After a few more hours everyone were finally allowed to leave, Doc had already arranged for Ramone and Sally to come and pick up the girls. The next day the two arrived early in the morning Ramone ran to Sweetie Belle pulling her into an embrace as she cried in his shoulder. Bulk jumped out the car and jumped on Ramone trying to reach Sweetie Belle.
“You brought Bulk too? Doc questioned
“Not exactly…” Ramone replied “Just as we were about to leave he jumped in the car and refused to come out and he growled at everyone that tried to pick him up.” Ramone set Sweetie Belle down so that she could see her pet and Bulk jumped in her lap almost immediately began softly licking her cheek in a way that looked as though he was...comforting her. This did bring a smile to Doc’s face, the first one since this whole incident started.
“Ya know, it’s said that dogs can sense their owners feeling and I’d say this is proof that it’s true. Somehow even from this far away Bulk could sense that Sweetie Belle was upset and was intent on being here to comfort her.”
“You really think so Doc?” Ramone bent down and watched as Bulk comfort his little girl, Doc went a petted Bulk’s head.
“Dogs are a lot smarter than we give them credit for.”
…
The guys had to hurry a get all the girls things in the car and get them out of here before the paparazzi showed. While most people marvel at the thought of a group of people clamoring to take their pictures to others it was completely different. To other people the paparazzi care about nothing else other than getting pictures. That they have no respect for other people's privacy let alone personal space, and in some cases it’s true. But it becomes an even bigger problem when children are involved since most of them seem to forget that it’s illegal to harrass minors. They had gotten all the bags loaded up and were prepare to leave all while security ,who Doc had asked to, kept an eye out for anyone who looks as though they may be paparazzi or reporters.
Without any problems everyone got in their cars and headed home and I mean ‘everyone’. His friends were all shocked to find out Lightning had dropped out of the the race. But for Doc he understood completely why his driver had done so. After all that happened it just didn’t feel right leaving Scootaloo for that long and Doc felt proud of Lightning for doing so. Giving up the race, something that he looks forward to every year just to help the kid that he had made it his responsibility to care for, despite her not even being of our world. For Doc it just shows how much the kid has grown and how much more responsible he’s become.
…
As soon as the team got home they were crowded by the rest of the town folks flooding them with questions and worry, asking “What happened?!” and “Are you ok?!” so many questions at once that Doc had to step in to calm everyone down enough for him to explain. Sarge, Lightning, and Ramone got the girls settled back in their rooms and stayed with them til they fell asleep. Bulk had adjusted himself so that he was at the top of Sweetie Belle’s bed, using his body as a pillow for her. Ramone gave a soft smile, tucked Sweetie Belle in and patted Bulk’s head.
“Good job Bulk.” He closed her bedroom door and left the two to sleep.
Ramone left the shop and entered Flo’s cafe as Doc was explaining everything that had happened. Flo came up to her husband and kissed his cheek.
“Oh the poor girls I can’t even imagine how scared they must have been.”
“I don’t even wanna think about it.” Fillmore shuddered Sarge put a hand on his shoulder.
“Do you think they’re gonna be ok.” Sally asked
“It’ll take some time but I’m sure they’ll get over it...until then let’s try not to talk about it when they’re around.” Doc answered
Everyone nodded in agreement.
...
In Lightning’s room, the young racer was lying on his bed leaning his back against the wall, a small pegasus girl curled up in his lap sleeping. She had wrapped her wings around her body hugging herself, Lightning had placed a blanket around her to keep her warm as she continued to shake and whimper in her sleep. Scootaloo had stuck close to Lightning holding his hand or any part of his clothing constantly, not wanting to be seperated. Lightning himself continues to wonder why someone would shoot that guy in the first place.
Did he do something wrong? Did the other guy do something to piss him off? I overheard Applebloom tell the detective that the guy with the gun had a kid with him. Was he...trying to kidnapped him?
Lightning shuddered at the thought, he had watched a lot of “Criminal Minds” and “Law and Order: SVU” to know how things like this go. The criminals would do anything to “get rid of” any witnesses. And if there’s one thing those shows have taught him, it’s that there are a few reasons why people would take kids...and Lightning didn’t like any of them.
Another even more frightening thought sent a chill up his spine.
W-what if he comes after the girls? I mean everyone knows I lives here. But they don’t know that’s Scootaloo’s my “sister”. But there were enough photos taken at the race for people to start thinking that we must have some connection...and what they do find them. What if they see Scootaloo’s wings?! What will happen then? Will they tell someone? People like that will no doubt try to make money off a little girl with wings...
Lightning shook his head and held Scootaloo closer trying to shake the thoughts out of his mind.
“Well...if they want her they’ll have to go through me.”