As a Family

by Dashzilla93

First published 15th of March, 2016

Scootaloo is not an orphan anymore. She's with her real mother Fluttershy. But now, a new question arises: Who is her father?

Scootaloo's been having the time of her life since she's been back with her mother, Fluttershy. Life has been great, but as time progresses Scootaloo has been wanting to ask her mother a very important question: who in Equestria is her father?

((The sequel to 'But I'm here for you now' is finally here. Took me long enough. lol))

Warning: rated teen for a bit of language and a small portion of violence.

((Second story to be featured. I can't believe it. :) ))

A New Life

“Spike!” Twilight called out from the library room of the castle but received no response. She tilted her head and cocked an eyebrow before venturing down the hall. She opened the door to Spike’s room and looked around. She saw comic books in unorganized piles, video games unalphabetized in a cabinet under Spike’s TV, an unfinished bed with his favorite Rarity-looking plushie and posters of the Wonderbolts, Indiana Bones, and Atomic Zilla. The only thing that was missing was the dragon that dwelled in the room.

“Gah! Where is he?” Twilight walked away and closed the door behind her and pressed on to search for her adopted son/draconian assistant. She searched the kitchen, main hall, science lab, magic’s classroom and the five bathrooms this castle had. She searched from top to bottom but found no sign of her son.

“Seriously? Where is he?!” Twilight said, getting very irritated before heading back to the library one last time. “Of all the times I need his help, he goes missing. If I were a betting pony, I’d say he’d be at Rarity’s house,” she shrugged before hearing the castle doorbell ring.

“Who could that be?” she said before walking to castle front doors.

She opened the door and peeked outside. To her surprise, very big surprise actually, she saw Spike with Fluttershy and Scootaloo. Twilight would’ve been happy to see Fluttershy if it wasn’t for the irritated and angry look on her face.

“What happened, Fluttershy?” Twilight asked as she opened the door all the way. Spike nervously rubbed his arm and Scootaloo shuffled a hoof on the ground. Yeah, they were guilty of something.

Twilight gave off a straight face, and asked, “What did Spike do?”

Fluttershy took a slow, calming breath before speaking, “I caught Spike pranking a few of the animals around my home,” she frowned a bit at Twilight. “And, somehow, he persuaded my daughter into joining him,” Fluttershy said in a soft, assertive tone. Spike frowned and secretly glared small daggers at Fluttershy for the false assumption; Scootaloo almost backed him up and spoke out, but she didn’t want to risk getting ‘the stare’ from her mother.

She knew how the animals felt when Fluttershy first gave her the stern, dictating glare. Scootaloo, at first, thought she saw horror in those eyes. How it made her stop in her tracks and cause her to shudder each time she saw that stare. Despite the intense stare down, most of the animals saw a monster in those eyes while she, her friends and the animals that lived near her cottage long enough knew that she was just being protective over them. If only Scootaloo could learn how to gain immunity to her mother’s stare like Discord. Then she wouldn’t have to worry.

“Somehow, I didn’t see that coming,” Twilight said, tilting her head in confusion. Of all the places for Spike to be, she never expected him to be around Fluttershy’s area, and pranking her animals, “I’m sorry, Fluttershy. Was there any damage Spike had done?”

Fluttershy took a little time to think, “Well, not really. There were a few scares from bunnies and foxes, but he didn’t do any anything to hurt them,” that was a relief on Spike’s part. “But, I would appreciate it if you kept a closer eye on him,” She said as Twilight nodded at the request.

Twilight should’ve expected this. Spike was getting a little older, so eyes needed to be on him incase he got into trouble. But, the request was a tad complicated for Twilight as she had lots of things to do, what with being a princess and everything; though the back of her mind told her that some of this stupid responsibility should go to Mayor Mare. She would greatly appreciate it if that lazy mayor took at least some of this responsibility off her back. But in any case, she happily said, “I’ll try a little harder. Hopefully, my ‘princess duties’ don’t get in the way,” Twilight said, smiling at her own joke.

Spike facepalmed and groaned, disappointed and embarrassed from hearing Twilight’s lame joke; Scootaloo even felt the same disappointment. She was glad her mother didn’t make jokes or puns like that, “Leave the jokes to Pinkie Pie, Twilight,” Spike said under his tongue before walking inside and waving to Scootaloo goodbye; Scootaloo waved back with a faint bashful blush.

Twilight chuckled to herself before snapping out of it and looking at her friends with a serious face this time, “I’ll make sure he won’t cause any more trouble,” she said. “Spike’s at that age were pranking is a sport to him.” Or it could be the influences of Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie; those two might be prime candidates for causing her draconian son to start pranking; that, or he could’ve been bored. Twilight would take the latter.

Scootaloo couldn’t help but speak up about Twilight’s comment, “Ponies prank just as much as dragons, Twilight,” Scootaloo retorted, referring to not only Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash, but to herself, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, Cheese Sandwich and, on occasions, Celestia and Luna. “We’re not really all that different,” Scootaloo believed. Fluttershy mentally agreed with her daughter about that, but she decided not to say anything.

Twilight took a mental note of that. “Fair point, Scootaloo,” Twilight said, taking back those words. Perhaps she’ll let Spike off the hook, for now. But that won’t stop her from getting some answers out of the drake. “Well, it was nice seeing you two. Again, sorry for that little event Spike did.”

Fluttershy smiled and nodded, “It’s quite alright, Twilight,” an idea pops in her mind as she happily said, “Ooo, maybe we can have a get together sometime.”

Twilight grinned excitedly at that, loving the idea, “I’d love that. It’s been awhile since we ever got to hang out and chat. I missed talking to you and the others.”

“Oh, I know. I’ve been so busy with my animal friends, I always lose track of time and forget how you and the others are doing.”

Twilight couldn’t help but chuckle. She knows exactly how Fluttershy feels when it involved her favorite things. Fluttershy had her animals, and Twilight had her books. It was kind of funny.

“But…”

Twilight looked at Fluttershy with a confused look while the timid yellow pegasus craned her head down with a hidden smile before looking back at Scootaloo; Scootaloo giving the same confused look like Twilight before Fluttershy cracked a motherly smile and continued, “I’ve been extra busy taking care of my precious little daughter.” She reached to Scootaloo and pulled her close for a tender hug.

Scootaloo widened her eyes and blushed beat red, “Mom! Stop. You’re embarrassing me.”

Twilight smiled, again, and placed a hoof over her mouth and muzzle, loving the sight of Fluttershy hugging Scootaloo. It makes her want to hug Spike and give him the same motherly love Fluttershy gives Scootaloo. When it’s around that time for them to spend time together, perhaps Twilight could ask Fluttershy for some pointers. Sure, she does her best, but being a princess and having more responsibly just gets in the way and forces her to treat Spike as an assistant rather than an actual son. Just once, she’d like a day to have quality time with Spike and treat him as such.

Still, it’s been only half a month since Fluttershy told her, Applejack and Rarity about being Scootaloo’s real mother; it was quite a shock and surprise for the three of them. Though, Twilight didn’t blame Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie for keeping it a secret. She completely understands why they did it. It did raise a few questions in the back of her mind, unfortunately, like ‘who the heck is the father?’ and ‘where has he been this whole time?’ Those questions rang hard, but she had to force herself to not ask. Instincts told her that Fluttershy might not be too comfortable answering questions like those. It did come as another surprise at how gosh darn great Fluttershy has been raising Scootaloo. Sure, she’s seen Scootaloo happy before, but not as happy as she was when she was with Fluttershy when they were telling them the truth. Twilight was still happy for them and she hoped they have a great new life together.

Twilight chuckled as she noticed Scootaloo wanting to get out of Fluttershy’s hold, “I’m so proud of you, Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy released Scootaloo and gazed back at Twilight, “Thanks, Twilight. That means a lot coming from my friends,” she looks at the sky and noticed it was dawn, “Look at the time, we should get going,” Fluttershy said. “I’m sorry for keeping you from your duties.”

“No, no, it’s quite alright, Fluttershy,” Twilight said in a friendly tone. “I don’t mind excusing myself from my work. It’s always wonderful to see my friends, even if to tell me a certain dragon has been pranking with or near them.”

“Hey!” Spike said frowning and pouting behind Twilight as she looked back at the young drake and gave him a teasing smile. Fluttershy couldn’t help but smile and giggle a bit, too.

Scootaloo cracked a smile of her own and secretly found Spike’s pouting quite cute.

Twilight giggled again before looking back at Fluttershy, “It was nice seeing you, Fluttershy.” Twilight said. “You two take care now.”

“Oh, you too, Twilight,” Fluttershy said with a friendly, gentle smile. “You have a great day,” Scootaloo waved at Spike goodbye before the two mares left and walked away from Twilight’s castle. Spike waved back and couldn’t help but smile back. Despite being caught by Fluttershy, he had a great time with Scootaloo; maybe someday he, Scootaloo and the other two crusaders can hang out and have fun; and maybe they can hang out at the boutique too, so he can have his quality time with the mare of his dreams.

Spike chuckled and blushed at the thought. The castle doors closed and instantly snapped him out of his fantasy, then gazed at the face of a questionable lavender alicorn.

“So, care to explain why you were around Fluttershy’s cottage pranking her animals?”

Spike crossed his arms, “I was bored. You were busy and I wanted something to do.”

Twilight shook her head, disapprovingly, “There were other things you could’ve occupied yourself with, Spike,” She said. “Of all the places, Spike, you know how dangerous Fluttershy’s animals can be.”

“Twilight, relax. I was only having fun with the deer, chickens, and birds.”

“It doesn’t matter what kind of animals you were having ‘fun’ with, you need to know it’s dangerous to provoke animals; harmless or not” she may have less experience than Fluttershy, but knows that, from reading books, that animals can easily get aggravated and will not hesitate to attack.

“But you heard Fluttershy, I didn’t cause any damage,” Spike retorted. “I was aware, Twilight.”

“Yet, that didn’t stop you from doing what you were doing,” Twilight said with a light glare, but smiles a bit then added, “But I can let you off with a warning. Since Fluttershy wasn’t angry, I guess everything’s alright.”

Spike looked at Twilight surprised and shocked. He scratched his head and pondered why Twilight just let him off with a warning. Usually, when he gets in trouble, Twilight would get serious and stern and either ground him or put him through five hours of studying Starswirl’s book of English literature; it was a pain getting through that, but a good long pretend-to-read-while-Twilight-wasn’t-looking trick always helped him. This warning was a big reward to him, but he still wanted to know why.

“I like that you gave me the warning, but why, Twilight?”

Twilight’s glare turned into a warm, lighthearted smile as she walked up and gave Spike a loving, gentle hug.

Spike was starting to get a little worried, “Are you alright Twilight?”

Twilight nodded and kept her son close, “Yes, Spike. I’m just doing what I think a mother should.”

Spike paused and gazed at Twilight, speechless from hearing her words, “M-mom?” like Twilight, he too forgot that he was hatched by Twilight. Sure, Celestia found him as an egg, but it was all Twilight who hatched and raised him, molded him into who he is. So, in other words, Twilight was a princess and even young like him, but those mattered less when he remembered that Twilight was the only mare he considered his mother, and he was happy for it. A smile grazed the dragon’s face as he wrapped his arms around Twilight, hugging her as Twilight spread and wrapped her wings around him.

Spike nestled close to Twilight, and said, “I love you, mom.”

A tear slowly slid down Twilight’s cheek when Spike said that, her smile grew wider as she tried to resist the urge to cry. I guess this is what her mom felt when she told her the same thing, and now she wondered if Fluttershy felt the same when Scootaloo told her she loved her.

She looked at Spike with gentle, loving, motherly eyes, and said, “I love you too, Spike. Not as a friend, or just an assistant. I love you as my son. And I’m proud to be your mother.” Her voice was soft and tender. She meant every word of what she said. And she will continue to try and raise her son just right, like how her parents did with her and Shining.

Spike gazed up at Twilight. He enjoyed this. If other ponies saw this, he’d be very embarrassed and tried to stop her, but the castle was quiet and peaceful, not a soul around. Perfect. Spike hugged Twilight like a panda cub, “Thank you, Mom.”

Twilight chuckled. She’ll have to get used to Spike calling her mom from now on – even though she doesn’t mind in the slightest. Twilight smiled again before asking Spike, “Wanna go watch a movie?”

Spike perked up excitedly, “Would I!” Twilight released Spike from her embrace as the happy little dragon zoomed away to go pick a movie while Twilight got up and giggled, following behind Spike.

***Ponyville***

“Scootaloo, what happened earlier today? Why did you join Spike in pranking my animal friends?” Fluttershy said as she looked at Scootaloo while walking away from Twilight’s castle and through Ponyville. Her tone wasn’t quite assertive. She was just curious to know why her daughter did what she did; and why.

Scootaloo dipped her head in thought before responding, “I just wanted to hang out with Spike. We hardly ever hang out.”

“We?”

“Me, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle,” Scootaloo continued. “Last time we ever hung out was at my old crummy orphanage when Spike told us he was on a day off from helping Twilight with chores and stuff,” Scootaloo snorted hating that she even brought up that cesspool of an orphanage.

Fluttershy reminisced at the thought, but she pushed it away as she wrapped her soft wing around Scootaloo’s small form, “Don’t let that orphanage get to you, sweetie,” Fluttershy said in a gentle, motherly voice. “Be glad you’re out of that awful place and back with your true mother.”

Scootaloo smiled happily at that. She was more than glad; she was ecstatic; thrilled even. She was so happy to be with her actual mother that she hoped she wasn’t dreaming, again. Fluttershy’s wing proved otherwise. This wasn’t a dream, and it was all too real. She was fully awake and in the hold of her kind mother. Fluttershy noticed the smile and dipped her head down to softly nuzzle Scootaloo’s check. Scootaloo blushed embarrassingly, hoping no pony was watching; a few did notice but paid no heed to it.

Scootaloo scrunched her muzzle before Fluttershy stopped her nuzzling. She sighed quietly, relieved before Fluttershy looked at her with a teasing grin, and asked, “I noticed that blush you made when Spike waved at you,” she unwrapped her wing from her daughter. “Mind explaining that?”

Scootaloo widened her eyes as big as dinner plates. She froze in place and could’ve sworn she felt her heart skip a beat.

There goes the happiness. Now it’s just full-blown embarrassment. Thank Celestia Applebloom and Sweetie Belle wasn't around. She would’ve panicked a lot more than Cheerilee when she found out there was a fire in the school. Only to find out that fire nothing but a stupid, yet hilarious, prank caused by Snips and Snails. Upside, there was no homework. The downside, the two class clowns got eight weeks of detention. Scootaloo would giggle for remembering that, if it hadn’t been for the situation she was currently in.

“Well?” Fluttershy said eager to know; though she might have a few guesses. But she wanted to hear it from her daughter’s mouth.

She kind of got her answer when Scootaloo chokingly replied, “I… um… I…” her blush deepens as she bashfully looked at the ground, feeling some pressure build up in her chest. “I thought he was…” she shyly and quietly mumbled the last word, but it was hard for Fluttershy here.

“I’m sorry, what was that?” Fluttershy tried to hear her closer but only got a mumbled slur from Scootaloo, “Didn’t quite catch that, Sweetie.”

Scootaloo’s blush intensified, and she crushed her eyelids. The pressure was too much for her to handle as she blurts out the last word, “Cute!” she shouted. “I thought he was cute, alright. You happy now?”

Fluttershy smiled victoriously, and said, “Very,” while also getting a strange feeling of deja vu. She shrugged it off, and said: “I think it’s sweet you have a little crush on Spike.”

Scootaloo blushed again, and asked, “Please, don’t tell anyone.”

Fluttershy motioned a cross on her furry chest, “Cross my heart, hope to fly”—She placed her hoof over her left eye—“Stick a cupcake in my eye.”

Scootaloo smiled a bit and hugged her mother close, “Thanks, mom.” Fluttershy smiled softly and hugged Scootaloo just as close. Fluttershy gave her word, and she’ll happily keep it. She wasn’t going to be that kind of mother who openly tells her friends about Scootaloo’s crush; she wanted to be a cool mother, not a harsh one like a few of the mothers in Ponyville. Though, if she were a betting pony, when Rainbow Dash becomes a mother she’ll be doing that exact thing just to tease her child. Fluttershy secretly rolled her eyes at the thought before looking at Scootaloo.

“You’re welcome, Sweetie,” an idea suddenly popped. “Ooo, want to play with your friends today?” she kindly asked.

Scootaloo shook her head, “Applebloom and Sweetie Belle are going to be busy today with Applejack and Rarity. They said they were going on a trip to Mt. Rushmare for a project,” Scootaloo shrugged. “Don’t know what it is, though.”

Fluttershy drooped her ears and frowned a bit, “Oh, alright. Well, maybe we can see if…”

“Besides, I wanna play with my new pet today,” Scootaloo said as she bounced excitedly with a wide grin on her face

Fluttershy flinched at Scootaloo’s decision, “Are you sure?” she asked hesitantly. “I’m not quite sure if he’s ready to play, yet. I mean, he became your pet two days ago and I think he still might be adjusting to his new home,” she tried to reassure Scootaloo about her rash decision, but the little orange filly insisted.

“No way, I’ve been excited to play with Varan ever since he became part of the family,” Scootaloo said with a pleasant look on her face. She was eager to play and nothing was going to stop her, not even Fluttershy. Her little wings buzzing with excitement.

Fluttershy sighed in defeat, “Alright, just be careful with him. I’m not too familiar with an animal like Varan, so I don’t know what he’s capable of.” She knew a lot of animals, but Varan was an animal on a whole different level.

Scootaloo hardly paid attention to her as she crouched down, ready to head home, “Okay, mom. Meet you back home.”

“Scootaloo, wait!” but it was too late. Scootaloo dashed away from Fluttershy and headed straight home, kicking up a dirt cloud in front of her, causing the timid mare to cause, “Oh my, I hope she doesn’t get into trouble.” She was about to follow Scootaloo when an all-too-familiar voice caught her attention.

“Whoa, I knew a sensed a familiar aura nearby,” Fluttershy turned around and gasped in shock as she smiled excitedly at the pony in front of her.

Author's Notes:

Finally done with the first prologue. Enjoy.

Scootaloo's New Friends

Fluttershy’s eyes brightened up with excitement as she, “Tree Hugger!” she said with a giddy smile.

A green mare with a thick dreadlock mane and tail, holding a pouch-like bag, stood in front of Fluttershy and cracked a small smile looking at her with what others assumed were half-asleep eyes, “Fluttershy, it’s so good to see you,” she said in a relaxed tone as Fluttershy rushed up and hugged her.

“It’s so good to see you, too,” Fluttershy said. “I haven’t seen you in a while. How have you been?” she released Tree Hugger from tight hug as she backed up a bit.

Tree hugger’s grin grew wider as she happily said, “I’ve been drifting the plains of Equestria and meeting new ponies with awesome vibes and smooth auras.”

“Ooo, you must tell me your story, Tree Hugger.” Fluttershy said fluttering her wings a bit. Having not seen her friend for so long really got her excited.

Tree Hugger nodded, but gently held her hoof up to stop her, and she said, “I’ll indeed tell you, but can we stop by your home? I’m feeling a tad parched.”

“Oh, of course,” Fluttershy said with another giddy smile as she happily escorted Tree Hugger to her home. “Hopefully we can meet Scootaloo there, too.”

“Your daughter, right?”

Fluttershy stopped with her ears and tail perked up and turned around with a shocked look on her face, “How did you know she was my daughter?” she asked in a confused tone. She never even mentioned or hinted that Scootaloo is her daughter. She only told Discord, Applejack, Twilight and Rarity; she was going to tell other friends she had when the time came, including Tree Hugger, but it would take some time to tell them since they lived all around Equestria.

Tree Hugger giggled at Fluttershy’s reactions before nonchalantly responding, “I can read connecting auras, Fluttershy,” she explained. “Scootaloo has soft yet strong and determined aura.”

Fluttershy innocently tilted her head, confused and curious to know what Tree Hugger was talking about, “Go on, please.”

She grinned again, “certainly,” she continued her little, but seemingly complicated, explanation. “Aura is like a challenging puzzle and a feeling indicator.”

Fluttershy cocked a confused eyebrow, and assumed, “Like a mood ring?” Tree Hugger nodded at her well thought guess.

“Yes, similar to that,” She points to the ground underneath Fluttershy. “Your aura creates a stream that connects only to family members. They show different colors to tell them apart and to tell what mood they’re in. You and Scootaloo have light pink. That means you two are happy,” Fluttershy understood that, but she was still confused either way. “Your parents are blue and orange. Their aura streams connected to yours lead all the way to Cloudsdale. I assume the blue one is sad and the orange other is concerned,” the hippie earth pony noticed Fluttershy’s aura turning orange as well when Fluttershy looked at Tree Hugger with shocked eyes. Tree Hugger gave Fluttershy a reassuring smile, and calmly said, “Don’t worry, Fluttershy. I’m sure they are taking good care of each other. Their auras are as strong as a northern current,”

Despite what Tree Hugger said, Fluttershy would need to call or visit them to see if everything’s alright with her parents. She knew for a fact Tree Hugger never lies when it comes to aura and other spiritual things. But that doesn’t mean she still needs to see them.

The hippie pony then pointed behind Fluttershy where a fifth aura stream was connected to her aura field, “But I’m not sure about the fifth one,” She said as she gazed her eyes at the stream, unsure of where this aura leads and who it belongs to.

“There’s a fifth stream connect to my aura?” Fluttershy pondered for a moment as she looked at Tree Hugger pointing at Ponyville where the fifth stream would lead to.

“Do you have any siblings, Fluttershy?”

“No, not that I’m aware of; I have no idea where the ‘fifth stream’ leads to…” a sudden realization smacked Fluttershy like a rock. She gasped and widened her eyes in shock, again. The memories came crawling back to her like spiders on a web. She knew exactly who the fifth stream belonged to, and she wish she didn’t. She looked as the ground as face went from confused and innocent to frustration and regret. Her irises shank a bit and occasionally shook; the memories where hurtful, embarrassing and horrible. More memories began to arise and it caused her anger to swell. Her mind told her to go find the pony and confront him for the things he did to her, but another voice in her head told her to wait and let the stallion find her and then –

“Fluttershy?” a soft voice instantly snapped her back into reality as she looked into the eyes of a concerned Tree Hugger. “Are you alright? Your aura was heating up and turning lava red,” Tree Hugger placed a caring hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder. The yellow pegasus shook her head and rubbed her temple before looking back at her friend.

“Y-yes, I’m fine, Tree Hugger,” Fluttershy said a bit groggy. Tree Hugger grew more worried from seeing Fluttershy like that, but soft smile from her timid friend took her rising troubles away. “We should head back to my home. I’ll make us some tea,” Fluttershy offered. Tea was always one good means of getting rid of troubling vibes.

Tree Hugger smiled a bit at that offering, “I’d love that,” she said as she and Fluttershy headed back to her cottage, with Fluttershy leading the way. Despite what Fluttershy was feeling right now, Tree Hugger saw the look in Fluttershy’s eyes and immediately connected the pieces together. That fifth aura stream belongs to the father of Scootaloo. Tree Hugger, at first, suggested to herself to ask Fluttershy if they could go find him, but seeing those unnerving eyes for a brief moment immediately gave her the answer. For now, she will throw away her suggestion and focus on what’s been given to her: to protect Fluttershy; but not just Fluttershy, but the stallion that did this to her. She’d fear if they were to meet face to face, a disaster worse than nature would emerge. And Tree Hugger would do her best to prevent that from happening – even though she has no idea who the stallion is.

Fluttershy suddenly stopped and froze in place, looking down in a depressed manner, “Tree Hugger?” Fluttershy’s voice became serious for a moment as Tree Hugger stopped right behind her. She was confused about her friend’s action before Fluttershy turned her head and asks, “Before we head back, I need to ask you something,” Tree hugger slightly bit her lip as she tried to predict what question Fluttershy was going to ask her, though she may have a good guess.

“Where does the fifth stream lead to?”

And that guess nailed the target with accuracy more efficient than an arrow with a bullseye. Tree Hugger tried to come up with an excuse as best her mind to muster. She knew exactly where the stream leads to, but she can’t risk a fight starting if Fluttershy and Scootaloo’s father meet. First test is on and she has to do her best. She inhaled long, calming breaths before replying, “I’m sorry, Fluttershy, but I don’t know where it leads to. It’s like leaving a mark. The owner moves on while the spot remain there. So, finding the owner of the fifth stream will take time.” Tree Hugger shrugged. “I’m sorry, Fluttershy”

Fluttershy paused for a moment and had a bit of defeat overtaken her, but she just chuckles it out, and said, “Oh, that’s okay,” Fluttershy said with an innocent, small smile. “I was just asking.”

“Oh, I forgot,” Tree Hugger craned her head at Fluttershy when she asked, “Why didn’t you tell me you had that kind of talent?”

Tree Hugger laughed a bit, and sheepishly said, “I guess I forgot to mention it to you and few others about that,” She grinned innocently. “When you spend a lot of time with nature, you tend to gain a sixth sense of these things,” She looked to see Fluttershy pouting in disbelief. Tree Hugger couldn’t help but snicker at that.

“I’ve been in nature as long as you have! Why haven’t I gained that ability?”

Tree Hugger smiled proudly and softly patted Fluttershy’s back, “Who knows my timid friend. Maybe you have a lot more to learn. Perhaps many years of meditation would be best.”

Fluttershy snorted and craned her head down as she looked away from Tree Hugger. Tree Hugger looked at Fluttershy confusingly and thought she was upset or something. She was curious to know what she was thinking before Fluttershy looked back at her with a playful, devious grin. Tree Hugger softly nudged Fluttershy as they both giggled at each other and headed straight back to Fluttershy’s cottage.

***Fluttershy's Cottage***

Scootaloo excitedly galloped back to her home and eagerly gazed her eyes left and right to find her pet and see if he was around. He was nowhere in sight. She huffed in slight disappointment that her pet wasn’t a no show and ready to play, but she didn’t stop as she grinned with determination. She beamed around the cottage with the same speed she ran before and showing no signs of being tired; she was full of energy and wanted to waste it all on playing with her new friend and pet; most of mother’s animal friends saw and waved at her as she waved back. Scootaloo rush to the backyard and hit the brakes, skidding to a halt when saw a large den under the shadow of a large oak tree. She took a few quick breaths before excitedly trotting over to the den with a happy and thrilled grin. She stopped and looked at the darkness before her inside the den. She sat and watched, waiting patiently for her pet to come out.

The den was almost as big as a bear's den, about seven meters from top to bottom, big enough for almost any pony to fit in; even brawny ponies like Big Macintosh can fit in there. Grass lingered and hung over the mouth of the den making it look like crooked teeth. The sight was terrifying alone, but not enough to make Scootaloo and Fluttershy run away. Other ponies, however, might be a different story. Heck, when Sweetie Belle and Applebloom get back from their trip with their sisters, Scootaloo will no doubt show them what they missed and introduce who’s inside the den.

Speaking of whom, Scootaloo immediately grew impatient and pouted angrily before dunking her head in the mouth of the den “Varan? Hey, Varan?!” Scootaloo called out acting like a living alarm clock. “Wake up! It’s time to play.” She heard low, stubborn hisses emit from the den. Scootaloo reared her head back and scrunch her muzzle, annoyed and slightly frustrated. “Come on; get your scaly butt up! I wanna play,” she barked but received no response, just the calm sound of nothingness. Scootaloo grumbled a bit, “Are you giving me the silent treatment? Don’t make me come in there and drag you out, you lazy reptile,” She said, being bossy and demanding; even though she knew her lazy pet could just own her in a game of wrestling and other physical games. She cracked a smile when she finally saw movement in the den. Her grin grew wider, she was happy and excited to see Varan was about to finally come out and play with her. Now that she’ll be able to play with her pet, she thought that nothing could ever ruin this day and mess up her playtime.

“Well, look what we have here,” a familiar spoiled, uptight voice spoke out behind Scootaloo.

Scootaloo closed her eyes as her smile slowly drained into a frown. She sighed through her muzzle, disappointment and unamused. Not because of who was behind her, but because she had led herself to believe that nothing was going to ruin this day. She nonchalantly turned around with not-so-enthused face, “Hello, Diamond Tiara,” she said as she gazed at pampered earth pony with unwelcomed eyes, but she raised a brow when she noticed a group of three beside Silver Spoon behind her: two colts on the left and a… young griffon on the right?

This threw Scootaloo for a loop. Why was a griffon with them? It was weird, but she had to ask, “Who are your friends, Diamond?” she gaited her eyes back at Diamond. She had a suspicion something was up, and she wanted to know why these three were here, “Did you pay them to be in your little group, or did you bully them into doing what you want?” she asked in a stern, questioning tone while Diamond Tiara rolled her eyes at her.

“That’s none of your business, blank flank,” Diamond snapped showing hate in her eyes. “I still haven’t gotten you back for giving me that black eye, and for getting me in trouble by my own dad,” She snarled at Scootaloo while Silver Spoon and the two colts share the same evil look. “You and your friends have been a thorn in my side for too long! It’s time you learn a lesson,” the two colts stood beside Diamond and eagerly awaited orders. “And I think now’s the time for you to learn,” she said with an evil grin. She lifts her arm to give the order, but a soft voice cuts her off.

“Um, Diamond, you said we were going to play with Scootaloo?” The griffon said in a soft, naïve, timid voice. “Did you-”

Diamond groaned in annoyance before snapping her hateful gaze at the young griffon and snarled at her for asking such a stupid question, “Yeah, I lied,” she openly admitted, showing no hints of care whatsoever. “I did tell you, Dirt and Grime that we were going to ‘play’ with Scootaloo, but not the kind of play you were thinking of.” The young griffon stepped back, not liking the idea of what ‘play’ Diamond had in mind.

Scootaloo sat down and watched the conflict take place. She thought to herself that she would step in and help, but a new plan came into effect. She looked at the two colts that were being distracted by Diamond scolding the poor griffon. Both colts had dirty brown fur with the same white mane and tail, blue eye color and fur covering the top of their hooves; they both had no cutie marks as well. The only way to tell them apart was that Grime had three freckles on his cheeks and forehead. Were these two twins? Scootaloo nodded to herself at the logical assumption, but she then looked at the frightened griffon being scowled by Diamond Tiara.

Scootaloo remembered Rainbow Dash telling her that griffons did not look exactly like Gilda; they all had different looks to them, so she thought this was kind of neat to see a different griffon; a young one at that. Well, different in attitude. The young griffon looked almost identical to Gilda, just with a smaller build and there was an odd looking spot on her right talon. How Diamond managed to recruit her is mind-boggling, but the aggression factor was lacking in this little griffon when she saw she was crouched and slightly curled her body like a scared lion cub.

This agitated Scootaloo to no end. She hated seeing Diamond bully other kids for no reason. She would so love to go up to that rich uptight filly and slug her in the face like she did before; seeing that black eye again would bring her so much joy. She gritted her teeth but heard a light crack from a branch behind her. She lightly turned her head, but not enough for the bullies to notice, as she saw two faded, beady eyes slowly approach her. Scootaloo cracked a small, devious smile; her plan was set in motion. They have no idea what’s coming

“Hey,” Diamond Tiara barked getting Scootaloo’s attention. “Pay attention stupid!” she snarled before looking back and jerking her head at the young griffon. The little griffon nervously walked between and stood there, legs shaking; she didn’t want to do this, and Scootaloo completely understood that just by looking at her actions. She going to need to talk to this griffon, and hopefully get her on her side and hopefully be her second new friend. After all, she needs to tell someone that this place isn’t safe for ponies who don’t know what their surroundings actually are. And Diamond and her posse clearly do not know what the surrounding environment is capable of.

“Revenge is all mine,” Diamond Tiara boasted. “Your mother isn’t around and your friends are not around. I say you’re in great-”

Scootaloo held up her right hoof, “Hold it!”

Diamond groaned in pure agitation, “What now?!”

“Yeah, we don’t have all day, blank flank,” Silver Spoon said, wanting to watch the action. The three newcomers looked more confused than anything. Well, Dirt and Grime just wanted to pummel Scootaloo. The little griffon was just scared and confused; the pressure was getting to her. She did not want to beat up Scootaloo.

Scootaloo took a short breath before speaking, “look around you, Diamond.” Scootaloo gestured her hoof as Diamond Tiara nonchalantly looked around. She could care less where they are until Scootaloo spoke again, “Do you know where we are?”

Diamond Tiara raised a brow at Scootaloo’s rather stupid question, but she answered anyway with an impatient snort, “Are you stupid or something? We’re near your home.”

Scootaloo chuckled at Diamond's answer, “You’re only half-right, Diamond.”

“Half-right? What are you talking about, Scootaloo?” Diamond Tiara asked bitterly as her left eyelid twitched.

“You only looked to your right,” Scootaloo said before pointing to the right. “Now, look to your left.” She looked at them in a calm manner but was mentally grinning evilly.

All five gullible kids did what Scootaloo asked and looked to their left at the same time. All they could see was nothing but a wide-open space covered in grass and thousands of oak trees blocking their view. They did notice some squirrels, deer, birds, and blowing leaves but that was about it. It was rather peaceful in a way, but Diamond Tiara didn’t care whatsoever.

Diamond Tiara glared hatefully at Scootaloo, “Just what are you on about, Scootaloo?” she rudely asked.

“Why did you have us look at the forest?” Silver Spoon asked in a confused tone.

Scootaloo cracked a bit of that evil smile before she happily replied, “Because I want you all to know something,” her smile grew wider and slightly eerie. The three newcomers gazed at Scootaloo before she continued. “I’ve been living here with my mother for quite a while. When she took me back and took care of me”-which she still greatly appreciated her for doing that- “she wanted to turn me into a better pony than I was before.” She wasn’t lying, either. Scootaloo still had that urge to beat Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon to a bloody pulp, but her mother was strictly against any sort of violence. She did not want her daughter to grow up like a thug or anything of the sort. Even at times, Scootaloo wanted her mother to be assertive like her, but Fluttershy was assertive in her own way and she didn’t mind that about her mother. Besides, there were other means of defending without violence. And Scootaloo set the perfect trap for them. All she needed was to ask a few more questions from these five.

“What, she wanted to turn you into a pansy like her?” Grime asked in a somewhat light southern voice, mocking Scootaloo and her mother. That got a laugh out of Diamond, Silver, and Dirt. The young griffon wasn’t too fond the mean joke, however.

Scootaloo gave a light snarl at Grime’s joke. Her urge to punch was reaching its peak. But she remembered her mother telling her to take deep, calming breaths and not to take stuff like that at heart. She does so and breathes calmly through her muzzle, and then she said to them as a sort of jab at them, “No. She wanted me to be smarter and not do what you guys are doing,” She looked around the forest as she saw a sun bear and a mountain lion appear a few feet away from the five children. She grinned at them before looking at the five unaware children deviously.

Dirt snorted at Scootaloo and assumed Scootaloo's words, “Did you just call us stupid?” he asked talking like Grime but in a more aggressive tone.

Scootaloo rolled her eyes, “I didn't say you were. I was just saying it as a warning.”

“W-what do you mean?” the young griffon asked slightly quivering.

Scootaloo looked at the griffon and spoke in a friendly tone to her than the other four, “I mean you guys are standing on dangerous grounds.” Scootaloo points behind the five to show them the bear and the mountain lion.

“Have a look.”

They look back and flinch at the sight of the dangerous animals, slightly backing up from them. Diamond Tiara widened her eyes as she looked back at Scootaloo with a smug look on her face. Silver Spoon felt her heart sink when she saw the two, she did not expect to see animals like them show up around Fluttershy’s cottage. She and Diamond thought that this was a peaceful place; that only harmless animals would show up.

“What’s the deal here?” Diamond said, slightly shivering. “I thought your mother was just an animal caretaker to harmless animals?”

Scootaloo let out a quick laugh, and said, “She is an animal caretaker but to all animals.” Scootaloo's smile widened a little more for a well her plan was going. Now she needed a few more touches. She continued to explain to the frightened bullies about the land she lived in, “She takes care of all sorts of animals like lions, tigers, bears, snakes, falcons, and plenty more animals that are considered dangerous towards ponies like you.” She looked back real quick as the beady eyes came closer to her. She nodded before looking back at the five still staring at the bear and mountain lion. “Since I’m a part of this home now, all the animals that my mother treated and cared for have accepted me as their friend. And they don’t like seeing trespassers picking on their caretaker’s daughter.” Well, mostly. Some of the animals are still getting used to her.

“Then tell them to leave!” Diamond Tiara barked still looking at the dangerous animals with her group. “Can’t you control them or something?”

Scootaloo shook her nonchalantly, and said, “It isn’t about control. It’s about respect.” She points to the two animals. “Those two are my mother’s animal friends. And my mother’s animal friends only listen to her, not me.”

“Then why aren’t they attacking?” Silver Spoon asked.

That would be the last question. Scootaloo heard her pet approaching as she said with pride, “Because they know I’m fully protected.”

That got all five of them to look at her when Diamond sternly asked, “What are talking…” Her sentence was immediately cut as she gasped in horror. Her eyes went wide as dinner plates and her irises shrank to pea-sized. The other four kids looked up to see small, glowing white dots appear behind Scootaloo and sway from side to side. Something was coming; something big. Dirt, Grime, and the young griffon froze as they watched, paralyzed in fear. Silver Spoon widened her eyes as her glasses nearly slipped from her muzzle. The five children remained silent with their mouths hung open as the sound of patting claws can be heard.

Scootaloo watched in amusement. She wanted to bust out laughing from seeing the pale look on their faces but decided to milk it as she stepped out of the way to her right as the afternoon sun beamed down at the den behind her and exposed a bit of what’s inside.

The children looked down at the exposed ground until a dirty brown, scaly foot with long talon-like claws emerged from the shadows and crunched the branches and dried up leaves as it landed. They quickly look back up without saying a word.

Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, Dirt, Grime and the young griffon watched in horror, disbelief, and shock as a huge, bulky lizard emerged from the shadows of its den and stood next to Scootaloo, peering down at them with primal, fearless eyes. The animals that made their presence known quickly evacuated and hid from sight; they want nothing to do with this situation now that Scootaloo’s pet is involved. The children continued to look at the huge beast as it flicked its forked tongue while still giving an eerie glare at them.

The lizard was twelve feet tall with dark brown skin. Its legs and underbelly had a few faded tan spots that mixed in with the brown skin. Its head was slightly flat and long with a rounded snout, bowed legs with a few scars on them and a strong build that looked like it could withstand a decent amount of blunt force.

Scootaloo smirked as she fearlessly walked in front of the huge lizard, and said to the five, “Meet Varan, my awesome friend, and pet komodo dragon.” Varan dipped his head and nuzzled his snout against Scootalo’s cheek as a form of apology to his young master. He would’ve been out of his den earlier today, but his underground home was just too comfortable for him to leave. He’ll make it up to her with tons of playtime; whatever she wants. He saw the smile on Scootaloo’s face but noted her eyes were focused on the five before them. He raised his scaly, dragonesque head and gazed his reptilian eyes at the five children, observing them until he hooked his sights on one his young master has described to him before. White hair, pink fur, an unnecessary jewel on her head, this matched the description very clearly. Young master did mention her name to him but he was too lazy to remember. The three that stood in front of her, and the gray one that stood beside the pink one, were new; they all were shaking with fear. A reaction he usually expected and loved to take advantage of – when it came to adults. Kids are too easy to scare and it isn’t quite as fun as it used to be, but he’ll make an exception with the pink one and her friends since he figured young master wanted this. He flicked his forked tongue and bellowed a long, slow, eerie, defensive hiss as he barred his serrated teeth at the five children.

The five bullies kept their focus on Varan. They were shocked, scared, speechless and amazed at the sheer size and look of Scootaloo’s pet. Dirt and Grime have seen a lot of ponies with unique pets, like Pinkie and her pet baby alligator for example, but they haven't seen anything like this before. It was very bizarre. They just hope Scootaloo doesn’t ask this thing to attack them. If not, then they’ll still run away. Varan was freaking terrifying! Grime looked at the young griffon, only to see her faint on the spot.

Silver Spoon thought to herself that she should’ve just stayed home and read magazines on the latest fashion craze. Her heart was racing and she looked at Diamond in hopes she wasn’t thinking of still going through with beating up Scootaloo. The gray filly looked back at the giant Komodo dragon and noticed it was looking at Diamond Tiara, and only her. It wasn’t paying attention to her and the other three. What did Scootaloo tell this thing? She took two steps back, rather not wanting to find out what. She turned around and ran, but was halted by the aggressive shout of Diamond Tiara.

“Where are you going?!”

Silver Spoon snapped her gaze at Diamond, and exclaimed, “I’m not going to stand here and be that thing’s food. I’m out of here!” With that, she quickly bolted away, leaving Diamond and the other three.

“Hey, get back here Silver Spoon!” Diamond Tiara barked but it was too late. She disappeared from beside the cottage. Diamond growled in anger and howled orders at the three, but noticed the young griffon was out cold laying on the ground. This aggravated her to a whole new level; her plan was falling apart. Yet, she didn’t want to stop. She wanted to hurt Scootaloo like she did before, and she wanted it now.

“Dirt, Grime, pummel Scootaloo now!” she barked at the twins.

“Are you kidding me?” Dirt objected.

“We’re not going anywhere near that thing. You’re as crazy as our uncle Gravel!” Grime said joining in on his brother’s denial. They weren’t bright, but they knew danger when they saw it. And Scootaloo’s pet was more than enough to be a danger to them. They even figured Snips and Snails wouldn’t be dumb enough to mess with a creature like this; then again, they brought an Ursa Minor to Ponyville that one time. Either way, they wanted Diamond Tiara to know that they were not as dumb as she thinks they are.

They both look at the pampered, angry filly and said at the same time, “We’re out of here. You’re on your own.” Just like Silver Spoon, the twins bolted out of there as fast as their little hooves could take them. They were gone the moment Scootaloo and Varan watched them. They left Diamond Tiara with the fainted griffon to deal with Scootaloo and her massive Komodo dragon.

Scootaloo giggled evilly as she looked at Diamond Tiara with the same evil grin and glare she always gave her, “Didn’t think this through, did you? Diamond Tiara,” Scootaloo said as Diamond Tiara gritted her teeth in anger.

She screamed in rage as she shouted, “You planned this, blank flank?”

Scootaloo proudly shook her head, and said, “Nope. You just stepped into an opportunity even a blind pony could see.” Varan just stood there flicking his forked tongue while looking down at Scootaloo and Diamond Tiara. “Next time, Diamond, think about where you should be, or else you’ll have your butt chewed more times than it already has.”

Varan snapped his jaws to make sure Diamond Tiara got the point. Any wrong and/or stupid move that Diamond Tiara would make would cause who knows what problems to her.

Diamond Tiara glared up at Varan then back at Scootaloo. She bit her lip and groaned in frustration and rage. Being forced to stop and not get what she wanted really triggered a lot of switches in her head, but she knew she’d get hurt again if she tried to attack, “This isn’t over, Scootaloo!”

“I think it already is,” she said as she watched Diamond Tiara leave. She then noticed the young griffon still out cold from seeing Varan, “Hey, aren’t you going to take your friend with you?”

Diamond Tiara looked back at the fainted griffon before she disgustingly rolled her eyes, “No, she was useless, to begin with. She can be your pet’s food for all I care!” the rich bully ran away, leaving Scootaloo groaning in disappointment.

Scootaloo gazed up at Varan, “Will she ever learn?” Varan just gave her blank eyes and a soft, confused hiss. She shrugs a bit, “You’re probably right, Varan. She never learned before you came along, and I don’t think she ever will.” she said. “And I thought I was stubborn.”

Varan flicked his forked tongue. While he can’t really talk to young master, he can let her know what he’s thinking just by his own gestures and sounds. He was actually thinking of why this catbird thing was asleep. If he scared her, he had no intention. He just wanted to scare the pink one, because he assumed that was what Young master wanted. He didn't care whether the pink one learned anything. But what did peak his interest was the sleeping catbird.

Scootaloo looked at the unconscious griffon and pondered why she sided with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon; she just had to know. She looked at Varan and jerked her head to the young griffon, “Think you can help me carry her to the house?”

Varan snorted and walked up the little griffon. He lowered his snout as Scootaloo walked around and carefully lifted the surprisingly light griffon over her back and onto Varan’s head. Varan carefully raised his head and walked towards the cottage where he saw Scootaloo rush up and open the back door.

“Alright, bring her down gently. I’ll take care of the rest.”

“Scootaloo?”

Scootaloo flinched in surprise and peered back, only to smile innocently at the one who said her name, “Hi, mom.”

***Fluttershy's Home***

The young griffon twitched her eyes and slowly opened them. Her vision was blurry and she could barely see where she was. She sat up and groaned groggily as she rubbed her feathered head. She blinked a few times before her vision slowly became clear, then she looked around. She saw usual stuff like a few chairs, a coffee table and a really soft couch she was sitting on. But she did notice a few mouse holes, bird houses, and stairs leading to an upper floor. She saw two a few picture frames hanging on the walls that had pictures of Scootaloo and others with her, including the giant lizard with a small rabbit. She chuckled at the scared look on the rabbit’s face.

“Oh good, you’re up,” a gentle, soft-spoken voice said getting the young griffon’s attention.

Fluttershy hovered out of her kitchen, holding a plate of tea as she flapped her quiet wings over to the young griffon and placed the plate on the table. The kind pegasus looked at her with a soft smile, “I was getting worried” she said. “Varan has a bad habit of scaring ponies. But he knows when to mind.”

The young griffon looked out the window to the backyard just in time to see Varan’s tail slither back into the den. She shook a bit before looking back at Fluttershy, and asked, “I-Is he dangerous?”

Fluttershy nodded, “Yes, but only if he needs to be. He’s just a lazy lizard that would rather sleep instead of attack others. He and Scootaloo get along so well.” She looked out the same window with a happy and proud smile.

“Um, Miss Fluttershy, where’s Scootaloo?”

Fluttershy gaited back at the young griffon with a surprised look on her face, “She’s with a friend of mine getting some groceries.” She wasn’t surprised that this little griffon knew Scootaloo’s name because her daughter explained everything that happened when she was gone, but what really surprised was…

“How did you know my name? And can you tell me your name, please?”

The young griffon nodded at Fluttershy and smiled at her with utmost trust, and replied with a cute chirp, “Okay! My name is Glinda, and my sister’s friend talks about you all the time.”

Fluttershy raised a shocked brow and assumed Glinda was talking about Rainbow Dash. If Glinda was talking about Rainbow Dash then she had a hunch who Rainbow Dash could be talking to, but she had to make sure first. Getting into assumptions was never a good idea. She just had to ask one question…

“I see. And, who is your sister?”

Glinda widened her smile and happily said, “Gilda.”

Heart To Heart

All of her assumptions could never have been so true in her life. Fluttershy tried her best to wrap her head around what Glinda just said. It’s as if the shock was putting pressure in her chest. It hurts, but it was still quite a surprise meeting the younger sister of Gilda. Fluttershy hoped she could give a good impression to the little gryphon. She had to say something to break the silence unless it’ll get awkward for her.

“Gilda is your sister?” Fluttershy said while keeping a smile on her face, trying not to act like she’s panicking and hiding something. To her luck, Glinda didn’t notice a thing; which was kind of a relief.

Glinda nodded, and said, “Yeah. I’m Gilda’s younger sister; many months younger. I just can’t remember exactly what,” She twiddled her claws and looked at the ground in thought. She didn’t move from her spot because she didn’t want to be rude; especially when she’s in the home of one of the elements of harmony.

Fluttershy calmed herself down as she looked at the little gryphon sitting there with a shy demeanor, almost like hers. The only difference was that Glinda was talking and not shying away. Fluttershy was building more confidence, but she remembered the time she first met Twilight; she could barely say a word to her until Spike showed up. After that, their friendship started. Maybe she can get Scootaloo to make friends with Glinda. She’ll have to try when she and Tree Hugger get back. In the meantime, she’ll have to care for Glinda until her parents, or Gilda, get back.

That is if it comes at a smooth start. The last time she and Gilda met, she received a rude, unwelcomed roar to her face. It wasn’t a very friendly hello. But Fluttershy figured that since times changed, hopefully, Gilda has cleaned up her act. Hopefully.

She looked at the adorable, little gryphon, and said, “I made you some tea.” She smiled kindly at Glinda as Glinda looked at the fancy teacup and softly picked it up.

“Thank you, Fluttershy,” she said as she took a sip of the warm tea. She smiled happily before looking up at her with a sudden gleam of excitement in her eyes; it nearly caught Fluttershy off guard.

“I’m so happy I finally get to see you. I have so many questions,” Glinda said with a bit of chirp to her voice. “I met Rainbow Dash a few times and actually got to talk to her once, but that was it. I’ve never met any of the other elements.”

Fluttershy couldn’t help but smile at Glinda’s excitement. She must be a fan of her and her friends. A thought suddenly emerged and made Fluttershy wonder what Glinda’s reaction would be if she met them, besides Rainbow Dash. She could just imagine the adorable excitement from this shy, little gryphon, “Well, you’re meeting another one right now. I’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.”

That just ignited Glinda’s enthusiasm and fangirlism. The little gryphon’s smile widened with excitement as she asked, “Do you control animals?”

Fluttershy shook her head and chuckled, “Oh, no, no, no. I don’t control animals. I never have,” She said as Angel hops on the coffee table. “It’s more about respect, kinship and knowing when they need help,” She looked at Angel while Angel looked at Glinda. He was secretly thinking of a way to prank their guest. She raised a suspicious brow at him, knowing all too well what he was thinking; even if he was pulling off a cute act. “And most of the time, I keep a few animals in line when they act up. Right, Angel?”

Angel flinched and stiffened his ears up as he looked back at a rather assertive looking Fluttershy. He smiled innocently and nodded to her that he’d behave this time which received an approving smile from Fluttershy. He remembered the last prank he did which involved Scootaloo. He setup a trap inside Scootaloo’s favorite snack: a chocolate chip muffin. When in close quarters to the face, the trap would set off a small explosion and cause the victim quite a scare. Needless to say it went quite well for the white rabbit; a little too well. He expected the trap to work which he got a good laugh out of, but what he didn’t expect was for Scootaloo to get hurt from the prank. The muffin exploded in front of Scootaloo’s face, but the force of the explosion caused her muzzle to bleed and bruise. When Angel noticed the injury, he frowned in disbelief. That’s when a yellow hoof slammed behind him, his ears drooped and his eyes widened in horror. He looked up and saw the rage on Fluttershy’s face. After he saw that face, it went dark and he couldn’t remember anything after that. Angel was kind of scared of Fluttershy now. After she took Scootaloo back into her life, his timid owner became fierce and protective similar to a mother bear. Upside, he admitted he was happy to see Fluttershy have her own flesh and blood back. Downside, she’s changed quite a lot and it lessened the fun out of a few things.

Glinda chuckled and rubbed Angel’s head. He looked back at her then shoved her claw away before hopping off the coffee table and hopping away from the girls, not wanting interrupt what they were doing. Perhaps a good prank on Varan could lift his spirits.

“He’s adorable,” Glinda said as she watched him hop through a doggy door.

Fluttershy laughed a bit at that, “He is, but he can be a bit reckless at times.” She looked back at Glinda and asked, “Are there any more questions you’d like to ask, Glinda?”

Glinda nodded excitedly and immediately asked, “What are the other elements like?”

Fluttershy smiled warmly as she happily replied, “They are the greatest friends I’ve ever had. They are hard-working mares like me, and are amazing at what they do; especially Pinkie Pie when she throws all sorts of parties with her coltfriend Cheese Sandwich. They’re really fun.”

Glinda chirped happily at hearing that, “That’s so cool.”

Fluttershy nodded, “Yes. Rarity can craft any clothes of any age. Tuxedos, gowns, shirts, anything,” she said to Glinda. “She can even make a cute dress for you, too.”

Glinda widen her eyes and a bright red blush shaded under her fur. She waved her little claws and said, “Oh no, I don’t do dresses. T-shirts are way cooler.” Glinda chuckled nervously at the mere mention of dresses, having an embarrassing moment wearing one.

Fluttershy giggled before continuing, “Applejack is an expert in anything apples and exercise. She’s the strongest out of the six of us; well, physical wise, not magical. That goes to Twilight Sparkle.”

“The Princess?”

Fluttershy nodded and drank a bit of her own tea, “Unlike Rarity, Twilight knows almost all sorts of magic from levitation to time travel. Of the six of us, she’s mentally the strongest. Even mean ponies like Trixie, Starlight, and Sunset have all failed to beat her.”

“Is she powerful enough to fight a dragon or hydra?” Glinda asked, excited to know.

Fluttershy covered her mouth to keep herself from blabbing on even further. Those kinds of feats have never been achieved, none that she’s aware of. Unlike Spike, she and her friends have dealt with dragons and hydras before, but in a more peaceful manner; nothing violent. But Twilight fighting them? Twilight was strong, but not that strong. Fluttershy waved her hooves a bit, assuring Glinda about what she said, “I’m sorry, Glinda. Twilight isn’t that strong. I made a teeny-tiny mistake.”

“Oh,” Glinda said, disappointed from hearing that, but immediately shrugs it off.

Fluttershy giggled softly before speaking again to the little griffon, “May I ask you a few questions?”

“Sure, Fluttershy,” Glinda said as she grabbed her teacup for a drink.

Fluttershy’s smile slowly drained into a concerning frown. Despite what Scootaloo told her, she needed to hear Glinda’s words to see and know if the stories match. She took a quick breath and asked questionably, “Scootaloo told me everything that happened today. Were you trying to attack my daughter?”

She expected Glinda to react to her question. She didn’t expect Glinda to spit up and nearly choke from drinking the tea. She coughed and wheezed, slightly panicked as she grabbed her feathery, furry chest. Fluttershy flinched and cringed, but tried to ease Glinda from further panicking as the little griffon managed to catch her breath before looking at her with shocked, guilty and regretful eyes.

Fluttershy noticed and was about to say something, but a cry from Glinda stopped her as Gilda’s little sister sprang up and hugged her as she immediately bawled, “I’m so sorry,” she said through her crying. “I didn’t know Diamond was evil. I thought she wanted to play. I didn’t know she wanted to beat up Scootaloo,” She held herself close to Fluttershy while Fluttershy looked down at her with calm eyes and a gentle smile. Happy to hear Glinda didn’t want to participate in Diamond Tiara’s usual shenanigans.

How many times is that filly going to try and hurt Scootaloo? She thought to herself about talking to her father about Diamond’s unusual behavior; perhaps when she has time for it.

“So, you didn’t want to hurt Scootaloo?” she asked kindly.

“No. I just wanted to make new friends. I didn’t want to be a bully,” Glinda placed her forehead on Fluttershy’s chest as she continued to hiccup and sob. She wanted to apologize to Fluttershy over and over. She knew Scootaloo was Fluttershy’s daughter thanks to Silver Spoon, but she never got to say anything about it when she met the orange filly. She wanted to greet her, but couldn’t work up the nerve because she was so shy. When Diamond Tiara told her to beat up Scootaloo, she was stunned to hear her say that. She didn’t want to do it; she wanted friendship, not enemies. She felt like she was tainted with shame, shame that she fell for such an act. Guilt started to weigh in on her until two soft arms coiled around her for a warm, caring embrace.

Glinda chirped before looking up to see the forgiving eyes of Fluttershy look down at her. No hint of anger on her face whatsoever, “Glinda, it’s okay,” Fluttershy said as she softly rubbed the top of her head. “Scootaloo told me you were the only one who didn’t try to attack her. I’m glad you didn’t.”

Glinda sniffed once as she looked up at Fluttershy. A look of confusion and innocence emerged on Glinda’s face before she let out a soft, sobby “Huh?” She wipes a tear away with her talon, “Y-you’re not mad?”

Fluttershy shook her head as she said, “Of course not. You knew what was right and wrong. You knew when to stop and you chose not to get involved.”

“B-But Diamond…”

“Diamond Tiara may have forced you, but your denial still counts. You chose not to attack my daughter, and I thank you for that,” Fluttershy said before looking at her door. “When all of this is over, I’m going to have a word with Filthy and Spoiled.” She immediately thought of how ironic it was that Diamond’s parents are named Spoiled and Filthy when Diamond Tiara herself acts like their name sake; Must’ve run in the family.

Glinda cracked a small smile. She was glad that Fluttershy forgave her and said what she said. The last thing she wanted was to have one of the mane six be angry with her – especially when she just met one of them. Unlike Gilda, she wanted to make a good approach, not a bad one. She was told by Rainbow Dash that Gilda roared in Fluttershy’s face when they first met. When Glinda heard that, she was furious with Gilda for quite a while. No one should roar in Fluttershy’s face. She was the element of kindness. Why be mean to someone who is kind and sweet to everyone around her? She couldn’t understand it. Gilda didn’t mention anything about the story nor had any thought in bringing it up. Glinda just asked a question to Rainbow Dash, and she got her answer.

Glinda chirped at Fluttershy just for the giggles. She got a warm smile from the motherly pegasus as she felt as though her heart melted from the sound; it was too adorable to her ears. Glinda’s smile widened as her spirit grew, feeling comfortable around Fluttershy. Though another question did dwell in the back of her head, “Hey Fluttershy, where’s Scootaloo?”

***Ponyville***

“Okay. Carrots, whipped cream, eggs, and flour. And… asparagus?! Ugh!” Scootaloo stuck her tongue out in disgust.

Tree Hugger smiled a bit and giggled, “Don’t underestimate asparagus, young Scootaloo. They are good for the senses like sight and hearing.” She looked at Scootaloo as they walked through Ponyville to find what they were looking for.

Scootaloo grazed her eyes at Tree Hugger and raised an unsure brow at her. She tried asparagus before and it ended in a toilet to the face. Never again will she ever let her tongue touch those bumpy, bitter-tasting abominations.

“No thanks. I’ll stick to apples or pears,” Scootaloo said as she placed the grocery list in her bag.

Tree Hugger shrugged and accepted Scootaloo’s decision. She looked around for the first stop on the list until Scootaloo spoke to her and asked, “So, how did you meet my mom?”

Tree Hugger placed her hoof under her chin. She thought about it for a second before responding with a memorable smile, “Well, Scootaloo, I met your mother on, like, a trip to see the Breezies,” She said. “It was a very wondrous and peaceful event.”

Scootaloo slightly chuckled, and said, “That seems about right. My mom always loved animals of any kind from cute like rabbits, mice, and small birds to scary like Manticores, Cockatrice, Platypus, and ferrets; even Breezies.” Her mother may have more experience with animals and how they looked, but she’s still getting used to most of the animals that come near the cottage. She remembered having to feed a cranky crocodile named Gustave. At first, she wanted to see if she could gain a form of friendship with him, but it ended up being a misunderstanding on which was food or not. Scootaloo was happy she ended up with Varan. One animal is all she wanted to be friends with; the rest can befriend Fluttershy.

Tree Hugger nodded in agreement, “You are so right, little shy,” She said as a somewhat nickname joke. “Your mother has an aura so gentle, she is like a dandelion in the wind.”

“Gentle?” Scootaloo said, surprised and disbelieving of Tree Hugger’s words. “My mom is nice, but she hasn’t been gentle ever since she took me back. Especially when the ponies at my old orphanage tried to take me back; she was not happy about that at all.”

“The orphanage?”

“Mom didn’t tell you that story?” Scootaloo asked, receiving a head shake from Tree Hugger. Scootaloo was surprised and thought Fluttershy would’ve told her already.

“She never did. She just, like, kept it secret from me,” Tree Hugger said truly surprised to hear that. “I knew you were her daughter, but, she didn’t say anything about any orphanage. I, like, assumed she kept you in secret.”

Scootaloo chuckled, “Nope. It’s no secret anymore. I know the truth. My friends know the truth. I don’t know if other ponies we know have been told,” She shrugged. “I just wish my mom would calm down; not every pony is out to get me.”

Tree Hugger gave a reassuring smile knowing all too well about that situation, even though she has no kids of her own, “Don’t let that feeling get to you. Her aura has always been gentle. What she’s doing is just protecting you. She cares about you just as much as she cares for her animals, if not more,” She said. “You are her flesh and blood after all. And your auras have grown stronger from it.”

Scootaloo blinked and smiled a bit at Tree Hugger’s words. Perhaps she was right. But the talk about aura was still confusing and Scootaloo couldn’t understand what she meant by that ‘aura stream’. She continued to listen to Tree Hugger as she told her what she remembered when she and Fluttershy were at the place where they were watching the Breezies until they arrived at their first stop.

“Oh good, we’re here,” Scootaloo said as she approached the vegetable stand. She neglected to see Tree Hugger suddenly stop behind and stare at her with worried eyes.

Tree Hugger mentally slapped herself for not realizing where they were. She secretly gazed her eyes at the aura streams connected to Scootaloo. Like Fluttershy’s aura, she can see Scootaloo’s aura and noticed there was a connection; Scootaloo’s aura was, of course, connected to Fluttershy’s aura stream but it was also connected to three others. She figured it would be her grandparents, but the black aura stream came up again. Tree Hugger made a soft gasp and realized Scootaloo was heading to the exact spot where the owner of the black stream is.

Tree Hugger called out, “Scootaloo, wait!” but it was too late. Scootaloo walked up and knocked on the desk of the stand three times. “Oh no,” Tree Hugger whispered to herself as she slowly approached behind Scootaloo. Out the tent walked an average, slightly buff looking, white stallion with a light green apron over his chest. He had a dull frown on his face as he approached Scootaloo.

“Welcome to Rocky’s vegetable stand. We sell vegetables of any kind,” he said in a slightly deep, mellow tone.

Tree Hugger had an uneasy, yet surprised look on her. This stallion was a pegasus with light blue fur that matched the sky above and a dirty white shortcut-style mane and tail; he could blend in with the sky if he wanted to, but the only noticeable part was the purple streaks combined with the white on the edges. But his distinctive feature was a noticeable, almost creepy and painful looking scar across his eye down to his muzzle and mouth, yet the eye itself seemed perfectly fine; the magenta pupil did show. It looked as if he been through one big fight, but who? Tree Hugger would ask, but uneasy and nervous feelings bombarded her. She now knew exactly who the owner of the black aura belonged to, and why it’s connected to Scootaloo as well. This stallion must be Scootaloo’s father, and Scootaloo was completely unaware.

She tried to talk to Scootaloo, but the Scootaloo spoke to the stallion before she could get a word in, “And a hello to you to Mr. Grouchy,” she joked with a mix of dry sarcasm. She wasn’t too fond of the tone this guy was giving. Rocky always had a welcoming approach with customers. What’s this pegasus’s deal?

The stallion rolled his eyes at Scootaloo as he asked, “Can I help you two with anything?” he wasn’t really hiding the fact he was very knackered and bored and really wanting to go home.

Scootaloo ignored the stallion’s tone as she said, “Yeah, I’d like a few carrots and… asparagus, please,” Scootaloo crunched her eyes and cringed, and almost choking on that word she hated it so much. Why Fluttershy wanted her to get them is baffling. She knew how much her daughter hated them. It was so confusing.

A sudden, soft chuckle from the stallion took her mind off of the thought as she looked up at the stallion, “You hate asparagus too, huh?” he asked the confused little filly when he heard her cringing tone. A slight crooked, small smile peeled onto his face before he walked back to get what she needed, “Glad to know I’m not the only one, kid.”

Scootaloo cracked a little smile at his change of behavior before speaking again, and asking, “Are you new here? Where’s Rocky?” She knew him almost as much as Fluttershy did. They came to the vegetable store all the time, mostly her mother, to buy groceries and have a quick chat before leaving. It happened so often that Scootaloo was surprised she hasn’t seen a picture of Fluttershy on his wall for ‘number one customer’.

“Eh, Rocky’s feeling sick. So he left me in charge while he’s away,” He said as he got the vegetables and placed them in the grocery bag before walking back to Scootaloo and Tree Hugger. “And I’ve been working here for a few months; I’m not that new.”

“If you say so, I guess,” she sarcastically said and prompted the stallion to look at her suspiciously before she chuckled and smiled again at him. “I’m just kidding. I’m Scootaloo and this is Tree Hugger.” She motioned to Tree Hugger before hearing a surprised gasp from the stallion.

His ears perked up at that first name, “Wait, Scootaloo?” he said in surprise from hearing that. “The little filly who rides on a scooter with a blue helmet? That Scootaloo?”

Scootaloo blushed a bit and smiled proudly before letting out a small chuckle, “Yup, the one and only. You’ve heard of me?” she asked enthusiastically.

He nodded, “I sure have. I know you don’t know it, but I see you and your friends cross by all the time talking about ways of how to get your cutie marks. You three really love to shout.”

Scootaloo blushed in slight embarrassment at the last part, “Sorry about that. We just love trying to figure out what we’re good at,” She said. “It’s kind our thing at this point.”

The stallion nodded again with his own enthused smile before he noticed Tree Hugger stand beside Scootaloo in complete silence, “You’re awfully quiet. Is something wrong?” he asked in slight concern.

Tree Hugger blinked and snapped back into the real world before shaking her head and gazing at the stallion and a rather confused Scootaloo, “Oh, forgive me; I was in a meditated state. My chakra was feeling dim and… I had to balance it so it wouldn’t cause me issues, you know?” she said only getting a confused look from Scootaloo and the stallion. But they just shrug it off. Tree Hugger took a breath of relief.

Dodged a bullet.

“I’ll just take the groceries,” Tree Hugger said as she grabbed the grocery sack. He seemed unaware he was talking to his own daughter, that should be so. She almost slipped that time; what else could go wrong?

“So, what’s your name, sir?” Scootaloo asked.

The stallion smiled at Scootaloo, and happily replied, “My name is…”

“Drift Velocity!” a tomboyish voice called out and interrupted. A voice Scootaloo knew all too well and was happy and surprised to hear. Tree Hugger, however, was just confused.

Scootaloo and Tree Hugger look back to see Rainbow Dash dive down with a bit of grace and land with the utmost ease before rising to her full height and gloried herself for how awesome she stuck the landing.

“Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo said as she bolted to her idol and gave her a near tight hug. She smiled with joy, happy to see her.

“Hey, squirt,” Rainbow Dash said as she returned the hug. “Been a while. How’ve things been going with you and your mother?”

“It’s been great for the most part. Mom’s been very protective of me and took great care of me. I have a new pet to play with, and made a few new friends.” Scootaloo said with a joyful grin and a look of excitement when she gets back home.

Rainbow Dash smiled proudly. Hearing Scootaloo say this made her feel a lot better. She had doubts at first when she managed to reunite them, but hearing her little fan say this made her doubts dwindle and fade. “I’m glad to hear it. I knew Fluttershy can be protective, but I never thought she’d be VERY protective,” Rainbow Dash snickered before asking, “So, who’s your new friends?”

Scootaloo peered back and pointed at Tree Hugger, “One of my mom’s friends, Tree Hugger.”

Tree Hugger smiled at them and waved sheepishly. She was a tad surprised to see one of Fluttershy’s Ponyville friends appear. She’s been told by Fluttershy that Rainbow can be very approachable, but her aura spoke out to her the most; Rainbow was very approachable.

Rainbow Dash tilted her head in confusion and got a case of familiarity when she looked at Tree Hugger, “Huh, you look familiar,” Rainbow Dash said. “Have we met before?”

Tree Hugger nodded in response before saying, “We have. We met at the Gala when, like, Discord had one of his tantrums.”

A snickered chuckle escaped her Rainbow’s throat, “Pfft, oh yeah, I remember now. You’re Fluttershy’s hippie friend,” Rainbow Dash said before laughing a bit as the memories flew back; Tree Hugger took no offense to her words. She thought that the term was rather innocent and true to her nature.

“I got a great laugh out of that day. Discord nearly flipped. Thanks for saving us from the smooze, by the way.”

“Trend nothing of it, Rainbow flyer,” Tree Hugger said in kind while secretly analyzing Rainbow Dash’s aura stream. It was as bright and rainbow as her hair and cutie mark, yet it was surprising to her as this type of aura was mixed with different emotions. There can only be one color to an aura, yet Rainbow Dash displayed many. Tree Hugger could tell Rainbow Dash was happy physically, but her aura showed she was focused on something, yet showed no sign of impatience; this was new to Tree Hugger. She also noticed three other aura streams connected to her own, but the nature pony was more fixated on Rainbow’s aura. These mixed emotions questioned her. Why is Rainbow Dash here? Was it because of Scootaloo? No! Something’s odd here, and she needed to know why.

“So, why are you here, Rainbow Dash?” Drift Velocity asked calmly yet hesitantly. His voice cuts off Tree Hugger’s thoughts as she looked at Drift Velocity then back at Rainbow Dash only to witness a sharp glare from the athlete pegasus.

“You know why I’m here, Drift. Don’t act like you don’t know.”

Her tone of voice threw Tree Hugger off. She went from joyful to irritated in a matter of seconds. Even her emotions ran as fast as she does fly. Just how fast is Rainbow Dash? Tree Hugger was baffled but not really interested to know as she and Scootaloo noticed the glare on Rainbow’s face.

“Do you to, like, know each other?” Tree Hugger asked. That was the only question she had to ask before she heard Scootaloo talk.

“Yeah, are you two friends?”

Drift Velocity held in his words as he looked at Rainbow Dash with aggravated eyes. He wanted to answer Scootaloo’s question, but coming up with something to say was difficult, because he did not want to step on thin eggshells, and Rainbow Dash showing up made things even harder than it needed to be.

Rainbow Dash, thankfully, answered Scootaloo’s question, and said, “No, just acquaintances.”

“Yeah, just acquaintances.”

Tree Hugger scanned they’re auras and saw that Rainbow Dash had a bright red-orange color; the rainbow aura stopped when that happened. But Drift’s aura remained as black as it always had. Rainbow Dash was annoyed and angry and Drift was stressed out, but why? Tree Hugger grew even more confused by their actions toward one another. That’s when a thought occurred to her; Drift Velocity is Scootaloo’s father and Rainbow Dash knew Scootaloo, Fluttershy and Drift. So, they might have a past with one another. But why was she here? Could she be trying to tell Drift the truth?

Tree Hugger gasped to herself. She couldn’t, could she?

“I see you’ve met Drift already, Scootaloo,” Rainbow Dash looked back at Scootaloo to see her nod.

“Yeah, I have.”

“That’s cool,” she said nonchalantly before smiling a bit. “Do I have some news to tell you.”

Tree Hugger froze in place.

She could.

Tree Hugger widened her eyes and felt her heart race before looking around to find any form of a distraction. A bird call? No! A nearby mouse? Not one in sight. She looked around until she almost became exasperated. She did hook her eyes to the clock tower and saw the time. She smiled and gasped a bit before she quickly said, “Hey, Scootaloo, look at the time. We’re running a little late, aren’t we?”

Scootaloo gasped and looked at the clock tower, “Oh crap, you’re right, and we still haven’t gotten all the groceries. Mom’s going to be peeved if I’m late.”

“And isn’t there someone waiting for you at home to meet and play with?” Tree Hugger asked, prompting Scootaloo to flinch at the thought.

Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow, “I’m sure she can wait a little longer,” she said, eager to tell Scootaloo something.

“Sorry, Rainbow Dash, but I can’t stay. I need to get these groceries done, and fast. I also have a friend waiting for me,” Scootaloo paced before gazing at Tree Hugger. “Come on, Tree Hugger. Bye, Rainbow Dash. We can talk later,” Scootaloo quickly rushed to the nearest store and away from Rainbow Dash and Drift Velocity.

“Wait, Scootaloo,” Rainbow Dash tried to call back Scootaloo but she galloped away before the words could get to her. She looked at Tree Hugger with a somewhat annoyed and irritated glare.

“Why’d you do that?”

Tree Hugger shrugged and smiled a bit, “I had to let her know time, like, wasn’t waiting? We were in a hurry.” Tree hugger said before giving a slight glare to Rainbow Dash. When Drift was looking at another direction, Tree Hugger looked back at Rainbow Dash and said, “She must never know,” she quickly rushed to catch up to Scootaloo while thinking that was a close one.

“Wait, what do you mean by that?” Rainbow Dash asked but Tree Hugger already left. Rainbow Dash cocked a confused and irritated brow as she frowned. The opportunity to tell Scootaloo was completely ruined. Many questions stirred around in her head, but one erupted from her throat rather quickly.

“What just happened?” She said as she threw her arms up. Tree Hugger acted very strange. She wanted to stop the hippie pony and force her to tell her what she meant by what she said, but let out an annoyed sigh instead; she had other objectives in mind and figured plan B was in order.

“What happened?” Drift asked as he walked beside Rainbow Dash and sat next to her only to have a glare thrown at him.

Drift noticed and reeled his head back as he confusingly said, “What?”

“You still have to do that thing we talked about,” Rainbow Dash reminded him before getting back up to scowl him. “You had plenty of time to think. Now what’s your decision?”

Chapter 3.5 Pet Meeting

Angel hopped through the doggy door and looked around; his whiskers twitched and his ears perked. He was looking for his prime target. He hopped on the grass and ventured away from the cottage.

He stopped and looked around; twitching his little snout before finding the giant den holding the newcomer of Fluttershy’s domain. He smiled deviously and eagerly approached the den. Despite what Fluttershy told him before, Angel neglected to hear the parts about who Varan was and who he belonged to; he just wanted to try to come up with a prank for him so he can feel better and let Varan know who the boss was around here.

By the size of the den, Angel assumed it was a new bear. He never actually saw Varan because he was either busy or sleeping, which was all the time; he just didn’t want to admit he was a lazy bum. The devious bunny looked around for any materials for him to use to prank the newcomer.

Unfortunately, there was nothing for him to use. He hung his ears in disappointment before going old school and just simple scare Varan out of his den. He shrugged to himself before hopping towards the entrance of the hole. He looked around again before letting out a soft chuckle as he thumped the ground with his foot before getting ready.

As he did, he inhaled before a sudden bark stopped him and caused him to groan in irritation.

The white bunny looked behind him to see Applejack’s dog Winona arrive with Tank and Owlowiscious flying beside and Opal and Gummy on her back.

Angel turned around and gestured them a look that said ‘what are you guys doing here?’

Owlowiscious hooted at him in response. They wanted to know if Angel wanted to play with them while their owners were busy. Having tons of work on their hooves has taken time away from play time, so they agreed to come up with other means of keeping them occupied.

Opal lightly mewed to Angel; even she decided to tag along with them being how lazy and evil she can be. Angel respected her for the common traits, but the only difference between them was that the pampered cat was far more aggressive, yet can be terrified of almost anything. Wonder how she’d react if Varan came out?

Tank and Gummy just remained silent as they watched their mammalian friends talk; well, Tank did. Gummy was lazily laying on Winona’s back looking at the den behind Angel.
Angel drooped his ears and looked at them in thought. He looked at the den behind him then at his friends. A day with friends is always a great day, but he still had that urge to prank the one in the den.

When he did look at the large den, it prompted the other pets to look at it as well; all having mixed views on it. Like Angel, they all thought it was a bear living in there; it was awfully big to be fit one. Opal, Tank, and Owlowiscious looked at it with shocked eyes, Winona was just curious to know who was in there, and Gummy was just absent minded.

Angel noticed them and gestured to get their attention; he successfully did before gesturing to them that whoever lives in that large, creepy den belonged to Scootaloo; when he finished, they all understood.

Winona let out a few excited barks. If the animal inside belonged to a friend of their owners, then it should be a part of their group, too. Winona wagged her fluffy tail and was very eager to meet this animal.

Owlowiscious was a little skeptical about it. He let out a few hoots to Winona and thought that it wasn’t such a good idea to bring Scootaloo’s pet out. It may be Fluttershy’s home, but that doesn’t mean any dangerous animals can still live here. Scootaloo may have picked a dangerous animal.

Tank slowly narrowed his head over Angel and floated higher to get a view, but the darkness was too powerful for his sight. He wasn’t able to tell who or what was in that den.

Opal could care less about what the animal looked like. All she wanted was to play or watch. She emitted a few impatient hisses before they all heard a deep, hiss-like snore inside the den. They all flinched at once before Angel turned a quick 360 to look at the dark entrance. That legitimately freaked him out. What on earth made that kind of snore? It wasn’t a bear. Now Angel was just as curious as Winona.

Gummy even showed signs that he was interested in know, too. He blinked a few times before sliding off of Winona and plopping to the ground on his back. He innocently rolled onto his feet and crawled next to Angel while Angel eyed the open darkness.

Owlowiscious shook and hooted in fear as he landed on the ground and backed up a bit. He had no intention of going any closer. What in Equestria made that snore? He was at least curious to know who made that snore; he just wanted to be at a safe distance.

Angel stood in front of the den, flabbergasted at what he just heard. It sounded like a hiss but not like anything he’s heard the other animals make. He looked at Gummy and gestured to him if he’s heard anything like that, only to get head shake from the baby alligator. He then looked at a shaking Opal and gestured to her if she’s heard a hiss like that, but Rarity’s cat shook her head, too. He nodded to her before looking back at the den to think.

If Philomena was here, she’d probably help light up the den. That would’ve been very helpful and made things easier for Angel. Instead, the white rabbit had to think of something else. If the animal inside is sleeping, then an alarm clock would be needed. Angel perked his ears up excitedly. He had a plan, and Winona is the perfect one to help.

He turned his head and gazed at a confused Winona before gesturing her over. He gestured Gummy to step aside as Winona approached her bunny friend and sat on the other side of him; she let out a small whine and wondered what Angel had in mind.

When Gummy stepped back, Angel peered back at Winona and looked up at her with a confident look. Of the ones in the group, Winona was the loudest of them. And it was a perfect that she was here. Opal would’ve been another good choice, but he didn’t want the risk of getting a clawed slapped from stepping on her tail.

Winona tilted her head when Angel started gesturing to her to let out the loudest barks she could muster. The farm dog perked her own ears up and panted happily. If there was one thing she loved, besides everything else, is barking. Angel gestured to her again before Applejack’s best friend gave a quick, excited nod in agreement.

Angel smiled at that and stepped aside to let her start. He didn’t have to wait long for Winona to get up and start to slightly growl to get the bark started.

The other pets watched and waited before Winona lunged and barked so loudly, it echoed inside the den.

Opal, Angel, and Owlowiscious flinched and covered their ears while Tank hid in his shell. Gummy just stood there absent minded and mentally blocked the loud barks.

Winona repeated the process and barked three more times. She attempted to bark again, but a loud, intimidating hiss cut her off and forced her to back off.

The other pets unplugged their ears and watched Winona back away frightened as she whimpered and shook a bit. Tank unsheathed his head and limbs from his shell as he and the mane six pets heard another angry hiss coming from inside the den.

Varan is awake, and he did not sound happy in the slightest.

Another hiss emitted from the den as Angel approached with caution. He was about to gesture to Varan to come and play until a large claw slammed down in front of him. He looked at the claw as his ears drooped down, he frowned and his eyes shrank pea-sized; he immediately regrets making this decision.

Opal, Owlowicsious, Tank and Winona sat stiff as a board. Fear engulfed them when they saw the terrifying brown claw. They all gazed up and witnessed a dragonesque, reptilian head melt out of the darkness and snarl at them with curved teeth flaring. The heated, yellow eyes glared down at the five animals. The stare alone made their colors fade from existence, except Opal’s who had a ghost white color fur; her shrunken irises and shaken body did all the talking. Gummy, however, remained unfazed by the nightmarish approach.

Varan slowly hissed at the rude animals for waking him. He stuck out his pink forked tongue before noticing something white close to his claw. He looked down to see a white rabbit stand in front of his claw.

Angel, still shocked, never expecting this at all; he anticipated seeing fur on this claw, not scales. He was so used to seeing bears around here that seeing a claw like the one in front of him was completely alien. Just what kind of bear had scales, and not fur? He thought about that before peering up to see its owner. Instead of seeing a bear, he was welcomed by the sight of a gigantic lizard looking down at him with a look of irritation in his eyes. Angel paled, paler than his own fur; in his entire life, he never witnessed a lizard like Varan. He stood taller than Winona and his eyes nearly matched Opal’s, but Varan was clearly reptilian like Gummy and Tank. No wonder he never noticed any other predators show up near Fluttershy’s cottage; it was all because of Varan. His appearance alone would scare away something as big as a lion, if not as big as Harry.

So, this is Scootaloo’s pet. If the other pets were thinking the same thing like him, they’d probably be thinking…

Where and how did Scootaloo get Varan?!

Varan peeled his upper lip back and growled at the six other animals. He had every right to scare them off for what they have done but decided to milk it because he actually enjoyed seeing their terrified faces. It brought joy to him. He slowly flicked his forked tongue and gazed at them some more before noticing the white rabbit back away from him.

He was wise to do that.

Angel backed away from Varan and accidentally bumped into Winona, shaking like a leaf. Thoughts raced and panic aroused; he had no idea what to do in a situation like this. He’s never seen a creature like Varan before. He looked to Owlowiscious in hopes to know if he had any thoughts but saw a prone owl next to a fear-paralyzed Opal. Well, the wise owl is out of the picture, he thought to himself of what should he do now?

Winona didn’t bark. Opal didn’t hiss. And Philomena wasn’t here to drive back Varan with her flames. He looked at Tank and Gummy and thought that they were not going to help, so he decided to ignore them. He looked back at Varan and watched him walk out of his den. He closed his eyes and thought that this could be the end, but he opened one eye to see Varan stop when Gummy started waddling up to the giant lizard.

Tank followed Gummy and landed beside the baby alligator as the two reptiles calmly looked up at their fellow reptilian brother.

Varan blinked at them and hissed quietly, confused as to why they weren't scared of him like the mammals. Then again, it was kind of refreshing that some were not scared of him; he even liked that it was other reptiles.

He leaned his head close to Gummy and Tank, prompting the mammals to flinch again and try to get their friends out of there. But what started out as fear and confusion turned into shock and astonishment as Angel and the other furry pets heard a small, quick hiss from Gummy.

Varan tilted his head at Gummy. His hiss sounded almost identical to his. He was thrilled about that because he can understand that hiss. The large Komodo dragon hissed in return before they started hissing back in forth with some unique sounds to them while adding a bit of groans and growls in there.

Angel and Opal looked at one another before looking back at the reptiles. They all thought Gummy was just a quiet alligator who loved being in his own world, but there he was having a conversation with a creature that would eat him in one bite; even Tank threw in some honks occasionally to join in the conversation.

They saw Varan lift his head and made sucked in hisses; he was laughing. They all seemed confused before they watched Varan dip his head to have another hiss talk with Gummy and Tank.

Winona scratched her ear but kept her focus hooked and wondered what they were talking about. She had better hearing than the others, but all she could make out were whispers. She tilted her head and let out a long soft whimper. She wanted to join in, but she was hesitant because she did not know if this huge lizard would attack or not; she’ll just leave it to Gummy and Tank.

Owlowiscious just watched in amazement. Like Angel and the other pets, he has never seen a creature like Varan before. It was quite an amazing and terrifying sight. If his owner was here, she’d document and study the ever-loving daylights out of this enormous lizard; well, aside from getting through fear and shock first. It was truly a revelation to witness Gummy talk to the massive lizard. His owner would definitely get her day made out of this.

Their hissing diminished and Varan looked at the mammals with a blank expression. The furry pets watch as Gummy climbs on Varan’s back as he slowly approached them. They stood still and watched, slightly afraid. They had no idea what Varan was going to do, or what he was thinking.

The giant lizard stopped. Silence took over. They waited for the worse to happen. They watched Varan lean his head forward and realized his first target was Winona.

The poor dog closed her eyes and waited for anything bad to happen, but what she thought would be the worst thing imaginable turned out to not be something gentle as she can feel a warm, scaly snout rub against her cheek. The border collie snapped her eyes open and gazed at Varan to him showing an affection of friendship. Angel, Opal, and Owlowiscious gazed confusingly at this act, but Winona didn’t give a second thought as she immediately licked the komodo’s snout and accepting his friendship.

Tank flew to Angel and landed in front of him. He didn’t gesture to him like Angel always did, but a slow head turn to Varan, a head turn to him, a slow bite gesture and a slow head shake gave him a quick message. A message the white rabbit quickly got.

Varan doesn’t bite friends.

Angel nodded to the message as Tank’s propeller started up and lifted him back in the air before turning around to be with his new friend. Angel was about to do the same when Varan suddenly gave all his attention to him and looked down at him with suspicious eyes. Angel froze then gazed up at the large lizard and stared directly at those cat-like eyes. Angel watched as Varan leaned his head down close to Angel and gave a slow, eerie, defensive hiss. Angel was confused until another hiss got the point across.

Varan slightly glared at Fluttershy’s rabbit. He knew exactly who Angel was and he was fully aware of what he was capable of thanks to Young Master and Older Master. He remembers seeing Young Master’s injury; he was confused, worried and curious about what happened; when she did tell him the story about with the exploding cupcake and bleeding muzzle, he didn’t like what he heard and he definitely didn’t like the part where she got hurt. He hissed at him again as a clear warning if he ever tried to pull those stunts on him, he will have nightmares and those nightmares will be a very valuable lesson.

Angel shakily nodded and waved his little paws, letting the massive predator know he will not be doing that in the slightest; now that he knows what Varan is and won’t question what he’s capable of.

Varan understood Angel’s gesture and took it wholeheartedly. At first the other pets thought he was going to attack Angel, but they were glad he didn’t; the reason he did not turn Angel into a four course meal was because Young Master told him that Angel belonged to Older Master and he should not kill him because he belongs to Old Master, and she would be very upset if he killed her beloved pet. So a warning hiss was enough.

And that hiss drilled in deep into Angel’s mind. He got the message quite clear and gave a shaking smile and thumbs up to the massive lizard before Varan pressed his scaly snout against him for a friendship nuzzle like he did with Winona.

The sound of small flapping wings beat for a brief moment before Owlowiscious landing between Varan and Angel, prompting Varan to gaze upon the small owl before he let out a hoot to him. A few hoots more made Varan tilt his head. Owlowiscious placed his wing on his chest and hooted to Varan again, introducing himself and the rest of the pets.

Varan blinked in confusion and slowly flicked his forked tongue. He understood what the owl was saying, and got all the names given to him; he didn’t really care about their names in the slightest; he would just forget them anyway. So he just went with what he saw and naming them after it.

Since this owl was wise enough to give him space, along with the others, as he crawled out his den, he guessed Wise One would suit him fine. For the dog, since she was the one who woke him up in the first place, she’d be Loud One. The little alligator was the first one to approach him without any hint of fear, and he was chatty at that, which he thought neat, so he’ll be Brave One. The dirty white cat didn’t really approach him at all, he’ll change that in a bit, but her color and attitude reminded him of a purple-haired, pampered looking pony he briefly saw with Older Master and Younger Master while he was in the shadows hiding. He still wished he could’ve scared her; it would’ve been fun. Sometimes Young Master can be no fun. But if the cat and pony do share a connection, Pampered One might suit her well. He looked at the other reptile of the group and second bravest to approach him. He wasn’t as chatty as Brave One, in fact, he was very quiet for the most part, but the thing on his shell really got his attention and made him wonder how this little tortoise was able to fly with it. Varan took a brief moment to think but figured Quiet One would work; Flying One was another choice, but Wise One already flies, so that’s down the wormhole.

And then last is the one who hurt his master. Varan took thought into that and came up with dozens of names like bully one, hurtful one or the little devil. All the names would suit this little rabbit because his true name was anything but. From the stories Young Master told up to his first attempt, he thought Devious One was the best name to give to Older Master’s pet because he was no angel.

A new thought then emerged as Varan blinked slowly in question. If these animals are here, what do they want with him?

Varan’s attention was grabbed when he felt certain spots on his back pressure. He swung his head back in confusion and irritation before seeing Pampered and Brave One sit on his back. He hissed quietly but was drawn away by rhythmic hoots. The lazy lizard turned his head to have Wise One fly up to his head and hoot to him, explaining to him why they were here. It wasn’t their intention to wake him, they just wanted Angel; it was Angel who made that decision.

A soul-piercing, one-eyed, death glare beamed directly at Angel; Varan did not like the decision at all, he would have preferred if he slept in peace. Angel flinched and backed up a bit when Scootaloo’s pet did that. Trouble was just around the corner; Angel could feel it. However, a saving grace known as Owlowiscious drew Varan’s attention back to him as he hooted to the komodo dragon.

Winona panted softly as she sat down with Tank while they and the other pets listened. Opal didn’t really pay no mind to the chat, but she did acknowledge how smooth Varan’s skin was; despite it being a tad bumpy. Angel just sat and listened with worried eyes and droopy ears; he wasn’t sure if Varan was really thinking of attacking him for what he did or not. Gummy just laid on Varan’s back being his absent-minded self.

Varan let out a light, quick hiss as he tilted his head when Wise One stopped his hooting. His hoots were clear when he asked him to join their little group. Varan gazed at the other pets in thought before giving his attention back to Wise One. Young Master did tell stories of two other fillies and how she called them friends, and she did tell him to make friends of his own one day when she wasn’t around; guess the one day had finally arrived. Instead of one, he’d have six new friends.

Varan then curved his neck and dipped his head towards Devious One and gazed at him for a bit, which scared the little rabbit into hiding behind Winona’s front left leg. Varan made some sucked-in hisses before rearing his head back to Wise One and nodded. If messing with Devious One was going to be an option, he would happily join them.

The mane pets made their respected calls, except Angel, as they warmly welcomed their new terrifyingly harmless friend into their group.

Varan looked at each of them before hissing to them if they could play here, and which they agreed to. Varan didn’t feel like walking anywhere today, so here near Older Master’s home was perfect anyway.

Winona wagged her tail and barked before jumping over Varan’s back excitedly and playfully, being the first to play him.

Angel, however, thought that this might’ve been a bad idea as he now knew Scootaloo told Varan everything that he’s done and what he’s capable of. He placed his paws on his head in thought and hoped to any rabbit gods up there that this day would not get any worst. He couldn’t prank the giant lizard and he most certainly can’t prank Scootaloo again as payback. He sagged his paws and ears as he looked at Varan in annoyance.

Karma was having none of Angel’s crap today.

Inner Conflicting Choices

“Decision?!” Drift said, “Rainbow Dash, I've been busy with my job and other things in life.” He had no clue what to say to her. He had no clue how she found him. And he wished she hadn't; for the past few weeks, she's been antagonizing him to go find Fluttershy and apologize. He had no clue why. He thought that his absence from her life was apologetic enough.

“I don't care, Drift,” Rainbow barked. “You've caused so much damage to Fluttershy after what you did.” she aggressively poked his chest that caused him to flinch but not enough take his eyes off her as he looked at her annoyed and agitated.

He shoved Rainbow's hoof away, and retorted, “That was in the freaking past. Yes, I know what I did was wrong, but it's done and over with. Now leave me alone!”

Her eyes slowly widen and her brows contorted to a hard V. Rainbow Dash snarled and gave Drift a threatening glare, “Have you forgotten what you did? I'm not going to blow this over like it's some kind of breeze! Do I have to remind you what you did?”

Drift rolled his eyes and shrugged, “Might as well. I can't stop you anyway.” Whatever Rainbow Dash had to say, he would not care in the slightest.

Rainbow noticed that eye roll and immediately got the hint he didn't care. She looked at him, annoyed “Alright, smart-aleck. How about getting Fluttershy pregnant.”

Or maybe he should've stopped her. He gazed at Rainbow Dash, shocked and his whole body felt cold. Now he remembered what happened, but he could not say what he wanted to say. His words were caught in the back of his throat. He couldn't speak for a few minutes until he finally got some words in, sort of, “I... I...” he stuttered until he spoke a coherent sentence, "I don't know what you're talking about.” And he just made an idiot out of himself. Why is Rainbow Dash doing this? He didn't want to deal with this and he especially didn't want to deal with her.

He had to find a way out so he can get on with his life. He had to think of something fast. Anything! The annoyed expression on Rainbow's face sure wasn't helping. He slightly panicked and shook his head, “I don't remember getting Fluttershy pregnant.” He wanted to slap himself for saying that. This just got from bad to worse, but he still saw that annoyed look on her face. He thought she was going to lash out or something. What was her deal?

Rainbow Dash knew he was lying through his teeth and it was aggravating her to no end. Three urges swam through her mind that she wouldn't hesitate to do: the urge to punch, the urge to mentally break him until he admits, or just tell Fluttershy herself; though the urge to punch him had never been so strong. She had to hold that off and be mature for her own sake. She knew she was hot-tempered and wouldn't hesitate to jump into action, but in a situation like this, it was a different ballgame.

Causing a scene could invoke issues to other ponies around them, and she saw some were getting suspicious of what they were talking about. She slightly snarled at them but hooked her gaze back onto Drift. They shouldn't stick their muzzles in other pony's business, but she'll admit that was her own fault. She just wasn't going to let Drift know it.

She needed to calm down and remain level-headed. If Drift was lying, then she needed a different method.

She took a deep breath and softly exhaled before speaking in a stern but calm tone as she glared at him with serious eyes, “I know you're lying Drift. You know as well as I that you got Fluttershy pregnant. I know you remember, so stop your bullshit.”

His mind was at a painful halt. His heart raced. Drift wanted out of this, but Rainbow went on.

“So, what's your choice?” she asked. “Go to Fluttershy or have me tell her myself. And I know she'll find you.” That last statement wasn't true. Her best friend was not a hunter, but she can picture Fluttershy being upset no matter who told her. Hopefully, this lie will get under his skin.

Drift soaked in what Rainbow Dash just said, but paused when he heard that last statement. He immediately calmed and collected himself. He raised a suspicious brow. He knew Fluttershy, too. Not a whole lot like Rainbow Dash, but he knew she would not likely do that. Something was off here.

“Wait a minute...” Drift grew suspicious and slightly glared at Rainbow Dash, but a panicked, yet familiar voice, called out to Rainbow Dash.

“Rainbow Dash!”

Rainbow Dash perked her ears as she and Drift looked back to see a brown, eagle-lion female griffin quickly soar down near them and rush up to Rainbow Dash.

“Gilda?” Rainbow Dash turned and approached her griffon friend, but the look in her eyes told her something was wrong.

“You okay?”

“Dash, I'm in trouble. Big trouble,” Gilda panicked, exhaustively panting through her voice as if she just flew fifty laps with twelve dragons chasing her. The beats of sweat around her body threw in a few clues as Rainbow Dash held her hooves up to Gilda's tufted fur to try and get her to calm down and snap out of it.

“Gilda, calm down. You're acting like you've just seen a hydra for the first time.” Rainbow said, “What's the matter with you?”

Even Drift was curious to know what was going on. This griffon seemed like she was in turmoil. Yet through that, he looked at this griffon as a surge of familiarity course through his mind. When he heard the name 'Gilda' is when that surge to effect as he remembered flashbacks of his highschool years when a young griffon with the same features Gilda approached him and his friends with Rainbow Dash. He remembered the wailing she gave to his friends and the hits Rainbow Dash gave on him. He managed to get away from them with his friends, but he was surprised and flabbergasted in himself for digging back into that. It was a bad day for him that day and he assumed the reasons for Rainbow's actions, but not Gilda. It was a mystery, but not one he wanted to be solved. He stayed out of sight as he listened to the two ramble about whatever they had to talk about.

And since Rainbow Dash was distracted, this would be a perfect opportunity to sneak away on with his life. Drift smiled to himself as he quietly backed away and turned around.

“My little sister. Glinda; she's gone,” Gilda cried out as she grabbed Rainbow Dash's arms.

Rainbow Dash widened her eyes in shock. She's met Gilda's little sister a few times back at Griffonstone and got a chance to talk and play with her for a bit before she and Gilda got to hang out.

“Little Glinda is missing?” Rainbow Dash asked when Gilda responded with a worried nod.

“I don't know where she is, Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow Dash removed Gilda's claws away from her arms, “Okay, when was the last time you saw her?” she asked.

Gilda collected some of her composure before answering her as calmly as possible, “Last time I saw her, I dropped her off at that small schoolhouse.”

Rainbow Dash took thought into what Gilda just said. She almost forgot Gilda and her little sister moved into Ponyville the other day and today was Glinda's first day of school. Some ideas came into mind as she placed a hoof under her chin. An instant smile formed on her face as her first guess came to fruition. She looked back at Gilda and nodded reassuringly.

“I think I might know where she is, but it's only a guess; I'm not always right on this kind of situation,” she chuckled at that little tease to herself.

Gilda puffed a sigh of relief as she calmed down and trusted Rainbow's word; at least she can take what she can get; it's better than nothing. She then took notice of the stallion a few feet away behind her friend, “Who's this guy?” she asked as she watched him flinch awkwardly as his fur stood up.

Rainbow Dash threw her head around and saw he was about to leave. She glared at Drift for attempting to leave before responding and reminding her griffon friend, “I'm surprised you don't remember Drift, Gilda.” she said in hopes of scaring Drift as punishment for even thinking they were done; he was so wrong on so many levels.

Gilda raised a brow and looked at Rainbow Dash confusingly. That name rang a little bell, but she had a hard time figuring out why. She gazed back at the stallion as he turned to face her showing a few hints of fear on his face. She picked up on this as she got a good look at his face. She tilted her head and pondered the moment she saw his eyes. The fear brought some satisfaction to her and she wanted to enjoy it, but it made her ask 'why?'. She still had that intimidation to this day and she was proud of that, but she wasn't really trying to scare either. This stallion really needed to lighten up, otherwise, he'd make the ground under him soggy.

“Drift?” Gilda said as she stood beside Rainbow Dash while she was just watched.

A look of fear and anxiety was brought upon Drift as he looked at Gilda. She looked almost exactly the same as she did back in highschool. The only difference he saw was her attitude and slightly muscular frame. She didn't sound as fierce as she did, but he needed to stay cautious around her. He then looked at Rainbow Dash as she sat there with a serious face. What hell was she trying to bring to him? He could feel his heart racing again, but he tried to remain calm as best he could. If this was another way for her to try and break him, she would need to do a lot more.

“Y-Yes, Gilda?” He responded as kindly, but with a bit of hesitation under his breath.

Gilda let out a brief sigh as she waved a reassuring talon, “Relax, scaredy-cat. I'm not going to slaughter you or anything. I just have a few questions.”

“Um, okay, and what's that?” Drift asked as kept his eyes on Gilda, trying hard not to shake.

Gilda rubbed the back her head, and asked, “Look, I know you're scared of me and I don't blame you, but I want to know why. Why are you scared of me?”

Drift now understood why Rainbow did what she did. He wanted to scold her back for putting him in this position. Someday, when the time comes, he will get her back for lifting Gilda's curiosity.

But he had no other choice left. He took a calm breath, cleared his throat and spoke to the griffon, “B-Because, I never forgot what you did to me and my friends back at Cloudsdale Highschool. You really did a number on us.” Drift said as he revealed to Gilda what she did back then.

Gilda reeled her head back and widen her eyes in confusion and shock. What was this guy talking about? It's been so long since she remembered her days back at that pony highschool. She hardly remembered her lunches let alone interactions with the other ponies. She was a loose cannon and cared less about what the other ponies thought of her; other than Rainbow Dash.

“What are you talking about, dude? My time at that Highschool wasn't all that great. The only fun I had was hangin' with Rainbow Dash, and--” she paused for a moment and thought about what Drift just said. She suddenly remembered one moment where Rainbow Dash asked her to join her in pummeling some stallions for some reason, but she never did care to know, or ask, what that the reason was. All she wanted was to have a little fun and she got a lot of it. That day was fun for her, but now she's changed. She pointed at Drift, and said in a surprising tone, “Wait, are you... no, it can't be.”

Drift slowly nodded to Gilda and ignored the smile Rainbow Dash had on her face, “Long time no see, Gilda.”

If there were any bells above her head, she'd hear the immense noises every gong. Everything was coming back to her.

Gilda threw her head forward as her irises shrank in realization, and said in a tone so shocked and so surprised, she thought she was seeing things, “Drift? Drift Velocity?!”

Drift nodded again, “The one and only.” he slightly cracked a smile and giggled a bit awkwardly.

Rainbow Dash kept her smile up as she spoke to them, much to Drift's dismay, “Yup, this guy is that Drift Velocity, Gilda. Been awhile, huh?” she gave her old friend a playful nudge on the shoulder.

She straightened her form, but her face remained the same. Gilda could not believe she didn't recognize Drift before; a look back wouldn't hurt now and then. She had to make a mental note of that.

“Yeah, I can hardly believe it's you. You look so different.”

Drift smiled a little wider, knowing Gilda was surprised and not wanting another round. She actually seemed excited; which was surprising. Maybe his anxiety got the better of him or something. But he still needed to keep his guard up just to make sure.

“And you look like you've hardly changed.”

“I'll say. You were the only one that actually put up a fight. The scar on your face is pretty badass, too,” she complimented him, but then gave him an apologetic frown. “Sorry for what I did back then. I wasn't quite thinking straight and joined Rainbow Dash for the heck of it.”

The smile on Rainbow's face instantly retracted and became a mistaking frown.

Drift blinked from hearing that last part and looked over to Rainbow Dash then back at Gilda. His suspicion was back up when he asked, “Apology accepted, but you didn't ask why she wanted you to come with her?”

“No. I didn't even think of asking. I just jumped in to have some fun,” she looked at Rainbow Dash with a curious glance. She knew it was a long time ago, but ever since she's gotten older she's been thinking rationally and asking questions before jumping into action; it was more of the right thing than what she previously did. With her curiosity peaked, she had known what went through Rainbow Dash's mind, “Dash, why did you ask me to go with you?”

Rainbow Dash looked at Gilda and tried to come up with ways to get out of this. She slightly panicked but kept her cool, or at least try to. If she were to tell Gilda her reason, she would...

...would she care?

Both Fluttershy and Gilda are her best friends, but they've met only a few times back in highschool and that one time where they bumped into each other in Ponyville. Gilda didn't care about anyone, except for her.

What changed?

Aside from knowing this and that Glinda was with her, she felt bad for neglecting to know her own griffin friend had a change in attitude. It was great to know that Gilda moved into Ponyville; it meant she would spend more time with her instead of traveling back and forth from Griffinstone to Ponyville; she could really use the time.

“Well?” Gilda said, getting a little impatient with Rainbow's quiet behavior.

“I... uh...” she sighed and gathered some of her thoughts. “I...”

“Say, Gilda,” Drift said, getting Gilda's attention. “Isn't there someone you two should be looking for?”

Gilda widens her eyes and gasped, “Oh crap, Glinda!” she turned her attention back to Rainbow Dash. “We still have to find her.”

“Oh, right. We almost forgot.”

“But we're not done talking about this. Once we find her, you are going to tell me your reason.”

Rainbow Dash nodded to Gilda; she'll owe her that for what she tried to do. The look on her face when she'll realize what her reason was, or meet the reason if Glinda is there.

As Gilda turned, a smile formed on Rainbow's face at the thought. She didn't have to tell Gilda, she'll just show her. But she then looked at Drift shaking Gilda's claw as they said 'goodbye' to one another. Her smile became a suspicious frown.

What was Drift planning?

Gilda dispersed her eagle wings and took off. Drift watched with a calm smile before a neon hoof aggressively poked him in the chest.

“Why did you butt in like that?” Rainbow asked sternly.

Drift rolled his eyes and quietly, but firmly, told Rainbow, “Gilda has no business knowing what you're trying to do right now; she has her own problems to deal with. If she finds out, that's fine. I don't really care.”

“Oh, like how you don't care about Fluttershy?”

“That's not what I-- ...” Drift paused his sentence and glared at Rainbow Dash. Anger swelled inside and he felt his urge to argue with Rainbow increased. He didn't want to talk about this any further, but he knew this persistent mare wouldn't stop until he cracked. He bit his lip and groaned, stopping himself from causing a scene, “Just go with Gilda and leave me alone. My shift is over thanks to you.”

Rainbow Dash glared at Drift with an annoyed snarl. She hated the fact that he was right, and her pride wouldn't let her admit it. She will get him to crack and she will make him see his wrongs because what he did to her best friend will not slide. She will bring him to her, maybe question Tree Hugger along the way.

This wrong will be right and she'll not rest until it's fixed.

Gilda calls out to Rainbow Dash as Rainbow Dash gazed up at her friend, “Coming,” she said to Gilda before looking back at Drift. “This isn't over, Drift.”

“I think it is,” Drift glared at Rainbow as she walked around him. He kept his glare on her as she took to the air and flew with Gilda.

Drift Velocity shook his head and sighed in relief. He walked up and entered back to his post until he looked up at the clock tower and groaned disappointingly.

“Dammit. Evening,” he cursed himself before closing up shop. He couldn't believe Rainbow Dash took all his time away from work and almost embarrassed him in front of Gilda and other ponies that unexpectedly, or unintentionally, happened to hear them. At least he got that crazy mare away from him, that's one good thing. Well, then again, that one talk with Scootaloo was nice. He chuckled to himself and remembered how she and her friends always came through and talked about Celestia knows what.

Scootaloo was as energetic as he was when he was younger. It was quite a surprise. Drift sighed again as he packed up the for the day and placed the closed sign on the stand. He reached under the stand and pulled out a decent sized pouch with his hard earned bits. He almost forgot about that third best thing. He was happy his boss didn't forget. Rocky did have a tendency to forget now and then.

He slipped on his bag and placed his pouch of bits inside until he heard something drop with a small thud He turned around and saw a small, half-broken heart stone with a picture attached to the back.

He picked it up and looked at the stone before he gazed at the picture. A small, apologetic, frightened frown formed as he kept his gaze on the picture.

“I'm so sorry,” he said to himself as he placed the stone and picture back in his bag. “I know you'll be angry, but I'm not ready to face you yet.” He zipped the tent shut and walked away.

“I hope you'll forgive me when I see you again.”

The Tension Of Past Regrets (Part 1)

“Oh gosh, that's a scary punishment, Fluttershy,” Glinda said, wincing.

Fluttershy smiled a shook her head with an assuring smile, and said, “Oh, don't worry, Angel wasn't hurt. I'd never do that to him” but it was her job to have lessons taught. “I just had to remind Angel that harmful pranks are not permitted.” If a prank such as an exploding muffin were to happen again, she'd just have her other animal friends like Harry the bear or Luca the wolf scare the tar out of him.

Glinda could only imagine, but she couldn't shake the urge to ask, “Wasn't it an accident?”

Fluttershy nodded, confirming her thoughts, “Oh yes, it was an accident, but it was an accident that harmed Scootaloo,” she swerved a spoon in her tea that she was holding, having a somewhat protective and saddened look at she glanced at her reflection in the tea. “I can tolerate mild pranks, but pranks like that is when I draw the line.”

She sighed softly. She loved her pet, but she can't have him pulling any more pranks now that Scootaloo is in their lives. There were many sacrifices, but those sacrifices gained new attributes. She knew some of her animal friends still haven't gotten used to Scootaloo, but progress wasn't that easy; for the most part. She still couldn't believe Scootaloo adapted rather easily to her new home and playing with some of the animals. It still baffles her, but she couldn't be any more proud.

“So what happened to him after that accident?” Glinda asked curiously.

Fluttershy smiled and chuckled softly, yet sounded a bit deviously too, “I had some of my other animal friends give him a scare tactic,” she wasn't gonna say which animal but it was enough to give an answer. “He learned his lesson after that.”

The little griffon blinked and looked at the window leading the backyard. Unfortunately for Fluttershy, Glinda was curious to know what creature scared Angel. She didn't see any other animals aside from that... big.. monster outside...

Glinda shook in fear as she looked back to Fluttershy, and asked, “D-Did you use that big, scaly monster to scare him?”

Fluttershy took a moment to think of what Glinda meant. It didn't take long as she gasped and quickly shook her head, “Oh no, Glinda. Varan wasn't around when the incident happened.” She tried to reassure the little griffon, noticing the frightened and paranoid glance. Whatever Varan did to scare her, he did a good job. She didn't know if Varan intended to scare her or not; all she knew was the story Scootaloo told her.

“Oh, okay,” Glinda said as she slowly calmed down.

Fluttershy looked at Glinda concerned. Having been through that ordeal, there was no doubt in her mind Glinda was gonna tell Gilda about it; she was starting to get nervous again. What if Gilda took it the wrong way and blamed her for everything? Would she attack her and Scootaloo? These thoughts were clawing at her like a cat with a scratch post. She didn't know what to do once Gilda shows up. But then something clicked once she focused on what the little griffon was looking at before. Fluttershy looked to see the back door and immediately realized Glinda was scared of.

A soft chuckle and warm smile appeared as Fluttershy looked back at Glinda, “Glinda?” the timid griffon looked up at Fluttershy with a confused, yet adorable, look. “I know what you might be thinking: Are you scared of Varan?” she asked with a soft, non-pressured tone.

It wasn't a big response, but Glinda shyly tucked her head against her tuft of fur before slightly nodding to her, and barely said, “Y-Yes, he's very... s-scary.”

Fluttershy can vouch for that. When Varan first came into the picture, she had a tough time getting used to the big lizard and always thought he would attack and devour any of her other animals. She was thankful he didn't, somehow. In fact, looking at him reminded her of those creatures that once roamed Equestria 65 million years ago; but that was not the case. Varan was not one of them and he was here with them. Glinda has every right to be scared of him and she understood, but not when it comes to Scootaloo. Varan is Scootaloo's pet and has been since day one. The first two days had been rocky with how Varan would growl at her daughter and claw at her a few times.

She almost had a heart attack when she remembered Varan chomping down on Scootaloo's tail and hoisting her up like how a bat would hang upside down. She heard Scootaloo scream but turn into a laugh after. She would've gotten in there to save her daughter but Varan didn't move a muscle. He just stood there and let Scootaloo swing as he held. He placed her down afterward, but that was still a dangerous thing for him to do, maybe? Varan was a mystery to her. Then again, befriending an animal was a piece of cake to Fluttershy and seeing Scootaloo bond with a huge komodo dragon was a really impressive step up to her; albeit a scary step up at that. But she was proud, worried and hesitant, but proud. She thought a ferret or parakeet would've been a great start, but it didn't go as planned. Scootaloo wanted something big and extreme, so she got it.

Fluttershy gently placed a hoof on Glinda's head and caused Glinda to look at a soft smile and a kind face, “I know he seems scary, but I can assure you he won't hurt you.”

Glinda was still unsure about that. She knew Fluttershy would handle animals, but surely not an animal like that, “H-How do you know?” Glinda asked.

“You're not hurt are you?”

“N-no.”

“There you go,” Fluttershy removed her hoof and chuckled as Glinda blinked a few times before letting out a tiny chirp. A smile slowly formed as she looked at the element of kindness.

“Y-You're right,” she looked back at the back door with a little smile, believing what Fluttershy said. “He didn't hurt me at all.”

“He just scooped you up with his snout and lent you to me and Scootaloo. He didn't do anything after that,” Fluttershy revealed getting an amazed, sparkling look from the little griffon. Fluttershy smiled again, d'awwing mentally.

“That's a relief,” Glinda said before feeling something crawl on her right haunch. She looked down and saw a light brown fuzzy thing with eight gray legs crawl on her. It stopped as Glinda looked at it curiously and confused; eight red eyes shot open and blinked in unison.

Glinda widened her eyes and her face went paler than her fur. A large spider crawled on her.

Fluttershy saw the spider and smiled before hearing Glinda squeal and jump faster than Rainbow Dash's take offs and land in her arms. Fluttershy held her as the spider flipped 360 and landed on its legs with perfect footing.

“S-s-spider!” Glinda cried as she pointed at it only to hear a little laugh from Fluttershy. Glinda looked up at Fluttershy confused.

“Oh, don't worry. That's just Mr. Fuzzy Legs,” Fluttershy said as Mr. Fuzzy Legs waved a friendly front leg at them. “He won't harm you either. He's a Tarantula. And Tarantulas are very friendly.”

Glinda just looked at Mr. Fuzzy Legs as if she saw a demon and thought Fluttershy was nuts. In what world does she think spiders are friendly? Glinda wasn't a fan of spiders. Their eight eyes and how they moved around was very unsettling to her. And seeing a spider as big as Mr. Fuzzy Legs was not helping her ease her fear.

“Hello to you too, Mr. Fuzzy Legs.” Fluttershy greeted.

Her hunches might be right, either Fluttershy was secretly the bravest mare in the world or she was the craziest pony she's ever met in her life. Glinda couldn't tell. She just kept her eyes glued to the spider until she and Fluttershy saw him pointing to the back door.

“What is it, Mr. Fuzzy Legs?” she looked at her arachnid friend as he gestured as best he could to her. Though Fluttershy figured it out rather easily, “Angel and five other animals are near Varan?” That was odd. Most of the animals around her cottage tend to stay away from Varan; well, maybe except for Harry, but she has no idea if they met or not. This peaked her curiosity as she gently placed Glinda down, much to Glinda's dismay.

Mr. Fuzzy Legs jumped on Fluttershy without causing her to flinch. Glinda just sat there as she saw that, wishing she hadn't.

“Glinda, would you like to meet some of my other animal friends?” Fluttershy asked out of the blue.

The little griffon hesitated, seeing that Fluttershy might have more animals she would probably see in her nightmares. She thought Varan and Mr. Fuzzy Legs were scary monsters, but the possibilities of more were actually frightening. She looked away in thought before looking back to see Fluttershy with an assuring smile. Maybe she was overthinking things.

Glinda smiled a bit and nodded to the kind mare, and said with a quick chirp, “Okay.”

Fluttershy nodded back to her as she said, “Just stay by my side, alright? I'll make sure to let them know you're not used to them.” Glinda just nodded as she walked by her side. Mr. Fuzzy Legs crawling to the other side of Fluttershy so he would not scare the guest.

They walked to the back door as Fluttershy opened it. The sun was shining brightly on them but they still headed out. When their vision's cleared, they looked ahead but didn't expect to see a strange but surprising result. Fluttershy's friends' pets were in her backyard playing with Angel and Varan.

“Um, Fluttershy? Are those your animal friends?” Glinda asked confusedly.

“N-Not at all. Those animals belong to my friends,” Fluttershy said as Glinda gasped a little before hooking her gaze back onto them. When did they get here? Fluttershy looked on in confusion for a second before shrugging it off. It didn't matter anyway. Just like her other animal friends, Winona, Tank, Opal, and the others were always welcomed here. But it still baffled her why they aren't scared of Varan. Either way, if they aren't scared, why question it?

Fluttershy giggled as she looked to Glinda, “Come on, I'll go introduce you.” Glinda chirped excitedly as she and Fluttershy headed to the animals...

… until Varan caught sight of them.

“Finally, almost home,” Scootaloo said, happy that the grocery shopping was done and excited to go back and hopefully see if that griffon is awake. That whole ordeal with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon really didn't go so well for her. Then again, when has anything with been good with those two?

Tree Hugger chuckled as they walked away from Ponyville, “Excited are we?” She probably had a few guesses, but she'll let the little filly talk. Her aura was brimming with positive vibes.

“You bet I'm excited. I can make a friend and have her play with me and Varan.”

The smile on Scootaloo's face said it all. Though to her surprise, Scootaloo expressed herself a lot more than her mother does. Sometimes she would keep to herself, but she was improving as time progressed. That was one difference between the two. Must be traits of the father. She then worried. Not because of a horrific event that might not happen, but because someone was willing to make it happen.

“So, what are you planning to do once you see Glinda?” Tree Hugger asked curiously so she could take her mind off of her thoughts.

Scootaloo thought about that for a moment, “Huh? Good question.” She was excited to play and make friends with Glinda but never thought of what they were gonna play.

“Maybe tag, hide and seek, or – wait,” a huge thought just occurred to her the moment they reached the small bridge to the cottage. Tree Hugger looked at her confused. “I think Glinda might still be scared of Varan. He did make a scary entrance after all.” Though she knew he couldn't help it since his size is nearly on par Celestia's size.

Tree Hugger shook her head and cracked a little, assuring smile, “I think you have nothing to worry about, little shy,” she said receiving an odd look from Scootaloo.

“Little Shy?”

As if she hadn't heard Scootaloo, Tree Hugger continued, “I believe your mother has that covered.” She nodded to herself, “With all the time she had, she would've buffed that griffon's mind so she would not fear the animal.” Whether big or small that looked terrifying to other ponies, her friend would always find ways to make sure animals of any kind would not mean harm to ponies; though a rogue one is a different story.

Scootaloo was having a hard time believing that. Her mother may have helped other ponies and animals, but she's never helped a griffon before; neither as herself, but she was willing to try.

“If you say so, Tree Hugger,” She said as she walked up to the cottage with the groceries. As they did, they were unaware of two other figures following them in the sky.

The door closes as Rainbow Dash and Gilda land right as it did.

“Aw man, so close,” Rainbow Dash said slightly disappointed in herself. “If only we made it earlier.”

Gilda chuckled and rolled her eyes, “Does everything have to be a race with you, Dash?”

“Not all the time,” Gilda raised a brow at her. Rainbow Dash smiled innocently but came clean, knowing Gilda wasn't going to buy any of it, “Okay, almost all the time.”

“I thought so,” Gilda teased as Rainbow Dash lightly and playfully punched her arm before she curiously glanced at the cottage in front of them.

“So, this is Fluttershy's place?”

“Yup, this is the place.” Rainbow Dash said before chuckling. “Not as awesome as my home, but it's nice.”

Nice is putting it lightly. Gilda didn't know what to say about it. This was her first time seeing it and she had to admit it was more bizarre looking than the rest in Ponyville. She thought they were somewhat alright with colorful roofs and decorative plants, but it mostly bland to her. Heck, homes like hers were nest-like and very comfortable for perching; it was almost themed in a way. But Fluttershy's home looked nothing like her old home and the homes in Ponyville. This cottage had tile tan chimney with two birdhouses on it, a roof with dozens of leaves to make it look like a giant bush or shrub, four or five windows, another birdhouse over the door and a bridge in front of it with a smooth sounding creek under it. Though the dozens of extra birdhouses were fairly odd; the urge to insult this place was growing, and yet it didn't come out. It's as if her words hung on to a thread.

“Are you sure Glinda's here, Dash?” Gilda asked her to make sure until something came to her before glanced down.

Rainbow Dash nodded proudly “Sure, I'm sure. Scootaloo seemed excited to head back here, so I assumed your little sister might be here, too.” Though her subconscious said otherwise. This was actually the only guess she had. She had no other ideas and if Glinda wasn't at Fluttershy's house, then she'd probably be in a lot of trouble. She mentally sighed, hoping Glinda was here.

“Alright, here goes nothing. You ready... Gilda?” Rainbow Dash looked at her friend in sudden confusion.

Gilda stood beside her with a hesitant look in her eyes. She felt a slight pain in her chest and gently gripped her tuffed fur with one claw. Something was wrong. Her body felt cold all of a sudden. She's never felt something like this before and she didn't like it. She heard Rainbow Dash, but couldn't answer; her voice was caught in the back of her throat. What was going on?

A cyan hoof to her arm brought her out of unknown state. She looked to see Rainbow Dash concerned.

“Hey, you alright? You look like you've seen a ghost.”

“Y-Yes. I'm fine. It's just... I don't know what went wrong there,” She had no clue why it happened so sudden. Was it because of this place? Or something else. Either way, she had a goal: find Glinda and bring her small furry butt back home. She didn't want to go through this again.

“Well, I'm sure what ever it was can be solved later. Come on, we have to find your sister,” Rainbow Dash said as she approached the door as Gilda followed behind now thinking of what just happened.

Rainbow Dash eagerly knocked on the door and waited as Gilda stood next to her, waiting as well. A nudge from Rainbow Dash snapped Gilda out of her thoughts. She nodded in thanks to the rainbow-maned pegasus until someone finally answered the door. Rainbow Dash cracked a friendly smile as the door opened. Gilda wasn't too surprised, but Rainbow Dash's smile shifted to a slight frown upon who answered.

“You?!”

Tree Hugger wasn't too thrilled either. She sensed extra auras arriving and was quick to answer the door before anyone else could, “Hello, Rainbow Dash.”

“Didn't know you were gonna be here,” Rainbow Dash said with an unamused tone. She hadn't forgotten what she did back in Ponyville. When she has the time, she'll set her straight, even if she's Fluttershy's friend.

“I'm here for a visit. I haven't seen Fluttershy in, like, so long. I couldn't contain my elation.”

Gilda blinked a few times at this strange pony and tilted her head slightly. Of all the ponies she's seen, this mare was probably the second weirdest pony she's met; the first being Pinkie Pie being how energetic and happy-go-lucky she was. But unlike her, this mare sounded very mellow, but defensive for some reason. Who is she? She didn't seem to notice her when she and Rainbow Dash talked, or somewhat of it. Have they met before? If her current situation wasn't confusing enough, this was surely a reaching a new level. She had to step in and stop them; there were goals she needed to do, after all.

“Um, excuse me?” Gilda said breaking the conversation before receiving a shocked look from the weird mare.

“Whoa, my bad. Didn't see you there. My aura must've been tainted with negative vibes,” Tree Hugger chuckled a bit, but Rainbow Dash took it as a jab to her.

“Yeah, um, I don't know what that means, but I was wondering if a little griffon named Glinda was here?” Gilda asked rather calmly. Making fun of this mare would've been so easy to do and it would've been so much fun, but she recalled that wasn't the right thing to do. She was above that now and felt proud of herself for the things she's recently done, like amend with Drift. That's was one on her list, now there's probably a lot more, but she'll do that later.

“Oh, the little shy one?”

Gilda let out a small groan and faceclawed herself. She may be more mature, but there were old habits that remained with her. One of those being that griffons were not 'shy' creature; they were strong and brave. To hear something like this was just not the least bit cool. When they get home, she'll have to teach her younger sister how to be tougher.

“Yes, that would be--” then what the mare just said came to her in a flash “--Wait, she's here?” Gilda widened her eyes in surprise as she beamed them at Tree Hugger.

Tree Hugger nodded, confirming her answer, “Yes, she is playing in the backyard with Fluttershy and Little Shy.”

Rainbow Dash gave Tree Hugger a confused, odd look, “Little Shy?” Scootaloo was anything but shy. She was like a miniature her in every way. The thought of Scootaloo being shy was just idiotic. She was more like Drift than anything.

Gilda smiled ecstatically and sighed in relief. Rainbow Dash was right. Her luck paid off and a lot of time was saved. She'll thank her later. She was just happy Glinda was alright.

“Oh, thank the griffon king,” Gilda said in a calm tone. “I'm sorry if she caused you any trouble. I'm here to pick her up and--”

“Oh no, no. Your little sister hasn't done any harm, Gilda. She's been like a little flower to us.”

Hearing that caused a great deal of pressure to release. Gilda didn't know whether to thank her or apologize again. This mare may be weird, but she was alright and very cooperative. She can respect that. Wait, did she just say her name?

“How did you know my name?” Gilda asked.

“All will be answered when you see your little sister. She's waiting for you.” Tree Hugger moved out of the way and allowed Gilda to pass.

Okay, now the weirdness just kicked up a notch with this mare. She gave the mare a confused, awkward look before passing by her. From hearing her voice and the words she spewed out, she didn't know what to think, just that 'What has this mare been smoking?' she thought as she walked to the back door of the cottage.

Rainbow Dash was about to follow Gilda, but a lime-green hoof blocked her way, making her flinch.

“Hey, what's the deal?” Rainbow Dash said with a snarl.

Tree Hugger glared daggers at Rainbow Dash. Sensing the auras of the two, Gilda was just here for Glinda. But she could tell, even without seeing her aura, Rainbow was still intent on telling Fluttershy the truth about Scootaloo's father; she will not let that happen.

“I know what you're planning to do. It's not a good idea.”

Rainbow Dash raised an agitated brow, “Not a good idea? What are you talking about?”

“Telling Scootaloo and Fluttershy about that stallion. I know that's Scootaloo's father and if you, like, tell Fluttershy, there will be a traumatic storm for not just them.”

“What storm?” Rainbow Dash asked sternly. “And you can't keep them from knowing. They have to know eventually.”

Tree Hugger shook her head with a stern glare, “No. What you are trying to bring to dangerous. I'm willing to protect them.”

“What are you? Some kind of bodyguard?” Rainbow Dash shoved Tree Hugger's arm away. “You may be Fluttershy's new friend, but I've known her longer than you have. You can't stop me from telling her,” Rainbow Dash walks passed Tree Hugger, not even glancing back.

Tree Hugger glared again. She was not one to fight. She was a pacifist, but she will do what she can to prevent this stubborn mare from telling Fluttershy the truth.

Gilda reached for the knob until a new voice caught her attention.

“Gilda?”

She turned to see a little orange filly approach her. She raised a curious brow before getting an idea who it might be. Orange fur, purple mane, and tail, abnormally tiny wings? Yup, this was that filly Rainbow Dash told her about.

“Oh hey, um, Scootaloo, right?” she turned and sat as Scootaloo nodded and stood in front of her. An excited smile forming on her face.

“The one and only,” Scootaloo said buzzing her wings briefly like a hummingbird. “Nice to finally meet you.”

Gilda chuckled a bit, liking this little filly already, “Finally, huh? Did Rainbow Dash tell you about me?” that got a nod from Scootaloo. But it also hit her that what Scootaloo just said is exactly what Drift said when they saw each other again. Probably a coincidence.

“Yup, she told me about a lot of things, like how you two met and how you two became buddies.”

If there's one thing that hasn't changed about herself it was her ego, sort of, she would brag about how she and Dash became friends but hearing Scootaloo mention this was just adorable, “Well, that's neat to hear. She also told me a few things about you, too. How you try to get your cutie mark and how you aren't afraid of anything,” She said recalling the time they hung out and Rainbow Dash mentioned an energetic little filly that goes on adventures with two other fillies. She thought it was somewhat adorable.

Scootaloo's smile widens, happy to know her idol mentions her to Gilda. In fact, she wondered if, since she's friends with Rainbow Dash, she could be friends with her, too. She's already made friends with Glinda the moment she went outside when she and Tree Hugger got back from the grocery stores. And she was right to say that she wasn't scared of anything. She let out a proud snort, boasting a little, “Yup, I ain't scared of nothing. Not even scared of the animals around here.”

Gilda held in a chuckle and nodded, playing along with imagination, “I bet you are. Not scared of all the squirrels and birds, huh?” Gilda joked in a not-too-obvious tone.

Scootaloo looked at Gilda confused by that. Squirrels and birds? There were more than just them here. Perhaps she shouldn't waste time and show her.

“There are more than just squirrels and birds here, Gilda. Fluttershy takes care of other animals, too.”

Gilda raised a brow again, knowing full well there were more animals. Guess she needed work on making a joking tone, “Was just making a joke, kid. What animals do Fluttershy care for anyway?”

Scootaloo smiled, happy to hear that question, instead of telling, “How about I show you, instead. Glinda is out there playing with my pet and my mom,” Scootaloo said as Gilda watched her open the door.

“Oh alright. And I'm glad my-- wait, mom?” Gilda said before looking outside to see the backyard.

They walked outside. Scootaloo turned to glance at Gilda as she eyed the large, peaceful forest in front of her. Her eyes widened again. The wide open field and the lush greenery the forest provided was amazing. She's lived in a mountain region full on other griffons for so long that she's never seen something like this. Well, she's seen forests, but never been in one. While her old home was dry-looking with hot temperatures, this forest was cool and full of life. It was almost alien to her. And Fluttershy lived here? Glinda was here?!

Gilda looked around until she immediately heard Glinda laugh. She looked in front of her and she not only saw said squirrels and birds but she saw other animals like chipmunks, deer, weasels, an owl? a dog? a cat? a turtle? And a baby alligator? Unusual animals to be here but Gilda wasn't going to complain. She even saw Fluttershy tending to an injured snake. But excitement filled her mind when she saw Glinda sit on a weird-looking log rubbing the cat as it relaxed.

“Glinda!” Gilda called out.

Glinda, Fluttershy, and the animals all looked back at the cottage to see Scootaloo and a new face next to her. The animals had a bit of concern floating around. They never had an older griffon come here and when they heard the young griffon call out, they assumed she might've known her.

“Gilda!” Glinda called out in excitement. She was happy to see her older sister finally here. She waved at her but didn't move from her spot.

Gilda was curious about that, but her relief and joy overtook it as she rushed up to meet her younger sister. The animals scurried away as Gilda approached. When she did, the log began to move as a reptilian head lifted high in the air and turned, facing her. Gilda gasped in sheer shock as she skids to a stop before tripping over herself and landing inches away from her sister.

“Gilda, are you okay?” Glinda peeked over, looking down Gilda with confused, innocent eyes.

Gilda lifted herself up and shook the dirt off her. She groaned and rubbed her head as she held it before feeling a puff of hot air blow on the left side of her head. She let out a short, quick chicken bawk as she opened one eye. She didn't want to look but she had to make sure she wasn't imagining things either. She glanced one shocked eye to her left, and now she wishes she hadn't. She whimpered occasionally before screaming in fear and flying herself back and away from the monster Glinda was sitting on. Her trajectory was off and she ended up landing on her back. She lifted herself with her front arms as the monster rose up and gave her a confused look.

“What is that thing?!” Gilda asked in a panic. She's never seen a creature like this before. Nor has she seen one that would possibly give a Manticore a run back to where it came from.

Glinda hopped off of Varan and walked up to her sister, “Gilda, it's okay. He won't hurt you,” She said trying to reassure her older sister, but it looked like it wasn't working as Gilda kept her terrified gaze at Varan.

Scootaloo quickly rushed up to the griffons and stood next to Glinda and helped her convince Gilda that her pet wasn't a monster, “She's right. Varan won't hurt you. He's a lot friendlier than he looks.” Probably not the best choice, but that's all that came to mind.

“Friendly? Friendly?!” Gilda stood back up and glanced at the two young ones. Her heart racing a mile a minute while staying on guard as she talked. “How is that thing friendly?” Gilda pointed a talon claw at Varan and prompted a defensive hiss from the giant Komodo. He thought that was a sign of assault.

Scootaloo heard the hiss and looked to Varan before approaching him and waving her hooves to get his attention, “Varan, eyes on me, buddy.” Scootaloo called out and it thankfully worked. Varan craned his head down at Scootaloo to see what she wanted, only to have her hug his snout randomly. It should distract him long enough so he wouldn't turn Gilda into a buffet.

Glinda tried to come up with an answer for her but had a hard time doing so, because she didn't know Varan at all. Fluttershy only managed to convince her that he wouldn't hurt her and he hasn't, “Because... because...”

“Because he knows peace here,” a soft, confident and familiar voice took over, getting everyone's attention.

Gilda gazed and saw Fluttershy approach them with a straight face; the snake she healed slithered away with a bandage on its snout. Her panic instantly faded when that feeling from before came back. Now she remembered what caused it. It was easy apologizing to Drift, but now... this was different. Gilda did her best to calm down as Fluttershy stood behind Scootaloo and Glinda.

Suddenly, things got quiet. It was as if a shift took a huge turn. Gilda looked away and hung her head in guilt. Here she was, meeting Fluttershy again. The very same pegasus she bumped into before... and roared in her face. She didn't know what to say. She saw her face and could probably tell she wasn't happy. She had to say something. Something to break the silence.

“H-hey, Fluttershy,” Gilda greeted as she looked at her with awkward, fake innocent eyes.

Fluttershy noticed the look in Gilda's eyes and wasn't buying it. She figured she still remembered that day, but what threw her off was the fact that she wasn't boasting about it. Her eyes spelled guilt. Granted, it was awkward for her, too, since Scootaloo and Glinda were between them. She'll talk to Gilda about it later, right now was playtime for the kids and the animals; or at least for some. Her own animal friends took off; probably scared. Twilight's pet and the rest of her friend's pets remained here either stand in front of or resting on Varan's back. She'll make small talk with Gilda, for now.

“Hello, Gilda. It's nice to meet you again,” Fluttershy greeted politely and hopefully lifted some pressure from Gilda. Something changed in her and she wanted to know what and why.

“Likewise,” Gilda said as Varan, Scootaloo, and Glinda looked at them one after another like clueless infants.

“Have you two met before?” Glinda asked curiously.

“Yes, we have. We met before.”

“Back as far as high school,” Gilda revealed, receiving stumped looks from the young ones and even a bewildered look from Fluttershy. Gilda nodded to Fluttershy in hopes she would remember. Thankfully she did and the kind pegasus smiled and nodded to her.

“Yes, back at Cloudsdale High.”

“Woah,” Scootaloo and Glinda said with glittering eyes, happy to know of this revelation.

Angel wiggled his snout and crossed his arms, not liking this new face showing up. Or was it a new face? He recalled Fluttershy coming back home once crying fountains out of nowhere. He had no clue what was going on until his owner told him what happened. He wasn't happy with what he heard. She told him it was a griffon, but he didn't care. If anyone made Fluttershy cry, he'd have some ideas up his sleeves to get them back. He peered towards his friends who just kept their attention on Gilda; well, just Owlowicious and Tank. Winona was scratching her ear and Opal was pawing at Gummy's tail. Gummy doesn't seem to notice. He then gazed at Varan who just kept his snout close to Scootaloo. Okay, maybe ideas with their help probably won't happen, so a new plan had to be in order.

“So, um, h-how've you been?” Gilda asked Fluttershy awkwardly.

“Hmm? Oh, I'm doing great,” Fluttershy said telling Gilda some good news that brought relief to her mind. “Scootaloo, Tree Hugger and I have been taking good care of Glinda while you were away.”

While she was away? She had no clue where to find Fluttershy's place, let alone find any other places around Ponyville. Almost all the buildings in that town were practically the same. She was just lucky that Rainbow Dash's guess lead her to the right direction. But it did seem odd that Fluttershy would say that.

“You sound like I know where you live, Dwe – I mean, Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy raised a confused brow and tilted her head as she asked, “You didn't know where I lived?”

Gilda shook her head and shrugged, “I came here with Rainbow Dash because she guessed Glinda would be here.”

That got some unusual looks from Scootaloo and Fluttershy. Scootaloo thought it was awesome that Rainbow Dash guessed only once where Glinda was and got it right; it would take more or so from her until she'd finally get it right. And she'd be the same if she was in Rainbow's hooves.

Fluttershy thought otherwise. Rainbow Dash guessed where Glinda was? That wasn't really the right way to go. There could've been other ways to know where Glinda was. Guessing was just one in a million. Gilda was very lucky that Glinda ended up here, otherwise, she'd be in circles around Ponyville with Rainbow Dash looking for her. Fluttershy shook her head in disappointment but she was happy that the guess was right.

Glinda looked around for Rainbow Dash until Tank flew down and landed next to her. She then looked at her sister and curiously said, “Where is Rainbow Dash, Gilda?”

“And where's Tree Hugger,” Scootaloo said. “She'd be out here by now.”

Gilda tilted her head before looking back at Fluttershy's cottage and guessed, “Guess they're still in the house. They were talking about something, but I didn't bother to listen.” She looked back at the ponies and Glinda only to see the tortoise next to Gilda suddenly fly by her and head to the cottage. She followed her gaze on the flying reptile confusedly before it went through the doggy door.

“Should I even--”

“That's just Tank. Rainbow Dash and mom gave him a little propeller so he can fly,” Scootaloo explained as Glinda walked up to Gilda and sat next to her, staying close.

Gilda looked back at Scootaloo and nodded, understanding that now, “Oh, okay. Dash told me about her pet, but I didn't expect it to be a turtle.”

“Tortoise,” Glinda innocently corrected her.

“Whatever,” Gilda calmly retorted until she saw the animals behind her. The white rabbit to the giant lizard behind them. If she was told Fluttershy cared for animals, she should've asked, “So, what kind of animals do you take care of, Fluttershy?” She asked as she nervously looked at Varan.

“Oh, did Scootaloo tell you what I do?” Fluttershy asked before seeing her daughter smile a bit at her.

“Not really. She just brought me out here and then I saw you with other animals and my sister.”

“Oh, well, alright,” Fluttershy cleared her throat and did her best to explain what her job is around her home. “I am an animal caretaker. I care for many species animals. Like Angel Bunny, Mr. Fuzzy legs, Varan on occasions, Mr. Slithers and Harry.”

Glinda and Gilda looked at each other for a moment before both of them asked at the same time, “Who's Harry?”

Scootloo interrupted Fluttershy, eager as to answer for her, “Oh Harry? He's --”

A low, rough, growl-like roar emitted from within the forest behind them.

“-- Him.”

A cold feeling of fear and panic washed over Gilda and Glinda as they and Fluttershy and Scootaloo looked at the trees behind them a few feet away. The mane pets looked as well, but they weren't scared; Varan, however, was more angered than scared. Fluttershy and Scootaloo smiled casually as an old friend made his presence known. Out from the trees came a large brown, furry figure in the form of a grizzly bear. The bear let out an echoing roar before immediately charging at the group.

Gilda felt her heart plunge into her throat as she reached for Glinda so they can get the heck out of there, but Scootaloo stopped her just in time right as Fluttershy flew towards the bear. The large grizzly bear stopped and growled at Fluttershy as Fluttershy landed in front of the large ursa.

“Fluttershy!” Gilda called out. Glinda covered her eyes before hearing nothing afterward. She then peeked one eye to see. Scootaloo looked back to see her mother as the griffons looked on in confusion.

The grizzly bear did not attack Fluttershy. It instead gave her a lick on the cheek and a gentle nuzzle. Fluttershy giggled and hugged the bear's snout.

“Oh Harry, it's good to see you too. Where have you been?” Fluttershy asked as Harry let out some little, soft groaning purrs, talking to her while Fluttershy nodded. “Oh, I see. You got distracted by honey, again.” she smiled and giggled in amusement before rubbing the bear's snout. “No wonder your breath smells like honey.” she teased her bear friend while Gilda and Glinda just watched on as if Fluttershy became the craziest pony to ever exist.

“She's talking to a bear. A big, bloodthirsty bear.” Gilda pointed a shaking talon at them.

Glinda sat there stiff as a wooden board; her fear cranked to eleven. If that spider from before didn't scare her, this surely did. “She... she didn't tell me she had a flipping bear.” She was just getting used to Varan. Did Fluttershy plan for her to meet the bear next?

The two griffons had so many questions about this that it was hard to choose. That is until Scootaloo started laughing at how they were acting. They looked at her confused and bewildered. Why wasn't she scared?

“Scootaloo? Why aren't you scared?” Glinda asked.

Scootaloo laughed a little more before slowly calming herself down so she can explain, “Well, for one thing, Harry isn't like that. He's too nice to be 'bloodthirsty'. And I'm not scared because of two reasons: one, I've met Harry before and was never scared of him. Two, I have a pet Komodo Dragon. That should've given you some clues, Glinda.” Glinda soon calmed down and realized Scootaloo was right. She showed no fear towards Varan when he came out of his burrow.

Gilda looked at Scootaloo as if she was insane just like Fluttershy, 'Nice?! Which part of that sharp-clawed, fang-bearing killing machine is nice?!' Gilda thought as she started to panic. All that was racing through her mind was that she didn't want to be dinner for that bear... and the giant lizard sitting behind Scootaloo, and that she really wanted to head back inside with Rainbow Dash and Tree Hugger, because now that she knows that dangerous animals like Varan and Harry were around she wanted Glinda and herself to be somewhere safe.

Fluttershy overheard Scootaloo and looked back, “Oh no, Scootaloo. You've been scared of Harry, too. I remember you coming out here one day to play with Angel Bunny while I was helping some ferrets recover,” Fluttershy recalled. “One minute I finished with Mrs. Ferret's injury, the next I hear you screaming and crying back into the house shouting 'Bear, bear, bear!'”

Scootaloo immediately blushed as red as a tomato when her mother told that story, “Mom!” Scootaloo felt embarrassed, but Fluttershy kept going.

Gilda beamed her eyes on Scootaloo in shock. At first, she thought her ears were playing tricks on her but it turned out to be true. Was Scootaloo adopted? Did Glinda find out? Did Rainbow Dash know about this? There were so many questions in her mind, she couldn't pick just one.

“I had quite a while to teach you about the animals here. Harry, especially.” Fluttershy said as she giggled before softly grabbing both of Harry's cheeks and rubbing snouts, “It took her a while for her to realize that Harry isn't mean at all. He's just a big ol' soft teddy bear. Isn't that right, Harry?”

Harry gave a cooing purr as an answer before giving his loving caretaker another lick on the cheek, making her giggle.

Scootaloo blushed embarrassingly before hearing a chuckle come from Glinda. Scootaloo pouted and made her wings buzz out of frustration, “Not funny.”

Angel watched Harry and Fluttershy and took a moment to think. Maybe Harry would be a perfect opportunity to use against Gilda. He rubbed his paws together and chuckled evilly. Maybe get the grizzly to think Gilda was attacking one of them would convince the bear to attack or perhaps a little acting, too. Many ideas were forming in the little demon's head, unbeknownst that it was about to fall apart real quick.

Hooting from Owlowicious got his attention. Angel grimaced before turning his attention to his friends, only to see them staring up at Varan with boiling anger in his eyes. His ears drooped in slight fear. Angel didn't know what was going through Varan's head, but something was setting him off. He looked at Fluttershy and Harry, then back to Varan confused. Then he gazed up at Varan's eyes and trailed them to where he was looking at. Angel raised his eyebrows at Varan's target...

Harry.

All plans were out the window, he had to get his friends off the giant lizard before he goes on a rampage. Then he gazed at Fluttershy and gasped. Fluttershy would get in the crossfire! He needed a way to get her attention until he saw Winona in front of Varan. He raised his ears and smiled before rushing off of Varan, jumped up and bopped the border collie on the snout.

Winona flinched and whimpered before immediately giving the little rabbit an aggressive growl. She then barked so loudly at him that it got everyone's attention; she was gonna give him a huge scolding.

It worked as it got Fluttershy's attention, but the barking caused more than just that. Varan stood up as he kept his primal gaze on Harry, forcing Opal, Gummy, and Owlowicious off him while Winona scurried away towards Gilda.

Scootaloo watched Varan get up and looked at him confusedly and concerned, “Varan?” Scootaloo said as Varan hissed aggressively and caught Scootaloo off-guard.

Angel gasped in horror and disbelief. He managed to get their attention in time, but it helped little as he had another thing to worry about and that was Varan's claw about to stomp on him. He closed his eyes and prepared for the worse until a cyan blur quickly whooshed him away.

Harry heard the unusual hissing. He gazed behind Fluttershy and saw a large reptile hissing in his direction. He looked at the reptile confusedly, wondering what its deal was. But it quickly dawned on him that some of the animals in the forest informed him of a 'new face' around Fluttershy's cottage. He didn't pay any mind to it as that usually meant a new animal was being taken care of. He didn't expect it to something like this. Nor did he expect it to be hissing at him. He growled at the reptile, not liking how it thinks he can scare him off. Or if it was trying to. Either way, this thing was going to know that messing with him was gonna be a huge mistake. Harry walked around Fluttershy and continued to growl defensively, letting the reptile know he was not gonna back down.

“Gilda, Glinda, Scootaloo, over here,” Rainbow Dash called out and managed to get Glinda's and Gilda's attention, but Scootaloo kept her attention on Varan, wondering why he's acting like this.

“Varan, what's gotten into you?” Scootaloo asked but got no response from the Komodo. He just kept his gaze on Harry, intent on doing something. Scootaloo was starting to get scared. Was he planning to hurt Harry?

“Scootaloo, get away from the lizard!” Rainbow Dash ordered.

“No,” Scootaloo said, rejecting Rainbow Dash's demand. “Something's wrong with Varan. I have to know what.” Scootaloo rushed around Varan and stopped in front of him to get his attention. “Varan! Please, calm down.”

Yet Varan refused to. He glared his primal eyes onto this bear and never looked away. He had a deep hatred towards bears ever since he was a hatchling. All he could remember was climbing up a tree and watch as a big furry beast was attacking other Komodo dragons. The last thing he could remember was seeing dirty brown, evil eyes. He couldn't remember anything else, but what he saw looked like a bear and ever since he hated them to no end. This one had brown eyes and an evil looking glare, this had to be the one. And now he can get his revenge. Young Master was not gonna stop him this time.

“Varan, please, Harry isn't – whoa!” A cyan blur scooped her up and flew her away from Varan.

“Are you crazy, Scootaloo? That thing will tear you apart.” Rainbow Dash said as Scootaloo struggled.

“Let me go! He's not dangerous. Something's wrong with him,” Scootaloo said as Rainbow Dash stopped next to the griffons and Tree Hugger. “Varan!”

Harry stood on his hind legs and roared furiously at the lizard trying to intimidate it, but that only provoked it into hissing loudly at him and charging at him like a rampaging bull. Harry obliged by getting back on all fours and thundered his way toward the lizard.

The group watched in horror as a fight was about to take place. Scootaloo tried to break free from Rainbow's hold, wanting to stop Varan. Glinda hid behind Gilda as Gilda watched. And Tree Hugger rushed out to the field as Fluttershy flew at the charging animals.

Immediately, both animals clashed. Varan tried to draw first blood by attempting to dig his claws into Harry's fur, but Harry was quick on paws as he grabbed the giant lizard with his powerful arms and tossed the lizard aside, causing him roll before quickly standing back up. Varan let out another hiss, ready to strike. Harry kept his ground and waited for his attacker to come at him. He bellowed a terrifying roar that would make any other predator know when to run and stay away.

He didn't have to wait long.

Varan charged at the bear again, wanting to bite into him. He wasn't going to give up until he was dead. But he suddenly stopped when Old Master flew in front of him with her arms out. Varan looked at her confused and looked at her oddly before growling in annoyance. She should not be in his way. His attacker was right in front of him and he was not going to let him go.

Fluttershy did not budge. She kept herself calm and firm as Varan let out barking hisses at her, wanting her to leave. But Fluttershy was not having it. Varan did know peace here, but behavior like this was not tolerated. She closed her eyes for a brief second before opening them back up to give the giant komodo and stern glare that put him in a slight trance.

Varan suddenly found himself in a new situation. He didn't know what to think as he stared at Old Master's stare. He didn't know how to feel about this, but he did get the sense that he might be in huge trouble. Young Master told him about something like this and that when Old Master threw this out to any other animals around, it means you better listen or else. This was happening to him right now... and he didn't like it. In fact, he was now feeling scared more than anything. He wanted it to stop. He then saw Odd One come up to him right as Old Master stopped her demonic glare and went to go tend to the bear. He didn't know what Odd One was gonna do. He felt confused until she started to whistle a soothing, rhythmic tune to him.

Tree Hugger kept her whistle tune going. She approached Varan but had no clue if it'll work on him. It worked on animals like birds and small mammals, but it was never used on reptiles. She whistled a higher tune and saw that Varan wasn't budging. It must be working, yet this was still very different to her.

Varan kept his attention onto Tree Hugger and felt more confused than ever. He didn't know what Odd One was doing or why Old Master used her demonic stare on him. What was he suppose to do? He felt so conflicted, yet a tune relaxed his mind when it caught his attention. He listened to Odd One's whistling and it sounded nice and smooth. Almost like a lullaby, in a way. Varan let out a small, confused hiss before hearing Old Master call his name and giving him an order...

“Den, now,” Fluttershy said in a stern tone as she pointed to his den.

He couldn't fight back against her words. As much as he wanted to fight the bear behind her, he couldn't bring himself to do. He saw the disappointment in her eyes and he couldn't bear to look at Young Master for what he did. When Odd One stopped her whistling, he walked away with a glare still hooked on Harry. He knows he did wrong, but that won't change how he feels towards the bear.

Tree Hugger watched as Varan walked to his den and melt into the shadows. She took a sigh of relief and a moment to sit down and clear her chakra.

“That was easy, but it sure was scary,” Tree Hugger said as she placed her hooves together and meditated.

Fluttershy ignored Tree Hugger and focused on Harry, making sure he's not hurt, “Harry, are you alright?” she asked her bear friend receiving a nod in response. Fluttershy lifted his right arm to check for injuries. She saw Varan tried to scratch at his chest and had to make sure. She sighed in relief when she saw only pieces of fur were sliced off.

“That's a relief.” If Varan were to bite into him, then she would've had more than a heart attack. The rest of her animal friends were right to be cautious around Varan. Harry was brave to face him. But why?

“Harry, why did you do that?” Harry let out some gurgled groans and growls, talking in his own language to speak to Fluttershy. While she was happy he didn't get bitten, she wasn't too thrilled to hear what Harry said, “Harry, that's not a good idea. I know you're capable of fighting, but you have to remember Varan isn't the kind of animal to mess with. If he bit you, I don't know what would happen.” And she meant it, too. Neither her or Scootaloo have seen him bitten any other animals around her home, but a vet informed them that his bite is strong enough to take out animals larger than him.

Harry looked at Fluttershy concerned. She's never been wrong with this kind of stuff and this was his first time meeting this Varan. All he got from him was that he seemed aggressive towards him and no one else. If anything, Varan seemed more like a threat than a friend. He looked at the den with a slight glare. He was lucky he didn't get bitten, but he'll still be watching him. That is until he felt Fluttershy grab his cheeks.

“Harry, I know those eyes,” Fluttershy said. “You don't need to worry about him. Just leave him to me and Scootaloo.” It confused him as to why Fluttershy would involve Scootaloo, but what she says goes. “You don't have any injuries, so you're free to go." Fluttershy smiled softly and gave his snout a gentle peck before Harry gave her another friendly lick to the cheek.

“I'm sorry for cutting this visit short, but perhaps next time will go smoothly,” Fluttershy said, promising to make it up to her beloved bear. Perhaps some jars of sweet honey would do the trick.

Harry let out a rumbling purr before heading back to the forest. This may have been an odd encounter, but Harry was pretty understanding about it. Still, that lizard needs to work out some issues.

Fluttershy waved at Harry as he disappeared into the forest. When he did, Fluttershy turned her head and gave a sharp glare at Scootaloo. Scootaloo didn't notice because of her attention on Varan's den, but Rainbow and the others sure did. And it was about that time for the mane pets to head home, so they quickly bolted away heading back to their respective owner's homes; only Tank and Angel stayed behind.

Tree Hugger finished her meditation and sensed Fluttershy's aura; it was ghost-white with a tint of yellow. She was frustrated and tired. She saw her friend walk towards her other friends before following her. She took a look at the others auras and found Glinda's aura to be a slight dark gray; she was scared. Rainbow Dash's aura was a sharp yellow; confused as always. Tree Hugger was not surprised. Scootaloo's aura was a strong gray and black mix. She must be worried about her pet, and rightfully so. But Gilda's aura was the strongest. It had a mix of yellow, black, gray and blood-red. Something about her doesn't seem right. She may be calm on the outside, well, a little tense after what just happen, but deep down she must be hiding something. What was it?

“Something tells me they don't get along,” Glinda said as she timidly walked around Gilda. Gilda kept her close and hugged her wing around her little sister for comfort.

“So, mind telling me what that was about, Scootaloo?” Fluttershy said in a sharp tone. She was in no mood for any excuses. She hated seeing her animals get attacked, and the very fact that it was Scootaloo's own pet that attacked needed answers right now.

Scootaloo just sat there as Rainbow Dash released her from her hold. She was in shock from seeing that. She had no clue why Varan would do something like that. Why would he do that? She was so confused.

“Well?”

“I don't know, mom?!” Scootaloo snapped, putting her attention onto Fluttershy with tears rolling down her eyes. “I don't know why Varan did that. It happened out of nowhere.” She honestly didn't expect it either. She thought Varan was just gonna lounge about and not care if another predator like Harry was around.

“He's your pet and that makes him your responsibility,” Fluttershy reminded. She then talked through her teeth and slightly snarled, “He attacked Harry for no reason and nearly scared our guests. How could you not know if he was gonna do that? He's your pet!”

Scootaloo snarled back with an angry glare of her own, and retorted out of frustration and annoyance, “Did you even pay attention? I can't talk to animals. You do!” Scootaloo huffed and tried not to cry, but it was difficult because of her own mother was putting the blame on her. “If you want answers so badly, why don't you just go up and talk to him. You're more better at talking to animals than talking to other ponies like dad!” her voice echoed throughout in the air, then it slowly went ghost-quiet.

Glinda, Gilda, Tree Hugger, Rainbow Dash and Angel were in utter shock to hear Scootaloo shout that out. That was going too far.

Rainbow Dash was thrown back by Scootaloo's words. She would've expected Scootaloo to throw a fit, but she never thought she'd bring up her own father. She didn't know if she should break up the fight, or was it too late.

Tree Hugger was just the same as Rainbow Dash. Their auras now changing different color and intensified at an alarming rate. It was like looking at a fire growing stronger over a puddle of oil. This needed to end now or things'll get worse.

Angel covered his mouth and widened his eyes. He may have done some bad things, but that was crossing the line. Even he knew when to stopped when it came to a situation like that. Sure there were some slip-ups like the pie prank, but Scootaloo's words were even worse.

Glinda and Gilda looked at each other in shock before looking back at Fluttershy and Scootaloo. What started out as a great day turned into something completely different. Glinda wanted to break up the fight and Gilda thought that ponies and griffons were a lot alike than she thought when it came to arguments. It reminded her of her time when she argued with her parents almost all the time. She felt bad for them. She really did.

But none were more shocked and hurt than Fluttershy. She stood there stunned and mortified by what Scootaloo just said. She wasn't ready for that, nor did she expect to bring 'him' up. She took some time to process what she said, but she could not come up with any words to say to her own daughter.

Scootaloo glared at Fluttershy one more time before walking away, heading back inside.

Rainbow Dash broke the silence and spoke, “Scootaloo, that was a little too far.”

“I don't care,” Scootaloo sharply said before opening and slamming the door behind her, going back to her room to get away from her mother.

“Um, okay then. Uh, that went deep,” Gilda said, not knowing what to say about what just happened.

“L-Lets head inside. I-I'll explain everything when things cool down,” Fluttershy sighed disappointedly in herself for being so stupid as she walked passed her friends and opened the door. “Heh, guests first.” She gave a weak smile as Gilda and the others walked in right as Fluttershy closed the door behind her.

Author's Notes:

Finally! After who-knows-how-long, I got the first chapter done. About flipping time. lol. Hope you guys enjoy and let me know what your thoughts in the comments. part 2 will be coming out sometime later.

The Tension Of Past Regrets (Part 2)

Drift hung his head and sighed, annoyed today didn't go as smoothly as he'd hoped. He walked through Ponyville and entered the neighborhood part of the town, ignoring other ponies around him and ignoring the odd looks they were giving him. To them, he looked like a friend to Cranky Doodle Donkey, but to himself, he was just a guy who wanted to be left alone. Today was supposed to be a peaceful day and just do his job as always.

Then that annoying, moronic, nuisance of a mare showed up and ruined it all. If it wasn't for Gilda, he'd never get out of Rainbow Dash's torment. That's the first time he ever thanked Gilda for anything; even so much as appreciated it. Last time he saw her, she and Rainbow Dash beat the ever-loving flank out of him and a few of his friends. And he didn't even know why! Gilda shouldn't have been involved, to begin with. He quickly stopped himself before he made himself go crazy. The past was the past, and Gilda apologized for what she did; he was thankful that someone changed over the years. He should focus on Rainbow Dash and try to figure out how to stop her...

“Wait, why should I even care?” Drift thought to himself as he passed a few ponies walking around him. 'She needs to let go and move on!' he rolls his eyes to himself. He doesn't care about Rainbow Dash and he wasn't going to let her manipulate him into having a guilt trip. What's done is done and there wasn't a thing he could do about it; nor did he ever want to.

But he couldn't shake the feeling he had to. He stared off into the bright blue, cloudy sky and pondered if he should. He crushed his eyelids and let out a small, sharp groan; he was annoyed and confused and tired. He really wished Rainbow Dash would've just left him alone. Now all he wanted to do was go home and sleep the day away.

Lucky for him, he didn't have any other plans today, so that was a plus.

He walked several blocks down the neighborhood district and approached a unique looking house. While other houses looked off-putting and almost identical, he decided to have his own house be vastly different from the others. Despite the average two-story height, his house was fifteen feet in length and width and had a perfect triangular-shaped roof with a sky blue coating to match the cloudy-white color spots. The walls were also coated with light green tint and decorated with brown leaf-like spots. The windows were placed evenly with an oval-shaped door between them. And to add more to his perfect house, there was a large round window under the roof with a camo-style curtain blocking the room it was attached to.

Drift smiled wholeheartedly at a sight he so loved to see. If there was anything he was proud of, it was buying a house like this. It was his castle and he loved it. He approached his home and was about to get his key before he noticed something off about the door. He looked at it confused for a moment so he could process until a click in his brain pointed to what was wrong.

“What rotten luck,” Drift utter as he gazed at the slightly opened door. Someone broke into his home, but there wasn't a scratch on his door; not one chip of wood off place. One specific answer would be that magic was involved. Something like a crowbar would leave an imprint or something. He hummed to himself and went with the magic guess. But another question came up: is the intruder still inside? Only one way to find out.

Drift Velocity placed a shaky, hesitant hoof on the door and gently pushed it open to find nothing but a hallway with four rooms, mossy green walls and swirling stairs at the end. He gulped one time before entering. He quietly closed the front door with his back hoof and placed his bag onto a small table. He looked back at the front door and locked it with his wing. If the intruder thinks they were going to escape easily, they'd be wrong. His tired and annoyed attitude became defensive, determined and ready.

“Picked the wrong house to be in, whoever you are,” Drift said as he ventured into his own home, being as cautious as a wolf on the hunt.

He trotted quietly and kept his ears focused, listening in; if the intruder was gonna hide, luck will not be on their side since there a few places to hide. He passed another small round table to his left with two picture frames of him with a giant boa in a cage and him with another stallion pony standing over the carcass of a large cockatrice. He stealthily looked to the first room on the left to see the kitchen, but no pony there. Room 1 was clear. Then he looked into the room behind him and saw a large wooden table with four chairs and pictures of himself with his parents and his sibling framed on the walls and on furniture.

He let out a slow, relieving breath and saw that nothing was missing from the dining room. Which was strange to him, because most thieves would leave a form of mess or leave some clues behind. But Room 2 was clean, which confused him the longer he stayed around. He walked away from the dining room and walked further down the hall, walking passed another picture frame of his younger days in high school with two other pegasus stallions. He decided to skip the room next to the dining room because he thought that would be a really dumb place to be. There were no windows to escape out of and, unless they were a rat or small filly or colt, hiding under the sink would be another really stupid option, so there was no need to check it. He looked at the door facing the door to the bathroom and opened it to see a room with a medium-screen TV on top of a furniture with a game station underneath and a small, yet comfortable, bed was laying sideways with the head facing next to a window and a fan lazily hanging from the ceiling. He smiled calmly, seeing the bed had nothing to support it so no one would hide under there. He walked in to check the window, but it looked completely untouched; no scratch, no attempted to escape. There was nothing. This room was clear, too.

“What is going on here?” Drift said to himself as he walked out of the guestroom. If this intruder really wanted to steal anything, they were either doing a lousy job or really great job. Did this intruder love to clean up after themselves before leaving? Or was this intruder doing this just to tick him off? Either way, it was working as his annoyance was growing by each passing minute. He rubbed his head slowly. He was thinking way too hard about this and it was making him exhausted, or more exhausted than he already was. This intruder confused him and the last room left was his bedroom above him. He looked up at the wooden roof and was ready to go up there. But other thoughts suddenly rang throughout his mind, on one hoof if there really was an intruder then there would be signs and he'd call the police, but on the other hoof was there really an intruder, to begin with.

He then felt dumbfounded and embarrassed of himself, and then asked himself “Did I forget to lock the door earlier?” He shook his head before heading to the stairs...

Then there was a flush behind the bathroom door.

He swung his head around and widened his eyes, flabbergasted. He was right, there was an intruder, but he didn't expect the intruder to pull a 360 with his thoughts. All his thoughts now shifted and came up with more guesses, but he had little time; the intruder will be out soon. Nothing was stolen. Nothing was damaged. And he was proven without the intruder knowing it. He turned around and waited as he tried to put all the pieces to this new mysterious puzzle together; this intruder was the kind to come in unannounced and hang out without any of his consent. Whoever this intruder was, they'll get more than a scolding.

Until a sudden click in his head made him confused and have a second thought of this situation. He couldn't shake the feeling this happened before. But why? It was an itch he couldn't scratch and it was slowly irritating him. He can't get himself to recall who would come to his home unannounced without reason and... and...

“Wait, a minute? This has happened before. I know who this,” Drift said to himself and snarled a little. He was annoyed at himself for not figuring this out sooner. The water to the faucet and whistling can be heard before the water turned off; then the door finally opened.

Drift sat down, annoyed, as the intruder revealed themselves, or now herself, to him. A unicorn mare with pale yellow fur and a mix of blue for the main color and light blue for the secondary. She had on a pair of glasses with magenta lenses and a set of earphones on over her ears. Most likely blocking out any sound she could hear. And her music note cutie mark was also a dead giveaway to him. His annoyance became a sudden shock of surprise and curiosity; why was she here? More importantly, how did she find him? He did not recall telling her where he lived just yet. But she was here now, so answers were in order. To others, she was a highly popular DJ, but to him, she was his little, music-loving step-sister.

“Hello, Vinyl Scratch,” Drift greeted.

Vinyl smiled at Drift, keeping herself cool but she was excited to see her older step-brother, “Yo, D-bro, how's it going? Haven't seen you in ages,” Vinyl greeted in her tomboy accent.

As much as he was hating himself right now, Drift couldn't help but give her a small smile in return. He couldn't really be mad at her, but he had cut to the chase right now, “Oh you know, good, wondering why my sister came in here without my permission.

“You left your door unlocked, so I took advantage of it,” Vinyl closed the bathroom door with her back hoof and let out a chuckle as she took off her glasses to get a better look at him.

But now he had a reason to be mad, at himself. He mentally cursed for being so foolish for forgetting a simple thing, he even uttered a quiet “D'oh!”, but what's done is done. He really should work on that.

“So, how did you find me?” Drift asked. “I only told--”

“Yup,” Vinyl said answering his question before he could get another word in. It threw him off-guard but Vinyl explained to him rather casually and straightforward, “Thunderlane told me where you lived and I had to see you when I got the chance.”

She nudged an arm on him with a smug smile, “And I couldn't waste this chance. I missed you, D-Bro.”

“Please don't make a habit of that.”

“No promises.”

“Well, I'm glad it's you and not some other pony,” Though he loved seeing his little step-sister, he secretly wanted to beat the holy tar out of Thunderlane for pulling a stunt like this and telling her; he wasn't ready. The rage bug was biting and it was biting hard.

He breathed a calm, soft sigh to hopefully settle his nerves. He came close to attacking his little sister. Had he not stopped himself and done so, he'd never forgive himself. And that would've made things a whole lot worse given he was already in a stressful situation.

“Would you like a tour around the house, V-Sis,” he asked as she waved an assuring hoof at him.

“I gave myself a small tour while you were gone. The only place I haven't seen is the room upstairs.”

He looked at the spiral stairs and figured Vinyl arrived probably a few hours before he did, “Guess it hasn't been that long, then” He looked back at nudged his head to his left. “Come on, I'll show you my room.”

“Before we do, how's that scar?” Vinyl asked curiously. After she heard what happened to him from her parents when one of her concerts was over, she wasn't too thrilled about it and it worried her a lot. She never got the whole story and wanted to know from the source. “What happened, exactly?”

Drift widened his eyes and placed a hoof on his face, rubbing the scar gingerly. He hadn't really paid any attention the scar ever since it fully healed after his... 'accident'. But now that it's being brought up, some shocking memories came back and it was hard to answer right away. But what confused him was that Vinyl didn't receive what happened to him from their parents. Why didn't they tell her the whole story?

”Really?” Drift pondered confusedly. “Mom and Dad never told you what happened?”

Vinyl shook her head and explained, “No, they never told me. All they told me was that you got attacked by something or someone,” She scoffed a bit. “and they told me something about your face and you were out cold. That's it. They were talking so fast, I could barely understand what they were saying before they hung up.”

He put his hoof down and frowned in slight disappointment, “That doesn't sound like them,” he shrugged carelessly. He wasn't in the mood to know right away, because “I have a lot of time on my hooves, so I can tell you what happened.”

Vinyl smiled a bit at Drift. She was happy to hear he was willing to tell her what happened. She was also excited to not only talk to him but spend time with him for once – even though she broke in instead of waiting for him. Her excitement gets the better of her.

“Just let me get settled, alright? I know my home isn't really all nice or fancy, but it's still a good home. Might as well make it like it's yours.”

She knew exactly what that meant and Vinyl wasn't going to refuse that offer, “Thanks, D-Bro,” Vinyl said appreciatively and immediately rushed to the spiral stairs without Drift. Drift tried to call to her but she was already in his room faster before he could get a word.

“And she's already upstairs,” Drift paused for a bit but chuckled. “Ah well, it can't be helped.” and he thought Rainbow Dash had speed. He shortly followed her upstairs and poked his head out and watched his little sister crash onto a large blue beanbag with a fuzzy comfy outer layer a few feet away from a turned off forty-inch TV on top of a strong two-door wooden furniture.

Vinyl looked around his room. It was nothing like looking at a dusty attic. There were light green coloring with darker green colors to mix with it on the ceiling with different shapes of leaves and branches and a painting of three Wonderbolts flying over a cloud was on the far right over Drift's bed. There was a fan lazily hanging directly in the middle of a ceiling. And some rather large wooden chests next to the bed and his TV. But unlike most attics, this one had a room had a closet in front of Drift's bed. She didn't know what to think about it, but Vinyl wasn't going to complain; turning an attic into your own room was somewhat creative, in a way.

“Now this is the life, Drift. I don't care if it's fancy or not; we never grew up in a fancy house anyway.”

“Thanks, I guess,” Drift climbed up into his room and walked up to her before sitting on a soft chair with thick padding next to the beanbag.

“So, spill it, D-Bro. How'd you get that scar?” Vinyl asked very enthusiastically.

Drift leaned back in his chair and relaxed, thinking hard about what happened, “Well,” it's been a while since the incident and he wasn't really good with explaining situations, so he had to be blunt and straightforward; it was easier that way for him. But he did remember what his objective was when that horrifying event happened.

“I went on a hunting trip with at least five other hunters helping me out. We were trophy hunting and our only goal was to find an elusive manticore in the Everfree Forest.”

“A manticore?” Vinyl tilted her head and raised a confused brow. “Aren't manticores supposed to live in rocky areas?” She barely passed biology class but she did recall hearing about Manticore habitats; usually in a cave or rocky areas.

Drift shook his head and corrected her about that information, “Oh no, Vinyl. Not in the slightest. You're half-right, but Manticores can live where ever they so, please. What you're thinking of are stone golems.” Which he was relieved to still remember stone golems are way more friendlier than manticores, but trophy hunting at least one of them would be near impossible since... well... almost nothing can harm them.

“Oh, alright. Figured something was off there. Biology wasn't my strong suit,” though she was happy Drift was there to help her out when she needed it. She had too many headaches to count.

“Ya think?” Drift teased as Vinyl glared at him with a pout, but continued his story. “Anyway, we ventured into a good chunk of the forest; I'd say miles even. We were walking along a path, keeping our eyes out for the damn thing. It wasn't hard finding it...” he suddenly looked down and cast his eyes at the grassy-green wooden floor. “Or rather... it found us.” He concentrated hard and actually managed to remember what occurred. “We weren't hunting it, it was hunting us,” he snorts at the irony in it but continued. “We didn't see it coming before it was too late. It leaped out of a bush, ambushing us.”

Vinyl widened her eyes a bit and kept her ears open, “Then what happened?”

Drift slightly snarled. He thought he was on a simple task. Just an easy way to get bits. He didn't expect his trip to be a death trap and it was biting back at him like a snake bite, “We thought we were hunting an albino manticore or something like that. What we were not prepared for was for it to be a rogue.” he sighed disappointingly. He regretted ever going on that had he not known that would happen, but now he could see it clear as day.

He sat back on his chair, and continued, “Tiger skin. Dark mane. Brown eyes. Bat-like wing. Teeth and claws that could possibly tear even dragon scales. This... this thing wasn't a normal manticore. It looked like it came straight out of Tartarus.”

Vinyl widens her eyes in shock. Guess biology class never told her about this, or maybe she just wasn't paying attention when the teacher brought up manticores. But now she felt like she was taking lessons all over again because this story was probably all she needed to know about how dangerous these creatures can be. To hear one going rogue made it more convincing to her, but she knew there was more to the story and something in her told her to tell Drift she got the idea and he can stop while another voice told her to have him keep going.

She chose the latter and allowed him to continue. If she stopped him, things wouldn't end well for him mentally.

His body twitched and shuddered violently as the memories were coming back with a vengeance. Images of the fight began to burn, “We did what we could to try and take it down. Crossbows, spears, guns, even illegal weapons like grenades tear gas, nothing took this thing down. If one of us did manage to injure it, it probably brushed it off like it was a tickle or something,” he said as he tried to keep himself steady; it was harder than he'd wish. The horrific memory that really stood out from that event was the beast striking him down, pinning him down by the arms. He was lucky that his claws had missed, but that was the very least of his worries as the monster of a manticore glared its primal eyes down at him while having one of the hunters in its mouth, dangling as a lifeless corpse. It was not a pretty sight but it was already burned in his mind. He never moved an inch or even breathe as all he could do was stare right back at the creature's eyes. The creature let out a growl through its kill. He seemed satisfied with one hunter instead of five; one seemed filling enough for it, so as if by some miracle, he was going to spare the four. Drift's body was paralyzed from the shock and he braced for the end put down its kill before lifting its head; if he was going to be killed next, he'd prayed the creature at least made it a fast one. What happened wasn't pain, but a roar in his face. How he didn't go deaf from that is beyond miracles; he didn't know if it was a warning or threat... Probably both. With a satisfied snort, the creature took his kill and left, and right at that moment, Drift passed out with only the fading calls of the other hunters coming to his side.

He placed a hoof on his scarred muzzle, and said with a disheartened sigh, “But in the end, we were gnats compared to it. It killed one of my fellow hunters and lashed its stinger at me. It cut across my face, but it felt like a minotaur wearing a spiked brace knuckle punching me dead center in the face.” He knew his wound was healed but he couldn't help but rub his face as though the pain came back all over again.

Vinyl looked at him in utter shock and horror. She couldn't bring up the words to say when she heard this. What could she say? She was so relieved that her brother was alive to tell this story but felt bad for bringing up now. She felt ashamed of herself. She tried to speak to him, but Drift kept going.

“All of us were hurt. Most of us, including me, was out cold after the attack. The last thing I remember was that damn manticore roaring in my face and leaving with one of our own in its jaws as if he was prey.” he said with a growl in his tone and slammed his right hoof on the chair arm.

Vinyl flinched and quickly reached her hoof over and placed it on his shoulder, “Drift?” Vinyl called to get his attention. She didn't know what to say to him, but she had to say something to calm him down, “It's okay. It's all in the past now. You don't have to deal with that thing anymore.”

Drifted felt his sister's hoof on him, but didn't react. He shook his head, refusing to believe that, “No, Vinyl. He's still out there. As long as that beast of Tartarus is still around, that pain will never leave,” Drift said. “When the rest of us woke up from the hospital, we gave him a name. A name we will never forget.”

“W-What was his name?” Vinyl asked a bit timidly, actually getting scared not just because of the story, but because it was bringing out a side she'd never seen in her step-brother.

Drift glanced at his sister and spoke his name to her, unaware he was scaring her, “We named him, Marabunda.”

“Marabunda?”

Drift nodded, “It means nature's tank.” He looked away and shook his head as the horrific look on their faces when the Manticore attacked came back and the brutal, primal, killing intents in the manticores' eyes gave him slight dread and anguish. “And he showed it without any hesitation. He was a monster.” His tone sounded serious and full of hate. He wanted revenge, and Vinyl could tell right away.

“D-Bro, are planning on doing what I think you're--”

“No,” he said and cutting her off. “I'm not capable. Not yet, at least.” he sighed again, contemplating on what to do. “I quit the trophy hunting business because of what happened. I believe the rest of the hunters did the same. I don't really know what they're doing right now.”

She didn't have the answer for that, but that did answer one thing that was going through her mind, “So, that's why Mom and Dad didn't say much. I guess they didn't want me to worry about you.”

Drift took note of that and looked at Vinyl puzzled, “If that's the case, they must've known you were a busy mare.” he chuckled then said, “After all, you are the world's famous DJ.” He nudged his elbow against her and teased her as she blushed bashfully.

“Oh, you know me, I don't like to toot my own horn, but I am pretty famous. Octavia and I are both famous music ponies after all,” she giggled and bashfully looked away. Even when she was younger, she always wanted to entertain a crowd. It was in her nature, in a way.

“Octavia?” Drift said. “I think I've heard her name in a magazine before. She your girlfriend or something?” he teased her again but Vinyl just swiped a sharp glare at him and blushed embarrassingly and somewhat angrily. She didn't find it the least bit funny.

“Where did you hear that kind of info from?!” Vinyl asked in a sharp tone and waited a bit for Drift to respond.

He looked away in thought for a moment then gave her an answer, “I don't know? Fuzzfeed, I guess.” he looked back at Vinyl only to see her give him a straight face that clearly spoke 'You're an idiot'.

“What?”

Vinyl gave Drift a solid clunk on the noggin with her hoof that sounded like she hit a coconut.

“Ow! What was that for?” Drift asked irritated as he rubbed his head tenderly.

“First off, it felt good. Second, I'm straight and so is Octavia. Third, why in Celestia's bloody name are you reading news from Fuzzfeed? All they spread is nothing but garbage. I was their target for I don't know how many times and ponies believed them,” She presses a hoof against him and gave him a stern look. “Don't you dare fall for their idiotic lies, you got that?”

Poor Drift was a little scared now, he only wanted to joke around with that. He didn't expect that big of a reaction out of his sister, 'I dunno know who's scarier at the moment, Marabunda or Vinyl?' Either way, do not joke with her about Fuzzfeed. Lesson learned.

“Alright, alright. Sorry. I was just clowning around.”

Vinyl removed her hoof from him and relaxed after hearing that, “Good.” she then giggled innocently and apologetic as she rubbed her head awkwardly, “Sorry about that, I just don't need any of my friends and family thinking I'm something I'm not,” she then thought about one thing they said. “Though, I will admit, me as a vampire does sound awesome.” she shrugged it off, of course. But that didn't change her mind about them, though.

“Eh, it's alright. I've dealt with crazy customers back where I work. I'm kind of use to it,” that and a boss who knows a thing or two about dealing with them; he still wonders if Rocky was just as crazy or has an immunity to it.

Vinyl smiled a bit and nodded before asking, “Think you're gonna be alright after that little skirmish of yours?” She wanted to know how he got that scar. She didn't expect him to have an episode. Hearing that story was downright horrifying.

He nodded to her, looking a bit tired. He didn't mind telling her the story, but it wasn't enough to make him go insane. Sure, it was traumatizing to him and he knew he couldn't face Marabunda again, he couldn't leave his sister hanging. Besides, it actually felt good for him to get that off his chest. Though, there was one issue he couldn't escape if his life depended on it. It almost felt like a tumor in a way.

“Yeah, I'll be fine, V-Sis,” Drift said with a positive smile but looked away in thought, but his sister caught it right away.

“Something wrong, Drift?”

“Well, sort of. It's complicated to say,” he didn't really know how to break it to her or what to even say? 'A crazy pegasus mare is trying to get me back with someone who probably wants to kill me?' that seemed a bit much. He turned his head and noticed the radio on a box next to the window. Then a few things came to mind and he loathed himself for not thinking this sooner.

“But before I tell ya, I need to do a few things here,” Vinyl looked at him confused as she watched him hop off his chair and turned on the ceiling fan. He then walked up to a radio and turned it on. It was on a station that played all kinds of rock and roll music. And the sound of the music made Vinyl gush with happiness. It may not be a large stereotype speaker, but it was better than not listening to anything. She would listen to her music in her earphones, but she didn't want to be rude.

“I knew there was something missing around here,” she giggled jokingly as Drift came back and sat on his chair more comfortably. Drift was a former trophy hunter and Vinyl was a DJ, but if there was one thing that they shared in common with the absolute most was their love for music; rock, jazz, disco, a bit of pop, any kind they seem fit to them. And they absolutely loved it.

Drift smiled ecstatically as an upbeat song came up on the radio. It was loud, but not loud enough to rattle the house and bring attention to other ponies. It was in a good volume for the siblings to hear each other speak.

“This place isn't perfect without music around,” he lively said as Vinyl bobbed her head a bit to the song.

“You got that right, D-bro,” she giggled before asking him, “So, what were you going to say?”

With the music soothing and helping his nerves, Drift could nearly think straight. He leaned back in his chair and explained, “Alright, so, you know Rainbow Dash right?”

Vinyl thought about that name for a moment and nodded right away, recognizing it, “Yeah, I know her through Pinkie Pie. I haven't hung out with her, but I know she's really awesome like me. At least that's what ponies tell me.”

Awesome wasn't the word he was looking for, but he was glad to know Vinyl knew of her and somewhat surprised she never hung out with her in high school. Either way, he was glad that never happened. He figured it was alright to tell her since she most likely wouldn't care.

“She's been getting on my back lately trying to get me to go talk to an ex-girlfriend of mine I had back in high school.”

A look of shock jolted onto Vinyl and she beamed her eyes on Drift, “Seriously?!” she had no idea he had a girlfriend before. During high school, she minded her own business hanging with ponies like Octavia and a few other ponies. Now and then she'll hang with Drift if she wanted to. But this was an absolute shock.

“Why would she do that? She has no business trying to force you to do something you don't want to. But why didn't you tell me you had a girlfriend before? I thought we were close, D-bro.” she teased childishly.

Drift rolled his eyes and chuckled, “We are, Vinyl. And I wanted to; loved to, in fact. But she always hung around Rainbow Dash constantly or always wanted to be alone with me. She was always so shy around others, it got really annoying over time.”

Vinyl raised a suspicious brow, taking note of what Drift said. His ex-girlfriend hung around Rainbow Dash a lot, but she was shy around others. That didn't seem like anyone she knew, unless...

“I mean don't get me wrong, what she did was really annoying, but we were together because I thought she was quite the looker; hotter than Rarity, that's for sure. She was like a trophy mare.”

As Drift talked, some memories of high school came flowing back bit by bit in Vinyl's mind. She seemed to recall spending some time with a mare in the cafeteria. She was so shy and quiet, she didn't know if one single movement from her would scare her off. But lucky for her, she wasn't as scared as what she thought and she sat next to her to hopefully start a chat with her. To her surprise, she did and she was super sweet. Vinyl would make fun of her just for giggles, but she made it so hard to. Vinyl thought this mare was alright. She wasn't weird; just quiet and shy. They hung around with each other for a while until they stopped suddenly. She hung out with Octavia from then on.

She forgot her name, so it wouldn't hurt to ask, “Drift, what was her name?”

“What?” he asked and looked at her slightly confused.

“What was her name? I think I might know who you're talking about.”

Drift wondered why she would ask that, but shrugged and told her Fluttershy's name, “Oh, well, her name was Fluttershy.”

“Pink mane, yellow fur, totally shy?”

“Um, yes, yes, that's her. Why? Do you know her?” he felt puzzled a bit. Vinyl wasn't so curious about much.

Realization could never hit so hard in all her life. The mare Drift was talking about was Fluttershy and he never told her about this? Now she has a reason to be upset at him. Well, excited mostly. But she just decided to refrain herself before she caught what Drift said about Fluttershy being a 'trophy mare' and that wasn't too appealing to her ears. Drift was a trophy hunter when it came to animals, but to a mare? Something was off here.

She relaxed on the beanbag and nodded to him, answering his question, “Yeah, I know her. Not by a lot.” She lied knowing full well she knew more than what she planned for Drift to think. She had to pull an act to get more of the story. “We only hung out for thirty minutes until I decided to go find Lyra.” The look he was giving to her was like a gullible fish – buying it hook, line and sinker. She mentally sighed in relief as he nodded.

“Well, if you say so,” Drift said with a shrug as he continued, “We use to date for quite a while. A good year and it was okay... I guess.” Bittersweet would've been a better word for him.

“I see,” she was quite impressed with him for holding a relationship for that long. “And were you two close?”

“Heh, oh, we were close all right,” Drift smiled as he drifted into space, recalling that 'certain moment' with Fluttershy and how fun it was. How Rainbow Dash never knew before hoof was still surprising to him, “Very, very close.”

Vinyl caught what Drift was talking about and her eyes widened as big as dinner plates, blushing tomato-red. She waved her hooves frantically at him to get him to stop from going any further, “Not like that, D-Bro!”, she barked. “I mean were you two best friends before you got together?”

Drift looked at his little sister and blushed awkwardly, feeling like he shouldn't have gotten straight to 'that' point just yet. He rubbed the back of his head and smiled apologetically, “Whoops, sorry, V-Sis. I guess I got a little carried away.”

Carried away was an understatement. She pouted at him and wanted to swing another hoof at him; hopefully in the face. She just wanted a simple conversation and that's it. She didn't need the image of Drift and Fluttershy doing the dirty deed. Guess some things haven't changed.

“I'll ask again, perv. How close were you and Fluttershy?”

Now back to reality, Drift can answer properly instead of making it awkward again. Though Vinyl's reacting was very hilarious to him. He refrained himself from laughing and explained, “We were close, but not close enough to be best friends. We were just friends,” more or less like acquaintances. He still to this day never knew what Fluttershy saw in him. But he wasn't complaining. She was perfect to him and that was it.

Something about that didn't quite set right. If they weren't that close, why be together? Unless it had something to do with that trophy business. But she needed to ask a few more questions before bringing that up. She needed a few more pieces to this puzzle.

“Then who asked who, if you two weren't that close?”

Drift let out a light chuckle and openly admitted, “Believe it or not, she asked me out. We were hanging out with other one day and she popped the question. She was straightforward about it – in her shy way, I guess.”

“Wait? Seriously?” Vinyl said completely thrown back by that. “She asked you out?”

Drift nodded in response, “Yeah. Of course, I said 'yes'. I couldn't pass that up. Rainbow Dash wasn't too happy about it, but I didn't care.” He really didn't. Even in high school, he thought that tomboy Rainbow Dash was just a nuisance. But it looks like he had to tolerate her since he was gonna be with Fluttershy. Well, that and the fact that said tomboy was friends with Fluttershy, too.

Drift was right. She found it hard to believe Fluttershy would ask first; she didn't seem like the mare to do so. What gave her the bulk to ask Drift out? This was starting to get interesting.

“Then what happened after that?” Vinyl asked.

“Once we made it official, things were going great,” Drift said with a smile. “Our relationship was strong and I couldn't be happier.”

His smile slowly sank to a disapproval frown, and he said in an annoyed tone, “But then things went south when she kept bring up the idea of starting a family.” it was weird to him, but even he knew they were too young to start a family.

Vinyl lifted her head and leered at Drift in shock and excitement. That can't be right. Fluttershy wanted a what?! “Whoa, wait-wait-wait wait...” she had to speak up about this new info she just received. “Ok, timeout.” Vinyl requested as she tapped her hooves in a timeout gesture. “Fluttershy wanted to start a family with you?” Even she didn't see that coming. Back when she knew her, Fluttershy didn't even tell or give a hint that she wanted to start a family. What gives? “Both of you were too young!”

“I thought the same thing,” Drift agreed with her. “Why would anyone start a family while still in high school? It makes no sense.”

She sat back down and leaned back as she thought about this, “No, it doesn't.” She then started pieces the story together or tried to at least. It didn't take long to click that he answered his own question, and she was gonna let him know. She glared disappointingly at Drift.

“Apparently she did, D-bro. And you gave it to her.”

Drift raised a confused brow and asked in a deadpan tone, “Uh, come again?”

Vinyl pushed herself off the beanbag and kept her stern glare at Drift. It was time he knew what he did wrong, “Spill it, Drift. What did you mean by trophy mare? And did you ever love Fluttershy?”

Drift leaned his head back, confused by Vinyl's actions, “Why do you care? You said you barely knew her?” he had no idea what was going on. Vinyl didn't seem like she cared and now she looked upset.

Vinyl shook her head, “I lied. We used to hang out for a while in the cafeteria before I started hanging out with Lyra and other students in the music room and I actually got to know her.”

“You what? Why would you do that?” Drift asked concerned. Was she playing a game with him? “Why?”

“Because I know you'd lie to me,” Vinyl said dryly. Drift was gonna talk whether he wanted to or not.

Drift didn't say anything to that as they locked eyes. She read him like a book. 'Clever girl' was all he could describe his sister after hearing her answer. He would've done exactly that because he didn't want any more scolding from anybody, not even from his own family, especially his sister. No point in hiding anything anymore. he looked away, ashamed of himself.

Being cool wasn't thrown aside. Vinyl was as serious as she's ever been. More serious than the time she lost her glasses. She knew her brother and she knew he can be deceiving.

“Now talk. Did you or did you not love Fluttershy and did you do the unthinkable?”

Drift blinked a few times and answered truthfully, “At first, no. I saw her as a means to say 'I have a marefriend' and because she was very beautiful. I didn't really care about her feelings or what she wanted. I only cared for her looks.”

Vinyl stood there jaw-dropped and with eyes widened once more. Her snout folded into a slight snarl and her irises shrank to the size of pennies. If her body was a furnace, boiling-hot steam would jet out of her back at that moment and engulf the whole house.

Drift didn't look at his step-sister, but he can tell she was getting pissed. He played into her trap and now he's paying the price. He honestly can't blame anyone but himself for this. He would say he was so proud of her if it weren't for the situation they were in. And he understood Vinyl's anger and doesn't even try to convince her to calm down because the answer to her second question will be set in stone. He actually felt a little cold for what he is about to say.

“And... for the whole family part, I got fed up with Fluttershy bringing it up over and over; it broke me. On one of our dates, we did it. I wasn't in the mood to hear anything she had to say,” he sighed having to think back to that moment. It wasn't fun at all. He should've been more smarter about his actions. “I didn't even think to ask if it was her first time or if I was hurting her. I just... went in. No protection”

Her jaw closed up and her teeth bared like hyena's. The rage she had within her was building up at an alarming rapid pace. Vinyl had never been so furious towards her brother in all her life. Joking around, sure, she got huffy with him but laughed it off. She couldn't recall a single moment she had ever been so mad at her brother because unless it involved her business or that newsfeed, hardly anything made her mad...

Until now.

“When all was done, weeks passed and I got word that Fluttershy was pregnant...” the moment he was told was the moment he bolted. He was not ready to be a father and all he had to do was hide until school was over. His friends were supporting him for doing the deed then bailing on her. “...but, instead of being happy, I ran and I had Thunderlane tell Fluttershy it was over between us. I couldn't bare to face her after what I did.” he gave Fluttershy her wish, but it had major consequences both had to endure.

“After I ran, I didn't see her again. I don't know if she was happy, sad or what about what happened. No doubt she had the kid. Shame I don't know who it is,” and that's all he had to say.

He didn't hear a word from Vinyl. No doubt she was angry. He couldn't blame her. He screwed up and he was willing to admit it. Back then he was energetic and tough, now he's laid back and carefree. Or at least he thought he did. Thinking about what he said earlier was just wrong but he was too scared to fix it. He was hoping Fluttershy would forget about what happened... and forget about him.

He glanced at Vinyl for the moment of truth.

She didn't have to say a word, as her face said it all for her. Her eyes were cherry-red, close to fire colored, they were full of anger and rage. Her muzzle was all scrunched up and her teeth were locked shut and baring. Her body shook in occasional bursts and her horn was seething of blazing magic. Like a bomb, she was about ready to burst at any given moment. Vinyl was not just pissed, but outraged for what her brother did to Fluttershy.

He knew he couldn't escape this. Talking to Vinyl would be useless and she'd no doubt side with Rainbow Dash. Actually, he can say this, “If it makes you feel any better, Rainbow Dash and Gilda found me and my friends kicked our flanks. I'd say she was a messenger or something. Now she wants me to get back with her. Are you on her side?”

The question was asked and the info was received, but Vinyl couldn't hold in her bottled fury any longer. She reeled her right hoof back, “You--” she threw her arm and slammed a firm right hook right across Drift's cheek; directly on the scar “--Idiot!”

Drift was knocked onto the floor with the chair with a hard thud. He lifted his upper body and rubbed his cheek. He hissed in pain and looked at his hoof, seeing a bit of blood. He couldn't tell if this was a new injury or if that scar partially reopened. She may be his little sister, but Vinyl seriously has some muscle around those tiny bones.

He let out a weak chuckle and complemented Vinyl with a joke, “Ow. Crap. You sure know how to knock a stallion off his hooves,” He rolled on his back to look at his sister, only to see she was not laughing. She was in no mood for jokes.

“I'll knock your teeth out next, you buckin', abandoning jerk!” Vinyl threatened with a snarl. “Of all the things you could have done, you had to go and do something as stupid as that!.”

Drift sat up and held his cheek as he glared defensively at Vinyl, “Stupid? Vinyl, all I did was--”

“Make her life a living hell,” Vinyl interrupted with a scold. “Not only did you knock her up and up and abandon her, but you left her in pain.”

“What are you talking about? I thought I made her happy when I left. I gave her what she wanted.”

“No, you didn't. You gave her so much pain, it was hurtful to those close to her; including me.”

That right there bewildered Drift. He sat there in front of her motion, trying to process what she just said and what she meant, “W-What do you mean?”

Vinyl walked up to Drift like a mother to a son and looked him straight in the eyes a mere foot away and said in a stern, venomous tone, “Did it ever occur to you how fragile Fluttershy was? Huh?”

Drift bit his lip and felt his heart start to race. Looking at Vinyl was like looking at his own mother. It was really scary. He shook a bit in fear and anxiously answer, “N-No.”

Vinyl looked at him with disappointed eyes, but she expected that answer, “I figured you wouldn't. You were too caught up with how much of a 'trophy mare' Fluttershy was, that you neglected to actually get to know her,” she scowled so hard that Drift thought her face was going to crack and break like one of mom and dad's commemorative plates. “From what I can tell that relationship went south the moment you said 'yes'.”

Drift didn't know if he should feel insulted or agree with Vinyl out of fear. Either way, Vinyl was unleashing her berserk mode upon him. This wasn't the V-Sis he remembered. He had no clue Vinyl and Fluttershy were friends. He didn't even think to ask her because of high school and stuff.

Vinyl retracted herself away from Drift and spoke a bit of trivia to him, “Fluttershy told me before how shy she was around others. It took some time for her to get used to me. She was used to Rainbow Dash and, somehow, you.” She assumed Fluttershy had a crush of Drift before all that happened.

He looked at her with remorse. He didn't know. He was scared to face what he did. He didn't know he caused Fluttershy so much pain. All he wanted to do was get it over with so he could break up with her while she had his 'gift'; it was wrong. So very wrong. He slowly curled into a fetal position hiding his face behind his arms. Time had passed but it was coming back thanks to Vinyl. And she was right.

“I don't remember much of what happened, but I remember seeing Fluttershy crying her eyes out next to Rainbow Dash. And I think her belly was strangely abnormal for such a young mare. And you said Marabunda was a monster.”

Adding salt to the wounds just like that. Vinyl wasn't holding any punching. He got the message loud and clear; he just wanted Vinyl to stop now.

“Please, Vinyl. No more. I get what you mean.”

“No more?” Vinyl raised an eyebrow, not buying that in the slightest. “Drift, I'm not--” He looked up at her with puffy-red, teary eyes and a snotty muzzle “-- on her side. Whoa.” her rage slowly diminished as she looked at him rather astonished and somewhat guilty. She thought Drift was gonna fight back and try and counter her own arguments, but instead of doing that he just looks like a tortured pony.

“Drift, why aren't you saying anything about this. I'm telling you what you've done, and you're not fighting back? This is not how this should go,” She was getting confused now. What was the deal here?

He sniffed and almost choked on his words, but he managed to get some out, “You're right. I... I did abandon her,” he said with a few hiccups. Throughout those years, he suppressed his real emotion and disguised it for another. Now Vinyl has broken that disguise and brought it out. He felt extremely guilty for what he's done and he can't do anything about it unless he goes to Fluttershy.

“But, I can't see her, Vinyl.”

Vinyl was actually surprised by this. She thought Drift still didn't care for her and yet he said she's right. He was admitting to her and she didn't know what to say to it. She was in the zone of chewing him out, but now she can't. What else can she say? Maybe a few things.

“Now hold on, Drift. You may be in a lot of wrongs, but so is Fluttershy,” Vinyl said as Drift gazed his sorrowful eyes at her. Vinyl let out some calm breaths and explained as best she could, “She should've waited. I don't have a family of my own because I knew not to start one so early.” She rubbed her head and threw another unknowing verbal punch at Fluttershy, “Sounds to me like Fluttershy wasn't thinking either.”

Drift mindlessly nodded. Vinyl was right, again. Both of them have suffered consequences because of their idiotic actions. And in the end, those actions created a new one. Drift gasped softly and realized what had been done.

“And because of what we did, we brought a baby into the world.”

Vinyl nodded in return, “That's right. You two made something you can't fix.” She then smiled and giggled, giving a little tease. “You also made me an aunt,” the tease actually managed to get them to giggle a bit, bringing down the tension, to a degree that Drift can talk more clearly. Although, now that she thinks about it, the thought of being an aunt doesn't sound so bad to her now that she knows her step-brother has a kid. Maybe she can teach the little one some of her famous beats.

“But, the thing is, I'm too scared to even face Fluttershy,” Drift admitted. “It's been so long since I've seen her, I don't know if she'll be upset, sad or what.”

Vinyl smiled a bit and shrugged, “Won't know until we find out.” Her smile contorted to an 'almost forgot' face, “Um, but first, let's fix you up. I think I've might've tortured you rather than give you a lesson.” She tried to lighten the mood with that joke, but she was also being serious.

“Sorry about that. I'm not much of a therapy pony.”

Drift looked at himself and stood up before wiping his eyes from getting stung by more tears, “Don't be. I had that coming miles away. And you seemed to know what you were doing for someone who hasn't in Fluttershy's shoes.”

Vinyl let out an innocent giggle and blushed bashfully, “I guess I picked up what mom put down.”

Drift chuckled before thinking about right now. Should he go and see Fluttershy right now or wait until he's ready? That decision was making him rather nervous. He rubbed the back of his head until a cotton-white hoof touched his shoulder. He looked to see Vinyl with a soft, assuring smile knowing what he was thinking.

“Don't worry, we don't have to see Fluttershy right now. We can wait until you're ready.”

Wise words he never thought he'd hear from his little sister. How did Vinyl become so smart with this? But there was one itch that hadn't been scratched yet, “What about Rainbow Dash? She's been on my back for a while and won't give up until I break.”

Vinyl shook her head at Drift and gave him a determined glare, “You don't need to worry about Rainbow Dash, Drift. She had the right intention but she's being pushy and forceful with how she's doing things. You leave her to me, D-Bro. You just need to worry about yourself.” She nudged her head to the stairs. “Come on. Just let me know where the med-kit is and I can try and patch you up.”

Drift smiled a bit and nodded to her as he got up and walked down the stairs. All while thinking that Vinyl was acting very caring, almost like their mother in a way. He shrugged to himself and thought it was a coincidence. But he did want to ask her something when she got here.

“So, why did you want to come here?” he looked back as Vinyl stopped halfway down the stairs. “I know you didn't just come here just to see me.”

Vinyl blushed tomato-red as she looked at Drift, trying to come up with an excuse to hide her true intention, “Um...”

Drift raised a brow, acknowledging the attempt but he tried doing that just now and it failed miserably.

“V-Sis, come clean. What are you hiding?” He asked as he opened the bathroom door to get a box of tissues for his runny nose.

Vinyl sighed in defeat and just chuckled, “I'm trying to keep it low. Ponyrazzi is trying to hunt me down for more fake news. Can't take any more of their crap.”

Drift laughed a little at that. He can completely understand that. Being famous can't be easy for any celebrity. Truth be told, he didn't mind that she hid here. Having her here was enjoyable to him; even though the punch he got still hurts. But still, better her than anyone else.

He opened the mirror door and grabbed the med-kit, “Here it is, V-sis.” Drift said holding it in his teeth before placing it down on the sink's edge. Lucky for them, the bathroom was big enough for two ponies, so it should be easy for them.

“So, how do you feel about being a dad, D-Bro?” Vinyl asked as she opened the med-kit.

“Hmm, hard to say. I don't know who my kid is, but I'm excited to know I am a dad.”

“Oh yeah, duh. My bad. Once we get the whole Fluttershy thing over with, we are so going to find out who your mini you is.”

Author's Notes:

As promised, here's part 2. Hope you guys enjoy. :)

The Right Choice

A sense of dread and discomfort loomed in Fluttershy's cottage. The sound of cricket chirps echoed outside, but no one made a noise of their own after hearing Fluttershy's story. Rainbow Dash and Tree Hugger had their reasons for being quiet; they were fully aware of what happened with Fluttershy – well, more so than Rainbow Dash. She was there when Fluttershy was pregnant with Scootaloo, but after that she remained quiet until now. Tree Hugger kind of figured out the pieces on her own. Having seen Drift himself, she got some unique vibes from him. Angel raised a brow at her after hearing this story. He knew that his owner used to be a bit of a pushover, but after hearing this 'phase' of hers, apparently she was wacky in the head like a cotton-candy mare he knew. Gilda and Glinda, however, were thrown for a loop when Fluttershy told her story.

“So, let me get this straight,” Gilda said, breaking the silence and wrapping her head by what she just heard, “You wanted to start a family with Drift, even though you were young and in high school?”

“That's right,” Fluttershy replied. “I was going through a... rather odd phase, at the time” she rubbed the back of her head, her cheeks turning a light shade of red, feeling rather embarrassed and awkward for explaining that story.

“And it looks like that phase won,” Rainbow Dash said, crossing her arms and giving Fluttershy a slight scowl, remembering those days of her trying to convince her friend that it was a bad idea; but it failed either way.

Fluttershy turned to her left and drooped her ears. She felt awful for ignoring her friend's warning back then, knowing how Dash always looked out for her at high school, “I'm sorry, Rainbow Dash... I was just so happy... I... I wasn't thinking straight.” She knew she's made some stupid mistakes, especially in high school; but when she was together with Drift, she actually believed that he was the one after he agreed to go out with her. But after she got pregnant and got dumped by him after receiving word of her pregnancy, that seemed to have gone down the drain. Angel looked up at his owner sadly, his ears lowered as he felt bad for her. He knew she was upset with what had happened and it must hurt a bit to tell exactly what happened, but he wanted to let her know that he's here for her as he placed a comforting paw on her hoof. Fluttershy looked to him and gave him a warm little smile, grateful for his comfort.

That was putting it mildly. She'll admit to herself that she's stubborn, but Rainbow Dash would not even consider what Fluttershy did. She let out a rough, frustrated sigh and was about to speak until Tree Hugger butted in...

“Fluttershy, what's done is done,” the hippie mare said in an assuring, comforting voice. “Even if you went through those rough times, it still turned out well in the end.” and she was right. Though she never asked how it all came into play, Fluttershy still ended up having Scootaloo back in her life and she felt happy for her.

Fluttershy looked at Tree Hugger and smiled a bit, feeling a little better about that. Unaware of Rainbow Dash glaring suspiciously at her other friend.

“And how would you know, Tree Hugger?” Rainbow Dash impeded rather aggressively, looking over Fluttershy and glaring down at Tree Hugger; she was sensing some bullcrap here and it was annoying her to no end. She called out Tree Hugger, “You weren't there when all this happened. You don't know anything about this!”

Tree Hugger didn't give no mind to Rainbow Dash's actions, but she did reply calmly just to not make things worse, “I may not have been there, but Fluttershy told me some stories and I can feel the flowing chakra around her and I know when she's troubled.” Not one to toot her own metaphorical horn, Tree Hugger proves once again she is unique among friends. Most ponies don't read chakra as she does. “It's what I do.”

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes slowly and wanted to groan as loud as possible for how stupid Tree Hugger sounded. She couldn't believe the words coming out of this pony's mouth. She retorted and carelessly asked, “You sure you're not on something when you talk?”

Fluttershy gasped a little, “Rainbow, please,” Fluttershy said. “Don't be rude. I know you haven't spent any time with Tree Hugger as much as I have, but what she's saying is true.”

Tree Hugger smiled approvingly and nodded a few times, and joined in this 'tag team', “Besides, it isn't about us. It's about this graceful mother right here,” Tree Hugger complimented. She can tell Fluttershy tries her best to care for her daughter and the animals around the cottage; it must be a real challenge for her.

Rainbow Dash snarled at Tree Hugger and growled quietly to herself, “I think you're missing the point, Tree Hugger. Fluttershy was gonna tell us about her time with he-who-must-not-be-named.” Rainbow Dash corrected or tried to. She wanted to know if Drift actually said anything to her before finding out the 'surprise' they made for themselves.

Tree Hugger felt appalled and her calm demeanor turned into a slight feisty tone. This rainbow mare has no business trying to force her friend to speak against her wishes. She had no right; there was no chill with this mare, “Okay, that is so not cool, Rainbow Dash. You don't get to make a call like that.” she had a vibe, not just a hunch, that Fluttershy would be too uncomfortable. She may have felt a dark presence within Fluttershy's aura before, but she'll let her speak. Once she's ready, she'd try and calm her down if needed, but if not, she knew she cannot force it out of her like Dash is trying to do, “Fluttershy doesn't have to tell us if she doesn't want to. I'm sure it'll be uncomfortable for her.” She frowned mellowly at the cyan pegasus, "It's no use getting feisty-tempered as a dragon and hardheaded as a crumbling boulder over it.. your vibe is becoming really unsettling." She could see Dash's chakra and her aura was ablaze like a dragon's flame, she was trying to keep the peace, but Celestia-damn it, was this mare stubborn.

Her right eye twitched, she could never understand what the buck this pony was talking about, but the way she said it felt like she was insulting her in a way, which was a jab at her pride, “I'll never understand what the heck you just said, but I think that time should be now. You don't get to make any calls either,” Rainbow Dash barked, jabbing back at Tree Hugger that she doesn't have any right, either. If anything, she should just shut up and let Fluttershy talk.

But the banter between these two was actually the one thing that was making Fluttershy uncomfortable. She sunk down a bit and curled up, watching them squabble. Why were they so invested in what happened after she gave birth to Scootaloo? It didn't add up. She just wanted to tell her story and that's it. She let out a tiny whimper as Tree Hugger and Rainbow Dash lifted themselves up with the arms of Fluttershy's chair, continuing their odd argument.

Angel facepalmed upon seeing these two start to argue. Are these two serious right now? It's frustrating enough that Dash is being pushy while Tree Hugger's being defensive, but this is getting ridiculous. 'And I thought I was a pain in the fuzztail.' He thought as he glared at the two ponies. He kept close to Fluttershy and actually tried to shield her from this scene, despite his small stature.

Gilda, however, was growing impatient and very annoyed. Her eyes were closed and trying so hard to find her happy place so she can wait for these two to zip their yaps. Unlike the two arguing mares, she was actually enjoying this story and had thoughts of her own to give. At least, she would tell them if Rainbow Dash and this other mare would shut up and quit ruining her chance. She may have been thinking clearly now, but she was still a griffon and griffons always have a temper flare.

A snarl form on her face, “Glinda?” Gilda said as she opend her eyes and looked at her little sister twiddling at her back paws with her talons. She must've gotten bored with the story and decided to find something entertaining. Honestly, she thought it was cute, but how she wasn't focused on these blabbering mares is beyond her.

Kids.

Gilda humorously rolled her eyes and whispered to her to get her attention, “Hey, squirt?”

Glinda let out a carnal chirp and looked up at her older sister, “Yes, Gilda?”

She motioned her head to the stairs and asked, “Mind checking on Scootaloo? I'm sure she'd like a friend by her side.”

Glinda smiled at that request and hopped off the couch and trotted to the stairs. She was actually thinking the same thing. She just didn't know if she should go or not. She was secretly worried about Scootaloo.

Gilda watched Glinda walk upstairs, but once the little griffon disappeared from her view, Gilda jerked her agitated view back onto Rainbow Dash and Tree Hugger and frowned in pure annoyance. That is gonna end. Now!

Fluttershy remained pinned to her chair, feeling cornered by her friends. She wanted to say something but felt like it wouldn't help either way. Why were they arguing so much? It felt like an Angel and Devil were talking, but instead of one angel, they were both devils! She hid her face behind her mane and hoped this would stop soon.

Angel was reaching his limit as he rubbed at his temple and twitched his whiskers about, his left foot thumping at a quick pace. This was to show frustration, and he was definitely frustrated with these two hounding mares. He had been patient with them for this long, but this has gone far enough. One glance at his owner, and he knew that this had to stop. Immediately.

“They should talk to one another and set things right. Quit trying to be a stupid bodyguard always trying to protect her,” Rainbow Dash quipped, getting irked every second this mare talked. She wanted this mare to lay off!

But that wish will never come to Rainbow Dash, “No, they shouldn't. It would disrupt their current flow and set an imbalance between them,” Tree Hugger countered, still not going to let Rainbow's words effect her. This act should be stopped right now, “You need to lower your guard a notch and not be so forceful on her.”

“Lower my guard? Forceful?!” Rainbow Dash said in a snapping tone. “The one being forceful here is--”

A pair of talon claws grabbed both Rainbow Dash and Tree Hugger by the napes of their necks and pulled them away from Fluttershy, making both mares shout 'whoa!' in unison. And a thump came down on Tree Hugger's muzzle from a white foot and a slap across Dash's right cheek from a white paw, making the pegasus say 'Ow!' while the earth pony yelped.

With the sudden quiet, Fluttershy peeked an eye out and shyly sat up and sighed in relief, glad to know that was finally over. Her mane slid away from her face as she watched Gilda hold both mares with ease and hung them by the back of their necks while Angel Bunny stood before the three, tapping his foot impatiently with a firm glare. Fluttershy slightly smiled at that and chuckled, thinking of how lionesses would hold their cubs by the nap of their necks. Ironic, actually. Although, she was a bit surprised that Angel, of all animals, was getting physical with somepony other than her.

Rainbow Dash and Tree Hugger swing occasionally in Gilda's hold. Her grip kind of hurt and it felt like she was intending to not let go.

“Hey, what gives, Gilda?” Rainbow Dash asked, looking back at her friend.

“Yeah, we were just having a talk is all,” Tree Hugger said, confused by this griffons actions.

That was a load of horse-crap and she had just about enough, “How about you two shut up for once and let Fluttershy talk,” Gilda said with a slight growl in her voice. She gets into Tree Hugger's face, “She's a grown mare who can act and think for herself,” then gets into Rainbow's face “And she doesn't need anyone getting in her business, telling her what to do.” She held the two mares still and looked at Fluttershy who gave her an approving nod. She gave the shy mare an allied smile before glaring at both mares.

Both of them tried to explain their reasoning for this annoying banter, but Gilda simply growled, “I may have changed, but now and then griffons will have angry moments if there's something to cause it,” She glared at the two mares and released a spurt of her anger, “And you two are really starting to cause mine!” Gilda swung her arms and, with a loud clonk to each others heads, both mares wobbled their heads and dizzily mumbled to themselves.

Angel glared at the two and like Gilda, decided enough was enough. After seeing Gilda clonk their heads together, he hopped up to their faces and started letting out a barrage of squeaks, pointing at them angrily and then at Fluttershy normally before facepalming and tugging his ears in frustration as he squeaked repeatedly at the two dangling ponies; he was chewing the two out for being annoying and controlling. His owner didn't need this, and he was sure to let the two know this. He too had his own thoughts to share with Shy about this whole story, but at the moment, he wanted these two mares to shut up and pay attention.

Fluttershy winced at that. That was a bit unnecessary, but she would be lying to herself if she didn't want to do the same thing. Her eyes then widened as Angel started getting a bit... vulgar in his act of 'chewing out' the mares, she spoke up to him before he could get too far "Angel Bunny! That isn't nice!" But judging by Angel's huff and crossed arms as he looked away from the two dangling mares, it looked like he could care less if it was nice or not.

Gilda blinked at this little scene, she didn't quite expect the rabbit to pitch in, but unfortunately she couldn't speak rabbit. When Fluttershy cut him off, she looked to her and asked out of curiosity, knowing she could talk to creatures like this little bunny. Maybe a word of translate? "What did he say?"

Fluttershy was blushing heavily, but wore a face of bewilderment; she heard every word out of Angel, but to answer Gilda, she shook her head, not wanting to translate all of what Angel had said to Dash and Tree Hugger, “I wouldn't dare repeat it.”

Brushing it off, Gilda then got back on topic, glaring at the two dangling ponies in her talons, she gave her own two cents, “Now, if you two can stop acting like a married couple, let Fluttershy deal with her own life like a freaking adult and not like a mindless child.”

Gilda drops Rainbow Dash and Tree Hugger, plopping them separately on the couch as Gilda focused her attention back onto Fluttershy, now happy to give her thoughts on the story.

“Thanks, Gilda.”

Gilda shrugged and thought nothing of it, “Hey, I know what it's like having others argue about what you should do in life,” Gilda said. “If I were you, I'd just go ahead and choose what you wanna do. Don't let others tell you otherwise.”

Fluttershy smiled, appreciating that advice. She was surprised, too. Never expecting advice from the one creature that bullied her before. It actually felt alien to her. Almost as if this Gilda was not the Gilda she knew back then; it was remarkable. But when she said what she said, it got her wondering something, “um, Gilda?”

Gilda lifts a claw and stops her, “I'll explain later, Fluttershy. If you want my honest thoughts, I'm glad you're doing well as a mother and Scootaloo seems like she's happy now,” or was until that fight broke out. Probably not the right choice of words, but she wasn't used to giving compliments just yet.

Fluttershy looked towards the stairs and sighed disappointingly at herself, “If only--”

“But.”

Fluttershy looked back at Gilda as Gilda continued, “That's the one side of the story I understand. The other side, I don't.”

“Oh, um, it's complicated to explain, Gilda.”

“Complicated, huh?” Gilda raised a brow, finding it kind of hard to believe. “I understand you're taking care of your daughter. Believe me, I got my little sister to take of,” two totally different situations, but also similar, too, “but what I wanna know is why are you trying to hide her from her father?”

Fluttershy winced and widened her eyes in shock, feeling her body go cold from receiving that question. She shook her head, trying to dodge the question with a lie, “I-I'm not trying to hide her, Gilda. I'm not ready yet, is all.” She giggled awkwardly and hoped Gilda would fall for it.

Gilda paused and stared at Fluttershy with a straight, questioned face, keeping her view only locked on her for a short time. About around enough time for Rainbow Dash and Tree Hugger to snap out of their dazed state. Fluttershy kept her eyes glued to the focused griffon, as well. She still hoped she'd buy what she said. Silence engulfed the room, again. No one made a sound while the two had their staring contest. But not in a sense of game and play. Something else was up. They stared into each other's eyes and waited for one to crack.

Until one ultimately did...

Gilda sighed and finally closed her eyes so she wouldn't irritate them, “Well, then, I guess you're right,” she opened them back up and resumed her gaze on Fluttershy.

Fluttershy looked at her surprised and puzzled, but sighed in relief, happy to know she won that pressured round, “I am?”

“Oh yeah, of course.” Gilda said in a surprisingly chilled tone and crossed her arms.

Fluttershy was thrown back by this sudden change. But she was still relieved and happy her dodge was a success. She smiled calmly and said, “See, I told you I wasn't--”

“Why are you trying to hide yourself from him?”

And the cold feeling came shooting back into her body like it was some kind of injection.

“W-What?”

Fluttershy's Cottage's Hallway

Glinda walked up the stairs and looked back, pondering about what her sister and her friends were talking about. Well, kind of. What Rainbow Dash and that dreadlock mare were talking about was pretty boring. She felt bad about what Fluttershy went through, but why wasn't she letting Scootaloo see her dad? Curiosity was eating away at the little griffon and she wanted to know! Shame she didn't say anything to them. Then again, would they even listen?

“Wish I could hear more of that story,” Glinda said with a sulk. “Rainbow Dash and that other mare were being so rude.” But she immediately reminded herself of what Gilda told her.

“Oh yeah, Scootaloo,” she'll ask Gilda what happened later. She treaded down the hall, pitter-pattering her small paws and talons before stopping in front of Fluttershy's bedroom door. Scootaloo was in here, right? She tilted her head in thought. She wasn't too sure. She looked to her left and right and saw two other doors, but they didn't have any signs on them. She shrugged to herself and took a guess with the one door in front of her.

She reached up and was about to knock but paused herself, recalling what happened earlier. She widened her eyes a bit. That fight between Scootaloo and her mother was pretty intense. She retracted her arm and thought to herself, “Wait, If I knock, will she be mad at me?” she could only imagine what would happen in her anxious mind. One knock and Scootaloo would burst out from that and yell at her in a fit of anger. “It's kind of like what mom always did,” she said to herself. Remembering that was a nightmare in itself. But she could still knock, if she wanted, too. Scootaloo isn't her mother and chances are she won't get mad, right? She was hesitant to knock and the conflict in her head wasn't helping, she sighed disappointingly, frustrated in herself, “Maybe I should just walk back? I don't want to disturb her.” She quietly backed away and turned around, but her legs halted and she reminded herself, again. “No, Gilda asked me to do this. If I told her I didn't do what she said, she'd be mad at me,” she had to fulfill it; heck, maybe this was another way of her saying to make a new friend. The first time wasn't all that great.

She then sat down and pouted angrily, “Dumb Diamond Tiara. Using me like that. I just wanted to make friends and she used me,” she growled a tad. She had to do this and she had to do it now. Otherwise, she'd be a wreck. She walked back to the door and reached her arm up as she reminded herself “Okay, you can do this, Glinda. Just talk to her. how hard can it be? She's not Diamond Tiara. And she's not my mother. You can do this.”

Her talon was inches away from the door, but in a cruel twist of fate, the door swung open and Scootaloo stood right in front of Glinda. The sudden appearance made her talon screech to a stop as Glinda flinched in surprise and shock a baby chicken peep coming out of her as her talon was only inches away from Scootaloo's nose.

Glinda widened her eyes and jumped back, landing on her haunches, “Scootaloo!” she looked up at the filly and tried to make a casual smile, trying to make it seem like nothing happened. “H-Hey there. Um, I was just... uh... I was...”

Scootaloo blinked a few times and raised a brow, easily catching on to Glinda's poor acting, “If you're trying to make yourself look cool, you might need some practice,” Scootaloo teased. “Did you want to hang out with me?”

The little griffon nodded and suddenly went on a talking frenzy, kind of like Pinkie Pie, “Y-Yeah. My sister was talking to Fluttershy and the others about school and then Rainbow Dash and that other mare – can't remember her name – started arguing and I got bored. Then Gilda wanted me to see how you were doing. Well, we both thought that. She's downstairs--” an orange hoof pressed against her beak, stopping her.

“Whoa, whoa, slow down, Glinda,” Scootaloo said, removing her hoof from Glinda's beak, “I don't have a problem with you wanting to hang out with me.” Scootaloo smiled and motioned her inside, “Come on, we can talk about this in my room. We can play a board game or watch a movie. Plus, I heard you mumble behind the door.” She snickered as Glinda blushed embarrassingly.

Those things Scootaloo said, however, caught her attention. She tilted her head as she walked in passed Scootaloo, “Movie? Board games?”

“Yeah?” Scootaloo said confused, closing the door. “You've never watched a movie before or played any board games?”

All Scootaloo got out of her was an innocent, adorably confused face and a simple shake of a fluffy head, “Uh-uh, not a one.” She looked around the room and saw a queen-sized bed with drawers next to the head of the bed. She looked to her right and saw a weird gray box-like thing in front of the bed. She tilted her head and approached it, tweeting in amusement, yet mystification, “At Griffonstone, we always come up with ideas to have fun. But, it's very rare for me.” As she mentioned Griffonstone, she can recall the types of fun that her fellow griffons tend to 'play' around there. 'Fun,' she thought, 'Ha! More like painful wrestling or paying a bit every time you wanna play a different game. I'll never understand why everygriffon has to be so greedy with bits.'

Though Glinda was told by her parents that they as a species are a proud regal race, she hardly found that an excuse for every griffon to be rude to everyone. It wouldn't hurt them to crack a genuine smile or not ask for bits every 5 minutes over a simple question.

Scootaloo walked up to Glinda, curiously, “So, you don't have a TV or have any like that back home?” Scootaloo asked. “And what do you mean by 'rare'? Are other griffons that bad that they wouldn't want to play with you?” She never went to Griffonstone, but Rainbow Dash did tell her some stories. At first, she didn't believe her that griffons were all that bad, but to hear one say others 'very rarely' play with her was just not right, at all. “There has to be one griffon that's gotta be your friend, right?”

Glinda shook her head a little, “No, we don't have this 'thing'” – she points to the TV-- “or any board games. It's outside or you don't 'play' at all.” She dipped her head and let out a slow exhale before giving her a confirming nod, “Griffons would rather roughhouse than play anything else.” she turned to look at Scootaloo. “Compared to my other siblings, I'm the runt.”

Scootaloo was surprised by this revelation. She never expected to meet a runt face to face, “That explains why you're smaller than me. Last time I met a griffon, she was twice the size of me and my other friends.”

Glinda raised a brow and had no idea who she was talking about, but she kept explaining as best she could to Scootaloo, “And by 'rare', I mean there is only one griffon who played with me and actually acted like a friend to me. We hardly see each other because he goes to a school,” she then smiled brightly, “But, thanks to that place, we became pen-pals. Most of my time was always writing back to him when he sent me letters. It was very fun.”

Scootaloo smiled at that. Glad to know at least one griffon was giving Glinda attention. Being a runt must be very difficult for her. 'Wait, School?', Scootaloo thought for a moment, 'She doesn't mean Twilight's friendship school, does she?' if that was the case then that would be something. Glinda being pen-pals with one of Twilight's students. It's actually pretty cool. And seeing that there's only one griffon in that school, she had to ask, “Who's your pen-pal, Glinda?”

Glinda smiled and tried to surprise Scootaloo, “You might not have met him, but his name is Gallus.”

Nope, definitely from Twilight's school and she thought correctly. It didn't take a genius to figure that out. Truthfully, the only student she's met was Sandbar and not the others. She was busy with other things to go find them, but Gallus's name was mentioned a few times by Sandbar.

“Gallus, huh? That's pretty cool.” Scootaloo said, playing off that she's surprised.

Glinda chirped and perked up with a cheering, somewhat bragging, smile, “Yup!” she hopped a bit. “Gallus is my pen-pal. When I write to him that I moved to Ponyville, he'll be surprised, too.”

“Move to Ponyville?!” Scootaloo said in a more surprised tone. “You're moving to Ponyville? No wonder you've hung around with Diamond Tiara.” It made sense now. Glinda showing up randomly and hanging around ponies. Why Diamond of all ponies was beyond her, but it still surprised her nonetheless.

Glinda tilted her head in confusion, “Yeah, didn't the teacher tell you I was a new student?” Glinda asked Scootaloo.

That might've been one part she slept through. Cheerilee's have been so boring that she sometimes sleeps through them. It took either Applebloom or Sweetie Belle to wake her up before Cheerilee noticed.

“Um... yes,” Scootaloo responded with a little lie and awkward smile, hoping Glinda will fall for it.

Glinda kept her head tilted for a few seconds, before bouncing her head straight with a naive smile “Okay!”

Close call. She was glad this tiger-striped griffon was so gullible, otherwise, this would've gotten really awkward. Scootaloo gave herself a mental high-hoof before realizing what kind of griffon Glinda was. 'Orange coloring with black stripes? And I thought Griffons were only half-lion and half-eagle? Glinda's half-tiger. This is awesome!' she thought to herself, feeling rather excited actually. Another opportunity was presented to her and she was going to take it. To have a griffon like Glinda as a friend would be very cool.

“So, wanna watch a movie?” Scootaloo asked, receiving an enthused, twinkling glance from Glinda. Scootaloo tried so hard not to laugh, but that pretty much gave her the answer. “I'll take that as a 'yes'” she said with an amused chuckle. She approached the TV and turned it on. It made hissing sounds, but Scootaloo quickly turned down the volume. She reached under and pulled out five movies.

“Okay, I have five movies,” she turned around, “which one do you – uh, you okay?” she saw Glinda hiding under the bed, shaking like a leaf.

“Th-that was scary.”

Scootaloo took a moment to think and looked at the TV, confused, 'Must've been the hissing sound that spooked her', she looked back at Glinda with an assuring smile. “Ah, don't let this thing scare ya. It does that a lot. Mom tends to forget to turn it down when the sun goes down before turning it off. It doesn't bite.”

Glinda crawled out from under the bed, “Are you sure?” she asked. The hissing sound of the static from the TV reminded her of that frightful fight earlier with Varan and that scary-looking bear. “I-It kind of sounded like... like... like that your giant lizard. When he got angry...”

“Course I'm sure!” Scootaloo said excitedly. “You've got nothing to worry about here. This place is safe and the animal's outside won't hurt you either, not even Varan.” Though when she said that last part, she reassured, “I promise Glinda, you're safe here.” She sheepishly rubbed the back of her head, I'f anything, I'm sorry Varan scared you like that... again.” I honestly don't know what got into him.” She honestly didn't; her Komodo Dragon is usually so well-behaved and chill, but his violent, angry outburst left her concerned. But deciding to deal with him later, she shook her head and focused on the task at hoof: hanging with her new friend.

A thought then occurred to the little griffon: how did she get a scary animal like Varan? Did she raise it? Did she adopt it? Glinda was in mental spiral. But the sounds of clanking quickly brought her out of it. She looked down and saw five different boxes with pictures on it, “What are those?” she asked.

“Movies,” Scootaloo answered excitedly as she pointed. “I have Acrobatic Hawk, Atomic Zilla vs. Queen Medorah, Hotel Pransylvania, A Nightmare on Elf Lane and Midnight.”

Glinda crawled out from under the bed and took a look at the movie cases. It took about a minute before she finally decided, “This one,” she pointed to Midnight.

Scootaloo let out a slight chuckle at her choice. Of all the movies she had to choose.

“W-What?”

“Oh, n-nothing,” she said, trying to calm herself down. “Just you choose a movie everyone makes fun of. Worth a watch, but great to watch with friends just to make fun of it.”

Glinda was slightly confused, “Did I pick a wrong one?”

Scootaloo shook her head, and quickly assured her, “No, no, it's not that. You picked a great movie. What I'm trying to say is that it's a dumb love story about a Vampony and a Werepony,” She waved a hoof as she explain, very poorly, “Vampony stallion falls in love with a Werepony mare and clans of the two go to war because of their love. It's pretty generic, if you ask me.”

Having that explained to her, she still wanted to watch it; it sounded sweet and intense. She picked her first movie, and she had to see it. Glinda clapped her talons together and eagerly asked with the same eager, twinkling eyes, “Can we still watch it, anyway?”

Scootaloo was almost thrown a back by this but shrugged to herself and nodded, “Yeah, sure, why not. I could use a good laugh after what I went through,” She said in a passive-aggressive tone as she brought the tape out and went to go put it in the VHS.

Glinda tilted her head a bit, letting out a canary tweet, “Are you still mad at your mother?”

She put the tape in and answered, annoyed, “Yeah. I love my mother, but I just wish she'd let me see dad,” She walked back to Glinda and sat next to her, “Every time I ask her, she just dodges my question or just flat-out ignores it. It's so frustrating, I can't take it any more.”

Glinda looked up at Scootaloo with a sad frown, “I'm sorry to hear that.”

Scootaloo shrugged, “It's not your fault. My mom can be overprotective. Wonder if she got that from the animals?” She chuckled at her own joke, but wondered about something, as well.

“Hey, Glinda, why are you moving to Ponyville, anyway? Did your parents decide to move, or what?”

Glinda looked away. She was silent for a few seconds before responding, but not in a really happy tone, “It wasn't my parents. It was Gilda. She wanted to move to Ponyville and she brought me along.” Glinda looked depressed, all of a sudden. Something about that question brought back some memories she would've gladly forgotten about.

***“I can't believe this!” Gilda's voice yelled at her parents. “I can't believe the two of you!” She sounded really mad.

Glinda sat alone on a wooden chair, keeping her eyes cast down and having tear streaks run down her eyes. Her parents had been arguing again, but this time it had gotten worse. Way worse since her sister Gilda is involved. Out of all her siblings, Gilda is more the cool-headed one, but boy, was she scary when you cross her.

“So, that's it? You're just going to leave Glinda all by herself while you two head your separate ways to Grover-knows-where?” Gilda's voice spoke again from her parent's bedroom, and she sounded disappointed.

“It's just the way it is, Gilda...” Their Father, Lionel, reared his tan-feathered head at his eldest daughter, “Guster and I don't want anything to do with one another, anymore, but we can't stay around just for Glinda...” he let out a frustrated squawk. “If anything, she would've left the nest by now, just like her other siblings did.”

“It's not that we don't love you or Glinda, Gilda... it's just... we need some time apart from one another,” Their mother, Guster, uttered under her breath, “In completely different locations.” One look at Guster and anygriffon could tell that Gilda got her looks from her, except that Gilda's 'bangs' are light violet while Guster's was sky blue. “Glinda can't always depend on us...”

“Oh, will you two stop lying out your tail-feathers?!” Gilda's voice made not only them but Glinda jump as she heard that all the way from her spot. “Glinda's too young to understand what you're doing... you carry out on what you're doing right now, she's not going to stand a chance. She's too small to fend for herself!”

Glinda winced. What was her sister and her parents talking about? They've been yelling at one another for quite a while.

“...Fine. If you two really feel that way, then who gives a flying feather anymore? Screw you two!” Glinda heard a door slam and footsteps coming her way. She looked up to find Gilda coming to her and scooping her up in her arm. “C'mon, squirt... we're leaving.”

“Leaving?! When will we be back? Where are we going?”

Gilda sighed lightly before looking at her little sister, “I don't know where, but I know we're... we're not coming back to Griffonstone.” Seeing her concerned look, Gilda quickly added, “It's not because of you, Glinda,” she sneered, a vulture squawk uttering in her throat “it's more likely mom and dad being stubborn pains in the a--”

“Gilda, w-what's going to happen to us?” Glinda's question cut her off and left her thinking. She didn't want to stay in Griffonstone, that's for sure. But, where would they go? If only Dash were around to give her advice on where to go...

Wait!

“Glinda, we're moving out of the nest. Just you and me.” The thought of Dash instantly gave her an idea of where to go: Ponyville. “And I think I know where we can go.”

“W-Where, big sis?” Her little sister asked, which she answered to give Glinda hope.

“We're going to pay a certain friend of mine's hometown a visit.”***

Glinda's eyes looked a little glossy. She may be a bit too young to understand, but she felt as if she had something to do with her parent's split-up. Gilda said it wasn't because of her, but still, it hurt to just think about it.

Scootaloo looked concerned. She placed a hoof on Glinda's shoulder, “Hey, I didn't mean to dig into something I should've. If you're not ready to talk about it, I won't ask.”

Glinda looked up at Scootaloo and nodded, appreciating that. She looked to the TV Screen as the movie started. Then all focus was on it rather than what just occurred. It's as if that little depression moment never happened. She let out an adorable dove-coo when the Vampony Stallion showed up at the start of the film.

Scootaloo chuckled, 'note to self, Glinda gets easily amused'.

By the time the second act of the movie came up, Glinda kept her eyes glued and Scootaloo nearly fell asleep; the movie was so boring it was a good way to get some good sleep. That is until she faintly heard Glinda call her name.

“Hey, Scootaloo, who's that in the picture?”

Scootaloo snorted and aimlessly looked around, “wha? Huh?” she rubbed her eyes and looked down at Glinda, and said in a dreary tone, “What did you say, Glinda?”

Glinda pointed up at the picture on top of the TV. While she was enjoying the movie, her eyes trailed up to a picture of Scootaloo with someone else; a dragon, maybe? Scootaloo gazed at the picture of her with Spike and yawned out loud, “Oh, that's Spike. He's a friend of mine that lives around here.” She made a poor gesture of a castle to Glinda, “Big castle on a crystal tree. Not hard to miss.” She chuckled at herself.

Glinda gasped enthusiastically, having seen that castle before. A dragon lived there? This small town was full of surprises. And it made her feel better knowing that not just ponies live here in Ponyville, but a dragon, as well! Ponyville may be a very great place to live in. Aside from a few bad fillies and colts, she'll learn to love it here.

“Think we can meet him, someday?”

Scootaloo's eyes shot open and rosy-pink blush marks suddenly appear on her cheeks. A look of shock appeared on her face and she had to come up with an excuse. Something to distract Glinda from knowing, “Uh... maybe? Maybe.. we can..uh... oh, look, The vampony meets the werepony,” She snickered, mockingly, “Check this out, this is gonna get corny in a second.”

Glinda perked her head and tweeted like a canary and focused back on the screen, seeing the light-blue Vampony and yellowish-tan werepony lock eyes. At first, Glinda didn't know what to think, all they were doing was having an argument about what they were and who they were from. It really confused her and she couldn't understand why. Shouldn't they be friends first?

Scootaloo, however, watched the movie with the same blush on her face. Instead of seeing the vampony and werepony, she pictured herself and Spike in the same scenario in a later scene. Seeing herself in his arms, locking eyes and about to kiss, it made Scootaloo's blush intensify. And it was only a mere thought. Scootaloo suddenly felt a little woozy and lightheaded and she could've sworn she felt steam burst out her ears and nose. She aimlessly looked at the screen and ignored everything around her. Okay, maybe this movie was a bad idea. For the past few months, Scootaloo has had a crush on Spike and she tried so hard to deny it. She still had a hard time believing she told her mother and she was worried she'd tell Twilight. She thought about the times she and Spike would hang out and cause pranks just like Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash. It became frequent and it really showed her how awesome Spike could be. During those months, she started feeling something towards the purple dragon and she couldn't really explain what it was. Yet, she's still trying to deny it. She looked away from Glinda.

'Oh, am I really falling in love with Spike?' Scootaloo mentally asked herself. 'He's supposed to be one of my friends. Why am I falling for him?' Her mind slowly spiraled out of control. She couldn't figure out why she was attracted to him. But, she had to keep it locked up. She doesn't need Spike to know, because it would feel awkward for the both of them. 'Okay, maybe picking this movie was a bad--”

“Scootaloo?” Glinda tugged softly on her fur to get her attention.

Scootaloo snapped out of her mental breakdown and looked down at Glinda, “W-What's up, Glinda?”

“The vampony and werepony separated. What was all that about?”

Scootaloo looked at the screen and watched as the two characters made their departure, “Well, the vampony and werepony decided not to get into a fight because they couldn't bring themselves to do it. So, they left to go talk to their clans or something.”

“Oh, well, now it's on the werepony. Is she alright?” Glinda asked, not really knowing what was going on with the werepony. They watch as the werepony talks to her sister and begins to reveal her true feelings: she was in love with the vampony.

“Well, it doesn't take math to know what she's thinking of. She likes the Vampony and that other werepony” – she points to the brown werepony – “is her sister. She's a good listener and always tries her best help her in any way she can.”

“Oh!” Glinda smiled and looked at the screen, happy to know the werepony has someone to help her. She can relate to that.

“Oh, boy, here come the cheesy parts,* Scootaloo said, in a sarcastic tone as the werepony began to explain to her sister.

Fluttershy's Living Room

“I'm not trying to hide from him, I swear!” Fluttershy said, cracking under the pressure from Gilda's question. Angel tried to guard her from the griffon as he eyed her suspiciously, wondering what she's up to when she asked that.

Gilda had her in the bag. A reaction like that was the perfect indicator that this spoke more volumes than her previous one and that Fluttershy was indeed hiding something, “Your reaction says otherwise, Fluttershy.”

“Um, Gilda? What are you doing?” Rainbow Dash asked, confused. “Are you trying to scare her into answering?”

“That's not a good idea,” Tree Hugger obliged, agreeing with Rainbow, for one. “If her aura is not going to change color, then her blood pressure will surely rise.”

“Will you two shut up,” Gilda bonked the two mares on their heads and temporarily dazing them. “I'm not trying to do any of that. If you'll let me finish, I was going to say something else.” Fluttershy already told the truth by action. But, deciding for her was not an intention she wanted to do. “Fluttershy, what I'm trying to say is, you—”

“I don't know what he'll do...”

“What?”

Fluttershy looked away, grieving about the mere thought of seeing Drift, again. Drift harmed her in more ways than anyone could imagine. He used her like a toy, hardly paid any attention to her, barely gave her affection, what she wanted and all he cared about was her looks. He didn't harm her physically, well, aside from that day. But, not only that, it was herself that ruined her own life, too. She made stupid decisions, was blinded by her own love to see what Drift really wanted, didn't listen to the one friend who tried to be her voice of reason and she got what she wanted, but what she wanted abandoned her. She wanted to start a family, she didn't want what came after until she was older. But now, the only thing that came out of her life... was Scootaloo. And she was happy to have her back into her life; deep down she just wanted her family to be whole.

“If I see Drift again, I don't know what he'd do,” Fluttershy said, “That's why I try to hide Scootaloo and myself from him. I don't know what he'd do if he saw us. ...Saw me, again.” Fluttershy hid her face behind her mane. She didn't know what to do. She whimpered a bit, trying to prevent herself from breaking down in front of Gilda.

Angel lowered his ears as he looked at his owner with compassion. At last, they knew the truth of why Fluttershy was reluctant to see Drift after all this time, she was afraid... afraid of what he'd do to her. Would he hurt her again? Would he even feel bad? Whatever the case may be, Angel brushed it off before stroking and brushing Shy's mane as he sat on the left arm of the chair, comforting her as best he can.

Gilda felt bad for Fluttershy. Even to this day, those scars have not yet healed. She can kind of vouch for that, giving she made her decision to raise Glinda without help from her stubborn, selfish parents. Plus, it didn't help that two of her other friends were giving her different decisions. She looked at Tree Hugger and Rainbow Dash disappointingly as they came two before looking back at Fluttershy. She didn't care what these two thought, she needed to know.

“I'm sure he'll feel sorry for what he did. I met him earlier today.”

Rainbow Dash and Tree Hugger looked at Gilda as if they felt so betrayed by an ally – Rainbow dash, especially.

Fluttershy popped her head out of her mane wide-eyed and slack-jawed, “You met him?!” That revelation completely floored her and she was shocked beyond recognition. “What did he say?”

Gilda slightly leaned her head back from that sudden reaction, “Whoa, okay, cool the flames and listen carefully.” She straightened her neck as Fluttershy tried to keep a cool mind, “He didn't say anything about you. When I saw him, he was scared of me, really.” Which wasn't a hard thing to do. She was intimidating, but she was used to it. “I was looking for Glinda and Rainbow Dash quickly introduced me to Drift.”

Rainbow Dash gasped in betrayal, “Gilda!”

“Wait?” Fluttershy looked to Rainbow Dash confused and suspicious. “You found Drift and you didn't tell me? Why?”

The look in Rainbow Dash's eyes spoke volumes. Her body shook a bit from anxiety and her mind went blank for a second. But, thanks to Gilda, she had to say something, “I-I wanted to say hi, too. Heh.” Rainbow dash lied. This was out-of-character for her, but now she didn't know what Fluttershy was gonna do. “It's been a long time since I last saw him, I--”

“liar!” Gilda said sternly, not falling for this bullcrap. She saw the actions Rainbow Dash was giving off and she remembered what happened when they were talking to Drift, “You still haven't answered my question when we were talking to him,” she pointed a claw into the tuff of Rainbow Dash's fur, “You owe us an explanation.”

Fluttershy looked more confused than she already did. She didn't know was going on or what was Gilda talking about? What was Rainbow Dash hiding?

“Yeah, Rainbow Dash,” Tree Hugger intervened, thinking she was gonna be a free mare, “What's your explana--”

“Don't think for a sec you're not involved in this, either, Dreadlocks,” Gilda interrupted while keeping her eyes on a panicked Rainbow Dash. “You're hiding something, too.”

Tree Hugger widened her eyes and closed her mouth shut. She didn't expect the griffon to pick up what she's hiding. She then looked to Fluttershy who glared betrayed eyes at her.

Angel crossed his arms and looked at Dash disapprovingly; She met with Drift and she didn't say anything? 'What the heck, Dash?' He wiggled his whiskers in annoyance. There were actually some days he even wondered whyShy was friends with this one. Though his eyes widened as Gilda tells that Tree Hugger also was involved. Now he was hopping mad; these two involved themselves in a business that was not their own, and they have the gall to try and force Shy into making the decision of going to see Drift or not? This was unacceptable.

'I never thought I'd say it... but I'd give anything to be able to speak Ponish right now so I can really tear into these two idiots,' He thought as he clenched his little fists, shaking in absolute frustration.

“You, too, Tree Hugger?” Now she was in a world of confusion. She looked at the two mares before her confusion turned to anger. She crossed her arms and frowned at them. “Okay, stop, please,” she asked Gilda and Gilda gladly retreated herself away from Rainbow Dash as Rainbow Dash and Tree Hugger looked at Fluttershy like guilty puppies.

“Meeting Drift without telling me? Keeping something from me since High School? Having Gilda Involved? And my new friend keeping something from?” Fluttershy growled angrily and annoyed. She snapped, “What is going on here?!”

Both Tree Hugger and Rainbow Dash flinched at this outburst. One of them had to say something, but they were too frightened to speak.

“On second thought, no, I'll choose,” Fluttershy beamed her glare at Rainbow Dash, “Rainbow Dash, I want to know what you did.” Of the two, Rainbow Dash's case had her interest peaked. “What did you and Gilda do and what did you do today?”

Rainbow Dash shivered anxiously. She was used to getting in trouble, but in this case it was a different scenario. She looked at Gilda who crossed her arms and gave her a frustrated glare, “I...” she looked back at Fluttershy and sighed in defeat, “I asked Gilda to join me because I wanted to teach Drift a lesson and get revenge for you. He hurt you, so I figured I'd might hurt him back with some help by my side.” She then looked to Gilda, “And if I told you why, you wouldn't tag along. Or maybe you wouldn't have cared and tagged along anyway. ”

That... was actually accurate. Gilda thought about that and it actually made sense. If she knew the reason, chances are she still would've joined anyway and not cared what the reasons were. Again, she wanted to join for fun. Looking back, she really was stupid back then. Gilda looked down in question and shrugged, “Okay, that's a fair point. I would've jumped in, anyway.” Tensions were calm, but the storm was still above them. “But using me like that was still not cool, Dashie.”

She nodded and felt pressure in her chest, “I know, I know. I'm so sorry, Gilda.”

“Don't apologize to me,” she pointed to Fluttershy, “apologize to her once you're done explaining”

Rainbow Dash looked at Fluttershy with guilt and shame all over her face. Guess it's all over now. She sighed, and explained, “It wasn't just today. I've seen Drift more than once. And I've been trying to get him to go find you and apologize to you.” She started to wallow up as Fluttershy's eyes started to widen. “I was just trying to help you. He knew what he did was wrong and he had to face it – face you. I wanted you and Drift to meet and hopefully work something out.” She took a few breaths and continued, “He's Scootaloo's dad, he needs to know.” A tear shed down from her eye, “I didn't even think of how you'd react.”

Fluttershy widened eyes contorted into a disappointed glare. She didn't say a word, and there was no need too. She felt betrayed. Her own best friend went behind her back and tried to force the one stallion that hurt her to apologize without consent from either of them. One one hoof, there was some good intentions to that: bring justice to her and finally get an apology. But on the other hoof, Rainbow Dash had no right getting in her family business. As much as she wanted to feel grateful for trying to help her, she just couldn't bring herself to say it. She was so angry with Rainbow Dash, she couldn't even think of what to say. Now she could only imagine what Tree Hugger was hiding.

“Tree Hugger?” Fluttershy asked in a stern tone with a cold glare.

As if Rainbow Dash didn't feel guilty enough, Tree Hugger was on the same level. She was trained to keep herself in check and keep her aura in balance, but in this state of situations, she was feeling cold and scared. She looked at Fluttershy's aura and saw it had changed from yellow to red. Fluttershy was not happy and... her daughter was involved in her situation! Tree Hugger tried to speak, but she choked up on her words. She didn't know if what she was hiding was far worse.

“Hey, dreadlocks?” Gilda grabbed her attention. “It's okay, don't tear yourself apart, just relax and tell her.”

Gilda was right. She needed to relax and tell the truth. Scootaloo was involved, but if Fluttershy heard her intentions, she'd probably get more slack than Rainbow. She took a long inhale and held it before slowly releasing, “Okay, when Scootaloo and I were in Ponyville to get groceries, we came across Drift and Scootaloo was talking to him.”

As if her fears were true, Fluttershy's anger came out in a sudden burst like a geyser, “You met him?! And you had my daughter talking to him?!” Fluttershy leaned over and nearly fell from her chair, but her rage-coated eyes were on Tree Hugger. She was thinking Tree Hugger openly told Drift and made an ultimate betrayal just like Rainbow Dash

Gilda, Rainbow Dash and Angel were stunned.

'Okay, now I see why Dreadlocks was hesitant. Whoops,' Gilda thought.

'This was a bad idea,' Dash's own thought added.

'Now you really bucked up, hippie,' Angel's thought concurred as they stood there speechless

Tree Hugger flinched in fear and waved her hooves and tried to reassure her, “Wait, it's not what you think. I didn't say anything. I was trying to keep her away. Scootaloo and Drift don't know. Honest!” She was scared out of her mind. She knew Fluttershy would get angry, but not this demonic. “My mistake was letting Scootaloo talk to him, I admit that. But it was a casual talk. I didn't say much, at all. Just small talk. I didn't say anything to Scootaloo, too. I was trying to keep you and Drift apart because the auras will collide and create a huge emotional storm.” She looked to Rainbow Dash and pointed to her, “That's when she showed up and tried to ruin everything.”

Rainbow Dash snarled and glared angry daggers at Tree Hugger. The nerve of this pony! “Me?! If you kept Scootaloo from knowing who her father is, she would still be having arguments with Fluttershy. You saw what happened out there!.”

Tree Hugger shook her head in denial, “If I told her, then everything would collapse and Fluttershy's life would be in more danger than it already is.”

Gilda looked at these mares annoyed and out of patience. Both of these mares have no business trying to set Fluttershy's life. And frankly, she's had enough. But the sudden red face of Fluttershy says it all right there.

“uh, girls?”

“Her life was already in danger when Drift knocked her up!”

“Girl?”

“And it's going to get even more dangerous if she sees Drift, again. You are so blind!”

No point in trying to stop them, so, Gilda leaned back on the couch and braced for impact. If she wasn't gonna stop them, well...

Angel tilted his head at Gilda and turned his head to look up at Fluttershy. His ears drooped and his irises shrank at the upcoming terror about to approach. One look at Shy's red face was all Angel needed to know exactly what Gilda was thinking, this wasn't going to be pretty. He stepped back and joined Gilda on the couch, bracing himself as he covered his eyes, not wanting to watch.

Then it happened. Like a volcano of molten rage, Fluttershy erupted, “Shut up!” Rainbow Dash and Tree Hugger scrunched up like cats and immediately halted their argument. These two have said quite enough bickering. Gilda and Angel said nothing as the onslaught commenced.

Fluttershy's face was light red. Her eyes beamed raw rage at her two cowering friends. Her breaths were heavy; almost as if a bull was snorting at them, “How dare you two,” She said in a fed-up tone. She huffed heavily out her muzzle. She was done with this crap. “My life is not something for you to make. My life is not something for you to fight over. My life... is none of your business!”

And right there was a stepping stone for Fluttershy: let it all out. Gilda couldn't be more proud. And, for a timid pony, it's always the quiet ones. Honestly, her anger is similar to her's now that she thinks about it. Then again, she is a protective mother.

Angel smiled proudly at his owner; finally, she's speaking out that it's her life, and that it's her choice on whether she goes to see that stallion or not. Seeing her tell these two off herself felt... relieving, in some way. It meant Shy's asserting herself in this situation and she's got this.

Tree Hugger and Rainbow Dash huddled back and endured the onslaught that is Fluttershy's rage.

“You two have no business trying to make decisions for me. If I wanted help, I'd ask for it. Instead, what do I get, heads flying over me trying to decide for me. Well, I got news for you two … I can make my own decisions!”

'You tell 'em, girl' Gilda thought, nodding in approval.

“Next time you pull stuff like this, talk to me first instead of going behind my back and making decisions without someone knowing!” Fluttershy lashed, her anger was coming to a close when she panted steamy, angry breaths out. Then she slowly started to calm down.

It was quiet for a moment and Rainbow Dash and Tree Hugger uncurled their bodies and looked at Fluttershy with frightened, apologetic eyes. But those eyes were not gonna save them from what they did. Fluttershy's anger was set and stone and mere apologizes were not gonna cut it.

But Fluttershy had one more thing to say...

“As far as I'm concerned, Gilda has been the voice of reason here, and she used to be my bully!”

Gilda was thrown aback by that. She blinked a few times and processed that. Must've been another thing she forgot in high school, “Huh, completely forgot about that.” This picture really has got something wrong here, but she couldn't help but chuckle to herself at it.

Rainbow Dash and Tree Hugger flinched, again, but straightened themselves up, still a bit shaken from that monstrous outburst. She's probably gonna need a lot of time to cool down after that.

“F-Fluttershy, we didn't mean--”

“No, Rainbow Dash, you and Tree Hugger have done enough,” Fluttershy snapped at her like a little filly. This was ironic in so many ways. “I don't want to hear any more of this and don't want you two to do any more of this. From now on, you two are going to answer to me if there's something that involves me or Scootaloo. Got it?” Fluttershy was going all commander mom on them, it almost made Gilda want to burst out laughing.

Tree hugger tried to intervene again, “B-But...”

“Got. It?”

“Y-Yes, ma'am. Sorry, ma'am,” both mares said simultaneously. They don't want to go through another one of Fluttershy's rampages like this one. They now know she's outright angry with them that they refused to talk any further. Because if they spoke again, they'd most likely get in even more trouble.

Gilda sat up straight and crossed her arms, looking at Fluttershy with the same approving smile and nod, “you done, Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy lifted herself back and sat back on her chair, panted from that verbal warpath. She spoke in a calm, exhausted tone, “Yes. Dear sweet Celestia, I need that out.” As if she wasn't going through enough pains as it is. First the orphanage, then planning to remodel the house and now this. She needs a break or something.

“Need anything to calm your nerves?”

Fluttershy nodded, rubbing her temples to prevent a headache from coming on, “Y-Yes, please. S-Some tea wouldn't hurt,” She pointed to her kitchen, “I have a full jug of peach tea in the fridge.” Tea was always a good way to calm her nerves. If it wasn't her animal friends calming her nerves, it was sure going to be some nice tea.

Gilda nodded and got up and walked away from the two silent mares to go get some tea for Fluttershy, “Gotta say, that was pretty awesome.” She was impressed with that breakdown. Maybe ponies and griffons aren't as different as she thought.

“Oh, thanks, I guess.”

Angel smiled proudly at his owner; finally, she's speaking out that it's her life, and that it's her choice on whether she goes to see that stallion or not. Seeing her tell these two off herself felt... relieving, in some way. It meant Shy's asserting herself in this situation and she's got this.

Gilda came back with a cup of peach tea and gave it to her. She sat back down between Rainbow Dash and Tree Hugger. She can make her own decisions, so, wouldn't hurt to ask.

“So, have you decided?”

Fluttershy took a sip of her tea and tried to think of one. Her meltdown gave her a slight headache, but she still gave Gilda an answer, “I can't really decide right now. It's hard to choose.” She looked at the three in front of her and took some thoughts, “Well, then again, it's hard to decide when three option are given to me.”

All three of them looked at Fluttershy, confused.

“Well, one wants me to go see Drift. One wants me to stay away from Drift. And you want me to decide for myself, right?”

Gilda snickered and gladly answered, “Duh. It is your life, after all.”

Fluttershy perked up and smiled sweetly, saying in agreement, “Exactly. But I can't really decide. Three different opinions, it's hard to choose.”

“Are you wanting someone elses opinion?” Gilda asked.

“Would be nice,” Shy nodded, wanting someone else's opinion on this as she found herself in a little fork in the road in this decision.

Angel looked up at Shy before gently tugging the curl of her mane, catching her attention as she looked down at him. He squeaked gently at her, talking to her in a way that only he can. He squeaked out the words from his thoughts 'Fluttershy, as much as I wanna help in this situation, I know it's your choice alone, it always has been. But, if there's one thing, I want you to know, it's this....'

He whistled to one of the doorways which got the attention of a few of the smaller animals, such as Hummingway and his friends, Fuzzylegs, Mr. Otterton, and his family, Mr. Mousey with his wife and kid, Slithers the snake and Mina the kitty. They gave Fluttershy a smile as they peeked in, giving her their undying support and love. Angel stands before them as he squeaked to Shy with a loyal smile

'...No matter what you decide to do right now, me and the rest of the critters support you. And whatever you decide, we're with you until the end.'

It lifted Fluttershy's heart that her own animal friends were being supportive and loyal like this. They respect her choices and even if this was a big choice to make, their love and support lessened the pressure. "Thank you Angel Bunny... my little friends..." She brought the small animals into her arms for a hug which they happily accepted. She kissed Angel's head and smiled at him, "You're such a good bunny." She then wondered "But I don't really know who else would--”

Suddenly, the phone next to her began to ring, making her flinch and almost dropping her tea. It drew the others attention, as well.

“Well now, I think you might have your answer.”

Fluttershy tilted her head in confusion before placing her tea down. She reached for the still ringing phone and answered, “H-Hello?”

“Hi, Fluttershy!” Fluttershy held the phone back from her ear as an excited, semi-flamboyant voice came bursting out of the phone. It was almost loud enough for Gilda and the other two to hear.

Gilda looked at Fluttershy confused and somewhat worried. Whoever that was on the phone, seemed more of a pain than these two sitting beside her.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, knowing full well who that is.

Angel pinched the bridge of his nose as his brows furrowed, realizing who exactly was calling. That one pegasus who brought a bunny lawn gnome here for him to befriend, which was short-lived.

Fluttershy sighed and really wanted to hang up the phone right now to save herself from suffering any more pain, but she had to reach out and answer. So, here goes nothing. She placed the phone on her ear, and greeted under her breath, “Hello, Zephyr Breeze. How are you doing?”

“Oh, just fantastic. I got a job at a local animal barber shop and things have been going so well,” Zephyr said, very enthused.

The other girls looked on in worry. Angel looked rather mortified, but Fluttershy was outright frightened, worried about the animals. But she reluctantly asked, “And, how are things going?” She feared for the worse, praying for a miracle for Zephyr and those little creatures.

“Well, it's going pretty well. Um, you know how you're always busy with animals at home and at the vets? Well, turns out, I have a knack for making great animal hair-styles. One day, I had a Dalmatian come in needing a simple haircut, the owner loved the bow I picked for her dog.”

This threw Fluttershy for a loop. She'd expect to hear a disaster, but this was new indeed. And Zephyr doesn't sound so narcissistic about it.

“Oh, that's good to hear. I'm very proud of you, little brother,” words she never thought she'd hear come out of her mouth.

'She has a brother?' Gilda thought. Learn something new every day.

Tree Hugger was beyond surprised. She saw four aura streams and Fluttershy's own aura. She was unaware of Fluttershy having a brother. She didn't see his aura stream. She squinted her eyes and took another look. She saw a space between the mother's and father's aura. Tree Hugger focused and saw... an aura thread. Tree Hugger raised her eyebrows and looked in utter shock. How could she miss this? She was so confused. She placed a hoof on her head and leaned back on the couch. 'How are auras that small?' She asked herself that.

“So, how are you? What has my older sister been up to, Fluttershy?” Zephyr asked, interested because it's been a while since they talked.

“Well, I've been decent. And...” an idea suddenly came to her, “I'm in a situation right now and I need a second opinion. I'm actually glad you called.”

“Oh? Really! Boy, do I have timing,” he chuckled to himself, “What'cha need, big sis?”

Fluttershy explains to Zephyr about the whole story of what's going on. How How she's been raising her daughter and the situation she is currently in. Every detail from beginning to end. And it threw Zephyr in more loops and twisted his mind at what's been told to him.

“So, any thoughts?”

“W-Well, uh, for starters, I'm an uncle and you want to know if you should see your baby-daddy, again?”

Fluttershy blushed embarrassingly and nodded, “That's about it. Sorry for not telling you sooner. So, any thoughts, baby brother?”

“Honestly, I'd go with the griffon on this one.”

“Yes! Score two for me,” Gilda cheered.

Fluttershy looked at Gilda and chuckled before asking, “You think so?”

“Yes. It's your life, Fluttershy. You made some bad decisions. Believe me, I should know, because I made some bad ones myself,” he openly admitted to her, “And we all have to live with them. Besides, heh, you sure made a decision that gave you a neat gift. Well, a gift for the whole family, honestly.”

Fluttershy was speechless. Zephyr was right. She did have an amazing gift given to her. She did put her in an orphanage, but she never actually left. She wasn't there for Scootaloo physically, but she was there in spirit. But now, she has her back in her life and she couldn't be happier. So, it's time she returned the favor by making her happy.

“Thank you, Zephyr. That means a lot. You've been a big help.”

“Hey, don't mention it, big sis. I'm always here if you need me. And I'd like to see my niece, too.”

Fluttershy giggled softly, “Of course, Zephyr. You'll meet Scootaloo soon.”

“Can't wait. Well, I better get off here. I actually do have a date of my own to go, too. And it... almost time! Oh man, I'm gonna be late. It was nice talking to you, big sis. But I have to go. Bye!'

The phone beeps and Fluttershy hangs up.

The three girls and the critters look to Fluttershy in wonder. Angel hopped over to her and climbed onto her back, reaching her shoulder. He saw a smile appearing on her face and he returned it with a confident and proud nod, making a determined face.

“So, have you made your decision?” Gilda asked, curiously.

Fluttershy gave them a confident smile and nodded, “Yes, I have.”

Tree Hugger, though still in trouble for what she did, gave more courage than Rainbow Dash gave at Fluttershy shocked and disbelief look. She spoke out, confused, "I thought you said you didn't have any siblings?"

As much as she didn't want to talk to them right now, Fluttershy will give Tree Hugger this, only once, she may have goofed on this one. She looked at Tree Hugger slightly embarrassed and slightly chuckled innocently, "Okay, I may have been hiding more than just my ex-coltfirend."

Author's Notes:

Woo! Finally! Done with this monster of a chapter. Took me some time (Okay, a lot of time) but, holy crap, I thought I could never get this done. lol. Hope you guys enjoy it.

Chapter 7.5: Pay Back

"That Scootaloo's going to pay… One way, or another…" An all-too-familiar snobbish voice spoke out at the Rich Household's swimming pool where all-too-familiar rich fillies were hanging out at in their bathing suits. Although…only one remained out of the water while the other chilled out.
Diamond Tiara was furious, humiliated, basically, she was downright livid.
Silver Spoon watched as Diamond paced near the swimming pools ledge as she floated on an inflatable recliner. Her friend has been going at this for almost an hour or maybe two, she lost count. She knew what she was talking about: their failure of harming Scootaloo; Ever since Scootaloo gave Diamond that black eye, and got her in trouble with Filthy Rich, Diamond wanted nothing more than to get even with the blank flank. Only thing is, when you're a diamond, that means you never break… and it also means you hit harder. Silver too was mad at Scootaloo for what she did to her friend and wanted to see the Pegasus filly squirm as the pink filly gets her revenge.

However… they had not counted on the blank flank being heavily protected on what they believed were normal grounds at that cottage. For all they knew, they believed that all Scootaloo's mother had there were small, harmless woodland creatures that couldn't do any harm to them…. Well, except for porcupines…and skunks…and bees. Okay, there were a couple of small woodland critters that could do some harm to them; but what they didn't see coming was those larger predators. Silver shivered at the thought of seeing those two carnivores that eyed her, Diamond, Grime, and Dirt with those possibly-hungry glares; just what else was Fluttershy hiding in that cottage? Her thoughts then went to that little griffon that was with them until that monstrous lizard came out of its den after Scootaloo told them that the animals don't attack because they knew she was protected by that beast, what had happened to her? Did that monster eat her? Did those predators get her themselves? The more she thought of what went on at Scootaloo's and Fluttershy's home, the more worried and afraid she became.

And the more worried and afraid Silver Spoon became… the more reluctant she felt about helping Diamond with her revenge plan.

Diamond stopped her pacing and glared out the gates, looking off into the distance, looking off to where that Luna-forsaken cottage was. She clenched her teeth in anger as she snorted smoke out of her flaring nostrils, "Nopony gets away with getting me into trouble with daddy, or giving me a black eye… NOPONY!" She clenched her hoof as she continued her rant, "Just you wait, Scootaloo… I'll get you back, and when I do, you're going to regret ever crossing Diamond Tiara!"

"Um… Diamond Tiara? D-Don't you think we should just… you know… forget about it? Forget this whole ‘revenge' thing?"

Diamond froze. She slowly looked over her shoulder with a glare at the spectacle-wearing gray filly that is her friend. "Excuse me?" Her tone was angered and like a cold icicle in winter. "You wanna run that by me again, Silver Spoon?" She turned around, approaching her slowly, that glare so cold, the pool may as well freeze over.

Silver winced from her spot, the rubber whining under her as she backed up a bit "I-I'm just saying… t-that maybe we should just forget about getting revenge on the blank flank… I mean, you saw those monsters back there!" She pointed off in that same direction her friend had looked in during her rant, "If we even do carry out our revenge, those creatures will get to us before we even get to her!" She attempted to talk Diamond out of this as she worried about what would happen to the two of them. Dirt and Grime chickened out of the group after their encounter with that komodo dragon of Scootaloo's, which only left the two of them.

Diamond scoffed and shrugged a shoulder, "So?"

Silver looked at her, stunned. Had she completely forgotten what occurred back there? "‘So?'?! Diamond, those beasts could kill us, or even worse, eat the two of us, especially that huge lizard! He probably already ate that little griffon that was with us before! Pounding the daylights out of the blank flank is now basically suicide a-and that's all you can say, ‘So?'?!"

Diamond frowned at her, a bit disgusted that she's trying to weasel her way out of this, her own best friend, "That little pushover was slowing us down anyway… but am I really hearing this from you, Silver? After all, we've been through, you're trying to weasel your way out of teaching that flightless blank flank a lesson… because of a few stupid animals?"

Silver frowned at her, "I'm only trying to keep us alive! Most of them are carnivores, you know."

Diamond scoffed and rolled her eyes, sourly admitting, "All right, so it was a mistake trying to pummel her at her own place, but it wasn't that bad."

Silver Spoon stamped her hoof, incredulous, "Not that bad? She knew we'd do something like that! I swear, she knew that we'd probably pull something like this, but now she has a surefire way to get rid of us instead of us getting rid of her."

And if her words were going to fall on deaf ears, she had no choice. Silver sighed but shook her head as she said the nine words that she never would've expected to say to Diamond's face before "Diamond… I don't want to do this anymore."

A pin drop could only be heard as Diamond absorbed those words.

Silver, the closest and only friend she has, is chickening out. She could understand that those beasts were dangerous, but that was no excuse. Whatever she and Silver decided, they execute their actions together.

But apparently, not this time.

"Wait… Are you chickening out on helping me with making Chicken-loo pay?" Her eyes narrowed as her bestie slowly but firmly nodded her head "I guess I am." Was all that Silver could respond back before letting out a yelp as she is bounced off the rubber recliner as Diamond leaped onto it with fury and landing into the pool; She gasped for breath as she surfaced before yelping as Diamond grabbed her by her bathing suit and looked her in the eye "Let me remind you, Silver Spoon,… if it wasn't for me, you wouldn't be popular… without me, you wouldn't be one of the top students… if anything, if it weren't for me, you wouldn't have gotten your cutie mark!"

It was at that point, something in Silver Spoon snapped as she glared back at the pink earth filly, "Like you were picking daisies!" She got in her face, causing her to lean back on the floating furniture, "You're only popular because you're rich!" She bares her teeth, "And you're only rich because of your dad's successful business!" She barked out in anger, "You're only top of the class because of me doing your homework that you can't be bothered to do yourself, you're just jealous because I'm smarter than you!"
Diamond glared at her furiously for that last comment before tackling her back into the water as they fight, screaming and pulling each other's manes while splashing water about.

"Take it back!"

"No!"

"TAKE IT BACK!"

"NEVER!"

The two fillies kept fighting one another before a snooty voice yelled out to them, causing the two of them to freeze

"Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon! What is going on out here?!"

Silver winced as she slowly looked over while Diamond looked over with her best ‘pouty filly' face as the wife of Filthy Rich, Spoiled Rich, approached them with a no-nonsense frown and a raised brow at this behavior.

"Moooooom! Silver doesn't want to help me anymore!" She tattled as she points at Silver who glared angrily at her for being a tattler.

Spoiled looked at Silver with a firm frown as the two fillies climbed out of the swimming pool, "What did you do to upset her?" It sounded more like an accusation than a question. "I didn't do anything! I'm trying to talk her out of getting revenge on Scootaloo because of the advantage she has over us! But she won't listen to me!" The older mare's brows furrowed as she gazed down at Silver expectantly, "Silver Spoon… what have we learned?"

Silver knew what was happening and sighed sadly, gazing down as she answered, "Diamonds never break…" Spoiled Rich raised her brow, wanting her to finish, causing her to sigh once more "…and diamonds hit back to get even." The pointy-nosed mare nodded approvingly "That's right." "But—" Poor Silver was cut off "No ‘buts'. I expect more out of you. Where would you be without Diamond, Filthy and I?"

Silver winced, "Nowhere…" She backs up as Spoiled advances towards her to intimidate her as she forced her to remember her place, "Who took you in when no one else would?"

Silver timidly spoke out, "F-Filthy Rich..."

Spoiled frowned as she leaned in, their noses touching, "And who used her own money to enroll you into school to get an education?"

Silver answered her out of fear "You!"

The older mare was standing right above Silver Spoon now, "And are you going to just throw it all away because of one blank flank? You're that ungrateful?"

Silver shook her head, "No-no! I-I'm not! I—!" She winced as Spoiled poked her chest as she reminded her, "We are the richest family in all of Ponyville, Silver Spoon. Our social status starts here and reaches all over Equestria. And we cannot and absolutely will not let anypony disrespect us in such a way. Do you understand?" Silver looked down, depressed but answered, "Yes…" Spoiled nodded approvingly, lifting Silver's chin with a ‘loving' smile, "I'm glad we're clear. Don't forget your place here, Silver Spoon…" She frowned firmly, her eyes narrowed as Silver winced deeply "…Ever!" She spoke in a warning tone towards her as she lifted herself "Do I make myself clear?"

Silver sighed in defeat, her ears pressed against her head and her glasses resting at the tip of her nose, "Yes, mommy…"

Diamond smiled victoriously as her sister agreed.

"Good," Their mother nodded before motioning them to come inside "Come along, my daughters. Mommy wants to know all about what you're planning."

Diamond quickly followed, immediately informing her of what went on while Silver kept her head down while following them.

*Rich's Hallway*

"So this blank flank thinks she can get away with being a troublemaker all because of having a large reptile on her side, does she?" Spoiled spoke after Diamond filled her in on everything that had happened back at the cottage.
Diamond nodded, "Yeah, she's been a thorn in my side for far too long, Mom… and it's high-time that it comes to an end."

Her mother nodded, "Indeed," She stopped her walk, "However… your sister is right about it being dangerous, my dear." Diamond froze and glared at her while Silver gazed up a bit in surprise. "Who's side are you on, Mom?!"

She calmed down when her mother replied "Why, your side, of course. I only agree that facing such a beastly creature is suicide…" She smirked down at her daughters, "Which is why mommy is going to lend a hoof." She looked to the door before them.

The two fillies look and Silver was the first to identify it in a worried tone, "T-This is daddy's office." Their mother chuckled in confirmation as she led them inside, "M-Mother, daddy says we can't be allowed in here while he does his work!" She remembered her father's words whenever he had to do work and not be distracted. Spoiled simply chuckled "Well, dear, he didn't say you can't be allowed in here unless mommy was with you, did he?" She had a point, which they were a bit reluctant to admit, but they always believed that Filthy only allowed her in because she was his wife and therefore had a right to be involved in his work when needed.

Spoiled walked to her husband's work desk and opened the drawer, she then started searching while her daughters watched.

Diamond was curious about what their mother was doing but was interested to know on what she's going to do to help her get revenge.

Silver, however, was still unsure about this whole thing. She really didn't want any part of this anymore. She may be part of a rich family, but even she had her limits.

Spoiled soon took out a wooden box and the key that was under it. She smirked as she gazed at her children, "Daddy never said anything to you girls about this… but he told me about this little tool one night that can be of some use to you." Actually, Filthy had told her about this ‘little tool' while he was drunk one night after such a hard stressful day at work. "If he says anything, Mommy will take care of it personally." She winked and smirked with Diamond Tiara as the pink filly started to chuckle in a devious way before it became full-blown laughter.

Finally, she can stop Scootaloo once and for all.

Silver looked really worried about this, she didn't know what was in there, and she really didn't want to know. It gave her all the more reason to chicken out of this scheme her sister has. So while her sister and mother weren't looking, she quietly backed out of the office and quickly galloped away into the hall as her sister laughed a bit maniacally.

Diamond stopped her laughter and smirked with her mother before looking out her father's work window, gazing off to the distance of where Scootaloo lived. With revenge in mind, she spoke out in a venomous tone…

"You've embarrassed and humiliated me, Scootaloo… for the last time!"

Author's Notes:

Wha?!?! Another chapter already? What parallel universe is this?! Nah, just messing around. lol. Enjoy the next chapter, everyone.

PS: While it would take a while for me to finish a chapter, a really great friend of mine made this short chapter really fast. I'd like to give all my thanks to my best friend/editor for putting hard work into this chapter.

Chapter 7.10 The Reason

Fluttershy smiled confidently before Rainbow Dash, Tree Hugger and Gilda, voicing her final decision “I’m going to see Drift…” She gazed upstairs towards her daughter’s room and softened a bit “…so we can finally be a true family again.” She wasn’t going to do this just for herself, but for her beloved Scootaloo.

“Alright, Flutter—“ Rainbow Dash started to cheer before Fluttershy glared her Stare at her, making her flinch as Fluttershy asserts that both she and Tree Hugger are to stay out of this. “And I’m doing it myself. And if you two even dare try to involve yourselves in somepony else’s business again, you are going to answer to me. Understand?” Her two friends wince and nodded in a mix of sheepishness and a hint of fear, they both cannot deny it, but despite being “the shy one” Fluttershy definitely was assertive and bold. To Rainbow Dash, if Fluttershy never had Scootaloo, she'd never grow a spine thicker than a crocodile's.

Fluttershy then smiled as she set Angel down, kneeling down to him and spoke in a soft, motherly tone, “Angel… thanks for always sticking by me.” She had to tell him that she was grateful he and Gilda were on her side, but as her beloved pet, she felt she owed it to him for easing her by reminding her that no matter what she chooses, he and the rest of her animal friends will support and respect her decision. Angel blushed faintly, shuffling a foot and waving a paw. The time was near and Fluttershy had to go prepare. She dipped her head, “Go play for a bit, okay?” She nudges him gently, “Momma’s gotta prepare.” If she was going to see Drift, she had to get ready for this moment, but she noted to herself to reward Angel for his help later.

At first, Angel would’ve rejected the idea of playing. Playing with others just wasn't his thing; it was more about him and how he wanted to try other things with Fluttershy. But, an idea came to him. An idea that got him thinking he could use this free time to his advantage, so he nodded to himself and hopped out the back door; although before he could go outside, he paused to see Tank struggling with his propeller. He hit a corner and fell on his back. Shaking his head, he hopped over to the tortoise and helped him up and tied his propeller back on as it spun, letting the tortoise back into the air again. Tank gave him a slow but grateful smile, although he looked curious as the bunny motioned him to follow him outside and gather the rest of the pets, informing him he’s got a little idea.

***Outside, Near Varan’s Den***

“Are you sure this is safe, Angel?” Opal’s Dutch voice mewed at him in worry as the six pets head for Varan’s cave. “What if he’s still upset?”

“Well, then he’s gonna have to deal with it, Opal,” His slight tough-but-high-pitched voice responded to the fashionable feline.

Winona whimpered though, she felt a bit unsure though, “But what if he doesn’t wanna see anybody, sugarcube?” Her light mix of southern bell and tomboy accent fitted her so well, she would do her owner proud.

But Angel remained undettered and repeated, “Once again, he’s just gonna have to deal with it. Now, c’mon!” He motioned them to follow as he was about to step into the cave that was owned by the Komodo Dragon, until he was stopped by a sophisticated voice.

“But, Angel, my dearest old chap, my dearest friend… why visit Varan after his little meltdown?” It was Owlowicious and he wondered what Angel was thinking as Tank nodded slowly in agreement, “If anything, I don’t blame him for wanting to be alone since Fluttershy’s mad at him.”

Tank slurred out slowly “Yeeeeah.”

The bunny paused and sighed. He knew he had to tell them what’s on his mind; he had his reasons to see Varan, even if that large reptile was the last creature he wanted to be near right now, though. And this was rare for him to be like this.

“Because I’m worried about him,” The pets look somewhat stunned to hear such words come out of his mouth. “He’s never acted this way before… now, I may not have known him very long since we all recently became his friends, but I’ve never seen him so mad like he was earlier… and I think it has something to do with Harry.” The five pets look at one another, they knew that was true. While they had been friends with Varan for a while, and just like Angel, they too have never seen him as mad as he was earlier before and were worried something was wrong that made Varan act that way, and whatever it was concerned their grizzly comrade. “And I wanna know why.”

“After all this time… you’re thinkin’ and carin’ about someone other than yourself.” A soft-spoken, slightly blank but understanding voice came out of none other than Gummy. This comment made Angel blush deeply. “Ah shaddup.”

***Inside the Cave***

Knowing that since Fluttershy sent him to his den in her firm voice, the Pet Six took deep breathes and went inside to go face their reptilian friend. Angel looked around as he leads them, Owlowicious keeping an eye out with his vision to see in the dark.

“Varan, we know you’re in here. I can feel the dense atmosphere after Fluttershy confined you to your den,” Angel said. Though the others didn't expect him to use words like that. Quite a surprise, really.

At first, it seemed they would not get an answer, but after a few minutes of slight eerie silence, a hissing, rough, tough but gentle voice spoke out, “Since when did you have the carrot-sticks to come in here, Carrots...?” And it was no hint to the others who it was directed to.

Angel sighed lightly as they found who they were looking for. There he was; laying there in a comfy spot of his den where the darkness is relaxing but enough lighting can cast in and rouse him from sleep, unless he was too lazy. But at the moment, he wasn’t feeling like sleeping. He was just slouching, curled up and yet he was at least a millimeter amount of surprised to see his friends come inside. “Varan… we need to talk.”

“Did Old Master send you?”

“No, darling. We came on our own accord,” Opal answered first as she sat near Angel, curling her tail around her legs. “We’re worried about you, dear.”

Gummy nodded and hissed lightly, “We never seen you so mad before… and at Harry of all animals.” Varan snarled lightly at the name but cooled down, knowing no good will come of it getting mad around his new friends. New Master always told him that bad behavior like that would sometimes be surefire ways to hurt your friends or even lose your friends. Winona whimpered in worry, “But you look like Scootaloo took away your favorite food or stamped you hard on the tail.” She knew that was untrue, but with how slouchy their large friend was, she had to compare it to something, she even tried to cheer him up a bit as she tapped him, “Hey, Varry!~” He looked in time to see her pull a funny dog face and flap her tongue about, making odd funny noises. As amusing as it was, he didn’t seem to chuckle at her attempt, making the dog sadden a little at her fail “Nothin’, huh?”

“Sorry… I’m just… not feeling it.” Was all he could say to try to ease her.

Owlowiscious hooted, “Varan, we’re curious… why did you attack Harry like that? From what we gathered from your fight, he seemed to be meeting you for the first time.”

Tank nodded as he croaks, chiming in, “He waaassn’t doing annnything wrong.”

Gummy hissed lightly, and asked, “Is it because of how he appeared at first? He was just milking his ‘intimidation’ tactic, that’s all. He’s actually really kind and gentle.”

Opal added with a light cat-smile, “He’s a sweetheart.”

Varan nearly scoffed at that, “Yeah, right…”

Angel glared lightly at that response, “He really is, Varan.” He softened a bit “And I should know…because he’s Fluttershy’s, Scootaloo’s and my friend.” He defended Harry because sometimes around the cottage, he and the bear were good friends. And he knew that bear was very close to Shy like he was while being a teddy for Scootaloo if she had a bad day at school. “Just…” He groaned in frustration before thrusts his arms out as he looked to Varan, speaking out the question that’s been biting him, “What happened back there? What got into you so bad when you looked at the big guy? What made you look like you were trying to kill him back there?” As he asks these questions Varan closed his eyes and exhaled softly when he heard that last question of Angel’s. “What could’ve possibly happened to you that made you act that way?!”

“You really wanna know why I lost my shit?” The pets, though wincing at his language, nodded in confirmation of wanting to know as Varan sat up slowly, at first his back faced them. “I’ll tell you,” He took a deep breath and exhaled before looking at them over his shoulder as he started telling him his backstory. “A bear-creature killed my family and attacked my kind in cold-blood when I was but a hatchling.”

His friends gasp in shock and horror as he starts revealing his past with such a shocker. “A bear? No…!” Gummy whispered in dismay while Opal covered her mouth in shock, Owlowiscious held a wing over his chest and widened his eyes, Tank looked stunned, Winona crouched down and whimpered in shock and sadness, but none looked more stunned and a bit horrified than Angel who couldn’t say a word.

Varan looked away and hissed lowly, “Yeah. It all started on a warm afternoon. My mother, father and I were holding a little special meal of carrion of a forest hog as it was my hatchday…” He remembered it well; he, his friends and family were gathered to acknowledge that he was growing into a mature komodo dragon and he had recently developed his little teeth that he could use to defend himself. “Gathered around my family and friends, feeling loved by all of them as they knew I was going to grow into a big, strong lizard as I recently grew in my teeth and started developing my bite technique. Although, it’s weak for the moment when you’re a hatchling.”

He sighed lightly after reminiscing before continuing his tale of tragedy, “Anyways, just when it was going well for me, it all changed in a blink of an eye. I heard alarmed hissing and calls, I looked to see my friends running from a gigantic furry beast that rushed into our territory. It looked like a demon out of Tartarus. My parents nudged me up a tree to keep me safe while trying to hold it off. I escaped and survived the attack…” He slowly saddened as he gazed down, craned his head a bit, “but my mother, father, and friends--” he hissed in anger “--they didn’t!” He slapped the ground with his tail out of frustration. The pet six looked horrified to hear such a creature attacked his family in cold blood, “There was nothing I could do. I could only watch that monster ruthlessly attack my family, my friends, my kind. I don't know if other hatchlings survived by climbing, but I remember it tried to attack me. He couldn’t climb.” He gazed out towards the entry of his cave, “All I can remember were those brown evil eyes. He glared up at me and growled at me. But as I looked at this thing, I was scared and angry. It looked like a bear and ever since then I grew to dislike, no, downright hate bears because of him!” He snorted lightly, his eyes glossy as he finished his tale “Next thing I remember, he walked away and disappeared into the forest. I never saw that beast again. Then after that, nothing” Mostly likely he fainted after going through something like that, and Owlowiscious secretly picked that up.

Poor Winona was bawling her eyes out, making whining cries as Opal and Owlowicious frantically try to ease her, “No wonder you attacked him.”

Angel blinked in shock and astonishment as he looked at Varan, “You’re saying you think that Harry…?” He couldn’t believe it. Varan believes Harry was the one who did it and believes that their large friend was a murderer. “B-But, Varan, that can’t be true!”

He snorted lightly, “But it is! That bear attacked my family! He’s got brown eyes and an evil-looking glare. There’s no doubt about it!” He snarled “Your ‘friend’ is a murderer… he killed my family and friends!”

Gummy saddened as he exchanged looks with Tank, “But that doesn’t make any sense.” Tank nodded, he had been around the cottage before Dash ever adopted him and he knew Harry, too. He may be a slow tortoise, but he wasn’t stupid. He knew that Harry was too soft and too kind to be bloodthirsty. “Harry wouldn’t hurt a fly!”

“Well, that didn’t stop him from attacking today, did it?” Varan gave a snarky comment.

Angel frowned, “That’s because you threatened him!”

Opal nodded “He’s never met you before, darling! I doubt he even knows you!”

Varan sneered “It doesn’t matter. I should’ve done him in when I had the chance--”

“You said this ‘bear-creature’ couldn’t climb after you?” Owlowiscious asked, interrupting Varan.

Blinking, he stared at ‘Wise One’ and raised a scaly brow, “What are you talking about?”

Owlowiscious asked again, “You said that this ‘bear-creature’ couldn’t climb, did you not?”

Confused, Varan nodded, “Yes?”

The owl thought about that before looking at the lizard as a thought came to him, “Varan, I don’t think that was a bear that attacked your kind.”

Varan sneered, “Of course it was! It definitely was! What other monster could--”

The owl held up a wing “Please, let me finish.” Varan snorted but allowed him to talk. “I’m starting to think that while it looked like a bear to you as a hatchling, it couldn’t possibly have been one.” He was greeted with a hissing raspberry from the komodo’s tongue.

“Oh, yeah? And how would you know?”

Owlowiscious blinked before telling him a straight solid fact about bears that everyone knew, “Because bears are excellent climbers and this ‘bear-creature’ of your tragic tale couldn’t climb trees; which means it wasn’t a bear at all!”

Though it may be hard to believe, Varan’s eyes widened in shock. He hadn’t considered that fact, at all. If It was true, bears can climb trees. He just hadn't witnessed it himself, or was told. Maybe Young Master or Old Master told him? He might've fallen asleep through those lesson. Yet, the creature he saw couldn’t. He wouldn't be here if that creature was able to climb. Something's missing from this puzzle.

Winona sniffled before nodding, “And Harry couldn’t have done it either if this attack happened when you were a hatchling. Harry was a young one himself. And young ones can’t do much damage unless they had a good arm or were trying to defend itself.” Which is true. Despite being young, young ones can defend themselves if threatened. “And could not go anywhere without a parent watching them.” She too had a theory; there was no way their grizzly pal could’ve done enough damage as a young one.

Varan blinked in stunned silence. These good points in theory that these two had. Could they be telling the truth? Could he… have been wrong all this time? “But… if this ‘Harry’ truly is innocent as you told me, then who attacked my family?”

Tank croaked, “We don’t know what could’ve attacked your kind, but what we do know is that--”

Angel finished Tank’s thought “--You may have made a big mistake in blaming the wrong creature.”

Varan was silent, this was so much to take in and yet he didn’t crack – he was contemplating if it really was a mistake he made. Had he really blamed their friend for something he didn’t do out of blind anger?

The sound of hoofsteps was heard approaching the cave, they sounded light but young, which gave them the hint that Scootaloo was coming.

“Think about it, Varan,” Angel looked to him with a neutral but resigned look, he didn’t want to argue or guilt him, but he wanted him to think about this new information and make a right decision should he want to make things right ,“Scootaloo wouldn’t want you to stoop to your killer’s level.” He sighed lightly but gave him a light smile, “But never forget this: you’re not alone anymore. You have us.” He motioned to the others as they all smile reassuringly at him. “And Scootaloo… and Fluttershy… and we’re your family.”

Something about those last three words touched that reptile’s heart as he found himself giving a lizard-like smile at the six. Tears slowly ran down his cheeks. He felt a bit more comfortable facing Young Master now that he knows that for the first time in his life, he felt like he truly had a real family, again, in the form of ponies and these courageous little animals.

“Guys…” They look up at him returning the smile with his own, he nodded gratefully “…Thanks.” He looked ahead and went to meet with Young Master halfway, knowing she’s wanting answers out of him, too. He knew he’s got a lot to think about, but at least he had friends and family to help him out and to guide him into making the right choices.

Author's Notes:

Another chapter is done. I'd like to thank a great friend for working hard on it. Enjoy this chapter everyone. If you're wondering about the whole number-point-number chapters, they're like side stories for the main story.

Still, I hope you guys enjoy :)

Time Heals All Wounds.

***Earlier***

After watching their first movie together, Scootaloo and Glinda watched another movie shortly after. Needless to say, during the next movie, Scootaloo noticed Glinda had not kept her eyes away from the screen. She mentally chuckled, admitting to herself she was glad Glinda was enjoying the movie. Surprisingly, since the movie they chose was a movie called Atomic Zilla vs. Queen Midorah, she would've at least expected Glinda to hide under the bed when the leviathans showed. But to her credit, she stood strong. Guess even shy griffons have their tough moments. When the movie reached the end credits, Glinda smiled and giggled excitedly with a mix of bird tweets, “That was awesome! I didn't expect Atomic Zilla to survive a drop like that,” Glinda said, giving her opinion on the movie she just watched. “And Mecha-Midorah was awesome, too! How were they able to build her armor so fast?” she asked, enthused about what occurred. Being this was her first time watching a monster movie, she had dozens of questions, but the climax had her attention the most.

Scootaloo just snickered and smiled at Glinda's excitement. Just like Spike and a few other ponies she knew, she was excited around monster flicks. Can't go wrong with that, especially when a new face gets involved. Looks like there's a new member to add to the list and Scootaloo is all for it. Although, explaining the lore to a monster movie – especially if time travel is involved – was as difficult as solving a math problem to pre-schoolers; it's headache inducing.

“I have no idea, Glinda. Time travel is really weird,” Scootaloo said. “But, at least the action was awesome.”

“Awesome!” Glinda squawked and hopped on all fours as if Scootaloo said the wrong word to describe what she saw. “That was incredible! All those ponies flying around Queen Midorah and Midorah was like 'zappity zap zap' with her mouth bolts. And Atomic Zilla comes in and was all 'roawr' and fights Midorah! It was so cool!.” Adrenaline was coursing through the little griffon like a chipmunk drinking coffee -- and Scootaloo was enjoying every second of it. Shame they didn't have any popcorn with them, but she doubted any of them would get any of it, anyway.

“If you think that was cool, wait until you watch Atomic Zilla vs Gothra. That one has some great fights in it, too,” Scootaloo said, prompting Glinda to just look at her with eyes full of excitement and glee; they were just sparkling with life and full of energy. And she would vouch for that, too.

It was nice to make a new friend while Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were away. Granted, making friends with her mother's animals were nice and all, but she would've liked some communications that weren't gestures, grunts and other animal noises. Glinda fixed that mold and Scootaloo couldn't be happier. To think she'd make friends with a griffon was, well, unexpected really. And for this little griffon to be Gilda's little sister? Bonus!

“I do have one question, though,” Glinda announced, curiously as she looked at the cover of the movie and pointed to a name, “Who's DJ-pon3?” Glinda wagged her tail slowly, unaware of what she just caused.

That question ignited the inner fangirl in Scootaloo and she widened her eyes in shock from what she just heard, “What?! You don't know who DJ-Pon3 is?” Scootaloo jumped to her hooves and quickly crawled under her bed. Glinda flinched from Scootaloo's sudden outburst and looked at her confused and somewhat terrified.

“Did I say something wrong?” Glinda asked, having innocent, apologetic eyes and letting out a soft dove coo.

“No way, Glinda,” Scootaloo said and dragged out a medium-sized box. The top of the box had writing on it in near zig-zag, bold letters 'Scootaloo's stuff'. Scootaloo wrote that down just to make it look cool, but her writing was a little crooked to make it perfect, “I'm gonna show you who DJ-Pon3 is.” Glinda looked at Scootaloo surprised and curious as Scootaloo quickly opened the box and dug through it.

Glinda noticed a few toys and trading cards. But then she reached one talon in and pulled an item out to look. She held a small piece of black fabric with a light green lightning bolt on it. She looked at it for a second as she tilted her head, “What's this?” Glinda asked, but Scootaloo immediately grabbed it, tore it up with her jaws and threw it in the trash next to Fluttershy's side of the bed. Glinda watched as Scootaloo went back to digging through her box; a sour look on her face.

“S-Scootaloo?” Glinda stuttered, worried she might've angered her new friend. Whatever that was, it really made Scootaloo angry. Paranoia started to peak, again.

Scootaloo took a moment to calm herself down taking slow, steady breaths as she said in scorn tone, “Don't worry about it, Glinda. If you think I'm mad at you, I'm not.” She thought she got rid of all her items that had those insane ponies on them, but, clearly, she was wrong. “Long story short, what you saw was a piece of a stupid mistake I made. A mistake that nearly ruined my friendship with somepony and nearly got me killed.” She'd lie to herself if she said that she probably acted way worse than Diamond Tiara, but she wasn't going to say that to Glinda. She wanted to be above that troubled filly and she didn't want to relive those memories, again; not now; not ever.

Glinda felt sympathetic towards Scootaloo, whatever happened must've hit pretty hard. She too had memories she didn't want to relive and she always tried to think of something else to stay positive. She glanced down at the box and noticed a tiny figure of the same mare she saw in that movie. Her eyes glistened and she reached out and grabbed it, “Is this her?” She asked.

Scootaloo looked at Glinda and grinned excitedly, she nodded and answered, her tone shifted right away, “Oh yeah. That's her,” she was giddy and tried so hard not to go all fangirl, but much to her dismay, she failed. “That's DJ-Pon3, her real name is Vinyl Scratch and she's amazing. Her music is so good and listening to it gets your blood pumping for action”-- Scootaloo hopped on her back-hooves and punched the air a few time-- “Or just dance along, too.” She sat back down and smiled, feeling energized just thinking about her music.

Glinda reared her head back and couldn't help but smile herself. And she thought she was energetic, “And the movie she was in?” Glinda pointed at the screen beside them as she put the tiny figurine back in the box.

“Oh, in one interview, she said she loved monster movies and would love to be in a few. And it turns out, she got her wish.”

They both looked at the screen and watched the end credits stop as the movie case slid out.

“How would you feel if you got to meet her?” Glinda asked, very curious to know.

The thought of meeting another pony she was a fan of would just make her soar over the sun and moon. She got to meet her first idol and she ended up becoming a sister-figure to her; she couldn't be happier. But if it was Vinyl Scratch, “If I meet Vinyl Scratch in person, it would be the coolest thing ever.” Her wings buzzed with excitement. The mere thought of it just sparked her imagination like wildfire, “I'd ask her to hangout, see if I can get her autograph, take pictures, she's so cool, she's as cool as Rainbow Dash and few other ponies.” Scootaloo talked so much, she almost lost her breath. A little talon to her shoulder got her out of her fangirl state.

“Whoa there, calm down, Scootaloo,” Glinda said with a slight chuckle. “I was only asking”

Scootaloo blushed faintly and sheepishly smiled, embarrassed that she nearly lost herself through that freakout, again. She had to make mental notes to control herself every time the ponies she's a fan of are brought up; old habits died hard, apparently.

“Heh, sorry. Force of habit.”

“Does that happen a lot?”

Sootaloo slowly gestured a 'kind of' hoof to her, “Only when ponies like DJ, Rainbow Dash, Wild Outback and few others are brought up,” she mentally snickered to herself. “You, my mom and Rainbow Dash have seen me like this,” – totally lying out her flank, there – “others like Varan hasn't seen me like that, yet.” She didn't want to admit that more ponies have seen her fangirl before and would gladly tell stories; all the more reason for Scootaloo to hide it and less worry about being embarrassed. But then it dawned on her that she had to talk to Varan about what happened earlier.

“Oh, that's right, I almost forgot,” she closed the box and slid it under the bed, “I have to go talk to Varan.” Aside from that stupid argument she and her mother got into, she had to figure out why Varan acted the way he did. And she do it without her mother's help; she was still rightfully mad.

“Oh yeah, I almost forgot,” Glinda said as she shuddered a little. “That was scary what he did.” as much as she wanted to go see the giant lizard, she felt it was best to steer clear, and Scootaloo was aware.

“He doesn't normally act like that,” which is true with how long Scootaloo's known him. “You can stay inside if you want, Glinda. I don't have to tag along.”

She didn't have to tell her twice. Glinda was not used to nature life like Scootaloo is. Being around other animals seemed rather uncomfortable for her, “Alright.” She did smile at her, sweetly and happily said, “I had fun hanging out with you, Scootaloo.”

Scootaloo looked at Glinda and couldn't help but gloat, thinking she did great as a host. An unexpected host, but still, “I did, too. Not often I get to hang out with griffons. It's pretty cool, really.”

Glinda unintentionally let out a cute, robin tweet and couldn't help but ask Scootaloo, “Does this mean we're--”

Scootaloo smiled and gave Glinda a gentle nudge to her shoulder, “You bet, Glinda.”

The look on Glinda's face was full of life and excitement. For the first time ever, she finally got to make a new friend in her new home in Ponyville. She felt like she was gonna erupt with glee.

Scootaloo walked up and opened the door as she and Glinda walked out.

Down in the living room, the grown-ups continued their chat until they heard tiny hoof and paw steps come down the stares. They were relieved to know they were doing fine until Fluttershy spoke up, nervously.

“Scootaloo, sweetie, I--”

Scootaloo ignored her mother and slammed the backdoor behind her. That pretty much said it all right there.

“Well, that happened,” Gilda chimed in, having thoughts that Scootaloo would do that; Rainbow Dand Tree Hugger thought the same thing.

Fluttershy sighed and lowered her ears, still regretting she accused Scootaloo of not knowing Varan's actions, “I'll give her more time. She deserves it, I guess.”

Gilda then turned her attention to Glinda and asked her, curiously, “Did Scootaloo treat you okay, squirt?”

***Now***

Scootaloo approached her pet's den with a firm upper lip and a pair of narrowed eyes. She stopped right at the entrance and called inside, "Varan! We need to talk."

The sound of the heavy footsteps dragging across the floor were coming towards her and no sooner did she call him, meeting her halfway out was her beloved pet.

He hissed a bit at her in a soft manner, as if to greet her. But Scootaloo didn't want to have it as she walked toward him with that reprimanding look in her eyes.

"Don't you ‘Hello' me, buster. You've got a lot of explainin' to do." She cut to the chase because she and Varan both knew why she was here.

Varan knew she was upset with him, he could tell by that tone in her voice. He slowly nodded in response to her words, agreeing with her instead of being nonchalant or ignorant about it. He grumbled lightly and lowered himself to the ground as Young Master came inside to him; At times, he allowed her to come into his cave, he didn't mind her company – plus she makes a good cuddler when he tries to be lazy only for her to play around with him in retaliation.

He would smile at that memory but he knew she was going to give him a scolding. Taking a small breath through his nostrils, he gazed back at his 6 friends who motion him to go ahead. Looking at Winona, he recalled how dogs get in a submissive position when they know they're in trouble – guess this was one of those times that he had to show he was willing to accept his fate.

With a hissing whine, he laid down on his front, his tail between his hindlegs and gazing up at Young Master with the best 'I'm sorry' eyes he could attempt giving her. Those tears he had shed minutes before had slowly leaked down his cheeks.

"What the heck happened back there, huh?" Scootaloo snapped at him. "Everything was going really well with everypony until you suddenly got all mad at Harry when he arrived!" She stamped her hoof, frustrated. "And you didn't even want to listen to me either when I tried to calm you down!" She was still concerned on why he wouldn't listen to her when she tried to calm him down during his encounter with Harry, but she had to point out the consequences of his actions had caused first, "Now, thanks to that little stunt of yours, Varan, you got me in trouble with Mom!"

Varan winced hard when she chewed him out on his actions, and for once he felt the piercing stab of guilt run through his chest and he found it hard to look her directly in the eyes. It was true – he was just so blind with anger, that he didn't want Young Master to stop him from killing the grizzly who he once believed was the perpetrator of attacking his kind. And now because of him, Old Master is angry at Young Master. Old Master was punishing Young Master for something that he did – and since he belonged to her, she has to become responsible for something that he had done.

And he didn't like that. Not one bit.

He whimpered and hissed lightly and let out light puffs of air through his snout. The guilt was starting to pound right on top of him and he couldn't do anything to stop it, or Young Master from scolding him.

He knew he had to take it, but why did it have to hurt so much?

It even hurt to a point that he laid completely down in front of his owner; He covered his eyes with his paws and curled his tail tight around him, forming himself in somewhat a reptilian ball as he continued to whimper and hiss lightly. Even given an occasional shuddery inhale of air which was identified from the Pet Six as… sniffling.

Angel, Tank, Gummy, Opal, Winona and Owlowicious could not believe what they were seeing – Varan, the fearsome reptile they had ever seen and have known in a short time, was beginning to break down at the hooves of his owner!

Winona could understand just how he felt, for she does the same type of thing when she knows she did something wrong when Applejack scolded her.

"How could you just attack—" Scootaloo slowed down a bit when she took notice "—Harry… like… that, whoa…" She couldn't believe it herself, her awesome pet, her best friend aside from Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and now Glinda, was weeping in front of her.

Now she knew something was definitely wrong with him. For as long as she had known Varan, she had never seen him break down in front of her; Heck, he never cried in front of her mother either! So what's bothering her awesome buddy?

"V-Varan… h-hey, it's okay, bud…" Cooling down just a bit from her outburst, she sat next to him and rubbed at a spot down his neck, a spot that he loved having scratched just right. It started working as it paused his whimpering enough to let out a few purr-like growls as Scootaloo rubbed and scratched that spot just right. "N-No need to flood your cave…" She knew that wasn't remotely possible, but looking back on memory, she recalled that Pinkie, of all ponies in Ponyville, makes the most impossible possible. And if that crazy mare can do something that was remotely impossible to pony eyes, then it might be possible for Varan to nearly flood his cave with his tears – if he cried hard enough, that is.

But there wasn't gonna be a crying komodo on her watch. No way. "C'mon, buddy… I'm a little upset at you, yeah… but I'm not downright furious at you." She had to reassure her pet that while she was upset with his actions, that didn't mean he was going to be hated for it.

Her words managed to get his attention as he slowly uncovered his left eye to look at her, tears running down his cheek as he whimpered at her. He was asking her if she means that, because he worried that due to what his anger made him do, she might reconsider getting a new pet.

What he saw was a smiling face and words that sounded like a heavenly choir inside his mind…

"I love you, ya big, goofy, lazy-butted lizard," She giggled and scratched under her pet's chin. "Nothing's gonna change that, not even a fight."

Hearing those words from his master, his sweet, sweet Young Master, brought hope and relief to Varan and it lessened the hurt that he had felt. His owner still loved him, and even if he messed up, she wouldn't get rid of him that easily.

He gave a shaking, but happy lizard smile as his tears stopped falling, he leaned his head down onto her shoulder and started licking at her cheek with his tongue, causing her to laugh as the slimy appendage rubbed against her cheek.

"Varan, stop it, that tickles!" She laughed as her pet gave her affection in the form of a few loving licks after that reassuring. She repaid it by hugging him around his strong neck, laughing still as he nuzzled into her.

The sight alone made the Pet Six smile as they witness the bond between the young Pegasus filly and her Komodo Dragon. They knew that feeling of a loving bond all too well, and it was a very pleasant feeling to have when you have a owner that loves you, no matter how many times you messed up or got into trouble.

The sight was just so heartwarming, the six pets made their way over to the two and let their presence be known to Scootaloo who understandably looked surprised to see that they were here in Varan's cave.

"Angel? Tank? Gummy? Opal? Winona? Owl? What are you six doing in here?"

Owlowicious simply hooted and motions to Varan with his wing, seemingly smiling at him. Opal came between the two of them and rubbed against them in a passive matter, purring and mewing as if wanting attention, too. With a playful eye roll, she patted the cat that belonged to Rarity with a smile, she looked to the other pets and chuckled; Did they want the same treatment? If so, then why not? "Ain't that sweet? You six want a little bit of love too?" She allowed them to gather and gave them a few rubbings and some hugs. Although Angel struggled just a teeny bit, he did prefer Fluttershy's hugs better – not that there was anything wrong with Scootaloo's hugs, but Fluttershy's hugs were like hugging a soft pillow.

Angel then hopped out of her arms and started making faces, some even resembling other animals; he was attempting to help Varan explain his behavior. He points his brows down into a glare, bared his teeth and flexed his fingers into claw shapes, taking on a slightly hunched but towering type of form, making a few weak growls that only a bunny would attempt.

Scootaloo, amused by Angel's antics, chuckled before noticing that Varan was nodding at this. Remembering her question, she wondered – are these pets helping Varan – in the form of a few charades? This just got a little interesting. And with Angel's posture, she realized who he was imitating "Harry…" Angel nodded as Gummy approached and imitated Varan by making his best snarl face "Varan…"

Varan snorted in amusement from his fellow reptile trying to imitate him. But he was grateful that his new friends were helping him out with explaining his behavior, though he tilted his head at the Wise One's pose; He seemed to be taking some sort of thinking pose.

Scootaloo was a bit curious about that one before recalling a lesson from Miss Cheerilee's class and remembered seeing that same pose in a schoolbook once. "Thinker…" She started to piece together the clues and looked to Varan, "Varan… you know Harry?"

Varan wouldn't say ‘know', but now that his friends helped him out and despite setting off on him before, recalling the bear's earlier behavior around Old Master, he now knows that Harry was only about as dangerous and vicious as a marshmallow. He gave Young Master a so-so type of shrug and made a groaning "eh" sound.

Opal came forward next and started pawing at the dirt. Although she hated getting dirty just as much as her owner did, just like Rarity, she was willing to get her paws a little dirty if it means to help her friends. She seemed to be drawing something as Winona came over to help her out.

Intrigued, the group watched the cat and dog before the two showed their work. They seemed to have drawn a group of quadrupeds around a messy looking forest area, but one was circled out from the rest.

It took Scootaloo a while to actually grasp what she was looking at but she finally got it when Varan sniffed and growled gently at the picture. She looked at him, then back at the quadrupeds before noticing they looked lizard-ish design to them. ‘Wait..' she thought, exchanging looks with Varan and the picture, it suddenly clicked once she saw a bit of longing in her awesome pet's eyes. She gasped, "Is that… your family, Varan?"

Her answer was a simple nod. "But… what does that have to do with Harry?"

Tank started erasing the picture with the komodos in it while Angel makes bunny-sized bear growls, making swiping motions at the picture. The bunny even snarled like one.

It was weird, but Scootaloo noticed it a mile away and gasped lightly. "Your family… was attacked… by a bear?"

Varan nodded but hissed lightly, adding a word in hissing that would translate to ‘creature', while looking down sorrowfully, revealing to his Young Master the sad truth.

Lowering her ears, Scootaloo knew just how he felt, as she had been all alone way before she adopted him. "Aw… guess we both know what it feels like to be orphans, huh boy?"

Varan could only make light cooing noises as she stroked his head in comfort.

“Okay, if it wasn't a bear, then what creature could it be?” She was bafflied by this. She hasn't gotten quite enough knowledge to know how strong Varan's species could be, but judging from what happened it had to be a creature of immense strength to take out dozens of Komodo Dragons. And she knew for a fact Harry couldn't do it, nor could any other Grizzly's for that matter.

“Unless...”

“Scootaloo?”

A familiar voice cut her train of thought as she slowly gazed at the entrance with a sour look. What does she want now? As if dodging questions and accusing her wasn't enough, now she has to pester her in front of her pet, too? What part of 'leave me alone' does she not understand?

Varan turned his head and saw Old Master stand there at the entrance of his cave. He expected her to chew him out for attacking one of her friends, but the look on her face said otherwise. Old Master looked sad and she reeked of guilt. No. It didn't take him long to realize he was not Old Master's target. Was she needing Young Master's attention? Well, she got it.

The Mane Six pets looked towards the entrance, too, wondering what Fluttershy wanted. Angel approached Fluttershy, nose twitching instinctively.

“Hello, Angel, is Scootaloo in there?”

Angel nodded, pointed towards Varan. Fluttershy looked, but was stunned to see her friends pets here with Varan. Never in her life has she seen them all together in one place without their owners.

“W-What are you guys doing here?” Fluttershy asked.

All of them came out, aside from Varan, and approached Fluttershy and made their own respected calls and noises to tell her the story. Winona whimpered and barked, Opal mewed, Tank honked, Owlowicous hooted, but Gummy just stood there like nothing was a care in the world to him. They all seemed somewhat excited, which was no surprise there. But, there were so many vocals Fluttershy could take.

“Okay, Okay, slow down. One at a time,” Fluttershy quickly got them to calm, before hearing their sides of the story, and getting answers to why they were here. Fluttershy nodded understandably.

“I see. Well, I...” she paused herself and took a slow, steady breath as she talked to the Pet Six. She hoped Scootaloo was hearing this, “...I came to apologize. I was wrong to accuse her of what happened.” She rubbed the back of her head. She really was sorry about that. Hopefully, this'll put her and her daughter on good terms. She really doesn't like arguing with her pride and joy and it hurt her just as much as it hurt Scootaloo. “We didn't expect Varan to do what he did.”

Varan let out a moaning hiss, letting Old Master know he was dreadfully sorry.

“It's alright, Varan. Harry doesn't hold grudges,” Fluttershy assured. “We'll try again, later.”

The fact that Varan would attack Harry still mind-boggled her. She'd like to know what caused this outburst and hopefully get a better understanding of Varan and his behaviors. Well, later down the line. Right now, she had one priority in mind and she'd like for her to come out. She's surprised Scootaloo hasn't come out and yelled at her. Then again, she's already done that. Fluttershy took another slow, calming breath and prepared for her next step in life in being a great mother.

“Scootaloo, I know you're in there. I know your upset for what I did and I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have accused you. I just got mad and... didn't think straight.” She said in a regretting tone. “I'd like for you to come out. I want to ask you something. If you don't--”

“Okay, okay,” Scootaloo spoke out and walked around Varan and out of the cave. A tiny blush on her face, “Please, don't be so sappy, mom. You know how I feel when you do something like that.” Even if there weren't other ponies around, hearing her mother get all emotional like that just made feel awkward. She wanted to be tough, not very emotional.

Fluttershy giggled softly, “And I remember I'm not the only one like that, too. Remember what you said earlier?”

That tiny blush became a bright red blush and Fluttershy saw it, “Mom! Really? In front of the animals?” She wanted to keep that a secret – even from her animal friends.

“Alright, I won't step any further on that,” Fluttershy said with a smile, happy she's talking to her daughter, again. But out of the blue, said daughter came up to her and hugged her close. Fluttershy felt her soul lift as she hugged her flesh and blood close.

“And I'm sorry for yelling at you. You know I'm still learning about Varan, too,” She really was. She did her best to learn as much as she could about her Komodo Dragon, but even still! It was hard for her since she's still developing that ability to talk to animals. She can understand Varan's gestures and facial expressions, but that's about it. The noises he makes and just noises. But what really hit home was what Scootaloo said earlier, “And about what I said. I didn't mean to bring that up. I'm s-sorry, mom.”

Fluttershy took a moment of silence, pondering that. Scootaloo was right. She pegged herself as a horrible pony for keeping it away from her child. Dodging questions and keeping quiet, trying to push him out of her life and trying to have Scootaloo live life without him? She was scared. Not just for what he'd do to her if she saw him again, but what he'd do to Scootaloo if he saw her. All she was doing was keeping a wall between them and Drift. But, Scootaloo's curiosity grew and so did her excitement. She hate having to burst that balloon and hurt her daughter. Then it dawned on her, time and age changed Gilda from a savage bully to a mellow, reasonable griffon. If that effected her, maybe it effected Drift? She had to tell her. It wasn't for her anymore...

It was for her pride and joy.

“Yeah, about that,” Fluttershy said with an accepting tone and smile.

Scootaloo perked her ears and looked up at her mother. The Pet Six and Varan looked on, curious, as well.

“I think I've kept it low for far too long,” Fluttershy said. “Tomorrow, would you like to meet your father?”

Scootaloo locked her eyes on Fluttershy and had a tough time processing what she just heard. Did she hear that right? Or was she going crazy, “Um, c-can you repeat that? If you don't mind?” Scootaloo asked, near mimicking her own mother.

Fluttershy held in a chuckle and proudly ask, “Would you like to go meet your father?”

As if a big wish had been made, Scootaloo's face contorted from confused and clueless to outright shock and surprise. Her wide-eyed and slack-jawed face said it all to Fluttershy. Now all she needed was to wait for the excited shock wave.

As if to beat the clock, Fluttershy looked at the remaining Pet five and asked them, “I think it's best you guys get home. It's getting pretty late and I'm sure your families are waiting.”

Without any hesitation, the pets head back to their respected homes. But right as they ran around Fluttershy's cottage, they flinch as they all heard a loud, happy squeal from the backyard. That shock wave arrived and Scootaloo was letting them know.

“You mean it? You actually mean it?” Scootaloo said, jumping in the air as her tiny wings buzzed with excitement.

Fluttershy laughed in amusement at Scootaloo's excitement, “Of course. And I can answer any questions you might have, sweetie.” The back of her mind thought that was not gonna an issue because Scootaloo might have a million questions for her. But, then she tilted her head slightly. “Um, Scootaloo?”

“Oh my Celestia, I can't wait! I have so many questions to ask him. Ask you. I just can't wait to meet him,” all of her excitement was showing and she couldn't contain herself. Yet she failed to see Angel, Varan and Fluttershy giving her surprised looks.

“Scootaloo?”

“What's he like? What does he look like?”

Scootaloo, sweetie?”

“Does he like the Wonderbolts? Does he have pets?” she gasped. “Is he a member of the Wonderbolts?!”

“Scootaloo!”

“What?” Scootaloo snapped out of her train of thought and glanced at Fluttershy, only to see her eye-level. Confused, Scootaloo asked, “Uh, mom, did you get shorter?”

Fluttershy shook her head and pointed at her back. Scootaloo looked back and widen her eyes, again.

“Am I... flying?” Her wings her buzzing fast and keeping her in air. Fluttershy examined her patterns and quickly figured out what was going on. But...

“I'm flying! I'm Flying!” Scootaloo said, full of excitement. This day was becoming the best day for her.

Even Varan was thrown aback by this. He never expected Young Master to fly so soon. He saw she had wings, but never seen her use them. This was the first time he's seeing her in the air.

“Now hold on, Scootaloo. This isn't flying. At least not yet.” Fluttershy said, but noticed the bubble about to burst in Scootaloo's eyes. “It's not flying, you're hovering. It's sort of a first step in a pegasus' life.” Having experienced this, despite not flying as much like Rainbow Dash and Gilda, she knows a thing or two, sort of.

Still, that kept a smile on Scootaloo's face, “Still, I'm off the ground. Finally! First I get to go see dad and now this? This day is great!” she was feeling the adrenaline pump through her body. But now she needed to know one thing: “but, how do I get going?”

“Heh, that's easy, just tilt your body just a little and you can go,” Fluttershy informed, loving being a teacher to her daughter. First in Twilight's school, now this. Bonus!

Scootaloo nodded and glanced over the cottage, “Okay, just tilt my body forward.” Scootaloo tilted her body, but not a little like her mother said. Instead of a little, she tilted her body far to the point she did a front flip and plopped on her back. Scootaloo let out a sudden “whoa” and a hard “Oof” when she landed.

Varan, Angel and Fluttershy winced, “Don't worry, it's still for first try, sweetie,” Fluttershy said as she helped Scootaloo up. Angel couldn't help but laugh a little at the mistake. But Varan at least gave an approving nod for trying.

“Oh, should've worn a helmet for that,” Scootaloo joked but felt slightly disappointed she did that.

Fluttershy smiled and gave her daughter a soft motherly cheek nuzzle, “Don't worry about it. Every Pegasi makes a mistake the first time. Once you've gotten used to hovering, then we can see if you're able to fly.” Fluttershy saw the sparkle in Scootaloo's eyes. Seeing her daughter light up like this made her heart felt so warm. She couldn't be more prouder and relieved that Scootaloo was able to hover, now. Guess her excitement must've done something with her wings. She shrugged to herself. Maybe she should think about this another time, she didn't want to pull a 'Twilight' and overwork her brain.

Scootaloo then realized something was a little off, “Wait, where are the others?” She noticed they weren't around with her when she came out to find her.

“Oh, they all went home. Gilda and Glinda are living with Rainbow Dash until they get a new home and Tree Hugger left soon after.”

“Aw man, I didn't even get to say good-bye,” Scootaloo said with a pout, whimpering like a puppy.

Fluttershy giggled again and nuzzled her daughter again to make her feel better, “Now, now, Scootaloo, we'll see them again. I assure you.” She knew it wasn't gonna be the last time they'd see them, again. Though, it's gonna be a few days before Fluttershy can chat with Rainbow and Tree Hugger, again. What they did was still hurtful, but she'll get over it soon.

“Come on, I'll make you your favorite meal,” Fluttershy said.

Scootaloo beamed her eyes at her mother and smiled giddy at her and asked, “Think we can eat out her with Varan?” Varan let out a long, hissing yawn before walking back into his cave to sleep.

“I think Varan wants to just sleep, for now.”

“Aw, come on! Really? Right now?” Scootaloo walked to Varan's cave entrance and tried to get him back out.

“It is getting a tad late, Scootaloo.”

“Oh, fine,” Scootaloo walked away, letting Varan go get some sleep.

Angel followed, heading back with the Mother-daughter duo before hoping through the doggy-door.

“So, what's dad like?”

"He was an... interesting stallion. He was always so full of himself," She chuckled and playfully jabbed, "Kind of like Rainbow Dash usually acts sometimes." That actually made Scootaloo laugh a little, while she admires her idol with every fiber of her being, she knew every once in a while Dash tended to get a little cocky – her mom's joke was funny because it was oh so true. "But he did care about me," Fluttershy opened the door as Scootaloo walked in first. Fluttershy walked after and closed the door as her voice slowly fades out while continuing to tell her daughter about her daddy until it was time to head to bed.

As she tucked her daughter in and kissed her goodnight, she smiled fondly down at her daughter's smiling, sleeping face. It felt so good to see her happy. With a short yawn, she trotted off to go make sure her critters were turned in for the night before she turns in herself. Clicking the light off with her wing on the switch and holding the door open just a crack as she left the room to have one last look at her daughter for the night; she smiled lovingly at her daughter and whispered, "Goodnight, Scootaloo…"

She slowly closed the door behind her with a soft click.

***The Next Morning, At Sugarcube Corner***

"So… who do you think the kid will look like more? You or Fluttershy?" Vinyl said as she smiled enthusiastically while she and Drift talk about her new little step-niece or step-nephew as they sat at a table at Sugarcube Corner. It was calm, warm, welcoming and no sign of the paparazzi tailing her anywhere. It was the perfect place to have a little sweet snack before breakfast.

Nopony could blame her for wanting to figure out more on her new step-niece/nephew, she was hyped to meet the kid and be, in Twilight's words, the best aunt ever.

Drift chuckles lightly and teased, "Well, let's just hope, for Shy's sake, that our child resembles her most."

She snickered as she joked, "It could be worse, the kid may end up a unicorn or an earth pony like those two twins of the Cakes," She said as she shrugs at the highly unlikely possibility, seeing how most of Shy's relatives were pegasi and she was the only unicorn from Drift's side as far as she knew.

Drift sarcastically laughed while imagining what his child would look like. Ever since his chat with his step-sister yesterday, he was eager to meet his kid. "Ha ha ha. Yeah, what would the chances of that be? I just hope the kid turns out to be a great one... with his or her mother's eyes," He said as he chuckled lightly. He thought about it more, though, "Maybe my attitude?" He shook his head and spoke what truly mattered to him, while he wanted to meet his kid; he hoped the little one won't end up like him, mostly concerning the scarred part of him. "But as long as the little one resembles Shy most, it doesn't matter what he/she looks like. I highly doubt the squirt would want to end up with an ugly mug like mine," He motioned to his scar.

Vinyl paused to take a look at the scar and gave him an unphased, nonchalant shrug, "It's not that bad, D-Bro." She really didn't see the issue with it. In fact, she thought it made him look cool. And she wouldn't be surprised if his kid thought it was cool, too.

"I agree, sweetheart," said a sweet welcoming, out-of-nowhere voice.

Drift nearly jumped out of his seat but turned to see Mrs.Cake standing between them and in front of their table. He blushed in embarrassment, remembering where he was. "S-Sorry I didn't notice you there, Mrs.Cake."

The pudgy blue mare with frosting-like hair smiled warmly and waved a hoof, "It's all right, dear. I don't mean to eavesdrop, but… I consider who-ever your child is could very much be lucky to have you as a father," She complimented, having only seen Drift every once in a while and almost ofter come inside to order something; she didn't expect him to be a father, however.

He looked surprised that she'd say such a thing, and wondered why she'd say that; she beat him to it, however. "A patient, kind stallion like you seemingly daring to risk it all for those he cares about," She gazed up at Vinyl as an example, with the unicorn flinching and trying to hide her face, the earth mare giggles lightly, "No other foal would be as lucky to have someone like that as a dad." She winks at them, hinting she overheard that part about her children. "Take it from me, I know." She was a mother herself, so she knew what it was like when it came to a stallion showing how much he cared for his family, like how her Carrot Cake would do anything to keep her and the twins happy. She giggles as she walked off to head to the kitchen.

Once she was gone, Drift snorted as he looked to Vinyl. He gave her a flat look for her earlier comment, raising his right brow at her. That look in his magenta eyes clearly read ‘You're buckin' kiddin', right?' as he stared at his V-Sis flatly. If anything, if he looked himself in the mirror, he'd tell her that his scar makes him stick out like a sore hoof.

"Don't look at me like that," She pouted as she quietly spoke because she didn't want to make the Cakes uncomfortable in any way as she brings up his old job, "Nopony asked you to get yourself mangled up back in your trophy hunting days."

That was uncalled for. "Ouch," He flatly said but humored her as he playfully swiped her shades, ushering her to yell out a "Hey!" and try to grab them back as he placed a hoof on her forehead once she got near. "You're just lucky I love you, V-Sis."

"Yeah, I love you, too, D-Bro. Now gimme back my shades, you wing-brained jerk!" She struggled against his hoof, her eyes narrowing in annoyance at Drift and her lower lip sticking out in a fierce pout once she got close enough to grab those glasses of hers only for his wing to cover her face, further preventing her from reclaiming her prized possession. "That's the only pair I got!"

He smirked and chuckled lightly, "Sis, nopony cares if your eyes are unlike any color they've seen; they still dig you and your beats," He winked, "And I don't doubt my kid will agree with me on that."

She paused, again, and chuckled at that, "You're lucky you're my bro, otherwise I would'a kicked your flanks 6 feet under if it means getting them shades back." Not that she had any problems with her eyes; she just liked wearing her shades all the time. She wouldn't care if she had to get physical, she wanted her shades back – they're her trademark, after all.

"Heh… ya already opened up my scar earlier…so…" He pushed her shades back onto her with a faint ‘boop' sound emitting. Her shades a little crooked.

She winced when he brought that little bit up and pouted at him, giving him an unamused frown, "You aren't gonna let that go, are you?"

He smirked and smiled smugly as he pointed to his face, "It's my face ya punched, how can I not let that go?"

She had to admit, as she straightens her glasses back to their normal position, that he had her there. He had a right to hold it against her for a while. But she was mad, so he couldn't exactly blame her for punching him like she had earlier either, "Touché."

It took a minute to calm down from that little playful sibling scuff, but Vinyl knew she had to break the ice. She looked up at Drift, lowering her shades a bit, gazing her magenta eyes at him, "So, what are you going to do?"

Drift looked at his step-sister, confused, "Huh?"

"You know what I'm talking about, Drift. I know I said we don't have to immediately go to her, but I wanna know what the plan is."

But that was the thing. At the moment, he didn't have a plan whatsoever.

He winced as he looked away from her, rubbing his neck as he gave her his answer, "I… don't really have a plan. I'm still a little nervous about what will happen," He sighed lightly as a seed of doubt was planted, "W-What if -- what if she never forgives me?"

"Then you're just gonna have to work your way up to earn her forgiveness," Vinyl advised. While she knows that Fluttershy is the sweetest mare she's ever known and that she's quite sensitive, especially by emotional terms if hurt real bad, Shy can be known to have quite the outbursts from bottled up emotions.

"But… I'm just not sure if she'd accept me again," While he wanted to make up with Shy, he was afraid that while she's understandably mad at him from what he had gathered since he dumped her while she was pregnant, that she wouldn't accept him back into her life.

"Fluttershy would totally forgive you and accept you again, silly!" Pinkie said as she impossibly popped out from within the cup of punch Vinyl had, grinning at Drift.

This outburst caused the two to scream a bit and back up from their table, both their eyes widened in shock, surprise and unholy confusion.

Drift held his chest tight and groans once he realized who it was, "Oh dear sweet mother of Celestia and Luna themselves! Pinkie, ya almost gave me a heart attack!" How that mare always manages to sneak about like that is mind-boggling, and yet she always manages to get them with the element of surprise. He took a moment to breathe to get his heart to slow down from that near heart-attack.

The bubbly pink mare giggles, "Silly Drifty, you need to have a heart before you can have an attack!~"

Raising a brow at her, Vinyl sat back up and regained her composure. Unlike her step-brother, she didn't have that much of a reaction to her antics since she is always invited to Pinkie's parties; no matter what they are. But in a situation like this, "How much did you hear, Pinkie Pie?" She asked as she pointed at the party mare. She may be friends with this hyperactive, crazy mare, but there were some things that shouldn't be any of her business.

Pinkie Pie popped her way out of the cup and onto the wooden floor, innocently shaking off little drips from her hoofs, "Oh, just enough," She said as she smiled at Drift over her shoulder. "Enough

to know that you don't have to be afraid of your feelings, or how Fluttershy would react towards seeing you again. What you should be focusing on, is telling her the words she wants to hear – which is a ‘super-duper-double-scooper-gooper-BIG-"I'm-sorry-for-hurting-you-so-badly-I-really-miss-you-I'll-do-anything-you-want-so-I-can-make-it-up-to-you-and-I-love-you-soooooooo-much!"' apology," She said as she giggled as if it were the simplest thing in the world to do. With Pinkie, knowing Fluttershy and her element, she would no doubt forgive him if he apologized.

The two ponies blink at her. How in Equestria is that mare able to breathe when speaking long complex sentences like that?

"Uh… yeah…" He blinked slowly at Pinkie's words of ‘encouragement'. "I'm afraid it's not that simple."

But he was only greeted with a laugh and a boop on the nose "That's ‘cuz you're only making it harder on yourself than it needs to be, Drifty!" She points out to him, "It's been like, what, a few years since you've seen each other, like high school, right?"

Vinyl blinked at that and tilted her head in astonishment, asking for him. "How'd you know that one?" Well, she was curious herself. Pinkie was a literal party animal, but she can't be psychic, can she?

"Just a hunch." She grinned widely. Though, deep down, she was actually quite surprised, too. She quickly figured out Fluttershy was Scootaloo's mother after she caught her sobbing and talking with Angel while no one else was looking. But she never thought the father would be Drift. At first, she thought he was a huge meanie-pants for what he did to her, but overhearing him say how doubtful he was and that he was willing to see his kid and make things right with them made her have second thoughts and she just had to help him. Besides, she didn't like seeing sad faces.

"Well… yeah… it's been quite a long time since we last saw each other," He raised a brow at her, wondering why she'd ask that type of thing when she herself wasn't even in their school. "Why?"

Pinkie Pie only shook her head as her smile turned fond, "Because… I know my bestie. And I know that Shy and your daughter may be much closer than you think. Drift… years are a very, very looooong time…" She approached their table and set down a plate of freshly made cupcakes and muffins for them along with fresh new glasses of punch to replace the ones she popped out of. "And time… has a way of changing things." She winked at him before trotting off, leaving them to ponder what she meant.

Although, Drift became buggy-eyed when he realized Pinkie said *daughter*; that oddball mare, she knew who his child was?! "W-Wait, Pinkie! Wait!" He tried to call her back, but she kept hopping away.

Vinyl blinked and tried to call her back when she also noticed she left the muffins and cupcakes on their table, and they didn't even order them yet. "Wait, what about the muffins and cupcakes?!?"

Pinkie Pie called back over as she vanished into her kitchen, "On the house!"

Blinking at this random, yet uncharacteristically wise encounter of Ponyville's most smile-inducing party mare, Drift could only stare at Vinyl and comment…

"Sometimes, I'll never understand that mare."

Vinyl laughed a bit at that, finding it all too true. Pinkie means well, although sometimes the way she tries to help in her own way is unique, which is why it makes it difficult for other ponies to understand.

"Me either, D-Bro," She chuckled, shaking her head after the pink mare when she disappeared. "Me either…"

"Should we go after her? She knows who my kid is."

Vinyl thought that was a bad idea and shook her head at him, "I know you're eager to find out, but it's not a good idea to disturb a busy mare -- especially when it comes to baking."

"Why?"

It was then, the door opened and the bell rung. Sweets hour was here and customers wanted their little bit of sugar to start their morning off with a little pep.

"That," Vinyl pointed to the doors as customers came in.

"Are you serious about these ponies making gem cupcakes?" The two ponies looked to see Spike entering in with a younger dragon with him, an orange dragon with purple spines from her head to her tail. Following them was a sky blue griffon, who looked about Gilda's age, only a bit smaller and was clearly a male.

"Sure I'm sure, Smolder. They gave me a special sapphire-sprinkled one for my birthday; so when they heard there was going to be more than one dragon in Ponyville, they said they may as well start stocking and baking those kinds of cupcakes," Spike explained to her, with a smile, about the Cake's latest selling they have for dragons like them.

"You'd better not be joshing me, Spike," She warned him while the griffon waved a talon, scoffing lightly at his dragon friends.

"Pfft, just as long as we get cupcakes, it doesn't matter what's sprinkled on. I'm hungry!"

Spike only laughed as he led the two to go get a table and place an order, "Alright, keep your feathers on, Gallus."

"Looks like we're not the only ones wanting to get a little extra pep this morning, huh?" Vinyl smiled lightly, recognizing Spike and the two students from Twilight's School of Friendship.

"Heh, yeah," He smiled softly, recognizing Spike as he waved a hoof at the trio. Smolder noticed first and gave a little smile, waving her claw back at him.

However, they too weren't the only ones joining for a bit of ‘pep-cupcakes' as the bell rang, again. However, they could not predict whose voice was heard next.

Drift was enjoying his muffin; the soft, yet sun-sweet berry-filled taste was quite delicious yet soothing. Although, he nearly choked when he heard a voice call to him, in a quite surprised, yet recognizable tone. Vinyl gave him his punch as he quickly grabbed it and drank it. He planted his drink down and breathed steadily.

"Drift?"

His eyes widened in alarm, shock and a bit of fear as he softly gasped. He knew that voice, he recognized it anywhere. He could never forget it either as he heard soft clopping of gentle hooves heading his way. Only one pony had soft-as-a-cloud hoofsteps like that.

"Is that you?" The soft voice spoke to him, riddled with shock, yet awe.

He winced, lowering his ears as Vinyl looked at him in shock, and she was just as surprised as he was. Letting out a silent sigh, he knew.

It was time to face the music.

He slowly turned around to face the one mare he had been worried about seeing…

And froze.

Fluttershy was stunned; She felt like treating her daughter to some cupcakes before they go find her father, which Scootaloo wholeheartedly agreed. No use searching on an empty stomach. Plus, Pinkie Pie's cupcakes were awesome!

She and Scootaloo also met up with Spike, Smolder, and Gallus who were also heading there. She invited them to join them for a little breakfast hangout at Sugarcube Corner, not that Scootaloo minded – it was still morning, she and her mother had plenty of time to spare – until she realized Spike was with them and desperately tried to fight her blush whenever he gave her a smile. Something which Smolder caught and couldn't help but smirk at.

Although, when Scootaloo and Smolder first looked at one another, they looked at each other as if they were looking in an alternate mirror after seeing they had similar colors. Like Smolder's the dragon version of Scootaloo, or vice versa.

***Earlier when meeting at Ponyville***

Smolder glanced at her as if she was looking at her own reflection and raised a brow, "Whoa, this is bizarre." Smolder was mind-boggled. Though Spike and Gallus were just as surprised, yet they thought it was pretty cool, too.

Scootaloo walked around her, looking surprised and intrigued, "You're telling me."

Fluttershy was equally just as surprised and baffled by this. Seeing another creature bearing the same colors as her daughter really made things interesting and raised a lot of thoughts, but one came to mind: Smolder looked like she could pass off as Scootaloo's fraternal twin. Then she shook her head at the thought of her laying an egg. That would just be near impossible and, frankly, odd for pegasus to do. Unless magic was involved and -- 'nope! Going into taboo territory there.' That's the last thing she needed on her mind right now.

Smolder scratched her spines as she looked over the Pegasus, just as stumped as she was, "This can't be real, Can it?"

But it was as the pegasi filly was thinking the same thing. She pointed a hoof at her, realizing as she exclaimed in shock, "You look like the dragon version of me!"

The dragoness pointed at her, just as equally appalled as she was, "And you look like the pony version of me!" Their eyes bugged out in shock...

…Then joy. "Sweet!" They both grinned.

***Back at Sugarcube Corner***

It was nice to see her daughter make another new friend, this time with one of the students from the school. Even if they knew each other by name, they never properly got to hang out with each other. So, this was a good opportunity to do so. It still confused her to why they looked alike in color, somehow though. It was like looking at them like they were from a different universe. Oh well, then. Better not linger on it for too much. Scootaloo did say once that she thought dragons were cool. But the mere thought of Scootaloo falling for one was just adorable.

But what Fluttershy didn't expect as they arrived at Sugarcube Corner to order some delicious cupcakes and muffins, was to run into Drift and… Vinyl Scratch?

Drift's body was suddenly frozen in place and his eyes couldn't pry themselves away from what they saw. Was this a mare or the angel standing before him? A heavenly choir played in his mind as the ginger light of Celestia's sun shined down on her as she slowly bats her eyes. Her long, luscious, pink hair hugging her shoulders. Her wings looked visibly stronger from what he remembered from the feeble flier he knew in school. Her tail was as long as her hair and it easily wrapped around her legs while cushioning her flank well like a pillow. When he saw that butterfly cutie mark, he knew it was her. Nopony else had three pink butterflies as a cutie mark here in Ponyville, or at Cloudsdale High when he last saw her.

And as he stared at her lovely moderate cyan eyes, it was like they were shining like the brightest sapphires. He felt his chest slowly compress as if his heart skipped occasional beats. He wanted to look away, but his body wouldn't allow it. He was looking into the eyes of a mare he's never seen in a long time.

He never saw her again, not ever since Cloudsdale high school, where he left her after getting her pregnant. Was he seeing things? This beautiful angel couldn't be the same Fluttershy. It couldn't be! His mind had to be playing tricks on him.

"I…I…I… uh… um…" Desperate as he tried to convey a word, sentence, anything, he couldn't speak. His words just wouldn't come out. They were clogged deep in his throat.

But, lucky for him, the gods above saved him from acting like an awkward nutcase when the calls of a happy filly rang him out of his trance.

"Oh… my… gosh…!!!" Fluttershy blinked and looked just in time to see her daughter having a very big fangirl moment. "Y-You're… You're… You're…!!!" and upon seeing her daughter's very wide sparkly eyes and Cheshire-growing grin, she used her own wings to plug her ears as Scootaloo exploded in glee. "DJ-Pon3!!!"

Vinyl flinched a bit and tried to shush her, looking around to make sure no paparazzi heard that. Amazingly, while it earned a little stare or two from a patron or passing citizen, no sign of the paparazzi was anywhere to be seen, much to her relief. That's the last thing she needed at the moment. She looked back at the young filly who screamed her name, to see her dancing in place with the biggest grin and sparkly eyes she had ever seen. It was highly adorable for a filly her age. Especially when it's concerning a fan of hers, "Thee Vinyl Scratch. I can't believe it's really, really you!"

She giggled a bit and gave a salute towards the filly, "That's me." She smiles as she lifted her shades to get a better look of the filly as she offered a hoof to shake, playfully stating, "That's my name, don't wear it out, little trooper."

Her eyes were wide in amazement and glee that another idol of hers is meeting her, and wanting to shake her hoof; not wanting to miss such a chance, she excitedly accepted it, letting out a big excited squeal as she shook her hoof very vigorously. Much to Vinyl's surprise, and very slight concern – hope the little filly doesn't lose her voice from repeated squealing.

"Uh… is she okay?" Gallus pointed a talon at the filly, looking a little freaked out as Scootaloo continued to squeal. There are some things about ponies he has yet to understand – especially with odd moments like this one.

Spike chuckled and nods as if used to such behavior, "Yeah, just a classic fanfilly-reaction. Just give her a minute, she'll cool down."

Smolder held her head as she could feel her own ears ringing, "Well, she better stick a cork in it soon, bro," She looked at the display cases with him which he now noticed had started to shake a little from the slightly high-pitch squealing. "The display cases are starting to shake."

Acknowledging that Scootaloo can unintentionally cause property damage, he flinched and hurried over, covering her mouth, causing the filly to look bug-eyed. "Let's… try not to cause damage to the Cakes' Property, shall we?"

Blushing in embarrassment, she nods as he takes his claw away. Vinyl snickered a bit, "Nice set of lungs and quite a shake ya got." She rubbed her arm after being shaken like a rag doll by her vigorous hoof-shake.

Poor Scootaloo was trying so hard not to lose it as she twitched and fidgeted in glee, "I'm so sorry. it's just… EEEH!" She clapped her hoofs and pointed at her. "I can't believe I'm actually meeting you! I'm your biggest fan! I love your music, and-and-and…" She tried to speak but her excitement was betraying her.

Vinyl chuckled and pats her on the head, "Breathe, kid. You're gonna pass out if ya keep hyperventilating like this," She loved her fans just as much as they loved her and her music – but she didn't want them to end up hurting themselves if they happen to find themselves face to face with her. But as she looked at Scootaloo, she could almost instantly tell what this little cute Pegasus filly wanted; and thankfully, for this unicorn, she had come prepared for something like this one.

Using her magic, she brought a pen over and got out a photo of herself from one of her latest hits that she recently released. She clicks her pen repeatedly to get it started up, "What's your name, little trotter?"

Scootaloo could almost feel her heart jump out of her chest when she realized what was happening: DJ-Pon3 was giving her an autograph! "S-S-S… S-S… Scootaloo…" She barely managed to squeak out, blushing heavily as she covered her mouth from that squeaky voice.

Fluttershy giggled lightly, for that one moment, her daughter sounded like her when she was put on the spot.

Vinyl smiled as she scribbled on the corner of the picture and then gave it to her.

Scootaloo gasped largely, her eyes wide as beach balls as she received it and gazed upon her signature; ‘For my awesome and ecstatic biggest fan, Scootaloo. – Your biggest friend, DJ-PON3, Vinyl Scratch.' She looked up at Vinyl, who lifted her shades up and gave her a wink. Scootaloo squealed once more but thankfully it was shorter and she danced about, hugging the photo close to her chest.

Watching this little squirt fangirl over Vinyl snapped Drift out of it a little and he chuckled lightly, nudging her with his elbow. "Looks like you've made another little fan happy, huh, V-Sis?" He winked at her as she blushed a bit.

Scootaloo paused and looked up at the stallion, she looked shocked. "Hey… you're that pony I saw yesterday at Rocky's workshop! Drift, right?"

The stallion smiled, remembering her very well, "That's me. Nice to see you, again." He ruffled her mane, before noticing she was looking up at him in awe.

"You know DJ-Pon3? Thee DJ Pon3??" She was stunned that the stallion she had met before with Tree Hugger and Rainbow Dash at the store knew one of her favorite idols.

He chuckled as he exchanged glances with the unicorn who knew what was going to be told; she shrugged a shoulder at him to give him the OK, "Of course I know her," He gazed at her, smiling softly as he shrugged a shoulder almost nonchalantly. He then told the little filly the reason why he knew Vinyl well, "She's my step-sister."

It was as if time froze.

Scootaloo's eyes were wide as watermelons, her jaw dropped to the ground and her wings sprung out. Fluttershy looked surprised as anything, her ears perked up high. Gallus and Smolder look impressed, this guy with a cool-looking scar had a famous DJ as a step-sister? That was cool. Spike too was surprised but shrugged, still used to surprises that Ponyville has to offer.

Fluttershy looked to Drift and softly spoke, "You never mentioned having a step-sister before?"

Though a bit nervous, he for once spoke to her since this one involved his V-Sis, "Th-There was nothing to mention." And just like her, he subconsciously covered his ears with his wings with her as Scootaloo fangasmed to the max, squealing in joy.

"I can't believe I know the stallion who has Vinyl Scratch as a sister!" She danced about, spinning around while squealing, even dragging herself around in circles.

"She's doing it, again!" Smolder held her ears with Gallus using his wings to cover his, both wincing at the squealing.

Thankfully, before anything could shatter from the high-pitched squealing, Pinkie popped up and stuffed a cupcake in Scootaloo's mouth, making her pause enough to chew.

From the playroom, Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake rubbed their ears from all the squealing they heard. Pound snorted softly, babbling in annoyance. "Dat… wa gebbin' anoyin'..." His sister nodded in agreement as she suckled on her stuffed turtle.

Spike chuckled, amused but thankful she did that, "Thank you, Pinkie."

She smiles, "It's what I do," She winks at him, making him blush lightly.

Drift chuckled lightly as he and Fluttershy unplugged their ears while Vinyl went to Scootaloo to have a talk with her, "She sure is quite an excitable one, ain't she?" He was amused Scootaloo was acting that way after meeting his step-sister, although he couldn't blame her. V-Sis was amazing, famous and did pretty awesome sick beats.

She smiles lightly and giggled lightly, amused by her daughter's antics "Yes, she is." She looked to him, her surprised expression coming back as she looked him over. He had grown well from how she remembered him; he had gotten stronger, sleeker, perhaps wiser… although, she worried about what happened to him that made him get that scar. He never had it before when they were in high-school. Did he get into a fight? Did it still hurt? Was he okay?

Nevertheless, he was still, to her surprise, as handsome as she remembered him. However, she still had to talk things over with him before making the final decision that will confirm his fate, "I never thought I'd find you here…"

He lowered his ears a bit and smiled sadly, "I didn't expect you to find me, either."

He really didn't. He never thought Shy would be the one to find him when he thought it was to be the other way around. He sighed lightly, looking down, his ears folded down completely as he closed his eyes, "Fluttershy… listen…" He tried to make eye contact with her but found himself struggling a little. "About what happened… d-during high school… I wanna, I mean-I really…" He tried to find the right words. He didn't want to stutter or a slip-up or tongue-twist himself, "Look, I wish…" He sighed deeply, looking down once more, feeling ashamed he's making it so hard for himself to speak to her. They unknowingly caught the attention of their friends and family as they look over. Their eyes slightly wide as they listen while slowly munching their cupcakes. He had to say it. She was right there! He had no pride to swallow and he knew what he did was wrong. He had to tell her. She needed to hear it. If not, then this was all for nothing and she'd hate him for the rest of her life. The pressure was building, but she was waiting.

He finally caved-in, his lips quivered, "I'm... I'm so sorry I hurt you."

Fluttershy watched him as he continued on. She watched his eyes start to swell up with tears. Her eyes widen in bewilderment as she watched him try not to cry in front of her, and learning his real reasons.

"I know what you're going to say… ‘Weren't you happy before?' Yes, I was… I didn't regret our time together in high-school. I do regret that I only went for your looks and never got to truly know you."

He sniffled, remembering how happy they used to be in their relationship, but recalled he never cared for her feelings, only her looks; as he looked back, he could only kick himself hard for that. "I was so happy to be with you despite my own selfish views of seeing you as a ‘trophy mare'."

He sighed lightly, "A-And when I got you pregnant ever since you brought up the idea of starting a family…'Why didn't you come back to you? To our child?'" All the emotion he was presenting were real. He felt so much regret and guilt for what he did, it hurt him so much. He could only imagine the pain and trauma she felt when he did what he did to her. He never wanted her to go through that, but she did. And now, he felt so much pain making that choice.

Both of them blushed lightly, Fluttershy – from embarrassment from how foolish she was when she was young, while Drift – from ashamedness as he recalled his cowardly actions.

All the while, Scootaloo was watching with stunned eyes when Drift brought up how he and Shy used to be together, then brought up the subject of pregnancy. That's when she realized… Drift was her father. "W-What?" she whispered to herself.

Fluttershy looked back up at him as he admitted his wrongdoings, before starting to walk slowly up to him. "I was just so scared. I wasn't ready to be a father and because of how cowardly I was, I ran out on you when you needed me most."

Vinyl held her heart as she watched her brother pour his heart out to Fluttershy in the most sincere, heartfelt apology he could give. She wanted to comfort him, but knew she shouldn't interrupt.

Spike held Smolder close as he noticed his sister was starting to get a little emotional as her eyes looked a bit glossy; Smolder admired how much courage Drift was showing, knowing this must be scary for him.

Gallus too was admiring his courage, knowing this must not be easy for him. But he felt somewhat proud he's admitting his mistakes.

Pinkie Pie grinned softly as she watched, dancing in place behind the counter while the Cakes watch in awe.

His tears start falling as he whimpered before saying, "I was stupid. I was an idiot. I was cowardly. I just… wasn't thinking, at all."

He literally started kicking himself as he realized that's what got him in all this trouble in the first place. How he wanted it to be done with, he neglected her feelings and wanted her for her looks -- talk about being very shallow.

But he had to tell her how much he regretted it now, because as he talked to her about this, the pain was becoming unbearable as he choked back a sob, "I thought after giving you what you wanted, you would be happy. But--"

He facehoofed and groaned from his emotional pain, "--I only made your life worse when I left you. I… I was wrong to do that to you, Fluttershy. I really am!" He took a shuddery breath as he gazed up, he was shocked to see her approaching him, fear started grasping his heart as his tears shed quicker.

"I know I left you to raise our baby alone, but I thought you'd be better off without me. I was really stupid that day." He backed up a bit as he hyperventilated a little. He found himself eye-to-eye with her as she was getting closer and closer. "A-And I was wrong. I see that now! A-And I'm so sorry for everything I've done!" He said as he whimpered before being cornered by the wall, the table, and Fluttershy herself, who by now was just inches away from him.

He was terrified out of his skin, as she reached a hoof towards him.

Why hasn't she started yelling at him yet?!

"Stop being so stoic, Fluttershy! Go on, yell at me, scream! Say something!" He held his breath as he waited for the inevitable. But, instead of being bombarded with screams and harsh words, he felt her hoof gingerly touch his scar.

She looked into his eyes and she held his cheek. Her hoof gently touched his scar with the tenderness of a butterfly's kiss. Her own eyes became as glossy as his as she slowly smiled at him. Her ears folded down just like his.

And to the surprise of all, what came out of her mouth was not yelling or screaming… or even violence, but…

"I missed you so much, Drift Velocity."

Her eyes twinkled with tears that ran down her cheeks, her smile showing genuine happiness, her cheeks themselves rosy and that tone in her voice spoke out… with love.

Overwhelmed with shock, remorse and genuine affection he started developing for her on this emotional rollercoaster, a whimper escaped from him, uttering out one last tearful "I'm so sorry" before she gently held both of his cheeks; she closed her eyes as she leaned up to him while tilting her head to the left and gingerly placed her lips upon his in a passionate, tear-filled kiss.

He was still so overwhelmed. But he could only return it as his wings, as if they had a mind of their own, wrapped themselves around the kind mare. He kissed her with all the bottled up love he held back but showed no force, only genuine care. It was at that point, he knew what Pinkie meant now.

Time had its way of changing things – but it also had its way of changing others, too.

Gilda had mellowed down, Dash somewhat matured enough to not be so hot-blooded, Scootaloo may still be daredevil-ish, but she was even happier now that she had a family and gained new friends, Shy settled easily back in her mother role… and he, he himself, finally apologized for his actions, and in return, he got Fluttershy back.

Time has changed all of them. And it will no doubt heal those wounds.

Author's Notes:

Holy cow, finally got this monster of a chapter done. Took longer than expected, but my editor and I were proud of what we created. Hell, she even made a drawing of one scene from the chapter. She was that proud of it. Hope you all enjoy and let us know what you think :)

A Healing Future, A Damaged Past

Their kiss separated. Their eyes locked with one another. The thoughts of those who believed pain, anguish, and hate would arise failed to stop this reunion from happening. And the thoughts of those who believed that aggression and force would be the right answer were wrong. Nature took its course and did what those who tried to do couldn't. Expectations were exceeded while others were crushed. Yet, some were not expecting the outcome before them.

Everyone inside Sugarcube Corners sure didn't expect to see a something like this. Well, except for Vinyl and Pinkie – they were enjoying the sight before them and knew the outcome as they and everyone around them watched as Fluttershy and Drift shared a moment with one another, regaining the love they once lost.

Drift's teary, puffy, red eyes were glued to Fluttershy. For once in his life, he felt at ease. His mind calming down from all those anxiety attacks. The fear of being disowned by the one mare he treated as a 'trophy mare' slowly descended. He looked into her beautiful eyes and had feelings he never thought he'd feel, again: love. He was falling in love with Fluttershy all over again, and this time, it was for real. Drift didn't see her as a trophy mare to show off; he saw her as a lovely angel he would vow to protect with his very life.

Fluttershy never looked away from Drift. She didn't care if others were watching. She finally got to see the stallion she fell in love with back in high-school. Though, previously, she had thoughts of wanting to hurt Drift for the actions he did: leaving her to carry his child and having to put said child in an orphanage because she was too young. She would've raged like no tomorrow if she ever saw him, again… but, she didn't. Right here, right now, she found him. But her rage never flourished, it was all null and void. She briefly had the thought of shouting at him for what he did, but after hearing what he had to say to her and saw how much the grief was tearing him apart because he was not there with her to help raise Scootaloo made her think differently. The truth has come out, they had both changed from what had happened, and the stallion she had been so peeved at, was at this point almost as emotional as she was when having a breakdown. This was all she needed to see to know that the former Drift was gone, and now this current Drift needed her… just as much as she needed him.

The rage she once had shifted into something calm, caring and sweet. It was her element, after all. Fluttershy missed Drift so much and all she wanted was to have him back by her side.

Drift tried to regain his composure, but all his emotion was all out and everyone saw, but he didn't care. He had Fluttershy in his embrace – both winged and normal. "Fluttershy, I--"

Fluttershy gave him a soft, sweet smile and cutely rubbed her muzzle against his, making him stop, "Don't. You've already hurt yourself, enough." Which she can't deny, either. But they needed to get to the eye of this emotional storm, soon. "Seeing you like this makes me feel worse," she said before chuckling, "I thought I was supposed to cry, not you." Clearly, she was wrong. But she needed to joke around to balance the mood. Pretty sure Pinkie would appreciate that.

Drift occasionally giggled through his stuttering breaths, "W-We're both crying. It's not just me, Fluttershy," Drift said as he smiled at her, really needing that chuckle. Even if she was a shy pony, he was still happy to know Fluttershy still had her silly moments.

Everyone else kept quiet as they watched. This was a very touching moment and they didn't want to ruin it – not one bit.

Smolder smiled tearfully at this while Spike kept an arm around her in case she was about to cry. Spike knew his sister was tough, but she had a soft heart and seeing moments like this always got to her – which goes to show that while dragons like to be tough, they can show they have soft sides sometimes. ‘This is so beautiful…'

Spike smiled, as well. He was happy for Fluttershy. He had to tell Twilight what happened later; she was gonna be in for a shock when she hears this. They didn't who this stallion was, but they guessed this must be Fluttershy's ex-coltfriend.

Gallus watched with a more steady demeanor. He didn't know the stallion hugging professor Fluttershy, either. But he gave him props for throwing all his feeling to her and his teacher took it with kindness and forgiveness. Gallus smiled at Fluttershy, commending her for acting the way she did. If this was the power of kindness, he was learning quite well from it. And he loved to use these lessons sometime. Gallus had more respect for Fluttershy.

Vinyl leaned back on the counter and watched her step-brother amend to Fluttershy. She felt proud of him for doing this.

"That went rather well, doncha think?" Pinkie Pie asked, leaning forward on the countertop, talking to Vinyl, resting her head on her hooves.

"Heh, I guess so. I expected him to be sappy, but not like that," Vinyl said as she gave Drift a proud smile. But she was also proud of Fluttershy, as well, "I'm just glad Fluttershy forgave him so easily. I know she's the element of kindness and all, but I was sort of thinking she was gonna flip out, too." Vinyl knew Fluttershy back then and was aware she was a shy pony with a timid nature, but she guessed she didn't know Fluttershy that well...

…Unlike Pinkie Pie who knew Shy much longer.

"Silly Vinyl," she said with a giggle-snort, "Fluttershy does get angry, but only if it's for a good reason. Like, really good reason."

"Really? How do you know this?" A physiological wave of realization hit like a freight train when she asked that question, making her feel like she's answered her own question to Pinkie Pie.

Pinkie Pie nonchalantly gazed at Vinyl with a sassy, teasing grin, "Because I've known her longer than you have."

Yup, she definitely answered her own question, but Pinkie Pie had answered it anyway. She playing rolled her eyes and chuckled. As much as she wanted to counter that, Pinkie Pie had a legit point. While Vinyl technically knew Fluttershy back in High-School, she didn't exactly get to know her more than she already did. She knew Fluttershy was a sweet and shy mare and that's it. She never knew anything else outside of that. So, to her, Vinyl saw herself as more an acquaintance. And with how much her job kept her from hanging out with other friends made things difficult.

Pinkie Pie, however, knew Fluttershy way more than what she could ever learn. How she keeps tabs on her is beyond her. Then again, how she keeps info about everypony else is on a whole different level. Also, the fact that Pinkie Pie helped Fluttershy and the other four save the world on multiple occasions probably gave her more time to get to know her. And she worked in a bakery where she has free roam to talk to anypony she wishes. Funny how jobs work like that. But because that, and everything else, Pinkie Pie knew more about Fluttershy than she ever will and it was actually pretty scary.

How this mare hasn't gotten a lead role in a horror movie is astounding.

Vinyl let out a defeated sigh and admittedly said, "You make a good point, Pinkie Pie. Now turn your bragging into a cake and eat it."

Pinkie Pie let out a small giggle, taking that idea into consideration, but she had other sweets to make, "I'll save that idea for later. Right now, I still have something in the oven. Shouldn't take long, but when they cool, I think I'll have the reunited couple have the first bite," she then turned her attention to Scootaloo, briefly, "Or better yet, the whole--" but Scootaloo disappeared while Vinyl and Pinkie Pie were talking "--family?"

Vinyl looked at the same spot Scootaloo used to be before both mares looked straight ahead to see Scootaloo slowly walk towards Drift.

"What's with Scootaloo?" Vinyl asked.

"Didn't you figure it out yet, Vinyl?"

"Figure what out?" Pinkie Pie gave her a raised brow, and for once not saying anything so Vinyl can figure it out. Vinyl gave Pinkie Pie a confused shrug before she looked back at Scootaloo.

That's when something new started to click. The whole time she and her step-brother were here, they were trying to find Fluttershy and figure out who his kid was. And judging by who all was here in the bakery, Scootaloo was the only filly here. The timer was clicking. Vinyl's glasses slid down the edge of her muzzle, revealing shocked eyes, "Wait, Scootaloo was with those three right?" Vinyl asked as she pointed to the dragons and griffon.

Gallus overheard that and peered back at Vinyl, shrugging a shoulder as he confessed to the DJ mare, "Eh…Not really. She was with Professor Fluttershy when we met up." He put his attention back to Scootaloo walking up to the distracted couple.

The timer for the oven in the kitchen went off, "Cookies are done!" Pinkie Pie beamed back into the kitchen to get them out as Vinyl sat their wide-eyed and slack-jawed.

'She's Drift's kid?,' she shockingly pointed a shaky hoof at Scootaloo, ‘She's my niece?!'

Then it dawned on Drift, with Fluttershy being here, their kid should be here, too, right? "Hey, Fluttershy, do you know where our child is?" he asked curiously and with a hint of nervousness too as he even looked around the floor around their legs for a moment as if to try and spot a shy foal to peek out from behind Fluttershy.

Fluttershy caught that little nervous bit and giggled softly. She knew Scootaloo would eventually be brought up, "She's here in the bakery with us, Drift."

Scootaloo walked up to the pegasus couple, slowly. Her eyes glued onto them as her brain tried rebooting to fully grasp what just happened. "Mom?..." She almost quietly spoke out, yet her mother was able to hear her among the emotional trance she was in.

Fluttershy looked over to her daughter, seeing the bewildered but stunned look on her face. She smiled lightly, knowing it was a lot for her to take in, 'And speaking of our daughter,' she had a feeling Scootaloo would behave like this. Though, another dramatic thought told her that Scootaloo might react the same way she did when she found out she was her real mother – hopefully, that doesn't come back.

"Mom... d-did he just say..." She wanted to double check, it was just almost completely unreal.

Despite that though, Fluttershy didn't want it to ruin this moment. Her daughter was there and wanted to know, "Yes, Scootaloo..." Fluttershy nodded with a soft, but tender smile as Drift looked at Scootaloo in equal shock yet realization. She noticed the look on his face and tried so hard not to giggle. His behavior was so much like Scootaloo's, it was adorably funny. But the moment was here and Fluttershy motioned with her head to Drift and proudly said, "Meet your daddy."

Drift looked at Fluttershy with that same shocked face before he looked back at Scootaloo.

"And Drift?"

Drift looked back at Fluttershy, again, as she gave him a smile so true, it would make Applejack proud, "Meet your daughter, Scootaloo"

"S-Scootaloo," Drift repeated, learning his own daughter's name while looking back feeling nervous, now. Ironic that he had learned her name when they met the other day, but it never occurred to him that they were closer than they ever thought.

The filly and the stallion couldn't believe it. This entire time, they had been father and daughter and had just been face-to-face with one other the other day at Rocky's workshop.

They both had unintentionally found each other and they didn't even know it!

It was quiet between the two as their brains finally restarted and they took in this new information, with new thoughts flowing in.

Scootaloo was stunned, the stallion she had met at Rocky's stall, filling in for him while he was sick – the one who knew her personally by her reputation from seeing her and her two besties on their crusades through town – was actually her father.

Drift was no better – actually, he was in disbelief; the little orange filly he had met the other day with Tree Hugger, was his daughter. Now that he was getting a good look at her, he would've laughed because earlier he and V-Sis were joking about who his kid would look like more -- and ironically, while ending up with a daughter, this little daredevil of a filly resembled the filly version of that bull-headed pegasus that tried to force him to make his decision quick. Hopefully, that mare hasn't done anything to his daughter that warranted her of taking anything from her instead of actually taking things from her real mother.

'Why am I not surprised by the resemblance?' He inwardly chuckled to himself about the uncanny resemblance between Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash.

However, he looked a bit concerned when he noticed her wings. They seemed rather small for a filly her age – underdeveloped, even. He had another realization hit him: pegasus foals have their parents to teach them how to fly, with the fathers giving the most support while teaching his son or daughter how to fly. He felt another stab of guilt run through his veins.

About this age, Scootaloo would've been flying by now. But after he had noticed her small buzzing wings, he felt he was inadvertently responsible for his daughter's suffering – because he felt that since he wasn't there to support and teach her how to fly, she can't exactly fly like everyone else. "Scootaloo, I..." He tried to speak to Scootaloo, finally breaking the pregnant silence between them. But what could he say to her? This was his first intentional time seeing her as his daughter. But then he heard her speak.

"D-Daddy?" Scootaloo said about to choke up for not figuring this out sooner. Yesterday, she thought he was just a regular stallion living in Ponyville and didn't think much else, other than he was fun to talk to. But now, she's seeing him, again, and learned he was her father the whole time. What could she say? What could she do? Her body was moving on its own and she could think straight. Her real father was right in front of her and that's all she could focus on. Everyone else was just noise.

Drift looked at Scootaloo sympathetically and walked a few inches away from Fluttershy and sat down while she watched them. He was still processing what was going on, but he could think clearly enough to at least know what to say. What he and his step-sister thought would be a long journey only lasted for mere hours and now they did it. Time felt slow to them, but he had to say something to her. And he did with a soft smile and opened his arms for a welcoming hug to his little one, "It's so good to see you, baby girl."

She didn't hold anything back. Tears of happiness, joy, and fulfillment ran down Scootaloo's cheeks and she hiccuped and sobs. Her body ran on auto-pilot and she rushed up to Drift, "Daddy!" She jumped into his arms and hugged him close, Drift's arms closing as father and daughter hugged for the very first time in many years.

Drift shed his own tears as he looked down at Scootaloo sobbing in his arms, nuzzling into his embrace almost feverishly while she cried. It felt so new to him, but he didn't care. He finally got to hold his daughter in his arms. She felt so soft and light, but so strong for a filly. He couldn't be more proud of her. He looked back at Fluttershy with a smile, trying so hard to hold back from sobbing.

Fluttershy just held her hooves against her muzzle and smiled, keeping quiet while shedding tears of joy at this moment. She was proud, happy and full of fulfillment, as well. Their family was reunited and no one could ever ruin it.

With the pressure being too much, Drift looked back at Scootaloo and cried the same tears with her as he returned the nuzzling his daughter was giving, his head right above hers, nestling into her mane. They didn't care if anyone else was watching, they were just so happy to be reunited with each other.

"Daddy, I missed you so much," Scootaloo said through her sobbing.

"I missed you, too, Scootaloo," Drift said as he rubbed Scootaloo's head and down her back. "I'm sorry I wasn't there for you, but I'm here for you now."

"Please, don't leave mommy and me again," She sniffled through her tears, now that she finally got her father back, she begged for him to stay with her and Fluttershy this time.

This almost threw both parents off-guard, but they both knew it was understandable. Their child deserved having both of them in her life – and since they've finally made up, who were they to reject this for their little one?

"Don't worry, squirt, I won't. That'll never happen, again," He gave Fluttershy another teary, but warm smile as he gazed upon her blushing but gleeful face. "That is, If your mother will let me start over with her," He added with a loving voice towards her direction.

Scootaloo immediately perked up and looked at her mother almost pleadingly, wanting her to accept the offer.

Fluttershy held her heart, her eyes twinkling and the words trying to emerge out of her throat were jamming up in her throat. She was speechless; her now former ex-coltfriend was willing to be there for her and their child this time and wanted to properly start over. "Drift…"

He took her wing in his, looked her in the eye and gingerly asked out of the blue, "Fluttershy, will you make me the luckiest stallion in the world, and our child the happiest foal in Ponyville, and start over with me? We can be a true family, like how you always wanted."

Both Fluttershy, their friends and family gasped softly, realizing what Drift was doing now.

He didn't want to be cheesy or anything, and having the feeling that Fluttershy wouldn't want a big scene happening and put her right on the spot, either. He remembered how much of a shy girl she was at school, usually hiding in the halls. So, he decided to make it simple, yet warm with honesty and love, with just a little drop of syrupy sweetness just for her.

Fluttershy was almost speechless by the proposal. Her heart was racing a bit, he had won her over of course with his apology and she took him back with open arms, but now he's proposing to her? Granted, she was grateful that it wasn't over-the-top, but sweet and simple, it was almost breathtaking and nearly felt unreal like a dream.

She was a bit conflicted with her inner thoughts – should she accept his proposal or should they take it slow? But when she saw how honest, gentle and ready Drift was being and how happy Scootaloo was looking despite her tears running down her face, she looked inside her own heart and found the answer: She wanted to be a whole family, just as much as Scootaloo and Drift did.

"Oh, Drift, of course, I will," Her wing tenderly squeezed his as her tears ran down her smiling face. She collapsed on her knees and joined the hug with her daughter and her stallion, which both happily yet tearfully took.

"Aww…" Sugarcube Corner filled with happiness for the three as the patrons, including friends and family, were touched by what they were witnessing – touched to even the point of starting to get teary-eyed.

"That did it," Smolder gave in to her pressuring emotions and sobbed a bit from the scene before her, covering her eyes as she cried. Spike held her close to comfort her.

"Breathe, sis… breathe…" He stroked her back as she sobbed in his chest. Though he looked a bit intrigued when he heard a sniff on his left. He looked to see Gallus wiping a lone tear away from his eye; he looked a bit stunned at the steady-headed griffon's actions. While he couldn't deny he expected his own sister to be emotional about this due to her soft heart, but it was surprising to see Gallus shed a tear to this. "Whoa, dude, are you crying?"

Flinching, the young griffon tries to play it cool. But something about Drift's little proposal to make his little family whole again tugged his own heartstrings. Griffons were supposed to be tough, prideful creatures, not emotional fledglings. "No-no, I'm not! It's just the mushiness is starting to hurt my eyes and—" He noticed the unimpressed look Spike was giving him and slouched his shoulders, his wings touching the ground. "Alright, so I'm not as heartless as the other griffons from Griffonstone."

Even Mrs.Cake couldn't resist shedding a tear to this happy family scene before her and Mr.Cake, a loving smile on her face, "This kind of reminds me of when you first proposed to me, my carrot-muffin." This made him blush brightly but he smiled lovingly at her and wrapped an arm around his wife.

Vinyl was still standing in shock from her realization, little Scootaloo was her niece, and she too didn't know that this filly with such a powerful set of lungs for that squealing was the kid that she had been hoping to meet. But it did warm her heart to make her happy with her autograph before learning the truth – and witnessing her step-brother's little proposal towards Fluttershy just made her heart lift and play a loving beat.

"Vinyl…"

She snapped out of her dazed state when her brother called her, she looked over to see him smiling in her direction and he motioned for her to come over.

Ironically, a bit of anxiousness almost came over her as she took a second to look around and points at herself when looking back at him.

Drift rolled his eyes in an amused way before remarking to her, "Oh, for the love of all the great wonderbolts in the sky, V-Sis. Get your flanks over here and meet your niece." He chuckled a little. ‘And here I thought I was the one who was a bit reluctant to meet with Fluttershy and my kid.' He thought to himself as his sister came over.

Scootaloo blinked a few times and wiped the tears from her eyes as she tried to process what her father just said, "N-Niece?" Scootaloo's eyes slowly widened when she quickly registered what her father had said. Was he saying what she thought that he was saying?

He chuckled lightly and nods at his daughter, finding her fangirl moments kind of adorable now. "That's right, squirt. Care to give your Auntie Vinyl a big hug?"

Vinyl pouted at Drift for that little nickname but had almost no time to react when she heard the squeal and she yelped as Scootaloo practically tackle-hugged her down to the floor and was hanging on tight, squealing out in excitement and wings buzzing fast that would rival a hummingbird's wings.

"DJ Pon3 is my aunt! DJ Pon3 is my aunt! This is the greatest day of my life!" First, she found her mother, then she gets an awesome pet and now she found not only her father but realized one of the idols she looked up to and was a big fan of was none other than her flipping aunt. If this was a dream, Scootaloo wished she'd never wake up.

Vinyl blushed highly but smiled as she hugged her little niece close, rubbing her back as the filly fangasmed hard in her arms. Seeing how she's practically a big fan of hers and she stated she loved her music, looks like teaching Scootaloo her latest beats was going to be a cinch.

Spike snickered a bit and leaned towards Drift, whispering to him as he referred to Scootaloo's fangirl moment, "You just made her century."

Drift chuckled lightly and shook his head, "I'm probably never going to hear the end of this squealing, am I?"

Fluttershy giggled at his comment and nuzzled up to him, smiling at her daughter having the time of her life, "Nope. Not by a long shot." She pecked his cheek, causing him to blush bright and make his wings buzz just like Scootaloo's would.

Vinyl chuckled lightly and teased him after noticing the similarity of how Scootaloo's wings sound compared to Drift's, "Yep, Little Scoots is your daughter, alright."

And Scootaloo could only squeal and giggle in glee.

***a few hours later***

"So, you live in a cottage close by to the Everfree Forest and you're surrounded in an abundance of forest animals?" Drift asked his daughter and marefriend as he sat with his step-sister. After their emotional moment, and finally getting Scootaloo to stop her squeal-fest, things slowly returned to normal in Sugarcube Corner. Now, they were sitting at a table outside Sugarcube Corner for some air and a bit of privacy to themselves.

And since he and Fluttershy finally reconciled, he made sure to use this time to properly get to know her properly this time, both her and their daughter. But he became surprised when he heard that after high school, after her pregnancy, she had placed Scootaloo into an orphanage because she was too young to care for a foal, and had recently brought her back into her life a few months ago. But he also didn't expect them to be living close by to that spooky forest, surrounded by wild animals.

Fluttershy smiled and nodded with a cheery "Mhm" that would make Pinkie's baby sister Marble Pie proud.

"So, whatever happened to that orphanage?" Drift asked, curiously.

Fluttershy shrugged and didn't seem to care about what happened to it, "As far as I know, that orphanage is still around. After I got my daughter's stuff out of that dreadful place, I didn't think much of it anymore." With having her daughter back in her life, there was no point in thinking of it, anymore. "But, the ponies who worked there tried suing me to get Scootaloo back," the fact the Greedy Bags tried to actually do something astounded her, but the outcome was not in her and her boss's favor.

Scootaloo rolled her eyes and shook her head at the mention of that cesspool of an orphanage, "I hated that place. Nearly every colt and filly was either bullies, thieves or just caused havoc for fun." She's just grateful her mother and friends kicked Greedy Bags and whoever that boss was to the curb.

Vinyl cringed and couldn't imagine what that must've been like. She's had a clean plate for years and would love to keep it that way. Going to court is a real drag. But she had to ask, "What did you do to get them off your back?"

Fluttershy smiled proudly and made like Trixie, sort of, and boasted, "With the help of Celestia and Twilight and tons of evidence, I got a restraining order on them and I haven't seen them since."

Drift and Vinyl were floored by that. To have two princesses back her up must've been overkill for the orphanage.

"Two princesses backing you up… with Celestia, of all princesses, being one of them… might've been a teensy bit overkill for them, don't-cha think?" Vinyl honestly asked since it was on her mind. That only got a shrug out of them, which she soon followed. It was over and done with, no need to worry now.

"Well, I'm glad you won so easily to keep our daughter safe," Drift nuzzled close to Fluttershy, feeling so proud and happy Fluttershy stood up for Scootaloo. "I'd like her to be with us instead of some crummy orphanage."

Fluttershy blushed rosy-red and shyly hid behind her mane, bringing out a nostalgic giggle from Drift. Even as a full adult, Fluttershy still does that; Drift loved it and missed seeing it. But then it dawned on him, "And those animals?"

Scootaloo grinned as she ecstatically told her father and aunt about their animal friends, "The animals there are totally awesome, dad, auntie! There's spiders, lions, snakes, weasels—"

Drift looked a bit astounded as he listens to her list off the types of animals there while Vinyl seemed a bit concerned, "All these dangerous animals live around you?" Drift asked as he looked to Fluttershy, slightly concerned while she had a sheepish blush on her cheeks. "And none of them scare you?"

His beloved angel of Equestria giggled lightly and shook her head at his question; her animal friends could never scare her unless they hurt themselves. "Of course not, Drift," She showed them her cutie mark of the three pink butterflies, "I just have a special way of understanding them. They would never hurt me or our daughter after treating them with such kindness."

"Makes sense to me," Vinyl shrugged a bit.

‘So that's what her cutie mark meant,' He thought to himself, now it made sense. When he saw her cutie mark at school, he simply thought it meant something butterfly related, like she was a social butterfly or she was meant to be a butterfly keeper. ‘Man, I was way off.'

"We even have our own pets among them," She smiled sweetly and giggled softly to them.

But, like he always did, he couldn't help but want to crack a joke, "Are you sure all those creatures that our daughter is listing aren't your pets? Because, the way she makes it sound, you basically have all of these creatures wrapped around your hoof."

She chuckled in amusement and shook her head, "They're just very close to us. That's all. Most of them even started to view Scootaloo as their own little one." Fluttershy brought her daughter in a one-armed hug, much to her dismay as she blushed and grumbled a bit.

"Let's hope I don't make them feel like I'm taking away their little foal, then." He laughed a bit, but also nervously knowing how defensive animals can get. "So, if they're not your pets but animal companions, what type of animal do you have as a pet?"

"A bunny named Angel Bunny." The yellow Pegasus smiled wholeheartedly.

"That figures," He teased her with a fond tone of voice that made her heart flutter; he had a feeling out of all these animals that Scootaloo is listing off, his girl would more likely choose something cute as a pet.

Vinyl chuckled and looked to Scootaloo, ruffling her mane. "What about you, squirt?" she made few guesses just to have fun, "Did you get a squirrel, a bird, a mouse, a ferret? Am I close?" Vinyl smiled playfully and being cheeky, but Scootaloo just shook her head and give Vinyl a confident brow raise and proud smile.

"Not even close, auntie," Scootaloo said as she revealed to them in a sort of dramatic way, "My pet is a Komodo Dragon!"

Both her aunt and father looked a bit dumbstruck, shocked and a bit worried in her choice of animal. But Fluttershy only laughed when she saw the looks on their faces.

"Don't worry, I was worried about her choice, too. But Varan is a rather… mellow reptile." ‘Mellow' was the best word she could come up with for Varan from memory of him not minding Scootaloo's presence around him or making up with lots of playtime for her whenever he tried to be lazy some mornings.

Vinyl chuckled lightly, for some reason she could believe Scootaloo would want something cool for a pet instead of something cute like a bunny, "I can strangely believe that."

"Dad, do you have a pet?" She smiled eagerly, wanting to know more about him. If he had a pet, then that means Varan, Angel and the other animals will have a new friend to meet.

While he admired his daughter's eagerness to learn more about him, which he couldn't blame her for one second, and absolutely loved how gutsy she is, especially to train and raise a bloody komodo dragon, he had to be honest with her with that question. He smiled lightly and apologetically at his daughter as he lowered his ears while answering her question, "Not really, sweetheart." He smirked towards his V-sis, directing this next comment to her, "Not unless you count your auntie when she sneaks into my house to escape the paparazzi every once in a while." He laughed as Vinyl smacked him one upside the head while she scowled at him with a dark blush.

This got the girls to laugh a little too, thankfully getting it because they knew a celebrity life must be quite flashy when those camera carrying ponies piranha their way around them.

"Not funny, D-Bro…"

"Yes it is, and you know you love me, V-Sis," He countered with a sly but brotherly smile which she returned in a sisterly fashion, which then turned into a sibling hug and a noogie on her brother's head.

Scootaloo looked on at them as Drift laughed and struggled to get out of his sister's grip, ever since she met him at Rocky's, that scar of his caught her attention, somewhat. While she admitted it looked awesome, like he was some sort of mafia boss or a pirate, she also wondered how he got it in the first place. She knew something must've happened, but she just had to know, "Dad?"

The two siblings pause and look towards the filly as did Fluttershy, who looked to her out of curiosity.

"If you don't mind me asking… How did you get that scar? Where did it come from?"

The amount of silence seemed endless as it breezed through Drift and Vinyl. They pondered for an answer, but were reluctant – Drift especially. From what they've told them, Fluttershy and Scootaloo live in an area where a lot of animals roam and live free. It seemed like a sanctuary there.

"Well..." Drift awkwardly rubbed the back of his head. He didn't know how to put it. He didn't know how these two would react if they knew he used to be a trophy hunter. He felt a little paranoid thinking they'd hate him for what he's done. That, and thinking about what happened still hurt him, "Um, it's a complicated story." Drift chuckled a little and looked to Vinyl for any ideas, but Vinyl just shrugged as if it wasn't her problem. She wasn't there when he was attacked.

"Don't look at me, she asked you that question. I wasn't there that day." That sparked curiosity to Fluttershy and Scootaloo. Now they were very interested in where he got that scar.

Drift rolled his eyes at his step-sister for not being any help and looked back at his family but collected him as best he could, "Okay, to make a long story short, I got this scar from a monster while doing my job."

"A monster?" Scootaloo tilted her head in thought. That's the second time a monster was brought up. First her pet, and now her father. What's going on here?

"You got a scar from a monster?" Fluttershy said, repeating him as if she heard that right. But his job caught her ears and she looked at him suspiciously. Was he hiding something? "What was your job, Drift?" She asked a bit hesitantly. If this 'monster' was some kind of animal, then she'd have a lot to say to Drift. This job seemed like it involved animals in some way and she was split in knowing this.

Drift felt a cold chill down his spine. It's bad enough his own daughter had to ask where he got the scar, but he could've chosen his words right. Now Fluttershy asked him about his job. If he told them he used to be a hunter, could they trust him; would they trust him? He didn't know. Yes, he hunted animals but only the animals that were... "Rogue?" That's it, maybe that can ease him from being so paranoid.

"What?" Fluttershy asked, confused but a bit worried. Drift was acting a little off and she wondered if this was making him fidgety.

"What about a rogue?" Scootaloo asked as well. That word came out of nowhere and she could figure out what he meant by that. What did it mean?

Vinyl shook her head and stopped this awkward silence by explaining what he meant to them for Drift, "Okay, Drift used to be a trophy hunter back in the day," This caught Scootaloo and Fluttershy by surprise and they looked at Drift in shock, but Vinyl continued while Drift felt his heart race and had thoughts of wanting to smack Vinyl for this but also thank her for stepping in, "He worked for a company that hunted animals for a living. Made a lot of bits out of it, too."

And then the thought of punching Vinyl came to mind. She could've worded that differently, but the angered snap of Fluttershy woke him up from his mental trance.

"You what?!" Fluttershy stood up and looked at Drift angrily. "Drift, are you a poacher?!" That was the one thing she hated most of all in Equestria. To think that ponies poach animals as a means to get bits is just cruel and undeserving. And for Drift to be a part of that was making her see different lights, again. First abandoning her and now shooting animals for money? This was uncalled for.

Drift flinched in panic and frantically waved his arms, "No, No, No, Fluttershy. It's not the kind that you think!" He just got her back. He didn't want to lose her again, especially over something like this. "It's not like that. I swear. Please, let me explain," He pleaded to Fluttershy to calm down. He didn't want her to be angry at him after seeing her for the first time in years. He wanted to make things right, not worse.

Vinyl leaned her head back in shock and thought to herself that she really should've worded what she said better, "He's right, Fluttershy. Just let him explain before you have a chance to kill him this time," she backed him up on this and tried to put humor into it but Drift saw no ounce of this being funny. The last thing they wanted was for Fluttershy and Scootaloo to be angry at Drift. Speaking of Scootaloo, Vinyl glanced at Scootaloo who was actually distracted by her own thoughts. Did she even hear any of this?

Fluttershy snorted and sat back down with her arms crossed. She gave him a slight death glare and latched her attention to him, "Then explain, Drift," Fluttershy barked sternly, "You have no idea how seriously I care for my animals." She even went so far to grab him by the fur and snarl that vicious slight death glare, to give him a warning, "And if you hurt my animal friends in any way… so help me…" She narrowed her eyes at him as he gulped lightly.

Drift could only imagine what she would do. He never knew how serious Fluttershy got, especially if it concerned their daughter's wellbeing or, as he now learned, her animals' safety. She's changed so much and he felt so bad he missed all of it. She does deserve an explanation. Hopefully, he can calm her down with it, "Okay, so, I don't poach animals, Fluttershy. Back when I was a bit younger, I used to be a part of a group of trophy hunters for hire. It's like mercenary work, but instead of hunting ponies in contracts, we hunt down animals who've gone rogue and give them to the pony who gave us the contract. We've earned a living doing that job."

That was actually more than enough to get all that loaded anger off her back and help calm her down. Fluttershy looked stunned. She didn't think of trophy hunting, at all. It was always poaching this and poaching that. Trophy hunting was never brought up on any scrolls, articles or newspapers she's read. It blew her mind and she tilted her head as she said in a surprised tone, "Really? You trophy hunted animals who've gone --" she gasped when he told her that last bit "-- no wonder the forests have been at ease for so many years." Like Drift, she too has heard of rogues. Rogue animals are no doubt considered bad news – they're not only dangerous, but they listened to no one, and would not hesitate to pick a fight.

But lately, the forests have been at ease. She had no idea that it was because of her coltfriend and his friends taking care of the rogues.

Drift perked his ears and smiled a little, not only happy he got through to Fluttershy but also happy to know she seems to understand. This was a big relief to him, "So, you get what I'm talking about."

"Yes, actually. I know about rogues and what they're capable of," Fluttershy said before she let out a disappointed sigh and revealed a dark truth that caught Scootaloo's attention, "I came across one four years ago. It didn't see me, thank Celestia. But I hid from it when I was helping a family of snakes find a new home," Fluttershy explained with a wince to her body, "It was a jaguar. Its fur was all messy and its eyes were red. I think it had foam in its mouth, too. But it left before I could sneak away. I don't know if it passed away or not, but I never want to see it, again." Fluttershy rested her arms on the table while talking to Drift and Vinyl. Although she loved animals, that was one terrifying experience that she didn't want to find herself in again.

"Yikes, first Drift and now you?" Vinyl said as she compared, "Between you two, I think Drift had it worse. One of the members of his group got killed by a rogue manticore."

"What?!" Fluttershy and Scootaloo looked at Vinyl and Drift in pure shock.

"Yeah, it was pretty ugly. I'm glad I wasn't there to see it, but poor D-Bro had the bad end of it." Vinyl motioned to Drift with her arm, while she was glad she wasn't there to witness the brutal fight, she was still sorry that he got himself hurt in the midst of it.

Drift shook his head at that remark. If anyone had the bad end of anything, it was the pony who died in the jaws of Marabunda, "I'm just someone who's lucky to be alive. When I try and think back on it, just hurts a lot." Even to this day, he still remembers the monster's face and what he did to him and his crew. He sadly felt his scar as he turned his head, allowing his mare and daughter to see the scar that beast left him during their scuffle, "Ever since our little ‘tango' with that crazy manticore… I quit the business," He didn't want to go through another mix of danger and loss like that again. "I never wanted to go through a dangerous mix of loss and life-threatening danger like that ever again."

Fluttershy and Scootaloo just look at him with grief and sorrow. They felt so bad that he had to go through that, but they could only imagine what it'd be like in his hooves. Then again, Fluttershy wouldn't and she sure wasn't gonna let Scootaloo anywhere near rogue animals. But as much as they felt bad to hear one of his comrades died, they were just happy and relieved Drift was alive and with them.

"Don't worry, dad, at least you're still around and with us," Scootaloo smiled sweetly at Drift and if there were any butterflies flying around his heart, he'd feel them for sure.

"Aw, thanks, baby girl. That means a lot," Drift said as he smiled at his girls. "I'm happy I finally got to see you--" he gazed at Fluttershy and gave her a little wink "-- and you, too." Fluttershy blushed brightly and unintentionally hid her face behind her mane, feeling bashful and awkward. She giggled like a school filly, again.

Both Vinyl and Scootaloo looked at the lover ponies and just dry gagged at that. But Vinyl did wonder something when she noticed Scootaloo's behavior earlier.

"So, what was with the zoning, little niece?" Vinyl asked, curious to know what Scootaloo was thing. She'd expected her to react the same way Fluttershy acted when he said he was a trophy hunter, but Scootaloo just brushed it off like it was nothing of interest. "Did you hear the trophy hunting part?"

Scootaloo looked at Vinyl confused for a second but nodded nonchalantly, "Yeah, I heard. I think it's pretty cool. Seeing dad hold a weapon and hunting down bad animals, I think it's like being a hero, in a way."

Vinyl blinked a few times and had an astonished look on her face, "Huh, I didn't even think of that." Normally, it would be common for everyone to just think trophy hunting would be similar to a mercenary's job or be labeled bad and compared to poaching. Scootaloo's point of view is not quite what she was expecting. This kid had a unique imagination.

Scootaloo nodded an explained a little, "Yeah, it's like a balance thing. If a rogue is an animal that causes damage to other animals and a certain area, a trophy hunter, or trophy hunters, would go out and take care of the problem and the problem solves itself after that. They still get paid, but the forests and animals will be safe from harm."

Drift and Fluttershy overheard what Scootaloo said and they were just as stumped as Vinyl was. They never expected anypony to have a point of view like that – not even Drift thought of that. He was just in it for the bits. Which made him think back to his job and some of the contracts he had –every contract he and his group were assigned to did have an animal that went rogue. He did really know why, nor did he bother to question it; it was just for bits and that's it. But now, to hear his own daughter explain this. Was Scootaloo on to something? This was starting to get intriguingly scary.

"You might be on to something, baby girl." Drift said, surprised by Scootaloo's theory. For a little filly, she was smart when it came to something like this. But she had to be learning this from somewhere and he looked at the very source of where she might've gotten this mindset and looked at her teasingly, "Did she get that from you?"

Fluttershy perked up and looked at Drift as if he was accusing her of something she was unaware of, "Don't look at me. I didn't give that point of view," she blushed faintly then smiled sheepishly, though it makes sense if she did, "All I did was just give her info on what I know about most of the animals. I even let her interact with them. I don't know where she's getting this from?"

Although, now that she brings up the animals, he winced lightly and gazed at her a little pleadingly, "You will put in a good word about me to your animal buddies, right?" The last thing he wanted was for her animal friends to be scared or high on defense when he's around, with the belief that he's a regular hunter instead of a trophy hunter.

Despite the difference between the two as he explained to Fluttershy, he highly doubted her animal friends knew the difference between a regular hunter and a trophy hunter. All it would take was one look at a gun and that would be it, panic rising.

It took her a minute to realize but she smiled and pats his hoof, reassuring him. "Don't worry, I'll make sure they know that it's only bad rogue animals you used to hunt. Not regular animals like them." She understood his fear, but she knew her critters will understand once she explains.

Drift sighed in relief, holding his heart as she reassured him that he'll be safe. "Good, because the last thing I need is to be strangled in my sleep by a snake, clawed to pieces by a lion or, Luna forbid, mauled by a grizzly bear," He shuddered a little, "I'm perfectly okay with having only one scar from Marabunda, thank you."

Fluttershy only giggled in slight amusement from his worrying, even though it was understandable, "I understand."

"Marabunda?" Scootaloo tilted her head at that name, which Vinyl answered in her step-brother's place with a wave of her hoof.

"Oh, that's just a name your father gave that rogue Manticore that gave him his scar."

Once again, Scootaloo found herself looking into her thoughts as she scratched her head. Ever since this manticore has been brought up, it got her to think.

Manticores usually keep to themselves, but the creatures themselves were not afraid to defend themselves, or their territory. She once saw one on stage during a magic show though, heck, her own mother stood up to one the first time Twilight ever came to town – much to her shock, once she learned of this after she brought her back home – and she found that sometimes, these said creatures came in different sizes.

"Um… dad?" Drift looked to his daughter when she called him, finding her in a thinking position. She gazed up at him, asking a bit slowly as if to make sure she didn't miss anything, "How big was Marabunda, anyway?"

Drift blinked, wondering why she would want to know that. Better yet, why in the world of Equestria would his daughter want to know more about that monster, period? "Uh… average-wise, a bit bigger than a normal-sized manticore. But concerning someone small -- like you sweetheart – if you were ever to come face to face with him," He quickly muttered to his mare and step-sister worriedly and desperately, "which I pray to Celestia will never happen," He looked back at his daughter and continued, clearing his throat, "I'd say he was probably about as big as a bear." He raised a brow at her, confused. "Why?"

When he spoke those words, Scootaloo gasped deeply as her eyes widened to the size of beach balls as if she had found the final missing piece of a puzzle she had been forming inside her head.

However, her reaction caught the three adults by surprise and got them to slightly worry due to how sudden she did that.

"Sweetie, are you alright?" Fluttershy looked concerned at her daughter when she gasped like that. She flinched when Scootaloo lunged at her, her little hooves on her chest as she looked up at her with wide eyes.

"That's it, mom!" Scootaloo stated out loud, but it only further confused her mother, her aunt, and her father.

"What's it, squirt?" Vinyl tilted her head while Drift raised a brow at her, "Is there a problem?" He didn't know what to make of his daughter suddenly looking like she was having an epiphany.

"W-What are you talking about, honey?" Fluttershy gently held her daughter's shoulders to steady her and hopefully calm her down, but she was not prepared when her daughter told her what she was talking about, "Mom, I think I figured out what was wrong with Varan!"

Her mother gasped with her eyes wide in amazement; her daughter had found out the source of her pet's problem before she could? "Really, dear?"

Vinyl and Drift blinked and looked at one another, with the unicorn shrugging a bit helplessly. Drift looked to his daughter, a bit concerned "Uh, baby girl, what's going on?" Sliding off his seat, he approached her to figure out what's up. "Is something wrong with your Komodo dragon?"

Scootaloo looked to her family and was about to explain before another young voice rung out, but this one caught her by surprise as it was calling her name.

"Scootaloo! Scootaloo!! Fluttershy!!"

The group of four ponies looked towards the source to find it was Silver Spoon hurrying to them as if Cerberus was chasing her.

"Silver Spoon?" Fluttershy was a bit surprised. She had known that the little gray filly was Diamond's friend, and had also participated in teasing and taunting her little Scootaloo – but what's gotten her so frightened, and running to them of all ponies?

Scootaloo, however, was not as surprised as her mother to see Silver Spoon. She frowned firmly at the earth filly once she got near their table.

The poor filly panted hard, trying to catch her breath, which caused Vinyl to pat her back while Drift got her a little glass of water to help her calm down and steady her breathing at least for a minute. "Scoot…aloo…" She breathed in a bit of wheeze due to having ran out of the mansion shortly after meeting with her father real quick to notify him what Spoiled and Diamond were doing.

When she told him that the two were in his office and searching his desk, he started looking concerned and asked if Spoiled had taken out a specific box, which she agreed she did, which gravely alarmed him. He told her to hurry into town, find a stallion named Drift and get to Scootaloo before Diamond does and that he'll soon meet her there – whatever was in that box, worried her father greatly which was worrisome for her and she knew what she had to do – she had to warn Scootaloo.

"Scootaloo… Fluttershy…." She tried to fix her glasses, but they just kept sliding down the tip of her nose while she attempted to talk while gasping for air from such a run.

"What do you want?" Scootaloo asked sourly, she was clearly not amused to be facing one of her bullies right now. "Come to make fun of me again?" She rolled her eyes; she found it kind of sad if Silver couldn't go a day without teasing her… or so she believed.

"Now, now, little trotter," Vinyl gently scolded her, "Poor filly can hardly talk right this second."

Drift offered her the glass of water, holding it with his wing as he tilts it carefully, helping her drink. "What's wrong with you, little filly? You look like you were being chased by some sort of beast from the Everfree Forest." While it wasn't too often, every once in a while, a creature that resides in the Everfree would try to sneak into town, and no doubt give someone a spook.

Breathing a bit more calmly, Silver Spoon slowly panted before looking up at Scootaloo and her family, worry etched on her face, "I'm so glad I found you!" She was relieved she got to them first, glad that she was able to beat her sister to get to her first. "I've been looking everywhere for you!"

Scootaloo raised a brow at her, suspicious why she would say that. "You're… glad you found me?" Seeing only Silver here, she then gazed around the area, frowning before looking back at the spectacled filly, "Where's Diamond Tiara? Is she sneaking around to catch me by surprise?"

Silver finally got the air back in her lungs before she shook her head, "No, she's not… I came alone." She looked down at the ground regretfully before looking up at Scootaloo, again, her eyes filled with regret and her ears lowering in sadness. "Scootaloo, I want to… a-apologize."

This caught her attention as her look of frustration melted within an instant and a look of surprise took its place. Silver Spoon, Diamond's ‘partner-in-crime', wanted to apologize to her? "You want to apologize?" She raises a brow, a bit cautious, "Okay, who are you and what have you done with Silver Spoon?"

The earth filly sighed lightly, she no longer had any mocking words for her question, especially if said question was to spite her, herself. "Look, Scootaloo, I've been a real big bully to you, lately. I have no excuse. I admit, I enjoyed making you miserable for a little while," This made the parents glare lightly down at the filly, who was gazing down at the ground in guilt, "But now, after the recent events that happened up to the point Diamond getting that black-eye and wanting to get back at you, now I feel like I've got an upset stomach."

It was true; as she thought back on her actions, she started feeling queasy once she realized that she's been really petty about picking on Scootaloo all the time.

Fluttershy looked to her and spoke out to her in a slightly firm but understanding tone, "So you want to apologize to my daughter because you now realize that what you've been doing was wrong and you're feeling the horrible guilt along with that realization?"

Silver could only weakly nod as she whimpered as her glasses start to fog up when she started to hiccup and sniffle, "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean for it to go this far," She started to cry as she sat down, the weight of guilt was eating her alive.

Scootaloo was needless-to-say stunned. Silver Spoon was breaking down in front of her, which was not a very common sight. And from the looks of it, she clearly wasn't faking it.

"I was only doing what my sister and mother told me to do!" She sobbed, the tears stinging her eyes.

Both mother/daughter duo gave Silver Spoon a shocked glance at this revelation, not expecting that to come out of the grey filly's mouth, "Your mother?" and then followed by, "and your sister?" Scootaloo and Fluttershy looked to one another when they spoke at the same time then back at Silver Spoon who just gave them all a guilty, sorrowful, heartbroken face. It was enough to make even the strongest minotaur drop to one knee and pick her up and give her a comforting hug.

But Drift knelt near her and tried to comfort her, "Who's your sister and mother, Silver?"

Silver hiccupped and sniffled before telling him the truth as he took her glasses off, allowing her to wipe her teary eyes, "D-Diamond Tiara… and Spoiled Rich."

Scootaloo's eyes widen in shock, stunned to learn that Silver wasn't just Diamond's supposed best friend, but her sister as well. She didn't see that coming, at all, "You're Diamond's sister?!"

Silver let out a shuddery breath as she confessed to Scootaloo the truth, "Adopted sister, really. Her parents took me in when no one else did and Spoiled wanted me to be like Diamond, following in her hoofsteps in becoming the most socially popular pony in Equestria." She sniffled as she looked up at Scootaloo desperately, "But Diamond has become so obsessed with wanting to make you pay even after your pet scared the living hay out of us, that it's starting to scare even me," She looked down, lowering her ears in shame. "I know I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I just want to say how sorry I am for acting the way I did, Scootaloo. For trying to be just like my sister and my mother," She shook her head, no longer wanting to be what the two high-horses have been trying to mold her into, "I don't want to follow their drums anymore!"

Now fully convinced why Silver had been acting the way she did and that she was being really genuine with her here, Scootaloo couldn't help but feel bad for her. She hopped down and approached the crying filly.

"Silver Spoon…"

Looking up with leaky eyes, red from the salty tears, Silver looked to Scootaloo, and for the first time since that encounter with that monstrous komodo dragon she and Diamond witnessed, she felt very nervous. The look of fear visible in her eyes, she flinched when Scootaloo moved in quick as if to attack her, causing her to brace herself only for her eyes to pop wide open when she felt arms wrapped around her.

Scootaloo held onto Silver, hugging her close to not only bring her comfort, but to show her that she forgives her, for everything she had done, "It's alright, Silver," She said, "I forgive you."

If the guilt was enough to make her cry, those three words made Silver Spoon's heart soar sky-high as she hugged her tight, a smile making its way on her muzzle, "Thanks, Scootaloo. You're alright."

"At least now I know this is the real you," Scootaloo lightly joked but was also serious, despite her aiding her sister, Silver hardly did any other damage than a bit of emotional damage. But now that she had come all this way to apologize to her, she could see that Silver was just a lonely filly who was pretending to be someone she didn't want to be.

Drift blinked and looked at Silver once Scootaloo calmed her down enough to fully compose herself and remember what she was doing here; When he heard her mention the last name of her mother, he looked a bit surprised and took a minute to ask the filly, "Y-Young filly, who's your father?"

Silver wiped the last of her tears away and looked up at him, "Filthy Rich…"

Now it was Drift's turn to be surprised, "Ol' Filthy moneybags is your daddy?" He rubbed his chin in wonder, catching his girl, stepsister, and the two children by surprise as he spoke of this. "I haven't seen him in ages."

Silver paused and looked up at him, she uttered in surprise "Wait, you're Ol' Drifter?"

That nickname caused a blush to appear on Drift's face, he hasn't heard that name in so long. ‘Yep… that's Ol' Filthy, alright.'

Vinyl blinked at her stepbrother and pouted at him, "Okay, is there anything else you didn't wanna tell me, D-Bro?"

Fluttershy was surprised; she was familiar with Diamond's father, but unlike said filly, Filthy Rich was more mellow-minded. If anything, despite being the richest pony in Ponyville, he was richer in kindness as he respects both his friends and partners in business, "You know Filthy, honeybunch?"

Drift blushed faintly and chuckled lightly as he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, "You can say we kinda go way back."

Silver trotted up to him, a look of worry in her eyes as she connected pieces "You're Scootaloo's daddy?" Drift nodded to answer her question, she sighed a bit in relief before continuing to speak, "You have to take her and Fluttershy out of here"

Vinyl raised a brow at this, suspicious, "Why should he do that, specta-squirt?"

Silver whimpered as she explained what was going on; She told them about her argument with Diamond, trying to get her to drop this ‘revenge plan', but then their mother got involved. She added that she herself no longer wants to do this ‘revenge', but she also told that Spoiled is now placing a presumably dangerous weapon in Diamond's possession, and she's making her way to Scootaloo as they speak, "So, I told daddy about what they were doing and he told me to find you and get Scootaloo out of here!"

Needless to say, this greatly concerned the family – Diamond has gone off the deep end, it looks like. And whatever she has now, she was going to use it to hurt Scootaloo.

Fluttershy held her daughter tight as Scootaloo whimpered into her chest, "Oh dear…"

Vinyl could only shake her head, a look of deep concern with this filly's state of mind, "When this is all over, this Diamond is gonna need some serious therapy."

Drift helped his family to their feet and offered a hoof to Silver Spoon, surprising her. "You did the right thing, coming to us. I know you already have a family, little princess," Since this was Filthy's adopted daughter, he gave her a teeny little nickname for the rich filly, "but I have a feeling you'll be safer with us at the moment." He worried what Diamond and Spoiled would do to the little gray filly with this state of mind, so he offered her to come with them.

A bit surprised at this little offer, it only took Silver a minute or two to consider it before taking his hoof, "Thank you," She galloped after the four ponies, but no sooner than a few feet, a voice spoke out and addressed not only them, but Silver herself.

"Well, well, well," Silver froze in terror when she recognized the voice of her adoptive sister, "Look who decided to spoil the entire surprise we had for Scootaloo."

Silver gasped as they looked to the left side of Ponyville to see the furious Diamond Tiara, with a not-too-pleased Spoiled Rich escorting her and a mortified Filthy Rich was seen hurrying after his wife and child. "Silver Spoon… I'm disappointed in you." Spoiled scolded coldly, "I expected you to aid your sister, not educate the blank-flank that must be punished."

Fluttershy did not take too kindly to that as she glared at the snobby mare, "You leave our daughter alone!" She was not going to let this mare hurt hers and Drift's child.

Drift wrapped a wing around his mare and narrowed his eyes. He was going to attempt to defuse this situation as it started to catch the attention of the citizens and the customers of Sugarcube Corner who looked out the window to see this, "Madam, whatever you and your daughter are planning, it's clearly a bad idea."

"Silver, come over here, right this minute," Spoiled narrowed her eyes at Silver Spoon, who stepped back and was brought into the embrace of Vinyl.

"No, mother, I don't want to help Diamond do this anymore," Silver glared, boldly defying her.

Diamond scowled lightly, "I always knew you were a spineless, backstabbing lowlife."

Scootaloo frowned at those harsh words and glared at the spoiled brat, "You leave Silver alone, Diamond Tiara! She doesn't have to listen to anything you say anymore!"

But instead of arguing, Diamond gave her a smug smirk, "Hello, Scootaloo, where's your pet?" She gazed around sarcastically, seeing no sign of Scootaloo's komodo dragon anywhere, "Did he run away?"

Angered that she was going to taunt her pet, Scootaloo hopped out of her mother's arms. If Diamond thinks she's going to get away with talking crap about her pet, she's got another thing coming!

"Don't you dare bring Varan into this, Diamond Tiara!" She glared at her in fury.

Spoiled simply smirked proudly at her daughter for getting under the little pegasus filly's skin and for ruffling up those feathers. She held the box as she watched her daughter taunt Fluttershy's daughter.

"I can if I want to," Diamond smirked at Scootaloo wickedly, which got her to look a bit worried as her ears fold down a little, "actually, I don't think you've met my pet, Scootaloo."

Scootaloo gulped lightly but swallowed down any intimidated feelings, because she knew that was just what Diamond wanted, "Y-Your… Your pet?"

What was this tiara-wearing nut talking about now?

"Mom?" Diamond held out her hoof as her mother opened the box.

"Diamond Tiara! Spoiled! Don't touch what's in that box!" Filthy caught up with them and tried to get the box back, but his wife held him back as their daughter reached inside and took out a silver whistle with golden lining and small red diamonds on the sides shaped like glaring eyes.

Diamond ignored her father as she smugly gazed at Scootaloo, "You're not the only one who's got an awesome pet, Scootaloo," She chuckled lightly as Scootaloo stared at the whistle oddly, "Mine is more amazing than your silly lizard could ever be." She taps her chin as she pretended to take thought on this. "Hmm," She brightened up with a grin, "Oh, I know!" Her grin then turned dark as she leaned in toward Scootaloo, their noses touching, "How about I call my pet here so you can say hello?"

Filthy was terrified. First his wife abused the trust he put into her about bringing his children in his office, then aided Diamond into getting into his private work and lastly, they outright stole from him. But as he saw his little Diamond Tiara hold up the whistle, his heart nearly stopped as he raced forward to stop her.

"DIAMOND, DON'T BLOW THAT WHISTLE!!!" He called out desperately as he lunged at his daughter to snatch the whistle away from her.

But it was too late as Diamond blew the whistle as hard as she could until her cheeks turned violet; the whistle's sound was so clear and loud, its sound rang out throughout the town.

‘Thweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!'

Once it stopped, Diamond grinned victoriously as she grasped the whistle, looking at it as if she had received the key to Canterlot's royal palace. Although her victory was short-lived as her furious father grabbed her arm and tugged her hard, their muzzles smacking together; He glared at her with utmost anger which got her to look nervous – despite being a rich little filly, the one thing she was scared of was seeing her father this angry at her.

"Diamond Tiara, do you and your mother have any idea what you've done?!" He scolded her, his voice filled with rage.

"B-But Daddy, I…"

"I would expect this type of behavior from troublemaking hoodlums with no common sense, but this is the most foalish thing I have ever seen you do!" He barked in fury, "What were you thinking?!"

"I… I just wanted Scootaloo to…"

He scowled down at her, "Is this because of that black eye incident?" It took a sheepish glance away from making eye contact with him to give him the answer. He face-hoofed and groaned loudly, "Oh, for buck's sake and by Tirek's biceps," He motioned to her, "Diamond, Scootaloo was defending herself and her friends," He frowned firmly at her shaking figure, "because lately, you've been doing a lot of bullying, from what I've been hearing. I've received complaint after complaint about your behavior – and now I see that you're trying to harm Scootaloo in an act of foolish, petty revenge?! What the buck!?"

Diamond only whimpered.

Spoiled was about to speak to her husband before he turned on her too, her eyes widened as he points at her, "And as for you!" He berated his own wife, knowing she was involved, "You're encouraging our own daughter into doing these hurtful, foalish actions?!"

She tried to defend herself, "She was a thorn in our daughter's side for far too long, Filthy."

But he would not have it, he glared and jabbed a hoof at her chest, "The only thorn in anyone's side, is you and your despicable behavior, Spoiled Rotten Milk," The citizens gasp as Filthy back-sassed his own wife, "And now, because of you, we're all in danger!!"

Before Spoiled could ask what he meant by that, a loud roar was heard and it sounded really close.

Smolder looked up into the sky in time to see some sort of bulky creature flying through the sky before taking a dive as it roared once more…

…and it was coming right in their direction!

Smolder widened her eyes in shock and quickly called out, "Whoa, incoming!" She yelled out in warning as the citizens spotted the creature too and ran in separate directions so not to get flattened by the source – just in time too because the source crash-landed right near Sugarcube Corner, narrowly missing the Rich Family and the Shy Family.

"What was that?!" Vinyl flinched as the force of the crash had knocked them off their hooves.

They looked to see a cloud of dust flying up from the crash, but nopony felt brave enough to approach, "W-What is that thing?" Roseluck asked and whimpered as she peeked from her gardens.

They soon got their answer as wings spread out from the cloud of dust and dirt; a red tail with a pointy stinger followed, slithering out in a slow, eerie fashion– a scorpion tail. A growl emitted as a pair of eyes opened up from the dust cloud as it slowly cleared up.

The townsfolk gasped as they witnessed the creature reveal itself. It was four-legged, but its appearance was nightmarish beyond belief. Dirty grey fur with a haunting black mane and devil horns protruding out from the sides of its head. A body near covered in scars from years of fights. The wing membranes had numerous holes and ripped edges and scars – no doubt they've been used in a fight. The wing tips had one spike protruding out – sharp just like the unsheathed claws and dagger-like teeth. The sheer size of the creature was stunning to the foals, but worrisome for the adults as the beast reared up on its haunches and roared, showing off the scorpion tail, sharp claws, and scarred wings. The beast – now revealed to be a manticore – glared those vicious glowing red eyes, filled with nothing but uncontrollable rage, hate, blood-lust and pure evil as he now had his sights on the surrounding townsfolk.

Drift watched in horror as the nightmare he never wanted to see again return. His body shook on its own, his soul felt cold. Filthy was right to call out his wife and daughter for their nonsense, because now they'll be from snobby bullies to idiotic murderers, "Marabunda…" Drift uttered under his breath in horror and fear.

Author's Notes:

Man, finally. Another chapter done. Took long enough but me and my friend/editor have finally finished it. Hope ya'll enjoy and let me what ya'll think. :)

Facing Your Fears...

Author's Notes:

Whoof, was this one a monster to finish. Probably more so than Marabunda. lol. Enjoy the new chapter and let us know what you think. Part two will come out soon and my editor was in the zone when they helped out. I mean, they were not only in the zone, but owned that zone and labeled it their zone. That's how much they were in the zone on the next chapter. lol. Anyway, enjoy.

Chaos. It's a mysterious form of life that could happen to anyone or anything. Whether on purpose or by accident, those who make the choice could cause multiple occurrences that might harm someone, or something, or change the world by doing something little that will cause something big. Those who stop to think ponder what might happen either think that they would do something, but stop themselves and ask themselves if they should. Some do just that, while others don't. The ripple that they caused by their choices can always make different outcomes. That's the wonder of chaos theory.

But for one entity, chaos is nothing but a mere power that can bend logic to his will. And thus he can choose whether there would be bad or good forms of chaos, and that's all in the fun for him – if he wanted to observe it or if he decided to choose to get involved. So, with his presence looming about, there are types of chaos that could ensue; good or bad.

And Ponyville was right in the center of it, or what appeared before the town was in the center of it – all thanks to the wrongful choice of a mad filly and her evil mother.

Now, any form of chaos could happen in this very scenario. It all depends on one choice now.

The nightmarish, hell-fire eyes of a dangerous rogue manticore slowly scanned its surroundings with a soft growl. It heard an annoying ring-like sound coming from this direction and it had to investigate – investigate and kill with no remorse.

Marabunda stood there eyeing the surrounding location he arrived at. He had no idea where he was at or why that ring sound led him here, but what was he to complain about? Whatever made the noise led him to a location filled with smaller morsels just waiting to be dined on or killed for the fun of it; his claws were ready to grind on flesh. He slowly peered his eyes to each target he could see that was around him. So many to choose from, it was hard to pick just one. And just the sight of so many in the same place at the same time was starting to make him salivate. The mere thought of just going at it and ripping into every victim was enticing.

But what would be the fun in that? His urge to kill was strong, but his mind was not yet gone; the act of a game loomed about; a choosing game. With a twisted smirk on his scarred face, and a deep growling chuckle within his throat, he knew just how to mess with these ponies. He was in no rush either; he was willing to wait all day if he must – because looking at the sheer horror and panic on their faces were very entertaining and somewhat a compliment to him. Seeing others fear him pleased him significantly. He could choose which victim to attack or they can decide for him – it was all enjoyable and a thrill to him, as it makes the chase more interesting for him. Yet, it was funny; he could've sworn he'd seen these smaller creatures before? No matter, they were nothing but playthings and food to him.

Silence. That's all that could be heard from everyone in Ponyville. Those outside witnessed the monster that stood in their hometown; some wanted to run, scream, hide, but shock and fear enveloped them. What could they do? If they made just one movement, or make the slightest shriek, they would be the first to meet a fate worse than anything they could imagine. Others thought the same, but they wanted to push another towards the beast and let it dine on the helpless victim while they ran for their lives and find safety. Many choices, many reactions, they were left in a gruesome game for a massive predator.

But they were smart enough to freeze, for the beast will not attack if they don't move a muscle – although, judging by that twisted smirk on its face, they knew he wasn't going to be in any kind of rush. In fact, it looked like he was taunting them, daring them to make the first move.

Those inside their own homes felt the landing impact of the creature outside. Some weren't aware that it was a creature outside; they were just minding their own businesses. But, for reasons they didn't know, they felt the need to not move a single inch and not make a single noise. Whatever was out there, they were glad they were inside. But for those who saw the beast outside their windows felt the same as those outside – whether to back away and/or close their curtains so the creature doesn't spot them. It was all but survival now.

Drift, Vinyl, Fluttershy and Scootaloo, gazed only in horror and shock to encounter what just arrived in front of them and in Ponyville. Marabunda had his back turned to them, so it was good that he wasn't facing them first. But it was bad for anypony else who became a victim in that monster's sight.

Drift felt his heart race and his body grew cold, a sweat started working up as he tried to keep his breathing down; he was in a panic, but he didn't want to make a sound – as Marabunda could react at even the slightest sound and begin his attack. His past has come back to haunt him and his fear rose every second he looked at this rogue manticore. The very creature that had killed one of his comrades and rendered him and his team helpless was back. Was it to finish the job? He didn't know – all he wanted to do was panic and get his family out of there.

He leered at the little pink filly with the magical whistle. Why? Why did this little brat have to do that? She had just endangered everyone in Ponyville by making that stupid decision. If they make it out of this alive, Filthy and his family have a lot to answer for.

Vinyl was in a frozen state of fear. Her glasses slipped down to her muzzle as she eyed the mammoth beast before her. She recalled Drift telling her Marabunda was big, but she didn't expect to the manticore to be this big. He's standing on all fours, so he had to have been nine feet tall, twelve-six in length. And the wings this thing has are massive; even folded, they're roughly thirty-five feet in length. But what was worrisome was the tail Marabunda possessed – eleven feet with a five-inched curved stinger. If there were any other creature she could be dealing with right now, or not wish to deal with for her sake, it would be better than dealing with Marabunda. What did Drift do to make this creature so angry?

Fluttershy and Scootaloo were caught in a frozen state of fear. For Fluttershy, never in her life had she ever dealt with a creature like this; well, a regular manticore, yes. She's dealt with them before. But, comparing them to Marabunda was like comparing a simple cave to an endless abyss. Fluttershy didn't know if she was able to calm this beast down, but she didn't want to try; as she stated before, rogues are unpredictable. So, a miracle had to happen soon, or now – now would be good.

Scootaloo tried so hard not to panic around everypony. A large nightmarish manticore just landed violently in Ponyville in front of her and she had no idea what to do in this situation. She gave an equally scared Diamond Tiara a look of panic and anger.

Of all the things she could've done, she had to go and do this. Has she gone nuts? All because she wanted to get her back for what she did to her? She deserved it! Heck, Scootaloo would do it again, if she got the chance. And then she noticed the whistle in Diamond Tiara's hoof. She would ask what that thing was and what was it made for, but right now was not a really good time.

She gazed back to Marabunda and eyed him carefully. Drift doing the exact same thing.

'So, this is Marabunda?' Scootaloo thought, trying her best not to make a noise to draw his attention. 'Dad wasn't kidding. He really is scary. I can see why he lost to this thing.' Lost was an understatement. Drift spoke to them as if he and his comrades were massacred.

Then another thought occurred as she gazed back at the whistle. If she could get that whistle away from Diamond Tiara maybe she could – no! It's too risky. If she called him, chances are he could get hurt and she'd never forgive herself. Then it dawned on her of that very thought: Varan mentioned how a 'bear-like' creature came out of nowhere and killed his family and friends. A glance back at Marabunda gave her the final piece of the puzzle and it all made sense now.

'Marabunda… He must've been the one that did all of that. He's as big as Harry, so that has to be him, right?' She asked herself this and nodded slowly.

There was no mistaking it: Marabunda was the one that killed Varan's family and friends.

Now she had an option to use the whistle. She just needed the perfect opportunity to get it. But how?

Inside Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie and the Cake family managed to hide behind the counter. Pinkie Pie shook like a leaf; her hooves over her mouth to prevent the chattering sound of her teeth to emit for fear that this monster will hear and target them first. She didn't see exactly what landed in front of the bakery, but she knew that whatever it was wasn't any explosion. She looked to the Cake family and saw Mr. and Mrs. Cake cover the cake twins' mouths while holding each other closely; the latter in tears from what happened outside. There were very quiet whimpers under the parents' hooves, but the two earth ponies held them close.

Mrs. Cake was scared to death, but she and her husband strained to keep quiet, as did their foals. She looked over to Pinkie and saw she was equally scared – she desperately reached for her, to hold her close and never let her go. Pinkie may not be legally part of the family, but she's done so much for them over the years, she practically was part of the family in hers and Carrot Cake's eyes.

Noticing the fear in her eyes, Pinkie very gingerly scooted closer and grabbed onto her hoof, miraculously preventing any creak from the floor to emit. Quietly, she peeped over the counter and saw Spike and Smolder standing in front of a window, looking outside to the beast that had landed in town. Gallus was hiding under a table, shaking just like she was.

"N-Not… cool…!" Gallus whispered out in fear, his eyes widen in panic as he strained to keep still.

Spike and Smolder, on the other hoof, were far from shaking. In fact, the popped out claws and steam puffing out of the sides of their mouths meant only one thing...

Spike and Smolder were battle-ready. And their defensive instincts were on high alert. If the monster outside so much as roared, that's when they'll strike.

They overheard Diamond Tiara's speech and were none too happy with what they heard. Granted, they were not aware of what she had used, but whatever it was summoned this thing out of nowhere. Now both young dragons were eager to fight.

Spike was raised by ponies and taught to be a kind soul towards others while Smolder was born in dragon territory and was taught to be like every other dragon; tough as nails and always ready for anything. Both are polar opposites and recently found out they were siblings separated at birth, but they both shared a common trait all dragons had that even other creatures would agree: dragons had a powerful fighting spirit. And these two were not shy in showing just how strong their fighting spirits were; the fiery determination and eagerness bloomed in their eyes.

A challenge was about to start.

Filthy Rich stood there with his family, gazing up at the monster his own daughter summoned. Words could not express how angry, scared and shocked he was.

Over the course of time, his family was known for being kind, sturdy and generous and knew when to keep a steady business. His father and his father before him and so on had always had a great reputation towards other ponies and businesses; it was never about competition. And they themselves always knew when to pick the right one and raise their children right.

But on this day, in this very moment, he broke that line – he just didn't plan it; his own wife did. And she manipulated his daughter, poisoned her mind to do this. Even using the item he swore to never use again was brought into this and the mare he thought he trusted would keep it a secret; clearly, he was wrong. Filthy Rich had never felt so betrayed in all his life -- betrayed and stupid. He glared death daggers an equally terrified Spoiled Milk for the choices she made, a snarl on his muzzle, and his teeth bared like a wild dog.

Spoiled caught wind of her husband's glare and felt a cold chill down her spine as she winced and withered under his glare. She was in a huge amount of trouble.

Filthy even looked at poor Silver Spoon who was just as scared as Diamond, shaking nearly violently in terror while trying not to draw attention to herself. At least he was glad that she wasn't persuaded by Spoiled's manipulation and he was proud that she warned him about this ridiculous plan.

"Psst, Vinyl," Drift whispered to her, trying to get her attention while trying to remain as quiet as possible so not to draw Marabunda's attention.

Vinyl glanced at her step-brother while Marabunda kept his focus on the other ponies in front of him. She was glad this beast hadn't turned around, yet.

"Y-Yeah?" Vinyl replied with a bit of petrified stutter in her voice.

"You know magic, right? Teleportation?"

Vinyl looked at Drift as if what he asked meant he knew nothing about her, "You're kidding, right?"

Taking that as a 'yes', he continued and requested something she'd hope she can do, "Remember what I showed you in my basement, I need you to bring one of them here."

Vinyl widened her eyes in shock and tried to rethink what he was asking quietly as if he lost his mind, "D-bro, are you serious right now? What if I bring something that could harm somepony else?!"

Drift snarled in a bit of annoyance at her and gave her that glare that reminded her of her mother when she disobeyed as a filly. He pointed to Marabunda and snapped quietly, "Can't be as harmful as what's right in front of us, for Celestia's sake!" he was not in the mood for arguments, "Please, just do it!"

Vinyl was hesitant. She never performed as much magic as Twilight, Moondancer or any of those other unicorns. She learned levitation and a few other basic spells, but teleportation was something she was practicing. She feared she would mess it up and cause trouble; the anxiety was eating away at her and this was nothing like performing in front of a large crowd. But she had to at least try, to see if she can do it. Her D-Bro was right; whatever she brings out couldn't possibly be as more dangerous than the murderous manticore right in front of them.

She sighed in defeat and looked at Drift, determined, "Which one do you need?"

"Sound amplifier. I just need the one and when we get to safety, I need you to teleport one of the duffel bags to us," He pointed to Filthy and told a sudden revelation, "Filthy and I have a score to settle with that monster."

Vinyl leaned her head back in shock. Fluttershy and Scootaloo overheard and were stunned, as well. Filthy was part of his crew of trophy hunters? If that was the case, Drift wasn't gonna be the only one fighting Marabunda, if they survive – or if Filthy would even participate.

"Alright, alright, I'll see what I can do," Vinyl looked away from Drift and concentrated, trying not to focus on the killer manticore in front of them.

Drift smiled, relieved to hear that, "Thank you, V-sis." He watched as his step-sister concentrated. Her cheeks puffed as bits of magic sparked out of her horn.

Vinyl scrunched her eyes shut and focused as hard as she could. She pictured Drift's basement and pictured where the device would be. She pinpointed it and launched her magic, casting it out of existence and popping it right between her and Drift. Drift quickly grabbed the dark green alarm clock-like item and immediately pressed a button to the side and cracked a notch by two. This got his family's and Filthy's family's attention...

… Unfortunately, the clicks from the item were more than enough to get Marabunda to turn his head.

Drift saw the manticore about to turn, but he quickly and lightly threw the item just under Marabunda's chin level.

Marabunda heard the random clank sound and looked down, eyeing a weird thing right under him. That wasn't there before? But it made weird clicking sounds. Marabunda leaned his head down and sniffed it a few times before giving it a nudge, to see if it would do something or if this object would come alive – a minute of his time wouldn't kill him, he'll be dining on their bones anyway.

Whether everypony noticed him throw it or not, Drift took this opportunity and jumped on the table while Marabunda was distracted. He looked back at Fluttershy and Scootaloo, then at the window where Spike and Smolder were. They must be rearing to fight. Good, maybe they can hold Marabunda at bay until he and Filthy suit up to join in. Marabunda will not be claiming any more lives. Drift took a deep breath right as the sound amplifier went off, making a high-frequency noise only Manticores can hear.

Marabunda roared in agitation and reared up as he covered his ears from the awful noise this tiny thing made, desperately trying to block it out as he roared in agony and frustration. This object was alive in its own way – and it was hurting his ears real bad.

Drift saw his chance and immediately seized it once the fearsome beast had reacted to the distraction.

"Everypony, RUN!" Drift yelled out at the crowd of ponies. And no sooner did he say that was when a stampede of frightened, screaming Ponyville citizens occurred.

And it was at the moment, Spike and Smolder got their signal and burst out the door, flying directly at Marabunda.

Scootaloo took that exact moment to dash over to Diamond Tiara and snatch the whistle away from her. Diamond Tiara flinched but glared at Scootaloo when she took it from her.

"Hey--!"

Scootaloo was not in the mood for Diamond's crap and no sooner did she grab that whistle, she decked the rich filly right in the face. To say that was deserving was an understatement, but she sure did get a déjà-vu moment there. Diamond Tiara reeled back and grabbed her face, letting out a pained cry as Scootaloo headed back to her parents and aunt.

Fluttershy caught her child as they hurried inside Sugarcube Corner; she quickly pointed it out to Vinyl and her man. "In there!" They didn't argue and quickly head inside.

Filthy wasted no time and pushed his wife towards Sugarcube Corner, their temporary sanctuary; Silver Spoon did the exact same thing to Diamond. "Go, go, go, go!" Filthy snapped as he ushered his family inside, keeping an eye on the manticore before getting inside himself.

Once Scootaloo's family and Diamond's family were in the bakery, Fluttershy slammed the door shut and glared the same death daggers at Spoiled and Diamond.

Gallus whimpered as he peeked out from his hiding spot, pointing at the door, "What… in King Grover's name… was that?!"

"The result of a moronic decision, that's what." Vinyl glared, answering Gallus' question as she starts to concentrate once more to teleport a duffel bag to their location.

"Diamond Tiara, Spoiled Milk, have you completely lost your minds?!" Filthy snarled at his wife and daughter. "You just endangered everypony in Ponyville!"

Diamond winced under her father's tone, "B-But, daddy…"

He wasn't going to have it. He stomped a hoof as he approached his daughter, "Don't ‘but daddy' me, young filly! This is a direct result of what your obsession with revenge has caused! I told you not to blow that whistle, but you did it anyway!"

Diamond whimpered as she backed a step back. "But I didn't know it was going to bring something like that!"

"Of course you didn't know," Fluttershy scowled, crossing her hooves. "As a matter of fact, it looks like you weren't thinking at all."

Looking at Filthy Rich, this begged a question and they knew he had the answer.

"More importantly, Filthy… what is that whistle and why do you have it in your possession?" Fluttershy asked him, knowing that someone had to ask, so she took the chance.

"I'd like to know too, ol' Moneybags." Drift frowned lightly at his former comrade. His friend may have been trying to prevent this mad filly and crazy mare from doing this, but he still had something to explain about that whistle that doomed them all.

Filthy winced deeply as he faced his old comrade from their trophy hunting days, but he sighed hard as he looked down, his ears lowering. "I guess it's no longer a secret, as I can no longer hide it from my friends. It's an artifact called "The Primeval Whistle" – it is said that it can summon any type of creature that comes to mind, and allows said creature to come right towards the user who had blown the whistle. It is also said that by rare chance, the same creature can come to the call that was made by the last user… or someone who did not think of a different creature before blowing the whistle." He narrowed his eyes at his wife and daughter. "I had bought it one night on the black-market back in my old days. I was keeping it under lock and key because it's a part of my past that I was not proud of and wished to leave behind as much as Drift did."

Fluttershy asked him once more while Drift looked a bit surprised at his revelation, "Drift said you were part of his crew of trophy hunters, is that true?"

Filthy had no pride to swallow, so with his eyes closed, he answered her question without hesitation, "Yes… it's true." He rubbed his arm, "Don't get me wrong, I care for the environment and for the animals that live within it, it's just rogues I can't stand – although it had to be done with what pay the contracts were offered to us. I just didn't expect a blast from the past to come around." He narrowed his eyes out the window, referring to the rogue beast outside. Nopony could blame him there. He looked to Fluttershy, apologetically. "I am so sorry about my wife and my daughter for causing this…" He sighed sadly, ashamed of himself as he paced around in the building, "It's too late for that, I know. And I take full responsibility for this mess… this is actually all my fault, really. I'm the one to blame here."

Pinkie tilted her head while everyone wondered what he meant, what else had he done to make him pin this whole mess on himself, of all ponies. "What do you mean, Filthy Rich?"

Mr. Cake spoke up while cradling Pound Cake, looking concerned. "I understand you feel guilty about your wife and daughter's actions, but why are you blaming yourself for this entire mess?"

Mrs. Cake nodded, sounding a bit worried due to how guilty their rich but kind friend looked and how insistent he was on blaming himself. "You're making it sound like you've committed a murder, dear."

"I may as well have, Mrs. Cake." Filthy sighed once more, but it sounded very guilty before he looked to Drift with guilt-ridden eyes. It was time that his friend knew the truth. "Ol' Drifter… I… I have a confession to make." He looked out the window once more before looking to his old friend, revealing a dark secret to him. "It's because of me that Marabunda attacked us the first time."

Vinyl, Fluttershy, Drift, Scootaloo and Silver gasped in shock while his daughter and wife looked stunned as he confessed a looming guilt that he had not told anypony else. Gallus, Pinkie and the Cakes looked surprised, so surprised that they couldn't form the words while Pinkie's mane and tail frazzled out and stood up. Her frizz has been freaked, apparently.

"What?" Drift flatly said, looking at Filthy in shock.

"When we got that contract to get a Manticore, I-I thought that the whistle would make our jobs easier…" Filthy confessed, looking heartbroken as he revealed what he had done. "So the morning we started to hunt for the beast, I was the first one to wake up and away from the others, I blew the whistle…" But now as he looked back on his actions, he knew that it was a fool move to have done that. Now, the beast of his and Drift's past was here to haunt them again.

"You led Marabunda right to us…" Drift slowly said.

"I didn't know it was a monster of a rogue that responded to the whistle, Drift…" He begged to his old friend, trying to tell him that it was a terrible accident on his part. "I swear I didn't know!"

"You led that monster right to us years ago, got one of our own comrades killed, got the rest of the crew and I scarred for life – literally!" He pointed at his scar to remind him of the attack, glaring. "And you didn't even tell me?" Drift sounded betrayed that his old friend never told him this until now. But his glare melted some when Filthy admitted to why he never told him.

"I didn't want to lose my closest comrade… and I just wanted to leave it all behind." Filthy looked down after he told the truth. "I kept that whistle to remind me of what I had done… and vowed to never use it again."

Fluttershy blinked, looking to Spoiled and Diamond with a firm frown before asking him, "How did Spoiled and Diamond Tiara find out?"

Filthy exhaled through his nostrils, "Only my wife knew about it…" He facehoofed, "I was drunk when I told her… but I made her swear to keep it secret." He glared angrily at his wife and daughter who both winced, knowing he's understandably furious with them both. "But now I know that's not gonna happen anymore."

Diamond whimpered as she approached her irate father, but he wasn't buying anything that was coming out of her mouth. "Daddy, I'm sorry! I-I didn't mean to!" She started tearing up, feeling ashamed that she has angered her father to such a point, for once starting to feel really guilty, if not really stupid. "I-I didn't know!"

Mrs. Cake stuttered but glared at the young filly, "A magical whistle that lures a random beast from Cadenza-knows-where to the very spot the said whistle's user is at – " She facehoofed and flailed it out, motioning to the terror that's going on outside, stupefied but furious that the young filly didn't think of the consequences for getting into something she clearly wasn't supposed to get into in the first place. "—what in Equestria did you think was going to happen?!"

Diamond stuttered as she's glared at from all families in the room, gazing around at all of them, meeting all of their gazes, "I-I thought it would've brought something bigger than Scootaloo's pet and scare her!"

Scootaloo scoffed, "Oh, I'm scared alright," She sarcastically said as she rolled her eyes, "Scared that the last thing we ever see is this beast's face as he devours us all! Including you!" She pointed at the horrified young filly.

"B-But—" The rich filly was cut off quickly.

"You went too far this time!" Scootaloo glared angrily at her, "Now because of you and your mother, we're under attack by a monster that haunts my dad and your dad! Spike and Smolder are out there trying to fight this thing, and pretty soon, we're all gonna die!"

"Well, none of this would've happened if you hadn't laid a hoof on my daughter in the first place." Spoiled frowned down at Scootaloo, only to be face to face with mama bear Fluttershy who got in her face and snarled.

"Don't you dare try to pin this all on my baby, you despicable wench!" She snarled at the snobby mare. "You are just as responsible for this as your daughter is!"

Scootaloo nodded in agreement, "So I punched Diamond Tiara, so what?" She grunted as she admitted that she was a bit in the wrong but explained her reason at the same time, "Okay, yes, I shouldn't have done it, but it was her fault! She takes pleasure in making me and my friends miserable, and thinks she can get away with it all! Especially when she thinks she can get away with insulting that my own mother wouldn't have wanted to adopt me months ago!"

They all gasped at such an insult. That was a real low blow, even for somepony like Diamond Tiara. Now they could see why Diamond had gotten that black eye before – Scootaloo wasn't just defending herself or her friends, but she was also defending her mother.

Gallus frowned at the two as he quickly caught on to what was going on; all of this was happening as an act of petty revenge?

"…Seriously?" He climbed out from under the table and glared at the scared mare and filly, "All of this – for a stupid punch – that resulted into getting a stupid black eye? That's what all of this was about?" He motioned outside, now knowing his friends are out there, fighting a monster; and it was all because of these two? "Are you freakin' kidding me?!" He had gotten himself in detention for way worse things than that!

"She humiliated me and got me in trouble with daddy!" She glared at the young adolescent griffon, only for her glare to be rivaled by a sickened one on his face.

"Dudette… it's just a black eye," He scoffed, looking quite annoyed and sickened that she made such a big deal out of it, "So you got in trouble with your ol' man – so what?" He flailed his talons out, frustrated that this was happening over something so small and so stupid. "That's no reason to bring our home into ruin. You could've just suck it up and moved on with your life, but noo-ooo-oo, you had to pull this stunt like a whiny little witch?? How stupid could you get?!"

Silver Spoon nodded in agreement, confirming to the Griffon that she's been trying to get Diamond to stop only for her sister to take this path. "That's what I've been screaming!"

He jabbed a claw in her sister's chest as she looked terrified, narrowing his eyes at her, his tone darkened somewhat, "Man, if you were in my school, kid, I would've suspended you by your tail to the top of a flagpole." He snarled as he comes face to face with Spoiled, pointing at her, "And now because of you and your daughter, my best friend is out there with her brother fighting that monster."

Diamond Tiara looked down in regret as she could hear the screeches of dragons and the roar of a manticore.

"At least I know one thing… if this was your intention," Scootaloo pointed outside with a scowl on her face, she then pointed at Diamond herself. "On taking me down ‘one way or another', at least you're going down with me!" She turned away and walked to the window, to watch the fight, gripping the whistle.

There was nothing else Diamond Tiara could say, what else could she say? This was caused by her blowing that whistle – it wasn't going to just go away with an 'I'm sorry', even if Ponyville has the reputation of being the most forgiving place around as well as being the most targeted location for things like this.

Filthy went to join little Scootaloo and gave her some company as he did not want to look at his wife right now. Silver Spoon quickly followed him while Spoiled winced lightly.

"H-Honey, I…" She tried to speak to him, only for him to turn his head and give her a venomous glare. With nothing left to say to her, he led his innocent Silver to Scootaloo, he also gave Drift one last apologetic glance before he sat next to Scootaloo and watched.

***Outside***

"Hey, ugly!" Smolder called Marabunda, glaring at him from the sky. "Wanna play?!"

The rogue manticore, managing to swipe that annoying device away, noticed the young dragoness and growled. His ears were still ringing badly, so it's going to be a bit of time for him to hear real clearly – but he could still make out that this little one was insulting him. He let out a roar at her, which got her to immediately respond.

Spike growled in irritation, flying next to his sister, "Of all the things for Diamond to do, she goes and does this? Has that filly lost it?" He was hoping to have a good time today and spend time with his old and new friends and sister, but no that had to be ruined by some filly's obsession with one of his best friends.

"Does she normally do something like this?" Smolder asked, curiously. She's never met this filly before, so had to ask. But a headshake from Spike gave her the answer.

"No. She can be cruel, but she wouldn't do something like this," he scratched his head confusedly as Marabunda glared at them, keeping his attention onto them, "At least, I don't think?" he hasn't hung around Diamond Tiara long enough to know, or if he even wanted to.

Smolder rolled her eyes and dove down at the rampaging manticore, "Either way, let's have some fun!" Smolder hasn't had any action in a long while, so this huge target Diamond provided will do, "Crazy or not, I'm itching for a fight!" Smolder took a deep breath and blew a stream of fire at him, trying to set him on fire.

Spike shrugged and joined her as he flew around the back of Marabunda and breathed a fiery green breath at him that mixed with his sister's red-hot one. Despite not having any training to fight -- just flight maneuvers -- against any threat, that wasn't gonna stop them from defending their home.

Marabunda growled before wrapping his wings around himself and braced himself as the fire made contact. He roared a bit in pain as the fire nicked his skin and nearly enveloped him in a blanket of fire, but this was nothing new. He had faced scarier enemies and it took more than just a blast of fire to defeat him. With a quick side slice of his wings, he cut the fire-breaths in half, roaring in defiance and causing the young dragons to cease their fire assault.

"What?!" Spike looked shocked while Smolder looked somewhat horrified.

Marabunda just gave them a cocky smirk only a manticore knew how and mockingly flapped his wings at them, kicking up some dirt to prove his point. He was not gonna go down easy and he was gonna let these young ones know; that's for darn sure.

Spike gave in to the taunt and patted his sister on the shoulder to wake her up. Smolder shook her head and noticed the taunt for a split second before the menace gave them another glare.

"Is... is he taunting us?" Smolder asked somewhat aggressively, having that horrified feeling turn into annoyed and irritated.

Spike nodded and growled down at Marabunda, "Cocky manticore thinks he can take both of us out," Spike said with a snarl, testosterone was reaching its peak with Spike and all the male dragon wanted to do was bring this manticore down.

Smolder nodded in agreement. Her instinct to fight restored and she nearly forgot dragons don't just have flame breaths, "I don't know about you, bro, but I'm ready for round two," she sneered down at the manticore, claws at the ready.

Spike glanced at Smolder, drawing claws out with her, "Round two?"

"Round two?"

"Round two!" Both teenage dragons dove down, ready to start round two and caught Marabunda off-guard.

The manticore let out a roar and took the first swing at Spike, but Spike dodged and grinded his left sharp claw across Marabunda's arm before flying away, giving the rogue manticore enough to react from the speedy attack.

Marabunda let out a pained yip as he backed up, grabbing his paw, before feeling a sharp pain cut across between his back, making him jump forward a little. The beast turned his gaze to the left and saw the other dragon zip by before stopping.

Smolder gave Marabunda a mocking face, blowing a raspberry at him before flying up and away from the beast.

Marabunda growled in annoyance and tried to charge after Smolder, but a sudden pain in his right side made him stop. He looked to find the purple dragon had struck him, once again. Marabunda growled at the young dragon but was caught off-guard and blindsided by the orange dragon from a cut to the left cheek. Maranbunda hissed in pain from the assault, shaking his head as he backed up slightly. A cut to the hip and the cheek? This was ridiculous! They were like bees attacking a bear. He can't hit one of them without the other striking first. Their attacks were causing him pain, but not nearly enough to make him bleed.

"Think you're so tough now?" Smolder called out in a cocky tone, but received a growling response from Marabunda.

Despite being pumped right now, Spike can still think clearly enough to know what the manticore was gonna try and do. The tag team was effective, but it wasn't gonna be enough to take this thing down. It's tough, that's for sure, but he and his sister had to keep away from those claws, jaws, and stinger. One false move and they’re done for -- unless backup arrived. Doubt that'll happen. If his friends in Sugarcube corner are coming up with ideas, they better hurry and help out.

"Smolder, don't," Spike barked at her and made the young dragoness flinch. "Don't underestimate this thing. Even if we have the speed advantage, it's still capable of killing both of us. Riling it up would be suicide!" Smolder winced and nodded, completely forgetting about that.

"So, what do we do now, Spike?" Smolder asked. Normally, she'd want to dive in and fight, but in a situation like this, a plan had to be made. Marabunda was bigger than them and going in blindly would get them hurt badly. She was actually happy these ponies raised him to be smart. Well, dragons are smart, too, they're just too hot-headed to think strategically.

While analyzing Marabunda, Spike was already coming up with some ideas to try and take this monster down. On his free time, He'd visit his friends; mostly visit Scootaloo and her mother and just hangout. During his visit, he'd talk about all kinds of animals with Fluttershy and play with Scootaloo, too. It just so happened Manticores were brought into one conversion and he tried to think back what he saw, ‘Manticores are tough to take down, but they're like other creatures they have blind spots.’ That's it! One can distract Marabunda and the other can go for a blindspot. "I got it!" He looked to Smolder who looked at him eager and ready. "Smolder, you're stronger than me, but Marabunda doesn't know that. I'll keep him distracted and you go around and aim for the back; that's his blindspot."

Smolder was taken back by this idea, but she had no complaints. She had no idea where her brother got this info from, but she'll take it. She gave her brother a battle-ready smile and glared down at Marabunda who just growled and glared back.

Spike and Smolder took their positions, ready to resume the fight. Spike kept his eyes on Marabunda and was ready to give Smolder the signal. Eyes locked and waited.

"Okay, ready...."

Smolder lowered her head and waited for Spike's signal. She was ready for some more action as she flexed her claws and bared her teeth.

"Set...

Wings at the ready and claws aching to cut. Both dragons couldn't wait any longer.

"G--"

A large shadow loomed over them before Spike could even say 'go'. In a horrifying, unexpected turn of events, Marabunda turned the tides and swiftly flew up in the sky mere inches from the young dragons. Eagerness turned into panic when the manticore caught them off-guard and started to resume the attack -- his way. His left claw was raised, but Spike assumed he was aiming for Smolder, "Look out!" Spike yelled as they both tried to separate so they could dodge his swipe. Smolder flew back in time, but Spike failed to react the same as a large, powerful paw came in fast and swiped at the purple dragon with powerful force, hitting him hard like a flyswatter to an unsuspected fly.

Spike let out a pained yelp and fell from the air like a shooting star, screaming as he fell before he crashed into Sugar Cube, slamming against the front counter headfirst, knocking him out while causing those inside to scream in panic and horror. The rubble and pastries from the counter came toppling over him, blanketing parts of his body.

"Spike!" Smolder and Scootaloo shouted in horror as Spike was hindered unconscious from that surprise attack. Everyone else watched in horror as Spike didn't get up from that attack.

‘So, these two want to play a game of cat-and-mouse, then?' Marabunda thought, ‘Let's have at it.' He was all too willing to brawl with the likes of dragons -- land and air. They weren't the only ones with wings, so he wanted to make it even; heck, even go easy on them by staying on the ground. But, he got bored and had enough entertainment from them. He growled at the unconscious purple dragon and noticed other onlookers coming to aid him. It mattered little to the beast. Like him, Marabunda studied his two naive opponents – there was a male and a female, both seem so tempted to fight, but they had different attributes to them. One was stronger than the other and he figured that out when these two were attacking. He glared at the female dragon; it seemed she was the youngest of the two. With the strongest out of the way, he can go for her now. With a barely noticeable nod, he selected his first target and went after Smolder. ‘Let's see how much this young one can put up a fight without the other.’

Smolder kept her eyes on Spike. Worry and fear clouded her thoughts as she tried to fly down after him, but immediately forgot who was right in front of her. Smolder widened her eyes as she stared at the living nightmare in front of her; she made a mistake; no, they made a mistake. She couldn't think straight. All she wanted to do was get out of there so she couldn't get hurt. But the nightmare had only just begun as the monster that attacked her brother came flying after her.

**Inside Sugarcube Corner**

Everyone came to Spike's aid when Vinyl managed to pluck him out of the wooden structure with her magic. She gently placed him down as Scootaloo and everyone else looked absolutely horrified -- Scootaloo especially. Her crush was out cold and there was nothing she could do to help. But it got worse when she realized Smolder was still out there being a target for Diamond's 'pet'.

"Oh that poor little girl!" Filthy and Silver watched on as Smolder cried out trying to evade Marabunda. He could not tear his eyes away from this, his papa instincts on high while Silver held onto him in fear.

"Smolder..." Scootaloo whispered to herself. But then an idea immediately came to her. She held her hoof and saw she still had the whistle. She looked outside and wondered. If this could summon Marabunda, then she can use it to summon -- 'It's the only way,' Scootaloo thought.

Pinkie was terrified; one of the students of their school was in trouble, and was in high risk of becoming the first course! "What are we gonna do?!"

"I'm not sure… but I can't stay inside and watch this!" Filthy motioned to the sky at the screaming Smolder who turned a sharp right to try and lose Marabunda. "That little one needs our help!"

"I can see that, Filthy," Drift slightly snapped at him. He was concerned just as much as he was. "But we don't have the equipment to fight Marabunda." He darted his gaze onto Vinyl, but was surprised to see she was trying to use her magic like she did earlier. "Vinyl, what’re you--"

Vinyl grunted and crushed her eyelids as she attempted to use magic like she did bringing that noise-maker over to Drift. Only this time, it'll be a bigger item. She just had to imagine it being at that spot he showed her earlier and concentrated as best she could so she can save that little orange dragon. It took a lot of energy, but she finally succeeded and conjured a duffel bag in front of her, which got the others to notice. "Got it!"

Drift widened his eyes and couldn't help but bask in how awesome his step-sister was, "Vinyl, you are amazing!"

Vinyl wobbled her head a little due to being dizzy from using too much of her magic. But she shook her head and smiled determinedly at Drift, "Thank me later. Use whatever you have in here!”

"Right! Filthy, over here," Drift called as Filthy approached curiously. Drift took the duffel bag quickly and opened it, seeing the equipment that he, Filthy and the crew had used for trophy-hunting. "Perfect… it's all still here."

Fluttershy looked concerned about Drift and what he had planned with Filthy, "Drift, what are you doing?" She hoped he didn't think of doing what she thought he was doing.

Mrs. Cake looked concerned, "Tell us you’re not going out there to fight that monster, are you?"

Drift closed his eyes and nodded to them, "I can't run from my past forever… it's time I face it and end it, once and for all." He answered them as he started digging into the bag.

Fluttershy gasped and hurried to her coltfriend, her eyes wide in fear for what he's about to do, "B-But, Drift, that's too dangerous! He'll kill you!" Fluttershy tried to get him to reconsider. She just got him back and for him to fight out there was too much for her to handle.

He sighed lightly and pointed at himself as he looked to his angel, "Well, I'm the one he wants!" He had to face the demon that had haunted him, and it'll be possible that the manticore will recognize him due to his scar since he was the one who put it there. "I need you to stay here."

"While I watch you get killed by that beast's claws?!" She frowned lightly. "I don't think so!"

Drift was getting irritated by his marefriend's stubbornness. Marabunda was out there causing havoc, he had to fight or else things will get uglier by the minute, "I'm asking you to stay safe!" He looked to her for a moment before equipping a strange wrist gadget and giving Filthy some flashbangs.

But Fluttershy wouldn't stop. She had get Drift to reconsider, "But I'm telling you, I can't do that. Not after everything we've been through." She stubbornly rebuffed.

"Fluttershy, Filthy and I have to do this!" He just as stubbornly jabbed, but before she was about to respond, he grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her a little, stressing the point he's trying to make; his eyes glossy. "I can't lose you again!" He sighed, looking down sadly. Fluttershy paused and felt confused by that, but Drift softly told her, "Fluttershy… I lost you once because I was an absolute coward. ...And now I just got you back." He looked at her tearfully. "I just can't lose you now…not again – especially by Marabunda's claws." If his angel fell by Marabunda's claws, he'd never forgive himself. "Please… for all our sakes…" He pleaded as he looked to Scootaloo who looked near tears herself. "Stay here and keep Scootaloo safe…"

Fluttershy looked near tears but lowered her ears as she held his hooves; she understood that he had to face his past before it'd destroy them. She sniffled and hugged him tight, "Please come back alive…"

He nods and added, "I'll try… and take care of Silver Spoon, too." Now that got Fluttershy confused for a moment, but quickly put two and two together.

Silver Spoon looked surprised and was about to ask about what he meant about that, but Drift looked away from his girlfriend and looked to Filthy Rich with a bit of a neutral frown on his face. Filthy Rich pulled a wrist crossbow out of the duffel bag and equipped it to his right hoof, then a few gas pellets and pellet bombs. Both stallions gave each other serious looks that spelled 'ready for action', but they both knew once this was over, the aftermath won't be so pretty.

"I'm willing to forgive you since this is a life-or-death situation, Moneybags. It's because of that whistle that Marabunda's back!"

Filthy rolled his eyes in annoyance. He already knew of his mistake, but begrudgingly said, "I don't need to be reminded, Drift," he loaded his wrist crossbow with a flashbang pellet, "It's bad enough I used that whistle on us. I don't need to be reminded of that past failure. I've already made a new one!" Spoiled and Diamond actually felt that painful jab and backed up to a corner next to the stairs. They felt useless at this point.

As much as he wanted to scold Filthy, Drift nodded understandably. He wasn't gonna give Filthy too much of a hard time because he made a mistake, too. “Okay, fair enough. So, are you coming or not?" He asked; he knew that his friend had good intentions, and he wouldn't have known that Marabunda was this dangerous, but now he can make things right between them by helping him fight the beast. "Work as a team? Like old times?"

Filthy looked a bit shocked but knew he was given the chance to redeem himself in Drift's eyes. But he smiled determinedly and nodded, "Right behind ya," He narrowed his eyes as Drift and Filthy shook hooves before walking over to the gaping hole Spike made.

"Be careful, dad!" Scootaloo said before Drift came over and gave his little girl a fatherly, loving hug.

"I will, baby girl. Daddy will be back and we can hang out like you always wanted," Drift said in a proud tone. "Longer than what's going on right now.”

Scootaloo smiled before Drift and Filthy walked to the front of the bakery. Scootaloo glared at Spoiled and Diamond as she held the whistle before glancing at it, "You wanted to see my pet? You'll get your chance," Scootaloo took a breath and blew into the whistle, calling for backup.

Under a bit of rubble, wood, and glass, Spike's eyes twitched when Scootaloo blew the whistle.

**Outside**

Smolder dodged as best she could from those claws and that stinger, she was terrified but she tried to reassert herself; Dragons are tough, and dragons are NOT afraid to fight! Spike may be a strategist, but so was she in her own way. She just had to pull off an act to trick this manticore before going for an assault.

Marabunda was hot on her tail, trying to bite at her tail. Smolder was circling around the area between Sugarcube Corner and the houses next to and across from it. She was not gonna let this thing anywhere near other areas in Ponyville, but it made maneuvering a little challenge. But it was especially tricky for Marabunda. That's when Smolder got an idea.

'That's it!' Smolder thought. 'Okay, just slow down a notch.' and so she did. Marabunda sped up to her thinking that she was running low on fumes, an easy chase for him, but he didn't take to an account what Smolder planned.

Marabunda came in fast, but Smolder halted her flight and came back to him. Marabunda was caught off-guard by that action and widened his eyes in shock as he watched his prey pull a fast on him by turning around and delivering a solid kick right between the eyes.

Marabunda howled in pain as he grabbed his eyes right as Smolder hopped of the beast's head and flew a good distance away. But the young dragoness was far from done.

Onlookers who remained hidden peeked out to find the monster screaming in pain. They noticed Smolder and wanted to cheer her on, but they didn't want to distract while she was busy.

She glared as Marabunda lunged for a bite on his arm and swiped her sharp claws on the arm she was latched onto. Marabunda, slightly blinded from that kick used his jaws to nab Smolder, but was quick to act and caught the manticore one tooth on both jaws with her claws.

Something wasn't right here. He managed to knock the eldest out of the fight, right? How is this orange dragon holding her own against him? Marabunda was getting annoyed and tried to swipe at Smolder, but a hard impact under his jaw forced his mouth to close, making him reel back and grab his jaw from what just occurred. Nothing broken, but it hurt like Tartarus. He licked his jaw and paused for a moment. A piece of his left fanged tooth was chipped off!

Smolder lowered her right leg and looked down at the piece of tooth in her claw, she chuckled and glared daggers at the manticore, "How do you like that, ya overgrown gray freak?!" She lashed and snarled at him as she threw the tooth piece away next to Derpy hiding in a trashcan.

Filthy, Drift, Gallus and Scootaloo looked on in shock from what they witnessed. Was Smolder holding her own against Marabunda? How?!

"Okay, am I seeing things, or is that little lady turning Marabunda into her own personal punching-bag?" Filthy asked, stunned himself a little dragon was actually fighting back.

"This might sound crazy to you guys, but Smolder is stronger than you think," Gallus said as he informed the two older stallions. They looked at him confused, but curious. Gallus slightly rolled his eyes and explained, "Smolder is strong enough to beat on rocks and boulders when she's mad. Yona, Silversteam and I witnessed this a few times when Smolder found out her favorite shows got canceled --" he gazed up at Smolder "-- turned a boulder to a pile of ash in mere minutes."

"Um, not to sound rude, but... what does that have to do with what's going on?" Drift asked, wondering why Gallus was telling them this.

Gallus facepalmed and groaned in a bit of frustration, "You haven't hung around dragons, have you?" Gallus snarkily asked. "Smolder is strong enough to handle that thing up there, so long as she doesn't lose her temper."

"You mean like that?" Filthy replied as he pointed up at a steam-breathing Smolder.

Gallus and Drift looked up, but Gallus widened his eyes, "Oh no."

Marabunda looked almost stunned that she managed to get a strike at him; a strike that actually hurt. He'd give her praise by killing her quickly. He gave her a wicked smirk and his face darkened while letting out a growl at Smolder, but paused when he noticed something off about her.

Orange cheeks flared red, eyes slit to cat-like, snout curled into a raging-snarl and flaring teeth, claws at the ready and smoke streamed out from the edges of her mouth. Rage built up inside Smolder and she made Marabunda her target, "You attacked my brother and thought you could use me as a chew toy?" Smolder glared death-daggers at Marabunda, but Marabunda wasn't affected by it. "No one does that and gets away with it! I'll kill you! You hear me?! I'll kill you!" Smolder let out a roar of her own as her rage exploded like a miniature volcano. First, a filly came in with a whistle and then summoned this? All she wanted was to hang out with her brother and friends. But no, a snobby filly and her twice-as-snobby mother had to ruin it. Now Spike is injured and she's dealing with this monster alone. She'll make quick work of it, even if it means getting herself hurt.

Marabunda tilted his head and thought what he did was no big deal, but a blast of smoke from the orange dragon begged to differ. Marabunda roared and went on the defense, covering his eyes so as not to get blinded, again. The smoke made from the little orange dragon buildup to where Marabunda was coated in it. Smolder stopped as she watched the wall of smoke she created, ranging across the street below.

Everyone who watched was amazed to see Smolder cough up a large stream of smoke like that. They hoped she had a plan up her sleeve or something.

But that smokescreen was just a distraction. Once Marabunda was covered head to tail in smoke, she made no hesitation and darted right after the rogue manticore, shocking everyone who witnessed it.

Marabunda swatted at the smoke to try and blow it away so he could see what was going on. Blind, again, and not knowing where anything was really started to rile him up and he was getting real tired of it. He growled lightly and looked around for the dragoness, quickly realizing that she must be using this to her advantage. He was about to flap his wings to blow the smoke away so he could find his prey, but a hard force appeared out of nowhere and slammed into his abdomen, almost knocking the wind out of him. Marabunda shrieked in pain with his eyes bugging out, and those outside the smokescreen heard him.

Gallus and the others winced when they heard the pained shriek and hard smack. It's as if they felt what Marabunda felt.

Smolder growled when she rammed into Marabunda, but she wasn't done, yet. She was gonna bring this thing back down to earth and make her ancestors proud! Smolder backed up just mere inches from Marabunda and rocket herself up, bashing him in the lower jaw again with both fists, knocking his head up and stunning him momentarily as he is knocked back some from the force. A pained grunt emitted from the manticore, but Smolder popped out of the smokescreen. She glared down and didn’t focus on anything else. Everyone would've cheered for her, had it not been for Smolder acting fast and flying down like a missile back into the smokescreen and pushing Marabunda down and making him crash to the ground just like he did with Spike.

Smolder dragged Marabunda across the ground like he was a surfboard a couple of feet away from Sugarcube Corner before stopping. She glared down at the prone manticore for a moment, but knew that was not gonna stop him -- even if he seemed out cold. One last-minute glance at him and she flew back up into the air above the buildings. She clenched her fists and slowly inhaled as much air as she could; flames began to build up in the back of her throat.

Gallus, Drift, Filthy, Scootaloo, everyone who was watching could not believe what they were looking at. A young dragoness took down a large manticore all on her own? If this was over like that, they'd peg her as Ponyville's newest hero -- but right now was not the time for it.

"Everycreature, hit the deck!" Gallus shouted as everyone looked to him, confused. But the message was clear when they saw the fire around Smolder's mouth build-up to make her look like a living will-o-wisp.

Everyone braced themselves as Smolder threw her head down and launched a big, powerful stream of concentrated fire down at Marabunda, coating his body with raw intense flames that could melt a boulder in mere seconds.

Marabunda cried out in agony as the flames blanket his body and singed his fur. He thrashed about, trying to escape, but the roaring flames had him pinned and burning his hide. There was nothing the manticore could do other than endure. Of all the creatures he fought, he didn't expect a small dragon to best him. She was intent on roasting him and he was feeling it all.

Smolder didn't let up. She wanted to see his body charred and lifeless. She would regret it later for acting this way, but she was too upset to see reason. But, it was ironic Marabunda attacked Spike first and not her. If this manticore was smart to figure it out, Smolder was stronger than Spike; that's why he came up with this plan. He was the distraction and she was the assault. Marabunda thought he'd turn the tides, but Smolder turned the tides on him, and she was gonna prove it right here. Now, all Smolder wanted was to see Marabunda burn! She launched more power into her flames and cranked up the heat. She never produced this much fire before, but had no other options. It was now or never!

The ponies near the vicinity and range of the fire attack felt the heat. The heat wasn't enough to melt the foundations, but it was still hot enough for them to feel it. Drift and Filthy were sweating a little from it, but they kept their eyes glued to the fight. They knew all too well what dragon fire was capable through hearing stories of others and witnessing at least one that fought another. Dragon's were no joke, and Smolder was proving those stories right. If her parents were here, she'd make them proud.

Marabunda howled in agony for some time until he suddenly went silent. It caught the ears of onlookers -- even Drift and Filthy, but Smolder looked like she wasn't quite done just yet.

Smolder had the upper hand, but when she sensed Marabunda wasn't moving, she stopped her all-out assault and looked down at what she caused. All she saw was a charred, motionless body sprawled on the ground lying in a bed of black dirt; smoke flowing off of his body. He didn’t seem to be breathing either. Smolder breathed heavily from using too much energy on her flames, having also worked up quite a sweat, but she did it. She defeated Marabunda. She flew back down with what little energy she had left and glided away from him. She landed near Drift, Gallus, and Filthy who looked on in shock from what they witnessed as they came to help Smolder in case she fell over herself.

Smolder huffed and puffed out of exhaustion, but she could still talk, just barely, "Taken... care of... guys..." Smolder breathed exhausted breaths and her heart was racing a mile a minute, but she slowly calmed down long enough to smile proudly and victorious from winning that fight against Marabunda.

"Smolder, that was awesome!" Gallus said, smiling with excitement as the two stallions nodded in agreement.

"You feeling okay?" Drift asked, a little worried since Smolder looked like she could barely move after that.

Smolder would make a comeback for that silly and stupid question, but she was far too tired to think of one. Scootaloo couldn't believe it herself. With all the stories her father told her and her mother, she believed Marabunda was gonna be tough to take down, but Smolder took him out and saved Ponyville. Fluttershy walked up to Scootaloo and witnessed what just occurred. She was more than surprised.

Smolder smiled, again, a little cheeky at them and wanted to brag about her victory, but her worry for her brother overlapped anything else and she gazed at Sugarcube Corner, concerned, "Is... Spike... okay?" Smolder asked as she tried to walk.

Everyone else looked worried and tried to come up with a comforting answer for Smolder, but miraculously --

"Heh, I'll live!" Spike said as he got back up from that crash. A little woozy and dented, but he was up and about. He limped from Pinkie Pie and the cake family and towards what used to be the front door next to a very worried Fluttershy and a worried, but relieved, Scootaloo. Smolder was more than happy to see her brother was still alive. Compared to her, that hit must've hurt like a mother.

"I knew... you wouldn't go... down that easy," Smolder still tried to catch her breath, but she was too happy to care. She started to walk over to Spike while Drift and Filthy had her back.

Spike smiled softly, he couldn't be more proud of his sister for taking down that monster. If any of their family were there, heck, any of their ancestors were there, they'd make them proud. Spike was about to walk out and celebrate with her, but something in the corner of his eye got his attention and before anyone could react, a charred paw came swooping across and snatched Smolder, knocking Filthy and Drift away and catching the other off-guard.

"Smolder!" Spike screamed as Smolder screamed in fear as Marabunda came back from the 'dead' and nabbed Smolder without her knowing. Scootaloo, Fluttershy and everyone else gasped in horror as the little dragon was caught in the beast's grip.

Marabunda roared in fury as he dragged Smolder across the ground and pinned her under his paw and crushing her with his weight, making her wail in pain.

Smolder couldn't fight back. Her energy was near depleted from that fire attack. All she could do was look up as Marabunda glared down at her with savage eyes. He shook the charcoal off his body and revealed that the fire barely touched his skin, but did singe off a lot of his fur. Smolder did a number on him, but not even that would take him out. All the bravery Smolder had turned into fear as the last thing she could do was call out for help, and so she desperately did, "HELP!" Just how strong was this animal?

Spike snarled angrily as instincts to save his sister quickly took over. As if his pain barely mattered, Spike spread his bruised wings and soared passed Drift and Filthy who were next to go after him.

"How in the world did he survive that?" Filthy asked, concerned.

Drift looked at him as if what he asked was an impossible question, "How should I know? No one can live through dragon fire like that!"

Scootaloo and Fluttershy felt useless in this situation, Scootaloo tried again and blew the whistle as hard as she could, this time getting a louder ring out of it. Fluttershy looked at her daughter and wondered what she was doing.

Spike weakly flew at the manticore and swung his claws, clawing off more pieces of fur and raking skin, "Let go of my sister, you jerk!" He grunted in pain when Marabunda swung his tail and smacked him away, but Spike grabbed it and tried hanging on. Marabunda glared back at Spike while Smolder watched as her injured brother tried in vain to help her. Then Marabunda had an idea: if this purple dragon is trying to save this female dragon, then it would be all the more fun to wipe her out and then the rest. Keep him alive as he watched. Or, maybe do it to the female dragon. Seeing the trauma on his prey's faces gave him great joy. It's how he works – traumatize the rest of the prey by killing their closest member, be it friend or family, and then pick them off while they're stunned, but for this little one he pinned down, he'll make sure it's slow and painful. He licked his chops down at Smolder and opened his mouth, showing off his razor-sharp teeth, his hot stinky breath hitting her face.

Smolder whimpered as she tried to escape, but his grip was too strong. She screamed out in horror and sheer terror as Marabunda started lowering his mouth towards her, preparing to tear into her scales.

Spike saw this and tried to pull at Marabunda's tail with what strength he had in him, trying desperately to get him away from Smolder. If she were to die right here, he'd never forgive himself and his actual dragon family would disown him for Smolder's death. He had to save her by any means, "No!" He snarled and bit down on Marabunda's tail, getting his attention.

Marabunda grunted a bit from the bite. That hurt a bit, but not enough to get a bloody mess from his tail -- but it sure got his attention. He rose up and gazed back at the purple nuisance behind him. Change of plans, he'll traumatize the little orange dragon instead. Without a second thought, Marabunda pulled his tail back, lifted Spike in the air and slammed him back down, dazing him as he released Maranbunda's tail. Drift and Filthy prepared to use their weapons while Smolder watched in horror as Spike groaned in pain and tried to get up, but a loud piercing noise echoed and Spike let out a scream of absolute pain.

Time almost seemed to stop when Drift, Filthy, Scootaloo, Fluttershy, Smolder, and Pinkie Pie watched in dismay, shock, horror and disbelief as Marabunda lifted his tail off of Spike and reeled it back, poison dripping from the stinger tip. Spike barely let out a breath as he looked at his sister before dropping his head to the ground, eyes closed. No one knew if he was out cold... or worse.

Everything went quiet and the only thing that could be heard was the snickering cackle of Marabunda as he gazed upon the defeated drake. He then turned his attention to a destroyed Smolder who was tearing up under his paw. He didn't care about what the others felt. All he cared about was what was about to be in his blood-hungry maw. He hungrily licked his chops and opened his mouth as he prepared to make a dragoness one fine delicacy.

Drift gazed at Spike's motionless body and felt his body go cold. whether it was from guilt or something else, he knew what he saw was never gonna leave his mind. He couldn't believe this just happened. Spike seemed like a really cool guy. Very likable and fun to hang around; Gallus was right to say what he said. He hadn't hung around dragons that much, but he and Smolder seemed like chill dragons and his daughter seemed like have goo-goo eyes over.... 'Wait, Scootaloo!' He turned his head and saw his daughter on her haunches crying out to Spike, heartbroken. Fluttershy grabbed a hold on her and tried to keep her from going out there. His daughter destroyed, a friend down, and another soon to follow? No, seeing this ignited a new flame to him. This was supposed to a peaceful day and Marabunda was ruining it; Filthy better have a good idea of what punishment his witch of a wife and brat of a daughter are gonna have, because this was out of line! He's had enough and he knew his friend and comrade was the same. He widened his eyes and snarled in anger. He swung his wrist weapon at Marabunda, glaring at the demon, aiming carefully at his head. "You son of a --"

Suddenly, an apple came out of nowhere and slammed hard onto Marabunda's nose, then some pies flew by and splattered all over his face as he roared in pain and shock from this surprise attack. All the trauma Smolder saw caused her to pass out before she could even see who saved her.

Marabunda reeled back and clench his nose, whipping the pies off his face and unintentionally releasing Smolder. He grasped his muzzle tight, momentarily halting the pain – but he could feel the warm touch of his own blood leaking out of his nose from the hard impact of the fruit. It didn't feel broken, but it still hurt. He opened his demon eyes and glared over at the source with a vicious growl; who dares attempt to harm him and defy his traumatizing tactics?

Drift was stunned by the sudden aid and looked to where the apple goods came from, and much to his happiness, shock and relief, aid came in the form of three familiar earth ponies and two unicorns.

Scootaloo, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie noticed as well and looked to find who came just in the nick of time to help and what a surprise they got!

Applejack and her siblings came back from Mount Rushmare. They expected to have a warm welcome, but nothing quite like this.

Applejack glared furiously as she pulled her hat down, "Y'all stay away from those dragons, ya flea-pickin' varmint!"

Marabunda glared at these new arrivals and roared in fury. He was gonna make them suffer for hitting him with food.

Applebloom tossed up another pie and yelled, "Fire!" Big Mac quickly turned and bucked the pie tin, making the pie sail before it struck the rogue manticore right in the face, its juices splattering all over and getting in his eyes, causing him some eye pain as the beast roared in agony from the sudden sting in his eyes. "Good shot, big brother!" She grinned up at her brother who smirked and looked proud of his direct hit.

"Lucky shot, little sis." He winked, modest that it was but luck that helped him there.

A blue aura surrounded the unconscious Smolder and pulled her away from Marabunda as a diamond-like magic shield appeared once she was a safe distance from the manticore. Smolder barely opened her eyes, but she noticed a unicorn filly was using light green magic blasts, assuming they were fired at Marabunda. She was surprised, but her body was too tired to show it, by such magic, she moved her eye up and noticed another unicorn casting some kind of spell over herself and the smaller unicorn, but to her own shock and relief, she figured out it was none other than Rarity and Sweetie Belle who saved her! "R-Rarity? S-Sweetie Belle?" Smolder passed out again before the two unicorns could get a word in.

Sweetie Belle glared as she blasted another green beam at the manticore, striking him across the cheek like a knife, causing him to roar and take another step back. "Leave her alone, you big bully!"

Rarity smiled proudly at her sister while using her magic to create dazzling diamond shields to give them some protection against the beast. "Smashing shot, Sweetie Belle~"

She grinned happily up at her big sister, proud that she got in a few hits with her magic. "Thanks, Rarity!" She squeaked out in joy.

Though they witnessed Spike getting hurt, they were unable to rescue him from Marabunda, but lucky for the unicorns and earth ponies, two shadows in the form of a Griffon and Pegasus came down over Marabunda and grabbed Spike before the beast could notice. Drift and Filthy saw this and were relieved to see that they showed up as well.

Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie watched worriedly as Gilda and Rainbow Dash came down and placed Spike down in front of them and Scootaloo.

“Rainbow Dash… Gilda…!” Scootaloo lightly smiled in relief upon seeing her idol and new friend.

“Hold Spike!” Rainbow Dash barked to Fluttershy as she quickly grabbed him and held him in a motherly embrace.

"So, can someone tell us why a giant manticore is attacking Ponyville?" Gilda pointed back at Marabunda, confused and shocked.

But Rainbow Dash shook her head at her, thinking there was no time for questions, "No time, let's just take this thing out!" she barked before flying back to help her friends, glaring furiously at this rogue manticore.

Gilda nodded but glanced back at Spike and winced as she got a good look at where he got stung. “Yeesh… hope someone knows how to treat stings like?” She pointed at the disturbing hole in Spike's back before she glared at Marabunda and followed after her best friend before Fluttershy could get a word in.

Pinkie Pie narrowed her eyes at Spike then back at Marabunda in anger. That tore it right there, “No manticore stings Spike and gets away with it!” Uncharacteristically yet understandably, filled with rage, she raced after Dash and Gilda.

“Pinkie Pie!” Scootaloo gasped while her mother desperately reached to stop the pink mare from being reckless.

Mr. Cake looked ready to faint while Pound reached for her in fear, babbling out in fear “Pinkie!”

Pumpkin cried out in fear for her foalsitter and unofficial aunt-figure. “Pie!”

Mrs.Cake gasped deeply in fear and called for the party mare desperately, “Pinkie, sweetheart, stay here!!!”

However, Pinkie would not listen – this manticore was going to pay for making all these unhappy faces and for hurting her best dragon friend.

Filthy saw the opening and nodded to Drift, they had to out-think the beast and outnumber him. Thankfully, Drift caught that and nodded.

With their tactical plan in mind, they raced after the three girls, flying and running into battle as the Apples and Gems aid them with everything they got.

An all-out war between the ponies and griffon against a creature none of which have ever faced before. With the dragons out of commission, odds are not looking up, but none cared as Pinkie Pie let out the call.

“CHAAAAAAAAARGE!”

Stand Up To Them...

Author's Notes:

Holy cow was this a monster to finish -- pun totally intended. I was intending this to be published on my birthday, but that never happened due to life. lol. So, instead, it's published on... the day MLP airs its series finale. huh. Honestly, this feels bitter-sweet. But hey, the bright side is: the show left an impact on us and gave us smiles for 9 years. If it wasn't for the show, authors wouldn't be able to come up with their own ideas for stories and share their ideas of what the lores are like. Man, we've come along way. But just because MLP is ending, doesn't mean we should stop doing what we love. I know I won't. My friend and I put our best effort in the chapter and I hope you all enjoy and let us know what ya'll think.

Marabunda's ear twitched, signaling him something was wrong. He looked behind himself, but, once again, was caught off-guard. Normally, he would easily take on a group, but this one was working together from all sides and forced him to put more effort into his actions. He growled in anger and made swipes at the earth ponies first, but yipped in shock when one of them somehow zoomed closed to him, smiling at him somewhat disturbingly. He blinked a few times before this pink pony pulled a blue cannon out of nowhere from her odd mane and immediately blasted him in the face with confetti. He roared in hysteria and frantically rubbed at his muzzle, spitting out some that got in his mouth before glaring back at the one responsible for this without a shred of fear -- though he was still confused how this pony did that. And why wasn't she showing fear towards him? He took great pride in intimidating others, so why wasn't this one afraid?

"Surprise!" Pinkie Pie grinned once he saw her. She opened up a random birthday gift and showed it to him, much to his already noticeable confusion. He looked inside, but a thick-layered cake launched itself out and splattered all over his face, making him roar in agitation, "Hehe!~ Double surprise!" Pinkie Pie chuckled at the manticore, showing no fear herself.

Marabunda groaned in irritation as the sweet's frosting stung his eyes. He quickly wiped at his eyes so he could see his attackers; the repeated attacks to his face, he quickly figured out they're aiming there so he wouldn't see the others coming – something he found clever, but not clever enough. He took one step, but his eyes bug out as suddenly tripped. He slammed to the ground with decent force, but it wasn't enough to knock him out. Out of the blue, something wrapped around his feet and pulled them out from under him? Just how fast are these little morsels? He looked to the right and saw the fleeing rainbow tail of a cyan Pegasus before he noticed his hind legs were tied up by a rope. Guess earth ponies and unicorns aren't the only ones joining in this fight.

Rainbow Dash smirked proudly as she managed to knock him off his paws, and Applejack managed to stall him with her lasso, "Nice work of that rope, AJ."

Applejack pulled her rope loose. She nodded proudly and smugly smiled at Marabunda that's stalling the monster, "Not so bad yourself with that rainbow wrap around the front." She complimented, pulling her attention away from Marabunda as Rainbow Dash landed right next to her.

Marabunda growled in fury as he got up and raised his stinger. An opportunity presented itself to him. Like the miserable dragon, he was gonna impale these mares and knock them out, for good.

Gilda quickly noticed Marabunda's sneak attack and gasped. Instincts kicked in and she dashed over to her friends and tackled the two away as she spouted, "LOOK OUT!" The stinger stabbed into the ground, narrowly missing them.

Marabunda increasingly grew frustrated every minute. For such little morsels and playthings, these beings were quite a slippery bunch. However, his frustration vanished when an oddly familiar voice yelled to him.

"Hey, you overgrown inbred of a scorpion and a lion!"

Marabunda paused, feeling truly insulted by that; it infuriated him! Calling him ugly was one thing, but to mock his appearance by labeling him with such a vulgar term easily riled him up. He growled lowly and looked to the voice. He found a pegasus pony and an earth pony armed with weapons. He tilted his head, getting an odd sense of déjà vu.

"Remember me?" The pegasus pony smirked at him and turned his head, revealing the scar on his face.

Filthy stood by and glared at Marabunda. He kept a tough exterior going, but deep down he was terrified. It's been a long time since he and Drift ever did something like this -- and this was the very creature that ended it. He hoped to Celestia he hadn't lost his touch. 'I think he doesn't remember me,' Filthy thought, 'I should be happy, but I'm not.' He felt a bit of jealous from Drift, but chuckled to himself. Figured the one with the scar would have the bad-stallion moment.

He took a minute to think, but Marabunda actually froze when he figured it out and his eyes widen in surprise and recognition. And for good reason. He knew there was a reason why he felt he knew these creatures from somewhere, and by encountering this pony – it came to him.

Years ago, he had fought a group of ponies, and this group had two specific ponies that look just like the pegasus and earth pony – even their features are the same. But when he fought their group, he took one of their own out as his meal for the day and left them, scarred, literally for one of them. He looked on in shock as he quickly connected the pieces – these two ponies before him are the same ponies he fought years ago. The scarred one proved it.

He gave a low growl, narrowing his devilish eyes at the Pegasus, his tongue lightly rubbing against his chipped fang and extending a claw further from one of his paws – he definitely remembered him alright. Same goes for the earth pony next to him. He let out a roar at both of them, ready to settle this once and for all.

"Well, say ‘Hello' to my little friend!" Drift shouted as he pointed his wrist crossbow at Marabunda.

"Oh? He does remember me?" Filthy said, surprised for a moment. "I guess I should feel honored." Filthy pointed his wrist bomb-flinger at Marabunda as both of them fired their respective weapon. Drift launched steel pebbles at Marabunda and Filthy fire a gas-bomb afterward.

Marabunda roared in agony as their shots manage to hit their mark, backing him up a decent distance away. The pebbles struck him in his furless spots and made him yip; they felt like hard pinches, but not enough to make him bleed or anything; they were just annoying. Marabunda roared in annoyance and tried to get them to stop, but was suddenly met by a green football-shaped object that soared up and crashed onto his snout, causing him further pain as it exploded on impact.

Marabunda howled in shock, confusion, and agitation as to what the heck just happened and wondered what was just thrown at him. He was stunned as an unknown green mist appeared and circled his head. Marabunda had no clue what those ponies just did, but that was very annoying and very new to him. He didn't think much of the green mist, so he tried to fix his muzzle by giving it a whiff of air -- huge mistake! He snapped his eyes open and mental glass broke as he grabbed his snout, clenching it hard as he howled in unbridled pain and irritation.

Of all pains he could've taken, he would've gladly taken the pain inflicted by the object or the explosion that came after, or even both! Granted, it would still hurt like a mother, but it would be better than whatever this smell was. It reeked so bad that it threw his senses in a whirligig of uncomfortable nausea and pain. He didn't know what those ponies threw at him, but it was unbearable and he came close to feeling dizzy from being in this mist. It didn't seem poisonous, but it sure left him wanting to backtrack what he was thinking for even taking a whiff of this ungodly painful mist. Then he started to feel the skin on his face get irritated and itchy for some reason and his breathing started to slow. He had to think of something fast!

This was great for Drift and Filthy as that gas bomb was strong enough to cover any other scent Marabunda could pick up -- meaning they now had another advantage, but for how long was the real question. It wasn't gonna be enough to take the rogue manticore down, so they needed to find further weak points or make new ones.

The ponies and griffon yelled as they maneuver their attacks on the manticore while keeping a distance from his claws, his teeth, and his tail. Once they got away and saw what just occurred, they were shocked to find that they managed to make Marabunda howl in agony. But how?

Even Filthy was confused by this. Just what did he launch at Marabunda to make him acted like a cowardly kitten? "Drift, what was that I just launched?" Filthy asked, confused by what he did. Of all the weapons he seen back in the day, he's never seen a gas bomb powerful enough to cause that much pain to a creature like Marabunda.

To say he was proud was an understatement. Drift knew this new ammunition would work, but never anticipated it would work that well, "I can't explain too much, but I had a lot of time on my hooves and I may have made a couple of tear gas bombs."

This caught Filthy by surprise. Gilda and Rainbow Dash overheard this and listened in on their conversation, "You made tear gas bombs?!" Filthy said in shock from this revelation. "Just what did you put in these bombs to make them stronger?" This was beyond anything he remembered when using weapons like tear gas bombs. He recalled them able to stun ponies, but nothing of the sort that would affect animals. Just what was Drift hiding?

Drift was silent for a moment as he calmly looked to the side, but hesitated to reveal just what he used to make those powerful versions of the regular tear gas bombs, but to put it simply, he quickly explained in a slight hesitant tone, "I... uh... may have used raw lemon juice, pepper spray, and skunk fumes to make those."

Filthy just looked at him blankly and blinked several times to process what he just heard. He was about to speak, but Rainbow Dash cut them off before they could continue the fight.

"Are you kidding me right now, Drift?" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "Why didn't you tell anypony about this?" Gilda just gave Rainbow Dash a confused glance, wondering why she would ask that when clearly there was no reason for Drift to tell anyone. It was just a coincidence that this was brought into play.

Drift rolled his eyes and glared back at Rainbow Dash, "Now is not the time, Rainbow Dash. I'll explain everything when Marabunda is dead!" He glared back at Marabunda who flapped his wings and blew the gas away. The gas may be gone, but the sight of Marabunda's face all red and near bubbly from the gas was unnerving.

"Drift, buddy, is there something else you're not--"

"Less talky, more fighty!" Drift interrupted as Marabunda wiped his eyes before finding Drift and Filthy and roared in mass annoyance.

Everyone went back into battle mode as they prepared for Marabunda's next attack, but it seemed he was more focused on Drift and Filthy rather than Applejack and the others.

"Get him, daddy!" Scootaloo cheered her father on.

"Go, daddy, go!" Silver Spoon agreed as she cheered for her dad as well.

Drift and Filthy heard their children cheer for them, but they remained focused on Marabunda. Having their attention away for only a second would spell disaster.

Drift spoke to Filthy while he kept his focus on the enraged manticore, "Filthy, let's change things up a bit. I'm only going to explain this once." Filthy glanced at Drift, wondering what he meant by that. "Our wrist weapons can change ammunition with just a switch."

Filthy took a look at his weapon and noticed there were three extra tubes around it. They weren't opened like the one above his hoof, but they seemed to act as storage. How many, he didn't know, but with what he launched at Marabunda seemed light, so that explained why it didn't have much weight to it and why it wasn't holding him back. How he hadn't noticed this was beyond him, but it was the least of his problems right now, "I can see that, but what are you planning?" Filthy asked.

"We just used defense, now we go offense," Drift suggested as he clicked the switch on his weapon to change the ammunition.

Filthy went on ahead and did the same thing and clicked his switch. Whatever was the next ammunition in this thing, he was more than anticipated to see. How Drift managed to make these devices seemed impossible to him. Nopony has ever once made weapons quite like them; he was truly blown away, but he didn't show it to Drift or anyone else, but another thought did cross his mind and it made him itch for an answer, "Drift, who did give us that contract, anyway?"

Drift paused for a moment, it never occurred to him who gave them the contract, but it's been years since it was given, "I don't know who gave it to us, but I get the feeling we might find out soon -- if we succeed."

Filthy nodded and turned his attention back to Marabunda, "Right."

Without hesitation, Marabunda charged at the former trophy hunters, roaring in absolute fury.

Drift quickly barked "Break!" as they managed to dodge in time just as Marabunda landed a strong swipe at the ground, leaving a deep claw mark. The manticore growled, only to see his two assailants run in opposite directions of one another. He would be confused, but the tactic they seemed to use felt familiar to the rogue -- go separate so one can be a distraction while the other attacked. As if that tactic would ever work on him. So, he waited them out, waiting for one to make the first move. Sure, he wanted to tear them apart, but he wasn't gonna be fooled easily. He glanced at the two circling around him, but which one was he gonna go first? Or should he do a fake-out and go for the other, leaving the second one thinking he was going for him. Yeah, that's the plan.

Filthy was determined to find out what else was in his weapon. He clicked the switch and now he was eager, but a bit hesitant, to fire it. He didn't know what other ammunition was in this bomb-flinger, but he was about to find out once he found his target of range. He and Drift kept running around Marabunda in hopes he could find the right target. There was no telling who this beast was going after first, but a voice in the back of his head asked, 'why isn't he attacking right now?' and 'Is he going to attack Drift first?' The latter question was soon answered.

Gilda and Rainbow Dash were just as eager to join in the fight. Like Spike and Smolder, they were ready to jump into action when Marabunda or the two stallions decide to make a move.

While ready if needed, Applejack, Big Mac and Rarity were too fixated on the fight at hoof. All three of them were capable fighters, but if they joined in right now it would be overcrowded. Besides, they had to keep their unconscious dragon friend safe for the time being and Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom would gladly take that mission while the adults kept watch in case the fillies were needed for the fight.

Spoiled Rich was stunned by what she was seeing – her husband, showing a side she had never personally witnessed before. She remembered him telling her of his stories back in his trophy hunting days, but she thought all of that was just a fluke; just stories to make him sound cool. Truth be told, the reason she married him was just for his bits, nothing more, nothing less; she wanted to feel like she was on top. But, to now see him unleash this side on this beast? It was real! He wasn't faking it. It was happening as she watched, out the window, her own husband fight off a monster like he said in his stories. She couldn't believe her eyes, nor could she keep them away from him. Needless to say, for the first time since they married, her heart started to pound in an odd rhythm and a faint blush appeared on her cheeks; a genuine loving smile formed on her face as she witnessed this hidden personally, swooning over her husband's bravery. "That's my stallion…" she whispered softly to herself, falling in love with her husband all over again. She may be in trouble with him, but this new side of his sure got her attention and made her feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and she didn't care if anypony saw her.

Diamond was amazed to see her father fight with Drift against the monster she had summoned. While she loved her father with all her heart, she had never seen him get so physical before. This made her respect her father even more, although she knew she was in for quite the punishment afterwards. "Please make it out okay, dad…"

With a few more laps around Marabunda, the beast made a move going after Drift. He let out a roar but Filthy whistled to him loudly to get his attention -- it worked. Marabunda turned around and saw the other pony stand and glare at him without any hint of fear, but he could smell it from him. If this pony was willing to die now, he'd be obliged to do so. Marabunda cackled a bit and made a toothy grin at Filthy before noticing him lift the strange weapon up at him. Maranbunda covered his muzzle, expecting this one to launch the same thing he launched before. His muzzle slowly recovered, but he was smart enough to learn from his first mistake. He was ready for him, this time.

Filthy focused his aim at Marabunda before Drift shouted at his friends to "Look away!" Marabunda heard that and glanced at Drift, but then heard a loud foomp. Quickly, he turned his head just in time to see a pineapple-shaped object fly up to his forehead and barely tap between his eyes.

Having heeded Drift's words, all their friends and family looked away or ducked for cover. Drift and Filthy averted their eyes away while Marabunda kept his attention on this second strange object the pony flew. Instincts told him to quickly get out of there when he realized this could be another explosive object -- but it was too late. The odd-shaped object exploded in his face and creates a powerful blast of light, brighter than the sun's morning rays. Those who weren't caught in the blast, looking away and/or ducking cover, still had to cover their eyes due to the intense light the projectile emitted. Marabunda howled in agony yet again and grabbed his eyes, but the damage was already done. His eyes felt like they've been jabbed with daggers and he could not pull them out. Out of desperation, Marabunda started swinging his paws randomly, hoping to hit something. He roared in irritated panic. First his snout, now his eyes?! He was fooled, yet again! Okay, that tore it right there. No more games, all these ponies will die by his teeth and claws! Everyone dies! He didn't care who he hit.

It lasted for a few seconds, but the flash ceased and the offensive allies went for the attack. Drift aimed his dart launcher and fired first, planting a pin needle-like dart dead center in Marabunda's right paw. A perfect shot, but Marabunda felt the sting on the needle and instantly headed to the direction where the dart was launched. He swiped but hit nothing as Drift dodged to the right and fired his weapon again; launching two more pin needle darts at Marabunda's shoulder and hip. Marabunda tried to jump at Drift, but with fast reflexes, Drift evaded the assault like a salmon evading the jaws of a shark. Drift ran to the left this time and fired again, launching three more pin needle darts with pinpoint accuracy. The darts pierced themselves into a bald spot on Marabunda's right arm, his right thigh and achilles heel. Drift glared determinedly as he heard Marabunda howl each time a dart was planted into him. A dragon's wrath, tag-teams from the other groups, but this was the tag-team that needed to end this. There was no way Marabunda was gonna survive this kind of tag-team assault for long. They were not gonna get up close -- it was all about long-ranged assault. Drift and Filthy had to finish this now and avenge their fallen friend. The thought of that contract meant nothing to them.

Like Diamond and Spoiled, Fluttershy and Scootaloo were in awe as they watched Drift fight off against Marabunda. Like the Riches, they got to experience they're loved one in action -- and they were in awe by what they were watching.

Scootaloo smiled excitedly and cheered for her father. Seeing him like this made her respect him for more than she should. He was fighting a monster and injuring him. Not only that, but he was gonna help her get revenge for what that monster did to Spike. "Get him, daddy! You can do it!" Scootaloo cheered. She didn't know what Filthy was doing, but she didn't care because whatever her daddy had planned, it was working.

Fluttershy just remained silent, but she would be lying to herself if she said this was not the most coolest thing she's ever seen her stallion do. Drift ran around, dodging swipes and tail lashes while fighting back without throwing a punch. As much as she wanted to stop him, she was not gonna do just that; she knew what Drift had to do and she couldn't be more proud of him. She hated this fact, but rogues had to be put down. It hurt her because they were animals, too, but she understood they were a threat to other animals; she wanted to help them turn back to what they were and help them have a better life, but it just pained her to know that some rogues just can't see reason and the best way to take care of them, and put them out of their misery, was to put them down. And it seems Marabunda was a lost cause and beyond redemption because from what she witnessed from him during this fight, while he still has his sanity, he doesn't even regret what he does or who he kills. Marabunda needed to be put down. Even with this caring side of her going on, another side of her loved seeing Drift take action and fend off against Marabunda. It was so mesmerizing - it made her feel all warm and fuzzy inside, too. 'Please, be careful, Drift,' Fluttershy thought as she kept her attention to her stallion.

Vinyl was overjoyed when she managed to get a view of what went down outside. It didn't take her long to rush outside to see the action. Granted, she should be inside, but she didn't want to miss any of this. She stood next to Fluttershy and Scootaloo, but never kept her eyes away from Drift who was kicking serious flank right now. "Get him, D-Bro!" Vinyl cheered. "Take him down!"

She witnessed the dragons had their round, then Applejack and her family along with Rarity and Sweetie Belle, but now she anticipated this moment. With what she did to bring Drift's weapons over here, she hoped it paid off. She smiled excitedly and felt herself get pumped watching this fight. Drift was already in combat with Filthy and she loved what she was seeing.

But the fight was about to end shortly...

Drift ran around Marabunda and glared at Filthy. Filthy glared back. Drift motioned him away and Filthy nodded, quickly leaving the fray to get back to his daughters and wife as Drift straightened his arm and fired one more dart, planting it right onto Marabunda's chest. His wrist weapon suddenly beeped and a red button flash on the right side of it. He looked down at it for a moment then back at Marabunda, but the rogue manticore heard it and tried to land a bite for it. Drift flinched and side-stepped out of the way; Marabunda just inches away from him. But a hardy, buck to an injury on his muzzle, Marabunda was stunned momentarily. Drift jumped a good few feet away from his foe and glared at him with no hint of sympathy, at all, as the beast howled in pain from the kick and being turned into a pincushion.

Drift stood there for a moment to let Marabunda soak in the pain he and Filthy gave him, glaring coldly down at the monster who scarred him, "Yeah, it hurts doesn't it?" he said to the beast as everyone watched with anticipation. "Go back to Tartarus where you belong, you murdering bastard." Drift turned around and looked at his marefriend and daughter and smiled at both of them. Both looked at him back and wondered what he was planning. Marabunda was blind temporarily and everyone knew that, but Drift inhaled and shouted "Hey!" to get Marabunda's attention. Marabunda heard him and roared right behind him, but a quick slam on the button and the red tips on all the darts turned into a beeping frenzy.

Marabunda's ears twitched and flopped from the unusual beeping. He groaned confusingly until the one dart in his right paw beeped faster until it exploded with strong force, pushing his paw away, then the one on his shoulder exploded; the darts exploded a trailed on Marabunda left by Drift. And Drift stood there facing away from Marabunda and hearing his cried pains of agony from the timed and controlled explosions.

Fluttershy, Scootaloo, Vinyl, everyone there who stayed behind watched as Marabunda was bombarded with explosion after explosion. Could this be it? Could this be the moment that Marabunda finally goes down? They couldn't tell, but from the wails of Marabunda, it seemed like it was.

The dart that sunk into Marabunda's achilles heel was next to explode and the force pushed his leg up before the next needle exploded and lifted him up a few inches. He slammed to the ground on his back and groaned groggily. Marabunda actually whimpered in pain and tried his darnedest to withstand the blows, but it was more than he could handle. How many explosions was he gonna take? Marabunda felt like he went through a swamp full of crocodiles and thorn bushes. Two ponies bested him in a short amount of time? How stupid can that get? He was still alive, so he could get back up and -- ....then he heard a louder version of the beeps he heard seconds ago and opened his eyes and looked down. With his vision coming back to him, he could finally see. But what he didn't want to see was a larger dart planted in his chest. The beeping stopped. Marabunda widened his eyes in shock and let out a quick grunt before an explosion with greater magnitude erupted and overtook his body, rocketing a large smoke plume in its wake.

Drift stood there when the explosion went off, never looking back and not even acknowledging the last cry of his fallen enemy. He felt the force of the blast but kept his ground, staying strong as he felt his mane flow with the wind. He and Filthy had won.

The explosion echoed across Ponyville. Those who managed to get away from the fight and outside of Ponyville heard the blast, but didn't want to see the result. They were only concerned about their safety and that's it.

With the explosion having done its job but kept that smoke plume in play, Drift just walked away, heading back to his friends and family. All while they had faces like they've just witnessed the end of an action film taking place -- but this actually happened right in front of them.

They were also confused by what just happened, too. Did they win? They weren't sure. Marabunda didn't jump out of the smoke plume to ambush Drift. So, they must've won!

Drift approached a flabbergasted Fluttershy, Scootaloo and Vinyl. All having slack-jawed mouths and dinner-plate-sized eyes. Drift chuckled and jokingly teased them, "You know you girls'll catch flies if you keep your mouths open like that." But he was immediately tackled by a pink blur and pinned down rather easily.

"That was awesome, Drift!" Drift flinched as he was caught off-guard and facing a very relieved and thankful Pinkie Pie. She looked at his weapon and asked him dozens of questions, like "What is this?" and "How did you make this?" Drift tried to answer her questions as best he could, but with fighting Marabunda he was well exhausted. Lucky for him, Rainbow Dash came by and pushed Pinkie pie off him.

"Come on, Pinkie, give him some space."

"Aww, come on Dashie! Aren't you curious, too?"

Drift blinked in confusion, wondering what just happened before a talon reached out to him. He looked up to see Gilda, before offering a hoof up. The Apple family soon followed. Rarity and Sweetie Belle had Smolder in their magic grasp before placing her on a bench.

Drift smiled a bit and happily took Gilda's talon, getting up as he dusted himself off. "Thanks, Gilda."

"Pfft, more like we should be thanking you and your friend," Gilda retorted as he pointed to Filthy hugging his wife and daughters.

Drift smiled as Dash gave him a light punch on the arm with a proud grin as she agreed with Gilda, "I gotta admit man, that was 200% awesome!" He blushed bashfully, wanting to say that it was nothing and that he was simply keeping everyone safe until Gilda asked, "But Pinkie does have some good questions. Just what the heck are those things?"

Drift looked at his Dart launcher and tried to come up with a good explanation, but none didn't really seem to come to mind, "It's kind of hard for me to explain just exactly what I used to construct these weapons. I was just in the zone and used my free time."

"Heh, apparently ya'll use your free time rather well if you made those do-hickies. Ammunition like that is not something I've ever seen before," and with the weapons Applejack and her family have in their barn, that's saying something.

"Eeyup," Big Mac said, agreeing with Applejack.

Drift rubbed the back of his head and chuckled a little. He didn't really think much of what he made. When he set his mind to what he wanted to make, he does it. And it just so happened he had those wrist weapons in mind. But, he didn't know if he made them out of revenge for his fallen friend or not... but, if it meant anything, he was glad he made them and used them against the very monster that killed him. Drift looked over to Diamond and Spoiled in a conflicted glare. What those two did was outright stupid and would've gotten tons of ponies killed, but on the other hoof, he wanted to thank them for letting him have the opportunity to get his revenge. He raised a brow to himself; best not to say that in front of his family. But, speaking of family, he glanced over to Fluttershy and Scootaloo who rushed him and hugged him close. He saw his step-sister approach him and give him a light hoofbump on the shoulder.

"D-bro, that was one of the coolest things I've seen you do, ever," Vinyl complimented. Throughout her life, she's never seen anything like that before from Drift. If this was what he did before, he would've been a champ at this.

Drift merely chuckled at that, and rewardingly joked about himself, "You think so? I thought I was rusty there with my aiming."

"Rusty my flank!" Scootaloo spouted excitedly, wagging her tail like a puppy. "You were awesome, daddy! You dodged those attacks as fast as Rainbow Dash dodged lightning one time."

Dodging lightning? Drift blinked a few times and gazed at Rainbow Dash who promptly looked away, nonchalantly whistling. Drift just chuckled and looked back at Scootaloo, "Guess your old stallion still has some fight left in him, huh?" Scootaloo just smiled excitedly and hugged her dad close, happy to know she came from a stallion who just did what he did.

Then Drift gazed to his marefriend and smiled lovingly, happy to see her in one piece, "Sorry you had to see all that, babe," Drift softly apologized, knowing that watching the fight may have been hard for her, due to her care of animals – she may have had some sympathy towards Marabunda, but it was also probably not worth it as she must've figured out. "I bet it was tough for you to --" he noticed the flutter in her eyes and how glossy they looked '--Oh, I think I know what she's thinking right now.' She leaned close to him and nuzzled against him like a lioness would rub against her pack leader. She was also glad that he kept his promise and made it out alive.

"I'm just glad you did it, Drift," Fluttershy said, with a little worry in her voice. "If it wasn't for you, Filthy and everyone else, Marabunda would've caused severe damage to Ponyville."

Ain't that the truth. He was relieved they managed to pull off taking down Marabunda. But, then it dawned on him, "Oh yeah, we need to get Spike and Smolder to the hospital. Let's hope they have anti-venom for Spike." Drift gazed over to Spike while the others did so, too. He was right, Spike was out of commission and Smolder was unconscious.

"Oh, Twilight is not gonna be too happy to see this," Rarity said before everyone else had the idea of Twilight going in a fit of rage. If a manticore wasn't bad enough, a rage-filled alicorn would be just as bad.

"Wait, where is Twilight, anyway?" Rainbow Dash asked, confused by her absence. "I thought she'd show up by now?"

"I think she went to a royal gathering with Princess Celestia and Ember," Applejack recalled. At least, that's what she thought.

"Well, either way, we need to get them to the hospital, fast," Gilda suggested.

Fluttershy nodded, "Right, I'll see if I can extract --" Fluttershy looked ahead to where Marabunda was... until her eyes widened and the look of panic on her was known. Drift saw this and quickly turned around. Everyone else did the same thing.

Filthy and his family looked as well, but they were none too pleased.

The smoke plume nearly faded, but that didn't stop Marabunda from slowly walking out as if nothing ever happened to him. He looked more damaged than usual thanks to the explosions; smoke trailed flowed out of his fur, while some were singed off and his skin was burnt, bleeding and bruised, but he was all too alive and ready to resume his warpath. He glared coldly at them, baring his fangs.

"Oh, come on! Can't this guy stay down already?!" Rainbow Dash barked in frustration. After all that, he still won't go down? What was this manticore's damage?

Drift looked on in shock and dismay. His tactic didn't work? But how? He could've sworn he made those weapons powerful enough to take down animals like Marabunda. Just what happened to him over the years? Drift growled and shouted, "Why won't you die?!" as Marabunda let out a loud primal roar, ready to resume the fight.

"Yelling at him is not gonna bring him down," Gilda exclaimed, "We just have to keep fighting until he goes down. Who has more fight in them?"

Of course, she had Rainbow Dash eagerly by her side ready to fight, but Drift and Filthy gave their battle-ready glares and prepared their weapons. As much as their families didn't want them to continue, they had to. The Apple Family was more than ready to join in. Rarity and Sweetie Belle used their magic to levitate Smolder and Spike back into Sugar Cube Corner, but Vinyl followed them and headed inside. Gallus was already inside before anyone noticed. It didn't take long for the Cake family to quickly come by and help Rarity and Sweetie Belle take Smolder and Spike up to a guest bedroom and place them on separate beds. The cake twins were being tended to by Pinkie Pie, who rushed in before anyone else could, in the master bedroom. She held them close to her while the roars of Marabunda went off outside; they were not gonna have the twins watch any of what was happening outside.

Fluttershy and Scootaloo followed next, but Fluttershy looked back and gazed at Drift, 'Be careful, honey,' she thought as she went into Sugar Cube Corners.

"I'll cast a shield spell around the bakery if things get out of hoof!" Rarity suggested and announced to her friends.

But in no time, at all, Marabunda's persistence showed and, like a crazed rhino, charged at his seven opponents, intent on killing them all. No more stalling, playing, nothing. He was out for blood now. ‘That's it! No more fooling around!' He thought in fury. He was done playing games – these seven were going down and he will not quit until they fall.

Like Marabunda, Gilda and Rainbow Dash flew first after the manticore, but Sweetie Belle, wanting to have some action of her own and rushed to the entrance of Sugar Cube Corners and used her own magic to fire a single blast of magic. That blast turned out to be useful as it flew passed Gilda and struck Marabunda in his charred cheek, catching him off-guard.

Gilda took this advantage and swung her claw at him. She got a hit in and sliced some bits of charred fur off of the manticore's cheek, right on the spot Sweetie Belle blasted, drawing some blood. But seeing as how this beast was larger than her, she made sure to fly back a distance to avoid the claws. "Punch and run!" She was going for a hit and run tactic, only she wasn't going to run, she was hitting and getting distance.

Dash smirked as she taunted him, sticking her tongue out at him "Nyah-nyah!" She ducked her head down and barrel-rolled to the side, dodging a swing from that scorpion tail. "Missed me a mile!" Rainbow Dash taunted.

Gallus peeked over the window and watched the fight. He saw his Glinda's sister and cheered for Gilda eagerly, pumping his talon as he grinned, "Get him, Gilda!"

Scootaloo hoped her idol would come out okay after witnessing that near dodge from the tail, "Come on, Dash… get him…!" She uttered in worry.

Gilda smirked when she heard Gallus cheer for her and dove down to Marabunda, slicing his left flank and his wing with her talons. If he can't fly, he'll be grounded. Then that's the plan! "Rainbow, Drift, Filthy, go for the wings! If he can't fly, he won't have an -- ack!" She was struck hard in the side and gut by a charred wing.

Marabunda growled as he pulled a cheap shot by swinging his wing and knocking Gilda away with powerful force. Gilda let out a screaming squawk as she is sent flying back.

Fluttershy and Gallus looked horrified when that happened, calling out in worry for her, "Gilda!"

Gilda crashed into a wagon and managed to knock it over. Thankfully, there was a hay pile to cushion her crash, but it was still a sore crash-landing either way. She let out a dove coo of pain once she hit the ground, sprinkling hay on herself.

Rainbow Dash winced and flew over to her best friend within minutes and shook her on the shoulder, worried deeply that the manticore may have hurt her bad, "Gilda? Are you alright?"

Gilda groaned and opened her eyes, dazed a little. She sat back up and rubbed her head and holding her gut. She nearly had the wind knocked out of her but she miraculously avoided the claw tip on the wing; she was down, she was sore, but she wasn't completely out yet. "Geez, that hurt. How can a manticore be that tough? Where is he from, the darkest parts of the Everfree?" She wiped the sweat off her forehead and caught her breath a bit slowly so as not to increase the pain from getting knocked in the gut by a rogue.

Gilda was tough and considered herself a fighter, but if she got struck like that again, it could only end badly for her.

Rainbow Dash was relieved her best friend was alright but she growled as she looked back at the fight, watching her friends giving it everything they've got against the persistent manticore. "We gotta take him down one way or another…"

"Come on ya'll, don't let this buzzard anywhere near us!" Applejack commanded. "Give him all ya got!" Applejack and her siblings launched more pies and fritters at Marabunda and Drift aided them by launching more iron pebbles. Marabunda blocked his face from being assaulted, but his arms were bombarded with pastries and pebbles, juices splattering and crumbs flying while pebbles bounced off of him. Filthy was about to get in the fray, but Marabunda roared loudly at them which got them to stop and cover their ears. But Drift took it like a champ and stepped ahead a bit.

Drift was out of explosive darts, so he had to come up with another plan. He snorted disappointedly to himself, 'Bummer, and I thought those darts would do the trick,' he thought to himself as he rushed toward Marabunda, firing more iron pebbles. Filthy had more ammunition to use and the thought of using his third round would be an ace in the hole. He gave his weapon another click as it switched ammunition. He was about to aim, but a sudden pained scream from Drift caught him by surprise.

Marabunda swung his left arm as hard and fast as he could and actually managed to strike Drift. To his luck, the manticore had him in his palm; he could've grabbed him right then and there, but instead, he launched him back with powerful force. Big Mac and Applebloom got out of the way, but Applejack and Filthy weren't as lucky as Drift crashed onto them with a hard thud, all three screaming or yelping in pain as they hit the ground in a heap. Marabunda smiled evilly; proud he managed to get a hit in this time.

Scootaloo gasped in horror, "Daddy!" but she wasn't the only one to get a jolt of horror as Diamond and Silver screamed to their father to get back up and fight, but it didn't look too good for him or Drift or Applejack. They were down, and they didn't seem to be getting back up. The force may have momentarily knocked them out, or at least dazed them good.

Marabunda then turned his attention to Big Macintosh and Applebloom near a tree. With them left, there was no way they were gonna win.

"Uh-oh…" Applebloom gulped as Big Mac winced once the manticore set his sights on them. Big Mac stood protectively in front of his sister as they started to back up when Marabunda began to approach the two to trap them. The look of death was all the Apple siblings could see from the approaching abomination.

"Applebloom, stay behind me…" He ordered while glaring at the beast.

Having no other ideas to take on this monster, Gilda growled in frustration, "Argh! What is up with this thing? Why is he so hard to take down?" Gilda glared at Marabunda wishing he'd just fall over and die already because this was not normal for any animal.

Rainbow Dash shrugged, feeling defeated, "How should I know Gilda? Fluttershy might know, but she's in Sugar Cude Corner. If we even move, that freak of nature will come after us." She dropped on her butt next to Gilda and just watched. She could fight back, but what would she do? "Wait..." then it just occurred to her. A smiled rolled on her face, "Maybe I can use my sonic rainboom? With that kind of power, it can surely take him down, right?"

Gilda shook her head, "Doubt it. You could risk causing more damage than that thing over there. There has to be another way."

Suddenly, an eerie hiss filled the air and caught Rainbow Dash and Gilda's attention. They looked to their left and found something quite unexpected and shocking.

Big Mac and Applebloom were backed into a corner. They didn't know what else to do in this situation. It'd be suicide to fight this beast with bare hooves. Their long-ranged fighters were out of commission and they were almost out of pies to throw. Gilda and Rainbow Dash could keep him at bay, but they didn't know for how long. They look to see their friends watching in dismay.

Big Mac gazed sadly at his Little Sugarcube, silently apologizing that he couldn't stop this monster and that she had to see him and Applebloom perish like this. But if he has to fight up close, it's a risk that he'll take to the end. ‘Little Sugarcube, if this is the end… then I'm glad that the last face I ever see along with my family's is yours.' He glared at the beast lightly and prepared to face him head-on.

Applebloom saw Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle watching helplessly, but she kept a firm smile on her face determined to fight till the end. She looked back at Marabunda with her big brother by her side and watched as the rogue manticore charged, aiming to finish them both off.

Both Apples braced for the worse, but to their surprise; to Fluttershy's and Scootaloo's surprise; to everyone's surprise who was still watching through their windows; a large lizard-like creature came out of nowhere and rushed Marabunda with a loud hiss, jumping onto him and forcing him to roll away, saving Applebloom and Big Macintosh.

Scootaloo gasped again, but this time with pure excitement and joy, "Varan!"

Everyone watched in awe as they were about to watch nature fight nature. The whistle did the trick and now Varan came and joined the fight.

Both animals rolled against one another in a vicious tumble-fest, but it was Varan who came out on top and pushed Marabunda away and forced him on his back, but the manticore quickly got back on his feet and growled as he watched this new challenger stand in front of the ponies like a guardian among mortals. This was a perfect opportunity for Gilda and Rainbow to get out of harm's way as they swooped by and got Applejack, Filthy and Drift to safety while Big Mac took Applebloom and rushed away, leaving Varan to fight Marabunda. But Applebloom and Big Mac stopped a good few feet away to watch the fight take place.

Varan took a defensive stance, glaring daggers at the Marabunda. Having answered the whistle's call, Varan followed his instincts and raced for the location it came from – and when he heard fighting going on, he noticed it was a huge battle in the middle of town. And when he noticed his owner was in the middle of it, shaking in the middle of a sweets building; he glared and charged in to take part in the fight.

Finally, another animal from the forest had arrived to fight him. He admitted these ponies put up quite a fight, but they were no match for his ferocity, stamina, and determination; he was injured to no end, but that was never gonna stop him.

Perhaps this one could offer a challenge. It was a Komodo Dragon, so this had to be fun. Marabunda let out a deep roar to challenge the mighty lizard. The komodo immediately responded back with an intimidating hiss.

Perfect.

Hissing loudly to Marabunda's challenge, Varan lunged with incredible speed and tackled the manticore by the front, pinning him down once knocking him off his feet and catching him completely off-guard by making him emit a sudden shocked yip. Varan started clawing at Marabunda, raking his front and back claws against Marabunda's charred skin. Marabunda repeated that same tactic with his claws, raking against Varan's thick hide.

The ponies and griffons could only watch as Scootaloo's pet fought against the manticore. Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and Gilda were happy to see him here, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were less than enthused but relieved someone came to the rescue, the others had no idea Varan was Scootaloo's pet; they just assumed a random Komodo Dragon showed up and wanted to fight. But with how Scootaloo was reacting, they trusted her motives to know that the Komodo Dragon was on their side.

"Go, Varan! Get him, boy!" Scootaloo called ecstatically. "Show him no mercy!"

The two beasts tussled with one another, swiping their respective claws at one another. Varan hissed aggressively as he tried to use his tail, but ended up smacking Marabunda's scorpion tail away with his claw. He was lucky, but he wasn't gonna celebrate just yet. Varan twirled around, slammed his powerful tail onto Marabunda's midsection and threw him onto his back, causing the manticore to howl in pain. Quickly, Varan ran up and slammed his talon-like claws onto Marabunda's cheek and pinned him down as he opened his jaw, ready to give a bite to his throat. Unfortunately for Varan, Marabunda slammed his fist into his face and knocked him off, making the Komodo squeal in pain. Varan backtracked and shook his head to null the pain away and watched as Marabunda got back up.

Gallus looked confused by what was going on. He looked to Scootaloo and pointed to Varan, "Wait, that's your pet?" Gallus asked, curiously.

Scootaloo turned to Gallus and gave him a confused look, "Yeah, why?"

Gallus shrugged nonchalantly, "No real reason. I'm just wondering how he's gonna take that thing down when Smolder, Spike, and your father and his friend couldn't take him down. All that and he's still standing. What does your pet have that they haven't tried?"

Scootaloo would be insulted by that question, but Gallus knew nothing about Varan and his abilities -- even she doesn't know about them. But she had to think why she called him here, "I know I called him to help us. He's fast and strong."

"And scary," Silver Spoon pointed out.

"But, if I know Varan, he has abilities we don't even know, yet. Mom and I are trying to figure out what they are," Scootaloo said as she watched Varan tussle with Marabunda. As long as she's known the large komodo, she's wanted to know exactly what he's capable of -- this would be that opportunity. "But more importantly, I want him to help me get revenge for what he did to our friends, but this is also an opportunity for him, too." She gave Gallus a serious, determined glare, "Don't you want to get back at him for hurting Smolder and Spike?" This was a win-win for her and Varan. If Varan won, and she hoped he did, then they'd both get their revenge and everything would be at peace, again -- with her dad back in the picture, she'll have another to care about. But, the thought of seeing Spike getting better crossed her mind, as well.

As much as he wanted to hide it, she was right. He wanted revenge for what that manticore did to Spike and Smolder. They were his friends and now they were out of commission -- Spike being worse than Smolder. He felt useless right now and he was ashamed he didn't help but cowered like a scared little fledgling, but what else could he have done? All he'd do was just get in the way. "Fair enough, Scootaloo."

Then both of them heard Varan hiss outside. They quickly looked out the window and saw Varan dodge a claw swipe from Marabunda then twirled around and gave Marabunda another solid smack to the thigh with his tail, forcing Marabunda back onto the ground. This got them to cheer some for the lizard, encouraging him to kick this monster's tail and grind him to dust.

"Hit him where it hurts, big fella!" Gallus called out to Varan while Scootaloo cheered in happiness.

Marabunda grunted in pain but he easily got back up. He bared his teeth and glared coldly into the Komodo Dragon's eyes, somehow sending a cold chill down his spine.

Varan froze a little from that cold glare as his own eyes widened from such a look; something about this manticore didn't seem quite right. That evil look in his eyes. Something about them felt familiar, but how? They reminded him of… the beast who killed his family and friends when he was young.

Gallus looked confused by what was going on. They were just standing there not doing anything, but staring each other down, "Uh, Scootaloo, what's your pet doing?"

Scootaloo tried to figure that out herself, but then it dawned on her that the pieces she was trying to figure out earlier were not yet solved, but now she tried to think back to what she tried to remember what she got out of talking to Varan and her father. Then the pieces came back together. She gasped out loud and immediately rushed to the doors, heading outside.

Gallus flinched and widened his eyes in shock, "Scootaloo, what are you doing?!" Was she nuts? There was a monster out there that could tear her to pieces easily.

Sweetie Belle and everyone else who saw her tried to get her to come back, but she would not listen. She stood in front of the door and gazed upon the two animals glaring at one another

Fluttershy, having been with her unconscious stallionfriend the whole time when Gilda placed him down next to her, Filthy was placed by Rainbow Dash in front of his family to be tended to by them, had noticed and heard everyone freaking out and then saw her daughter rush out the doors. Mother instincts quickly snapped on and she gasped in horror before rushing over to the doors, but it was too late. "Scootaloo, no!"

"Varan!" Scootaloo called out, getting his and Marabunda's attention. Varan looked at his owner confusedly, until he heard her shout to him, revealing the truth to him about what she has found out, "Varan, it was Marabunda who killed your friends and family, not Harry!"

Fluttershy opened the doors and yelled at Scootaloo to get back here, "Scootaloo, get back here this instant. You are gonna get yourself hurt!" But her words go by deaf ears as Scootaloo continued.

"Your trauma, your childhood, everything that was taken from you was because of him," she pointed to Marabunda, who was about to go after her, "Marabunda took it all away, so don't hold back anything. Take him down and avenge your friends and family!" Fluttershy rushed up, grabbed her and took her back inside.

Varan listened very closely before seeing his young master go back inside. He heard everything and the memories of his childhood came crawling back to him as his eyes slowly widened.

The tree, the branch, the massacre, the monster, everything came back to him and what he saw attacking all his friends and family was not a bear... it was a manticore.

A manticore that looked identical to Marabunda.

Varan stood there, shocked, but he came back to his senses and slowly gazed his vengeful eyes on Marabunda as he hissed in rage and realization.

Now it all made sense why Angel and the others doubted that part of his tragic backstory about his supposed hatred for bears, he had been missing that one remaining piece of the puzzle and now his young master had completed it. The truth is right there, standing in front of him – his anger had been directed at the wrong creature! This behemoth was the one who took everything away from him and ruined his life, not Harry.

Marabunda looked back at Varan as he hissed at him furiously, ‘So, it was you, then. You took everything from me. I'll kill you, you demon! You killed my family! You killed my friends! You'll pay!' he hissed at him, letting Marabunda know of his rage. But Marabunda was unfazed.

The Manticore smirked at him, growling mockingly, ‘Well, well… now that the little speck mentioned it, I do recall one little lizard that slipped through my grasp years ago. And look at you now, all grown up and wanting revenge.' He could care less about any changes, but it was interesting to recognize the komodo that got away came crawling back as a full-grown adult. It pleased him to see the komodo was rearing for a fight, ‘Shall we finish what we started, then?' He licked his lips, rubbing his tongue against his teeth, leering at the lizard. ‘Komodo meat is considered a delicacy where I'm from~' He purred, chuckling darkly at Varan who glared viciously and furiously at him.

He ignored that last bit and growled lowly and angrily, 'Lets,' Varan hissed as he immediately charged and swung his claws, but Marabunda countered with a slash of his paw, managing to knick him on the shoulder.

Varan bellowed in pain and backed a step away, looking at his shoulder, he saw two cuts on his arm, yet he can still operate it. He glared and charged, tackling the manticore forcefully. He furiously hissed as he sliced at the bare spots that were missing fur and were charred, actually managing to cut into skin as he dug his claws in on them, causing Marabunda to roar in agony as warm blood started to pool under the komodo's claws. Varan desperately tried to latch his jaws on the beast's throat, but Marabunda was too quick and pushed his jaws away.

He had to avenge his loved ones… he had to avenge his friends…

He gazed over to see Scootaloo near the window inside a building along with kind master looking to him with hope and shock in her eyes. Then he noticed others with young master -- those must be her friends.

…He had to protect his owner and her friends. ...He had to protect his new family!

However, he flinched as he was suddenly knocked off of his target due to being distracted, wheezing as Marabunda smacked him off of him. He tumbled on the ground and looked a bit dizzy but growled as Marabunda approached him to cause further damage.

Marabunda growled lowly to Varan, ‘I will give you this… these ponies are really starting to piss me off… but they got guts. Even ruffled me up something good.' He smirked evilly down at the lizard as he pinned him down with one paw by his head to prevent him from biting. He looked worse for wear, but this lizard was never gonna get that chance to kill him, ‘But too bad you can't do what they did.' He reared another paw up to deal a painful swipe to a struggling Varan.

Applebloom watched as she heard Varan whimper and struggle to break free. She heard Scootaloo got all preacher to him and wondered if she was friends with the big lizard. If she was, then it was hero time!

She rushed up to Marabunda, shocking Big Mac, "Hey! Leave him alone, ya big bully!" She yelled at the rogue before giving him a head-butt to the leg, letting out a squeaky grunt once she literally hit her target head-on.

Everyone who saw Applebloom watched on in absolute terror and dismay. They didn't know what to do to save her. Big Mac was the only one out there and he didn't seem strong enough to fight off that monster himself. Can this day get any worse? Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle freaked out and went into panic mode as they tried to go out there and help her.

"Okay, what is that kid doing?" Gilda asked, freaking out that a filly would throw herself out like that in front of a monster.

"Is she crazy?!" Scootaloo said in a panicked tone.

"She's gonna get herself killed!" Sweetie Belle said as they made an attempt to go for the door, but Fluttershy and Rarity intervened and grabbed them so they would leave; they wanted to protect them from getting hurt. Outraged, the fillies tried to break from their grasp but all their struggling managed to wake up Applejack.

"Oh, my head. What happened?" she looked over to find Fluttershy and Rarity trying to stop Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo from leaving. But she looked to her left to see Pinkie Pie tending to the cake family and caring for the twins. She didn't think much of it because she was too groggy from being used as a cushion for Drift, but reality set in and she shook her head to wake herself up and got up, wobbling a bit. 'Oh shoot, that manticore is still around!' She managed to right herself and rush up to the front, only to see Applebloom standing in front of the creature. Her heart skipped a beat and her whole orange color turned pale-white; now all she could think of was hoping this was a nightmare.

Curious, yet unfazed by the sudden bump to his hind leg, he turned his head and looked over his shoulder to see Applebloom rubbing her sore head. He smirked darkly as he growled to get the young filly's attention. Varan widened his eyes and attempted to hiss, but with his head pinned under his paw, there was nothing he could do to save the filly; his struggling would go unnoticed by the monster. All he could do was watch in fear and defeat as she looked up at him.

Applebloom rubbed her head to soften the pain, groaning softly. She knew that was a dumb move on her part. "Not one of my better ideas…" She wasn't as strong as her brother and sister, but she was getting there the more she trained, but she was still pretty young. Now she wondered if she got this varmint's attention long enough for Scootaloo's pet lizard to do something. A gust of hot air made her think otherwise. She looked up to find the nightmarish beast staring down at her with the intent of flattening her; that dark smirk still on his face, his teeth shining as he growled at her. Applebloom gulped as she could see her reflection in his teeth, blinking in worry, she sheepishly smiled and nervously waved at Marabunda, "Um, hehe…hi...?"

Marabunda didn't have to think twice as he roared down at the little filly and swiped her with his paw as if she was nothing but a gnat to him. The strong smack didn't seem much for the manticore, but for a small filly like Applebloom, it was a lot and it sent her flying back and crashing into the wagon full of leftover pie.

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo called out in fear as they felt their own hearts break, thinking their friend just got killed.

"APPLEBLOOM!!!" Applejack looked horrified while Big Mac immediately rushed to the wagon. She then heard magic go on before she looked to Rarity who just snapped her magic off and sighed in relief. "Rarity, what did you do?" Applejack asked, wondering in a state of panic.

Rarity gave a light chuckle and rubbed her horn to ease any stress from using that spell, "Shield spell. And just in time, too." Rarity had to act fast before that monster could -- and it paid off well. Though, as she cast her shield spell on Applebloom, she too felt the force of the strike; it almost felt like she got hit by a locomotive. But, now she just wished Applebloom made it out alright.

Applejack sighed in relief. She was gonna thank Rarity later for this.

Big Mac quickly reached into the pie wagon and pulled his little sister out; worried out of his mind. He looked down at her. Applebloom was out cold and a pie-covered mess with noticeable claw marks and bruises on her little body. Tears slowly ran down her face; even out cold, she was in deep pain. Big Mac placed an ear over her chest and heard a heartbeat; she was still alive. That protective shield of Rarity's never ceased to amaze them. He examined her body and saw that the claw marks ranged from her leg, torso, and cheek. She was nicked pretty good and bleeding a little, but she'll live.

Upon holding her unconscious form, he didn't look away as he felt his body go cold; he was in a strong case of guilt and shock. He didn't know if Applejack woke up and saw what happened, but if she was, she'd feel the same.

The Apple Family looked out for each other through thick and thin and to see his little sister like this, hurt him to no end. He didn't focus on anything else around him -- not even the monster that struck her. He didn't know if Applebloom would make it or not. The eldest of the apple siblings started to tear up as he felt useless because he couldn't reach for his little sister in time.

Why didn't he go after her? Why didn't he take her place?

Big Mac felt near broken, until something in him snapped like a branch. That cold feeling he felt started to quickly warm up, his muzzle sneered and his eyes reddened. He got up and placed Applebloom back in the wagon; not on the ground. Then, all of his attention... now turned to Marabunda who felt nothing more than glee from what he did.

Applejack was indeed watching this and she wanted to go out and retrieve Applebloom, but she had to wait for the fire to cross by. She tensed up and her eyes spoke fear and shock when she saw the look in her brother's eyes, "Oh no...."

Rainbow Dash noticed Applejack's unusual behavior and looked at her in confusion, "Uh, AJ, are you okay?" Other than witnessing her little sister get swatted by the manticore, Applejack should be mad, not scared.

Big Mac stood tall and growled angrily. He furiously turned to face Marabunda with a soul-piercing glare; his eyes glowing red with pure hate and unhinged rage. Marabunda noticed.

She didn't give much of an explanation, but she spoke as best she could while a few others were confused by her behavior, too, "Okay, y-ya'll know how Big Mac is usually quiet and friendly, but mostly keeps to himself?" Applejack asked to anyone who could answer her.

Not surprised, but expected, nonetheless, her friends that knew Big Mac for as long as memory served nodded to her. Well, yeah, it was no surprise.

Aside from Gallus, Vinyl, Smolder and Gilda, everyone knew Big Mac long enough to know he was a genuinely sweet, chilled guy with a gold heart. A hard worker and loved to help those when he can, but he never spoke out or said anything rebellious to them; he just went along for the ride, unless it was something very serious, but that was very rare. But, they have noticed his silent tongue before, but they never thought to ask why he was always quiet, but they also did not force him to speak – that one was his call; they just appreciated his help, company, and so on. Heck, to some of them, he was like a big brother no one ever had.

But then, it slowly crept up onto them. They never once saw Big Macintosh in a fit of rage. Not one hissy fit, not one fury-filled scowl, not even a smidge of anger, or outburst, nothing. He had always had that calm smile on his face – but now as they watched, that calm smile had been replaced by a demonic snarl.

A cold chill emanated within Sugarcube Corner. Gears turned and unsettled fears took over. It never occurred to them how Big Mac felt around them when they asked for help; now they wondered if they ever thanked him or appreciated him for the efforts he brought to help them with whatever they needed. Now the question that loomed in everyone's minds were: how long has that bottle been filling up?

They all look to Applejack who nodded nervously in return before they looked out the window to see what was about to unfold.

"I… I never thought about it, Applejack," Rarity worriedly said. "You never brought it up when we were on our trip."

"That's cause it wasn't a big deal until now," AJ whimpered out, gripping her hat, tempted to pull it down and shield her eyes – but she couldn't. She's witnessed his rage moments before and it was no rocket science that he got it from their dad. Now she'll get to see it at its fullest.

"It's always the quiet ones, isn't it?" Silver asked nervously and scared to even find out what Applejack meant by what she said.

Scootaloo looked scared herself. She knew her older brother-figure could get frustrated, which she knew quite well, but she never saw what he was like at his breaking point. She kept her eyes glued to the window, watching and waiting with maxed anticipation.

"Wait, I'm confused," Gilda said as she scratched her head. "Why are you guys getting so nervous?"

Gallus raised a confused brow and joined in on Gilda's little confused boat, "Yeah. Professor Applejack, you told us before your brother was a hard worker and other stuff. You're making it sound like he's a time bomb. He can't be that dangerous, can he?" But Applejack only responded with a serious look and nod as she simply turned his head back to the fight – if he doesn't believe her, surely what was about to occur will convince him.

Seeing this stallion stand up to him without fear made the manticore a bit curious, raising a brow at the furious look on his face. But he couldn't help but smirk and chuckle darkly as he listened to Applebloom's soft whimpering – he only intended to strike fear into the filly's heart by faking her out with a mock swipe, but it looked like he got himself too carried away; it felt like he hit nothing but a mere fly. ‘Here I was just expecting to scare that little runt into fainting on the spot…' He chuckled within his throat, ‘Silly me. I'm such a butter-claws.' He sarcastically thought to himself through his smirk.

He didn't know if his strike left a mark, but it did reward his ears with pained whimpers. A deserving tune for him, but now he wanted to add more to it as he gave the stallion before him an eager glare. He taunted the stallion with a low groan and a swiping paw to the ground – the very same paw that he used to swipe at Applebloom with.

The mock went noticed, but that was a mistake Marabunda would regret. He was used to seeing families of any species tremble and fall under his paws and he held no remorse for them, but he was unaware of the hard lesson he was about to learn. If vengeance took form, it wouldn't just be Varan, Filthy and Drift, but it would take on the new form of an elder sibling's wrath.

Big Mac considered himself a reasonable, responsible, sensitive and understanding pony. He loved his family, he cared for his friends, and he would not let anything dangerous harm them. That especially included protecting his siblings, including his Little Sugarcube. He would do what it took to protect them at all costs, but today he failed. Two of his siblings were hurt and he couldn't do anything to save them.

He wasn't just mad at himself, but he was pumped with rage at the monster that was responsible for this was before him. To see Applebloom in a state of pain threw his nerves all out of whack, and the mental bottle that he had built up over decades finally shattered. All sense of sensitivity and reason was thrown out the window. He lost all sense of control as to what was happening now – Big Mac was nothing more than a red juggernaut ready to mow down anything in his path.

This manticore was going down and he'll make sure he stayed down!

His breathing intensified and his chest heaved some as he struggled to try and keep his anger down, but it was to no avail. All Apple Family members had one shared trait: they were all stubborn. But unlike Applejack and Applebloom, who were very expressive with their stubbornness, he was stubborn through action -- it would've taken a lot to make them get over their stubbornness. But in a situation like this, no one was gonna stop Big Macintosh.

He had kept his anger in for a long time, but after what this manticore had done, he finally let all of it out. He stomped his hooves on the ground and let out a rageful cry that would've made a dragon drop bricks in fear.

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!"

His roar echoed. Everyone in the bakery was stunned and shocked by what they heard; it was as if a warrior had joined the fray to take on the beast. Varan winced deeply and laid completely still, fearing if he moved, he would tempt the beast within the earth pony.

Everyone covered their ears, but it wasn't enough to drown out the anger-released roar. Rarity stayed away from the window and Sweetie Belle just stayed by Scootaloo's side as they covered their ears, but kept watch. The sisters never anticipated such a thing from such a kind-hearted stallion, it almost horrified them. Guess it was true about gentle giants having a savage side.

"Poor Marabunda…" Sweetie Belle squeaked out quietly in fear, eyes wide in shock and fright.

"He knows not what he had done…" Rarity dramatically yet rightfully concluded as she bared witness to a stallion's inner rage.

Applejack stood there and withstood the noise ringing in her ears. With a response like that, her brother was gonna show no mercy to that varmint. She had no intention of stopping him, but she was gonna get Applebloom out of there. Then she noticed Fluttershy approaching her with ears dropped down to drown out the howling. Applejack raised a brow at Fluttershy. What was she doing? What did she want? The cowgirl pony and nature pony stared at each other momentarily. The urge to talk to one another was out of the question, but Applejack noticed Fluttershy motion to the doors and motioned to the whistle Scootaloo had. Applejack could barely understand what Fluttershy was getting at, but she nodded to her anyway. They had to move, now!

Pinkie Pie's frizz was freaked yet she was wide-eyed and grinning wildly as the Cake Twin's looked on in confusion, holding their ears closed as Big Mac roared in fury against the manticore. "Oh, yeah, Maccy-baby!" Pinkie Pie called out as she could only hear herself, but she got an earful of that monstrous call. Mr. Cake ran in to get the twins, but it gave Pinkie Pie the signal to go and check what was going on. She zoomed out of the master bedroom and back down to the main hall where everyone was. She was not gonna miss this.

The sound of that roar immediately roused Smolder out of her semi-coma. She gasped as she sat back up and breathed in slow breaths to ease herself. She didn't know how long she was out, what was going on or how she got in this room, but she did know that whatever was making that battle-harden call made her not want to know who or what was making it. She noticed Spike next to her on another bed on his stomach. Worry and sadness waved over her as she saw the hole in his back. She tried to reach for him, but to her shock and relief, Spike slightly opened one eye and looked at Smolder. Smolder smiled in relief, but Spike was none too happy as everything was still fuzzy to him and his body hurt like Tartarus.

Everyone in Sugarcube Corner shook in fear – aside from Pinkie Pie who was enjoying this – and were almost white as ghosts from hearing this call from Big Mac. If this was one side of him that was lying dormant for this long, they never want it to come back. They were just happy he was gonna take his anger out on Marabunda. But the call not only woke Smolder and Spike, but it shot Drift and Filthy out of their dazed state, as well.

Diamond Tiara and Spoiled Milk were almost horrified and rendered speechless. Normally, Spoiled would've taken any moment to insult the Apples because of how they lived and how unclean they looked. For the longest time, she had no idea why her husband would ever want to start a business with them when they seemed like they had no idea what business was; even respecting them felt wrong to her. She just saw them as ponies to stomp on and nothing more. She never wanted to interact with them and only focused on what she wanted; that was one reason why she was with Filthy, to begin with -- or so she thought. But, upon seeing Big Mac's anger being displayed, she worried if had that happened if she pushed him over the edge, she'd suffer the same fate. She wasn't just scared, but she was relieved as all Tartarus that she dodged a severe bullet like that. But, then again, she and her daughter shot themselves in the hooves for bringing that monster here, to begin with. Spoiled Milk thought to herself that she didn't really dodge any bullets, at all. The pressure of guilt rang true over her form.

Fluttershy stood with Applejack as they watched out the window on the left. The shy mare was absolutely stumped by Big Mac's raw anger. 'He's bottled in that much anger?' she felt bad for him for doing such a thing. It wasn't healthy, but she could understand, too; she bottled in her own anger when something frustrated her. And she had a feeling Applejack was the same way. Perfect example would be to scold that manticore for going after Applebloom, but it looked like Big Mac beat her to it. She winced a little, thinking that she did not want to be in Marabunda's paws right now. But the plan was set in motion and she quickly snatched the whistle from Scootaloo, much to her daughter's confusion.

Marabunda was caught completely off-guard by this outcome. For once in his very existence, he actually became a bit concerned for his own safety as this stallion roared a roar that sounded like it came from a beast of a million years ago. He actually flinched in slight fear from the reaction of the earth pony and tried to take flight to avoid what this stallion could do to show his rage, but he yelped in shock when the red stallion made a mad dash after him and was quickly grabbed by the tail with his jaws. Marabunda let out a small kitten mew and widened his eyes in shock.

Varan took this opportunity to crawl away before anything could happen to him. Hurrying to the tree with the wagon Applebloom was lying in, he curled around it and watched all Tartarus break loose.

The stallion was seeing red. Nopony hurts his sisters! With inhumane strength, he pulled the manticore back down and slammed him to the ground, then lifted him right over his head and slammed him to the ground, again. Then he used the same tactic back and forth, over and over, slamming him on the ground face-first.

Scootaloo went wide-eyed and slacked jawed from what she was looking at. In fact, everyone else who was watching was the same way. Confused, blown away, and flabbergasted – every pony and every creature had no idea how to react to something like that. Big Mac was slamming Marabunda around like a colt slamming an easily broken toy on the ground in the form of a tantrum.

"Whoa-ho, remind me not to get on his bad-side," Vinyl quipped, asking a rhetorical question while trying to be funny, yet no one was laughing.

Gallus and Gilda were just as surprised as their pony friends; actually, they were stunned. Gallus had to think twice about who to anger from now on. Sure, hotheads like Smolder, Garble, some of Ocellus's siblings and a bunch of griffons were easy to anger, but now he had to take into consideration that maybe friendly ones like Silverstream, Gabby, Ocellus and a few other students might not be a good idea to push them over the edge. He'll still joke and crack snarky remarks, but he'll definitely see that line. Gilda was no different. She was tough as nails, but she knew when she was beaten – especially when it came to stronger foes. But back then, messing with ponies was fun and she could always get away with it because she was so strong. Or, at least, that's what she thought until Big Mac showed otherwise by using Marabunda as a hammer. Now she wondered what would've happened if she came across a pony like him in High School. Pretty sure the outcome would result in the same way. Gilda winced at the mere thought and felt genuinely glad it never did happen. She appreciated herself even more for letting time and age change her the way it did. She was also thankful that her little sister would not be able to witness this since Rainbow's parents took Glinda in for a few days; this whole experience could traumatize the poor runt.

Big Mac swung the beast over his head like a lasso at a dizzying pace. His jaws locked tight on that scorpion tail and he made sure he would not let go until the momentum was right. Marabunda let out a dizzied lion howl and felt like he was gonna barf. But he soon felt the red psycho let go of his tail and threw him. Marabunda roared and crashed onto the town well, causing him some bruising to the back. A crack was heard yet went momentarily unnoticed by all due to this unnatural and unexpected scene that just occurred.

Marabunda groaned in pain and felt dazed by what just happened. First, an orange dragon pummeled him down and burned him alive. Then, he was used as a pincushion for exploding needles. And now, he's being thrown around and tossed aside by a red stallion? In what world could a picture like this be so wrong?! This was insane! And he thought he was the rogue one?!

Marabunda winced and twitched, but grunted as he tried to get up. He was not down yet, but a sharp pain in his back went off and ultimately pinned him back down. Could something be wrong with his wings? He tried to look back and find out, but he opened his eyes to the sight he didn't expect so soon. His eyes bugged out when the crazed stallion dashed after him and tackled onto him, slamming his bulk and further pinned him down to where he could fall into the well. He didn't get a chance to utter out a sound as the stallion already started throwing punches down and not giving him a chance to counter.

Applejack lightly bumped Fluttershy, "Alright, let's go." Applejack signaled.

"Right," Fluttershy followed her as friends and family watched them, already confused by what was going on. What were they doing?

"Hey, where are you two going?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Rainbow, stay back. Don't get involved," Applejack barked as she rushed to Applebloom. That just made Rainbow even more confused, but none more so than Scootaloo when she noticed her mother heading away from everyone with the whistle.

"Mother?" Scootaloo said as Drift limped to her and watched as Fluttershy left. Not even her family knew what she was about to do.