//------------------------------//
// Episode 11: The Meaning of Family Part 1 
// Story: The Equestrian Wind Mage Classic: Season 1 
// by LordSiravant 
//------------------------------//

Episode 11: The Meaning of Family

Vaati quietly observed as a team of pegasi under Rainbow Dash's command pushed rain-soaked clouds together in preparation for a big storm. "So, am I to understand that there was a mishap at the weather center?" Vaati inquired.

Rainbow Dash sighed. "Yeah, couple of new hooves. Always happens."

Vaati quirked an eyebrow. "Always happens, you say? Clearly something needs to be done about that."

"Yeah, unfortunately I'm not the one in charge," Rainbow griped. "By the way, why aren't you taking shelter like everypony else? It's supposed to be a pretty good storm. Twilight's organizing a sleepover over at her place. You're welcome to join, if you want."

Vaati rolled his eyes. "Oh, please. I could conjure better storms in my sleep. Besides, a walk in the rain's as good a place as any to think."

Rainbow felt the first raindrop fall on her head. Within seconds she was soaked as a torrential downpour cascaded from the raincloud. She looked down to see Vaati cheekily meeting her gaze from under the safety of an umbrella. "Yeah, you have fun with that," she grumbled, flying off towards the library. "I'm going to Twilight's."

And with that, Vaati began his walk, humming a jaunty tune to himself. Gloomy weather always put him in a better mood.

XXXXXX

Meanwhile, somepony else happened to find themselves stuck in the dismal weather, but this time without any sort of protection from the cold rain and rough winds. Scootaloo trudged through the muddy road, her head hung low and despondent. She looked like she had taken a beating recently. She was covered with bruises, scrapes, and had a black eye. As she walked, she recalled the words her dear father had just spat in her face just minutes before.

"You worthless foal! It's a shame you didn't die instead of your mother!"

"Why did I get stuck with the brat?!"

"Can't do anything right! Can't even fly!"

"DON'T YOU BUCKING TALK TO ME LIKE THAT!"

"Get out of my house! I'm tired of taking care of you! GET OUT!"

Scootaloo noticed a large tree sitting on top of a nearby hill and headed towards it, sniffing sadly as she replayed her father's words over and over again in her head. Maybe Dad's right, she thought. Maybe I am a screw-up.

She soon reached the tree and curled up at the base of its withered trunk, its wide canopy providing some protection from the rain. I try so hard to make him happy, and all he does is yell at me and beat me. And now he's kicked me out of the house.

She could feel a wetness on her cheeks, and she knew that wasn't from the rain. She was unable to keep back the choking sob rising from her throat and buried her face in her hooves. "Why doesn't he love me?" she sobbed to herself. "Why doesn't anypony love me?!"

Thunder and the continuous pattering of rain was her only answer. A cold wind blew, causing her to shiver terribly. I…I wish I could just die…

It was at that moment that Vaati arrived at the scene, walking along under his umbrella. A cursory glance towards the tree on the hill suddenly snapped him out of his cheerful mood when he saw an orange and dark pink-haired mass curled up beneath the tree. He would know that combination of colors anywhere.

Scootaloo. That was her name, wasn't it?

Not long after he had made friends with Applebloom, the little filly had introduced him to her other friends. One of the was apparently Rarity's little sister, and the other was Rainbow Dash's biggest fan. The three of them seemed to refer to themselves as the Cutie Mark Crusaders, out to try doing random things until one of them clicked and got them their Cutie Marks. The whole thing had honestly sounded silly to him, but he hadn't voiced his thoughts. Occasionally he saw them around town, causing trouble during their escapades and just generally being kids.

Vaati found himself jealous of that childhood camaraderie, for he had had none of that in his own childhood. Thus, he had spent quite a bit of time with the Crusaders, getting to know them. They really were adorable fillies that Vaati just couldn't find it within himself to be his usual cynical and sour-tempered self around them.

Concerned for the normally-rambunctious filly, the mage began trudging up the hill to where Scootaloo lay. She didn't appear to have noticed him yet. "Scootaloo?" he called.

Scootaloo's head shot up in surprise as she looked at the mage. "What on Farore's green earth are you doing out in this dismal weather?" Vaati asked.

"V-Vaati?" she uttered.

"I always knew you were a daredevil, Scootaloo," Vaati continued, "but, really, some lines just need to be drawn…"

That was when the sorcerer took note of Scootaloo's condition, and his face hardened. Realizing he had seen her injuries, Scootaloo looked away in shame. "Alright, get up. You're coming with me," Vaati flatly said, scooping Scootaloo up into his arms and ignoring her yelp of protest. "I suggest you hold on. This may be a bit of a harrowing ride."

And then, before her eyes, Vaati began to change. His body went from ape-like to a great orb of darkness with a single eye and two golden horns. Two pairs of bat-like wings flapped, causing them to go airborne. Scootaloo was now gripped protectively in his talons, not tight so as to crush her ribs, but not loose enough for her to slip through and plunge to her doom a thousand feet up. Scootaloo was too awed to make any noise as the great beast flew into the air, through the clouds and into the sunlight. There, hovering over the storm cloud, was another cloud carrying his beloved Palace of Winds. Scootaloo's eyes widened in terrified amazement as she saw the massive palace growing larger by the second. The stories her friends' sisters had told about the palace's size could never do it proper justice.

It wasn't long before the duo reached the front entrance of the palace. Without warning, the gilded claws released their hold on Scootaloo's body, and she dropped with a startled cry onto the soft cloud below. Scootaloo stumbled a bit before righting herself. "Whoa," she murmured, feeling the surface.

She had never been on a cloud before. It felt softer than any other surface she had felt. At that moment, she heard Vaati's voice and looked up at him, noticing he had changed back into his normal form. "Welcome to my Palace of Winds, Scootaloo."

Vaati idly waved his hand, and the door began to creak open, his eye sigil splitting in half as the doors separated and opened inward, revealing the interior of the Palace. Vaati stepped aside and teleported his umbrella out of sight. "Come, let's get you cleaned up," he spoke as he walked.

He stopped after realizing Scootaloo was not following him. He turned around to see her staring hesitantly inside, unwilling to move. Scootaloo had heard many of the stories about the monsters that made their home inside the Palace. She had even seen a few of them around town, but it was the stories about the monsters Vaati didn't trust to let roam outside the palace that gave her the shivers. Vaati rolled his eyes and walked back over to her, sweeping her up into his arms once more. "H-hey!" she complained.

Vaati ignored her as he walked, apparently searching for someone. Scootaloo couldn't deny, however, that she found herself feeling safe in his arm as he carried her like an infant. Soon, Vaati caught sight of a particular Wizzrobe who happened to be walking by. "Nigellas!" he barked.

Nigellas approached his master and bowed. "Lord Vaati," he greeted before noticing Scootaloo. "Hey, who's the extra baggage?"

Vaati frowned. "This baggage's name is Scootaloo. And before you say something else you'll regret, fetch me a Red Potion on the double. Her injuries are a little more severe than what my limited knowledge of healing spells can remedy."

Nigellas briskly saluted. "Your wish is my command, sir," he said before teleporting away.

Vaati then set Scootaloo on the floor as they waited. At that moment, a Moblin passed by as part of its patrol. Scootaloo gasped in fright as she saw the grotesque creature look curiously over at her. Vaati glared at the beast. "As you were," he ordered, and the Moblin went back to its patrol, rounding a corner and disappearing from sight.

"W-what was that?" Scootaloo nervously asked.

"That was a Moblin," Vaati replied. "Those are some of the monsters I'm not yet confident enough to let roam outside the palace."

Nigellas took this moment to reappear. "We're out of Red Potions," he reported.

Vaati glared at him. "What do you mean, 'we're out of Red Potions'?"

"As in zero. None. Nada. Zilch. The medicine cabinet is empty."

"Then why are you standing there like a fool instead of MAKING BLOODY NEW ONES?!"

"Because…" Vaati's glare intensified. "…I'm not helping myself, am I?" Nigellas wisely asked.

"Get. Going. And bring it to my personal chambers when you're done."

Nigellas nodded before disappearing again. "Come, Scootaloo," Vaati bade. "Follow me."

Scootaloo did as she was told and stuck close by the mage as he led her through the palace. She happened to look up at the ceiling at one point and saw a shocking sight. A disembodied, decayed hand clung to the ceiling directly above her. Without looking up, Vaati explained, "Wallmaster. They throw intruders out of the palace. Since you're with me, they don't see you as a threat and will ignore you. Now come. We're almost there."

As they walked, they passed several other monsters on guard or on patrol, including a trio of Floormasters that scared the living daylights out of Scootaloo due to their gruesome appearance. Eventually they reached an ornately-carved door flanked on either side by a Darknut. Vaati strode up to the one on the left. "Maulgrim, Nigellas will be here soon with a Red Potion. Let him in when he comes."

The armored beast nodded. "It will be done, milord."

With that, Vaati pushed open the door to his bedroom and stepped inside. Nervously peeking in to make sure there were no more monsters hiding in this particular room, Scootaloo crept in as well, wincing as she heard the door shut behind her. Vaati sat down at his bedside and gestured next to him. "Come. Sit here and we will talk."

Scootaloo looked up at the bed, measuring the distance between the ground and the top of the mattress. Shutting her eyes in determination, Scootaloo's wings buzzed as she tried to lift herself off the ground. She, unfortunately, could not hover for more than a few seconds, and fell back on the floor with a loud thump. Not one to give up so quickly, she tried again, but once more met with failure. Vaati quirked an eyebrow as he observed. "Shouldn't pegasi your age be able to fly by now?" he asked.

Scootaloo heaved a dejected sigh. "Yeah. Thanks for reminding me."

Ah. This appeared to be a touchy subject for her. Vaati immediately dropped the subject and set Scootaloo on the bed. "Now, Scootaloo," Vaati said. "I want you to tell me what happened to you."

Scootaloo seemed hesitant to answer. "Were you in a fight?" Vaati asked.

"Uh…well, not exactly…"

Anger momentarily flashed in Vaati's eyes. "Did bullies do this to you?"

Scootaloo shook her head. Vaati was starting to get suspicious. "Do your parents at least know about this?"

Scootaloo tried and failed to suppress an expression of hurt at Vaati's last question, but not before Vaati had already caught it. Something was wrong here. But before he could inquire further, there was a knock at his door. "Yes, come," Vaati commanded.

The door opened to reveal Nigellas with a glass bottle filled with red liquid in one hand and a roll of parchment in the other. At Vaati's curious look, Nigellas said, "When I give her the potion, I want to monitor the healing process and make sure everything's going smoothly. We've never used it on non-humanoids before, so I want to keep track of the injuries as they heal."

Vaati nodded in understanding. "Very well," he said.

Nigellas uncorked the bottle and handed it to Scootaloo. "Okay, kid. Drink up. Slowly now."

Scootaloo complied and began drinking the potion, which thankfully had a strawberry taste to it so it wouldn't be rejected by finicky kids. Nigellas began monitoring the words as they appeared on the parchment, taking note of every injury that was healed. As the list went on, though, Nigellas's face (or at least his eyes, them being the only visible attributes of his face) grew grimmer, much to Vaati's concern. Once Scootaloo had finished, she set the empty bottle on the bed. "Wow," she marveled. "I feel great! What's in that stuff?"

Nigellas did not answer, instead ushering Vaati over to the far corner of the room so Scootaloo could not overhear their discussion. Once he was sure Scootaloo wasn't trying to listen in, he began his report. "Sire, I've got some troubling news about the kid."

"What is it?" Vaati asked, hoping the situation wasn't what he was beginning to think it was.

"The injuries she sustained have all been healed, but…the list goes back at least five years. And she's received similar injuries dozens of times over that period of time. Milord…I think she's being abused."

Vaati's chest tightened as his worst fears were confirmed. Scootaloo, the headstrong filly who wanted her cutie mark, to able to fly, and to be as awesome as Rainbow Dash herself, abused. The thought alone made Vaati boil with anger. "There's more, sir," Nigellas interrupted, snapping Vaati from his thoughts. "This report has also given me the reason why she is unable to fly at her age when other pegasi are. I'm afraid, sir, that…she has a growth deformity in her wings. I wouldn't be surprised if the result was due to the mother being beaten herself while she was pregnant with Scootaloo. On her own, she will never be able to fly."

Vaati instinctively glanced to see if Scootaloo had overheard, but she apparently hadn't, for she was too busy investigating the rest of Vaati's room. The sorcerer felt great pity well up for this filly, who, all because of her own father, (it most likely had to be her father, considering Nigellas's report) would never realize her dream. To never feel the wind beneath one's wings, to feel the cool breeze on one's face, to have an uncontested view of the world below…

Parents weren't supposed to be like that. Vaati had to force down his growing anger towards the unknown perpetrator. "What is your recommended course of action, sire?" Nigellas asked.

Vaati at first didn't answer the Wizzrobe, instead turning towards Scootaloo. "Scootaloo, where do you live?" he asked.

Scootaloo tried not to panic, failing miserably. "I…uh…I…"

"Scootaloo, just tell me, because I know what's been happening to you all these years."

Scootaloo sighed in resignation. She had always feared what would happen if anypony found out about her family situation. She hated living there, but the prospect of living in the local orphanage wasn't particularly appealing, either. Somehow, she had little faith anypony would adopt her right off the bat. "I…over on the outskirts of Ponyville, behind the hills overlooking the lake, there's a dingy old shack. I live there with my dad." Then she scoffed bitterly. "At least I did, until he finally got tired of me and kicked me out."

"He kicked you out of your own house?!" Vaati gaped, Nigellas apparently sharing his shock.

Scootaloo nodded again, trying to hold back her tears. Barely holding his rage in check, Vaati turned towards Nigellas. "Go find Twilight and tell her to send a message to the Princesses explaining the situation. Tell them to send a few guards to clean up whatever is left of the cur who dares to call himself Scootaloo's father, and that I will be taking responsibility for Scootaloo for the time being."

Scootaloo's jaw dropped. Had she heard right? Vaati was actually willing to take care of her? Nigellas saluted and once again disappeared to carry out his orders. With that done, Vaati rounded on Scootaloo. "Come, Scootaloo," he said.

"W-what're you gonna do?" she timidly asked.

Vaati's eyes were ablaze with tranquil fury. "I'm going to make sure your father never hurts you again."

XXXXXX

Had the citizens of Ponyville looked up, they would have seen the demonic winged eye soaring overhead, with a familiar orange filly sitting on its back, tightly gripping its golden horns. "Show me the way, Scootaloo," Vaati ordered, his voice distorted and deeper.

Scootaloo pointed. "That way!" she cried loud enough for the mage to hear.

The winged demon banked in that general direction, passing over the lake and soon catching sight of an old house. "There!" Scootaloo indicated, pointing at the shack.

Vaati dove downwards towards the house until he was close to the ground, at which point he returned to his normal form and let Scootaloo down from his shoulders. The young filly immediately shrank back from the sight of that hated house and hid behind the safety of Vaati's cloak. Noticing how frightened she was, he said, "Stay by me. If he tries to hurt you, I'll reduce him to ashes."

That seemed to calm her down a little, and she followed behind the sorcerer as he approached the front door. Vaati then knocked on the door and waited for several tense moments. Finally the door unlocked and opened, revealing a grey-coated pegasus stallion with several scars on his body. His mane and tail were black and unkempt, and his Cutie Mark was of an Equestrian version of a set of brass knuckles. Vaati internally seethed at this; his special talent was actually beating people up, and he knew it. Worse still, the stallion's eyes were slightly red and Vaati could smell alcohol on his breath, likely because of the bottle of cider clutched in his wing. "What the buck do you want?" he grunted, having not yet noticed Scootaloo.

Vaati kept a straight face as he asked, "Are you the father of Scootaloo?"

The stallion's eyes narrowed suspiciously at the mage. "What's it matter to you?"

"Answer my question…sir," Vaati growled, refraining from calling this lout a much more derogatory name.

The stallion scoffed. "Not anymore, I ain't. She ran away from home. Good riddance, I say."

Vaati's teeth bared. "That's a lie and you know it," he snarled. "You beat her to a pulp and then kicked her out of your house, you disgusting parody of a father."

The stallion blinked in surprise for a moment before glaring right back. "That little sack of horseapples put you up to this, didn't she?!" he demanded.

And that was when he saw Scootaloo hiding behind Vaati, tears streaming from her eyes. "You did put him up to this!" he roared, pointing accusatorially at her with a hoof. "When I told you to never come back, I meant it, you worthless piece of-!"

"Don't you dare talk to your own child like that!" Vaati shouted, his voice starting to carry demonic undertones.

"Butt out, you freak!" the stallion snapped, stepping towards Scootaloo, who scrambled back in terror.

"No," Vaati responded coldly, blocking his path. "Your quarrel is with me. Leave her out of this."

The stallion's face bore an expression of pure hatred. "With you, huh? Then have it your way!"

Without warning, Scootaloo's father flew up at Vaati's head and swung his cider bottle with all his strength at Vaati's face, shattering it and sending the stunned sorcerer to the ground. Vaati's vision spun and blurred, his head pounding in agony. He could feel something warm trickling down his face. He barely registered the sound of Scootaloo screaming in terror…

Scootaloo.

The enraged stallion had Scootaloo pinned against the side of the house, the top half of the broken bottle clutched in his wing. Scootaloo squirmed and struggled, but her efforts were in vain; her father was much stronger than she was. Holding the sharp edges of the glass dangerously close to Scootaloo's throat, he snarled, "I'm bucking done with you. All you've ever been was a waste of space and my time. I'm putting an end to this right now."

Scootaloo was scared. More scared than she had ever been in her life. Her own father was about to kill her. Happier moments flashed by in her eyes, times she had spent with her fellow Crusaders, laughing and playing while searching for their special talent. What would they think when they found out she was dead, killed by her drunken, deranged father? She never even got a chance to say goodbye…

And then, like a guardian angel, Vaati rose up behind her father, looming over him with murder in his eyes and a thin trail of blood leaking down his face. He grabbed the stallion by the shoulders, his strength bolstered by adrenaline and his demonic powers, and flung him away from Scootaloo through the front door. The stallion crashed into his dingy kitchen sink, knocking dirty silverware all over the place. He shook his head and opened his eyes to see the furious sorcerer enter the house. He snarled in fury and dive-bombed Vaati too fast for the mage to counter, knocking him to the ground.

The stallion attempted to crush Vaati's skull with his hoof, but the sorcerer managed to push him off with a gust of wind. He had barely gotten to his feet when he narrowly avoided a plate that had been thrown at him. Scootaloo's father snorted and whinnied in rage as he pelted the sorcerer with dishes and knives. Vaati managed to dodge the more deadly projectiles, but barely avoided being gutted as his adversary dove in again, this time with a butcher knife clenched in his teeth.

Vaati side-stepped as the stallion attempted to skewer him again before sending a flurry of Razor Wind spells his way. Scootaloo's father dodged all but one, which cut into his side and drew blood, but it was not a crippling blow. The two opponents stared each other down in the living room, which was now in ruins due to their struggle. "You're bucking dead, you ape," Scootaloo's father growled. "I'm gonna cut you to ribbons just like I will with that little wretch of a filly when I'm done with you!"

Vaati snarled like a beast. "You will not touch her again!"

There was no more reason to hold back. Vaati cast out his hands and unleashed a deadly barrage of fireballs. If his opponent intended to kill him, he was more than willing to extend the same courtesy.

XXXXXX

Scootaloo stood outside, listening intently to the sounds of the struggle within the house. She silently prayed to Mother Faust that Vaati would be alright. Suddenly she heard a muffled explosion and smoke began to billow out of the open doorway. A fire began to spread throughout the dilapidated building, much to her horror. Without thinking, she galloped right into the burning building, screaming Vaati's name. "Vaati! Vaati, where are you?!"

The smoke was blinding, and Scootaloo coughed as she inhaled the acrid air. "Vaati!" she cried over her coughing.

It was difficult to breathe. Unable to see, she tried to get out, but realized she couldn't see the door. Oh no, she panicked. I'm trapped!

Suddenly she felt herself swept off her hooves as Vaati emerged from the smoke and flames and grabbed her, making a beeline straight for the door. Not three seconds after Vaati and Scootaloo escaped the burning building, there was a crashing noise as it collapsed, a cloud of embers flying into the air. Vaati then set her on the ground as they watched the smoldering remains for several tense moments, as if expecting Scootaloo's father to emerge from the rubble like a demon rising from the depths of Tartarus. But that wasn't going to happen; what was left of that house would serve as his grave.

Scootaloo stared at the remains of her old home, a million thoughts going through her head. Her home was gone. Her horrible father was no more. Her life was over.

And yet…

Now it could begin anew.

Suddenly she saw Vaati collapse to his knees, wincing in pain and clutching his chest. "Vaati?!" she cried, and panicked when she saw the dark red blood staining his tunic and hand. She then happened to look down at herself; it was all over her too.

Vaati had been stabbed in the fight.

"No! No no no no no no NO NO NO!" Scootaloo panicked as Vaati began to sway.

"Cur…got lucky," he groaned before slumping to the side.

"No! No, please Vaati! Don't die on me!" Scootaloo shrieked. "I don't wanna be alone! SOMEPONY! HELP! PLEASE, SOMEPONY HELP!"

Fate seemed to smile upon her once again, for at that moment, Twilight, Nigellas, and a pair of Royal Guards came onto the scene. Once Nigellas and Twilight saw the downed mage and the hysterical filly screaming for help, the two of them screamed Vaati's name in horrified unison and immediately teleported to his side, leaving the guards to catch up. "Vaati!" Twilight cried. "What happened?!"

"He's losing blood fast!" Nigellas hurriedly observed. "We need a Red Potion NOW!"

Without another word, the Wizzrobe vanished. Twilight knelt down to assess his injuries, trying to keep her own panic in check and failing miserably. By now the other guards had caught up and were investigating the burning building while Twilight tended to the sorcerer. "H-he's gonna b-b-be okay, right?" Scootaloo stuttered, fear in her eyes. "P-please tell me h-he'll b-be okay!"

"H-he'll be fine!" Twilight tried to reassure her, though her panicked tone had the opposite effect.

Vaati's chest felt like it was on fire. He wasn't quite sure how Scootaloo's father had managed to get that lucky shot in, but he apparently hadn't noticed it until it was already over. His head swam, the voices surrounding him muffled and incoherent, and above all, he felt tired. He vaguely registered a tightened feeling on his arm as Scootaloo desperately clung to it, fearing for his life. With all the strength he could still muster, he pulled the filly close to his body, as if still bent on protecting her.

At that moment, Nigellas reappeared, a bottle of Red Potion in his pitch-black hands. "Step aside, all of you!" he ordered, kneeling down next to his master.

Twilight stepped back, holding back tears, but Scootaloo didn't budge. Maybe it was because of how Vaati's arm was keeping her protectively by his side, but Nigellas didn't question it and leaned Vaati's head back, pouring the live-giving medicine down the mage's throat. Vaati coughed as the liquid went down, shuddering as the potion coursed through his veins, repaired his wounds, and replenished his blood supply. Vaati's breathing began to steady. Nigellas heaved a sigh of relief. Twilight and Scootaloo began crying tears of relief as they hugged Vaati.

However, the mage had already slipped into the sweet embrace of unconsciousness.

XXXXXX

Ponyville Hospital…

Vaati slowly began to awaken, immediately finding himself in the rather familiar setting of Ponyville's hospital. He was laying in one of their beds, and as he was about to move his legs, he noticed he could feel something on the bed with him, curled up by his legs. Vaati sat up and looked to see Scootaloo curled up at the foot of his bed, fast asleep.

"She would not leave your side at all while you were out, you know."

Vaati looked up to see that another also occupied this room. Princess Celestia stood by the door, looking as regal as ever. Vaati nodded in respect. "Princess."

Celestia returned the gesture. "There are some things we need to discuss, primarily concerning Scootaloo's now-late father."

Vaati frowned at the mention of the hated stallion. "So he didn't survive, then?"

Celestia shook her head. "The guards found his remains in the wreckage. This could go very poorly for you, Vaati, if news were to get out without the straight facts. You must tell me what happened."

Vaati glanced at Scootaloo before recalling the previous events. "During the storm, I came across Scootaloo, who had been beaten and then kicked out by her father. I took her to the Palace of Winds to heal her injuries and get her story. I then went and confronted her father, intending to tell him what a piece of filth he was and that I was going to care for her from then on. Unfortunately, he decided it would be a good idea to beat me over the head with a bottle. He tried to kill Scootaloo after he incapacitated me, Princess. What else could I do? I defended her as well as myself, but when he said he still planned to kill her right after killing me, I stopped holding back. I'm sorry if your laws look down on such violence, but I don't regret my actions. But…if you're here to arrest me, then I have only one request before you do: don't put Scootaloo in an orphanage. She'll be miserable. I don't want her to live the life I did. Find her a home with a family that will properly care for her straight away."

Celestia gave a faint smile. "Even when faced with the possible loss of your freedom, your thoughts are not with yourself, but with the one you dare to sacrifice it for. That is a very selfless thing for you to say, Vaati. I know of no one better suited to caring for little Scootaloo."

Vaati blinked in surprise. "So…you're not going to arrest me?"

Celestia shook her head once more. "My sister has always been better with interpreting laws than I. She spent the better part of two hours trying to get me to see her logic. What you did could have been constituted as murder…were it not for the fact that you clearly stated you were defending yourself and a child, and that he struck first. Her father threatened her life and yours, and you acted accordingly. That is no crime, Vaati. Besides, both my sister and I are fairly certain that if we actually had arrested you, we would have had a full uprising on our hands, courtesy of your monsters…and of course, Twilight and her friends."

Vaati and Celestia shared a chuckle, deciding to ignore the truth of that statement. "Scootaloo, apparently, has no other family to speak of," Celestia continued. "So no one else is going to come for her in the event that she is put up for adoption. You said that you would be willing to adopt her yourself, am I correct?"

Vaati frowned. "I said I would allow her to live in the Palace for the time being until…other arrangements could be made."

Celestia gave a light smirk laced with devious intent. "There's more to it than that and you know it."

"…I don't know what you're talking about, Princess."

"I'm fairly certain you do. You demonstrated how much you have grown to care for her by fiercely defending her from one who wished her harm. You wanted to take her away from a terrible situation for no reason other than her well-being. If you intend to adopt her, just say it already. I can sign the document myself and make it legal and we'll be done with it."

Vaati glanced down at Scootaloo, who mumbled quietly in her sleep a little. A part of him resented the unfamiliar warmth in his chest as he observed this young child who had come to look up to him. He could not deny, though, that he definitely felt something towards her. "But I must ask you first," Celestia continued, interrupting Vaati's thoughts. "Are you prepared for this? Are you ready to take responsibility for the well-being of this child? She is not one of your monsters, who, despite how they admire and look up to you, are all adult creatures able to function on their own. She will need special attention you are not used to giving others. You will need to be the one to take her to school in the mornings, tuck her into bed at night, and comfort her when she has a nightmare. She needs a parent, not a caregiver. Will you give her that, Vaati?"

Vaati would have thought long and hard on such a life-changing decision, but once his eyes fell on Scootaloo again, he knew immediately what his answer would be. "I will."

Celestia's benevolent smile widened as she summoned a document and a quill, handing them to the sorcerer. Vaati inspected the parchment; it was an adoption form. Vaati didn't bother to read the main body of text; he already knew what needed to be done, and what all this meant for him and his charge. At the bottom of the parchment were two lines. One was signed by Princess Celestia. The other was for him.

Sighing in resignation, Vaati signed his name on the empty line, sealing his fate forever.

"Mnnhh…Vaati?" Scootaloo abruptly mumbled, starting to awaken.

Vaati and Celestia looked at the filly as she stretched and stared at the parchment in Vaati's hand. "Whu'zat?" she questioned, her speech slurred by her lingering fatigue.

Vaati and Celestia glanced at one another knowingly before Vaati flipped the document over for Scootaloo to see. As she read the document, her eyes almost bulged out of their sockets as she looked up at Vaati in shock. "You…you're really gonna…?" she uttered, her astonishment making her unable to finish that sentence.

Vaati nodded. "You're mine now, Scootaloo."

"In the eyes of the Equestrian law, Vaati is now your legal guardian, Scootaloo," Celestia informed.

Scootaloo sat there for several moments, unmoving. And then, without warning, she leapt onto Vaati's chest and wrapped her hooves around his neck in a hug. His trademark why-are-you-touching-me look flashed across his face…

"Oh, Vaati! Thank you thank you thank you so much!" Scootaloo cried, staining Vaati's tunic with tears of happiness.

…and the look immediately melted away from his face, replaced by one much more unfitting considering his usual disposition: compassion.

The wind mage then awkwardly patted Scootaloo on the back and returned her hug. Beaming with pride, Celestia turned her head towards the door. "I think this calls for a celebration," she said. "Don't you think, Pinkie Pie?"

"You bet, Princess!"

Vaati's eyes widened in dread at the sound of Pinkie's voice. "What."

And then the room exploded with noise and streamers as Pinkie Pie barged into the room and fired off her party cannon, flinging party decorations all around the room, which somehow attached themselves neatly in various places. Not two seconds later, the rest of the Mane Six, along with Nigellas, Applebloom, and Sweetie Belle all poured into the room, all crying Vaati's name in joy (except Fluttershy, whose quiet voice was drowned out, as usual) and carrying various trays of food. Twilight wrapped Vaati up in a big hug. "I'm so glad you're okay, Vaati!" she cried. "Don't scare me like that again!"

Applejack came up next. "Glad to hear yer doin' alright, sugarcube!" she said. "Ah also wanna say good job fer givin' that no-good, yellow-bellied sack 'a horseapples what he deserved!"

Though it initially would have seemed out of character for someone like Applejack to say that, Vaati knew also that family meant everything to her, and someone who had the audacity to hurt their own family members was the lowest of the low in her eyes. Rarity came up next. "You gave us quite a scare, you know," she said. "To think that such a horrible brute would hurt adorable little Scootaloo like that…I don't exactly approve of your methods, Vaati, but all the same, I'm glad he's gone."

Rainbow Dash followed after. "Hey guys," she said as she ruffled Scootaloo's hair. "If you had told me sooner I woulda done somethin' myself, squirt." She looked at Vaati. "Take good care of her, alright? Or else I'll do somethin' to you myself, got it?"

Vaati smirked. "Understood."

Glad they had reached an understanding, Rainbow stepped aside to let Fluttershy through. For several moments she just stared timidly up at Vaati. "I…um…"

Forgoing her usual shyness, she flew up and wrapped both Scootaloo and Vaati up in a hug. "Oh, I-I'm so glad y-you two are okay!" she whimpered, sobbing into their shoulders.

Both of them awkwardly patted her back until she released them from her embrace, hiding her face behind her long hair in embarrassment. Pinkie bounced up to them and hugged them as well, rambling incoherently about how she was super-duper happy that they were okay and congratulating them on becoming a new family, something she mysteriously knew about despite no one telling her. Finally she let go, much to Vaati's relief.

At this point, the other Cutie Mark Crusaders jumped on the bed and crowded around Scootaloo, sharing a group hug and laughing in relief at seeing each other again. "Oi, boss," he suddenly heard Nigellas say.

Vaati glanced over at his Chief Wizzrobe and stifled a laugh. Despite wearing his usual wizard's hat, a colorful party hat was situated on the top of its point, since it couldn't fit around any other part of the wizard hat that he never took off. He really did look quite ridiculous. "Nice of you to think about the kid," the Wizzrobe commended. "But don't ever do that again…sire."

Vaati rolled his eyes. "Shut up and enjoy the party."

And so it went on for a short while. Vaati waited until the chatter had died down somewhat before he cleared his throat. "If I could have your attention, everybody," he declared, silencing them all.

Vaati paused as he considered how to word his message. A part of him knew he would come to regret what he was about to say, but he didn't care. It was for Scootaloo. "As you may or may not be all aware, due to the recent…turn of events, shall we say, I have chosen to officially adopt Scootaloo as my foster daughter."

The room erupted into cheers for several moments before Vaati managed to get them to quiet down so he could continue. "I have never even considered that I would come to care for a child of my own. But then again, neither did I ever consider any of the events that have happened in my life upon coming here." There were some light chuckles. "Raising a child is hard work, harder than any one parent should have to shoulder on themselves. So, I ask for your help in raising Scootaloo."

Twilight smiled. "So, in a manner of speaking, you're asking us to act as her honorary family?"

"That…would be the general idea, yes."

"Wait!" Applebloom interrupted, pointing at the Mane Six. "Does this mean y'all are gonna be Scootaloo's aunts?"

They all nodded with huge smiles on their faces. "Then…that means we're," she breathed.

Then the three fillies gasped in unison. "CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS COUSINS!" they cheered, hugging each other.

"Guh," Vaati groaned, massaging his battered ears, but he couldn't resist cracking a smile.

This was a monumental event, not just for Scootaloo, but him as well. In saving a child's life, not only had he become a father, but part of his very own family. "If Scootaloo needs any help studying, I'm your mare," Twilight offered.

"Ya need a foalsitter, look me up!" Pinkie chirped, bouncing excitedly.

"Since I'm your aunt now, squirt, that means I'll get to spend more time showin' ya some awesome tricks!" Rainbow boasted proudly.

"If she needs clothes for any reason, just talk to me," Rarity spoke.

"Since yer now the newest member 'a the Apple family," Applejack said, "if'n ya want to spend the night over at Sweet Apple Acres with Applebloom, yer welcome anytime!"

"Um…if you don't mind, that is," Fluttershy mumbled. "You can…uh, have another sleepover at my place whenever you want. I'm sure that Discord won't mind."

Scootaloo looked at each of them as tears came to her eyes, smiling in pure gratitude. "Th…thank you," she managed. "Thank you, everypony. Y-you don't know how much this means to me."

Vaati smiled. "But I think you're beginning to realize how much you mean to us."

No sooner had that statement left his mouth when he and Scootaloo found themselves submerged in the legion-like embrace of a group hug.

XXXXXX

Palace of Winds…

After Vaati had completely recovered from the incident, he was allowed to return home to his palace with young Scootaloo in tow. Immediately afterwards, he called all his monsters together for a meeting in the main hall. Still nervous around them, Scootaloo stayed behind Vaati and peeked out from behind him at the gathered horde of Moblins, Miniblins, Stalfos, Darknuts, Keatons, Wizzrobes, Poes, Wallmasters, and Floormasters.

"Alright, ladies and gentlemen," Vaati began, Scootaloo reacting with surprise that some of the grotesque creatures arrayed before her were actually female. "I have an important announcement to make. Due to an unforeseen series of circumstances, the Palace is going to gain a new occupant."

One of the Miniblins pointed at Scootaloo. "Ny nai?" it spoke in a high-pitched, admittedly goofy-sounding voice. The other Miniblins promptly chimed in, eliciting a short-lived chorus of their native chatter as they hopped up and down.

Scootaloo could not hold down her chuckles at the Miniblins' antics. "They seem pretty excited," she remarked.

"I was afraid of that," Vaati mused in reply. "It seems the Miniblins already have you pegged for hired help with their pranks."

"Oh, that sounds like fun!"

"Pranks they pull on the other monsters."

Scootaloo visibly gulped. "Well, buck."

Vaati then turned his attention back to his entourage. "Yes, one of the ponies is going to be living here full-time. Her name is Scootaloo, and I have taken her in as my foster daughter."

The monsters' reactions were varied. The Moblins mostly snorted with surprise, the Miniblins cackled hyperactively, (Scootaloo dreaded the day when Pinkie Pie would meet these devil-like gremlins) the Wizzrobes sans Nigellas all glanced at each other with bemusement, while most of the others didn't have much of a reaction at all, being mostly indifferent to the situation altogether.

After letting the news sink in, Vaati continued. "As such, you will treat her with the same degree of respect you show towards me. Is that clear?"

The monsters grudgingly nodded in acknowledgement. At that moment, Nigellas stepped forward. "Ah, boss?"

"Yes Nigellas. What is it?"

"I hope you're not planning to shove all the responsibilities of taking care of the kid onto just your shoulders. I'm willing to help, if you need it. I myself have sometimes wondered what it would be like to be an honorary uncle."

Vaati raised an eyebrow. "Seriously?" he deadpanned.

The Wizzrobe shrugged. "Nah, but better now than never, eh?"

After a moment of silence, another stepped forward, catching everyone by surprise.

"I wish to serve as an additional caregiver to this child," Maulgrim the Darknut declared, and feeling the need to explain himself, he continued. "I feel it is important that we learn to understand those whom have shared their world with us. Some among us are still not trusted enough by you to be let out of the Palace to interact with the civilians below. I feel that if all of us were to interact with her at regular intervals, we can learn how to behave around her kind, understand their nature, and most importantly, ease some of the burden of caring for her off your shoulders."

Some of the monsters did not look at all pleased by the implication that Maulgrim had just volunteered them for babysitting duties. Vaati managed to recover from his surprise and responded, "Well, uh…that's…uh, very generous of you, Maulgrim."

The Darknut smirked as his thoughts drifted to Rarity. "I have learned from the best, you could say."

Scootaloo couldn't help but grin. Not many ponies could boast of living alongside plot-kicking monsters. Diamond Tiara would have to be completely stupid to want to mess with her or her friends now.

XXXXXX

Later that night…

After Vaati had given Scootaloo a grand tour of her new home and laid down some ground rules, they had eaten a hearty dinner prepared by the Wizzrobe and Moblin cooks. By the time they were finished, it was well into the night, and Vaati did not fail to notice the yawn that escaped Scootaloo's mouth. "I'd say it's time for bed, don't you?" Vaati quipped.

Scootaloo numbly nodded her head in agreement. "Alright, I'll show you to your bedroom," Vaati said, getting up from his seat. "Let's go."

And so Vaati led his foster daughter (oh how strange it felt to think that, but Vaati was certain he would grow used to it) down to the former dungeon area and pointed to a particular cell whose metal-barred door had been replaced with a plain wooden one. "This room was custom-built for guests," he explained. "But I think it will make a fine bedroom for you. Just don't be too surprised by the interior decorating. Discord used to live there."

Scootaloo's eyes widened in surprise. "That's where Discord slept?"

"Well, it was where he was supposed to sleep. Due to unexpected circumstances, he didn't even end up living here a full day. Just as well, I suppose; I just know he would have started giving me trouble otherwise. He never even bothered to reverse the spells he cast on this room, so I had to manually detach the bed from the ceiling myself. I did leave the walls alone, though; they change colors and designs every couple of hours. He couldn't settle with one, so he just had them all."

Vaati then opened the door for her, and Scootaloo stepped inside, marveling at her new room. The current wallpaper was sky-blue, with simple cloud designs lazily floating horizontally across the wall. "Whoa," she breathed.

"I'll be sure to get you some things so you can customize your room," Vaati said. "But right now, you need sleep. You have school tomorrow, correct?"

Scootaloo nodded as she approached the large bed meant for her. "Uh huh. Eight in the morning, sharp."

As Scootaloo crawled under the covers, Vaati approached her bedside. "Alright, I'll have some of my Eye Sentries wake both of us up at seven so you have time to get ready."

The sorcerer ruffled the filly's hair, eliciting a giggle. "Goodnight, Scootaloo," he bade.

"G'night…Dad."

Vaati couldn't have resisted smiling if he actually had wanted to. As he was about to exit the room, he heard Scootaloo ask, "Hey, Vaati?"

Vaati glanced at her. "Hm?"

"…Thank you. For everything."

Vaati nodded. "Thank you."

The mage-turned-foster father shut the door and exited the dungeon area, almost immediately running into Nigellas upon reentering the main hall. "Hey, sire. I need to talk to you," the Wizzrobe spoke.

"Yes, Nigellas?" Vaati asked.

"It's about Scootaloo's…deformity."

Vaati felt his heart constrict a little. "Yes?"

"Well, while you were in the hospital, Twilight and I did a little collaborating. Each of us went through our respective libraries in hopes of finding anything we could use to possibly help her."

Nigellas paused. "And?" Vaati inquired hopefully.

"We did find something."

Vaati's eyes widened. "What?"

"It was in Twilight's library," Nigellas explained. "We found a medicinal book all about deformities and how to repair them written by a couple of Zebrican scholars working with Equestrian medicinal experts. Initially Twilight would have dismissed it, but then she said something about not judging a book by its cover, and we investigated a particular potion pertaining to wing growth. We tested it on some insects, and it works."

"So it's a potion?" Vaati asked.

Nigellas nodded. "We just need her to drink one half-cup every day until her wings are their proper size. Add in a touch of Red Potion and they'll soon be able to grow to maturity on their own."

Vaati glanced at the door leading to Scootaloo's bedroom. "We need to keep this a secret from her. She doesn't need to know. She'll think she's growing normally."

"I was thinking the same thing," Nigellas replied. "I've already gotten the Wizzrobes on duty to start gathering ingredients so they can start brewing a batch tomorrow morning. I'll find some way to add flavor to it so she won't spit it out in disgust."

Vaati clapped the Wizzrobe on the shoulder. "Nigellas, you're a life-saver."

"I ask that you never forget that, boss."

Vaati turned on his heel. "Well, if that's all, I shall be retiring to bed myself. I have to be up bright and early tomorrow to get her ready for school."

"Goodnight then, sir," Nigellas bade as Vaati walked off towards his own bedroom.

End of Part 1