Sunlight beamed into the room, waking the two teenage fillies. Applebloom was the first up as she was use to it. Sweetie wasn't far behind her county friend. Scootaloo, for obvious reasons, wasn't woken by the sun so Applebloom gave her a swat to the back of the head.

“Wake up, Scoots.” said the earth pony.

“I will murder you.” replied the pegasus.

“Quit fighting.” said Sweetie, “I got an early flight and I don't want to spend my time before listening to you two.”

“I smell food.” said Scootaloo.

“Alright,” said Applebloom, “Let's go eat.”

The three shuffled down to the kitchen to find Applejack fixing pancakes and haycon. It was Scoots favorite breakfast. She use to love the weeks she stayed with the Apples before Rainbow Dash adopted her. AJ made the best food in Ponyville.

“Mornin' girls. Hope yer hungry.” AJ said as she dished out five generous helpings for the three kids, Big Mac, and herself.

The big red earth pony came inside just in time and the five sat down to eat. Of course the topic shifted to the two love birds, which Scootaloo was happy to talk about.

“Ah say, Scoots, Ah've never seen ya act so... girly” AJ chuckled.

“Hey, I’m not girly. I can kick your flank.” it was true. She even took on her Rainbow Dash and Midnight together, and won.

“So can Fluttershy, but she's as girly as Rarity.” AJ stated.

With nothing coming to mind to shot back, Scoots just groaned and focused on her food. The thing she hated most was “girly” things. She was tough and being girly wasn't tough, but Storm just made her feel so... pretty.

“Ain't nothin wrong with wanting ta be a girl every now and then.” said the cowpony, “Heck even me and Rainbow got all dressed up and fancy when we went to the Gala. Ya can be a girl without bein frou-frou.”

“What's wrong with frou-frou?” asked Sweetie Bell.

“Nothin' if that's what ya like.” she said, “Now let's hurry. We gotta get ya to Canterlot. Ms. Scratch is gonna be waitin.”

They quickly finished off the meal, and Sweetie cast her spell. The four walked down the road to town square where Belladonna's ride waited.

“We'll see ya later, Bella.” said Applebloom as her friend climbed into the carriage.

“Yeah, let me know if you want an awesome stunt pony at your next concert.” Scootaloo said.

“Heck yeah. Rock and dangerous stunts are meant to go together.” replied the rock star.

The three waved to each other as the distance between them grew.

“Come on,” said Scootaloo, “We don't want to be late for school.

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

Twilight walked into the classroom looking kind of sick.

“Are you OK, Mrs. Star?” asked the filly in front of Applebloom.

“I just ate too much ice cream last night.” answered the teacher, “Open to page 223...”

Applebloom and Scootaloo maintained a respectable balance between working and slacking off, at least until lunch. The two waited in line for their food when a familiar pair came up behind them.

Scootaloo smiled deviously and, without turning, said, “Hello, Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon.”

“How do you do that?” asked Diamond as Applebloom and Scootaloo turned around.

“I can smell you.” She replied. The rich bullies were mortified. Silver Spoon tried to sneak in a sniff of her friend.

“O, Oh, um...” Diamond started, “We just wanted to say were sorry for how we treated you. We thought you were losers, but if you're friends with somepony like Belladonna you're alright.”

Silver Spoon took over, “So we brought peace offerings.” they pulled out three packages, “One's for Sweetie Bell.”

“Why, thank you, we're in kind a hurry so ya mind if we open them later?” Applebloom asked.

“Of course, open them whenever you like.” said Diamond.

“You owe me ten bits” Scootaloo said smugly.

“Yeah, yeah.” Applebloom said.

Storm arrived and sat beside Scootaloo.

“Hey, humming bird.” Storm said with a peck on the cheek, “You looking forward to that show later?”

“Yeah,” Scootaloo, “Our first official date. I can't wait.”

“Scoots and Storm sittin in ah tree k-i-s-s-i-n-g.” teased Applebloom.

“What are you, five?” chided Scootaloo.

“Eeyep.” she said.

Scootaloo would have rolled her eyes if she had them. She loved her best friends like sisters, but sometimes they just made her want to hurt them, especially Applebloom... so she did. Her speed runes made the motion too fast for the average pony to see.

“OW!!!” Applebloom yelled and gripped her forehead.

Scootaloo smiled knowing her friend focused more on strength and would be seen if she retaliated. She knew to expect something later but right now she just enjoyed the helplessness of her friend.

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

“Mom, I’m home” called Scootaloo as she walked inside and deposited her saddlebag by the door.

“How was school?” asked Dash from behind the newest Pony Wars book.

“Meh.” Scootaloo answered.

“Come here, I need to talk to you.” RD said setting the book aside.

Scootaloo reluctantly sat next to her mother on the couch. She knew this was going to be bad.

“I take it you're going to the show with Storm.” Dash started.

“Who told you?” Scootaloo said.

“You did just now.” Dash laughed, “I figured you would. It's what I would have done if I were you. That's kinda what I need to talk to you about.”

“Mom, Twilight already gave me 'the talk' when I was eleven.” Scoots said.

“I know, it's not that.” Dash said rather nervously, “It's about... well...” she tried finding the words, “I don't want you two to... ya know.”

Scootaloo realized where this was going, “Oh geez, mom. We're not going to do... that... anytime soon.”

Rainbow Dash continued, “I know, but if you two, uh, change your minds I've asked Twilight to cast a protection spell on you if you ask. She won't tell me if you do so it'll just be between you and her.” she let out a sigh of relief that was hard.

Scootaloo wrapped her mom in a hug and told her, “Thanks for looking out for me, but I’m not going to need it anytime soon. I won't lie, I thought about it, and might eventually, but not for a while.”

A weight seemed to lift off the cyan pegasus's shoulders, I guess the castration can wait.

“I'm gotta do something.” she said as she ran out the door with Diamond Tiara's gift tucked under her wing.

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

The door opened with a ringing bell.

“Welcome to Carousel Boutique where... oh Scootaloo.” said Rarity, “You know Sweetie Bell's not going to be home for a few days right?”

“I know, I’m here to see you.” Rarity looked confused at Scootaloo's reply, “um, I have a date to Trixie's show, and I was hoping you could help me... you know... look pretty.”

Rarity chuckled, “I never thought you would ask for a makeover.”

“I don't want a makeover, I just don't know anything about jewelry.” Scoots said pulling out the box, “I don't even know what these look like.”

Rarity took the package and opened it, “Oh my... these are incredible. Where ever did you get them.”

“They were a gift.” Scootaloo said, “Applejack said I should pretty myself up for dates.”

Rarity cocked an eyebrow, “Applejack... as in Applejack, Applejack. Orange earth pony with a blond mane, always wearing a hat?”

“Do you know any other Applejack?” Scootaloo said.

“No, but I figured you did.” said the posh fashionista, “Either that or there's a changling running around Ponyville.”

“Very funny, I’ll laugh later.” Scoots said, “Can you help me?”

“Of course.” She said, “I'm thinking this one, and this. A touch of makeup, not much. A new mane style maybe. I won't cut it, just style it.”

Scootaloo's mane was a bit longer than she use to keep it, but it was still just as messy.

Rarity got to work on the young tomcolt.

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

Storm waited by the fountain in town square. It did irritate him that Scootaloo tends to be late to everything. It's a good thing I love her so much, he thought to himself.

“Hey there handsome.” said a voice from behind him.

“I'm not that good...” his breath caught when he turned to see Scoots, “Looking”

She didn't have her headband covering the scar across her eyes. Instead her mane hung over her right eye, hiding it from view. She had eye shadow of the same grayish purple color her eyes use to be, light red lipstick, and a touch of rouge (that or she was blushing). She had a black collar-like choker with a silver ring and rubies cut like fire around it, mimicking her cutie mark. Simple silver orbs were clipped to her ears. Goddess, she's beautiful Storm thought to himself.

“Well you look good to me.” Scootaloo said.

“Ha, funny. That's why I love you, Hummingbird.” he said

“Why, aitn't you so purdy, Hummingbird.” said a sarcastic country voice.

“I'm going to kick your flank Applebloom.” Scootaloo said.

“Ya don't wanna smear yer make up.” said the yellow earth pony.

“So I felt like looking good for my coltfriend. What's it to you?” said the stunt pony.

“Wait,” said Storm, “I never saw that necklace before, AB.”

The farm filly wore a braided silk necklace with a pendant of her own cutie mark embedded in a golden apple.

“Necklace? And you're teasing me. I have somepony to dress up for, what's your excuse?” Scoots said.

“What can Ah say. Diamond may be a jerk but she knows how ta pick jewelry fer somepony.” said Applebloom.

“Diamond gave you those?” asked Storm, “Why?”

“To get in good with Belladonna.” Scootaloo said with a chuckle.

“Ha, her loss.” he said, “Come on let's go so we can get close to the show.”

“Alright.”  Scootaloo said, “C'mon, Bloom, I’m gonna need your eyes.”

The three made their way to the clearing outside of town where the stage wagon waited. It was still closed up at the time but Scootaloo and Applebloom knew how much it would change if it was like the last one.

A crowd had already started to form around the soon-to-be-stage, and it was growing. Ponyville had grown quite a bit since Trixie's last show, and many residents didn't know what happened. Those that did had mixed feelings about the show mare's return, but most had shown up to give her a second chance.

Scootaloo tried to see into the wagon but all the enchantments laced around it completely hid any energy that could be inside. Refused a peak she decided to scan around and see who was there

After several minutes of waiting a series of clinking sounds could be heard and the stage sprang to life. Applebloom and Scootaloo quickly activated their link runes and sight returned to the blind pegasus from her best friends eyes. Fireworks and lights shot from the stage as it grew to a size that couldn't have fit in a wagon like that.

I guess that's what the enchantments are for thought Scootaloo. She couldn't see energy when using a link rune, but being able to see again was worth it. Even if it wasn't really her seeing.

A voice boomed over the croud, “Welcome Ponyvillians to the return tour of the one and only Trixie.”

A cheer resounded through the gathered spectators, as a figure lifted from under the stage garbed in a blue, star covered cape and hat.

“Thank you for welcoming me back, despite the... misfortune of all those years ago. To be safe though maybe we should tie those two colts up before another Ursa finds it's way here.” she got a laugh out of the crowd.

“That actually happened?” Storm asked, “I thought you were joking.”

The show was decidedly better that the last one. She let off explosions, told a few jokes and stories with illusionary aide. Soon everypony that wasn't already there had made their way into the crowd.

The show was almost over when Scootaloo severed the link with the rune.

She leaned over to Storm and whispered, “let's head to the back. I need to tell you something.”

The two made their way back. Scootaloo's attention on the colt next to her. When they broke free from the crowd Scoots turned to her coltfriend.

“Um,” she started, “I just wanted to say that this time we've spent together has been some of the best time of my life.”

Storm smiled, “I feel the same. I love you, Scoots.”

Scootaloo bit her lip as she ever so slightly leaned in. Storm mimicked her. They grew closer and closer. Scootaloo could hear both of their hearts fluttering. She felt his breath

From the stage Trixie called out, “And now that the whole town is here, the grand finale.” she turned to face the back of the stage.

Scootaloo's thought's were interrupted by a wave of sinister energy coming from the stage. She turned towards the blue showmare and noticed she was wrapped in an energy she had only seen once before.

“Oh my Goddess.” Scootaloo said, “That's not Trixie. It's a changeling!”

“Trixie” turned around and remover her hat and cape. Her form engulfed in a green flame as a tall lean figure replaced the unicorn.

Storm's eyes widened as he recognized the creature as one he hadn't seen since the invasion of Canterlot, “Queen Chrysalis.”

Her right eye was covered in a Phantom of the Opera like mask. It was solid black, with a ruby in the shape of a dagger where the eye would be. This was the source of the dark energy Scootaloo felt.

Panic set in as ponies started to flee but black tendrils shot from the ruby on the changeling's mask beams of energy flew through the air and flowed into ponies eyes. Those that were struck froze as the dark magic seeped into their minds... all but two.

The energy struck where Scootaloo's eyes once were, leaving only a tingle. She shook her head to eliminate what little effect there was. Storm was never even touched.

The two were trying to figure out what happened when every other pony called out at once...

“All hail Chrysalis, Queen of Equestria.”

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

“All hail Chrysalis, Queen of Equestria.”

It was music to her ears. Chrysalis listened to the sound of her new subjects praising her. It was a dream come true. They were all standing in a still reverence to her magnificence.

All except two. Two young ponies in the back were looking around in confusion. how are they not under my control? she asked herself.

She took off and landed a little distance away from the two, now angry, youths. The female had a deep scar across her sunken eyelids. That explains that one. magic that enters through the eyes can't affect those without them, but what of the other he seemed like an ordinary pegasus. Unless he...

“What did you do to our friends?!” the blind one demanded.

Chrysalis chuckled, “My, aren't you a brave little pony. I could have my new minions tear you limb from limb.”

A number of the towns ponies moved to surround the two nuisances. Their faces blank and expressionless.

“Undo whatever the hell you did to them.” she demanded.

“Or what?” asked the changeling monarch.

Her answer came in the form of the filly launching herself with blinding speed, driving a hoof into Chrysalis' armored chest sending her several feet back. The fillies speed was a shock.

“You dare strike me.”Chrysalis spat, “Get her!”

Several of the ponies around them leaped at the pegasus, and in a matter of seconds were swatted away by the very same.

She has no eyes. How can she fight? Chrysalis barely avoided another blow as she took to the sky.

She expected the young pegasus to fly after her but she just glared from the ground. The other pegasus was struggling to fight off four ponies. She turned back just in time see a fire ball whisk pat her. She scanned for the unicorn that flung it until her eyes caught the red gleam of flames. Another flew harmlessly past before she realized the female pegasus was the source.

“You're just full of surprises.” mocked the queen. The child was not very skilled with the attack. Despite it's impressiveness it was all but useless.

An tan earth pony tried tackling her from behind. The irritation flipped over the mare and struck her in the back of the head before apologizing to this “AJ”.

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

Scootaloo hated having to admit it but Midnight was right. Here she was trying to fight a flying threat with no back up.

“Gahh!” cried Storm as he was slammed in side by a powerful bolt of purple magic.

Scootaloo instantly recognized Twilight's energy. Oh no, not Twilight. This fight's over we need to run now. She channeled energy to the runes on the bottoms of her hooves and a cushion of force formed lifting her a couple inches off the ground. With her signature buzz, she darted  to her fallen coltfriend, scooped him up and made a mad dash for the only safe haven she could think of...

The Everfree.

Green bursts surrounded her as she weaved a path around the changling queen's attacks. The tree line was approaching fast... as was a line on ponies waiting to block them.

Scootaloo didn't slow, in fact the turned up the speed. She could feel Chrysalis's energy building in a massive attack. Slowing was not an option.

Just before she collided with the pony phalanx she burst the energy in her hooves launching her over them in a move she had practiced on many occasions. She landed a bit harder with the added weight of Storm on her back.

Scootaloo breathed a sigh of relief as the trees enclosed of them. She was a bit premature in her relaxation as Chrysalis launched her spell at them striking just behind them. The explosion launching the pair through the air.

The orange filly slammed into a tree hard. She felt several ribs crack and break from the impact. Storm was lucky enough to only hit a bush.

He crawled out, his wing mangled from the fight before.

“Come on. It's my turn to carry you.” he said as he dragged her onto his good side.

They went through the forest for several hours until they found a cave and decided to rest inside. Storm set Scootaloo down and assessed their injuries. She had a broken wing and three ribs, while his wing was broken in three places.

“Scoots?” he said getting her attention, “Is it safe for me to heal you?”

Scootaloo focused on her sense searching for any nearby pony and found none.

“It's safe.” she said, “There's nopony around to see you.”

Storm closed his eyes. Focusing as he was wrapped in a green fire. His fur and feathers were replaced by black velvet covered chitin and thin insect wings. A crooked horn sprouted from his fore head and fangs grew from his mouth.

The transformation finished after about twenty seconds, and he opened his eyes to reveal not the normal blue but yellow eyes. He leaned his head down and green fire arced from it to Scootaloo's injured body. She winced in pain as bone mended in a matter of seconds and cuts closed.

Scootaloo let a sigh of relief as the injuries disappeared.

She nuzzled up against him and whispered, “I love you, Stormy.” Next Chapter: Chapter 4: Quest for Canterlot Estimated time remaining: 24 Minutes