Scootaloo has just noticed the difficulties of being a child. Like if a grown pony does something wrong, then she has no right to criticise. But if she screws up, then everypony has the right to criticise HER. Also, when under the authority of others, supposedly grown ups, she can't do anything she wants without permission. Adults also happen to think children are naive beyond compare.

It's almost as if they forgot they were children themselves!

Now, that she's noticed it, she must live with it, if she doesn't rebel first.

Scootaloo has never talked much about herself. Nopony knows her family, or has visited her home. But she has one big secret she's never told anypony... especially Rainbow Dash.

After the events at Winsome Falls, Scootaloo had thought her night terrors were over. But again and again, she keeps seeing the same things.

The rustling in the trees.

A talking forest in her dreams.

Timberwolves, always at the edges of her sight.

Just what in the hay is going on? Will Scootaloo ever have a good night's sleep again?

Pinkie Pie wants to know why everyone is feeling so down and has a feeling it revolves around Scootaloo. She drags Rainbow Dash along to try and figure out why the filly is being so distant to everypony. A troubling past leads to a better future.

Of course, not all friendships stem from favorable events; some can be created by even socially isolating issues.

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo completely understand this fact. Apple Bloom understands this as well, but not like Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo did, for they have known this lesson longer—about 30 minutes longer.

Special Thanks to luna150 for the cover art and editing.

This story was written for the Everfree Northwest Writing Contest.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders are underhoof in the wedding preparations, with nopony letting them help. Princess Cadence rescues them from their boredom by running them through a flower girl rehearsal and talking about their loved ones.

Sweetie Belle has waited for this day for as long as she can remember. Don't know what that is? Well, she finally gets her cutie mark! She hid it from her friends as long as she could...but she revealed it, when she realized, why would they be mad at her? After all, she was the first Cutie Mark Crusader to get her cutie mark, now! Scootaloo and Apple Bloom were very proud of her.
Until they both saw how Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon had started treating her after Sweetie Belle earned her cutie mark....

Scootaloo has been a very lonely child. Her parents left her for their dreams and a life of relaxation. Her brother was left to take care of her. Now that he was in the Canterlot Royal Guard, he had to leave her. Being a lieutenant was no easy task and he could not visit her much, though he sent her some bits every week. She is made fun of in school for not having her Cutie Mark and she has no friends. She is fed up with it one day and sets out to prove them wrong.

"I can't wait to tell you about my new school! Jeepers, where do I start? So, first day ---"

So what did happen on that first day?

Babs meets a fellow blank flank and gets her out of a tough spot. Too bad Applejack never gave her the chance to tell Apple Bloom about it.

Featured on Equestria Daily.

On this cold winter's morning, three fillies stand alone on a snow covered hill. Not to pursue a cutie mark, or go on a daring quest. But to simply enjoy the snowy wonders of a classic wooden toy.