//------------------------------// // Chapter 8:Star of Generosity, Part Three: Scootaloo // Story: The Fourth Alicorn // by Cobalt the Kitsune //------------------------------// Chapter 8: Star of Generosity, Part Three: Scootaloo         Cobalt was eating his lunch of lettuce and cucumber slices at a roadside cafe. The road  front of him was currently being repaired. The sound of the jack hammers pounding the asphalt almost drove him to take his lunch somewhere else. Suddenly a new annoying sound was audible in the consistent click of scooter wells on the sidewalk. Cobalt using his freaky knowledge he acquired by reading entire encyclopedias... for fun (seriously Cobalt get a life) of average length of a sidewalk block and the time in between the clicks he was able to guesstimate the speed of the small vehicle. He looked down to see how far away it was. He then had the shock of realizing two things. A, the scooter at the speed it was going didn’t have sufficient time to stop. B, Scootaloo was the one controlling it.         “She’ll won’t be able to stop in time.” Cobalt said and he ready himself to spring to the rescue. But luckily he didn’t have to because Scoot skillfully dodged the obstacles and when a makeshift ramp came up she did an amazing kick flip off it. After that dynamic display Scootaloo slipped into an empty spot near the side of the sidewalk and took off her helmet and swished her hair to her perfect style.         Cobalt flew up the street to meet her “Those were some sweet moves” Cobalt said. “We’ll it’s not that amazing.” Scootaloo said meekly. “I think it is. I could never do that.” Cobalt continued to falter her. He then broke out into a wide smile “Hey,... do you think.”         “Oh, no. Oh, no” Scootaloo said.         “Come on Scoot. Just consider it.” Cobalt said.         “It’s the middle of an unusually warm winter. There wouldn’t even be a extreme sports competition going on.” Scootaloo said. But right then a pony with a large with a saddle bag stuffed with rolled up posters. Then he rolled the stick backside of paper onto the wall next to the youthful ponies.         Cobalt went up to the advertisement and read out loud, “Open sign up, Jr. extreme sports contest in...Canterlot! How much better could this timing have been!”         “What, When!?!” Scootaloo said starting to show excitement.         “Just a minute.” Cobalt said still looking at the fine print. “Indoor facilities... 25 bit entry fee... ah, here we are!  Entries must sign up at 3:30 PM next Thursday. Competition starts 9:00 AM on Saturday.”         “What’s on Saturday.” Reese said walking up to them with Rainbow dash tagging close behind him.         “An extreme sports competition in Canterlot.” Scootaloo said. “Cobalt thinks competing will help me earn my cutie mark.”         “Sounds fun.” Rainbow Dash said.         “It would be the first time in my memory I’ve been to Canterlot.” Cobalt said “But if we want to compete we need to start planning for the trip. You would need to practice some tricks, Scoot.” Scootaloo’s face lost some of its color         “Don’t worry kid, I’ll help you with that.” Rainbow promised. At this Scootaloo’s face instantly regained the lost color. She even began to hyperventilate at the very thought of working with her hero.         “You ok Scoot?” Reese asked.         Scootaloo’s breathing returned to normal as she said. “Ya, I’m fine.”         “OK,” Cobalt said. “Well you two are working on that. I need to buy the train tickets, manage the schedule,...”         Before Cobalt could finish his probably extensive list Reese interrupted. “ok, how ‘bout I help you with that so you don’t drive yourself insane.” “That be nice.” Cobalt said realizing that all he was planing couldn’t be pulled off by one pony. “Sounds good.” Rainbow Dash said. “Me and Scoot better start practicing.” “Ok, we’ll meet up with you later.” Reese said. …...... “Ok kid, since this is only a first practice show me your stuff.” Rainbow said. Scootaloo sucked in a deep breath and then strapped on her helmet. She quickly flapped her wings, almost as fast as a humming bird flaps its wings, and she immediately shot forward. Scootaloo had always enjoyed the wind in her mane ever since The Doctor made her ,her first scooter. Now she couldn’t get enough. Scootaloo ,eager to please Rainbow Dash, pulled off some basic moves. Rainbow dash seemed unimpressed. So Scootaloo moved on to some more advanced moves. But Rainbow remained cold. Worried that she would blow her chance she tried her most advanced move. She kicked up the platform of the Scootaloo and twirled the platform and began to use it like a helicopter. Rainbow then began to smile and nod. But then Scootaloo lost her focus and plummeted towards the ground. Luckily she was caught in a fiery white glow. “That move needs a little more work.” Cobalt said. Then he set Scootaloo down on the ground. “You just saved my hide Cobalt!” Scootaloo said. “Of course, did you think I’d let one of my best friends fall to her death?” Cobalt said. “No, but how did you know what was happening?” Scootaloo asked. “I just got a feeling that you were in trouble.” Cobalt said. “I better get back to my paper work.” …...... The next morning Cobalt was taking Horus out for his early morning fly. He kept a leisurely pace so the the new tri-point hat he was wearing didn’t fly off his head. Celestia’s sun was just coming over the horizon so he didn’t expect any other pony to be out and about. But much to his surprize he spotted Scootaloo speeding around Sugar Cube Corner. He swooped down and landed on the bakery’s sign. “Hey, Scootaloo what cha, doin up so early?” Cobalt ask as the filly came to a stop. “Just getting so more practice in... what's up with the hat?” She asked him back. “I where hats now, hats are cool.” he replied smoothly “You sounded like the doctor for a minute there.” Scoot comented “Oh, speaking of the doctor did you ask him if you could go?” Cobalt asked. “Yah he said I could go.” Scoot told him. Suddenly, Pinkie swung open the double doors and asked.“Go where?” “An extreme sports event in Canterlot.” Cobalt said. “Cobalt thinks it might lead me to my cutie mark.” Scootaloo added. “Oh sounds fun! Mind if I tag along?” Pinkie said with her signature mile wide smile. “Sure but we're not going until next Thursday morning.” Cobalt said. “Thats ok, I’ll help you train until then.” Pinkie said. “Thanks for the offer Pinkie but Rainbow Dash is already helping me train.” Scootaloo said meekly “Oh I sure Rainbow wouldn’t mind if I pitched in.” Pinkie said. “Ok if you really want to help then I guess you can.” Scootaloo said. “Great, Start the training montage.” She shouted “Wait wha-” Cobalt tried to say as Rocky music started and as he was pushed off by the new frame of Scootaloo jumping rope. That soon changed to her doing push ups. And that to her going up and down the stairs in the old ruins in the everfree forest. Then to her doing crunches and punching the air as she came up. Extectera extectera. As the music died down it faded into an obstacle course with many ramps and loops and one of those fiery ring things. “Ok, Scoot the competition is only a few days away so-.” “,we need to crack down on training.” Pinkie interrupted. “Pinkie, I was going to say that.” Rainbow Dash told her sternly. Then continued. “I set up this obstacle course to-” “Test your agility and speed. So don’t hold anything back” Pinkie interrupted again. “Pinkie!” Rainbow nearly yelled. Scootaloo took a few deep breaths then kicked he scooter into action. Her performance in the obstacle course was nearly perfect. “Impressive.” Rainbow said when she was done. “You really think so?” Scootaloo asked. “Well it could still use improvement but mostly well done.” Rainbow said. “Yah you'll really knock ,em dead at the competition.” Pinkie said excitedly. “I sure hope so.” Scootaloo said to herself. …...... Thursday arrived after over week of hard training, lots of planning, and extreme anticipation. The group of ponies that included Scootaloo, Cobalt, Reese, Pinkie, Rainbow Dash, The Doctor, Derpy, and Colgate made their way to the train depo. When they got on the train and we in there seats Cobalt started to discuss the plan of what they were going to do once they got to Canterlot. “So after we get you signed up we take a tour of the facilities and talk with some of the other competitors. Then we can grab something to eat and see the sights ,round Canterlot.” “Don’t you think I should do some more practicing?” Scootaloo said “No, your routine is polished to perfection and you need some rest.” Reese said. The claw marks from the run in with Gilda were still visible and would most likely never go away. “Perhaps we can take a tour of...SHOOT!” Cobalt said face-hoofing himself. “What?” Reese asked. “I didn’t get accommodations for the nights were going to be here.” Cobalt said. “Don’t sweat it we can bunk at my parents.” Reese said “Are you sure that tell be alright with that?” “MUFFINS!!!” Derpy shouted ,before Reese could answer the question, as the breakfast trolley came into their car effectively dropping the question. …...... “That’ll be 25 bit sir.” The monotone voice of a grey mare with orange mane that did not look at all excited to be there said. Reese counted out the coins. “Thank you sir.” the mare said putting the small coins in her cash box. As they were walking into the arena Colgate whispered “Do worry I’ll reimburse you.” into Reese’s ear. Cobalt strategically placed his new fedora to make his horn not visible so that he didn’t cause a stir. Reese opted for the ‘cover the wings with a jacket’ option so that he didn’t mess up his hair. The arena was set up with several different ramps and rails. There was a large track running around it. In the middle of it all was a large half pipe. “Look what we have here ,cuz, Rainbow Crash and her pet chicken.” Said a dark brown stallion with a white mane. He was wearing a letterman's jacket that cover his cutie mark. Behind him was a young colt on roller skates. “What do you want ,you jerkface?” Rainbow said barking back at him. “Who’s he” Cobalt whispered to Reese. “I’m not sure but R.D. and Fluttershy knew him back in flight school in Cloudsdale.” Reese whispered back. “My cousin ,here, is going to win this competition.” He boasted. “Oh yeah,” Pinkie chimed in “we’ll just see about that, because Scootaloo here...” She grabbed scootaloo and put her in front of herself. “Is gonna whoop your cousins flank.” Cobalt then steeped in. “Can we stop with the ‘my horse is bigger then your horse talk’ you're going to make Scootaloo and your cousin nervous. “Who are you to tell me what to do.” the brown stallion said. “You with your stupid hat.” he made a movement to knock Cobalts hat off with his wing. But Cobalt quickly slapped the movement away with his own wing. “No pony touches my hat!” Cobalt angrily snapped and then continued to glare into his eyes.           Reese stepped in between the two ponies. “Ok I think its time we head to my parents.” Cobalt did start walking away but he glared back at stallion. He really just felt bad about him. He didn’t know why. But he did know it was the same feeling he got about Gilda. …...... “Dude how much money do you parents have?” Cobalt said walking up to the large oak doors covered with scenes of the nightmare moon story. “A lot more ever since my brother married into the royal family.” Reese took the large brass knocker. And slammed it down three times. As the door opened it relieved a light grey mare with a blue and white mane and tail. “Hi Mom. I’m back.” Reese said smiling. After some tearful babbling Reese moms hanches gave out. “Oh..ok.” Reese caught her then shouted into the large front room, “Dad you here?” A blue stallion with a purple mane appeared at the top of the stairs. “That can’t be my son Resilient Spirit!?!” He exclaimed. “Sorry dad, but it is.” Reese said carrying his mother in. “WILL SOME PONY TELL ME WHAT THE BUCK IS GOING ON HERE?!?” Cobalt said getting confused and angry at the same time. “I’ll tell you at dinner.” Reese said. “Pinkie Promise.” Pinkie shouted. “Cross my heart and hope to fly stick a cupcake in my eye.” Reese said doing the ritual gestures. “First things first.” Reese’s dad said. “ A big hug.” “Dad no that won’t be necessary.” Reese said backing away from his incoming father. “You know you want one.”  Reese was backed up against the wall. “No, no, no!” Reese said as he was embraced by his father. His father face went to joy to confusion as he felt a lump under Reese jacket. “What's this.” he said. “Could you take your jacket off.” “Umm...why.” Reese said uncomfortably “Just take the jacket off son.” “Ok.” Reese said shaking his head. He took off his jacket revealing his dark grey wings. “How the hay did you get those?!?” Reese’s Dad said. “I’ll take a double pinkie promise on myself,” Reese made the gestures. “and tell you at dinner.” …..... “I’m so glad that you haven’t joined any gangs or anything.” Reese’s mom said twirling some pasta on a fork. “Gangs?” Cobalt asked sipping some water “Yeah, a bunch of gang activity has spread like a cancer all over Canterlot.” Reese’s dad said. “The one that started it all is called the lunar uprising.” Reese’s mom informed them. “They're more of a cult really.” Reese dad added. “Yes definitely a cult, They believe that the spirit of Nightmare Moon is among them and will lead them to a better Equestria.” Reese mom explained. “They brand themselves with a crescent on their cutie marks”. “Crazy, the lot of them.” Added again “Well I don’t now ,about your dad” Cobalt slurped down some of his pasta. “But I’m going to cash in my Pinkie promise now.” “Ok the story is, I just barely got my cutie mark when I turned my back on magic and Canterlot.” Reese started. “Broke your mother’s and my heart.” Reese’s father said putting his haunch around his wife's shoulder. Reese continued his story “Twilight wasn’t born yet. I spent a couple of weeks roaming from town to town. I had to learn how to be a stallion real quickly to survive. I finally ended up in Salt Lick City hungry and cold. An old smith,I think his name Brown or Browning, saw that I was a strong young pup. He offered me an apprenticeship, a place to sleep, a roof over my head, and most importantly food in my belly. “Ten years I worked for this guy before he up and died. In his will he left me his shop and all of his fortune since he had no children of his own. It wasn’t a very large sum of money but it was enough to see me though. “One night I decide to go out to get some dinner. On my way back a couple of dunkards attacked me in the street with a knife for my wallet. I got stabbed like ten times. next thing I know there some pony with a long white beard standing over me in a hospital bed telling me that he used a spell called ‘healing wings’ to keep from dying and that it also gave me these.” Reese spread his wings. “I never saw that old stallion again. “I then sold the  moved to Ponyville to get out of the city smog and into the country air. Found out that the local librarian was my sister and Celestia’s prized pupil and also that my older brother was engaged to Celestia’s niece. And that’s all the major event in my life besides meeting Cobalt here” Cobalt was currently slurping down noodles with tomato sauce all around his mouth. “Which reminds me to ask,” Reese father started  “who are you anyways? And do you always wear that hat?” He said gesturing to the fedora. “No, I don’t always where the hat. And I’m not really sure who I am but I can tell you that I’m your daughters apprentice.” Cobalt said. “As a librarian?” Reese’s mom asked sipping her water. “No, no, it’s a magic apprenticeship.” Cobalt said. “How is that possible seeing that you're a pegasus and all.” Reese’s dad asked “Simple.” Cobalt took off his hat revealing his horn. “I’m an alicorn.” Reese mom fainted into her pasta. And Reese dad jaw dropped. “YOU SEE THIS IS WHY I WEAR THE HAT!” Cobalt shouted as he thrusted his fedora back onto his head. …...... The next day was friday there rest day.  So Reese sleep in till noon. While Reese was snoozing away Cobalt made breakfast, help clean house, and planned out what the group was going to do when Reese finally woke up. Which was disputed between, going to Canterlot castle (Cobalt and Derpy), Going to the museum (The Doctor and Colgate) , and seeing a race at the Canterlot Circuit (Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo). Pinkie decided not to vote so it ended up that Reese was the swing vote. He voted for the race. Since the rest of the day's activities are quite boring I think I’ll skip to the next day. Cobalt got every pony up at 5:30 so they can be heading to the arena at 6:00. Reese complained a bit but he was rewarded with a better than usual Cobalt breakfast. It was 6:45 when they arrived. And it seem all the rest of the competitors had the exact same idea to get there early. Since no one except coached and competitors were allowed on the competition floor Cobalt ,Reese, The Doctor, Colgate ,and Derpy had to sit in the stands. Since they were one of the first spectators there they got really good sets. Unfortunately the jerk from flight school sat right ,still wearing his letterman's jacket next to them probably to glot. The first event out of three was speed competition. Scootaloo easily stayed ahead of the pack during the entire race do to her hyper wing flapping.  But right at the end the jerks cousin pulled up next to her and bumped into her rather roughly knocking her off her scooter. “That can’t be legal.” Cobalt said. Scootaloo quickly remounted the scooter and speed into second place. Earning her ten points. “Clumsy Chicken.” The jerk said chuckling to himself. Cobalt shot an angry glare at him. The next event was the half pipe. Scootaloo was about the tenth to have her turn. But when she did have her turn she major moves. The judges looked really impressed. She actually won that event and was tied with the jerks cousin 45-45. Before the final event Rainbow gave Scootaloo a pep talk... or tried to if Pinkie had kept butting in. Anyways it went like this. “Ok scoot this is for the glory and the honor of Ponyville.” “So if you lose Mayor Mare will probably banish you.” Pinkie said. “But...we’ll still like you win or lose.” Rainbow said trying to mend Pinkies discouraging blut. Only to have her make another one. “But losing will make us like you a lot less.” “PINKIE! So do your best.” “Thanks... I think.” Scootaloo said while strapping up her helmet. The last event was a combination of the first two. Competitors would be racing through an obstacle course. Extra points will be rewarded for tricks. There is to be no interfering with the other competitors. Doing so would earn you an immediate disqualification. Several competitors had been eliminated. Now there were only 20 left. “The starting line was on top of a tall ramp the course boundaries marked by traffic cones. Scootaloo’s heart was pounding. Her mind was racing with the million things that could go wrong. Air horn blast signaling the start of the race sounded. Scootaloo shoot of the line but she was closely followed by the cousin of the jerk. at the first ramp she managed a simple flip. the cousin still followed her. Determined to win she tucked her head down and put on a burst of speed. The cousin matched her speed. She did a 360 of a small jump and saw the cousin still on her tail. Next there was a make shift rail and stairs while Scootaloo could rail grind down the handrail the cousin had to make his way down the steps which was quite dangerous in rollerskates. In fact while he was descending the last three steps he fell on his face. This lost time not only lost his spot in the head of the pack he was overtaken by all the other competitors. This dove the young colt to a rage. He quickly gained speed violent pushing the other competitors out way. “Now I know that’s against the rules.” Cobalt said. His super accurate eyesight was working over time. Both Scootaloo the the cousin was in the home stretch the was only one major jump left. It ended up that they both went off the jump at the same time. As they did their moves the cousin pulled a cheap shot so subtle that only Cobalt noticed it. It was only just enough to mess up her landing. But the landing twisted her ankle so she couldn’t re-mount her scooter. The thick of the pack was passing by the filly in pain so no pony noticed her. That is no pony except Cobalt. “I think something's wrong with Scootaloo.” Cobalt said. Indeed when the pack passed by the filly clutching her hind ankle and moaning in pain. Colgate gasped but then quickly covered her mouth. Two white ponies came out with a stretcher and took her of two the side of the event area to care for her meanwhile the cousin was smiling and waving receiving cheers. “Ok, I just can’t stand this.” Cobalt spread his wing and flew into the cheering crowd right as the cousin was receiving his medal. Cobalt was so bold to snatch the medal from the cousins neck and say. “I don’t think you deserve this.” A judge amazed but yet insulted by this cocky young colts actions scolded him “Who gives you the right?” “I give him the right.” A regal voice stated. Princess Celestia strided in with a guard on each side. When she passed by ponies bowed. When she stopped in front of Cobalt he bowed and took off his hat. Several ponies gasped and murmured at his horn. So much for not causing a stir. “Explain your reasons for accusing this fine outstanding colt of not being worthy for his award.” Celestia told Cobalt. “There was a strict rule about not interfering with other competitors,” Cobalt explained. Putting his hat back on his time positioning it so that his horn was visible and starting pacing in front of the cousin. “and he not only blatantly disregarded this rule by charging thought  the pack as shown on the screen now.” Indeed there was an instant replay of the point where the cousin pushing colts and fillies out of the way.(HOW DOES HE BLOODY DO THAT.) “But with one of his offences injured his main opponent, That filly.” He pointed to Scootaloo on the stretcher getting her ankle warped in gaze. “Those are some good points.” Celestia said. “I believe the punishment for breaking this rule is immediate disqualification?” “Yes ,my princess.” Cobalt said. “Oh you can stop with the formalities, you can call me Tia.” Celestia said. “Yes ,my prin... I mean Tia.” Cobalt said correcting himself. “So with the disqualification of this colt makes this young filly.” Celestia said pointing to a pink filly with an skateboard who won second place. “The winner.” She then took the first place medal from Cobalt and placed it around the neck of the pink filly. Cobalt decided to check on Scootaloo. “How you feeling?” he asked. “Only stings now.” Scootaloo said. “The sting of loss hurts more than my ankle.” “Don’t feel so bad Scoot.” Cobalt said sitting down next to her on the stretcher . “You did your best. And know that I look back it really was a productive day. I took down a crooked athlet, gained favor with Princess Celestia, And you got your cutie mark.” He tapped Scootaloo’s flank. “Really!?!” Scootaloo said in surprize. Indeed there was an image of a trie with lightning streaking behind it. “That totally amaze-AH!” Scootaloo lunged for her ankle “Don’t move that ankle to much if you don’t want it to hurt.” Cobalt said. “Hey, you with the hat.” The unmistakable voice of flight school bully imitated form behind him. “What do you...GET DOWN!” Cobalt said as he turned around and saw that the bully had a pistol in his hoof. So he knocked Scootaloo to the ground. Then tackled the bully before he could fire a shot. Cobalt stayed on top of him keeping his hoof to the bully’s throat.  He then noticed that the letterman’s jacket was covering his cutie mark. “What are you hiding there.” Cobalt said. He then removed the jacket from his flank. On his cutie mark was a dark crescent that appeared to be burned on. “Been adding on to your cutie mark have we?” By that point in time Silver Sword and two other guards had come over. “What happened here?” the white pegaus asked. Scootaloo limped up and said. “This stallion pulled a gun on us so Cobalt apprehended him.” “Is this true?” He asked the bully. Cobalt took his hoof of his throat so he could answer. “Yes.” He said. “It was my duty to kill him.” “Who told you to kill me?!?” Cobalt said angrily. “He travels as a shadow, feeling from the light of morn. But soon new flesh ,his spirit will adorn.” The stallion said very vaguely. Then... he began to laugh. Laugh like a mad pony who’d  just told a joke that only he would get. “Who, who travels as a shadow!?!” Cobalt asked getting even angrier. But the brown stallion just continued to laugh marily. “WHO, CELESTIA CURSE YOU, WHO!?!” Cobalt became so infuriated that he began to pound on the brown stallions chest. The two guards standing by, peeled Cobalt of him. But the brown stallion continued to laugh and laugh. He laughed as they put him in shackles. He laughed as they drug him out of the building. He laughed and laughed until he couldn’t laugh any more. …...... On the train ride home the next morning. Ever pony stayed silent. partially not to upset Scootaloo, but mostly because Cobalt was working out the riddle his was told the day before. But Pinkie Pie noticed something she just couldn’t keep to herself. “Cobalt, have you noticed that you have three stars on your flank instead of two?” “What’s that.” Cobalt said suddenly jerked from his puzzler. He turned from his window and looked down at his flank and sure enough there were three stars in a curving pattern. “Hmm, interesting.” He said but then resumed looking out the window. “Well you can act like it’s no big deal but I’m going to throw you and Scootaloo a party when we get back.” She said. “Why are you throwing me a party Pinkie?” Scootaloo asked. “Because you got your cutie mark, silly billy.” Pinkie said beaming happily. Then then her smile turn to a look of worry. “What’s wrong Pinkie?” Reese asked. “I forgot to throw a party for Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom when they got their cutie marks.” Pinkie said. “Well we’ll just have to throw a party for all three of them.” Colgate chimed in “Yeah, It’ll be like a Cutie Mark Crusader graduation party.” Scootaloo said. “Sounds good to me.” Reese said “What do you think Cobalt.” “Sure, what ever.” Cobalt said his eyes plastered to the landscape. “You’ve gotta stop thinking about what he said.” Reese asked cobalt “You’re gonna worry yourself sick if you don’t live a little.” Cobalt sighed and turned from his window then said. “I guess your right. And that party does sound like a lot of fun.” “So you’re on board?” Pinkie asked him. “Yeah I’m on board.” Cobalt said.