The morning was early and happiness washed over you because today, Cheerilee was allowing you back at school! You were happy enough to go back and to get away from your room for a while after being crammed in there most of the time you were suspended and for once, you decided to take your beloved scooter with you for a change.
With helmet on tight and hooves gripping the handlebars, you didn't even wait to get out of the house first before you launched yourself through the front door - thankfully not tearing it off in the process - and began a speedy ride towards the school house where you hoped to see your friends again.
You darted through Ponyville without a care in the world, adrenaline pumping through your body. The wind blew through your gelled back mane that partially hung out of your helmet around the sides and a little at the back, sending a cold sensation down your spine with a series of shivering tingles.
Ponies hurriedly moved out of your way when they saw you coming in hot like a bullet and to make yourself go even faster with a need for speed, you unfurled your white wings and began to flap them, pumping harder with each flap and sending air behind you, causing you to be propelled forward with each burst of wind.
With the school house coming into view and the speed you were going at, you didn't bother to slow down at knowing that you were going to be quite early at this rate.
Getting a little closer and being able to make out the forms of some of the students - a few of which you recognized like Halo and Archer - you decided to put on a show and got an idea as you let a daring smirk cross your lips.
Briefly stopping your wings from flapping, you held them out to their lengths and let the wind brush over them for a moment or two before flapping them once more and lifting yourself off the ground!
In mid air, you cheered and released your rear hooves from the board before letting yourself swoop down to hang beneath it whilst you held onto the handle bars, cheering all the way as you performed a loop, planting yourself back onto the board on the last segment of the stunt before landing down smoothly and skidding yourself to a halt just outside of the school.
Looking around, the students here early stared at you in fascination and awe of the stunt you just pulled off. You smiled your trademark smile and undid the clasp to your helmet before taking it off your head, lightly brushing back the hairs that stood up with a hoof.
Amongst the crowd, you could see the faces of the three crusaders that held the same expressions as everyone else: pure astonishment.
''Wow, Cerulean, that was amazing!'' Halo praised with those beaming eyes of hers, sparkling like golden glitter as always. When Archer came up, he bumped hooves with you and hugged you.
''Good to have you back, Cerulean.'' He smiled and you smiled back. When your gaze turned towards the three crusaders, you could see them all sporting happy smiles at seeing you back. Picking up your scooter, you undid a clasp at the base of the handlebars and gently flipped them down so that they rested neatly on top of the body, securely held in place.
Heading over towards them, you pulled them all into a friendly hug, showing them just how much you missed them and when you broke away, they all gladly returned the hug as one, the whole bunch of you blushing with cheeks like pink glowsticks.
''It's so good to have you back, Blaze.'' Sweetie said, smiling.
''Yeah, ain't been no fun without the last quarter of us.'' Apple Bloom said.
''Maybe now you're back, we can all hang out again and have some fun!'' Scootaloo said with a beaming grin and followed by Apple Bloom, they all put their hooves into the air and after a motion from her eyes for you to join in, you raised your own hoof and bumped it against all of theirs, breaking them apart as they all shouted ''Yeah!'' in unison.
*** *** ***
As the day went on, it transpired better than you could have pictured it - No Diamond Tiara (apparently from the beating you gave her, she now had a broken nose), you were sat next to your good friend, Scootaloo, you were allowed back into being taught by Cheerilee and you were above all, having a great time with your friends.
Glad that everything was back the way you liked it to be, you smiled to yourself. Beside you, Scootaloo mirrored your smile, happy to finally see that once empty seat next to her occupied again.
During the lesson, you noticed that she was more engaged in her work than before, giving you the hint that she took the time she had to study with you to heart and used it to better herself to make sure her grades improved. For that, you were happy to lend a hoof. In front of you, Cheerilee was currently chalking up some more lines to do with today's topic - Luna and Celestia's sun and moon and space.
Astronomy wasn't your favourite subject but you were quite knowledgeable about it. From seeing Scootaloo and a couple other students frown and pause in their writing, indicating they were stuck someplace, that gave you the hint that they weren't so familiar with the subject.
Even Archer and Halo seemed to be stuck with it, along with Rumble who looked as though he didn't understand anything all too much but he took a swing at it anyway.
When the bell rang, you all made your way outside and onto the playground. As you left the room, you took your helmet and scooter with you, bringing back up the folded down handlebars and walking it out of the room with you after placing the helmet on your head, not bothering to fasten it to save time.
Outside, you grouped with Halo, Archer and Rumble who were now talking with the crusaders. You guessed that seeing as they haven't been able to see you on account of you on your suspension from your brawl, they decided to talk more to try rid their boredom.
Seeing you approach, you noticed their frowns transform into friendly smiles.
''Hey, guys.'' You greeted them with a wave of your hoof.
''Hey, Cerulean.'' Rumble replied, greeting you with a friendly embrace and a hoof bump. ''So, what's-'' He paused for a moment, as did everypony else. Confused, you followed his gaze down to your scooter, emanating in all its glory. ''Is that...a Skybolt?'' Rumble asked, stunned as if he saw something of greatly iconic and historical importance. (And he pretty much was doing just that).
You smirked softly. ''Yup. Series A.'' You confirmed, the rest of the group getting in for a closer look, impressed and amazed by what they were seeing. They all stared at it as if it put a spell on them.
Rumble gave an whistle, indicating his fascination for what he was looking over. From the peeling paint to the slightly torn rubber handle bars to the scratched up, blue wheels. ''That is one impressive scooter. These were used in the most famous racers ever! How did you get it?'' He asked, instantly interested and from the looks on everyone's faces, they were too.
You coughed uneasily. ''I...I got it from my Dad.'' Is all you said. That seemed to put an all new limelight on it. This time, at hearing you got it from your Dad, Rumble looked you over, clearly putting something together in his head and you could see it in his ambitious eyes.
Racer...old, iconic famous scooter...blue paint and battered body...white coat, blue mane... Suddenly, Rumble let out a gasp, finally managing to piece everything together and the sparkle in his eyes showed it. Without thinking and everypony wondering what he has just found out, he said;
''Cerulean...is your Dad... Frost Blaze?'' He asked curiously, hoping he got it right.
You could have sworn your heart froze in place. Managing a small, nervous smile and not wanting to make a huge deal, you simply nodded and all of a sudden, everypony gasped loud and surprised gasps, clearly not expecting that to be true.
''Ohmygoshohmygosh!'' Rumble said giddily, hopping on the spot before jumping into the air and landing with a toothy grin behind his lips. ''You mean the Frosty Blaze? One of the bestest racers to ever compete in every scooter race around Equestria on both air and ground?'' You nodded again and he practically burst with excitement as he launched into the air and performed a backflip before fluttering his wings to slow his decent whilst shouting with his hooves around his mouth, ''Hey, everypony! Cerulean's Dad is famous!'' Upon landing, that unearthly toothy grin of his instantly died down when he saw your expression.
You were hyperventilating and unable to calm your own breathing, making you feel light headed. It was very clear that the topic wasn't something that you were all too comfortable talking about. In fact, it was pretty much the only topic you were so uncomfortable talking on, especially after what happened.
''Hey, are you alright, Blaze?'' Apple Bloom asked, coming up to you and worriedly holding your shoulder. You did little to acknowledge this and without a second thought in all your rushing feelings, you turned away from the amber eyes of Apple Bloom and deployed your wings before blasting off into the skies with your scooter, so fast that you barely even noticed your unstrapped helmet fly from your head in the process.
As it came down, Scootaloo caught it by jumping in the air to prevent it falling to the ground and breaking completely. As you were flying away at an incredible speed, the whole group of the six other ponies watched you disappear, left dumbfounded by the outburst.
Almost as soon as you were out of sight, all of the ponies in the playground seemed to have their stares pinned on Rumble, just as shocked by what they saw.
Rumble blinked. ''W-Was it something I said?'' He asked with a shrug but only got concerned glances from everypony else.
''Ah dunno, Rumble, but Ah think it's pretty personal. Didn't ya'll see that look on his face when ya talked about his Dad?'' Apple Bloom said, seeing the others look down. ''Whatever the problem is, Ah think that we should all jus' give him some space.'' To that, everypony nodded with simple 'Mmm-Hmm's', confirming that they agreed with her.
''Do you think he'll be alright?'' Sweetie asked, turning to Apple Bloom who smiled and nodded.
''Ah'm sure he'll be alright if we give him some space.'' She turned to her right. ''What do you think, Scoots?'' She blinked, seeing Scootaloo holding the racing helmet and looking it over. ''Scoots?''
Apple Bloom leaned in, also starting to look over the heavy, history holding gear. Each scratch and mark dented into its surface all resembled a memory that it has seen through its time of existence and the hard life it has been put through. Along the sides, she looked over the white lettering that read 'Cerulean Blaze' and moved her hoof gently over it, feeling the scratches in the plastic.
Looking up to face Apple Bloom, she frowned. ''I'm gonna go put this someplace safe for the rest of the day.'' She said before beginning to trot off towards the school house. ''After school, I'm going to take it back to him. I'll see you guys at the clubhouse tomorrow.'' She said before continuing along her way and entering the school house, leaving the remaining group at a five in quantity.
''Hey, Apple Bloom?'' Sweetie nudged her shoulder, pulling her closer before whispering in her ear. When Apple Bloom got up, the question she was asked lingered in her mind and a soft blush appeared on her cheeks like two pink roses and she looked back to where Scootaloo had disappeared off to.
''Ah think so, Sweetie. Ah think she does.''
*** *** ***
When school was over later that day, Scootaloo found herself walking towards Cerulean's house with his helmet on her back. Arriving at his front door, she banged her hoof against the wood three times and waited.
A moment later, a series of soft clicks could be heard, indicating that somepony was unlocking the door from the inside. When the door creaked open, there stood who Scootaloo recognized as Cerulean's mother. Other than her colours, she was easily given away by her cutie mark of a heart in the shape of a thunderbolt.
''Oh, hi, Scootaloo. What brings you here?'' She asked with a shining smile.
''Hey, Miss Blaze. Cerulean dropped his helmet and left it at school. I'm here to return it.'' Scootaloo said, pointing to the helmet on her back. His mother nodded.
''Yes, sure. He's upstairs. He hasn't even come out for the rest of the day.'' She said with a frown, herself wondering what the problem was with him as to why he was upset.
Nodding, Scootaloo was allowed inside and directed up the stairs and she headed towards Cerulean's room, where she was hoping that he was alright about what happened on the playground earlier that day.
Coming in front of his door, she stood for a moment before breathing softly through her nostrils, bracing herself, and she brought up her hoof and tapped it lightly on the door, awaiting for a response.
*** *** ***
Ever since coming home early, you have had your head in your pillow, your only thoughts being that of your father. It was true you may not have known him for all that long for the time you have been alive in, but what counted most was that when you were born and from there, him, just as much as your mother, have always been there for you and you felt happy inside knowing that he loved you to bits.
However, your thoughts were halted when you heard a series of soft taps against the door. Lifting your face from your now tear-soaked pillow, you wiped your eyes with your hooves, ridding them of any tears that remained.
''C-Come...Come in.'' You managed to say through a cracked voice. Upon command, the door slowly opened and in walked Scootaloo, smiling softly with your helmet on her back. Seeing her, you got down from your bed, surprised by her appearance. ''Scootaloo? What are you doing here?''
She came closer to you and her smile softened slightly when she saw how miserable you looked. ''I came to bring back your helmet. You dropped it when you left, earlier.'' She passed you the helmet and you took it in your own hooves, placing it on your bed before you hugged her.
''T-Thank you.'' You said, snuggling you cheek with hers, finding comfort in the inviting warmth it irradiated. When you pulled away, you could see her blushing a soft pink, yet those purple eyes of hers looked on at you in worry.
''Hey, Blaze? How come you left school, anyway? Rumble didn't mean to offend you or anything, he-'' You silenced her by gently placing your hoof over her lips.
''No. He didn't offend me, Scoots.'' You said simply, your voice low. Removing your hoof, you continued. ''I-I don't like being the centre of attention when it's about my father.'' You said with a frown. Going back beside your bed, you hopped back up, planting your face back into the damp pillow, ignoring the soggy sensation around your face.
Not a second later did you feel Scootaloo come up towards you and join you on the bed, laying closely beside you. Removing your head from your pillow to look at her, you saw her smile sympathetically.
''You know I'm here to talk if you want to, right? I may not have known you very long but I'll do my best to understand you.'' She said, draping her wing over your back and you found comfort in the softness of her touch.
''Scoots, I...thanks but...I don't know...'' You scratched the back of your neck awkwardly, avoiding eye contact. No matter how much you tried to avoid the topic, Scootaloo was persistent on letting the matter slide. She tried not to press too hard to force it out of you but more or less stayed close to you and did her best to comfort you.
After a while of hanging your head, you turned back to face her and let a happy but weary smile spread on your lips. ''A-Alright, Scoots. I'll tell you. Just...please promise me that you'll keep it between us. Please?''
Scootaloo smiled. ''Sure thing, Blaze.'' Opening your wing, you draped your own over Scootaloo's. Them being longer than hers, they managed to reach ever so slightly over her side and from her facial expression, you could tell she was amazed by how soft and how well preened they were.
''Scootaloo, my father, Frost Blaze...he was the best Dad a kid could ask for. I always used to look up to him when I was growing up and I did my best so I could turn out like him.'' You told her, trying to keep your emotions in check. Motioning to your scooter with your eyes, Scootaloo following, you continued. ''He's the reason I took up scooting and why I'm so good at it. He's the reason why I want to get into racing. I...I wanna be just like him.''
A single tear ran down your cheek and you could feel an invasion of them ready to barrage your eyes that were now starting to sting with them. Scootaloo leaned forwards and wiped it away with a hoof. ''What happened to him, Blaze?'' She asked, interested yet cautious on upsetting you more than you already were.
''H-He-He d-died, Scoots. He died in a race.'' You said, some of the tears breaching your eyes and pouring down your cheeks. Scootaloo gasped and her eyes now began to sting with tears of her own and she threw her hooves around you, hugging you close. You too placed your hooves around her and held her close, nuzzling her cheek.
''I'm-I'm sorry, Blaze! I-I had no idea!'' She managed through her own tears. Releasing her, you used your hoof and wiped them away, smiling at her.
''I-It's alright, Scoots. It's alright.'' You said, pulling her into a brief hug. ''Things may have ch-changed for me and Mum since he passed b-but as long as I have his scooter, I-I'll always have a part of him in my life.'' You wiped your eyes and sniffled, trying to regain your composure from your emotional breakdown.
Scootaloo didn't say anything for a moment and only hugged you, now that she knew the truth all she wanted to do was be there for you. You smiled internally at that. You found it nice to have somepony else you could relate and talk to other than your mother and it made you feel warm inside at knowing ponies still cared.
You didn't know Scootaloo all that well just yet but there seemed to be a connection between the two of you that made you both click - like you were meant to know each other from the start. Although you did find it odd, you enjoyed hanging out with her and you found many things that you like to do were things she also liked to do and had an interest in.
The two of you were like long lost siblings in a way.
If only there was some way for you to tell her how you truly felt about her without pushing things too far. You really wanted to tell her how much you liked her and cared for her but the only thing holding you back was the fear of what may come to be if she doesn't feel the same way about you.
You were both friends for the moment and you didn't want that to change over something like telling her your true feelings for her and destroy the friendship you have. The last thing you want is for it to sink.
Eventually, the two of you broke from your caring embrace and Scootaloo hugged you goodbye before turning to leave, asking you to come by Sweet Apple Acres tomorrow and something about a clubhouse as she closed the door to your room.