//------------------------------// // Being split up and a possible reuniting party. // Story: How the hell did this happen? Or should that now be hay? // by Lucky424 //------------------------------// “BUT I DON'T WANT TO GO!!!” “Scootaloo dear, you have to come back home, school starts again tomorrow.” “It's not safe there.” “Why is it not safe at home?” “Because Lucky's staying in Canterlot!!” An orange blur whipped past me as I rounded the corner. “Nova, could you go find her and bring her back?” “Yes sir.” With that he turned and galloped after the runaway filly. “Now then, Mr and Mrs Fire, what was that all about?” “Scootaloo doesn't want to come home unless you are there to keep her safe.” “I see.....well, there is only one thing for it.” Turning to Strike, I posed my question. "So if I proved myself not to be a threat, then why are you two still 'escorting' me?” “We were actually supposed to stop after your party sir, but we requested to stay with you afterwards.” “Okay, that's a little creepy. Why?” “We are....intrigued by you. The way you can switch from an outing personality to a calm and collected soldier in an instant is amazing.” “So....you're studying me...to see how to be a better soldier?” “Yes sir.” “I could think of worse examples. Anyway, what are the chances of getting a few guards stationed in Ponyville until such time as I am allowed to go back?” “I think if you ask Princess Celestia, very good. Who would you send?” “Well, it would have to be someone Scootaloo feels comfortable around, which at the moment is you, Nova, and Starfyre. I know you want to study me, but you won't learn much whilst I'm recovering.” Nova came running around the corner with a worried look on his face. “She's on top of one of the towers!!! I can't get through to her, you have to come quick!!” As we started to run, we were over taken by two trails of smoke. Making it outside, we looked to where Nova was pointing, but saw no Scootaloo. Her mother swung down in front of us, full of worry for her daughter. “Where is she? I don't see her! Which tower? She still can't fly properly! What if she fell?” I heard some hushed talking in the gardens, and calmed her down. “Spitfire, it's all right, come on.” As we got closer to a hedge, the voices became clearer. The first one belonged to a mare. “So why don't you want to go back?” We then heard Scootaloo speak, punctuated by sniffling. “It's not safe.....at home. I know mum and dad try to make it.....but without him there.....I don't feel safe. “And why does he make you feel safe?” “He helped us in his first day here.....and then he protected us at the Gala......and we didn't even ask him to!! He just did!!” “But why him? Surely the residents of Ponyville can protect you?” “But they don't have any training like he does. Big Macintosh can hold his own, but the others are mainly farmers!” As I got up to walk around the bush, I expected to see one of the castle staff with her, but it wasn't. Lying down on the grass with Scoots was a white pegasus mare in golden armour. They have female guards? How come I've not seen them before? I know stories have them, but you'd think if they existed, I'd have seen one by now. “Excuse me miss, who are you?” She stood and whipped herself around, placing herself between me and Scootaloo instinctively. “Who speaks to me in such a waooooh. Sorry sir, I didn't realise it was you. My name is Cannon Bolt. Yes, go ahead and laugh, I know it's a colts name.” “I would never laugh at ones name, more so a mare's. It is a pleasure to meet you.” “Wow, Twilight was right, you are a charmer.” “Uh, yes well.....” “SCOOTALOO!” “I'm okay mum, I was talking with Cannon Bolt here. I still won't feel safe......but I'll come home with you.” With speed that you expect from the captain of the Wonderbolts, Scootaloo was wrapped up in a massive hug, soon joined by her father. A voice behind us drew our attention. “Spitfire? Rapidfire? What are you doing here? And what are you doing to the squirt?” They looked at each other and nodded, before setting the filly down in front of them. “It's time to let you in on a little secret Rainbow Dash. Tell me, have you ever seen Scootaloo's parents?” “No, she told me they were always too busy, that they were away a lot entertaining other ponies with their jobs.” “Sweetie, would you like to tell her?” Scootaloo nodded enthusiastically. “Rainbow Dash, I'd like you to meet my parents, Spitfire and Rapidfire!” 'THUD' “Well, after what we've seen of Dash here, I think we should have expected that!” As the laughter erupted, Starfyre came gliding down in to the garden. “Uncle Starfyre!!!” “Heya squirt!!” He looked up at me. “So, you managed to find another reason to make Lady Dash faint?” An amused giggle came from Spitfire's direction. “Easy bro, I don't think 'Lady' Dash will like you saying that.” “We will call them by the title they justly deserve, Lady Spitfire.” “Oh stop.” Looking between the family, I couldn't help but smile. “Well then, I guess I know why Scootaloo was always comfortable around you now Star. If you'll excuse me, I need to go see Celestia. Strike, Nova, are you coming?” “If it's okay with you sir, and Mr and Mrs Fire as well, we'd like to stay a bit longer.....we've always been a fan of the Wonderbolts.” “Mum, can they stay, please?” I tried to imagine the look they were getting, and seeing as it was successful, I chuckled to myself and headed inside. “Your majesty, I request that we be allowed to see this creature. If he is to appear in any of our homes, we wish to be able to tell our ponies not to panic.” “I understand, however I do not know where he is at this time. Perhaps we could a arrange a proper meeting time at a later date.” Celestia looked up as the door eased open, and he slipped in, walking quietly up behind the other ponies. I could see the smirk on Celestia's face, and I knew I had her blessing. “A press conference sounds like a wonderful idea, but we would still need to see it before hoof so that there is no mass panic. It may be something so horrible it give ponies nightmares.” “How could someone as good looking as me give people nightmares?” There were a few screams as everyone in the room turned to look at me, and I walked down the centre as I continued. “I am the one who brings nightmares to the ones who cause them. Princess Celestia, I have a.....request to ask of you”. “You may ask, but I may not be able to grant it.” “Thank you. I overheard Scootaloo talking to one of your guards and she is too scared to return home without me. The mare finally got her to agree to go home, but I was wondering if you could send a few guards with them so she feels safe, until such time as I am permitted to return to Ponyville.” There was a murmur throughout the room before a well dressed stallion stepped next to me and bowed. “Your majesty, as is customary, but no longer practised, I second this one's request.” Celestia closed her eyes for a moment before responding. “It has been many generations since that custom was used, and had it come from any other family than yours, I would have been a little shocked. But I know your family tries to keep traditions known. Thank you, Fancy Pants.” Wait, what? I got another look at the stallion beside me, and it was indeed Fancy Pants. “Now then Mr Luckes, do you have any candidates in mind?” “Yes your highness. Scootaloo has shown she is comfortable around Lightning Strike and Nova Fusion. She also seemed to accept Cannon Bolt, and she has an uncle in the guard, by the name of Starfyre. I.....don't really know any others that well.” “Your majesty, may we request that we go as well?” Directing our attention to the door, we saw a pegasus stallion and a earth pony stallion had entered and were bowing low. “Sergeant Jet Streak and Sergeant Hammer Legstrong, before I decided, I would wish to know why?” They both stood up and the pegasus, Jet Streak, stepped forward. “I have a........old friend that lives in Ponyville and I'd very much like to see......her again.” Legstrong then stepped forward. “The reason I have is the same your majesty, and I wouldn't want to pass the opportunity up to see her again.” “Very well gentlecotls. You shall leave on the evening train with the others, go pack your things.” They both bowed low as they backed away. “Thank you, you majesty.” Turning back to Celestia, I saw a sly grin tugging at the corner of her mouth. Clearly, she knew something I didn't. “They will need somepony in charge, and I know of just the pony. Your request is granted.” "Thank you, your highness, I shall take my leave.” I left the hall and was about to head back outside when a shout stopped me. “Wait!” Turning around, I saw my supporter for my request. “Mr Fancy Pants, how may I help you?” “For a start, please just call me Fancy. None of the 'Mr' stuff. I understood that you have met Cannon Bolt?” “Yes, I have. Scootaloo ran away from her parents, and Nova went to get her, but she had climbed on top of a tower. He came back to get us, but when we got there the filly wasn't in sight. I guess Bolt got her down.” “Yes, my sister is a bit like that. One of the few female guards you know?” “Wait, sister?” A nod. “Just how many female guards are there?” “There are around fifty, but most of them are disguised as castle staff. One of the best passes herself off as the castle masseuse. I can tell by the look on your face you have 'encountered' her. Do not worry, I will not say anything. What I wanted to do was thank you for giving my sister this opportunity. Streak and Legstrong are not the only ones with......old friends in Ponyville. They just have to make sure she stays away from Sweet Apple Acres. The restraining order is still in effect.” “What restraining order?” “Hmm? Oh, you'll find out soon enough. I look forward to speaking with you further, but for now goodbye.” “Yeah, talk later, bye.” “Sir, are we really going to do this?” “Do what?” “Leave the Sol system? Ten more minutes and we'll be out of it.” “We have to go to the other side of the galaxy. We have no choice. Do any of you want to leave him there, with no possible way home?” He was answered by all three of them simultaneously. “No, Sir!” “Good. Put us on course and engage the FTL drive.” After making my way outside and telling them the good news, I was working my way to the Bearers rooms to say my farewells. They were leaving earlier, as they all had jobs to do. Rainbow still hadn't calmed down from the fact that Scootaloo's parents were Wonderbolts. “Can you believe it? This is so awesome! I know the daughter of two Wonderbolts! And they've asked me to help teach her to fly!!!” “Dash, if you don't calm down, you're going to create a tornado.” “Right sorry.” “So you girls all set?” Twilight walked past me with a bit of parchment and a quill floating in front of her. “Yes we're on schedule. The packing is done, and now we are double checking the room to see if we missed anything. Then it's time to triple check the check list. “Riiight. Anyway, I've managed to get Celestia to allow some guards to come stay in Ponyville till I come back.” Fluttershy gently glided her way over to me. “um, who is coming. If you wouldn't mind telling us.” “You've got Lightning Strike and Nova Fusion, Starfyre....” “Scoot's uncle?” “Yes Dash, Scootaloo's uncle. There is a pegasus mare by the name of Cannon Bolt...” “Say what? Did you jus' say Cannon Bolt?” “Yes AJ, I did.” “Well, Mac'll be happy about that, but Granny sure as sugar won't be.” “I don't think I want to know. Anyway, as I made the request, two more stallions requested to go, saying they had old..........friends in Ponyville..and they were both female. The couldn't pass the opportunity to ask, and Celestia said yes to them.” “It can't be, it's jus' can't be......” AJ looked at me with eyes full of hope and something else. “Hammer? “Yeah, it's Sergeant Legstrong, and also...” 'THUD' “Just what is it with you girls and fainting around me?” Looking at Fluttershy on the floor, I posed my next question. “I'm guessing that she's Sergeant Streak's 'old friend'?” Rainbow had picked her up and put her on the bed. “If you mean a pegasus by the name of Jet Streak, then yeah. And I'm going to give him the back of my hoof when I see him.” “Again, I don't think I want to know. Anyway, Celestia is sending someone...pony along to be in charge, but she didn't say who, just that she knew 'just the pony'.” There was a clatter on the stone floor as Twilight lost her grip on the quill and parchment, but she gained a dreamy look on her face as she closed her eyes and let out a whisper, which in the silence, we could all hear. “Lieutenant, it's been a long time. Too long......”