//------------------------------//
// Prologue 
// Story: Without My Family 
// by bloodyfox 
//------------------------------//

	This is a tale of tragedy and pain; of hope and optimism; of hardship and turmoil; of effort and achievement. But most of all it is a tale of a certain orange pegasus named Scootaloo. Scootaloo and her family lived in Fillydelphia. Her family consisted of her father an Earth pony named Stonehoof, her mother a pegasus named Star-Racer, her sister, also an Earth pony, named Skylark, and of course herself a pegasus.

Perhaps you are wondering why the family does not live in Cloudsdale? There are two reasons. Firstly, in order for the family to stay together they must live in one of the Earth pony cities since Stonehoof, Skylark and Scootaloo are unable to stand on the clouds of Cloudsdale. The second reason being that the pegasi of Cloudsdale do not take kindly to their own kind marrying “lowly” Earth ponies. Star-Racer’s family ware the most adamant about their disapproval of the two ponies’ relationship. To avoid being chastised, they decide to settle down in Fillydelphia and start their family.

Shortly after moving to Fillydelphia, Stonehoof and Star-Racer have a foal and name her Scootaloo. Two years later they have another foal and name her Skylark. The two little foals couldn’t be more different. Scootaloo is not afraid to take on a challenge. She can often be found trying her hardest to fly. Skylark on the other hoof, is reserved and sensitive. She relies on Scootaloo whom is always nearby to help and protect her. The two foals are the best of friends and do almost everything together.

After a few years of living in Fillydelphia, Stonehoof and Star-Racer decide it would be a nice change of scenery to leave the busy city of Fillydelphia for a smaller and quieter town. After much deliberation they choose Ponyville to be their new home. They hear from friends of theirs that Ponyville is a pleasant town with very nice ponies at every turn.

The family is nearing Ponyville and the Everfree forest is within their sights. They must make a short trip through the Everfree before they can reach Ponyville. This is where little Scootaloo’s story truly begins.