//------------------------------// // Episode 8: Sleepless in Ponyville // Story: The Pony Guard (Season 3) // by MXCDarkHorse2020 //------------------------------// Episode 8: Sleepless in Ponyville On a nice day, Scootaloo is out performing her awesome mad scooter skills during her ride through Ponyville. She sped through and dodged every pony and Pride Lander she nearly came across during her ride with some of them smiling for her since she is really that skilled. And so skilled that she was able to use a broken crashed cart as a ramp that sent her flying across town all the way over to Sweet Apple Acres. “Whoo-hoo!” She cheered just when Rainbow Dash and Fuli both run and fly by. “Nice moves, kid.” The speedy peagsus complimented while sipping her drink while flying backwards. “Nice moves? Rainbow Dash thinks I've got–“ She said to herself before dropping to the ground. “Nice moves.” Fuli finished while bumping the peagsus’s landing to the ground as opposed to the hay pile “Yes...nice moves!” Scootaloo felt even more pleased that Fuli is giving the same nod of respect along with Rainbow Dash. Shortly afterwards, Scootaloo would make her way back to the clubhouse where her fellow Crusaders are playing tic-tac-toe. “...Then, all of a sudden, I'm airborne! And Rainbow Dash along with Fuli look over and was like, "Nice moves, kid."” She finished recalled what happened back then. “Woooow.” Apple Bloom remarked in amazement. “They really said that?” Sweetie Belle asked the little filly who goes on and on how much she looks up to them. “I mean, it's like they practically told me they wanted to take me under her wing, teach me everything she knows, and become like my big sisters!” She further expressed of what she thinks this means for her even though her fellow Crusaders don’t feel the same way. “I dunno about all that.” “It was a really nice compliment and all, but...” Her friends commented which trying to find the right words not to discourage their friend. “I know, I know.” Scootaloo acknowledged. “But all that stuff I said could happen, right?” She then asked with a hopeful smile. “Sure.” “Absolutely.” The two replied just for the sake of appeasing her when she looks out to see Rainbow Dash tackling the clouds outside with Fuli keeping pace with her on the ground. “I just need to find a way to spend some time with them, y'know, so they can see more of my awesomeness.” “Well... Applejack and I are supposed to be campin' up at Winsome Falls this weekend with both Kion, Beshte, Kiara, and Mtoto.” Apple Bloom thought of an idea. “Maybe I could get my big sis to invite Rainbow Dash and Fuli, and then you could come, too!” “Really?!” Scootaloo felt very eager with that proposal when her tiny wings flapped hard hearing that. “Sure!” Apple Bloom replied with the little unicorn feeling a little left out. “I wanna go...” She sadly expressed. “Well, duh, of course you can go!” Apple Bloom reminded. “And I'll get Rarity to come too!” Sweetie then proposed thinking this as another opportunity to spend time with her. “Rarity loves camping!” “I despise camping!” Rarity voiced otherwise while shaking her head at the thought. “All of that...” She shuddered. “...nature.” “Applejack's going with her little sister.” Sweetie Belle pointed out before turning away sadly. “But, y'know, if you don't wanna spend time with me...” She added with buttoned up eyes to which even her big sister couldn’t refuse to say no to her. “Oh, all right!” She gave in to which Sweetie Belle happily smiled hearing that. “Ooh! Of course I will need to find an outfit more appropriate for 'roughing it'. Ooh!” She then thought of before getting herself ready for this outing just when both the other Crusaders emerge from their hiding spot in the nearby closet. “See? Told you she'd wanna go.” She told the silently stunned yet impressed fillies that she was able to pull the strings quite efficiently before trotting off ahead. Sometime later, both Apple Bloom and Scootaloo grouped with Applejack, Kion, Kiara, Mtoto, and Beshte who all had their luggage on their backs. "Apple Bloom, Scootaloo!" "Kiara!" "It's so good to see you girls, again!" "You too, Kiara!" The three traded before the young princess ran up to greet the happy fillies. "Been getting into a lot of trouble, lately?" She asked in a teasing manner. "No..." "Not really..." They returned rather flustered before being patted on the back by the lioness in a friendly manner to remind them she was just teasing. Much like Kion, Kiara has a pretty good relationship with the Cutie Mark Crusaders. And during the time they took up residence in Pride Rock, she allowed them sleep beside her after they hit rock bottom during the Gabby Gums scandal. For her it was one night of Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle nuzzling their heads on both of her sides with Scootaloo sleeping on top of her back but she was willing to allow it after everything they went through that day. “You packed bug spray?” Applejack asked her little sister to remind her. “Yup.” She replied while briefly pulling up said canister of spray. “You got the canteens?” “Yup.” Applejack responded with a similar reply. “Looks like we're all set then.” Just then everyone was all taken aback by the sheer tall height and large amount of luggage that casted a shadow over them. "Whoa! Wha...what is that?!" Mtoto fearfully asked before stumbling backwards upon seeing the growing shadow approaching them, to which Beshte was quick to smile and assure him he has nothing to worry about. "It's okay, Mtoto. Look!" Unsurprisingly, it was Rarity’s luggage who was currently wearing her “stylish.” camping outfit more fitting for summer weather with her little sister grunting and doing the heavy labor of carrying all of her belongings. “Hey!” She greeted them all to which Kion had his head shaking at the typical fashionista. “Typical, Rarity.” Kion said to himself "Geez, is this a camping trip or a summer outing?" Kiara asked her brother while cracking an amused smile before sharing a chuckle together knowing their friend before Applejack approached her. “Gee, Rarity, did you remember to pack?” She sarcastically asked to take a jab at her large luggage with a teasing smile. "For a few days or a few years?" Kiara jabbed to which had her, Applejack, and Kion laughing out loud together to which Rarity rolled her eyes in response. “Oh, well, let's see who gets the last laugh when you're absolutely desperate to curl your lashes, and you realize you didn't bring your eyelash curler.” Rartiy responded while batting her eyelashes before putting on her sunglasses. “Well, looks like we're all set now.” Applejack then said while Scootaloo looks around for two more campers she expected to see right about now. “Everything okay, Scootaloo?” Kion asked the filly ahead of them. “But what about Rainbow Dash and Fuli? Aren’t they coming?” She asked while fluttering her wings. “'Course they are, sugarcube. They’re gonna meet us up at our first campsite.” Applejack answered before they set forward on the trail. “Oh.” “Alright, everyone, let's go!” Kion led the way alongside Applejack with Sweetie Belle following from the back due to all of the weight she was carrying. Even with all of the grunting she did, she did not stop smiling, although both Kion and Beshte felt like she still shouldn’t be doing this alone. “Here, Sweetie Belle…” Kion offered while having her stop for a moment. “How about you let me and Beshte handle this?” “That would be nice.” Sweetie responded not arguing there. When she came to a complete stop, Beshte took control of pushing the wagon from behind while Kion took the reins up front. “Poa! This is heavy!” Beshte remarked upon feeling the weight of Rarity’s belongings. “Wow, Sweetie Belle.” Kion commented while grunting from the weight he now had to carry. “You sure a strong filly for managing all of this up to this point.” “Why, thanks, big brother.” Sweetie Belle returned acknowledging it was still worth it to get Rarity to join her. It took some time, but everyone was all able to make it up the mountain where their camping site is set to be. “Oh, are we there yet?” Rarity whined to which had some of the crew annoyed particularly Applejack and Kion who more on his back to deal with already. “The last thousand times you asked that, the answer was no.” Applejack irritably answered before gesturing to their destination just when both Rainbow and Fuli both appear with the former leaving a trail of rainbow behind her. “This time, it's actually yes. There's Rainbow Dash up there right now.” Upon seeing everyone else arrive, both the Guard’s Fastest immediately got to work setting up their camping site. With a super speedy kick, Rainbow was able cut down some logs from the trees that all managed to land down on their roots without falling over for seating for the fireplace. And with a quick swift jump into the nearby stream, Fuli was able to gather rocks they need to set up their fireplace. All without getting having any water drip on her fur. “Hevi Kabisa.” “Poa!” Both Kion and Beshte remarked in amazement at their quick timing while Scootaloo prepares for her opportunity to properly met her idols. “Alright, Scootaloo, just play it cool.” She said to herself before making her way towards them. “Hey Rai–“ She began before she ended up tripping over a log she didn’t see in front of her before she dropped her stuff, briefly balancing on a log, before spinning across the water and up the tree back to the ground while narrowly taking Rainbow’s head with Fuli there to quickly catch the filly on her back. “Hey, Rainbow Dash! Fuli!” She then greeted trying to play it cool. “What's up?” “Fine.” Fuli returned with a raised eyebrow showing more concern with her well-being after what had happened. “What took you guys so long?” Rainbow asked turned her head to the rest of the group. “Yeah, once again, I had time to clean myself up.” Fuli remarked while licking her paws. “Well, some of us didn't pack as light as the others.” Applejack answered with a glare directed at the pony filing her nails while Kion and Beshte finish bringing the unicorn’s wagon to their camping site. “So we were slowed down a bit.” "And by a bit we mean significantly slowed down." Kiara added in a deadpan manner. Even though they both managed find pulling that, Beshte had to sigh in relief while Kion gave Rarity the stink-eye for putting them along with Sweetie Belle through of all that. Nevertheless, everyone got their camping tents all set up, four tents for four pairs. One for the Apple Sisters, one for the unicorn sisters, one for the lion siblings, one for Beshte and Mtoto, and one for the Pegasus ponies and the Lion Guard’s Fastest. “Looks like you'll be sharing a tent with us, huh?” Rainbow commented to the filly sharing the same log as her with a nudge with Fuli sitting beside them. “Heh, if that's okay with you both.” Scootaloo returned with a shrug. “Of course.” Fuli voiced having no problem with it. “Sure!” Rainbow voiced that she’s cool with it too. “Long as you don't snore. You don't snore, do you?” She then slightly seriously asked of her. “Nope. No way. Not me. Never snored a day or night in my life.” The filly honestly responded with a slight nervous laugh. “Then you and I are gonna get along just fine.” Rainbow said in response before she along with everyone drop their jaws at the sight of Rarity setting up her tent, fit for a sophisticated alicorn princess like Princess Celestia. “You have got to be kidding me.” “What is she a princess or a fashionista?” Kion rhetorically asked. “I’m pretty sure she’s a fashionista.” Beshte answered not understanding that it was a rhetorical question. “Well, she sure seems to think highly of herself.” Kion returned while turning to the unicorn now on the balcony of her luxurious tent. “Sweetie Belle, do be a dear and see if you can find some fresh flowers for my bedside vase.” Rarity asked of her while dropping her special vase down her way. After the vase bounced from top cover of the entrance of the tent, Sweetie was able to catch it when it bounced in her direction before setting out to do so. “Scootaloo…” Rainbow began while mimicking the fashionista. “…do be a sweetheart and see if you can gather some firewood.” “Pretty please?” Fuli added while taking a crack at mimicking her voice to which both Scootaloo and Apple Bloom along with Mtoto and Kiara found their impersonation of Rarity pretty funny. “Seriously though. Can you get us some wood for the fire?” Fuli then seriously asked in her normal voice. “Of course!” Scootaloo happily obliged to their request before setting out to do so. Sometime later in the night, they all got the campfire all set up with every ready to sit together on the logs with Rarity preferring to sit back on one of her couches. “Okay, everybody get comfortable…” Rainbow told everyone when Sweetie Belle hands her older sister her cup of tea before joining her fellow Crusaders sitting together on one of the logs. “…'cause I'm about to tell you the best story you've ever heard.” “Is it about the time when Fuli had wings, and then they got ruined, and then you saved her from plummeting to her doom?” Scootaloo eagerly asked to which Fuli glanced aside with a slight blush on her cheeks while borrowing a pair of Rarity’s sunglasses to hide her embarrassment over her own personal gamble to help Rainbow fly better. “Okay, maybe it's the second best story you've ever heard…” Rainbow then continued. “But probably still the scariest.” She said while hovering over the Cutie Mark Crusaders in a spooky tone. “You like scary stories, right?” “Mm-hmm.” Scootaloo nodded before the speedster begins telling the story. “It all happened on a night just like this one, in a forest, just like this...” She began while flying up higher and higher in the sky. “...And then, The Olden Pony asked,” She added while mimicking a female elderly pony. “Who's got my rusty horseshoe?" “Not me!” Sweetie fearfully exclaimed while huddling together with the other Crusaders for a group hug. “You do!” Rainbow shouted right in front of the girls with Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Mtoto screamed off the top of their lungs before fleeing. Even though Scootaloo deep down was scared to the core by that story she tried her hardest not to show it. “Something in my throat. I wasn't scared at all, heheh. Good story.” She feigned with slight laugh to which Fuli gave her a look that says it all of what she truly thinks not fooled by her lie but still smiled knowing she’ll come around soon. “Knew you wouldn't be scared.” Rainbow said while ruffling her mane before flying up to the flagpole of Rarity’s tent. “The way you jumped that cart the other day, you're like me – fearless.” “Yeah. Fearless.” She briefly expressed the same sentiment though her visible fear shows upon hearing a nearby owl hoot before being patted on the back by the cheetah behind her with a warm smile. “Don't worry. Rarity is here to keep you safe and sound.” Rarity assured her little sister still shaking in fright while coddling her. "So is the Lion Guard's Strongest." Beshte said to the frighten elephant hiding behind him. “Think it's about time for me to hit the straw.” Applejack commented with a yawn before moving to retreat to her tent before noticing her little sister trembling and holding onto her body. “Don't you worry, little sis. There's no 'Olden Pony' in our tent.” She assured before making her way inside their tent. “Yep, now let’s get some rest.” Kion said in agreement before letting Beshte go inside their large tent before joining him inside. “See you all in the morning.” Beshte said while getting inside. “Haa, that sure was funny, wasn't it?” Scootaloo commented with a nervous laugh. “Heheh. How they were all afraid of The Olden Pony? Heh, but not me, heh!“ “Oh really?” Fuli questioned with a smirk that says otherwise. “That's because you're tough, just like when I was your age!” Rainbow returned to Scootaloo while giving her a little tap on the shoulder to which she rubbed her arm rather affectionately. Just then, Fuli put out the fire with a bucket of water to which startled Scootaloo for a second before she quickly regained her composure still seeking to maintain the cool and tough exterior to Rainbow Dash. “I'm hitting the sack. Come in whenever you feel like it.” Rainbow said before flying inside their tent leaving both Fuli and Scootaloo alone out in the open with the latter’s confident exterior crumbling upon seeing the eerie darkness around her. “You all right?” Fuli asked once again noticing her sudden anxiety from their surroundings. “Yes of course…” She quickly responded with a forced smile. “…Just my imagination...” “Okay.” Fuli returned still unconvinced. “Just keep in mind you can talk to me about anything if you want and I won’t judge you either way.” “Okay.” Scootaloo just said to get the cheetah to go inside with worrying all over her to which she reluctantly did so deciding it was best to let her open up of what’s driving her crazy rather than forcing it out of her. “And that isn't the thundering stomp of The Olden Pony...” Scootaloo then said to herself further spooked by the eerily winds along with the nearby wolf howling before rushing inside the tent just when Fuli was getting herself comfortable inside. Inside the tent, Rainbow Dash was already fast asleep and snoring on top of her sleeping bag while Fuli gets herself comfortable to sleep in the open center of the tent. Scootaloo tries to get some sleep but even with the safety of her idols, she is still plagued by voices in her head. “I-Is anyone out there?” Scootaloo frighteningly asked while peeking her head out of the tent. She then got startled when she thought she heard voices nearby before running off ahead from what she thinks is The Olden Pony. She was now terrified for her life upon being stalked by the red-eyed stranger while running for her life. She then slowed down thinking she gave her slip while briefly stumbling across a tree with a scary mouth similar to the one the Guard came across some time ago. But then when she turned around… “Who got my rusty horseshoe?” The Olden Pony questioned to which the filly screamed and retreated to her tent for safety while briefly catching a glimpse of the dark blue-coated alicorn princess, Princess Luna. “Rainbow Dash–?” Scootaloo urged her to wake up only to be greeted by The Olden Pony. “You do!” Scootaloo yelped out loud once more before waking up thus revealing what she thought she went through was really just a dream. Even though she has nothing to be worried about, Scootaloo still can’t help up shake in paralyzed terror not too scared to go to sleep. Fuli catching this with one open eye, makes her way over to the terrified Pegasus and places a soothing tail on her back which helped her fall fast asleep before moving back to sleeping space. “It’s okay.” Fuli whispered to the now sleeping filly. “I’m here for you.” Hopefully, she’ll open up that the scary story she told earlier is really making her paranoid. Hopefully… The next morning, the group starts packing their belongs where the Apple Sisters along with the Guard’s Strongest and Fiercest immediately get to work with Rarity lounging on her chair when Sweetie Belle hands her older sister her breakfast. At the same time both Rainbow Dash and Fuli have waken up along with Scootaloo. “What's that noise?” Rainbow asked with a yawn. “Is there a bug in here?” She wondered before turning to Scootaloo. “I dunno about you, but I slept like a filly.” “Yep, Best night ever.” Scootaloo replied while turning back carrying some baggage over her nightmare last night. “Glad you're rested up, because we've got a long trek ahead.” Rainbow replied when she opened up her tent so she can help start packing and head on over to their next stop. “Totally gonna be worth it when we get to Winsome Falls.” “Yeah... Totally...” Scootaloo replied with a forced smile and a slight twitchy eye just when Fuli got to work packing their sleeping bags while seeing that the dream is still creeping her out. She none of the less didn’t say anything about it for now and resumed packing so everyone can get going sooner. In no time at all, everyone was back on the trail with the Apple Sisters leading the way with Rainbow right behind them and of course Rarity trailing right behind them. But knowing her, she decided to lounge on the way over with Sweetie Belle pushing it up the trail with both Kion and Beshte carrying her cart of luggage. “Ohh... Am I sweating? Oh! I think I'm sweating!” She then exclaimed when she sweat indeed dripped on her face when it was really from her little sister from pushing her uphill along with helping carry her luggage. “Oh, uh, but it's absolutely worth it to get to spend time with my little sister.” She smiled at her little sister assisting her along the way. “It's just that this cart feels like it's getting heavier all the time!” “Gee, I wonder why?” Kion grumbled with an annoyed glare directed at Rarity. “Maybe if you got moving on your own four hooves we’d be moving a lot quicker.” “I don't care if that's cart's as heavy as a pack of mules. If we don't get a move on, it'll be dark before we get to the campsite!” Applejack commented to which woke the still tired filly sleeping on the back on the cart. “Dark?!” She immediately got her helmet and scooter together before riding off ahead. “I'll just ride ahead and make sure the path is clear. We don't wanna be out here after dark, right?” “Doesn't matter to me.” Rainbow shrugged. "Just be careful and stay on the trail!" Kion cautioned before turning to the cheetah with a serious look who nodded in response to what he wants from her. “Well, y'know…” She said while gesturing to the other Crusaders. “…it's for the scaredy-ponies, heheh.” Scootaloo then rode off ahead with Fuli following after her to make sure she doesn’t break a hoof out there alone. Of course, with not enough sleep under her belt, Scootaloo didn’t have enough energy to stay completely focused with her eyes on the road. She started to fall asleep while riding until she felt her scooter bump a rock on the path. “Don't fall asleep now... We've got to get to that campsite before dark...” She tried to tell her before falling asleep and nearly going over the edge before making a jump of a water crossing with a pony-hungry alligator there ready to eat her only for her to mindlessly cross over no problem. Fuli managed to repeat the same feat with her eyes focused on the filly unknowingly endangering herself. “Don’t even think about it!” She warned the alligator while briefly leaping on his snout before moving to keep pace with the scooter riding filly who managed to accidentally snag a bear’s lunch. She quickly moved to obtain the fish before sending back towards the bear so he can enjoy while shouting “Sorry!” in his direction before witnessing Scootaloo ride her scooter through the inside of a log spinning across the top of a sharp edged rock in the middle of the nearby stream of water. She then flew up into the sky briefly when her scooter tripped up and sent her flying to which Scootaloo naturally cuddled to herself like she is hugging her pillow until Fuli caught her on her back just when the others walking on the trail happen to witness it. “Um... don't come this way!” Scootaloo said to everyone quickly after waking up again. “Take the path! It's, heh, way better than going through the bushes.” Everyone still pressed forward without another word with Fuli placing her tail on the filly to urge her against getting off of her back. “Probably for the best along with you resting for the rest of the walk over.” Fuli suggested. “Because you look like you haven’t gotten enough sleep last night.” “But I’m not tired….” She attempted to protest only to fall asleep on her shoulders after a yawn. “Sure you are.” Fuli said with a knowing smile to which both Kion and Beshte smiled seeing that she is really showing a soft side to this filly before all pressed forward with their journey together. Although it didn’t last long when Applejack stepped on a twig when she was wondering why the filly couldn’t sleep last night. Scootaloo startled by the sound, ending up jumping off of her back onto one of the high clouds, before plummeting hard back towards the ground when part of the cloud she was hanging onto broke off. Once again, Fuli was there to catch her again. “You're more nervous than a worm in an apple on cider making day. What gives, Scootaloo?” Applejack asked the filly who quickly tried to maintain her unflappable demeanor. “Heh, nothing, just thought I heard something, aheh.” She denied being spooked before finding herself jumpy after hearing a nearby owl hooting. “Easy, Scootaloo.” Fuli urged her to calm down, using her tail to keep her from running off. “It’s just an owl.” “Oh.” “You sure you're okay?” Applejack asked once more, clearly seeing that something is really bothering her deep down her dark shadowed eyes. “You seem a little jumpy.” “Just getting my exercise!” She quickly replied. “You know how important it is to stretch out those hindquarters every so often, aheh.” “Yes, but not when you’re still not well-rested.” Fuli commented with concern in her voice before turning to Rarity’s luggage and quickly leaped in for a brief rummage in search for something. “Hey!” Rarity complained. “And just what do you think you’re doing with my earmuffs?” “Borrowing them so Scootaloo can sleep the rest of the way over.” She answered while placing them on the orange pony’s ears who then got comfortable sleeping on the cheetah’s back without any further interruptions up the trail. Rarity pouted in annoyance that she did so without asking but deep down to her element she probably would have said yes if she did either way. “There you go.” Fuli said to Scootaloo. “That should help you sleep long enough for so to get up the mountain.” While Scootaloo yawns and makes herself comfortable on Fuli’s back, the others couldn’t help but notice that she really is taking a rather sibling-like approach to her. “You know…” Beshte began. “…for someone not into being so gentle. You sure have a soft spot for Scootaloo don’t you?” “What do you mean?” Fuli asked caught off-guard by that question. “You know…” Kion said with a teasing smile. “…the way you look after her and allow her to sleep on your back.” “She’s just really tired.” Fuli defended trying not act flustered by their approach. “And I’m just doing her favor in helping her get well-rested.” “Uh-huh, sure.” Applejack replied unconvinced while gesturing to the filly on her back. “In a big sister way.” “So what?” Fuli responded finding it no different than doing her a simple favor. “Point being you sure look out for her like a big sister.” Applejack responded to make her point. “And there is no shame in that.” “Really?” “Of course.” Sweetie Belle agreed. “I mean I look up to Kion as another big brother I can count on when I need help along with Apple Bloom.” “And we all have that kind of relationship with Twilight.” Apple Bloom added. “And she likewise returns the favor too.” "Point being, there's no shame in sharing a big sister-like relationship with someone even if you're not related to someone." Kiara pointed out while turning to her younger brother who smiled back. "As long as you look out for each other and show that you care for each other you have one very special bond with someone who looks up to you." “Okay, but again I’m just doing this so she is ready to have fun for our camping trip, remember?” Fuli then said to remind everyone it’s just for a friend. “Of course.” Beshte replied to assure they are not putting any pressure on her. “And you know we weren’t trying to push you around or make fun of you. We just think it’s really nice that you care for her since she really looks up to you and Rainbow Dash is all.” "You really do have the same bond over speed and doing daring stunts." Mtoto added in an encouraging manner. “Yes, I’ve heard she really does.” Fuli acknowledged. “She even started their own fan club of me and Rainbow Dash.” “They do?” Rainbow asked with faux surprise. “Rainbow, you were there.” Fuli reminded not fooled by his attempt to act surprised. “Of course.” She said with a playful grin. “Just goes to show how awesome I am.” She added while flexing her muscles. “Yep, along with the club’s president who looks up to you as her big sister too.” Fuli added to remind her of that too. “Well, what can I say?” Rainbow returned feeling impressed that she feels that way of her too. “She really does idolize me.” “You could say and return that if you feel that way about her.” Fuli suggested before seeing the knowing looks the others are giving her since she is the one giving advice here. “By following my example when we get there.” She added to which got them seeing the real Fuli deep down her tough exterior. “Maybe we should.” Rainbow considered it while they make their way forward. The group managed to get to their destination just when Luna’s moon rises to the sky. By then, Scootaloo was now fully rested and ready to resume enjoying their camping trip. “No need for tents tonight, y'all. We'll just take shelter in that cave.” Applejack told everyone with Scootaloo once again worried for her life upon hearing that’s what everyone is going to do. “All right!” Rainbow eagerly expressed her excitement over the idea. “A deep, dark cave! Perfect for the story I've got for tonight. All we need is a campfire, and we're good to go.” She added in Scootaloo’s direction. But once again, Scootaloo’s hope of feeling better and looking forward to it quickly vanished with the scary story reminder yet again. “Uh, of course...” Scootaloo nervously replied with emitting a frightened gulp. “I'll be right back with lots of firewood from the deep... dark... not-scary-at-all forest!” “Thanks.” Rainbow returned while Fuli watches on seeing the filly run off ahead. “I’ll be back.” She excused herself. “I’m going to make sure she doesn’t get lost in the darkness.” She quickly rushed off ahead to where Scootaloo has went off to and she saw she never really got very far ahead in her search since she managed to get behind the wagon with only a handful of twigs in front of her. “Okay. I can do this.” Scootaloo said to herself. “On the count of three, I get those branches. One... two... three!” She is still standing on the spot before sighing and kneeling down on the spot still frozen in fear. “Here, branches branches branches...” She tried to literally reach out to them to come to her. “Seriously?” Fuli quipped to herself before walking forward into the darkness ignoring the multiple pairs of eyes Scootaloo was seeing in her mind before fetching three big logs from behind the bushes. “For the record, branches don’t come to you on their own.” She casually told her. “Oh, right, right.” She replied with an embarrassed chuckle before groaning at herself for letting her anxiety get the better of her before joining her back at their camping site. “Bbbbrrr! Hoo-wee! It's colder than a timber-wolf's toenail. Bbbrr! Where's that Scootaloo and Fuli?” Applejack expressed while shivering her fur off from the chilly winds. “Right here.” Fuli reported while presenting and placing the firewood into the center of their fireplace gathering. “And we are ready to get warm and listen to another campfire story?” “Yep.” Applejack nodded before getting the fire started where Scootaloo wasted no time in joining Fuli and Rainbow Dash on the log they were sitting on with the former placing her tail on the filly’s back to assure her it’s okay. “Now, where was I?” Rainbow said before beginning his story. “Oh yeah, the scary part.“ She began speaking in a spooky and sinister voice accompanied by an evil laugh. Both Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle sitting next to their big sisters on their sitting logs were both scared but were both eager to hear it in contrast to Scootaloo who wanted to try to avoid hearing another scary story. “Hey, I have an idea!” She immediately proposed. “How about I tell tonight's story?” “Alright, just make sure it's a horrible one.” Rainbow relented while resting her hooves onto the log while the other big sisters wrap their hooves around their little sisters. For once Rarity was willing to forego her preferred chair in favor of being there for her little sister. “There once was a really really nice pony who lived in a bright and sunny land, where there are rainbows every day, and lots and lots of happy friends, and–“ Scootaloo tried to tell a happy story which had everyone exchanging odd looks with each other until Rainbow interrupted her mid-sentence with a hoof in her mouth. “No offense, but it's not a real campfire story unless somepony's shaking.” She kindly stopped her while gently ruffling her mane again before resuming her scary story. “I've been told that these very woods are haunted...by The Headless Horse! It gallops only at night–“ Rainbow began with her shadow growing taller behind her. “If it doesn't have a head, then how in tarnation does this pony know where it's goin'?” Applejack briefly interrupted to question. “It's headless, not brainless.” Rainbow answered before resuming her story. “...looking for little lost ponies–“ She said in a spooky tone while sneaking up behind the Apple Sisters. “So where's its brain?” Applejack again asked pointing out the major thing someone needs in order to actually be alive. “And how can it be alive without a head and a brain?” Kion also asked trying to find the logic in it to which Rainbow groaned in annoyance. “What are you? Ono’s psychic?” Rainbow asked. “Yep.” He nodded just to mess with her to which the others shared a hearty laugh over it to which had the rainbow-maned peagsus feeling like she had walking her mouth into another joke. “Just let me tell the story?” Rainbow asked of the lion cub being a smart-flank. “Sure thing?” Kion obliged to her request with a smirk unable to stop teasing her. “Anyways…” Rainbow said before continuing. “Fear was dripping from the air...” She said in her spooky voice while everyone watches on with eyes of intriguing interest waiting for the scary parts of the story when Rainbow’s face is shadowed by the rising moon. “...and they were never heard from ever again!” She then finished telling to which Sweetie Belle gasped after hearing the story. “Never?” “Never.” “Hevi Kabisa.” “Poa!” "Wow!" Just then fire sparked which spooked Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle before they both giggled and hugged their older sisters after finding it a very good and scary story along with Mtoto who did the same with Beshte. Scootaloo on the other hoof was scared silly and trembling behind her log to which Fuli could only pity the poor filly for her prideful nature preventing her from opening up about it. "Wow!" Kiara voiced after getting over her wide eyed shock from having listened to her story. "Now that truly is scary." “Once again, you've impressed me.” Kion remarked very impressed. “Well I am awesome at what I do…” Rainbow proudly responded. “…because even the bravest of the bravest gets scared sometimes.” She smugly added recalling their little ‘encounter’ with the Zimwi. “Don’t push it.” He lightly warned her with a half-serious grin. “Don't worry, you'll be safe with me tonight.” Rarity reassured her little sister clinging onto her while returning the hug in kind. Scootaloo then realized it was that time of the night yet again. Something that she is not looking forward to. “It's not time for bed yet, is it?” She desperately asked of someone to tell her otherwise. “'Fraid so, Scootaloo.” Applejack honestly answered. “Sorry, Scootaloo, but it’s that time of the day.” Kion repeated while gesturing to the late night sky up ahead although the filly is not done desperately trying to get out of it. “Uh, but we haven't even sung any campfire songs yet!” Scootaloo desperately pointed out with a forced grin. “You don't have to ask me twice!” Sweetie Belle eagerly voiced with one on mind. “Ninety-nine buckets of oats on the wall, ninety-nine buckets of oats! Take one down, pass it around, ninety-eight buckets of oats on the wall! Ninety-eight buckets of oats on the wall, ninety-eight buckets of oats!” She began before going through all ninety-nine verses of the very long song to the point everyone dozed off. The sole exceptions were Scootaloo who was the only one enjoying the song if that meant staying up late and Fuli who wore the earmuffs she briefly borrowed from Rarity to mute out her out of tune singing until she was done. “Take one down, pass it around, you've got zero buckets of oats on the waaaaaaaalllllll!!!!” She concluded her song with a very high note which woke everyone up from their brief nap before falling asleep herself. “At least she finished on a high note.” Fuli smirked to which Kion rolled his eyes at the joke before Rarity levitates her sleeping little sister on over inside the cave with her. "Well, time to go to sleep." Kiara declared before moving along with her brother so they can find someplace to sleep together in the cave. “Good night, Sweetie Belle.” Rarity sweetly said to her before going inside. “Good night, y'all.” “Good night, y'all.” The Apple Sisters each said while everyone makes their way inside with tired eyes. “Sleep tight.” “Sleep tight.” Applejack and Rainbow exchanged to each other. “See you all in the morning.” Kion told everyone. “See you all then.” Beshte returned while letting loose a big yawn. "Good night!" Mtoto called out with a small yawn. Fuli is the last to walk inside but not before noticing that Scootaloo is the only one who hasn’t moved inside the cave with them. “Scootaloo, aren’t you going to join us for some much needed sleep?” She asked with a concerned eyebrow raised in her direction. "Oh, just one more song! Anyone?” She pleaded to everyone trying to get themselves settled down before they sleep. “How about a dance contest? I know you love to cut a rug, so how 'bout we mess up a cave floor? I have a brilliant idea! Hide and seek! Who's with me?” Apple Bloom yawned in response. “Maybe tomorrow.” She politely declined before crashing face-first into her sleeping bag much to Scootaloo’s disappointment. “Aww.” “Seems like you don't really wanna go to sleep tonight.” Kion noted. “Is there some reason why?” “Pfft, of course not!” The filly dismissed his concerns while gesturing to the Guard’s Fastest. “I just love camping and hanging out with Rainbow Dash and Fuli so much that I don't wanna waste a single minute with sleep!” She faked a yawn. “Heh, silly sleep.” “That's cool and all, Scoot…” Rainbow acknowledged before putting on her ear-plugs before turning away to go asleep. “…but this pony needs her shut-eye and she needs it now!” “Ugh, this is so unfair...” Scootaloo grumbled before moving towards her sleeping bag. “It’ll be okay…” Fuli gently said to her with a paw on her shoulder. “…we’re all just tired from our long journey and we all just need to get some sleep is all.” “But what about you?” She asked desperate for something to stay awake. “Nothing to worry about.” She replied confidently. “I’ll be right by your side while we sleep together. Just try to make sure you stay inside the cave, okay?” “Okay.” Scootaloo reluctantly obliged before they both got settled together in their sleep. “I'm falling asleep...” When Scootaloo fell asleep she suddenly finds herself having the same dream again. The same eerily forest with similar hoof steps approaching her, getting louder and louder with every step. This spooked Scootaloo into walking away from the source of the sound before running off as fast as her legs can carry her. “If The Headless Horse catches me, I'm never gonna be heard from again! And I wanna be heard from!” She stated in a frantic frenzy to avoid the creepy stalkers before accidentally tripping off a tree root she didn’t see and ended up tumbling down the cliff. Said hoof steps she heard seconds ago, closed in on her and appeared at the top of the cliff from the shadows of the moonlight. “It's all over!” She cried hysterically upon seeing the Headless pony from Rainbow’s story in the flesh advancing on her at his mercy. “Aaah!” She buried her hooves into her face to brace herself for the worst before hearing the voice of the body speak to her. “A warm welcome to you, Scootaloo.” The body’s heart-warming voice spoke to her before transforming herself to reveal herself to be the long blue-sparkling maned night monarch who floated down over to her. “Princess Luna!” She recognized while wiping the sweat from her forehead. “I thought you were The Headless Horse!” “You were mistaken, but I hope not disappointed.” She corrected in a heavenly tone. “You are so, so much better than The Headless Horse.” Scootaloo responded feeling much better now. “But what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in Canterlot?” “I am the princess of the night. Thus it is my duty to come into your dreams.” She answered. “Oh, yeah...” She remembered before realizing. “Wait, is this just a dream? But it feels so real!” She questioned from her surroundings before touching the air which left a vibration like she was touching water and creating a reflection. “I assure you that you are asleep.” Luna calmly explained before speaking cautioysly. “But when you awake, the thing that frightens you most will still exist.” “Eh... The Headless Horse?” Scootaloo nervously asked. “Hmmm...” Luna placed a hoof on her chin thinking it’s something else. “Is The Headless Horse really what frightens you the most?” She questioned where the truth lies deep down in the eye of the beholder. “Mm-mm.” She admitted while sitting on her flank and looking down feeling ashamed of herself. “I'm afraid Rainbow Dash and Fuli will find out I'm not as tough as she thinks I am.” “Everypony has fears, Scootaloo.” Luna reassured her while placing a hoof on her chin. “Everypony must face them in their own way. But they must be faced, or the nightmares will continue.” She then added seriously of what’s in store for her should she not. Scootaloo gave a slight whine in uncertainty just when her dream starts to dissipate with her surroundings fading around her. “Face your fears!” She advised in her last words before the Pegasus filly finds herself awake back in her sleeping bag. “–Princess Luna?!” She said out loud now wide awake before sighing in relief seeing where she really is. “It was just a dream.” Her relief didn’t last long again when she got spooked by the drops of water falling from the stalactites and stalagmites from the cave ceiling. “But The Headless Horse isn't! Rainbow Dash said it lives here, in these very woods!” She made her way towards the cave entrance before hearing distant whinnying. “It's the wicked whinny of The Headless Horse!” She exclaimed in fright before riding off ahead on her scooter after donning her helmet. Fuli having secretly watched Scootaloo with slightly open eyes turned to the true source of the sound they heard which turned out to be Rainbow Dash’s snoring in her sleep. “Okay, that’s while impressive yet creepy.” She commented to herself before nudging the pony awake. “Rainbow! Rainbow Dash!” “Huh? What? Is it morning time already.” Rainbow tiringly asked in a groggily tone of voice before turning to the cheetah that woke her up. “Oh, it’s you…” She said rather drowsy and slightly irritated. “Okay Fuli.” She then relented upon seeing her serious expression. “What is it?” “It’s Scootaloo.” She answered. “She’s gone!” “What?” She exclaimed in horror upon hearing that. “What is she thinking going out there all by herself?” “Apparently searching for the sounds of the Headless Horse coming from your snoring.” She explained to her quickly. “Really?” Rainbow questioned in surprise upon hearing that. “Do I really sound like that?” “Yes.” The cheetah bluntly answered before running off ahead to catch up to Scootaloo. “And now she is fleeing thinking the pony is around.” “We got no time to waste!” Rainbow stated before catching up to her in flight so they can both find her before she injures or worst kills herself over some pony from an old story. Up front is the panicking filly racing up ahead. “So it's a horse without a head... which means it doesn't have a mouth... and if it doesn't have a mouth, then... it's not a horse-eat-pony kind of horse... but still... it's a horse without a head!” She screamed to herself while dodging the upcoming overhead tree branches. During her panic, she ended up losing her balance and ended up going off the trail after tripping up and down the hill on the side of the path. She ended up tumbling down the side and ended up grabbing a loose tree branch over the rapid-flowing part of the stream while her scooter ends up falling and sinking into the water. “Hello?! Is anyone out there?” She called out to someone for desperate help out of her predicament. “Anyone except The Headless Horse?” She briefly said to herself just when the tree gives way and sends her plummeting down the water. “Heelllp…” She screamed when Fuli is the first to arrive quickly slid down the side of the path and into the water after her. She moved herself towards the filly under the rapid flowing water. “Hang on!” The cheetah told her when they are fast-approaching a huge waterfall. Just when they approach the edge before they could plummet down the waterfall together, Rainbow Dash quickly swooped in and caught them. “I gotcha!” “Rainbow Dash! Fuli! Is that you?” Scootaloo questioned her saviors before exclaiming in relief. “Thank you, thank you!” Rainbow would then fly the two over to the edge of the trail down below the safe and slow flowing part of the river before she along with Fuli ask a very important question to the filly for her actions that endangered herself. “Are you okay?” Fuli started after shaking the water off of her fur. “Yes.” She answered after a brief sigh of relief. “Good.” She gently replied before getting serious. “Now, care to tell us why you ran off like that?” Scootaloo now felt cornered and tearing up afraid to admit it to both members of the Guard sternly expecting an answer from her until she briefly saw Luna’s image in the moon up in the sky. “It is time for you to face your real fear, Scootaloo!” The princess of the night once again told the filly who then sighed before turning back to the two expecting an answer to look them in the eye before confessing. “I'm so, so sorry, Rainbow Dash! Fuli!” She apologized with tears coming out of her eyes. “I just wanted you two to hang out with me and see how cool I was so you'd take me under your wing, teach me everything you know, and become like my big sisters!” She took another breath in between her explanation before sitting on her flank and taking off her helmet. “But then you started telling those spooky stories and I got scared! I thought I heard The Headless Horse so I ran out here by myself, and, I guess you know the rest.” Rainbow upon hearing this along with Fuli, softened up from her being cross with choice words for her while Fuli shook her head understandably of what was going through her mind when she did that before they both smiled and moved to sit down in front of her to see eye to eye with her. “It’s okay, Scootaloo.” Fuli comforted her with her paw on the filly's chin to get her to look at her in the eyes. “You’re safe now. And you’re not the first filly I had to leap into the river after to come rescue you.” “Yeah.” Rainbow agreed. “And I'm gonna tell you something, but if you ever tell anypony else, I'm gonna deny it. And that goes for you too Fuli.” She briefly added in her direction who briefly giggled since this is the brave and self-confident Rainbow Dash we’re talking here. “First time I heard those stories...” She began before looking around to make sure no one else is nearby to hear them. “I was scared too.” “You were?” Scootaloo asked with a sniffle from her previous crying. “Sure!” She nodded. “I mean, I got over it because I realized pretty quick that if there was such thing as a Headless Horse, I could totally take it on.” “And that’s where I came to see that too.” Fuli chimed in. “Besides a horse needs a head in order to live and be able to run around to terrorize anyone nearby the forest.” She briefly added rather smugly before getting back on topic. “But point being it’s okay to be scared of something. Everyone has something they are afraid of. Even me.” “Like what?” Scootaloo asked. “Water.” She admitted before turning to glare at Rainbow ready with a bucket of water to dump on her. Rainbow giggled before wisely tossing the bucket away since the cheetah was ready to pounce and tackle and tear her apart on the spot. “Really?” Scootaloo asked before trying to make sense of it. “But isn’t that normal for cats to hate water?” “Yes, but long story short, I too ended nearly going over the waterfall at Hakuna Matata Falls when I was a little cheetah.” She explained while recalling the memory of her doing that. “I was just discovering the joys of having super speed when I ended up coming across a sharp turn I didn’t see until too late and ended up falling into the river. “YAAAAAAAAH!” “Luckily for me, a friend of mine who just happened to be there came to save me before I could land hard into the water.” She recalled landing on a young hippo’s back. Her savior had the same blue eyes Beshte has. “Are you okay?” “Yeah, thanks.” She said never feeling more relieved than ever upon being saved from what could have been a fatal fall. “You saved me just in time.” “Well I was just glad I got here in time.” The hippo thought nothing of it before moving towards the nearby dry land so the little cheetah could hop off without getting wet. “Just try to be careful when running by those falls, some of those turns can get you if you watch where you’re going.” “I’ll try.” She replied before rushing off ahead. “Huwezi!” “So Beshte was there to save you?” Scootaloo asked the cheetah who nodded in response. "Wow! Guess we really can relate there!" “Yep, and speaking of relate…” Fuli then said when she brought that up. “It is my understanding that you want a cheetah and somepony to take you under their wing, huh? Like two big sisters looking after you?” “Mm-hmm.” Scootaloo nodded. Both Rainbow and Fuli look at each other to think about it for a moment before turning back to the filly with their answer. “All right.” “Yeah, I might be up for something like that.” “Really?” Scootaloo eagerly asked to make sure she isn’t dreaming this when the two each place a wing and paw on around her. “As long as you don't go falling into any more rivers in the middle of the night.” Rainbow confirmed while jokingly slightly yet still serious about it. “It's a deal!” Scootaloo accepted before they all nuzzle each other’s heads in a sisterly embrace. The new sisterly trio all make their way back to their camping site to retire for the rest of the night before resuming their journey up the mountain where they finally reached Winsome Falls. When they got there, it was a lovely sight that had everyone seeing it was exactly like they dreamed when they first heard about it. A glorious rainbow waterfall with more rainbows and a pool for them to swim in nearby. “I call sister teams!” Sweetie declared. “Last herd to make it to the falls is a moldy carrot!” “Ugh, if you insist.” Rarity groaned with disinterest before joining her…and then racing off ahead with her little sister running alongside her. “It is so on!” The Apple sisters were quick to follow after them along with Kion, Kiara, Mtoto, and Beshte leaving the cheetah and Pegasus still standing where they are. “They think they can beat the two of us?” Rainbow commented. “Not on our watch!” Fuli confidently voiced before sprinting off ahead with Scootaloo on tow right on over to the falls before the sky blue maned Pegasus lifted the filly up onto her back and flew them up into the air with Scootaloo on top. For the first time in her life she gets a flying and running ride with her two big sisters and both Kion and Beshte watched very proudly for the three of them for sharing this adoptive sibling relationship. That night, Scootaloo is walking across the blue-stoned path minding her own business when she is suddenly face-to-face with The Olden Pony. “Who's got my rusty horseshoe?” She growled in her face until Rainbow and Fuli came to her rescue. “Here it is, for pony's sake.” Rainbow showed her the horseshoe she is looking for. “Now take it and stop all your moaning.” Fuli seriously added while tossing it in her direction. “Thank you, and have a nice day.” The Olden Pony returned rather ill-mannered before leaving them be with the filly’s adoptive older siblings placing their arms around her affectionately. Princess Luna watching from the nearby trees and bushes gives the little filly who turned her head towards her upon noticing her an approving wink for facing her own fears after she heard her giggle from behind. It was indeed an invaluable lesson Scootaloo learned through this camping trip and by doing so, she was able to gain not only one big sister, but two big sisters who likewise return it in kind and learn that there is no shame in being afraid of something and admitting it.