It had been a month since Scootaloo, had found herself in this strange world. Everything in it still felt so alien to her. Except her current surroundings. She had grown used to living with Mike, although the feeling of being alone still loomed over her head.
It was all she could do sometimes, to not cry when thinking about them. She has even had dreams of them. Sometimes they were in this world with her. A lot of times though the dreams went sour.
She had a dream that she was standing in an open field with lots of ponies gathered around a large stone. The stone ended up being her grave. It was hard for her to bare the thought of everypony thinking she was dead. But something gave her a feeling, that they knew she was still alive.
Scootaloo was feeling like taking a walk to the pond today. She had not been there in a week or two. She tried to avoid it because it brought back bad memories. But something was drawing her there for some reason.
Mike has told her to be careful when going around there. Since she almost drowned in it, after she first came here. She couldn't help it. She was panicking the first time. Although she was glad that Mike was there. Without him, she would no longer be here.
She began her trek down the dirt path that leads down from behind the porch. Leaving her scooter behind, since the path was not fit to ride on. The path was getting kinda overgrown with weeds, from the lack of travel on it. Mike was not really fond of going to the pond either.
She was not sure why, but every time she came down to the pond. She would get an eerie feeling. It was a pretty day, but it seemed like something was just not right. The wind could be heard blowing through the trees. A woodpecker could be heard in the distance.
*Why does it have to feel so odd down here.* She thought to herself.
With each step closer to the pond, her nose could pick up on the scent of the water. Memories began to flood her mind, of the day she came to this world. Only for her to shake them out of her mind.
The Trees cleared and now the pond was in full view. She could see that a tree had fallen, and was now half submerged in the water. There had been a lot of storms the past two weeks. So the ground was wet and a bit muddy.
She began to trot along the edge of the water. Something caught the edge of her vision. She looked towards the edge of the pond next to the downed tree. She could not believe what she was seeing.
She walked over and picked up a scroll with a cyan blue feather wrapped around it. Taking a sniff of it, she could tell it was Rainbow Dash's. She took the scroll in her mouth and hoofed it back home.
Excitement filled her mind, She could not believe what she had just found. She really wanted to tell Mike but he was at work. She jumped up onto the porch and laid the scroll on the table. Using her mouth she Slowly undid the tie holding the feather to the scroll.
She placed the feather to the side and unrolled the scroll. She began to read it.
Scootaloo,
Upon finding this. I assume you realize that we know where you are. We also know that you have found someone that is protecting you. We know you are safe. Awhile back, I used a tracking spell to find you, and it allowed us to see you in your current world. But I have been struggling to find a way to bring you back. Although I recently made a breakthrough.
Every couple moons the portal opens slightly. But only enough to send very small objects through. Hence the reason why I sent this scroll through, along with a feather of Rainbow Dash.
Rainbow insisted that I send that to you. It is one of her primary flight feathers. So please take great care of it. And know that Rainbow and all of us really miss you. And we will find a way to bring you back to us.
Oh and I almost forgot. The feather will glow a bright purple color when we send something through the portal.
Your Friend,
Twilight Sparkle.
Scootaloo screamed in glee. She was so happy. Her friends had found her and was trying to find a way to get her home. Then another thought crossed her mind.
*What would Mike do if I left?* she thought, as her ears folded down. In the short time, she has been living with him. She has grown very attached to him. She looks forward to their nightly snuggles on the couch. His goofy stories he likes to tell. How he takes care of her, and how he tucks her in at night.
She felt a tear roll down her face. *Am I really going to have to choose, between Mike and my friends?* The thought of leaving any of them killed her.
Scootaloo rolled the scroll back up and took it to her room. She placed it on her nightstand. Looking around the room, she felt a sense of confusion wash over her. She felt at home here, but she also felt so alien at the same time.
She laid down on her bed and stared out the window. Trying to process the emotions she was feeling. She wanted Mike right now. He would know how to make her feel better. Scootaloo just wanted to be held and loved. Something that she never really had that much back in Equestria.
Sure her friends would help her sometimes, but It was not the same. When Mike held her, it felt different. It was almost the same feeling, as when rainbow dash had held her when camping. Scootaloo continued to stare out the window.
Mike got home a little early. He had finished up with his work and really didn’t feel like hanging out at work for the next 2 hours. He walked in the door and noticed that the house was very quiet. It was unlike Scootaloo to not come running when he walked in the door.
He began to worry and started to look around the house for her. It did not take him long to find her though.There she was laying on her bed. The evening sun casting a warm glow on her. He could hear her rhythmic breathing. It was soothing for him.
He walked over to the bed and began to stroke her mane. She soon began to stir. She looked up at Mike, and her eyes instantly got wide as she jumped into his arms.
*Mike I missed you.* She said as she nuzzled up to him.
Mike held her close. *Did you have a good day today.*
Scootaloo looked at him, and her ears folded back. *Well it was good, till something happened.*
Mike looked at her. Feeling somewhat concerned. Something was wrong, and Scootaloo was looking nervous. He raised an eyebrow. *Scootaloo what's wrong?* He asked.
Scootaloo got up and walked over to her nightstand where the scroll and feather lay.
She handed them to Mike. *I found these by the pond today. They are from my world.* Scootaloo said looking down, and away from Mike.
Mike looked at feather, then turned his attention to the scroll. He opened it up, and read it. After reading it, he placed a hand on Scootaloo. He began to scratch behind her ears. *Scootaloo this is good news. Your friends know where you are, and they are trying to bring you home.*
Scootaloo looked at Mike. she gave him an evil glare and took off out of the room. Mike was quick to give chase. Something was very wrong, and Mike had just said something very wrong.
Scootaloo had just managed to get out the back door before Mike caught her. He grabbed her, and pulled her in tight. She tried to get free, but Mike was too strong for her. All she could do was sob.
*Scootaloo, I thought you would be happy, that there was a chance of you going home. Why are you so upset?* Mike asked.
Scootaloo remained silent, and her sobs continued.
*Hey now, you know you can tell me anything. And I will not get mad at you.* Mike said, giving her a squeeze.
Scootaloo pushed away from his chest. *I Don’t want to leave you DADDY !* Scootaloo said, before placing her hooves over her mouth.
Mike felt a tear roll down his face. What Scootaloo had just said, struck him right in the heart. He now understood, why she got so upset with him a few moments before. This little filly had thought of him as her own father. Something that she didn’t have.
He had to admit. Scootaloo had become like a daughter to him. He really cared for her, and he couldn’t really imagine life without her now.
Mike looked up at the darkening sky. *What if I come with you?*
Scootaloo took her hooves away from her face and looked at Mike.
*Do you really mean that?* She asked.
*I do. I couldn't think of leaving you.* Mike said, giving her a squeeze.
He ran his hand through her mane. Scootaloo loved the feeling of her mane being stroked. She instantly became like butter in his arms.
*Mike, can I ask you a question?* Scootaloo asked.
*Sure thing Fuzz Butt.* He said with a smirk
*Can you take me away from here? I really want to know what else it out there.* Scootaloo said, looking towards the road. *Every day I look out there, and wonder what it is like.*
Mike looked down at her. Not really sure how to answer, but also knew that she had the right to be curious. She had never been off the property, and he couldn't blame her for wanting to see more.
*I guess I could do that.* He said. But we have to find a way to do it. It would just be kinda odd, to see a pony riding in my van. And I have to figure out a way to explain to people, who and what you are.*
Scootaloo looked at Mike. *What do you mean what I am?*
Mike knew that he had just said the wrong thing again, and better come up with something fast.
*Well Scootaloo, you see that…. it’s not every day that people see an orange pony with a pink mane, and wings walking around. Plus one that can talk.* Mike let out a sigh. *It’s just dangerous for you to be out there.*
Mike stopped petting her mane. She could feel his hand trembling. *Scootaloo, I just couldn’t stand the thought of losing you, or someone trying to take you away from me.*
Scootaloo looked up at Mike. She could see that he was on the verge of tears.
*Mike I’m sorry. I didn't mean to upset you.* She said as she nuzzled him under the chin.
Mike wiped his eyes and looked at her. *Scootaloo, I am not upset at you. I love you, and just don't want you getting hurt.*
*But if you want to go somewhere. How about we go to the beach next week?* He said, remembering the beach house that, his friend said he could use.
Scootaloo perked up a bit. *Yeah I would like to go to the beach. But people would see me, wouldn't they.*
*Nope.* Mike replied. *This is a private spot, and there is no one allowed up there but us.*
This made Scootaloo, feel a little more at ease. She knew that Mike was right. Not everyone would be like him. The thought of meeting another human, scared her a bit.
All that Scootaloo knew about this world, was what she had found on the computer, that Mike had taught her how to use. What she saw, was not the most pleasant of things.
This world was filled with so much hate. Everyone was at war. It seemed if you differed from what was considered normal, you would be shunned for it.
Mike could see that Scootaloo was lost in deep thought. * Ok Fuzz Butt, It is time to eat.* Scootaloo, was broke from her thoughts. She hated the name Fuzz Butt, but it was how Mike would tease her.
Scootaloo stretched out on his legs. *What are we having tonight?* She asked.
*Well I was going to cook fish tonight. How does that sound to you?*
Scootaloo, was skeptical. *I have never had fish before. I am not very sure if I would like it.*
Mike stroked her mane. *Would you give it a shot for me? I am cooking veggies as well. So you will still have something to eat if you don’t like it.
Scootaloo was not sure if she should, but Mike would never make her eat anything that was bad for her. Scootaloo thought for a moment. *Ok I will try it.* Scootaloo said, as she hopped down from Mike’s lap.
Mike went inside and started preparing dinner, while Scootaloo went to her bedroom, and sketched in a notebook. Scootaloo was not much of an artist, although she felt like she should do something special for Mike.
Mike finished the fish and noticed that Scootaloo had been really quite. That was very odd for her. Normally she was always right by his side in the kitchen. He decided to look to see what she was doing.
He looked in her room, and say her working hard. He could tell that she was drawing something, but didn't know what. He knocked on the door, causing Scootaloo to jump a bit.
*What are you up to?* He asked.
Scootaloo, slid the paper under a pillow. *You can’t see it yet. You have to wait till its done.* Scootaloo said, trying to act innocent.
Mike thought of how adorable she was. She was slowly letting her guard down and showing her emotions. He thought back to just an hour before, when she called him Daddy. It was nice to know, that she thought of him like that.
*Ok I will not look, but it’s time for dinner.* Mike said.
Scootaloo looked at him with puppy eyes. *Can I have just five more minutes? I am almost done.*
Mike let out a chuckle. *Ok just five more minutes. Then I Expect you to be in there eating.* Mike said, giving her a wink and turning back towards the kitchen.
Scootaloo quickly got back to work on her drawing. This was the best work she had ever done and was proud of it. She just wanted it to be perfect. Just as she finished the final touches she heard Mike call her for dinner.
She tucked the paper under her wing and trotted into the kitchen. Mike was sitting at the table, He had just placed her plate in her spot. Scootaloo walked towards Mike. She could feel her face heating up. This was the first time she had ever done anything like this.
Mike looked down at her as she pulled the paper out from under her wing. *Here I made this for you.* She said, as she shyly handed him the paper.
Mike looked on the paper. She had drawn, what looked like him. And then her seemingly flying next to him. There was a heart in between them, and right below the words “I Love You Daddy” were written.
Mike felt tears form in his eyes. This was the sweetest gift he had ever received. Mike sat the paper down on the table and picked Scootaloo up. Giving her a big hug, and a kiss he said, *I love you too.*
Mike then heard her belly growl. *Ok Fuzz Butt time to eat.*
*Ok.* Scootaloo said, as she gave him a quick peck on the cheek and headed to her chair.
Scootaloo looked down at the fish in front of her. It was very strange looking to her. She had heard of Gryphons eating it, but never thought she would be trying it.
She very slowly took her first bite. It was kinda sweet and buttery. It fell apart in her mouth. She was in heaven. She had never had anything like that before.
Mike watched as she dove in, and started devouring the fish. He laughed. *I guess you like it.*
*Yep.* She said with her mouth full.
*Would you like another piece?* Mike asked.
*Yes please.* Scootaloo said, with big wide eyes.
He placed another piece on her plate just as she finished the one. And began work on the next one. He was amused by the sight of her eating. She was finally acting like the little girl she was. Not a sign of the tomboy filly was showing.
*Burrrp* was the sound the echoed through the kitchen when Scootaloo was finished eating.
Mike looked at her with a shocked look on his face. He couldn't believe a child could eat so much. She had eaten 3 helping of fish, and 2 helping of veggies.
*I take it that you are full.* Mike said as he was beginning to clean the kitchen.
*Yeah I am full, that was amazing.* She said, patting her tummy.
They talked while Mike cleaned the kitchen. Mike sometimes lets Scootaloo help, but a lot of times she ends up making a bigger mess. The night time in the kitchen was bonding time between the two. And they both enjoyed every moment of it.
Mike finished the last plate and looked at Scootaloo. *Ok Fuzz Butt it's time for you to take a bath.* Mike said while drying his hands.
*Oh ok* said Scootaloo, as she hopped down from the chair. When she got to the doorway she looked back. *Mike could you help me? It is really hard for me to clean my wings.* She asked.
This was the first time she had asked to be helped in the bath. *I guess she don't want to be alone tonight.* He thought to himself. *Ok I’ll help you, just let me change out of my work clothes and I will be in.
Scootaloo began running water. *Scootaloo what are you doing?* She asked herself. Her tomboy self was fighting back. *I just want to spend more time with daddy.* She thought, trying to push the thoughts out of her head.
All Scootaloo really desired, was to be a daddies girl. And now she had the chance to have that. All the care and attention she got from him. Just made her want more. She was letting barriers down, that she spent her whole life building.
*Ok Scootaloo let's get you cleaned up.* Mike said as he walked into the room.
Scootaloo was quick to hop in the tub and began washing her mane. Mike quickly, and carefully got to work on her wings. He had some experience in the matter. From when he helped out in a bird rescue program in college.
Scootaloo was in heaven. She had never really had anyone clean her wings for her. And Mike was doing such a great job. She felt her muscles relax. This was the best she had felt in a long time.
After Mike was done with the wings, his attention turned towards her mane. It was still covered in soap. Even though she had rinsed it a few times. *Mike I already did my mane.* Scootaloo complained.
*Then what is this?* Mike said, rubbing her mane and showing her the soap suds. Mike then got work rinsing her mane.
Scootaloo, felt so embarrassed. She felt like a little filly again, but she was beginning to like the feeling. Scootaloo got so lost in thought, that Mike had to snap her out of it by splashing her with water.
*Hey what was that for.* Scootaloo said, in a pout.
*You spaced out, I had to bring you back to earth somehow.* Mike said, with a grin.
Scootaloo blushed, then splashed Mike with water. It was on then. The two began to splash each other, not caring that they were absolutely soaking the bathroom. After a few moments of fun, Mike looked around.
*Well I think we turned my bathroom into a swimming pool.* He said, with a chuckle.
Mike got to work cleaning the bathroom up, while Scootaloo dried off. Afterward, she decided to help him. It didn’t take the two of them very long to clean up the mess.
Scootaloo let out a yawn. *I think it is bedtime for a certain pony.* Mike said, looking over at Scootaloo, who was trying her best to act like she wasn’t tired.
*I’m fine I can go all night.* She said, letting out another yawn.
Mike was not buying it. He knew all the tricks of the trade. *Turns out pony children, and human children are a lot alike.* Mike thought.
Mike picked up Scootaloo, and brought her to her room. Scootaloo really didn’t want to go to sleep, and she was trying her best to stay up. *Please Daddy I don’t want to sleep right now.* Scootaloo said, giving him her best puppy eyes.
Mike laid down beside her and started stroking her mane. *How about I stay here till you fall asleep?* He asked pulling her in and holding her.
*Ok.* She replied as she nuzzled up to him.
Mike held her and stroked her mane until he could feel her breathing deeply. He took great care in tucking her into bed. Being careful not to wake the sleeping filly.
*I love you Scootaloo.* He said, as he kissed her cheek and headed to bed.