bar.” Scootaloo said as she walked away. “Wait dear! Rainbow….” Rarity tried to say. “Dash wanted to see you..” She finished. But Scootaloo was already out of range. It was twenty minutes later and Scootaloo was sitting at a table with a nice jug of cider. She had already talked to many familiar faces. Featherweight was apparently head photographer for the Canterlot Chronicle. And Snails was assistant to Diamond Tiara’s dad. Thank Celestia Diamond herself wasn’t here Scootaloo thought. Even Silver Spoon was nowhere to be seen. She looked around a bit and saw that Pinkie was weeling in the giant cake Scootaloo saw earlier. She saw Rarity walk over with a confused look when suddenly Pinkie grabed a microphone out of nowhere. “Hello everypony! I know you’re having a good time. But I thought with some better music you could have a great time!” Suddenly a big spotlight focused on the cake. “So I present to you the band: ‘It came from magical flux.’” Suddenly the cake burst open revealing, well, a band. With equipment and everything. The lead singer took the microphone. “Hello everypony! my name is DeWolff and this the band.” Several band member waved at the crowd awkwardly. “I’d like to begin with our new single: ‘Revenge off the Seaponies.’” They started playing and sweet music filled the room. The crowd seemed to enjoy this change of ambiance and went along with. Rarity looked like she had accepted it. But looking at the way she was zipping away at her cider Scootaloo knew what she was thinking ‘I’m going to get you Pinkie Pie.’ “Ah didn’t know Rarity her parties could have this kind of entertainment.” A familiar voice said, making Scootaloo turn with a smile. “Applebloom, good to see yo..”Scootaloo started but the look in Applebloom’s eyes made her stop. “That all ya got to say for yourself?”Applebloom said sternly. “I..” “Don’t get me started Scootaloo, you went off to St. Elsewhere and never came back. We were you friends? What we weren’t good enough for even a letter every now and then?” “Applebloom I’m sorry. I should’ve seen you guys more often.” “Darn right. But I forgive you.” Applebloom suddenly said with a smile. “Wait what? Just like that?” The sudden change in Applebloom’s demeanor surprised Scootaloo. “Ayep just needed to see if you cared.” Applebloom said as she took a seat next to Scootaloo. “So Applebloom, what have you been up too.” Scootaloo smiled as Applebloom began telling her all about her work, how she was developing something she called a ‘Arcanoscience Computing Device’ whatever that was. And how Princess Celestia had commissioned her to design a school for Princess Luna as a surprise. ============={OOO}============= Frustrated, Sweetie Belle left Sugar Cube corner, just as Rarity’s party was about to start she was called away by Flim who wanted her to meet somepony who had some potential work for her, that work turned out to be a porn flick. Sufficed to say, Sweetie Belle was going to kill Flim. The whole affair had made her well beyond fashionably late for the party. As she made her way to the front of Carousel Boutique, she saw Spleen Ripper standing in the way, he was just about to say something when Sweetie spoke: “Not in the mood Spleen, Get out of my way.” “Yes little Rarity.” the minotaur said as he stepped aside. “AND DON’T CALL ME THAT AGAIN” Sweetie shouted back. She completely ignored the party and went upstairs to change. In her haste she also missed an Earthpony and a Pegasus waving to her. She closed the room to the door and went straight for her bags, after some digging she found what she was looking for, a large bottle of Wild Pegasus. After taking a few big gulps she placed it back in her bag. Celestia she needed that, and maybe a little…? No. There wasn’t time for that. After all there was a party to attend to. Slowly she freshened up and changed into the dress she had prepared, when she heard her door opening. Slowly Scootaloo made her way inside, the sight of the Pegasus almost made Sweetie jump with happiness. “Scootaloo!” She cried out as she launched herself into Scoot, hugging her fiercely. Making the Pegasus blush just a little. “Hey Sweetie, ehm, me and Applebloom saw you charging upstairs, completely ignoring us.” A flustered Scootaloo managed to say. “Oh..” The sudden realization of how she went upstairs made Sweetie feel quite embarrassed. “Sorry didn’t see you” She said blushing furiously. “Yeah it’s alright just…is something wrong Sweetie Belle?” Scootaloo asked with a look of concern in her eyes. “Had a bad business meeting and let’s keep it that.” Sweetie said as got up. “Okay, won’t mention it again. Ready to go down?” “Ready.” Sweetie said with a smile. As they made their way down the stairs Scootaloo suddenly stopped. “Hey Sweetie Belle?” “Yeah?” “What the buck is the deal with that minotaur?” “I have no idea Scoot, Rarity won’t tell me.” Sweetie shrugged. It had bothered her a lot that a minotaur seemingly lived at Carousel Boutique. It bothered her even more, that Rarity never gave her a straight answer about what he was doing there. Still it wasn’t the end of the world. Just a story that had yet to be told. “Right.. Your sister is weird Sweetie.” “Tell me about it.” They giggled as they started walking again. ============={OOO}============= Scootaloo was happy, really happy. She had just reconnected with Applebloom and now she was joking around with Sweetie Belle. She had to admit she was a little worried about how Sweetie Belle acted at first but she lost that concern when Sweetie seemed to be alright. They slowly made their way to the table where Scoot left Applebloom, only now sitting next to Applebloom was a young unicorn stallion with a blue mane, green coat and a clipboard for a cutiemark balancing on his nose was a pair of glasses that almost seemed to shimmer. “Sweetie Belle you made it.” Applebloom said in a sigh of relief. “Where were you off to anyway?” “Oh just needed a change of clothes.”Sweetie said sheepishly. Applebloom chuckled “Ah swear you’re turning into your sister more and more each day.” “Am not!” Sweetie objected. “Are too!” Scootaloo said trying to provoke the unicorn. “Am not!” “Are too!” A cough coming from the Stallion made them stop, “Applebloom..” He spoke in a Canterlot accent. “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friends?” It took a few seconds for Applebloom te realize what had been asked. “Uh what now..Oh..OH!...Yeah. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, this is Bob Hired, my coltfriend. Bob these are my best friends Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. “Pleasure ladies.” Bob said as he shook Sweetie Belle’s hoof. “Nice to meet you...Bob.” Sweetie said with a forced smile. When the buck turned to shake Scootaloo’s hoof the Pegasus couldn’t hold it in anymore. “What the buck kind of name is Bob Hired?” She blurted out much to her embarrassment. Causing a shocked look from Applebloom and one of amusement from Sweetie Belle. “My name.” The buck said, not losing his smile for even a moment. “So what do you do Bob?” Sweetie Belle said trying to salvage the situation. That made the buck smile even more as he started talking about his work. And kept talking. And kept talking. About how he worked closely with the department of foreign affairs. Directly under a Prince Blueblood. He told them about how he even met the princesses a few times. Scootaloo kept awfully quiet during this part. He talked about how he had fiendishly tricked the Zebra’s in giving up some land vital to Equestria. About how it was his idea to merge the Everfree and Manehatten province. He didn’t stop talking until a whole while later when Applebloom managed to convince him to dance with her. And much to Scootaloo’s relief she was left alone with Sweetie Belle again. They said there for a few minutes in comfortable silence, and just when Sweetie was about to break the Silence, Twist took a seat in between them. “Hey Scootaloo glad you back!” The curly mare said. “Hey twist, long time no see. How are things working out for you.” Scootaloo said, glad to see her old classmate. “Pretty great, Pinkie can be a hard boss sometimes but I’m learning a lot. Anyway you look great Scootaloo.” “Haha thanks Twist not looking to bad yourself.” Wait was Twist flirting with her? Scootaloo took a quick look at Sweetie Belle who looked..annoyed? ‘Nah probably just my imagination.’ She thought as looked at twist again. “Thanks Scootaloo. So I was wondering, what do you guys think about Applebloom’s new coltfriend?” Twist asked. Scootaloo took look around but Applebloom and ‘bob’ seemed nowhere near here. “He’s a…Total tool!” She finaly said. “Such a huge tool.” Sweetie agreed. “I mean Bob Hired? Really how fake can your name be?” “Oh I am so very close to Princess Celestia, She almost let me kiss her flank.” Scootaloo added in her best ‘Bob’ imitation. The tree young mares burst out in fit of giggles. Twist was the first to speak again. “So Sweetie Belle, why are you still single.” Scootaloo had to admit the thought had crossed her mind as well. Sweetie was really attractive, and was a great person. Any buck would be lucky to even look at her let alone date her. “I just haven’t found the right Stallion yet.” The unicorn said with a slight blush. “Same here, just replace stallion with mare.” Twist added. “Amen to that Sister.” Scootaloo said raising her glass. Something made Scootaloo wonder though, when Sweetie Belle had said ‘Stallion’ it made her stomach turn. Made her feel a little jealous. Did she have feelings for her old friend? ‘Nah just too much cider talking.’ She thought to herself. ‘Some fresh air was what she needed.” “I need a smoke.” Scootaloo said as she got up. “Since when do you smoke?” Sweetie said a little confused. “Since a while.” Scootaloo said not wanting to have this conversation. “I’ll be back in a little while.” She continued as she made her way to the back porch. The outside air did her good, she lighted her cigarette but then stopped when she saw a familiar Rainbow mane’d Pegasus standing in front of her. She quickly turned around and tried to go back inside when Rainbow Dash flew over her head and landed right in front of her. “And where the hell do you think you’re going.” The angry cyan mare said. “You have been avoiding me for weeks.” “Sorry.” Scootaloo mumbled. “SORRY? Is that all? Scootaloo I am your friend damn it.” “Look dash..” “Don’t look dash me! So you screwed up at the young fliers competition, so what? That’s no reason to avoid me.” Now Scootaloo was getting angry. “I didn’t just screw up dash and you know it. I got last place, and I almost got a pony killed.” “Yeah, you got last place, because you where to busy saving that pony that almost got killed. It wasn’t your fault ” “I know that Dash, it’s just..last place I disappointed you, you got me in the contest in the first place. And I messed up.” Tears were springing in Scoots eyes. “Scootaloo, I’m your friend, I mean I taught you to fly. You think I never screwed up? I know how good you are. The other Wonderbolts know how good you are. Hell, Soarin’s begging me to get you on the team. And when you just disappeared after the contest, it, well it Hurt a lot kid.” Rainbow Dash started to tear up as well. “Look Dash, I’m really sorry. It’s just I couldn’t take disappointing you. Not after all that has happened. I just, I had to get away. But you’re right. I shouldn’t have done that. I can you forgive me?” Dash hugged Scootaloo fiercely. “Of course I can Scootaloo, just don’t ever pull a stunt like that on me again. Oh Celestia look at us, all this emotional stuff is bad for our image.” Dash and Scootaloo both started to laugh at that. And kept laughing. “Oh and Scootaloo.” Dash said suddenly a lot more serious. “At the wonderbolt tryouts in a few months. Well, you better bucking be there. Or I swear to Luna I will find you and kick your flank there myself.” “Deal!” Scootaloo couldn’t believe how she had treated Dash lately. Especially when all Dash tried to do was help her. “Oh and Dash?” Scootaloo just had to know this. “Yeah?” “Is it true that you and Spitfire had a fling?” Dash chuckled. “I don’t know, is it true you and Spitfire had a fling?” Scootaloo blushed furiously. Nobody was supposed to know about that. It was a onetime thing, they’d run into each other in some club called ‘The Living Tombstone.’ Named after the famous DJ. “No comment.” She managed to stammer out. “I Bucking knew it! Spitfire wouldn’t admit it but I just knew it.” Dash reveled in glee. “But yeah me and her had a thing going on too.” “But” she added “That’s all in the past. I’m looking for something a little more stable now.” “Rainbow Dash slowing down? The world is truly ending.” Scootaloo said melodramatically. “Yeah, yeah, stuff it kid.” Rainbow said with a hint of a smile. “Hey Scootaloo?” The orange Pegasus looked up. “Yeah?” “You can be my wingmare anytime.” ~Authors note:~ This chapter is about a week later than planned but sometimes things get in the way. Luckely, the next chapter is almost done thanks to half a bottle of Jamison and being stuck on an island with nothing to do. Also how would you guys feel about me traumatizing Sweetie Belle in a chapter soon to come? I have this idea but I'm not sure if I should do it. Now, if you'll excuse me I'll go sober up now. > Chapter 5: Connecting > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Oh Come on!” “Ah never knew you felt this way Scoot.” Applejack said as she slowly came closer to Scootaloo’s lips. “A..a..plejack this is wrong.” Scootaloo hesitantly said. How did this happen, how did she even get here. This wasn’t what she wanted, who she wanted, she wanted… “But it feels so right.” Applejack said as she pulled Scootaloo in a passionate kiss. Slowly the country mare moved her hoof down towards Scootaloo’s…. The moonlight was seeping in through the window as Scootaloo opened her eyes. Scootaloo groaned, lately her dreams had been getting weirder and weirder. She’d have a little talk about that with a certain someone later. “Still night out.” She noted as she got up. Having lost any urge to go back to sleep she grabbed her jacket and decided to take a walk around town. The party had been a blast. Twilight Sparkle had gotten so drunk she tried to kiss Spleen Ripper, much to the minotaur chagrin. Rainbow Dash and Rarity had tried to reenact certain scenes from the Daring Do radio program. And even Pinkie Pie seemed partied out by the end. Alcohol is a funny thing. Though Scootaloo had purposely gone easy on the booze, so she could at least be a little sober while reconnecting with her friends. Right before she left, she had agreed to meet Applebloom and Sweetie Belle for lunch the next morning before she had to leave. Though the morning was still a few hours away. Scootaloo preferred the nights, they always seemed to make things clearer. Mornings were for sleeping anyway. She made her way through the empty streets of Ponyville not consciously aware of where she was going. Then she stopped, standing right in front of her on the edge of town, was an old and abandoned house, that had significant fire damage. Home. The very sight of it was almost too much for Scoot. Tears were building up inside her as she slowly made her way to the front door. Slowly opening it, she walked inside. The living room was completely empty except for an old family photo and some stray graffiti. Her gaze turned to the photo, there she was little filly Scootaloo with her mom and her younger brother. The part where her dad should’ve stood was cut out. As Scootaloo’s mom had done so long ago, right before she met ‘new daddy’. The buck didn’t last long though, who could with a mare like her mom. “Stupid Cunt.” Scootaloo said to the Picture. Then she turned her gaze towards the image of her younger brother. “Damn it, it should’ve been me, not you…I miss you.” She couldn’t take looking at this picture anymore and walked away. She moved through the house and opened another door. Revealing a wall behind it with the words ‘Fuck you!” painted on it. ‘Charming’ Scootaloo thought as she walked towards her old room. Just as the others, this room was empty. But Scootaloo didn’t care. Because what she was looking for was still there, hidden behind a loose floorboard. Her old journal, and her most prised possession. And old picture of her and her fellow crusaders. She grabbed the picture a sad smile curling on her lips. She flipped it to reveal it’s backside. On it was a small heart, written in the middle was the word ‘Sweetie’. She folded the picture and put it back in her journal, which in turn was placed in her pocket. Sweetie Belle couldn’t sleep, she didn’t know why but something was keeping her away. She had enjoyed the party, a welcome break from the life of an entertainer. But she had the feeling like she forgot to do something important. She groaned as she got up, and turned on the Radio. You are listening to the Adventures of Daring Do, and her stalwart foxy mareservant ‘Bayou Beauty’. Tonight’s episode: Daring Do ‘and the lost Zebra City.’ “Nice one Bayou, those Zebra Cultists will never track us now.” “It’s the old Appleloosa Stampede boss.” “Where would I be without you Bayou.” “Honestly Daring you’d probably be dead in some ruin.” “Yeah? Well…” “Bleh” Sweetie switched off the Radio. She had already seen Rarity and Rainbow reenact this particular scene earlier this night. “The way they were at it you’d say they were a couple.” She thought, to herself. “Wait..what if? Nah.” The very idea seemed silly. The sun was still an hour or so away so Sweetie decided to take a walk and maybe get a glimpse of the sunrise. She loved this time of day, the twilight before dawn. It’s like a deep inhale right before waking up. “Oh that sounds good, I could put that in a song.” She mused to herself while her feet were taking her further and further away from her sister’s home. Slowly she walked towards Sweet Apple Acres stopping when she realized where she had been going. The old Cutie Mark Crusader Clubhouse. She walked inside it was dark inside but the place haden’t changed one bit. Almost as if Applebloom herself had kept it this way all these years. “Can’t sleep?” Scootaloo said sitting against a wall hidden by the darkness. “Yeah, you neither?” Sweetie asked as she sat down besides the Pegasus. “Bad dreams.” Scootaloo said, which caused a concerned look from Sweetie Belle. “Whiskey?” Scootaloo asked as she got a bottle that had been hidden away in her pocket. “Where did you get this?” Sweetie asked as she grabbed the bottle and took a zip. “My mom’s old room.” Scootaloo said. “Went by the old place. Surprised they haven’t broke it down yet.” “That’s because you technically still own it Scootaloo.” Sweetie sighed. “How are you holding up?” “I’m fine Sweetie Belle, I’m a grown mare.” Scootaloo angrily replied. “Oh, okay.” Sweetie Belle said as her face dropped. Scootaloo sighed, why was she so bitchy against Sweetie? “Look Sweetie Belle I’m sorry.” “It’s fine.” “No it’s not, I shouldn’t have replied like that. The truth is…the truth is, I’m not alright Sweetie. Luna damn it I’m not fine.” Scootaloo started to tear up. Sweetie laced her hoof on Scoots shoulder. “It’s fine Scoot, you can tell me.” When Scootaloo looked in those eyes she just cracked. She started talking and didn’t stop. She told Sweetie Belle about the failed fliers competition. How her life had been after she was forced to leave Ponyville how she had a crappy as a commercial skywriter. There was a lot she didn’t talk about, couldn’t talk about. But just having someone to talk to was nice, real nice. And Sweetie in turn talked to Scoot about her life, about her manager, about the feeling of loneliness she just couldn’t shake. About how after the Cutiemark Crusaders split up she had missed a kind of purpose in live. “It’s like my Cutiemark took away that what made me special. You, and Applebloom.” Sweetie Belle sighed. Scootaloo just hugged her. “I know that feel.” She softly said. “I missed you so much.” Sweetie Belle said as she moved closer to Scootaloo. “I missed you too.” Scootaloo said as she turned her muzzle towards Sweetie Belle. “Hey Sweetie?” She said a mere inch away from Sweetie’s lips. “Yeah?” Sweetie whisperd. “You have something stuck in your teeth.” “Oh thanks.” Sweetie said as she plucked whatever it was out with her hoof. Sunrise. Slowly Ponyville was waking up. Scootaloo already spotted Big Macintosh awake and at work, and the paper was being delivered as she walked though town. Arriving at the tavern she picked up a paper. The front page was some stupid article about a change in Zebra politics. She flipped through it a bit when a headline made her stop. ‘Fashion Designer’s dirty little Secret.’ With what looked like a candid picture off Rarity and Sweetie Belle above it. Scootaloo started to read the article. “Well shit.” She said as she finished the article. In the distance a scream could be heard meaning a certain unicorn had just found the morning paper.