Fluttershy quietly entered the cloud house, and once inside, she ran to her room. She thought nopony saw her, but she was spotted.
Dr. Ember Rainbow was enjoying a rare day of rest. The Cloudsdale emergency room always left her tired.
The sight of the distraught girl she took in hurt. She promised to look after her, and she was a mare of her word.
Ember set her cooling mug of coffee on the counter and made her way up the stairs.
She gently knocked on the door of the room where Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash slept.
She didn’t hear anything but knew that there was a response.
“I know somepony’s there,” she said.
Blankets rustled, but the door remained closed.
“What happened,” Ember asked, “Was it another bully?”
The door eventually opened, and Ember saw a far too familiar sight.
Fluttershy’s eyes were red from tears, and her warm smile was gone.
Ember entered and sat down on Rainbow’s bed.
“Tell me what happened,” Ember said.
Fluttershy sniffed, “It’s silly. I got upset because some ponies were throwing things at birds. I tried to get them to stop, but they pushed me.”
Fresh tears fell from her eyes, “They started throwing things again at the birds.”
“Did they hit any,” Ember asked.
Fluttershy shook her head, “No. The birds were too fast, but they shouldn’t be throwing things at innocent birds.”
Ember hugged Fluttershy, “Well, it’s good that you stood up for those birds. Did anything else happen?”
“After the birds flew off,” Fluttershy said, “The ponies started calling me names.”
“Well, I don’t want to hear any of them, but you’re okay now. You’re safe here.”
Fluttershy leaned against Ember and smiled.
Ember loved seeing that smile. It seemed to contain a pure joy made that much more precious by how rarely it was seen.
“Okay,” Ember said, “I won’t have you feeling down on yourself. You are a good girl and a very special pony.”
Fluttershy mumbled a reply causing Ember to giggle.
“One day, you’ll learn to speak up,” Ember said.
She directed Fluttershy’s attention to the mirror on the wall.
“Tell me,” Ember asked, “What do you see?”
---
Dr. Ember Rainbow sat on the couch, her anger visible, but she maintained her composure.
“Before we proceed,” Twilight said, “Let’s get some coffee ready.”
Ember scoffed, “There won’t be any need for that. You’ll listen to what I have to say, and that will be the end of it.”
Rainbow Dash was about to speak, but Twilight stopped her.
“I can understand that your position in the Emergency Room grants you a certain level of authority,” Twilight said, “But that authority does not extend here. I will say this plainly. You will not dictate the rules of this conversation.”
“Yeah,” Pinkie Pie shouted, “You lost that right the moment you started scaring kids.”
“Everypony, calm down,” Rarity said, “We must be considerate of the circumstances and act accordingly. Dr. Rainbow deserves the opportunity to say what she needs to, and so does Fluttershy.”
Rarity and Twilight entered the kitchen.
Twilight got the coffee tin from the cupboard and opened it.
The coffee was very stale, but the mold was quite fresh.
“I guess Fluttershy prefers tea over coffee,” Twilight said.
Rarity levitated the tin to the sink.
“I can’t believe that she kept this. I gave this to her long ago.”
“I don’t think she tried any of it,” Twilight said.
Rarity giggled, “It would seem so. I remember asking her about it, but you know the poor thing. All I got was a squeak, a mumble, and then she was off.”
She sighed and dumped the contents into the trash, “It’s good that she didn’t try it. The coffee was not worth the trouble.”
Twilight turned to her, “What trouble was that?”
“Now wouldn’t you like to know,” Rarity teased with a wink.
Twilight shook her head, “One issue at a time. Let’s make some tea.”
---
While the unicorns boiled the water, Rainbow Dash was staring daggers into her mother.
“Oh, grow up,” Ember said, “You are all acting like children.”
“Children,” Rainbow asked, “We’re talking about how you lied to Fluttershy.”
Ember shook her head, “We will wind up talking in circles. I made the choice that I knew was right. There is no need to discuss the matter.”
Fluttershy walked to Ember and said, “I’m trying to see this from your point of view, but I can’t. You didn’t tell me about Scootaloo because I was too young to care for her.”
She sighed and said, “I can understand that much, but why would you think I would hold what happened to me against her?”
Ember glared at Fluttershy, “It’s obvious. You were so young that you would see him whenever you looked at her.”
Fluttershy stomped on the floor, “But that’s simply not true. I have been lucky to have known Scootaloo for the past few years, and I know she is a good girl.”
“And just how sure are you,” Ember asked.
She pointed a hoof at Scootaloo, “Never forget that she is her father’s daughter. Just how much of Grey is in her? Do you honestly think that there is any good in her at all?”
Fluttershy hugged Scootaloo a little tighter but said nothing.
Applejack stepped forward and asked, “I could be wrong, but doesn’t it sound more like y’all were more worried about how you saw the girl than Fluttershy?”
She glanced around, “Y’all hear it, right? This is the first night she’s talked to Scootaloo, and she’s claiming that she’s just like Grey Ring.”
Scootaloo leaned against Fluttershy and asked, “Who is she talking about?”
Ember grinned, “This is exactly what I was talking about. You haven’t even told your daughter about her father.”
“She was going to,” Rarity said, emerging from the kitchen, “One cannot expect to hear an entire history in a single day.”
Scootaloo quietly asked, “Is it true?”
Fluttershy looked down, “Is what true?”
Scootaloo struggled to speak. Each word seemed to catch in her throat, but eventually, she managed a partial question.
“Were you really...”
Fluttershy took a deep breath and said, “For now, please go stand next to Rainbow Dash.”
“But,” Scootaloo began to protest.
Fluttershy gently nuzzled Scootaloo and nudged her toward Rainbow Dash.
Scootaloo stood next to Rainbow and smiled as Fluttershy walked to Ember.
“What do you see,” Fluttershy asked.
Ember tilted her head, “What?”
Fluttershy smiled warmly and asked again, “What do you see? Do you remember asking me that?”
Ember’s eyes softened, and she said, “That. That was different.”
“It’s not. You told me all those years ago that I didn’t have to compare myself to my parents.”
She placed a hoof on Ember’s leg and said, “You said that I had to decide the kind of pony I wanted to be and that I would always have you to support me. Your kindness and dedication helped me through some of the darkest times in my life.”
Fluttershy turned to Scootaloo and asked, “It’s only fair to offer her the same thing, right?”
Scootaloo ran to Fluttershy and hugged her. Fluttershy eagerly hugged her daughter.
“You’re a fool,” Ember said, “How can you be so certain?”
Fluttershy smiled, “I’m not. I just know that I’m not alone. I have my friends.”
She gently stroked Scootaloo’s mane, “I have my daughter, and I have you to thank for taking care of me.”
Fluttershy smiled warmly at Applejack and added, “I also have the future to look forward to, so I’m not certain about anything. I just have faith.”
Ember shook her head. The anger finally out of her, she pulled Fluttershy in, and the two embraced.
Rarity smiled as Twilight entered the room with a tray of tea cups and a kettle.
“Would anypony care for a cup,” Twilight asked.
“Tea would be lovely,” Fluttershy said, “But first, I should get these girls to bed.”
Before Scootaloo could protest, Fluttershy said, “I promise I will tell you everything. We’ll talk tomorrow.”
Scootaloo looked at Ember, still annoyed, and nodded, “Okay. Let’s go to bed.”
The girls went up the stairs, leaving the adults to discuss matters.
When they entered Fluttershy’s room, they began to get ready for bed.
“Wouldn’t you girls like to wash up before bed,” Fluttershy asked.
She didn’t wait for their response as she entered her bathroom and turned on the water.
Apple Bloom suddenly punched Sweetie Belle in the shoulder when they heard Fluttershy close the bathroom window.
“What was that for,” Sweetie Belle cried.
“Why would we need to close the kitchen windows when she flew upstairs,” Apple Bloom snapped.
Sweetie Belle sniffed, “I’m sorry, all right. I didn’t mean to screw up like that.”
“Hey,” Scootaloo said, “It’s okay. It looks like everypony’s gonna talk this out, and I’ll talk with Fluttershy in the morning.”
“Mom,” Sweetie Belle corrected.
Apple Bloom giggled, “It’s gonna be weird having you call her that.”
She turned to Sweetie Belle and hugged her friend, “Sorry for hitting you.”
Sweetie Belle smiled, “It’s okay. Let’s get washed up.”
Scootaloo scrunched up her nose, “I don’t wanna take a bath.”
“It’ll help you sleep,” Fluttershy said, “You’ll be much more comfortable after a bath.”
Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle half-pushed Scootaloo into the bathroom and the three girls got into the tub.
Fluttershy smiled, placed the soaps near the girls, and helped Apple Bloom undo her bow.
“I’ll place this on the nightstand,” Fluttershy said, “The towels are behind the door, and the hamper is right here.”
She tapped the wicker basket with a hoof and left the room.
Apple Bloom shook her mane loose and grabbed a shampoo bottle.
“Okay,” Scootaloo said, “Let’s get this over with.”
“Okay,” Sweetie Belle said, “Then we’ll go to bed.”
The girls played in the tub and almost properly washed up.
---
Fluttershy returned to the living room and smiled warmly at Rainbow Dash, who was now sitting next to Ember.
“Fluttershy,” Twilight asked, “What was that all about?”
“It’s a long story,” Fluttershy said.
She sat on a pillow and said, “But it was something my parents used to make me do.”
Rainbow Dash shifted uncomfortably, “We don’t have to talk about that if you don’t want to.”
Fluttershy smiled, “It’s okay. We’re supposed to be honest.”
She shook her head and said, “Sometimes, when my parents had a really bad day, they would make me look at myself in the mirror and ask me what I saw.”
“What was the point of that,” Rarity asked.
Fluttershy shrugged, “I don’t know, but the answer was always the same. A disappointment.”
Pinkie gasped, “That’s awful. Why would they do something like that?”
Ember said, “I don’t know what possessed them to treat her like that, but when she told me about it, I decided I could use that to help her.”
Fluttershy smiled, “When I had a bad day at school, she would have me do the same thing, but I could only say something positive about myself.”
Ember laughed, “It was a struggle at first. How many times did I have to tell you that you had to think of something more positive.”
“It wasn’t that bad,” Fluttershy said, blushing.
“Yeah, it was,” Rainbow said, “I remember you saying, ‘Well, I certainly exist.’ That was the best thing you could say about yourself.”
She leaned back against the couch, “I used to do that with you. Sometimes, I still do that to psych myself up before a big race.”
Applejack sat next to Fluttershy, “Well, I can imagine that it’d be awful easy for you, RD.”
Rainbow Dash shrugged, “When you’re as awesome as I am, it’s never hard to point it out.”
The room quieted down some, and Rarity passed around cups of tea.
“Dr. Rainbow,” Twilight asked, “This talk of investigating your past cases. Do you know if there is any appeal process?”
Ember sighed, “I really let my anger get the better of me, didn’t I? Yes, there is an appeals process, but the truth is that it’ll be little more than a cursory investigation. Nothing more.”
Twilight nodded, “I see. If you would be interested, I may be able to assist with your appeal.”
Ember shook her head, “Oh no, thank you. In these circumstances, it’s best to let the auditors do their work and stay out of the way. They keep a detailed record to avoid any mishandling of information.”
Rarity sighed, “Oh, that’s a relief. I was worried we’d have to return to the Royal Library.”
“It was fun,” Twilight said, “Well, except for us fighting.”
“You two got into another fight,” Rainbow asked, “Just what they hay is wrong with you two?”
Before Twilight could reply, Rarity said, “That’s certainly a good question. One that we will figure out over many cups of tea.”
“Sounds like y’all just want an excuse to have a snack,” Applejack said.
Rarity smirked, “Well, part of making amends is sharing a meal.”
Fluttershy jumped to her hooves, “Oh my, we don’t have anything to eat with our tea. I’ll be right back.”
She ran into the kitchen, leaving the rest of the ponies to their tea.
Rarity nudged Applejack, “Give her a hoof.”
Applejack nodded and walked into the kitchen.
“So that’s the pony she was seeing,” Ember asked.
“Yes,” Rarity said, “Though their relationship has been rather rocky, we believe that they will find their way back together.”
Ember nodded, “I would think she would aim higher.”
“Mom,” Rainbow scolded, “That’s one of our best friends.”
Ember smirked, “I know that, but I suppose I would have a hard time accepting anypony being worthy of Fluttershy.”
She nudged Rainbow Dash, “That goes for you too. Is that why you’re still single?”
Rainbow waved a hoof in the air, “That’s only because there isn’t...”
“A pony alive that can keep up with your awesomeness,” Ember said, rolling her eyes, “You’ve been saying that since you were a filly. I sometimes wonder if you’ll find anyone who can put up with you, much less keep up with you.”
The ponies giggled, and Twilight asked, “I know you didn’t mean anything by what you said about Applejack...”
“I know that she’s a good pony,” Ember said, “And I certainly place Fluttershy’s happiness over any kind of social strata.”
“Well,” Rainbow said, “You did marry a factory worker.”
“If I may,” Rarity asked, “How did you and your husband meet?”
Rainbow looked crestfallen and smiled when she felt Ember’s hoof on her shoulder.
“Did he pass,” Twilight asked.
Both ponies nodded.
“Oh,” Pinkie said, “I’m super sorry. We didn’t know.”
Rainbow smiled sheepishly, “Yeah, I never wanted to talk about it. Nothing new there, right?”
Ember studied her daughter for a moment and said, “He passed a few years ago in an accident at the Rainbow Factory. It was one of those accidents where there was nopony to blame. I particularly feel sorry for the old foreman.”
“Yeah,” Rainbow said, “It wasn’t his fault. He did everything he could.”
“He did,” Ember said, “And everypony knew that. The problem was that he couldn’t accept it. Last I heard, he nearly drank himself into an early grave out in Las Pegasus.”
Rarity shook her head, “That’s simply dreadful. I assume he placed all the blame on himself as your husband was part of his crew?”
Ember nodded, “Exactly. I tried to tell him time and time again that I never blamed him. Everypony followed the rules, but accidents happen. He just couldn’t forgive himself.”
Pinkie hopped up and down, “How about a happy story? How’d you two meet?”
Ember smiled, “Funnily enough, we met because of an accident at the factory.”
Rainbow giggled, “Dad used to love telling that story.”
Ember smiled, “Would you like to tell it?”
“Oh no,” Rainbow said, “This is all you, mom.”
Ember smiled, “I was still going through my residency at the hospital when a pony was brought into the emergency room. He was working on the rainbow vats and fell in.”
A sudden gasp escaped the ponies.
“He was,” Ember began, “Mostly okay. He did suffer from severe burns, but, as I said, the ponies at the factory were always on top of things when it came to safety. They got him out of there and straight to the hospital.”
She laughed, “I still remember the first thing I heard him say to the friend that brought him in. He said, ‘Give it to me straight, pal.’ To which his friend said, ‘Can’t. We’re both guys.’ This made him laugh and then curse from the pain.”
“That’s when I stepped in and began treating his burns,” Ember said, “After he recovered, he would stop by the hospital to ask me out.”
Rarity smiled, “I imagine he tried to sweep you off your hooves, didn’t he?”
Ember laughed, “Absolutely not. He would walk right up to me and ask if I was hungry. The stallion had zero subtlety.”
She nudged Rainbow Dash, “And you’ve certainly taken after him.”
“Hey,” Rainbow said, “I’m plenty subtle.”
“I’ve seen hurricanes that are more discreet than you,” Ember said.
The ponies laughed and continued to enjoy their tea.
---
“How’re you holding up,” Applejack asked.
Fluttershy smiled, “I’m doing okay. I’m happy that everypony calmed down, but...”
“Y’all still sore about her upsetting your little girl,” Applejack asked.
“Yes,” Fluttershy said, “My little girl.”
She sighed, “It still feels like a dream. I have my baby back, and I don’t want to lose her again.”
Applejack placed a hoof on her cheek, “You ain’t losing her. You’re ready for this, and like you keep saying, you’re not alone.”
Fluttershy nodded and placed some cookies onto a tray.
“I guess the girls helped themselves to the sandwiches I had prepared,” Fluttershy said.
“That a problem,” Applejack asked.
Fluttershy shook her head, “Oh, no. It’s good that they feel comfortable here. Besides, these cookies will go great with the tea.”
They carried the tray back to the living room and set it on the table.
“Thank you,” Ember said as the ponies helped themselves to some cookies.
“Are you going home,” Rainbow asked, “It’s getting kind of late.”
Ember shook her head, “I don’t know. I’ll have to think about it.”
Rainbow ate another cookie and said, “Well, you can always stay with me. I know Fluttershy would let you stay, but she’s already got company.”
Ember nodded, “I know, perhaps I will stay the night.”
Rainbow wiped her mouth with a leg, “Okay, I’ll get the spare cloud ready.”
“Don’t trouble yourself,” Ember said, “I think I’ll stay at the local inn.”
She paused and nodded to Fluttershy, “I need to clear my head.”
“I understand that you would like privacy,” Twilight said, “But I don’t think anypony here would be comfortable knowing that a family member is staying at the inn when any of us would gladly accommodate you.”
Ember nodded, “And under normal circumstances, I would gladly accept. Tonight is far from normal, however.”
“I should be going,” Ember said, rising from her seat, “I’ll stop by tomorrow to properly apologize to your daughter.”
Fluttershy smiled, “I would like that. I’ll see you out.”
Ember smiled, and the two left the cottage.
“Well,” Applejack said, “That went smoother than I expected.”
Pinkie nodded, “Sure did. I’m glad they hugged it out.”
Twilight levitated the trays and said, “I am worried about what she said about Scootaloo.”
“She was just mad,” Rainbow said, “She didn’t mean anything by it.”
“Hate to break it to you,” Applejack said, “But she weren’t lying. She meant every word she said, and she’s genuinely worried that Scootaloo will take after her father’s family.”
“Or,” Pinkie said, hopping up and down, “The goodness of Fluttershy will cancel it all out.”
Rarity laughed, “That’s quite an idea, but I believe what Fluttershy said. It will be up to Scootaloo to decide the kind of pony she will become, and she has a wonderful role model in her mother.”
Rainbow awkwardly cleared her throat.
“And others to look up to as well,” Rarity added, shaking her head, “Honestly, Rainbow Dash, not everything has to be about you.”
Rainbow smirked, “Not everything. Just the stuff that matters.”
Twilight rolled her eyes and passed her the tray, “Help us clean up.”
Rainbow scoffed but took the tray and walked into the kitchen.
---
“I am sorry for letting my anger get the better of me,” Ember said.
“I know,” Fluttershy said, “But I wish you didn’t scare the children. They didn’t do anything wrong.”
Ember looked at the moon, “I know, but I can’t help worrying. I know you will love that girl with all your heart, but I’m afraid of what she’ll grow up into.”
“I’m afraid, too,” Fluttershy said, “I missed out on so much. Scootaloo is growing, and all I can do is guide her as best I can. We’ll be okay.”
Ember hugged Fluttershy, “You’ve really changed. I never thought you would so eagerly turn to others for support. You used to hide under your covers until Rainbow dragged you out.”
Fluttershy giggled, “She has always been there for me. It took me too long to realize that I was never alone. I just had to look past my fear to see it.”
“That’s good to hear,” Ember said.
She turned back to the cottage, “How is she doing? It was shocking to hear what happened to her on the witness stand.”
Fluttershy nodded, “She was almost...”
She cleared her throat and said, “I saved her, but she’s still hurt. I’ll talk to her and give her the same support she gave me.”
“I’ll talk to her, too,” Ember said, “I want to make sure that she’s okay.”
Ember spread her wings and rose into the air.
“I’ll be at the inn here in Ponyville,” she said, “If you can, I’d like to treat you and your daughter to brunch.”
Fluttershy smiled, “I would love that, and please, call her Scootaloo.”
Ember grimaced but nodded, “I will. Good night, Fluttershy.”
She flew toward Ponyville, and Fluttershy reentered her cottage.
---
Most of the bathwater in the tub now resided on the bathroom floor, and the girls who made the mess were drying themselves off.
Scootaloo opted to shake the water from her coat rather than use a towel.
“Hey,” Sweetie Belle shouted, “I just finished drying off.”
Apple Bloom laughed, “Y’all looked just like Winona right now.”
Scootaloo rolled her eyes and ran into the bedroom. She jumped onto the bed and flopped onto the covers.
“Great,” she groaned.
“What’s wrong,” Apple Bloom asked.
Scootaloo sighed, “Fluttershy was right. These covers feel really nice after that bath.”
Sweetie Belle climbed onto the bed, “See? Momma always knows best.”
She then got under the covers, followed by the other ponies.
Scootaloo stared up at the ceiling, “Girls?”
“Yeah,” Apple Bloom asked, “What’s up?”
Scootaloo stayed quiet for a while. Neither of her friends said anything. They knew to wait for Scootaloo to get her thoughts together.
“Am I a good pony,” Scootaloo suddenly asked.
Both of her friends were in stunned silence. Both by the question itself along with the directness of it.
Scootaloo closed her eyes, “I guess not.”
“Now, hold on a minute,” Apple Bloom said, “We didn’t answer.”
“Yeah,” Sweetie Belle squeaked, “We were just shocked that you’d ask something like that.”
She hugged Scootaloo, “You are a good pony.”
Apple Bloom hugged Scootaloo as well, “Yeah, you’re our friend, and we know that you’d never hurt anypony.”
Scootaloo opened her eyes, but her frown deepened, “But what about my dad? He wasn’t a good pony. He hurt Flutter...”
“My mom,” she corrected when she felt Sweetie Belle nudge her.
“Well,” Apple Bloom said, “You’re not him. And you heard how mean your grandparents were. Fluttershy is the nicest pony in the world.”
Scootaloo smiled as her friends hugged her a bit tighter.
“Yeah,” she said, “I’ll be all right.”
---
Fluttershy entered the cottage and smiled at her friends.
“Thank you, everypony,” she said, “I’m glad that you were here.”
Pinkie Pie hugged her, “Well, we have to stick by you. It’s what we do.”
Fluttershy nodded and said, “I’m sorry about the party.”
Pinkie giggled, “We’ll just have a do-over. This time it’ll be a proper blow-out!”
“And I will keep you company while you hide away in the kitchen,” Rarity said, smiling at Fluttershy.
Rarity looked around, “I do believe it is time we leave as well.”
She hugged Fluttershy, “Don’t rush things. Take your time, but don’t waste it. You have a second chance now.”
Rarity winked at Fluttershy as Applejack entered the room.
“We got the place pretty much sorted out in there,” Applejack said, “Not that there was much that needed cleaning, anyhow.”
The ponies left the cottage, with Rainbow Dash being the last.
“Thank you,” Fluttershy said.
“For what,” Rainbow asked, “You did all the work.”
Fluttershy shook her head, “No, I mean, thank you for everything. Everything you have ever done for me. I don’t know how I manage to get such amazing friends, but I owe it all to you.”
She hugged Rainbow Dash and said, “I know you’re in pain, and I want to be here for you.”
Fluttershy pulled away and smiled, “The same way you were always there for me.”
Rainbow’s face fell as the memories came back, but she managed to smile.
“I’d like that,” she said, “Besides, you still need to help me study, remember?”
Fluttershy giggled, “I’d love that. Maybe we can help little Scootaloo. I don’t want to pressure her, but...”
“Don’t sweat it, pal,” Rainbow said, “We’ll get her in the air when she’s good and ready. She just needs to start.”
“That was always the hardest part,” Fluttershy said, “It did get a little easier after that.”
Rainbow looked up at Fluttershy’s bedroom window and smiled.
“Well, you better get some sleep,” she said, “You’re gonna have some hungry fillies to deal with in the morning.”
Rainbow Dash took off with great speed toward her home, and Fluttershy smiled as she closed the cottage door.
She grabbed a small blanket and laid it on the couch. Angel Bunny hopped onto the mantle and snuffed out the lamp.
“Thank you, Angel,” Fluttershy said, “Good night.”
Angel Bunny hopped to Fluttershy and gave her a quick, almost imperceptible, nuzzle before hopping to his cushion.
Every resident of the cottage slept soundly. All except an orange filly whose head was aching with questions she needed answered.
---
Rainbow Dash arrived at her home and quickly got to her bed. The oversized bed, at one time, made her feel lonely, but now, the thought of somepony else there scared her.
This new fear spurred anger inside of her. She stomped to her bed and dove onto the cloud. The darkness did little to comfort her, but she was not deterred.
She closed her eyes and begrudgingly waited for tonight’s nightmare.
---
Fluttershy woke and began getting breakfast ready for her young guests.
She got her living room squared away and began mixing the batter for pancakes.
The thought of having a particularly difficult talk with Scootaloo troubled Fluttershy, but she knew it had to be done.
No more lost time, and she smiled as she heard the young ponies begin to wake up.
---
Being used to waking up early, Apple Bloom already had her bow tied in her mane. She let her friends sleep, and she made her way downstairs.
A big smile formed on her face as she smelled the pancake batter.
“Morning, Fluttershy,” she said, running into the kitchen.
“Oh,” Fluttershy said, “Good morning, Apple Bloom. Are the others still asleep?”
Apple Bloom nodded, “Yup, I figured I’d let them sleep a bit longer.”
She grinned, “So I can get the first crack at those pancakes.”
Fluttershy stared at Apple Bloom and smiled, “I’ll make sure that there will be plenty for everypony.”
“I know,” Apple Bloom said, “I just want to make sure that I get the pick of the litter.”
“Would you like to help,” Fluttershy asked.
Apple Bloom pushed a chair over and hopped on.
They finished the batter, and Fluttershy put it in the fridge.
“We should wake them,” Fluttershy said.
She began to fly toward the stair but froze when Apple Bloom shouted, “Girls, time to get up!”
Apple Bloom blushed, “Not what you had in mind?”
“Not exactly,” Fluttershy said and flew up the stairs.
She arrived at her bedroom and entered the open door.
Sweetie Bell was sitting in the bed, and Scootaloo had her head under the covers.
“Girls,” Fluttershy said, “It’s almost time for breakfast.”
Sweetie Belle frantically pushed Scootaloo, “Come on. We don’t want to miss breakfast.”
A sound similar to a groan escaped the covers, and a tired Scootaloo emerged.
“Did you sleep well,” Fluttershy asked.
Scootaloo nodded, but she wouldn’t look at Fluttershy.
“Okay,” Fluttershy said, “Sweetie Belle can you help Apple Bloom, please?”
Sweetie Belle nodded and gave Scootaloo a quick hug.
“No more thinking you’re a bad pony, okay,” she gently scolded and ran out of the room.
Fluttershy closed the door and asked, “Is that what’s bothering you?”
Scootaloo looked up and asked, “Is she right? Am I a bad pony? Like him?”
“Him,” Fluttershy said, “That will be hard to talk about.”
She gently sat on the bed, “I will be completely honest with you, but it won’t be easy.”
Scootaloo gave Fluttershy a weak smile, “I know. I’m scared.”
Fluttershy hugged her daughter, “I know you are. I know what it’s like to have parents that aren’t, um, the nicest ponies in Equestria, but you aren’t him.”
She lifted Scootaloo’s chin and smiled, “You’re not me, either. You are Scootaloo, and you’re the best Scootaloo in all of Equestria.”
Scootaloo smiled at the memory and tightened her hug.
---
“I’m hungry,” Sweetie Belle said, “Why aren’t they down here?”
“It’s mother-daughter time,” Apple Bloom said, “I dunno. Just sit tight. We’ll be eating soon enough.”
Sweetie Belle hopped onto a chair, “What the hay was wrong with that lady anyway?”
Apple Bloom shook her head, “No idea, but it seems like everypony got it sorted out.”
Sweetie Belle ran a hoof across the table, “More likely, they’re putting it off so they don’t have to deal with it right now. Adults are so weird.”
“Maybe,” Apple Bloom said, shrugging, “But I know that Fluttershy will keep her promise and talk with Scootaloo.”
“Good,” Sweetie Belle said, “I don’t want her sad and upset.”
The girls waited in silence for their host and friend to join them.
---
Fluttershy gently brushed Scootaloo’s mane. The girl offered only the tiniest of resistance. The suggestion of a bath before bed told her that her mother had some good ideas.
“There we go,” Fluttershy said.
Scootaloo looked at her reflection, “Nothing’s different.”
Fluttershy giggled, “Your mane is a bit too short to style, but brushing daily will help keep it from getting damaged.”
The sound of a rumbling stomach alerted the ponies.
“We should get that breakfast ready,” Scootaloo said.
Fluttershy nodded, and they went downstairs.
“It’s about time,” Sweetie Bell shouted, “We’re starving.”
Apple Bloom glared at Sweetie Belle, “We’re supposed to be on our best behavior.”
“Well, I’m too hungry to behave,” Sweetie Belle protested.
“Then it’s good that the pancake batter is ready,” Fluttershy said.
She opened the fridge and took out the bowl. Once the pan was heated, she began pouring out the pancakes. Before long, a sizable stack of pancakes was ready to be devoured.
Fluttershy handed each filly a plate, making sure that Apple Bloom got to choose first and each filly got their fair share.
The pancakes were devoured with great haste and little care.
“Those were tasty,” Sweetie Belle said, “It’ll be nice when you live here, Scoots.”
“Now, girls,” Fluttershy said, “That will be her decision.”
“I know,” Sweetie Belle said, “I’m just skipping to the end when she finally lives here.”
She glanced around the kitchen, “Right? I mean, there’s no way that she’d stay at the orphanage knowing that her mom’s right here.”
Fluttershy placed a hoof on Scootaloo’s shoulder, “It’s up to you. I’ll love you regardless.”
Scootaloo smiled, “I know. I have to think about it, and we have to talk about... You know.”
“Him,” Apple Bloom asked.
Both pegasi nodded.
Apple Bloom hopped off her chair, “Would you like help washing up the dishes?”
Fluttershy smiled, “That would be very nice of you. If you don’t mind, that is. I’ll go give my animal friends their breakfasts.”
Sweetie Belle joined Apple Bloom and nodded, “Sure thing. We’ll get all this cleaned up.”
“Okay,” Fluttershy said, “If you need any help, please let me know. I’ll be outside.”
She left, and again, Apple Bloom punched Sweetie Bell in the shoulder.
“And I ain’t apologizing for that one,” she said as she pushed her chair to the sink.
“What’s the big idea,” Sweetie Belle asked, “We all know that Scootaloo’s gonna live here.”
She looked at her shoulder, “I’m gonna get a bruise.”
“It’ll match your mane,” Apple Bloom snapped.
“Hey,” Scootaloo said, “I know you mean well, but no hitting each other, okay?”
Sweetie Belle nodded and handed Scootaloo the dishes.
Scootaloo dried the dishes Apple Bloom washed and handed them to Sweetie Bell to place on the dish rack.
“Okay,” Apple Bloom said, “We should get home.”
Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were at the door, and when Apple Bloom tried to leave, Scootaloo stopped her.
“What’s wrong,” Apple Bloom asked.
“You know what’s wrong,” Scootaloo said, “Apologize.”
Apple Bloom groaned, “Yeah, you’re right. I’m sorry, Sweetie Belle.”
“For yelling at me or hitting me,” Sweetie Bell asked, rubbing her sore shoulder.
Apple Bloom giggled, “Both, obviously. I’m sorry.”
Sweetie Belle smiled and hugged Apple Bloom.
“Good,” she said.
She ran out of the cottage and shouted, “But you owe me a hay smoothie when she moves in.”
Apple Bloom waited for Sweetie Belle to be out of sight before asking, “Is she right? Have you decided?”
Scootaloo pawed at the floor, “I don’t know. I want to live here, but...”
Apple Bloom nudged Scootaloo, “Then don’t worry about it. You know Fluttershy will be here for you, and you always have Sweetie Belle and me.”
Scootaloo smiled, “Yeah, I’m gonna go help Flutt... I mean, my mom. Maybe I can be an animal feeder.”
Apple Bloom smiled and ran towards Sweet Apple Acres.
Scootaloo left the cottage and soon found Fluttershy staring at the stream near the cottage.
“They already left,” Scootaloo said, “Do you need any help?”
Fluttershy shook her head and turned to Scootaloo.
“Flutt...,” Scootaloo began, “Uh, mom, is everything all right?”
“No,” Fluttershy said, “I’m sorry, but I can’t be the mother that you need. I missed out on so much.”
Scootaloo froze, “What? What do you mean? You don’t want to be my mom?”
Fluttershy hugged Scootaloo, “I want nothing more than to be your mom, but we lost so much time.”
Scootaloo hugged Fluttershy, “Maybe, but we’re together now. I still have a lot of growing up to do, don’t I?”
“I guess you do,” Fluttershy said, “Let’s get inside. We have to have that talk.”
“Now,” Scootaloo asked, “Are you sure?”
Fluttershy nodded, “Yes. If I wait, I may never find the courage to tell you.”
“Okay,” Scootaloo said and began to walk toward the front door.
“But first,” Fluttershy said, “There’s one thing I want you to understand.”
Scootaloo turned back. She was a little taken aback by the seriousness of Fluttershy’s face.
“What is it,” she asked.
“I want you to understand that I will never blame you for what happened to me. It was not your fault, and I don’t want to hear that you don’t think you’re a good pony because of it.”
Scootaloo looked at the ground but soon looked back at her mother with a smirk.
“Well,” she said, “I guess I get that from you, don’t I?”
She didn’t wait for a response and ran inside.
Fluttershy stood still for a moment and began to walk inside. She decided a little indecision wouldn’t be the worst trait Scootaloo got from her.
---
“I think this is the place,” Silver Stream said as he arrived at Sweet Apple Acres.
He enjoyed the scent of the apple trees. It was a comforting change from the trees near the old shop. He never cared for Cloudsdale, either. It had a dampness that he could never shake, and he constantly checked that his cloudwalking spell wasn’t about to expire.
Here, on solid ground, he enjoyed a leisurely run.
“I’ll check that old farmhouse,” he said and began walking.
He stopped when he heard someone clear their throat.
“That’s a mighty rude thing to say when showing up uninvited to somepony’s home,” the voice said.
Silver Stream turned around and saw the biggest stallion he’d ever met.
“Uh,” he began, “Hi, there. Name’s Silver Stream. I came by to...”
“Not interested,” Big Macintosh said and turned around.
“What,” Silver Stream asked, “But you already paid for your delivery.”
Big Mac turned around, “You from that shipping place?”
Silver Stream nodded, “That’s right. First Class Shipping. Even if it doesn’t make sense, we’ll ship it for you!”
“That shipment ain’t due until tomorrow,” Big Mac said, “There a delay?”
Silver Stream shook his head, “Nothing like that. We’re new to Ponyville, so I thought I’d introduce myself since you have a delivery schedule set up.”
Big Mac nodded, “That’s mighty neighborly of you and not neighborly of me at all. Sorry about that.”
He extended a hoof, “Name’s Big Macintosh. Most ponies just call me Big Mac.”
Silver Stream smiled, “Silver Stream. My friends call me Gray, but Silver will work fine. Don’t worry about that, though. You didn’t know who I was. I’m also sorry. I didn’t mean to insult your home.”
“I know,” Big Mac said, “That house has seen a lot of generations. Let’s get inside so we can talk business.”
They entered the farmhouse, and Silver Stream was surprised by how comfortable the home felt. This home had not only seen a lot of generations but a lot of love as well.
“Care for some coffee,” Big Mac asked.
“I wouldn’t say no,” Silver Stream said.
Big Mac nodded, “Have a seat, I’ll be right back.”
Silver Stream sat down and waited.
“I’m home,” a small voice shouted.
Silver Stream turned just in time to see a young girl run into the farmhouse. Her smile vanished when she saw him, and she skidded to a halt, nearly hitting a cupboard.
“Who’re you,” she asked.
Silver smiled, “I work at a new shop in town, and I’m talking to Big Mac about the delivery schedule.”
The young girl sat down and asked, “What’re you bringing?”
Silver shrugged, “Farming equipment, mostly. Nothing all that interesting or exciting.”
“Oh,” Apple Bloom said, “What’s your name?”
“Name’s Silver Stream,” he said, “And you are?”
“My name’s Apple Bloom, but I’m not supposed to tell that to strangers.”
Apple Bloom ran upstairs, leaving a rather confused unicorn at the table.
Big Macintosh returned with two cups of coffee.
“Something wrong,” he asked.
Silver Stream shook his head, “No, everything’s fine. Is there a little girl that lives here?”
“Why do you want to know,” Big Mac asked.
“Just asking,” Silver Stream said, “A young girl just ran upstairs. Said her name is Apple Bloom?”
“That’d be my baby sister,” Big Mac said, “She spent the night at a friend’s house.”
Silver Stream nodded, “Yeah, makes sense.”
Big Mac passed him a cup of coffee, “Here you go.”
Silver chuckled, “Thanks. You sounded a bit off when I asked about your sister. Like you didn’t want me to know.”
“I’m just being a bit protective of my kin, is all,” Big Mac said.
“Fair enough,” Silver said.
Big Mac nodded, “All right. Enough of that. You have the delivery schedule, right?”
Silver Stream nodded, “Sure do. I’ll be bringing the crates tomorrow.”
“In that case,” Big Mac said, “You already know everything.”
Silver smiled and took a sip of coffee.
“I know what I need to know about the shipment and where it needs to go. I like to meet some of the clients. It’s good to get to know our neighbors, right?”
“Well,” Big Mac said, “As long as you’re not selling anything.”
Silver took another sip of coffee, “Nothing you’ve already paid for. I’d better run. I have to stop at the local library.”
Big Mac nodded, “Pleasure meeting you, Silver.”
“Same here, Big Mac,” Silver said, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Eeyup,” Big Mac said.
He waited for Silver Stream to leave before taking the coffee cups to the sink. He was washing them when he heard Applejack come down the stairs.
“How’re you feeling,” he asked.
“Weird,” Applejack said, “I feel like I drank too much coffee, but I ain’t had anything to drink yet. I feel like I got a lot of energy inside me.”
Big Mac smiled, “That’s good because we got a lot of work to do today.”
Applejack smiled, “That’d definitely take my mind off things.”
“You talk to her,” Big Mac asked.
“I did,” Applejack said, “And I told her that it would be her call. I want to talk, but she’ll pick the time and place. I owe her that.”
She sighed, “Still, the girl’s got a lot on her plate. I’ll just try and be patient.”
Big Mac nodded, “That’s good. Let’s get to work.”
Applejack quickly drank a glass of water, and both left for the orchard.
---
Scootaloo sat at the kitchen table and kept glancing toward the living room.
Fluttershy was not known for her speed, but the delay was driving Scootaloo nuts.
Eventually, she heard the front door open, and Scootaloo smiled when she heard Fluttershy.
“Okay,” Fluttershy said, “You can do this. Answer the questions and be honest.”
Scootaloo could tell that Fluttershy nodded to assert herself before entering the kitchen.
“Hey,” Scootaloo said.
“Um,” Fluttershy said, “Hey.”
Scootaloo waited for Fluttershy to sit down, and both ponies sat in silence for a few minutes.
“I guess,” Scootaloo began, “I should ask the first question. Um, what was his name?”
Fluttershy nodded, “Okay, that’s an easy one. His name was Grey Ring.”
Scootaloo nodded, “How did you two meet? Were you friends?”
“No,” Fluttershy said, “We didn’t know each other.”
She paused and said, “He was friends with Rainbow Dash, though.”
Scootaloo’s eyes went wide, “Really? How did they know each other?”
Fluttershy smiled, “He would spend a lot of time at the factory where Rainbow’s father worked. She said that he would talk to her when she would go visit.”
“Why was he there,” Scootaloo asked, “Didn’t he go to school?”
“I don’t know,” Fluttershy said, “But I remember that Rainbow had to be careful when she visited her father. Children aren’t allowed at the factory.”
“Was Grey careful,” Scootaloo asked.
Fluttershy shook her head, “He didn’t have to be. His father owned the factory.”
“Whoa,” Scootaloo said, “They must have been super rich.”
“I think so,” Fluttershy said, “But I don’t know much about that.”
Scootaloo walked to the sink and poured herself a glass of water.
“Would you like a glass,” she asked.
“Yes, please,” Fluttershy said.
Scootaloo smiled and returned with both glasses.
“Did he ask you out,” she asked.
Fluttershy sighed, “In a way. He told me to meet him for lunch, then flew off.”
Scootaloo stared at her mother for a while and tried to process what Fluttershy told her.
“Why did you go,” she asked.
Fluttershy smiled softly, “I was so shy back then, even more than I am now, and I didn’t want to offend him. Besides, Rainbow said that he was a friend of hers.”
“Rainbow Dash set you up with him,” Scootaloo shouted, “Why?”
“I don’t know. I think it was so I wouldn’t be lonely, and Grey could be quite friendly. She didn’t know the monster that he really was.”
Scootaloo sank into her chair. It was now time to ask the question that she dreaded most.
“Mom,” she began, “Am I going to be just like him? Am I going to grow up to be a bad pony?”
Fluttershy gasped, “Absolutely not, you are a good girl.”
“But how do you know,” Scootaloo cried, “Rainbow’s mom is right. You don’t know if I’ll grow up to be the same kind of monster he was. I don’t want to. I don’t want that.”
She broke down and began to cry.
Fluttershy hugged her daughter and said, “Scootaloo, I know you’re scared that you’ll be just like your father, but you aren’t him. The fact that you don’t want to be the same means that you’ll never be the same as him.”
“But,” Scootaloo sniffed, “What if he was the same as me when he was my age? What if he changed as he got older? What if I change, too?”
Fluttershy smiled and wiped her daughter’s eyes, “I wouldn’t worry about that. You know why?”
Scootaloo shook her head.
“Because you have ponies that love you very much,” Fluttershy said, “You have a good heart, and you know the harm he caused. All of us will help you, and you don’t have to worry about being a good or a bad pony.”
She nuzzled Scootaloo and said, “All you have to do is be the very best Scootaloo you can be, and I will always love you.”
Fluttershy accentuated the final words by kissing Scootaloo on her forehead.
Scootaloo giggled, “Thanks. I’m sorry for worrying so much.”
“You’re my little girl,” Fluttershy said, “It’s part of who you are.”
Scootaloo wiped her eyes, “I guess. Um, mom? Can I ask you something else?”
“Of course,” Fluttershy said, “What is it?”
Scootaloo tapped the table, “Rainbow’s mom said that you killed Grey.”
She glanced up at Fluttershy and asked, “I don’t have to call him ‘dad,’ do I?”
“Not if you don’t want to,” Fluttershy said, “And I don’t blame you if you only refer to him by his name.”
Scootaloo nodded, “Okay. Why did you kill him?”
Fluttershy took a deep breath, “Because he was about to hurt somepony.”
“The same way as you,” Scootaloo asked.
“Yes,” Fluttershy said, “The exact same way.”
Scootaloo hopped off her chair and placed her glass in the sink. She turned around and asked, “Couldn’t you call for help?”
“No,” Fluttershy said, “It was in the woods and away from anypony. If I left, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.”
“Um,” Scootaloo began, “I’m sorry, mom. I don’t mean to make you mad.”
Fluttershy smiled, “You’re not making me mad, sweetie. I know what I did is shocking.”
She sighed, thinking of her friends’ reactions, especially how Applejack reacted.
“But,” Fluttershy continued, “I did the right thing. He was not going to hurt anypony else.”
Scootaloo sat back down on the chair, “Was that the reason? Because you knew that you weren’t the only one he hurt?”
Fluttershy smiled, “Yes, I saved somepony very important to me, but you’re right. I did what I did because I knew that he would hurt others.”
Scootaloo looked out the window and asked, “Who did you save?”
“I can’t tell you,” Fluttershy said, “Just that she needed help.”
“Okay,” Scootaloo said, “I guess that makes sense. Are you okay?”
Fluttershy smiled, “I’m getting a little better every day. I have my friends, and I have you, Scootaloo.”
She glanced at the clock, “And we should get going.”
“Where,” Scootaloo asked.
“Rainbow’s mom invited us to brunch, and I don’t want to be late,” Fluttershy said.
Scootaloo scowled, “Do I have to go?”
“Yes,” Fluttershy said, “I promise that it won’t be so bad. I know she upset you last night, but she is a loving pony. She was a better mother to me than my real mom.”
Scootaloo sighed, “Okay, I guess I could eat.”
She smiled sheepishly when she heard Fluttershy giggle.
“That’s a great attitude,” Fluttershy said, “Now let go so that you can have a proper introduction.”
The two pegasi left the cottage and enjoyed a leisurely walk to town. The bright and beautiful day helped lift the previous dour mood as they each looked forward to a brighter future.