Rainbow Dash glared at the colt that stood on her doorstep. In her mind he was trying to steal her daughter away.

“Mom?” Said Scootaloo behind her, “Are you going to invite him in?”

She didn't say a word. She just wheeled to the side, her leg still in a cast.

Midnight, Twilight, Aurora, and Jacob were there as well. The adults were all talking in the living room, while Aurora played with Tank.

Storm quickly greeted those he knew, “Hello Mr and Mrs. Star.” he said to Midnight and Twilight.

“Hello Storm,” said Midnight, “This is our daughter, Aurora, and my brother, Jacob. This is Storm Shade”

“He-hello,” Storm said to the tall biped.

He knew Midnight wasn't always a pony (everypony in town did), and he had seen the human before at a distance. Now that he was meeting him face to face, though, he was kinda scary. He was as tall as Celestia for pony's sake!

“Nice to meet'cha.” he said with a smile.

“Hi!” Aurora said bouncing around, “Do you like cupcakes? Aunt Pinkie makes the best cupcakes. I ate six of them before coming over here and... oops.”

“Did you now?” asked Twilight.

“Sorry, mommy.” Aurora pouted.

“I'm going to have to have a chat with Pinkie... again.” Twilight face-hoofed, “Why do I bother?”

“Let's just eat.” said Rainbow Dash.

Twilight and Midnight dished out the barley burgers (grilled salmon for Jacob) and salads.

“So, Storm,” Dash began, “tell us about yourself.”

“Well, what's to say?” started the young pegasus, “I'm lived on my own in Canterlot for several years.”

“Wait,” Midnight interrupted him, “You lived on your own? As by yourself? What about your family?”

Storm continued, “I lost my family during the changling invasion.”

“Oh, my. I am so sorry.” Twilight said, “A lot of ponies suffered because of those changlings. They're terrible, evil creatures.”

“Can we move on, please.” Storm said, “This is an uncomfortable subject for me.”

Scootaloo put her hooves around his neck and touched her forehead to his, “It's OK, Stormy. We'll change the subject.”

“Aunt Dashie?” Aurora said, “Why's Scootaloo acting like a girl?”

Dash,Twilight, Midnight, and Jacob burst into fits of laughter.

“What?” the filly asked, “What's so funny?”

“Never mind, Aurora.” Scootaloo said, “Please continue, Storm.”

The filly, having finished her food, excused herself to play in the living room

The pegasus colt continued, “Well I lived on my own for several years. About two years ago I heard about this town, and how it's been growing faster then any other town in Equestria. I came here because being homeless in Canterlot is hard. Here ponies will lend a helping hoof.”

“That's terrible.” Twilight said, “Well, how did you meet?”

Storm got nervous, “Well... um... you see, I was starving, right. I hadn't eaten in four days. So I... um... kinda... broke in to your house.”

“YOU WHAT!” Rainbow Dash was furious, “ You broke in to our house?!”

“Mom!” Scootaloo said, “He just said he hadn't eaten in four days. let him finish, please.”

Storm continued again, “Anyway, I broke in looking for some food. Well, out of nowhere Scootaloo kicked me in the head.”

Scoots took over, “That's when I realized how weak he was. I was rather concerned. I don't think he would have lasted long without food. I fed him and dragged him to the hospital.”

“Wow.” said Twilight with a smile, “That's quite the romantic story.”

“Somepony broke in and you didn't tell me.” Dash said.

“Would you have understood if I did?” Scootaloo asked.

“Probably not.” RD admitted, “So what happened after that?”

Storm spoke again, “I found her and thanked for not only feeding me but not turning me in. I finally got up the courage to ask her out a month ago.”

“I'm not too happy that I'm just now finding out about this.” Said Rainbow.

“We just wanted to see if we would work out before mentioning it.” Scootaloo said, “We were talking about telling you next weekend.”

“Sounds like they had you in mind, Rainbow.” Twilight said.

“OK, fine.” Dash said, “I'll allow it, but you had BETTER be a gentlecolt. If you hurt my daughter, I’ll tear your wings off.”

Storm look at Twilight and Jacob. Their stern looks told him they would continue where Rainbow Dash left off. Considering Midnight had already given him his ultimatum, he was thoroughly scared.

“It's gotta be nice having so many ponies willing to go homicidal for you.” Storm chuckled nervously.

“Then watch yourself” said Scoots, “All I have to say is 'Oh no, you're hurting me', and...”

Aurora only heard the last part from the other room.

“Don't you hurt Scooter!” she yelled and threw him through the wall.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

“I'm sorry.” Aurora said, her eyes locked on her hooves as she kicked the ground.

“It's OK.” said Storm holding an ice pack to his head, “You just thought I was hurting Scoots.”

He couldn't believe such a little filly could be so powerful. He didn't really get a good look at the child before, but now that he did he noticed her diamond horn. He'd have to ask about that.

“I'm surprised you're not hurt worse.” said Rainbow Dash, “That would have put me in the hospital, and I’m tough.”

“I'm just tough. My skin might as well be armor. Lucky for me.” Storm laughed.

“You ready to go, kid?” Jacob asked Aurora.

“Yay! I'm gonna get to play with Grandma Tia, and Auntie Luna, and Auntie Fluttershy, and Uncle Big Mac, and Poesy, and Philomena, and Noodles.” she said as she jumped into Jacob's arms.

“Ready when you are.” Jacob said.

Aurora's horn shone with white light and in a flash the two were gone.

Storm's brain function stopped for a moment, “How?”

“She's gifted.” Twilight stated.

When function was restored, his mind was able to form the question he wanted, “Did she say 'Grandma Tia and Auntie Luna'? As in the princesses?”

“Princess Celestia is like a mother to me, so...” Twilight trailed off.

The klutzy gray mailmare landed beside the group and handed them a flier before taking back off.

“Well hello to you, too, Derpy.” Dash said, “I guess she's in a hurry.”

“What was that about?” asked Midnight.

“It's a flier.” Twilight read holding it in her magic, “It says, The citizens of Ponyville are invited to witness the first show in the return tour of Trixie. This show will be free of charge as an apology for the terrible performance of nearly nine years ago. I hope to see everypony there, especially those I personally wronged.

“It's tomorrow at three. I hope she really did change for the better.”

“Who's Trixie?” asked Storm.

Rainbow Dash huffed, “A big show off. She's an illusionist. Always talking in the third person and humiliating other ponies.”

“Now Rainbow Dash, it's been almost nine years. She's probably grown up a bit. Plus it sounds like she's sorry. I, for one, am looking forward to the show. I'll tell the girls. This is going to be fun.” Twilight said clapping her hooves together.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

That evening was ranged rune combat training for the Elements of Order. Sweetie Bell was the best of the three fillies in this aspect. Midnight even thought she would be better then him if she could use a seal.

Scootaloo on the other hoof was terrible. She opted for runes that boosted her mobility. As a result she was the best fighter of the Dawn Shield, but was all but useless at distance. This was something Midnight was trying to fix.

“I don't see the big deal.” said the cocky orange pegasus, “If anypony tries shooting at me I can just dodge and knock them silly.”

“Because if it's a dragon or something similar, it would just have to fly out of your reach. What would you do then?”

“I'll let Sweetie Bell, you, or mom handle it. We're a team after all.” she said.

“What if something happens to us and your left alone.” Midnight replied, “It's a very real possibility.”

“I have a fire rune.” she stated.

“Which you're terrible with.” Midnight was at his wits end trying to convey the importance of ranged combat, “Applebloom is a close range combatant too, but she's learned to use her water rune at long range. She can't beat Sweetie, Twilight, Rarity, or myself, but she can hold her own against most any threat she needs to.”

“Ok, fine, I’ll train more seriously.” She finally gave in.

Scootaloo didn't see why she would be alone fighting a dragon, but Midnight was her Commander, so she gave him the benefit of the doubt.

She stood on her hind legs and focused on the runes imbedded into her fore legs just above her hooves. They glowed as flames formed in front her and flew at a series of targets. She fired ten shots at ten targets only hitting three.

That was why she hated ranged combat. She could never get the hang of it. No matter what she tried she sucked at range, but as a member of the Dawn Shield she had to obey orders.

They trained for another hour before they decided to head over to Sweet Apple Acres for the night. Since Sweetie was suppose to be visiting her folks she was disguised as Belladonna again. This slowed them a bit as a few more fans stopped to ask for autographs or pictures. She loved her fans and happily obliged them.

When they finally arrived at the farm house Sweetie dispelled the disguise, and the three fillies went up to Applebloom's room.

“So how did it go with Storm and your mom?” asked Applebloom.

“Like interrogating a suspected terrorist,” Scoots said, “but she gave her OK, so now We're official.”

“So...”Applebloom grinned and asked, “Ya gonna sleep with him?”

“Applebloom!” cried Sweetie, “That's not a question you ask.”

“No!” Scootaloo's face was bright red, “We haven't even really kissed. Not on the lips anyway.”

“Ah know. Ah'm just teasin' ya, that's all.” Applebloom said, “It's worth it ta see that blush on yer face.” she burst out in laughter.

“That is rather funny.” Sweetie said giggling.

“Shut up.” Scootaloo said, “You're just jealous cause I found my special somepony.”

“Alright, maybe a bit.” said Applebloom.

“Not me.” said Sweetie, “I already have my eye on a guy, and he likes me two.”

The two others looked at their friend in shock.

“Really? Who? Do we know him?” Applebloom asked.

“I'm not telling, but we're going out when he comes back.” said the super star.

“Does Rarity know?” asked Scoots.

Sweetie nodded, “Yeah, She knows and she's fine with it.”

Applebloom looked crestfallen, “So, Ah'm the only one with out a special somepony.”

“Don't worry, Applebloom, you'll find somepony for you.” Sweetie comforted her friend.

They talked and laughed for some time more before they finally decided to go to sleep.

Scootaloo laid on the bed thinking of Storm Shade. What Applebloom asked brought thought's that would make Dash go insane. Scoots blushed, We are NOT ready for... for that, but maybe I’ll kiss him. she thought, Yeah, after the show tomorrow I’ll kiss him. I can't wait... my first kiss.

With that thought she drifted to sleep with a smile on her face.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

“So what do you think of him?” Twilight asked as she and Midnight sat in the living room holding each other.

“He seems like a nice kid.” Midnight said, “He cares about Scootaloo, I can tell that.”

He was silent for a moment before saying, “He's hiding something.”

“You caught that too, huh?” Twilight said.

Midnight continued, “He's ashamed of something. I’m not sure if it's something bad or not.”

“Kind of like you when you first came here.” Twilight said.

The blue soldier thought back on his bloody past.

“I hope not.” Midnight said.

A smile crossed Twilight's face, “You know, this is the first time in over a year that we have the whole house to ourselves.”

“That it is.” Midnight returned the smile

“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” she asked.

“Mmm, I’m think I am.” Midnight said and planted a deep kiss on her lips.

Twilight replied, “I’ll get the whip cream.” Next Chapter: Chapter 3: Trixie's New Trick Estimated time remaining: 37 Minutes