Why not?
Despite sleeping in for a good hour later than she was accustomed to, Rarity still woke up groggy. She was also, apparently, awake before Scootaloo, judging by the lack of sound coming from upstairs, or anywhere else for that matter.
The boutique was usually quiet on Saturday mornings, and today was no exception. Rarity only opened for a few hours on Saturday afternoon and even then she had been known to forgo that business opportunity. Early in her career, she made it a point to be open as much as possible in an effort to attract anypony she could, often waking up at the crack of dawn. But now that she had an established clientele, she no longer felt the pressure to get everypony possible to walk through her door. Her taking Saturday mornings off was a measure of pride, a symbol that she did enough business to be able to afford to close when she wanted to.
In her solitude Rarity thought hard about last night. There was a lot that was troubling her, but as the memory of Scootaloo crying alone in a darkened room flashed through her mind, the most troubling part was just how incongruous Scootaloo looked in her guest room.
Rarity liked to think of the Carousel Boutique as a bastion of order, in a way. Yes, it could get messy, even chaotic, but it was never random. Her ribbons might end up strewn about the parlour room during the course of designing a dress, but the cinnamon ribbon would never land anywhere near the faded pearl fabric—that would be absurd. As so it should be with Scootaloo; regardless of her mood, she looked out of place surrounded by the floral prints favored by Sweetie Belle. Therefore, Rarity reasoned, her first goal needed to be transforming her guest room into a place where Scootaloo looked like she belonged.
And that shouldn’t be too hard to do, she reasoned. Her guest room was already furnished; it just needed some cosmetic treatment. Rarity prepared some oatmeal for the two of them to eat for breakfast as she contemplated exactly what she envisioned as the new color scheme to her guest room. Of course Scootaloo would have some say, but that didn’t mean Rarity couldn’t lend her own aesthetic viewpoint. Soon, Scootaloo came down the stairs, wearing the same melancholy expression that Rarity was trying fervently to eliminate.
“Good Morning, Scootaloo,” Rarity said with a smile, sliding a bowl of oatmeal over to her guest.
Scootaloo hopped up on a stool near the kitchen counter and corralled Rarity’s offering.“Hi,” she said quietly searching for a spoon.
Rarity levitated a spoon from the silverware drawer and placed it near Scootaloo’s right hoof. “I was thinking that we might pick out some new dressings for your bedroom,” she said as Scootaloo began to eat her breakfast.
Scootaloo stopped eating, instead staring intently at the bowl in front of her. “You don’t have to do that for me, it’s not like I’m staying. The way it is now is fine.”
On one hoof, Scootaloo seemed to be making an effort to be polite; on the other hoof her insistence on being miserable was counterproductive. “That is sweet of you to say. But a pony’s domicile should reflect who they are. For the time being, this is your living space; it should be an expression of who you are. Unless you feel that you are being adequately represented by flowers and hearts.” Scootaloo quickly wrinkled her nose and shook her head, as though the very idea that Sweetie’s choices suggested anything about her was an anathema. Rarity giggled softly.“Then that’s settled. Would you like to come with me?”
“Umm, I was kinda planning on crusading today. Could we go tomorrow?” Scootaloo asked, her cheeks turning a light pink as she asked for the small favor.
“We could.” Rarity was about to suggest that they plan on going shopping tomorrow after lunch when a different thought popped into her head. “Or you could trust me to pick out your dressings for you. I’m thinking something with lightning bolts and rainbows,” Rarity offered cautiously, eager to see if Scootaloo would extend her the courtesy of trusting her judgment.
Scootaloo appeared to consider the offer, looking toward the ceiling. She didn’t seem enthusiastic, but she also didn’t say no. “That might be okay,” she mumbled, before returning to her oatmeal.
It was a reluctantly given, almost insignificant, gesture of trust, but a gesture of trust nonetheless. “Wonderful!” Rarity exclaimed, barely able to suppress her enthusiasm for shopping as well as the small victory she had just won. “And if you really dislike my choices, I’m sure we can return them.”
The idea that she wouldn’t be stuck with whatever choices Rarity made seemed to put Scootaloo more at ease. She didn’t say anything else, but she looked just the tiniest bit happier as she finished her breakfast, or so Rarity thought.
Despite its name, Quills and Sofas sold more than just writing implements and living room furniture. They endeavored to be one-stop shopping for any home furnishing project, and for the most part, they succeeded. While they lacked the individual variety of specialty shops, they made up for it with an impressive selection across all room types. One section was dedicated to filly-appropriate bedroom adornments. That was where Rarity found herself trying to balance her own artistic taste with what little she knew about Scootaloo’s proclivities.
There were lots of bed sets with a rainbow theme, but Scootaloo wasn’t a fan of rainbows—she was a fan of Rainbow Dash, and apparently Equestria’s seamstresses had yet to see fit to sew Rainbow’s multicolored lightning bolt onto any comforters. After some thought, Rarity settled on a Wonderbolts comforter, replete with the Wonderbolts insignia, and some generic unisex sheets that had various modes of transportation on them, including a few scooters. She also picked up a pair of cyan curtains to replace the floral prints currently adorning the windows. Satisfied that she could use what she brought to redecorate her guest room to Scootaloo’s liking, she headed back to the Boutique eager to get started.
Rarity hadn’t gotten more than halfway home when she spotted a familiar multi-hued tail dangling from a cloud. She hadn’t intended to confront Rainbow Dash today, but looking down at her purchases immediately drew her thoughts to both their intended recipient and their purpose. No matter how much she dressed up the Boutique, Scootaloo would never consider it “home,” and that’s what the little filly needed and what Rarity had promised to find her. And whether Rainbow Dash liked it or not, she was undoubtedly Scootaloo’s first choice for the parental figure she craved.
There was simply no sense it putting it off. It wasn’t as though Scootaloo was going to change her mind about wanting to live with Rainbow Dash; and it was equally unlikely that Rainbow Dash would reverse her position on her own accord either. She’s the Element of Loyalty, and though she can be a bit egocentric, she’s never been known to turn away a friend in need. Surely if Rainbow realized how important this was she’d be willing to give Scootaloo a chance, and once Scootaloo was afforded that opportunity surely she’d worm her way into to Rainbow’s heart.
“Hello, Rainbow,” Rarity called up to the cloud, hoping Rainbow wasn’t completely unconscious.
After a moment or two, the Rainbow tail disappeared to be replaced with a cyan snout, peering down at her with half closed eyes. “Hey, Rares, whasup?”
“I was wondering if we might talk for a minute.”
Rainbow’s eyes opened further and Rarity counted her blessings that Rainbow didn’t seem to be perturbed from being roused. “Sure, ya need me to come down from my cloud?”
“That would be preferable, yes.”
Rainbow flapped her wings a few times propelling herself off of the cloud, and landed in front of Rarity, kicking up a small cloud of dust as she did. “Okay, so what’s so important that you had to interrupt my nap?”
Rarity paused for a moment to shake the dust from her coat. There was no tactful way to approach the conversation and she couldn’t think of a different topic that would conceivably lead to talking about Scootaloo. So any races coming up? You know who loves races? Scootaloo, have you thought more about adopting her? “It’s about Scootaloo,” Rarity said, opting to be direct.
Rainbow balked slightly, evidently remembering the last conversation Rarity had tried to have about her number one fan. “Squirt? This isn’t about adopting her again, is it?”
“As a matter of fact it is,” Rarity said calmly, hoping to keep the conversation on an even keel.
A look of concern flashed across Rainbow’s face which Rarity construed as a positive sign. “You said she was moving to Baltimare. What happened with that?”
“She is staying with me until she can find a place in Ponyville. I thought it best if she wasn’t forcibly removed from her friends, as well as the only town she’s ever lived in.”
“That’s great!” Rainbow said, and her joy appeared to be genuine.
Rarity waited for Rainbow to ask any sort of follow up question, such as So what happens now? but she was met with a blank stare. She pressed onward. "However, I'm only able to keep Scootaloo until I can find her a permanent guardian."
"Okay," Rainbow Dash said, raising an eyebrow. An uncomfortable silence hung in the air as Rainbow fidgeted in place, absentmindedly scratching her left foreleg.
"Yes and I... I was wondering if you would reconsider your previous position.”
Rainbow shook her head. "I already told you, Rarity. I can't adopt her."
Rarity gritted her teeth and fought to keep her voice level. “As a point of emphasis, you can adopt her. You’re an adult, you have a stable job, and you own your own house. Furthermore Scootaloo adores you, you’d be approved instantly. So, if we are being honest with each other then you can adopt her—you just won’t.”
Rainbow ignored Rarity’s frustration and just rolled her eyes. “Okay fine, Rares. You’re right. I won’t. But it’s not cause I don’t like the kid. I’m just not ready to take care of a foal.”
“Well, sometimes life throws us challenges, whether we are prepared for them or not!”
Rainbow stomped her right hoof and snorted.“This isn’t one of those times! I didn’t get drunk and do something stupid. I didn’t volunteer to be Scootaloo’s godmother, and I didn’t promise the kid she could live with me. I don’t have what it takes to take care of a child. Heck, I barely manage to keep myself clean and fed most of the time.”
“She worships you, and she’s profoundly unhappy. You can help her, Rainbow Dash,” Rarity replied, her voice just shy of pleading.
“You need me to spend some more time with her? I can do that. Want me to teach her all about how to preen and that kind of stuff? I can do that too. Want us to enter the Sisterhooves Social? I’ll be first in line at the registration table. But you can’t ask me to adopt her, that’s not fair!”
Fair? Fair! What wasn’t fair was an innocent child feeling unloved. What wasn’t fair was being abandoned by your birth parents without knowing why. And what wasn’t fair was choosing the most stubborn, self centered, egotistical pegasus in all of Equestria to be your idol. “Life isn’t fair!” Rarity shrieked. “Why should it be unfair to her over you? Give me one good reason why you can’t adopt her!” Rarity challenged, her glare doing its best to drill a hole straight through Rainbow Dash.
The two friends were yelling at each other in earnest now, and it was only that there was no one around to hear them that they weren't causing a very public scene. “Because I have plans!” Rainbow fired back. “Being a Wonderbolt, touring Equestria, maybe even The Griffon Kingdoms, and none of those includes dragging a kid along with me.”
Rarity seethed not so quietly, drawing sharp breaths through her teeth. “Some Element of Loyalty you turned out to be,” she growled.
“Oh, fuck you, Rarity,” Rainbow snarled back, before promptly flying off to a cloud higher in the sky, where she could nap without having her life choices questioned.
Rarity spent the rest of the morning angrily decorating Scootaloo’s room. It wasn’t just the profanity that had rattled her. It was the thought of Scootaloo crying all alone, while Rainbow refused to do anything to help. Okay that’s not entirely fair, and maybe I shouldn’t have brought up her Element, but she is just so selfish! And that train of thought process continued unabated until Rarity had finished her task.
She stepped back and leaned against the door frame so that she could admire her hoof work. Scootaloo’s bed was now covered in a lightning bolt ornamented down comforter, and beneath that, what had once been hearts, was now a more Scootaloo-friendly, transportation themed bedsheet. In addition, Rarity had taken down most of the flowers that Sweetie Belle had put up, but chose to leave the vines, giving the room an aura more reminiscent of an ancient ruin than a flower shop. Finally the curtains were now cyan so that, when they were closed, the room was bathed in a soft blue light, and when open they still evoked the feeling of that selfish jerk. The walls were now relatively bare, but that could be easily fixed. A bit spartan perhaps, but it’s a start.
As she was admiring the results of her efforts, she heard a small voice from behind her.
“Whoa,” the voice said. Scootaloo’s small figure gently pushed past Rarity and the orange filly strained her neck trying to take in all the new features.
“So, what do you think?”
“It’s awesome. I’ll bet this looks just like Rainbow Dash’s room when she was a filly,” Scootaloo said as she fluttered her wings and happily bounced around her new room.
Rarity winced at the mention of Scootaloo’s idol. It wasn’t just the reminder of the ugly things they had recently said to each other, it was the way Scootaloo said the words. Scootaloo said Rainbow Dash with the same tone Rarity used to say Manehattan when she was Scootaloo’s age. They were words that were always uttered with a sense of longing. Rainbow Dash wasn’t just a pony to Scootaloo, she represented an idea, namely the thought that someday she might have a home of her own, specifically with a pony who loved her and cared for her.
Looking down at Scootaloo, who appeared to be as happy as Rarity could remember seeing her, Rarity was torn between the conflicting notions of wanting to be honest with her and protecting her from the truth about Rainbow’s lack of interest in becoming her guardian. Allowing her to hold onto false hope might end up hurting worse in the long run and after their fight, Rarity certainly felt no obligation to protect Rainbow’s image. But she just couldn't bring herself to crush Scootaloo’s spirit like that, and Rainbow was still her friend, even if that friendship was currently on very thin ice.
“Maybe,” she said with as sincere as smile as she could muster. “Why don’t you ask her about it the next time you see her?”
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somepony ought to just give the facts to scootaloo, and then have her decide how to take it. either she can accept Dashs reasons for not adopting her, or she can reject them. but keeping these things from her is just going to make things worse in the long run. as crappy as it sounds; there are no good choices in this situation.
Wow Rainbow Dash, way to be selfish. Scootaloo adores you, and yet you can't do the one thing she wants more than anything else? Maybe if you knew how depressed she is, you'd reconsider your "decisions" in life.
I have a feeling there's more to Rainbow Dash's reasoning than she's letting on. After all, we've seen her father, in the series, but not her mother...
I can definitely see the appeal of working with an editor, but I've learned it's just not for me. Mostly because I write entire stories at once.
I'll give RD some slack here. that dragging around a kid when she's a Wonderbolt is a very valid point. But maybe that's something she should ask the Wonderbolts about. some of them had to have family.
5774341 I was expecting at least one comment like this, so I'll address yours cause it came first.
Let us suppose you're a member of some kind of big brothers/big sisters program and you have a little sister named Susie. So once a week you hang with her, and maybe occasionally you swap emails etc, and you like Susie, she's seems like a cool enough little kid. And then one day someone comes up to you, maybe the head of the program, and says "Hey y'know Susie's having a really hard time at home, and she really likes you and you're doing a great job. How about instead of playing games with her once a week you become solely responsible for her well being along with all the legal and financial risk that entails?" Would you say yes? Would you think about saying no? Does it make you a jerk to not adopt a kid? And if you answered yes, then I can only assume you, in real life, have an adopted child, or else you're a hypocrite.
It'd be great if Rainbow said yes, but I'm not so sure she's a jerk for saying no.
dragging a kid along with me
Gee... you really like Scoots, don't you Rainbow? It sounds like she'd be an unwanted burden to you and your 'plans.' Element of Selfishness, much?
I can't believe Dash would put herself before Scootaloo like that, but then again, it doesn't surprise me that Dash would let her ego get in the way.
I am actually on Rainbow Dash's side on this one. From the comments that I have seen, there is a belief that Dash is being selfish and that she is letting her dreams get in the way of a child's happiness. However, she may be doing what is best for Scootaloo. Rainbow seems to know her limits when it comes to her current ability to take care of a child; she has stated that she can barely take care of herself and that most of her energy and focus is getting her career set. If you also take into account the fact that she tends to act impulsively and likes to lounge around in her free time, then it is clear that Rainbow does not have the mindset to take on the responsibility of caring for and raising a child (at least in this story). If Rainbow were to adopt Scootaloo in her present state of mind, she may actually do more harm than good. Being a parent is very different from being an honorary big sister and Rainbow seems to know the difference.
Honestly, I don't think Rarity is seeing the big picture here or being completely fair to Rainbow Dash. Of all her friends, Rainbow has the most dynamic life of them all (besides Twilight). If she joins the Wonderbolts, life between her and Scoots is going to be a lot different than it is in Ponyville right now. Sure, she could take care of her for the short time but Scootaloo will be right back in the same situation again. Only this time it will be her idol, her sister, dumping her back at the orphanage instead of strangers who could not get along with her.
Want to see Scoots get crushed emotionally, there you go.
Nitpick: I don't know, dropping the f-bomb seems out of place for this setting.
Anyway, still enjoying the story can not wait to see what happens next.
It is actually shocking to me to see people saying RD is in the wrong here.
5774413 I'm not saying she's a jerk, but the way she phrased that conversation makes it look like she sees Scootaloo as more of a burden than anything else. She could've at least put it a little less bluntly.
5774637
5774614
5774583 Thanks I was hoping that people would get where RD was coming from.
5774639 You seriously implied that you thought Rainbow's only concern was for herself, whether or not the phrase jerk was used. And it the spirit of friendly debate I'll point out that Scootaloo wasn't there so being blunt was not a terrible choice.
But if I've done my job well, I want people to have conflicting emotions so yay I guess.
Rainbow lands with a thud and looks up
The responsibility of adoption and personal success ? You can't serve two masters. Unless you are your own master.
5774658 ha
5774614 I looked again at my choice of profanity. I'm against the use of Buck, because that's an actual word ponies use so it doesn't make sense to have it substitute for a curse word imo.
Rarity, in her frustration resorted to a cheap shot, suggesting Rainbow wasn't worthy of her Element. That kind of low blow seems like it's worth a little profanity. I stand by it but thanks for the critique.
5774639 You just used the phrase "less bluntly" to describe Rainbow Dash you may need to think about that for a sec.
5774705 Well, I just don't like how she phrased her belief. I understand she has a life as well, but her words made it seem like Rarity cares about Scootaloo more than she does. I know Rainbow Dash has a tendency to speak without thinking, but she's shown in the past that when Scootaloo is concerned she's capable of taking time to think and avoid saying something that would just make the situation worse.
5774715 very true and for all we know Rainbow may go off and think about what Rarity said we'll just have to wait.
Absolutely loving this story. Right now the markets are saying adopt, adopt, adopt! Go rarity go!
5774614 I get where she is coming from but for someone who is willing to be her sister in the sister hooves social she isn't being very sisterly.
Scootaloo is a very broken filly (I mean that in a sincere way) right now and she needs a guardian, if that isn't rainbow that is fine, but rainbow is seemingly doing nothing to help someone who is unable to help themselves. If Scootaloo knew just how little Rainbow cared I don't think Scootaloo would care to look to rainbow anymore. Regardless of if RD ended up adopting or not I'm so disappointed in her for not looking after someone who looks up to her so much. Rarity is right, for someov who represents the element of loyalty, she isn't being very loyal to someone who has unshakable faith in her at all.
5774731 Indeed. That is esentially turning a cold shoulder to the one pony who thinks she is infailable. Even if those standards are difficult to live up to, Rainbow Dash has no right to be so quick to turn down something that could solve the problem of Scootaloo moving away.
She could even simply spend time trying to find a suitable guardian for Scootaloo, if she doesn't think she's qualified for that role.
Call me pretty solidly in RD's camp - I think Rarity is being rather unfair.
(And kinda dense, since she's basically going to end up adopting Scoots herself, she's practically doing it already...!)
RaylanKrios is right - if Rarity actually thought about it, she'd realise that Dash's legitimate objections are no worse than her own for sayong she can't adopt Scootaloo permenantly herself. (Which then asks, even if RD were to adopt Scoots, why Rarity herself is not planning on adopting somepony, if not Scootaloo (because there are plenty of foals out there). Now we know that she basically IS, but from her own current perspective she isn't.) But, of course, adopting a child is pretty much one of the biggest deals out there and RD is quite right to not feel prepared or want to take that responsibility.
I certainly wouldn't want it.
The silliest part is that Rarity is already herself stepping up above and beyond the call of duty... And it's likely to be just until she realises that by the time she's finish trying to find a way to get Scoots a new home, she'll be so used to having her around that she may as well go the whole hog, since she'll have been doing parenting in all but name...!
Um...
Anyway...I'm kinda sympathizing with Rainbow Dash. Rainbow is at least responsible enough to admit she's not parent material...yet. She also has a point that it's extremely unfair, both to her and Scootaloo, for her to just up and adopt Scootaloo, which would either mean Rainbow giving up her dream of being a Wonderbolt so that she can stay and Ponyville to provide a stable living environment for Scootaloo or take Scootaloo along with her, which would pretty much defeat the purpose of adopting Scootaloo so that she can stay in Ponyville with her friends. In either case, it isn't really fair for Rarity to simply try and push Scootaloo on Rainbow. It really smacks of her passing the buck simply because she doesn't feel she should have to look after Scootaloo, which sounds an awful lot like the attitude that turned Scootaloo off of foster homes to begin with.
5774756 Like I mentioned earlier though there is a much bigger picture than just adopting. And Rainbow doesn't seem to want to be involved with any of that. In fact you could probably nail it mostly (mostly because things like teaching to preen is work) down to all the glory, none of the work. Rarity would probably be more understanding of Rainbow if Rainbow offered to help with Scootaloo, even if she couldn't adopt her. But Rainbow effectively gave Scootaloo the cold shoulder (seemingly anyway, The story could be missing a few details about Rainbows historical involvement with Scootaloo)
Oh more drama unfolds please do continue
I'm on Rainbows side here you can't expect her to just give up on her life goals at the drop of a hat.
i.ytimg.com/vi/xPXr8SNKaAA/maxresdefault.jpg
I haven't read all the other comments but I noticed a lot saying that Rainbow is being selfish. I don't think so at all. Yes, she is making excuses, but that is just to cover the real reason. She's scared. And who could blame her, she'd have the physical and emotional well-being of a little filly riding on her shoulders. Rainbow doesn't feel she could do that, and she might be right. Rarity was unfair to Dash and I hope she sees that soon, or someone else makes her see it. Dash wasn't entirely fair either, instead of being honest with Rarity, she snapped and got angry, typical Dash really. I hope Twilight or someone else sits them both down for a heart to heart soon.
5774804 On my next update I'll include the AU tag with a note that says
This story takes place in an Alternate Universe where Quills and Sofas sells more than two things.
ok Rarity needs to be corrected by someone, possibly twilight. guilting rainbow into taking a responsibility she is not ready for won't be good in the long run. I have to agree with dash on how she acted.
While I do feel like Rainbow should step up and play a more active role in Scoots' life; I don't think she needs to adopt her, especially if she doesn't feel up to the task.
5774917 Or you could say that they changed their business model.
Well, crap. This is a tough situation.
In a way, RD is right. If she doesn't feel up to the task then is it right to force responsibility on her? Who's to say she would be good at raising a child with needs like Scootaloo?
In another way, Rarity is right. Scootaloo adores RD, and would be happy from the get-go. Just to be loved, in an official way, by the pony she loves wholeheartedly, would raise Scootaloo's spirits tremendously.
They're both right, and they're both wrong. It ain't easy.
But I wonder if this is Rarity's way of saying to Scootaloo "Do you really know your idol that well?" If that's the case, is it the right decision to tell Scootaloo that RD won't adopt her? Maybe finding out that her big sister "has plans" or doesn't want to "drag a kid around" would be counterproductive, especially that second part. Scootaloo's idol thinking that she's a burden? Can't imagine that going over well.
I can't see good things happening the next time Rainbow and Scootaloo talk
Okay, so whether or not RD is a jerk here (I am in the camp that does think she's being kind of a cunt, but then again adopting a kid IS huge), one thing that Rarity should definitely do is somehow let Scootaloo know about it. Let Scootaloo decide what she thinks of RD. Personally I always thought that Scoots' adoration of RD was completely undeserved anyway.
5774413
Or you're a jerk and you freely admit it
I enjoyed the chapter, but I sincerely think the f-bomb that dropped does more harm than good. It's out of place on at least two levels I can think of right offhand (not something I could see RD saying to a friend, not something that fits an MLP setting except in the darkest of circumstances, which this isn't). It broke the immersion for me, and that's the thing you most want to avoid in any story, IMO.
Oh Rarity, you scheming, plotting pony you.
derpicdn.net/img/2014/5/21/632818/thumb.png
hmm, I'd have had Rares ask RD for help decorating the room, but that's just me, and then they could have talked about it while not having to argue so much
5774923
None of them are ready for it, but it seems Rarity's going to end up being the one making herself ready to do so. Rarity doesn't even have an intrinsic connection to Scootaloo and SHE'S trying. Rainbow Dash, who might as well be her only family, isn't willing to put in the effort that a frou-frou seamstress such as Rarity who is effectively a complete stranger to Scootaloo is/is going to.
That's why people aren't happy with Rainbow Dash. All you people saying Dash is right are only thinking about it from a personal perspective. You are likening yourselves to her position and thinking of yourselves, just as she's doing. Rarity, who is oft-described as the most selfish out of the Mane Six (incorrectly), is the one doing her damnedest for Scoots. Rainbow, the one who is always supposed to be there when someone she cares about needs her is blowing this off with excuses and selfishness. Tell me in what world is Rainbow Dash supposed to be less caring and helpful of her friends than Rarity? The story doesn't note that her fur is grey, so Discord's surely not up to his old tricks.
Sure, it's fine to be selfish sometimes. But not when a child's future is on the line. That's when you stop moaning about what YOU want and get off your ass to do something that's actually meaningful. I'll say one thing for Dash though. Her sheer unwillingness to even try does prove she's not worthy to be family for Scootaloo, so she's right - she's not ready. She's not ready because she doesn't want to be.
as much as i can understan Rarity, i understand what Rainbow Dash means too, it would be as unfair to force Rainbow to change her life, as much as it would be unfair to ignore the helpless Filly.
I would like it if Rarity would notice her mistake in that part in the story sooner or later, and apologize to Rainbow Dash, i mean she can still make her point, but i would like it if she would understand, that Rainbow Dash can´t just change her life.
i like it
5774655 Same basic comment I canned by mistake, so again FIRST COMMENT ON THIS SITE!
I agree with you and I think more is afoot, I act like she (RD) did in such times and it may be she can't legally for the very reasons she said being in the Wonderbolt reserves and her wild lifestyle.
True neither handled it well but in real life who doesn't? And emotion got in the way as also.
RD would want the best for her and would care if she could but she's probably the youngest while Rarity is I think a little older and with a stable lifestyle.
jeez, dash. Rarity was a little out of line bringing up your element, but you are so selfcentred!
After reading this newest chapter, I have finally come around to do what I should have done long ago.
I put the story where it belongs, in my 'Outstandingly Good' list.
It truly is a masterpiece. You're telling it incredibly soulful and with great insights. It is not only Scootaloo who gradually changes over time, it is Rarity too. Rarity gains a every deeper understanding of Scoots and lives up to her element in the most noble way imaginable.
No matter how tiring it is, not matter how small the rewards may be, even if it is just a hint of a smile, she is giving her exactly what she needs not once what she wants.
I admire the strength of character of your Rarity. That is easily my most favourite version of her.
Thank you again for writing it and thank you for continuing to do so.
There are all kinds of things that run through the mind of many here, we're getting hot headed over the two.
Is Rarity being a little on the side of unfair? She is but she's trying to make sure Scootaloo can be happy.
Rainbow has her life planned ahead, and indeed she's scared.
She also is trying to be loyal to Scootaloo by knowing her limit as an adult. She COULD rise to the challenge of taking care of Scootaloo, but she would need more help than anything. She doesn't tend to have that as her pride makes it a bit difficult for her to ask. She gets blind sided by things- She was surprised that she saved the Wonderbolts and Rarity in Sonic Rainboom.
Yes, she IS Loyalty, yes she is selfish and that's part of her flaws, but she is Loyal to herself and to Scootaloo enough to know and realize that she would end up hurting Scootaloo by trying to be a Wonderbolt and travelling. She doesn't want that for Scootaloo. She doesn't mind being a big sister figure in Scootaloos life. She just knows she can't be a mom in her life.
Rares forgot the RD plushie
5775826
It's really easy to point at someone else and say "you should adopt a child! Think of all the suffering orphans, not yourself!" (After all, it's just a varient of the typical human "make this someone else's problem.")
Rather harder to actually have put one's money where one's mouth is and do it oneself, and thus actually be able to claim the morale high ground from which to do so.
The prevalence of "Dash-adopts-Scootaloo" fan stories does not obligate all Rainbow Dashes everywhere to to that (and would be missing the entire point of this story if that was the case.)
5776325
No, it's not easy. Nothing about it is easy. It's a terrible thing to ask of someone. But the moment you start thinking in terms of "problem" or "do I want to", then you've already failed as a person. Maybe the human race as a whole is losing its morality as time and technology and the advent of the self over community and family progresses, but that's not how I was raised, nor how I choose to demean myself by looking at life, or a child in need.
As for the moral high ground, Rarity's already stepped up to the plate and is helping Scootaloo, as I mentioned. She's already done more for Scootaloo than Rainbow Dash ever has, and this was never about how many such stories are out there. It's about someone not willing to help a child who needs them. I'm not even harping on the story or the writing, and indeed even this situation is absolutely fine and dandy - very well done, since it evokes strong polarizing viewpoints, rationales, and emotions.
From an in-world perspective, my problem is Rainbow Dash herself. While Rarity went a bit acidic and hard on Dash over this, she was still in the right, for the reasons I already covered in my last post. Rainbow Dash has practically defined herself around going above and beyond to help those who rely on her, and she hasn't lifted a feather for Scoots. We know Rarity's going to end up adopting her already, but to not see so much as a twitch of effort and support from Rainbow Dash for the filly who considers her her only family? That's just sad and a little sickening.
If Rarity can make the effort, adapt her lifestyle, the way she looks at herself and others, to take care of and eventually adopt this relative stranger of a child despite her own lofty ambitions and more consistently demanding work than Rainbow Dash deals with - then as Rarity said, the Element of Loyalty sure could have at least TRIED. I think Scoots finding out first-hand that Dash just wasn't right for her would be more fruitful for the personality of this Scoots, rather than potentially just up and telling her, or never telling her at all.
Well... that was... something?
5774413
Or, it's not about adopting at all, but the way you go about it. In example:
"I'd really love to adopt Susie, but I don't think I'm the best choice. Right now I have a lot of debt, so my finances are strained to the point where it is difficult to get by with just me; if I adopted her, I'm concerned I wouldn't be able to meet her needs."
"Oh, yeah, she's a great kid. But I'm not adopting her. I have plans, and a kid doesn't factor in at all. Whazzat? A kid could factor in with a little tweaking? Fuck you."
Well obviously the loyal and generous thing to do is for Rarity and Rainbow to get married and adopt her together.
I must say, you're previous chapter are fine the way they are but this one does feel better in pacing and in flow. A second and third option are often better in the long run and it seemed you hit it pretty good.
5777055 I don't think Rarity swings that way ...