Chapter 9- Lullaby
“I’m sorry Miss Rainbow Dash but I can simple not approve your adopting Scootaloo.” Catalina said with a hint of sympathy in her voice.
Rainbow Dash could barely register what the mare in front of her was saying. Everything around her started to blacken as she stared straight ahead, her world started to crumble around her.
All of the ponies, who were coming to congratulate Rainbow Dash, screeched to a halt as they heard Catalina’s decision.
“Oh my gosh, this is awful.” Twilight said as she brought a hoof up to cover her mouth.
Fluttershy hid her face behind her mane and started to sniffle, trying her best not to cry.
Pinkie Pie’s mane made a loud sound and deflated like a balloon.
Sweetie Belle and Applebloom sat down, with matching looks of confusion on their faces trying to grasp the weight of what this meant for their friend.
Rarity raised a majestic hoof up to her forehead and almost lost balance as she swayed from side to side. “Of all the worse possible things, this is THE, WORST POSSIBLE, TH….”
“NOW WAIT JUST AN APPLE BUKIN’ MINUTE!”
Rainbow Dash was suddenly hurled back into reality, as her and everypony else turned to look where the loud yell came from. Even though Rainbow Dash had a pretty good idea who it was, and her suspicions were confirmed when her eyes landed on Applejack.
Applejack was trotting toward Catalina with a sense of purpose. Her heavy hoof falls causing a small cloud of dust to form behind her. Her hat was tilted forward hiding her hay colored hair but highlighting the determined look in her emerald eyes.
“What do y’all mean that Rainbow can’t adopt Scootaloo?” Applejack asked as she came to a halt in front of Catalina with only a foot separating the two mares.
“I’m sorry I know this must be hard to hear, but I believe that Rainbow Dash is not a suitable guardian for Scootaloo.” Catalina said trying to be nice, but also showing that she was not going to back down.
“Well, why not?” Applejack asked with a stamp of her hoof. “Rainbow is one of the nicest, most loyal ponies in all of Equestria.”
“She is also one of the most, brash, and irresponsible ponies I have ever met.” Catalina answered as she met Applejacks steady gaze. “And on top of that, she has no plan for Scootaloo’s future, but the final straw is her house.”
“What’s wrong with her house?” Applejack replied trying to recover from the unexpected answer. “It’s not that messy, is it?”
“Hey, I keep my house clean, most of the time.” Rainbow Dash defended as some of her vigor started to reappear.
“It’s not just the state of her house that is the problem. The main problem is what her house is, and how that affects Scootaloo.”
Applejack raised a questioning eyebrow and motioned for Catalina to go on.
“What I mean is. Scootaloo can’t fly, and it will probably be awhile before she can. So Rainbow Dash’s cloud house is too dangerous for Scootaloo to live in. What if Rainbow Dash isn’t at home and something happens and Scootaloo falls? She could be seriously injured or worse.”
Applejack nodded slowly in understanding. No matter how much she didn’t like it, Catalina’s reasons made since.
“Look, I’m sure that Rainbow Dash is a nice pony, but my decision still stands. And not even Celistia herself can change my mind and that’s final.”
Rainbow Dash hung her head in defeat and let out a heavy sigh. Twilight and Pinkie Pie both came up beside Rainbow Dash and each put a reassuring hoof on her shoulders.
Catalina took a moment and prepared herself for the onslaught of protests that were about to be hurled at her with her next statement. “Of course this also means that Scootaloo is going to have to come back with me to the orphanage.”
“WHAT!!!” Everypony else yelled as they turned their attention back to Catalina.
“But I don’t want to go. I want to stay here with all my friends.” Scootaloo protested as she pleadingly clasped her hooves together in front of Catalina.
“Please don’t take Scootaloo away. We’re the Cutie Mark Crusaders; we’re supposed to stay together.” Sweetie Belle chimed in.
“Surely there’s something you can do so that you don’t have to take Scootaloo away?” Rarity asked trying her best to help persuade the mare.
Rainbow Dash flew over to Catalina and pleadingly put her hooves together. “Please don’t take Scoots away. I’ll do anything, just don’t take her away.”
Catalina shook her head. This was the one thing she hated about her job. She loved uniting young orphan colts and fillies with a family, but every once in a while she would have to tell somepony that they weren’t eligible to adopt. It was hard but it was her job and she had to do it. Even though there was one last thing she could try.
“I’m sorry but there is just nothing I can do, unless one of you would be willing to try and adopt her instead?” Catalina asked as she looked around at all of the ponies present.
Both Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo started looking around at all of the ponies around hoping that one of them would offer to at least try.
“Ah’ll adopt her.”
Rainbow Dash’s eyes lit up when she looked into the determined smiling face of Applejack. Applejack nodded and gave Rainbow Dash a wink that caused her cheeks to darken slightly.
Scootaloo’s wings buzzed happily as she quickly ran over to Applejack. “Do you really mean it?” She asked with a hopeful smile on her face.
“Ah sure do sugarcube.” Applejack said as she ruffled Scootaloo’s mane.
Catalina let out a slight sigh of relief, being given a possible way out of having to make Scootaloo’s life miserable. “Of course this means that you must undergo the same interview, and inspection that Rainbow Dash just went through. Are you prepared for that?”
“Ah sure am.” Applejack said with a determined smile.
“Excellent,” Catalina said as she used her magic to float her clip board in front of her. “Now I suppose the first question should be what your name is, considering we haven't been formally introduced.”
“The names Applejack, it’s a pleasure makin’ your acquaintance.” Applejack said with a tilt of her hat.
Catalina started writing then paused, something about that name and how she said it sparked something in her memory, but she couldn’t put her hoof on it. “Yes quite, so tell me why is it that you want to adopt Scootaloo?”
“Well ah guess it’s because ah know what being an orphan is like. Scootaloo needs a family to care for her.” Applejack said without hesitation.
Everyone around them let out a loud gasp of surprise.
“Applejack, I had no idea that you were an orphan.” Twilight said as she trotted over to her.
Catalina looked up from her clipboard and nodded. “Yes this an interesting turn of events. Could you please explain what happened to your parents?”
“Well it happened right after Applebloom was born. They were helpin’ some ponies, and there was an accident. It…it happened so suddenly that…that. Ah’m sorry ah can’t talk about it it’s too painful to remember.”
A single tear ran down Applejacks face as she thought of the painful memory. She reached a hoof up and whipped it away when suddenly she felt something feathery wrap around her. She looked over to see a cyan wing draped around her in a comforting hug. She looked up at Rainbow Dash’s face and smiled.
“Thanks sugarcube ah needed that.” Applejack said as she leaned into the hug and nuzzled Rainbow Dash’s neck.
Rainbow Dash blushed and nonchalantly scratched the back of her head. “Hey no problem, that’s uh…what I’m here for.” Rainbow Dash said as she pulled her wing back.
Catalina took some more notes and smiled. Things were looking up indeed. “So Ms. Applejack, where is it that you are currently residing?”
“Ah live on the farm with mah brother Big Macintosh, mah sister Applebloom and Granny Smith.”
There it was again, that feeling, that strange feeling of a vague memory. Something right at the front of her mind but she couldn’t quite figure out what it was. “Well I suppose that also answers the question of your employment.” Catalina said as she jotted down a quick note. “Where do you see yourself being in five years?”
Applejack shrugged her shoulders. “Ah’m pretty sure ah’ll be workin’ on the farm same as ah always do. We have been thinkin’ of doin some expandin’ on the west orchards.”
Catalina nodded and took a few last notes before she placed her clipboard back in her saddlebag. “Alright that’s enough questions for now. Shall we go and see your house?”
“Sure follow me and ah’ll take yah there.” Applejack said as she turned and started trotting in the direction of her home.
Following her closely was Catalina, Rainbow Dash, and the three Cutie Mark Crusaders. Behind them was Rarity and Fluttershy. And finally bringing up the rear was Twilight and Pinkie Pie, still dragging her wagon full of party gear.
Along the way the group kept up a low hum of conversation amongst themselves, while Catalina stayed quite, searching her mind, trying to find what it was that was causing her flashes of nostalgia.
After about ten minutes Applejack stopped, bringing the group to a halt, pulling Catalina out of her trance.
“Here we are, welcome to Sweet Apple Acers.” Applejack said with a smile and a wave of her hoof. “And here comes Granny Smith right now.”
Catalina’s eyes grew wide and her mouth hung open as all of her memories of this place started to come back to her.
“Uh…Mrs. Catalina are y’all ok, is somethin’ wrong?” Applejack asked as she gave Catalina a curious look.
“I…I’ve been here before.” Catalina said as she started trotting forward into the farm.
The rest of the group gave each other confused looks, and then started trotting after her.
Granny Smith slowly trotted toward the group with a smile on her face. She then stopped and squinted her eyes as she noticed the strange mare walking towards her. After a few seconds she smiled and started to chuckle to herself. “Well, if it ain’t Catalina. I haven’t seen you since Applebloom was knee high to a grasshopper.”
Catalina smiled brightly and came to a stop in front of the old mare. “It has been a long time hasn’t it; I see that you’ve been doing well.”
“Ah’ve been havein’ some aches and pains every once in a while, but ah still got a lot of fight left in me.” Granny Smith Replied as she hopped up and clicked her back hooves together.
Catalina giggled lightly, “I can see that.”
“Uh Granny, do you know this pony?” Applejack asked as she and her friends came to a stop next to Catalina.
“Ah sure do this here is the pony that the Canterlot Central Orphanage sent to see if ah was spry enough to take care of my little grand fillies after the accident, and ah sure as sugar proved that ah was more than capable if ah do say so myself.”
“Yes you did.” Catalina said with a smile, she then turned to the rest of the group to explain. “It was my first solo assignment. I was so nervous, but Granny Smith made it perfectly clear that she was more than capable of taking care of them.”
Granny Smiled and nodded, “So what brings you here with my grand fillies and all their friends?”
“I’m here because Applejack has offered to adopt Scootaloo.”
“She has well that’s mighty nice of her, and don’t you worry theirs more than enough room for Scootaloo.” Granny said as she eyed her granddaughter.
“I’m sure there is, I’m just here to make a quick inspection of the house to make sure that it’s safe for her to live her.”
“Well don’t let me stop yah, it hasn’t changed much since the last time you where her though, well except for the barn, we’ve had to rebuild it a few times in the last year. Well Ah’m goin’ into town for some groceries, ah’ll see yah when ah get back.” Granny Smith said as she started trotting toward town.
Catalina smiled warmly at Applejack. “You’re very lucky to have such an outstanding pony for a grandmother Ms. Applejack.”
Applejack nodded in agreement. “Ah sure am.”
“Let’s get back to the tour if you would be so kind.”
“Of course, right this way.” Applejack said as she took the lead once again and motioned for the group to follow.
The house was almost exactly as Catalina had remembered it from the first time she stepped foot into it. Everything was immaculate. Everything had a place and was where it was supposed to be. Every room was clean, but still looked like it was being lived in.
After the tour Catalina stood on the front porch, once again she was compiling her notes together to make a final decision.
All of the other ponies where waiting in heated anticipation. Some coping with the wait rather well, Twilight was pretending to read a new book, Rarity was keeping an eye on the fillies as they played, and Applejack just stood waiting patiently.
The rest of them weren’t taking the wait near as well. Pinkie Pie couldn’t stop bouncing around in circles, Fluttershy nervously chewed on her hooves, and Rainbow Dash was quickly pacing back and forth in a never ending cycle.
Catalina adjusted her glasses and cleared her throat, gaining everyponies attention. “I have made my final decision.”
After a few seconds of waiting Catalina continued. “Congratulations Ms. Applejack, I hereby approve of you becoming Scootaloo’s legal guardian.”
“YEEEHA” Applejack hollered as she jumped up in excitement.
The rest of the group followed suit and started celebrating and in their own ways.
“If both of you would be so kind as to sign your names here and I’ll take care of the rest.” Catalina said as she floated her clipboard and pen over to Applejack.
Applejack quickly glanced over the document, signed her name and then handed the clipboard over to Scootaloo. Scootaloo signed her name and handed it back to Catalina.
Catalina took the clipboard back and smiled. “Congratulations, now if you’ll excuse me I’ll go turn this in. I’ll mail you you’re copy.” Catalina said as her horn started to glow.
“Wait aren’t you going to stay and celebrate with us?” Scootaloo asked as she looked up at Catalina.
Catalina smiled at Scootaloo and reached down and patted her head. “No, I’m sorry. I have work to do, but I hope you have a good life Scootaloo.”
Scootaloo nodded one last time before Catalina disappeared in a flash of blue light.
“You all know what this calls for?” Pinkie Pie asked as she bounced into her wagon. “A PARTY!” She announced as she popped up with her party canon shooting decorations everywhere.
The party was a fairly typical one by Pinkie Pie standards, but for Scootaloo it was the best party ever. Pinkie Pie had made a special cake that was orange and purple, and had Happy Getting a Family Day written in frosting on top.
There was of course all of the normal party games and treats associated with a Pinkie Pie party. They played pin the tail on the donkey, which Rarity won by a land slide.
There was fruit punch to drink, and of course lots of sweets from Sugarcube Corner baked by Pinkie Pie for everypony to enjoy.
After a few hours Celestia’s sun started to set, and Luna’s moon took its place in the sky. Pinkie Pie quickly set up several lamps and put her record player in the middle and turned it on, filling the night air with upbeat music.
“Everypony find a dance partner.” She said happily as she bounced over to Twilight and started dancing with her.
Applejack and Rainbow Dash both glanced over at each other.
“Would you like to dance Rainbow?” Applejack asked with a smile.
“Sure if you think you can keep up with me.” Rainbow Dash responded flaring her wings.
“Alright you’re on Rainbow.” Applejack said with a cocked eyebrow accepting the challenge.
Applebloom and Scootaloo happily partnered up and danced next to Rarity and Sweetie Belle.
Over in the corner Fluttershy stood with her eyes closed happily tapping her hoof along to the beat of the music. Not noticing the big red stallion that came up beside her.
“Would you like to dance?” Big Macintosh asked with a soft smile and a quiet voice.
Fluttershy opened her eyes and looked over to where Big Macintosh was standing. When she saw the big stallion she let out a small yelp and hid behind her mane. After a moment she peeked an eye out and saw that it was Big Mac with had a worried look on his face.
“Oh Big Macintosh I’m sorry, you frightened me a little.” She said as she relaxed.
“It’s all right, ah’m sorry ah scared you. It’s rare for me to sneak up on somepony.” Big Mac replied.
“Oh no, it’s okay you just startled me a little is all. Did you ask me something?”
“Ah was wondering if you would like to dance with me.”
“Oh, you…you want to dance with me?” Fluttershy asked her cheeks turning the same shade of pink as her mane.
“Eeyup,” Big Macintosh replied with a smile.
Fluttershy blushed more and looked down and started drawing circles in the dirt. “O…Ok, that sounds nice.” Fluttershy said with a soft smile.
Big Macintosh trotted with Fluttershy closer to the rest of the group and danced with grace one wouldn’t expect from a stallion his size.
As the moon made its way to the center of the sky Applejack and Scootaloo thanked everypony and waved happily as they left. Then Applejack and Rainbow Dash took Scootaloo and Applebloom up to their now shared room to tuck them into bed.
“But Applejack we’re not even tired yet.” Scootaloo protested as Applejack ushered them into their room.
“It’s gettin’ late and it’s time for little fillies to go to bed.” Applejack said in a voice that left no room for argument.
“Alright,” the two fillies chorused. They both hooped up on opposite sides of the bed and got under the covers.
“Hey sis, could you sing us a lullaby?” Applebloom asked as she gave her sister the biggest cutest eyes she could muster.
Applejack looked over at Rainbow Dash and shook her head. Then turned back to the girls and trotted over to the side of the bed. “Alright, ah suppose that’s not too much to ask. What lullaby do you want me to sing?”
Scootaloo scrunched up her face trying to think of a good lullaby.
“How ‘bout the one that mamma and Granny Smith used to sing when you were a filly.” Applebloom suggested with a smile.
“Yeah, sing that one that sounds awesome.” Scootaloo excitedly chimed in.
Applejack smiled softly at the two fillies and nodded her head. She pulled the cover up more on both of them and started to sing.
Ah’ll love you forever,
Ah’ll love you for always,
For now and forever,
My filly you’ll be.
Scootaloo and Applebloom both smiled softly as their eyelids started to droop, and then they would flutter up again as the fillies tried to stay awake.
Through good times and bad times
Through all of life’s struggles
From sun rise to sunset
My filly you’ll be.
As Applejack finished she looked down at the now happily dosing fillies. She leaned down and gave each of them a soft kiss on the forehead.
Scootaloo stirred and lazily opened her eyes. “Thank you Applejack for adopting me.”
“You’re welcome Scootaloo, now go to sleep you have a big day tomorrow.”
Scootaloo nodded and closed her eyes again. “I love you Applejack.” She whispered before drifting off into a peaceful sleep.
“Ah love you to Scootaloo.” Applejack said before she got up and joined Rainbow dash in the hall.
“Wow that was awesome Applejack. You’ve got to be like the best big sister.” Rainbow Dash said as she and Applejack
trotted over to Applejack’s room.
Applejack shrugged and turned the door knob opening the door. “Ah was just doin’ what ah always do when I put Applebloom to bed.”
“Yeah, but you were awesome at it. I didn’t know that you could sing like that. It wasn’t quite as awesome as me, but it was easily worth second place.” Rainbow Dash said as she flew into Applejacks room and landed on her bed with a cocky smile.
“Sure thing sugarcube, whatever helps yah sleep at night.” Applejack said as she closed the door behind her and hopped up onto the bed.
“Hey thanks for letting me spend the night and all; I uh…wanted to make sure Scoots first night here went smoothly.”
“Sure thing Rainbow, ah think that was probably a good idea. With all Scootaloo’s been through ah think you bein’ here tonight will help her feel more comfortable.”
Rainbow Dash nodded and slid underneath the covers and pulled them up over herself.
Applejack did the same, and gave Rainbow Dash a very serious look on her face. “Hey Rainbow ah was wonderin’ can ah ask you somthin’?”
Rainbow Dash turned and looked at Applejack. “Yeah sure, is something wrong?”
“Huh? No, no nothin’s wrong ah was just wonderin’ y’all are still plannin’ on teachin’ Scootaloo how to fly right?”
“Yeah of course, I made a promise and I always keep my promises.” Rainbow Dash said proudly
“And you’re plannin’ on comin’ by and hangin’ out with her right?”
Rainbow Dash nodded and motioned for Applejack to continue.
“Well ah was wonderin’ if maybe you could move your house closer, it would make it easier for you to see her, and ah’m sure she would like it if you were close by.” Applejack said with a light blush that she hoped Rainbow Dash didn’t notice.
Rainbow Dash thought about it for a few seconds then smiled brightly. “Hey yeah that’s a great idea Applejack. I’ll move my house over here tomorrow morning.”
“Sounds like a plan to me. Good night Rainbow, sleep tight.” Applejack said as she took her hat off and placed it on the bed post. Laid her head on the pillow and almost immediately fell into a deep sleep.
“Good night Applejack.” Rainbow Dash said as she rolled over and went to sleep.
Meanwhile at Twilight’s Library
While the Apple family was drifting off to sleep, Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie were gathered in the main room of the Library.
“Twilight why did you call us here so late, a lady needs her beauty sleep.” Rarity said stifling a yawn.
“I’m sorry for calling you girls her so late but this is important and it’s something we need to discuss without Rainbow Dash or Applejack.” Twilight said looking around at everyone else.
The other three present nodded their heads as Twilight continued.
“As you all know, Rainbow Dash and Applejack are both hiding their true feelings for each other.”
The other three nodded once again.
“And as their friends I think we need to help them get their feelings out in the open.”
“But, how are we going to do that?” Fluttershy asked meekly from the other side of the table.
“Well Fluttershy, it just so happens that I have a plan.” Twilight answered with a cunning smile.