Getting up for school was difficult today, with Mom waking everypony up in the middle of the night. It’s going to be weird not having her here. But I said I’d step up for her, and I will. So with that in mind, I force myself from bed and start getting ready for the day.

When I step into the kitchen I find Dad making breakfast with Jet sleeping in his cereal. I laugh a little at that and go to rescue him. He thanks me right before he face-plants back into the table.

“I don’t know what it is about you two,” Dad comments. “Anything less than eight hours of straight sleep and you’re both useless to the world.”

“I wonder where we go that from.” I say, wiping Jets face clean. I pause when I smell something burning and immediately make for the door. “I… uh… just remembered I have to… meet up with Sweetie Bell at school! So… I’ll get breakfast there.”

“Are you sure? I made waffle,” he says, trying to sound enticing. I get a glance at the burn hockey pucks on the plates and gag a bit from the memories.

“Uh… yeah. Do you need me to drop Jet off?”

“No, I can do that before I go to work. But if you could pick him up after program at five-“

“I’ll get him, bye!” I yell before stepping out of the door quickly. I shudder at the thought of his cooking before testing my wings for flight. I know Luna said not to fly today, but I need to get on the ground. I should be fine. With a quick flap, I take off and glide down towards the ground. I can feel a bit of extra tension in my wing, making flight uncomfortable, but I can handle it for now.

I make it to the ground and trot into my landing. Simple enough! Now to get to school… dammit. I hate walking… maybe I can just fly there-

“Scootaloo!” I turn around and see Shadow trotting towards me, so I wait for her to catch up. “I thought you weren’t supposed to be flying!”

“Oh… uh…”

“Shame.”

“I live in a cloud! How else would I get down?” I say in my defense. She shakes her head at me and continues on to school. “Really? What, am I supposed to just fall?”

“Shame.” I roll my eyes and walk alongside her. “It doesn’t hurt though, does it?”

“Naw. A bit of odd tension, but it’ll pass. I’m not looking to being at school though-“

“You shouldn’t. You got hurt and kept going. At least you tried; the pony you replaced couldn’t even make it.”

“Yeah, but… I know a couple ponies that don’t care about that.” We both shake our heads at the stupidity that’s going to come. If it weren’t for those two, today probably wouldn’t be that bad. But I just know that Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon are going to bitch out completely.

“Hey girls!” Applebloom yells out when we come to the crossroad with her farm. “How’d the game go?”

“Uhg.” I lower my head and continue on to school.

“Ah take it went badly.”

“Scootaloo got hurt and we had to forfeit the game.” Shadow informs her.

“Oh, are ya okay now though?” Applebloom asks from behind.

“Just fine, can we change the subject now?”

“If ya want, ah can beat up Diamond fer ya so she doesn’t bother you.” Applebloom offers, making Shadow snicker.

“Okay, first off; I can beat up Diamond by myself. Secondly, can we change the subject please?”

“Okay then. Shadow and I will beat up Diamond for you-“

“What!? No! Love you Scootaloo, but I’m not fighting anypony!”

“Ah c’mon Shad! Just one quick brawl! All ah need you ta do is hold her still so ah can get one good buck-“

“No! I’m not helping you beat somepony up! Even if it’s somepony who desperately needs it.” They continue on the entire trip to school. I think Applebloom just wants a reason to beat up Diamond. Given, I think all of us do. Except Shadow that is, but that’s expected.

When we make it to school we pause behind one of the buildings where we find Sweetie Bell. She’s with Button and he seems to have lost his tongue. Luckily for him, Sweetie is trying her hardest to find it. It must not be that important to find though, seeing as they’re trying to find it in one of the most secluded parts of school. Maybe he forgot how to use it, and she’s just helping him remember how.

“You’re staring,” Pipsqueak tells me, walking up from behind.

“We’re best friends, I’m allowed to watch.” I tell him simply, never taking my eyes off of them. They’ve moved to slight groping now. Nothing risqué, just shoulder work.

“Um… do you need a minute Scoots?” Shadow asks nervously. I don’t answer her. I just sit back and enjoy the show.

…

…

…

…

“Huh, I didn’t take you for such a perv-“

“GAH!” Shadow disappears when Rumble walks up and teases her a bit. Sadly, this gets Sweeties attention.

“Huh! OH MY GOSH!” she yells, moving Button to cover herself. “WHY ARE YOU ALL WATCHING US!?”

“Did you find it?” I call out to her, chuckling when I see her turn bright red.

“Okay, you had your fun. Let’s get going before you kill her… again.” Pip tells me, nudging me towards school. I make a few more lewd comments about the two looking for Buttons virginity before finally going along with Pip. “So I take it you’re taking the loss pretty well then.”

“Way to kill my mood Pip.”

“It’s what I’m here for. Wanna talk about it?” he asks with a slight nudge.

“No.” He leans a bit on me and jostles my shoulder with his own. “*CHEESUS!!!!CHEESUS* later.”

“Great! Now… we should avoid taking any crowded hallways,” he says rather cheerfully as we turn a corner to find the hallway filled with basically everypony in summer school. Every eye falls on us as the hall goes dead silent. We stand there for a moment before Pip finally pushes me back out of sight.

“What was that all about!? How could everypony possibly care that much!?”

“Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara.”

“I’M GOING TO BEAT THE LIVING SHMMMMPH!” I yell out, getting Pip to stick a hoof in my mouth.

“Easy there Scooter. Let’s just sit back and not beat ponies to death, alright. Now, I know this seems really bad, but it’s Diamond and Silver. Would you really expect any less from them?” he asks calmly.

“… no.”

“Is beating them into a pulp going to fix anything long term?”

“… yes.”

“Is it going to fix anything long term that benefits you?” he says shortly.

“… y-“

“The right answer is no. No it will not. Let them be bitches, you know what happened. I know what happened. Our friends know what happened. Who cares what the rest think, right?” He ends his questions by opening up for a hug. I stand there for a moment before cracking a smile and moving into his embrace. He always knows just what to say to calm me down.

“Aww, look. The pansy is comforting the loser. What’s the matter loser? Upset you loss the big game? Where’s your cast? Is it with the rest of your pride?” Diamond taunts as she and most of her bitch brigade walk by and laugh at me.

“I’m going to kill her-“

“Hold on there!” Pip says as he holds me back, though I try to continue marching towards her.

“I’m going to kill her.”

“What did we just get through!?”

“I’m going to kill her.”

“Just let it go! You don’t need another suspension!”

“I’m going to kill her.”

RIIIIIIIIING

“Finally! C,mon you, let’s get to class before something terrible happens,” he tells me before biting my tail and dragging me off to class. I glare Diamond down as he drags me around the around the corner. I don’t know how, but I’m going to get her back for this… most likely a beat down. I just need to get her away from her band of whores… maybe I should just get my own- “Don’t even think about it.”

“You don’t know what I was thinking!” I pout as Pip lets go of me. I get up and dust myself off, all the while getting an even stare from Pip. “What?”

“Listen Scooter, I know you have your whole history of hating Diamond. I don’t like her all that much either. But promise me you won’t stoop to her level-“

“You know you can’t talk your way out of everything, right? Eventually you’ll have to stand up for yourself.” I say quickly, instantly regretting it. He lets out a sigh mulls over what I said silently for a second. Everypony tends to make fun of him for avoiding conflict, and here I go adding to it with my big mouth.

“One day I will have to stand up for myself, I know that. Don’t doubt that I won’t step up when the push comes to shove. But until then, I’ll continue to be that little voice in your head that keep you from going over the deep end. I have to get to class; I’ll see you at lunch.” I try to apologize, but he stands and walks away before I could get anything out. I let out a breath and curse myself for being thoughtless. Today isn't going to be my day.

I go to class and take my seat with a bit of a gruff. Shadow stops beside me and asks if everything is alright. I tell her not to worry about it and leave it at that. She obviously doesn’t like my answer, but takes her seat due to the teacher starting class. I figure I’ll just focus on class for the time being. I’ll deal with everything else when I get to it-

That is, until the teacher moved the sliding chalkboard to reveal a giant picture of me crying over a broken wing surrounded by what I assume to be chicken eggs. Most of the class laughs at the cruddy picture, so I try to hide myself in my book.

“Very funny. Who is responsible for this?” The teacher asks. Nopony claims credit, but due to their laughing, I have a feeling I know who did this. I swear… I’m going to do something about the two of them.

“You okay Scootaloo?” Shadow asks quietly from behind.

“Peachy. Just peachy.”

“Don’t-“

“Okay class, bring out your books and start reading while I clean up the board. Since nopony wants to claim credit for their art I want this room dead silent. Understood?” The class responds in unison and gets to reading.

Ends up the picture wasn’t done in chalk, so we end up spending the entire class period in silence. Towards the end a note falls on my desk coming from my left. I take the note and read it over once. Then again. And then a few more times to make sure I really understand the four words on the piece of paper.

You. Me. After school.

I look over to Diamond and stare at her in disbelief. She really thinks she can take me. She really wants to do this. She… is shaking her head? She points to the note and then to… Shadow!? The note is for Shadow!? She goes through all of this trouble to piss me off… and she wants to fight SHADOW!?

“I hope you two are trying to have any discussions back there. Ms. Tiara, Ms. Scootaloo?” Our teacher calls out from the front. Diamond goes back to her book, but I keep staring at her in utter confusion. After all the bitchy little rumors and pranks… she wants to fight Shadow. Shadow. The pony that can barely change in the locker room without freaking out. Shadow. Not me, the pony whose life she’s was trying to ruin, Shadow. “Ms. Scootaloo?”

“You have to be kidding me.” I mumble.

“I assure you the detention for not focusing will be very serious Ms. Scootaloo. Now please turn back to your own material.” The teacher says sternly. I blink a few times before turning back to my book.

“Huh? What’s this?” Shadow mumbles from behind. Today isn’t my day “*faceplant*”

…………………………………………………………………………………................................................

Class comes and goes quickly enough. When the lunch bell rings I gather my things and head out for our usual meeting spot. I’m the first to arrive under the tree just on the edge of school, so I take the best spot; against the tree. I pull out my lunch and get to eating as Sweetie and Button arrive next. We greet one another and go about a normal lunch routine. We glance to one another as we continue to eat peacefully. We all swallow at the same time and wait, for somepony else to say it first. I’m not going to, not this time.

“*Sigh*, Scootaloo or Shadow?” Sweetie asks. It’s too peaceful, something is going to happen. Something always happens. From the moment we started hanging out, something has happened.

“It’s probably going to be Scootaloo, she did have that whole game fiasco yesterday.” Button points out.

“That sounds too easy. Somehow, it’s going ta be Shadow.”

“I just hope it’s not both of them.” Sweetie says worriedly. Button and I groan at the thought and go back to our food. It’ll come soon enough-

“Guys!” Scootaloo yells, running up to us. And here we go. I knew Shadow and I should have just jumped Diamond. But no! We need drama!

“What did Shadow do this time?” I ask, rubbing the bridge of my nose.

“She locked herself in the janitors’ closet again.”

“Well… at least we took out the chemicals.” Sweetie points out. “Why aren’t you there now?”

“Rumble is trying to get her out this time-“

“Well there ya go! Ah told ya’ll getting her a coltfriend would pay off! Now, why in tarnation is she locking herself up this time? Somepony yell at her or something?”

“Diamond wants to fight her afterschool today.”

“Ah can’t believe it! One ponies opinion and that girl gets all- wait… what?” We all do a double take to this. Diamond… wants to fight. Diamond wants to fight? Diamond wants to fight! Eenope, doesn’t sound right at all. No matter how you say it. “Can ya run that by us again?”

“I know, it doesn’t make any sense to me either!” Scootaloo yells while taking a seat with us. “I mean, she just painted the chalk board to make fun of me for getting hurt, and then she goes and challenges SHADOW to a fight!? It’s not fair! I want to kick her ass!”

“Scootaloo! Language!” Sweetie scolds, but is ignored.

“What’s not fair?” Pip asks as he walks up.

“Diamond wants ta fight Shadow after school today.” I fill him in, getting him to tilt his head.

“I imagine that would be a very one sided fight. So where is she now? House closet?” he asks nonchalantly, taking a seat with Scootaloo.

“Janitor.”

“Ah. Who is going to talk her out?”

“Rumble.”

“So… what’s the problem? Other than the actual fight that is.”

“The problem is that the rest of us want to beat Diamond, but instead the honor goes to Shadow. Who will probably get her flank handed to her,” Scootaloo complains.

“No faith what so ever,” Button comments.

“Shadow is one for confrontation Button-“

“Yeah, but her dad is a super soldier from a super advance society of ultra-aggression.” We all pause at that and think about it. True, the Spartans are amazing fighters. I only know how to fight because Big Mac taught me some stuff. And Miles is super protective of Shadow, so I can only imagine what he would teach her. Not to mention Butterscotch. “She probably knows enough to at least hold her own in a fight. One on one at least… well, maybe. We still have to consider Diamonds army of floozies.”

“Well… I guess we’ll just have to watch over Shad until this blows over.” Sweetie tells us, getting us all to nod.

Lunch comes and goes in relative silence. We agree that we’ll have to take turns watching over Shadow, assuming Rumble can’t, starting with me. Luckily for me, Rumble is in my class, so I can talk to him once we get started. He’s a bit late to class though, so I don’t get to ask him right away. I have to wait until we’re allowed to work in groups to get his attention.

“Rumble, let’s work together.” I tell him, getting him to nod. We move our desks together and wait for everypony to get started before talking. “Did ya talk with Shadow at lunch?”

“Yeah, poor thing is terrified. I’m going to talk with Diamond after school to hopefully get her to calm down. But the problem is that I have to go to weight training right after class, and Coach Goal will have my head if I miss.”

“Kay, how long do you need to be in the gym fer?”

“At least an hour,” he says quietly when a group walks past us. One of the ponies in the group is one of Diamonds friends, so secrecy is key here.

“Ah can bring her ta the school farm with me after school. There are plenty of FFE ponies with me that they won’t try ta bother us any. But, the walk home will be tricky.”

“Again, I’ll talk with Diamond. She’ll listen to me… maybe. Sometimes she gets a little…”

“Bitchy.”

“I was going to say thickheaded, but we have history together. So she might listen to me.” I eye him for a moment before glancing around to make sure nopony is listening.

“What sort a history do ya’ll have together?” He blinks a few times before avoiding my gaze and fidgets with his pencil.

“Uh… we used to go out. Is that a problem?” he asks cautiously.

“Mmmm… as long as that stays in the past. But just so ya know, don’t mess around with Shadow. Ya can fool around with any other mare, but Shadow… she takes things ta heart. Iffin ya really do care fer her, than good. But if yer just chasen’ tail, look elsewhere. This is fer both hers and yours safety.”

“… is that a threat?”

“It’s a warnin’. And not from me, if that’s what yer thinkin. Shadows dad is… let’s just say he’s a military guy an leave it at that.”

“Like… royal guard status?” That made me laugh.

“More like, train the captain of the royal guard, status.” His eyes widen a bit at this, to which I nod. “It’s true. Upset Shadow, and Miles will hunt you down and hurt ya. That’s his little princess yer messin with. She can do no wrong in his eyes, but yer the colt tryin ta get under her tail. He aint gonna take so kindly ta that.”

“Um… I don’t think it’s like that. But, thanks for the warning. Any other crazy family members I should know about?” This makes me laugh again.

“Ya never seen Miles before, have ya?” He shakes his head no. “Crazy doesn’t even start it. Get ready ta be thrown ta the craziest family out there! Not that they themselves are crazy, but… trouble finds them, rather easily. Hope yer ready.” He gulps at that and keeps quiet. Hopefully this doesn’t throw him off, but it has to be said. If he were to just suddenly find out he’s dating somepony related to the royal sisters… well, it’s a lot to take in.

Before anything else could be said the bell rings, ending the school day. I toss my stuff into my bag and rush out of class. I need to get to Shadow before Diamond does. If I can get her to the farm, then we’ll be in the clear. If not… I’m sure the two of can take her. I know I can at least. When I make it to the end of the hall Rumble flies before me and stops me. He looks pretty serious about whatever it is, so I stop and wait for him to speak.

“… Okay, this is going to sound really shallow, but… is she worth the effort? I’m not just trying to chase tail here, but… there are a lot of mares out there that are… in the middle. If you know what I mean… like, they’re okay but… okay, this sounds terrible doesn’t it?” He steps back and rubs the back of his neck as he berates himself. I take moment to think about my answer before speaking.

“Shadow is a great pony. Quiet and reserved, but once ya get ta know her she has a great personality. She’s smart, tries ta be funny, and values her family more than anything. She’s… had a rough past, but that’s all over with now. Is she a middle pony? Ah don’t think so. She’s more like the one in the herd that fell behind due ta bad circumstances. She stands out if yer lookin hard enough, but at a glance she seems less than worthy… okay, that sounds bad-“

“No! I mean… I get what you’re trying to say. Or, at least I think I do. Thanks for the input. I appreciate it. I have to get going, try and get to Shadow as quickly as possible.” I nod to him and take off for Shadows class. I kind of feel like I just short sold Shadow. I didn’t mean to, it just came out that way.

I make a run for Shadows class just in time to find her teacher kicking her out. I rush over to her and have her follow me to the schools farm. Along the way I keep a look out for Diamond and her horde of skanks. I didn’t see Diamond at her class, so I figure she’s out getting her friends together.

The schools farm isn’t much of a farm really. It has about an acre of field split into three sections with fencing, a barn area, two green houses and a section for gardens. I run over to the barn area where I eet up with some of my other friends.

“What’s got you in a hurry Applebloom?” Berry Bloom asks. She’s a dark purple earth pony with dark green hair.

“Just tryin ta get Shadow here away from Diamond Tiara and her flock of sluts. You guys?”

“What’s Diamond doing?” Mint asks. She’s a light green earth pony with white hair that has a blue streak in it.

“She… wants to fight me.” Shadow tells them timidly. They look to each other before rushing over to Shadow.

“I’ll take your place!”

“Can I join?!”

“Is it going to take place here!?”

“Let’s all jump her!”

“EASY THERE!” I yell as I start pulling them all off of Shadow. “Nopony is fighting anypony.”

“Awwwww.”

“Shut it Harvest, and put that scythe away!” She pouts a bit more, but listens anyway. “Now ya’ll listen and listen well! I wanna beat her flank just like the rest-a ya, honest! But that can wait till we’re out of school grounds. Until then, we’re representatives of the Ponyville Future Farmers of Equestria chapter, and ah’m going ta hold each and every one of you ta those standards. Got it?”

“Got it.” They all say together, looking a bit down. Especially Ripe Harvest.

“Hey future fags of Equestria!” Diamond yells from behind. My eye twitches as I fight the urge to buck her back to Friday. “You and I need to have a little talk Shadow.”

“Um… I’d prefer not to.” Shadow says meekly.

“Diamond, go back to your home on whore island!” I yell at her, stepping between her and Shadow. Her friends start to crowd around me, but I stand my ground and stare her down.

“And why don’t you go back to your farm where you belong, hick,” she says, getting a bunch of snickers from her friends. My friends come to my side and begin to face off with the group before me, making the moment extremely tense.

“I hope you’re all not planning to start anything in my department.” We all back up quick when Mr. Wool walks out from the class room. “Isn’t there work to be done? Applebloom? Harvest?”

“Yes sir.” We say together in unison.

“And don’t you all have a practice to go to? Or should I call Mrs. Cheer?” Diamond and her group don’t say anything in response. They just give us one last dirty look before leaving the schools farm. “I expect better from all of you. Don’t bring that kind of trouble here again. Understood?”

“Yes sir.” We all reply. He nods to that and heads back to the class.

“C’mon Shad. Help me with some stuff and we’ll hang out afterwards.”

“Sure… thanks for sticking up for me,” she says with a slight nuzzle and a frown.

“Don’t mention it. And chin up! Ya aint done nothing wrong, so don’t go moping around.” She gives me a weak smile and shrugs. Leave it to Diamond and her drove of skanks to ruin what could have been a worry free day. At least I can get home early with Shadows help. I’m sure Applejack will appreciate the extra help with Apple Slice.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHEESUS!!!

Ponyrun Update!