prompt:Something dealing with the outside

Cloud Kicker loved the skys more than almost anything. The knowledge that she shaped the sky, gave creation to it's weather, that she could either cause it too literally rain all over someponies parade or make it shine for them gave her a great sense of accomplishment. While not many considered her an artist, it was out here doing her job that made her feel like one. Even being on the night shift couldn't change the awesomeness that was being on the weather team.

She sat on a cloud just outside the Everfree forest watching the sunset. As the purple, green, and orange hues lit up the sky she let out a sigh as she marveled in its beauty before wrapping up her route. Having had training as a Royal Guard before she dropped out the day before graduation day had given her the skills needed too deal with a lot of the dangers that came out of the Everfree Forest from time to time. And being one of the few ponies in Ponyville with prior military training her team captain Rainbow Dash had her scout the area from time to time to help keep Ponyville's residents safe.

It was during this last flyby that she noticed an orange blur burst from the forests edge into Sweet Apple Acres. Trailing it she watched the blur make its way to an abandoned tree house where it slowed down revealing that it was an orange Pegasus with a vivid purple mane and tail that belonged to a Pegasus filly that she saw around Ponyville by the name of Scootaloo. That filly is going to give her parents a heart attack when they hear about this. Doesn't she know how dangerous this close to the Everfree Forest can be at night?

Swooping down she saw Scootaloo with her back facing her dragging a worn and tattered blanket from behind a make shift podium pulling it toward her saddle bags which she had laying in the middle of the floor. Giving a cough to draw her attention Scootaloo nearly jumped out of her skin. Before looking at Cloud Kicker with fearful eyes. "Hey filly, Scootaloo right?"

"That's right." She said throwing on a brave face. Although Scootaloo would never admit it, she had always new it was a matter of time before somepony found out that she was a homeless orphan. But now that the time had arrived she was terrified. Especially since the one who found her was one that she had only second hand knowledge of. Although from what her classmate Alula told her Cloud Kicker was an awesome sister, and she did work with Rainbow Dash. But other than that she was a mystery, and Scootaloo didn't know weither or not she'd try sending Scootaloo away to some orphanage far away from her friends and the life she had built over these last four years. Or if she would take pity on her and find away to keep her here in Ponyville where she felt she belonged.

That uncertainty alone was enough to send her heart roaring in her ears. Add to the fact that she didn't know if she could weasel out of this, or even if she wanted to. She was tired of hiding from everyone when the sunset. Tired of hoping that she'd live through another winter. Tired of wondering where her next meal would be, weather it be from stealing, which always left a guilty pit in her stomach, or from free samples the market place and stores occasionally handed out to the fillies and colts for one reason or another.

But she'd had gotten used to that life between sleep overs at the other crusaders houses. And now that she been caught getting prepared to sleep out in this place in the middle of nowhere. She was anxious to see how things turned out because one way or another her life was going to change. She could feel it in her bones, it was either that or it was the mystery mush she grabbed out of the dumpster behind, "Le Pasture" a few hours ago.

"There's no need to be scared of me Scootaloo, might I ask why you're out here by yourself so close to the Everfree Forest? Do your parents know that you're out here?"

"I sleep here, and it'd be difficult to know where I am." Was the reply that she got, Scootaloo pawing the ground, her down cast eyes looking at everything but the Pegasus before her.

"What do you mean?" Worry was starting to creep into Cloud Kickers voice and she was sure that she wasn't going to like what she was going to hear. First she sees this filly blast out of the Everfree like a bat out of Tartarus, then finds her getting ready to sleep with a blanket that looks like it hadn't seen a good washing in while. Now with how this conversation was going she was starting to feel apprehensive.

"My parents died about five years back, and I've been alone ever since. It's not a big deal." Scootaloo said, her voice cracking as tears started to flow down her face betraying the words coming out of her mouth. In that moment, All the pain that Scootaloo had been holding back, all the nights she had spent alone crying herself to sleep, the whole fearless filly reputation she'd built up over the last few years came crumbling down.

Not even needing to think about it, Cloud Kicker wrapped up the tiny filly in her forelegs and wrapped her wings around her as Scootaloo broke down crying. She had comforted her sister in a similar manner when she was visiting and homesick, but this was so much more than she was used to dealing with. But she wasn't about to abandon a filly about the same age as her sis. "Hey listen you don't have to be alone anymore ok? You're going to come over to my place and tomorrow we'll figure this all out."

Recieveing a small nod digging into her chest she let the filly cry it out as she held her comfortingly and let the tears subside. When the crying stopped she let Scootaloo go, the tear stains on her pale Persian blue coat getting slightly chilly in the evening breeze. "I've never seen you fly before. Do you know how?"

Scootaloo shook her head, and with that Cloud Kicker crouched down, "Ok. Then hop on my back and I'll take you for a flight over to my place. Alula is back in Canterlot and you can have her room while we figure this all out."

As Scootaloo hopped on wrapping her forelegs around her neck securing herself on. Cloud Kicker kicked off and flew into the sky above. The sounds of laughter from her passenger, brought a smile to her own face as she remembered flying her sister around when she was younger. And even though she didn't know what the future had in store for the young filly on her back. She knew that she was going to make sure that Scootaloo's was taken care of.

It was early morning when Scootaloo woke up and silently crept out of the room she was occupying. While she was used to waking up at the crack of dawn before most ponies woke up to get ready for her day and make sure she looked clean. It was also prime time to get food, before anyone was out and about. As well as when noone was around to ask questions as to why a filly her age was outside that early in the morning.

But waking up to a nice warm bed was such a rare commodity that she almost didn't want to leave. Although she wanted to do something nice for Cloud Kicker for bringing her in. I want to do something special to say thank you ... I think I'll cook her breakfast. I don't think she'll mind, after all it's not like all those other times the other Crusader's and I tried cooking and disaster struck was our fault. I mean we only partially flooded Ponyville with Jello, and destroyed only four houses on accident. I have a good feeling about this time though. Now what's something simple that I can create?

After stumbling into the kitchen and pouring herself some orange juice for Cloud Kicker and herself. She looked though the various cupboards and eventually found a sugar dispenser, a bag of salt, flour, eggs, and milk. Finding a huge bowl she poured all the ingredients other than the eggs together and started vigorously stirring. After minutes of stirring she had managed to get the table, splotches of the floor, and parts of the wall covered in thick globs of half formed dough and flour. Tasting the dough and it being too sour for her tastes decided to dump as much sugar as possible.

After cleaning her mess, and tossing several hooffulls of bakers yeast and throwing the mix in a preheated oven. She sat back and let the mixture bake while getting started on the eggs. It was several minuets into cooking, having successfully made scrambled eggs when her bread decided that it was time for it to escape the confines of it's warm prison and expand upon the outside world in pulsating, quivering waves.

Oh! No! I did everything like Pinkie Pie said. I used flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt with a little bit of milk. Why is it trying to fill up the room? I have to fix this before Cloud Kicker wakes up or breakfast will be ruined! Running around she eventually armed her self with a wooden cutting board, a broom, and an unused metal pot as a helmet. Placing the board on the invading foodstuffs, she used the broom to push at it. After loosing ground she used her improvisational jousting pole to move the bread to the table with struggling slowness. she propped the bread between the oven and the table using a wide assortment of chairs, end tables,vases, and other odds and ends to create a lovely bread bridge.

It was after her efforts had ended that she got the eggs on plates and slices of warm bread on the table With the rest precariously perched between the table and oven. With the sugar bowl, salt bag, milk carton, and flour bag having a new home in the mass of bread that had made the kitchen it's new domain.

"WHOOHHOO! I DID IT!" She cried triumphantly before remembering that she was in somepony else's house. She repeated herself in a whisper, and hoped that today would turn out well. I think that was the first meal I ever made that did result in massive property damage or destroying most of the city. Today's going to be perfect.

It was a day after Cloud Kicker brought Scootaloo too her place while waiting to see what was going to happen to the little filly. She had told Rainbow Dash that she needed to talk to her about Scootaloo and that it was serious. Dash told her that she'd be there after work. Telling her to meet her above the clouds that were outside Ponyville waiting to be distributed to other areas of Equestria Scootaloo and her waited.

Cloud Kicker had spent most of that last night listening to how amazing Rainbow Dash was and how she was like a sister to Scootaloo after some camping trip that happened a few months ago. Remembering the fillies mixture of excitement and fear as she talked about her past and although she knew that talking to her hero, honorary big sister, and role model about what she was going through was tough. Cloud Kicker hoped that Rainbow Dash would pull through in Scootaloo's time of need.

She watched with a grin as Scootaloo jumped around on the clouds with a face splitting grin, "So Scootaloo, is this your first time on a cloud?"

Giving a slight not Scootaloo gave a sound of affirmation, her smile slipping a little before she went back to having fun on the cloud she was on. Cloud Kicker tilted her head to the side and decided that she'd share a little something with her, being a Pegasus, from what she could tell, had spent all her life on the ground. Was something that Scootaloo had missed out on, learning their culture and sayings. She waved Scootaloo over and waved her foreleg at the expanse of sky before them.

"Us Pegasi call the clouds the Ocean of the Sky. As far as you can see there's clouds that the Cloudsdale Weather Corporation manufactures, and us weather teams move from place to place. It's our greatest treasure and greatest gift to ponykind. Only us Pegasi can naturally move and shape the clouds, weather, and even physically stand on the clouds. Up here we swim through the sky, float on the breeze, and enjoy a world that none of the other ponies get to enjoy other than Alicorns. But they are the exception to the rule.

I don't know what Rainbow Dash is going to say when she gets here, or what'll happen from here on out, but you seem like a cool kid and I'll try to help you reach the skies on your own someday. After all you remind me a little bit of my little sister, and I help her out when our family sends her down here to visit."

Scootaloo looked at the vast expanse of sky and grinned even bigger. It wasn't to long when a polychromatic streak whizzed its way towards them. Landing before them was Rainbow Dash, she gave Scootaloo an affectionate ruffling of the mane, "So CK tells me there's something you need to tell me squirt?"

Scootaloo was nervous now that the moment had finally come to tell Rainbow Dash what had been going on in her life up until now, and started pawing at the cloud nervously the tuft of cloud slowly disappearing slowly under her hoof. Cloud Kicker seeing she needed a morale boost, placed her left foreleg on her shoulder to get her attention and gave her a reaffirming nod. Trying to convey that everything would be alright with that simple gesture.

Taking a deep, nervous breath Scootaloo started speaking, "I've been homeless for the last five years after my parents died, and I've been on my own ever since. Last night Cloud Kicker found me and took me to her place and I slept in Alula's room. It was almost as nice as when I sleep over at the other Cutie Mark Crusader's places on our sleep overs," Looking up at Cloud Kicker, "Thanks again for giving me a place to stay the night, and getting Rainbow Dash here."

As Cloud Kicker nodded, the shock of what she heard finally registered to Rainbow Dash and she fought the urge to yell, " You've been what!? And you never thought of telling me till now? Don't you trust me?"

"I do! But I was scared of what you might think of me if I told you, and I didn't want to be sent away. Not after all that I finally have." Scootaloo said as her eyes started to water.

Giving a sigh, Rainbow Dash embraced Scootaloo with her wings, "Listen Squirt, I'd never send you away. I'm the Element of Loyalty after all, and I'd never leave a pony hanging. But I'm sad that you didn't come to me sooner."

"But you're going to be a Wonderbolt soon, and I'd only be holding you back. I mean I've been surviving for this long, I don't want you to lose your dreams just because I don't have a family." She said into Rainbow Dash's chest.

"Listen I know that being a Wonderbolt has been my dream since I was younger than you. But I don't know what I'm going to do, but I'm sure as Tartarus going to make sure that you aren't sent away," Looking at Cloud Kicker she swallowed her pride for the filly she was holding, "Hey listen CK. I need to ask a favor from you. Not as your boss, but as somepony that could use a hoof."

"What is it?" Cloud Kicker asked giving her an inquisitive look.

"I need you to look after Scoots for a few more days, my place isn't exactly foal friendly and this kind of blind sided all of us," Looking down at Scootaloo she added, "Don't worry what ever happens I'm going to make sure that you aren't sent away from here. And thanks for getting the courage to finally tell me. Although I do have some questions for you Cloud Kicker later."

Giving her a look over and seeing Scootaloo look up at Rainbow Dash with a inquisitive stare replied, "Sure thing, this is just like Junior Flight School. Well I'll look after Scootaloo while you go do what you're going to do, but I need to ask you something in private."

Giving an affectionate ruffle Rainbow Dash told Scootaloo to go play on the other side of the cloud for a second while trotting over to Cloud Kicker, "What's the matter?"

"I want to know if you're planning on taking in Scootaloo?" Cloud Kicker's face hardened when she asked, most ponies think of her as a mare that doesn't take life seriously, and is more interested in getting some action rather than taking responsibility. But she was a part of the Kicker Clan first and foremost, and it they were serious about their duties. They had always been since the War of the Sun and Moon when they made a name for themselves as elite members of the Royal Guard. And she wasn't about to get Scootaloo's hopes up only to have them crushed under hoof, unintentionally or not.

"I don't know. I'm going to talk to the girls, and see if maybe Rarity or Apple Jack could take her in. I mean I'd love too, but I never had to take care of another life other than Tank and tortoise's are easy. This is another pony and I don't want her to loose the only life, no matter how sucky it's been, that she's ever known. But I'm not sure that I'd be the best choice for her. I mean you know how irresponsible I've been up until the last few months. What if I screw up? What if I end up getting hurt real bad during my training and she looses another family member? I really do care about the little squirt, but I need to get my head on straight and figure things out. By the way how's she been eating, and where's she been sleeping these last five years?" Rainbow Dash lamented, her face was a perfect picture of nerves and anxiety.

"The fact that you actually worry about those things is showing that you're not that immature showboat that we all knew in Junior Flight School. I'm proud of you Dash, but I get it, and I'll try to keep her from getting her hopes up. Well I'll be seeing you, and I'll look after her while you go get your head on straight. As for where she's been sleeping and eating. From what I can gather she used the Crusader's club house, where I found her last night, when she wanted to escape the elements. Other wise she'd be in the alley way near Sugar Cube Corner. As for eating she told me not to tell, but I'm going to get her to open up to Apple Jack, but other than that. She's been taking the free food given out by some merchants to the younger population or dumpster diving for food." She was glad that at least Rainbow Dash wasn't about to make promises she couldn't keep, and was worried for all the right reasons rather than all the self-centered ones that she could be making at this time. But was still sad over the things she heard Scootaloo talk about last night about the things she needed to do to survive.

"Well thanks CK. I owe you big for this." With that Rainbow Dash flew off leaving Cloud Kicker and Scootaloo behind. Looking at the ocean of clouds before her Cloud Kicker felt some of the tension that had been building up melt away. Thinking to herself, this turned out a lot better than I expected, I still don't know what's in store for the future. But I have a feeling that things are going to turn out ok.

Rainbow Dash sat in the library with her friends around the table that Twilight and her friends used to talk when they came to visit. It had taken a little longer than ten seconds flat to get them in one place, but that wasn't for a lack of trying on her part. So as she panted to catch her breathe her friends looked at her with anticipation to what could have riled a Pegasus with a reputation, with other than a few incidents, as being unshakable.

"Hey girls, I have something important to tell all of you. I just found out that Scootaloo has been an orphan living on the streets and in the Crusader's clubhouse for the last five years. CK found her and she's been staying with her since yesterday. I know I told the squirt that I'd be her big sister, but I thought all I'd have to do is teach her to fly, which I've yet to do, and maybe hang out with her when I had free time every now and then. But this is big and I don't know what to do. What do I do?" She said almost panicking. On one hoof she was the Element of Loyalty and she never left a pony hanging. But on the other hoof, she never had to take care of another pony in all her life and she didn't want to end up letting Scootaloo down accidentally. That'd be just as bad in her eyes as if she did it on purpose.

"Wait a second their Dash, ya mean ta say that Scootaloo has been livin' on the streets an' nopony ever noticed it? What's she been eatin' all this time?" AJ asked worriedly.

"That's exactly what I've been saying. As for what she's been eating, I don't know CK told me that she promised Scoots she wouldn't tell, but she said that she's going to try and get Scoots and tell us when she's ready."

"Well I for one feel absolutely horrible, she has been a friend of Sweetie Belle's for months before the Crusader's got together. I can't believe I never saw it before now. The times she showed up covered in dust and grime I thought it was the normal mess most fillies get into. And how quickly she devoured a meal I thought it was just a growing filly's appetite. But that she was homeless, and I never saw it. I must be the worst mare in Equestria." Rarity said with a swoon that was one part melodrama, and one part regret at ignoring the obvious.

"It's not your Rarity, after all none of us saw this comin'. After all she's been over at our farm both with Apple Bloom and sneakin' on ta our farm. And I never noticed any of it either. I got ta admit, that's one smart filly. But we got ta do what's right by her."

"But that's the thing what is best for her? I mean we can't send her away from here. She's built a life here, has friends, and the nearest orphanage is way out in Canterlot. And that's not fair to her. So instead of yammering about how we never noticed, let's think about how to fix this." Rainbow Dash said pounding her forehooves on the table.

"Well the big question is what do you want to do Rainbow?" Twilight asked.

"That's the thing. I don't know. I want her to stay in Ponyville, but I've spent my entire life training to get into the Wonderbolts and I finally got past the recruitment phase. I literally got my hooves in and it's in the bag that I can be in there. I never had to take care of anything more complicated than a tortoise, and my place isn't exactly foal friendly. But she's counting on me to be there and I can't let her down. Everypony, most especially myself, has let her down for years. I want so bad to help her but I'm so lost on to what to do." She started to feel like Pinkie going on a tangent. She never was good at this mushy, mamby-pamby emotional stuff, that was for frilly fillies like Rarity. But for Scoots she was willing to be a little emotional.

"So this CK pony. I assume you mean Cloud Kicker?" Twilight inquired, a large scroll along with a quill and ink well magically appearing taking notes beside her.

"Yes. That'd be her. But don't listen to all the rumors you hear. Yes she chases a lot of flank, but when her sister's around or a pony's life is on the line the only pony more loyal than a Kicker is me. She can be trusted with Scoots while we figure out what to do. She promised to look after her while I get my head on straight."

"Hmmmm ... well if you are thinking about taking on Scootaloo it'll be a lot of work. Trust me raising Spike taught me that a lot of what you want you'll have to put on the side lines. But it is worth it. But it's something you have to determine if it's something that is right for you. Although you have us here to support you with what ever choice you decide, but the fact that you are worried shows that you'd make a great mother, slash, big sister."

"Well sugar cube your in quite the pickle. But watchin' over a filly can be might tiring. Ah've been lookin' after Bloom since she was first born, and Ah'd not change that for anything in the all of Equestria. If ya'd ask me just a year ago if you were fit to look after a young'in Ah'd tell ya that ya were more crazy than a squirrel livin' in a fish bowl. But what ya did for us last year at the Wonderbolt's, well Ah'll say ya've matured quite a bit and I think ya'd make a good Mah ta Scoots."

Fluttershy for the first time spoke up, her face hidden in her mane, "That poor little filly, she must have been so scared. I don't know what you want to do. But if you want ... if it's not problem ... and you don't mind ... I could quite possibly ... maybe help look after her. I look after the Crusaders every now in then so it wouldn't be a problem ... if you don't mind. Or I could ... maybe help look for a place for her to stay over here in Ponyville ... if that's ok with you." She said meekly. Her voice although barely a whisper carried through the library. Her mane hiding the tears she was shedding. This was met with a mummer of agreement. That everypony would help with Scoots with what ever Rainbow Dash decided to do.

Everypony but Pinkie Pie whose mane and tail had deflated over the talk. And was now looking at the table with a sad, thoughtful look on her face. It didn't take long for everypony to notice that this discussion was lacking Pinkie Pie's usual antics, looking at her Rainbow asked, "What's wrong Pinks? You usually have a lot to say on a subject?"

"She's just like me. I gotta go girls." With that Pinkie Pie was gone in a Pink blur.

Looking at the spot Pinkie Pie was at, decided that was something to talk to her about later when Pinkie Pie was ready. But for now the weight on her chest was lessened. But there was another bigger question that was looming over Rainbow Dash's head. What was really best for Scootaloo.

Rainbow Dash sat in her Cloud Home playing things out in her head. A lot of ponies thought that she was a feather brain who only thought with her hooves. But those ponies didn't know everything that went into doing what she did, but as her passion and as her job. It required a lot of math, planning, and preparation. Everything had to be picture perfect in order to have a chance at succeeding. Other wise those little bumps and bruises would have turned out a heck of a lot worse. So she was used to playing things out in her head. Seeing how things worked, and putting it all together before giving it a mental test run.

But this was a different sort of test run. One where a little filly's life was at stake. She felt like she was beating a dry cloud for rain. She knew that right now Scootaloo was chilling out with one of the most awesome ponies she knew that wasn't an Element Bearer. Cloud Kicker might be a lot of things, but she was a Kicker first and foremost, and if it was anypony else Rainbow Dash would have said screw it and brought Scootaloo up with her and would've played it by ear.

Rainbow Dash mentally went over her house looking at it in a different perspective. She had no room to place her decade of trophies, awards, and priceless memorabilia. While she could add another room in a jiffy, those things she had in that room were easily broken. Yes she could easily put those things in storage, but she wasn't sure if she wanted to risk it. She may put up a tougher than nails attitude, but those few possessions of hers cheered her up when she needed it. It let her know that she was somepony and she could do anything if she tried hard enough.

Then their was the food issue. Inside her fridge what wasn't fast or junk food. Was a steady mix of protein bars, energy drinks, and work out enhancers. None of which was healthy for a growing filly's diet. What if she over dosed on Energy Drinks. If she didn't literally bounce off the walls, and through a window to her death. Than their was the risk of her heart exploding. That image made her shudder.

Then their was the Rainbow Pool. That could seriously damage a pony if care wasn't taken. All it would take would be a hard bump, or Scoots falling in, and she'd be messed up for life. How was Dashie supposed to take care of a filly when her house was a death trap. Not to mention that the squirt couldn't even fly. Being in a cloud house could seriously hurt her. If she was to take her in she would need to change every aspect of her life. But her friends would stick by her. If she didn't who would take care of her? That was an option. Not one she was liking, but she had to put Scootaloo's safety above anything else. And taking her in, just because Scoots would like it wouldn't be right if it only got her hurt in the end.

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Pinkie Pie sat in her room looking at her mane in the mirror. After hearing about what Scootaloo was going through, it was just like her at that age. She never told anypony about her past, at least not with a hundred percent accuracy. Although once a year on the anniversary of being banished from her family for her not having an "appropriate" earth pony talent as they called it, she would take a day off and disappear where her sadness wouldn't dampen the day for everypony else.

When she left she had nothing to her name, and no real reason to go on. She thought she was going to just disappear, but she eventually ended up with the Cakes. Even to this day she thought of it as a second chance at happiness. And she pinkie promised herself that if she ever had the chance to help others like her she'd do it. So far that had only extended to giving treats to little fillies and colts when they stopped by, secretly using her own funds to give them a pick me up.

She never really had to worry about money. Mayor Mare gave her a stipend to throw her parties since they were seen as not only a cultural event that benefited the city, but also was a good tourist attraction since almost no pony through a party like a Pinkie Party. Then their was the commissions, various events, and side jobs she did that brought her a load of bits. She only choose to stay at Sugar Cube Corner since it really made that Cake's shop synonymous with Sugar Cube Corner. Even more so than Bob-Bon's Confectioneries, or the small mom and pop shop that Twist's family owned.

But how could she help Scoots. Yes she could take in Scoots if nopony else wood, she surprised everypony with how good she was doing with the twins. But she knew that nopony ever took her seriously. It wasn't her fault that her mind was so full of data, facts, figures, diagrams, ideas, knowledge, and sights of other universes that she had a peek in that she had problems going from a point a to b that others could follow.

She thought she read the word Savant in one of Twilight's books, it was close enough of a qualifications. But she wasn't an idiot, rather she just had problems untangling all the things in her head in a way that translated well to others. But if she should really cheer up or at least talk to Scoots let her know she isn't alone. That there are others in the word like her and she can turn out ok. But no matter what if nopony else was able to look after Scootaloo Pinkie Pie would pony up and take her in.

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Cloud Kicker sat with Scootaloo as the sun sat beneath the horizon. Scootaloo had a blast on the cloud today and even though she didn't know what was going to happen. She was glad that things were going well today, especially after Cloud Kicker came into her kitchen invaded by a monstrous loaf of bread. Scootaloo had no idea how she'd react, but after getting it cut into smaller bits they sat and laughed about it while enjoying a nice breakfast.

Scootaloo knew that Dash might never take her in, after all she was just a flightless chicken who'd be holding her back. But she was hoping against hope that everything would turn out alright. Looking down at the floor she felt more vulnerable now that everything was happening than she had ever remembered feeling in a long time, "Miss Cloud Kicker?"

"Listen filly, Miss is my mom, call me Cloud Kicker or CK. But what can I do for you?" Cloud Kicker Chuckled.

"Well, I want to know what's going to happen when Dash says she won't take me in?"

Cloud Kicker raised an eyebrow, "Why would you say that? Weren't you going on and on about how awesome she was?"

"The thing is I'm just a flightless Chicken, a lot of the fillies and colts at school call me that. And an awesome flyer like Dash would only be held back by me. So it only makes sense that somepony as awesome as her wouldn't take me in. I lo... like her. She's a good big sister. But I'm not going to fool myself. What's going to happen to me when that happens though? I know you promised that I wouldn't have to leave, but who'd take care of me?" She poured her little heart out to Cloud Kicker. She knew that it was totally uncool, but these last two days had been the happiest ones she's had since what felt like forever. But she knew that life wasn't fair, the second something good came to you, something would happen to rip it away.

Cloud Kicker looked at her a moment, "Listen I'm not going to lie, all of this is a huge bomb shell, but you know what. If it looks bad, no matter what, you'd have a place to stay with me. I know that I may not be as awesome as Rainbow Dash, but a Kicker never leaves a pony behind. And I like ya kid. You remind me a lot of my little sis, and I know that she talks about you Crusaders when she visits. Never had the chance to get a hold of you fillies, even though she's a Blank Flank too."

This elicited a squeal of delight from Scoots, "OhmygoshOhmygoshOhmygosh! A new member! Wait till I tell the girls! They're going to flip! But ... are you sure you'd want me under hoof?" Her moment of elation starting to dim slightly.

"Of course. Even if things look bad the flock looks out for itself." She said nodding.

"The flock?" Scoots asked while tilting her head.

"Wait you've never heard of the Flock?" Cloud Kicker knew she had noone to teach her Pegasi culture, but to not even know about the term that all Pegasi knew by heart. That hit her in just how much this filly missed out on, on being a Pegasi.

"No." She said with her hears flattening, her little wings buzzing in embarrassment.

"Hey it's no big. I'll be here to teach you everything you need to know about being a Pegasus -" She was going to finish the sentence when she over heard Scoots mumble, "Dash promised me that too."

"Well as I was going to say us Pegasi stick together," Wrapping Scootaloo in wing hug, "And that's a promise."

It was later when she heard knocking on her door she saw Dashie through the window. By the look of things it wasn't going to be a good talk, "Hey Scoots why don't you get two bowls ready for ice creme. I think you've earned a treat for how well you've been acting."

As she watched Scoots head off she opened the door slightly, "Have you figured out what your going to do?"

Rainbow Dash looked at the ground and pawed the ground, "Yeah ... we should talk about it tomorrow when Scoots isn't around. I can get one of the girls to watch her for you, but it's important."

"You aren't going to do it are you?"

"Just ... listen tomorrow ok?" Cloud Kicker could sense the desperation in the plea. It went against what most ponies saw in Dashie, but for her to let that mask down so much meant that it was important. And it answered Cloud Kicker's question.

"Sure tomorrow. I have somethings to tell you too. Well Tomorrow then." With that Cloud Kicker shut the door softly, and as she put on a smile for Scootaloo had one thought echo through her mind, tomorrow decides this filly's fate. I'm not going to let her down.

It was the following day, and Pinkie Pie took one of her rare few days off of work. While the Cake's were worried about her, having learned long ago that when she was visibly deflated it was a sign that things were going south for the filly they cared about. But she assured them that everything was going to be ok, and she just was having an off day. So with the day off to gather her erratic thoughts she decided to make her first stop of the day to be to speak with Rainbow Dash and Cloud Kicker.

She hadn't had spent as much time with Cloud Kicker as she'd like but she knew she was a very serious pony in her own way, even if she didn't have a stable relationship, she was a good pranking buddy when Dashie was to busy with her stunts, and most of all those she cared about she was fiercely protective of. Even if they weren't related to her by blood. She knew that Dizty Do, Flutters, Dashie and her were big friends in flight school, and if she was friends with that group she had to be a good pony. But Pinkie Pie had a Pinkie Promise to keep, and she had to be sure of what was going to happen. Especially since her Pinkie Sense told her that somepony was going to be getting sad news today, and with her mind being preoccupied with Scootaloo she determined that it had to be about her.

Usually she would bounce along the streets, but today she slunk through the shadows using her Pinkie sense to avoid being seen as she made her way to Rainbow Dash. She was so down that she didn't even take the short cuts that she'd usually take to arrive on Dash's doorstep, or behind her mane, or through Dash's left earlobe. Even though it was the most hilarious one Pinkie wasn't feeling much like playing around right now. In fact she was feeling decidedly unPinkielike today.

It seemed like forever but she eventually saw Rainbow Dash sitting under a tree, with huge bags under her eyes. Slumping down next to her she got the first word in, "Hey Dashie, have you figured what you're going to do with Scootaloo?" She asked in a soft voice barely over a whisper.

"You're starting to sound like Fluttershy. But yeah," She said a note of sadness woven through her voice, "I'm going to have to find a place for her. I thought about it I really did Pinks, and it's just not safe for her to be with me. My lifestyle is to dangerous, my place is to foal unfriendly, and I ... I just can't. Does that make me a horrible pony?"

"You aren't horrible Dashie. I mean it's better that at least you aren't doing it for selfish reasons, but because you care about her. That's makes you a good pony, I'm just worried about her."

"Yeah, what was that about last night? Are you alright?" Rainbow asked placing a comforting hoof on Pinkie's shoulder, she had only seen Pinkie Pie like this once before and she really didn't want one of her friends to lock herself away again having in depth conversations with inanimate objects.

"Well ... you remember my story on my Cutie Mark?" She said shrugging off Rainbow Dash's hoof.

"Of course you told it too us when the Crusader's were asking about everyone's cutie marks."

"Well there's a little bit more to it than that. You see after the party my parents tried everything to get my cutie mark to go away short of ripping it off. Saying it was something that no self, respecting earth pony would ever have. And that my Special Talent was an affront to Earth Ponies everywhere. So they banished me saying I was no longer kin and shall be treated as if I was never born."

"That's a tad harsh isn't it? I mean heck even if Scoots got a Cutie Mark in gardening or, " shuddering, "Dress making. I'd still think of her as my honorary little sister. How can anypony do that to their kids?" Rainbow Dash

"Well alot of the older pony families of any tribe are very strict about their traditions. They see things as ponies are their race for a reason, and anything that breaks the mold is an afront to their race. And the Pies are even older than the Belle's or the Tomato family. Heck our family tree out ages the Apples by a two thousand years. Don't ask me how I know that. But when it turned out that my special talent wasn't working the earth or using what the earth provided in what they saw as a constructive manner. They deemed me an unfit Earth Pony, and ... that's why ...," It was at this point that Pinkie Pie broke down into tears. Even though she scheduled one day out of the year for a good cry so her emotions wouldn't crush her. Thinking back on that day to long always tore open old wounds that had yet to heal.

Rainbow Dash had thought to this moment that her day was rough, but seeing Pinkie like this it made her seriously reconsider what the definition of a bad day was. Although it made sense why Pinkie was so broken up when she thought her friends abandoned her. To her it must have been like her family shunning her. It also made sense why she was eager to please other ponies. But Rainbow Dash already had one bombshell to deal with. She'd help Pinkie through her dilemma later.

"I'm sorry Pinks, hey if you ever want to talk about it later when everything with Scoots is taken care of I'm here for you. And I know that the girls are going to be there for you too. As for Scoots. I'm going to talk to CK tonight. I know that Scoots may not understand why I can't take her in right now, and how much it's tearing me up inside that I can't be there for her like she'd want. But everything'll be ok. I hope. Either that or she'll hate me forever." She said giving Pinkie Pie a hug.

"Well I got to go I have to talk to AJ and Rares to see if one of them can take in Scoots while me and CK talk." Rainbow Dash said with a soft squeeze before flying off. Leaving Pinkie Pie alone under the tree. Pinkie Pie collected herself. She hated when others saw her sad. I'm supposed to make ponies happy not sad. Well I need to go over to Cloud Kicker. If Scootaloo needs anything I'll be there to help her out.

************************************************************ ************************************************

Pinkie was still in her slump, but was feeling almost better knowing that Dash wasn't going to up and abandon her. At the very least if Pinkie had anything to say about it Scootaloo would have a good home. She walked over to a cloud where Cloud Kicker and Blossomforth were sitting, She called up to Cloud Kicker who giving her a once over told Blossomforth that she would be up soon, and flew down to see what Pinkie wanted.

Cloud Kicker had hung out with Pinkie Pie only occasionally doing pranks, or at her almost ever ready parties. She couldn't think of how much flank she got at one of her parties. Although poor, innocent Pinkie Pie never made her parties purely to get flank, especially where fillies or colts could wonder in at any moment. But almost eighty percent of all relationships over the last ten years owed their existence to Pinkie Pie. And she was just happy that she could make others happy.

But here she was looking down, and nothing made Cloud Kicker feel sadder than seeing a hot mare looking down. If it wasn't for the fact that she had a lot on her mind she'd offer to give her a night to remember. Even then there was a purity to Pinkie Pie that she always stayed her hoof before now. Almost like she'd be corrupting something, and it made her even more torn on how to act with this mare. She chose to be a more professional side of casual. Which meant the least amount of flirting.

"Hey Pinkie, what can I do ya for?" Cloud Kicker asked, while repeating, Ignore the double entendre! Ignore the double entendre! inside her head.

"I heard you took in Scootaloo, I want to know what your plans are for her? Before you ask, I want to know because I know what she's going through, and when I was a little, ittsy, bitsy, pixie, Pinkie I Pinkie Promised that if ever saw a pony that was in my situation. I'd give them I'd help them just like the Cakes helped me. If she has a place to go to, I'll be happy for her, but if she doesn't I need to know so that I can be there for her. I know alot of ponies don't take me seriously or don't think I'm serious. But I'd never break a Pinkie Promise, and I'd never let a pony suffer like I did. So I need to know. What are your plans for her?" Pinkie rambled.

"Well I'm not going to ask how you knew what I was going to ask. Everyone knows a Pinkie is as a Pinkie does. But yeah ... this stays between us ok?" Cloud Kicker asked leaning in.

Pinkie Pie went through the motions of a Pinkie Promise and some other intricate movements that Cloud Kicker didn't even want to try to decipher. All she knew was any promise that Pinkie made was something that was more unbreakable than the most unbreakable magic oath, "Ok. It's nice to know that you'd take her in if she had noone else, but she's been without the culture of a Pegasus since forever. She's missed out on so much. If there is no way to keep her here with a Pegasus otherwise. I'll gather the Kickers and talk to them about bringing her into the clan. Actually I went ahead and sent letters to bring the clan over so we can discuss everything.

But hey, I think no matter what happens you and Scootaloo should get together and talk. She needs somepony whose been through what she's been through. And I know if anypony can cheer her up it's you. Listen ... if you want ... when this is all over why don't we go out. As friends. You look like you could use some good company, and I promise not to use any of my signature charm to get under your tail." There I didn't hit on her or try to get under her tail. WhooooHooo! Score one for being mature! Cloud Kicker thought with a grin as she was done whispering into Pinkie's ear.

Hearing this Pinkie Pie's body brightened visibly and her body returned to it's normal fluffy, bouncy state. She gave Cloud Kicker a near rib crushing hug, hugging her with so much gusto cloud kicker squeaked like a chew toy, "Thank you! Thank you so much! I was worried that she'd have nopony that'd be willing to look after her, and I'm glad that she at least has somewhere to call home. But if you need any help, don't hesitate to contact me. I can hook you up with whatever you need to help with Scoots. And when she gets a home I can throw a "Yay! Scootaloo stays in Ponyville and Everypony Is Happy Party!" That'd be the best party since Cadance's Wedding. And not --"

At this point Cloud Kicker placed her left forehoof in Pinkie's mouth knowing if she didn't stop her before she built up steam she'd go on for hours. When Pinkie Pie finally quieted Cloud Kicker removed her hoof before saying, "Hey I got to go back to work, and I have to talk to Dashie about Scootaloo. But we'll talk later. Although I want to know something before I know how I want to go through with my talk with her. Are her reasons for not taking Scootaloo honorable?"

"I can't tell you everything me and Dashie talked about, but I can tell you that her reasons are because she's worried about Scootaloo. She thinks that she'd make a good honorary big sister, but taking her in is something that she's more worried than when she went to the Young Flier's Competition."

"Good. That actually means all the difference to me. Well I heard that she's been maturing, but it's good to know that she's finally grown into a good mare. Well I got to go Pinkie. I'll talk to you later." With that Cloud Kicker flew off into the sky to wrap up another day of Weather Maintenance.

************************************************************ ************************************************

I have a lot to think about, Cloud Kicker thought to herself as she sat at a table of The Wild Stallion: Bar and Grill. It was Rainbow Dash's idea of all mares not Cloud Kickers. For some reason Rainbow thought getting smashed, in a loud crowded bar that doubled as a restaurant was going to make this talk easier. I need to figure out if any of her friends other than Pinkie has plans for Scootaloo. What Dash has in store for Scootaloo's future and what role she want's to play in her life. Then there was what to do about Pinkie. That mare was always off limits and now I'm hooving a very dangerous line. She's a good mare with a good future ahead of her. But Scootaloo's a good filly and could use the help of somepony whose been through that loneliness and made it well, some what alright. Well as the Kicker clan says, We'll see what we'll see. and No use worrying about an uncertain future when your about to buck a Minotaur in the balls.

It was at that moment that Dashie trotted in. Cloud Kicker could see from the look of her face and how she held herself that this talk was weighing heavily on her shoulders. Cloud Kicker almost felt a glowing sense of pride that Dash was so loyal that she'd take this choice this seriously. If the Element of Loyalty couldn't pick a Kicker, than this prooved that it picked the next best thing.

As Rainbow Dash sat across from Cloud Kicker, Cloud Kicker decided that she'd take control of the conversation. At least ease some of the tension that looked like it was about to burst out of Rainbow Dash at any given second, "Listen I know that you aren't going to be taking in Scootaloo." She started when Rainbow Dash accidentally cut in.

"I guess I am that irresponsible huh? Can't even change her life around for the pony that needs her most? I must be the worst pony in Equestria. Right?" She said tilting her head to the side. If her mane was longer she'd be hiding behind it like a certain socially inept Pegasus she knew.

"You didn't let me finish. But to answer your questions. I was thinking that until Pinkie Pie came to talk to me. I don't know your reasons entirely, but I at least know now that it's because you are thinking about somepony other than yourself. And that you really care about this filly we're talking about tonight. As for changing your life around, Tartarus, you think it's something that is that easy? Foals are hard. Having some filly or colt added to your life is always a hard thing. Don't you look at me like that Dash." Cloud Kicker semi-playfully told Rainbow Dash as she caught her looking at her incredulously.

"Sorry, it's just that it's been so long that I've seen you serious like this. I kind of forgot that you were a hopeful for the Royal Guard until you left to come here. But yeah, go on." Rainbow replied sheepishly.

"That's exactly right, I was trained from birth on how to be a Royal Gaurd. Hell if I wanted it, I could easily have a few strings pulled and probably skip the academy training. Get right in there as a Private. I'd be royally screwed in the love life department, but hey. That's a different conversation altogether. But yes. Change, any change is hard. But I respect that you are doing this rather than taking her in when you aren't sure you would be able to look out after her safety. I'm proud of you Dash, you're almost as good as a Kicker." Cloud Kicker said, ending her talk with a prideful grin aimed at her friend.

"Coming from you that's a huge compliment. But what do we do about Scoots? Did she tell you anything we can use to help her?"

"Hmmmm .... what a sec," Looking at the waiter that came up, " We'd like several spicy, fish sticks. Haddock. With Buffalo Sauce. For the Appetizer, For diner I want a Glazed Apple and Chili sandwich. Dash here will take a Screaming Gut Buster with a side of Hayfries. Two Apple Shine's premium Malt and Colas on the Rocks. Add a fresh Lime to those and I'll throw in a few bits extra on your tip. Thanks.

"Now on to what to do about Scootaloo. Well I think we should at least see if there's any Pegasus couples looking for a Filly like Scootaloo in the area. If not. I called in a Kicker Clan meeting. We'll talk about her, and we can bring her into the Flock. By the way, Did you know she never knew what the Flock was?"

"Seriously!? How can she be a Pegasus and not know about that?" Dash asked her body reeling in Shock. Not knowing that simple terminology would be like not knowing about Santa Hooves. It just wasn't heard of.

"Serious as a heart attack. That poor filly has missed out on so many Pegasi Holidays and our very culture. She hasn't just missed out on a child hood. She's missed out on what it means to be what she was born as. And she's got a lot to catch up on." Cloud Kicker said her body going from relaxed to dead serious.

"Well we'll start looking tomorrow. But no matter what happens. Thank you. You have no idea what it means that you took in Scootaloo for me. And what you're doing. I owe you big time. You ever need anything, anything at all. Any time, any where. If it's in my power or I know somepony who can help with it. It's yours." Rainbow Dash said a huge weight that she had been carrying for over two days felt as if it had lifted. It was still going to be hard. But if the Kicker Clan was getting involved than she had a whole lot less to worry about.

The following morning met Scootaloo with the smell of a extravagant feast for the senses when she walked into the Kicker household. Walking into the kitchen she saw that it was indeed a feast, a huge pile of pancakes, Svensk Crepes, Canterlot Omelet with sprinkles of three cheese, a wide assortment of muffins and cupcakes, and a large mug of chocolate milk, with a chocolate stirring straw in it. Scootaloo could smell when something was going to go south, but she also smelled more good food that she had seen out side a Pinkie Party. Weighing her options she decided that she'd rather be well fed, than starving any day and say across from a dead serious looking Cloud Kicker.

"So I guess that this isn't a celebratory dinner huh?" Scootaloo asked tearing into some pancakes that she poured on some Black Cherry jam on. Her tone was inbetween resigned and a hurt.

"Listen Scootaloo. I'm going to be utterly honest with you. It's how I am with Alula, and how I am with anypony I talk to. Is that alright with you?" Cloud Kicker said, sipping a cup of hot coffee.

"Sure." Scootaloo replied, forking over a few of the crepes and started tearing into them with reckless abandoned. If I'm about to get tossed out of here I might as well get enough food in me to last me a day or two. She thought to herself ruefully as she waited for the horseshoe to fall.

"Rainbow Dash can't take you in. I'm going to let you know that at first I thought it was for less than honorable reasons. But I assure you that she still thinks of you as a little sister, but she worries that the life she lives right now would only cause you to get injured or worse. And when you are ready to talk to her some day I bet she'd love that.

But I'm going to work on seeing if there's any other Pegasi that can take you in. If not I've called a Clan meet for the Kicker Clan. They'll be here in a month or two to talk about bringing you into the clan. Now when we meet we have a large amount of games and contests. Since you haven't really had the chance to learn a lot about Pegasi culture I can teach you what I can and prepare you for what you'll be doing. But that is if, and only if you'd want to give that a try. If that becomes something that you'd like. If not, then it'll all be ok. I'll give you a place like I have been until we find something that works."

"Wait. Even if I wouldn't want to do that. You would still let me stay? Why?" Scootaloo was curious by now. To think that she'd have a place to stay, and there was no pressure on her at all to choose one way or the other. It confused her, and made her want to know what the angle Cloud Kicker was getting at.

"Easy. A Kicker never leaves a pony behind. I promised you when you came over that I wasn't going to kick you out. As long as we are looking for somepony for you you got a place here.

"Then I'd like to try. If your family would have me, but can I ask one question?" Scootaloo asked leaning in closer.

"What is it?"

"Well can the other crusaders come over to watch? Or maybe help out?"

"They can watch on the sidelines and even help you train, but the games are for Pegasi and use our innate magics. They would get hurt, that plus it's a test between the Kicker Clan members, and as a kind of way for you to bond with the other family members."

"Alright, thank you Mrs. Cloud Kicker." Scootaloo said with a smile.

******************************************** ********************************************

"So let me get this straight. Yer gunna be participatin' in some kinda Pegasus games and even though we can't play with ya we get ta watch?" Apple Bloom said as they talked at their lunch table.

"Sorry guys -" Scootaloo was starting say, before Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle wrapped her in a hug, that drew a moan of mock protest.

"That is so awesome! And you might even get a family out of it! So when do we start?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Well we can start after school. Apperantly a lot of the games are fun, but there are a few that I have to play that sound a little boring. But it's going to be worth it to play Clan Wars." Scootaloo said with uncontrollable glee.

"Well you know all the things we do as Crusaders that get us yelled at by the town every few days?"

"How can I not. I think Rarity must have made me into her living mannequin twenty times so far. Not to mention being grounded on top of it. So ... why bring that up?" Sweetie asked. a small shiver going up her spine at thinking of Rarity's punishments. While far from cruel where unusual enough to make any misbehaver tremble at her mighty wrath.

"The Clan Wars I can do that stuff and not only not get in trouble but I can get points for it. Although Cloud Kicker said that they didn't see what the problem was with allowing a Crusader into contest where ingenuity, inventiveness and foresight are rewarded. I didn't know what that last part meant but Cloud Kicker said that i could bring things in with me as long as they weren't inherently lethal. This! Is! Going! To! Be! Awesome!" Scootaloo squealed with a Rainbow Dash like kissy face of joy.

"So you're saying that there is something that allows us to do on purpose what we normally do on accident and you won't get in trouble for it?" Apple Bloom asked her eyes wide in wonderment.

"Yep! Best of all there is no limit to what I can bring. And with us Crusaders working together I'm sure that my team will have an easy win."

"Well what else is there?"

"Well races, most of which I can't do since I can't fly yet. The 6 Legged race, and three hundred meter which I can do. Then their's Battlecloud, which thanks to Rainbow Dash I know I have a chance at. Well ... there's a few random pegasi contest that Cloud Kicker is going to, and Cloud Kicker said if I really want to show my stuff I have to get good at Chego. Apparently that's a really popular game among the Kicker Clan. Something about it being a staple for Royal Guards, shows the mindset of a player, and is good game to learn. Honestly I haven't heard of it, but it can't be that hard right?"

"Right! Well it looks like all of us have our work cut out for us, but this is going to be so fun!" Apple Bloom said before all three broke out in a thunderous roar, "Cutie Mark Crusader Pegasus Game Champions!!! Yay!"