When the forces of nature come crashing down on a cold night, Scootaloo takes refuge in the only place she can call home: The Cutie Mark Crusaders Clubhouse.

Frightened and alone, only the arrival of a young mare with a mane and tail of rainbows can settle the filly. Scootaloo will soon discover that sometimes the pony who means the most to you as an aspiration, can also be the pony whom you take refuge with at the end of the day.

This story is a prequel to, My Sister, Scootaloo

* Featured on 06/23/2012!
* Edited by Double R Forrest
* Was written prior to Sleepless in Ponyville

Rainbow Dash is very well aware that Scootaloo is her Number One Fan. That doesn't mean she has to like it. While she enjoys the attention and encouragement she gets from the little filly and her other fans, she isn't too fond of actually dealing with them. It's nothing personal.

But after she overhears Scootaloo being bullied by some of her classmates about her flying ability, Rainbow Dash decides that perhaps it's time her Number One Fan got some encouragement of her own.

Though the distance between Pinkie Pie and her five closest friends has grown in the half-century since they claimed their Elements, she does what she can to prevent the others from drifting away. It’s small things, mostly: tea with Rarity, a drink with Rainbow Dash, a few words with each of the others. The friendship still makes each day together magic, and she works as hard as ever to bring cheer to all of her friends. When the smiles come less frequently, that just makes each one that much more precious.

The mane six take shelter in a place that is, for now, safe from a disaster occurring outside.

This gruesome tale of violence and death is not recommended for colts, fillies, or the faint of heart.

"Is anypony out there? Please, my name is Trixie! I need help! I think... I saw a cockatrice. I can't move, I can't see. Please, somepony, anypony.... Help me."

Laid low by circumstances beyond control, trapped in a cruel and unrelenting prison of flesh made stone, can anypony hold out hope to see the day once more? When their life rests in the hooves of one whom they tried to humiliate and belittle, can they trust in them and make it right? When they can only see through the eyes of another pony, when only one other can hear them, can they stay sane? When the only chance for their freedom is a fool's hope made incarnate, the impossible made improbable, can they beat the odds? Trixie is going to find out.

Pride can lay one low. Stubbornness can leave somepony friendless. Anger and Sorrow can turn others away. And yet, they can give strength. And Hope, in the darkest hours.

If you're afraid of Dark tones, or find them distasteful, or can get stabbed easily in the feels, I suggest reading on only with caution. This is not a happy tale.

After a long awaited training session with Rainbow Dash doesn't turn out as she expected, an upset Scootaloo gets some comfort and advice from a source she had never considered before.