In Loco Parentis (Part 12 - Finale and Epilogue)

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEumcfPLAew)
Stay awake Scootaloo! I’m not giving up on you!
>The cold rain wasn’t going to stop you. You held onto the small body of Scootaloo was she was beginning to slip.
>You could feel the streaming of warm tears flowing down your cheeks, as well as her warm blood against your body.
>The hospital was in sight.
>Scootaloo’s body was becoming more limp as the seconds passed.
>Pushing the door open with your shoulder, you were babbling incoherently desperately trying to tell them to save her.
>A stretcher was pulled out, and they lay Scootaloo down.
>”She’s not breathing. We need to get her to ER right away.”
>You stayed by her side as long as you could, the medical staff were already using bag valve mask to get her to breathe again while other staff members worked on getting her to stop bleeding.
>Being held back some of the staff, you could only watch helplessly as Scootaloo was being taken away.
>Some of the doctors were asking you questions, but all you could think of was being by her side.
>Finally you manage to speak coherently
You have to save her! I...
>Your legs went limp as you finally collapsed to the floor on your hands and knees. “Sir, you have to calm down. Our doctors will take good care of her. Please, tell us what happened.”
I have to be there... I need to be by her side!
>Quickly you get up and run down the hallway. You ignored their shouting as you pursued Scootaloo.
>They were already out of sight. Peering through the small door window, you went from door to door to look for her.
>You wanted to be there with her till the very end.
>She had to know what happened.
>Scootaloo needs to hear how much she means to you.
>Finally, you catch a glimpse of an orange mare being worked on by nurses and doctors. “We’re going to need a massive blood transfusion.”
>They bring out packets of the life saving red liquid and begin a transfusion. You rush in to be at her side.
>”You’re not allowed in here! Can someone please get him out of here?” one of the doctors commented in a rather annoyed voice.
>Ignoring what he said, you held onto Scootaloo’s hoof and rubbed her forehead.
Please Scootaloo, you’re stronger than this. Stay with me...
>”Doctor, she’s going under!” a nurse warned.
>You hear the heart monitor go flat. The gut wrenching sensation hits you like a ton of bricks.
>The nurses and doctors began to desperately get her heart starting again; you continued to stay by her side and held her hoof in your hand.
>They brought out the paddles, you had to stand back and watch as the doctors prepped the defibrillator. “Clear!”
>A loud bang fills the air and you see Scootaloo’s chest heave upwards.
>The heart monitor beeps a few more times but goes flat again.
>”You almost have her, let’s go for another.” The nurse urges the doctor.
>”Alright, clear!”
>A high pitch whirl followed by another bang fills the void and you hear the monitor beep a few more times.
>It goes flat again.
>”We’re losing her!”
>One of the doctors flashed a look at you, and he didn’t want you being here anymore. He didn’t want you to watch her die if it were to come to that.
>”Can someone please escort him out of here?”
>One of the nurses goes to call an escort, but you rush to Scootaloo to be at her side.
>You couldn’t lose her.
>Fluttershy was not going to win.
>”Anon, we’re doing everything we can! Let us take care of her!” The doctor warned you.
>You could only think of Scootaloo. How small she use to be.
>So frail yet tough.
>You began to cry softly, stifling your sobs as best you can. Gently you patted her on the cheek.
>You managed to speak in a somewhat cracked voice as hot tears streamed down your face
Please wake up.... Don’t leave me....
>It looked as if she was just sleeping. All you had to do was wake her up.
>You began to jostle her a little, hoping she would give a sign.
Scootaloo, you have to wake up!
>She didn’t move.
>One of the nurses came up behind you, “Please, we still have a chance but you shouldn’t even be here.”
I’m not leaving her!
>You placed one hand on top of her chest and placed the other on top and began to push down in a steady rhythm.
>After that you pinched her nose and placed your mouth on hers and gave a couple breaths of air into her.
>You continued to push on her chest.
C’mon Scootaloo....
>Just as a couple of security personal came into the room, the whole room at this point was almost chaotic.
>Ponies shouting at each other and at you, but you ignored everything.
>As you were about to be grabbed and taken away, a sound filled the air.
>Everyone stopped and listened.
>Breathing.
>A harsh but audible breathing.
>The heart monitor beeps back to life.
>A smile creeps across your face.
That’s it, keep breathing...
>Your legs almost give out, but you kneel at the bedside, your head resting next to Scootaloo.
>The nurses and doctors began to talk amongst themselves and insisted you leave the rest to them while they get Scootaloo stabilized.
>That beeping sound has never sounded any sweeter as you walked out of the room.
>Of course, when hospital staff saw you carrying an injured pony, they had some understandable reasons to call the cops.
>Two male officer ponies approached you before you were allowed to see Scootaloo.
>They wanted to know what happened to Scootaloo.
>The only thing you could tell them was that Scootaloo was at Fluttershy’s house when you found her like this.
>Deep down you wanted Fluttershy to pay for what she did to Scootaloo. But you couldn’t imagine that she was capable of doing something like this.
>The officers took down your information and said they would talk to her and investigate the incident.
>They left for now, but you knew Fluttershy would somehow turn this against you.
>One of the doctors approached you, “Anon? May I have a word with you?”
How is she?
>”Scootaloo is stable now, but I have some unfortunate news.”
>You’re just thankful she didn’t die in front of you, but this doesn’t mean she was out of the woods yet.
What’s wrong?
>”She’s in a coma.”
What? For how long?
>”We don’t know. A few hours, days or even years.”
>Scootaloo was alive, but now an even more difficult decision was laid before you.
>”We have her on life support and a feeding tube. But since you’re her legal guardian...”
>He paused but you knew exactly what this entailed.
>You could only nod, but you asked if you could be with her.
>Once you were granted access, you were led to the room where she was being kept. There she was, lying on the bed with medical equipment beeping and buzzing; all of it keeping her alive.
>With the door closed you went over to be at her side.
>She looked so peaceful.
>Finally, you pull up a chair and took a seat. You take in a deep breath and shook your head at all of this.
>You rubbed your hand over her forehead, gently brushing your fingers through her soft mane.
Some father I turned out to be...
>You knew she wouldn’t respond. Yet talking was the only thing you felt like doing for now.
I’m so sorry, Scootaloo. I didn’t want any of this to happen.
>The steady beeping of the heart monitor and the rushing of air in the breathing tubes was the only response you could hope for.
>You cupped her hoof into your hands and gave a gentle reaffirming squeeze.
I still remember...
>You could hear the rain and see that dank alley way. There in a small box she would sleep.
There you were, this little cold, shivering bundle. It broke my heart to see you like that.
>you could smell the familiar scent of hot homemade soup being poured to the brim and served to her.
I wasn’t sure if you would have taken offense to me offering you a place to stay. But I had a feeling you would come around. I didn’t think you would open yourself up to me the way you did.
>Her cries of sadness filled the air when she told you about her parents.
I loved you with all my heart and soul. And I still do.
>She was happy and active as a filly. As if the world couldn’t bring her down.
You were the only thing that mattered to me. Even if others didn’t agree, I did what I could to provide you with what you needed.
>Scootaloo would grunt and sweat as she trained hard almost every day for the big race. Rainbow Dash was there helping her along the way.
Even though you couldn’t fly, you would prove to everyone that you had spirit and the fortitude to reach new heights. Nothing stopped you that day.
>You could feel your own heart skip and race at the thought of her parents taking away Scootaloo.
Even in the face of adversity, the thought of you kept me fighting to get you back. I would do whatever it takes to save you.
>A loud crash and sounds of struggling was heard down the hall. Snow and frigid cold air filled Scootaloo’s room.
I never lost hope, even when some of the others did. I knew you were still alive. And when I saw you again, I was never more relieved in my life to know you were safe and sound.
>But Scootaloo continued to lay there, oblivious to your words.
>Now her life was in your hands.
>For now you wanted to preserve her life, you wanted to hold out and have her come back to you.
>You could still remember the look on her face that one fateful day.
When you came home and you told me the bad news, my heart was broken at what was at stake. But my love for you never died for a moment.
>Scootaloo wasn’t the young filly you once knew, she was starting to grow.
But then... things changed.
>You remember how she took dangerous risks, and her attitude was changing.
>But on the same token, you also reprimanded her. Told her she shouldn’t do this or that.
>You only wanted to protect her...
I had no idea how bad it was getting for you. I just wanted you to know that if I didn’t care about you, then I wouldn’t have lectured you or...
>You held back your words for a moment.
But then I remember how you never let anything hold you back, but eventually you let my words sink into you. You started to do things that would get on my nerves.
>You looked back to Scootaloo.
Yes, I hated the things that you did. But I still love you. I will never stop loving you. Even when I’m old and dying, you will still be my little Scootaloo.
>Your eyes burned again as you felt tears welling up.
I can’t change what happened. But you need to know that Fluttershy did something to me. She made me...
>You were choking back your tears as you thought back to those terrible memories.
>Your hand clenched the edge of the bed sheet; tears fell off your cheeks and absorbed into the fabric.
Please wake up...
>You sobbed quietly into the bed throughout the night and there you fell asleep. You wished it was all a bad dream.
>Morning came, and you were greeted by the sight of Scootaloo still in bed.
>You gave her a gentle nudge, but there was no response. A nurse entered the room and told you there were several officers waiting for you outside.
>Talking to the nurse, you requested that there be someone watching her at all times. No one else except you can see her.
>Fluttershy was not to come anywhere near Scootaloo.
>You didn’t want to leave Scootaloo, but you couldn’t let Fluttershy get away with what she did. You went outside of the room where the officers were waiting.
>”Anon, we were able to talk to Fluttershy and had a team look at the available evidence. We don’t suspect foul play, but it was most likely attempted suicide.”
>The other constable didn’t look too happy, “Fluttershy told us that Scootaloo came to her after the two of you got into a fight. She claims you violently assaulted Scootaloo.”
>The next thing you knew, you were taken away from the hospital and brought to the police station where they put into a small room and questioned you for the next several hours.
>You maintained your conviction that you didn’t attack Scootaloo maliciously. They even did the good ol’ bad cop and good cop routine on you.
>The lack of sleep was making you rather irritable, but you had to keep your cool. There was no sense going off the deep end; they’re only doing their jobs.
>It didn’t look like they were going to stop bombarding you with questions.
>You had to take a risk.
>Even if it sounded stupid, you had to tell them about what Fluttershy did to you.
I was forced to do it.
>”You were forced?” he asked in a questionable tone.
She drugged these cookies and without me knowing, I ate them. It’s all a blur but I remember her telling me to do things. I’m afraid she made me do something to Scootaloo, which caused her to run away.
>This was followed by more questions, but what else did you expect? The sound of P0nyville’s quietest and kindest citizen drugging, raping and convincing you to attack your kid is farfetched.
>For now, the police couldn’t lay any charges against you. Not until they looked into the investigation some more, or unless you had more compelling evidence to prove your case.
>A sample of the drug would surely be enough. And you had a good idea of where she probably gotten it from.
>As soon as you were released from custody, you were exhausted mentally and physically. Scootaloo was in good hands for the moment.
>Heading into your home, the eerie silence shrouded you in doubt and anxiety. It felt as though you weren’t here for years.
>Too many good and bad memories.
>Scootaloo’s room was still in shambles. You stood in the doorway for the longest time staring at the mess and chaos.
>The sound of screaming and crashing lingered in your mind.
>Finally, you breached the doorway and began to clean up and organize her room.
>You placed the shelves back to their original positions; picked up all the little objects and organized those best you could.
>Scootaloo didn’t do a good job of cleaning her own room, but it was a kind of ‘organized chaos’.
>As the hour passed, you finally came across something. A small book.
>It was a diary.
>You didn’t think Scootaloo was the type to write in one of these. Holding the small book in your hand, you pondered at the thought of rummaging through someone’s personal diary.
>With the best intentions that any parent would you held your breath and you flipped open the diary.
( http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=ngavdlcrRHI#t=80s )
>There scrawled among the pages in the beginning were drawings.
>Pictures that she drew of you both you and her when she was little. As you looked through each of them, under them there would be some writing.
>”My dad always told me to never give up.”
>There was another drawing depicting her on the scooter winning the race, and you hugging her after she won.
>”Rainbow Dash and my Dad believed in me.”
>There she drew herself crying; beside her were her parents when they were in court.
>”I was scared, but I knew my dad would come to get me.”
>Pictures of crudely drawn diamond dogs filled the next page.
>”My dad isn’t scared, so neither was I. When I grow up, I want to be brave just like him.”
>But as the pages went on, there was less drawings. It was mostly scribbles and small doodles.
>But lines of texts start appearing.
>All of them accounting for how she felt about not flying.
>”My dad once told me to not let anything hold me back. But he insists that I stop flying. I just wish he didn’t get angry at me when I try.”
>The rest were some scribbles of different rock band labels and nothing else. Finally there was one last bit of writing.
>”I just wish he could understand.”
>As you flipped through the empty pages, something slips out from between them.
>It was a folded piece of paper.
>As you unfolded it, you recognized immediately what it was.
>It was a picture that Scootaloo drew of you and her together, but it was ripped into two.
>A piece of tape that you used still held it together. You hear a knock at the door.
>You closed her diary and placed it on her bed along side with the picture.
>As you approached the door, you grumbled to yourself hoping there wouldn’t be any interruptions. You really wanted to get some rest.
>There was AppleJack standing on the front step, angry as all hell with tears streaming down her face and holding something in her mouth.
>She spits it at the floor in front of you. They were photographs of you and Fluttershy.
>She was quiet, but the tone of her voice suggested she was deeply hurt, “Didn’t think you were the kind to go foolin’ around with a gals best friend, anon...”
Please, just let me explain!
>”Explain what? That y’all were getting sick and tired of me so you decided to be with Fluttershy?!”
AppleJack, will you just listen to me?!
>She turns around and storms off. But you quickly get in front of her and stop her.
You look me in the eyes and tell me I’m not being honest. I’ve been with you for five years and I would never leave you to be with anyone else.
>AppleJack closed her eyes shut, as if she was refusing to hear what you had to say. “Then how do you explain what you and Fluttershy were doing?”
She tricked me, AJ. Fluttershy drugged me and... I know it sounds ridiculous, but ever since I came here she was always trying to get into my pants.
>AJ still had her face clenched, sobbing quietly.
AppleJack, I will do whatever it takes for you to forgive me. But Scootaloo is in the hospital right now and I have to be there for her.
>She started to slow down on her crying, her weary eyes looking up to yours. “What happened to her?”
 It’s a long story, but I promise once this is sorted out you’ll understand.
>AppleJack could only look at you, confused yet emotionally troubled.
>As it became clearer to you that Fluttershy was doing everything she can to ruin the relationships you have, you decided it was time to visit her.
AppleJack, I know you embody the element of honesty. I’m asking you right now to believe in what I say is true. I can’t deny what happened, but it wasn’t because I wanted it to.
>Saying goodbye, you took off to Fluttershy’s house.
>As you approached the small quiet cottage, the birds and other small animals scurried about the outside of her house.
>The heart in your ribcage was beating furiously. All you could think about was destroying that yellow pony.
>You knew it wouldn’t come down to that, but you wanted to give her one final warning to turn herself in.
>Knocking on the door, you didn’t have to wait long before she answered the door. “Oh... “
>But before she could say anything else, you barged your way into her house, picked her up and slammed her against the wall.
>She yelps in her meekest voice while your pin her up against the wall. One hand was clenched around her throat and the other pinning her left wing.
>”You’re... hurting me....” she manages to gasp. You were breathing hard short breaths of air as you felt all your anger build up inside.
>Pushing your hand harder against her wing, she begins to squirm in pain.
You think you can get away with this?! Drugging me, trying to kill Scootaloo and showing those pictures to AppleJack? You’re just lucky Scootaloo is still alive!
>She was starting to gasp for air; you didn’t realize your grip around her throat was getting tighter. You let off on the death grip, “All I did was... offer a way out...”
What are you talking about?
>”She was hurt by what you did...”
>Pulling her away from the wall, you slammed her into it again.
You mean what YOU made ME do!
>Fluttershy was beginning to smile; she carried a different look on her face. “It wasn’t by my hooves... my hooves are clean from any blood...”
I’m giving you one last warning, either you confess to the authorities of what you did to me and what subsequently happened to Scootaloo or else...
>She smirks at you, “Or else what?”
>Anger started to cloud your judgement. You wanted her to suffer just as you did.
>While you still had her pinned to the wall with one hand, you clench your free hand into a fist and drove right into her wing, crushing it against the wall.
>Fluttershy screams in agony and you instantly drop her.
Or else...
>You couldn’t finish your sentence. As your hands shook and trembled from the adrenaline and realizing what you just did.
>Fluttershy slowly got up to her feet, and as she tried to flex her wing she yelps in pain and winces. Tears start to form in her eyes and she sobs quietly.
>Slowly you back away from her. Fluttershy didn’t say anything at first, but through her tears she smiles at you, “I forgive you... Y-You’re just hurting right now. But soon, we’ll both be happy together.”
>Stopping short from the door you were able to issue her your last warning.
Give yourself in, Fluttershy. You won’t win this.
>With that you turn and ran to the EverFree Forest and didn’t look back.
>If anyone was going to help you, it was Zecora.
>You weren’t exactly sure where she lived in the forest, but after wandering for a while you eventually come across her hut.
>Knocking on the door, you anticipated hat she would have a solution. Finally, the rhyming zebra answered the door. “Who could it be at my door? Why it’s Anon who everyp0ny adores.”
Zecora, I need your help.
>As you explained the situation you were in, she listened very intensely to your troublesome story.
>Finally she closes her eyes and nods, as if to say she understands. “Yes, it is quite true that Fluttershy was here. She seemed most distraught the poor dear.”
So she was here then. What did you give her?
>”She told me that an animal was giving her trouble, and that she needed a cure on the double.” She walks over to her cupboards and pulls out a small mixing bowl.
>As she placed small items into the bowl she continued her spiel, “The details unfortunately she would not tell, but she said it had to be under a temporary spell.”
>As she mixes the ingredients she takes out a Hearts Desire flower and adds a few petals to the mixture. “So I made this brew to help her out. Seemed like it was for a good cause, no doubt.”
But as I told you, I ate something she contaminated it with. She...
>You tightened your fists at the mere thought. Zecora knew your troubles very well.
>”Tis a said sight to see a father in pain. But you have much insight to gain.”
What do you mean?
>”Although the brew can cause one to be prey to suggestion. There is another thing that needs to be questioned.”
What’s that?
>”Did you harbour any ill feeling against your kin? There you will find the answers within.”
>As she finished mixing a small concoction in a small cup, she places it in front of you. You were aghast by the accusation at first.
I don’t know if I should take you seriously, but I love Scootaloo. I didn’t hate her...
>You paused for a moment.
I just got angry at what she did. But I didn’t want her to get hurt.
>”A loving fatherly response of course. Drink the brew and you will find the source.”
>You looked at the weird liquid concoction, but you had a good feeling that you could trust Zecora.
>As you chugged back the liquid you almost expected to see something right away.
>Nothing happened.
>Drinking the last drop of the somewhat bland liquid, you smacked your lips and looked at Zecora.
So, when do I start to....?
>The room around you begins to warp and morph into weird shapes and colours. Your speech was being dragged out; making it sound like everything was in slow motion.
>You blinked your eyes a few times and Zecora was gone, but before you knew it, your body felt weightless and you drifted off into a black abyss.
>Everywhere you looked, there was darkness.
>Something began to shift.
>The world around you began to materialize. Squares and rectangles flew past you and began to take the form of your house.
>You were home again.
>Standing in the middle of the living room, you looked around and didn’t hear or see anything.
Scootaloo?
>You began to walk around the house, but there was no response.
>As you headed to the kitchen you hear a sound. Leaning your head around the corner you saw that it was you standing in front of the sink washing the dishes.
>There was a knock at the door.
>Anon leaves the dishes and walks right past you, oblivious to your presence there. There he answers the door and there stood Scootaloo, looking as if she took a bad spill.
>You remember this happening before.
>This one of the many times that Scootaloo hurt herself trying to fly.
>”Oh for the love of... What did I just finish telling you?!” he yells at her.
>Scootaloo was about to answer when you, or rather ‘past’ you, interrupted her again. “It’s like talking to a wall sometimes, I swear to... If I tell you not to do something, don’t do it!”
>She could only look at you with a blank expression in her eyes.
>As you continued to talk down on Scootaloo, Zecora came up beside you. “Is it true that this has happened a lot? Telling her contradictions to what you taught?”
So it’s a crime now to protect Scootaloo from hurting herself? I didn’t mean to get this angry at her. Tempers flare when you’re really passionate about someone you care.
>As the room begins to stretch past you, you hear a garble of noise, but soon it became clear that what you were hearing was past arguments that you had with Scootaloo.
>Finally it was night time in your house and all has gone quiet. You were standing in your room when suddenly the door opens.
>There was you walking into the room and picking up an envelope that was lying on your bed.
>You instantly remember that this was the night when...
>As you watched yourself pass out, you could only watch yourself in a zombie like state open the window where Fluttershy was waiting.
>You looked around for Zecora.
Zecora, I don’t want to see this. Make it stop!
>There the rhyming zebra appeared next to you, “But for you to understand, this you have to see. A clear remembrance shall be the key.”
>You close your eyes, but there you could still see what was happening. The sound, sensations and smell were all there.
>It sickened you to watch Fluttershy as she made you her plaything. But after that she cuddled next to you and began to whisper into your ear.
>She told you to remember all the times Scootaloo mad you angry and to turn that anger into action. She wanted you to get rid of Scootaloo.
>You watch in a sicken state as you walked out of the room and headed to Scootaloo’s room.
>There you began to tear through her room, destroying her stuff, yelling and cursing at her. Out of desperation you tried to physically stop your other self, but almost like a holograph, you passed right through yourself.
>There you saw Scootaloo try to stop you herself, but you threw her against the wall.
>Finally as she pleaded and yelled to you to stop, you turned around and watched as you drew your hand and slapped her across the face.
>Followed by more yelling and screaming, Scootaloo was shaking and crying. You watched yourself as you went to the safe, got the key to the lock and threw it at her.
>The room shatters and you fall back into darkness.
>As if waking from a dream, you open your eyes and realized you were lying on the floor staring up at the ceiling. There Zecora was sitting at your side with a piece of burning incense.
>Picking yourself up from the ground, you sat down in front of Zecora. Her eyes were closed, as if she was meditating.
What the hell was that?
>”Opening one’s mind to enlightenment is the only way. To face your inner demons hurt, wouldn’t you say?”
>After all this time, how you fought recklessly to save Scootaloo, filled her head with the thought of never quitting or giving up; in turn you contradicted what you taught her in life.
But I.... I didn’t want her to get hurt.
>”So many risks you have taken and ended up hurt. So too Scootaloo’s resolve did reassert.”
Resolve to what?
>”To be more like her father and to never give in. But all your worrying has caused her much grief within.”
>Yes, it was true you got angry at Scootaloo whenever she disobeyed you. But the more you thought of it, the more it was becoming clear to you.
>”When saving Scootaloo from her parents was your goal, did Celestia tell you to ‘abandon all delusions of control’?”
>Your heart sank and you could only take in a deep breath and sigh in grief.
>”Do not fret Anon, for you are of good merit. Your tenacious valor Scootaloo did inherit. But what Fluttershy did cannot be undone. So I will help you to be with your loved one.”
I just need a small sample of the stuff that you gave to Fluttershy. If the authorities have it and you testify...
>Zecora raised her hoof up to stop you, “I will help you as best as one can do. But what happens will all be up to you.”
>Without saying another word, she pours a dry mixture of ingredients into a small paper envelope. “I wish you good luck as you seek out retribution. May you find peace upon your restitution.”
Thank you Zecora.
>You grab the small envelope and take your leave.
>The sky was bloody orange with hues of pink and purple. It was evening already.
>You didn’t realize that you were knocked out for so long. It only felt like minutes.
>Deciding that now you have some solid evidence, you could try to talk to AppleJack one more time.
>Maybe after some time she would hopefully be more receptive to what you have to say.
>As you approached Sweet Apple Acres, a warming wind blew across the farm. It smelled like a rain storm was approaching.
>Sure enough, over in the west you could see huge clouds rolling in.
>You knocked on the door, and there the door was opened by Granny Smith.
Hi, is AppleJack home? I need to speak with her.
>”AppleJack? Poor thing seemed so upset about something, but she’s not here. Her friend uh... what’s her name.... Fluttershy came by and asked AppleJack to help her with something.”
>You could feel your throat jump into your throat.
Where did they go?
>”I think something about going to the waterfall by the old quarry... They left not too long ago.” You take off like a bolt and headed to the quarry.
>You didn’t think Fluttershy as going to do it, but you had a good feeling that AJ was in danger.
>You are now Fluttershy.
>Anon just left your house after he injured your wing. As you tried to move your wing, you realized that it was mostly likely broken.
>Sobbing quietly, you wrapped up your wing with bandages to stop it from moving around too much. “We are so close to getting him, I can feel it.”
But he was so angry at me. Did you see that look in his eyes?
>”Now now, like I said he was just hurting. It’s all part of the healing process. But I didn’t like the way he sounded so sure about AppleJack.”
I still think I didn’t need to show her the pictures...
>”Then how else would we get her to stop loving him? Who is she going to trust? Sweet, loving and compassionate Fluttershy or him?” she snaps back at you.
I’m just glad that Scootaloo is OK.
>In your heart, you were really happy that Scootaloo didn’t die, but somewhere in your mind, she didn’t think so kindly. “It was your fault he found her right away and she’s still alive because of you. We need to take care of AppleJack and then we’ll deal with Scootaloo after.”
I don’t think Anon will like that. He might not want to be with us if anything were to happen to AJ.
>”Coward! That’s what you are! I should’ve known that you were too meek to take what you want. I was a fool to think that we would be able to do anything.”
W-what are you trying to say?
>”From now on my dear, I’m calling the shots.” You heard the voice almost taunting you.
>Your mind begins to cloud with desire and hatred. The only thought on your mind was to get rid of AppleJack by any means. But you had to think about this carefully.
>Hours went by and you brooded over, thinking of different scenarios of how to do the deed.
>As the end of the day was fast approaching, you came to realize AppleJack may not be in the best mood to see you again.
>But AJ couldn’t say no to friend in need of help.
>You set your plan into motion and you headed to Sweet Apple Acres. Regardless if it was by your hoof or not, AJ would be gone and Anon will be yours for the taking.
>By the time you were knocking at the front door, you already had your tears flowing. AppleJack answers the door, “Oh, it’s you.”
Please, you have to help me!
>Sure enough, AJ’s good nature took over. “What’s the matter, sugarcube?”
It’s Angel, he’s stuck at this waterfall by the quarry. I can’t reach him!
>”Well let’s go. But I’m only doing this for Angel, so keep that in mind.”
>You nod and you both take off for the waterfall.
>As the evening sun was setting AppleJack inquired about your injured wing. You assured her that you took a spill this afternoon and it wasn’t too serious, you just wouldn’t fly for a while.
>As you both reached the top of the waterfall, you went through thick undergrowth to get there but sure enough there was Angel.
>He was hanging onto some loose vines at the end of log suspended over the edge of the waterfall.
Angel is too scared to move, please save him!
>AppleJack took a step onto the log; it should be strong enough to support her weight. She slowly walks out to the end where Angel was hanging.
>”Don’t y’all worry none, I got ya...” her legs wobbly and begin to shake.
>As she makes it over to angel, the little bunny quickly swings on the vine and launches himself up. AppleJack watches as the white rabbit flies up above her head, only for him to land right on her head.
>Angel quickly hops off and bounces down the log towards you.
>AppleJack was thrown off her balance and you watched in delight as she falls over the edge.
>Of course she caught onto the vines with her mouth and was hanging on for dear life. You could hear her muffle cry for help.
>With a smirk, you walk over to the log hop of top of it and began to lean onto it with your weight.
>The old rotten wood begins to creak and snap with every push. AppleJack is visibly scared and through her muffles she tries to yell at you to stop.
I’m sorry AppleJack, but this is the only way. It wasn’t enough to drug him into making love with me, but as long as you’re still around then I’ll never be with Anon.
>The wood begins to snap as AJ desperately tries to get back on top of the log. Her eyes dilate as she looked down below to the misty chasm of the waterfall.
>You hear a sound coming up from behind. As you turn to look, there you saw Anon running out from the undergrowth.
>You are now Anon.
>As you stopped to look, you saw AppleJack hanging for dear life at the end of the log.
>The time for talking was long gone, and Fluttershy was beyond reasoning with. You make a mad dash to the log, but Fluttershy turns around and stands her ground.
>”Anon, you have to listen to me, I...” she was interrupted when you pick her up and toss her to the side.
>Regardless if the log was going to support your weight or not, you had to save AppleJack. You get down on your hands and knees and crawl towards her.
I’m coming to get you, just hold on!
>AppleJack yells through her teeth, you could make it out to be that she was warning you to look out. As you turn to look, there was Fluttershy lunging at you.
>She grapples you from behind and you struggle to pry her off your back.
>Fluttershy was able to hold on quite tight despite being not so strong.
Get the hell off me!
>You shake your body, but at the same time trying to not end up shaking all of you off the log and to your death.
>The log was starting to shake loose from the edge of the cliff, and you knew AJ couldn’t hold on forever. As Fluttershy was trying to heave and discourage you she yells, “Don’t do it! AJ is suppose to go away, not you!”
I’d rather die than be on the same planet as you!
>You could see the look in AppleJack’s eye, she was tired from holding on, but she knew the weight would send you all to your demise. If she would let you, then maybe you could still save yourself.
>She muffles through her teeth one last time, “I love you Anon...” and lets go of the vine.
>Time slowed down as you watched her descend into the depths below.
>It’s not going to end this way.
>With a lunge you fall after AJ and grab her by the hoof and you grab the end of the log with your other hand.
>There you are suspended over a waterfall, holding AJ with one hand while contending with a Fluttershy grappled to your back.
Just hold on AJ, I’ll get you both out of here.
>Of course you weren’t really sure how you were going to do that. You are not that strong as you use to be and the extra weight of two ponies made it difficult for you to hold on.
>Fluttershy was naturally scared of being this high up and with her injured wing, she couldn’t fly.
AppleJack, I’m sorry for getting you into this mess. But I swear I’m going to get you out of this.
>”Anon, if you hold on to me we’ll all die. But if you let me go, then I know I can trust you to watch after the Apple family.”
Don’t say things like that, as much as I hate Fluttershy right now, she has to face the consequences of her actions.
>Fluttershy begins to grunt in frustration and starts to kick your arm that is holding AppleJack, “If you don’t let her go, then we’ll both die!”
Knock it off!
>You give a shake to try and stop her, but the log ends up snapping even more. It starts to splinter in the middle and the end you’re hanging off begins to dip further down.
>As the evening sun continues to sink below the horizon, the approaching storm cloud is upon you. With a loud rumbling boom, rain follows shortly after.
>You strain to hold on as the rain soaks you and the other two ponies.
>Your grip on AJ was starting to slip.
Can you try to climb up me?
>AppleJack tries to pull herself up, but she was already exhausted and the rain made it too slippery to climb.
>A strike of lightning illuminates the surrounding area and shakes the air around you.
>You could feel AppleJack slipping from your grip, “Just promise me you’ll take care of AppleBloom and the others...”
Don’t do this to me, AJ. We can both get out of this!
>She just shakes her head, “No matter what happens, it’s not your fault. I love you Anon...”
>You strain to hold even tighter, but you felt her hoof leave your hand. You could only watch helplessly and call out her name as she descended down to her death below.
>Something catches your eye. On the quarry cliff high above you spot something.
>It was a pegasus.
>Being too dark to see, you couldn’t see who it was. But as it spread it wings, it jumps off the cliff face and dive bombs towards AJ.
>It glides down to AppleJack at breakneck speed and catches up to her almost instantly.
>A flash of lightning fills the sky and you could see its orange fur coat and lavender mane.
>Scootaloo?
>You watched as the pegasus catches AJ in her arms and glides down into the canopy of trees down below just off to the side of the waterfall.
>It WAS Scootaloo. And she just saved AppleJack.
>You were almost crying out of sheer happiness to see that AJ was safe and that Scootaloo was awake. But you weren’t out of the woods yet.
>The log begins to crack again and is hanging on by the splinters of wood.
Fluttershy, can you climb up?
>”I... I don’t think I can...” she cries.
This isn’t the time, just start climbing!
>The log shifts again and the sudden drop causes Fluttershy to slip off your back. She clings desperately to your ankle and trembles.
Fluttershy! I can’t hold on and this log isn’t going to hold much longer.
>The icy cold rain was pelting your face and drenched your clothing, adding more weight to your tired arms.
>The log shifts again, and you feel that your time was coming to its end.
As much as I hate you right now, I’d rather you face justice for what you did to me and those I love.
>Fluttershy looked up to you and you could tell something changed in her voice, “All I wanted was for you to love me...”
And I never will. Even if we both die right now, I can die knowing that you will never hurt anyone again. In fact, that sounds like a better alternative.
>Fluttershy’s eyes widen at this revelation. She looked as though she was having a panic attack, “What? No... No! You don’t have to die! You can’t die!”
>You looked down at her with a cold stare
You know, Celestia once told me to abandon all delusions of control. Whether or not this final act is me taking control of the situation, I know it’ll put an end to all of this.
>The log continues to crack and splinter from the weight.
>You are now Fluttershy
>As you hung there from Anon’s leg, your mind was beginning to race.
>You didn’t want Anon to die. He was your reason to live.
>But if Anon was to kill himself because of you...
>You couldn’t forgive yourself.
>The voice in your head was getting louder, “Just hold on! Help will come and we can still be with Anon!”
>You started to talk to yourself at this point.
What’s the point? For all these years nothing has worked. We hurt those he loved for our own selfish desires...
>Anon looked down at you rather confused.
>The voice was insisting that you fight to live, “Don’t you ignore me! We wouldn’t be in this mess if you just listened to me!”
Then I’m done listening to you. If Anon lives, then he’ll be happy. And perhaps....
>Anon calls down to you, “Who are you talking to?” You look up to him; smile softly and with tears in your eyes you simply responded.
It’s like you said Anon, I’m not going to win.
>”Fluttershy, if you just climb up me then...”
I guess this is goodbye, Anon. I’m... sorry for all that happened. I just wanted us to be happy together.
>”Fluttershy...”
At least this way, you will finally be happy. Then I can be happy too...
>You take in a deep breath and you released your grip from Anon.
>You are now Anon.
>You felt Fluttershy let go of your leg. Tears formed in her eyes, but she was still smiling up to you as she made her descent.
>She looked up to you but closes her eyes as she fell into the misty roar of the waterfall down below.
>You yelled out her name, but it was too late. Her body disappears into the watery mist below, the sound of her impact covered by the roar of the waterfall and the rumbling of thunder.
>The rain starts to subside as you hanged there from the broken log.
>Fluttershy was gone.
>She was really gone.
God dammit!
>You didn’t want her to kill herself. You could only mutter to yourself.
Fucking Fluttershy...
>The log shifts again, and it begins to slide off the edge of the cliff.
Oh shit!
>Over the edge you see a vine drop next to you. Without hesitating, you grab onto it just as the rotting log finally falls over the ledge.
>You breathe a sigh of relief, and instantly you felt yourself being hoisted up. There at the top of the ledge was AppleJack and Scootaloo pulling on the rope.
>Grabbing the ledge you pull yourself up where AJ and Scoots help to pull you up.
>Laying on the ground breathing hard, AJ and Scootaloo look down at you, “Are you OK? Where’s Fluttershy?” AppleJack asked.
>Your mouth was dry and you found yourself at a loss for words. You sat yourself up and kneeled in front of them. You shook your head with eyes closed.
 She’s.... gone.
>Looking up you see Scootaloo sitting in front of you, she look exhausted. You wrap your arms around her neck, AppleJack joined in.
>You laugh nervously and choked as you felt the tears coming.
I’m sorry Scootaloo. For everything...
>”I know, I heard you.” She replies softly. “I could hear you in my dreams, dad.”
>AppleJack was beginning to get all teary eyed, “Fluttershy told me. I couldn’t believe she would do such a thing. But ever since you left, I could tell you were being honest.”
>Scootaloo interjected, “When I woke up and you weren’t there, I left the hospital looking for you. I went to Sweet Apple Acre thinking you’d be there, but Granny Smith told me where you were.”
I can’t believe it, you can actually fly!
>”Not exactly... Remember all the times I got myself hurt? I knew I wasn’t able to fly normally, but I was to glide. This was the fastest I’ve ever gone.”
>AppleJack smiled, “Well, I owe you one Scootaloo. You saved mah life.”
>Scootaloo was beginning to shake and tremble, “How about we just call it even? You did find me when those Diamond Dogs threw me out into the cold.”
>Picking up Scootaloo in your arms, you knew she was worn out from this little excursion.
Crazy kid, don’t go being reckless like that.
>She smirks at you, “I wonder where I got it from...”
>You couldn’t help but chuckle at her remark, but it didn’t make it less true.
>Scootaloo was born to be stubborn like you, and she did learn from the best.
>You were her guardian after all.
>Her father.
>And like any loving parent, you acted In Loco Parentis.

Epilogue
>Several weeks went by after that incident.
>You went to the authorities, gave them all the evidence you could and told them what happened to Fluttershy.
>They recovered her body shortly after a quick search. You and the other five ponies went to the morgue to confirm it was Fluttershy.
>Even in death she looked as if she found inner peace.
>The element of Kindness was gone.
>Even after what you, AppleJack and Scootaloo told them, it didn’t make it any less tragic. You never intended Fluttershy to do this to herself.
>An autopsy showed that it was possible she was suffering from a type of schizophrenia. When doctors told you that, it started to make sense as to who Fluttershy was talking to on that fateful day.
>Was her actions all those years truly hers?
>You couldn’t begin to imagine what Fluttershy was going through.
>Finally the funeral came.
>It was an open casket funeral held in Canterlot, but you almost couldn’t bring yourself to look at her.
>As you and your friends paid your final respect, you were the last to look at her before she was to be returned to the earth.
>You were holding a single rose and you placed it on top of her chest. Although you still had a bit of a grudge for what she has done in the past, it was time to let it go.
I wish it didn’t have to be this way. I would’ve forgiven you eventually, but I feel now would be the best time.
>You brush her mane off her face and gently stroke her cheek.
If you can hear me Fluttershy, I forgive you. Where ever you are, may you find peace.
>You watched as the casket was lowered into the ground, some of your friends were still crying.
>But you didn’t cry.
[One month later...]
>You grunt as you carried out the last piece of luggage and secure it to the small trailer.
There we go...
>You pat the luggage making sure it was secure.
Now, are you sure you packed everything you need?
>Scootaloo gives you an exacerbated sigh, “Yes dad, I have all the stuff I need.” She giggles at you.
>AppleJack was there with you as well helping, “I reckon you’ll see plenty of fantastic sights, when do you think y’all be coming back?”
>Scootaloo decided it was time for her to go out and see the world. “I don’t know, it’s uncertain at this point.” She replied.
Well, just remember you have a house and a family waiting for you if you decide to come back.
>A rainbow coloured mare approaches you from the sky, “Hey kiddo, you ready to head on out?”
Thanks for seeing her safely out of Ponyville, RD.
>”No problem Anon, it’s the least I can do.”
>Scootaloo hops on top of her scooter with a small trailer attached to carry her stuff and is ready to pop on her helmet.
Oh, wait a minute!
>You run back into the house and grab something for Scootaloo. Running back out you hand her a piece of paper folded up.
Just a little... reminder.
>She looks at it a little confused, but she opens it up and her face lights up with a joyous smile.
>Quickly she folds it up, places it in a small compartment on her scooter and kisses you on the cheek, “Thanks dad. I’ll be sure to write.”
>You give her one last hug and wish her the best out there.
I’ll be here if you ever need me.
>With that, she takes off and waves goodbye as she disappears down the dirt road. You waved until she was completely out of sight.
>AppleJack nudged you with a mischievous smile on her face, “Alright lover boy, I saw that smile on her face. What did you give her?”
Oh, just a little keepsake.
>Inside the compartment of Scootaloo’s scooter, the paper unfolds slightly to reveal the drawn picture of you and Scootaloo that she drew all those years ago.