A week after Rainbow's startling discovery about Scootaloo's living conditions, the months had turned colder, a typical transition between the transition from Summer to Autumn. The days still carried with it a warm, gentle morning with rays of bright sunshine, and the skies had started to become clearer while the air remained crisp.

Autumn was a fine time for witnessing the best and most romantic sunsets, a scene just perfect for lovers to share and enjoy each other's company. There was nothing more special than sitting on a soft, woolen blanket spread out on the green grass nestled between two large oak trees, protected by their canopy of dried, orange, yellow and brown leaves while they fall and land on the ground around you while the sun dipped down over the horizon.

Autumn was also a time for Ponyville locals to partake in The Running of the Leaves, a tradition enjoyed by Ponyvillians for decades, and it has been a local event for every single year after ten years of the town being founded. Of course, The Running of the Leaves was an event which Applejack partakes in alongside of Rainbow Dash, but, this year, Rainbow Dash wasn't going to be joining her.

Rainbow Dash, after a week of healing, had finally regained the majority of her health. She felt spry and ready to take on the world, but even she had to admit it to herself, despite her nagging desire to ignore her 'doctor's orders', meaning Fluttershy, that she wasn't in much of a shape to join in. Her rear hooves may be feeling better, but the damage done to them internally was still a problem in the works of getting fixed, and they were still a bit sore from her failed stunt.

Besides, Rainbow Dash didn't mind too much. It wasn't like she would die if she missed one race, was it? Although incredibly reluctant to allow her athleticism and bold mind get the best of her, she defused any idea of pushing her body so soon after her accident, not wishing to worsen her condition and relapse back where she started. Anywho, she had Fluttershy to keep her company, so life was good.

Rainbow Dash's wing, also nearly completely regenerated, was still a little bit sore, and she often found it to be uncomfortable at times whenever she was trying to sleep. In her time of need, her personal doctor, none other than the butter mare herself, had allowed her to stay in her cottage with her along with Scootaloo. And so, that's just how life was at the moment - slow but very pleasant and peaceful.

While Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy shared Fluttershy's bed during the night time, of which was Fluttershy's idea rather than Dash's, and of which also followed massive protest from the cyan mare, insisting she was just fine on the couch, Fluttershy insisted, and Rainbow eventually caved in, Scootaloo slept in the guest room. It was only down the hall from Fluttershy's room, so they were always close in case she ever need her or Dash.

The spare bedroom wasn't much, and it hadn't seen any use since Fluttershy had bought the cottage and moved into the premises. It was once her sewing room, but it didn't last longer than a few years. She was far busier with her medical care and general routine caring and tending to her animal friends to take the time to indulge in her hobby on the side, so it was thus cleared out.

There was only a small bed, a dresser, a bureau with a fixed mirror, a bedside table and a small window gazing out towards the Everfree Forest. Scootaloo seemed to be entirely grateful and appreciative of the butter mare's charity and her inviting nature, and she would often blush whenever Scootaloo thanked her for all that she's done, which was a very frequent event, but Fluttershy didn't mind one bit. The girl was only showing her gratitude after having a life of hardship, after all.

Sometimes, during the middle of the desolate and silent night, while Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were dozing off to sleep, they could have sworn that they heard Scootaloo crying to herself while she curled herself into the fetal position under her covers, tail wrapped around her and her face buried into her hooves. The first time it happened, Rainbow Dash had poked her head through the door and investigated the source of the noise, but it quickly became apparent that Scootaloo wasn't awake. She was crying in her sleep.

''N-No, Mummy, n-n-no, Daddy, don't leave me!'' She once mumbled in her sleep, tears squeezing through her tightly-clenched eyelids, running down her face. Rainbow Dash's heart throbbed at the sight, and she entered the bedroom silently while the filly continued to toss and turn uncomfortably beneath her red-coloured bed sheets and she gently climbed atop them before she slipped beneath them to be with her sister.

Rainbow wrapped her hooves around the filly to prevent her from tossing and rolling her way out of the bed, and then she would wrap her tail around her little body, covering her completely, protectively concealing her like a rainbow-coloured cocoon. She would still be mumbling to herself and crying in her sleep, but she seemed to calm down and settle her nerves when she felt the presence of Rainbow.

''Shh, it's alright, Scoots, I'm here,'' Rainbow cooed into the little filly's ears, gently stroking her bed-tangled purple mane. It did the trick, and Scootaloo did indeed cease in her crying and melt into Rainbow's embrace. Rainbow didn't know how bad she could possibly be hurting on the inside, having always had a mother and a father in her life, but, by a quick judgement of the distress the little filly was in, she could only imagine that it was tearing her up inside and her heart must feel as if it was pushed through a paper shredder.

This happened almost every single night since Fluttershy had offered Dash and Scootaloo a place in her cottage, and it was sometimes worse than other times that she cried in her sleep. Whenever she would cry or bawl while she slept, the main symptom of a broken heart sourced from a missing parent figure in her life, Rainbow Dash would always be her crutch, and she would always be there for her. No matter what, Rainbow Dash made an oath to be there for the little filly whenever she feels alone and scared, and she always spent the night with her whenever she heard her cry.

Some nights, Scootaloo would even awake screaming, and she would burst into tears afterwards. The scream was short-lived, but Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy would enter to find her sitting upright in bed with her hooves over her eyes, tears rolling down her little orange cheeks. Being the most experienced with her animals and having an understanding on how to deal with these situations, it was Fluttershy that normally offered her shoulder to the filly, and she would snuggle up next to Scootaloo, cooing into her ear and holding her close.

''M-M-Mum and D-Dad! I was dreaming that they both l-left me in my house and they locked me inside before walking away! They were both laughing at me! And they just left me there!'' Scootaloo wailed, and she would immediately erupt into endless tears. Fluttershy was horrified by her words, deeply affected by the dream that Scootaloo had described to her and Rainbow Dash, and she was disgusted that anypony's parents could be so cruel and heartless.

But then Fluttershy wondered on if it was a dream or a repressed memory that Scootaloo's young mind had archived from years of neglect. Could Scootaloo be suffering from nightmares caused by her repressed memories of her parents while they were still around? It sounded plausible enough, sure, but Fluttershy quickly swallowed away the thought, hoping that not even Scootaloo's parents would do such a thing to their only daughter.

The night that Scootaloo had this nightmare, both Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash comforted her and they stayed by her side all night, curling their bodies around her and wrapping their tails protectively around her small frame. With both ponies present, the filly found it easier to fall asleep, and it only took her moments to settle down and become peaceful once more. Dash even noticed that there was a smile curled up on her small lips.

While Fluttershy managed to fall asleep next to Rainbow, Rainbow Dash couldn't find solace, and she was forced to remain awake with a plague of thoughts burning through her mind. Although tired, the thought of Scootaloo being left alone in her family home by her parents haunted her. In fact, it irked her, making her feel peeved, even.

I swear, if I ever get my hooves on those two, they'll be sorry! Rainbow Dash thought inwardly, huffing lightly through her muzzle. They'll be sorry that they ever hurt Scootaloo like that! They don't know what a wonderful daughter they have, and I suppose they'll never know.

It was a little bit odd to Rainbow Dash - she had known the filly ever since she first became friends with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom, and through that time, while she was already good friends with Applejack and Rarity, she has never once heard Scootaloo mention her parents once. She never spoke about them, hinted about them, asked Rainbow to meet them or her parents to meet Rainbow, and she never asked Sweetie or Apple Bloom to play around at her house. It all seemed very suspicious to Rainbow Dash.

Was Scootaloo telling the truth for how long she's been homeless?

No, Scootaloo wouldn't lie! That's just ridiculous! Scoots has no reason to lie to me! Right?

Whatever the reason, Scootaloo still didn't know that Rainbow Dash had a hold of her personal diary. She naturally assumed that Scootaloo might inquire upon its whereabouts upon not seeing it amongst the rest of her belongings brought over from the clubhouse on Sweet Apple Acres, but that day has yet to come. It wasn't something that Rainbow Dash was proud of, and she was actually quite ashamed about it, but Dash knew that if she wanted to find some answers, it was the only lead she had.

Rainbow Dash hadn't looked at it since she skimmed through the pages with Fluttershy, but she had this feeling that she was going to be looking through it once again sometime soon, even if she knew she had no right to do so. It was the only thing that she could think of, and if Scootaloo wasn't willing to speak about it, then maybe she might have written about it instead.

Applejack was right, Rainbow Dash thought. I have no idea what Scootaloo's going to say when she finds out that I've been snooping through her diary. But she'll forgive me, right? All I'm trying to do is help her, even if it means going through her personal thoughts and feelings. I hope she'll come around when she sees that I'm doing this because I care about her. I don't want the kid to be riding the rails forever, and there's only one way to do that.

Rainbow Dash brushed Scootaloo's hair and she nuzzled her cheek before whispering beside her ear, ''Whatever it takes, I'll make this right, kid. Your parents may have left you, but I'm not going anywhere. I love you, sis.''

It was early in the morning when Rainbow Dash had decided to head down towards Sweet Apple Acres to see Applejack about something important. Fluttershy had stayed behind at her cottage with Scootaloo to keep her company, and after spending some time in the past babysitting the orange pegasus and her friends, she was left in good hooves. Rainbow wouldn't be gone long, anyway.

As she walked along, Rainbow's hind legs were noticeably more free and unknotted in her muscles, and they were easier to maneuver. They may still be a little sore and uncomfortable from time to time, but they were strong enough to support her body weight. Normally, she would fly towards Applejack's home, but that was still out of the realm of options.

Once she had arrived, she spotted Applejack hauling a wooden bucket with a steel bracket into the barn, filled to the brim with apples of various, vibrant colours. Her mane was disheveled and tangled in some places, entangled with small twigs, tree bark and leaves. Sweat was dripping and dribbling down her face, and she looked simply exhausted.

''Applejack!'' Rainbow Dash called as she made her approach, and then the farmpony stopped upon hearing her name, turning around to cast her eyes towards the cyan pegasus heading up the dirt road towards her.

''Well, howdy, Rainbow, you're here mighty early,'' Applejack said, almost surprised to see her friend at this time of the day. ''Somethin' I can help you with?''

''Actually, yeah, that's why I'm here,'' Dash said as she came to a halt in front of Applejack. ''Oh, um, you got a little...'' Dash reached up a hoof upon getting a closer look at Applejack's features, and she pulled a couple of twigs out of her sweat-matted blonde mane and she corrected her wonky Stetson.

''Oh, don't worry about it, happens all the time during the morning harvest,'' Applejack said dismissively, although, thankfully, for the gesture. ''Now, you said that there was somethin' you needed?''

''Yeah, and it's about Scootaloo,'' Dash said, and Applejack's eyes instantly grew curious, wondering what favour she was going to ask of her. ''Scootaloo's birthday is coming up, and I wanted to do something special for her, y'know? I want to do something to let her know how much we all appreciate her and take her mind off her parents for a while.''

''Well, shucks, that's really sweet of you, Rainbow. How's she been doing, anyway? Coping alright, I hope,'' Applejack asked, but Rainbow's expression saddened and her ears drooped.

''Not so well, AJ. After we moved in with Fluttershy while we both get back on our hooves, Scootaloo's been having...nightmares,'' She said. Just saying that made her heart ache.

''Nightmares?'' Applejack's face became concerned. ''What about, if you don't mind me askin'?''

''Her parents,'' Dash said. ''Almost every night in the past week, Scootaloo's been crying in her sleep and she sometimes wakes up screaming. Everytime that she does, I come in and I stay with her for the whole night just to let her know that she's safe, otherwise, she ends up freaking out.''

Applejack's face was warmed by the affection that Rainbow displayed towards the young filly but there was an expression of sympathy behind her emerald eyes, one of great worry. Like everypony else, since that day that Dash came in to confront her, Applejack hasn't been able to clear her head from her haunting thoughts about the filly, and she felt guilty about not noticing anything out of the ordinary sooner. If she did, then she might have been able to help the filly.

It really touched her heart, and she could relate to it, too. With her own sister, when thunderstorms come around the orchard, the kind that usually creates such loud bangs and crashes that leave a pony jumping out of their skin and the walls of the house rumbling, threatening to cave in from the violent shaking, Apple Bloom cries and huddles herself beneath her sheets. She would sometimes scream so harshly that she would fall out of bed and bang her head on the floor or the wall.

Whenever the storms come over the farm, Applejack always came in to comfort her. To Apple Bloom, Applejack was very motherly and caring, similar to Fluttershy in many ways, and she did the same thing as Rainbow Dash, wrapping herself around her little sister and letting her know that everything was going to be alright and that there was nothing to be afraid of. It was almost like some kind of hardwired instinct that made sisters and mother-figures act automatically, leaving no time to think, to help their kin in their time of need, and it was because of that that Applejack could empathize with Rainbow Dash on a close level.

''Rainbow Dash, you really love that filly, don't you?'' Applejack said. ''As far as I or anypony else can tell, you two are like peas in a pod, and that girl's darned lucky to have you,'' Applejack held Dash's shoulder and she smiled warmly at her. ''And, if you ask me, that girl thinks the world of you, Rainbow. You and I both know that there's nothing that you wouldn't do for her, and it's clear how much you care about her.''

Rainbow Dash couldn't hide her blush, and she glanced away, embarrassed, averting her gaze from Applejack's, but it only amused her, and she chuckled at her reaction. Applejack's orange hoof found its way beneath her chin and she gingerly turned her head back around to face her.

''Now, come on, there's nothing wrong with showing a little affection every now and again, Rainbow,'' She said, and then she released her hoof from Dash's chin. ''Now, what's this special thing of yours that you had in mind for Scootaloo? I'd be happy to help any way that I can.''

''Well, the reason I came over here was to ask you if I can use your barn for Scootaloo's birthday? I mean, it's big, there's plenty of space, and this way, she'll be able to play with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.''

''You know what? I think that's a dandy idea!'' Applejack said brightly. ''Why, I'm sure that Scootaloo'll love having a chance to play with her friends again, and I'd be mighty obliged to offer you my barn, Rainbow. So, when is her birthday, anyway?''

''In a few days,'' Rainbow said. ''The squirt doesn't have any idea what we're planning, so I'd like to keep it a surprise.''

Actually, it never did occur to Rainbow Dash until earlier on in the week to ask Scootaloo about her birthday. It made her feel awful on the inside for not thinking to ask her sooner, but she had found out about the kid's birthday from her diary, not something she was proud to admit. When she found the entry, Rainbow Dash very nearly ended up in tears.

August 15th,

Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy birthday, you terrible daughter, my parents don't love me, happy birthday to me. I'm not celebrating my birthday this year. Today, I turned nine. It's my second year without my parents, and I feel so alone without them, even if they never showed me that they loved me. The only thing that they bothered to get me was my scooter, but that's about it.

I didn't have anypony to make me a cake or anypony to sing happy birthday or even any friends to spend the day with. I haven't even told Apple Bloom or Sweetie Belle about my birthday, and they didn't ask me, anyway. Not even Rainbow Dash has asked me about it yet, but that's alright. It's not that important or significant, just like me.

I wonder if my parents think about me. Probably not, but I like to think that they do at times, even if they both hate me. Why else would they have abandoned me? I guess it was stupid of me to think that they would ever care enough to think about me, but that's alright. I just wish somepony was here with me.

Actually, if she's being completely honest, Rainbow Dash didn't very nearly cry, she did cry. She sobbed, even. She found it hard to sleep after that night, and she has felt guilty about it ever since. She never knew that such a young filly could be in so much pain and forced to be tormented by her thoughts about her neglectful parents. Rainbow Dash hasn't even read a novel sadder than the words written by Scootaloo's own hoof! This...it was something else entirely.

''Look, Applejack, there's something else that I want to ask you,'' Dash began, giving a heavy sigh. ''Remember when I came back to the farm after leaving Twilight's library? Well, I hate to own up to it, but I had to read her diary again to know when her birthday was,'' Dash rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly.

''Dash...'' Applejack's face deadpanned, and she gave a sigh as she smacked a hoof to her forehead, emphasizing just how much she was frustrated by this news. ''What did I tell you about rummagin' around in places where you shouldn't be? Y'all are gonna end up hurting her feelings if you keep invading her private life!'' She said, eyes hardening at the shameful pegasus in front of her.

''I know, AJ, but there's nothing else I can do! I know it's wrong and that it's invading somepony's private life, but I couldn't just go up and ask her about it!'' Dash threw her hooves up, glaring back at Applejack.

''And why's that?'' Applejack's brow raised. ''Ya'll afraid that she'll find out that you've been snooping in her personal belongings?''

''No! Well...yes, partly, but mainly because it wouldn't be much of a surprise if I asked her! She'd catch on if I just went ahead and asked her, you know! Scootaloo can learn quick when she pays attention to something, Applejack. Besides, I promise that I'm going to give her the diary back one day,'' Dash said, but Applejack's stare hardened.

Applejack's eyes remained still and steel-like, calculating and sharp. It was obvious that she didn't believe the words of the cyan pegasus one bit, and it was in Applejack's nature to see through a lie or dishonesty as easy as peering through transparent glass, and nopony was going to be able to pull the wool over her eyes. She was too smart and sharp for that to happen.

Rainbow Dash, in her time of knowing Applejack, has been able to observe her most subtle body movements and pick up on what they meant. AJ wasn't an emotional character, and she certainly did not show it to her friends, but there are times when Rainbow's trained eyes can pick up and detect on her mood through her movements and expressions, no matter how hard Applejack tried to mask them.

Whenever Applejack was upset, her ears would be slightly drooped, but hardly noticeable, and her eyes would always be glossy, almost polished-looking. Her lips would be neutral, but Dash new that she was secretly wearing a frown beneath it. When Applejack feels happy, she normally hums to herself while she bucks trees for the harvest season. When Applejack feels hot and flustered, about ready to buck somepony's head clean off of their shoulders, her eyes appear as hard as marble and they almost glow with anger while her nostrils are flaring and her lips are tightly pursed together.

This was one of those moments, except it was turned down a couple notches.

''And?'' She said, momentarily hardening her stare. ''I hope that ain't all you're going to promise.''

''And,'' Dash added, sighing, knowing that she wasn't going to be getting out of this jam so easily. ''I promise that I won't go snooping around in her diary anymore. There. Happy?''

''Very,'' Applejack said, her stare softening and her glare disappearing, replaced by that warm and welcoming expression that was standard-issue for the farm mare. ''And don't think that I'm not going to be keeping a close eye on you, Dash. It's not the first time you've broken a promise to me. Remember?''

''Oh, for Celestia's sake! How many times do I have to apologise for that?'' Dash groaned and she rolled her eyes. Applejack was talking about that time when the two of them ran for The Running of the Leaves, when she 'cheated' by flying. Of course, by 'flying', Dash was catapulted through the air after getting stuck in tree sap, which, technically, isn't flying if it doesn't involve the use of her wings. ''I already told you that I wasn't cheating!''

''Like hay you weren't!'' Applejack countered. ''I said specifically no flying! And you went right on ahead and ignored me, didn't you?'' She glared at her again, and Dash glared right back. ''Golly, girl, why do y'all always have to fight me on this one? You know I'm right!''

''But you're not! Applejack, you hogtied my wings, remember? I couldn't fly! I was thrown through the air!''

''Likely story,'' Applejack snorted. The two of them pressed their muzzles together and they glared burning daggers at one another, barring their teeth. And, just like that, they both erupted into laughter, sharing a hearty laugh.

''All in good fun, right?'' Rainbow Dash said, wiping a tear from her eye.

''You said it, Dash,'' Applejack brushed her hair back over her ear, the strands tangled from working. ''No hard feelings. Truce?''

''Truce,'' Dash agreed, and they shared a hoof shake. ''But don't think I'm going to let you off the hook, AJ. I've still got plenty of fight left in me, you know.''

''Don't flatter yourself. So have I. And I'll be willing to prove it next year when the next Running of The Leaves event swings by next year. You in?''

''You bet I'm in!'' Dash said without reluctance. ''And then we'll see just who the better mare is!''

Once again, the duo laughed.

''So, I'll see you in a few days?'' Applejack asked.

''I'll send Pinkie Pie your way soon. If anypony can pull this party off perfectly, then it's going to be her. She's got a plan for just about anything,'' Dash said, feeling a tingle of unease sliver up her spine. Some of the things Pinkie has pre-done preparations for are just...unsettling. It was actually kind of scary how many gizmos, gadgets, toys, decorations and nick-nacks she has scattered around, but that was just Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie, so nopony dares question her methods or madness. It was wiser just to accept it.

''And Applejack?'' Dash looked over her shoulder as she was trotting away. ''I'd appreciate it if you kept this entire mess with Scootaloo and her parents out of earshot of the others. I don't want her to feel uncomfortable or smothered.''

And, just like that, Rainbow Dash headed away from Sweet Apple Acres, on-route back to Fluttershy's cottage to check in on her little sister. There was still the matter of a little surprise that Dash had in mind that she wanted to discuss with Fluttershy. Picturing the wide, ecstatic grin on Scootaloo's face when she finds out what Dash's big idea was warmed the mare's heart and brought a smile to her lips.

''This is going to be the best party the kid's had so far.''

Today was the big day - the fifteenth of August, Scootaloo’s birthday.

In the few days leading up to the event, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Applejack had been busy making arrangements and plans to make this the best birthday party that she’s ever had, and Dash had been pulling serious weight around in order to make it so. In fact, she wasn’t allowing herself to rest until she was completely satisfied that it would run smoothly.

Applejack had been clearing the barn in order to set up some tables, chairs and a drink stand, stacked with a couple of barrels full of crisp, flavourful apple juice, pressed straight from Big Mac’s apple juicer, and a couple full of cider for the adults. While Applejack was busy arranging the tables and chairs, Pinkie Pie was asked to come around to plan most of the decorations and festivities, including games like Twister, Pin the Tail on the Pony and apple bobbing. She was also in charge of pinning up streamers, balloons, banners and the birthday cake. Nopony but her had seen it yet, and, of course, with Pinkie being Pinkie, she wanted it to be a surprise, and, knowing her, it was likely to be a colourful masterpiece of sugary goodness. That girl sure knew her way around the kitchen!

Fluttershy was helping Rainbow Dash arrange her big surprise for her, something that she had kept closely guarded and under wraps from the little filly back at the cottage. She had kept it stowed away in Fluttershy’s closet, which was thankfully big enough to accommodate the scale of the custom gift that they had each been building. Scootaloo wouldn’t ever step hoof inside of Fluttershy’s bedroom, so it was the perfect hiding spot!

Rainbow Dash was very proud of the end result, and it did take some time to have the parts ordered and delivered in time for the event, and it had only just seen completion in the previous day. She knew Scootaloo would love it, and she couldn’t wait to see the large, tocky grin on her little face when she sees it. Hopefully, all of that hard work and effort to track the parts down would be worth the wait. Dash didn’t care how must it cost her, bits being no problem to her. All that mattered to her was giving her little sister the best day ever, especially if it meant that she could be happy for even just a little while.

She had also kept her promise to Applejack, the one about not reading any more pages in Scootaloo’s personal diary. She already felt like she had violated her private life enough as it is, and she made plans to give her the diary back sometime during the party. She had this swollen, sad feeling in her gut about how it might go down, but that was to be expected, and Rainbow found herself to be regretfully succumbing to Applejack’s numerous warning about how the filly might react when she figures it out that her big sister and mentor had been snooping around in her private life and belongings.

When the party was about to go underway, Scootaloo and her Crusader friends along with all of Rainbow Dash’s friends and some of the Ponyville townsfolk whom they were close to would be attending also. All of her friends have been working in silence, keeping their plans and arrangements under wraps until the time was right. Scootaloo had so far not suspected a single thing, and that was exactly how Dash had planned it to go.

When it was time to head on down towards Sweet Apple Acres, Rainbow Dash had asked Scootaloo to tag along with her under the impression that they were going for a friendly visit to see her friends. Everypony else was already over there and waiting for them to arrive to announce the big surprise.

‘’So, what are we going to do today, Dash?’’ Scootaloo asked her as they were making their approach towards the white picket fence that served as the entrance of the farm and home of the Apple Family.

Dash remembered that Scootaloo had written in her diary that neither her friends nor herself had inquired upon her birthday, and she kicked herself mentally for not letting it cross her mind sooner, and it pained her to look the filly in the eyes upon knowing this fact. Of all of the times she had in the past, she never once considered the idea of her little sister’s birthday, it it gave way to a rotten feeling in her stomach area. As far as the young girl knew, she still didn’t know it was her birthday, but she was hoping to make up for that today.

‘’Oh, I’ve got something in mind for you, Scoots,’’ Dash said evasively, and it caught the orange pegasus’ attention, her body noticeably perking up, ears twitching.

‘’What do you mean?’’ She asked, her voice carrying undertones of curiosity and childish excitement.

Thankfully, as she was about to answer that question, they had arrived at the large, red-coloured barn doors of Applejack’s barn, and Dash stopped to stare down at the filly with a knowing smirk as she placed a hoof to the door latch. Scootaloo watched her silently.

‘’You’ll see,’’ She said. ‘’Now, come on, squirt, after you,’’ She said, tapping her on the rump with one of her wings as she prompted her inside of the barn.

Thankfully, every single light inside of the barn was turned off, and, through Dash’s trained eyes, she squinted through the dark to catch sight of the figures of the ponies hiding. They were all waiting for the signal in the form of the barn door closing to indicate the beginning of their cue. And before Scootaloo could inquire what they were doing in Applejack’s pitch black barn, Dash shut the door behind her, yanking it shut with her rear hoof and signalling for their cue.

‘’SURPRISE!’’ Everypony shouted in unison as they all popped out of their hiding places, and all of the lights in the room flicked to life through the use of unicorn magic, courtesy of Twilight and Rarity, and the sudden change in brightness caused the orange filly to instinctively shield her eyes from becoming blinded. She raised one of her small forehooves over her eyes and squinted, trying to get her eyes to readjust to the light.

All along the rafters, sides, stables and behind the tables, ponies, family and non-family-related, popped out, wearing colourful party hats and holding twirlers and party horns. Some of these ponies included regular friends of the Mane Six, such as Miss Cheerilee, Berry Punch, Roseluck and the rest of The Flower Ponies, Snips and Snails, Pina Colada and Dinky Hooves, along with some of the other school children.

Streamers hung in colour accordance to Scootaloo’s mane and coat colours, radiant and vibrant in orange and purple, scattered about the barn’s interior at the experienced hooves of Pinkie Pie. In the very back of the barn, there was a large banner bearing the face of the young birthday girl, placed slap-bang in the centre, the words ‘Happy Birthday, Scootaloo!’ Highlighted in bright orange text outlined with deep purple.

It was clear that an abundance of effort had been put into this entire event, and it showed clearly. Once Scootaloo’s eyes had refocused themselves to view the spectacle before her, she couldn’t stifle back a surprised gasp, largely taken aback by how much her friends whom she considered her family had gone out of their way to do all of this for her.

Before Scootaloo could so much as get a word in, Ponyville’s very own party planner had come up to her and enveloped her in a bone-crushing hug. It lasted brief moments before she practically shoved a part hat onto her mane.

‘’Happy birthday, birthday girl!’’ Pinkie said in her chipper tone. ‘’Remember to fill up on cake!’’ She said, grinning so wide that it was almost eerie how her jaw was managing to remain in one piece.

In the background, Scootaloo’s eyes came to rest upon Sweetie Belle’s and Apple Bloom’s, both of their happy faces adorned with smiles. The two of them made their approach from the back of the barn and they each gave their friend a friendly hug in unison.

‘’Well, can you believe it, Scoots?’’ Sweetie Belle began, motioning all around the barn with her white hoof. ‘’The big one-o!’’

‘’Yeah, what do y’all think? This was all Rainbow Dash’s idea!’’ Apple Bloom chimed in, and Scootaloo turned around to face the cyan mare, staring up at her with a confused yet grateful expression.

‘’You?’’ Scootaloo asked. ‘’You set all of this up?’’ Rainbow Dash grew tense at the question, but she tried to conceal it. She felt her guilt begin to seep in, and it was gradually becoming worse by the minute.

‘’Y-Yeah, of course I did, squirt!’’ Rainbow said, trying to swallow back her shame, although she knew that it likely made her reaction seem a little forced and unnatural. She could only hope that Scoots never caught hint of it. ‘’I wouldn’t be a very good big sister if I didn’t do something special for my little sister’s birthday, now, would I?’’

Scootaloo eyed the mare curiously, narrowing her eyes for a brief moment in suspicion, as if she detected some anomaly in Rainbow’s character. She was very fond of Rainbow, and she looked up to her almost obsessively, and it goes without saying that she thought the world of the mare, but, never has Scootaloo ever detected even the slightest bit of angst in her being. Dash was always so cool, calm, collected and firm, carrying herself strong and proudly, and Scootaloo almost immediately caught onto the unease written behind her magenta eyes, no matter how subtle she tried to make it.

Better yet, Scootaloo knew that Dash didn’t and couldn’t know her birthday. That was because she never told her. She hadn’t even mentioned it to Sweetie Belle or Apple Bloom, so she detected something was amiss almost right off the bat. However, Scootaloo kept her mouth shut.

Instead of questioning it, Scootaloo rather said, ‘’You kiddin’? This is awesome!’’ She then hugged Dash around the neck, and it surprised the cyan mare how strong she really was when she yanked her down to her level like an orange-furred anchor. ‘’Thanks, Dash!’’ She thanked her, right before letting go. Dash rubbed her neck with a hoof and gave a nervous smile.

‘’No problem, kid. Now, go on and mingle, I’ll be hanging around with the others,’’ She said, and Apple Bloom and Sweetie exchanged grins with each other before dragging Scootaloo along with them to get into mischief, giggling together as they ran off.

Alright, Dash, the sooner that this ends, the sooner you can stop being so nervous! Did you see that look in her eyes? It doesn’t take a genius to know that she knows something’s up! Applejack’s never going to let me live it down if the squirt figures out what’s really going on!

Momentary hiccup aside, Rainbow Dash recomposed herself and she looked forward to meet the eyes of Fluttershy. The butter mare looked in her direction, too, right from where she was standing off to the side of the barn where she was accompanied by Applejack. Her eyes said it all - she had picked up on it, too. Dash slowly trotted over to join them.

‘’You noticed it, too?’’ She asked Fluttershy. She only nodded slowly.

‘’Noticed how young Scootaloo eyeballed ya because she obviously knows somethin’s not right?’’ Applejack deadpanned. Rainbow Dash sighed.

‘’That bad, huh?’’

‘’You’re playin’ with fire, Dash. Y’all jus’ better hope y’all don’t dance too close and get burned,’’ The farmpony said, grimacing as she shook her head in disapproval. ‘’How long do ya think y’all can keep up this charade?’’

‘’She’s right, Dashie. Sooner or later, Scootaloo will sense what’s going on,’’ Fluttershy said, and it felt like Dash had just been body-slammed by a manticore.

‘’It’s not jus’ her, Fluttershy, y’all also took a look at her diary, an’ it doesn’t matter if ya did as much snoopin’ as Dash or not, y’all still did it,’’ Applejack said, forever wearing that disapproving scowl, and it made Fluttershy hung her head in shame. She knew that Applejack was right, both of them did, and it wasn’t helping matters with how much she was rubbing salt into the wound that was slowly splitting wider and deeper the longer they kept lying.

It made Dash mentally slap herself. She knew that she should have listened the moment that Applejack told her to give Scootaloo her book back, but, being the stubborn mare that she is, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that she wouldn’t listen. She knew deep down that it was going to cost her gravely with harsh consequences, such as losing her little sister for good once she finds out how much of a no-good, lying, trust-breaking snoop. And she knew that she would deserve whatever reaction the filly might toss her way in the very near future, no matter how painful.

You don’t hold back any of those punches, do ya, AJ? How many times do I have to tell you that I’m sorry?

‘’I’m…I’m going to give her the book back. Tonight,’’ Dash said lamely, eyes downcast like a little child caught with their hoof in the cookie jar. Fluttershy shared the same expression, and Applejack glanced between them both, but, instead of glowering over them with bitter judgement, she appeared to be sympathetic.

‘’See that ya do,’’ Applejack said. Like that, she was off, heading towards the back of the barn where she joined the rest of her friends and mingled with them.

Dash groaned and pulled down her eyelids with her hooves, giving a stressed sigh and plopping herself down on the ground. Fluttershy sat beside her and draped a comforting wing over her back. She began to rub a hoof over her back to soothe her, knowing how guilty she felt.

‘’Ugh!’’ Rainbow grunted, out of frustration more than anything. ‘’What am I going to do, Fluttershy?’’ She asked her, momentarily glancing up to stare her friend in her concerned but warm turquoise eyes. ‘’She’s going to find out and she’s going to hate me!’’ She then covered her hooves with her eyes while Fluttershy shushed her.

‘’She’s not going to hate you, Dash,’’ Fluttershy assured her. ‘’She’ll still love you no matter what, I know she will. She’ll get over it eventually,’’ She said, and Rainbow looked back up and frowned, feeling as rotten inside as a diseased apple, like she had poisoned and tainted her good word and violated what part of her was supposed to show care, love and support to those who needed it.

‘’I hope she doesn’t feel too mad at me. We need to give her the book back, Fluttershy. Tonight. Or Applejack’s never going to let me live this one down!’’

‘’So, what’ve ya been up to? I can hardly remember the las’ time we all hung ‘round together!’’ Apple Bloom said as she was sat around a small bale of hay with her two Crusader friends. They were nearer to the back of the barn than everypony else, situated inside a small stable that was officially away from the party for a more private conversation, a chance to catch up.

‘’Yeah, I missed having the chance to ask Rarity if we can all have a sleepover at her boutique! It’s been kinda lonely without you around, Scoot,’’ Sweetie Belle said, her kiwi-coloured eyes shimmering as she stared at her friend.

‘’Aw, come on, are you guys going soft on me, now?’’ Scootaloo said with a mock grin, prompting her two friends to giggle. Apple Bloom playfully knocked her shoulder.

‘’Well, come on, spill!’’ The farm filly said, to which Scootaloo tilted her head, wondering what she meant. ‘’What’s been keepin’ ya? We ain’t seen hide nor hair of y’all in over a week since up ‘till now, so somethin’ must be goin’ on. Am I right?’’ She flashed her eyelids at Scootaloo in a girly fashion, hoping that her answer was on the scoreboard.

Normally, Scootaloo would be happy to allow her friends in on her life and her solo expeditions in hopes of finding her life meaning, but, in this case, she didn’t have a clue on how to bring light into the situation. Neither of them knew nothing about how her life was in shambles and of the events that transpired at the hospital, which then led her to be in both Rainbow Dash’s and Fluttershy’s care. She wanted for more than anything to allow them in on it all, but she knew that she probably shouldn’t. She didn’t want to burden anypony more than she already has.

Then again, they were both Scootaloo’s best friends in the entire world. Nopony knew more about her than the two sat in front of her, and their awaiting faces, fixed with curiosity, concern and hope that everything was alright, ate into her heart. She couldn’t tell them, not now, not like this. She wasn’t ready to let them in just yet.

‘’S-Sorry, but I can’t go into it right now,’’ Scootaloo said, not knowing what else to say, especially when it came to avoid being a liar. Apple Bloom was like a blood hound for lies, so she’d pick up on the bitterness of her words in a heartbeat! It must be an Apple Family thing.

However, Apple Bloom only eyed her closer, her eyes becoming slightly harder, eyelids narrowing a little as she gazed into her friend’s face, taken aback by her response. It made Scootaloo nervous. Even Sweetie Belle was given her the stink eye.

Okay, so Apple Bloom can smell a lie a mile away AND sniff out somepony who’s trying to be vague about lying. How in the world did I not see that one coming?

‘’An’ why’s that? I was under the impression that we were all friends?’’ Apple Bloom twirled her hoof around in the air, motioning to all free of them sat in a circle. Now Scootaloo was feeling pressured.

‘’Hey, don’t say that!’’ Scootaloo lightly hit her hooves against the top of the hale bale they were sat around, feeling her gut sink at the farm filly’s words. ‘’Of course we’re still friends, dingus, it’s just…’’

‘’Don’t you trust us?’’ Sweetie Belle intervened, leaning in and raising her brow at the orange filly. Coming from her, it was more of a gut punch. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle have been friends since way before Apple Bloom transformed their duo into a trio, and they therefore had a golden-laced sisterly bond.

‘’N-No! I mean, yes, of course I trust you both, it’s just that…’’

‘’Just what? Did you find somepony else to hang around with?’’ Sweetie asked.

‘’No, Sweetie, I didn’t find a new group of friends! I keep telling you, it’s not like that at all!’’ Scootaloo said, feeling the familiar burn of anger swell up within her gut, her patience quickly dying down and loading the cannons. ‘’If you’ll let me tell you…’’

‘’Tell us what?’’ Apple Bloom asked yet again, now leaning over the table so that she was almost in front of Scootaloo’s snout, as was Sweetie Belle.

They’re not going to stop until they get an answer, Scoot! Quick, for Celestia’s sake, do something! Do something before one of them makes you spill the beans!

‘’Both of you just STOP!’’ Scootaloo half-shouted, pushing up her hooves against both of her friend’s chests and shoving them back away from her personal space. She huffed and puffed and her cheeks grew hot while her nerves were forgotten for a moment. If there was one thing that she couldn’t stand, it was having her personal space invaded, and she hated it more than most anything. She hated it as much as she thought her parents hated her, so that would push it right up to Number One on her Hate List.

Both of her friends were taken largely aback by the sudden act of aggression, the two of them sitting there motionlessly, faces blank while they blinked, surprised. They had seen Scootaloo flip her lid a number of times, but nothing quite like this. Usually, it was nothing more than a momentary burst of hot air, a bit of minor vandalism involving her scooter or maybe a verbal insult, but it was never an act of aggression directly towards either of them.

‘’S-Sorry,’’ Scootaloo apologised meekly, shying back slightly and becoming sheepish. She immediately felt bad about it, but she was unable to control herself sometimes. Like Dash, when she was at the cottage and Scootaloo accidentally made her fall on her broken wing and she lashed out at her, Scootaloo was no different. ‘’But you two are getting on my nerves! I can’t tell you because I’m not allowed!’’

‘’But why’s that?’’ Apple Bloom inquired, once again becoming curious, but being weary this time to not press too hard or to come on too strong. ‘’We jus’ wanna help ya, Scoots. You know that we’re not gonna force ya to fess up to anythin’ that y’all are uncomfortable with sharin’,’’ She finished, to which Sweetie Belle nodded.

‘’We were both worried about you after Rainbow Dash came into Sweet Apple Acres and had an argument with Applejack,’’ Sweetie said, and that peeked Scootaloo’s attention, making her ear twitch.

Rainbow Dash was at Sweet Apple Acres? Howcome she never told me about this? What was she doing over there?

‘’Rainbow Dash had an argument with Applejack? What did she say?’’ Scootaloo asked delicately. Apple Bloom shared a glance with Sweetie, almost uncertain if they should say anything at all at the risk of stirring up trouble. But, then again, didn’t she have a right to know seeing as it involved her?

‘’We…didn’t really catch much, we kinda just walked into it when it was happening,’’ Sweetie Belle said, scratching the back of her neck with a hoof. ‘’Apparently, Rainbow Dash came over to the farmhouse really upset by something and thought that Applejack had something to do with it, so they yelled at each other for a while,’’ Sweetie explained.

‘’Rainbow Dash yelled at Applejack?’’ Scootaloo asked, disbelief washing over her. She knew that the two tomboys had a history of being at each other’s throats to prove who was the better athlete, but that was all in good, friendly spirits. This…this sounded like the polar opposite!

‘’As true as the deep blue,’’ Apple Bloom said, nodding her head. ‘’Ah’ve never seen Rainbow so upset before! By the time we got there, my sister asked us to leave an’ go to my room, an’ we managed to hear everythin’ from up there! All we caught ear of was your name and Rainbow askin’, ‘’Did you know?’’ to Applejack!’’

Oh, no, could this be…? No, surely, it can’t be what I think it is, right? Right?

‘’And then Rainbow Dash headed out back into the clubhouse and went rummaging around. We only got there at the last minute, but Applejack was already in there and we heard her telling Dash off. We caught her snooping through your stuff,’’ Sweetie Belle said, and that’s when Scootaloo’s face grew pale and her emotional power line was severed. She went as blank as a slate, so cold and clammy that she thought that she had shape-shifted into an ice cube.

‘’Uh, Scootaloo? Y’all alright over there?’’ Apple Bloom asked concernedly upon noticing the sudden, dramatic change in the filly’s demeanour. She was as white as a sheet, so pale that it was almost plausible to say that she had turned into a ghost.

‘’N…N-No,’’ Scootaloo mumbled out in a hollowed voice.

Oh, no, no, no, no! No, this can’t be happening! They know about it?! So, that explains how everypony knew it was my birthday today! Rainbow Dash…she…she went through my stuff and practically raided the clubhouse? Oh, no! MY DIARY!

Just like that, it wasn’t a moment too soon that a hard, thick lump of ice had formed in the back of Scootaloo’s throat, and every single instinct in her body and brain told her to high tail it out of there and race to the clubhouse. She had to make sure, doubly sure, that this was all nothing more than a fabricated white lie! There’s no way that Rainbow Dash would ever invade her privacy, right? She knew that Dash had brought some of her things to Fluttershy’s cottage, but she had never actually rummaged through it to check it was all there, so there was an off chance that she hadn’t seen or read through it yet!

In a swift motion, Scootaloo’s mind had made itself up. She felt like she was about to implode, her little heart thumping like a piston in an overdriven combustion engine, on the verge of hyperventilating. That was it, she had to get out!

Both of her friends watched on in shock and surprise as their orange pegasus friend began to make a bolt for it with great haste out of the back stall where they had set up an impromptu meeting area. She was gone in a flash, a few of her little orange feathers snapping free from her wings from the high-octane speed she had zipped off with.

‘’Scootaloo, wait!’’ Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom yelled in unison.

But it was too late. Their friend had gone.

‘’And then I said, ‘Oat meal? Are you crazy?!’’’ Pinkie Pie said, erupting into laughter, her friends soon joining in around the table where they were all sat in the middle of the barn.

The party was going along smoothly and without incident, and everypony was having a wonderful time mingling and playing games with each other. The games that Pinkie Pie had set up were all being enjoyed by the school children, and even Miss Cheerilee was hosting the games, making sure that everypony was playing by the rules and remaining friendly.

Everypony’s laughter around the table was dying down, everypony except Rainbow Dash. Rainbow was too busy having a hard time shaking her nerves away and the angst from her earlier conversation with Applejack. She was trying as hard as she could to drown out her inner guilt and trembling nerves, but it was a vain effort, only seeming to sour her mood further.

Sitting beside her was Fluttershy, and she was also sharing Dash’s guilt, although hers was not running as deep. She didn’t read into it as much as Rainbow Dash did, but Applejack was right; she did still look at what the little filly had written in her diary. She watched as Rainbow Dash limply picked up her mug of half-drank apple cider and took a gentle, slow sip before placing it back down with a soft bang.

‘’Hey,’’ Fluttershy whispered, leaning over slightly to speak into Dash’s ear. ‘’How’re you holding up?’’

‘’Lousy,’’ Dash mumbled back, turning to face her pegasus friend, her face plastered with poorly concealed misery. ‘’I can’t stop worrying,’’ She said, being careful to keep her voice low to refrain from letting Pinkie Pie hear her, whom was sitting to her left.

‘’It’ll be okay, Dashie,’’ Fluttershy smiled sympathetically, trying to be reassuring, but Dash didn’t buy it.
‘’Will it, Fluttershy? Will it really be okay?’’ Rainbow Dash deadpanned. ‘’Applejack’s right, I’m a—-Hey, wait, is that Scootaloo?’’ Rainbow stopped and blinked, glancing over Fluttershy’s shoulder as something caught her eye.

Fluttershy also turned her attention behind her, towards the open barn doors, and, making a dash for the exit as fast as her little hooves could carry her, was Scootaloo. She had a panicked and startled expression on her face, and it was very evident that something was very wrong.

Behind her and running up to try and catch up to her was Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom, each calling her name and begging her to stop. Some ponies in in the barn had taken notice and stopped their private conversations to turn their heads towards the running fillies, wondering what was going on. In Dash’s mind, she had this sinking feeling that made her want to vomit. She had an idea what was wrong.

‘’Oh, dear,’’ Fluttershy murmured, and, as she was turning back to face Dash, there was a brush of strong wind as Rainbow Dash had bolted after her, moving at such speed that the gust was powerful enough to blow back Fluttershy’s mane.

The butter mare was startled by the sudden departure of the cyan mare, and her leave had caught the attention of everypony at the table, and even a few of the onlookers, whom began to murmur amongst themselves. Twilight had an especially worried expression written on her features, remembering the time that Dash came to her and told her everything about Scootaloo’s living situation. She gave Fluttershy a concerned look. However, when Fluttershy’s gaze landed on Applejack’s, she saw that the orange-coated mare held a knowing but sympathetic expression.

As much as Fluttershy hated to admit it, she knew that the face read out as ‘’I told you so’’, and, through Applejack’s crystal clear expressive facial features, it cut deeper than any blade into the mare’s heart. Somehow, it was as if Applejack knew this was set to happen.

Fluttershy simply hardened her glare at the farm pony for a moment before she herself exited her seat and hovered out of the barn to find Rainbow Dash.

‘’Scootaloo, stop!’’ Sweetie Belle called to the sprinting filly in front of her by at least two seconds. She was too fast to catch up to, and even Apple Bloom was having difficulty pushing herself forward, almost out of breath and running on fumes.

Scootaloo didn’t care enough to so much as glance over her shoulder. She simply kept her head trained forward and her mind set on her main objective - to go to the Cutie Mark Crusader clubhouse, where she kept her personal diary hidden.

Once she had reached it, taking her no less than five minutes to reach the end of the South Orchard where it was situated, Scootaloo rushed up the green-painted staircase and practically barged her way past the thick oak door, causing it to slam into the wall on the interior.

Feverishly, the young girl began to frantically glance about, searching for her things. The only items occupying the small room that served as the CMC headquarters were the podium they used for their meetings, the hoof-drawn map of Ponyville and a large steamer trunk stocked with all of their pencils, crayons, paper, capes and other essentials. Her personal items were nowhere in sight.

She darted to the very back of the room to view behind the podium. She usually left her sleeping bag rolled up just behind it, tucked neatly into the bottom storage compartment of the podium along with her cape. Scootaloo typically hid her diary in her sleeping bag, rolling it up inside it as she packs it away, knowing that nopony would notice it was there, and it became her go-to hiding spot ever since she figured that one out. However, it was not there.

Oh, no, no! Where could it be?! Oh, where is it?! Come on, Scootaloo, think! It has to be somewhere around here!

Anxiety began to itch and prod at Scootaloo’s brain, making her become more antsy and nervous the more her findings turned up empty. She began to rummage around the place, throwing aside the podium with a loud bang, opening up the steamer trunk and tossing its contents about the place behind her like a mare possessed, but soon giving up after finding no trace of her diary. She was quickly running out of places to look, and her panic was soaring high right now, and she was on the brink of hyperventilating to the point of blacking out.

‘’Oh, pony feathers! Where is it?!’’ She said to herself.

It was then that she paused to think, trying to pick through her brain for an answer. She knew that Dash had brought her sleeping bag and her cape to Fluttershy’s cottage after she came back from Sweet Apple Acres, but then she…

Scootaloo froze, her blood chilling in her veins as a realisation dawned on her. Her diary, it wasn’t there when she unfurled her sleeping bag after Dash gave it to her! She began to bite her hooves, her breathing becoming short and rapid while her pulse pounded in her ears.

Horse apples! No, this can’t be happening! Can this be true? Did Rainbow Dash, my big sister, actually find and read my journal?! Oh, no! This is bad! Like, really, really bad!

At that moment, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom came rushing in, and they both shared the same, worried expressions. Their shared worry developed into something much worse once they came to bear witness to the painfully nervous face of Scootaloo, looking as if she was ready to implode.

‘’Scootaloo, there ya are! What’s gotten inta you?’’ Apple Bloom asked concernedly, coming towards the shivering pegasus, as did Sweetie.

‘’What happened? Why’d you run away like that?’’ Sweetie asked, wanting nothing more than to make sure that her best friend was alright and healthy, even though she knew that she most definitely wasn’t.

The only thing about this situation that was kept in the dark was Sweetie’s and Apple Bloom’s knowledge on her staying in the clubhouse at night on her own, a troubling and shocking thing they learned from their walking in on Applejack and Rainbow Dash arguing. They didn’t know if they should let Scootaloo know about that, or even if she’d listen to them, but they had this distinct feeling that Scootaloo had a very good idea about it.
Before they could be given an answer or take another step towards the trembling Scootaloo, both Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy came through the front door, no less concerned than the Crusaders. Scootaloo’s eyes hardened once she saw Dash make her entrance into the clubhouse, and she felt something arise within her that she had never felt towards her; anger. Pure, hot anger. Hurt.

‘’Scootaloo, I—-‘’ Dash began, but was cut off.

‘’You…’’ Scootaloo breathed slowly and angrily, and it made Dash freeze at the venom that dripped from her words. ‘’…H-How could you?’’

Easy there, squirt, easy.

Rainbow Dash’s heart hurt at the tone of voice from her little sister, the little lonely girl that adored and idolised her so much, the one who’d always be there to watch her practice and perform her stunts in the skies above Ponyville. The longer that she took to reply to the girl’s question, knowing full well what she was talking about, the harder those betrayed purple eyes became, and it was scary.

‘’S-Scoot, i-if you’d just l-let me e-explain…’’ Dash began, but was again cut off.

‘’I trusted you!’’ Scootaloo cried, eyes beginning to burn with hot tears, welling up and threatening to pierce the barrier. ‘’Sweetie and Apple Bloom told me about how you argued with Applejack at the farm!’’

Rainbow glanced at the two fillies, and they both blushed sheepishly, ashamed for letting that one slip. Fluttershy lightly tugged at Dash’s shoulder, stepping between her and Scootaloo, should things get uglier than they already are.

‘’Now, Scootaloo, I know that you’re pretty upset, and I’m sorry that Rainbow read your diary, but her heart was in the right place. She only did it because she cared about your well-being,’’ Fluttershy said soothingly, trying to defuse the situation, but that angered look burned once more behind the filly’s eyes like a purple inferno.

‘’Because she cares about my well-being?!’’ Scootaloo shouted, stamping her little hooves harshly against the ground, causing the timid mare to back away in surprise with a gasp. ‘’And I suppose that you also snooped around in my diary, too?’’ She pointed an accusatory hoof at the yellow-coloured mare, and Fluttershy held a hoof against her chest, against her slowly cracking heart. ‘’Of all ponies, h-how could yo-you, Fluttershy?!’’ Scootaloo sniffled. ‘’I trusted you, too!’’

‘’Scootaloo, p-please! You’re my little sister! All I want is for you to be happy!’’ Dash reasoned, but the little filly scoffed, bemused by her words. She was now the angriest Dash has ever seen her.

‘’And invading my private life is supposed to show me that?’’ Scootaloo sneered, huffing as tears began to roll down her little face. ‘’Is that why you suddenly cared enough to throw me a party? All these years, you never cared enough about me to ask me when my birthday was, and now you know because you read my diary! Some big sister you turned out to be, huh?!’’ She snarled at her, so hot and boiling to the brim with rage and hurt that Dash half-expected her to blow a gasket or for her to disintegrate through the floor of the clubhouse.

Behind Fluttershy, Scootaloo’s two Crusader friends cowered back, their backs pressing up against the wall as they held each other in their hooves, fearful about how this confrontation was going to end. Neither of them had ever seen Scootaloo’s boiling point reach such heights before, and the pony they were staring at was unrecognisable as their friend. She was a complete stranger.

Rainbow Dash didn’t know what to say. She knew all too well that she was in the wrong, and she might have just dug herself a hole too deep even for her to crawl her way out of. She was clueless on how to reason with the filly, not knowing how to turn the situation around. Her lip trembled, and Dash could honestly say that she felt defeated, lost and cold. She never intended to hurt the little filly so badly, but, here she was.

‘’I’m…I’m sorry, Scootaloo,’’ Rainbow began slowly, feeling herself begin to tear up. ‘’I n-never meant to hurt you, squirt. You know that I wouldn’t do that to somepony like you, don’t you? I only did what I did because I had no other choice! You have to listen to me and understand, Scoots, we all care about you, and we only want what’s best for you,’’ Dash explained, hoping to get through to the little filly, placing her words delicately. She didn’t want to press too hard and lose her little sister forever.

Scootaloo didn’t respond for a moment. She continued to huff and puff while tears dripped and rolled down her face, hot and dribbling from her cheeks and tip of her muzzle, bell-bottomed droplets full of heart and pain, bottled up from years of hurt, neglect and emotional torment. She glanced between he faces of her fearful friends and then to Fluttershy, trying to think of something to say, just looking for some advice on what she should say.

They betrayed your trust, Scootaloo, Her consciousness spoke to her. If you let them help you, then you’ll get hurt again, just like with your parents. They betrayed you, their own daughter, and they hurt you. How can you trust these ponies, knowing what they did? If you stay here, you’ll only be allowing yourself to go through the same pain you went through two years ago. Are you really willing to let that happen again? She asked herself, tentative about the thought, pondering about it. Well? Are you?

That was the last straw for her.

Scootaloo glared hard at both Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. She stepped forward and she rubbed her eyes, sniffling heavily and trying to withhold her tears of hurt.

‘’No,’’ Scootaloo said firmly, her little, achy-breaky heart torn in half. ‘’No, I can’t trust you, Rainbow Dash. You broke my trust and you betrayed me,’’ Scootaloo saw Dash’s lips tremble, and she could practically hear her heart ripping apart behind her ribs. ‘’I…I can’t talk to you right now,’’ Scootaloo then began to head outside of the clubhouse, but, before she did, she stood still for a moment and faced everypony in the clubhouse one last time before saying, ‘’Goodbye.’’

Like that, Scootaloo went running away and she never looked back. She disappeared out of sight and nopony present could find it in themselves to blame her. They all contributed to this moment becoming a reality, and that little fact was enough to bring about a shame that was unfathomable to most ponies. This was all their fault.

Apple Bloom had to restrain Sweetie Belle by pulling her back when she tried to run after Scootaloo, to try and stop her and talk some sense in her, but it was of no use. She had just lost one of her closest friends.

Fluttershy draped her wing over Rainbow Dash’s back to comfort her, and all Dash did was hang her head in shame, her eyelids clenched shut tightly as tears began to leak free. This was all her fault, and she knew it. All she wanted to do was help her little sister and make her happy again, to let her know that ponies care about her and that she’s loved, and what happened? She ended up hurting her and betraying her trust. She never meant to, she really didn’t, but, despite her better judgement, she failed to understand the consequences of her actions.

She was paying the price for it. She had just lost her little sister and her friend, and there was nothing she could do about it. No amount of sorry would ever be enough to make up for her mistake. She only wanted to let Scootaloo know that she’s sorry and that she still loves her.

You’ve really done it this time, Rainbow Dash, you block head. You’ve screwed up big time, and now you’re going to have to pay the consequences. How could you have been so blind and selfish?

Rainbow Dash gave an audible sniffle as Fluttershy gently rubbed her shoulders soothingly, wanting to see how the broken hearted mare was holding up. She looked up to face Fluttershy, and the broken, miserable face of the cyan mare furthered her concern.

‘’Oh, Fluttershy…’’ She breathed. ‘’What have I done?’’