Scootaloo makes a wish that changes her life forever.
When Scootaloo made that wish, flipped that bit into the well- she didn't expect this to happen!
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This takes place before the events of Sleepless in Ponyville- probably even before Season 3 started! In the 'no adventures' period between seasons, I guess.
The bell ringed three times. Rrring, rrring, rrring! I ran out of the classroom, leaving before Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon could embarrass me for being a blank flank. I turned to go get my scooter, which I had left on the other side of the schoolhouse. The red scooter was sitting faithfully on the ground, and waited for a day of stunts and adventure. I leaped onto my scooter, and grabbed my helmet. Strapping it on, I buzzed my wings and pushed my hoof against the ground to gain speed. My tiny hummingbird wings were helping me gain speed, and the school disappeared behind me. The world disappeared. All I focused on was where I was going- pebble, turn! The sharp turn made me lose a bit of speed, but soon I got even faster. I turned onto Mane Street, heading towards a barrel and I let the scooter and I soar above it- the trick went in slowmo. I saw the splintered dark wood glaring at me, wishing I had stepped on it. I let my rear legs lift into the sky for a moment, yelling a quick "woo hoo!"
I landed smoothly, the scooter's tornadoes spitting out gravel at passing ponies. A purple pony was in front of me. "Out of the way!" I yelled, actually grinning at myself. This would be easy to do. The pony turned to look at the incoming missile, and I saw those eyes. I laughed! They were wide and terrified. I leaped off my scooter, letting my wheels slide underneath the pony while I leaped above her. I safely landed on my scooter, thrilled and full of adrenaline. I continued fluttering my tiny wings, dodging ponies. The road ahead turned, and I moved with the path. I grin and whoop as I move faster! When the fence appeared, I froze. My wings still pumping, I yelled as loud as I could. Then I crashed, and I was flung over onto a rock. My leg throbbed, and when the dust settled, I saw a big purple bruise. In a mound of dirt a few feet away, a broken red scooter sat. The paint was scratched, the wood was splintered, and the handle had fallen off.
"My scooter! It'll take a ton of bits to get a new one." I moaned. I gazed at the one bit I had brought with me. Stupid fence. I sat and sighed. Like this day could get any worse. Behind me, though, I remembered hitting a rock, and turned around. Something like a boulder must've been near there. And what I saw was a dusty old well. It was crafted out of rocks and had a wooden roof covered with leaves and other muck. I curiously stepped up to a dingy sign next to it. 'The Wishing Well" sounded like the kind of well where you threw in a bit and made a wish. Except this one wasn't polished and shiny, with clean water. It was the exact opposite. Cobwebs were inside, and moss was growing on the rocks. Not to mention the foul smell.
I looked up at the sky, spying a fading rainbow in the distance. Then I looked at the well, my broken scooter, and my gold bit. It couldn't hurt to make a wish in the well, right? I thought about everything I could wish for- even if they didn't come true. A cutie mark, tons of money, being popular, winning the lottery- no wait, thats the same as getting tons of bits. Spying the almost-gone rainbow, it dawned on me on what I should wish for.
Holding out the bit over the rustic well, I threw the coin down. It landed on the water with a plop and was the brightest item down there. It shimmered through the darkness, and suddenly the light disappeared. Huh? Pssh, what a stupid wishing well. I couldn't even get my bit back now. I trotted to my scooter, and sighed. Now I have to walk to the clubhouse. I ran away from the old well, dashing towards Sweet Apple Acres. Behind me, a magical, shimmering light rose out of the well. It exploding in a dazzling firework, but left the well unharmed. I hhoooppe yyoou llikee yourr wiiishhh, Ssscootalooo. I shrugged off the sound of the voice, and started brainstorming possible crusade ideas.
I dashed through the forest, on a slightly worn path only visible by small circular hoofprints in the ground. This path was as familiar as the back of my hoof. Leaves scraped against my side, and then I tripped over a root.
"Stupid root! I have important places to be!"
Standing up, I walked slowly to watch for any more perils. Luckily enough, the flora was thinning up ahead. I pushed my way into a sandy clearing, and smiled. I brought up my hoof to shake some twigs out of mane, when I heard laughing coming from inside the clubhouse. I dashed up to the ramp, sand spraying behind me and my mane forgotten. My hooves banged against the wooden ramp, and I opened the door. My bestest friends in the world turned to me and smiled. I ran up to them for a group hug.
"CUTIEMARK CRUSADERS, YAY!" We yelled, hoof-bumping, and then giggling loudly. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were looking super-duper excited, and I couldn't contain my grin. The yellow filly turned to me and started to speak.
"So, Scoots, we started planning our next crusades while we waited and Sweetie here got the BEST idea! Today we wanted to try being Cutiemark Crusaders Piñata Makers!" Apple Bloom proclaimed loudly. Sweetie rubbed her hoof on the back of her neck when Apple Bloom mentioned that it was her idea. I buzzed my wings wildly, which lifted me in the air for a few seconds. Huh, they don't normally do that. Nevermind, I have crusading to do!
"That sounds perfect Apple Bloom! Lets start!" I exclaimed happily. Piñata makers? No way that could fail!
"Oh, yeah. I kinda broke my scooter this morning while doing some amazing stunts. So we have to walk if we're going anywhere." I said with a sheepish smile. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle groaned, and said that we were going to Sugarcube Corner to get Pinkie Pie's help. With another sheepish grin, I walked out the door with my friends. I desperately thought of a way to lift their spirits.
"Race you to Sugarcube Corner! Last one there gets no candy from the piñata!" I yelled. I started running as fast as my hooves could take me, and the leaves brushing along my coat would slam into Apple Bloom's face as she tailed me. I decided to flap, or "buzz" my wings to get a head start on Bloom. I did it lightly to gain a few inches ahead, while I maneuvered so Sweetie couldn't get ahead either. Suddenly we were out of the forest and dashing on a dirt road. I could smell sweet, freshly-baked pastries coming from Sugarcube Corner, and followed my nose. Theres no way I could lose this!
I gaped when I saw Apple Bloom moving ahead of me. She turned and playfully stuck her tongue out at me, and then dashed even faster ahead. I guess working on a farm payed off in races. I determinedly squinted my eyes, and flapped my wings as hard as I could while running as fast as I could. I managed to hover above the ground, and land next to Apple Bloom with my legs ready for a bit more running. I heard Sweetie's hoofsteps as I poked the bakery in front of me. Apple Bloom just gaped at me, with a slight smile on her lips. Sweetie poked the building while standing in front of Apple Bloom, making her realize she just lost.
"Oh, fiddlesticks! How'd Ah get here last?" She said, turning to look at Sweetie. Sweetie shurgged and said you didn't touch the building. Apple Bloom stomped her hoof on the ground and said, "Do Ah at least get one piece of candy?" I rolled my eyes.
"Sorry Bloom, but you lost. We 'agreed' on no candy for the loser." I said, slightly frowning. Apple Bloom used her puppy eyes look, and I sighed lightly. "Well, you can't take candy from the piñata. So that means we can share our candy with you!" Apple Bloom brightened at this- she went from a wilting flower to a blooming one. Heh. Blooming.
"HI! How are you doing? Would you like a sweet to eat? Ooooo!" Pinkie Pie then started chortling. "That rhymes! Speaking of rhymes, sweet rhymes with tons of things! Beat, neat, seat, beet, eat, feet. Wait, what are feet?" The Crusaders and I exchanged a glance, and then we looked at the party pony. Apple Bloom cleared her throat and Pinkie stopped talking. Bloom stepped forward and spoke.
"Well, ya see Pinkie, we want to start our latest crusade- piñata makers! And since that's related to partying, we thought that ya'd help us with this." Apple Bloom smiled at Pinkie while her eyes showed worry. Pinkie was staring at her with her eyes scrunched up. She looked very concentrated, but then suddenly shouted. "I'd absolutely positively LOVE to help you crusade! Now let's go! Follow MEEEEE!" Pinkie zipped into the bakery and we eagerly followed. Pinkie Pie went into the kitchen and when we blinked a bunch of paper strips, bowls, paint, and several other miscellaneous bottles.
"Now! First you take a cup...
~ One song later! ~
I groaned loudly. I had glue all over my body, and sticky paper strips in my mane and tail. Sweetie Belle was worse; her tail was stuck to her leg, complete with paper, her front hoof was stuck to her mane, and she still managed to stand. Worse, she seemed to be stuck to the floor. Apple Bloom faired better, and only had a few splotches of glue on her.
"Crusaders, I DON'T think we are piñata makers. Our crusades aren't going anywhere, so we need a totally awesome crusade, one that will top all the others!" I announced. My fellow crusaders- AND ME! Wait, Pinkie? How are you in my thoughts? I'm not in your thoughts! I'm reading the script! Pinkie, you can be so random. Then Pinkie Pie smiled and winked, and then grabbed some mops and buckets. She shooed us out onto the street after giving us a...bath, and then gave us cupcakes. I admit, though that pony is wierd and random, she makes some good cupcakes.
"Okay, girls, to the clubhouse!" I flapped my wings while pointing towards the woods. Suddenly my hooves were off the ground and I had stopped moving my wings. I then fell to the ground and decided to look at the sky. My friends gaped at me, like how Apple Bloom did earlier today. But I saw the sun sliding down the horizon, and just said I had to go home.
Now running towards my house, I didn't try to look back. That was SO embarrassing! If the Foal Free Press ponies saw that, I'd be Ponyville's laughing stock for weeks! I was on the from step of my house now, and swung open the door. I ignored my mom and dad, who smiled and said hi to me. I ran straight upstairs and into my room. I then expirementally flapped my wings, like I had during the race. I went a foot in the air! In the race I hovered only three inches above the ground, but now I went as high as a foot? Something wierd is going on. And it is crazier than Pinkie being serious.
I gulped and decided I'd do it. I slowly turned my head, afraid of what I'd see, and shrieked.
My parents rushed up to my room, but I didn't hear their hoofbeats. I could only stare and scream at my wings. I had fallen to the floor a minute ago, and my mind was crawling with questions. Then the door squeaked opened, and my mom rushed over to me and hugged me. I felt somewhat comforted to feel her, and know that they'd find a way to fix this.
"Honey, what's wrong? Did you see a monster?" My mother asked, hugging me tighter. My breath came out in ragged gasps, and I nudged mom away with my hooves. I took a good, deep breath.
"I dunno! My wings-" Then my father ran up and both parents studied my wings. They stretched them out, took a feather- Ow!- and then looked peculiarly at me. I was tapping my hoof on the floorboards, looking at them worriedly. They sighed, and patted me on the back.
"Scootsy, please don't play games with us. Your wings are fine. Now, just sleep and you'll be better in the morning." My father said. They patted me once more, and left the room. Now I was gaping in shock for the second time this past minute. My parents didn't see my wings! They acted like they were- were normal! But they are too big to be my wings, they're too big! They spoil me rotten, and would've taken me to the doctor's! W-what's going on?!
I leaped onto my bed and curled up. I want this to be a dream. I want this to be a dream, but it isn't. I know it isn't. Whimpering, I buried my self in the wooly covers. Sleep would make me better- thats what they said. Maybe thats true? I don't know. I'm clinging onto a string of hope.
"Wake up, Scootaloo! Eat your breakfast and go to school, you'll be late." My mother yelled up the stairs. I twitched my ear, and, with a heap of strength, pulled myself up. My magenta mane was a mess, my eyes had dark circles, and the dreaded light of the sun beamed into my sleepy face. Instead of settling back down and sleeping, like I should have done, I got out of bed. I opened the ever-squeaky door to begin my almost-late school day. I dashed downstairs, my hooves punding the wood. I was almost late!
On the table was some buttered toast, and I grabbed it with a crunch. I threw it in the air and gulped it down. Then my unicorn mother stopped me just to brush my mane. Who cares about my mane, I was almost late! I managed to pull away from her and head out the door. I slammed it and ran for life. The school wasn't too far from my house but I didn't want to be late. The last time that happened, well... I don't like recalling it. But it involved me snoring, fast asleep, in class after being let in after tons of loud knocking. I shivered- that memory was a bad one.
When I got to the school, the last filly, Silver Spoon, was walking in. I flapped my wings rapidly and hit the door just after it gently closed shut. Obviously Cheerilee must've heard that, and opened the door again. She looked down at me, and smiled.
"Come on in Scootaloo! You arrived just in time." I sighed with relief at that, though I still could fall asleep. I glanced over to Sweetie Belle, and she smiled at me. Class started, and all day I heard Cheerilee drone about the three pony races and their abilities. When we got to the last one, pegasus, Diamond Tiara called out.
"Hey Scootaloo! Aren't you technically not a pegasus since you can't fly?" She menacingly called out. Several ponies giggled at this, and I looked down in shame. But I raised my head when Cheerilee started talking. Sweetie and Bloom seemed satisfied at this.
"Diamond Tiara, I would expect better of you. And pegasi are not known for their ability to fly- it is their wings that make them special. Have another outburst like that, and you will get double homework!" Cheerilee said sternly. Diamond Tiara sighed, and crossed her fore-hooves. Even if she's mean and cheats on her homework, she still doesn't want extra.
For the rest of class I kept glancing at my wings. They weren't right, but no one could see it. How is that possible? Like, they could've finally grown. But that fast? Crosses it off the list of possibilities. I decided to think of my dream instead, while half-listening to Cheerilee. Last night my dream was scary, yet amazing!
~ FLASHBACK~
I was flying through the jungle, dodging the vines that could ensnare me. Rainbow Dash was running on the ground following me. I signaled her with a crow-call, which meant to be careful here. She was running as quickly as I could fly, but slowed down to leap over other things.
"Scootaloo, watch out for that vine!" Rainbow called out. I suddenly saw it, and swerved as best I could. I narrowly missed it, and looked ahead again. it was a maze of vines that I couldn't hope to fly through. I heard the beast still pounding through the forest, and I quickly dived to the ground. Rainbow Dash and I ran and ran, the beast getting closer and closer when I saw something ahead. It was...It was...
~FLASHBACK~
Rringg, rrringgg, ringgg! I hopped to my feet and ran out the doors. Today I wanted to see Rainbow Dash- I might as well learn how to use my new wings. I searched all over Ponyville, checking clouds for rainbows. I finally got to the town square, and I was panting heavily. I looked up at the snowy white cloud, and called out.
"R-rain...bow D-da..sh!" I collapsed on the ground, taking big gulps of air. When no prismatic pony appeared, I sighed and looked around. I had three bits on me, so I should buy some food. The stalls were mostly for vegetables, with the occasional fruit stand. When I saw an apple stand, run by none other than Applejack, my hopes soared. Applejack knew Rainbow! She'd definitely tell me where she is. I stumbled forward, and fell. Well, I guess I should walk slowly.
When I collapsed on the stand and dropped my bits on the table, Applejack was certainly surprised. She looked down at me and gave me an apple without taking any bits. She winked, and said it was free for an out-of-breath filly. I gobbled it down and stood up. I opened my mouth, when Applejack said, "Rainbow? She lives that-a way." She said, pointing towards a large cloud on the edge of town.
I nodded thanks and started dashing. At least Rainbow can finally teach me to fly! When I ran, a few blue feathers fell off my wings.
By the time the giant cloud wasn't a speck on the horizon, the sun was going to go down in a little bit. I was real tired, but sadly this could not wait. I mean, I've gotta learn how to fly now! What if these wings go away and I go back to being a flightless pegasus? Well, I will not stand for that! After I learn to fly I'll be able to brag about learning to fly- with Rainbow Dash as my coach! When the sun went down in the horizon, I was at her house. Well, luckily I told my parents that I was staying at Rainbow's place and now they wouldn't get the police.
"Rainbow Dash! RAAAAINBOW! Get down here!" I called up to her house. I had seen a blue spot up there so she's home alright. I stomped my hooves, and called out again. Only for Rainbow Dash to answer.
"No! If you want me, you'll have to get me." Rainbow said, guessing that I wouldn't be able to get up there. Time to learn how to fly! I crouched, flaring my wings open. This should be easy. I had the best wings in all of ponydom! I then flapped my wings super fast, and lurched forward as I sped upwards.
"WOOAH! Help me Rainbow!" I yelled, as my wings wouldn't stop moving. Actually, right now I was falling. I felt a bump as I landed on something hard. It was Rainbow Dash, except she was leaning on the edge of the cloud. I glanced at her wings, and they were tiny orange stubs. Rainbow stared at my big, blue wings and angrily tossed me onto the cloud.
"So YOU'RE the pony that took my wings! Thanks to you, I can't leave my house OR fly! Fix it Scoots." She said, glaring daggers at me. I gulped and closed my- her wings. I whispered.
"I don't know how it happened, Dash." Now I realized how quickly the mood had changed. First, I was happy and thinking I'd learn to fly. Second, I was scared of dying when I actually did fly- albeit horribly. And now, I was ashamed of taking away Rainbow Dash's wings and that she'll hate me forever. What a change from the norm.
"Rainbow's gaze didn't soften, but she let go of me. I scrambled to my hooves and stood on the cloud. I slightly bounced on it- I haven't been on a cloud in a long time. Rainbow Dash was pacing, fluttering my tiny hummingbird wings. I started thinking- what if I did cause this? Maybe if I think about what has happened recently that was weird, maybe that'll give me an answer!
First weird thing- crashing my scooter. What? I don't just randomly crash all the time, now do I? Second weird thing- wishing on that dingy old well and hearing the strange voice on the wind. Third weird thing- everypony other than me and Dash don't really notice our swapped wings, along with hearing the strange voice again. Final weird thing- Dash having my wings. Hmmm, maybe I should-
"SCOOTALOO! You are going to take me where you probably started this mess, or else I won't... teach you to fly!" Rainbow Dash said, stuttering at the end. I gasped and nodded my head to her demand.
"I'll do it, I'll do it! I'll take you there!" I said.
"Although I would like it if you can get me down to the ground, without falling." Rainbow Dash said, peeking over the edge of the cloud. She then paced once more, getting looks of anger when she probably realized an idea wouldn't work. I put a hoof to my chin and thought. I definitely couldn't fly her down- I didn't even know how to fly with these wings!- but maybe I could build a staircase? Except Apple Bloom was the one who fixed up the club house, and knew how to build something actually cool unlike me. Maybe Rainbow Dash knew how to build? I don't know.
"Hey Rainbow, do you have something we could build with? I'm thinking we could make a staircase to the ground." I said, and then I realized how dumb that idea must sound. I slightly blushed, but Rainbow Dash didn't notice because of my orange fur. She looked thoughtful, and smiled. I smiled too.
"Why didn't I think of that? We can start in the morning, when it's light enough to work. Come on kiddo- lets rest." Dash boomed. I bounced up and down, following her inside her house. I can't believe it! It only took me swapping wings with her to get here- I thought I'd have to be, like, her sister to do this!
As I giddily followed Rainbow, she kept glancing angrily at my wings- um, my wings on her body. She was practically stomping, and I could feel the circular indentations in the cloud. We passed by a window, shedding light on the dim hall way. Outside was a rainbow waterfall, glistening in the starlight while the same happened to Rainbow Dash's mane and tail. It was pretty cool looking. I bumped into RD, and she glanced back with a snort. She recovered quickly.
"This," she said proudly, "is my room, and the AWESOMEST room in all of Equestria. You can grab the sleeping bag over there- no, in the corner Scootaloo!" I blushed when I knocked over a large stack of Daring Do books, and dashed to the room's corner. When I unrolled the smooth blue sleeping bag, I saw the large lightning bolt symbol emblazoned on the front. It was a Wonderbolt's insignia, the ones acting like the uniform's cutie mark. I smiled, and shimmied into the sleeping bag.
"Also, don't snore. If you do, I'll make you sleep outside." I heard her chuckle, and slip into her bed. I could hear her snoring soundly, and it was lucky I was already falling asleep. When the world started fading into black, I couldn't help but feel giddy for the coming days. Someday soon, Rainbow was going to teach me to fly!
