//------------------------------// // The Apple Family Get Together // Story: Scootaloo's Guardian // by Night--Mist //------------------------------// Celestia's sun peaks over the hills the next morning into Cheerilee's bedroom, with both ponies still asleep. As Cheerilee is woken up by the sun's rays, she thinks it best to let her daughter sleep and closes the curtains to dim the room for her little filly, who was once again, cutely sucking on her hoof. She quietly walks out of the room to make them breakfast once again, after straightening out her mane in the bathroom. This morning she was preparing apple and blueberry pancakes, along with some apple juice she had picked a couple days ago from the Apple Family. That's when she remebered that she and Scootaloo were going over to their farm for lunch today. She soon finishes making breakfast for herself and Scootaloo, and heads upstairs to wake up the little pegasus. She walks in to see that her daughter was just getting up and stretching out her legs. "Good morning my little filly. Ready to get up and start the day," Cheerilee asks. "No, five more minutes mommy," Scootaloo says pulling the covers back over herself. Cheerilee seizes this opportunity to come over next to her daughter and pulls the covers clean off. As soon as she does this, Scootaloo turns to her mother to see a mischievous smile on her face. "Uh oh," was all Scootaloo could say before her mother starts giving her belly blasts to have a mother/daughter moment. Scootaloo laughs deeply and begs her mom to stop as her legs flail helplessly in the air and she is unable to move with her mother holding her down. Cheerilee soon does stop once she knew mission to wake her daughter had been successful. Cheerilee and Scootaloo soon make it down to breakfast and enjoy their meal. After they had finished, Scootaloo asks as her mother takes her to fix up her mane, "Mom, should we take anything to Sweet Apple Acres today?" "I'm sure that your grandma and cousins would like that, even though they probably have everything set themselves," Cheerilee asks. "Well, can't disagree with that, but still, do you think we should?" Scootaloo asks again. "Yes, I do think we should, so we'll stop by the Barnyard Bargains Market on our way to Sweet Apple Acres. Only thing you might want to watch out for is Pinkie Pie, since Sugar Cube Corner sits right in the middle of Barnyard Bargains. If she's heard of what's happened by now, you know what she'll probably do," Cheerilee says. "Throw a party for my adoption," Scootaloo says. "Like your cousin, Big Macintosh always says, 'Eeeyup'," Cheerilee says, making both of them giggle. As Cheerilee finishes with braiding her daughters mane, she and Scootaloo soon head out the door locking it and head towards the Barnyard Bargains. They make their way through, picking up what they think would be good for the lunch get together. It was when they got to Sugar Cube Corner that they got a welcoming they expected. "Hi, hi, hi, Cheerilee and Scootaloo. I'm so happy for you. Are you happy Scootaloo? You must be happy, because you've been adopted, and that would make any filly happy knowing they have somepony who loves them and.." was all Pinkie could say in fast pace before a cupcake was stuffed into her mouth by Mrs. Cake. "Yes, she must be very happy, my apologies for Pinkie's eccentric behavior," Mrs Cake says. "No worries Mrs Cake. We sort of expected her to be that enthusiastic. We're here to pick up some sweets for a family get together," Cheerilee says as Scootaloo giggles from Pinkie's episode. "Well you have come to the right place for that," Mr. Cake says walking in. "So who are you sharing it with?" Mrs Cake asks. "Well, this may be a bit of a shocker, but we are actually related to the Apple Family," Cheerilee says. "The Apple Family, through you I presume?" Mrs. Cake asks Cheerilee. "Scootaloo's related to them by blood actually, making me related to them now," Cheerilee says. "Oh is she, now?" Mrs Cake asks, looking to Scootaloo. Cheerilee and Scootaloo nod and Mrs Cake says, "Well that is a bit of shocker. But it's good you're related to them. They are a very close knit family. So what can we get for you today?" Cheerilee tells the Cakes what they needed and after Pinkie Pie had told them of the party she would be throwing for Scootaloo, they finally got out door after being blasted with the party cannon. They soon shake it off and laugh at how excited Pinkie Pie was for them. Soon they head back through Barnyard Bargains and on to Sweet Apple Acres. By the time they got there with the supplies, it was almost time for lunch, Apple Bloom was the first to greet them and she soon led them indoors. The rest of the Apple Family soon greeted their newest members and Cheerilee says, "We brought some food for the get together, just in case." "Aw shucks, ya'll didn't have ta go and do that fur us. We woulda been able ta handle it. But thank ya kindly though," Applejack says. "It was Scootaloo's idea actually," Cheerilee says. "Well, thanks fur being ever so thoughtful Scoots," Applejack replies. "You're welcome cousin," Scootaloo says. "I'm still trying ta get used ta that," Big Macintosh says. "Well, now that we're here, Scootaloo, why don't you go and play with Apple Bloom while we prepare lunch," Cheerilee says. "Okay," both fillies say in unison, and soon gallop off. "I can see it's gonna be hard to keep those two apart now," Applejack says as she , Cheerilee, Big Mac and Granny start preparing lunch. "Yes, it was already hard enough to keep them apart during class," Cheerilee says. "Ah reckon ya'll have somethin ya wanna talk ta us about," Applejack says. "Is it that obvious?" Cheerilee asks. "Well, the first sign was ya'll was askin the little ones ta go play," Applejack says. "Huh," was all Cheerilee was able to say to Applejack's statement. "So, what's all on your mind Sugar Cube?" Applejack asks. "Well, it's about Scootaloo's past actually. We were asleep last night for a little while until she woke up trembling from a nightmare she had," Cheerilee says. "Ah see, please continue," Applejack responds. "She had a cold sweat that had soaked her fur last night and when I asked her if she was okay, she turned to me and cried into my chest, telling me everything she dreamed about. It seems obvious that the Fillydelphia Orphanage is not treating the foals they house very well, from all that Scootaloo had told me, memories of that place haunt her, even in her dreams. To be having nightmares of that place is enough to tell me that the caretakers of that place need to be put out of work if they treat innocent little foals like the way Scootaloo described to me. I'm sure they were not targeting her for bad behavior, because she is one of the sweetest fillies I've come to know, just like Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, so it's good they have befriended each other. Even Sweetie Belle has heard rumors of that place, as well as our own orphanage," Cheerilee tells them. "Well, if it is that bad, Ah intend to help do somethin about it," Applejack says. "That's just what I was thinking, and I'm also wondering if you can help me with shutting them down," Cheerilee says. Applejack stops and says, "Ah'm with ya a hundred percent aunty, just wondering how we do that." "Well I have two options that I would like to try. One is I would find a way to have them mistreat the foals in public to see how badly they are treated, but then the thought makes me feel like I'm being lazy, and I'd rather the foals not be hurt more then they are already. My second option, which I like much better, is to go undercover, act as one of their workers and record down everything they do on a day to day basis in the orphanage," Cheerilee states. "Ah think Ah like the second option better just like you Cheerilee. Have you thought about taking this up with the princesses?" Applejack asks. "Well they are so busy right now, even if I did take it up with them, it may not be dealt with on their part for a while, cause, well, you know how slow news gets to them sometimes," Cheerilee points out. "Ah think we may be able ta help with that. Ya see, Twilight and Ah are very good friends, and Ah know for a fact that she would not be pleased to hear how Scoot's been treated. If she writes a letter to the Princesses, with her being Celestia's prized student, Ah know for sure they will make it a top priority to have those ponies put away for good," Applejack replies. "I really don't want to place any of the burden on them. I only want to do this because I care about my daughter and wish to see the rest of those orphans happy," Cheerilee says. "Cheerilee, you're part of the Apple Family now. And we Stick together like, well ironically enough, caramel on a candy apple. When we get serious, we go all the way," Applejack says, as she finishes the last batch of apple fritters. "Eeeyup," Big Mac says laying a big apple pie on the table. "If you're sure you want to get the princesses involved, I won't argue," Cheerilee says, feeling a bit relieved by what Applejack told her as she sets down some freshly baked bread on the table. "Well it'd be hard not ta get um involved once we tell all the Apple Family. We have some family members who live in Canterlot and will more then likely have word leaked to the Princesses before we know they even knew," Apple Jack says. "Well I can honestly say I'm glad not to be a sour apple in our family," Cheerilee says. They all laugh and Granny Smith says, "Looks like you're already gettin used being in the Apple Family. That was a good pun deary." "I try," Cheerilee jokes, making everyone laugh once again. "Well Ah have two questions fur ya. One, When are ya'll planing on doing this?" Applejack asks. "When the 1 month holiday comes. Which will be a day or two after we return from the field trip we take to Canterlot on Tuesday," Cheerilee informs her. "Well the letter should reach the Princesses by tonight, so they'll probably talk ta ya'll when ya aren't busy with the students," Applejack states. "Well, what was your second question Applejack?" Cheerilee asks. "My second question is, who are ya'll gonna have look after Scootaloo while you're gone," Applejack asks. She sees the obvious answer right as Cheerilee says, "Well, I was hoping she could stay with family while I'm gone." "Well Ah guess Apples never fall too far form the tree, do they? You're already thinkin like a true Apple member," AppleJack says. "So that means you'll do it?" Cheerilee asks. "Darn tootin" Granny Smith says. Eeeyup," Big Mac says. "We never leave family hangin. Feathers on the goat, Ah'm startin ta sound like Rainbow Dash. Anyways, Ah'm comin with ya ta get this whole thing settled for the good of those poor fillies and colts," Applejack says laying the last part of the meal for their lunch on the table. "I really appreciate that, but I don't want to force it on all your family, with it being so big," Cheerilee says. "We wouldn't have it any other way Cheerilee, and you're part of the family now and forever," Applejack says. "Better believe it," Granny Smith says. "Eeeyup," Big Mac says again. "Now how about we call the little ones in and get to eatin some grub," Applejack says. "After you niece," Cheerilee says. Applejack walks to the front door and whistles with her hoof to signal the fillies to come in. The rest of the family soon hear their hoofsteps as they gallop towards the entrance to the home. Once they entered, the family saw that both of Scootaloo and Apple Bloom had dirty hooves, and Cheerilee says, "Okay girls, go wash your hooves and then we'll sit down and eat." The fillies were quick to obey as they heard their bellies rumble. Applejack watches them gallop up the stairs and says, "All that playin probably has worked up their appetite. If they're anything like I was at their age, they'll have one of a full grown stallion, like Granny's always sayin." "Well I would think so. You should have seen Scootaloo when I her gave some of your famous recipe for apple-cinnamon oatmeal," Cheerilee said. "Wow Nelly, did she eat that much of it?" Applejack asks as she sits down. "Like a vacuum gone crazy," Cheerilee says with a giggle. "Well Ah'll be, looks like Ah may have some competition in the near future," Applejack says. "That's just like what Twilight said. Guess great minds thin alike," Cheerilee says. "Why thank ya'll," Applejack commented, tipping her hat. Soon Scootaloo and Apple Bloom join the family at the table and Scootaloo tells them about the party as they dig into all the different apple made food on the table and then some. After they had finished Apple Bloom lets out a belch and says, "Excuse me," as everypony laughs. Cheerilee then burps and says, "My goodness, excuse me", getting another laugh from everypony. What happens next sent the whole family crashing onto the floor in laughter, including Cheerilee and Scootaloo. Scootaloo belched so loudly that they thought it could be heard all the way to the Crystal Empire. She immediately covers her mouth, blushing, before they were all laughing so hard that their eyes water up. After they finished laughing Applejack says, "Yeeha, everypony, we have ourselves a winner fur the loudest belch in all Equestria. Do you have anythin you'd like to say?" "Excuse me," Scootaloo joked, making everypony laugh again. "Well, what would ya all like to do now," Applejack asks. "Well, we could go for a walk through town, burn of some of the unneeded fuel, and take care of anything we may need to do while we are," Cheerilee says, looking at Applejack and winking. "Sounds good to me. Big Mac, How bout you?" Applejack asks. "Eeeyup," Big Mac says. "Granny?" Applejack asks, only to notice Granny Smith had fallen asleep. "Okay, she's out, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, what about you two?" Appljack gestures to them. "I'm good with it," Scootaloo says. "Yeah maybe we can find Sweetie Belle along the way and then go do some crusadin," Apple Bloom says. Cheerilee and Applejack shrug at each other, finding no harm in it. Soon the new, bigger Apple Family was off.