Chapter 4 – The Bumpy Path to Happiness
As day faded into night with the raising of Luna’s Moon, Rainbow Dash dropped a still smiling Scootaloo off at the orphanage before continuing onto her cloud mansion on the outskirts of Ponyville. Stepping through her front door, Dash realized how alone she actually was in the cavernous home. After fixing herself a simple daffodil sandwich and making sure Tank was fed and watered, she retired to her home office for the evening as she had plans to make.
As much as she would be loath to admit it, Dash knew from work that planning ahead and making to-do lists were important, even if it was a thing only ‘eggheads’ would do. After researching Equestrian Adoption Laws with Twilight, Rainbow learned everything she would need to do to finally be able to give Scoots the home she deserved. Pulling out a piece of paper and a quill, the cyan Pegasus planned out her next steps.
Step 1: Go to Orphanage and get Adoption Application.
Step 2: Arrange for Scootaloo to get a check-up (Pegasus Standards)
Step 3: Have discussion with Twilight over Dinner (first date <3)
Step 4: Find a home on the ground until Scootaloo can fly and sell cloud mansion back to Weather Factory.
Step 5: Find New head of Ponyville Weather Team and resign from the Wonderbolt Reserves.
The final step was the one that Dash found the hardest to write down. While she wouldn’t change the past 24 hours for anything in the world, finding out that she couldn’t retain her position on the weather team or the Wonderbolts as she would be outside of the chain of command on both teams by becoming Twilight’s consort hurt her more than a little. The small sacrifices would be worth it though.
Before today, I never realized how lonely I really was, she thought, setting her quill to the side, I have my friends and all, but coming home to an empty house just isn’t the same now.
Pulling out a thick stack of files from her desk, Dash began reviewing candidates to take over the weather team. Derpy was a good hearted young mare, but her flightiness and air headed personality could cause issues running Weather services for the small town. Thunderlane had attitude issues, but he knew how to manage and delegate almost as good as Dash did. The only other option would be the new transfer from Cloudsdale, Featherpoint. She was relatively new to the team, but her aeromancy skills were even better than Dash’s own. Looking over Featherpoint’s performance reviews, showed a hard working mare who was ambitious but not willing to step over anypony to get what she wanted. Making her decision for the weather team leadership, Dash picked up a clean sheet of paper and began drafting the hardest letter she would ever write, her resignation from the Wonderbolts.
********
After watching Dash wing her way out the balcony door and take off into the air, Twilight wrote out 4 invitations to the rest of her friends, letting them know she needed to speak to them the following afternoon regarding some important princess business. She had left things purposefully vague on the invitations as she wanted to ease them into considering her request.
While Spike and Scootaloo entertained themselves in Spike’s room after the orange filly made her decision about the adoption, Twilight and Dash sat down and went over what was needed for the process as well as what would be expected when Dash became her consort.
As the significant other of Equestrian royalty, Dash would be made aware of all of the important decisions being considered by the princess as well serving as one of her principal advisors. The only true downside would be that Dash would need to leave her public positions. It just wouldn’t be feasible for the Head of the Weather Factory or Commander Spitfire to be able to give commands to someone on the same level as royalty.
Absentmindedly, Twilight began doodling on a scrap piece of parchment drawing loops and spirals, a gentle smile on her face. Drawing a heart on the paper, she quickly scribbled TS + RD inside it, a warm feeling welling up inside her.
I know I don’t have any experience in a relationship, She thought, But I can’t wait to see how things work out with Dashie. She makes me happy even when she’s not around. Celestia, I feel like a filly with a school yard crush.
Thinking of fillies and romance, Twilight stood up and walked across the hall to check on Spike. Nudging his door open with the tip of her horn, she knocked gently getting Spike’s attention. Turning around, he still stood in front of his mirror, his suit jacket long abandoned and hanging loosely over his desk chair.
“You know there’s such a thing as being overprepared, right Spike?” She said with a laugh.
“You know what,” Spike began, “Kettle, this is Pot. I hate to break it to you. Your black.”
“Oh haha, who taught you that joke,” Twilight scolded, “You should head to bed soon. You’re going to wanna be fresh and alert when you present yourself to Big Mac.”
“You’re going to come with me, right?” Spike asked, walking over to his bed and climbing under the blankets.
“Of course,” Twilight answered, kissing her son gently on the cheek, “Both families need to be there when you talk to each other.”
“Does…does that mean Dash and Scoots are gonna be there too?” Spike asked.
“They can be if you want them to be there,” Twilight replied, sitting on her flank and leaning against the bed, “Why do you ask.”
“Well, Scootaloo told me that Dash is adopting her. And you told me that your and Dash are going to be special someponies.” Spike explained, “So that’s going to make Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash my family too right?”
“Well, that’s a very simplistic way of looking at things,” Twilight said proudly, “Very mature, but simplistic. Dash and I haven’t even had our first date yet and you’re practically walking me down the aisle already. Are you in that big a hurry to have me wrapped up in a relationship?”
“It has been just the two of us since you hatched me,” He replied, placing one of his claws on her foreleg, “Not that I haven’t loved having you as my mom. But, first you would just cut yourself off from everypony with your studies. Then we moved to Ponyville and you made friends with the girls. And you were happier than I’ve ever seen you. And then whenever you would spend time with Dash you would be even happier. I wouldn’t really mind if they joined our family. I’d be getting the coolest pony in Equestria, her words not mine, as a second mom. And I would gain Scootaloo as a sister which is even better.”
“So, you don’t mind sharing me?” Twilight asked, a trace of concern in her voice.
“Mom, I’ve had you to myself for 13 years now. And you’ve made me the happiest little dragon in Equestria.” He answered, throwing his arms around her barrel, “I’m happy to share you with Dash and Scootaloo. Especially if you make them as happy as you have made me.”
Returning the embrace of her loving son, Twilight carefully pulled away and stood up, leaving the room. Gently reaching out with her magic, She put out the candles on his bedside table and shut the door gently. Walking back into her own room, Twilight extinguished her own candles and climbed into bed under the gentle glow of Luna’s Moon.
Just another thing to talk to Dash about, Twilight thought, pulling a Rainbow Dash plushy from her end table drawer, Who knew my son could be so grown up.
********
Waking up early, Rainbow Dash ate a quick breakfast of dry oats and flew off towards Ponyville Orphanage. Landing gently at the front door large stone building, she slowly walked through the wooden entrance into the main foyer. Following a small sign on the wall, she soon found herself at the matron’s office. Knocking on the door, she waited a few minutes to be invited inside.
Entering the office, Dash found herself in front of twin desks with twin Earth ponies seated behind them. They were each colored black and white with mirrored Ying Yang symbols for their cutie marks. On the right sat Mrs. Minder, on the left Mrs. Taker.
“Thank you for coming to Ponyville Orphanage,” They said in unison, “How can we be of assistance.”
That’s more than a little creepy, Dash thought, repressing a shudder.
“Hello,” She began, coughing into her hoof, “My name is Rainbow Dash. I’d like to speak to you about adopting one of the fillies that lives here.”
“That is good to hear,” Mrs. Minder, “May I inquire as to which filly you are referring?”
“Her name is Scootaloo,” Dash replied, “Little orange Pegasus with a striped shield cutie mark with a wing on it.”
“Oh she’s such a dear,” said Mrs. Taker as she rose from behind her desk, “My sister will provide you with the paperwork while I see if the little filly is amenable to spending some time with you. Please, excuse me.”
As Mrs. Taker left the small room, Dash moved to sit on the large cushion in front of Mrs. Minder’s desk. Puffing out her fur a little, she rustled her wings and made herself comfortable.
“I’m glad to hear you expressing an interest in adopting Ms. Dash,” Mrs. Minder said, opening her desk drawer and removing a file, “Scootaloo has been a special case with us since we found her on the front stoop one rainy morning 13 years ago. We’ve attempted to place her with a couple of Pegasus families over the years, but once they learn of her…deficiency so to speak, they decide to choose a different child.”
“That is their loss,” Dash replied, “In the time that I have known Scootaloo, I have found her to be a kind, sweet and very talented young filly. There is no ‘deficiency’ as you put it.”
“You are correct,” Mrs. Minder replied, “It is the firm hope of my sister and myself that someone would see those qualities within her and be able to move past her flight troubles.”
“I hope to be able to help her with those ‘troubles’,” Dash said, making air quotes with her wings, “I know you have taken her to see a doctor while she ahs been here, but I would like to arrange for her to see a flight specialist sometime this week at Ponyville General.”
“I believe we can allow that,” Mrs. Taker stated as she guided Scootaloo into the office, “Now, Scootaloo, Ms. Dash has expressed an interest in adopting you. How do you feel about that?”
“I’m excited about it,” Scootaloo replied with a smile, “She discussed it with me last night before she dropped me back off.”
“That’s good to hear,” Mrs. Minder replied with a smile of her own as she pulled out a small stack of forms from Scootaloo’s file, “These are the forms we will need you to fill out and return so you can be considered. If you’d like, Scootaloo, you can spend the day with Ms. Dash. We only ask that you be back by 8 o’clock curfew.”
“Yay!” Scoot replied, her tiny wings buzzing and lifting her a few inches off the ground before she landed again and turned to Rainbow, “Can we go with Spike and Twilight to Sweet Apple Acres?”
“You couldn’t keep me away,” Dash replied, tucking the paperwork under her wing before standing up, “Thank you for your time ladies. I’ll make sure Scootaloo is safe.”
As the orange filly and cyan mare exited the building, they settled into a companionable silence as the began walking towards the apple farm at the edge of town. Halfway to Sugar Cube Corner, Dash turned to her potential daughter and flashed her a wide smile.
“Any particular reason why you wanted to be there when Spike goes through this Dog and Pony show?” She asked, ruffling Scootaloo’s purple mane.
“Well, there’s a couple of reasons,” Scoots replied, scuffing her hooves, “Spikes a good friend and an honorary Crusader. Plus, since your special someponies with Twilight, there’s a big possibility that Spike is gonna be my brother someday. So I really want to support him and Bloom.”
Thinking about a future with Twilight, a goofy grin spread across her muzzle as she imagined having a family with the lavender Alicorn and the two children. Realizing she was standing still in the middle of the road smiling like an idiot, Dash coughed into her hoof and gently guided her young charge along the road.
Before long, they found themselves on the hill overlooking the expansive apple orchard. Waiting for them were Twilight and Spike, the young dragon wearing his suit jacket again while Twilight wore her gold crown upon her head.
“You two got here quick,” Spike said as he walked in front of the group towards the farm house, “I’m glad you guys are here to support me.”
“Of course we’re here for you,” Scootaloo said with a giggle, “I wouldn’t miss seeing Big Mac buck you into next week for all the bits in Canterlot.”
“You are such a pill Scoots,” Spike joked back, “Just wait till you ask out a certain squishy unicorn.”
Scootaloo blushed a deep red as she nearly face planted. Puffing up her feathers, She glared at the purple dragon.
“Can you not tease me when my crush might be around.” She growled.
“Ok, ok,” Twilight said with a giggle, “Neutral corners you two. Celestia, you would think you two were already brother and sister.”
“Is that such a bad thing, Sparkles?” Dash asked, laying a wing over the lavender mare.
Blushing a little, Twilight lifted her eyebrow and shot a questioning look to the athletic Pegasus.
“Sparkles?” She asked, flicking her tail and smacking the blue mare.
“Yup,” Dash beamed, a wide grin on her muzzle, “Wanted to give my marefriend a cutesy name.”
“Mare…marefriend!” Twilight squeaked, her blush intensifying as her eye twitched, “I…you…me…gah!”
Laughing out loud, Dash jumped into the air and began flying backwards, her forelegs crossed over her chest.
“Not funny, Dashie!” Twilight shouted, joining the other mare in the air and flying after her.
Chasing the trained stunt pony through the sky, Twilight felt happier than she had ever felt in her life. After following her through a simple set of loops and twirls, Twilight eventually dove and tackled Dash to the ground, pinning her underneath her slightly larger frame. Seeing the unexpected blush on her marefriend’s face, Twilight leaned down and pecked her on the cheek before lifting herself off and brushing the dust from her body.
“Your…your really getting comfortable with Pegasus courting rituals aren’t you Twi,” Dash stuttered as she climbed to her feet, “Oh look, there’s AJ!”
Seeing the orange farm pony in the distance, Spike straightened his jacket and marched over to her as she was mid buck. Clearing his throat, he tried to get her attention.
“Hello Applejack,” She said proudly, “Is Big Mac around? There’s…something I need to speak to him about.”
“Howdy, ya’ll,” Applejack replied as she slammed her back hooves into the tree, knocking loose several apples and sending them into the bushel below, “I’m guessing we’re doing this thing today then?”
“We are,” Spike replied, standing as tall as he could.
“Alright, come along ya’ll,” She replied, motioning towards the main house, “He’s waiting for you in the sittin room with Granny and Applebloom. Kinda surprised to be seein Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash here with ya though. Typically, this type’a thing is fer kinfolk only.”
“Well, I mean, that is to say,” Twilight stammered, following the cowfilly, “Part of that is what we are going to discus at the meeting this afternoon.”
“That thar meetin that all of us Elements are fixin to be at?” Aj asked, flipping her blond mane.
“That’s the one,” Dash replied, a slight blush still on her face.
“It also got to do with why ya’ll two are blush up a storm over there?” Applejack teased.
“Ma…maybe,” Twilight replied with a decidedly unprincess-like squeak.
“Thought so,” AJ laughed as they approached the front door to the farmhouse, “Ya’ll wait here. I’ll send Applebloom out in a couple of minutes to come fetch ya.”
Very little time passed before Applebloom walked out the front door and crossed the few feet separating her from Spike. Her normally ribbon bound mane was subtly styled, falling across her back in gentle waves. A sky blue dress flowed over her barrel just reaching the knees of her back legs.
“Are ya’ll ready to come in?” She asked, nuzzling the young dragon, “It’s time.”
Walking through the front door together, Spike placed a claw gently on the middle of her back. Hearing the gentle plodding of his family walking in behind him settled Spikes nerves and calmed his racing heart. Stepping into the sitting room, his heart rate skyrocketed as an aura of intimidation washed over him.
Big Mac sat in a large wing back chair, his rear legs crossed, his forelegs tented in front of him. Seated beside him in her old rocking chair was Granny Smith, her hooves working tirelessly and majestically with her knitting needles. The blinds were drawn, letting in very little light. Clearing his throat, Big Mac drew everyone’s attention as he glared at Spike.
“So, Spike,” the large red Clydesdale drawled, “I hear tell there’s something you wanna ask me. Well, get to it.”
Drawing himself up to his full height, Spike crossed his claws behind his back before addressing the much older stallion.
“Yes sir, I do,” Spike said, “Macintosh Apple, my name is Spikereous Sparkle. Hero of the Crystal Empire. Only child of Princess Twilight Sparkle. With respect to you and your family, I humbly request your permission to court your youngest sister, Applebloom.”
“Spikereous Sparkle, we have been friends for a few years now,” Mac said, rising out of the chair and walking over to her sister’s beau, glaring down at him the entire time, “And in all that time I have known you to be honorable and upstanding member of Equestrian society. Be truthful with me now, boy. Have you been smoochin’ with my little sugar cube?”
“I won’t lie to you Macintosh,” Spike replied, swallowing loudly, “I have kissed Applebloom twice now with her permission. I apologize for any disrespect I have shown you and your family. I was unaware of the traditions of Earth ponies until recently after speaking to her and reading over my mother’s recently acquired copy of the Earthmover’s Lexicon. I know my ignorance is no excuse, however, I hope to ask your forgiveness.”
Allowing a short growl to escape his lips, Big Mac leered down at the younger male. He truly felt bad for Spike. He wasn’t trying to be too much of a hardflank, but he needed to make sure Spike new the lay of the land. Allowing the dragon to sweat a few moments more, Mac sat down on his flank and extended his left foreleg.
“I will allow it,” He said with a smile, shaking Spike’s claw, “But, I do want you to understand exactly where I’m coming from little dragon. You hurt my precious little sister or make her cry, I’m gonna grind you under my hooves and sow what’s left over in the back forty to see if we can grow some spicy dragon apples. Savvy?”
“Understood, sir.” Spike replied, his voice cracking.
“Woohoo! Spike’s ma coltfriend!” Applebloom shouted, wrapping her hooves around the young dragon before planting a long kiss on his scaly snout.
“Hey now,” Applejack shouted, “Ain’t ya’ll a little young fer all that!”
“Oh, relax, AJ,” Rainbow Dash laughed, “She’s just doing exactly what you would do in her position.”
“Speaking a that, honey pie,” Granny Smith asked, setting her knitting aside, “When you fixin’ to bring some young feller round to meet your brother.”
Her face turning a bright, flaming red, Applejack pulled her hat down over her muzzle trying to hide her embarrassment.
“Soon as I meet some stallion that don’t got a problem with me being stronger than him, I’ll bring him around,” She said trying to collect herself, “For now, I’m just happy Applebloom found her special somepony. Now, why don’t we let the youngn’s go out crusading while Dash, Twilight and I go to our meetin.”