//------------------------------// // Chapter 21 // Story: The Spirit of Loyalty // by Matthew Penn //------------------------------// “Apple Bloom, can I ask you something?” said Scootaloo. “Sure.” “Have you ever thought about what life would be like if he hadn’t met each other?” “I don’t know. I haven’t gave it much thought,” Apple Bloom answered, after a moment of thinking. “I think about it all the time. Actually, I’ve been thinking about it recently. You know, it was really strange how all three of us were at Diamond Tiara’s party that time.” “It sure was,” smirked Apple Bloom. “What do you think brought us together?” “I’m not sure. Coincidence, I guess.” “Do you think somehow that me, you, and Sweetie Belle were meant to be there? Like something assembled us with any of us noticing it?” “You mean like fate?” asked Apple Bloom. “Something like that.” “Like I said, who knows. It can’t be far off from how my sister and the others got their cutie marks on the same day.” “Yeah,” Scootaloo sighed. “Do you ever think we will still be the Cutie Mark Crusaders if we hadn’t gone to that party.” “I’m think that we might have been friends anyway, especially since Applejack and Rarity were close friends.” “... Well, yeah, you and Sweetie Belle. But what about me?” “Don’t be silly. Like I said, all of three of us would have been best friends either way, even if we hadn’t gone to Diamond Tiara’s party.” “But Rainbow Dash hardly noticed me for all that time. It was only after we went camping we grew close. That makes me think that… I wouldn’t be anywhere. Except hiding under tables when things go wrong.” “Don’t think like that. Crusader or not, I would’ve still been your friend.” “Are you sure?” “You know I’m sure.” They were silent. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo walked at a much slower pace to Sugarcube Corner. Apple Bloom wanted to trot a little quicker, but decided against it, knowing Scootaloo will drag herself. It will also would’ve been rude to tell Scootaloo to trot faster. “You know that sonic rainboom that gave everyone their cutie marks?” Scootaloo asked. “Yeah.” “Do you think something like that can happen to us?” “What do you mean?” “We can have something that could be like a huge epiphany for the three of us. What if something like that happened? What if we all saw something that inspired us, and we finally realize who we really are, or something, and get our cutie marks. That could happen, right?” “Maybe. Something like that is a once in a lifetime sort of thing.” “I guess you’re right,” Scootaloo answered sadly. “But, I mean, what’s not to say it can’t happen again?” Apple Bloom said quickly. “No, you’re right. It is a once in a lifetime thing. There has to be some kind of miracle for it to happen again, or just luck. And the latter is not on my side.” “Even if we don’t get a sonic rainboom like our sisters had, maybe something else can happen that’s really amazing.” “Like what. What can top a sonic rainboom?” “Perhaps a comet? We never had any of those in a while.” “We’ll probably be old mares once the next comet arrives.” “Then we’ll ask Princess Luna to make one,” joked Apple Bloom. “Are you sure she can do that?” “I don’t know. All I can say is that we have to keep doing what we do best, and that’s find out who we are. A long time ago, I read in a book where it said ponies are the authors of their lives, and we are the weavers of our destiny. We have the power to make our dreams come true if we work hard and never give up. I liked that. I forgot the name of the book, but those words stood out for me. It may take a while, and even if something like a sonic rainboom or a comet doesn’t happen in our lifetime, that means we have to make something like that happen ourselves. We have to be our own epiphany, our own inspiration. That’s why we became the Cutie Mark Crusaders in the first place.” Scootaloo thought, then she turned her face away. After that, they continued once more in silence. Sugarcube Corner was in their sight. “Thanks for inviting for milkshakes,” Scootaloo said. “I’m gonna need one, or two.” “Get as many you want. It’s your birthday,” said Apple Bloom. “Don’t remind me. I can’t wait for this day to be over.” Apple Bloom reached for the door, but paused. She let her hoof down, then turn to face Scootaloo. “Scootaloo, do you know you’re my best friend?” “I know. I’m glad you are.” “There is a reason why I brought you over here. It has to do with more than milkshakes.” “... What do you mean?” Scootaloo asked cautiously. Apple Bloom nudged her head forward, motioning Scootaloo to join her as they enter through the doors together. Each hoof pushed the doors opened, and with one step they entered the pastry establishment. Scootaloo’s heart momentarily stopped pumping from what she saw. Her breath had escaped her when a group of ponies consisting of Pinkie Pie, the Apple family, Fluttershy, Twilight and Spike, Rarity and Sweetie Belle, and many others she didn’t know well yelled “Surprise!” in unison. Scootaloo stumbled, briefly losing control of her legs. Luckily Apple Bloom was there to catch her. After coming to her senses she scanned her surroundings. There were colorful balloons hung in every corner of the shop; dance music played from a jukebox in the corner. A banner hung above her with HAPPY BIRTHDAY SCOOTALOO written crudely in red paint. Then she gazed at Pinkie herself. She completely changed. Her hair regained its full cotton candy shape. Much to Scootaloo’s surprise Pinkie was smiling, but it wasn’t the overly-huge grin she always had before. This one was natural, genuine, simple but true all the same. Scootaloo stood there, frozen in time. From the moment she entered Sugarcube Corner everything happened in a blur, then slowed down. When she came to her senses, the blurred image of Pinkie cleared, and she was already standing in front of her. “Happy birthday, Scootaloo,” Pinkie said. Her voice sounded so pleasant and gentle. “From all of us to you.” Scootaloo looked around some more. There were several smiling faces staring at her; some were familiar, others not so. Just as before, everything happening all at once in a quick flash. Then she turned to Scootaloo, who was also smiling. Her face twitched a little. Then her bottom lip quivered. Apple Bloom looked closely, and saw a tear falling from eye, followed by a second one from the other. Everyone else saw it as well, much to their confusion. Scootaloo backed away slowly, whimpering, seemingly choking on the lump that formed in her throat. The smile on Pinkie’s face diminished. Something was wrong. She called for Scootaloo, but it was too late. She banished herself from her own birthday party. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle followed her, trying to catch her in time. Outside, they looked around and called her name. Apple Bloom shook her head. Scootaloo is quick, she thought. She may not be able to fly, but she is fast on her legs. “I can’t find her,” Sweetie Belle said. “She’s gone.” Apple Bloom said nothing. It didn’t came as a surprise to her. She knew Scootaloo would react this way. In a moment of contemplation they heard a faint voice not too far from them. They searched the side of Sugarcube Corner and found Scootaloo. She was sitting against the wall. Scootaloo covered her face while she quietly sobbed. They approached her slowly, then Sweetie Belle said her name. Scootaloo raised her head and gave them a sour look. “Why did you do this?” she said, her voice heavy with sadness. “It’s nopony’s fault. The party was my idea,” Apple Bloom explained. “But why?” “Because I didn’t want you to be sad on your birthday. I was hoping we can celebrate together, like the way we used to.” The two were silent. Sweetie Belle looked on, not sure if she can add anything else. The nasty look on Scootaloo’s face remained, and Apple Bloom knew she was defeated. “I’ll tell everyone the party’s over,” she said sadly. “Can I say something?” a voice asked. The fillies saw Pinkie Pie approaching them. That wonderful smile was glued to her face, like it was made entirely of sunshine. Scootaloo glanced at her for a brief, then turned her face away. Pinkie sat beside her, but at same time keeping a space between them. “Don’t you want to come back to the party?” she finally said. Scootaloo shook her head. “How come?” “I don’t want to,” Scootaloo mumbled. “Can you at least tell me why?” Scootaloo was silent. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom joined them, waiting for her answer. Scootaloo glanced up, seeing Pinkie was still looking at her. Nothing will happen unless she spoke, Scootaloo realized. She gave up with a sigh. “I don’t want to celebrate my birthday… because it will just remind me how many years have pass since Rainbow Dash died.” Pinkie placed her hoof on top of Scootaloo’s. “I understand how you feel. With autumn coming soon, it will just make me think of all things we won’t be able do with her.” “Please don’t,” Scootaloo muttered. “I’m sorry. You know, the party was Apple Bloom’s idea. She really cares about you. Everyone does. That’s why we came out for you.” “Everyone didn’t have to,” she said bitterly. “But we did. You shouldn’t have to feel terrible on your birthday, no matter what circumstance. Besides, if Rainbow Dash was here, she’ll want to have a slice of that cake.” Scootaloo looked at her and wiped her eyes dry. “Out of everyone in Ponyville, I’ve thrown the most parties for Rainbow Dash over the years. There was a party for almost everything she did; winning a competition, being first place in anything, successfully performing a new flying trick. And her birthday, too. When it came to her, I always try to top the previous birthdays. Did you know I was planning a party when she created the largest sonic rainboom?” Scootaloo shook her head. “Well, I never had the chance to do that. There were so many celebrations I missed this summer, and everyone counts on me to plan parties… and I failed them. I even failed Rainbow Dash.” “How?” Scootaloo asked curiously. “Last month was her birthday,” Pinkie sighed. “July 24th. I can’t remember if I was thinking about her that day. If I remembered, I would have had everyone do a little silent birthday celebration at her memorial. But I let it pass. I let everyone’s birthdays pass me by. Thanks to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, I thought I can make it up for having a surprise party for you. You’re very special to all of us, Scootaloo.” “I don’t feel special.” “You shouldn’t say that on your birthday.” All was silent. Pinkie extended her hoof to Scootaloo to help her up. Sweetie Belle approached Scootaloo and gave her an affectionately rub on her cheek with her own. Pinkie led them back into Sugarcube Corner. When they opened the doors they found the party guests anxiously waiting, many with concerned looks. “Everything’s okay,” Pinkie said to them. “Scootaloo was just overwhelmed. I would be, too, after everything that’s happened.” She turned to Scootaloo, and smiled that lovely smile once again. “How about we get this party started?” She was silent. “Sure,” she finally said. “That’ll be nice.” She didn’t realize it, but Scootaloo had forgotten about all her troubles from that morning. Everything from her little chat with Rainbow Dash’s memorial, the conversation she had with Apple Bloom on the way to Sugarcube Corner, to her reaction to the unexpected party, were no longer in her thoughts. Slowly but surely her spirit was lifted by the warm and happy atmosphere of the party. She had to give to Pinkie. The party planner went out of her way to give her the best celebration in a short amount of time. The decorations and banners looked professionally done, despite it being done by one pony. The jukebox continuously played party music which everyone danced to. Guests, which included Pinkie’s own friends and most of the children Scootaloo knew from school, played games and talked to each other, few over cups of punch. There were moments when Applejack, Twilight, Fluttershy, and Rarity came to Scootaloo to wish her a happy birthday, then hug her tightly. They were going to do that eventually, Scootaloo thought. She guessed Pinkie was right when she said everyone cared about her. Scootaloo poured punch into a plastic cup until Apple Bloom, and another young pony, approached her. “Hey Scootaloo, I want to introduce you to Rumble,” she said. Rumble was a young pegasus, about Scootaloo’s age, with dark-greyish hair that looked as though it was blown back by the wind. They shook hooves nervously. “I saw you at the funeral,” said Scootaloo. “Yeah. My brother Thunderlane was friends with her, kind of.” “Really? How?” “It was during that water-tornado thing Ponyville had. You know, when Fluttershy flew really fast and all that? My brother got sick and couldn’t fly with the other pegasi, but he trained really hard. I guess they became kind of friends after that. He was very upset when he heard Rainbow Dash died.” “Yeah. We all were,” said Scootaloo. Rumble presented Scootaloo with a small white envelope that read Happy Birthday Scootaloo written in cursive. “Um, he wanted to come, but something came up. But he sent you this envelope with money in it. You know, to buy yourself something. I put something in it, too.” “Thank you,” said Scootaloo meekly. “There’s forty bits in it. You can buy yourself a cool jacket or something.” Scootaloo gave him an awkward smile. She had seen Rumble a few times at school and on the street, but have never said a single word to him. Then Sweetie Belle came with another child. She was a yellow earth pony with orange hair who enjoyed playing sports. The filly reminded Sweetie of Rainbow Dash, and thought Scootaloo may like her. Scootaloo and the filly managed to have a quick conversation about baseball and the Wonderbolts. Scootaloo was too shy to talk to anyone at the moment. When the party reached its height, Mr. and Mrs. Cake presented Scootaloo with a huge, rectangular birthday cake, with nine lighted candles. They sang the birthday song and Scootaloo cut the first slice of cake. She was very pleased to know that it was chocolate on the inside. Then the moment everyone had been waiting for finally came: the presenting of gifts. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, with some additional help from Rarity (she paid for the gold to be made), created a custom medal for Scootaloo. It was gold, and the design was a lightning bolt over a heart. According to Sweetie Belle, it symbolized the endurance of hardships, or, in her own words, “how you managed to pull through it all. You’re the strongest out of all of us.” Another child at the party, which Scootaloo recognized as Dinky, gave Scootaloo a four-leaf clover she found a long time ago. “It gave me good luck,” she explained. “You need it more than I do, now.” The only thing that was in Scootaloo’s mind was how Dinky, of all ponies, found a four-leaf clover. Rarity, thanks to her connections with very important ponies from Canterlot, received tickets to the Wonderbolts next show in September. Scootaloo couldn’t help but become excited. The smile on her face grew. She always wanted to see them up close. Twilight presented a medium-sized box and told Scootaloo to open it. The inside of the box revealed a pile of books neatly stacked on top of each other. On each cover there was a tan pegasus with dark hair, wearing a jacket and safari hat, escaping some kind of trap or danger. “It’s the first seven novels of the Daring Do series,” Twilight explained. “They’re all new editions. Rainbow Dash is her biggest fan.” “She was?” Scootaloo asked. Then another thought came to her. “Rainbow Dash reads books?” she said with wide eyes. “Of course! I’m surprised she hadn’t told you about them. Each book is filled with action, excitement, danger! I’m sure you’ll enjoy all of them!” Scootaloo gazed at the daring pegasus on the covers. She even looked like Rainbow Dash, almost. No wonder why she was a fan, Scootaloo thought. However, she had no idea she loved to read books. How come she hadn’t told her about it? Fluttershy was next. She carried a small cage and placed it on the floor. Opening it, she spoke to whatever it was that was inside in a soothing voice. Fluttershy released a green shell from the cage, and from the shell came limbs, then a head with black, beady eyes. “Scootaloo, this is Tank,” she said. “He was Rainbow Dash’s pet turtle.” The younger party guests, including Scootaloo, approached the turtle. Many of them were commenting on how cute he looked. To Scootaloo, this was another strange revelation about Rainbow Dash. How can she, of all ponies, kept a turtle as a pet? It didn’t seem realistic. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle played with Tank by turning his shell around and watching him come out on either side. “She loved him very much,” Fluttershy explained. “Tank was her companion. And I hope he’ll be yours’ too.” “Thank you,” Scootaloo said. She gave a lite smiled at Fluttershy, and she grinned back at her. Scootaloo watched as Dinky slowly spun the turtle shell around, laughing. Such a strange revelation indeed. When Scootaloo finally got a good look at Tank’s face she thought for a moment that he gave a sad-looking smile. She suddenly felt sympathy for the turtle. Or was that how turtles usually looked? she thought. After a delightful afternoon the party had come to a close. Once again everyone wished Scootaloo a happy birthday and good fortune from here on (since she was given a four-leaf clover). Pinkie’s friends ambushed her with a tight group hug once the guests had left Sugarcube Corner. Applejack commented how Rainbow Dash would have been proud of her. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle follow their lead and gave Scootaloo a hug. Then everyone was hugging everyone. Pinkie even had the Cakes and their foals to join. Afterward, everyone went home. However, Scootaloo stayed behind and sat a table near a window, with Tank by her side. Seeing she was still there, Pinkie joined her. “How was the party?” Pinkie asked. “It was better than I expected,” Scootaloo answered. “I want to thank you for doing this. And I want to say I’m sorry for how I acted.” “There’s no need to apologize. I would’ve reacted the same way. You know, you really look good when you smile.” Scootaloo giggled. “Thanks. So do you.” “Rainbow Dash would’ve loved this party,” Pinkie said. Her tone held a sense of longing. “Yeah,” Scootaloo added. Her voice was caught in a sigh. “You know, I’ve seen you with her all the time, and you two seem to have been great friends. If you don’t mind me asking, what drew you to her?” Scootaloo thought. “I guess… in a way, she was just like me. We never had any close family members, none that we know of. We both have this ambitious drive. And I guess we were both dreamers. So, I think when we finally found each other, we clicked.” Pinkie smiled. “That’s great. When me and Rainbow first met, I knew instantly we were going to be best friends. I guess she had that effect on ponies.” “She was the best.” “And always will be the best,” Pinkie added. “I have a lot of stories about her, you know. You want to hear some?” Scootaloo gladly nodded. “Sure. Tell me everything…”