Sweetie was covered in filth and sweat and just wanted to go home, but she still managed to make her way back to the pit that her friends had fallen down. She looked into the abyss, squinting to try and see into the darkness. “Apple Bloom? Scootaloo? Are you still down there?”
“No.”
The small unicorn jumped in the air and whirled around. Indeed, to her immense relief, her two friends were there, looking dirty but otherwise none the worse for wear.
"You're okay!" she cried, throwing her forelegs around Apple Bloom. Then she did the same to Scootaloo.
The pegasus rolled her eyes. "Ugh, yeah, can we just..."
And then Sweetie's hoof collided with Scootaloo's jaw. She went back, stunned by surprise and pain.
"It was your idea to come here! Do you know how much I've been worried?”
"...Sweetie..." Apple Bloom was stunned.
"Hey, you're not the one who had her head split open," Scootaloo muttered.
"Well, that's what you get for bringing us here."
"Hey, you didn't have to follow us!"
"Oh, so you were ready to just abandon me to come here!"
"Alright, knock it off!" Apple Bloom said as she moved between them. "Look, we're all worn out, why don't we get home?"
"Well, that's the first smart thing you two have said all day."
"Hey, watch it!"
“Will you two quit it!” Apple Bloom said again, the strain clear in her voice. “Now look, comin’ here was a mistake... don’t,” she said, shooting her evil eye at both of them. “Let’s just go home. This’ll seem better when we’ve all had a nap.”
Sweetie and Scootaloo continued to stare for a while. Then, they broke apart and just walked out, with Apple Bloom trailing behind.
They just missed Celestia and Luna flying in.
Rainbow Dash made a quick stop by Sugarcube Corner to pick up a dozen cupcakes for Scootaloo. Chocolate with red icing and sprinkles, her favorite. Hopefully, this would make things a bit better after having to leave her behind.
Soarin wouldn't be visiting until this crisis was resolved. Or at least, it was likely he wouldn't. This whole thing was keeping the military busy. She might be able to visit him over the next month, but she couldn't bring Scootaloo. Too dangerous.
She analyzed this statement. Surely it wasn't true. She had to be safer in the Palace than in Ponyville... but then again, Cadance wasn't, was she? But they have security now...
Rainbow Dash shook her head. She remembered Twilight and Applejack telling her that having a foal to take care of would cause her neverending worrying, but she hadn't really believed it.
"Dashie? Dashie?"
Rainbow Dash came out of her thoughts to see Pinkie standing in front of her with her order. "You spaced out, silly!"
Rainbow Dash shook her head. "Sorry, I was thinking."
Pinkie giggled. "Of course you were. Everypony thinks. 'I think, therefore I am', remember? What were you thinking about?"
"Scootaloo... I guess I was kind of all business this morning. She was really looking forward to what me and Soarin had planned, and I guess I wasn't nice enough about it. I just wanted her to learn that you don't always get what you want."
"And that's a good lesson. I'm sure she'll be fine if you just talk to her."
"That's what I'm hoping for," she said, putting the cupcakes on her back. "And I hope she understands that me and Soarin will be busy."
"Oh, she will. And you just wait, once this is over, the three of you can be family again. Scoots is going to make such a cute flowerfilly at your wedding."
Rainbow Dash blushed. "Isn't it a little early to be thinking about that?"
"Are you kidding? I've got it all figured out: you can have a double wedding with Twilight and Applejack, so the Crusaders can be flowerfillies while Spike can be ringbearer, like at the Royal Wedding, but hopefully with no changelings..."
"Uh, Pinkie? I thought Applejack and Twilight made it clear there's nothing going on between them..."
"Well, they're just in denial."
"Uh-huh. Well, look, I appreciate you being prepared, but can you not plan my wedding until one of us actually proposes?"
"Oh relax, I'm just being prepared. I can change to whatever you need."
"Right... well, I better get home. It looks like Applejack's making me head to Canterlot all the time."
"Well, of course, silly. You're the only one..."
"Yeah, yeah," Rainbow Dash waved her off. "But can't one of you give me a day off? I'd like to spend some time with Scoots."
"Well sure. As soon as the Cakes can give me a day off, I can go down. Ooh!" She dived under the counter and came up with her deerstalker cap. "I can play detective again! Maybe Fluttershy can be my assistant."
Rainbow Dash blinked. She thought back to the incident in the train. Pinkie as a detective...
"Uh... maybe you better take Rarity instead..."
Once they had arrived at the castle, Celestia immediately went toward the library, with Luna just behind her.
"What makes you so sure the intruders would be down here?"
"These books are just about the only thing of value left in the castle," Celestia said. "I took out anything I thought was worth keeping out of enemy hooves, but..." The Princess took a deep breath. "I didn't want to see any of these books. It was... too painful. And I hoped that by leaving the historical records behind, historians would spend their time chronicling the past rather than writing about you. I was... mistaken, obviously."
"But if you took anything harmful from here, what would a thief want from here?"
"Historical information, I presume. It still has the largest and most accurate archive of history. You forget, dear sister, that not everypony remembers the past quite as well as we do."
"I suppose so. So you believe they're looking for an older artifact? Something like the Amulet?"
"Perhaps. Maybe something like that escaped my notice. I thought the Amulet would be the last thing that would slip through after we took it from Sombra..."
They had arrived in the library at that moment. It was still covered in dust, like nothing had been moved since it was abandoned.
"I do not think anypony was here, sister."
"At least not for long... Look around, try to make sure nothing was disturbed."
Luna obeyed her sister's command, and the two spread out and began combing through the shelves. Old encyclopedias, travel logs, and the like littered the information sections. Luna drifted into the fiction section, figuring checking there couldn't hurt.
"I presume you removed any of Star Swirl's research?" Luna called.
"Yes. My school used it as the basis for our teachings. Every professor has built upon..." Celestria trailed off. "Luna! Something has been disturbed."
In a flash, Luna was by her sister's side. "Look, this history book... it doesn't have the same layer of dust the other books have."
"History book?" Luna looked at the picture present. Megan, the golden-haired warrior, raising a sword against some gruesome depictions of demons and monsters, while the Rainbow of Light shone overhead. Behind her were several other ponies.
"Dear sisters, these are foal's tales."
"NightMare Moon was a foal's tale." She checked the cover. Volume 5... "Sister, I want to round these up."
"But... why?"
"...I'm not sure," she said, studying the picture. "Call it an instinct, but I have a feeling we'll need them."
For a long moment, she studied the picture. Not Megan, every foal knew her image, highly romanticized she guessed. It was the ponies behind her.
They weren't familiar, she was sure. Doubtless she had met several ponies that looked a lot like each of them throughout the two and a half millennia she had lived, any memories they stirred up could be attributed to them. But still... these ponies seemed to jump out at her.
Suddenly, there was a thump. Both sisters jumped, and Luna lit her horn. "Who goes there?"
Scurrying was heard in the distance.
Immediately Luna shot off like a rocket.
"Luna, wait!" Celestia tried to stop her, but she was in the distance to quick. Then, a shrill wail was heard.
"Luna!" And she darted after her sister.
She was stopped by a grey ball of fur with eyes being shoved in her face. "Look at it! Oh, Tia, look at it! Is it not adorable?"
Celestia blinked. It took her a few seconds to realize the wail was really a squeal, emitted by her sister. "Um... I suppose."
Lune held the creature in front of her. It looked at the princess, it's long nose sniffing the air. "What do they call this creature?"
"That's a possum."
"Possum... such a fascinating creature." She smiled, rubbing her muzzle against his. "And up so late..."
"Well, they're nocturnal..."
Luna looked like it was Hearth's Warming Morning. "Adorable and they love the night? Why have I not seen these around Canterlot?"
"Well, sister, many ponies see them as pests..."
"Pests? This creature? Nonsense!" She sat the possum on the ground. "Little one, I offer you the role of pet. Come live in the palace and be my familiar!"
The possum brightened. Immediately it ran up Luna's leg and onto her back.
"Excellent! I shall name you Tiberius, and you shall be my ickle diddy widdle Tibble-kins!"
Celestia just blinked.
The three Cutie Mark Crusaders emerged from the Everfree Forest just as the sun was setting, unaware of how close they had come to being caught by the highest authority in Equestria.
As soon as they were out of the woods, Sweetie made a beeline for her home.
"Sweetie, wait, what are you doing?"
The unicorn filly glared at Scootaloo. "I'm going home."
"Are you still being a wuss? I told you..."
A swift hoof from Apple Bloom silenced her. "Sweetie... just go home an' get some sleep. We can talk tomorrow."
"But..." Scootaloo was silenced again.
Sweetie turned and left without another word, making sure to swish her tail in a snobbish manner.
Scootaloo looked at Apple Bloom. "Why'd you let her go?"
"Because she was feelin' bad. It wasn't a good idea goin' there."
"Well, yeah, but did she have to act like that?"
"Maybe not, but I'm feelin' a bit ornery mahself. Just go home, Scoots. You, me an' her can talk about it tomorrow."
Scootaloo opened her mouth to protest, but Apple Bloom's glare silenced her. "...Fine."
Apple Bloom nodded with a stern look on her face. Then she walked toward her home as well.
Scootaloo scoffed and walked off. First Rainbow and Soarin, now this. This was not her day.
"Yogurt and strawberries are good for them, and be sure he gets exercise," Fluttershy said, giddiness in her voice. She certainly hadn't been expecting Princess Luna on her doorstep so soon, but the news that she was adopting a possum made her happy. The poor things were misunderstood, they were gentle and frightened creatures. Maybe a princess keeping one as a pet would get more ponies to like them. "Here are some combs for brushing, and a flea and tick bath formula if it comes to that."
"We thank thee, dear Fluttershy. Tibbles will be well taken care of with thine assistance."
"Oh, it's no problem." She had Tibbles on her coffee table and was giving him a quick flea and tick inspection. "So, um, was anything taken from the castle?"
"Nothing we can find," Luna admitted. "My sister and I looked through everything and found no sign of anything being stolen, though something was there. We are beginning to think it was simply a wild animal that snuck in. Perhaps Tibbles himself."
"Um, there aren't wards to keep the animals out?"
"We installed them when we lived there, but that was long ago. I think they simply wore out. Regardless, they'll be reinstated tomorrow."
"Oh, well... okay then."
"But at least Tia found something she thinks is of interest."
"Oh? What's that?"
"Old archived history books. I think they're merely legends, but Tia seems drawn to them. I do not know what she expects to find, perhaps some key to where the mirror came from. Whatever it is, I do hope it's worth the trouble."
Fluttershy nodded. "Well, this little guy's all checked out. He's happy and healthy as can be."
"Excellent! Come, Tibbles, a feast of fruit awaits you at the Palace!"
Scootaloo trudged up the cloud steps to her home. Rainbow Dash lowered it and put in some stairs, at least until she learned to fly.
She opened the door and was immediately granted by two things: Rainbow Dash calling her name, and Tank flying towards her for a playful nuzzle.
Scootaloo nuzzled back, then walked to the kitchen. "Yeah, Rainbow, I'm home. I... hey, cupcakes!"
"I thought this might help make up for..." she trailed off as she really looked at her and noticed how dirty she was. "What were you three doing today?"
"Oh, just... typical crusading." She made a mental note to yell at Sweetie for walking off before they could come up with a cover story.
Luckily, Dash just smiled. "A little firecracker, huh? Figures." She rubbed her head.
This caused Scootaloo to yelp as she got a painful reminder of her injury.
"What? Scoots, did I pull your... Scoots! What happened to your head?"
"Huh? Uh... I don't know. I got banged up a bit riding on my scooter. I guess I got it worse than I thought."
"Weren't you wearing your helmet?"
"Oh, uh... maybe it was when I fell out of that tree." She reached for a cupcake, but Rainbow Dash grabbed her foreleg and dragged her toward the bathroom.
"I've been there, Scoots. When I was your age, I had days when I wouldn't remember how I got messed up. Come on, let me treat that."
"Aw, it's not that bad..."
"I don't care." She pulled out some band-aids and some iodine.
Immediately Scootaloo freaked out. "No, no, Rainbow, please, it's not that bad..."
Rainbow Dash arched an eyebrow. "You can handle being banged up so many times, but freak out over a little medicine?"
Scootaloo shuffled. "Well... I... ow, ow, ow!"
Rainbow Dash dabbled the iodine on, then placed the bandage. A quick kiss completed the care.
"There we go."
"Thanks, Mom," she muttered.
"I am the closest thing you have to one."
Scootaloo was silent for a moment. "I tried having a mom. I don't really want one anymore."
Rainbow Dash shook her head. "You didn't have a mom. You had a bimbo who squeezed you out of..." She caught herself. "Well, she made you, but she wasn't a mom."
"I don't need a mom, I have you."
Rainbow kissed her again. "Indeed you do."
We gonna get a chapter on how Scoot's "parents" are doing?
D'awwwwww. Scootaloo and Rainbow you are too cute together.
And Luna. Dear, sweet, Celestia, Luna! You and your new Opossum Tiberius are even more adorable and hilarious.
May the Grace of the Valar Protect You
Shire Folk
Commence read.
Cute moment for Scootaloo and Rainbow.
Though Luna's adoption of such a pet is interesting.
She has lived hundreds of years, seen lots of unthinkable things, and probably she did several of them.
But sometimes, even she can't understand some things.
Yeah, that's about right.
only pinkie...
Brilliant reference to the IDW Micro Series, and its final contribution.
Wow Applejack, way to take charge of a situation. I know you're trying, but you really need to start pulling your own weight instead of making others do it for you.
Geez, that's a little harsh. No matter how bad of a mother she was, she was still her mom. And if there's any hope of reconciliation in the future, Rainbow shouldn't call them names. Also, it seems really immature of Rainbow Dash to be talking about ponies like that.
Other than that, nice story. Hope to see more soon.
Out of all the pets Luna could have, a possum was the last on the list. I figure a frog would be more her, especially if she could teach it to sing while croaking.
Tiberius ahoy!
And, judging by the references, it sounds like there was a human in Equestria in the past: Megan of G1. I haven't seen anything pre-G4, but the introduction of Tirek to the universe of MLP sounds like an interesting special to watch.
I know that Rainbow is being harsh to Scoots's biological mother, but Quick Delivery lived in the same house as Speedy Delivery for years and did nothing to stop the dependency that her husband was foisting on their daughter. If anything, it sounds like she encouraged the dependency. I hope that they don't step into Scootaloo's life ever again.
Alright, let's see what is going on here:
The Crusaders had a little quarrel, but are otherwise fine.
We got worldbuilding, though just a glimpse, but it'll likely take relevance in the future.
Luna has a pet possum, which I find completely brilliant!
Pinkie is being Pinkie.
And last but not least... more Scootalove.
Yep, great chapter.
Well... that homecoming wasn't so sour after all.
OTOH now we apparently have Sweetie corrupted by that crystal magic on top of everything else (nice job cleaning out all the dangerous stuff, Celly).
Tibbs!
Wonder how Tia and Luna would react if they learned it was the CMC in the old palace, trying to earn their Cutie Marks?
Also, nice Rainbow/Scoots moment.
4590871
He's from Luna's Micro-Series comic issue. He's her pet in canon too!
Hmm so scoots lied about what she truly was doing can't wait for rainbow to find out what they did. Any way it was a good chapter
Twijack? Acceptable! . Though I can't remember the 'signs' of it so far...
All I can think of whenever Luna says Tibbles. gatherer.wizards.com/Handlers/Image.ashx?multiverseid=276497&type=card
4591600
To understand the signs you must understand Pinkie's mind. Art Thou willing to risk madness to know of what is spoken here!?
AT least Rainbow didn't call her a ho-bag of a bitch
I loved this! I have to admit, I laughed myself hoarse when I read about Luna's adorable little moment.
Another good chapter to a fine story, sir!
So you're connecting the mirror to Generation 1? I don't suppose you're taking inspiration D G D Davidson, are you?
I loved Celestia's reaction to the little scene Luna had with the possum, just standing there with a single "wat?" blink. Please, oh please show the castle staff's reaction to Luna getting a "pest animal" for a pet. Still the rift the CMC are showing is something I really think is even canon inevitable.
4590741
Well, in Rainbow's defense, she did stop herself, presumably because talking bad about Scootaloo's birth mother would be unnecessary and insensitive.
4591600
The TwiJack (mostly as seen by Pinkie) was a running joke in the previous story, "Families."
4600194
Been a while since I read that... What parts specifically? I can't remember D:
4600203
That thing is 28 chapters! It might take me a while to find, even if I went looking...
4590591 Maybe.
4590616 It comes right from the comics, Micro-Series #10
4590708 Applejack intends to, whenever she can get away from the far. But yes, she is meant to be seen as a little too demanding.
4590741 Well, RD is a bit immature. And remember, Quick wasn't exactly sorry for what she did.
4600203 One of Pinkie's image spots was of Twilight and Big Mac making out. Applejack protested it, which led to Pinkie thinking she was jealous. Then she caught them in bed together after Applejack comforted Twilight over her nightmares and jumped to conclusions. BTW, this is just a running gag, no real TwiJack here.
4600273
I agree RD is immature and Quick is no saint, I just thought it crossed the line. She could really hurt Scootaloo's feelings without meaning to. Plus, she's going to have to mature quickly, since she's now a mom. Maybe it could be a friendship lesson for her to learn?
4590741 Even if crossed a line Rainbow Dash had a point, Scootaloo's birth mom was a terrible parent. Abuse was going on in her household and she did nothing to stop it.
4600664 Please read my latest comment that answers all your points here: 4600305
I
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So far this fic is looking every bit as good as the others.
Denial ain't just a river in Egypt!
Well, the ending was cute, but other than that, it didn't really feel like anything came about in this chapter or the plot was advanced much.
Tiberius is best pet.
That's the thing about Scoots: She's been independent and basically looking after herself for so long that I don't think she's really entirely happy with having somepony look after her. It's an interesting little bit of characterisation detail and it's too your credit that you emphasised it.
Luna's pet is adorable but that's par-for-the-course. No doubt she'll be campaigning hard to stop ponies persecuting the 'harmless' possums, something for which I have no doubt Fluttershy will be a willing co-conspirator. I have only one quibble in this and it is so funny that I know it's a deliberate joke - "Tibbles"? A multi-millennia-old demi-goddess and all she could come up with for the name of her pet was "Tibbles"?!?
Now... Just what is in the Legends of Megan that has so caught Celestia's attention? Surely the Wielder of the Rainbow of Light was far beyond even the alicorn sisters' time!
Well, Celestia look on the bright side and at least it’s not a spider that Luna got for her Royal pet then. It only a possums called Mr. Tibbles then.
I just wanna be sure which critter we're talking about here.
maybe Rainbow should take a bit more care with her choice of words.
One thing that surprises me is that Luna acts so filly like here while before she could be very harsh and unforgiving. It just seems weird.
I think that it may be because of size that the CMC was able to enter the shield.
Tiberius is tiny so he could pass through the shield easily, the fillies are larger so it was difficult for them but they could still pass through. I would think that it would completely stop adult ponies then.
Luna calling Celestia Tia in front of Fluttershy looks really stupid. It's like a 30 years old calling his mother "Mommy" in front of others
4808524
I don't think so. It's one sibling calling another by their nickname in public. A little embarrassing maybe, but not really childish.
Luna is cutest pony!
Okay are you taking ideas from this:
http://www.deviantart.com/art/MLP-FiM-The-Final-Battle-Theory-464086657
I hope scootaloo eventually starts calling Dash mom.