DragonLovingBrony (79) - And you haven't come to expect this kind of thing from me by now?

DragonLovingBrony (78) - Lol who says he won't yet?

Ponified Bacon Boss (79) - Because I'm still human :P And you'll just have to read on and see what I do

Ponified Bacon Boss (78) - I'm honestly not sure how that works in the show, but I do know how I plan to work it in my story (you'll just have to find out for yourself :P)

centaurus2 - Lol right?

PBJFanFiction (78) - I'm not sure if they would be canonically, but it would make sense that they were; they're completely different worlds with completely different cultures after all

PBJFanFiction (79) - Well... they can reform... but it's entirely possible that regeneration is unique to Aurora and other timberwolves like her (if there are any)

xel101 - Oh, she most definitely can, but will she...?

ShadowfireAngel (79) - Lol I don't know, is it?

ShadowfireAngel (78) - I dunno about stronger, but he's definitely got an edge now ;)

worldwidebrony - Because of Raisins! (Raisins is my intel guy)

NoobKillerPat2011 (77) - Lol who says she's a vampire? She could be a werewolf, or maybe just sick for all you know :P

Guest - What if I wanna?

NoobKillerPat2011 (78) - Lol I have a .45 and a 12 gauge, each with several hundred rounds of reloads... and I also know how to make a variety of explosive compounds. I think I'm good for Z-Day, thanks though ;)

KillerBeast1998 - Yeah, she'd make an awesome daughter... or little sister

Lonewolf14198 - Because I'm evil and your tears sustain me! Seriously though, thanks for that; it's always nice for an author to hear that his readers enjoy all the work he puts into his world.

Fusion Blitz (77) - I will say this one time: VAMPIRES. DO. NOT. SPARKLE!

Fusion Blitz (79) - Why thank you :3 And the Side Project will make this seem like it's all sunshine and rainbows...

NoobKillerPat2011 (79) - Well... seeing as how two of them are already dead... I think you'll have some trouble with that

DragonLord RyuKizoku - You can try... but like many before you, you will fail

Kyguy - Well, you're about to find out if she actually does or not

Poketurn88 - For now...

chipmunkfanatic - Lol don't get too torn up over it...

silverstreak853596 - To be fair, Blake's been through more than his fair share as well

KillerWoW (79) - Oh, Celestia has no say in the matter... This is my story, so I outrank her

KillerWoW (78) - What are we making into a movie again?

landmoverman - Yeeeeeeeeees! Scoooooooooootsss!

Ashura/Bosscakes - Lol I know, right? They're awesome! Sorry, I haven't had much time to get on, but I'll try to this week

PyraohXBlaze (79) - Eh, I've been called worse

PyraohXBlaze (78) - This was the second double-update. And can we say 'epic foreshadowing'?

Mikalzilla (78) - Yup...

Mikalzilla (79) - Ok, I won't tell you that Scootaloo is dying and there's only one way to even possibly save her.

Zero the Warrior of Chaos - Yeah... I actually have a friend that can't understand how people can get emotionally attached to fictional characters. And I'm currently not, but if the chance comes up, I just might use him ;)

A/N - Howdy everypony! WOW that was a lot of reviews! I'm glad that everyone thought I did a good job with that little scene, even if they did want to murder my face for it... anyway, I'm a little behind on my writing due to a virus blowing up my operating system, so I have no idea when I'll be able to post my side project, but A Second Chance will update normally. As always, don't forget to follow/favorite, review, and most importantly; enjoy!

Panic started setting into my mind, and I placed my hand on Scootaloo's chest to shake her awake. I let out a huge sigh when I felt her little heart beating in her chest. I gently shook the filly, and her eyes fluttered open. "S-sorry Papa… I fell asleep again…"

I did my best to give her a reassuring smile. "That's ok kiddo… here, Zecora brought your medicine, drink up."

I pulled the cork out of the small flask that Zecora had given me and put it to Scootaloo's lips, tilting it back slowly so she could drink the faintly glowing liquid within. I had to force myself to go slowly, since her aura was growing fainter by the second, and I knew what that meant. "Once she's started to drink, you mustn't allow her to stop; she must drink it all to the very last drop."

I nodded to the zebra healer and tilted the flask up further, allowing more of its contents to flow into my daughter's mouth and down her throat. I could tell just swallowing was hard for her, but I whispered encouragements to her, trying to keep her awake long enough to get the whole thing down.

I was worried that something was wrong; the more of the potion she drank, the weaker her already faded aura seemed to get. I thought back to Zecoa's words as I watched the fluid slip out of the flask; she must have meant that this stuff wouldn't start to work until all of it was in her stomach.

The last few drops of the curative potion left the bottle, and Scootaloo's aura faded until I could barely make it out; my heart stopped as I realized she was slipping away from me, and I put my hands on her shoulders to shake her, trying to bring her back. I paused when I felt a hoof on my own shoulder, and looked over to its owner.

Zecora shook her head gently and motioned towards Scootaloo with her free hoof, and I knew that she wanted me to watch. I did as she bade and turned my attention back to my daughter's prone little form. Her aura seemed to have stopped fading, and I noticed something odd going on under her bandages, which were somehow messing with my aurasight. I lifted one up gently and was amazed to see that the flesh beneath was knitting itself back together, not even leaving so much as a scar behind when it was finished.

I winced at a sudden *POP*, and looked at the source to see that her broken leg had undone the set that Zecora had done on it and was resetting itself again, the bone knitting seamlessly back together.

The two of us watched as her injuries disappeared without a trace, and I felt yet more tears start flowing down my face as her aura started to grow brighter again, her breathing becoming more steady and her heartbeat stronger with each passing second. The little filly draped across my lap stretched and let out a yawn. "Papa? Di-did I fall asleep again?"

I nodded and stroked her wild little mane. "You sure did kiddo, but the good news is that potion made you all better again." I started helping her remove her bandages as I talked, and she sat up and stretched again.

"It feels like that was just a really bad dream…" She finished stretching and looked at me. "Did you take your medicine too Papa, can you see again?"

Before I could say a word, the door to the room swung open, drawing all of our attentions. "Well, did it work, did tha flower-potion thingy make 'er better?" I winced and Zecora made a slashing motion with her hoof, but it was too late.

"P-Papa!? You used up your flower to make me better!?" She didn't give me time to say anything before bolting past Zecora and Applajack and out the door.

I glared at Applejack. "Ah, um… Ah'm sorry Sugarcube, Ah thought ya told 'er b'fore ya gave it to 'er…"

I pushed my anger down, telling myself I'd deal with this later. "I'll talk to you about it later AJ; right now I need to have a talk with Scootaloo." The country mare turned her eyes to the floor, and her shame was evident in her body language.

I walked past her and out into the main room, where it seemed that Twilight, still wrapped up in her blankets, had intercepted the distraught filly and was now hugging her tight, whispering reassurances that I couldn't quite hear as she tried to console the crying filly. I took a step towards them and Twilight looked up, shaking her head slowly, a silent warning to stay away for the moment. I couldn't read any anger in what little of her features I could make out, so it seemed she was doing it more out of concern for Scootaloo than anything.

I stifled a sigh and turned back into Zecora's bedroom, closing the door quietly behind me. Applejack was sitting on the bed, holding her hat in her hooves and staring at the bloody bandages that had kept my daughter alive while Zecora crafted her salvation. I tried to rationalize my anger away by telling myself that AJ didn't mean any harm with her statement, and that It was just an innocent mistake, but I couldn't drive away the hurt that I had heard in Scootaloo's voice when she found out that I had given up the only thing that could restore my sight in order to save her.

I opened and closed my mouth several times, wanting to yell at AJ, verbally berate her for being so careless, but I could see that she was already ashamed of her mistake, and I couldn't bring myself to say anything, knowing that it would only make her feel worse.

I finally decided to simply sit down next to my farm-raised marefriend and wrap my arm around her, wanting to show her that even if I was upset, I wasn't going anywhere. A small weight lifted from my shoulders when I felt her lean into me and rest her head on my chest. "Ah'm sorry Sugarcube… Ah should'a known better than ta just ask somethin' like that…"

I hugged her a little tighter to me as I felt my anger melt away. "We all make mistakes AJ… I know you didn't mean to make her upset with it, and I know you regret it, so there's no rational reason for me to be upset about it. And in a way, you're right; I should've told her what it was from the get-go, but…"

"Y'all were afraid she wouldn't take it if'n she knew what it was…" I nodded silently.

We all looked up as the door opened silently. Twilight was standing there, still wrapped in her blankets, and Scootaloo was standing in front of her, head hanging low. We watched silently as she slowly trotted across the room, towards me, and silently jumped up into my lap. "I'm sorry Papa… I didn't mean to make you upset, I was just mad… I was mad at you for not telling me that you were giving up your medicine to help me, but I was more mad at myself for getting hurt so that you had to…" She looked up at me, tears flowing freely down her cheeks. "Please say you'll forgive me!"

I rested my good hand on her mane and stroked her head gently. "Of course I forgive you Scootaloo."

The little filly in my lap sniffled and leapt up, throwing her little forelegs around my chest the best she could. "I love you Papa! I'm so sorry I did this to you!"

I slipped my hand up her back to her shoulders, where I started kneading in a slow, relaxing motion, and returned her hug. "I love you too kiddo… I don't know what I'd do if anything ever happened to you."

We sat like that for some time, just hugging and silently reassuring one another that everything would be alright with our presence alone. I knew in that long moment that I would never regret my decision to give the medicine up to make my daughter better, and I felt my love for her grow all the stronger. Eventually, I looked around the room with my aurasight and noticed we were alone, and guessed that we had been for some time; the others probably leaving to give us some privacy.

"Papa?" I 'hmm'ed quietly so she knew I was listening. "Can… can we go home now? I like visiting Zecora and all but… I just want to be home right now."

I leaned down and pecked her on the head, which I noticed she didn't try to wipe off like she normally would. "Sure thing kiddo, I just need to talk to Zecora about something first; Papa got hurt trying to get the flower, and I want to see if she has any of her fancy herbal remedies to help me get better."

Scootaloo gasped. "Y-you got hurt?! I-is that why your hand is all bandaged up, and you have those three holes in your shirt?"

I nodded. "Yeah, don't worry though kiddo, it's nothing serious; just a few bruises and cuts on my hand from walloping someone, and a few little puncture wounds from some beastie I ran across inside the temple."

Her eyes immediately went wide at the word 'temple', and she sat back in my lap, clearly excited. "You got to go to a temple?! Were there all kinds of ponies in robes and stuff? Did they give you some kind of test to do to get the flower? Did-"

I held up my bandaged hand to cut off her line of questioning so I could explain. "It wasn't that kind of temple… at least, not anymore. The place had been abandoned a long, long time ago, and the only things left behind by its former owners were a few trinkets, some art, and a whole mess of traps. That's where I got these three puncture wounds; a monster attacked me and its claws dug into my shoulder." Scootaloo was sitting in my lap, listening with rapt attention. I knew what her next question was going to be, so I beat her to it. "And I hurt my hand by socking some tribal pony who threw a spear at us." I still hated lying to my daughter, but I didn't want her to feel any guiltier than she already did.

"Whoa! Somepony threw a spear at you?! Did you beat 'em up good Papa?" She started throwing her hooves around, rather poorly imitating throwing punches.

I chuckled and gently grabbed her hooves with my hand. "I guess you could say that, though I only hit him once. Turns out, he went into the temple with me… saved your ol' Papa's life more than once too." Scoots was practically bouncing around in my lap from excitement, and I could see she wouldn't calm down until she heard everything. "Tell you what kiddo, why don't we go home, have some breakfast, then I'll tell you the whole thing when we're done eating?"

I'd expected her to be disappointed by the suggestion, but if anything, she seemed even more excited by it. "Yeah! I'm starving! Can we have pancakes and that yummy 'sausage' stuff you make?" It wasn't really sausage of course, just a mish-mash of different plants and spices that I had found out tasted almost exactly the same to the Equestrian palate.

I stood up, grabbing her under the forelegs and plopping her on my shoulders. "Sure thing kiddo. Come on, let's go get the others and I'll make us some tasty breakfast."

I dipped down low, so as to avoid bonking my daughter's head on the top of the door frame. I looked around the main room and saw Zecora and Twilight sitting in chairs opposite each other, sipping some steaming beverage and chatting away. Applejack however, was lying on the floor, Applebloom sleeping on her back and a tiny timberwolf cub curled up in the crook of her side, batting playfully at the hoof she was dangling over it, seemingly oblivious to its missing foreleg. The trio, all save Applebloom, looked up almost simultaneously, with Aurora rolling over and barking happily when she noticed my presence.

Before I could say word, Scootaloo started flailing around on my shoulders. "Come on everypony! Papa said he's gonna make us all breakfast, then tell me all about his big adventure!"

"Scootaloo! It's rude to just burst out like that; Zecora and Twilight were talking." Her ears folded back at my reprimand, and she started twiddling her hooves.

"I'm sorry everypony… I was just excited."

Twilight threw her a smile. "That's ok Scootaloo, we all get a little excited sometimes."

"She's right though, we really should be getting home; I'm sure there are plenty of ponies that are worried about all of us." I turned my attention to Zecora. "You're welcome to join us of course, there'd be plenty of room for you at the table, and I'm sure we'd all enjoy your company."

The zebra herbalist was quiet for a moment before a smile spread across her dark muzzle. "I would be delighted to take you up on your offer; but I fear I would simply be a bother."

Twilight turned to her. "Zecora, you've done so much for us all, and yet we hardly ever get to see you."

I walked over to Twilight and rested a hand on her shoulder. "Besides, I hear tell that Scootaloo and Dinky really liked that tale you told about Nightmare Moon last Nightmare Night, so I'm sure they'd love to have you over too."

Yeah! C'mon Zecora, come with us! It'd be so awesome to have you visit our house!"

Zecora looked around her hut at each of us, then finally let out a happy-sounding sigh. "It is good to know I have such friends, on which I know I can truly depend." She paused and turned back to her shelves. "But we shouldn't leave quite so soon; first allow me to see to your wounds."

I shrugged and let Scootaloo down before unbuttoning my shirt, allowing Zecora free access to my damaged shoulder. "Papa! When did you get your cutie mark?!"

I looked over at my good shoulder, remembering the tattoo-like mark that rested there, as well as its twin on the other shoulder. "Oh! I didn't tell you about this?" The little filly shook her head vigorously, swishing her purple mane to and fro. "Well, I got it awhile back, when Twilight had…" I saw Twilight cringe. "Well, it was when we were trying to fix all that. I told Applejack and Derpy that I would always do my best to keep everyone safe, and I guess I realized that that was what I was meant to do; be a protector."

She hopped up onto a nearby chair to get a better look. "Whoa! It looks so awesome Papa!"

I winced as Zecora peeled the cloth away from the three sewn up holes. "It seems you've cared for these wounds quite well. You only need a change of bandages as far as I can tell." She walked over to one of her shelves and grabbed a few supplies. "This gel will heal you up quite well; one could even say that it's almost as good as a spell." She applied the gel, which cooled my entire shoulder almost instantly, and began wrapping up my shoulder again, then moved on to my hand, giving it a similar treatment.

And so, with my wounds taken care of by the expert healer, the seven of us left Zecora's hut and walked out into what felt like morning, making the trip back to Ponyville and back to my house, all without waking up the sleeping Applebloom. I carried my daughter on my shoulders while Applejack carried her little sister and Twilight carried Aurora, who seems all too eager for the ride. Zecora was kind enough to offer to carry Falathiel for me, and I caught her examining the sentient sword more than once during the trip, though I never said anything.

When we finally arrived home, I opened the door for the girls and Applejack made a beeline for the stairs to tuck Applebloom into one of the guest beds so she could get her rest. The thought crossed my mind to follow her and wake Derpy and Dinky, but I decided it would be better to let them sleep for now.

The rest of us made our way into the dining room, and I deposited Scootaloo into an open seat before heading off into the kitchen to prepare some fresh, tasty pancakes and faux sausages for everyone. Fortunately, making pancakes was a relatively simple affair, and thanks to the cast-iron griddle that had come with my oven, I soon had a large stack of the delicious cakes, steaming and ready for everyone to enjoy.

The faux sausages finished baking within just a few minutes of the last pancake, and I plated everything up and carried it all out to the dining table, along with a pitcher each of milk and apple juice. I had made extra just in case Dinky and Derpy happened to wake up, but I left those in the kitchen.

I passed out the plates to everyone and set the pitchers, as well as a plate of extra pancakes for anyone who may have wanted more, in the middle of the wooden table. "These smell amazing Papa!" The excitable little filly wasted no time in digging into her pancakes, which I had loaded up with chocolate chips, just like she liked them.

I smiled as everyone else passed the decanter of syrup and the butter tray. Before long, it was my turn to slather my own pancakes in syrup and buttery goodness. "Mmm… you sure haven't lost your touch Blake!" I smiled at Twilight and dug into my own small stack of the syrup-drenched cakes.

Zecora swallowed the first bite of her own pancake and licked her lips. "I'm inclined to agree, the taste of these round cakes makes me happy."

I thanked them all for their compliments and resumed eating myself. "I see it did not take you long to get back into the swing of things…" My head shot up instantly at the familiar voice, and I whipped around to see Luna standing in the entryway to the dining room with a huge smile on her face. "I hope that you at least made enough for the rest of your hungry family." Her smile morphed into a mock pout.

I bolted out of my chair and wrapped the beautiful mare in my arms, hugging her tightly. "God I missed you Luna!" I pulled back just enough to give her a deep, passionate kiss. "I wish I'd have known you were here; I was just going to let Derpy and Dinky sleep for now, so I didn't go upstairs."

She smiled and looked into my eyes. Her smile quickly faded though, and she squinted at me. "Did… did you not find the flower, my love?"

I was taken by surprise that she somehow knew I was still blind. "I… I did, but… something happened and I had to give it up. H-how did you know?"

I could see the look of shock on her face. "I can see that the color of your eyes is still faded. Please, tell me what happened."

"It's my fault Luna!" I turned around and saw Scootaloo hop down from her chair and walk towards us. I… I went into the Everfree to try to find Papa, and I got hurt by some timberwolves… Papa… he gave me the medicine that Zecora made from the flower to make me better." I could see the tears streaming down Scootaloo's face, and I felt my heart break a little at the guilt she so obviously felt.

"Is… is this true my love, did you sacrifice your vision to save the life of young Scootaloo?"

I nodded and looked down to my daughter. "Yeah… but you know what? I love my daughter very much, and I'd do it again in half a heartbeat."

Scootaloo looked up at me, tears forming in her eyes. "Y-You really mean it? You still love me, even after I-"

I scooped her up in a tight embrace before she could finish. "Of course I mean it Scootaloo. You're my daughter now, and I'll always love you, and I'll never leave you…"

She sniffled, and a few tears slid down her cheeks. "Y-you promise?"

I hiked her up a little higher. "I Pinkie Promise Scootaloo. No matter what, I'll always be here for you, and you'll always be my daughter."

She wrapped her forelegs around my neck and hugged me back. "I love you forever Papa…"

"I love you too Scootaloo, forever and ever, you know that." I suddenly became aware of a chorus of sniffling around me, and I realized that our little display hadn't left a single dry eye amongst us.

I set my daughter back down and shooed her to her seat before taking a step towards the kitchen. "Now, why don't we all get back to eating before our pancakes end up all soggy and tasting like tears?" This got a small laugh from everypony, and I ducked into the kitchen to make a plate for Luna.

I loaded her plate up high, since I knew that the deceptively dainty-looking princess had an appetite that could dwarf Big Mac's at times. I had also made some extra chocolate chip pancakes, which were both Scootaloo and Derpy's favorites, and decided to layer a few in between the regular pancakes for good measure. I set the heaping plate down in front of my Lunar lover and took my seat as she began working to furiously coat them all in butter and syrup. Her horn sparked to life for an instant, coating the cakes in her cobalt aura.

When it dissipated an instant later, the once lukewarm cakes were piping hot again, gouting so much steam even I could detect it. She wasted no time in tucking into her breakfast with gusto, and I became aware that everyone else was watching her as well, a fact that seemed to be lost on her.

I turned and tried to motion to everyone to go back to their own food, but it was too late; Luna looked up at us before I could stop them all from staring. I had to suppress a snicker at the half-devoured pancake that stuck out of her mouth; it was adorable in a way, especially when coupled with her deer-in-the-headlights expression.

Luna flipped the pancake into the air with a toss of her head and chomped it down in a single bite. "What are you all staring at? Have you never seen a mare enjoy the fruits of her love's labors?" Nopony said a word, they all just turned their heads down to their plates and pretended to start eating.

Luna stuck out her lower lip in an obviously fake pout and 'hmmph'ed before turning her attention back to her own dish. Scootaloo was the first one to speak again, asking Zecora about what new and interesting things she had seen in the Everfree lately.

When we were all done with our breakfast, Twilight levitated the dishes into the kitchen and we moved into the living room to digest our meals with the help of some relaxing conversation. I decided before I sat down that I would finally go and rouse Derpy and Dinky, hoping that they would be as excited to see me again as I was to see them.

I crept up the stairs and down the hallway, thinking first to wake up Dinky, who would be less likely to wake her sister, who slept like the dead, when she saw me. I opened the door quietly and peeked into the room. I saw a shock blond hair peeking out from underneath a veritable mountain of blankets, and given the relatively warm temperature of the room, I quickly realized that poor Dinky was under the weather.

I crept into the room regardless and started gently shaking the little filly as I attempted to wake her. She batted at my hand with a hoof. "Go 'way Daddy… 'm sick…" She stopped dead in her wriggling to get away from my hand and flipped over in an instant. "Daddy! You're home! I was so worried about you!"

I barely had time to react as the little unicorn launched herself out from under the covers with a delighted squeal and latched herself onto my neck in a tight hug. I couldn't have asked for a better homecoming than a warm hug from little Dinky.