Chapter 1: The CMC

Colts Meet Crusaders

By: Dusk_Shine6995

Chapter 1: The CMC

Rumble sat in his home anxious. They need to hurry up! He thought to himself. His two best friends were coming over soon and he just couldn’t wait. They had set up time to hang out weeks before just for this day. Come on Come on! He thought getting more and more impatient. He heard the doorbell ring and his mom answer it, followed by muffled voices. Rumble grew curious and went down to see who it was.

When he got to the bottom of the stairs his mom was closing the door. “Who was it?” he asked.

“It was Berry Punch she was just delivering a package to me,” his mom said.

“Awww so they aren’t here yet?!” he asked with sadness in his voice. Without any warning Rumble was tackled by two ponies. He turned to yell at the assaulting ponies. When he saw who they were his anger turning to happiness. “Dusk, Elusive you’re here,” he yelled excitedly.

“Good to see you Rumble!” his friends yelled back in unison. The trio playfully wrestled for a bit then finally broke away from each other.

“So, we gonna get to work on the plan now or what?” Dusk asked.

“Yeah let’s get going,” Rumble agreed. The trio ran out of the door, sprinting to where they had planned to set up. The colts, running to their destination, darn near ran into tons of ponies along the way. They started slowing down as they drew closer to their destination.

“I’m so excited!” giggled Rumble as they ran.

“I know right!” yelled Dusk in return. Elusive simply nodded because he was getting winded from the run. The colts skidded to a stop, finally at their location. They sat there for a minute catching their breath.

“You guys ready?” asked a hyper Elusive.

“Yeah let’s do this!” Dusk and Rumble yelled excitedly. Elusive pulled bottles out of his saddlebags as Dusk pulled out the rockets. They set up the bottle rockets strategically and backed up a few feet. Dusk’s horn lit up and so did the fuses of the rockets. PHEEEW POP! all the rockets went up and exploded simultaneously. The young colts thought this was the coolest thing ever and bumped hooves.

Their celebration of the awesomeness that was explosives was cut short when they were ran into by three hyper young fillies. They now lay underneath the fillies they’ve known for years as the cutie mark crusaders. Applebloom currently had her bow stuck in Rumbles mane. Sweetie Belle had her hooves stuck underneath Elusive’s body thus pinning her. Scootaloo was laying on Dusk with her thick mane stuck on his horn and her tail tangled in his. The six ponies all moaned in stinging pain.

“Good to see you guys too,” said Dusk playfully.

“So... sorry,” Applebloom apologized while tugging at the bow, trying to free it from Rumble’s mane.

“Sorry,” said Sweetie Belle helping Elusive up, since they were the least tangled they were the first up.

“Yeah, sorry,” grunted Scootaloo as she tried to pull her mane free from Dusk’s horn. She succeeded and went to get up but quickly fell as her tail pulled her back down. “Any ideas?” she asked.

Dusk smiled slightly before saying, “I have one but you have to trust me.” Not wanting to be stuck like this long, she nodded. He nuzzled Scootaloo softly on the cheek. Her eyes went wide and she shot up in shock. The result of her jump was that their tails were torn free. “Haha just as I planned,” Dusk said, receiving a punch from the blushing Scootaloo. Their friends laughed at the pair, including Applebloom and Rumble who were still stuck. Rumble undid Applebloom bow and handed it to her.

“Thanks,” said Applebloom.

“No problem,” responded Rumble.

“So what were you three in such a rush to get to when you ran into us?” Dusk asked.

“We were going to get our cutie marks as,” Sweetie Belle began, the other two joined in, “THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS EXPLOSIVE EXPERTS... yay.”

“Wait you’re into explosives?!” asked a very surprised Rumble.

“Yeah, wahy wouln’t we be?” Applebloom answered.

“No reason, just seems like something girls wouldn’t be into,” Rumble answered back.

“Heck yeah we are into it,” said Scootaloo, recovering from the poisonous nuzzle from earlier. “Are we going to sit here and talk about it or are we going to set of some bottle rockets?” She yelled, excited. Her friends nodded in agreement.

“You guys want to join us?” Sweetie asked the trio of colts. They pondered this for a second. While it meant their guy time would be interrupted, it also meant more explosions.

“Sure why not,” Elusive answered for the three. Sweeties ears perked up at his voice. It almost sounds like he doesn’t care but does at the same time. She thought. How does that even make sense?

“So let’s light this candle!” yelled Scootaloo. Then something occurred to the three fillies. “Oh crap, how are we going to light them?” Scootaloo said disappointment in her voice. The three colts laughed.

“You planned on setting off bottle rockets but didn’t plan on how to light them!?” said Dusk through laughs. The three fillies blushed, embarrassed.

“What would you three know about setting off bottle rockets,” Scootaloo shouted. This drew more laughs from the colts.

“In case you didn’t notice, Scoot, there are empty bottles on the ground with black streaks on them!” retorted Dusk. Scootaloo’s blush deepened. “Here we’ll help you out, and you can use the bottles we have set up,” Dusk offered. The embarrassment on the crusaders face turned to excitement.

The trio of fillies gave an excited, “SURE!” and started placing the rockets into the bottles on the ground. Once they were done they just stood right next to the rockets and waited for the boys to light them.

“What are you waiting for?” Sweetie Belle asked, getting annoyed.

“Crusaders, think about it for a second, you are standing next to explosives asking us to light them,” said Elusive coyly. There’s that strange tone again! Sweetie thought to herself. The crusaders blushed again realizing his point and backed away from the explosives. When they were far enough away Dusk’s horn ignited again, as did the fuses. PHEEEW POP! The rockets shot up in perfect sync. What none of them expected was that the crusades had rockets with different amounts of explosive in them. The last rocket to pop was really loud and really low startling the fillies, while the colts only whooped at the noise.

The crusaders accidentally, out of fear, clung to the nearest colt. Ironically it was the same one for each of them as they had gotten tangled in before.The colts were standing strong for the frightened fillies out of instinct, the same went for why the fillies were leaning into the colts. All six of them blushed brightly. They sat there in a deafening silence for a few minutes.

“Um...” Applebloom began causing all the crusaders to back off the colts, “sorry about that... we din’t expect it ta be that loud or close.”

“It’s all good,” answered Dusk, his blush, as well as the others, began to fade. The crusaders went to leave but were stopped by Rumble’s voice.

“Hey you wanna play a game?” Rumble asked. The crusaders huddled and spoke hushed then agreed.

“Sure,” said Scootaloo

“Alright the game is pretty simple,” Rumble began, “we split into two teams and each of us get a hoof full of rocks. We throw them at each other, somewhat gently so that we don’t hurt each other... much. When you get hit you’re out.” The crusaders all smirked. “Ready?” Rumble asked.

“THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS COLT FLANK KICKERS... yay” they screamed joyously in unison.

“OH IT’S ON!” the colts yelled back. The two trios ran off into a nearby forest, using the trees for cover. Applebloom chucked a few rocks at Elusive. Elusive lived up to his name and quickly dodged her attack and countered with an attack of his own. The rock he threw hit Applebloom on her right foreknee.

“Ow, ya meanie ya hit a girl!” Applebloom whined with a baby voice. Elusive went to apologize only to spring the trap set by Scoot and Sweetie. He was hit on both sides of his head.

He didn’t whine when he got hit just said, “Clever.” That tone again! Sweetie screamed in her head. A rock bounced next to Sweetie’s head and she quickly ducked behind a tree. Scootaloo did the same and searched for it’s source. She saw Rumble’s black tail. She nodded in his direction and Sweetie nodded in confirmation. Scootaloo threw a rock at the tree he was hiding behind. He jumped out threw half of his ammo and got hit by a rock thrown by Sweetie Belle. None of his rocks hit a target.

“Woo two down, one to go,” shouted Scootaloo who then heard a scream from Sweetie Belle.

“Ow!” Sweetie yelled.

“Hey Scoot, what do you say to a final showdown in the clearing,” Dusk asked, nopony could place a location to the voice.

“I’m not scared of you bring it!” Scootaloo responded.

“Good, all the more fun,” Dusk said jumping down from the tree Scootaloo was hiding behind.

“How the?” Applebloom asked confused.

“I’ve been doing this a while,” Dusk said with a smirk.

“Are we going to sit here or are we going to finish this?” Scootaloo rhetorically asked.

“Bring it, Scoot,” Dusk mocked. They now stood in the clearing staring each other down. The pair staring each other down both wore cocky smirks. Their friends looked on with anticipation. The sun bore down on the soon to be epic battlefield.

“Three,” Dusk said.

“Two,” Scoot said.

“ONE!” They shouted in unison, unleashing the battle upon the once peaceful forest. Dusk chucked a rock, as did Scootaloo. Dusk rolled out of the way of the on coming projectile. Scootaloo jumped to the left and hurled another rock while in mid air. It just missed Dusk who in turn threw another rock at Scootaloo. Scootaloo dodged it just barely. The battle went on for five minutes of constant throwing and dodging. It came to an end when Scoot and Dusk jumped at each other throwing a rock. Both rocks missed their target and they landed in a heap. Once again tangled in the same way as earlier.

“Ahh again!” Scootaloo yelled. She yanked her mane free and was about to get up when she remembered the tails. “Don’t you dare nuzzle me again!” She growled. She then felt a light tap on her muzzle.

“I wouldn’t dare... oh by the way I win,” Dusk said with a sly smile on his face.

“Where did you get another rock!?” Scootaloo asked.

“Like I said, I’ve been doing this for a while, I hid it in my mane,” He said, with a bright smile on his face.

Scootaloo seemed to forget she was laying on a colt when she dropped down and sulked, “I hate losing.” Dusk hated seeing girls sad and wrapped his hooves around her in a comforting embrace. Scootaloo blushed and tried to fight against the hug but her body wouldn’t obey her. I’m so going to regret this. Dusk thought with a blush. He nuzzled her cheek like before and let go of her. She jumped in shock, again, and punched him when he stood up. “I SAID DON’T NUZZLE ME!” she shouted. Their friends giggled at this display.

“How do you go from ‘epic rock battle to the death’ to ‘hugs and nuzzles’?” Sweetie Belle teased.

“Well she hates losing, I hate seeing girls sad, and nuzzles apparently break our tails apart,” Dusk said, triggering another round of laughter, this time he and Scootaloo were also included.

The six friends sat there laughing for a few minutes when they heard a couple voices call. “Sweetie Belle... Applebloom... Scootaloo!” the voices, obviously feminine, yelled. The six friend left the woods and the crusaders were met with worried hugs from their sisters, Scootaloo’s surrogate sister anyway.

“Where were you squirt!?” Rainbow Dash asked with relief flooding her voice.

“We were in the woods playing war with these three,” Scootaloo answered. All eyes shifted to the three colts. They gulped loudly.

“What the hay were you three doin out here with our sisters!?” Applejack growled at the three colts.

Dusk explained, “We were just having some childish fun. Just threw rocks at each other in a game of war nothing more.” I understand that the six of us are sixteen, seventeen, but no need to be so feral towards us! Dusk thought to himself.

“Better not be lying to us!” threatened Dash.

“Girls I understand that they are teenagers but I highly doubt they were doing anything inappropriate out there,” Rarity began, sounding like she was standing up for the colts, “besides do you really think they would have the guts to face their older sisters, let alone without a single blush if they had been doing anything wrong?” That last statement seemed to quell the anger in Dash and Applejack.

“Ah spose You’re right Rare,” said Applejack.

“Yeah, and if they had been doing anything, ANYTHING, they would have felt the wrath of an older sister, and TARTARUS HATH NO FURY LIKE A SISTERS SCORN!” Rainbow Dash yelled.

“Rainbow you know me I would NEVER do anything along those lines!” Rumble said forcefully to Dash.

“I know Rumble, but I trust no one when it comes to my sister!” said Dash surprised with Rumble’s guts.

“That makes sense, I have a sister of my own and if I saw her near a colt he wouldn’t get to see Celestia raise another sun,” agreed Elusive. That damn tone of his voice is so mysterious! Sweetie Belle yelled in her mind.

“Our point exactly, darling, Sweetie I think we should head home it’s getting late,” said Rarity. Almost on cue Sweetie yawned. That was cute. Thought Elusive, who kept his usual somber look.

“We should do the same AB,” said Applejack. Applebloom let out a small sigh followed by a yawn.

“Alraht,” Applebloom reluctantly agreed.

“Scoot I’ll give you a ride home so you can get to sleep before... well you know,” said Rainbow Dash with a small pain in her voice.

“Yeah, I suppose you’re right Dash, let’s go,” said Scootaloo with a sad sigh. They all went off to their homes.

“Hey guys I’ll see you tomorrow like we planned,” Dusk said to Rumble and Elusive. They nodded because Dusk’s house was in the opposite direction of theirs. “Dash, Scoot, wait up!” he yelled at the surrogate sisters.

“Hey Dusk what’s up?” asked Scootaloo.

“My house is this way so I figured you wouldn’t mind if I walked with you two,” Dusk said.

“I guess if Rainbow doesn’t mind,” Scootaloo answered.

“I don’t know...” Dash began, “you were in the woods with my sis, and I can’t tell if I should trust you!” Dash looked down at Scootaloo who had unknowingly put on her puppydog eyes and pout. “It seems Scoot trusts you so I suppose I do too,” Dash said.

“Sweet thanks!” Dusk said happily. The three walked in silence until they reached Scootaloo’s house. It was low enough that Scootaloo didn’t need Dash to lift her up to it. While that was a blessing there was something very troubling as well. Her father was home.

“Huuu wish me luck Dash,” said Scootaloo with sadness in her voice.

“Best of luck squirt,” Dash said with a small tear developing as they hugged. Dusk didn’t understand what was going on but hated seeing them so sad.

“I don’t know what’s going on but best of luck Scoot,” Dusk said sweetly.

“Thanks Dusk I’m going to need it,” Scootaloo said slightly less pained. Dash took to the sky and flew home. Dusk turned to go home. He heard a quiet clopping of hooves on cobblestone and turned around just in time to receive a hug from Scootaloo.

“Um Scoot?” asked a confused Dusk.

“Just shut up Dusk, I need a genuine hug to be able to handle what’s likely about to happen,” said Scootaloo with tears developing. Dusk was at a loss of words so he just hugged her back. She cried into his shoulder. When the embrace broke she looked at him with a smile. “Thank you Dusk... see you tomorrow?” she asked her voice full of hope.

“Scootaloo, I’ll see you whenever you need me!” he said warmly. Her heart melted. She hugged him again. He immediately returned her hug.

“Thank you Dusk, I needed that,” Scootaloo said with happy tears.

“No problem Scoot,” he said smiling wide. She entered her house with a smile that immediately faded when she was inside. Dusk headed home, smiling at the nights ending. He’d never admit it to his friends but he always did have a small crush on the competitive pegasus. Dusk was a couple hundred yards from Scootaloo’s house when he heard the sound of shattering glass.

Meanwhile when Dusk was walking away.

“You’re finally home,” said the drunk stallion.

“Yeah,” said a reluctant Scootaloo.

“Don’t give me that tone, you ungrateful foal!” Scootaloo’s father yelled.

“I didn’t give you a tone,” said Scootaloo flatly. The stallion approached her.

“Don’t talk to your father like that you little bitch!” he yelled at Scootaloo. The stallion pinned his daughter to the wall of their cloud home.

“DAD LET ME GO!” Scootaloo yelled, scared.

“Shut up you little slut!” he screamed. “I know what you were doing out this late, bucking every colt within hoofs reach!” He insulted.

“DAD I’M A VIRGIN!” she shouted defensively.

“Don’t lie to me you whore!” he screamed throwing a punch. Luckily for Scootaloo he was so drunk his hoof hit the wall. “You are a disgrace to this family!” He growled. Scootaloo had enough. She punched him in the face and ran out of the door. He reacted to the attack by throwing a beer bottle out the door after her. It missed her head by inches and shattered on the ground. She looked around, saw Dusk in the distance and ran to him.

What the buck was that? Dusk mentally asked. He kept walking until he heard the sound of frantic clopping on the cobblestone road. He turned around to see Scoot charging at him with tears streaming down her face. His jaw dropped and he started running for her. Scootaloo ran into Dusk, his hooves were open to hug her. When she ran into him he was sent tumbling with her in his arms. They landed on the ground with Scootaloo crying into Dusk. Dusk just held her tight. Scootaloo cried and cried, soaking Dusk’s coat. They heard stumbled hoof steps on the roads.

“Scoot get behind me,” Dusk whispered into Scoot’s ear. She obeyed and stood behind him.

“Who the buck are you!?” shouted the inebriated stallion.

“No one to you!” Dusk yelled back.

“Don’t give me that lip kid you’ll regret it if you keep it up,” the stallion threatened. “There you are you little slut!” he said noticing his daughter behind the colt. “Is he your latest customer!?” he mocked.

“Don’t you talk to her like that, YOU will regret it if you keep it up,” threatened Dusk with a mocking tone. He was then backhoofed by the drunk stallion. Dusk wasn’t going to do anything in return, however, Scootaloo had now moved to defend him. The stallion raised his hoof to slap his daughter. Dusk pushed her behind him and received the slap instead. “Raise your hoof to Scoot one more time, asshole and you WILL NOT get wake up in your bed tomorrow!” Dusk shouted.The stallion raised a hoof and was promptly punched in the face by Dusk. The stallion now laid on the ground out cold.

“I’m sorry Scoot he gave me no choice,” said Dusk with a small tinge of guilt in his voice.

“No Dusk he had this coming,” Scootaloo began, “and you didn’t kill him, you followed through with your protective words and, for that, I thank you.”

“Alright Scoot... want to spend the night at my place tonight just in case?” he asked.

“Please,” Scootaloo begged.

“Of course... come on let’s get this asshole back to your home,” Dusk said angrily.

“Wh... why?” Scootaloo asked with rare hesitation.

“I think he is drunk enough and I hit him hard enough that he won’t remember a thing. So if we put him in his bed he won’t be as angry in the morning.” Dusk explained.

“That makes sense, I guess, lets do it,” She agreed reluctantly.

“I have an idea, what room is his,” Dusk asked.

“His bed is about in the middle of the closest wall to us right now why?” she asked.

“Hope this works,” Dusk prayed. He levitated Scootaloo’s father onto his back and teleported. Scootaloo heard a rustle of leaves in the distance then was nearly blinded by the light that appeared before her. She laughed when she saw Dusk with twigs and leaves caught in his mane. “You didn’t tell me there was a tree under your house!” Dusk teased with a smile.

“I forgot,” said Scootaloo with as much innocence she could muster.

“Fair enough so lets get going,” he said. Scootaloo happily agreed and they started walking to his house. Scootaloo leaned onto Dusk as they walked, thoroughly exhausted from tonights events. Dusk stood strong for the filly knowing she needed it. She is far stronger than I knew. He thought to himself. Scootaloo nuzzled Dusk’s neck gently. He took the opportunity to make her laugh.

“So now you like nuzzles!?” he said, purposely, overly, loud.

“Shut up,” Scootaloo said laughing and playfully nudging him. He was happy to see her smiling again and decided to play even more.

“So I can’t nuzzle you but you can nuzzle me, that’s hardly fair,” he said with a mock whine.

She nuzzled him again and said, “Yep I’m just that evil.”

“You’re lucky you’re cute too, otherwise I wouldn’t accept these terms!” Dusk said with an instant blush appearing. Whoops let that one slip out... he thought to himself.

“I know I just have to use my looks to make the men swoon so I get what I want,” Scootaloo said with her best imitation of Diamond Tiara. Dusk started laughing.

“That was pretty close,” he complimented. Scootaloo joined in his laughter and leaned into him more. He called me cute... Scootaloo mentally realized.

“Do you really think I’m cute?” she asked with a blush. Buck she did catch that. He thought.

“Well... yeah. Your short mane is always wind whipped, your eyes are always sparkling, and you’re always so full of energy.” He said blushing. When Dusk said this Scootaloo was overcome with joy. Nopony ever compliments me! She thought. Certainly not my dad.

“Dusk... that’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me!” she said, her voice dripping with happiness.

“Well then, not many ponies must tell you the truth,” He said with a smile. Scootaloo’s heart melted. Th... that’s so sweet. She thought.

“Th... thanks Dusk,” She stammered.

“Oh hey, we’re here!” Dusk suddenly said. Scootaloo looked at his house with relief. Finally I can rest. She thought. Dusk opened the door and held it open for her. She walked through and was immediately hit with nerves.

“Are you sure your mom won’t mind me spending the night?” asked Scootaloo nervously.

“Yeah she won’t mind, and even if she does, she’s working late tonight with Berry Punch at the bar so she shouldn’t be home until about three A.M.” Dusk answered nonchalantly.

“So, we are alone?” Scootaloo asked with a blush.

“Yeah,” He said.

“Umm...” Scootaloo said looking down at the floor.

“What’s wrong Scoot?” He asked.

“It’s just... I’ve never spent the night at a colts house... let alone, all alone with the colt,” Scootaloo said nervously.

“What you don’t trust me,” Dusk said with a smirk.

“Shut up Dusk,” replied Scootaloo. They laughed with each other. Scootaloo hugged him again. “Thank you, Dusk, I needed the help,” Scootaloo said with her tears starting to resurface. Dusk returned her hug.

“Scoot, don’t cry, I know it’s tough but you’re ok now,” Dusk whispered into her ear. She nuzzled him again. He immediately took the opportunity to make her laugh again. “AGAIN WITH THE NUZZLES!” he yelled overdramatically. Scootaloo giggled at this display. Dusk smiled at that laugh. Even her laugh is cute. He thought to himself.

“Dusk I owe you,” Scootaloo said.

“Scoot, you don’t owe me a thing,” Dusk said. She went to argue but Dusk interrupted her, “Don’t try to argue I’m not going to let you repay me for nothing. Just rest here for the night and I’ll help you figure out what to do from there.”

“Ok, Dusk, but you have to agree to one thing,” Scootaloo said. Dusk pondered this for a minute. He knew he wouldn’t turn her down because it would mean she could rest easy.

“Alright, what’s the condition?” Dusk asked. Scootaloo blushed and she leaned closer to Dusk. “Um.. Scoot?” He asked curious about what she was doing. She closed her eyes and drew closer to her target. She met his cheek with her lips and held them there for a while. Dusk was blushing more and more with each passing second. When she broke off they looked into each others eyes.

“The condition is, is that you don’t tell a soul about what just happened,” Scootaloo said.

“Works for me,” Dusk said with his cocky smirk returning. “Follow me I’ll show you where you are going to sleep tonight,” He then said. She followed him. When they reached the room Dusk had said would be hers, they entered. She was taken aback by the awesomeness of the room. Linkin Pony, The Changeling, and Skillet posters lined the wall. She saw an Xbox surrounded by game cases ranging from, Call of Cutie Black Flanks 2 to Fallout Equestria. The TV was a 32 inch flat screen no less!

“Whoooooa,” Scootaloo said, her jaw slack in awe.

“My little slice of heaven,” Dusk responded.

“Wait this is your room? I thought you were taking me to where I’m going to sleep,” Scootaloo said confused.

“I did, you can have the bed and I’ll crash on the floor,” explained Dusk.

“Oh, no I couldn’t take your bed,” Scootaloo tried to argue.

“Yes you will, it won’t be much of a change for me anyway. Often enough I fall asleep in front of the TV on my chair of epicness,” Dusk explained.

“Well... no I can’t bring myself to do it. Please let me be the one who sleeps on the floor,” she pleaded. Dusk pondered No way in TarTarus am I going to make her sleep on the floor.

“Aha I have a fair solution, a game of Haylo 3, winner chooses who sleeps on the floor,” Dusk offered.

“Deal!” Scootaloo responded with determination. Dusk handed her a controller and turned the Xbox on.

“Oh bites one second I’ll be right back,” Dusk said, having realized he forgot something. He stood up and left the room. Scootaloo watched him leave. It’s cute the way his tail wags when he’s in a rush. She thought with a blush appearing on her face. He came back a few minutes later. “Ah, now that that’s out of the way lets play!” He said. The game lasted far longer than they expected. Much to Dusk’s surprise, Scootaloo was really good at Haylo. “Hey Scoot, I have an offer for you,” Dusk said still staring at the screen.

“What might that be Dusk?” Scootaloo asked.

“We start a new match first one to ten get’s to choose a punishment for the other,” He said. “Deal?” He said with his usual cocky smirk.

“YOU’RE ON!” Scootaloo agreed. The next game started with a bang. Literally a bang, they shot rockets and threw grenades like crazy at the start. When none of the explosives killed the others avatar they went to the usual shooting. Scootaloo got the first kill with a lucky headshot. Scootaloo was celebrating when Dusk sniped her from across the map.

“Don’t celebrate too soon, Scoot,” he teased. She punched him in the shoulder and they went back to killing each other. Scootaloo held the lead at eight to five. She was smiling. Dusk smirked at the cocky pegasus. “Ready for me to try now?” Dusk asked boastfully.

“For you to try?” She asked confused. The next thing Scootaloo knew the score was tied at eight to eight. Dusk smirked when Scootaloo’s jaw dropped. “How the... WHAT?” She yelled. They now hid from each other for a good long time. Then suddenly Scootaloo’s half of the screen was covered in blue from a plasma grenade. “Oh.. buck,” she said in perfect sync of the explosion.

“Nine to eight Scoot,” Dusk teased. No way am I going to let him win. Scootaloo thought. Scootaloo picked up an energy sword and an idea struck her mind. She leaned over and kissed Dusk’s cheek. Dusk gasped and blushed completely distracted. Scootaloo was enjoying the kiss but at the same time she killed Dusk’s avatar. She broke away with a triumphant whoop. “OH CHEAP!” Dusk complained. “IT’S ON SCOOT!” he forcefully said. They made their way slowly around the map keeping in cover as much as possible. Scootaloo jumped and screamed when Dusk suddenly assassinated her.

She pouted, cutely at the loss. Dusk’s heart melted a little at the cute little pout. “Come on Scoot, it was just a game,” he tried to comfort.

“I know but I hate losing,” Scootaloo whined. She squeaked when Dusk wrapped his hooves comfortingly around her.

“Well for such a hard fought battle here’s your reward,” Dusk joked. Scootaloo giggled at the joke. She then returned the hug and enjoyed every second of it. She felt like she was on top of the world in his hooves.

“Well, time for the condition we agreed on,” Dusk said. Scootaloo gulped and looked at the ground. “First off you get the bed,” he began, “as for the second condition...” He started blushing as his voice trailed off.

“What’s the last condition?” Scootaloo asked. He pulled her closer into the hug. She blushed heavily at the extra closeness. She looked up at Dusk wide eyed. He stared into her purple eyes. She stared back into his crimson eyes.

“The second condition is... a small kiss,” He announced, blushing heavily. Scootaloo’s blush deepened. She knew she couldn’t back out of it, after all they made a bet. Scootaloo’s blush deepened even more from the fact that she wanted it as much as he did. She nodded slowly and closed her eyes. Dusk leaned down closer to the filly. His warm breath tickled her muzzle. He stopped inches from her lips. He nuzzled her gently. Her eyes opened and she looked for why he didn’t kiss her.

“Umm... I thought you were going to kiss me...” Scootaloo said releasing a breath that she didn’t know she was holding.

“I can’t bring myself to do it unless you want me to,” said Dusk as his blush deepened. Scootaloo just stared at Dusk awestruck. He... he won’t kiss me unless I want him to? Th... that is chivalry if I’ve ever seen it. Not to mention the sweetest thing anyone has EVER done for me! She thought. Scootaloo then noticed that their lips were still just inches apart. The shade of crimson on her cheeks grew deeper.

“Dusk that is sweet of you,” she began, “I... I don’t know what to say.”

“Then don’t say anything, just sit here and cuddle with me for a while,” Dusk said sweetly.

“Hmm... tempting,” Scootaloo said. Then a realization hit her. When said realization hit her, she hit Dusk.

“Ow, what was that for?” Dusk asked.

“You nuzzled me!” she yelled. “The deal was that only I can nuzzle!” she then teased.

“OH SO YOU HATE NUZZLES AGAIN,” Dusk began, “however you don’t seem to mind kisses.” He finished with a smirk. Scootaloo’s blush returned with a vengeance.

“Smart flank!” she yelled at him. She accidentally lost her balance when she yelled and was now closer to Dusk. They both blushed even harder. Scootaloo looked up at Dusk again and gasped with how close their muzzles were. A couple more centimeters and they would be nuzzling each other. Both their eyes widened with the same realization but neither backed away. Dusk seemed lost and Scootaloo was having a mental war with herself. I’ve never kissed anypony before. Should I? Shouldn’t I? How did this happen? Where will this end up leading? She screamed in her mind, then a small voice suddenly made itself very known. STOP THINKING AND JUST KISS HIM! It screamed louder than any other mental voice of hers. She contemplated this voices words and decided to listen to it. She closed her eyes and leaned into a small kiss. Dusk’s eyes widened then quickly shut as he fell into the pleasure of Scootaloo’s lips. Both of their minds exploded from the pleasure of the small kiss. All thoughts left their teen minds. The pair was completely enveloped in blissful pleasure. They broke away after a few seconds, which to them felt like hours.

“Wow,” they whispered in unison.

“Dusk, despite how tonight began, it has been a great night,” Scootaloo whispered, her tears returning as the nights previous events entered her mind. Dusk held her tighter knowing that she was going to cry soon. “I never did thank you for saving me from my father,” She choked out between tears, “Dusk I needed you tonight, and you’ve been here through it all and I can’t thank you enough for it.” Scootaloo’s tears began to fall more and more. “I know you won’t take anything in return but I just want you to know that I appreciate everything you’ve done for me tonight,” Scootaloo forced out through her tears.

“Scootaloo,” Dusk began, “like I said earlier tonight, if you need me I’ll be there, no matter what is in my way I will do my best to be there when you need me.” Scootaloo’s tears of sadness morphed into tears of happiness at Dusk’s words. She squeezed him tighter and nuzzled him. “No... no... no... I’m not going to say it,” Dusk mumbled. Scootaloo giggled, knowing exactly what he meant. Dusk nuzzled her mane and giggled.

“Hey, no nuzzling!” she said sarcastically. Dusk reluctantly stopped nuzzling her. When he stopped though he was met with something more desirable. Scootaloo’s eyes staring into his. She had a cute, small, smile on her face with a faint blush. Dusk just wore a stupid grin. Scootaloo wrapped her hooves around his neck and leaned her head onto his chest. His heartbeat lulled her into a daze. That daze made her vulnerable to new ideas. His cute hair, smile, and need to protect me is... for lack of a better word, intoxicating. She thought. His plush lips are calling right now for a more deep kiss... I should answer that call. She leaned her head back and looked into Dusk’s eyes again. She leaned up and kissed him again. This time, however, she pulled his head down to her level for a deeper kiss. They sat there in the blissful kiss. Scootaloo was enveloped in magic and she was set in the bed. Not once did the kiss break. They were now laying under the covers of Dusk’s bed, just kissing deeply. The kiss broke after ten minutes. They hugged once again. Scootaloo nuzzled his neck and wrapped a hind leg around him. She then put her head onto his chest again. This time his heartbeat lulled her to sleep. Dusk fell asleep soon after setting his head atop Scootaloo’s.

Scootaloo woke a few hours later. She was pleasantly welcomed to the conscious world by the sound of Dusk’s heartbeat and low mumbling. Pleasant memories of how she was in this position came back to her. He does seem to care about me. She thought. I wonder if he has liked me long. She smiled at the potential of that last thought. Scootaloo subconsciously started tracing circles on his chest with her hoof.

Dusk was still mumbling things from his dream when he mumbled just loud enough for Scootaloo to hear, “Hmm... Scootaloo.” Scootaloo looked up and saw he was still sleeping. He’s dreaming about me. She thought with a blush. She stopped tracing circles on his chest and now just stared at the sleeping colt. He’s dreaming about me. HE’S dreaming about me. He’s dreaming about ME! H... he’s dreaming about me. Scootaloo was flustered for a moment. She calmed down slightly when he mumbled her name once again. An idea struck Scootaloo. She grinned at the implications of her idea. This is going to be fun. She thought as she set the plan into motion.

Scootaloo was now kneeling on all fours stradling Dusk. She leaned her face down and nuzzled him. He mumbled something about Scootaloo and nuzzling. She leaned down again and nuzzled him harder. This time he woke up.

“Oh hey Scootaloo,” His eyes widened, “Scootaloo, what are you doing?!” He asked nervously.

“I heard a noise and got scared,” She began with a baby voice, “I needed a hug or something to calm me down and you were asweep.” She put on her pout and puppydog eyes again and sniffled. “Pwease help,” she begged. Dusk’s heart melted. How the buck could I say no to that face? He mentally asked.

“Alwight, but onwy cause you’re so cute,” He said mocking her baby voice.

“Thwank you,” She thanked keeping the cute voice. Dusk wrapped her in a hug. She did the same and brought her whole body down on top of Dusk. Scootaloo nuzzled his cheek softly and then kissed where she nuzzled. The pair blushed and looked into each others eyes. Dusk saw pure happiness in her eyes. Let’s see if I can make her happier. Dusk thought with a smirk. Oh no he’s smirking, what is he planning. Scootaloo thought. They kept staring into each others eyes for a minute. Then Dusk suddenly slid out from under her and was now standing over her. Scootaloo was nervous because she was belly down with a colt standing over her.

Dusk whispered into her ear comfortingly, “Don’t worry, I’m not going to do anything bad.”

Scootaloo was still nervous but whispered in response, “Ok.” Dusk leaned down and kissed the back of her neck. This motion sent chills down Scootaloo’s back. Dusk then brought his hooves up to her shoulders and began to massage her. Scootaloo groaned pleasurably as Dusk started undoing knots in her shoulders. When he thought he got all the knots from her shoulders undone, he moved down to her back. Knot after knot came loose, each one triggering a moan of pleasure from Scootaloo. He touched the edge of a sensitive knot and Scootaloo said, “Lower.” He listened and put his hoof directly onto where the knot was. “Ahhhh that’s the spot,” Scootaloo whispered. Dusk continued the treatment until there was no more area to massage. Scootaloo laid there numb with pleasure from not having all the stress in her muscles. Dusk turned Scootaloo over, pulled her close, and rolled over so she was back on top of him. They stared into each others eyes again. Dusk now noted that there was more happiness in her eyes, along with a blissful gleam.

Scootaloo nuzzled his nose and said, “Thank you Dusk, that was amazing.” Dusk simply smirked and nodded. He nuzzled her back while she nuzzled him. Scootaloo was going to joke but chose not to ruin the moment. They laid there nuzzling for a few minutes when suddenly, Scootaloo wrapped her hooves around his neck and pulled him into a deep kiss. Dusk reciprocated and wrapped his hooves around her neck. He rubbed her neck gently and she moaned into his mouth. She broke from the kiss for a breath and looked into his eyes. He did the same. They both saw love in the others eyes. Scootaloo leaned in and gave Dusk a small peck on the lips before saying, “This has been the greatest night of my life Dusk.”

“I’ve enjoyed every second of this night Scoot,” Dusk said. Scootaloo hugged him as close as she could, savoring the contact. Another idea struck Scootaloo and she decided to go with it. She wrapped her tail with his and got it tangled, just like how the day began. Dusk nuzzled her cheek and kissed it lightly. Scootaloo didn’t feel the urge to call him out on it and decided to enjoy the nuzzles and kisses. They leaned their heads back and stared into each others eyes once again. Scootaloo leaned into another kiss. Her tongue lightly touched his lips. He opened his mouth in surprise and she slid her tongue into his mouth. Their tongues now danced in harmony in each others mouths. They savored every second of the kiss before breaking away.

“Thank you Dusk,” Scootaloo whispered into his ear.

“What for?” Dusk asked.

“Everything, tonight has been amazing and I wouldn’t take any of it back,” She whispered with happy tears forming.

Dusk kissed her cheek and whispered, “Neither would I, Scoot.” Scootaloo nuzzled his cheek and settled her head in the crook of his neck. They fell asleep with Scootaloo still on top of Dusk, and neither of them cared who might see.

Chapter 2: Bar and Video Games

View Online

Colts Meet Crusaders

By: Dusk_Shine6995

Chapter two: Bars and Video Games

Dusk awoke the next morning with a smile. His smile broadened when he looked at the filly sleeping on him. She’s so cute when she sleeps, He thought. He noticed the feeling of their tails intertwine. Dusk didn’t mind the tangle at all. He painstakingly moved his head so he could see the sleeping fillies face without waking her. She was fast asleep, a smile on her face, and a faint blush remained from the night before. Then he looked at the clock and let out a mental groan. Buuuuuuuuuuck I have to get up for work. He whined in his mind.

It took Dusk a minute to escape Scootaloo without waking her, the tail being the trickiest to escape. The moment she subconsciously noticed his presence was missing she frowned. He noticed the frown and bent down, lightly nuzzling her. Her smile returned, he turned and left the room. Normally he would start a bath and get some breakfast while the tub filled but decided to take a shower just in case Scootaloo woke up. He also normally would have cranked up his radio in the bathroom and blared some Linkin Pony, he didn’t want to wake Scoot so he settled for a moderate volume.

He sat on his haunches in the tub as the water poured down his body from the showerhead. His mind went blank of all topics, including the game night he had planned with his friends, except Scootaloo. She’s cute, competitive, fun, playful, and... and gahh... she’s just plain amazing! His mind screamed. Everything about that orange pegasus is alluring! She’s just... amazing! How did she manage her life this far?

His mind now did a sudden 180. Her dad... how could that dumb prick create something so great? How is she still able to keep a smile and laugh throughout the day when she has to go back home to... to... THAT!

Now Dusk’s mind made a shift to his best friend Elusive. Elusive... how did you manage it? All that loss... the pain. Dusk started crying in the shower over the depressing thought. He then realized how Elusive got through it.

“HIS SISTER!” he shouted, his head bolting upright and stumbling a little on the wet porcelain. He toughed it out so his sister wouldn’t have to feel what he felt! He thought. Scootaloo I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure you live happy and free. His face shifted from depression to determination as he exited the shower and headed downstairs.

“I see you had good night,” Dusk’s mother said, grinning widely when her son came into view. Dusk gasped not expecting to see his mom up before him.

“Mom it wasn’t what it looked like!” Dusk said a little too loud. His mom laughed at her son.

“I know, I’m just giving you thunder... besides you left the note explaining most of the situation for me,” She said. “You should go wake her up I’m making pancakes for you,” She spoke through a smirk. Dusk gladly took the excuse to get a reprieve from the embarrassment. He walked slowly into his room. He almost let out a ‘daaaaw’ when he saw Scoot laying there cuddling one of his pillows. He trotted slowly up to her and an idea struck him. He slid into bed and replaced the pillow’s position in her hooves. He wrapped his hooves gently around her neck and pulled her into a kiss. Scootaloo’s eyes shot open, only to slowly close again as she fell into the pleasure of the kiss. They broke away with Dusk smirking and Scootaloo blushing.

“That’s one way to wake somepony up,” Scootaloo joked. Dusk giggled, as did Scoot. She nuzzled his cheek gently and kissed it. It was now Dusk’s turn to blush. He was going to make a snappy remark to her nuzzle but was too stunned from the kiss. Scootaloo broke away and pulled herself closer to Dusk, nestling her head under his chin. Buuuuuck me, she had to choose my day to work to be this enticing! He mentally scoffed.

“Scoot, I could stay like this forever, but I have to work in about an hour and my mom made pancakes,” Dusk said, sadness very present in his voice.

“Aww, ok,” Scootaloo said, just as sad as Dusk. She brightened up when the smell of the pancakes made it’s way into the room. “Did you say pancakes?” she asked grinning. Dusk nodded and got out of bed. The pair made it’s way downstairs. “I haven’t had pancakes since I was a little foal!” Scootaloo exclaimed.

“Well then, I’m happy to change that,” said Dusk’s mom with a smile. She held out a hoof to Scootaloo and greeted, “My name is Rosetta Shine, pleased to meet you.” Scootaloo shook Rosetta’s hoof.

“My name is Scootaloo, happy to meet you too,” Scootaloo replied, smiling.

“Well what are you waiting for, dig in!” Rosetta said, gesturing to the table. Dusk and Scootaloo happily obliged and started stuffing themselves with pancakes. “Don’t eat too much Dusk, you have to work soon,” Rosetta pointed out. Dusk grunted in agreement and put a pancake back onto it’s original plate. Scootaloo smiled at the pair when a thought struck her. She decided not to bring it up right now. She thought of something else and thought it would be appropriate for the table.

“Where do you work Dusk?” she asked.

Dusk went to answer but Rosetta motioned for him to keep eating and she started explaining, “He works at Berries Delights with Elusive and Rumble on saturday mornings during the school year.” Scootaloo choked a little on her pancakes with this knowledge.

` “You three work at a bar!” Scootaloo forced through coughs.

“Yes they do,” Rosetta said nonchalantly.

“Aren’t they underaged?” Scootaloo asked.

“Too young to drink, not sell,” Rosetta explained.

“Ooooh,” responded Scootaloo.

“Yeah and I got to hurry up,” Dusk started saying as he stood up with his plate, “We have to set everything up for the day.” Scootaloo got up and was going to grab her plate but Rosetta took it in her magic.

“I’m guessing you want to go with Dusk,” said Rosetta.

“Well I have nowhere else to be so, yeah,” Scootaloo said, blushing. Rosetta’s smile widened at the fillies blush. She took Scootaloo’s dish and put it in the sink. Dusk opened the door and waited for Scootaloo. Scoot trotted up and walked through the door followed by Dusk.

Once they were outside, they started walking to Berries Delights. Scootaloo subconsciously leaned into Dusk. Dusk welcomed her leaning and smiled brightly. They kept walking like that for a while but as they drew closer Berries Delights, and town, they decided not to act so close in public. They were outside of Berries Delights now and Dusk fumbled around with the keys. Scootaloo was giggling by the time he found the right key. When he opened the door he saw everything was taken care of. He then noticed Rumble and Elusive grinning at him.

“Don’t even say it Dusk,” Rumble said, through his grin.

“But guys yo-” Dusk attempted to say but was interrupted by Elusive.

“We knew you were going with Scootaloo and Dash,” Elusive began, “We figured you would hang out with them pretty late last night and judging by the filly behind you we were right.” Dusk and Scootaloo blushed heavily at Elusive’s statement.

“Wel... well... we... BUCK YOU!” Dusk managed. All four of them laughed. Rumble turned from Dusk and Scoot and continued setting up the mixing stations for the drinks.

“Dusk you take orders today, I’ll cook,” Elusive offered.

“Alright works for me,” Dusk answered.

“Um, what should I do?” Scootaloo asked. She didn’t work there but she also had nothing else to do but go home. She would prefer not to do the latter.

“Well I suppose you could help me wait tables if we get really busy but until that happens, you could just hang out,” said Dusk.

“Works for me, thanks,” Scootaloo said.

“Time to open the doors,” Dusk announced. When they did a few ponies walked in. Two of ten sat at the bar. Rumble expertly mixed the martinis that they asked for. Dusk was furiously taking jotting down everything the patrons ordered. Elusive was frantically working on the orders that had been reported. Scootaloo watched in awe at the efficiency of the three colts. More ponies were piling in but they managed to keep up. The facility was about half full, most had their food, and the ones at the bar were continuously ordering drinks but Rumble was fast enough to get them all their orders within seconds. Wow, and to think they are only teenagers. Scootaloo thought.

“Hey Scoot, looks like we are going to need you,” Dusk shouted over the noise of the dining area.

“Why, it looks like you guys have this under wraps,” Scootaloo yelled back.

“Look out the door and you may think different,” Dusk yelled, while smirking. Scootaloo did as instructed and saw thirty ponies moving straight for the bar. Scootaloo nodded and began helping take orders. She was slow at first but got the hang of it, just in time too because the thirty ponies she saw heading to the bar just arrived.

“Hey, how’s your day going?” Dusk asked with his waiter smile.

“Good,” most of the ponies answered.

“Bucking awful, I woke up with a burning headache, felt like somepony punched my jaw and broke it, and on top of that my bucking whore of a daughter didn’t come home last night!” someone yelled. The most annoying thing about this pessimistic asshole was the fact that he wasn’t even at the table Dusk was serving.

“Glad to hear it,” Dusk began, ignoring the buckwad who yelled at him, “may I get you something to drink?” The table made their drink orders and walked over to Scootaloo. “Hey Scoot, once we have these tables served you have to help me out with the table of thirty over there,” he stated. Scootaloo nodded and finished placing the food around the table she was serving. Strangely that was the last table she had to wait on. She and Dusk went work on getting the drinks to the table of thirty.

“Thank you,” most of them said as they received their drinks.

“No problem, Scoot here will take your orders I have to talk to the cook and barcolt quick and then I’ll check in again,” Dusk said to the patrons. They nodded and Scootaloo took their orders. Dusk went to the bar and saw something he’d hoped he was wrong about.

“Rumble, that’s Scootaloo’s dad right there,” Dusk began, whispering, “he tried to beat her last night and Scoot wound up spending the night with me. We have to get him out of here before he notices Scoot.” Rumble nodded and went back to work as Dusk went back to deliver the same news to Elusive.

“Why are you telling me?” Elusive asked after Dusk told him about Scoot’s father.

“Because I doubt he’ll leave before noticing Scoot working at a bar!” Dusk said just below a yell, so as not to alert Scootaloo’s father. Elusive nodded in understanding and Dusk went back out to the table.

“Hey everypony is everything alright so far?” Dusk asked as he checked back in on the table of thirty. They all nodded and he went about with his normal business. Scootaloo and Dusk were now delivering food to the table of thirty when they heard something that neither of them expected.

“SCOOTALOO!” shouted Applebloom and Sweetie Belle at a volume that stunned the whole bar. Dusk took Scootaloo’s plates in his magic as she was tackled by her friends.

“Hey Applebloom, hey Sweetie Belle,” Scootaloo said, barely able to breath from the deadly hugs her friends had her in.

“We’ve been looking everywhere for you!” shouted Sweetie Belle.

“Yeah, we even had ta ask Dusk’s mom where to find ya!” Applebloom yelled.

“Well, you guys know how my father is... so I had to go with Dusk,” said Scootaloo with a blush. Her friends let her go and giggled a little.

“So that’s where you wound up you little whore!” shouted Scootaloo’s father, once again inebriated. The whole bar went quiet. “So you don’t come home, likely bucked some random colt, and now you’re working at a bar!” he yelled. He then raised his hoof to slap his daughter. Scootaloo braced for impact, but it never came. She opened her eyes to see Dusk had caught his hoof.

“You NEVER raise a hoof to your own daughter!” Dusk screamed.

“WHAT THE BUCK WOULD YOU KNOW ABOUT MY DAUGHTER, KID!” shouted Scootaloo’s father.

“More than enough to know she isn’t a whore!” Dusk yelled. Rumble and Elusive made their way over to Dusk and Scootaloo’s father.

“YOU THINK JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE YOUR BUDDIES BACKING YOU UP YOU CAN PUSH ME AROUND!” screamed the drunk stallion.

Dusk smirked before he calmly said, “No, I think because I can kick your bucking flank, I can push you around.” The stallion lost it and tried to tackle Dusk. Dusk kicked the stallion in the ribs and shoved him to the ground. Elusive and Rumble picked up the stunned stallion and threw him out of the door.

“EVER COME HERE AGAIN AND DUSK WON’T BE THE ONLY ONE SWINGING!” yelled Rumble. Dusk calmly moved over to Scootaloo. Sweetie Belle and Applebloom were stunned.

“You ok Scoot?” he asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine, thanks,” Scootaloo answered.

“Sorry about that everypony,” Dusk began, speaking to the entire bar, “tell you what, free drinks on me!” The whole bar cheered and the colts went back to work.

“Well... that escalated quickly,” said Sweetie Belle.

“Ah’ll say,” said Applebloom. “Whatcha wanna do now Scoot?” she asked.

“Well, I figure I owe them, so I want to help them until their shift is done,” Scootaloo answered.

“We should help too!” Sweetie Belle almost yelled. “Who knows, maybe we'll even get our cutie marks as Cutie Mark Crusader Barmares,” she then said, excitedly. With that notion the Crusaders got really excited and sprinted to Rumble.

“Hay Rumble want some help?” asked Applebloom.

“Well sure, Scoot go back to what you were doing before, Applebloom you help me at the bar here, Sweetie Belle go see if Elusive needs help in the kitchen,” Rumble ordered. The Crusaders made comical salutes to Rumble. “Applebloom, the orders are generally simple ‘pour the bottle into the glass’ orders, but if a drink needs mixing in order to be made just tell me and I’ll handle it,” Rumble instructed.

“Got it,” said Applebloom, who was already pouring some hard cider into a glass for a mare.

Sweetie Belle just got to the kitchen and asked, “Hey Elusive need any help back here?”

“Sure Sweetie Belle,” Elusive began, There’s that bucking tone again! Sweetie yelled in her mind before zoning back into what Elusive was saying, “... anything that involves the oven just tell me and I’ll handle it.” Sweetie Belle nodded and got to work. “Besides from what I heard, you liquified burnt toast,” Elusive teased.

“THAT WAS YEARS AGO!” Sweetie yelled defensively. The six friends were now working at maximum efficiency. Sweetie Belle took a bit longer to get into the swing of things but managed not burn anything in that time. After a few hours three stallions, unknown to the Crusaders, walked into the bar.

“Hey Blitz, Joe, Sprite, hurry up I’m getting tired back here!” yelled Rumble from the bar.

“Haha alright, shut up and get out of here kids,” yelled Joe to the six friends. The six started leaving. Dusk held the door open for the fillies and went to leave behind them when Blitz stopped the three colts.

“You guys treat those fillies right they seem nice, and one of them is practically my sister!” Blitz whispered forcefully to the three.

“Oh yeah you are Dash’s brother aren’t you,” Elusive realized.

“Yeah so shut up and treat them well or Dash will be the least of your worries,” Blitz playfully threatened.

“Buzz off Blitz,” Dusk giggled. The three started off towards the fillies.

“So what now?” they overheard Applebloom ask.

“I don’t know, what do you want to do?” Scootaloo asked.

“How about you three join us for our game night we had planned,” Dusk yelled to the fillies. The colts looked at Dusk and were going to argue with him but were interrupted by the fillies.

“Sure, we can kick your flanks again!” Sweetie yelled at them.

“Strange, the way I remember it we won,” said Elusive, with a smirk. Sweetie Belle blushed realizing he was right.

“Haha, let’s at least get to the games before we get at each others throats,” Dusk said. They all nodded in agreement and started off towards Dusk’s house. After a few minutes of walking Scootaloo ‘accidentally’ stumbled into Dusk and wound up leaning into him.

“Sorry,” she said, feigning embarrassment. Dusk started smirking.

“It’s alright, try not to fall next time,” Dusk teased. Scootaloo smiled slightly before returning to her hooves. The other four stifled laughs. Scootaloo wasn’t exactly the best actress. They arrived at Dusk’s house and once again Dusk held the door open. Everypony walked in followed by Dusk.

“You two know the drill, Crusaders make yourself at home and I’ll be right back,” Dusk said heading upstairs. Dusk came back down holding his Xbox in his magic and Haylo 3 in his mouth. He speedily hooked it up to one of the three TV’s and took a seat on the floor. “So what will the teams be tonight guys?” Dusk asked.

“Well considering we have an even number of players this time Crusaders vs Colts?” Rumble offered.

“Nah, too typical, not to mention they’d have no chance,” Dusk teased. For once the fillies didn’t argue. Applebloom hadn’t ever played an Xbox before so she knew she was at a loss.

“How about, me, Dusk, and Applebloom, vs you, Elusive and Sweetie Belle,” Scootaloo offered.

“Sounds fair to me,” answered Rumble. On that note they got into their positions and prepared to play. The game started way tamer than when Dusk and Scootaloo had played. That quickly changed. Explosions were occurring freakishly often. Bullets were fired constantly, as was Applebloom’s complaining from not knowing what the buck was happening or how to do things. Game after game ended with grumbling from Rumble because between Scoota and Dusk’s skill and Applebloom’s lucky kills, his team had yet to win a game. After the last game Rumble was fuming because they didn’t win.

“Celestia damn it!” he yelled.

“Hey it was close most of the tahme,” Applebloom tried to comfort.

“Yeah, I suppose, ah well we should order some pizza!” He shouted with newfound excitement.

“Daffodil and lilly?” Dusk offered. Everypony nodded and went to the phone. He placed the order. “Should be done in about twenty minutes and delivered in about thirty five,” Dusk announced.

“What should we do now?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“How about some movies?” Elusive offered.

“What kind?” Dusk asked.

The Crusaders looked at each other and giggled a little at a memory before saying, in unison, “Comedy!”` Dusk looked over to Elusive and Rumble who nodded in agreement. He magically brought up a few comedy movies.

“We got, Happy Gilmore, Shaun of the Dead, All About Celestia,” Dusk continued listing off movies and they decided to watch Shaun of the Dead. Dusk took a seat on the couch, Scootaloo sat next to him, Rumble and Applebloom curled up on the floor on opposite ends of the couch, Elusive sat in a nearby chair, and Sweetie Belle curled up near the TV. The movie was about a quarter of the way done when the doorbell rang. Dusk got up took the pizza and paid the delivery colt.

“PIZZA!” Sweetie Belle yelled. They all took a piece and sat back down, continuing the movie. A zombie popped up on the movie scaring almost everyone. Dusk didn’t jump because he’s seen the movie tons of times. Scootaloo clung to him, he smirked. Applebloom and Rumble were now at the middle of the couch clutching onto each other. Sweetie Belle and Elusive were now together on the chair with Sweetie’s hooves wrapped around his neck. All of them were blushing heavily. None of them moved from that position though. They stayed like that through the rest of the movie. Elusive looked at the clock and sighed.

“Dusk, Rumble I got to go,” Elusive said, heavily pained by having to leave the arms of a cute filly.

“Aww, why?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“I... I just have to,” he answered attempting not to cry. Sweetie Belle let him go and got off him. He left after receiving a friendly hug from Dusk and Rumble.

“What was that about?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Stay away from the topic is all I can say Sweetie Belle,” Dusk responded with the same pain that Elusive had shown. Dusk saw that the three fillies were confused and added, “Sorry it’s just a sensitive subject.” The fillies nodded. There’s more to it than that! Sweetie thought.

“I should probably head home too,” Sweetie said. She went over to Scootaloo and hugged her goodbye. She leaned in to hug Applebloom and whispered, “Tell Rarity I’m going to be home late.” Applebloom nodded slightly and Sweetie Belle left.

“She isn’t going to like what she finds,” Dusk warned. Applebloom and Scootaloo exchanged worried glances.

“I should head out too,” said Rumble. “Applebloom want me to walk you home?” he then asked.

“Um, sure but we gotta stop by Rarity’s home before mine,” Applebloom said.

“I figured since Sweets is following Elusive home,” Rumble said. With that they left, leaving Dusk and Scootaloo alone.

“Um... can I spend the night again please?” Scootaloo asked bashfully.

“Of course you can Scoot,” Dusk answered, leaning forward and kissing her nose.

Sweetie Belle followed Elusive as stealthily as she could. She slid from cover to cover, hoping not to be seen. Elusive only looked back two times before reaching his house. Sweetie Belle was hiding in a bush nearby. Elusive opened the door and was promptly tackled by a little, little, filly.

“ELUSIVE YOU’RE HOME!” the little filly yelled.

“Yeah, I’m home, let’s get inside it’s getting cold,” Elusive said happily. The little filly ran inside. Elusive stopped at the door and smiled wider. “You coming or not Sweetie Belle,” he said through his grin. Buck. Sweetie Belle thought as she left her cover.

“How did you know?” She asked.

“Bushes don’t stay quiet when you dive into them,” he answered.

“Oh,” she said looking at the ground embarrassed. They walked into the house and were met with a barrage of questions.

“Who’s she? Where’s she from? Why’s she here? Are you two going out? How long is she staying?” she asked way too fast for either of the teens to understand.

“Pink, you know what time it is, so head to your room I’ll be up shortly,” Elusive said calmly. Pink Streaks groaned and went to her room.

“She seems hyper,” said Sweetie Belle. She grinned when she thought back and remembered that a couple of years ago she was the same way.

“Yeah, good thing too,” Elusive said.

“Doesn’t it bother your parents?” Sweetie said. She immediately regretted saying that as Elusive froze in place and fought back tears.

“One sec. Sweetie Belle, I’ve got to get her to bed,” Elusive half crying. Elusive went upstairs and into his sisters room. He returned a few minutes later with tears forming.

“Elusive what’s wrong?” Sweetie asked.

“It’s just... I... I...” Elusive managed before breaking into tears. Sweetie Belle moved to comfort him but he pulled away and hardened himself. “My family is dead, my sister and I are all that’s left,” Elusive began, “they went to a family reunion, Pink was sick and I offered to watch her so our parents could go to the reunion. Something happened now my entire family is dead.” Sweetie Belle’s jaw dropped.

“Ho.. how long ago?” she managed to ask.

“Three years ago,” he answered.

“But... but you and Dusk you’re always laughing, smiling, and... and playing,” Sweetie Belle tried to comfort.

“Every laugh is the lost echo of a scream,” Elusive said glumly. Wow... there isn’t much I can say to cheer him up is there. Sweetie Belle thought. I... I should at least try.

“Wel... well at least you have Dusk and Rumble with you,” she offered.

“Yeah, couldn’t ask for better friends,” Elusive said smiling slightly. “That doesn’t replace the love everypony need in order to survive,” he then added with his smile fading.

“What about Pink, she loves you,” Sweetie said running out of ideas.

“Yeah she loves me but I am what keeps her going,” he began, “I love her to death but raising her has been tough and her love is... flawed.”

“Flawed?” Sweetie asked.

“Couldn’t think of a better way to put it but I mean she loves me like a father since she doesn’t have one, that’s not the kind of love that gets you by in life,” Elusive explained.

“Well... well...” Sweetie tried to say something but couldn’t think of anything.

“I know, you feel sorry for me, you think I’m being pessimistic, but I’m not I appreciate everything I have,” Elusive said like he was listening to a broken record.

“No Elusive I don’t,” Sweetie said, forcefully.

“Wh... what?” Elusive asked.

“I believe you are a strong colt, a loving brother, and a great pony,” Sweetie Belle admitted.

“Th... thanks Sweetie Belle,” Elusive thanked.

“I want you to know this Elusive,” Sweetie started saying, moving closer to Elusive.

“Know what?” Elusive asked, blushing as Sweetie Belle drew closer.

“Know that from now on, you have more love to run on,” Sweetie said just before her lips met his. They stood there, their lips interlocked. The kiss lasted for a few minutes before Sweetie Belle pulled away. Elusive stood there dumbfounded and slack jawed. When Sweetie saw the look on his face she started crying. Buck I was too forward he has to hate me now, BUCK BUCK BUCK! She screamed in her mind. “I’m... I’m so sorry Elusive... I... shouldn’t have done that,” she said, crying heavily. She turned and was about to sprint out the door when she was turned around by Elusive, who kissed her when she was facing him again.

When they broke apart again, Elusive spoke, “Sweetie Belle, thank you, thank you so much, I needed that.” Sweetie Belle smiled brightly and wrapped her hooves around Elusive’s neck. He wrapped his hooves around her as well. “Do you mind spending the night?” Elusive asked.

“I thought you would never ask,” Sweetie Belle answered. Elusive lead her to his room and they fell asleep in each others hooves soon after laying down.

Applebloom walked with Rumble silently. They were about halfway to Rarity’s house when Rumble broke the silence.

“Well I guess you want to know why Dusk and I are so worried about Sweetie Belle and Elusive,” he said.

“Uh, sure, wahy not,” Applebloom answered feigning carelessness.

“His family is dead,” Rumble said sorrowfully.

“Oh... wow...” Applebloom said awestruck.

“Yeah, well, can we change topics?” Rumble asked.

“Sure, um...” she couldn’t think of anything to talk about. Rumble noticed and decided to continue walking in silence. Unfortunately the universe was not willing to let that happen. A shadow shot past tackling Applebloom and shoving Rumble away.

“SO, YOU TURN ME DOWN AND THEN HANG OUT WITH THIS WIMP OF A COLT!” screamed the unknown assailant.

“BRONZE HAIR GET OFF OF ME!” Applebloom shouted.

“NOT UNTIL I GET SATISFACTION FROM THE SLUT THAT TURNED ME DOWN,” Bronze Hair yelled. He then went to work on trying to rape Applebloom. Rumble was back on his feet and tackled the colt off Applebloom. The two colt fought for a better position and wound up breaking away from each other.

“You won’t be so lucky next time Applebloom,” said Bronze, his voice full of venom. He turned to leave. Once he was turned to the side, Rumble bucked Bronze’s chest as hard as he could. Bronze landed a few yards away and took off running.

“Applebloom are you ok?” Rumble asked worried.

Applebloom wrapped her hooves around him as she said, “Yeah, Ah’m fine thanks to you.” Rumble wrapped his hooves around her too. He stroked her mane softly trying to comfort her. It worked and she dissolved into his embrace.

“Who was that idiot?” he asked.

“He had the sweets for me and trahed to date me,” she began, “Ah saw through his lies and saw that he only wanted me for my plot.”

“He doesn’t deserve to even know someone as sweet as you Applebloom,” Rumble genuinely said.

“Thanks Rumble,” Applebloom said with a blush.

“Come on let’s tell Rarity about Sweets and get you home,” Rumble said. They got to Rarity’s and told her the situation. She was surprisingly understanding and bid them goodnight. As they continued walking Rumble wrapped a wing around Applebloom protectively. Applebloom blushed but leaned into him.

“Thanks again, Rumble,” she said.

“No problem Applebloom, and if he gives you any more trouble tell me and I’ll take care of him,” Rumble said. Applebloom smiled at his protectiveness and they kept walking. When they finally got to outskirts Applebloom’s house, she was exhausted and wanted to fall asleep right there. She stumbled a little and almost fell but Rumble caught her. “Tired I see, here hop on,” Rumble said. He knelt down and waited for her to hop onto his back.

“Ah’m not gonna make ya carry me after you saved me tonight,” Applebloom tried to argue.

“You aren’t making me do a thing, I’m offering to carry you,” Rumble said calmly. She would have kept arguing but she was so tired she knew she needed him to carry her. Applebloom jumped onto his back and he carried her the rest of the way to her house. She was about to jump off but Rumble extended his wings so that she couldn’t. “I’m taking you all the way to your room,” Rumble said.

“No way Applejack will kill ya!” Applebloom yelled.

“She can try but you’re way too tired to even get up the stairs!” Rumble retorted.

“Fine but don’t say Ah din’t warn you!” Applebloom said.

Rumble walked through the door only to see Applejack charging him. “She’s too tired to walk, and I’m taking her to her room no matter what you do AJ!” Rumble shouted. Applejack stopped dead in her tracks, thoroughly surprised by his guts. She let him continue upstairs, still shocked in place. Applebloom was speechless at how easily he stopped Applejack. Rumble cocked his head when he got upstairs. Applebloom pointed to a room halfway down the hall. Rumble went into the room and set Applebloom gently on her bed. “Goodnight Applebloom,” he said with a smile. He started turning to leave but was stopped when he felt lips touch his cheek. He moved his eyes to the source and blushed heavily as Applebloom kissed his cheek. The kiss lasted a couple of seconds before Applebloom broke away.

“Thanks for saving me Rumble,” Applebloom said softly.

“No problem Applebloom, sleep well,” Rumble said. He left the room and quietly closed the door. He turned back to leave and was met with a hoof being slapped across his face. He looked at who just slapped him and it was none other than Applejack. “I suppose I should have seen that coming,” Rumble said nonchalantly. He was slapped again.

“You left mah sister alone after such a traumatic event,” Applejack began, “get back in there and comfort her ya idiot!” Rumble was now officially confused. “Get back in there before Ah change my mind and buck you out a window!” Applejack whisper-shouted. Given the options of cuddling with a cute filly, comforting her, or getting kicked through a wall, his choice was obvious. Rumble went back into the room, leaving Applejack alone. Ah swear if he wouldn’t have stopped her from being raped Ah’d have kicked the buck out of him. She thought. He is lucky Ah got up here when she thanked him otherwise Ah never would have known.

Applebloom flinched a little when she felt a weight press onto her bed. She turned over and almost screamed, “WHAT ARE YA DOING!?”

“Believe it or not, Applejack told me to get back in here,” Rumble began, “I think she knows you were almost raped tonight.” Applebloom then realized that AJ must have heard her thank him.

“Yeah, she was the first one to kick Bronze’s flank for me,” Applebloom said giggling a little bit.

“Well I know that you’re tired, so you should sleep, I’ll just... sleep on the floor,” Rumble said. He moved to leave the bed but was stopped by Applebloom’s hooves wrapping around him.

“Don’t weave me awone,” she said with a cute baby voice, “Ah’m still scared that Bwonze will show up.” Rumble fought off a laugh when she used that voice. How can I say no to that cute little show. He thought.

“Ok, but only if you take off the bow,” Rumble joked. Much to his surprise Applebloom took him seriously and quickly threw the bow onto the floor. He didn’t know why but he felt like she was naked without the bow. Not that either of them wore clothes in the first place but it just seemed different. Rumble wrapped his hooves around her and she pulled herself closer to him, nuzzling her head into his chest. She let his heartbeat rock her to sleep. He fell asleep shortly afterwards with a smile permanently planted on his face.

(A/N I couldn’t end on Elusive and Sweetie’s scene with a happy face so I decided to add Rumble and Applebloom. Enjoy and thank you for reading)

Chapter 3: Questions Remembered...

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Colts Meet Crusaders

By: Dusk_Shine6995

Chapter Three: Questions remembered...

(Hey everypony sorry for the delay but I had mass writers block, busy with school, and this is going to be a rather hard chapter to write so I delayed it as much as possible)

Elusive awoke the next morning with an unfamiliar fullness in his chest. He didn’t notice the weight of the filly sleeping next to him at first, just that foreign feeling in his chest. He looked to his left and saw the cute face of Sweetie Belle mere inches from his face. Elusive knew he couldn’t resist what happened next. He leaned closer and nuzzled her muzzle affectionately. Her eyes shot open in surprise but she smiled when the reality of the situation came back to her. She returned his nuzzle in kind and subconsciously kisses his nose, causing a blush to appear on both of their cheeks.

“Happy sunday Elusive,” Sweetie Belle spoke to ease the tension.

“A happy sunday indeed,” he said coyly. Grr.... there it is again! Sweetie grumbled in her head. She gasped slightly when his hooves wrapped around her waist. Sweetie looked directly into his eyes. He stared into her eyes in return. “Thanks for last night Sweets,” Elusive said losing his usual coyness. Sweetie Belle couldn’t think of any words to describe how she felt, so she relied on impulse.

She blushed brightly, leaned closer, and said with a sultry tone, “No pro-” Sweetie only managed that before their lips met. Elusive pulled her deeper into the kiss. Their minds exploded in bliss. The sheer pent up emotion being shared through their lips was almost too much for them. Yet no matter how mind blowing it was they wanted nothing more than to continue. The universe had other plans however. The couple was brought out of their blissful stupor by the sound of faint giggling. They stopped kissing and looked in the doorway to see none other than, Pink Streaks, standing there giggling.

“Elusive and Sweetie Belle sittin in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G!” Pink mocked. Elusive’s lips curled into an evil smirk as he dove from the bed and started to nuggie her. “Ahhh, stop it, HELP!” She yelped helplessly. Sweetie Belle had other ideas, however, and it didn’t involve helping the poor filly. Sweetie began tickle torturing the little filly. “AHHHAHAA, STOP IT I TAKE IT BACK!” Pink screamed through her laughter. Elusive and Sweetie let go of her and smiled wickedly at her.

“But it was so fun,” Sweetie whined. Pink scoffed and began plotting her revenge but needed room to think, so she retreated to her room. The real reason she left though was because she was scared that they might start the treatment up again. Sweetie turned to Elusive and spoke, “She’s so cute.”

“Yeah she is,” Elusive agreed, shaking his head. His smile faded, unfortunately, quickly. “I suppose you want to know more about what happened don’t you?” he guessed. She couldn’t bring herself to answer. Her curiosity got the better of her and she nodded. Elusive let out a deep sigh and began, “It was years ago. They were so excited to be going to see the family again. Years had passed since we last saw our entire family at one spot. Unfortunately, the day before we were going to head out to see them all again Pink got terribly sick. Our parents were so sad, both for her health and that they couldn’t see the family. I insisted that I stay behind and they go.” A small smiled developed on his face as well as tears, “Mom was so worried and told me to call every three hours, make sure Rosetta came by to watch over them every now and again, and worst of all brush my teeth and wash behind my ears.” He gave a pained giggle before continuing, “They were so sad to leave us but so excited to see the family. Everything was going alright for the first couple of days... then I was watching the news one morning. They were at the capitol building of Manehatten, when dozens of masked assailants wrecked the place, injuring hundreds, killing fifty... in that fifty was my entire known family. However, my parents made it to the hospital, but died two days later. We never got to say goodbye.”

He couldn’t hold back his tears any longer and began crying. Sweetie Belle was stunned into place. She was watching the news with her sister on that day. All Sweetie could think when she saw it was, ‘Thank Celestia my family is in Canterlot today!’ She sat there dumbfounded and crying at his loss. She suddenly lunged into him knocking him down as she hugged him tight.

“NOPONY SHOULD EVER HAVE TO GO THROUGH THAT ELUSIVE!” she screamed, squeezing tighter. She cried into his chest. Sweetie Belle felt terrible and couldn’t think straight. Much to her luck however she thought of the perfect thing to say, “You are the strongest colt I know Elusive and nothing anypony says or does will change that!”

Elusive had stopped crying at this point. He stared down at the filly sobbing into his chest. He gently put a hoof to her chin and made her look into his eyes. “Thank you Sweets,” he said quietly before pulling her up closer to his muzzle. She blushed and closed her eyes, puckering up, wishing to kiss him again. He smiled widely and booped her nose gently. She let out a cute sneeze.

“You... what... err... GAH!” she stammered, embarrassed.

“You’re cute when you’re flustered,” Elusive teased.

“You e-” she tried to say but was interrupted. Their lips were, once again, interlocked in passion. This kiss broke much faster than any others, ending with Sweetie Belle burrowing her head into his chest, and Elusive laying his head happily on top of hers. “You’re still evil!” Sweetie sneered, smirking. This moment would have been more poetic and sweet but somepony had to show up just then... with a bucket of cold water. The couple was now drenched and freezing.

“PINK YOU’RE SO GOING TO GET IT!” they yelled in unison.

-Meanwhile at Applebloom’s-

Applebloom drifted into consciousness slowly and tentatively. She was shocked when she felt her hooves wrapped around something. She smiled when she opened her eyes. She was hugging Rumble, who was still breathing evenly. She nuzzled his underbelly softly, eliciting a content sigh from Rumble. She had to stifle a giggle in order to not wake him up. Rumble stirred slightly but stayed asleep. Applebloom smiled wider and set her head back onto Rumble’s chest. This was enough to wake Rumble up. He took a deep breath and looked at what was laying on him.

“Oh, hey Applebloom,” his eye’s widened the moment the words left his mouth. He looked around frantically. Applebloom began giggling at his frantic movements. Rumble looked down at her. “What, Applejack will kill me if she sees us cuddling!” he said.

Applebloom nuzzled him once again before saying, “If Applejack didn’t kill ya when ya walked into our house carrying me, she won’t kill ya now.” Rumble blushed brightly at her nuzzle. He then took notice to the fact that they were wrapped in each others hooves.

“That makes sense I guess,” Rumble said squeezing her a little tighter. She squeaked and he giggled. “What time is it?” he asked.

Applebloom looked at the nearby clock and answered, “About half past nahne.” Rumble groaned. “What’s tha problem?” Applebloom asked.

“Elusive, Dusk, and I planned on hanging out at ten today,” Rumble answered.

“Why do ya’ll always plan to be together so much?” Applebloom asked, annoyed.

“Well it’s the weekend and we want to hang out as much as possible before school tomorrow,” Rumble said.

“Oh, well that makes sense,” Applebloom said. She frowned into his chest at the thought of him leaving.

“Thinking about it though, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo will probably be there, or at least Scoot,” Rumble offered.

“YES!” Applebloom practically yelled. When she yelled, she also squeezed him tighter.

“A little excited there Applebloom,” Rumble teased. Though he enjoyed the hug, he was still going to torture Applebloom a bit.

“So what if Ah am!?” Applebloom retorted as she squeezed him even tighter. Rumble let out an exasperated breath, feigning pain. Applebloom realized now that she was holding him a little too tight and loosened her grip.

“So we’ll want to get going then, I suppose, is we want to get there on time,” Rumble said.

“Alraht,” Applebloom agreed but made no movement to get up. Rumble went to get up but was pulled back down by Applebloom. “Just... a couple more seconds?” she asked. Rumble smiled and wrapped his hooves around her for an answer. She smiled and nuzzled his chest. They sat there for a few more seconds before Applebloom added, “Ok let’s go.” They left her room and began walking to Dusk’s.

Once Rumble and Applebloom made it to Dusk’s house, they were greeted with a blood curdling shriek of a teenager. The busted through the door, saw the horrific scene before them, and laughed, both with relief and by the hilarity of the sight. Dusk was on top of Scootaloo, pinning her down, with her forehooves crossed above her head, and Dusk was tickling her.

“Ahaha pleeeeeeeease stooooooop,” Scootaloo screamed then noticed their friends in the doorway, “HEEEEEEEEELP!” They didn’t move to help her, instead they opted to laugh at her expense. Scootaloo scowled terrifyingly, forcing them to obey her, and get her away from the tickles! At least she tried to anyway but couldn’t considering she was giggling uncontrollably. Dusk was laughing with her and taking hit after hit from Scoot’s wings. Every hit caused him to tickle faster. “Ahahahahaha pleeeeeeeeaaaaaase stooooooop!” Scootaloo begged, breathlessly. Dusk finally stopped and allowed both him and her to catch their breath. However he did not move to get off of her just yet. Scoot regained her breath and squirmed underneath him. “Let me up!” she commanded.

Dusk now wore a sly smirk, “You’re not in the position to make demands Scoot.” He waved his hoof threateningly and lowered it to her side.

Scootaloo gasped and pleaded, “No, no please, please don’t.” She dropped her tough girl facade and wore a hypnotizingly, cute, begging, pout.

Dusk tried to resist but it was futile. He caved in no time at all, “Alright, I’ll let you up,” he confided. He stood up and held out a helping hoof. She grabbed it pulled him back down and rolled so she was now pinning him to the ground. Scootaloo smirked, evilly, and then spread his hooves apart over his head, pinning them with her own. She flapped her wings to let him know what she had planned for him. “Don’t even think about it Scoot,” Dusk warned. Without a moments hesitation she pushed her wings down to tickle him. Before she had a chance to make contact he leaned his head up and nuzzled her cheek softly. She jumped up, blushing profusely, and punched him.

“How many times do I have to say NO NUZZLING!?” she scolded him. He stood up laughing. Rumble and Applebloom walked up to them, laughing as well. Rumble and Dusk bumped hooves, Applebloom and Scootaloo hugged.

“Now that that is outta the way, whatcha wanna do?” Applebloom asked.

“Well, Elusive isn’t here yet so we can’t go with what we planned yet, want watch some TV while we wait?” Dusk offered. The other three nodded and took a seat in front of the TV. Scootaloo, still miffed at Dusk, sat as far away from him as possible. Dusk smiled and winked at her. She couldn’t help but blush and smile.

Applebloom and Rumble sat next to each other on the couch, Applebloom between Dusk and Rumble. They channel surfed for while before deciding to watch a marathon of ‘The Trotting Dead’.

-Back at Elusives-

“NO NO NO NO NO NO NOOO!” Pink Streaks screamed. Elusive was holding her upside down in his magic holding her above her biggest fear and enemy. THE BATH TUB! Sweetie Belle was in the doorway laughing like none other. Elusive was smiling mischievously at his sister. Pink was inches from the water, her mane almost touching it. “I’M SORRY I’M SORRY PLEASE PUT ME DOWN,” she begs. Elusive’s serious face dissolves as he gives into his sisters demands.

“Ok,” his smirk returns as he says this. He releases his magical hold on her and she falls into the bathtub with a shriek. Elusive then puts a magical bubble around the tub so she can’t escape until she is squeaky clean. Pink tries to jump out of the tub and flattens her face on the bubble.

“WHAT GIVES!?” she yells.

“Not the magical bubble I put around you thats for sure,” Elusive says coyly. She gave Elusive a death glare and decided to get the bath over with. When Elusive noticed she gave in, he lowered the bubble. Pink hadn't noticed and just kept washing. Elusive and Sweetie Belle gave her some privacy.

Sweetie Belle and Elusive walked into his room. Sweetie Belle shoved him onto the bed and began to cuddle with him. Elusive smiled wide and turned his head to look at her. In the background was a large, electric displayed, clock. It read 10:15.

“Crap...” Elusive groaned.

“What’s wrong?” Sweetie asked.

“I planned to hang out with Dusk and Rumble today,” he said.

“Oh...” Sweetie began glumly, she perked up when a thought occurred to her. “OH can I come, Scootaloo will probably be there.” The nervousness in her voice betrayed that she really just wanted to spend more time with him. He smiled wide. He nodded, standing up, and holding out a hoof. She took it in her own and they checked on Pink.

“Squeaky clean!” Pink beamed, showing off her newly clean coat.

“Yes you are, and without all the dirt you look that much cuter!” Sweetie Belle teased. Pink blushed bright and trotted to her room. Elusive stopped her and hugged her. She returned his hug and continued on towards her room.

“Alright lets go Sweets,” Elusive said. Sweetie Belle nodded and followed him to the door. Elusive held the door open like any gentlecolt would. Sweetie Belle knew Rarity was going to adore him. She pecked him on the cheek before continuing out the door. Elusive blushed but smiled as he followed her.

-Back at Dusk’s-

“We live day to day now, we stick together!” said the actor on The Trotting Dead. The fillies and colts were getting drowsy because this was a rerun they saw 5 episodes earlier. Only differences between then and now are that Applebloom was leaning on Rumble dozing in and out of reality, and that Scootaloo and Dusk had, slowly but surely, drifted to each other and were currently cuddling on the loveseat, ironically. Scootaloo had her eyes closed, hooves wrapped around Dusk, and head on his chest slowly falling asleep herself. Dusk and Rumble looked at each other, then the fillies sleeping on them, and air brohoofed. After their average teen boy ritual was done they looked at the fillies sleeping on them. Dusk smiled wide and wrapped his hooves around her neck, pulling her closer. Scootaloo sighed happily. She nuzzled his chest and put her ear to his ribs and let his heart rock her to sleep.

Applebloom was leaning into Rumble, her head buried into his neck, hoof on his chest, and her other hoof around his back. Rumble was smiling the dumbest teenager smile anypony has ever seen... in the last five minutes. She nuzzled his neck and and fully drifted to sleep. Rumble smiled and laid his head onto Applebloom’s, nodding off as well. Dusk smiled at his friends. He did everything he could to stay awake. He almost failed before he heard a soft knock on the door. He was going to get up and get the door but Scootaloo had him pinned to the couch. The knock recurred again, only louder. His friends stirred. He did not want them to wake up so he used his magic to open the door for the unknown visitors. When Dusk saw that it was Elusive and Sweetie Belle, he waved them in.

Elusive and Sweetie Bell walked in with confused smiles. Elusive whispered into Dusk’s ear asking what was going on. Dusk’s answer made him stifle a laugh. Sweetie Belle was still standing there confused as Elusive returned to her.

“Apparently we are taking a nap before we go out and have fun,” Elusive said, a hint of laughter in his voice. Sweetie Belle mentally giggled. “I guess we should join them,” Elusive coyly added. Sweet Celestia AGAIN WITH THE VOICE!? Sweetie Belle screamed in her mind. Elusive made a move to sit on a chair but Dusk stopped him with his magic. Elusive tilted his head at Dusk’s actions. Dusk wore and evil smirk as he levitated two body pillows and a blanket to his friend. Elusive caught on and smiled at Dusk. Sweetie Belle caught on as well. She blushed brightly when Elusive put the pillows down next to her. He plopped onto the pillows covering them both.

Sweetie Belle’s face morphed into a slightly seductive pout, “You aren’t gonna share?” she, rhetorically, asked. Elusive blushed and moved himself so she had room. Sweetie Belle laid down, more on Elusive than the pillow, and closed her eyes. She nuzzles his chest before she said, “Much better.” Elusive’s blushed brighter when she wrapped her hooves around him, pulling herself closer to him. He wrapped his hooves around her and drifted off to sleep. Sweetie Belle traced a hoof up and down Elusive’s chest, slowly but surely drifting to sleep herself.

Dusk looked around the room, wearing a toothy grin. This was perfect. His two best friends being cradled by girls who, clearly, love them. They looked so content and happy. Dusk sighed. Too bad I don’t have somepony who loves me... he thought sadly. Well there is Scootaloo, but nah she doesn’t love me... Dusk thought, dumbly oblivious to the fact that she was sleeping on him. He smiled still happy for his friends. He looked down at Scootaloo, who was blushing faintly and smiling. He nuzzled her mane, which cause Scoot to subconsciously grumble about nuzzles, and kissed her forehead. She smiled, blushed brighter, and snuggled in closer to him. Dusk smiled wider at her and slipped into a dreamland, a dreamland that has Scootaloo as it’s main topic.

Dusk was the first to wake of the ponies. He shook his head softly, some of his mane fell into his face. He moved the hair from his face and looked around. Everyone was still asleep. His smile returned with force. His mind wandered as he sat there in silence looking at his sleeping friends. He leaned back and let out a content sigh, now staring at the ceiling. He felt a weight shift on top of him, followed by seeing Scootaloo’s tired, smiling, face. He noticed her eyes were half lidded, hinting that she may still be a bit asleep.

“Hey Duskie,” Scootaloo said, smiling wider.

“Hey Sleepaloo,” Dusk retorted with a smile of his own.

She shook her head and leaned a bit closer to him. She whispered, “Clever.” Dusk blushed at the tone in her voice. She leaned closer and nuzzled him. He was about to go off on another, she can nuzzle him but it can’t work the other way around, rampage, when Scootaloo put a hoof to his lips. “Shh,” she hushed. Dusk’s eyes widened, blush brightened, and heart beated faster. Scootaloo smiled at the effect she was having on him. She leaned closer and nuzzled his cheek. He was, once again, going to make a comment only to be stopped when Scootaloo kissed his cheek. She looked at him with half lidded eyes. Dusk looked at her smirking.

“Can’t resist, can you?” Dusk teased.

“No, no I can’t,” Scootaloo answered with a sultry tone. She leaned closer to him. Their lips were inches apart. Dusk smirked when he saw Scoots lower lip quivering, just begging to be kissed. He made no move to oblige. Dusk loved torturing Scootaloo, it usually lead to him getting hit but he didn’t mind, she was so cute when she wanted something but couldn’t get it. Normally he would end up giving her what she wanted but not until he enjoyed seeing her squirm and complain for what she wanted. Something about Scootaloo right now that made him want nothing more than give her what she wanted. Dusk didn’t notice that now his lip was quivering too. Scootaloo noticed this. Sweet Sweet revenge. She mused in her mind. Dusk however would have none of that. He leaned up and kissed her softly and pulled away. Scootaloo gasped and blushed bright. She then smiled wide and leaned down to kiss him back. She almost made contact when his hoof came gently to her lips.

“Not here, not now,” Dusk said. He motioned his hoof around the room. Scootaloo realized why he didn’t want to continue kissing her. Their friends were waking up. Scootaloo managed what could only be described as a frown and a smile at the same time.

“Ok...” she whispered into his ear, “but I’m not done with you yet.” Dusk blushed at what she said and waited for what she was about to do. He waited... and waited... and waited. She put a hoof over his mouth and punched him, hard, in the chest. His yelp of pain was muffled by her hoof. He pulled her hoof from his mouth.

“Ow, not cool!” He complained. She just smiled, moved down his body, and lay her head on his chest. His heartbeat lulled her into a daze once again. Dusk tried to stay mad but knew he couldn’t. He looked down at Scootaloo’s purple mane. Just as wind whipped as I’ve ever seen it. He thought, smiling. His eyelids grew heavy and he drifts off once again as his other friends wake up.

Elusive, Rumble, and Applebloom woke up just as Dusk slipped back to sleep. They all looked around from their spots, seeing if anypony else was awake. Applebloom was the first to notice she wasn’t the only one awake when she felt Rumble looking around. Without so much as a forethought she nuzzled his neck, not caring who saw. Rumble blushed and smiled, squeezing Applebloom a little tighter. She squeaked softly and continued to nuzzle his neck.

Elusive didn’t notice really, he was focused on the filly sleeping on him. Elusive nuzzled the top of Sweetie Belle’s head, that foreign feeling from earlier has returned. Not that he minds, he likes the feeling, it’s just new to him. Sweetie Belle felt his nuzzle through her dream which cause her to wake up. She moved a little, then realized that she had been sleeping on Elusive. He smiled and nuzzled her again, showing that he was awake. She nuzzled his chest in return. Sweetie Belle leaned up and kissed his cheek. Elusive blushed and looked down at the filly. Sweetie was wearing an impish smirk. He leaned down and nosed her forehead. She laid her head back on his chest. They laid there in each others hooves, waiting for anypony else to make a move until they broke apart.

Scootaloo woke up next. She looked up and Dusk, noticing he was still asleep. She looked around the room and saw that the others were awake. She got off of Dusk and made sure he stayed asleep. He stirred, grasping for where Scootaloo had been. She grabbed a pillow and put it in his hooves. Scootaloo tiphoofed to Rumble and Applebloom.

“Hey guys you wanna see something funny?” Scootaloo whispered. They nodded and waited for whatever Scootaloo was going to do. She walked to Sweets and Elusive, asked the same thing, then went to the kitchen after they nodded. She held a glass of freezing, cold, water, walking towards Dusk. The others caught on and stifled laughs as she drew closer. She tossed the water onto Dusk and watched as chaos unfolded.

Dusk woke up with a start. “Ahh, what the buck!” he screamed, his friends burst into laughter. Dusk looked around frantically looking for what had happened. wet coat, wet loveseat, everypony laughing, Scootaloo with a glass. Dusk mentally calculated. “Faust damn it Scootaloo!” he said. Scootaloo looked at him with a devilish smirk and a cocky look in her eyes. He ran to her and made it look like he was going to tackle her. She didn’t even flinch, still wearing the same look. She set the glass down before Dusk said, “You asked for it!” She punched him in the chest before he could nuzzle her.

“No nuzzles!” Scootaloo stated. Dusk just smiled. The others were still laughing like none other. Dusk suddenly felt a strange disturbance. He felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand.

“Uhh... I gotta... use the bathroom really quick, be right back,” Dusk said. The others nodded. He left the room as they started talking about random things. Dusk snuck to his room and looked out of the window. Then he saw it. He snuck out the back door.

-Outside of Dusk’s house-

How dare that slut do this after rejecting me! Bronze Hair thought from behind his hiding spot in the bushes. He’d been there since Rumble and Applebloom arrived. He had a close call and was almost seen by Elusive and Sweetie Belle. Stupid bitch dare to sleep with somepony else after what she did to me! Bronze mentally cursed. He watched Scootaloo’s stupid prank as it went on. Stupid foals. He thought. He watched Dusk walk out of the room saying something about going to the bathroom. Now he watched as his stupid slut chit chatted with the four other morons. What a dumb bi- He almost finished thinking before being lifted into the air by magic.

“WHO THE BUCK ARE YOU!?” Dusk yelled at Bronze.

“WHAT’S IT TO YOU!” Bronze countered.

“Oh, no reason just, YOUR OUTSIDE OF MY HOUSE WATCHING MY FRIENDS!” Dusk yelled.

“THAT STUPID SLUT IN THERE OWES ME!” Bronze accidentally admitted. Dusk was mad as Tartarus and galloped, carrying Bronze with him, to the front door. He opened it and threw Bronze in, holding him down with his magic.

“DO ANY OF YOU KNOW HIM!?” Dusk screamed. Everypony looked at the pinned pony. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Elusive were confused. Applebloom and Rumble, however, were pissed.

“Bronze Hair whatr ya doin here!” Applebloom questioned. Bronze went to answer but before he could say anything Rumble had a hoof on his temple, pressing down somewhat forcefully.

“THIS BUCKER TRIED TO RAPE APPLEBLOOM LAST NIGHT!” Rumble fumed. Now Sweetie, Elusive, and Scoot were pissed. Dusk, however, had reached a level of pissed he’d hoped to never see again.

“Get away from him Rumble,” Dusk said softly, his voice dripping with anger.

“But--” Rumble said.

“BACK OFF!” Dusk screamed. Rumble knew about this pissed off state that Dusk was in, but had never seen in first hoof. He backed away from Bronze hair and left him at Dusk’s disposal. The three fillies looked at Dusk with fear in their eyes. Elusive and Rumble were ready to pounce on Dusk to stop him from doing something he may regret. Dusk lifted Bronze to the doorway in his magic. Bronze looked at Dusk, back towards the door, seething with rage.

“Leave now or regret it,” Dusk warned. This only made Bronze more angry.

“Oh yeah, and what if i do-” Bronze almost mocked, before being interrupted by Dusk’s hoof squeezing his throat.

“Get. The. Buck. Out. Of. My. HOUSE!” Dusk punctuated every word before throwing Bronze through the doorway. Bronze landed outside of the house on his back, gasping, breathless, and scared. He galloped away as fast as his hooves could carry him. Dusk closed the door slowly. He stood there for a moment bathing in his rage. He turned to his friends calming down. The fillies were scared out of their minds and his two best friends still ready to stop him in case he did something. When he saw Scootaloo standing there scared, his heart sank so low that the anger was gone instantly, followed only by depression and regret. “I... I... I’m sorry,” He said before sprinting to his room tears flowing down his face.

Elusive was the first to sprint up the stairs, followed closely by Rumble. The Crusaders stood there mouth agape in fear and awe. Scootaloo suddenly felt her own heart sink.

“Lets go check on him,” Scootaloo said. The other two nodded and followed her up the stairs only to find Elusive and Rumble standing outside of his door. “Ho-how is he?” Scootaloo stammered.

“He locked the door and put a magic field around it,” Elusive answered fearfully.

“Then how do we get to him?” Scootaloo hopelessly asked. Elusive just shook his head glumly. Scootaloo began to cry. She banged on the door and yelled, “Dusk! Dusk let me in it’s Scoot!” No answer. Elusive put a hoof on her shoulder.

“He can only come out on his own... there is no way in,” Elusive said sorrowfully.

“No! No I refuse to believe that!” She screamed. She repeatedly slammed on the door screaming out to Dusk hoping he would answer. He never did. She collapsed onto the floor sobbing. Sweetie Belle and Applebloom tried to comfort her. They did everything they could to cheer her up but to no avail. Scootaloo suddenly shot up and sprinted down the stairs and out the door. The other four stood there exchanging worried looks.

Scootaloo jumped and tried to fly. She tried with all her might but she just couldn’t. After all these years she had still not been taught how to fly. She resorted to climbing up to his room using vines that lined his house. She made a leap to his window sill and threw the window open. She dove inside and looked for Dusk. He looked at her from his bed, his eyes red and puffy. Scootaloo galloped to him, her eyes equally as red and puffy. She dove onto him, hugging him.

“DON’T YOU EVER DO THAT TO ME AGAIN DUSK!” Scootaloo screamed, “I WAS SO WORRIED!” she squeezed him tightly. She was crying heavily into his chest holding him closer with every word. “DUSK NEVER, EVER, EVER, DO THAT AGAIN! LET US IN NEXT TIME SO WE CAN HELP!” Scootaloo screamed. Dusk was lost, he thought she was yelling at him about what he did to Bronze, not about not letting them in. He just lay there waiting. Scootaloo ran out of words. She leaned her head back and looked at him teary eyed. Dusk stared into her eyes and wiped the tears from her eyes. He placed his hoof on her cheek. She leaned her head onto it, closing her eyes, savoring the contact and progress she made on getting him to open up. She looked past his hoof and into his eyes. He stared back into hers. Scootaloo leaned down and kissed him square on the lips. The sheer, raw, emotion being transferred through the kiss was overwhelming. Their lips were locked for minute after minute. When the abundance of emotion began to wear thin, they broke the kiss and held each other.

“Scootaloo I’m sorry,” Dusk apologized.

“It’s ok Dusk,” Scootaloo said, with a blissfully happy look in her eyes. Dusk smiled and nuzzled her forehead.

For once she didn’t care much, she merely said, “Don’t.” They left the nuzzles at that. They held each other a good long time, smiling all the while.

-Outside the door-

The other four listened to Scootaloo scream until it came to a sudden halt. They looked at each other. Three of them nervous. Elusive however was smiling.

“Wahy are ya smiling?” Applebloom asked.

“I know Dusk well enough to know Scoot broke through to him,” Elusive answered happily. The others smiled now as well. The four sat there and waited for Scootaloo and Dusk to come out.

After a long while the two finally came out. They were leaning into each other smiling.

“Ahehheh, sorry about that guys,” Dusk apologized.

“Don’t worry about it Dusk,” Rumble reassured. Applebloom and Sweetie nodded in agreement. Elusive held out a hoof. Dusk bumped it with his own. All six of them walked down Dusk’s home’s hallway. They were all smiling contently. Dusk and Scootaloo brought up the rear. Scootaloo then suddenly remembered a question she’s been meaning to ask.

“Hey Dusk I’ve been meaning to ask you something,” Scootaloo said.

“What might that be Scoots?” Dusk asked.

“Where is your dad, I mean I’ve never seen him,” Scootaloo asked. Dusk suddenly stopped walking and stood rigid. Elusive and Rumble stopped as well, with pained expressions on their face. They’ve heard this hundreds of times but it never gets easier to hear. Sweetie Belle and Applebloom looked at each other nervously.

“He... um... kind of...” Dusk fumbled with his words. Scootaloo looked at him anxiously.

Dusk cleared his throat before continuing, “He... killed himself.”

Chapter 4: Day's end and School

View Online

Colts Meet Crusaders

By: Dusk_Shine6995

Chapter 4: Day’s end and School.

“He... He what?” Scootaloo stammered. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle’s jaws were on the floor. Elusive and Rumble had their eyes closed in pain.

“He jumped off Canterlot Castle... he was an earth pony,” Dusk said only slightly pained. He walked up to Scootaloo and wrapped a hoof around her shoulders. “It’s alright though... it was long ago and I’m over it.” Dusk tried to assure. Scootaloo tackled him to the ground hugging him.

“How could you get over something like that!” Scootaloo yelled into his neck. He patted her back softly and rubbed her mane with the other hoof.

“Time is the best answer I guess,” Dusk whispered. Scootaloo was awestruck at this newfound truth. She hugged him as tight as she could. Dusk didn’t complain. Scootaloo nuzzled his neck affectionately. Dusk fought the urge to make the nuzzle joke... he lost. “AGAIN WITH THE NUZZLES!” he overdramatically yelled. Scootaloo giggled into his neck smiling wide. The other four burst into laughter as well. “Well... I’m sorry to say everypony but it’s, like, nine and we got school tomorrow,” Dusk said sorrowfully. His friends giggled at him but knew he was right.

“Alraht I spose we should all head home,” Applebloom agreed. Elusive held his ever popular stoic attitude and just nodded.

“Yeah... OH CRAP MY MOM IS GOING TO BE PISSED I WAS SUPPOSED TO BE HOME EARLY TODAY!” Rumble yelled. Everypony laughed at him.

“I should get home as well, Rarity is probably worried sick,” Sweetie Belle noted. Scootaloo, whom was still hugging Dusk, whimpered knowing that she’d have to go home, if only to get her school supplies.

“Scoots... want me to walk you home?” Dusk whispered into her ear. She nodded slowly. The other four moved to leave. They waited at the bottom of the staircase for Dusk and Scootaloo. Dusk waited for Scootaloo to get off of him. She made no move to end their hug. “Scootaloo,” Dusk whispered directly into her ear, “I’ll keep you safe, I know someone who can make it so I can walk on clouds, so I’ll be with you when you go inside, alright?” Scootaloo’s eyes teared up. ‘He’s willing to go so far for me...’ she mentally beamed. She nodded and got off of him. He popped up and wrapped a hoof around her, softly hugging her, before he went down to bid his friends goodbye.

Everyone except Scootaloo was now gone from Dusk’s house. The moment Dusk closed the door and turned around he was met with Scootaloo’s lips. He entrapped in the kiss within seconds. Scootaloo pressed harder into his lips. Dusk was enjoying this no doubt but begrudgingly he pushed her away. Scootaloo looked into his eyes, smiling.

“Alright now we can go,” Scootaloo chided and walked out the door with a spring in her step. Dusk stood there mouth agape. “Duskiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeee,” Scootaloo beckoned, with a very sultry tone. A tone that Dusk was helplessly drawn to. He bolted out the house to her side, slamming the door behind him. Scootaloo giggled then punched him in the chest. Dusk shook his head and smiled.

“Alright smart flank let’s go to my cousins so I can get that cloud walking spell,” Dusk nodded his head in the opposite direction of Scootaloo’s house. Scootaloo leaned into him ready to walk to his cousins. Dusk however wasn’t going to let her get away with punching him. His horn ignited and the next thing Scootaloo knew they were outside Ponyville Library. Scootaloo was dizzy and started falling. Dusk kneeled down and she fell onto his back. He opened the door to the library and walked in.

“Spike, Twilight, either of you home?” Dusk yelled.

“Be down in a second!” Dusk heard Twilight yell in response. Twilight sprinted down the stairs moments later. When she saw Scootaloo in a daze on Dusk’s back she gasped.

“It’s ok Twilight, it was her first time teleporting,” Dusk said calmingly, while smiling cockily. Twilight’s eyes widened, not out of fear but awe.

“Nice improvement Dusk, where did you teleport from?” Twilight asked quizzically.

Dusk smirked before saying, “My house.” Twilight’s jaw dropped.

“Impressive improvement Dusk!” she complimented.

“Thanks Twi, but there’s a reason I came here,” Dusk said in a stern tone he picked up from Twilight herself.

“And that would be?” Twilight asked. Scootaloo had just now gotten her head straightened out and was no longer dizzy. She however didn’t move, opting to enjoy the fact that Dusk was carrying her.

“Scootaloo’s father... isn’t exactly the nicest of ponies,” Dusk began before being interrupted by Twilight raising her hoof.

“I already know about him... let me guess, cloud walking spell so you can keep her safe?” Twilight guessed perfectly.

“Yes... how do you know about her father?” Dusk asked. Scootaloo’s ears perked up in order to hear this as well.

“Rainbow Dash tells us every now and again about how Scootaloo has bruises that aren’t from her crusader antics... we’ve been trying to get her into Rainbow Dash’s care for years,” Twilight explained. Dusk’s jaw dropped. Scootaloo teared up.

“Do-Do you mean that Twilight Sparkle?” Scootaloo quietly asked.

“Yes Scootaloo I do,” Twilight answered. Scootaloo cried tears of joy into Dusk’s neck. Twilight smiled. ‘Young love’ Twilight inwardly said. Dusk raised a hoof to Scootaloo’s and gave it small squeeze.

“Twilight, mind doing the cloud walking spell now please?” Dusk asked. Twilight nodded and ignited her horn.

“Alright that should do it,” Twilight said moments later.

“Sweet thanks Twilight,” Dusk thanked.

His horn ignited and was about to teleport before Twilight spoke up, “Shouldn’t you tell Scootaloo how to make it through the teleportation without being disorientated?”

Dusk facehooved at his own stupidity, “Take a deep breath Scoot,” He said. She did as she was told and then was snapped out of reality for the second time that day.

When they reappeared Scootaloo noticed that she wasn’t dizzy and they were a little ways away from her house. Dusk dropped to a knee. Scootaloo hopped off of him nervously. “Dusk are you ok?” She asked wearily.

“Yeah I’m fine, just need a moment to collect myself,” He chuckled lightly before continuing, “That’s what I get for showing off.” Scootaloo smiled and helped him up. “Alright let’s get going Scoot,” He said. She leaned into him as they walked the rest of the way. He wore a happy smirk as they walked, a smirk that was slowly turning into a scowl the closer they got to Scootaloo’s house.

They were now standing underneath Scootaloo’s house looking up at it.

“Bet that plothole did this on purpose,” Scootaloo grumbled.

“It’s alright Scoot, now you got me here to help out,” Dusk comforted. Scootaloo leaned into him more and took a deep breath. Dusk teleported them up to her home. Scootaloo gulped as they stood outside the door to her house. She shivered nervously. Dusk took her hoof into his and kissed her cheek. “It’s ok Scoots, I’m here for you,” Dusk whispered into her ear. She smiled and blushed. She then opened the door and walked in. Dusk followed close, ready to beat her father on a moments notice. They looked around and realized at the same time that her dad wasn’t home.

“Phew, thank Celestia,” Scootaloo said, relieved. She walked up the stairs. Dusk followed thoughtlessly. Scootaloo opened the door to her small room and walked in. Dusk went in as well and closed the door slowly behind him and locked it. ‘Should stop the drunk buck from getting in’ He calculated mentally. He turned around and was met with a pleasant surprise. Scootaloo was laying in her bed, her head resting on one hoof while the other patted the open spot next to her. As tempting as it was, Dusk walked over to her shaking his head.

“You know I can’t stay Scoot,” He said.

“I know you can’t stay but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy ourselves a little before you go,” Scootaloo cooed. Dusk blushed bright, ‘She has a point’ he thought. Dusk climbed into her bed and wrapped a hoof around her. She hugged him back, pulling herself closer. Dusk smirked as he looked down at her. ‘Oh no what’s he plan-’ Scootaloo thought before Dusk nuzzled her nose. She went to punch him only to find out he teleported away before she could.

“I’m going to get you for that Dusk!” She screamed. Dusk, whom was now standing underneath Scootaloo’s house, laughed hysterically when he heard Scootaloo yell. He teleported to his room next and fell asleep shortly after laying down.

*The next day at school*

“Hey Scootaloo, how’d you sleep?” Sweetie Belle asked at their usual crusader meeting spot.

“Like a foal,” Scootaloo answered.

“Anythin excitin happen with Dusk?” Applebloom teased.

“No, what about you and Rumble?” Scootaloo countered. Applebloom blushed and looked away. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle snickered. Their fun was abruptly ended at the sound of a very familiar and very obnoxious trio of voices.

They then saw the three evilest fillies ever to exist. Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, and Twist. Twist was way different than from when they were in elementary after Spoon and Diamond got their hooves on her. They put Twist through plastic surgery making her look more like them and taught her how to act the part. Along with those three were their latest boy toys. Snips, Snails, and Featherweight. All three of the colts following like dogs on a leash.

“Well, well, well if it isn’t a whore mark crusaders,” Diamond Tiara chided.

“Back off Diamond I’m not in the mood for it,” Scootaloo growled.

“Oh what’s wrong, get bucked a little too hard last night?” Twist mocked.

“Oh that’s soooo funny,” Scootaloo grumbled.

“Aw calm down Slutaloo we’re only playing,” Silver Spoon teased. Scootaloo almost lost it.

“THAT’S IT!” Scootaloo screamed. She went to pound the three bitches into the dirt but was held back by Sweetie Belle and Applebloom.

“That’s right sluts hold her back,” Diamond Tiara mused aloud.

“Funny words coming from top slut of the school,” and unknown voice said. All nine of the ponies looked around for the voice, confused looks on their face. “Up here,” the voice said again. The nine ponies all looked up and saw somepony in the shadows of a perch on the school.

“The Outcast...” Silver Spoon said in awe.

The Outcast was a pony, he wore a black hoodie, black hoof shoes, and a wrap around his tail, so nopony could recognise him. He was currently sitting awkwardly with his back against the ‘H’ on “Ponyville High” forelegs crossed in front of his chest and hind legs crossed in front of him.

“Wh-wha-what do you want Outcast!?” Scootaloo said, trying to be tough. The Outcast stood on his perch looking down at them. When he stood fear overtook Scootaloo and she shied away. Everypony was afraid of The Outcast, even the bulkiest of jocks. He was a mysterious one, nopony could approach him, and every filly wanted him to herself.

“I want to shut up a stupid slut,” he said in a deep voice.

“Exactly what I was doing,” Diamond Tiara chimed in happily thinking The Outcast was on her side.

“I didn’t mean Scootaloo,” The Outcast said venom in his voice. He jumped down from his perch and landed right next to Scootaloo, who jumped away scared. The three colts tailing Silver, Twist, and Diamond bolted away frightened. The six fillies wanted to run but were entrapped in his mystery. The Outcast took a step towards Diamond Tiara. He raised a hoof and pointed at her and her cronies before speaking, “You three... are nothing but spoiled rotten sluts who do nothing more that berate or buck other ponies for your own self satisfaction.” Diamond Tiara was drifting closer to him, trying to be the ONE girl who could get satisfaction from him, despite his insults. She almost had her head to his hoof when he pulled it away. “Exactly my point you spoiled bitch, now run home to your daddies and get the buck out of everypony’s face,” The Outcast warned. The three fillies didn’t dare deny him. They bolted away from the school tails between their legs.

The Crusaders watched in awe as The Outcast stood up for them. Then he turned around causing them to gasp and flinch. He raised his hoof again and pointed at the crusaders, “You three... are sweet ponies who deserve the best in life,” he said. The Crusaders stayed in there place and waited for more. He took a step towards Scootaloo and whispered into her ear, “You... deserve somepony to care for you and love you each and every day.” Scootaloo’s eyelids and wings fluttered at the sound of his voice, it sounded almost... familiar. He took a small step back and looked Scootaloo in the eyes. Scootaloo couldn’t reciprocate the action for his eyes were covered in the shadows of his hood. He brought a hoof to Scootaloo’s chin. She shivered in fear and delight. He raised a hoof to the tip of his hoof and slowly pulled back the hood of his shirt. Then he suddenly whipped his hood all the way back and kissed Scootaloo right on the lips. Her eyes widened and closed immediately.

The Outcast broke the kiss and took a step back, waiting for Scootaloo to see his true face. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle looked at him, mouths agape. Scootaloo’s eyes opened after a bit. When she saw the face of The Outcast her jaw hit the floor and she was at a loss of words.

“Surprised?” he said with a cocky smirk on his face. Scootaloo was dumbfounded. ‘How in Celestia’s and Luna’s name is HE The Outcast’ she screamed in her mind.

“Wha... how the... when... huh!?” Scootaloo managed. The Outcast put a hoof to her chin once again. Scootaloo froze in place.

“I’ve always been The Outcast, Scoots,” He said calmly before kissing her again. Scootaloo leaned into this kiss and enjoyed every second of it. She broke away after a bit and punched him in the ribs.

“THATS FOR NUZZLING ME LAST NIGHT DUSK!” she yelled, regaining her girly roughness. Dusk just laughed and hugged her close.

“Well congratulations Crusaders, you now know the true identity of The Outcast,” Dusk joked.

“Information that anypony would kill to get their hooves on,” Sweetie Belle joked as well.

“Know what else any filly would kill for Sweets?” Dusk rhetorically asked. They didn’t know what he was hinting at so he took the initiative. “This,” he said quickly before kissing Scootaloo. She gasped before melting into the kiss.

“So all this tahme you’ve been Tha Outcast?” Applebloom asked when they stopped kissing. Dusk nodded with his usual cocky smirk. “So that means ya were tha one who stopped us from getting our cutie marks as Tha Cutie Mark Crusaders Detectives?” she inquired. Dusk smiled and blushed at the memory.

“Yeah that was me... sorry about that,” Dusk apologized.

“It’s alright, being detectives wasn’t all that fun anyway,” Sweetie Belle commented.

“Well this is all well in good but in the end we still don’t have our cutie marks,” Scootaloo sullenly added. The other Crusaders mood dropped as well. This left Dusk in quite the predicament, he’s in the middle of the one thing he hates above all else... sad girls. ‘Alright Dusk think... think think think think think... thinkthinkthinkthinkthinkthinkthink... AHA!’

“Well Crusaders, I have an idea about all of our cutie marks, not just you three but Elusive, Rumble, and me as well,” Dusk said in a sing song tone. The Crusaders looked at him. They were nervous and excited for what he had to say. “Thinking back on all the times we’ve met in the past, the things we all love doing, and the things we are good at...” Dusk listed off tapping a hoof to his chin.

“Aaaaaand?” Scootaloo pleaded for him to go on. Suddenly Dusk heard the sound of filly voices. He whipped his hood back over his head and stepped closer to The Crusaders.

“I’ll meet you guys at my place after school,” The Outcast whispered to the crusaders, returning to his lower toned voice. He leaned closer to Scootaloo, though she knew it was Dusk she still shivered. He whispered, “I’ll see ‘you’ very soon.” Scootaloo shuddered nervously. He kissed her cheek and take a couple steps back. The Crusaders looked at him.”See you later,” The Outcast said quietly before jumping into the sky and disappearing. How he disappeared they will never know.

“You realize once they find out he’s Dusk every filly in school is going to want your hide right?” Sweetie Belle pointed out.

“Let them try and kill me...” Scootaloo began with a gleam in her eye, “I have The Outcast protecting me now.” Her friends smiled. The fillies who were walking past, that made Dusk take off, looked over at the crusaders and giggled lightly, joking about blank flanks. Scootaloo growled, scaring them off. “I hope Dusk is on to something, we’ve tried everything!” Scootaloo grumbled.

“Yeah I hope he has, at the very least, something to get us started,” Sweetie Belle agreed.

“Well there’s no use sittin here grumblin ‘bout it,” Applebloom began, “Let’s take this day on so that we can get ta Dusk’s quicker!” Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle agreed as they trotted off to class.

*In Class*

“Scootaloo head up,” the teacher said. Scootaloo lifted her sleepy head off of the desk.

“Sorry Ms. C,” Scootaloo apologized. The teacher nodded and went back to her lecture.

“Uhhg I’m so bored!” Sweetie Belle mumbled. Algebra was never a fun class, especially when they didn’t understand what was going on.

“Ah know rahght!” Applebloom grumbled in agreement.

“Don’t even get me started,” Scootaloo moaned in agony. The whole class was at a loss of what she was doing, occasionally they picked up on what was going on but it never stuck. Everypony in the room was nodding in and out of reality when suddenly the door flew open.

“Sorry I’m late, Ms. Cherry Sparkle,” Dusk shouted. Everypony jumped in their seats. Dusk looked sheepishly at his teacher. She gave him a stern look.

“Same reason as always, Dusk?” Cherry said. He nodded, blushing bright. “Well since you were kind enough to join us today mind solving the problem for the class?” She said. ‘Oh ultimate punishment that’s gotta suck Duskie.’ Scootaloo giggled inwardly. Dusk looked at the board and mouthed some words.

“Twenty Four times the square root of five over seven,” Dusk answered. The whole class mouths dropped. Dusk wasn’t one for being at Algebra class, even though Cherry Sparkle was his favorite teacher, and yet he still understood every bit of the lesson.

Cherry looked at the board before speaking, “Impressive Dusk... tell you what Dusk, if you can answer this next problem no assignment for the week.” The whole class gasped, all the girls had pleading looks silently thinking ‘PLEASE GET THIS RIGHT!’, and the guys’ look said ‘GET THIS RIGHT OR DIE!’, Dusk smirked.

“Hit me with your best shot,” Dusk said. Cherry smiled at him and wrote down the problem. A very complex problem that nopony but Twilight Sparkle could do mentally without proper teaching. Dusk stared at the problem for a moment.

“Got you didn’-” Cherry almost said before being interrupted by Dusk raising a hoof. “Go ahead,” Cherry mused with a cocky smirk.

Dusk took a deep breath before answering, “Fifty Nine plus or minus negative Fourty Eight times I time the square root of Twenty Nine over sixteen thousand nine hundred and thirty three.” Dusk released his breath and smiled wide.

Ms. Cherry’s jaw dropped, “How in the name of Luna did you do that!”

“When Twilight Sparkle is your cousin, you tend to learn a lot,” Dusk said cockily.

“Well, a deals a deal,” Cherry began, “No homework for the week.” The class went nuts. The room was filled with whoops, yells, and praises. Scootaloo resisted the urge to gallop up there and hug him. “Alright, alright settle down,” Cherry said. Dusk looked around the class, when he saw Scootaloo sitting there his heart soared. He took a seat next to her after the noise died down. She made sure no one was looking, nopony was, and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.

“That’s for making it so that we had no homework,” Scootaloo whispered into his ear. Dusk just smirked and blushed as he sat back in his seat. The class went on without much of a hitch.

When Algebra ended they all rushed out of the room for free period. Scootaloo saw Dusk bolting through the hallway. She took it as a challenge and followed him. She had a little trouble keeping up but managed to stay with him. Dusk made a turn suddenly, Scootaloo followed. When she rounded the corner Dusk was gone. She continued down the dark hallway nervously.

“Dusk...” no answer, “Dusk come out this isn’t funny,” Scootaloo spoke nervously. There was a loud bang behind Scootaloo. She yelped in surprise and turned around. What she saw made her jaw drop. A bunch of Hoofball players were trying to have their way with one of her classmates.

“NO NO GET OFF OF ME!” the filly screamed. There was a loud slap was heard, followed by muffled scream.

“This is going to be fun,” one of the hoofball plays said demonically.

“GET AWAY FROM HER!” Scootaloo screamed. She charged the hoofball players. She managed to knock the filly free and pull her away from the jocks. The frightened filly clung to Scootaloo. “Get behind me,” Scootaloo ordered. The filly obliged and stood behind Scootaloo.

“Well well well boys, seems like we have a two for one day,” the quarterback said, maniacally. Scootaloo shuddered and took an aggressive stance.

“BUCK OFF YOU’RE NOT GETTING EITHER OF US!” Scootaloo yelled.

One of the players licked his lips before saying, “Mmmm I like em feisty!” Scootaloo gulped as the hoofball players prepared to charge.

“Don’t even think about it,” threatened an unknown voice. The Outcast jumped out from the shadows in between Scootaloo and the hoofball players. “Make the mistake of taking one more step closer to them and you will regret it for the rest of your life,” The Outcast warned. All of the hoofball players, except the quarterback, took a step back. The quarterback took a step closer to The Outcast.

“And what are you going to do about it, huh, Outcast?” the quarterback chided. His teammates gave unsure glances to each other.

“Come at me bro, and find out,” The Outcast responded. The quarterback charged The Outcast and threw a wild punch. The Outcast ducked, grabbed the offending hoof, spun around, propped the QB on his back, spun around again, and threw him at the feet of his teammates. They looked from their captain to The Outcast. The Outcast walked closer to the hoofball players. He whispered, “Boo.” The hoofballers grabbed their QB and ran. He walked back and past Scootaloo, whom’s mouth was agape at his strength, to the filly the hoofballers were trying to have their way with. “It’s OK, go tell the principal, tell him Outcast sent you, tell him exactly what happened, and he’ll take care of them alright?” he whispered into her ear. She nodded and sprinted towards the office. Dusk took the hood off and walked up behind Scootaloo. He put his mouth centimeters from her ear and whispered, “Keep at it like this and I’m going to start charging you for it.” Scootaloo shivered from his voice and turned to him smiling.

“You need to use that voice more often I like it,” Scootaloo cooed. Dusk went to make a snappy comment but was interrupted by Scootaloo putting a hoof to his lips. “How did you do that to Trueshot?” Scootaloo asked, bringing up the prior events.

“I used levitation magic for the throw, the rest is just training I guess,” Dusk answered nonchalantly.

“What kind of training were you doing?!” Scootaloo asked.

“Self defense training, never hurts to be prepared,” Dusk answered. Scootaloo shook her head and put a hoof on Dusk’s cheek. Dusk blushed and looked into her eyes. Scootaloo leaned in to kiss Dusk. He closed his eyes and waited for her to meet him. Scootaloo didn’t kiss him however, she instead shoved his head and hid in the shadows.

“You’re going to have to earn it Outcast,” Scootaloo beckoned. They snuck around, Dusk trying to catch Scootaloo for a few minutes. Scootaloo rounded a corner and hid within the shadows. She could hear Dusk’s hoofsteps but couldn’t place where they were coming from. She slunk down to the floor and began to peek around the corner. His hoof steps stopped. She peeked fully around the corner, he was nowhere to be seen. She sat back up. She felt a hoof wrap around her stomach and another cover her mouth. She screamed into the hoof.

“Shhh it’s only me Scoots,” Dusk whispered in his Outcast voice. Scootaloo’s eyes and wings fluttered. Dusk removed the hood from her mouth and lowered it, so as to hug her from behind. Scootaloo loved the sentimental hug and wanted it to go a little deeper. She lifted a hoof and caressed his cheek. She then wrapped the hoof around his neck, craned her head back, and kissed him. The kiss broke with a small smack. Dusk smirked at Scootaloo, who returned it in it’s entirety. Dusk let go of Scootaloo and offered her a helping hoof. She took it and stood up with him. “I have to get to class Outcast but thanks for the help,” Scootaloo whispered softly into his ear. She leaned in and kissed him once more. They stood there, lips locked, not noticing the bell had rung, and enjoying each other. Before Scootaloo broke the kiss she pulled the hood over his head and hers. They stared into each others eyes under the sanctuary of his hood.

After a small time Dusk pulled away from Scootaloo and magically took off his hoodie. unzipped it and held it in his hooves. He nodded his head at it telling her to put it on. Her mouth fell open as she started putting it on. ‘“Something about a boy giving a girl their sweatshirt is the most amazing feeling”’ Scootaloo recalled Rainbow Dash saying one time. When the sweatshirt was fully on Scootaloo felt like she was wearing the ultimate form of protection.

“You can keep it, it’s my favorite but I’ve got another in my locker... I was feeling more like wearing the silver one today anyway,” Dusk said, trying to pass it off as no big deal. Scootaloo pulled him into a hug.

“Thank you so much Dusk,” She said as happy tears formed. Dusk returned her hug... only for it to be broken up by the late bell sounding.

“Better get going Scoots,” Dusk teased.

“What about you?” Scootaloo asked.

“Meh, I’m always late so it’s no big deal,” Dusk responded. Scootaloo rolled her eyes and took off for her next class.

“Sorry I’m late Mr. Scripture, but as you may see, I ran into a little bit of trouble,” Scootaloo explained turning to the side to show The Outcast’s logo, which he had on all of his shirts. The whole class gasped at the logo, even the teacher.

“Is that really... his?” ask the twins, Ping and Pong, in unison. Ironically, despite their names, they are terrible at pingpong. Scootaloo smirked cockily and nodded.

“Then you must have seen his face, who is he!?” screamed the high school gossip Photoshoot.

“I didn’t see his face, he save me and somepony else, he walked up behind me after telling the other filly what she should do, and then he place his shirt on my back,” Scootaloo lied. “When I turned to see his face... he was gone,” Scootaloo lied again.

“Interesting... I know Outcast leaves gifts for ‘some’ of the ponies he saves, but his famed shirt... that’s new one,” Photoshoot calculated aloud.

“I know right...” Scootaloo falsely agreed.

“Well all of this aside, try to be here on time, now let’s continue on with the lesson,” Mr. Scripture said, ending all conversations.

As the last bell rang for the day everypony galloped out the front doors for freedom and air. Dusk, Elusive, and Rumble met up at the edge of the entry sidewalk and sat on the grass. Dusk explained his plan to his friends, they were ecstatic about the high chance of getting their cutie marks. The Crusaders, as per their plan, were the last ones to exit the school. They were laughing for whatever reason, causing the guys to smile. The Crusaders walked up to the colts. Elusive was the first to notice something new about them.

“You’re sweatshirt Dusk... how sweet,” Elusive teased. The six ponies laughed.

“Yep and I’m glad she still has it,” Dusk said, causing Scootaloo to blush.

“Oooohhhh the black one too, you should feel honored Scootaloo,” Rumble teased, causing her to blush brighter.

“Alright guys lighten up, how about we get to what we were discussing before they got here hmm?” Dusk offered. Rumble and Elusive nodded.

“And just what were you talking about before we got here?” Sweetie Belle asked.

Dusk smirked before answering, “How to get our cutie marks.” The Crusaders gasped excitedly.

“WELL!” they yelled in unison.

“I have a plan... and it may just work,” Dusk answered tantalizingly.

“And that would be!?” Sweetie yelled once again.

“It seems so ridiculously simple yet ingenious,” answered Dusk, whom was in no hurry to answer them.

“So what is it already!?” Applebloom yelled at him.

“It’s just so Luna damned simple!” Dusk teased once more.

“Duuuuskiiiiieeeee,” Scootaloo whined.

“Alright, alright, here’s my plan... We’re gonna play a game,” Dusk answered slyly.

“What kind of game?” Scootaloo asked.

“You’ll see,” Dusk said, smirking wide.

(A/N Oh the cliffhangers, how I hate reading them, and yet love writing them. The game will not be revealed, clearly, until the next chapter. Also maaaaaaajor shoutout to my number one fan Cherry_Sparkle1111. I have no clue what gender they are and I hope they enjoy being in my fic. Once I find out I’ll make the necessary changes and/or I got lucky and guessed correctly. As well the italics on fimfic.net confused the hell out of me soooo, I used apostrophies where they were thoughts. And furthermore i got this chapter up at 12:40 AM haha so enjoy. Anyway thanks for reading as always!)

Chapter 5: "What about you?"

View Online

Colts Meet Crusaders

By: Dusk_Shine6995

Chapter 5: “What about you?”

“What kind of game?” Scootaloo asked.

“Let’s call iiiiiiit... follow the leader,” Dusk said.

“Seriously Dusk?” Sweetie Belle deadpanned.

“I couldn’t think of a better name for it,” Dusk stated, plainly.

“Well how is a game of follow tha leader supposed to help us get our cutie mark?” asked Applebloom.

“Well, like I said, I couldn’t think of anything better to call it, so isn’t the same thing as the game we played as foals,” Dusk reiterated.

“Well, Ah guess that makes more sense,” said Applebloom.

“Alright... I guess I should probably explain the plan,” Dusk began, “I found something strange in the woods recently, you know the woods where we played war? Anyway, it’s pretty banged up and almost destroyed. I won’t tell you what it is but Applebloom and Rumble, you two are coming with me to see it and fix it up. Sweetie Belle, Elusive, and Scoots,” Scootaloo blushed as he used his nickname for her, “you three can chill at my house until I come and get you.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Elusive said, simply. ‘I swear to Luna if his voice gets any stranger I’m going to smack him!’ Sweetie Belle cursed in her mind.

“Alright, AB, Rumble, with me,” Dusk said in a mock military tone, making Applebloom chuckle. Dusk then whispered, with his Outcast voice, “I’ll be seeing you soon, Scoots.” Scootaloo shivered and smacked his shoulder. He laughed and began walking towards the woods.

“To Dusk’s?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“TO DUSK’S!” Elusive yelled playfully. Scootaloo got a competitive look in her eyes and a devious smirk on her face.

“Race you there!” She suddenly yelled and began galloping to Dusk’s. Elusive and Sweetie Belle took off after her.

*On the way to the woods*

“So Dusk what is this ‘strange thing’ you found,” asked Rumble.

“In all honesty the thing itself isn’t strange but where it is, is what’s strange,” Dusk answered.

“Not what I asked but alright, so what IS it?” Rumble asked, adding emphasis on the is.

“Don’t be so pushy, it’s a stage,” Dusk said.

“A stage?” asked Applebloom.

“You have to know what a stage is,” Dusk joked, earning a punch from Applebloom.

“Ah know what a stage is dummy!” Applebloom yelled. Dusk and Rumble chuckled.

“Alright well, I want to fix it up and I need help,” Dusk stated, before sheepishly adding, “but I’m terrible at building and fixing things.”

“Then why do you want to fix it up,” Rumble queried.

“Well, I think it’d be fun and we could use it for any amount of reason!” Dusk exclaimed.

“What would we need a stage fer?” Applebloom asked.

“We could practice acting, sing, dance, and all kinds of things,” Dusk announced. Applebloom still looked confused. He tapped his chin with a hoof. He then threw that hoof in the air victoriously before yelling, “Then it can be our special hang out!”

Applebloom contemplated this for a moment before agreeing, “Alrahgt,” she said.

“So how bad condition is it in Dusk?” Rumble asked.

“It’s pretty wrecked but it shouldn’t be too hard to restore,” Dusk calculated aloud.

“Then let’s get there already,” Applebloom said, her impatience getting the better of her.

“Alright then!” Dusk exclaimed in return and began galloping off. Applebloom and Rumble took a minute to catch up but finally managed to, only for Dusk to take a sudden turn to the left and into the woods. Rumble and Applebloom bound after him. He came to a sudden stop. Applebloom and Rumble collided with him and they all went tumbling down a hill. Once at the bottom of the hill Dusk stood up, smiling. Rumble got up shortly after then helped Applebloom up.

“Dusk... you’re a bucking jerk sometimes,” Rumble complained.

“I know, but you love me for it,” Dusk retorted. Rumble just shook his head.

“So, are we near the stage now er what?” Applebloom asked. Dusk just pointed left.

The stage was rather large but heavily damaged by age and mismanagement. There were splinters all over the place, one of the support beams for the overhang was literally gone there was a giant hole in the middle of it, and much much more.

“How the hay are we gonna fix this!” Applebloom yelled.

Dusk smiled before saying, “Simple, I’ll go get some supplies from Ponyville General Store, and we will get to work.”

“You make this sound like it isn’t going to be a pain,” Rumble said rubbing one of his temples.

“With Applebloom and I, it’ll be fun Rumble, trust me!” Dusk wrapped a hoof around Rumble as he spoke.

“Yeah Rumble, the biggest problem is that missing support beam, once we get that up the rest should be a breeze,” Applebloom surprisingly agreed with Dusk. Dusk was taken off guard by her agreeing and had to shake his head clear.

“Uh... yeah what she said,” Dusk brainlessly stated.

“Alright alright I see your point, lets go get the supplies then,” Rumble finally gave in.

*Meanwhile at Dusk’s*

“Woohoo I won!” Scootaloo cheered breathlessly.

“You’re lucky I tripped at Berrys Delights or I would have won,” complained Sweetie Belle.

“You’re lucky I caught you before you hit the ground, “Elusive commented slyly, causing Sweetie Belle to blush. He gave her a playful nudge which only made her blush more.

“Bleh... get a room you two,” Scootaloo scoffed.

“Funny... you do the same thing,” Elusive pointed out with a grin. Scootaloo tilted her head confused. Elusive shook his head, “You and Dusk do this sort of thing all the time, you pretended to fall yesterday, almost made out with him as we woke up that afternoon, and you’re still wearing his shirt!” Elusive grinned.

Scootaloo blushed and stuttered, “I-I-I... i-it wasn’t l-like that...” Elusive rolled his eyes, “SHUT UP!”

Elusive smirked and said, “I didn’t say anything.” The crimson on Scootaloo’s cheeks grew brighter.

“You’re mean,” Scootaloo pouted.

“No he isn’t you’re in denial,” Sweetie Belle commented.

“I am not... let’s just go inside,” Scootaloo offered.

“Alright, sounds good to me,” Elusive agreed. Sweetie Belle leaned into Elusive as they walked in. She was blushing terribly but Elusive wore a coy smirk. Scootaloo flopped onto the couch taking up the whole space. Elusive sat in the chair after he and Sweetie Belle separated. Sweetie Belle wasn’t happy with separating so soon. So she sat down on top of Elusive. He blushed and giggled.

Scootaloo gagged and complained, “Get a room!”

Elusive smirked and winked at Sweetie Belle, “Don’t tempt us Scootaloo.”

Scootaloo blushed and stood up, “Don’t even joke Elusive you’re in Dusk’s house!”

He chuckled and shrugged, “So?”

Scootaloo threw a pillow at him, “Oh my Luna shut up!” Elusive and Sweetie Belle burst into laughter.

Sweetie Belle decided to break the imaginary tension by saying, “How about we play Xbox until Dusk gets back?” Scootaloo and Elusive smirked at each other ready to destroy the other.

*back in the forest*

Dusk yelled in pain, “AH BUCK ALL!” he rubbed his hoof gently with his other hoof.

“Dusk that’s the fifth time you hit your hoof with a hammer,” Rumble pointed out, “seriously just give in and use your magic.”

“NO! I’m not ripping you guys off by using my magic while you guys don’t even have it!” Dusk argued.

Applebloom walked up and deadpanned, “Hammer.” she held out her hoof. Dusk sighed and gave it to her.

“Fiiiine,” Dusk complained. Rumble shook his head and walked to the new support beam.

“Dusk just get out of here, you’re too stubborn and now you’re getting in the way,” Rumble said. Instead of frowning and sulking like Ruble thought he would, Dusk smiled happily.

“Just as I planned have fun you two~” Dusk said in a sing song voice. He winked at the pair then got out of there before they called him on it.

Rumble shook his head again and spoke, “Dusk is a strange colt... but you gotta love him.”

Applebloom smirked and agreed, “Same with Scoot, no wonder they love each other.” They giggled together.

“Well we should get back to work,” Rumble said looking down at the beam.

“I spose so, you lift it up and get it under tha overhang and Ah’ll bolt it down at the base,” Applebloom planned out. Rumble nodded and took the top of the beam into his hooves. He flew up and pushed up on the overhang with his back then set the beam up under it. Applebloom set the braces into the crook between the stage and the beam. She bolted them down with twelve inch steel bolts. She waved at Rumble, who waved back. She tosses up braces to him. He catches them and begins to bolt them down. Once the top was bolted in he flew down to Applebloom smiling.

“Whew... that was heavier than it looked,” Rumble said extending a hoof for Applebloom to bump.

“My musclecolt,” Applebloom mock swooned and pulled on the hoof. He fell forward a little bit and Applebloom leaned in pressing their lips together. Rumble’s eyes widened while Applebloom’s closed. Rumble’s eyes closed shortly afterwards and pushed into the kiss. Applebloom broke the kiss smirking.

“Been waiting for that,” she said.

Rumble smiled and said, “I wasn’t but I’m still glad it happened.” Applebloom smiled and shoved his head.

“Let’s get back to work loverboy,” She teased. Rumble smiled and did just that.

*Back at Dusk’s*

The rain beat down on the battlefield. Bodies were covering the grass. The puddles stained red from all the blood. Only two stood, swords in hand, ready to kill. Nothing was in between them and ending this lifelong battle. Then Sweetie Belle threw a plasma grenade between them, killing them both.

“CELESTIA DAMN IT SWEETIE BELLE!” Scootaloo yelled. Elusive chuckled at the irony. “Seriously I almost had him!” Scootaloo whined. Sweetie Belle wore the most fake, innocent, look ever. She was about to attack Sweetie Belle when the door opened.

“Glad you’re all getting along,” Dusk joked. Scootaloo’s eyes lit up and she almost stood up to tackle Dusk. She then remembered that she was pleading ignorance to Elusive.

“Hey Dusk welcome back,” Scootaloo said, plainly. Dusk looked at Elusive confused. Elusive shrugged.

“Uh... thanks Scoots...” Dusk said slowly. He shook his head and spoke back up, “Anyway, Scoots I’m here for you so let’s go.” Scootaloo simply nodded and walked out the door. Dusk was heavily confused by this but followed her out. He gave a last wave to Sweetie Belle and Elusive, and closed the door. The moment he turned around Scootaloo pushed him against the door, kissing him. Dusk’s eyes widened in surprise. Scootaloo just kept kissing him. His eyes closed slowly and he pressed back into the kiss, much to Scootaloo’s delight. After a few moments Scootaloo broke the kiss smirking.

“Some things are best done behind closed doors,” she said in a sing song voice. Dusk blushed at this and got revenge by swatting her flank with his tail.

“Elusive was giving you crap wasn’t he?” Dusk asked. She nodded and he rolled his eyes. “Well let’s get going,” Dusk shouted before taking off in a gallop. Scootaloo smirked thinking it was a race. She bolted after him, quickly catching him. Dusk smirked over at her, rounded into an alley and sped up. Scootaloo kept pace and was starting to pass him. Dusk looked forward to see a cart sitting in his way.

“Nowhere to go Duskie!” Scootaloo yelled as they ran. Dusk smirked and charged at the cart faster. Scootaloo slowed down nervous Dusk was about to hurt himself. Just when it looked like he was going to hit the cart he jumped up and kept running with his hooves along the wall of the house that was next to the cart. When he landed on the other side he didn’t slow down. Scootaloo was both furious and relieved. She ran as fast as he hooves could carry her. She flapped her wings for extra speed. Scootaloo smiled wide as she was about to pass Dusk again. Then Dusk stopped turned around with his hooves open. Scootaloo didn’t have time to react and slammed into him full speed. The tumbled a few feet, kicking up some dust, and landed with Scootaloo’s head on Dusk’s chest, their tails tied.

When Scootaloo went to stand up, she fell. She punched Dusk in the ribs, “Bucking jerk you did that on purpose didn’t you!” she yelled. Dusk smiled and nuzzled her in the right spot on her cheek. Scootaloo shot into the air and punched Dusk again, as he stood up. Scootaloo yelled out, “BUUUUUUUUU... STOP NUZZLING ME THERE!” Dusk clapped a hoof over her mouth and looked around.

“Take that out of context and it sounds pretty dirty...” Dusk pointed out. Scootaloo blushed and realized he was right. She burst out into a fit of giggles Dusk joined her shortly after. They leaned on each other as they laughed. A few minutes later they stopped laughing, and Scootaloo looked around.

“So... what are we going to do?” She asked. Dusk smirked and levitated an Ipod and portable speaker. He hooked them together and turned on Scary Monsters and Nice Ponies. He grabbed Scootaloo’s hoof and spun her around.

“Let’s dance,” Dusk said smiling. Scootaloo shrugged and went with it. After a few awkward moments she started to get into it. She and Dusk held hooves and bounced about dancing fairly well. Dusk pulled her hoof and she spun into his hooves. Scootaloo was enjoying this. Something about it was just perfect. She never really danced before but now she never wanted to stop. On the final note of the song, Dusk lifted Scootaloo into the air with his forehooves, standing on his hind hooves. Scootaloo squealed in delight.

Dusk smiled wide and whispers to her, “Now Scoot, flap your wings long and slow at first then faster.” Scootaloo only subconsciously listened to him. She felt like she was flying in his hooves. Her eyes were closed and she loved this new feeling. When she opened her eyes, she saw Dusk smiling up at her on all fours. Scootaloo looked at her wings.

She was flying.

“I’M FLYING, I’M FLYING, OH MY CELESTIA I’M FLYING!” Scootaloo yelled. Dusk giggled and stared proudly at her. Scootaloo looked down at him and asked, “Weren’t you holding me up?”

Dusk smiled wider and answered, “Yes I was but when your wings started flapping, I slowly pulled away.” Scootaloo’s eyes widened, she was flying, she had somepony who cared for her. ‘This is perfect!’ Scootaloo thought. Dusk smirked and spoke, “You’re enjoying your time I take it?” Scootaloo nods faster than Rainbow Dash could fly. Dusk continued smirking and asked, “So nothing could make this moment better?”

Scootaloo shook her head and answered, “Nope!”

Dusk chuckled and said, “So a certain pair of ballet shoes with wings behind them being on your flank wouldn’t make this better?” Scootaloo gasped and looks at her flanks.

“I HAVE MY CUTIE MARK!” she screamed at the top of her lungs. She looked down at Dusk and tacklehugged him, “Thank you soooooooo much Duskie,” she beamed. Dusk smiled and hugged her back. Scootaloo looked around for a moment. They seemed to be in a secluded area. She looked into Dusk’s eyes for a moment. Dusk stared right back. She pushed into a deep kiss. Dusk pushed back into the kiss. They were locked in passion once again. They broke the kiss for a much need breath. Once Scootaloo regained her breath she dove in for another kiss. Dusk stopped her however.

“Trust me Scoots I want to... but I gotta get four more cutie marks on four more flanks,” Dusk said, smirking.

Scootaloo sighed and agreed, “Alright, fine.” She started flapping her wings, and she was once again flying. Any grief she had from not making out with Dusk was gone. “I’ll fly next to you and get used to the way I have to use my wings,” Scootaloo explained. Dusk nodded knowing she really just wanted to keep flying. They walked, flew, in silence back to Dusk’s house. Scootaloo was still mentally beaming that she was flying and had her cutie mark. Dusk was mentally beaming because he got Scoots her cutie mark.

Dusk opened the door to his house. He blushed and quickly closed the door before Scootaloo could look in.

“What’s wrong?” Scootaloo asked.

“Shit... seems we were caught...” Sweetie Belle said behind the door.

“Oh...” Scootaloo said blushing. She looked to Dusk for confirmation.

“Before you think it, no, they aren’t bucking...” Dusk said smirking.

“BUCK OFF DUSK!” Elusive yelled from inside. Dusk, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle burst out laughing. Dusk opened the door and walked in, followed by Scootaloo.

“OH MY CELESTIA YOU HAVE YOUR CUTIE MARK!” Sweetie Belle screamed

Scootaloo started to show off before Dusk cut in, “You two are up next... Rumble and Applebloom should be done by now,” Elusive nodded with his usual stoicness, while Sweetie Belle patted down her slightly disheveled mane. Scootaloo giggled and poked Sweetie Belle.

Sweetie Belle leaned close to Scootaloo and whispered, “We weren’t bucking but I was below him as we made out.” Scootaloo blushed and pushed Sweetie Belle away.

Dusk shook his head and spoke before something else happened, “Well let’s get going, by the way, Elusive, heres your guitar.” Dusk pulled out a guitar from seemingly nowhere.

“How did you-” Sweetie Belle almost asked until she noticed Dusk pointing at his horn.

“Lets get going then,” Elusive said, adding his coyness now. ‘For the love of... Elusive I’m going to bucking kill you if you don’t tell me how to do that!’ Sweetie Belle warned in her mind. Dusk held open the door and let his friends walk through. Scootaloo was last, and she pecked his cheek as she walked past. Dusk blushed and followed behind them for a moment.

“Oh, crap it’s this way,” Dusk pointed out turning around. Scootaloo facehoofed and followed Dusk. Elusive and Sweetie Belle shook their heads and did the same. After a few minutes of silent walking they reached the stage.

Dusk’s jaw dropped as he spoke, “Holy... how did you get all of this done so quick?” Applebloom and Rumble smiled proudly from where they were finishing the new paint job.

“Whoa, this is awesome you guys,” Scootaloo beamed.

“If this is what it looks like now, what’d it look like a couple hours ago?” Sweetie Belle asked. Dusk levitated out his cell phone and pulled up the picture of the stage beforehand. “Oh wow... that is impressive Bloomy,” said Sweetie Belle, awed.

Elusive cracked a grin before speaking up, “Holy Celestia, you two make a good team.” Rumble blushed a little but Applebloom didn’t quite get the point of Elusive’s comment. No one pointed it out to her so she could plead ignorance.

Shortly after Rumble punches Elusive Dusk started setting everything up, from wiring the speakers he magicked into existence, to propping a new microphone stand up for Sweetie Belle. He hoofed Elusive his guitar, “Play!” Dusk commanded. He pulled Sweetie Belle over to the microphone, “Sing!” He commanded once again. Sweetie Belle had a look of terror on her face.

“But I hate singing for crowds...” Sweetie Belle complained.

“We are your friends, not a crowd, come on please Sweetie Belle?” Dusk begged.

Sweetie Belle sighed and gave in, “Fine.” Dusk squeed and trotted of the stage. Elusive started playing his guitar using his magic to strum with the guitar pick. It was a simple melody but a cool one nonetheless. Sweetie Belle knew a lot of songs but decided to stick with the slow version of ‘Hush Now Quiet Now’. The sound of Sweetie’s voice melded perfectly with Elusives serene guitar playing. If it weren’t Sweetie and Elusive, they might all fall asleep. They all sat on the edge of their seat listening to the perfect sync from them. Rumble and Applebloom snuggled closer together and smiled proudly from their stage being used by such talented ponies. Dusk and Scootaloo we laying together near the edge of the stage smiling wide. Elusive and Sweetie Belle were so lost in their song to notice that their cutie marks had finally appeared. Rumble and Applebloom were still in proud bliss when theirs appeared. Dusk however noticed it all and smiled wide from his success. Once the song came to a close, Applebloom, Dusk, Rumble, and Scootaloo started cheering as loud as they could, causing both musicians to blush.

Dusk stood up proudly and spoke, “So... A winged four by four, for Rumble, an apple blossom with dual hammers in the background for Applebloom, a guitar with golden strings and lightning bolt head for Elusive, and finally, a golden bell with a musical measure swirling out of it for Sweetie Belle.” Everypony looked at their flanks beaming when suddenly Scootaloo noticed something.

“Dusk... what about you?” Scootaloo asked.

Chapter 6: "There you are!"

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(If you made it this far then I suspect you know what it is and who its by ;) )

Chapter 6: “There you are!”

“What about me?” Dusk queried.

Scootaloo pointed to his flank and answered, “What about your cutie mark?”

Dusk shrugged like it was nothing. He spoke up after a moment, “Well... I dunno, I guess I don’t know my talent.”

Applebloom deadpanned, “Seriously?” Dusk just shrugged again. “How the hay do ya go from findin’ five ponies cutie marks but don’t know your own!?” She yelled.

Dusk sighed and answered, “I don’t have talent, can’t write, can’t run, can barely fight. Rumble, Elusive, and I have tried everything in the book.”

Sweetie Belle facehooved and asked, “Honestly how did you find our cutie marks but not your own?”

Dusk acted, again, like it was nothing and simply said, “Logic, proof, and what little mind power my crazy mind has.” He smiled and chuckled. Everypony else though were concerned for him.

“But Dusk, it’s your cutie mark, won’t you feel left out without us not having them anymore?” Elusive asked.

Dusk shrugged and said, “You guys won’t treat me any differently so what do I care?”

Scootaloo was tearing up from his obliviousness and anger towards him, “You don’t get it, when we have to stand up for you and your blank flank, no one will take us seriously anymore, you’ll have to take the beating all alone...”

Dusk smirked at her and threw on his Outcast voice, “Not a change in my opinion.” Scootaloo shuddered and smiled, both angrily and happily.

“Dusk we can’t repay you for finding out cutie marks... maybe we can do the same for you?” Rumble offered.

Applebloom broke in, “That’s a great idea!”

Dusk shook his head, a little sullen. ‘You can’t help that which has no talent.’ He thought to himself. He looked at his friends and smiled. “You guys wouldn’t listen to me if I told you not to anyway, so why not?” He said happily. All of his friends smiled, a little something extra was in Scootaloo’s smile, Dusk noticed but he couldn’t quite tell what it was.

“So what all do you like Dusk?” Sweetie Belle asked.

Dusk went with the obvious and least helpful reply of, “I unno.” Though in his mind he immediately thought, ‘Making Scoots blush.’ He smirked at the thought and waited on everyones anger.

Scootaloo facehoofed and spoke once again, “Why do you have to make this difficult.”

Dusk smiled wide and proud before saying, “Because it’s fun.”

Elusive shook his head, “Dusk, seriously, what do you like to do?” he asked.

Dusk shrugged, again, “I don’t know, play video games, have fun, mess with friends,” he began whilst thinking, ‘Especially Scoots~’. “Solving problems, helping friends, run the bar with you and Rumble. Honestly I like a lot of things but none of them have led to a cutie mark.” He sighed and looked down sadly, “I just don’t have talent,” he glumly stated.

“Dusk stop saying that, please...” Scootaloo begged, quietly.

“Alright fine, but I’m going home, it’s late,” Dusk said. Without another word he teleported away. Scootaloo frowned and looked down.

She let out a sad sigh before saying, “I hope we figure something out for him... I bucked up.” Sweetie Belle and Applebloom hugged her softly.

“Don’t think like that, we all bucked up,” Sweetie tried to comfort.

“Yeah, come on we’ll think of somethin ta cheer him up,” Applebloom said before yawning cutely, “but he’s raht it is late.” Scootaloo nodded and prayed Dusk’s house was unlocked. After a day like today, she definitely didn’t want her dad to ruin it.

“Applebloom want me to walk you home again?” Rumble asked. Applebloom smiled happily and nodded. Scootaloo suppressed a giggle, ‘Sometimes I wish Dusk would do that with me, I mean we have before but... it seems like he’s pushing me away.’ She thought. Elusive walked up next to Scootaloo and smiled at Sweetie Belle.

“Hey Sweets, walk with Rumble and Applebloom, I’ll catch up, ok?” Elusive said and asked.

“Ok Elusive, but don’t keep me waiting,” Sweetie answered blushing, “US, US, I meant us, yeah...” Rumble and Applebloom laughed and teased her about it as they walked away.

Elusive turned to Scootaloo and said, “Don’t worry about Dusk, he’s tougher than he looks and this happens to him allllll the time.”

Scootaloo cocked her head and asked, “What do you mean?”

Elusive re-explains, “He gets like this after talking about his dad, it’s nothing new. He may seem depressed and he seems to be pushing everyone away. In reality he wants us there. He’s just overthinking it, so go to him and keep him safe and loved ok?” Elusive smiled wisely and happily at Scootaloo. She smiled and gave him a small hug.

“Thanks Elusive, I’m going to him tonight, I’ll see you later,” Scootaloo said. She then grinned and took the sky. She flew a little slowly due to her inexperience. In the end though she made good time and opened the door to Dusk’s house. She noticed a faint voice, she presumed Dusk’s, and headed towards his room. Sure enough it was Dusk’s, however she had expected him to be playing xbox. Instead he was singing. Scootaloo pressed her ear to the door and listened. Her jaw dropped, ‘My Celestia, he is amazing at singing!’ She squeed in her mind. An idea shot into her mind and she couldn’t wait until tomorrow. Scootaloo sat outside of Dusk’s room listening to him sing. After he finished his song, Scootaloo heard a happy sigh. She waited a moment before knocking on the door.

“Hey Dusk you decent in there?” She asked through the door. There was a gasp on the other side of the door, then Scootaloo could practically hear him smirk.

“We’re ponies dummy we don’t wear clothes normally,” Dusk said. Scootaloo shook her head and walked in. Dusk feigned fear and embarrassment, “Ahhhh, don’t come in I’m naked!” he shouted smiling wide.

Scootaloo shook her head and put a hoof to his cheek, “Shut up... you know you made me worry when you left.” Dusk frowned and looked down.

“I’m sorry Scoots,” he apologized. Scootaloo shoved his head and walked past him.

“You’re forgiven but you will make it up to me soon,” She said cockilly as she swaggered to his bed. Dusk smirks and walked up behind her. She suddenly turned around and shoved his head again, “Ah, ah, ahhh, I get the bed, you’re on the floor tonight,” She said with a unusual girlish tinge in her voice.

He shrugged, “Alright, I guess, figure I deserve it for scaring you,” He said, dismissively. Scootaloo climbed onto the bed and smiled at Dusk.

“Glad you agree,” She said, giggling. “Well goodnight Duskie, see you in the morning,” she bid goodnight and laid her head down, closing her eyes. Dusk plopped on the floor and closed his eyes as well. About five minutes later, just before Dusk fell asleep he heard rustling on the bed. He looked up and was greeted by Scootaloo’s beautiful purple eyes.

“Duskie I forgot my teddy bear... will you sleep with me instead?” She asked, very, very, cutely. Dusk smiled and almost died of d’aww. Before he could stand however, Scootaloo put on her pout and puppy eyes. Dusk stood up and practically dove onto the bed. Scootaloo blushed and giggled.

“You are so cute sometimes Scoots, you know that?” Dusk complemented.

‘Oh now I’ve gotta let him have it!’ Scootaloo thought evilly. She opened her puppy eyes more and folded her ears back, “Y-you don’t alweady think I’m cute?” She evilly pouted.

“N-no not like that, y-you’re beautiful Scoots, j-just s-sometimes you just act soooo cute,” Dusk stammered. Scootaloo smiled and put a hoof to his lips.

“It’s ok Duskie, I was kidding,” she said. She then blushed as she thought over his words. “Y-you think I’m b-beautiful Dusk?” she asked, shyly. Dusk smiled, not caring that he was caught.

Dusk said these next words more sure than anything in his life, “Scootaloo, you’re the most beautiful filly I’ve ever seen.” Scootaloo blushed bright, smiled, and averted her eyes. Dusk put a hoof to her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes. Her smile changed to a shocked expression. Dusk smiled before saying, “I mean it Scoots.” He leaned forward and kissed her deeply. Scootaloo returned the kiss, in it’s entirety. They lay in his bed, entrapped by the kiss. It felt like forever since Scootaloo got a kiss from him. Though in reality it was probably a few hours, she didn’t care. All she cared about is that she is kissing his plush lips. Dusk broke the kiss smiling.

“As much as I desperately want to continue this, I’ve got stuff planned for school tomorrow as The Outcast, so gotta get to sleep,” Dusk said sadly. Scootaloo smiled and kissed his nose.

“I understand Duskie, get your sleep,” She beckoned. Dusk smiled and laid down in his bed next to Scootaloo. She pushed him onto his back and laid her head on his chest, “Mmm, my favourite pillow and teddy bear,” She stated cutely. Dusk blushed, wrapped his hooves around her and kissed her head.

“Goodnight Scoots,” He said sleepily.

“Nighty night Duskie,” she said back. They both yawned and fell asleep quickly, the days events having worn them out.

Scootaloo awoke the next morning smiling. She looked down at the aqua marine pony below her and smiled a little wider. She nosed at his stomach.

“Wake up Dusk,” she said in a sing song voice. Dusk grumbled incomprehensible things and huffed. She giggled and nosed him again, “Come on Dusk wake up,” she sang again. Dusk grumbled again and tried to roll on his side. He was stopped because there was a filly laying on him after all. Scootaloo grinned evilly as a devious idea entered her mind, “If you don’t start getting up I’m going to sit on your head,” she threatened.

Dusk chuckled tiredly, “Go ahead,” he said dismissively. Big mistake. Scootaloo got off of him, when she did he rolled onto his side, then she sat directly on the side of his head giggling like mad. Dusk’s eyes shot open and he flailed about. Any effort to escape was stopped by Scootaloo’s rump on his head. She finally released him, now full on laughing. Dusk sat up and glared at her, blushing, “You’re evil,” he chided.

Scootaloo hopped off the bed and brushed her tail under his chin , “I know,” she sang once again. Dusk blushed brighter as his eyes fluttered. When the tail no longer had contact with his neck and chin, he looked at Scootaloo. She was smirking back at him with half lidded eyes. Dusk got up to follow her, she didn’t object. Once she reached the door however Scootaloo shut the door in his face. Dusk smiled and shook his head as he heard the filly laughing like none other on the opposite side of the door. He looked back at his bed and frowned knowing that if he laid back down he would have Scootaloo’s rump on his head again. Then he thought about that again and quickly laid down.

Scootaloo made her way to the bathroom in Dusk’s house thoroughly excited for the news she had for her friends. ‘I can’t believe Dusk is going to get his cutie mark!’ she beamed mentally. She did a girly hop and squeed a little. ‘Ohhhh the girls are going to FREAK!’ she continued her girly mental celebration. She reached the bathroom surprisingly quick. Once inside she turned on the hot water, prepared to take a long, hot, bath. Once the tub was filled she slowly lowered herself into the water, “Ahhhh~” she sighed happily. As she fully relaxed her girly celebration came back as she started smiling wide for no seen reason. ‘Ohhhh this could be so awesome!’ she screamed mentally. ‘Oh my Celestia it would be so cool if we started a band!’ she audibly squeed and forced herself to calm down. Now calm, she sat back and relaxed in the tub of boiling water smiling at the possibilities.

Meanwhile Dusk was wondering why there was a strange lack of plot on his head. He shrugged and sat up, “So much for that...” he said to himself sadly. He sighed and stood up, “Jeez what’s taking her so long?” he asked the wall. The wall didn’t answer him so he decided to go check. He quickly trotted down the hall to the bathroom. He pressed his ear to the door and listened for anything of interest. It was quiet so he assumed she was asleep. So what should he do? He slammed his hoof hard again the door and shouted, “HEY WAKE UP I NEED THE SHOWER!” He heard Scootaloo flail around and water splash. He grinned wide and heard the water plug come out. When Scootaloo walked out she whipped him in the face with her wet mane. Dusk smiled and went to kiss her cheek only to be met with Scootaloo’s hoof.

“Nope you lost your kissing privileges just now,” She said sternly. Dusk frowned and folded his ears back.

“Sorry...” he apologized and slowly walked into the bathroom. Scootaloo smirked and kissed his cheek.

“Oh I can’t stay mad at you,” she said cutely. Dusk smiled and closed the door slowly. Once alone in the room Dusk went about his rituals. Up went the volume on the stereo, and in went the Linkin Pony CD. Scootaloo shook her head and walked back into Dusk’s room.

“Honestly... how didn’t I notice before?” she asked herself staring at the many posters in the room. Her awakeness was failing her now that Dusk was in the shower. She was itching to just flop onto his bed and sleep. “N-no! Gotta stay up...” She said as her head went limp for a moment then snapped back to attention. She swayed again and put a hoof on the bed, “N-no... a couple minutes couldn’t hurt could it?” She asked as she plopped onto the bed. She squirmed under the blanket and started drifting off to sleep.

Dusk was just finishing up his shower. He dried off his coat and decided his hair wasn’t worth drying. He began walking down the hall to his room. He swayed a little, the showers effects wearing off already. Once in his room he giggled softly at the sight. There, in his bed, was a cute orange pegasus curled up and cuddling a pillow in her sleep. “Oh my Luna, she is so cute,” He whispered to himself. He walked up to Scootaloo and kissed her nose. She made a scrunchy face but smiled in her sleep. Dusk smiled wide and carefully took the pillow’s place in Scootaloo’s hooves. After a bit of rearranging they lay there comfortably. Dusk was soon overcome with sleep.

*two hours later*

Scootaloo woke up slowly. She dreamily looked up at Dusk, “Mmmph, morning Dusk,” She greeted. Dusk smiled down at her and nosed her forehead.

“Morning,” Dusk answered back. Neither of them really noticed it was almost ten, neither of them cared yet. Scootaloo purred softly as Dusk rubbed her forehoof gently. He smiled from her reaction and gave her ear a small nibble. She eeped and blushed from his nibbles.

“Stop it,” she complained half heartedly. He gave her ear another small nibble and stopped. She smiled and snuggled her back up against his chest smiling.

“You’re too cute,” Dusk said as he wrapped his hooves around her, pulling her tighter to him. She giggled softly. He nuzzled her neck causing her to lull into a daze. One she quickly snapped out of, sitting up.

“OH BUCK WE FORGOT SCHOOL!” she yelled.

Dusk chuckled and shook his head, “Do you really care about school?” he asked.

She shrugged, “Sort of, there was something important I had to do today,” she said looking at the clock. “Nine thirty... alright if we go now we can make it before lunch,” she calculated.

Dusk smiled and nosed her head, “Or we can be there right now, are you ready?” he pointed out and asked.

She nodded and answered, “Yeah, lets go.” She took a deep breathe and Dusk teleported them in front of the school. Scootaloo blushed realizing she was still snuggling Dusk, right in front of school. She shoved him away and punched his shoulder, “You did that on purpose!” she scolded. Dusk threw his hooves in the air smirking. His smirk betraying the innocence he was trying to exude. Scootaloo rolled her eyes and punched him again. She then stood up and walked into the school, Dusk following right behind her. They had to check into the office but once there the principal was furious.

“Scootaloo!?” he screamed, “Late for school? Dropping grades? What’s happening to you!?” each word in his sentence became louder and louder. “You used to be such a good stu-” he was caught up by Dusk raising his hoof. “What!?”

“Calm your flanks, alright, it’s my fault she’s late,” Dusk said calmly. Scootaloo looked at Dusk in awe. ‘How can he just say that to the principal without getting screamed at.’ she thought.

“Alright, alright, try to keep her on time next time Outcast,” he said with minor disdain in his voice.

Scootaloo went to speak but Dusk cut her off, “Ok I will, sorry.” He then gently nudged Scootaloo towards the door.

Once a ways away from the office Scootaloo smacked Dusk on the back of the head, “What was that?” she asked.

Dusk giggled softly before speaking, “Don’t know if you noticed but our principal plays favourites.” he sighed annoyed, “I’m among his least favourites but if it weren’t for me then he’d have more transfers, rape, and drugs in his school, so he forgives me being late, rebellious, and, quote unquote, crazy, while I forgive him being an utter buckhead.”

Scootaloo playfully nuzzled up to him and cooed, “Oh our hero.” Dusk blushed and nudged away the giggling Scootaloo. “Ohhhhhh I bet Sweetie could find you some tights!” she sang.

Dusk’s coat changed to red, at least around his face, for a moment as he stammered, “N-no d-don’t you dare!” Scootaloo was laughing hysterically at this point.

Once she calmed down she spoke, “Ok hero boy, I gotta get to class,” she leaned in and whispered the rest, “I’ll see you soon my little outcast.” She turned her head and kissed him on the cheek then took off down the hall running. Dusk smiled wide and touched the cheek she kissed as if it were the first time.

He sighed and went to his class, “That filly is going to be the death of me.” he happily mumbled to himself.

*in class*

“You’re late Scootaloo,” The science teacher said flatly.

“Sorry Mr. Chain,” Scootaloo apologized. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle waved Scootaloo down to their seats. Mr. Chain told Scootaloo what she missed before he let her sit down.

“Hey Scootaloo!” The other two Crusaders welcomed.

“Hey Sweetie Belle, Hey Applebloom!” She eagerly answered. Before her friends could speak Scootaloo leaned in, “Girls I have a plan for Dusk and his cutie mark!” Her friends gasped with bright looks crossing their faces.

“Really howdya figure it out?” Applebloom asked.

“I walked in on him singing, it was amazing,” Scootaloo beamed back to Applebloom.

“Like Sweetie Belle amazin?” Applebloom wondered aloud causing Sweetie to blush.

“Yes!” Scootaloo whisper screamed.

“So what’s your plan?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Well I think we should,” She whispered the plan to the crusaders, whose eyes grew wider and wider from the details.

*After school*

“Hey Rumble,” Elusive yelled out as he trotted up to his friend. They were just outside the school entrance, Rumble was waiting Elusive, and Dusk.

“Bout time Elusive,” Rumble chided. Applebloom giggled and shoved Rumble’s head.

“Be nice,” Applebloom teased causing Rumble to giggle as well. Elusive and Scootaloo shook their heads.

“Dawww you two are so cute together,” Sweetie Belle sang. Rumble and Applebloom blushed.

“Ah’m not cute!” Applebloom yelled.

Rumble smiled, leaned down, and whispered into her ear, “Yes you are.” Applebloom blushed bright and punched Rumble’s shoulder.

“Quiet you!” she yelled again. Scootaloo, Elusive, and Sweetie Belle burst out laughing, making the two blush even brighter, but they started laughing as well. After a few minutes the laughter dies down.

“Where’s Dusk? I haven’t seen him since this morning,” Scootaloo asked. Rumble was about to ask what they were doing this morning but, as if on cue, the doorway to the school burst open, revealing four hoofball players charging after The Outcast. Scootaloo gasped and was about to intervene when Rumble put a hoof on her shoulder smirking.

“Believe it or not, he knows what he is doing,” Elusive said then pointed a hoof at the scene. The Outcast was sprinting straight to a dead end, the hoofball players hot on his tail.

“We got him cornered!” One of the mob yelled. The Outcast kept sprinting straight for the wall.

“Can’t catch me pansy plots!” The Outcast yelled back. That set the hoofball players off even more so, just as he had planned. They doubled their efforts to catch The Outcast. One of them just about bit down on his tail until he jumped, ‘ran’ up the wall, and did a backflip over them. The hoofballers realized their folly too late and ran muzzlefirst into the wall. The next thing they knew, The Outcast was gone. They stood up, hissing from the pain. Elusive, Rumble, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Applebloom were standing there laughing at the hoofballers.

“What are you laughing at!?” The largest of them yelled.

“You,” Elusive said dismissively. The four colts were once again angry, now they had easy prey, or so they thought.

“Oh yeah? Last mistake you’re ever going to make!” One of them screamed. The hoofball players charged at them. Rumble and Elusive took aggressive stances ready to protect the fillies. The fillies however matched the colt’s stances ready to fight for themselves. Mere moments before the hoofball players would have made contact, Dusk, not in his Outcast getup, tackled them from the side. He managed to knock two off their hooves, stunning the two standing. Elusive and Rumble seized the opportunity. They dove at the two standing hoofballers. Elusive punched his opponent straight in the muzzle, flooring the stunned colt. Rumble pulled a one eighty and bucked the colt square in the chest sending him soaring five feet backwards. The two that Dusk knocked down stood back up and flanked him. They both dove for him at the same time. Dusk just laughed and teleported out of the way, making the two slam into each other and flop on the ground with an audible thud.

The hoofball players recollected themselves then ran as fast as they could. The colts walked back to the Crusaders smiling.

“Our hero’s,” Scootaloo mock swooned before punching Dusk in the shoulder.

“Ow, what was that for?” Dusk asked.

“Taking on four colts by yourselves and not letting us help,” she said flatly. ‘You had me scared...’ she thought forlornly.

“We knew what we were doing,” Rumble cut in, puffing out his chest.

“Ah’m sure ya did,” She said sarcastically.

“We did...” Rumble mumbled. Applebloom giggled and snuggled up to him.

Elusive just smiled, fighting back giggles, as Sweetie Belle checked him over for cuts. He wasn’t even hit but he knew it would make Sweetie Belle happier to make sure. Sweetie Belle was checking his neck when she slyly kissed it, causing Elusive to blush slightly. Scootaloo walked up to Dusk with her head tilted. Dusk smiled and leaned forward to kiss her. Scootaloo had other plans however and walked backwards slowly.

“Gonna have to work for it,” She teased.

“Challenge accepted,” Dusk responded. Scootaloo ran off with Dusk hot on her hooves. Scootaloo smirked back at him and picked up the pace. Once out of sight, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle grabbed Rumble and Elusive’s forehooves and began running. The colts stumbled but fell into step.

“Whoa! What’s the rush?” Rumble asked.

“Scootaloo found out what Dusk was good at, this is a part of her plan to get him to discover it,” Sweetie Belle yelled as they ran.

“Fill us in on the rest before we get there then,” Elusive yelled back.

“Alraht the plan is,” Applebloom explained the plan.

*Up with Dusk and Scootaloo*

Dusk knew he could catch her easily enough, but this was way too much fun to stop. ‘Not much further!’ Scootaloo thought excitedly, ‘He’s going to be bucking stoked!’ Scootaloo took a hard right and almost slipped but used her new ability of flying to avoid falling. Dusk didn’t have that luxury but it didn’t slow him down. As he was about to stumble, he jumped kicked off a tree and sped after Scootaloo. Dusk noticed that Scootaloo was heading to the stage. ‘What is she planning?’ Dusk pondered. He slowed his pace a little causing Scootaloo to panic. ‘Oh no he is on to me,’ She thought. She thought frantically for a way to keep him going. She smirked and started swishing her tail. Dusk stumbled and almost fell but he sped back up to keep up with her. ‘Damn it all, how does she do that!?’ Dusk thought angrily.

The stage was within sight. ‘FINALLY!’ Scootaloo screamed in her head. She jumped onto the stage and found a place to hide as fast as she could. Dusk just missed where she hid.

“Where arrrree youuuuu Scootalooooo,” Dusk sing songed. Scootaloo grinned from her spot.

“Sing for me and I will,” She sing songed right back. Dusk stopped in the middle of the stage and blushed.

“M-Me sing?” He asked.

Scootaloo giggled and flew up to the overhang. “Yep, I know you can... please for me,” She begged.

Dusk sighed, “I don’t want to... but I will,” he said softly. Scootaloo squeed audibly then covered her mouth blushing. “Too late, I heard that,” Dusk teased.

Scootaloo blushed and shouted, “Just shut up and sing already!”

Dusk chuckled then answered, “Alright, only because you squeed.” Scootaloo blushed brighter while Dusk took his spot on the stage. He took a deep, slow, breath. “Alright here I go...” he said. He began singing.

Rumble, Elusive, Applebloom, and Sweetie Belle snuck up in front of the stage just as Dusk started singing. They cheered as loud as they could for him. He smiled a little as he sang. Scootaloo flew down to her friends slowly as he sang. Then something Dusk definitely didn’t expect happened. He was enjoying this... a lot. His horn charged up about three fourths of the way through the song. A whole lightshow was firing out causing Scootaloo and Rumbles mouths to drop. Sweetie Belle and Applebloom let out simultaneous, woah’s. Elusive grinned up at his friend and used his magic to hold up a sign with a ten on it.

The song drew to a close and Dusk looked down at his friends, smiling sheepishly, “Was I really that good?” he asked expecting a no.

“You were amazing!” Scootaloo exclaimed.

“You’re just saying that,” Dusk tried to counter.

“Like buck she is, dude, if she were lying,” Rumble said, “Then that wouldn’t be on your flanks!”

“Wait what...” Dusk exclaimed, “WHY ARE YOU LOOKING AT MY FLANKS BRO!” Rumble facehooved, laughing.

“Oh shush, he meant yur cutie mark,” Applebloom teased.

Dusk chuckles before speaking, “I know, what he meant silly. Now what’s my cutie mark?” He looks at his flanks and saw it. A microphone with a magic blue bolt protruding from the bottom.

“Pretty awesome Duskie, let’s go celebrate!” Scootaloo proclaimed. They all began laughing.

“Well I vote we head to Berry’s delights, have some food, force her to make us a cake, and have a tartarus of a time,” Elusive offered.

The Crusaders were a little skeptical. “You want to go to a bar?” Scootaloo asked.

“Sort of, not for what bars are typically used for, and we get a discount cause we work there, how’s it sound now?” Elusive explained and asked.

Applebloom nodded and agreed, “Sounds good ta me, let’s get goin!”

They all began walking to the bar. They exchanged funny stories and silly, and often cheesy, jokes. One being, “How are dynamite and a tornado similar? One second it’s bright and sunny... the next second your house is gone.” They were having the day of their lives, nothing but brightness ahead of them. Their mouths watered at the thought of the cake they would force Berry or Rosetta to make. Finally Berry’s Delights was within view putting an extra jump in their steps. They opened the door to the bar laughing at the latest joke when they heard a voice.

“Oh there you are, you little slut,” the voice yelled angrily, “we were just looking for you!”

Special message~

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HAPPY SQUEEASTER! Thank you all so so sooooooooooooo much for reading my fic and being patient with me, I wubz you all and I promise I'll do better soon!

Chapter 7: Helluva Day

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Chapter 7: Helluva day

“What are you doing here!?” Dusk yelled at Scootaloo’s father.

“Searching for my slut daughter you little shit!” He yelled right back at Dusk. The bar went silent and looked at the scene.

“Stop calling her a slut you bucking drunk!” Dusk screamed. Scootaloo recoiled a little ‘It’s not like him to lose his cool like this...’ she thought cautiously.

Scootaloo’s father’s eyes lit up with rage as he yelled, “Listen here you bucking foal, this little whore is nothing of use to anyone other than being a sex toy!” Scootaloo’s eyes teared up a little. Dusk was shaking with rage breathing deeply forcing himself not to punch this idiot square in the face. ‘Don’t swing first... Don’t swing first...’ he repeatedly chanted in his mind.

“Oh what, so angry to find the truth yet so scared to hit me!?” Scootaloo’s dad didn’t let up. Dusk’s hoof raised then lowered. ‘He can’t take this much longer...’ Elusive thought. He went to take a step to cut the two off but found he couldn’t move. He looked around and saw the unicorn flanking Scootaloo’s father had his magic in use. It didn’t take long to realize this was the plan all along. Hold back his friends and force Dusk to swing first so that he is the one at fault. Elusive glared at the unicorn and tried to voice out his discovery but found he couldn’t open his mouth. ‘Clever son of...’ Elusive thought angrily.

Rumble had discovered this as well, staring at the unicorn on the opposite flank of Scootaloo’s father, he was praying that Dusk could hold off, and praying that the crusaders didn’t have the same things happening happening to them as it was with the colts.

“Hey, you leave him alone you jerk!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed, much to the relief of Rumble and Elusive. She took a step forward causing Scootaloo’s father to smirk.

“Oh you need a filly to fight your battles?” Scootaloo’s father mocked, “Not like this little whore could do anything.” Dusk raised his hoof once again but before he could do anything, Scootaloo snapped.

“SHUT THE BUCK UP!” she screamed at him. “You’ve done NOTHING but torture me, belittle me, make me feel like I’m worthless,” she began, tears streaming down her face, “but you’re WRONG!” She continued, “My friends have shown me I’m so much more than what you make me out to be!” she raised her hoof and almost punched him but Dusk wrapped a hoof around her chest and pulled her back. Scootaloo looked up at him crying and hugged him tight before whispering, “And Dusk... t-thank you so so much for giving me a reason to fight, something to hold on to, without you, and everyone else in my life, I don’t think I’d be here.”

Scootaloo’s father chuckled evilly, with rage filled eyes, before saying, “You little whore, when you get home I’m going to beat you until you’re nothing but a giant bruise!” Just as his sentence came to a close the bar doors crashed open and Scootaloo’s father was tackled to the ground.

“DON’T YOU EVER SPEAK TO HER LIKE THAT YOU WORTHLESS ASSHOLE!” Rainbow Dash screamed directly into his face.

Scootaloo looked at them and whispered, “Rainbow...”

Rainbow smirked back at Scootaloo and said, “Don’t worry Scoot, when I’m done with him he’ll be nothing but red paste!”

Scootaloo’s father grinned up at her, unfazed. “Ah miss Dash, shall I call my associates within the police... again,” he chided. Rainbow grit her teeth and clenched her eyes before walking back to Scootaloo and the others. Scootaloo’s father chuckled evilly as he stood. He eyed Dusk as he spoke, “You see you little morons, you can’t touch me!” He began laughing maniacally, patrons of the bar were beginning to become terrified. He glared, demonically, at Dusk as he began to speak once again, “And if I ever see you in my sight again I. WILL. KILL. Yo-” His words hitched in his throat as he looked past them and saw the pony standing in the open doorway. “R-Rosetta I-” he began but she raised a hoof.

“You’ll kill him will you?” she began as she walked slowly towards Scootaloo’s father. “You’ll kill my son?” she continued as she drew closer to him.

“I-I...” He tried to say before Rosetta punched him square in the jaw, knocking him to the floor.

“You think you’re going to get away with threatening my son!” she yelled into his face.

“R-Rosetta, m-may I remind you that if you continue I’ll have no choice but to call the cops,” He threatened with a half confident smirk. Rosetta smirked and laughed at him.

“You know as well as I do that they, even your ‘associates’, will side with me over the WORTHLESS DRUNK THREATENING TO MURDER CHILDREN!” she retorted, with another firm punch to the face. “And go ahead and call them, I’ll just beat the buck out of you until they arrive!” She threatened while landing a few more punches. Dusk smirked as he saw some blood pouring from Scootaloo’s father’s nose. ‘That’s definitely a broken nose.’ he thought happily. “Get the hell out of my bar before I commit murder,” Rosetta shouted, as she picked him up onto his hooves and shoved him towards the door. He tucked his tail in and ran like Tartarus. Rosetta looked at the two unicorns and smacked their horns. “Don’t tempt me punks!” She warned. They yelped and ran out holding their horns tenderly.

Rosetta walked up to the group of ponies and asked, “Are you all ok?” Everyone, except Dusk, looked at her with wide, fearful, eyes, even Rainbow was slightly afraid of her right now.

“Mom, you’re so bucking awesome,” Dusk said while laughing. Rosetta giggled and gave Scootaloo a nuzzle, which caused her to blush, which then caused everyone to bust out laughing.

Dusk looked at Scootaloo, half annoyed and joked, “So she can nuzzle you but I can’t!?” Scootaloo giggled and punched his chest playfully.

“Yep,” she childishly sang, causing Dusk to pout. Everyone around them laughed harder at the love birds, causing the two to blush brighter.

Rosetta turned around to the patrons and announced, “Sorry for the drama everyone, feel free to continue, we promise this won’t happen again.” Everyone smiled at her and either cheered or continued on with their meal. Rosetta turned back to them and looked specifically at Rainbow. “So that’s her father?” she asked. Rainbow nodded. “Well that’s good, Rainbow Dash I want to talk to you in private for a bit, is that ok?” she asked.

Rainbow tilted her head and spoke, unsurely, “Uhh, sure.” They walked off, leaving the teenagers to themselves.

“Well that coulda been better,” Applebloom said.

“Yeah, that jerk ruined our cutie mark celebration,” Rumble grumbled, earning a small nuzzle from Applebloom.

Elusive chuckled a little as he spoke, “The celebration hasn’t even begun, how can it be over?”

Sweetie Belle’s eye lit up as she practically yelled, “Oh yeah, we never started, so now maybe we can start it.” She looked down, slightly saddened, before adding, “Not here though... please.”

Scootaloo giggled and said, “Well it’s Dusk’s celebration so it’s up to him.” Dusk’s eyes widened and he threw his hooves up.

“Whoa don’t push it on me, I’m good for whatever you guys want to do,” He said, panicking slightly.

“Calm down Dusk I was only being fair,” Scootaloo said with a giggle. Once again she playfully punched his chest.

Dusk smiled sheepishly before speaking, “Well I don’t really mind.”

Scootaloo rolled her eyes, shoved his head, and stated, “Well you’re no help.”

Before more playful flirting occurred Elusive cut in, “How about we go to Dusk’s and I’ll whip something up.”

Everyone smiled and agreed. Sweetie Belle then spoke, “And maybe I can help you cook!” Everyone looked at her and gave a steadfast, “NO!” Sweetie Belle blushed and looked down with folded ears.

Applebloom giggled and wrapped a hoof around Sweetie Belle’s neck. “We’re only kidding Sweets,” She said, comfortingly. Sweetie Belle smiled.

“Ok then,” she said before walking to the door and holding it open. “Let’s go then!” she shouted excitedly. Everyone charged out of the bar and began racing to Dusk’s house.

Rosetta and Rainbow walked back into the room. “Alright Scootaloo big news,” Rainbow began before noticing they were gone. “Where’d they go?” she asked.

Rosetta chuckled and answered, “They probably went to my house, maybe for the better, I think it’d make a nice surprise, don’t you?”

Rainbow smirked before answering, “It’s by far the most awesome surprise ever.”

As the six raced, a race full of playful shoving, tripping, and taunting. Ponies gave them mixed looks. Some looks said, ‘What... are... they doing?’ the majority said, ‘Still playful at that age?’

“Come on slow pokes!” Dusk yelled back at his friends, not looking at where he was going.

“Dusk look out!” Scootaloo yelled back at him. Dusk turned his head just in time to see a small earth pony colt, barely older than a foal, had run out in front of him. Just before he collided with the colt he brought his hooves out, scooped up the colt, then rolled onto his side. He slid for a few feet.

Once they stopped Dusk asked, “You ok kid?” The colt looked up at him terrified but nodded. Dusk looked over the young colt and saw that there wasn’t a scratch on him. ‘Thank Luna he’s ok.’ The other five caught up and helped him, and the small colt, up.

“You two alright?” Sweetie Belle asked. Dusk and the colt nodded.

Scootaloo smacked Dusk upside the head and teased, “Nice one moron!” Dusk looked down sheepishly until he heard someone screaming.

“Pepper, Pepper where are you!?” The voice called. The colts ears flicked at the sound of his name. Dusk looked at him and smiled.

“So your name’s Pepper?” he asked.

Pepper looked up at Dusk and answered, “Uh huh, Pepper Seed.”

Dusk patted Pepper on the head and asked, “Is that your mom calling you?” Pepper nodded. “Ok, let’s get you to her,” Dusk said as he began walking in the direction of the voice. “What’s her name?” Dusk asked.

Pepper smiled and answered, “Cinnamon Swirl.”

Dusk smiled and called out, “Miss Cinnamon, I found your son Pepper!” Within seconds he heard frantic hoofsteps. Dusk chuckled and levitated Pepper about five feet to the right and took a defensive stance. His friends gave him a weird look when suddenly Cinnamon burst through some bushes, straight into Dusk’s hooves. “Stop, you almost took out your son,” he said calmly. She blushed and looked at the six teens. She then looked down and practically tackled her son.

“Pepper! You’re safe, thank Celestia!” She said, crying heavily, “Don’t you ever run off like that again!” She yelled at him. “I was so worried, please promise me you won’t run off like that ok?” She continued.

Pepper nodded and said, “Ok I pwomise mommy.”

Cinnamon looked up at Dusk, Elusive, Rumble, and the Crusaders and said, “Thank you so much for keeping him safe.”

They all smiled and nodded solemnly. They turned and began walking home. Pepper and his mother did the same.

Scootaloo walked up to Dusk and nibbled his ear before whispering, “How do you always do that?”

Dusk blushed from the nibble, but smiled as he answered, “Luck I guess.”

Rumble made a coughing sound before saying, “Get a room you two.” Scootaloo and Dusk blushed and looked away from each other. The others laughed at the two as they began walking to Dusk’s once more.

After finally reaching Dusk’s home they all rushed inside. The moment they got inside Rumble suddenly tackled Dusk.

“What the!?” Dusk yelled before landing on the ground with a loud ‘oof’. A wrestling match ensued pretty quickly.

Sweetie Belle giggled before saying, “Colt’s will be colt’s.” Scootaloo and Applebloom giggled.

Elusive raised an eyebrow and asked, “And what is the supposed to mean?” Sweetie Belle snuggled up to him and nuzzled the top of her head into his chin.

“That’s colt’s are adorable.” she said, causing Elusive to blush. By now Rumble and Dusk had finished wrestling.

“Who needs a room now Rumble?” Dusk asked.

Rumble chuckled and answered, “Elusive and Sweetie Belle Apparently.” The two ponies blushed bright. Applebloom and Scootaloo giggled.

Elusive tried to change the topic by saying, “W-Well we should probably start cooking.” He rushed into the kitchen, Sweetie Belle hot on his hooves. The four remaining laughed.

“Hey make yourselves comfy I forgot something in my room,” Dusk said. Scootaloo, Applebloom, and Rumble nodded.

Once Dusk was out of sight Scootaloo whispered, “I’m gonna go scare the Celestia out of him, be right back.” Rumble and Applebloom snicked and waved her off. Scootaloo soon disappeared around the corner trying to chase Dusk down.

As soon as she noticed they were alone Applebloom leaned in and whispered, “We’re alone, what should we do.” Rumble blushed and smirked.

Scootaloo was about two feet behind Dusk, hiding around a corner. Dusk walked into his room. Scootaloo went to sneak in and surprise him but squealed loudly as Dusk grabbed her sides and yelled boo! Scootaloo put a hoof over her chest and tried to catch her breath. Meanwhile Dusk was laughing hysterically.

Scootaloo punched him in the ribs and asked, “How did you know!?”

Dusk rubbed his sides as he answered, “Creaky steps, it was hard to miss.” Scootaloo facehooved. “One second Scoots, gotta grab something,” he said. He went to the nightstand by his bed and grabbed his necklace.

“Cool necklace,” Scootaloo said. Dusk smiled back at her.

“It’s my lucky charm, I rarely take it off,” he said. Scootaloo looked at the necklace more closely. It was in the shape of a shark’s tooth but it had a rainbow of colors swirling about in the center.

“I like it, it’s really cute,” She cooed. Dusk faltered for a minute and looked down. Scootaloo tilted her head and put a hoof on his cheek, “What’s wrong?” she asked.

Dusk smiled and said, “Hey close your eyes for a moment.”

Scootaloo looked at him confused, “Why?” she asked. Dusk chuckled and put a hoof over her eyes.

“Just do it silly,” he said. Scootaloo blushed and obeyed. Not long after she closed her eyes, she felt his hooves circle around her shoulders, and pulled back. After a brief moment he managed to clasp whatever it was he was clasping. “Alright, open your eyes,” He said sweetly.

She opened her eyes and gasped as she looked down. “D-Dusk you said this is your favorite necklace,” She pointed out. Dusk chuckled and booped her nose.

“Exactly why I gave it to you,” He announced with a grin. Tears came to Scootaloo’s eyes.

“T-Thank you,” she managed to squeak out before hugging him as tight as she could. Dusk just chuckled as she squeeze the air out of his lungs.

“SON OF A BUCKING BITCH!” They suddenly heard from the living room. The pair looked at each other and began running. Once they reached the room they were greeted by the sight of Rumble and Applebloom playing Call of Cutie.

“YOU’VE NEVER EVEN PLAYED HOW ARE YOU BEATING ME!” Rumble yelled. Applebloom giggled and punched his arm.

“Ah guess Ah’m just better than ya,” Applebloom sang in response. Rumble growled and went back to focussing on the screen. Dusk and Scootaloo broke into laughter.

“Luna damn you Rumble you scared us, we thought something important happened,” Dusk said through his laughter. Rumble just grumbled, focusing on trying to kill Applebloom’s avatar. Scootaloo leaned on Dusk as she continued to laugh. Minutes went by like this, Applebloom killing Rumble, Dusk and Scootaloo laughing and leaning on each other, it seemed peaceful.

A loud crash from the kitchen ended the peace. The four ran to see what was going on. Sweetie Belle was laying on top of Elusive, pots and pans strewn about, blushing madly.

“S-Sorry… you were right, they were too high,” She apologized to Elusive. Elusive chuckled and started wiggling, making Sweetie Belle get off of him. The four who ran in to see what happened slowly backed out, smiling, and gave them some peace and quiet. Elusive stood up and pecked Sweetie Belle on the cheek, causing her to blush more. He then charged up his magic and returned the pans to their places. Sweetie Belle smiled and went in to kiss him in return, but he raised a hoof to her chest and held her back.

“We should probably get the food done first, then maybe,” Elusive began before interrupting himself with a quick kiss to Sweetie’s lips. “Then maybe we can continue this,” He finished smirking. Sweetie’s blush turned to an even more brilliant shade of crimson. She was too embarrassed to speak so she just nodded and returned to her spot in the cooking line.

Elusive and Sweetie Belle walked into the living room, seeing Applebloom still absolutely demolishing Rumble at Call of Cutie, and Dusk and Scootaloo sitting together on the couch watching the onslaught.

“Soups on,” Sweetie Belle announced, mostly to tease Applebloom. Applebloom giggled and stood up, after killing Rumble one more time of course. Rumble groaned and hung his head low in shame. Dusk and Scootaloo continued their giggles and held their hooves out, asking silently for a plate. They were handed a plate with daffodil and chrysanthemum sandwiches with Elusives special sauce, and some hay fries.

Dusk’s mouth watered as he spoke, “Elusive… is this your special sauce?” Elusive nodded. Without hesitating Dusk began ravenously, devouring, the sandwich. Scootaloo looked at him confused. ‘Is it really that good?’ she asked herself. She sniffed the sandwich before shrugging and taking her first bite. Her eyes widened. Her tongue was assaulted by the taste. The sauce tasted tangy and spicy, but somehow delicately sweet and almost fruity. She chewed the sandwich with a new vigor. The sandwich didn’t last very long for Dusk and Scootaloo. They watched with envy as Rumble and Applebloom chewed slowly, savouring every delicious bite. Sweetie Belle smiled at her friends. She took a tentative bite, causing her eyes to widen, much like the others. She had thought they were exaggerating but it really was delicious. She smiled wide around her bite knowing she had a hoof in making this sauce. While slowly chewing on the sandwich she looked over at Elusive, whom was just sitting there watching them eat.

Sweetie Belle finished her bite and asked, “Why aren’t you eating Elusive?”

Elusive smiled and answered, “A good chef always makes sure his patrons enjoy it before he eats what he cooked.” He grinned at the pleased expressions of his friend, and he admittedly enjoyed seeing the envy on Dusk and Scootaloo’s faces. Sweetie Belle smiled and took another bite while leaning on Elusive. He blushed lightly but smiled down at her. Rumble and Applebloom finished their sandwhiches. They also licked their hooves just to make sure they didn’t miss anything. Sweetie Belle giggled a little as she took another bite. Dusk and Scootaloo sighed and finally gave into the idea that they aren’t going to get any more.

Sweetie Belle looked at Elusive and said, “You know you can eat, I enjoy this plenty.” Elusive smiled then wolfed down his entire sandwich in three bites. Sweetie Belle looked at him and gasped. ‘Rarity would have hated to see him like that,’ she thought bitterly. Dusk walked up and punched Elusive’s shoulder.

“Jeeze Elusive, you didn’t have to rush, we would have waited,” Dusk chided. Elusive blushed and scratched the back of his head.

“Oh, well, now I look like an idiot,” Elusive stated. Dusk rolled his eyes and punched Elusive’s shoulder again, earning a small chorus of giggles from their friends. Sweetie Belle, now having finished her sandwich, leaned on Elusive again with a yawn.

“I’m tiiiiireeeeed,” she whined cutely. This triggered a series of yawns.

“Me tooooooo,” Applebloom copied, cuddling up to Rumble. Rumble blushed and put a hoof around her. Scootaloo walked up to Dusk, swaying her hips a little. Dusk blushed lightly when she reached him. She nuzzled up his neck from his shoulder. He shuddered a little and melted under her ministrations.

“Duskieeeeee we’re tired,” Scootaloo sang, her voice full of that high pitched girly whine she rarely used. Dusk blushed brighter, trying to keep a straight face, and not break out into laughter. Scootaloo leaned in and nibbled his ear. “Come lay down with me,” She whispered into his ear with a seduction she didn’t even know she had. Dusk’s body shuddered, while his eyes fluttered.

“You guys can spend the night if you want,” Dusk said through his stupor. The crusaders giggled. Applebloom tackled Rumble onto the floor, landing on his back. She buried her muzzle into his mane and closed her eyes. Rumble blushed but was surprisingly comfortable. He lowered his head to his hooves, slowly, and closed his eyes as well.

Sweetie Belle walked, with her tail brushing against Elusives neck. Elusive kept pace to keep the contact, with his eyes fluttering. She led him to the love seat and pointed at it. Elusive got on the couch quickly and rolled onto his side to make room. Sweetie Belle smiled sleepily and laid down with him. She put a hoof around his shoulder, while he put one around her waist. She smiled wider and nuzzled his nose with the tip of her own. She then tilted her head so that the tips of their horns were touching. They closed their eyes, smiles on their faces and were soon asleep in that position.

Scootaloo smiled up at Dusk, and he smiled right back. She leaned up and kissed him quickly. He didn’t even have time to return it before she broke it and turned around. She walked towards the couch swishing her tail teasingly to the colt behind. Her tail hypnotized him to follow. She smirked back at him with half lidded eyes, and wiggled her flank. Dusk about tripped from the sight. She giggled lightly and turned to face him again. He smiled at her when she put a hoof on his face. She shoved his face, causing him to fall onto the couch. She hopped on Dusk more than she did the couch. He chuckled quietly and wrapped his hooves around her. She tilted her head up and gave him another quick kiss. He actually had time to reciprocate this kiss. When the kiss broke Scootaloo nuzzled the top of her head into his chin.

“I love you Duskie,” Scootaloo whispered with a large smile. Dusk grinned down at her and kisses the top of her head.

“I love you too Scoots,” He whispered back. Scootaloo closed her eyes, and snuggled tighter into him. She was asleep within seconds. Dusk closed his eyes while letting his head fall back.

‘The toughest colt in school turned into mush by this one filly, she’s going to be the death of me,’ He thought, smiling wider, before sleep overtook him.

Chapter 7.5: Sweet Dreams?

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Chapter 7.5: Sweet Dreams?

(Quick note I have writers block and this came to my mind)

Dusk was sitting on the school sign. Not because he was The Outcast, not because he wanted to look cool, and not even just because he could. He sat up there because it was his favourite place to think. He let a leg hang down and swing as he thought. On any normal day he would be thinking about what he would be doing his best friends, Rumble and Elusive, after school. However, this wasn’t the case this morning. He couldn’t get that short, messy purple haired, tan girl off of his mind. That hyper little firecracker crashed into his life while he and his friends were running for Phys. Ed. The memory ran through his mind like clockwork.

=^.^=

A week ago in Physical Education they were told to run the mile. Rumble, Elusive, and Dusk were debating about trying, or just walking while they were changing into their running gear. As they walked out of the locker room and to the track field they saw three new girls in the class. Just as they were about to ask who they were, Mrs. Spitfire blew her whistle.

“Alright everyone, I would like to introduce our three new classmates,” Spitfire began, “Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo.”

They all stepped forward when their names called. The first girl, Applebloom, had a pink bow in her red hair. The bow seemed to fit her for some reason. She was obviously a farm girl. She had a dark tan with very obvious tan lines on her shoulders. She must have worn a T-shirt a lot for her tank top to reveal a tan line that predominant. Her eyes were literally shining with pride. She wore a big grin and waved at everyone after having been introduced. Rumble couldn’t keep his eyes off of her. His friends noticed and silently made fun of him. He punched them in their shoulders and looked away.

The next girl could be simply placed as cute. Her two tone, cotton candy pink and magenta purple, hair seemed to accent her only lightly tanned face. She had long, thin, and pale arms. Her short shorts and tank top showed that she either didn’t tan much or she had little shame when she did. Her emerald eyes revealed a spark within her, as if she was ready to prove herself at a moments notice. She didn’t look like the type of person who did much physical activity. However, Elusive noticed her knees were a little scraped. He leaned over and whispered to Rumble and Dusk.

“She may not look like much but I bet she can kick some ass,” Elusive said. Dusk raised an eyebrow at the tall, skinny, pale boy. He then noticed the scrapes on Sweetie Belle’s knees as well and thought better of challenging Elusive’s statement.

When the third girl stepped up Dusk had to bite back a chuckle. She looked like she tried to hard to be awesome. Her messy, medium length, purple hair showed she spent little time tending to it. She had a medium-dark tan. Her arms and legs weren’t very big but they were defined. That had shown she was an athlete, a good one at that. Her purple eyes had a fire within them. It showed that she was ready to go, any time, any place, if it’s a competition, she’s there. Dusk was snapped out of his examinations at the voice of their teacher.

“They transferred from British Literature, make them feel welcome, don’t bully, blah blah you know the speech,” Spitfire informed. Dusk smiled, this is why Spitfire was his favourite teacher. Spitfire then blew her whistle again and shouted in a gruff voice, “Alright ya pansies line up.” Everyone lined up at the starting line and prepared to run. Dusk was next to this Scootaloo girl. She smirked at him challengingly.

“Think you’re hot stuff do you?” Dusk challenged. Scootaloo’s eyes lit with anger and excitement.

“Want to make a bet on who wins?” Scootaloo retorted.

“On your marks,” Spitfire said. Dusk smirked back at her.

“Loser owes the other lunch,” Dusk offered. She stuck her hand out and shook his hand.

“Deal,” She said.

“Get set,” Spitfire continued. Scootaloo and Dusk glared at each other for one more moment then looked ahead. Spitfire blew her whistle to signal go. Dusk and Scootaloo charged off at top speed. After the first two laps, they had already lapped everyone at least once. Dusk started slowing down which filled Scootaloo with energy. Scootaloo kept on sprinting. They were on the last turn of the last lap when suddenly Dusk dashed ahead. Scootaloo felt a cold chill run down her back. She was going to lose. Scootaloo turned on her after burners and closed the distance just in time to tie the race. They hunched over with their hands on their knees trying to catch their breath. Scootaloo went to stand up straight but did it too quickly. It caused her to have a feeling of vertigo shoot through her body. Her legs turned to jelly and she began falling. She braced herself mentally for the pain. However, before she hit the ground, two arms wrapped around her. She looked up and saw the boy she was racing holding her up.

He lifted her to her feet and asked, “Are you alright?” Scootaloo nodded with a blush. She then shoved him away and looked at the ground.

“I’m fine,” She growled at him. Before Dusk could bring up the bet Spitfire walked up.

“Impressive you two, four minute twelve seconds, that’s a new school record,” Spitfire complimented. She walked up to Dusk and patted his shoulder before asking, “Are you sure you don’t want to go out for track?” Dusk laughed and shook his head.

“You know I can’t Mrs. Spitfire,” Dusk answered.

Spitfire grunted and nodded. “Yeah I know… what about you Scootaloo?” Spitfire asked. Unbenounced to Spitfire, Scootaloo’s eyes had lit up.

“W-Wait, Spitfire? As in personal trainer for Rainbow Dash the fastest runner in the history of ever!?” Scootaloo almost screamed. Spitfire practically glowed with pride.

“You bet your rear end I am,” She said with a grin. Scootaloo let out a fangirl scream. She then covered her mouth and blushed.

“U-Um… That’s cool, so how is Dash doing?” Scootaloo let out shyly so as not to embarrass herself again. Spitfire smiled and opened her mouth to answer.

Spitfire suddenly yelled at the top of her lungs, “DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT STOPPING TRUESHOT. YOU’VE BEEN LAPPED TWICE SO DON’T YOU DARE THINK YOU’RE DONE.” Trueshot let out a growl and glared at Dusk and Scootaloo. Dusk grinned back at the angry Football player and waved. Scootaloo raised a brow at Dusk. ‘He’s either crazy or cocky,’ Scootaloo thought to herself. “Anyway,” Spitfire began again, “Dash is currently on hiatus, so she won’t be training with me for a few months.”

Scootaloo opened her mouth to continue asking questions before Dusk interjected, “Before we continue on with Rainbow Dash, Spitfire asked you a question Scootaloo.” Scootaloo glared at him and held up a hand to punch him. Spitfire smiled because it reminded her of what she would have done. ‘Just like me and Soarin,’ she thought. She snapped to reality to see Dusk take the punch with a grin.

“Yeah Scootaloo, do you want to join the track team this spring?” Spitfire asked before Scootaloo could punch Dusk again. She swung anyway. Dusk dodged and smiled. Scootaloo turned to Spitfire with a grin.

“Have a chance to run with the trainer of the greatest olympic runner in history? OF COURSE I WILL!” Scootaloo answered. Dusk rolled his eyes and looked over to see Rumble and Elusive just finish. He grinned because he saw that the other two girls that joined with Scootaloo were already waiting. Dusk walked up with a smirk and smacked his friends on the back of the head.

“Come on guys, you’re making us look bad,” He chided. Elusive flipped him off. All of a sudden an orange and purple blur passed Elusive’s eyes. That blur jumped onto Dusk’s back and tried to take him down. Dusk maintained his balance and curls his arms under Scootaloo’s legs to hold her up.

“So what are you buying me for lunch slow poke?” Scootaloo boasted.

“Slow poke my ass, I beat you fair and square,” Dusk retorted. Scootaloo wrapped her arm around his neck, her elbow just under his chin.

“Don’t tempt me to knock your ass out!” Scootaloo warned. Dusk grinned back at her and lean backwards slowly.

“Go ahead but you’ll be falling from six feet up with one hundred eighty some pounds coming down on top of you,” He countered. Scootaloo’s eyes widened then she pouted and hid her face in Dusk’s shoulder. ‘Cuteness… too much… ack,’ Dusk thought to himself.

“Fine I won’t knock you out but you still didn’t beat me,” Scootaloo mumbled into his shoulder. Dusk couldn’t hold back his grin.

He looked back at her and said, “I know, in fact before Spitfire interrupted me, I was going to make you an offer.” Scootaloo tilted her head a little, which caused Dusk’s heart to nearly attack. He smiled and answered her silent question, “Since it was a tie, how about we buy the other lunch?” Scootaloo thought about it for a moment. She gave him a hug subconsciously and jumped off of him.

“Deal, I’ll be having lobster bisque,” She said with a wave. Dusk couldn’t help but notice the small sway in her hips. He tried to cover up his staring but it was too late.

“Dude, you’re so whipped,” Elusive jested. Dusk would normally punch his friend but he was grinning wide because he had a date with that cute purple haired girl. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle walked up to him with looks of shock on their face.

“Ah’m impressed, Scoots ain’t one to warm up to boys that easily,” Applebloom said.

“Yeah, normally she’d kick you in the nuts and walk off,” Sweetie Belle informed. Dusk smirked and tossed a glance at the girl, whom was barely still in sight. Sweetie Belle smacked the back of his head and glared at him. “If you hurt her, I will kill you,” She warned. Dusk glared right back at her but let his face soften.

“I wouldn’t dare,” He said softly. Sweetie Belle’s face lightened as well. She smiled and flicked his forehead.

“Cheer up I was only kidding,” She said with a smile. Rumble smacked the back of Dusk’s head.

“Sometimes you’re too serious dude,” He chided. Dusk growled and tackled his friends. They chased each other to the locker rooms when suddenly something clicked in Dusk’s mind.

“Wait a minute did she say lobster bisque!?” He yelled.

=^.^=

Dusk chuckled as he remembered his delayed reaction. He grinned as he remembered the date as well. The date went off without a hitch and the pair was laughing the whole time. Before he had a chance to reminisce further a voice pierced his ears.

“Dusk, get down here!” Rumble yelled. Dusk looked down to see Sweetie Belle, Rumble, Applebloom, and Elusive standing there. Dusk flipped off the sign and landed with a wobble.

He regained his balance and asked, “Why the hell am I wearing this again? Also where’s Scoots?” Dusk was wearing a spiffy, poofy, and striped shirt with khaki pants. He almost looked like he was going to a fancy restaurant. Sweetie Belle and Applebloom giggled girlishly. “What’s with them?” Dusk asked. Rather than get an answer Rumble and Elusive chuckled as well. “Ok seriously what the hell is going on, why did you ask me to dress like this?” Before they even had a chance to answer, Dusk hear footsteps. His curiosity made him turn and look. His jaw almost dropped at what he saw. Scootaloo was walking towards them blushing. She was wearing a frilly purple short skirt, an orange t-shirt with little frills on the arms and waistband, and most notably her normally messy purple hair was combed straight with small curls at the bottom. She walked up to Dusk, her blush intensifying with each step closer to him.

“S-Stop staring…” Scootaloo said shyly. She looked away as her blush glowed all the brighter. Dusk smiled and poked her side, causing her to giggle.

“But you look so adorable,” He practically sang. Scootaloo punched his chest. Dusk laughed it off and continued to poke her sides. She tried to get away but he wrapped an arm around her and tickled the daylights out of her. Rumble, Applebloom, Elusive, and Sweetie Belle laughed at the two. Dusk finally let Scootaloo go. She kicked his shin and looked away as she tried to catch her breath. Dusk could only grin at the girl.

Suddenly obnoxious laughter filled the groups ears. They turned to see Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon walking towards them.

“Haha, looky here Silver Spoon, Scootaloo almost looks cute,” Diamond said.

“Hahaha, you’re right Diamond, do you think her daddy gave her extra time on the D last night, so she’s in a good mood?” Silver insulted. Scootaloo turned around, with rage filled eyes, and walked towards them to pound their skulls in. She stopped however when she heard a boys laughter. She turned to see Dusk laughing so hard he could barely breathe. Scootaloo’s eyes welled with tears.

“Hmmm, Dusk is joining our side, I like it, he look kinda cute today too,” Diamond complimented. Scootaloo was about to turn and run away crying when she felt an arm reach around her shoulders. She looked up at Dusk. She was about to pull away when he spoke.

“Oh, I’m not joining your side, I just find it funny that you’re acting like you’re talking to a mirror,” He said.

Silver Spoon growled, “And what’s that supposed to mean!?”

Dusk smirked and answered, “Silver, we all know how you got your father to buy you that dress.” He made a hand job motion while chuckling. Silver stamped her foot and huffed.

“Don’t you speak to her like that you little poor prick!” Diamond screamed.

Dusk grinned and retorted, “Oh Diamond, I left you out? Well we all know where you got that car from, and those white ‘highlights’ too.” Diamond walked up to Dusk and slapped him hard on the face. Dusk rubbed his face and readjusted his jaw. As soon as he looked forward again, Silver Spoon slapped him hard in the face. He rubbed his face again and yelled out, “Wow, you guys must be getting busier, you slap much harder than last month!” He heard two grunts. He smiled and turned to the girl under his arm. Scootaloo was looking down, Dusk couldn’t see her eyes. “Scoots, you ok?” He asked. Suddenly she grabbed his hand and ran into the school. Dusk gasped and followed as best he could. He tried to wiggle free but her grasp was too strong. Then they rounded dark corner. Dusk rounded the corner, just barely, and was the slammed against the lockers. Scootaloo wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him on the lips. She wasn’t tall enough though, so she had to stand on her tip toes. Even then it was a stretch so she tried something she saw in a sappy movie once. She lifted one leg up and leaned on Dusk. That did the trick as she made purchase square against his lips. Dusk’s eyes widened when Scootaloo finally made contact. His eyes slowly closed and his arms took on a mind of their own. His arms wrapped around her waist and picked her up just enough for her feet to leave the ground. They stayed like that for a few minutes until they drew back for a breath. Dusk leaned in for another kiss but was met with Scootaloo’s hand slapping him.

“Ow, what was that for?” Dusk grumbled as he rubbed his cheek.

“Don’t you scare me like that, I thought you’d turned into another zombie for Tiara’s money,” Scootaloo said as she laid her head against his shoulder. He smiled and ran a hand through her hair.

“I’d never fall for that whore,” He said with a smile. Scootaloo snuggled her head into the crook of his neck. Dusk smiled and patted her back. He looked up with a grin. He then saw a flying sandwich. ‘Wait a minute… flying sandwich?’ He thought to himself. ‘Yep, that’s a flying sandwich, I’m dreaming,” His thought continued. He blinked three times fast because he had heard some that if you do you wake up. It didn’t work. He pinched himself that didn’t work either. He thought for a moment. Then a bucket of water appeared and splashed him in the face.

=^.^=

Dusk’s eyes shot open. He was about to sit up but felt a weight on his chest. He looked down to see Scootaloo. He smiled at the orange filly. She had at some point unfurled her wings and blanketed them with her wings. Dusk looked around the room and saw his friends snuggled together in a deep sleep. He saw Elusive and Sweetie Belle and glared playfully, even though they couldn’t see it. ‘That’s the last time I eat Sweetie Belle’s cooking,’ he thought with a smile. He looked back at Scootaloo and kissed her head. She made a cute ‘merp’ noise. He laid his head back again and closed his eyes. “Sleep tight Scoots,” He said before falling back to sleep.

Chapter 8: Surprise of a Liftetime!

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Chapter 8: The surprise of a lifetime!

Dusk awoke once again the next morning. He yawned softly so as not to wake anyone up. He looked around to see if he was the only one awake. He was. He smiled when he heard a small mumble from below him. He looked down and saw that cute, sleeping, orange filly on his chest. ‘I could get used to waking up like this,’ Dusk thought to himself. He ran a hoof through her mane slowly with a smile. She blushed in her sleep and snuggled against him. He smiled wider. Unfortunately he had a lot on his mind, mostly because of that weird crack dream he had. He slowly slid out from under Scootaloo. She muttered annoyed grumbles as the warmth she had been feeling started to leave. Dusk giggled mentally and levitated a pillow over to take his spot. The moment the pillow was within reach she snatched it up, kissed it, and cuddled it. Dusk shook his head with a grin and walked silently out of the house.

Scootaloo was having a wonderful dream. She was dreaming of a future where she lived with Dusk. Her minds eye envisioned them at a family reunion. Rather than her biological father being at said reunion, she saw Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo walked up to Dusk and hugged him. He returned the hug as she snuggled her face against his chest. Rainbow looked on with a grin. Scootaloo was reveling in the warmth of Dusk’s coat, but something was wrong. The warmth was leaving. Her mind was slowly regaining consciousness. She felt the warmth leave entirely. She meant to grumble, “Nuuuu warm, don’t go,” but it came out as, “hrmmfumagle.” She felt something enter her reach. She grabbed it happily. It was cold compared to the warmth she had been feeling earlier, but it was still warm. Thinking it was Dusk she kissed it and snuggled against it. Something was off about it though. It wasn’t fuzzy, nor was it fleshy. Her eyes slowly fluttered open to reveal she had just kissed a pillow. ‘Duskie, where are you?’ She asked with her mind. As if he had somehow heard her, she heard the front door close.

“Duskie?” She called out. He didn’t hear her and kept on walking. She stood up sleepily. Then realized she was the only one up, except for Dusk. She used her wings to silently flutter over to the door. She opened it as quietly as she could and flew out. After closing the door, she flew off in pursuit of Dusk. It was a wobbly flight considering she wasn’t quite used to the ability to fly just yet. She was getting better but kept forgetting to practice because of the years without having the ability to do so. While the flight was wobbly, it was still enough to outrun a walking pony. She soon caught up to him and silently followed him. He came to a stop near a tree. Scootaloo smirked as a devious plan came to her mind. She flew down and landed directly on his back.

“Rawr!” She yelled as she collided with Dusk. Dusk gasped and let out a small scream. He then realized who it was. He wrapped his hooves around her. She did the same while giggling. She poked at his sides with her wings. He let out small giggles and tried to wiggle away. She grinned evilly and began tickle torturing him.

“Such a- hahaha- cheater!” He grumbled between his laughter and gasps. Dusk continued trying to wiggle away, but since she had her wings, she could focus all of her weight down on his limbs. Scootaloo swore she heard some laughter from behind her but was too focussed on torturing this poor colt. She stopped for a moment to let him breath. “Lemme go,” He grumbled between his gasps for air.

Scootaloo tilted her head up and thought for a moment, then looked at him smugly and stated, “Only if you admit that I’m the greatest.” Dusk looked up at her with the, are you serious, look. She only grinned smugly at him. He rolled his eyes.

“You’re the-” Dusk began before grabbing her hoof and pulling it out from under her. He then rolled over her and pinned her hooves down. Scootaloo let out a small gasp and scream. “Gotcha,” He said with a smirk. She began to wiggle. She tried to use her wings to tickle him off of her, but he was using his magic to hold them down.

“Who’s the cheater now?” Scootaloo challenged. Dusk laughed and nuzzled her nose.

“Me,” He announced before nuzzling again. She nuzzled back with a small giggle. It was a cute sight. Any passerby would have either rolled their eyes with a smile or smiled and walked away quietly. Unfortunately for Dusk, there was a peeping tom, or more over, a peeping rainbow. Rainbow Dash had been following them from the moment they left the house. She barely managed to keep it together when she saw Scootaloo flying. She had watched the whole ordeal up until the tickle torturing. She had to hide behind a cloud and cover her mouth with both her hooves and wings in order to keep her presence a secret. However, when she looked back and saw Dusk standing over Scootaloo, it looked a lot more ‘X’ rated from an aerial viewpoint. Rainbow charged down to the ground as fast as she could. She tackled Dusk off of Scootaloo and pinned him down. When Dusk was hit he let out an ‘oof’ and groaned in pain when he landed on the ground.

“HOW DARE YOU DO THIS TO HER, IN PUBLIC NO LESS!” Rainbow screamed. She began raining down punches at him. He dodged as best he could. “Scootaloo is too young to be having sex, how DARE you!” Rainbow continued. Scootaloo was still dumbfounded until hearing the word ‘sex’.

She snapped out of her trance with a blush and screamed, “RAINBOW DASH, STOP HITTING HIM!” Rainbow looked over at Scootaloo, who was blushing beet red. She ignored Scootaloo, thinking she was just defending Dusk. She landed a hard blow on his cheek. It started bruising almost immediately. Dusk tried to escape the raging pegasus, but failed to, and in the heat of the moment he made the choice that if he teleported away, it would be worse in the long run. Rainbow almost landed another punch on him when Scootaloo tackled her off of him. “Rainbow STOP IT!” She yelled, her voice filled with concern and rage. Rainbow stumbled back a little before looking back at the two.

“I don’t care if he’s your coltfriend, I’m not letting him get away with having se-” Rainbow managed to say before Scootaloo interrupted.

“WE WEREN’T HAVING SEX!” Scootaloo screamed with a bright red face. Rainbow was taken aback. She blinked a few times before shaking her head.

“Sorry… it looked like it from the cloud you were… yeaaahhhhhh,” Rainbow mumbled. She looked down in small shame and said, “Sorry Dusk, just… no one messes with Scootaloo while I’m around.”

Dusk nodded and spoke, “I understand, and honestly, nice right hook.” He said the last bit while gently rubbing his now bruised left cheek. Rainbow smirked at him and laughed a little. Scootaloo grabbed Dusk’s hoof and pulled it away from his cheek. She looked at the bruise and frowned. She leaned close and kissed it. She then gently rubbed it with her cheek. Dusk blushed and returned the rubs. Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and smiled widely. She may have just wanted Dusk’s horn over her mantle, but she had to admit that they were adorable. She then looked at him with a glare. She grabbed his ear.

“I need to talk to you, get over here,” Rainbow pulled Dusk away from Scootaloo by the ear. Scootaloo stepped to help Dusk. Rainbow glared over her shoulder and growled, “Alone!” Scootaloo flinched and nodded sadly. She looked at Dusk nervously. He returned the look, then Rainbow tugged his ear, causing him to jump forward. When Rainbow and Dusk rounded a corner, she let go of his ear. “Sorry, I had to convince her that I was serious,” She apologized. Dusk’s face contorted into one of confusion.

He tilted his head and asked, “About what?”

“About being mad at you,” She answered. Dusk was only more confused.

“So you’re not mad at me?” He asked. Rainbow rolled her eyes and smacked his head.

“No, now shut up and let me explain,” Rainbow said annoyed. Dusk just nodded and stared, still confused, at her. “I wanted to let you in on a secret,” She said quietly. Dusk tilted his head. “It’s about Scootaloo’s father,” Rainbow clarified.

Dusk’s eyes widened as he asked, “What about him?”

“You know what he’s like, that’s why I need your help,” Rainbow said.

“Explain,” Dusk requested.

=^.^=

Scootaloo sat there with her head hung low. She desperately wanted to go hear what Rainbow was saying to Dusk but knew if she got involved it would only cause more trouble for him. She looked at the sky longingly. She had only flown just then since gaining the ability to fly. She wanted more, she wanted to go fast, and she wanted to fly with Rainbow. ‘Maybe Rainbow can teach me how to be a better flyer,’ Scootaloo thought with a smile. She silently prayed that Rainbow would someday do just that. At some point in the time that she had been lost in thought, she had begun flying. She wasn’t going anywhere but was floating in the air, in a sitting position. It looked pretty funny to anyone who saw. Scootaloo noticed what she was doing and quickly landed. She blushed and looked around. No one had seen apparently. She let out a small sigh and looked to see if Dusk and Rainbow were done yet. Just as she looked, Dusk came around the corner with a grin. Scootaloo charged at him and tackled him with a hug.

“You’re alive!” She yelled as she crushed his lungs with the hug. Dusk let out a loud gasp.

“Yeah I’m fine but not for long if you keep… squeezing… meee,” Dusk managed to say with strain in his voice. Scootaloo let go, blushing brightly, and slid away slowly. Dusk just smiled and said, “I didn’t say I didn’t like it, just not so tight, I enjoy breathing.” Scootaloo blushed brighter. Rainbow finally came around the corner and started giggling at the shade of red Scootaloo’s face was. She smiled warmly at Scootaloo.

“Don’t worry, I’m not going to kill him… yet,” She said while narrowing her eyes at Dusk. He gulped quietly, which caused Scootaloo to giggle. Dusk smiled and looked nervously at Rainbow. "I'm only kidding Dusk, now we should get back to your house, your mom is probably worried," Rainbow said while nodding her head in the direction of Dusk’s house. They all turned to leave but Dusk was met with a body landing on his back. Scootaloo had jumped onto his back and snuggled her head into his mane.

“Why are you on my back?” Dusk asked.

“Because you’re carrying me,” Scootaloo stated sleepily.

Dusk rolled his eyes and asked, “And why am I carrying you.”

Dusk was expecting her to say something smart flanked like ‘Because I’m on your back.’ But instead she said, “For leaving me alone this morning cuddling a pillow.” She glared at the back of his head, and Dusk could swear he could feel her eyes burning a hole in his head. He laughed softly.

“I didn’t leave you cuddling the pillow, you did that on your own,” Dusk informed with a smirk. Scootaloo blushed and smacked the back of his head.

“Shut up you’re carrying me,” She growled. Dusk continued to laugh but otherwise did as he was ordered. Rainbow looked ahead smiling like a filly. She was so happy to see Scootaloo being cute and flirty. Though if Dusk tried something without Dash’s permission first, he wouldn’t be seeing Celestia raise the sun ever again. Dusk seemed nice enough though. From what shes seen he was always trying to protect Scootaloo. She looked back at the pair to see that Scootaloo had snuggled further into Dusk’s mane with her eyes closed. ‘She must be tired,’ Dash thought. Then her eyes wandered further back. Her eyes suddenly lit up. She gasped but put a hoof over her mouth. ‘Of all the times for her to be tired!’ Rainbow screamed in her mind. ‘WHY DIDN’T I NOTICE SOONER!’ She mentally berated herself. Her mind snapped back to the real world when she noticed that Dusk was staring at her.

While Rainbow was lost in thought Scootaloo took the opportunity to ask Dusk about what had happened back there.

“So Dusk, what happened between you and Rainbow back there?” She asked. Dusk tapped a hoof to his chin in thought of how to phrase it.

“I can’t really tell you,” Dusk began, “but I can tell you that it’s the surprise of a lifetime.” Scootaloo harrumphed and buried her face back in Dusk’s mane. She absentmindedly started nibbling at his neck. It was then that Dusk noticed that Rainbow had stopped walking.

“Something wrong Rainbow Dash?” Dusk asked.

“N-no just something huge occurred to me when I should have noticed earlier,” Rainbow said while peeking at Scootaloo’s cutie mark. ‘A dancer eh? That suits her actually,’ Rainbow thought. Dusk noticed where she was looking. Then noticed that Scootaloo looked like she was sleeping.

He leaned to Rainbow and whispered, “She’s not asleep, believe me she keeps nibbling my neck.” Rainbow glared at him. ‘Oops shouldn’t have said that,’ Dusk thought. Rainbow smacked his head then poked Scootaloo. Scootaloo looked up at her surrogate sister.

“Get off him... now,” Rainbow said in a stern tone. Scootaloo didn’t want to because she was just soooo comfortable. However, it looked like Rainbow had something important to say.

Scootaloo let out a small sigh and mumbled, “Ok.” She slid off of Dusk’s back and looked up at Rainbow nervously. Her stern stare slowly softened as Rainbow thought about what to say. It suddenly broke into a wide, proud grin. Rainbow tackled Scootaloo and flew into the sky hugging her and spinning in circles.

“I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU FINALLY HAVE YOUR CUTIE MARK!” Rainbow screamed as she practically crushed Scootaloo. Scootaloo’s mind was racing. One side of her mind went completely blank having thought she was in trouble, now she was in a crushing bear hug. The other was euphoric about her idol and sister hugging her. Then Rainbow’s words clicked in Scootaloo’s mind. She squealed and hugged Rainbow back. Rainbow started laughing as she stopped spinning and laid her head atop Scootaloo’s like a mother proudly embracing her child. Dusk laughed softly at the two and smiled. They looked good together. Rainbow slowly fluttered to the ground. Scootaloo kept hugging Rainbow. Rainbow smiled a little wider and hugged tighter. Dusk just sat there patiently while quietly laughing to himself. The two heard Dusk laughing and slid away from each other blushing.

“Tell a soul and no more cuddles!” Scootaloo threatened. She then blushed realizing she just admitted to cuddling Dusk in front of Dash. Dash covered her muzzle and laughed softly.

“I’ll stay quiet,” Dusk mumbled defeated. Scootaloo felt a small pit of guilt form in her stomach but forced herself not to nuzzle him and instead looked away with a huff. Rainbow laughed a bit more before pointing at Dusk’s house.

“We’re literally a block away you two, think you can stop flirting long enough to make it that far?” Rainbow teased. They both blushed and nodded. Dusk stood back up and walked next to Scootaloo. They started to walk again. They could made it all of four steps before being interrupted again.

“Rainbow, Scootaloo, Dusk!” A voice yelled behind them. The three looked back to see Applejack and Rarity. They didn’t look too good. They both had purple bags under their eyes. They were breathing heavily, the had dirt and grime over their bodies, and there was even a stick lodged in Rarity’s mane.

“You guy’s look like you’ve been through Tartarus and back, what happened?” Rainbow asked.

“We were lookin’ fer Applebloom and Sweetie Belle all night,” Applejack answered in between gasps. Dusk raised an eyebrow.

“They’re at my house,” Dusk said. Rarity’s eye twitched a little.

“What are they doing there, Dusk?” Rarity asked barely containing her rage.

“We had a small party because… well you’ll have to see for yourself, but it’s awesome!” Dusk informed. Applejack stamped her hoof.

“Lan’s sakes just tell us!” Applejack impatiently yelled. Scootaloo flinched a bit. ‘Applejack is usually so composed,” She thought.

“Applejack, calm down, believe me it’s worth the wait and we are literally a block away, so come on,” Rainbow intervened. It was enough to calm Rarity and Applejack down enough to walk with them. ‘So, am I just invoking the wrath of mares today or what?’ Dusk asked himself. Scootaloo nudged Dusk back to reality to indicate that they were on the move. The five walked to Dusk’s home. Dusk naturally opened the door. Everyone looked in smiling. Rarity and Applejack’s were in relief that their search was over, and Rainbow, Dusk, and Scootaloo’s because they were just happy. Then their minds registered what they saw. Rumble and Applebloom were awake and cuddling in the same position they had been asleep in but she had kissed him on the lips at the worst possible time. Meanwhile Sweetie Belle and Elusive must have been wrestling or something because he was standing over her with a cocky grin. Rage radiated off of Rarity and Applejack’s bodies. The two couples looked over, shock and fear running across their faces.

“This isn’t what it looks like!” They yelled in unison. Dusk, Scootaloo, and Rainbow backed away slowly as Rarity and Applejack entered the house. Tartarus was about to be unleashed.

Chapter 9: Two Years!

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Chapter 9: Two Years!

By: Dusk_Shine6995

Rainbow, Scootaloo, and Dusk sat outside Dusk’s home. They winced as they heard sounds of a struggle. Whatever Rarity and Applejack were doing to them in there, it wasn’t going to be a pretty sight when it was over. The sounds of a struggle, squeals, angry shouts, and angry grunts could be heard. Rainbow could have sworn she heard a jackhammer running at some point. Then all was quiet. Applejack and Rarity emerged from the house, both pulling their sisters out by the ear.

“Ow, ow, owwwww, Rarity, I told you nothing happened!” Sweetie squealed.

Applebloom tried to pull away from her sister’s grasp while grumbling, “Ah’m a big pony! Ah can take care of muhself!” Applejack just glared at her, effectively silencing her. Rarity and Applejack were soon out of sight. After a few moments Rumble and Elusive walked out of the house. They had black eyes similar to Dusk’s.

“What the tartarus just happened?” Rumble asked. Dusk shrugged and looked past his friend. He was surprised that, despite all the noise, his house was unscathed.

“A sister’s rage little colts, a sister’s rage,” Rainbow said with a mocking grin.

“You guys must be ‘The Brotherhooves of the Traveling Bruises’” Scootaloo joked.

“You did not just make a ‘Sisterhooves of the Traveling Horseshoes’ joke,” Dusk admonished.

“And what if I did?” Scootaloo challenged.

“Then no more video games,” he warned. Scootaloo seemed unperturbed by the threat, so he leaned forward and whispered, “And no more kisses.” She looked away with a huff.

“Fine then,” she stated as she entered his home. He walked forward to join her but she slammed the door before he could.

He knocked on the door and shouted, “What the buck Scoots?!” He heard a small giggle from behind the door.

“This is your punishment for that threat,” she informed.

“Scoots, this is my house,” he stated, slightly bothered.

“Exactly,” she said as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

“I could just teleport in there, you know,” he challenged. He heard a faint scoff from behind the door.

“Yeah, but you won’t, because it wouldn’t be fair,” she answered. Rainbow, who had been watching with an amused smirk on her face, stepped up to the door.

“Please open the door, Squirt,” Rainbow requested. Scootaloo immediately opened the door. “Thank you,” Rainbow said as she walked in. Dusk followed close behind, with Rumble and Elusive following suit.

As Elusive walked in Dusk looked at him confused and asked, “Dude, shouldn’t you be going home to check on Pink Streaks?” Elusive’s eyes widened.

“SHIT!” He screamed as he teleported away.

“And on that note, my mom is probably pissed… later!” Rumble announced before taking off into the air.

Scootaloo smiled and said, “And then there were three.” She closed the door and walked into the living room. Once in the room, her smile faded. Dusk was getting chewed out by his mother.

“I come downstairs, expecting my son and his friends to be sound asleep, eager for some breakfast,” Rosetta began, her voice slowly rising, “but no, you and Scootaloo were nowhere to be found. AND on top of it all, two of your friends were making out, and the others were wrestling in my living room!” she yelled. Dusk looked down, ashamed, full of guilt, and most of all, embarrassed. His face was bright red. When he glanced at Scootaloo, he was surprised to see a look of pity, as opposed to amusement. It made him feel a bit less embarrassed, but felt more shame as a result. Rosetta let out a sigh. She began speaking again, her voice lighter this time. “You scared the hay out of me Dusk, just promise not to do it again without a note, ok?” she offered. Dusk smiled sheepishly and answered with a nod. “Good, and I swear to Celestia if you do this again, I’m getting the bat,” Rosetta warned with a smirk. Dusk laughed and nodded.

“Wait, are you serious about the bat!?” Scootaloo asked, astonished. Rosetta and Dusk broke into a hearty laughter.

“No, it’s a private joke between my son and me,” Rosetta explained. Scootaloo nodded slowly.

“I’ll tell you later, but for now let’s just relax, it’s been an insane day already,” Dusk said. Scootaloo nodded and walked towards the couch. Dusk slid to one end to make room for her. Instead of sitting next to him, like he expected, she laid on the entire couch, her head on his lap. He sighed theatrically, which prompted her to jab his stomach. He laughed and shrugged. Rainbow walked over to Rosetta with a smile.

“They’re cute,” She whispered to Rosetta. Rosetta returned the smile and nodded.

“They are, but there is one problem with this picture,” Rosetta whispered back.

“What’s that?” Rainbow asked.

“The bruise on my son’s eye, care to explain?” Rosetta asked. Rainbow gulped and chuckled nervously.

“W-Well, it looked like they were… mating, in the middle of the street. I went a little ballistic and may have hit him,” she explained slowly and carefully.

“Alright, I’ll let it go this time, but don’t make a habit of it,” Rosetta warned darkly. Rainbow gulped again and nodded. Once the two were done with the conversation they looked back to Dusk and Scootaloo. Scootaloo had leaned up and nuzzled Dusk’s bruise again. He smiled and returned the gesture with a nuzzle to her cheek. She blushed softly and looked away. Rainbow and Rosetta smiled and rolled their eyes. They walked out of the room and into the kitchen.

“Would you like anything to drink Rainbow?” Rosetta asked. Rainbow shook her head. Rosetta shrugged and said, “Suit yourself.” She poured herself a drink. “So about what we talked about yesterday,” Rosetta began, after taking a sip of her drink, “I already made the call.” Rainbow’s eyes narrowed.

“How long until they get here?” She asked.

“Not very long,” Rosetta answered. Rainbow nodded and proceeded to discuss their plan of action.

Dusk was petting Scootaloo’s mane softly as she laid on him. He couldn’t help but smile at her small purrs and wiggles of enjoyment. ‘It’s like having a giant cat,’ he thought with an amused grin. She sat still after a while of the petting.

She looked up at him and said, “Hey Dusk, there’s something that’s been bothering me for a little while now.”

Dusk looked down and asked, “What might that be?”

She looked away sheepishly, “It might sound stupid but… why do you wear the hoodie and facade as The Outcast?”

Dusk smirked and answered in his Outcast voice, “I thought you liked The Outcast.” Scootaloo shuddered and smiled.

“I do, but seriously, why? Why not just go in there as normal you and kick their flanks?” she asked again.

“It’s simple Scoots,” he began, “to protect those close to me. Those creeps I have to fight would do ANYTHING to get an edge over the pony who has their number. Including foalnapping my marefriend.” Scootaloo blushed and nodded. She understood what he meant. Her blush intensified as the word “marefriend” registered in her mind. While both were aware that they were clearly coltfriend and marefriend, they had never said it aloud before. Hearing Dusk say the word made her heart flutter in her chest. She smiled wide as the word replayed in her head. “Can you imagine what that bucking psycho Trueshot would do if he found out who I was?”

“T-True enough,” she mumbled, still recovering from the word marefriend. She looked at him with a smile. “So, you’re just pwotecting me,” she began, “D’awww, my little Duskie.” She sang with a smirk as he began blushing.

“That’s unfair and you know it!” Dusk complained.

“Oh, I know, that’s why I do it,” she stated with a giggle before nuzzling his chin. He growled playfully and looked away. She giggled more and decided let up her flirtatious attack... for now. Her blush returned as she slowly worked up the nerve to say, “So… marefriend?” He looked at her nervously.

“M-Maybe… I mean, if you want to be, that is, I mean…” he looked away again blushing brighter than before.

“So was that some crap attempt of asking me out?” she asked with a small smirk, still blushing. He let out a soft sigh and nodded.

“Yeahhhhh…” he said softly, “I’ll understand if you say n-” he started to say before she set her hoof on his cheek.

“Shut up,” she whispered. He obeyed her order. “Of course I will you idiot,” she answered with tears in her eyes. His face quickly shifted Into happiness. They began laughing softly. “That was so cheesy, did we even need to do that?” she asked.

“Oh you loved it and you know it,” he countered. She jabbed his ribs.

“So!” she shouted defiantly causing the two to start laughing again. They finally stopped laughing after a few minutes.

“You’re adorable,” he complimented.

“And you’re an idiot,” she answered. “But you’re my idiot,” she finished with a smile.

He grinned wide and said, “Damn right!” She rolled her eyes and leaned her head against his neck. “Oh you know you love it,” he teased. She grunted and jabbed his ribs in response.

“Stop being a dork when I’m trying to be normal!” she grumbled.

“Fine, I’ll shut up,” he began, “but only if you admit you’re adorable.” She rolled her eyes and mumbled. “What was that? I couldn’t hear you.” he teased. She mumbled a little louder. “One more time?” he teased again.

She growled and leaned into his face before singing, “I’m adooooorableeeee.” He blushed a little at the sudden closeness but smiled all the same. Scootaloo smirked at her newfound dominance. She slowly leaned down to kiss his stupid lips. He leaned up to meet hers.

Just before they met, there was a loud knock on the door. They both let out a sigh and Scootaloo climbed off of Dusk to let him up. He got up and approached the door. Scootaloo walked with him. The knock returned, louder this time, before they reached the door.

“I’m coming, I’m coming!” Dusk yelled. He opened the door to see two fully armoured royal guard pegasi on the other side.

“Hello, is there a miss Scootaloo here?” the guard pony on the left asked.

Scootaloo looked at him and answered, “Yeah that’s me, why?”

“You’re coming with us,” the guard on the right responded.

Chapter 10: Free at Last

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Chapter 10: Free at Last

Scootaloo could only stare, wide eyed, at the guards at the door. ‘Why are they here for me? What did I do? Where are they going to take me?’ she thought in a panic. She did manage to recover in order to look confident.

“Why, where are you taking me?” She asked a little shakily. The guards exchanged looks before looking back at her.

“We were told you would be informed before we got her, but since that doesn’t seem to be the case… We’re here to escort you to court,” the guard on the left answered. Scootaloo looked at Dusk for answers. Before he could answer, however, a voice cut him off.

“Ah, you’re here, but you’re early,” Rosetta said as she walked in, Rainbow close behind.

“So you haven’t explained the situation?” the guard on the right asked.

She opened her mouth to speak but Rainbow answered for her, “No, we were about to.”

“Explain what?” Scootaloo questioned as she looked around confused. The guard on the left looked Rosetta in the eye, then looked into Dusk’s.

“Well now that we’re here, we can’t allow you to do so without us listening in, otherwise her testimony could be skewed,” he informed.

Rosetta nodded and spoke, “I understand, and we’ll gladly accept, but it’s fairly early, and I know for a fact my son hasn’t bathed yet today.” Dusk looked away sheepishly, causing Scootaloo to let out a poorly suppressed giggle. “Allow us to prepare for the day at least, then we’ll tell her everything with your supervision,” Rosetta continued. “Dusk, go and shower, you smell like manure,” Dusk blushed, causing Scootaloo to giggle once more. He walked off, still blushing.

“Don’t think for a moment that you’re off the hook squirt, you’re going upstairs and waiting for him to finish, then you’re next,” Rainbow ordered. Scootaloo lowered her head in mock sadness. She accidentally sniffed and went rigid. She immediately ran after Dusk. Rainbow had to suppress her laughter at the scene but managed to snap her attention back to the matter at hoof at the sound of Rosetta’s voice.

“Would you two like to join us for some coffee?” The guards hesitated a moment but then accepted.

“Don’t think for a moment that this will get a good word from us,” one guard warned.

“If you want to wait outside in all that armour for, Celestia knows, how long it’ll take for them to bathe then be my guest,” Rosetta admonished without so much of a flinch. Both guards exchanged looks again and nodded. Rainbow closed the door behind the guards and followed them into the kitchen.

Scootaloo reached the bathroom door within moments. She could hear the sound of running water. She knocked on the door as hard as she could. The sounds of somepony slipping and falling caused her to laugh. She was then greeted by a suddenly open door and a furious Dusk Shine. Scootaloo could only grin impishly at his wet fur and angry expression. He raised himself to his full height, trying to intimidate her. Her grin only grew. His anger quickly faded as he looked at her.

“You’re lucky you’re adorable,” he grumbled, now looking annoyed.

She grinned and sang, “I know.” She began laughing again. He needed revenge. ‘But how?’ he questioned himself. He smirked as an idea came to mind. Scootaloo’s eyes widened, “Oh no.” Before she could do anything else he hugged her, still freshly wet from the shower. She pulled against his grip but couldn’t break it. “Lemme goooooo!” she groaned. He laughed and refused. She kept fighting his grasp until finally she broke free. She looked at her now soaked form. “Jerk!” she stated with a pout.

Dusk let out a small laugh before he spoke, “Heh, I made you moist.” Scootaloo blushed and punched his chest.

“PERVERT!” she shouted before walking off.

He laughed harder before shouting back, “WORTH IT!”

=^.^=

Meanwhile, downstairs, the guards ears perked up. One stood to go figure out what was going on.

“They’re just flirting, it isn’t anything to worry about,” Rosetta informed as she handed them mugs of coffee. The guard hesitated again but turned to go investigate anyway.

“You’re telling me you’ve never been playful with your marefriend back in the day?” Rainbow questioned with a smirk. The guard looked at her with a small bit of annoyance. He did, however, concede to that fact and sat back down.

=^.^=

Dusk had finished his shower and gone downstairs, leaving Scootaloo to do the same. She closed the door behind her as she entered. After putting a plug in the drain she turned the hot water on full blast. She sat on the ground as she waited for the tub to fill.

“I’m gonna need this,” she muttered to herself as the steam started filling the room. Her day’s shenanigans had finally caught up to her. Chasing Dusk around, talking with Rainbow, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle’s sisters almost murdering them and their coltfriends, guards interrupting her mid make out session... Scootaloo blushed with a little smile thinking about that last one. It had all added up and she needed to relax.

She turned the water off after a few minutes and took in a deep breath. The steam filled her from her nostrils to her lungs. It felt so nice, she was already relaxing. She dipped her hoof into the water and pulled it out immediately on instinct. It was scalding hot. Just the way she liked it. She then hopped in with all four hooves and quickly submerged herself in the head. From past experiences she learned the fastest way to get over the burning sensation was to get herself covered in it as fast as possible. It worked as she slowly raised her head from the water. She let out a content sigh before sinking back down until her nostrils were just above the water. After a few moments sitting there she began to use the shampoo on the edge of the tub. Her wings fluttered a little as she massaged her scalp. Normally she wouldn’t even use the shampoo, she’d just get her hair wet and rub her head. Why work so hard to clean it when bugs and dirt would just get in it when she was on her scooter. After all the soap was rubbed in she turned the faucet back on and used the flow of water to wash it out of her hair. She turned the faucet back of once all the shampoo was gone and she leaned against the back of the tub.

“What are they here for?” Scootaloo asked herself. Her mind began racing with ideas of what they could possibly want. ‘What is Dusk hiding from me?’ she suddenly thought. It caused her to double take. ‘Where did that come from?’ she questioned. ‘Dusk wouldn’t hide anything from me... would he? No, don’t start thinking like this, it will be fine, he’s trustworthy, and Rainbow is involved so what could go wrong? A lot actually… but still that doesn’t mean Dusk is hiding things from me.’ She concluded in her head. She stood up and quickly washed her tail before pulling the plug from the drain and fluttering out of the tub. It made her smile that she finally had the ability to flutter around now. She grabbed a towel and used her wings to dry herself off before haphazardly brushing her mane with her hoof then went downstairs.

Scootaloo walked in on the guards, Rosetta, and Rainbow exchanging small talk with Dusk sitting awkwardly in the middle. Scootaloo slowly took a seat beside Dusk, causing the small talk to cease.

“Alright miss Scootaloo, tell us, did your dad ever-” one of the guards began to ask but was immediately cut off.

“Stop right there,” Rosetta interjected, “If you ask questions like you’re about to our entire testimony will be forfeit because of forced memory.” The guard opened his mouth to speak again but she held up a hoof. “I will hear nothing of it, I let you in my house out of the searing heat, and gave you refreshments, the least you can do is just do as I ask, please.” she stated. The guard nodded. “Thank you, now I want from you two is to listen to what is said and be our witnesses that we didn’t tell her to say any specific phrase, any condemning words, and things of the like. Can you do that?” The guards nodded again, to which Rosetta smiled. “Thank you, now Rainbow do you want to explain to Scootaloo what’s going on?” Scootaloo turned and look at Rainbow Dash with questioning eyes.

“Well, Squirt, to keep it simple, we told the court about the horrible things your father has done to you and your friends.” she began, “We have a hearing soon to try and get you into my custody.” Scootaloo looked into Rainbow’s eyes searching for some form of lie. When no sign of lies were found she pinched herself to see if she was dreaming.

“Is this for real, is this really happening?” she asked as tears started to develop in her eyes.

“Yeah, it’s for real, and we need you to just tell the truth about what you’ve been through,” Rainbow answered. Scootaloo couldn’t hold back the flood of tears anymore. She jumped out of her chair and ran into Rainbow Dash’s hooves. Rainbow hugged her and pet her mane. She cried into Rainbow’s chest while Rainbow tried to comfort her. “Shhh, shhh, calm down Scootaloo, it’s alright,” Rainbow murmured into her ears. Scootaloo sniffled and slowly regained her composure. She sat up but stayed in Rainbow’s hooves.

“S-So, what exactly is gonna happen?” Scootaloo asked.

Rosetta was the first to answer, “You’re going to be put on the stand at some point or another, and asked questions about your father, your past, and things that have happened to you.” Scootaloo nodded as Rainbow gently stroked her mane. “You’re going to be asked very personal questions, and in rapid succession, that’s what plaintiffs do,” she continued.

Rainbow then cut in, “All you have to do is tell the truth Squirt.” She nuzzled Scootaloo’s mane softly. Scootaloo blushed and looked at Rosetta for confirmation. She received a nod from the mare.

“So I’m gonna be asked questions and all I have to do is tell the truth?” Scootaloo asked. She received another nod. “S-sounds easy enough, when do I start?” she asked.

“About ten minutes actually,” Dusk stated.

Scootaloo cleared her throat and wiggled out of Rainbow’s grasp before saying, “Well let’s get going.”

The five ponies began the walk to Ponyville City Hall. Scootaloo trotted nervously between Rainbow Dash and Rosetta. She looked to Dusk for comfort but he seems just as nervous as her. The silence was awkward and pregnant with tension. After a few minutes of walking Rainbow spoke up.

“So how long is this gonna take, do you think?” She asked one of the guards.

“That depends on the judge, the jury, and the evidence,” one guard answered. Dusk started giggling.

“Sorry, but is it bad that I heard ‘judge, jury, and executioner’ in my head?” He asked through his laughter. The guards chuckled a little as well.

Scootaloo’s eyes widened as she yelped, “EXECUTIONER?!” This triggered them all to start laughing.

“No Squirt, there won’t be an executioner,” Rainbow stated. “You haven’t done anything to deserve one... yet.” She added slyly. Scootaloo gulped loudly. Everyone continued to laugh for a while. Once the laughter subsided, they continued in silence, this time with less tension.

They soon reached the City Hall. The guards opened the doors for the other four. Once everyone entered, the guards ushered Scootaloo away from the rest of the group.

“It will be fine Scootaloo, just be honest and everything will work out,” Rosetta called out. Scootaloo didn’t have a chance to answer before they entered the main hall. She looked at the two guards for comfort but knew she probably wouldn’t get any.

“We will escort you in and to your attorney,” a guard stated.

“My attorney?” Scootaloo asked.

The other guard nodded and said, “Yes, it is someone you know very well, according to Miss Dash.”

“But I haven’t talked to anyone,” she countered.

“She left the message to, ‘Trust me, Squirt,’” the second guard stated. Scootaloo smiled and nodded.

“Ok, thank you,” she answered. She waited with the guards in silence for a little while. She was soon escorted into the courtroom. Looking around at all the ponies staring at her was making Scootaloo nervous. ‘1, 2, 3, 16, 40!?’ she mentally counted in a panic. Her eyes fell on her father in the front. Her eyes widened and her walk stiffened. She searched desperately for friendly faces. She thankfully saw Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell, as well as their sisters, and their sisters friends. Scootaloo was very surprised to find that Dusk and Rainbow Dash weren’t there. She did however see Rosetta. She was staring at Scootaloo with a calm expression. Scootaloo let out a soft sigh before reaching the front of the room and sitting down. She looked at the strange pegasus stallion sitting next to her.

Before she could say a word he opened his mouth and spoke, “Hello Scootaloo, my name is Diamond Suit, I’m an old friend of Dash’s from flight school. I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure your father doesn’t get away with this.

“We will now begin, please rise for honorable Judge Swift Justice.” The bailiff announced. The crowd rose to their hooves.

Once Judge Swift made it to her seat she announced, “You may all be seated.” The crowd obeyed as she looked over the papers presented to her. “Alright so we have the prosecution of, Plaintiff, Scootaloo versus Defendant, Hay Rolled on the grounds of child abuse.” She looked at Hay Rolled with a blank expression and asked, “How do you plead?”

“Not guilty, your honor,” stated his lawyer. Judge Swift wrote something down and looked up at Diamond suit.

“You may begin,” she said monotonously. For Scootaloo, everything passed by in a blur. A mixture of arguments, pounds of a gavel, several witnesses took the stand, giving mixed signals over who was in the wrong. She could barely comprehend what was going on until she saw Rainbow Dash sit in the witness chair. She watched carefully as Dash

“Miss Dash, is it true that you often look after Miss Scootaloo?” Hay Rolled’s lawyer asked.

“Yeah.” Rainbow answered.

“Have you ever seen anything to indicate that she has been abused?” he asked.

“You mean besides the bruises, cuts, missing feathers, and the occasional burned fur?” Rainbow retorted. She continued, “I have heard her in her sleep, crying about her father beating her and abusing her, not to mention it’s not hard to see a change in her each time she hears his name!” Scootaloo’s eyes teared up a little from the memories of the nights Rainbow stayed up with her to comfort her. The lawyer winced at the statements. He sighed and turned around.

“No further questions your honor,” he stated defeatedly. Diamond didn’t think there was a whole lot he could add. Rainbow was a quick to win mare after all.

“I have no questions either your honor,” he stated before retaking his seat.

“Any further witnesses?” Judge Swift asked.

“One more your honor, I’d like to call Dusk Shine to the stand,” Diamond responded. He figured they had it won, but overkill doesn’t exist in the courtroom. Scootaloo’s eyes widened and her head snapped towards the back of the courtroom. Dusk walked in, escorted by two guards. He stood at the witness stand and made his oath. He then sat and waited for the questions. “Mr. Dusk Shine, how long have you known Scootaloo?” Diamond Suit asked.

“I’ve known her since Kindergarten, but only known her personally around five months,” Dusk answered.

“How close would you say you two are?” Diamond asked.

“Well, she’s kind of my… uh… well… she’s my filly friend,” Dusk answered a little sheepishly. There was a small “Dawww,” coming from around Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle’s rows. Scootaloo blushed profusely. The loud bang of a gavel was soon heard.

“Order in the court!” Judge Swift demanded. “Continue Mr. Diamond,” she said.

“Thank you, your honor, how did you become personally involved with Scootaloo, Dusk?” he asked.

“Well Elusive, Rumble, and I were hanging out, we ran into the crusaders and horsed around,” Dusk began. “We all had to go home, and apparently Scootaloo and I lived in roughly the same direction,” he continued. “That same night I heard the crash of glass then the sound of hoofbeats. It was Scootaloo, she had ran from her house and hugged me. Her dad was soon outside and on us, he started screaming obscenities, he called her a whorse. Well I may have… knocked him out… but I teleported him back into his house. Thankfully the tree softened my fall.” he finished. The last line got a few laughs from the room. The gavel sounded again and everyone shushed back up.

“Has she mentioned anything about her father to you?” Diamond asked.

“Yeah, not alot though, she doesn’t like talking about it too often but she mentioned a few beatings, and the fact that she doesn’t think he’s a bad stallion, but that he is a bad father,” Dusk stated. “She doesn’t want to live with him anymore, but also thinks he shouldn’t be imprisoned for it,” he finished.

“What do you think?” Diamond questioned.

“I think Scootaloo is a kind, forgiving filly, and that if she thinks he should be free, then I can’t disagree,” Dusk answered.

“No further questions,” Diamond said.

“Does the defendant have anything to add?” Judge Swift asked. The lawyer went to stand, but Hay Rolled grabbed his shoulder before standing himself.

“Your honor, I’d like to change my plea,” Hay Rolled announced. There was a collective gasp from the room. Scootaloo’s eyes widened as she stared at him.

“So you plead guilty?” Judge Swift asked for confirmation.

“Yes, and I’d like to add that Scootaloo is mostly right,” he said. “I believe I deserve to be punished far worse than she thinks I do,” he stated.

“Is that all?” Judge Swift questioned. Hay Rolled nodded and sat down. Scootaloo sat in awe at what he had just said. There was a stunned silence in the room as Judge Swift told the jury to convene.

The room sat in nervous silence, awaiting the decision by the jury. After about an hour they re-entered the main room.

“How do you find the defendant?” Swift Justice asked.

“We find the defendant… guilty on the charge of child abuse,” the jury spokesperson announced.

“Ok, Mr. Hay Rolled, I sentence you to one hundred hours of community service, a minimum of sixty hours with a court ordered psychiatrist, and I am releasing your custody of Miss Scootaloo to Miss Rainbow Dash. You will only be allowed to see your daughter again when she decides to allow you to do so,” Judge Swift Justice declared. “Court is adjourned,” she finished and began filing the paperwork.

Rainbow Dash shot out of her seat, with a loopty loop in the air, and cheered. Many others cheered as well. Hay Rolled walked over to Scootaloo and looked at her apologetically.

“One last hug?” he asked softly. The Bailiff was watching Hay Rolled like a hawk.

“S-sure,” Scootaloo answered uncertainly. Hay Rolled leaned in and hugged her.

As he hugged her he whispered, “You haven’t seen the last of me.” before walking away. Scootaloo’s eyes watered and widened. She closed her eyes tightly and looked down fighting back the tears. She reopened her eyes and chased after him.

She hugged him from behind before whispering into his ear, “Nothing you do can hurt me, pansy ass.” She then shoved off of him and ran over to Rainbow Dash and all her friends. She heard a small growl of rage from Hay Rolled. She didn’t care, she ran into Rainbow Dash’s hooves. Rainbow hugged her tight and lifted her into the air. Her friends giggled with happy tears in their eyes. Once Rainbow finally let her go, she looked over to Dusk, who was smiling bright. She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before hugging him too. Once they separated they left the courtroom and walked onto the streets. They rejoiced around each other.

“I’m so glad you don’t have to deal with him anymore!” Sweetie Belle squeaked. Apple Bloom hoofbumped her and giggled as they all hugged. Their sisters, and technically Scootaloo’s new step mom, all smiled at the fillies. Rosetta and Dusk watched with grins on their faces as they tried not to giggle.

“Thank you, all of you, without you, I-I may not have been able to stand up to my father, or ever get away from him, but with all of you around I know I’m finally safe,” Scootaloo said with tears in her eyes. “I know that I can finally handle myself without his meddling, thank you all soooooo much,” She thanked again and hugged them all.

Dusk pulled away from the scene with a huge fuss. “Geeze, Scoots, when did you become so soft?” he teased. Scootaloo stared Dusk down with fake rage. She charged and tackle-hugged him. Dusk’s air left his lungs as Scootaloo squeezed with all her might. “I give, I give!” Dusk yelled breathlessly. Scootaloo, as well as their crowd of friends, laughed as she stood up. Dusk went to stand up but was knocked back down by a pony rushing by. The pony kept moving without a word. Dusk slowly stood up with Scootaloo’s help.

“EXCUSE YOU!” Sweetie Belle yelled after the pony. “Some ponies, geeze,” she huffed.

Scootaloo smiled and said, “Screw that guy, nothing is going to bring me down today!” A loud cheer erupted from the group from those words. They devolved into a loud chatter and began chatting about things that might happen, future crusades, and even a couple dates planned by the older sisters, making the younger ones blush bright.

However a loud scream interrupted them. “PEPPER!” a mare screamed from the nearby crossroads. The group looked over and saw a young colt about to get run over by a speeding carriage. The same young colt Dusk had nearly tackled the other day. Dusk was quick to react. He tried to teleport but was unable, he tried again and again as quick as possible but just couldn’t. He then charged into the street and shoved the young colt out of harm’s way. But at the cost of his own harm. The carriage slammed into Dusk at full speed. Everyone around the accident screamed. The carriage came to a stop ten feet from Dusk’s body. The group he had just been in charged into the street crying.

“Dusk, DUSK!” Scootaloo screamed as they approached. They drew in close to his form.

“No, nonononono, NO!” Rosetta yelled as she started to see the full damage done to her son. She broke into tears at the sight of his contorted body. Nothing was too bad out of place, except his left foreleg, which was stuck under his back. However there were two large black bruises, noticeable even through his fur. One on his neck, the other on his lower torso. Rosetta fell to her knees and screamed, “CALL FOR HELP!” She then looked down at Dusk and brushed his mane out of his face, “Dusk, Dusk, you’re ok, stay with me ok, please, please, stay with me,” Rosetta weeped over her son whispering these words. Scootaloo looked around through tear stained eyes looking for anypony who could help. She locked eyes with a pony standing near the edge of a house with a small smirk on his face. It was Hay Rolled. He quickly disappeared from sight. Scootaloo knew what had happened but had to focus on help. She looked over to Rainbow. The moment she saw Scootaloo look at her she took to the skies and searched for help as fast as possible. Scootaloo’s eyes filled with tears as she stared at the scene. She let out a loud scream of pain as she held Dusk’s hoof as gently as she could.