//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 // Story: Origins // by MLPro //------------------------------// WARNING: This chapter contains mentions of prostitution. If this topic is too sensitive for you, well then...I don't suggest reading this chapter. Name: Petal Bolt Sex: F Date of Birth: 05/06/1969 Date of Death: undefined Residence: 7023 Rainbow Road Occupation: Prostitute Ex-Spouse: Twister Date of Marriage: 06/20/1996 Date of Divorce: 08/04/1996 Offspring: Colt - Scooter Lily (sent to orphanage) Offspring: Filly - Scootaloo (sent to orphanage) Scootaloo could not contain her gape. Here was her first glimpses of her mother, and it was nothing like she had suspected. Firstly, it seemed that she was still alive, which was good. Secondly, she had another foal put up for adoption as well. Thirdly, her relationship with her husband was eyebrow-raisingly short. But the most shocking word Scootaloo read was "prostitute". This could not be good. "Um...wow, Scootaloo. What a mother you have," Bloom tried her best to stay supportive. "Well, I hope she's a good mare. Are you going to talk to her?" Sweetie placed her hoof affectionately under Scootaloo's chin. "I don't know if I want to anymore," Scootaloo blinked back tears. But she had to, right? She was about to have a wedding, and marry somepony who hopefully would not divorce her in less than three months. Scootaloo smiled weakly. "I'll do it, just in case she turns out to be amazing somehow." --- Rainbow Road was very appropriately named: the paved path was dyed in multiple colors. The rainbow factory hovered over the vibrant area; however, as the CMCs neared 7023 the path became duller and darker. Things did not seem to be looking up. 7023 itself seemed to be in poorer shape than the magnificent houses farther down the road. It was tiny, no more than 1,000 square feet in size, and was in terrible repair. The cloud structure was coming apart in some areas and lacked a fresh coat of paint. Scootaloo nervously approached the door and knocked a few times. As the door slowly opened, Scootaloo felt her stomach flee farther into her abdomen. An older, tired-looking yellow mare peeked cautiously around the door. Her mane, two shades of purple, was cut short and was styled in a similar manner to Scootaloo's. The darker parts of her mane matched her warm but worn-out eyes. Her cutie mark consisted of three pink flowers. "How may I help you?" Petal asked in a raspy, low-pitched, monotone voice that was tinged with sadness. "Um...Hi, Mom. It's me, Scootaloo." Scootaloo smiled at the older mare who she was really starting to pity at this point. Realization dawned over Petal's face. "Oh my Celestia," Petal embraced her long-lost daughter into a tight hug. "I never thought I'd see you again, Scootaloo dear." Tears streamed down her face, and Scootaloo finally allowed her own to flow. "I'm getting married and I wanted to invite you and your family to our wedding," Scootaloo gestured at Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom to join them. "Nice to meet you, Ms. Bolt. I'm Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo's fiancee, and this is our friend Apple Bloom." "It's an absolute pleasure to meet both of you. I imagine you've made my daughter immensely happy." The CMCs nodded their agreement. "Unfortunately, I don't have any idea where my ex-husband and son are. My ex-husband moved out of Cloudsdale after we divorced, and my son was adopted by a couple in Vanhoover." "It's all right. I'll try to find them. But...I read your archive, Mom. Why are you a - " "Oh, yes, that." Sadness once again crossed Petal's face. "Come in, dears. I will tell you everything." Scootaloo exchanged glances with Bloom and Sweetie that mixed relief with anxiety.