The last thing Apple Bloom could recall from the night before, was being in the embrace of her pegasus friend: Something unusual in and of itself. Scootaloo wasn’t the hugging type. She recalled talking with Scoots and the older mares, and while her trauma still very much on her mind; she knew that she was safe, and in the hooves of ponies she knew wouldn’t hurt her.

Now, she awoke in a bed she was not familiar with in the slightest. Getting her wits about her, she could tell from the construction of the room around her, that she was in the Golden Oak Library, or as she knew it, ‘Twilight’s house’. Following a yawn, followed quickly by a slight squeal as her soreness reminded her it was a thing that existed, she hopped from the bed she presumed was Twilights’, and poked her head out the door. She could smell food being made, and hear Spike, Twilight’s assistant, humming a tune to himself as he prepared the morning meal for his mother and their guest.

Panning her gaze downward, she could see into the reading room of the library which appeared to be in a bit of a state of disarray. In the center of a pile of books, articles, and notes, was a desk with a simple lamp; a book opened upon it, and its reader, Twilight, looming over the publication, seemingly deep in study.

The filly carefully made her way down the stairs, and turned her attention to the unicorn who didn’t seem to notice her descent, only turning to greet her when the filly’s attempt to peek inside one of the books resulted in it toppling onto the floor.

“Good morning, Apple Bloom.” Twilight smiled. “Feeling better?”

“Yeah, a little.” Apple Bloom replied, her attention refocused on the mess of books. “What’s all this for?”

“Oh, I’ve been doing some fascinating research...it’s mostly political in nature, I promise I won’t bore you with it. Spike is making us breakfast, it sounds like it’ll be ready here shortly.” the mare informed the filly.

“Political, huh?” The filly remained transfixed by the chaos of this endeavor, “What’s that mean?”

“What, ‘political’?” Twilight smiled, marking her book and closing it; making her way to the table with the filly in tow, “Politics is the science of government, its policies, and actors. In brief, it is the subject of government, which in our case, is a monarchy.”

This definition was well beyond Apple Blooms’ comprehension, but the smell of food sucked any energy she was to expel expressing her confusion, and nodded as if she understood. At first, the three were silent as they went about eating their breakfast. Twilight however, was curious to see how the filly was doing.

“How is it, Apple Bloom?” She asked, noticing the filly had put a reasonable dent in her serving.

“Really good! Thanks Spike.” The filly beamed.

Spike found himself red in the face at this complement. Muttering a simple ‘Thanks’, before avoiding eye contact with the hopes he could extinguish his blush.

“Say, Twi…” Apple Bloom began, a curious look about her. “Why am Ah here instead of at Raritys’?”

“Well, Rarity already has Scootaloo, so we figured it was only fair if you stayed here. You’re...okay with that, right?”

“Oh, of course! Ah was just curious, that's all. Wait...what do ya mean Rarity has Scootaloo?”

“Scootaloo lives with Rarity for the time being.” Twilight replied.

“That seems weird, wouldn’t she want ta live with Rainbow instead?” Apple Bloom’s question was a valid one, though Twilight wasn’t so sure on whether answering that directly was a good idea.

“From what I understand, Sweetie Belle brought Scootaloo to the boutique, and after a bit, she decided she liked the Boutique.”

“Where was Scootaloo before?” Apple Bloom’s line of questioning seemed to have no end.

Before Twilight could attempt to answer, Apple Bloom let out a gasp--it was well past eight in the morning.

“Ah can just ask Scoots later Twi, Ah’m gonna be late for school!”

“School?” Twilight was bewildered as she watched the filly hurry through her food. “Are you sure you want to go to school today? I think you should take it easy…”

“Are ya kiddin’ me? Ah haven’t seen Cheerilee or Sweetie Belle in weeks!” The filly exclaimed as she bounded for the front door, Twilight right behind her.

The two made a good pace through town when Apple Bloom wheeled around, seeming surprised the unicorn was still following her.

“Ya...know you don’t have to come with me right? Ah know where the schoolhouse is.”

“I’m sure you do,” Twilight responded with hesitation. “I just want to make sure you make it okay.”

Apple Bloom gave this some thought, and seemed fine with it, as she continued her trot in the direction of the schoolhouse.

Save for the waves and greetings of ponies they passed en route; their walk was a quiet one. Apple Bloom seemingly more than happy to take a slow trot through town, admiring the buildings and passersby as if she were a tourist in the city she was born in.

Soon enough, they crest the hill whose descent lead to the entrance of the schoolhouse. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo could be seen waiting outside amongst other fillies and colts idling about. The former of the two crusaders spotted Apple Bloom and made an impressive gallop towards her friend, embracing her in a near vice-grip of a hug.

“Apple Bloom!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed as she released her embrace. “I missed you so much!”

“Ah missed ya too, Sweetie Belle.” Apple Bloom could feel tears threatening to swell.

“They were incredibly punctual this morning.” Rarity mused as she walked over to Twilight as they both sat and watched the fillies rejoice and rekindle. “Usually Scootaloo takes her sweet time in the morning, but today was an exception I suppose.”

Twilight herself couldn’t help sport a grin at the sight of this reunion. Apple Bloom seemed genuinely happy, something she desperately needed.

The school bell rang, Cheerilee calling for her students to make their way inside. Apple Bloom turned to wave to Twilight, as thanks most likely. Soon enough, the gathering of fillies and colts had funneled into the schoolhouse, and silence once again ruled the hill.

“How was she last night?” Rarity asked as the two descended the opposite side of the hill towards town.

“She seemed perfectly fine. I didn’t notice anything this morning, either.” Twilight answered.

“That’s good I suppose.” Rarity replied. “You busy today? I should be done with the days’ work by mid-afternoon. Perhaps we could grab some tea at Sugarcube Corner, catch up with the girls?”

“Actually…” Twilight pondered. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you girls about something.”

“I’ll gesture it has something to do with those pages you found?” Rarity remembered their conversation at the spa.

“Indeed it does.” Twilight smiled. “Why don’t you bring the girls over, they can hang out while we have a chat.”

“Sounds fine by me. See you then.” Rarity said as she made her way in the direction of her home.

Apple Bloom was enthralled to be in school again. Listening to Mrs. Cheerilee go on about the ways and wonders of the world; within earshot of her two best friends who were equally elated to see her. One thing she did not miss, however, was a particular filly to her right.

Diamond Tiara was a source of displeasure and disdain for Apple Bloom and her fellow crusaders. The pink filly and her sidekick, Silver Spoon were the origin of much harassment and heckling; and Apple Bloom wasn’t in much of a mood to deal with it. Much to her pleasant surprise though, the two mischief makers seemed to be leaving her alone for the time being.

Scootaloo was also watching the manners and movements of the tiara-topped troublemaker. The pegasus found herself somewhat on edge whenever that filly made a move that seemed suspicious. She saw Apple Bloom last night, and heard of the trauma she had endured. Any provocation that would harm her friend was nothing short of unacceptable. Sweetie Belle was oblivious to all of this, Scootaloo not sure if it was her place to say anything, The unicorn also seemed pretty uncaring towards Scootaloos’ demeanor as well; filled with joy that her friend was back and seemingly, in good spirits.

Before they could bother checking the time, the bell rung, Cheerilee informing them it was lunch and recess time. The schoolchildren stampeded out the back door of the schoolhouse, populating the benches and shades of trees to converse, conspire, and consume food. The crusaders had their own spot, the shade of a really large tree in the corner of the playground; distanced from the stomping grounds of their arch nemesis. Each filly opening their lunch, and breaking the ice.

“It’s been so long!” Sweetie Belle practically swooned, “I was getting worried about you.”

“Aw, thanks Sweetie Belle.” Apple Bloom smiled. “Ya two do any crusadin’ while Ah was gone?”

The two nodded they had not. It wasn’t untrue; the two hadn’t bothered questing for their cutie marks without their earth pony companion. It wasn’t the same if the triage was absent a member.

“Y’all didn’t have ta do that…” Apple Bloom felt herself blush a little. “Ah would be more than happy if ya had gotten yer cutie marks!”

“Yeah well, it wouldn’t be as fun if you weren’t there with us!” Scootaloo grinned. “Besides, Sweetie Belle isn’t the most...adventurous type.”

The three laughed at this remark, and continued finishing their lunches.

“How’s it been with my sister, Scootaloo?” Sweetie Belle asked. Rarity and Scootaloo both seemed to be in good moods this morning.

“Fine.” Scootaloo answered, “She’s not that bad.”

“Told you.” Sweetie playfully nudged the filly. “She seems happy to have you there. You still looking for another place to live?”

“Not right now.” Scootaloo answered. “I think I’m happy where I am right now. What about you, Apple Bloom?”

“Oh, with Twilight?” Apple Bloom asked, sort of embarrassed. “It’s only been one mornin’. Spike’s a good cook though.” The three gleefully chuckled again, finally collecting their lunch bags and trotting over to the waste bin.

Their smiles quickly morphed into frowns as the last two fillies they wanted to bother with, approached them; their usual looks of ill intent plastered about their face.

“Well, well, well...look who finally decides to come back.” Diamond Tiara sneered.

“Not in the mood, Diamond Tiara.” Scootaloo growled. “Leave us alone.”

“How rude!” Diamond Tiara expressed in faux offense. “I was only trying to catch up with your friend here.”

“Were not, Diamond Tiara!” Sweetie Belle defended. “Why don’t you find something else to do besides pick on us!”

Seeming to ignore the two, the pink filly trotted to Apple Blooms’ side.

“I heard about what happened to Granny Smith, you have my condolences.” Diamond Tiara seemed sincere, though a sly grin formed. “Can’t say I blame her though, If I had to run a family of dirt-eating inbreds, I’d probably call it quits too.” Apple Bloom winced at this insult, and the recollection of unwelcome events it prompted.

“Hey!” Scootaloo braked. “I said leave us alone!”

“You’re one to talk.” Diamond huffed. “Don’t you live with Rarity now? I never knew you were homeless; though, Rainbow Dash wouldn’t want a filly with such pathetic little wings. A turtle with propellers was chosen over you!”

Scootaloo’s nostrils flared. Diamond clearly wasn’t getting it.

“Please, Diamond Tiara, leave us alone.” Sweetie Belle asked, her plead bringing unwanted attention her way.

“Why do you even bother, Sweetie Belle?” Diamond Tiara put a hoof around the unicorn. “Instead of hanging around with cool ponies like us, you befriend a bird-brain pegasus with midget wings, and a filly who’d probably ditch you for her alcoholic retard of a sister.”

Scootaloo could see Apple Bloom begin to cry, try as she might to not show it.

“Aw, are we gonna cry, Apple Bloom?” Diamond heckled, “Maybe you should just run ho--oh wait, that’s right; you don’t have one anymore, do you?”

“Stop it, Diamond Tiara!” Sweetie Belle shouted. Stamping closer to the pink filly.

“Oh, what are you gonna do?” Diamond Tiara got in her face. Sweetie Belle went to push the filly, and was violently slammed, causing her to flail back into a puddle of mud.

Diamond Tiara didn’t have much time to celebrate, as she found herself flat on her back; an enraged pegasus filly had come unglued, and was on top of her.

“Shut up, Diamond Tiara, shut up!” Scootaloo teethed, her adrenaline coursing through her, ready to strike at moments’ notice.

Diamond seemed unphased by this. “You think you can hurt me? You useless little chicken? bawk, bawk, baaawk! Why don’t you go back to the pile of dirt you came from, and lay some eggs!”

The pegasus snapped. Her own provocation, the sound of Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom upset, she wasn’t doing this anymore. Without any warning, hooves began forcefully sailing onto the bullys’ face, her rear hooves periodically striking Diamonds’ stomach.

Diamond was no slouch, she managed to lift the filly off of her, and they were both on their hend hooves, struggling to pin the other, while taking wild shots at each other. Both landing blows, causing their backwards stumbling dance to end at a tree in the corner of the playground.

Diamond was on top now, letting Scootaloo have it. The slightly bigger, fuller, filly certainly had more power behind her hooves; causing Scootaloo to grow somewhat desperate. The pegasus managed to restrain one of the offending hooves, and bite it with full force, eliciting a blood curdling scream, and a window of opportunity. Blood had been drawn, bruises gave form, and Diamond was once again on the defensive as Scootaloo held her up against a tree, directing her back hooves into the filly’s torso several times, before slinging her to the ground and sailing more decisive hits into her face.

What Diamond had in brute force, Scootaloo exceed in speed and ferocity. The pegasus was scrappy, but vicious, wasting no expense on diversified hits and kicks to keep her opponent down. Finally, when it seemed Diamond had enough; Scootaloo pinned her to the tree, forehooves pinning her by the throat. The two bloodied and bruised fillies, their fur matted, and the names mangled, were the spectacle of the horrified fillies and colts who now surrounded them.

“I told you to shut up!” Scootaloo growled, earning gasps from some spectators. “You didn’t listen, did you? You have no idea what Apple Bloom has gone through; hell, what any of us have gone through. I’m tired of you running your damn mouth!”

Diamond Tiara had started this skirmish cocky and confident, and looked to end it with legitimate fear for her life. Tears started running down the prissy filliy’s face.

“Okay! I’m sorry, I give up! Please let me go!”

“Not until you apologize!” Scootaloo barked. Directing a hoof towards Apple Bloom who had since buried her head in Sweetie Belle’s hooves; the brawl bringing back raw memories of her trauma.

Diamond quickly glanced at the filly in question, struggling to speak.

“I’m sorry, Apple Bloom. I’m...really sorry!” The filly was practically sobbing.

Scootaloo relaxed her grip, letting her target land in the mud with a satisfying thud.

“I swear to Luna, you ever hurt her again, I promise you’ll regret it.” Scootaloo growled to Tiara who quickly nodded in compliance.

“Scootaloo!” Cheerilee could be heard as she made her way through the surrounding students. Her voice clearly brimming with anger.

Scootaloo seemed to have forgotten she was at school; realizing very quickly that she was in serious trouble. Her body grew cold as Diamond began to sob hysterically.

“To the classroom, now.” Cheerilee commanded the orange filly who reluctantly did just as she was told. Ears flat, head hung.

Despite Rarity running slightly behind on a last-minute fitting, and Twilight getting slightly too involved in her studies, the mares managed to be punctual about their lunch at Sugarcube Corner. Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie, by proxy of working there, all sat around a booth awaiting their food and drink. The boisterous party pony just having gleefully returned to the kitchen to prepare them.

The first order of business of course, was to inform the two pegasi of the situation with the Apple Family. Both seemingly shocked and horrified by what they were hearing.

“That’s horrible…” Fluttershy frowned, “I can’t imagine how poor Apple Bloom must be feeling right now.”

“She seemed very happy to see Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.” Twilight said assuringly. “She certainly is far from ‘okay’, but I think as long as she is surrounded by her friends, and kept busy, she’ll begin to heal a little.”

“That’s insane thinking that Applejack would do that.” Rainbow commented. More shocked than anything.

“It did seem a little strange they disappeared for awhile.” Fluttershy mentioned. “I was starting to get a little worried.”

“We all were, dear.” Rarity added. “The good news, is that she’s safe for now, and we can focus on making her feel welcome and loved.”

The mares nodded in agreement as Pinkie Pie bounced over with their order.

“That aside, how has everypony’s day been?” Twilight asked, hoping to change the subject.

“Weather crew have been busting flank these last few days.” Rainbow Dash groaned, “We had a dry summer due to some...problems in Cloudsdale, and now we have to get winter here earlier...it’s been crazy.”

“My animals seem to have noticed.” Fluttershy mentioned. “A few of them were rather cranky this morning thinking they’d have to hibernate soon.”

“How much longer until Winter then?” Rarity asked.

“Eh, it won’t be too much earlier than usual, just a bunch more snow. These last few storms have been kind of a test run.” Rainbow Dash chuckled to herself, knowing that these ‘test runs’ had been anything but pleasant to her friends.

“Wonderful.” Rarity smiled with a slight exhale of relief. “Canterlot and Baltimare really are heeding this news, I usually have a break between seasonal lines, but I’ve been simply bombarded with clientele demanding their wardrobes ASAP.”

Their conversation was interrupted by Snips and Snails; two fillies who were far from the brightest bulbs in the box. Their expedient entry, and their resulting panic garnered the attention of Sugarcubes’ patrons.

“Is everything okay, boys?” Twilight asked, a look of worry on her face.

“We need to speak with a...Rarity. Mrs. Cheerilee needs to see her at once!” Snips quipped.

“That would be me…” Rarity answered, panicking some. “What happened?”

“Can’t tell you, you have to come to the schoolhouse!” Snails replied.

Rarity let out a sigh as she followed them to the schoolhouse. Twilight, Rainbow, Fluttershy in tow. The latter two didn’t so much feel a need to be there, as much as they were curious as to what happened.

Upon cresting the hill once more, they noticed recess appeared to still be in session, though it was well past lunch time. Rarity was first inside, followed by the others; to see an empty classroom save for Scootaloo and Diamond Tiara; both pouting at their respective desks. Scootaloo’s ears perked and head shot up as she saw the unicorn look daggers at her en route to Cheerilee’s desk. The other mares sat by the door, looking at both fillies with equal concern.

“Might I ask what happened?” Rarity asked with some form of apprehension.

“I’m afraid Scootaloo got into a nasty fight with Diamond Tiara. I was told she is under your care, is that true?”

“Indeed it is…” Rarity said lightly, glancing over at the pegasus who wore a look of shame on her face.

Rarity hadn’t bothered looking at Diamond Tiara upon arrival, but did now; and was stunned by the injury she displayed relative to Scootaloo...it was clear as day she had not had the upper hoof for most of the altercation.

“I am waiting for Filthy Rich to arrive before I go into too much detail. It’s important we get both sides in this case.” Cheerilee added, letting out a sigh.

As if on command, Filthy Rich entered the schoolhouse, letting out a gasp upon seeing his daughter in her current condition. Rage quickly coming to the surface.

“What in Equestria happened to her?” He exclaimed as Diamond Tiara started to wail, running to her daddy’s hooves.

“I’m afraid she was involved in a fight…” Cheerilee began.

“A fight? Why this hardly looks anything but one-sided!” Mr. Rich opined. Stamping a hoof in anger, and shooting a livid glance at Scootaloo who shrank in fear.

“Am I to assume my daughter was roughed up by this brute?” Rich directed a hoof towards Scootaloo who flinched.

Rarity had a brief thought of coming to her defense, but seeing what damage she had done, she wasn’t capable of doing that. It didn’t help that Filthy Rich was one of her most prized clients, and the revelation that she was indeed responsible for this filly was not going to go well.

“I demand to speak to her parents this instant!” Filthy Rich stamped again. The vitriol clear in his demand.

Seeing Rarity’s mouth slightly agape, unwilling to out herself, Cheerilee pointer her way.

“It seems she is under the care of Rarity at this point. Now that you both are here, we can discuss this fur--”

“Rarity?” Rich seemed taken aback by this, “Of all the ponies who could be brought to bare for the actions of such a...reckless filly!”

Rarity could only shrink back in fear. She had to say something, but she very well knew it was a game of minesweeper. Fortunate for her, Cheerilee politely asked both of them to sit with their respective filly. Scootaloo having been moved to the front of the classroom so as to be included in this exchange. Diamond Tiara cast a victorious glare at Scootaloo, who simply kept her gaze focused on the desk.

“It seems that the two girls have been at odds for some time.” Cheerilee addressed the four, as well as the spectators opposite them. “She and her friends had always mentioned that Diamond Tiara was causing them distress, though I always hoped that they would eventually work it out…” Cheerilee let the last word trail some, anticipating response. She got one.

“How long has this been going on for?” Rich inquired, “and how come I was never informed of it?”

Cheerilee sighed. Clear her course of action with this particular issue had not been the most proactive in hindsight. “I hoped they would work it out. With Apple Bloom gone, things seemed to die down, I figured maybe things were looking up.”

“Distress or not, this kind of violence is unacceptable!” Rich pounded the desk with a hoof. “This brat need to be expelled! Removed from the possibility of ever damaging my dearest daughter again!”

Rarity spoke up, “I don’t think that will be necessary. Certainly we can work something out other than...expulsion. If there’s really something to concern here, it’s the fact that this alleged bullying was never brought to our attention. My sister would constantly inform me of the harassment she faced. Not once was I dispatched by you to deal with it.” Rarity was very careful to direct her confrontation away from her customer.

Cheerilee opened her mouth to speak, but was cut off by Rich.

“Do you not see what she has done to my princess?” Rich appealed, “Look at her! Bruises, blood, and bandages! This is the work of a savage!”

The unicorn could no longer tolerate this banter, “Scootaloo is not a savage, Mr. Rich.” she was close to raising her voice. “She had not had an easy upbringing by any stretch of the imagination. While it is no excuse for her behaviour, it is something that must be understood. Clearly she isn’t the only responsible party in this as it is.”

“Take a good look at that scoundrel.” Rich directed an accusatory hoof at Scootaloo once more. “She looks practically untouched! Pristine! Contrast this with my daughter, who looks anything but!”

“I never said anything about Scootaloos’ behaviour being exempt from scrutiny, what I am saying, is that you need to understand your daughters’ provocation is partly to blame here!” Rarity could hear her voice raise by a good degree, a chill down her spine courtesy of her own demeanor.

The two grew silent. Looking daggers at each other, as if inviting their own skirmish. Cheerilee, not a fan of the newfound tension, let alone culpability, cleared her throat.

“Both of them are suspended for the remainder of the week.” Cheerilee informed them. “I will not have bullying, nor will I tolerate violence. I hope you both can come to some sort of compromise.” With that, she made her way out of the classroom, and back to the playground. Without a word, the mare and stallion rounded up their respective filly, and made their way out of the schoolhouse towards their respective homes.

Twilight and company sat outside the schoolhouse, the former observing Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle who were playing with some other fillies. She made a mental note to talk to her later.

Once they were inside the boutique, Rarity gestured Scootaloo to her bedroom, closing the door behind her.

“Do you have any idea what you have done?” The mare expressed angrily. “Filthy Rich is a very important client. The fact that you beat his daughter within an inch or her life is anything but helpful to me!”

Scootaloo didn’t respond. Contemplating rebuilding her internal walls she had taken down for the mare.

“Look, I understand that she torments you, I get it. However, no kind of provocation warrants that kind of response. Do you understand me?”

Again, Scootaloo was silent. A look of dissatisfaction about her.

“Scootaloo! I’m talking to you!” Rarity was fuming.

“I know.” Scootaloo acknowledged dryly.

“Well? Do you have anything to say for yourself? Your trouble is far from over. Celestia knows what Mr. Rich will demand for reparations. You’d better make your case now, young lady.”

“She always makes fun of us; calls us ‘blank flanks’.” Scootaloo protested, “she never lets up, she and Silver Spoon always go out of their way to be bullies! ...Apple Bloom did not deserve to be called an ‘inbred dirt-eater’.”

“I will be sure to inform Mr. Rich of your grievances.” Rarity assured the filly, “However, in the mean time, I want you to write a letter of apology for Diamond Tiara. I expect it to be completed by this evening.”

“What, Why? She doesn’t deserve that!” Scootaloo flared.

“She most certainly does, Scootaloo.” Rarity retorted. “You inflicted some very serious bodily harm upon her. Provoked or not, I’m afraid neither of you two acted in any way commendable in this situation.”

Scootaloo was very aware she was right. Once again feeling remorseful. Not so much towards Diamond Tiara, but to Rarity for causing her so much trouble.

“Did you ever think of Apple Bloom, Scootaloo?” Rarity asked. “Did you ever think that perhaps after escaping a traumatizing fight with her own sister, that seeing her friend commit the same offence wouldn’t at all upset her?”

Scootaloo hadn’t considered that at all. Once she did, she became even more ashamed of herself. Hanging her head in regret.

“It did, Scootaloo. You scared her. Apple Bloom needs to be surrounded by positive influences, and, for lack of a better word, sheltered from behaviour like what you displayed today.”

Scootaloo became very upset, on the verge of tears. “I didn’t mean to hurt her…” Scootaloo whimpered, “We asked her to stop…”

A comforting hoof brought her out of her slump, if only briefly.

“I understand, Scootaloo. You are not a savage, or a scoundrel. I know you don’t mean harm...You’ve had a rough go at this journey we call life; it isn’t fair you have to deal with bullying, and I will make sure you don’t have to anymore. You still however, need to be held to account as well. I think you know what I ask of you.”

Scootaloo nodded in understanding and plopped herself on her bed, curling up to her pillow with the intent of wallowing in it for awhile. She was startled by a gentle kiss to her forehead.

“It’ll be okay, Scootaloo.” Rarity assured her softly, “We make many mistakes in life, the best you can do is learn from it. I’ll fetch you when I’m through with work. We’re supposed to have dinner with Twilight and the girls later.”

Rarity knew that last bit would garner some form of anticipation from the downtrodden filly as she closed Scootaloo's door and made her way to her workroom. She knew this ordeal was far from settled, but for now, she could at least guarantee a few hours of silence for the two of them to think about things.