Scootaloo is all alone, or is she? Has Scootaloo found someone she can look up to? Is the pony with the purple coat a more suitable mother for the orange filly? All are answered in this touching tale of loss and hope.
Scootaloo is all alone. Until Twilight takes her home and teaches her the magic of flight. Will Scootaloo finally have a mother? One can only hope that after being an orphan for so long, this little filly can find a home.
A dark fog was set over a snowy Ponyville, all was still, save for an orange pegasus filly. She was shivering in the cold, glancing around nervously. She heard hoofsteps behind her; they were soft, but audible in the still night. The pegasus, Scootaloo, turned, her pink mane catching the wind and blowing into her face. She couldn’t get a clear view of the pony who’d joined her, but she felt a rush of warmth, the newcomer had wrapped Scootaloo in her hooves.
“I knew you’d come, Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo smiled, looking upwards. She was shocked to find that it was not Rainbow Dash who’d warmed her, but Twilight Sparkle. Scootaloo blushed, “Oh, hey Twilight!”
The lavender unicorn blinked her purple eyes, “What are you doing out here in the cold, Scootaloo? You’ll freeze out here!”
Scootaloo looked at the ground, “It isn’t much better in the clubhouse.” She often slept in the Cutie Mark Crusaders’ club house when it wasn’t warm enough to sleep in the grass.
Twilight levitated Scootaloo into the air, placing her gently onto Twilight’s back. “Come on, Scoots, you can stay with us until it gets warm.”
Scootaloo smiled with glee, “Could I?!” She quickly reclaimed her cool, “I mean…if that’s what I have to do…”
“I could just leave you here.” Twilight shrugged, knowing she would never do that to the poor orphan filly.
“No!” Scootaloo whimpered, not trying to act tough this time. She was so sleepy, sleeping in a snow drift isn’t very easy. She curled up between the librarian’s shoulder blades and fell quickly asleep.
***
When Scootaloo awoke, she smelled pancakes in the air. “Mmm, that smells delicious!” She stretched out, her wings stretching out away from her back, she fluttered them a little. She left the guest bedroom and trotted down to Twilight’s kitchen.
Spike was flipping pancakes while Twilight read a book about flight. Scootaloo took an interest in the book, “Hey, Twi! Could I see that book?”
Twilight jumped, not expecting Scootaloo to be up so early, “Of course you can!” She levitated a chair next to her and pushed the book so that it was visible from both seats.
Scootaloo eagerly hopped up on the chair, glancing at bright diagrams of wings and turning to see if hers looked the same. It looked just a bit smaller than the one in the picture. Suddenly, she felt a force pulling her wing out as far as it could go, she jumped, “Hey!”
“Hold on a second, Scootaloo. Stay still.” Twilight wondered if Scootaloo could be capable of flight soon; perhaps even right this very second! Her wings seemed developed enough, perhaps they could try a takeoff from a high area, safely of course.
Scootaloo was growing impatient, she didn’t like having her wing held out like it was. She squirmed slightly, wishing Twilight could just hurry up already.
Twilight released Scootaloo’s wing, “Scootaloo, I think you might be ready to fly.” She said calmy, smiling.
Scootaloo leapt in the air, fluttering her wings, “Really!” She noted that she did stay in the air for about twenty seconds before slowly fluttering back into the chair.
Twilight nodded, “After that, there’s no doubt! Let’s look for somewhere we can practice your takeoff.” She slid out of her chair and left her tree, Scootaloo followed briskly, leaping every now and again.
"So, Twilight, where are we gonna practice?" Scootaloo was giddy with excitement, she couldn't believe that she was about to learn how to fly! She would have preferred if Rainbow Dash had been teaching her, but Twilight was alright.
Twilight smiled, "Woah, calm down there, we're just practicing takeoffs for today. I think we should start on that hill over there." She angled her ears towards a small, snowy hill near Fluttershy's cottage. She picked up her pace, "Last one there is a rotten egg!" With that, she galloped off.
"Oh no you don't!" Scootaloo called, laughing as she chased after the studious mare, determined not to be a 'rotten egg.'
Twilight reached the top of the hill first, she grinned down at Scootaloo as the pegasus slowed to a trot, "I guess you're the rotten egg!" she giggled, "But we can have a rematch later."
"I'll beat you then!" Scootaloo smiled deviously, her competitiveness making her lose focus slightly. She trotted in place, "So, where to?!"
"Woah there, slow down! Don't you want to fly?" Twilight raised her eyebrows, a question swimming in her eyes.
"Oh yeah! Of course!" She stopped trotting and spread her wings, getting into the takeoff position that she'd seen Rainbow Dash do a thousand times, "Ready?"
"Set...Go!" Twilight encouraged Scootaloo as the filly fluttered her wings furiously, raising slightly higher every second, "Come on, Scoots! You can do it!" She was jumping around, excited for the little Crusader.
Scootaloo rose about seven feet into the air, then collapsed into the snow, "Did you see how high I was, Twilight?!" She bounced around gleefully, she never thought she could do that!
Twilight looked just as happy as Scootaloo, "Yeah! And if you keep practicing, you'll be able to fly in no time!" She was about to suggest another try, when she realized how tired the young mare's wings must be, "How about we head back and eat some of those pancakes?"
"You don't have to ask me twice!" Scootaloo began trotting off towards the library, there was a slight ache in her wings, but she didn't mind one bit. She reached Twilight's tree and pushed open the door.
"Guys, the pancakes were ready a while ago! Why didn't you eat before you left?" Spike growled sourly, he was wearing a pink apron with a slightly darker pink heart on it.
"Oh calm your scales, Spike. We're here now." Twilight soothed the baby dragon, putting a hoof on his green spikes.
The purple dragon flinched away and threw down the apron, "I'm going to take a nap." He declared, trudging to his little basket.
Twilight rolled her eyes and dished out the pancakes, "What do you like on your pancakes, Scootaloo?"
"Apple slices!" Scootaloo's eyes were shining, she only ever ate pancakes with nothing on them, but she really loved apple slices. She thought the two of them together would taste perfect.
"Of course!" Twilight smiled, placing the slices in a circle on a large pancake, then setting the plate down in front of Scootaloo. She placed her plate, which had banana slices on it, in front of where she'd sit. "So, Scootaloo, I was thinking after you got taking off down, we could work on your landing. THat'd have to be from a higher elevation of course."
"Like the mountain?" Scootaloo asked inquisitively, chewing loudly.
"Exactly. On the mountain, in the cave where we'd found that dragon. You could jump from there, and flutter yourself down. We'll need help from a pegasus in case things go wrong, though." Twilight said, swallowing a mouthful of pancake.
"Like Rainbow Dash?" Scootaloo's eyes shone with hope, she squeed when Twilight nodded her approval. "This is going to be great!" The orange filly declared, taking another, victorious bite of her apple pancakes.
Twilight set the dishes in the sink to be cleaned later, “Scootaloo,” She began, “I think we should tell your parents about me teaching you how to fly. Otherwise they may be concerned.”
Scootaloo looked up from the table, shocked, “Well, uh, I’m sure they’d be okay with it.” She squeaked rather quickly.
Twilight gave her a reassuring smile, “I am too, but it’s still polite to ask. I’ll come with you.” She suddenly realized that she had no idea where the little filly lived, “You’ll have to lead the way.”
The orange pegasus sighed, pushing herself away from the table, she had to think of a lie, and she had to think of it quickly. She didn’t want to end up in an orphanage, she could hold her own just fine. Twilight wouldn’t understand. She put on a fake smile and headed to the door, “Well, what are we waiting for?”
Two ponies trotted out together onto the street, heading north towards Sugar Cube Corner, but planning to move far past that. Scootaloo planned to spot a pony that looked similar to her in color scheme, and make them think she had some sort of mental illness when she called them “Mom” or “Dad.” She believed that if they thought she had some sort of disease, they’d just go with the flow. It was a long shot, but it was all she had.
After about twenty minutes of trotting around aimlessly, Twilight was starting to lose patience, “Scootaloo, we’ve been walking for a long time. Can we just get to where we’re headed?” Her voice was kind, but was tinged with her impatience.
Scootaloo flinched slightly, she had to think fast. As a last resort she trotted over to a disgruntled looking white earth pony with a pink and indigo mane. “Hey, mom!” she said, staring at the mare, hoping against hope that she would comply with her plan.
The mare looked confused, “Scootaloo? I’m not your mom. Go away, I’m waiting for somepony.” She turned her back and placed her head on her hoof, taking a sip of her water.
Scootaloo’s heart sunk, she had nowhere else to turn, her ears drooped. “Twilight…I have something to tell you. Can we go back to the library?” She looked up into Twilight’s purple eyes with her pink ones, tears beginning to well up and drip into her soft fur.
Twilight looked curious, but sympathetic, “Sure, Scoots.” She set the filly on her back and trotted off towards the library at a brisk pace.
***
“So, what do you have to tell me?” Twilight gently set Scootaloo down in a lounge chair, she herself going to sit in one adjacent to it.
Scootaloo began to cry harder than before, making whimpery noises as she forced the words out, “I-I don’t have parents. At least, not anymore. They died in the huge explosion in Detrot.” She sniffled, curling up into a ball on the chair.
This was the last thing Twilight expected to hear. She got up from her chair quickly and walked over to the crying pony. Saying nothing, she wrapped her hooves around the little filly. She never would have thought that daring, brave Scootaloo was an orphan.
The two ponies stayed like this until Scootaloo pulled herself together, she looked up at the unicorn gratefully, “Thanks, Twilight, I needed to let that out.” She wiped her eyes with her hoof and sniffled one more time.
Twilight moved back to let Scootaloo have some air, she ruffled the little filly’s mane and gave a small halfhearted smile, “So, how do you survive out there?” It was a rude question, but she was curious and wanted to get to a new subject.
Scootaloo shrugged, “I sleep in the Cutie Mark Crusader clubhouse, and I counted on Pinkie not to tell anyone, so she always slipped me some food.”
“Pinkie knew?!” Twilight was shocked; she always saw the party pony as a big blabbermouth. The fact that she kept a secret this large for this long was crazy! Then she realized, “You made her Pinkie promise, didn’t you?”
Scootaloo gave a curt nod, “Yeah. Sometimes, Pinkie seems more dependable than Applejack. But of course, it’s easy to see why Pinkie is the element of laughter.” She chuckled softly, almost to herself. Then her face contorted into one of horror, “You’re not gonna send me to an orphanage, are you?”
Twilight softly nuzzled the little crusader’s ear, “No, of course not.” She smiled warmly, “If you want, you could stay here with me and Spike.”
She’d hardly got the sentence out when Scootaloo was bouncing up and down, “Really?! Could I?!” She was so excited, she felt like her heart would burst.
Twilight stifled a giggle with her hoof, “Of course you can! You can have the guest room. Come on, let’s go get your things and move them over here.” She headed once again to the door.
Scootaloo followed, leaping up and down the whole way, “All my stuff is in the clubhouse.” She said giddily, although she was aware Twilight probably had already figured this out.
The librarian gave a small acknowledging nod before heading out of the library. Scootaloo followed close behind her, still jumping.
They reached the clubhouse quickly, and Twilight made to climb up the ladder before Scootaloo jumped into her way, “Sorry Twilight, only Crusaders allowed.” She said dutifully before climbing the ladder herself and entering the clubhouse.
She quickly grabbed her scooter and helmet, pushing them out onto the clubhouse’s porch, then grabbed the blanket she used to sleep on. These were her sole possessions, save for her saddlebag, but the blanket was the most important thing in the world to her. Her mother had made it for her when she was little. It was a soft pink, much like Fluttershy’s mane, and it featured a scooter that looked similar to her own.
She came out of the clubhouse with the blanket tucked neatly away in her saddlebags, she nudged her scooter softly, letting it fall to the ground before strapping her helmet on.
Twilight looked surprised, “Need me to carry anything?”
“No thanks, I don’t have much.” She hopped onto her scooter, “Well, let’s head back, it’s getting late.” She gave a small nod to the purple unicorn, then sped off.
Twilight galloped behind, attempting fruitlessly to keep up. She eventually slowed to a trot as she accepted the fact that she would never catch up to the scooter.
Scootaloo, as expected, reached the library first. She waited outside, unsure if Twilight would want the scooter inside. Sitting down, she gazed at the stars from under her helmet, thinking of her parents for the first time in months. It felt nice, but depressing at the same time. She pulled her eyes to the image of a small unicorn in the distance, growing steadily larger. Twilight was returning.
“Why are you out here, Scoots?” Twilight asked, panting. “You could have gone in.”
“I didn’t know if you’d allow the scooter in.” Scootaloo blushed, scuffing her foot around in the snow.
Twilight opened the door, then put the scooter inside using her magic, effectively answering Scootaloo’s question. She headed up to the guest room, where Scoots had stayed last night. The filly followed, happy to finally have a family after all this time.
Reaching the room, Twilight set the scooter down by a closet and let Scootaloo find a place for her helmet and saddlebag, she didn’t know about the blanket. “This is your room now, Scoots. Decorate it any way you like.” She announced.
Scootaloo looked happier than she ever had in her life; she immediately jumped on the bed, tired after the day’s charades. She snuggled under the covers and smiled at Twilight.
Twilight walked over to the bed and tucked the covers in around Scootaloo, she smiled back, “Good-night, Scootaloo.” She said softly before turning to leave.
Just before the door closed Scootaloo spoke up, “Twilight?” She called out softly.
Twilight opened the door again, “Yes?” She looked back curiously as the slit of light coming from the hallway lit up Scootaloo’s joy filled eyes.
“Thank you.” The filly said simply, then cuddled into the nice, soft pillow.
Those two words brought tears to the element of magic’s eyes, saying nothing, she closed the door and let the room go dark.
Scootaloo awoke to the soft creak of a wooden door as Twilight poked her head into the filly’s room, “Scootaloo, I made breakfast!” She called out.
A loud throat clearing was heard from downstairs.
Twilight blushed, letting her ears fall, “Uh, Spike made breakfast, actually.” She closed the door again, allowing Scootaloo time to wake up.
Scootaloo gave a large, loud yawn and stood up. She’d forgotten how nice it was to sleep in a bed. She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and made her way slowly to the window. She pried it open with a bit of difficulty and gazed out at Ponyville and the rolling fields that lay beyond.
The little pegasus gave a small smile and stayed there for a minute more before closing the window and heading downstairs to the kitchen. Spike and Twilight were already sitting at the table, waffles on both their plates. Another chair stood empty, a clean plate in front of it.
Twilight followed Scootaloo’s gaze, “Oh! Spike thought you might like to organize your own plate, but if you want, I can do it for you.”
Scootaloo shrugged, “That’s alright, I can do it.” She grasped the plate carefully in her jaws and moved it to the counter, where a few waffles were left on a larger plate. She slid all three of them onto her plate and glanced around for something to put on top of them. She noted the cut up gems that Spike must have used and the can of whipped cream and banana peel from Twilight.
An apple bumped Scootaloo’s shoulder, making her flinch; it had a sparkling aura of purple around it. She grasped its stem and nodded her thanks to Twilight, who just gave a grin in reply. Carefully, Scootaloo grasped a butter knife and cut the apple into slices and arranged the slices in a circle on top of her waffles.
With her mouth half an inch away from the plate, Scootaloo got a great idea. She turned back to Twilight, “Do you have any cinnamon?” She asked politely.
Nodding, Twilight stood and opened a nearby cupboard, using her magic to grab a little box of cinnamon from the top shelf, “Here you go!” She placed the cinnamon next to Scootaloo’s plate and took her seat across from Spike at the table.
Spike looked longingly at his untouched food; Twilight had told him that it was polite to wait for Scootaloo to sit down before he ate. He had abided by this rule, as much as he hated it. Twilight had given him the scoop on things last night after Scootaloo had gone to bed, and he was determined to make the filly feel as welcomed as possible.
Scootaloo quickly covered her waffles with cinnamon, set the cinnamon container on the counter, then trotted carefully over to the table to sit in the vacant chair.
Spike gave an excited, questioning look to Twilight. She nodded, rolling her eyes. The baby dragon gave an excited squee before plunging face first into his waffles.
Twilight winced as a bit of pancake hit her cheek and stuck there. She wiped it off with an annoyed huff and began to eat her own waffles in a polite manner, using her magic to levitate a fork to the waffles, then to her mouth.
Scootaloo giggled at Spike’s rudimentary manner of eating before looking down at her plate, taking careful, small bites. She didn’t want to seem like a pig, but her cinnamon idea had been confirmed a great one. She couldn’t help but take a few larger, sloppier bites.
Twilight finished her food, politely waiting for Scootaloo to finish hers before asking, “So, ready to fly?”
Scootaloo’s face immediately lit up, her eyes seemed to sparkle, “Of course!” She was practically out the door when Twilight called her back.
“Scoots, you may want to wait until the food settles in your stomach.” The unicorn suggested, “Don’t want to get sick on your first time in the air, do you?”
“Not at all!” Scootaloo imagined getting sick while flying, she’d have to remember it any time she was in the air. That was not an appealing thought, especially not to anypony below her. Shuddering, she gave a small half smile, “I suppose we could wait a little while.” She trotted over to the lounge chairs and settled herself into one, curling her fore hooves up to her chest and tucking her hind hooves under her.
Twilight chuckled and followed her, sitting herself in the other lounge chair. She herself tucked all of her hooves under her and tried to get some sleep, she looked much like a sleeping dog.
Closing her eyes as well, Scootaloo entered a very vivid dream. She was soaring through the air, it was amazing. The wind was rushing through her mane and tail, whipping both backwards. The air hitting her face smelt fresh, like a meadow of orange trees. She felt a presence next to her and whipped her head around to see Rainbow Dash.
“Nice moves, kid.” The rainbow pegasus winked, “Aren’t you glad you chose me instead of that egghead, Twilight?”
What happened next surprised Scootaloo, she lost control of her vocal cords as the dream took control, “What are you talking about?! You think you’re twenty percent cooler than every pony you meet, but Twilight is two hundred percent cooler than you!” With that, she accelerated ferociously, the wind even whipping her eyelids into her eyes.
Suddenly, a large pink explosion erupted from behind Scootaloo, sending her speeding forward. She turned back for a quick look, her lower jaw practically dropped off of her face. A sonic rainboom, but pink. A sonic Scootboom, if you will. Scootaloo watched as Rainbow Dash faltered, her own cyan jaw dropped as she stared dumbstruck at the now fading pink ring in the air.
Scootaloo was jolted back to the waking realm as Twilight gently nudged her shoulder, “Ready to go, Scoots?” Twilight asked, excited to teach this little filly the magic of flight, even if she couldn’t experience it herself.
Scootaloo forgot all about her dream and jumped up, “Yes, of course!” She rushed over to the door and trotted in place as if to say “Hurry up, already!”
Twilight giggled, trotting outside and heading out to the same hill they’d practiced take offs on. Scootaloo followed excitedly, her wings fluttering in anticipation.
Reaching the hill, Twilight instructed Scootaloo to sit down. The filly complied, sitting on the ground impatiently, squirming slightly. Twilight smiled understandingly, “This will only take a few minutes. When you take off, try to do so at a light slope. Your last take offs were vertical, that makes it harder to lift off with as small as your wings are.”
Scootaloo nodded, “Okay, can I go now?” The sentence came out so fast it seemed like one word.
“Not quite, just remember when you’re up there that if you start to get tired, you can land by doing a backwards take off or by simply staying in place and fluttering down.” Twilight finished her briefing with a nod to the sky, “Go on up, then.” She sat down on the center of the hill, ready to watch the Crusader spread her wings.
Scootaloo’s eyes widened, they looked similar to a young foal’s eyes on Hearth’s Warming Eve. She stood in take off position, using her wings to push herself up and forward. Gently sloping forward, she felt the same rush of air she’d felt in her dream. She turned her head, making sure nopony was next to her. Relived to see that she was alone, she looked down and saw Twilight looking up at her with pride in her eyes.
Twilight watched Scootaloo rise up higher and higher until she was a speck of orange in the sky, she was slightly worried that she’d lose sight of the pegasus, but this wasn’t the case. Scootaloo was beginning to tire; she began to slope downwards towards the hill.
Scootaloo fluttered her wings furiously to slow her descent, but eventually she exhausted herself. She fell straight to the ground about four yards from the hill. She shook herself off, thanking Celestia that she hadn’t been too far up in the air.
Twilight rushed over, “Scootaloo! Are you alright?” She examined the few cuts and forming bruises that the filly held out. “Well, it’s not serious, but we may have to postpone flying lessons for a little while.”
“Awwh! Why?” Scootaloo’s eyes began to tear up, then she realized that Twilight was just looking out for her, and whining wasn’t something one did when one was grateful. She immediately stopped herself, “I mean, alright.”
The element of magic smiled, “Alright. Let’s head home and get you patched up.” She set Scootaloo on her back and trotted off to the library.
When they got back, Twilight took Scootaloo up to her room, setting the worn out filly in her bed. She used magic to heal her cuts, for the most part, it really accelerated the healing process. She tucked Scoots in before closing the door with magic and lying next to her.
“What are you doing?” the injured pegasus asked curiously.
“I want to make sure you get to sleep okay, my little pony.” Twilight nuzzled Scootaloo’s ear lovingly.
Scootaloo felt as if her heart would burst, she cuddled up next to Twilight and fell asleep. Twilight had planned to leave her be once she fell asleep, but moving now would probably wake her up. The library pony settled down with her head lightly atop Scootaloo’s.
“I’ll make sure nothing bad ever happens to you.” Twilight vowed softly, even if she was the only one to hear it, she promised herself that she would keep that promise forever.
Scootaloo woke up on her own accord to the sunlight filtering through her window. She yawned and attempted to cuddle into the pillow, wanting just a few more minutes of sleep. She stayed like that for a while before deciding that it just wasn’t going to happen. She stood up and stretched her wings out, they were sore from her flight the previous day.
The orange filly raised her left hoof to examine her bruises and cuts, she was happy to see that Twilight’s healing spell was working splendidly. Her cuts were a nice baby pink color and her bruises were dying down to a light yellowish tint. Figuring she would be back in the sky tomorrow, she figured a day on the ground would be fine.
Scootaloo trotted downstairs to see Spike sitting alone at the table, “Hey Spike!” the pegasus grinned, “Where’s Twilight?” She swung her head from side to side, looking for the unicorn.
Spike yawned, “She went shopping, she should be back in an hour or so.” He patted the empty chair beside him, “Come sit down, I made you daffodil sandwich!”
“Sandwiches for breakfast?” Scootaloo questioned, trotting over to sit in the chair Spike had indicated. She munched on her sandwich quietly.
“Breakfast?! Scoots, it’s noon.” Spike nodded towards a clock above them, it read 12:17.
Scootaloo blushed, “Oh.” She smiled slightly, continuing to eat her sandwich, “Well, what are you having, then?”
Spike pushed his plate towards her so she could see the bits of sapphire that littered it, “You took to long to get here.” He leaned back in his chair, putting his feet up on the table.
“Ew, gross!” Scootaloo giggled, shoving his feet down, “Keep your feet off the table!”
The baby dragon rolled his eyes and stood up, “I’m going back to sleep. See ya later.” He shuffled up the stairs and to his basket.
Scootaloo finished her sandwich and looked around, finding what she wanted, a scroll and a quill. She wrote Twilight a short note:
‘Twilight,
I left to go see Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom, hope you don’t mind!
~Scoots’
Leaving the note on the table, she went upstairs to get her scooter. She placed her helmet on her head, snapping it shut with some difficulty. She went to grab her saddlebag from the top of her dresser and as she pulled it down, her blanket fell out and onto the floor. She bent quickly to grab it, then gently put it under her pillow before putting on her saddlebag and heading back downstairs.
She left the house quickly, speeding off down towards Sweet Apple Acres. She waved to every pony she passed, including Pinkie Pie, who jumped after her. The party pony caught up easily, her logic defying ways were at work once again, “Scootaloo! Wait!”
Scootaloo skidded to a stop, sending dirt into the air like a tidal wave. “What is it, Pinkie?” She removed her helmet so she could hear better, her mane a lot messier than normal.
“Where have you been? I was getting really worried! Like, maybe you had been taken by Nightmare Moon! Oh wait, she’s nice now…BUT WHAT ABOUT DISCORD?! Oh, uh…maybe you got taken by a-a-a dragon! Or maybe a-“ The pink pony was hysterical.
Scootaloo cut her off, “I’ve just been staying at Twilight’s. She didn’t tell you because she was teaching me how to fly the past two days.” She filled her friend in quickly.
“Oh!” Pinkie Pie looked relieved, “Well, where are you going?!” She smiled broadly.
The pegasus smiled politely, “I’m going to Sweet Apple Acres, I should really get going. Seeya Pinkie!” She placed her helmet back on and sped away before Pinkie could reply.
The party pony just waved, “BYE!” She shouted, getting angry looks from passerby, which she ignored.
***
Scootaloo arrived at Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack noticed her and immediately called for her sister, “Apple Bloom! Yer friend’s here!” Turning to Scootaloo she smiled warmly, “Haven’t seen you out here in a while, Scoots! Where ya been?”
The filly kicked her scooter into the grass, tossing her helmet away with it, “Oh, I’ve been staying with Twilight.” She rubbed her mane, making it look somewhat like it usually did.
“Well, that’s nice.” The farm pony smiled as Apple Bloom rushed out of the barn with Sweetie Belle hot on her tail.
“Scootaloo!” Apple Bloom cried joyously, “We haven’t seen ya in a while! Where were you?!”
Scootaloo smiled, “I was staying at Twilight’s.” She was getting tired of repeating this fact.
Apple Bloom nodded knowingly, and Sweetie Belle let out squeaks of joy. “Come on girls! Let’s go to the clubhouse!” the white unicorn’s voice cracked with joy as she raced off to their clubhouse. The other Crusaders followed quickly, laughing all the way.
Sitting in a circle in the clubhouse, the Cutie Mark Crusaders grinned at each other with mutual joy for Scootaloo’s luck. They all knew she was an orphan, but they were sworn to secrecy. “So how are we gonna get our cutie marks, girls?” Sweetie Belle asked, her horn sparkled at the tip from her excitement.
Apple Bloom shrugged, “How about hoof wrasslin’?” She suggested lightly.
Sweetie Belle shook her head, “That doesn’t sound like a good idea.” She held out her front leg, too skinny to take on anypony in a hoof wrestle.
Scootaloo jumped up, “What about we get cutie marks in modeling?”
Sweetie Belle gasped, smiling, “Like Fluttershy-type modeling!”
Apple Bloom nodded, “Sweetie Belle, will yer sister give us some clothes to try on?”
The unicorn nodded, “Of course! Let’s go!”
And with that, the fillies set out for the Carousel Boutique.
***
“Thanks, Rarity!” Sweetie Belle grinned at the older unicorn.
“Not a problem, darlings, now go behind the curtain and I’ll start the music.” She trotted over to a radio, pushing the play button with her hoof. An upbeat track started playing.
Scootaloo was the first to step out, she was rocking black combat boots and a denim jacket. Her mane was swept back as if she were standing in high winds.
After the pegasus had gone a few stepped, Sweetie Belle stepped out gingerly. She wore a silky white dress that was embellished with pink and purple flowers. Her mane hung down in more curls than normal, bouncing as she walked with her head up high.
Last came Apple Bloom, she jumped out from the curtain excitedly. She wore a straw hat and a soft yellow sundress. Her mane and tail were tied back into braids.
Scootaloo reached the end of the catwalk, standing up tall. Then came Sweetie Belle, standing next to her happily. Apple Bloom jumped in, knocking Sweetie Belle off balance. The Cutie Mark Crusaders crashed to the floor in a heap, laughing giddily in the pool of fabric they’d crashed into.
“Did we get our cutie marks?” Sweetie Belle asked urgently.
Three flanks were held in the air, one orange, one white, and one yellow. All were blank.
“Aww.” Three disgruntled voices rose up from the fabrics. Three sad faces appeared as each filly stood up and shook the clothing off of themselves.
Rarity gave them a reassuring smile, “That’s alright, girls, I’m sure you’ll get them next time!” She gathered all the clothing with her magic and placed it in a heap by the stairs.
The fillies brightened up, “Yeah!” They laughed, running out the door as a disgruntled Rarity turned to clean up their mess.
***
The fillies said their good-byes, promising to get their cutie marks next time. Scootaloo rode her scooter home, hoping Twilight wasn’t too mad at her; it was getting a bit late.
She burst through the door and found herself wrapped in Twilight’s hooves, “Oh, Scootaloo, I was worried when it started getting dark! Are you alright?”
“Yeah, yeah.” Scootaloo smiled, gently removing herself from the unicorn’s grip, “We’re not very good models.” She announced, blushing slightly.
Twilight patted the filly’s head, “Don’t worry, you’ll get it next time! Now, how are your cuts?” She bent to examine Scootaloo’s legs. “Ooh! Great! We can get back into the air tomorrow!”
“Yay!” Scootaloo leapt into the air joyously, “I better get to bed and rest my wings!” She fluttered her wings as if for emphasis and rushed up the stairs, leaving her scooter, saddlebag and helmet on the floor.
Twilight sighed, picking up Scootaloo’s things and slowly following the filly upstairs.
Scootaloo snuggled into her bed, grasping her blanket and holding it close to her face. Sometimes she liked to pretend that it was her mother, and she’d tell her everything she did that day. She explained what had happened that day, and when she got no answer, as always, it brought tears to her eyes, as always.
Twilight entered the room, dumping the filly’s things by her bed, then she saw Scootaloo’s face, “Scootaloo! Are you alright?” She looked concerned.
Scootaloo sniffled, smiling softly, “Yeah, just thinking about my parents.” She curled around the blanket as tears fell down her face.
Twilight walked over and hugged the little pegasus, “Don’t cry, Scoots, I’m sure your parents would be very proud of you.”
Scootaloo rubbed her eye with a hoof, “Really, you think so?” She sniffled, a smile forming on her lips.
“Of course, now, get some sleep.” Twilight turned to leave, but Scootaloo called her back.
“Uh, Twilight? Could you stay with me tonight?” Scootaloo called softly.
Twilight smiled, “Of course I can, Scootaloo, anytime. Anytime.”
Note: This takes place at the same time as the previous chapter!!
Twilight Sparkle trotted down the street, her sights set for the market. She was humming softly to herself as her red boots crunched through the snow. Many different stands were slightly visible in the distance, soft wisps of smoke floating around them from chimney fires. Twilight picked up her pace until she was practically galloping down the road.
“Hey! Watch where yer goin’!” An orange earth pony snapped, teetering on her hind legs, she had her hooves wrapped around several crates.
“Applejack?” Twilight’s horn began to glow with a magnificent violet light as the crates were lifted into the air to reveal the familiar, friendly face of Applejack.
“Twilight! Howdy! Where’ve ya been all this time?” The farm pony let herself fall down back onto all fours, her hat momentarily covering her bright green eyes before she slid it back to where it belonged. “We’ve all been worried sick about ya.”
“Oh!” Twilight drew small circles in the snow with her hoof, embarrassed to have forgotten about her friends, “Well, I’ve been at home.”
“Can’t say I blame ya, Twi. The coldness has gotten everypony wrapped in their homes at this time of year.” Applejack nodded her understanding.
“Well actually, it wasn’t the cold that kept me in.” The librarian faltered slightly, “Uh, Applejack? Did you know that Scootaloo was an orphan?”
Applejack’s eyes widened until the whites were hardly visible, “What?! Really? She didn’t look it, though…” her voice portrayed extreme confusion as she tried to think of any signs that the little filly didn’t have a home. Finding none, she waited for Twilight to explain.
Twilight nodded, beginning to head back towards the market, she motioned with her tail for Applejack to walk with her. “She said her parents died in that explosion in Detrot. She’s been living in the Crusaders’ clubhouse since then, Pinkie was feeding her.”
“But the explosion was almost two years ago!” Applejack frowned, her eyes full of concern, “An’ I don’t understand why Pinkie wouldn’t tell us about it. She knows we only want ta help.”
“That’s just it, Applejack. Scootaloo didn’t want to go to an orphanage, so she made Pinkie do a Pinkie Swear so she wouldn’t tell.” Twilight gave a small half-smile, “She’s a smart little filly.”
“Well what are we gonna do about it? We can’t let her go on living in that old clubhouse!” the earth pony said hysterically. “How did I not realize she was squatting right under mah nose?”
“It’s alright, I adopted her, I plan on doing it officially when she settles down and decides that she wants to stay.” Twilight’s eyes lit up as she gave Applejack a wide, reassuring grin.
“That’s mighty kind of ya, Twi! I hope everything works out well.” She returned the grin. Turning forward, she realized that they’d passed her booth.
Twilight turned her head side to side, “Where’s your booth, Applejack? I don’t see it around here.”
“That’s ‘cause it’s back there.” Applejack nodded toward the direction they’d come from. She galloped down about three yards before stopping at a booth that featured a red and green apple on the top.
Twilight scurried after her friend, still using her magic to carry the crates. She set them down gently next to Applejack, “Well, I best be off. I’m supposed to be getting cinnamon.” She waved her good-bye to her friend before trotting off in the direction of the spice booth.
“Hello, sir.” The unicorn said in a singsong voice, “I’d like two containers of cinnamon please!” She placed the correct amount of bits on the counter, smiling broadly.
The stallion over the counter, a broad shouldered brown one with a caramel mane, nodded and turned to grab the requested spices from a few shelves that were set up along the sides of the booth. He grabbed the containers with a bit of difficulty before putting them next to Twilight’s bits. Blushing, he brushed the bits into a basket that was unseen under the counter before nodding to the librarian, “Thank ya, lassie!”
Twilight nodded, then placed the cinnamon into her saddlebag before turning back to the rest of the market. She wondered if she needed anything else. Deciding that she didn’t, she began the walk home. She set out at a speedy pace, it was freezing out!
***
“Spike! Scootaloo! I’m home!” Twilight called, trotting to the kitchen and putting the cinnamon in the cupboard. She glanced around, noticing a note on the table. She read it dutifully, fearing the worst. “Oh.” She sighed, immensely relieved.
Spike shuffled down the stairs, yawning, “Hey, Twi. Where’s Scootaloo?” He looked around, his eyes seeming more alert.
“She’s out with her friends.” Twilight said accusingly, her eyebrows raised.
The baby dragon blushed sheepishly, “Oh yeah, right. Aha, must’ve been my sleepy brain. Sleepy, sleepy brain!” He laughed nervously, “Well, I should go…uh…sort the letters from the princess!” He rushed off before Twilight could respond.
Giving an angry huff, the librarian trotted over to her desk where a book lay open. It was the book about the Elements of Harmony, her favorite. She’d just settled down to read when a loud knock was heard at the door.
Sighing, Twilight stood and made her way to the door, flinging it open to see Pinkie Pie standing there. Suddenly, she felt as if she were being crushed by a giant, “Ack! Pinkie, you’re choking me!”
“Sorry.” Pinkie stepped back to let her friend breathe, “But I was just so worried about you that I thought you might be sick and I thought ‘Oh no! What if she needs some soup?’ So I went to get you some soup. Funny thing is, I bumped into Scootaloo and Scootaloo told me that she’d been staying here, and knowing…” she stopped and took inhaled deeply, “Well, knowing what I know because I can’t tell anypony, I just knew that you took her in and oh my gosh thank you sooooo much Twilight!”
Twilight’s eyes were wide as she tried to separate Pinkie’s fast spoken words into sentences, “Oh! She told you she’s been staying here? Nothing else?”
“Well….she said she was going to see Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom.” Pinkie bit her lip, thinking back to her conversation with the little filly.
“Ah, so she said nothing about me unofficially adopting her?” the unicorn asked inquisitively, leaning forward slightly.
“Oh, no. But I figured that out on my own.” The party pony ruffled Twilight’s mane with her hoof, “But I threw a ‘WELCOMEBACKTOPONYVILLETWILIGHTBECAUSEYOU’VEBEENGONEFORSOLONGWEALLTHOUGHTYOUFORGOTABOUTUS party!” She grinned, “It starts now!”
“A whatty what what party?” Twilight’s face was the definition of confusion as Pinkie led her to Sugarcube Corner.
“You need to get reacquainted with your friends!” Pinkie explained, as if that was completely obvious. She pushed open the door to the bakery and shoved Twilight in front of her before flicking on the lights.
Ponies of all colors, shapes, and sizes burst out from hiding places throughout the building, “SURPRISE!”
Pinkie blew a party whistle in Twilight’s face, “See? Everypony is here, just for you!” She looked around giddily before hopping off to mingle.
“Guys, I’m gonna jet. I have mad tricks I’ve been wanting to try.” A cyan pegasus said smoothly, trotting towards the door.
Twilight blocked her way, “Rainbow, who are you going to get to watch your tricks? Everypony is here.”
“I haven’t seen shrimpy around here anywhere.” The rainbow pony commented, jerking her head slightly to the side as if to say ‘Get out of my way.’
“Shrimpy?” Twilight gritted her teeth angrily, hoping she wasn’t referring to Scootaloo.
“You know, orange, about this tall, can’t fly. Her.” Dash nodded, as if this explained everything.
To Twilight, it did. She jumped into the air as her tail and mane burst into flames, much like they’d done once before, “Don’t talk about my daughter that way!” She snarled into Dash’s face.
Dash pushed Twilights face away from her own, “Calm down. It’s true, she’ll never fly! I mean really, have you seen those…..wings…..daughter?” Her voice slowly got quieter, “But, that’s…Not possible…What about her parents?”
“You really are a numbskull, aren’t you?” Twilight growled, “She has been following you like a shadow for months, and you never stopped to think that her parents would never have let her stay out all day just to follow some lame wannabe athlete who never graduated high school!”
“What are you saying!?” Dash snarled back, their noses were smashed together as they both snarled into each other’s face.
“I’m saying that she was an orphan! And she obviously wanted you to teach her how to fly, take her in! It’s not like you didn’t have time for her. You spend every day napping!” Twilight shouted, anger pulsing through her veins.
“You know what, Twilight?” Dash backed away slightly, shaking her head, “Saying I didn’t care for her at all is going way too far. You only just came through for her. Do you think I could take her in? I LIVE IN A CLOUD, TWILIGHT! Somepony who cannot fly cannot get up to a cloud, duh.”
“You think I’m an idiot? You were just making fun of her wings and how you said she’d never fly! Well guess what, she has. I taught her, which is more than you’ve ever done. And aren’t you at least strong enough to lift a little filly up to your house? Or are your muscles as weak as your spine?” Twilight shook her head violently, “I’m outta here. Scootaloo will be wondering where I am.”
“Who needs ya, this party will be so much more better-er without Bozo McEgghead to ruin all the fun!” Rainbow Dash laughed victoriously as the door slammed and Twilight left.
The unicorn was angrily stomping home, knowing she’d have to cool down on the way. She touched a hoof to her mane; it was slightly charred from her rage. She quickly stopped off near a snow drift and shoved the top of her head into it, then her tail. She hoped the charring wasn’t permanent.
With fresh chills, Twilight was galloping full speed ahead to the library, it was just past sundown, and the sky was a beautiful purple color that was a bit darker than her fur. She was surprised to only see Spike when she entered her home, “Hey Spike, is Scootaloo back?”
Spike shook his head, glancing back at her, he had his feet propped up on a pillow, and he was holding a mug of hot cocoa. “I’m sure she’ll be here soon.”
He was right. After about fifteen minutes of Twilight’s constant pacing, the door opened. Twilight rushed towards her little filly, “Oh, Scootaloo, I was worried when it started getting dark! Are you alright?”
“Yeah, yeah.” Scootaloo smiled, gently removing herself from the unicorn’s grip, “We’re not very good models.” She announced, blushing slightly.
Twilight patted the filly’s head, “Don’t worry, you’ll get it next time! Now, how are your cuts?” She bent to examine Scootaloo’s legs. “Ooh! Great! We can get back into the air tomorrow!”
“Yay!” Scootaloo leapt into the air joyously, “I better get to bed and rest my wings!” She fluttered her wings as if for emphasis and rushed up the stairs, leaving her scooter, saddlebag and helmet on the floor.
Twilight smiled, she would never forget that cute little exclamation of joy. Nor would she forget the face that accompanied it, pink eyes wide and sparkling, mouth wide, the corners turned upwards. That face was one of an angel. She turned to follow Scootaloo and to tuck her in.
Scootaloo awoke to Twilight gently nudging her shoulder, “Wake up, Scootaloo.” The librarian called softly.
“Ugh, what time is it?” Scootaloo rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and turned to the window, trying to decipher the time by the placement of the sun.
“It’s five.” Twilight said, matter of factly, “I know that’s early, but I needed to tell you that I’ll be going out for a while. I’m throwing an apology party, and I need to see if Pinkie will help me out.”
“Apology party?” The filly gazed at her adoptive mother, “Why?”
“Things happened during the last party. We think Dash drank too much cider or something, don’t worry about it. Now go back to sleep, when you wake up, Spike will make you some breakfast. Just wake him up.” Twilight turned to the door and left the room.
Scootaloo watched her go until her hoofsteps had gotten too quiet for her to hear. She curled up under her blanket and shut her eyes tightly, willing sleep to come quickly.
Twilight stopped in front of a snoring Spike, “Spike!” She hissed softly, trying not to make too much noise.
“Huh? Wha? Who’s there?” Spike jumped, looking around with wide eyes.
“Shh!” Twilight put her hoof on his mouth, “Scootaloo is going to wake you up when she gets up. Make her some breakfast and then tidy things up. Alright?”
Spike sleepily put his hand up to his forehead, “Yes, ma’am!” The, letting his arm drop, her curled up into a tight ball and began snoring once again.
Twilight sighed, standing up and trotting to the door. She left the treehouse and shut the door softly behind her. Suddenly, she remembered promising Scootaloo that they’d go out flying today. “Shoot.” She murmured under her breath. They’d have to do that before the party, but after the invitations got out.
Realizing she had no time to waste, the unicorn galloped off towards Sugarcube Corner, dodging miscellaneous passerby as she went. She got many dirty looks as she rushed up to the sweets shop.
As if she knew Twilight was coming, Pinkie materialized in front of her, seemingly out of thin air. “Hey Twilight! What’re you doing here?!”
“I need to plan an apology party for Dash. I think things just got out of hoof yesterday.” The element of magic flattened her ears in shame, looking down at her hooves.
“Two parties in two days?! This is the best week ever!” Pinkie shot off down the road, but quickly returned, “WAIT, Twilight! Do you want the party to be here or at your house?”
“At my place.” Twilight answered, shocked. She still hadn’t gotten used to the way her pink friend moved around.
“Oki doki loki!” Pinkie shot off once more, she did not return this time.
The librarian sighed, then trotted away, heading for the Carousel Boutique. She reached her destination quickly, gently knocking on the door.
“Twlight, darling! What brings you here on this marvelous day?” A white unicorn with a fabulous purple mane said, flinging the door open.
“Hey, Rarity! I need you to make something for me.” Twilight greeted her friend, getting straight to business.
“Of course, Twilight, anything for one of my best friends!” Rarity motioned with her head for Twilight to enter.
She did not, “I need it as quickly as possible, please!” She used her magic to grab a scroll from her saddlebag, gently laying it out on the ground.
“What is that?” Rarity moved her face closer to it, not sure what it was, let alone how to make it.
Twilight grasped a stick in her hoof, pointed at a harness shape on the paper, “This should be a comfortable fabric, it’s a harness.” She explained. She then pointed at two large strips of fabric coming off the harness, “These are meant to be wings, so they need to be a tough, reinforced fabric.”
“Ah, I see. That should be ready for you tomorrow.” Rarity used her own magic to grab the scroll, daintily rolling it up.
“Thanks Rarity. Oh, and will you be attending my party tonight?” Twilight inquired, half turned, eager to leave.
“Pinkie already told me all about it, and you know me, I never miss a social event!” The fashionista declared, “I’ll start working on your order right away, Twilight.”
“Thanks again, Rarity.” Twilight gave her a large grin before galloping away back home. The library wasn’t too far from the Carousel Boutique, so it only took her five minutes or so to get home. She burst through the door, panting from galloping half the way there.
Scootaloo and Spike were sitting at the table, both had a sandwich. Scootaloo had a daisy and hay sandwich, Spike had one that was littered with various gems. “Hey Twiwight!” Spike called through a mouthful of food.
“Spike, don’t speak with your mouth full.” The unicorn reprimanded the baby dragon.
Scootaloo giggled, “Hey Twilight, how go the party preparations?” She bit into her sandwich, making sure not to chew like a cow.
“Fine, fine. Pinkie is on the case.” Twilight trotted to the cabinets, whipping herself up a quick fruit salad. Taking the bowl of various fruits, she seated herself between Spike and Scootaloo.
“Are we gonna fly today, Twilight?” Scootaloo wriggled in her seat, excited.
“For a little while. The party starts in two hours, so that’s how long we have to fly. That’s how long Spike has to clean.” The librarian turned to the baby dragon pointedly.
Spike gulped down the rest of his sandwich quickly before turning and jumping out of his chair, “Alright, I’ll get to it!” He rushed off and began picking up books.
Scootaloo gobbled down her sandwich as well, “Alright, flying time!” She jumped up and down, fluttering her wings.
“Wait until I finish my fruit, Scoots!” Twilight laughed, trying to finish her food as quickly as she could. She finished it after around two minutes. Quickly clearing off the table and dumping the dishes in the sink, she stood up.
Scootaloo, who’d taken a seat in a lounge chair, felt like Twilight had been eating for hours. She jumped up, “Can we fly now?”
Twilight laughed, “Yes, we can fly now.” She stretched out her back and headed for the door, Scootaloo bouncing around her hooves.
“Can we go to the mountain today?” Scootaloo asked excitedly.
“We’d better stay close today, let’s practice gliding down again.” Twilight answered, heading for the place where they’d practiced before.
***
After practicing gliding with only a few crashes and a minor injury, Scootaloo and Twilight headed back home. They entered the house together, chatting happily about the day’s events.
“Oh no, the party starts in a few minutes! You need to get to bed Scoots. You too Spike!” Twilight said anxiously.
Scootaloo sighed, “Alright. I didn’t wanna go to the party anyway.” She trudged up the stairs sulkily, stopping at the top and hiding in Spike’s basket.
Spike rushed up the stairs, only to see Scootaloo in his basked, “Uh…Scootaloo?”
“Shh. Just take my bed.” The filly hissed, “I don’t want to miss the party.
“Alright. Whatever you say.” Spike rushed into her room, shutting the door and curling up on her pillow.
Suddenly, five ponies entered the house. Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Fluttershy were chattering loudly with one another. They were followed by a few other ponies of less merit.
“Hey, Dash! Mind coming over here real quick?” Twilight called to the cyan pegasus.
Rainbow Dash looked at her, wondering if it was a trap before trotting over. “Yeah, Twilight?”
“Listen, Dash. I’m really sorry I blew up at you yesterday.” Twilight said, “I think we both stepped way out of line and I just wanted to apologize.”
“We both stepped way out of line? Are you kidding me, Twi? Listen, I’m not the one who burst into flames.” Her voice was bubbling with anger.
“Uh, excuse me?” Twilight let out an astonished laugh, “You called Scootaloo so many names, and she looks up to you like you look up to the Wonderbolts. And all you do is insult her!”
“So? It’s not like she heard. Ugh, why did I except this invitation anyway? I knew you’d find some way to pin your stupidity on me.” Dash rolled her eyes, “I’m outta here.” She turned for the door.
“Okay, Dash. Run away from your problems.” Twilight snapped, turning away.
“I’m being the better mare here and walking away.” Dash growled, “Don’t you have a helpless filly to bless with your presence?”
Suddenly, a small voice emanated from the staircase, “You really think I’m helpless, Dash?”
The room fell silent as everypony turned to see Scootaloo standing, tears welling in her eyes as she turned and ran upstairs. The sound of a door slamming echoed through the house. Everypony turned to look at Dash.
Dash’s rose coloured eyes began to fill with tears. She shook her head as if to clear it before shoving the door open and flying away. Realizing her tough-mare attitude had just made the only pony she cared about lose trust in her, she flew as fast as she could. Ponyville was far out of sight.
A huge rainbow explosion caused everypony to run outside. The sonic rainboom faded quickly as the pegasus got farther and farther away. The party was over.
Twilight ran inside, slamming the door. “Scootaloo!” She ran up the stairs and flung open the door. She saw Scootaloo crying in the middle of her bed and Spike sitting on her pillow, not sure what to do.
“Oh, Scootaloo.” Twilight rushed forward, embracing the filly. Scotaloo returned the hug.
“Does Rainbow Dash really hate me?” Scootaloo sniffled, looking into Twilight’s eyes.
“Oh, no, honey. She’s just tired and didn’t know what she was saying.” The unicorn hugged Scootaloo even tighter.
“Can I sleep with you tonight?” The pegasus asked, wiping tears from her eyes.
“Of course. C’mon.” Twilight led her down the hallway into her room.
They snuggled up together, Scootaloo sniffling softly every now and again. “Good night, Scoots.” Twilight nuzzled her ear.
“Good night, Mom.” Scootaloo cuddled tighter into the unicorn.
Tears jumped to Twilight’s eyes, tears of pure joy. She smiled down at the filly, drifting quickly off to sleep.
