//------------------------------// // Nightmares, Dreams, and Awakenings // Story: Broken Scooters // by LightFeather //------------------------------// -Broken Scooters- Written By LightFeather/Eviljbrian Please note that My Little Pony and characters within this story are © Hasbro and Lauren Faust. Also note that this most definitely takes place after the Canterlot Wedding. If you haven't watched through Season 2, you may know know some of the characters within the story. Part 3 - Nightmares, Dreams, and Awakenings How could this have happened... she was so young still... Rainbow Dash sniffled as she sat on a cloud high above Ponyville, looking down towards where Scootaloo was laid to rest. She brought a hoof up to wipe the tears from her eyes, ignoring the sounds of hunger her stomach made. She hadn't eaten since that day, hadn't slept, she hasn't felt like it really, the only thing she felt was the strong aching deep within her chest. I don't want to live this way.... I let her down, let everyone else down Rainbow Dash's mind was broken. She could ask the others for help, but what would she say? How would they be able to help her? Somehow, everything she thought of would end in her own failure. She held in her hoof a folded note. One final goodbye. She just let it drop off the cloud as she looked over. Someone will find it, and it will find it's way to the others. I guess, only one thing left to do now.... goodbye everyone... She looked over the cloud as the note slowly fell to the earth. Apple Jack and Rarity were just leaving Scootaloo's grave along with the remaining two Cutie Mark Crusaders. The trio of foals, set out a year ago to try to find their cutie marks, but now, only two were left. She stood, stretching her aching wings as she took flight, making her way higher and higher into the sky until she flew through the grey rain clouds and into the sunlight. One more thing to do... and I'll have to fly higher than ever before... Upwards she flew. She arranged the hole with the head of the Cloudsdale Weather Factory, said it was for the one that passed on. The pony in charge approved, and granted Dash the favor for her hard work. She climbed higher and higher, flying higher than the tallest point of Cloudsdale, and even higher than Canterlot's mountain peaks. Goodbye everyone...try to watch over each other without me... She then let herself fall, slowly angling her head downwards as she continued to gain speed, folding her wings to her back. She sniffled as the wind raced by, mixed in with her usual rainbow trail were her tears. She broke through the clouds, causing some to dissipate completely, puncturing a hole to let the sunlight cast it's glow upon the grave. Terminal velocity.... no turning back now... 10... 9... 8.... She continued falling,, slowly curling and holding her legs to herself, causing her to begin to spin and spiral towards the earth. The letter, the wind having blown it to smack Apple Jack in the face. She read it and gave it to Rarity before looking towards the sky, seeing the cyan pegasus falling. 7... 6..... 5.... almost there Rarity looked at the note with wide eyes, gasping, opening the door to the library to tell the girls to get inside. As they did Twilight went to the door, hearing Rarity's urgency. Rarity let Twilight read the note and they left, closing the door behind them as they searched the skies for Rainbow Dash. 4... 3... Apple Jack continued to run towards where she thought Dash was falling. Dash was reckless, but Apple Jack knew that the mental state of Dash was in question, knew she was blaming herself for the accident. Apple Jack knew as well, that she couldn't make it to Dash in time. 2.... Dash swallowed hard, curling in on herself tightly as she spiraled, the ground rapidly approaching. she would hit on the outskirts, wouldn't hurt anybody else. she couldn't do that. Not anymore. Apple Jack turned the last corner as she ran to the outskirts, running as fast as her legs could take her. 1.... goodbye everyone... With that she hit the ground with a thud, just in time for Apple Jack to see her. She lay there, the ground wet beneath her, her wings and other bones in her body visibly broken. Apple Jack rushed over, crying, lifting her head up. Dash's vision hazed and growing dark as she looked up at Apple Jack, seeing one she cared for the most one last time before her eyes slowly closed, and she lay still in Apple Jack's hold. "Dash! Ya can't do this ta us Rainbow, wake up! C'mon Rainbow Dash, wake up!" Apple Jack's words echoed in her ears as she groaned. Her eyes slowly opened. She knew the room. It was a room at the Hospital. The room was dark as well, the only light coming in was the moonlight filtering through the windows. She slowly sat up, groaning and wincing at the sharp pain in her head. "ughhhh... w-what happened.... How did I get back to the hospital?" Apple Jack raised an eyebrow as she looked at Rainbow Dash in question. "Uhhh... Rainbow? Ya been here a while now. Ya must'a hit yer head pretty hard when ya fell Rainbow Crash." Rainbow Dash shook her head, eyes closed. "A crash like that should've killed me...." Apple Jack rolled her eyes and stood up, looking down at the pegasus. "Uhhh... Dash. Why don't ya take a good look at where ya are." Slowly Rainbow Dash opened her eyes, her head still aching as her vision slowly came into focus. She turned her head and looked around slowly. What was she doing on the floor? They could've put her in a bed at least. Then she looked to the chair next to her, laying on it's side. She sat up slowly as she looked at Apple Jack, tears beginning to well in her eyes. "Apple Jack? What's going on? I hit the ground so I must be dead or something, and I promised myself I would watch Scootlaoo in the afterlife... oh no.... I... I'M IN TARTARUS! Where did I go wrong? What happened? How could I end up here?" SMACK Apple Jack slapped Dash's cheek and sighed, shaking her head. "Now hold on there sugar. What's all this about? What's all this about Scootaloo in the afterlife? She's right there sleepin' all peaceful like, although the way you were goin on, ya could've raised the dead or somethin." Apple Jack opened her eyes and slowly rose to her feet, looking at the bed. There, laying and sleeping soundly, was little Scootaloo. "Now Rainbow. Why don't we go get ya a cup of cocoa and you can tell me what in tarnation you were carryin' on about." Rainbow Dash sighed in relief as she nodded slowly, opening her eyes to walk with Apple Jack. The night shift nurse on duty was kind enough to take them to the small dining area usually reserved for the doctors, as well as providing each one with a mug of warm cocoa. Apple Jack took a sip and looked towards Rainbow, still trembling slightly. "So Rainbow. Ya wanna tell me what happened?" Rainbow Dash just sighed, closing her eyes and looking down at the mug in her hands. "I... kinda had a bad dream I guess." "That's nothin' to be ashamed of sugar. We all have them from time ta time" Rainbow Dash just shook her head. "No... when I get them.... they always turn out horrible... I get those Night Terrors I think. " "Wanna talk about it? Ya know Ah'm here fer ya." Dash took a ship as she began to recount her nightmare. "It was bad AJ... I dreamed that Scootaloo was worse than they thought. I woke up and she was coughing up blood. She looked pale and then stopped breathing. Then you came in. After that, the doctor came in, said that they couldn't save her. Next thing I know, we all paid our respects... well, everyone except me." Apple Jack looked towards her friend, sliding closer and placing an arm around her. "Ah'm sorry sugar. I had no..." Rainbow Dash interrupted her. "I was on a cloud above, watching the services. A week had passed. After you and Rarity left to take Sweetie Belle and Applebloom home, I dropped a letter. I don't remember what it said. Next thing I know, I flew higher than I thought possible. Then I just.... kinda fell. I knew the ground was approaching and I... didn't want to open my wings to stop myself. I hit the ground hard. I knew I was going to die from it, but didn't care. The last person I saw... was you AJ." Apple Jack took her hat off and set it on the table as she pulled Dash in close, bringing her hoof to rest upon Dash's. "That's some nightmare Alright. Ah didn't know ya got them so bad." Rainbow Dash nodded, laying her head on Apple Jack's shoulder. "At least this one wasn't as bad as that one I had about Pinkie Pie killing me and using me to make cupcakes." Apple Jack nodded as well as she held her friend close. "Ah know. Ya disappeared fer a while and went ta therapy fer it. Heck, ya avoided Pinkie fer a good while after that. It took ya a while before ya opened up and told us about it." "So AJ? Why are you here so late anyway?" "Ah came cause the girls were worried about ya. An' ta be honest, Ah am too. Ah know you care fer that lil filly in there, but ya need yer rest too. Ah'll stay here tonight with ya. How's that sound? Rainbow Dash sighed and nodded, finally taking a sip of her cocoa. "Thank you AJ. I... uhmm... I'm glad to have you as a friend." Rainbow Dash blushed deeply at that, lowering her head as Apple Jack held her from behind, smiling. "Ah know sugar. Let's git ya back ta the room and let ya git some sleep. Ah'm sure the doctor can give ya something ta help ya, and Ah'll be here with ya." Rainbow Dash nodded, smiling as they walked back to the room. Once they entered, Apple Jack took her hat off and hung it on one of the bedposts before sitting upon the bed. Dash let out a small yawn, her eyes slightly red from lack of sleep as she stretched, sliding to lay in bed, resting her head in Apple Jack's lap. Not a moment later, the doctor came in with a syringe. "Miss Dash. I've been made aware that you've been having trouble sleeping? I have something here that will help." Dash looked towards the doctor and nodded, before looking at the syringe, swallowing the lump in her throat as she paled at the sight of it. Apple Jack looked down at her worriedly as the doctor approached. "Rainbow Dash. Ya ok?" "Yea... it's just.... I... don't like needles, that's all." Apple Jack smiled, looking down at Dash, stroking her mane. "Don't ya worry none. Just focus on me and ya won't feel a thing. I promise ya." Dash swallowed hard and nodded, looking up at Apple Jack while the doctor stuck her with the needle, causing her to wince as she felt it pierce her skin and the medicine entering her body. The doctor pulled the needle out and left the room to dispose of it. "There ya go. That wasn't so bad, was it?" "It.... stung a little bit... but I guess..." Apple Jack smiled as she leaned down, placing a soft kiss to Dash's forehead as the pegasus drifted off. "Sweet dreams, dear Rainbow Dash." She blushed as she leaned back on the bed, her hoof stroking down along Rainbow's mane, the other pulling her hat back on and down over her eyes as she soon drifted to sleep as well. --- Scootaloo groaned softly, slowly sitting up and bringing a hoof to her head. "owww.... that was some crash... I wonder what happened..." She slowly opened her eyes, seeing herself in a cage of red bricks and black iron bars. She also happened to notice that she was wearing a toga, sandals, and a crown of gold laurels in upon her head. "W-Where.... Where am I?" It was then that she heard a beautiful voice. "You are in Tartarus my little one. But time is of the essence. You must escape and rescue me. I will aid you as I can." The door to the cell glowed with a soft light, and in front of Scootaloo appeared gold unicorn horn on a headband. "Take this enchanted horn. Do not worry, it is not a real unicorn horn, but it will aid you as you escape by throwing magic bolts. I will explain along the way, but for now you need to escape." Scootaloo wasn't sure what was going on, but she didn't want to stay there. She took the weapons and began running down the hall. With the help of the mysterious voice calling for her, she was able to sneak her way out of the prison. She looked around and only saw one path. "But.... whoever you are... how am I going to get out of here? I can't fly!" "Do not worry. You have the skills to do so. Just be careful of your footing. Use your arrows to defend yourself." Scootaloo sighed softly, nodding, making her way upwards, jumping from one platform to the next. She never killed anything before, but if she wanted to find out what was going on, she had to defend herself. Her biggest problems came in the forms of giant snakes with wings and giant floating eyes. She stopped when she saw a skeletal pony in a purple robe. "Careful!" the voice warned her. "That's a Reaper. There's more than just him, but if they see you, they'll shout and call miniature versions of themselves to attack you" "That's... just great to know mysterious voice.." "Please. Call me Palutena. Once you reach the top of this area you can rest and I will explain more." Scootaloo nodded, arrows flying from the bow she was given. It took time, but soon she came upon an area of purple bricks. She made a dash for the door, slamming it shut behind her and sliding down, sighing softly. It was then, that a ghostly image of a pure white alicorn with green hair appeared in front of her. Her dress was gold and white, her hair flowing and hovering behind her head was a glowing cyan circle with three feathers on either side of it. "Good work Scootaloo, although it is just beginning. I have been taken prisoner by the queen of Tartarus, Medusa. I need you to help me." "But why me? I'm just a kid." "Because your soul is pure and I know you love adventure." Scootaloo chuckled to herself, nodding. "Yea. I can't argue that. So.... uhmm... Palutena was it? How do I free you anyway?" The alicorn just smiled at her, nodding. "A fair question. There are three labyrinths, and inside each one, guarded by Medusa's commanders, are three treasures that you must obtain. They are the Silver Armor, Arrow of Light, and Pegasus Wings." Scootaloo just scratched her head. "But... I have wings and a pegasus... what do you mean by that?" The image of Palutena smiled. "The Silver Armor will protect you from Medusa's gaze, else it would turn you to stone. The Crown of Light, has the ability to dispel her illusions. And finally the Pegasus Wings will allow you to fly without rest. The first commander you will fight is Twinbellows. A two headed dog demon. He is the guardian of Tartarus." "So first I have to get past this Twinbellows, and the other commanders to save you?" Palutena nodded. Scootaloo slowly stood, making her way towards the exit. "Consider it done!" "Wonderful! I will help you as my power holds out. Once you reach the Palace in the Sky though, you are on your own." Scootaloo nodded, beginning to ascend once more. As she climbed, she destroyed more of the forces of Tartarus, increasing her strength, and to her surprise she found magic hammers. She slipped one into her belt for safekeeping, and each additional one disappeared, the one she tucked away giving a glow for each one picked up. It was a long, hard climb with many dangers, but soon, she found herself in front of an ominous and dark fortress. She entered the main entry hall and stopped to take a breather. "Now Scootaloo. These fortresses are filled with many dangers, but also has few rooms that can be of aid to you. At least one shop, and usually a hot spring. But there is one danger you must watch out for. Well, two actually." "And they are?" "One are monster nests. They're large empty rooms, but they're filled with at least 8 monsters at once. They are usually fairly weak and will fall with an arrow or two. The biggest threat you face are what are known as Eggplant Wizards." "Eggplant Wizards? What are they?" "They're... well... Eggplant wizards. They are slow but if your hit with one of their eggplants, you will be cursed to walk as an eggplant. Should that happen, you will be unable to attack. The best bet is to make your way to the nearest hospital. The unicorn there will remove the curse." Scootaloo felt a bit nervous at the thought, but simply nodded. If she wanted to make sense of what was going on, she'd have to continue. She made her way to the door, opening and stepping into the first room. One by one, large skulls began to fly around. One hit Scootaloo, knocking her down, but she concentrated, the horn's magic shattering the creature. She stood and took out another two, then four, then six. Soon, the room was quiet and empty. "It's going to get worse, isn't it Palutena?" "But of course. I never said this would be easy, but on the bright side, the next room has a map. It should help. And two of the centurions are there as well. Break them free and they will aid you." "I know, I know. Scootaloo entered the room, blasting the few enemies within before taking hold of the scroll. She walked over to one of the two statues and tapped on it before raising the hammer, bringing it down to shatter the stone, releasing an armored unicorn. "Thank you for your assistance. We will meet you in the chamber before Twinbellows." "Uhh..... sure... no problem." With that the unicorn ran off . "They're.... odd huh?" Palutena chuckled. "It's ok. They're soldiers of few words, but they have it where it counts." Scootaloo nodded, making her way through the maze-like dungeon. She fought many enemies along the way, smashing statues to release centurions as she found them. The navigation was hard, even with the map for as it was said, the place is a maze. It took some time, and visiting the hospital to remove the Eggplant curse at least twice along with a break in the hot springs. Soon, she was wiping the sweat from her forehead while she stood in the chamber before Twinbellows. "He's gotta be in there. It's so hot." "He is. I'll send three of the freed centurions to aid you. Anymore than that and it would be dangerous for you and them." Scootaloo sighed and nodded. Raising, she made her way towards the door, her hoof steps echoing in the empty room. Behind her, three centurions followed her in formation. As she approached the door, it slowly swung open, the room within glowing red as the heat from Twinbellows escaped. Scootaloo charged into the room and skidded to a stop. The door slammed shut behind her, her eyes wide as she looked up at Twinbellows. The two-headed canine growling as it slowly approached the group, the flames upon it's back raising. "T-That thing's as big as an ursa minor!" The beast roared and began it's attack... --- Rarity yawned as she made her way back to her room in the Canterlot palace. She had spent all day trying to find the book she needed to help Twilight's predicament. Her hooves moved faster as her eyelids grew heavier, not wanting to fall asleep there in the hall. it was about that time that she bumped into someone. "Oh my! I'm so terribly sorry, excuse me!" "Oh! Well, hello Rarity. What brings you to Canterlot?" Rarity gasped and opened her eyes, slowly raising her head to see the alabaster coated princess in front of her. "Oh! P-Princess Celestia! I'm so terribly sorry." Celestia just let out a giggle, smiling, looking down at Rarity. "I suppose that you've been here a while." Rarity chuckled nervously as she nodded. "I have. If we may, I'd like to return to my room. I would be more than happy to tell you what is going on there. That is if you would like Your Highness." Celestia nodded as the two of them went to Rarity's room. They each took a seat by the table, a pot of warm tea already prepared and sitting on it. Rarity poured a cup first for the Princess, then one for herself before taking a sip. "So Rarity. Why are you in Canterlot?" "oh, it's a long story. First Scootaloo got hurt, but that's not why I'm here. I'm actually here for Twilight and Spike. You see Princess, it seems that Twilight stayed up late studying and somehow her and Spike have switched bodies. Thing is, she doesn't seem to remember how she did it." Celestia nodded as she took a sip of her tea. "It seems to be that Twilight had... "Sleep Spelled" so to speak. You see, when she was little, there were times when she would inadvertently cast a spell while she was asleep, usually if she studies too late." Rarity giggled and nodded slowly as she took another sip. "So I'm here to try to find a spell to reverse it. She thought it would be in the Canterlot Library." Celestia just smiled, looking at Rarity. "Relax. I can easily reverse the process. But do stay a while. I think both Twilight and Spike can learn from this." Rarity sighed in relief, nodding. She thought though, she should stay another day in Canterlot. After all, Princess Celestia knows how to reverse the magic. She might as well pick up a few things for her designs that's only found in Canterlot since she's here. -- Applebloom woke up in the middle of the night with a yell, sitting up in her bed. She breathed heavily and looked around, slowly. Sweetie Belle groaned softly as she awoke, rubbing her eyes. "Applebloom? Why are you awake?" "Oh.... Ah jus had a nightmare's all. It was like Discord, Nightmare Moon and Chrysalis all came back at the same time... and..... oh shucks, Ah don't remember now. It's gone." Sweetie Belle hugged Applebloom and pushed her down onto the bed. "Well I can tell ya that won't ever happen. Not while our sisters and the other Elements are around anyways." Applebloom smiled and nodded, letting out a sigh. "Ah guess yer right. Doesn't help me from worryin' about Scootaloo." Sweetie Belle nodded and yawned as she laid down again, closing her eyes. "I know. Let's go back to sleep. Good night Applebloom." Applebloom closed her eyes, pulling the blanket back up to her neck. "Good night Sweetie Belle." -- Scootaloo made her way into the empty chamber. The stonework was blue of this Labyrinth and as she drew close, three Centurions appeared with her. She stood before the doorway to Pandora. She faced off and claimed victory over Twinbellows, gaining one of the Sacred Treasures. Now, the battle was inevitable for the second. It was a long walk through Gaia, the Overworld before she finally arrived to the Abernathy. At least she didn't have to worry about falling, at least not falling far. She sighed, a small fireball circling around her now golden horn with two floating diamonds circling her, offering her extra protection as well. The three special abilities gifts from some training rooms she stumbled across, with large stone slabs flying at her from every direction. "So Palutena. Is there, ya know, what should I know about Hewdraw?" The voice of the Goddess sounded in his head. "Hewdraw is a large and long snake-like dragon. The Centurions are fairly useless against him since he'll bounce around the room. The lava pools inside doesn't help much." "So.... how do I kick his tail?" "Just move and fire. And another thing, his only weak spot is his head." Scootaloo groaned. "And that's supposed to make me feel better?" "Sorry Scootaloo. Good luck!" Scootaloo sighed and entered the chamber with the Centurions behind her. She heard the roar of the dragon as it jumped out of the farthest lava pool and and into another. She took Palutena's advice and made her way to the center of the room. The dragon's pattern seemed easy, it jumping up high before falling to the floor. It had no breath weapon, so that was blessing. The centurions easily fell to the beast's jaws as they kept charging into him. She angled her horn and delivered a bolt a magic, striking the beast's head. The dragon roared in defiance, but it didn't change it's attack pattern. Scootaloo rolled her eyes, still blasting at the dragon. As she fought, more and more centurions fell to it's attack before it was just her and the dragon. "Ok you big ugly worm! Come get me!" Scootaloo yelled and charged at the dragon, angling the horn she wore and delivering a final blast to the dragon, the beast roaring and exploding, leaving behind the large, square chest. Scootaloo panted heavily, groaning as she sat to rest. "Good Work Scootaloo! One more treasure to go. Welcome to Sky Land. Pandora awaits." -- Big Macintosh walked into Applebloom's room. He brought his hoof upon his younger sister, waking her up. She yawned and slowly opened her eyes to look up at him. "Ugh... time to wake up fer school already?" Big Mac just nodded. "Eeeyup." Applebloom sighed and nodded, bringing her hoof over to wake up Sweetie Belle. She then went over to brush her hair at her mirror, soon joined by Sweetie Belle. "Hey Applebloom. Where's your sister at?" "Ah guess she stayed with Rainbow Dash at the hospital." Sweetie Belle nodded. Once they got done and finished breakfast, they made their way to school for the day. Everyone was asking how Scootaloo was doing. Cherrilee stepped in to begin the day's class. She sat some papers on her desk as she smiled to the children. "Now class. I'm happy to say that the time's come to announce our yearly pageant. It's going to be in a month so I'm sure everyone will have time to think of what they want to do should they wish to enter. Now with that out of the way, open your text books..." Finally it was lunch time. The kids cheered as they all rushed out to eat and play with their friends. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle sighed as they were thinking about the pageant. "So.... what do ya think we could do?" "I dunno Applebloom. I don't really want to do it without Scootaloo though.* Applebloom nodded in agreement as she thought. "Well.... we could head on over to see Twilight fer an idea." Sweetie Belle nodded and smiled at her. "Good idea. We'll go see her after school!" --- Scootaloo delivered the final blow to Pandora with a few centurions left. She went to the casket that held the sacred treasure and tapped on it. The first two caskets appeared in a golden light. She looked to either side of her at the centurions, who just nodded to her. "Well Palutena, I have all the treasures. What do I do now?" All she heard was silence. "Uhmmm.... Lady Palutena?" Again silence, that is before the two centurions stepped up next to her. "Scootaloo. I fear that Palutena's ability to speak with you has run out. It's time to use the three treasures. Medusa awaits in the Sky Palace." Scootaloo nodded and opened the three caskets containing the treasures. The treasures vanished before appearing on her. The silver armor, elaborate armor in appearance similar to Nightmare Moon's, save silver. The Crown of Light appeared atop her head, it's appearance similar to Princess Celestia's save for the glowing gem in the center. Finally, the Pegasus wings replaced her own, the magical wings each as big as a fully grown pegasus. Scootaloo stood for a moment and nodded before stretching her wings, flapping them, beginning to fly. Using the combined magic of the Golden Horn and the Crown of Light, she blew a hole in the ceiling of the labyrinth, flying upwards and out at incredible speed. Higher and higher she flew until she arrived at the Palace in the Sky. Her eyes opened wide at the swarms of enemies within. C'mon Scootaloo... you can do this... With a sigh she began her assault, flying into the swarm. To her surprise, the beams of light she fired from her horn traveled straight through several enemies. She smiled at that, flying, weaving and shooting as she could. She easily found the corridor that led to where Medusa must be, but it was too heavily defended. She'll have to pass by and come back again once she thinned the underworld ranks more. The enemies she encountered ferocious. Flying starfish, or were they flowers? She couldn't tell. Harpies, blocks falling from above. She weaved, dodged and blasted at them all with the ability of the Magic Crown. Soon she found her opening, flying at high speed down the corridor. There, at the end, was a giant, monstrous pony head. It had only one eye and instead of hair for it's mane, there were dozens of snakes. "Well, well, well. The ssso called hero finally ssshowsss herssself." Scootaloo blinked, frozen for a moment but shook her head as she gazed at the monster before her. "Medusa! I defeated your commanders! Your minions are on the run! Surrender and free Palutena, or you will pay the price!" Medusa grinned and laughed. "You think your tough? I think it's time to teach you a lesson and to strip you of your wings. Permanently!" With a roar, Medusa started her attack. Scootaloo dodged and weaved as she could, the monster's gaze spreading from her eyes towards Scootaloo. While her armor protected her, she still had to avoid the giant snakes flying from Medusa's head. Scootaloo threw the empowered magic at Medusa, most attacks just bouncing off. One bolt hit Medusa's eye, causing her to shriek out in pain. Scootaloo smiled at that, continuing the assault, scoring hit after hit. Scootaloo was injured as well, breathing heavily. She closed her eyes and concentrates, empowering the horn, a bolt of magic flying towards Medusa. It struck her eye once more and the monster roared, the giant head flashing before turning to stone and the eye shattering, Medusa's true form, that of a grayish green pony with snake-like hair falling into a heap. Scootaloo flew into the head and through the hole behind into a chamber. The gold chains wrapped around Palutena shattered, releasing the goddess. Palutena opened her eyes as Scootaloo approached, standing and smiling at her before releasing a large wave of magic, clearing the palace of the remnants of the underworld army and Medusa's influence. Scootaloo bowed before Palutena before looking up at her. Centurions flew around above them, dropping rose petals. "Scootaloo. You've overcome great obstacles and challenges, and you saved not only myself, but all of Angel Land from the forces of the underworld. Come with me if you please." Palutena made her way into a chamber behind her. Scootaloo smiled, the three treasures fading from her with a golden light, hidden within their caskets once more. Palutena was standing in front of a large fountain of clear, but glowing water. Scootaloo walked over to stand with her. "Behold. The Fountain of Insight. Peer into the water and behold how you arrived here to begin with." Scootaloo looked up at her curiously before climbing up, placing her fore hooves on the edge of the fountain and looking in. The water shimmered. It showed Scootaloo that fateful morning, of her on her scooter, as well as the crash that ensured. It also showed Rainbow Dash, rushing her to the hospital and keeping watch over Scootaloo. She brought a hoof to rub the tears from her eyes. "Scootaloo. Do not worry. You will rejoin them once more. You will awaken." "Lady Palutena. Thank you. I knew that my friends cared for me, but to care for me so much. Will... will I be able to remember you?" Palutena giggled as she nodded slowly. "You will, but it will be merely as a dream. It will be fresh in your mind for some time. I wouldn't dream removing memories and dreams from one. But there will be things you won't remember. Are you ready Scootaloo?" Scootaloo again, wiped some tears from her eyes, nodding slowly. Palutena slowly leaned down, placing a soft kiss to Scootaloo's forehead as she removed the unicorn headband. To Scootaloo, everything slowly faded into a bright white light. -- Rainbow Dash yawned and stretched as she slowly awoke, letting out a soft groan before cuddling in close to the warm body with her. She heard a nother yawn before opening her eyes, seeing the coat of orange beneath her. She then blushed as she heart the familiar southern voice above her before slowly looking up at Apple Jack's face. "Good mornin' Sugarcube." "Uhmm.... Good morning Apple Jack.. did you... stay with me all night?" "Ah sure did dear." Rainbow Dash blushed, lowering her head a bit as she smiled. "Uhmm... T-Thank you AJ." She slowly looked up, her eyes meeting Apple Jack's, the both of them blushing lightly. Their eyes closed partially as their faces drew closer and closer, only inches apart now before they both heard a soft groan nearby. They looked towards Scootaloo's bed as she stirred, slowly bringing hoof to her head. "Ugh..... my head.... is hurting so much..." Apple Jack and Rainbow both looked at each other before going over next to Scootaloo's bed, watching as she woke up. "Hey Scoots. Welcome back kid." Rainbow Dash smiled, bringing her hoof to brush some of Scootaloo's hair from her eyes as she looked towards Apple Jack. Apple Jack, smiled and pulled her hat onto her head, nodding before leaving the room to get the others. Scootaloo's eyes opened slowly, looking up at Rainbow Dash, sitting up slightly, still hurting. "Rainbow Dash? what... What happened?"