For Scootaloo, the next week was incredibly important. Unfortunately she was still suspended from school despite everything. Fortunately this meant that she spent the majority of her week in Canterlot with Star Shine. She was able to join in his flying lessons now that she was flying and was finally given the flying lessons she was promised all that time ago. Star Shine insisted she keep the brace on even though she was flying. Scootaloo wasn't sure why but she trusted that he knew what he was doing and went along with it. He even had Twilight charge it back up again without her knowledge to keep it going for the whole month he would be away. On the second day Star Shine sent Scootaloo home with a note for Rainbow Dash and made her promise not to read it. She agreed and stuck to her word and gave it to Rainbow Dash as soon as she got home. Rainbow thought it might have been a bit of a love letter and was not expecting what it actually was;
Rainbow Dash
I have good news and bad news. The bad news is there's something I didn't tell you. I'm sorry for that but there was never much of a chance. Shining Armor told me that because Scootaloo doesn't have an official guardian, as neither of us have adopted her, he wants to take her away. The good news is that we have some time. We had no idea where the orphanage was and it's a pretty big thing to think about.
When I thought about it, I realised that the only place her orphanage could be is Canterlot. Remember how she seemed scared and uneasy here? It's because she grew up here and repressed it. Once I had a starting point it wasn't too difficult. I asked my friend about it and he told me that there was an orphanage around here. After I sent Scootaloo home yesterday I went and looked for it and I found it. They actually think she's dead. When she ran away she ran into the Everfree Forest and that's how she ended up in Ponyville. They didn't know she survived and because she never came back out the forest on their end, and they never found her, they thought she had died in there. They actually told her parents about it. Her mother didn't take it well and blamed herself.
Well anyway, the point is that I found her orphanage and now you can adopt her. I wish there were better circumstances than this. I really do wish it wasn't a case of “You have to adopt her or she'll be taken away” but that's unfortunately how things are. I do advise you to think about it though. If you think you aren't ready to be a mother then I think you should consider giving her up. You can adopt her when you're both a little older.
Whatever your decision is, come with her to Canterlot on Friday and let's do it. If you adopt her, then you'll need to be here of course. If she has to go back, then I think it's best for you to do it personally rather than having Shining Armor take her away. You'll have time to explain everything to her.
In either case, I'll see you on Friday. I'm looking forward to it. I miss you.
Star Shine
Rainbow Dash had to admit he had a point. She wish he'd told her sooner but he did have a point about it being better for her to drop Scootaloo off if she wasn't going to adopt her. Rainbow Dash sighed and began considering the options. She had said that she would be proud to be related to Scootaloo but becoming her mother would be a very big deal and she wasn't entirely sure that she was ready. She really had always imagined she'd be some kind of big sister figure. She had really come into the role of mother over the past few weeks and had managed to handle things pretty well. Was Star Shine to thank for that? Would she be able to do it on her own? She just didn't know.
Over the course of the week Rainbow Dash paid close attention to Scootaloo and herself. How she responded when Scootaloo needed something and how she was when Scootaloo needed to be disciplined. She thought about everything that had happened and tried to put it all in perspective. She was going to make a decision that would alter not one, but two lives forever. It wasn't as easy as she thought it would be. She thought that when offered the chance she might have jumped on it and taken Scootaloo in right away. One benefit of Scootaloo's secrets being revealed was that Rainbow Dash could openly discuss them with her friends. Twilight's opinions had mirrored Star Shine's really. She advised Rainbow Dash to do what was best for Scootaloo, even if it meant causing her some short term pain by giving her up for a while. Rarity had reminded her of how happy Scootaloo had been lately and how happy Scootaloo would be if Rainbow Dash legally became her mother. Pinkie Pie was remarkably sombre and honest with her thoughts. She had shared her experiences babysitting the Cake twins. While Scootaloo wasn't a baby, there were going to be some times when taking care of her was going to be overwhelming. Fluttershy had also been overwhelmed by the Cutie Mark Crusaders at one point but had managed to bring them under control. It was Applejack who offered perhaps the best advice of all. Her parents had died while Apple Bloom was very young. Granny Smith had taken care of them but there was only so much she could do. There were times when Apple Bloom had been too much for her to handle and Applejack had become somewhat of a surrogate mother as well as sister. It was one the reasons their relationship was as deep as it was. She had kind of had that situation thrust upon her, and at first she wasn't sure what she was doing, but she had come to learn it all as she went. She had taken care of Applebloom with a little help. Applejack and the rest of Rainbow Dash's friends would be there for her no matter what she chose to do. By the time Thursday night rolled around Rainbow Dash knew what she was going to do.
Scootaloo was a little surprised when Rainbow Dash got on the train with her in the morning. Rainbow Dash avoided questions about why she was going to Canterlot which made for a very awkward and very quiet train ride. Star Shine was waiting for them at the train station and when he saw them he couldn't help but give Rainbow Dash a hug. It had been nearly a week since he'd last seen her.
“You know what you're going to do?” he whispered in her ear as he hugged her. Rainbow Dash nodded and he released the hug. “And good morning to you too Scootaloo. I'm afraid there's been a slight change of plans.” he said to Scootaloo.
“Change? We're not having a flying lesson?” Scootaloo asked. She hoped Star Shine would be able to shed some light on why Rainbow Dash was with them. Part of her thought that she might be involved in the flying lesson. She was a little disappointed to hear that wasn't the case. It would have been awesome.
“We're taking a small journey today. That's why Rainbow's here. She needs to come with us.” Star Shine explained. Scootaloo was confused even more and followed them as they walked off. Star Shine was slightly ahead of Rainbow Dash but it still looked like she knew where she was going, even though she had no idea.
Scootaloo started to feel very uneasy as they got closer to their destination. Neither Rainbow Dash or Star Shine were talking and they wouldn't tell her what was going on. They turned a corner and she saw a building that made her jaw drop and the rest of her start to shake. It was an orphanage. As she looked at it she realised it wasn't just any old orphanage. It was her orphanage. The one she had grown up in. They were taking her back. All those times they had said they loved her were a lie. She had everything she wanted and now it was about to be taken away again. She screamed and bolted in the opposite direction.
“Scootaloo, wait!” Rainbow Dash shouted, chasing after her.
“You didn't tell her anything?” Star Shine asked, running alongside Rainbow Dash.
“I thought you didn't want me to!” Rainbow Dash hissed back. Rainbow Dash pounced on Scootaloo before Star Shine had a chance to talk back. The pair tumbled over eachother and it ended with Scootaloo in a tight hug.
“Let me go! I don't want to go back! Don't take me back!” Scootaloo shouted, struggling to get out of Rainbow Dash's hold. “Why would you take me back? I thought you loved me. I thought you wanted me to stay. Is this cos I hit Diamond Tiara?” Scootaloo asked worriedly. “Did...did you plan this? Is that why you wanted me to come to Canterlot with you? Why you said it'd be a punishment?” she asked Star Shine through tears. Star Shine sighed and nuzzled Scootaloo. It didn't help calm her down at all.
“I didn't plan this. I only realised that your orphanage was here last week. I told you coming to Canterlot would be a punishment because I thought you'd have to sit and watch a filly a lot younger than you flying when you couldn't. You went and proved me wrong though and you started flying. There's a very good reason you're here but I think it's best if Rainbow Dash tells you.” Star Shine explained. Scootaloo calmed down as he was talking and she looked at Rainbow Dash with a mixture of expectation and worry. Rainbow Dash smiled at her and all of Scootaloo's worries vanished. There's no way Rainbow Dash would hurt her or do anything bad. Just that reassuring smile made everything go away.
“Scootaloo...Shining Armor asked me to bring you back here. He told me that I'd have to make our little family official or I'd lose you.” Rainbow Dash explained.
“You...you mean?...” Scootaloo began. Perhaps the total opposite of what she thought might happen was actually going to happen.
“After talking about it with my friends and thinking about it all week, there was only one thing I could do. I don't know if I'd make a good mom, or if I can really take care of you, but I'd like to find out. I'd like to learn all of that with you Scoots. I had to bring you back here so I could take you away again.” Rainbow Dash said as Scootaloo struggled to contain her excitement. It was a complete contrast to how she was a few minutes ago.
“You you you you you you you you.” Scootaloo rambled constantly, unable to contain herself long enough to ask the question that was burning in her brain. The one that would just send her insane. Rainbow Dash nodded with a smile and Scootaloo jumped about five feet into the air.
“Yes Scoots, we're here so I can adopt you.” Rainbow Dash confirmed. Scootaloo, seemingly defying the laws of physics, jumped again in the air and shot up another few feet. In reality she had just flapped her wings as hard as she could and shot up a little. She did something she never thought she would do and flew towards the orphanage at top speed.
“Come on already! Let's get this over with!” Scootaloo called back to Rainbow Dash and Star Shine. The pair of Pegasi had been watching her with large smiles on their faces. They laughed and followed after her, towards the orphanage.
“I think you made the right choice. I know you're going to be amazing.” Star Shine said while Scootaloo was still out of earshot.
“Thanks. I might need a little help from you along the way.” Rainbow Dash replied, leaning into him.
“Sure, I'd be happy to be there for her. For you both.” Star Shine replied, returning the nuzzle.
“Hey!” Scootaloo called back to them. She was still a good distance from them. The pair looked up at her. “Is Star Shine actually gonna be my new daddy?” she asked. Star Shine let out a laugh and Rainbow Dash blushed, pulling away from him.
“I told you Scoots, I'll only be your dad if me and Rainbow get married.” he called back. Scootaloo thought it over for a few seconds.
“Oh. Well hurry up and get married then!” Scootaloo called back. She laughed and flew towards the orphanage as Rainbow Dash chased her down while Star Shine laughed even harder. Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash waited for Star Shine when they reached the door to the orphanage. All three went in when he arrived. The matron in charge recognised him and nearly had a heart attack when she saw Scootaloo. Star Shine had explained to her that she wasn't actually dead but it was still a shock to actually see her. They still had all of Scootaloo's records on file. In a matter of minutes she was declared legally alive again and, a few minutes after that, legally the daughter of one Miss Rainbow Dash.
The three spent the day in Canterlot together to celebrate. Rainbow Dash had booked the entire day off of work and Star Shine had agreed with his friend that given the circumstances, he could have a day without flying lessons. After a whole day together it came time to say goodbye again. This time it was a bit more of a goodbye. They wouldn't see Star Shine for another few weeks. They went to the train station together and said their goodbyes.
“Congratulations Scoots. Now you be nice to your new mother.” Star Shine said, giving Scootaloo a hug.
“I will. Promise.” Scootaloo replied, giggling. She hadn't really stopped giggling all day. Or come down from her high.
“I'll see you in a few weeks Rainbow. You and Scoots have fun. If you need me, just send me a letter. Ponyville ain't that far away.” he said as he hugged Rainbow Dash. He pulled away slowly, as if there was something else he wanted to say or do. “And...” he said slowly, fidgeting nervously. “No, it can wait.” he concluded, shaking his head. He smiled up at Rainbow Dash to reassure her nothing was wrong.
“You okay Shine?” Rainbow Dash asked, curious as to what he was going to say. “What was it?” Star Shine shook his head again.
“It doesn't matter. Just...stay awesome.” he said. He gave Rainbow Dash a quick kiss on the cheek. She blushed as a whistle blew behind them to signal that the train was about to leave. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo gave Star Shine one last quick hug and got on the train. There was something else Star Shine had wanted to say, but he felt it would have been unfair to tell her something like that as they were about to be separated for a few weeks. He also wasn't entirely sure about his feelings anyway. It could have just been something he wanted to say because he was about to lose her for a while. Star Shine watched the train wistfully for a minute or so before it disappeared entirely. He slowly walked home once there was nothing keeping him waiting at the station.
“I wonder what that was about?” Rainbow Dash asked Scootaloo. The pair were sat in the train together. They'd managed to find an empty compartment for just the two of them.
“I dunno. I guess you'll find out later mom.” Scootaloo replied. She giggled again as soon as she did. She still wasn't used to using that word and it still set her off. It would do for the next few days. It would also take Rainbow Dash a while to get used to it too. They had their whole lives to get used to it though.
Together.
Wow, not much red tape when it comes to adoptions, but I guess the fact that RD is a Knight of Harmony probably sped things up a bit.
Huzzah! New chapter!
Anti-huzzah! Story is over.
Huzzah! Happy ending for Scoots!
Huzzah! Planned sequel!
3 out of 4 huzzahs... I'd say that's an awesome!
Yes! I love it. sad and happy all at once. (sad that its over)
dude, I don't think anyone will care how long it is, just write for yourself, and it will be good.
Another awesome chapter and I am sad this has finally finished LIKE really sad....but one small suggestion for the sequel....
SHIP RAINBOW DASH AND STAR SHINEIts not everyday that I say this, but actually Rainbow an Star Shine do make a goo couple and for once, the OC fits the ship to a mane 6 perfectly...he personality fits, his charisma fits...everything, JUST SHIP THEM ALREADY...Please
WOOOO! You go dude! I'm happy for ya on the romantic front. I hope that the sequel draws in just as big of a reaction. Keep writing and be happy my friend.
BUT when is the sequel?! *cries*
The feels!
That is all
3483185
I actually did not consider that We'll...let's use your excuse shall we?
3483242
The story is over but the world keeps on turning. And always will. Until I find enough matches. Or get a degree in very complicated physics. Neither of those are likely to happen. No one trusts me with matches you see.
3483254
I was wondering what was sad about this. It's possibly as fluffy as you're likely to get. The only thing missing was a sloppy make out scene.
3483358
I think you'd be surprised. People would probably be quite happy for me to write another epic length story. That's epic in the classical sense, as in "so damn long no one really reads it"
3483502
I can't make any promises If I continue to base it on my real life relationship though then yeah, it'll probably end up happening and they'll be married by day's end.
3483509
That's all you can really ask for an end
3483511
Thanks It'll be kinda fun to see how many people give up on even trying to read the sequel because they'll have to come here and read this, at 180k words.
3483545
It should be up next Monday. Should be.
3483798
My feel bone! Why feel bone whyyyyyyyyyyyyy?
3483862 just ship them
3483862 eh as long as I can enjoy it, ill see it as good. still good luck anyway. and don't push yerself to beat any records.
Damn, it's over I've been following this story since chapter...21 I think? But I never commented on it before. Actually, I've never commented on anything before on FIMfic.
This was a really good story! I can't wait for the sequel You should totally do a thing where Dashie and Shine get together. They would be such a cute couple! Also I'm overusing the pony emoticon things because they're adorable
3483862
I personally think that this would fit Star Shine in the next story as a theme. Listening to the lyrics reminds me of the character.
3483873
I'm the kinda guy who'll choose satisfying the critical minority over the encouraging majority. It's a sad state of affairs.
3483881
The longest story I've read on this site is over 400k words. I'm not going to attempt to break that record
3483909
Oh I overuse them all the time. I kind of use them sparingly when I'm replying to a lot of comments at once though in case I accidentally hit the limit But thank you very much. I'm glad you enjoyed the story that much. I rarely comment on stories myself. I think one of the only times I did was when the author challenged the readers to analyse and understand the story. Well anyway, I'll see what happens on the shipping front
3483941
I would say they're quite appropriate yes. He's a guy that very much goes with the flow but when the time comes, can and will do amazing things.
3484006 jeez I think the longest story ive read is 'the seven tribes'
Wow! When I read that, I had to bend down and pick my jaw off the floor. I just thought this was just a wonderful concept that I just was afraid that the story would lose focus or the author would lose interest. I can't say how many times I have seen that in other stories. I am so glad it did not happen in this story.
This was a beautiful roller coaster of a story. There were times when you felt like having to go to the dentist (because it was so sweet). There were times when you felt like you had to go to the hospital (because of how much you hit your head on something). There were times when you wanted to reach through your computer screen and hug some ponies. There were times you wanted to lead a lynch mob after others.
Dasponi, I am so glad that you no only wrote this story, but I am so happy you were able to finish such a fine, beautiful, emotional story. It's going to be weird not to see your regularly scheduled chapter update on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (especially this Friday.) I wish you much success in your professional and personal life. I look forward to the sequel and we will see just how long it will actually become ()
Take care. Peace, See Ya Later.
Lol sorry to be the odd one out but since so many ponys want the ship I guess it'll be ok (still don't like it though) but yup can't wait good work and if you have a good editor in mind for me that would be great iv only made one story with one chapter my editors is dealing with that Tyfune how ever it's spelled so yea the first chapter is bad but it was only a test to see how it all works I'm planing on fixing it eventually but I'm now rambling back to the point if you have a good editor in mind that would like to help me I'd appreciate it. ( can't wait for the sequel) sqeeeeee /)
This was a great story, and I can't wait to see the sequel!
I'm really glad that there was a happy ending. I figured you wouldn't put Scoots back in the orphanage after all she's been through :-)
3484064
Thank you, so much, for all of that. It feel pretty weird for me too that I won't be writing anything else in this story. I have some more ideas for this universe and even some other stories, so I'll be around here still. I must confess I am looking forward to reading or watching more ponies as well though. I'm pretty surprised I didn't lose interest too. If I wasn't writing for here I very well may have done. Thank you again for the very nice words, and the help over the months
3484064
I'm not sure how long that is but I'm guessing not that long in the grand scheme of things
3484271
Don't worry, you aren't totally the odd one out as far as the ship goes. There are a few others who feel like you. As for editors, I don't know if I can really help you there. I edit all my own work and as you can see that's not always the best thing as occasionally I mess up
3484739
I'm a sucker for a happy ending. I still wanted there to be a little bit of tension though. There was the chance that Rainbow Dash would leave her for a while and it would be more bittersweet.
3485469
Your work is good very good mine is very lacking. Like I said it was actully a test I'm going to fix it eventually any ways maybe if you had time you might be able to edit it but you know what Evers good for u :P any ways so I was think about a cute chapter for your story just to toss you a thought idk if you have it all already but nothing ventured nothing gained right lol any ways. How about a birthday chapter for scootaloo that be really cute.
I seem to recall beginning to read this from about chapter 40.
Wooooooooooaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh, we've come a long way.
I look forward to the sequel.
3485469 I feel I must amend my statement, you beat 'the seven tribes' in words and this is currently the second longest story I've read (still) the longest being 'what's really the most important?' still cant wait to see what you do next.
3485818
That's an idea. I do have some plans for certain holidays. When I've finished working on the sequel I really have to go back to my own novel writing which'll take a lot of time. There are groups where you can find editors and things though I think
3486609
We really have come quite a long way. It's not often you can say that you joined at chapter forty and you've been here since the halfway point.
3488145
That's a pretty awesome feat right there. When I'm done with the sequel we'll have to add the word counts together and see if I would have been longer by not splitting the stories up.
I'm totally not compensating for anything.
Thanks but iv cancelled my fic
OMG dat ending!!! It was amazing. One thing I would love for the sequel is the back story on Star Shine and what happened to his parents and how exactly he was able to over come his disability and fly. Its been driving me bonkers ever since it was first mentioned and I thought we were finally gonna get a resolution. Alas we were left in the dark and I was hoping it would happen before the end.
3489982
Add the first bit as well.
I joined about Ch71/72, So 3/4 of the way through.
3489982 ...I don't know what to say to tht last part
3490538
Awww, what did you do that for? What was the story going to be?
3490628
Hey we got her to fly, that was the main point of this story. Though don't worry, I will venture into that too in the sequel. I'd have mentioned it was coming, but I wasn't sure anypony really cared that much
3491484
I'd offer my sympathies at how much you had to read but there are folks who are just jumping on now. I hope. You can say you were reading it before it was cool though
3492296
Well you know what they say about a man who has a long story...no wait that's not even a thing. Ah well.
3493751
It was a POV of sweetie belles life from birth till death but iv come to realise my level of writing is not well satisfactory for creating such a story
3494280
That sounds like it would be a pretty good story. Start writing small and build up your abilities. Start writing short stories about anything and everything. There are two stories I'm still yet to write that I put off until my writing ability was good enough. I never intended this to be such a huge story and planned on writing a Sparity actually Don't give up on it, just put it on the backburner for now.
this was good tho i must admit id like to see an alternate ending were dash takes her back but does not adopt her seems sad but i thank it be cool to read somethang like that... enywho great chapter
I was on the verge of tears before RD said she was going to adopt her. This was a great ending, though I wouldn't have minded her not adopting her, because I haven't cried over a story in a long long time.
resistance is futile
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5X4HYA-lB-U
I cri
7079044
Epilogue 2: Electric Scootaloo
Both figuratively and literally now that she can fly