The audible palpitations of her heartbeat acted as the metronome for which her gallop would follow. Apple Bloom couldn’t tell how long she had been galloping down this trail with no beginning, and no end in sight; so far as she could guess, it had been forever. All she could see was the silhouette of the uniform and recurring woods to her parallel, and the faint blue night sky above her; her own hooves too if she bothered

Despite this it seemed to be enough, her mad dash to nowhere it seemed, was sufficient to keep her out of the reach of those who wished to see only the worst fate bestowed upon her. The destination uncertain, the future unclear; she knew she had to keep going. The aches, pains, sprains, and cold sweat matting her fur was but a reminder that she was still alive, and thus had no choice but to keep it that way.

Her monotonous, perpetual flight finally met some formidable obstacles: overturned logs served to be leapt over, slid under, and scampered through provided they were wide enough and ended on the same path which they began. Large pits of mud, debris, littered with leaves required substantial leaps. Some ending with a mad scramble to escape the viscosity of their contents.

No matter how far she went, and how long she persisted; she could still hear them.

“Apple Bloom,” the voice cooed, a hint of ill intent, “Yer gonna hafta stop runnin’ soon. Can’t run forever~”

“Leave me alone! Please!” Apple Bloom panted, not daring to turn back and observe her pursuants. She didn’t need to.

“Don’t ya wanna see mamma? Tell ‘er how sorry ya are?” This same voice seemed slightly closer, prompting the filly to only push herself even harder. Eyes and hooves focused on traversing the endless series of obstacles and obstructions to keep from their clutches.

Apple Bloom began to feel sick. Her stomach turned, as her throat began to exhibit signs warning of the formers’ unpleasant expulsion of its contents. Compounding this, the sounds of her hooves meeting the ground; the crackling of the embers which capped a torch possessed by the one who wished her harm, came a ringing in her ears. It started off ambient, and slowly evolved into an impediment.

She dared to blink. Her heavy eyes threatening to do so whether she willed it or not. Her vision obscured but for a brief instance, seemed enough to bring about her collision with a lopsided log. She tripped, stumbled, and fell face-first into a puddle of mud.

Before she could gasp for air, a hoof came down upon the small of her back with unrelenting force, another slamming forward still, knocking the wind out of the filly who now lie trapped. She could feel the warmth of the fire but feet above her, grow ever hotter as it grew closer. In time, she too felt the puncture of the pitchfork as it impaled her torso. The words of the one who was to bring about her demise, produced a smell which recalled memories of betrayal, the death of her innocence.

“Yer a dead fucker now.”

Just as quickly as her slumber brought about the hellish scene still fresh in her mind, it gave way to the sound of her screams; mixed with a fading echo of the last words of that unsettling nightmare. She was within moments in the protective hooves of her unicorn caretaker. The chill that shot down her spine and pulsed through her being upon waking, slowly giving way to the warmth of Twilight Sparkle who, while uncertain of what to say, knew full well from similar fits from her youth; that what Apple Bloom needed at the present was someone to assure her it was but a dream, and that she was for the moment, ‘okay’.

Twilight abstained from words of consolation, the filly was trembling, hiding her face in the mares’ fur. While she was not audibly crying, it was clear that Apple Bloom was nothing short of terrified. Though, as the vice grip the filly had around her protector began to ease, and her head slowly backing away from its cover, the unicorn spoke.

“Apple Bloom,” Twilight said in a hushed voice, “You’re safe here. I promise. Nopony will hurt you. I won’t let them.”

Apple Bloom let out a sniffle, congestion anew. Making eye contact with the mare who wore a look of concern, she replied meekly.

“Ya promise, Twi?”

“I promise.” Twilight could feel her voice tremor a bit, emotion getting the best of her.

The two sat silent for some time, neither too sure of what should follow. Twilight eventually returning to her bed. Apple Blooms’ eyes following her movement.

“Think you can try to sleep again?” The mare asked with a yawn.

Apple Bloom shuffled her hooves nervously, glancing back at her small mattress as if it were a portal to the horrific sights and sensations which brought about her current state.

“Ah don’t know.” Apple Bloom replied.

Twilight exhaled, her tense body loosening as she eased back under the covers, turning to face the filly who sat observing her.

“Come on up here,” Twilight smiled, “You can sleep with me for the rest of the night if you’d like.”

Without response or hesitation, the filly crawled onto the bed, and fitted herself beside Twilight, making herself comfortable. As the two slowly found sleep, the sounds of a distant clock, and the faint snoring of a dragon sleeping opposite their own bed, brought the filly into a calm, comforting slumber.

Equestria’s history is one mired in grandeur, grievances, and greed. Prior to the week before, Twilight Sparkle, among everypony else outside the royal family were aware of a unitary account of this history: That Equestria was liberated from rule by Discord. This pre-Equestrian era was characterized by accounts of poverty, suffering, prejudice, and disharmony. Ponies and griffons alike were subjected to the bleak, nonsensical whims of a mad manifestation of that ne’er-do-well who was but recently imprisoned in a stone sculpture in Canterlot. A just punishment for his unjust ways.

As of recent though, Twilight’s discovery of a loose page from an unknown tome of accounts and assertions, which seemed to dispel and distort the very history she was instructed with, guided by, and which served as the very foundation of her morals and mannerisms.Or at least, it would be had Twilight taken any of it seriously.

Be it by predisposition or simply by subconscious denial; these stories which contrasted what she assumed was truth and reality were just that-- stories. An awe-inducing cavalcade of musings and malcontents penned by disgruntled scholars and storytellers.

The very notion that Celestia and Luna were provocateurs, their acts of terrorism bringing about the very disharmony they long-since claimed to be opposing, seemed ludicrous. Still, Twilight found herself engrossed in this book far more than her usual academic pursuits.

So much so, that once again, she was startled from her study by a not-so-soft nudge by a cream-colored filly.

“Come on, Twilight!” Apple Bloom groaned. “Spike and Ah have been waitin’ fer a good while fer ya ta get yer nose outta that darn book!”

Apple Bloom wasn’t normally this assertive when speaking to her caregiver. It did help that both seemed to share the same unquenchable thirst for knowledge and adventure, though truth be told; what either would consider ‘knowledge’ were hardly comparable. Twilight’s being of a more grandiose and stimulating nature; whereas Apple Bloom veered more towards whimsical, immature fare. They had spent time with one another in the past, and were familiar with one another well enough.

Now however, that mutual understanding, and relatively peaceful coexistence was the last thing on the hungry filly’s mind. Relieved when Twilight finally followed her to the table where Spike sat, idly tapping his claws upon it. Waiting.

“It’s about time,” Spike grimaced. “What about this book of yours is so fascinating that you forget I’m making my world famous macaroni and cheese!”

“World famous?” Apple Bloom inquired with extreme skepticism.

“Uh...yeah,” Spike began with a smile, “Why don’t you try it for yourself?”

Apple Bloom didn’t hesitate, shoving a spoonful in her mouth and savoring every second. A satisfied nod followed as she continued her feast.

“You’ve outdone yourself once again, Spike.” Twilight grinned. “Amazing as usual.”

“Aw shucks, thanks girls.” Spike grew flustered. Something that seemed a bit too easy since Apple Bloom had set up shop in his home.

“Wait a minute,” Apple Bloom seemed to notice something that for whatever reason, bothered her. “Ain’t we supposed ta have supper with the girls?”

“Plans changed a little.” Twilight replied, “Rainbow Dash had an ‘emergency meeting’ in Cloudsdale, I haven’t heard from Pinkie or Fluttershy; but Rarity said she and the other crusaders would show up later.”

“Cool!” Apple Bloom beamed. She did look forward to seeing those two, even if earlier this morning was, for lack of a better word, difficult.

The three continued without conversation. Their generous helpings of creamy macaroni and cheese occupying their attention and with time, their stomachs, as they peacefully consumed their supper. Save for the incident at school, their day was far improved from the night before.

Last night tested Twilight’s ability to care for Apple Bloom. As dramatic as it was, Twilight managed to keep her calm, whilst in the back of her mind hoping these fits were temporary. This hope was confronted with the fact that earlier today, one of Apple Blooms’ friends triggered recollection of things the filly tried ferociously to suppress.

“Are we gonna go yet, or what?” Scootaloo groaned as she once again leaned against the doorway to Rarity’s bedroom. Before her, the sight of the mare galloping and panicking, unsure of what fragrance suited this ‘informal appointment’.

“Scootaloo, dear I already told you,” Rarity lectured as she continued her trivial pursuit, “You must never rush a lady when she is making herself presentable.”

“Aw, it’s just some perfume and...hopefully not a mane makeover.” She muttered this last sentence, more directing it to herself.

After a couple sprays of varying perfumes which levitated around her, she finally decided on one which looked rather new.

“Emerald Essence” Rarity cooed to herself, “Splendid!” The fashionista hummed merrily to herself as she daintily applied to fragrance to varying points of her body. Her smile quickly inverted and ears flattened upon seeing Scootaloo. She knew the filly wasn’t one for appearances, but her casual presentation had to give to some kind of deviation.

Scootaloo could practically hear the wheels turning in the head of the mare before her, and knew exactly which direction they were spinning.

“No.” Scootaloo deadpanned.

“But darling, don’t you want to, you know, live a little?”

Scootaloo couldn’t help but snicker, Is this what she called ‘living a little’?

“We went over this Rarity: No makeup, no perfume, no nothing.”

“Anything.” Rarity corrected dryly.

“Whatever,” Scootaloo whined, “I’m sure they’re waiting for us, we haven’t even picked up Sweetie Belle yet!”

Rarity let out a grunt. Losing another futile battle to bring the flightless filly some kind of finesse.

“Very well then. Let’s get going, shall we?” Rarity made her way out of the room, and her boutique with a trot, Scootaloo not far behind.

Not much was said as the two made their way to Rarity’s parents. Both enveloped in their own miscellaneous thoughts which didn’t warrant conversation. Before either noticed their silence, they found themselves at their doorstep.

A gentle knock on the door summoned the sound, and eventually sight, of an older mare and stallion. Scootaloo had never met these two before, which did seem strange considering Sweetie Belle was her closest friend. Sweetie had always talked about them, but for whatever reason, the feathered filly was new to them as well.

“Good evening darling.” Rarity’s mother greeted with a smile. “What brings you here so late?”

“There was a slight change in plans,” Rarity began.

“Do come in, we just made some tea and cookies.” Rarity’s father interrupted, gesturing the two to come inside, which they did. Sweetie Belle was nowhere to be seen. Scootaloo presumed that she must be in her room. Before she could ask to investigate; she was motioned onto a sofa, Rarity insisting she do so.

The house was almost an antithesis of Raritys. The interior harkened to a palette and personality of decades past; the accommodations reflected a typical Ponyville home, and the parents themselves certainly would flunk Rarity’s standards for fashion had they not had the distinction of being her mother and father.

“You must be Scootaloo!” Rarity’s mother said excitedly, casting a fascinated gaze upon the Pegasus who leaned back some, as if she saw the mare as a threat.

“Our Sweetie Belle has said nothing but good things about you, honest!” Rarity’s father exclaimed as if somepony had insisted otherwise.

Tea and chocolate chip cookies were most certainly placed before Rarity and Scootaloo, as her parents took seat across from them.

“I suppose, it’s been awhile…” Rarity began, seemingly nervous.

“Yes darling, it was,” Her mother began with a reminiscent tone. “Your father and I really need to see you at the boutique every now and again. We figure your busy; work going well I would imagine?”

“Busy, but yes, it is coming along” Rarity replied honestly.

“What brings you here little filly? Belle says you're quite the thrill seeker.” Had Rarity’s father smile grown any wider, it would’ve laid waste to his face.

“Er, yeah. I guess I am.” Scootaloo shifted her hooves, glancing at Rarity ever so often to make sure she wouldn’t leave her to fend for herself.

“Pardon my haste mother and father,” Rarity interrupted, “ but we must be going. Twilight is expecting us.”

“Oh of course, dear.” Her mother replied with a wave of a hoof. “Sweetie should be in her room.”

“Why don’t you have Scootaloo here go get her? Get a tour of the place while you're at it.” Rarity’s dad said with an air of playfulness. Of the two, Scootaloo surmised she would grow to like him. Assuming being under Rarity’s care, and a curiosity, would lead to more encounters with these two.

Rarity noticed Scootaloos’ hesitation. “Third door upstairs to the left, dear.”

With this, Scootaloo made her way across the living room, up the stairs, and to the door she was instructed to. They could hear Sweetie’s excited squeal as Scootaloo entered the room, the door closing behind her.

An uncomfortable silence ruled the living room as Rarity’s parents wore a look of confusion.

“Sweetie did mention you’ve had...somewhat of a rough week, dear.” Her mother recalled in a quieter voice. “Is everything alright?”

“I certainly can't say it’s been trivial.” Rarity replied. Looking towards the upstairs hallway.

“One of our travel buddies knows someone who works at the Ponyville Orphanage; I could put a word in, see if she can get room and board.” The look matched her mother's’ intent: genuine concern.

Even knowing this, Rarity read it as soft insistence. They knew her personality, and knew enough from their youngest daughter to assume that neither Rarity or Scootaloo found their situation ideal. Silence followed, a product of Rarity’s hesitation. Unsure of what to say.

“I...I don’t believe that will be necessary mother, really. I certainly appreciate your concern though.”

“She seems like a sweet filly,” Rarity’s father opined, “We just figured you weren’t interested in adoption. Why not see if that pegasus friend of yours can take her in?”

“If you are referring to Rainbow Dash, I’m afraid my pursuit of that has already ended in an unfortunate place. She showed no interest in being anything beyond the object of her admiration. disappointing really.”

“That’s too bad.” Rarity’s mother frowned. “From what your sister says, that pony adores her like Sweetie adores you. Did she ever give a reason?”

Rarity was slightly confused as to why they seemed so invested in this whole state of affairs. She figured it was pity, they didn’t mean any harm.

“Something pertaining to work among other things.” Rarity shrugged. “Scootaloo seems fine with me at the moment. So long as that is what she wants, I see no reason why she can’t stick around the boutique.”

“You sure love to keep yourself busy, don’t you?” Rarity’s father teased. “If it isn’t fashion, it’s a filly. Anything to not have to accompany us on our backpacking treks.”

“There truly are some spectacular views near Los Pegasus and Vanhoover,” her mother began seemingly back to her cheery demeanor of earlier. “Honey, we do have that photo album we can show her, don’t we?”

Just as Rarity was to trot the minefield of politely rejecting the offer to sit through a photo exhibition, Sweetie’s bedroom door opened, with two excited fillies bouncing in anticipation.

“What took you girls so long?” Rarity's father asked.

“Scootaloo’s never seen my room before!” Sweetie Belle explained, “I wanted to show her my artwork and toys and stuff. Can we have a sleepover here someday?”

“I don’t see why not.” Her father smiled.

“Yay!” They two fillies rejoiced. Their bouncing intensified.

“We really must be going now,” Rarity said as she and the girls made their way to the door. “Lest Twilight assumes we’ve dropped off as well.”

“Of course, of course.” Rarity’s mother grinned, “You girls have fun now!’

“Bye mom, bye dad!” Sweetie chirped as the three made their way out, her parents waving and then retreating back inside shortly after.

The three of them finally en route to Twilight’s house. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo babbling on about how excited they were to hang out with Apple Bloom; conspire the next crusade.

The filly in question sat in front of a window which was beside the front door of the library. It gave a great view of passersby and visitors, and had served as Apple Blooms’ perch for the better part of an hour. Driven by the boundless agony of waiting for her fellow crusaders to arrive.

Twilight was equally occupied. After preparing refreshments for her visitors, she was once again enveloped in her studies. Her mess of books and notes had moved from the main room, to the basement where they wouldn’t bother their company...except Spike who would have to deal with it later.

After what seemed like an eternity of watching trees sway in the breeze, and glimmering lights of adjacent houses; three silhouettes made their way towards the library. Apple Bloom didn’t need to see much more than that before letting out an earth-shattering squeal of excitement.

“They’re here, they’re here!” Apple Bloom shouted excitedly, bouncing around the foyer.

“It’s about time.” Spike smiled as he made his way to the door, only to be knocked down by an anxious Apple Bloom who jockeyed him out of the way; and then thumped again when the door flew open. Two fillies zipping inside as if their lives depended on it. He was rewarded with the concerned face of Rarity looking down at him.

“I’m very sorry Spike,” she began, helping the dragon up. “The girls have been, shall we say, restless.”

“It’s no problem, Rarity.” The dragon blushed. “I’ve had worse.”

The two observed the overjoyed crusaders. United once again after a turbulent week of turmoil, tantrums, and trouble.

“How’s she been?” Twilight asked as she and Rarity made their way to the kitchen table.

“All things considered, she’s been fine,” Rarity remarked, “Though, she very much feels she was in the right; I sympathize with her frustration, but you know as much as anypony else that I can’t take sides.”

“What did he say?” Twilight asked, speaking of Filthy Rich.

“He seems to be extending a branch so to speak, we are to meet at his estate tomorrow to discuss matters. I can only hope she conducts herself accordingly.” Rarity cast a concerned glance towards the filly in question.

“From what Apple Bloom told me, Tiara said some nasty things...how is she handling that? I only ask because Bloom seemed a bit off after school. She seems okay now.”

“Not well. She never did tell me what was said to her before she exchanged blows; I can’t imagine it was trivial.”

“...she apparently remarked on her wings, Rainbow Dash not wanting her...hurtful things.” Twilight couldn’t help but feel bad for both fillies in this instance.

“As I said to her, regardless of provocation, there is no excuse for that kind of violence.”

“I wasn’t saying there was, I’m just saying, you might want to talk to her later. Make sure that isn’t eating at her. I know with Apple Bloom, she’s been having these night terrors. She wakes up with a cold sweat, heavy breathing, and last night, wet herself.” Twilight shivered recalling last night’s episode.

“Regarding...the abuse.” Rarity said with a whisper.

Twilight nodded. “I can only imagine what goes through her mind. She’s a tough little filly; she goes to school, plays with her friends, she’s making the best of things. All we can do, is be there for them.”

The two gingerly drank their tea as they watched the girls, oblivious to their conversation, and it seemed, their own problems for the moment.

“Ah was thinkin’ we could try an’ get our cutie marks in ghost huntin’!” Apple Bloom clapped her hooves in excitement.

Their conversation began with catch-up on their personal lives, and somehow managed to transition to spirit animals, favorite colors, and now, crusading.

“Ghost hunting?” Sweetie Belle said with concern.

“Yeah! We set up a fort somewhere, get a vacuum cleaner an’ suck ‘em up!”

“I like your thinkin’ Apple Bloom.” Scootaloo quipped, excitement growing.

“I don’t know girls,” Sweetie Belle replied nervously. “Rarity says it isn’t very safe to mess with things like ghosts and stuff. Something about it being, ‘uncouth’.”

“Pssh, who cares?” Scootaloo dismissed. “We could go that abandoned house on the edge of town, I bet there’s tons of ghosts and stuff!”

“You should care, Scootaloo.” Sweetie Belle reminded her. “Rarity’s my sister, but she’s practically your mom...sort of.”

“Aw, c’mon Sweetie, It’d be fun!” Apple Bloom playfully nudged the unicorn.

“Maybe for you two...I don’t think I’ll join you girls.”

“Sure would suck if we got our cutie marks without ya.” Scootaloo teased.

“You would do that?” Sweetie Belle asked with concern.

“Duh.” Scootaloo answered, “I’m not about to pass up on getting a super-cool ghost-hunting cutie mark, just because some foal doesn’t wanna come along. Besides, there’s some sick spots on top of that place that would be perfect for practicing my flying…”

“Ah don’t know about that part, Scoots…” Apple Bloom began.

“Hey!” Sweetie Belle interrupted, “I’m not afraid of the dark! I just...don’t like ghosts and monsters, and things like that. Why do our crusades always have to involve danger?”

“Not scared of the dark, eh?” Apple Bloom formed a devious grin. “Ya wanna prove it?”

“Not really…” Sweetie Belle grew nervous.

“Hey Apple Bloom,” Scootaloo asked, “You ever been in the basement?” She pointed to a nearby door she never remembered opening before.

“Nope.” Apple Bloom shrugged. “Twi’s always down there doin’ her readin’ an stuff. Never asked what’s down there.” Her face lit up as soon as she realized where Scootaloo was headed.

“But...Ah don’t see any harm in takin’ a quick look-e-loo.” The earth pony and pegasus filly shared a sly smile as they quietly trotted to the door.

“I dunno girls…” Sweetie began.

“Seriously?” Scootaloo grimaced, “You gotta at least come check this out! We’ll be fine!”

“It sounds scary.” Sweetie said, “Maybe there’s a reason you’ve never been down there, Apple Bloom.”

“If you had the guts to sneak out of Rarity’s house late at night in crazy weather to bring me snacks, I’m pretty sure you can help us explore this basement.”

Scootaloo had a point, and Sweetie Belle was none too happy about that. She tried one last time to curb the inevitable.

“Why don’t we just ask Twilight instead?”

Her two friends glowered, indicating that was completely out of the question. It was too rational and precautious.

Before she could object further, the door was opened, and she found herself at the top of a staircase leading into darkness. Feeling for a light switch, the girls found none.

“You know what to do, Sweetie Belle.” Scootaloo smiled.

“This isn’t a flashlight, you know.” Sweetie Belle said with a frustrated groan. “It uses magic, I’ll get tired if I have it going for too long.”

“Quit yer belly achin’ and just light ‘er up!” Apple Bloom barked.

With a sigh, Sweeties’ horn sparked briefly, then illuminated, a mint-green glow surrounding it and lighting the vicinity. They could now see two flights ahead, and with Apple Bloom in the lead, they began to slowly descend the creaky wooden steps.

“Way to be a team player, Sweetie Belle!” Scootaloo said with an enthusiastic pat on the shoulder, causing Sweetie to yelp and nearly trip; much to the amusement of her fellow crusaders.

The finally stepped off the last step, now by the faint glow of the fillys horn, they could see mountains of books, crates, and cabinets.

They also saw something glimmering in the far reaches of the mint aura.

“I wonder what that is…” Scootaloo mused aloud, scanning around for a way to reach the shiny thing.

“Cool. Boxes. Alright, I think we’ve seen eno-” Sweetie found a cream-colored hoof to her mouth.

“Hey girls!” Scootaloo called from within the darkness beyond, “Come check this out!”

Sweetie’s resistance was met with two hooves upon her shoulders; Apple Bloom standing on her hind hooves, proper on the unicorn like she was a shopping cart. The latter reluctantly marched towards where the pegasus was sitting, and the large contraption that was to her left.

It appeared to be a large measuring machine of some form. A large roll printer sat on one side, with an array of coiled wires extruded all about, connecting to a large container of fluid, a tesla coil, and some other components.

One thing Scootaloo noticed as the three of them looked about the machine, was a keyhole.

“This must be how you start it.” Scootaloo thought out loud.

“What in tarnation...is this thing?” Apple Bloom said with awe as she stared at the large vacuum tube of green substance.

“I don’t know what is is, but I think I know how we can find out!” Scootaloo said with determination.

“Yeah!” Sweetie replied with faux enthusiasm, turning to irritation. “We can ask Twilight what it is.”

“Even better idea...” Scootaloo began.

“Of course you do.” Sweetie Belle grimace.

Once again, they returned to the base of the steps, Scootaloo hoping the other two would figure it out. To her annoyance, silence prevailed.

“Look!” Scootaloo pointed at the shiny object high above a tower of books.

Upon further inspection, it was a set of keys hanging on a stud, The just so happened to be the shape of the keyhole of the contraption nearby.

Sweetie Belle turned away from gazing at the key, to Scootaloo who had a pleading look on her face.

“No, Scootaloo.” Sweetie Belle said.

“Aw, come on! I know you can do it!”

“I can do it, that’s basic levitation; but I won’t do it. We’ve seen enough here.”

“Yer such a killjoy, Sweetie Belle.” Apple Bloom scorned.

“Oh yeah? Well, if that means I stay out of trouble, than I have no problem with it!”

She turned to say something to her feathered friend, but noticed to her horror, that Scootaloo was already climbing a small stack of crates. Eyes set on the prize.

“Careful, Scoots.” Apple Bloom cautioned as she watched.

Scootaloo could see that the box below the keys was but one crate up. Her distance from her vantage, and her destination was well within her ability. She wouldn’t be flying of course; but her fluttering would be more than enough to clear that span. A little strain would get her to the top. A wide smirk formed on her face, as she took her stance to leap.

Misjudging her depth, she stepped forward too far, and began to trip over the ledge. She was however, able to flap her wings wildly, and get some lift with the crates wobbling back into place. She strained with all of her might, getting high enough to clear the box. Try as she might though, it wasn't going to clear this; her wings gave out and she flailed her hooves to grab on to the edge of the crate. Splinters from the wood stabbing into her hooves as she tried to pull herself on top of it. Managing to do so. She took a moment to catch her breath; every corner of her body throbbing as blood and adrenaline coursed throughout her being.

“Good goin’, Scootaloo!” Apple Bloom said, impressed.

“Yeah…” Sweetie deadpanned, “Nice work.”

Scootaloo sat for a moment, basking in her own accomplishment, and then saw what she was after. She reached her hoof foward, practically salivating with anticipation. Only to be startled out of her mind, along with the other fillies; as a loud boom sound clapped from above. Scootaloo lost her balance, taking her, and the crates for a fall to the ground. A loud, gut-wrenching sound of broken wood, and the thud of a filly causing both crusaders to wince.

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom immediately rushed to the pile of boxes and books to free their friend from the debris.

“You alright, Scootaloo?” Apple Bloom panicked as the two tossed books and pieces of wood aside, eventually revealing Scootaloo’s disappointed face.

“Yeah...ow...I’m fine.” Scootaloo grinned. She then grinned widely as a hoof shot through the thin layer of debris, keys in hoof.

“Girls!” Rarity’s bark froze Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, with Scootaloo doing the same once she crawled out of the pile and saw the unicorn scowling at her.

“What in the name of Celestia do you think you’re doing?” Rarity fumed.

Twilight calmly passed the mare who was now at the base of the stairs to survey the damage. Apple Blooms’ gaze tracking the librarian as she feared the repercussions.

“Not even an hour in, and you’re already causing trouble!” Rarity continued, focusing her gaze primarily on her terrified sister, and her bemused ward.

“While I can’t say I’m happy about the mess, it doesn’t look like anything was seriously damaged.” Twilight said to herself, turning to Apple Bloom who went pale.

“What exactly were you girls doing down here, anyway?” Much to Apple Bloom’s surprise Twilight seemed more curious than furious; a sharp contrast to the mare beside her. Still Apple Bloom couldn’t judge if this was benign anger, or not. Shaking as she responded.

“W--we--j-just wanted ta see what t-that thing did. Ah’m sorry, Twilight.” The filly hung her head as she realized the stupidity of their endeavour.

Twilight couldn’t help chuckle a little. “I guess I haven’t shown you down here, have I? Maybe later tonight, we can come down here, and I can show you girls.”

“I am very sorry for their behavior, dear.” Rarity glared at her two dependencies. “They made this mess, they can certainly clean it up.”

“I wouldn’t worry about it too much. They only broke the lids, which Spike was going to have to do anyway; a library in Manehatten wants most of these books here. If anything, they saved him some labor.”

“Twilight…” Rarity unable to comprehend her friends’ nonchalant attitude. Twilight motioned Apple Bloom to follow her upstairs, which she did, rather frantically. Rarity reset her stare to the two fillies who still sat on a pile of books and boxes.

“The last thing I need is for you two to be causing mayhem like this. Especially you.” Looking directly at Scootaloo. “You have been enough of a headache today. I don't want to have to talk to you girls again, am I understood?”

The two nodded as they followed Rarity up into the main room. Apple Bloom appeared fine. Not in any sort of trouble. She was scanning the lower shelves for a book she had been reading; Twilight back in the kitchen, with Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy having arrived a few minutes ago.

“That must have been what that sound was.” Scootaloo mused aloud. The front door to the library was rather heavy, after all. She was met with a irritated Sweetie Belle who looked daggers at her.

Scootaloo didn’t like either of the unicorns at the moment. Sweetie Belle seemed to be a stick in the mud, and Rarity seemed worked up over nothing. Twilight didn’t care; why did she? She eyed to two pegasi in the kitchen. Thinking about how nice it would be to live with somepony of her own kind not that this was her principal grievance; one of many.

Especially Rainbow Dash. Despite what Rarity had said to her that night, that Rainbow showed no interest in taking her in, she still held out a vein of naive hope that it was possible. If only because of her current discontent with Rarity exerting her authority over her, as well as what tomorrow would bring. Rarity did say something about meeting with Diamond Tiara. Something she did not look forward to in the slightest.

Apple Bloom tapped Scootaloo on the shoulder and beckoned her over to where she and Sweetie were sitting. A large book about witchcraft sprawled out before them. Scootaloo couldn’t help however, keeping an ear tuned to the conversation in the other room.

“Sorry about being late girls.” Fluttershy apologized as they all sat around the table. “Rainbow and I had...our hooves full this evening.”

“Supervisor for South Equestria was on my case today,” Rainbow lamented, “Can’t bother to go to me when Cloudsdale changes forecasts, but sure as tartarus makes me his first stop when he’s ticked about something. Had to redo the cloud coverage for here, Appleoosa, and Dodge Junction.”

“Sounds like a lot of work.” Twilight commented.

“You’re telling me? Tomorrow I have to go supervise a few squads in Baltimare. Baltamare! My daily nap is toast!” Her bitter expression quickly turned to a smirk. “Sounds like you girls had a rough night, too.” Rainbow remarked as she saw Rarity massaging her forehead as if she were to have a migraine.

“Those girls are always getting into something.” Twilight smiled, watching them out of her periphery, “Sometimes that something turns out to be a giant mess in your basement.”

“That doesn’t sound too pleasant.” Fluttershy replied.

“It certainly isn’t.” Rarity mumbled. “Had I known today was going to go as it did; I would’ve approached things much differently that night.”

“Ugh. Sounds rough.” Rainbow said.

“As if you would know!” Rarity barked, Rainbow’s sly remark seemingly straining a nerve. “Had you grown up a little, and taken some responsibility, this wouldn’t be happening.”

“The hay are you talking about?” Rainbow shot back. Somewhat taken aback by the sudden accusatory tone her friend was making.

“Are we really playing stupid, Rainbow?” Rarity snarled. “You know what, and who I am talking about. Do you realize how financially of a burden she is? The emotional toll her myriad of problems has brought about? I don’t make a five-figure salary and live in a bucking cloud mansion!”

“Not this again…” Rainbow facehooved, “We’ve been over this how many times now? I’m not taking the brat under my wing. Not happening!”

Twilight and Fluttershy both winced as they saw the subject, as well as the other two crusaders turn to the source of the debate. The former with a look of guilt about her.

Sweetie Belle could see the Scootaloo tense up, ears erect and alert. She knew this wasn’t going to end well, and signaled Apple Bloom to distract her.

“Scoots….weren’t you sayin’ somethin’ about jet ski’n? Sounds fun.” The farm filly trailed off as it was clear the pegasus had no intention of ignoring this exchange.

“Scootaloo…” Sweetie Belle said, “Why don’t…” Her own curiosity impeded her words as the mares continued their back-and-forth.

“...you’re spoiled Rainbow Dash. Have you ever had another mouth to feed? Have you had to deal with the stress of the care of a filly being thrust upon you without as much as a second thought? Do enlighten me on how you have any place to bemoan me for stating the obvious.”

“Oh for Celestia’s sake, look, a filly is something I don’t want. Never have, never will. My life doesn’t have room for that kind of crap. Especially that brat.”

“You have no issue letting her sing your praises and worship the air you breathe though, don’t you?”

“You calling me a heartless mule?”

“You’re sure acting the part you coward!”

“Coward? I’m a coward for not wanting an annoying filly who wouldn’t know how to shut up if it killed her? Who can’t fly to save her life? You expect me to just drop everything because the kid wants me to? Some world you live in!”

“That’s enough!” Twilight had had it. She slammed her hooves on the table causing both Rarity and Rainbow to snap out of their engagement. Realizing she had been in earshot, Rarity panicked to see the state of the filly of discussion, only to see the front door to the library wide open, Sweetie Belle the only one of the crusaders still inside.

“Nice job, Rarity.” Rainbow commented snidely.

Questions. Something Scootaloo tried very much to suppress. Thoughts indicative of self-doubt, resignation to the taunts and torments of bullies; all danced around her conscience like a sadistic band of tribal savages salivating the moment they feast upon her self-worth.

The only thoughts that managed to evade the demon dance, were the impulse to run, to get as far away from everything as she could manage. She was a burden, she was an annoying, crippled, ungrateful brat who brought nothing but strain and stress to everyone she encountered.

“Why does Rainbow Dash not want me?” Because she doesn’t like you.

“It’s because I can’t fly, isn’t it?” It is. It always has been, and always will be.

“Why didn’t my parents want me?” Who would want a crippled, ungrateful mouth to feed?

“Why did nopony ever notice I was alone?” They did, They just hoped you wouldn’t ask for help. You did, You selfish, flightless burden.

Nopony wants you.

These feelings, the depths of which she had never before endured, coursed through her being just as her blood did; pushing her further away from the library, from the ponies she was a burden upon. Physical will took control, and brought her to a light trot; which in itself lead to her seating upon a bluff which overlooked Ponyville. She hadn’t gotten too far, the distinctive lights from the library were in the fore of this shimmering sprawl the town.

As Scootaloo let the waterworks do their business, and her emotion take the wheel, she felt a hoof gently rest on her shoulder. Turning her heavy head, she saw a single filly with a bow showing nothing short of concern. Pity.

“Go away, Apple Bloom.” Scootaloo sniffled.

“Scootaloo...yer hurtin. Ah’m yer friend. If ya need someone to talk to…”

“No!” Scootaloo barked. “I had the stupidity to trust Rarity. Turns out she thinks of me the same that….she does.”

“Rainbow Das-”

“Shut up!” Scootaloo practically screamed, swinging a hoof which Apple Bloom dodged.

Apple Bloom sat next to Scootaloo, and herself turned to observe the vantage of the town they both were born in.

“Ah...Ah know what it’s like to hear somepony you love say those kinds of things about you.” Her voice shook, but not enough for her to notice.

Silence, she continued. “Ah thought about runnin’ real far from here… Ah thought about… goin’ ta visit my momma and my papa, Granny too.” Apple Bloom could feel her voice tremor now. The wounds far from healed.

The ambiance of the night ruled once more as she struggled to find the words to say. She wasn’t just consoling her friend, her own recollection of pain and guilt made her a part of the audience.

“She cares about ya Scootaloo. Rarity Ah mean. Ah know what she said, Ah know how it sounds; but trust me… she wants what’s best fer you. Just like Twilight wants what’s best for me.”

“How the hay do you know?” Scootaloo shot back, albeit weakly, “You’re an earth pony, there's nothing wrong with you, there isn’t anything you can’t do. I’m a pegasus Apple Bloom. You know what we’re supposed to do? Fly. You saw...I can’t...I never will. What use do I even have? Might as well have these damn things yanked off; call me an earth pony. Even then, I’d probably be too stupid to do that, too.”

“Stop it Scootaloo.” Apple Bloom scolded, “Yer wings ain’t got nothin’ ta do with this.”

“Then what is it?”

“It’s...Rainbow may not appreciate you, Scootaloo...But Ah know like the the tail on mah flank that Rarity loves ya, Yeah ya probably are a ‘burden’, I bet Ah am too, heck, Ah’m sure of it. You know what though Scootaloo?”

“Hm?”

“Even if she don’t give a damn, Sweetie and Ah are always there fer ya. We love you Scootaloo; you’re our best friend. We don’t care if ya can’t fly, we don’t care if ya get in fights and cuss like a sailor; even when we get our cutie marks, even if ya don’t, ya’ll always have us...I swear on all Ah got, you got us.”

“She’s right, you know..” A voice they both know spoke up, surprising them both. Sweetie had her turn to chuckle at their reaction.

“You okay, Scoots?” Sweetie asked, nuzzling her friend with concern.

Scootaloo turned to look at Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. Between Diamond Tiara and Rainbow Dash, she had quite a lame day by any estimation; but, through thick and thin, these two fillies had always had her back. She knew in her heart of hearts that that wasn’t going to change anytime soon. Another wave of emotion tore through the pegasus as she pulled together. One of embarrassment.

“Sorry for dragging you two out here...I’ve had kind of a crappy day.” Scootaloo sighed at her own immaturity.

“You don’t have to tell us.” Sweetie smiled. “We know. My sis feels really bad about what she said. She didn’t mean to say you were a burden, Scoots.”

“I know.” Scootaloo answered. “I’m not really mad at her, anyway.”

“Oh…” Sweetie Belle said as she turned to head back towards town.

“We should probably go back now.” Scootaloo smiled. “They’re probably worried. Oh. And, uh..Apple Bloom?”

“Yeah?”

“Right back at ya.” Scootaloo smiled. “You ever need to talk or somethin’...just..you know…” She could feel her face burning from embarrassment. She was supposed to keep mushy talk to herself. Though, at this point, there was nowhere to hide.

“Aw shucks, Scoots…” Apple Bloom teared up again

A warm embrace followed. All three in the warmth and love of the other. Memories of their escapades and endeavors of past and present speeding through the mind's eye like a flip-book.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders then made their way back towards the library.

An uneasy calm laid claim to Twilight’s kitchen. What was slated to be a carefree evening with friends, quickly devolved into a shouting match, a war of words; and dirty laundry hung on the line. Rainbow Dash had left having not much to do in the presence of two angry mares, and the prospect of a very angry filly.

Rarity and Twilight had gone downstairs to sort out the mess the crusaders had made.

“Just what I needed.” Rarity complained. “I’m certain I’ll have an angry, sleepless filly tonight; as if tomorrow didn’t have enough going for it.”

“I don’t get her either.” Twilight replied, “I hope Scootaloo is okay.”

“I doubt she is.” Rarity sighed. “It’s not as if she had much good said about her between myself and Rainbow.”

“You didn’t degrade her though,” Twilight asserted. “You didn’t trumpet her shortcomings as an excuse to be a jerk towards her.”

“You know something else?” Rarity remembered, “I could’ve swore Fluttershy telling me Rainbow Dash was an expectant mare at one point.”

“Wait...what?” Twilight grew curious.

“Yes, I believe it was a few years prior to my meeting them. In typical Dash fashion, she was intoxicated at some party and lent herself to the first stallion that hollered. Needless to say they had a bit of a romp, and she finds herself pregnant a few months later.”

Twilight had all but put down the book she began skimming through, as she had done with all the others she was repacking.

“She kept it a secret from everypony,” Fluttershy added as she came down the stairs. “I was the only one who really knew about it. She said that if her instructor had figured it out, she would have been kicked out of the academy.”

“Oh of course, putting herself before others. Typical.” Rarity spat.

Fluttershy wasn’t one to stir the pot, and regretted chiming in.

“Anypony know what happened to the foal?” Twilight asked.

“If I do, I don’t remember.” Fluttershy frowned.

“Well we certainly haven’t heard or seen of it, have we?” Rarity said with an air of disgust.

“There is a way to find out,” Twilight said, “The Canterlot Archives have a medical wing; it contains birth and death certificates. If we really wanted, we could find who this foal is, and reunite them.”

“I think that foal is better off not knowing what a brat of a mother she has.” Rarity opined. “With how she treated poor Scootaloo, I dread pondering how she would tread amongst her own.” Rarity let out a heavier sigh remembering that the filly in question was her responsibility. Tonight hadn’t gone well, and she speculated tomorrow wouldn’t be any better.

Rarity considered verbalizing this stress, but was stopped by the sound of the front door opening, and then closing. The mares headed upstairs to see the three crusaders in a seemingly better state than they had left.

“Scootaloo, I’m sorry you had to hear all of that.” Rarity apologized. “I shouldn’t have riled her up like that. Are you alright?”

Scootaloo simply nodded.

“We were wonderin’ if maybe we could check out the downstairs like ya promised!” Apple Bloom stated, a pleading look bore straight into Twilight’s heart.

“I’m afraid we’re in the process of tidying up down there.” Twilight answered. “Spike however rented a movie; I was going to have him make some root-beer floats, and we were going to watch it.”

“On that big ‘ol screen ya use fer science-ey stuff?” Apple Bloom grew excited.

“...Yeah.” Twilight replied. Somewhat unsure of how she concluded her slides and film stock were “science-ey”.

“Sounds like fun!” Sweetie Belle smiled.

The three fillies seemed content for the moment, ice cream and a movie awaiting them. They hurried to the kitchen to help Spike get things ready.

Twilight looked over to Rarity who had a slight smile. For now at least, she could relax a little.

“Fluttershy and I can handle the rest of downstairs.” Twilight smiled. “You’ve done enough.”

“Twilight, I can’t possibly--” Rarity started.

“You can er, keep an eye on the girls then.” Twilight winked.

“If you insist.” Rarity wore a sly grin. “Thank you, Twilight.”

“For what?” Twilight asked as she turned to resume work.

“Being a good friend.” Rarity smiled. “You and Fluttershy both: I wouldn’t know what to do with myself if it weren’t for you two; especially now.”

“It’s what friends are for, Rarity.” Twilight said glancing over towards the kitchen and the lighthearted commotion of three fillies and a dragon “I’d imagine our girls are the same way.”

“They are sweethearts, aren’t they?” Rarity mused. “I suppose if anything, I now know for sure that Scootaloo’s residence is going to be a bit extended.”

“You’re okay with that? There’s no harm in seeing if Fluttershy can--”

“Darling, It’ll be alright.” Rarity laughed. “All things considered, she certainly has livened up my life a little. My Sweetie Belle seems to be happy about her being with me; as I told my mother this evening: If she is fine being under my watch, then I can’t see why that can’t continue.”

“I guess I’d say the same for Apple Bloom.” Twilight said.

“We haven’t heard from them, have we?” Rarity wondered aloud.

“No. But I suppose we’ll have to at some point.” Twilight frowned.

“But until then dear, I suppose we can take a load off for the rest of the evening. If only for their sake.”

Twilight agreed, and the two went about their business.

Soon enough, they were all gathered in Twilight’s living room. A pair sharing a blanket with snacks and sweets before them. Apple Bloom and Twilight shared a spot, Spike and Fluttershy shared another, with Rarity and Sweetie Belle huddled together.

The film has started, and the root-beer floats were well on their way to being a thing of the past. Except for one.

Rarity noticed Scootaloo sitting off to the side. Having made zero progress on her drink.

“Scootaloo.” Rarity whispered. Though the filly didn’t turn to her, she did notice her ears twitch.

“Come over here, please.” Scootaloo’s ears flattened as she quietly made her way to where the two unicorns were sitting.

“Sit.” Sweetie Belle insisted, a hoof placed where Scootaloo should be,

“It’s alright girls.” Scootaloo put on a smile. “I’m fine by myself.”

“Don’t be absurd.” Rarity dismissed, “Bring your ice cream, and sit with us.”

Scootaloo hesitate for a short while, looking at her hooves or the floor. She finally fetched her treat and took her place between the two sisters who instantly cuddled with her.

It was an older film from the last decade, what Scootaloo would call a “filly flick”, she would make every effort to make it appear as if she didn’t enjoy it.

Though she did. Especially in the company of friends and family.

“Hey… Rarity?” Scootalo whispered.

“Mmhm?” Rarity replied.

“I’m sorry for being such a pain in the flank this week.” Scootaloo mumbled. “I know it stresses you out, and...I’m sorry.”

“Scootaloo, this is no time for being so glum.” Rarity smiled as she put a hoof around the filly. “I know you mean well, and this will all be sorted out in due time. For now though, I am quite enjoying this movie.”

Rarity noticed a minute later she had missed something.

“You are welcome to stay with me as long as you’d like.”

Scootaloo had a slight laugh at the mares’ gaffe. The two returned to their movie, in the presence of their best friends. Scootaloo eventually becoming a head rest for a rather tuckered out Sweetie Belle. She couldn’t help but get a warm feeling seeing her friend so at peace.

If anything, it encouraged her to look on the bright side of things. Yes tomorrow she had to make amends for what she did to Diamond Tiara; and the blow she received from the hurtful words of her idol still stung a good deal. But for now, she was happy. Surrounded only by those who loved her.

It wasn’t a bad end to the day to say the least. That in and of itself is all the little filly could have asked for.