//------------------------------//
// A Royal Pain 
// Story: Best Birthday Ever! 
// by Dash32 
//------------------------------//

After a disappointing encounter at Fluttershy's cottage, Scootaloo is now on her way over to the Castle of Friendship to talk to Princess Twilight herself. Scootaloo's tiny wings propel her through the Ponyville streets like a rocket whilst she dodges other ponies and obstacles like some sort of professional scooterer.

Just a few short minutes later Scootaloo stops in front of the castle, still on her scooter, and knocks on the door. For a few moments, nothing can be heard from inside the castle. But finally, a series of quiet hoof steps can be heard growing louder as they near the door.

The door opens and Twilight pokes her head out of the door to greet the little pony. Upon seeing the little filly, Twilight smiles and waves at her.

“Hello Scootaloo. How are you?”

“I'm fine. I'm just bored and bummed out that no one can hang out. So I came here to see if you were doing anything?”

Suddenly, Twilight's smile contorts into a soft frown.

“Sorry sweetie, but I'm afraid I can't today. I'm just, reeeeally busy you know?”

“Oh. Alright. I...I get it. Bye Twilight.”

Twilight felt bad for the poor filly, but she couldn't risk spoiling anything that was to happen later that day.

“Sorry Scootaloo. Maybe tomorrow we can go to the park and hang out?”

“Sure...whatever...I'll just see you later Twilight.”

“Alright. Bye Scootaloo.”

With that, the little orange filly makes a U-Turn and rides away from the castle. But now, the Pegasus has a list of questions running through her mind while at the same time trying not to let any tears break through.

‘Why is everyone acting so weird around me today? I didn't do anything to upset them did I? What if...what if nopony wants to be my friend anymore?’

“I...I guess I'll just go back to Sugarcube Corner and spend my birthday there alone...again.”

After that final thought, Scootaloo sets of to her destination.