Start of June, 1005 A.D.
The doctor held up his clipboard, scanning the data there. He looked up from above half-rim glasses, brows raised in challenge.
“Well Ms. Dash, it seems, desperate as you were to stay in the hospital, your wish has been granted.” He trotted closer to the bed where the pegasus in question laid with her wing outstretched and wrapped tightly with pristine white bandages. “You’ve done much more harm to your wing than last time, and will need to remain on the ground. No flying for at least another two weeks.”
There was a soft gasp from the far corner of the room. While Rainbow Dash rested on the bed in the center, her best friends and a trio of fillies surrounded her. Against the wall was the latest x-ray scans, lit up from behind by the panel holding them there. In the brash pegasus’ hooves was the second book in the Daring Do series about the Wish Fulfilling Jewel. The five other adults were in various states of shock and worry; from Twilight’s unsurprised concern to Fluttershy’s open fright and worry. Rainbow wore a bright blush as she stared off to her left, unable to bring herself to look at the canary mare.
“Due to the multiple violations of our rules and regulations, we can’t have you resting here unless absolutely necessary.” The brown stallion looked between the group, pushing his glasses up his muzzle. “Is there anywhere you can stay that doesn’t require you to fly Ms. Dash?”
The mare in question scratched her head, flinching at the motion that jolted her wing. Fluttershy winced in sympathy and crossed her forehooves around her barrel. The other adults broke out in chatter, offering suggestions and help, while the trio of girls watched with wide eyes. Teal orbs caught on the orange filly who seemed especially weary of the hospital and Dash’s condition.
O-oh! That’s it! There’s still room at the cottage, Dashie can stay there! Fluttershy inched over to the mare in bed, leaning closer to the twitching blue ears. “D-Dashie, how about staying in the cottage with Scootaloo…?”
Rainbow stiffened at the soft sound tickling her ear. Muzzle slowly encasing in red, she peeked out of the side of her eyes to the pleading teal. “Y-yeah…? You think so…?”
“O-oh yes, that- uhm, that way you can be close by if you need anything while making sure Scootaloo is ok and-and getting better yourself and mmm- eep…!” Fluttershy trailed off as the other mare focused more on her with each word. She ducked down, hiding behind the edge of the bed and pink bangs. Gentle laughter brought the shy pegasus out from her cover.
“Alright, alright ‘Shy, I get it.” Dash raised her voice, throwing it to reach the fillies sitting on the farthest point of the group. “Hey squirt, would you mind if I used that room in the cottage? Promise I won’t cramp your style.” Rainbow smirked with a teasing wink.
The orange filly perked up at being addressed, her face and ears turning red at the question. “You-you sure?! Th-that’s fine!” The girl fluttered her wings briefly before settling down.
The adults smiled at the excitement the young pegasus showed before focusing back on the doctor who coughed politely.
“If you have decided, please fill out these forms and sign below for the release. Is anypony going to be checking on you periodically?” The stallion looked towards the other adults as he held out the clipboard with his magic to the mare on the bed.
The friends glanced between one another, about to respond, when the shy pegasus pushed her way to the front. She kept lower to the ground, squeezing through the two couples.
“I’ll check on them, if that’s ok…” Fluttershy smiled to the blue mare in bed only to frown in confusion at the blush and lack of eye contact waiting there.
Dash coughed into a hoof, eyes flicking towards the ceiling. “Y-yeah, that’d be fine. Thanks Fluttershy.”
The others smiled gratefully and gave the canary mare thankful pats on the back. The doctor took the clipboard back from the bed-ridden mare and checked over it one last time. He gave a nod, and a nurse stepped inside, pushing a wheelchair.
Fluttershy twitched anxiously as she and the others held back while the doctor and nurse helped Dash to the chair. The timid pegasus hung to the back as the group made their way to the exit. She tried to keep an eye on both of the other pegasi but found her gaze sticking more on the cobalt mare. Dash would look over the group, each moment regaining some of her energy; a sight that helped to lift Fluttershy’s heart. Her chest froze when cerise orbs locked with hers and Dash seemed to withdraw with a red blush, the normally bold gaze dropping to the ground bashfully.
W-what’s wrong?! Why did- was there…?! The animal caretaker watched the injured pegasus closely, brows drawn tight. I… I better check on her quickly when we get out! What could have… caused a reaction like that…? She peeked at the wrapped up wing, running through what medicines were given to the mare. Nothing that would cause a dip in emotions. So maybe something that happened before the accident? She did have that uhm, adventure, last night… But she seemed so happy to read that book… Fluttershy peered at the novel in blue hooves thoughtfully.
By this time the group had reached the entrance and Rainbow was getting off the chair. There was a moment of awkwardness when Dash wouldn’t let go of the book as she got down. Fluttershy felt another moment of uncertainty before relaxing when the agile pegasus managed to hold it while trotting on three hooves. She stayed silent as the blue pegasus convinced the others that they didn’t need the whole group to go to the cottage. The others dropped away in pairs, each destined for a different corner of Ponyville; Applejack and Rarity for the apple farm on the west, Twilight and Pinkie Pie for the library in the middle of town and Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom went to a different section of the farm.
Rainbow stood still as each pair left, glancing with a smirk to the filly on her right. Fluttershy trotted up beside the other, peering out from behind pink strands. Dash’s smirk wavered into a bashful grin as her gaze dropped. Without a word, the three pegasi continued down the road to the small one story house.
Scootaloo couldn’t stop looking at the book her hero held tightly. She peered at the title and read it out loud. “Daring Do and the Wish Fulfilling Jewel...? What’s that? Who’s Daring Do?”
The two pegasi were surprised to see Rainbow light up with excitement. As she hopped along, her animated facial expressions were almost enough to make up for the lack of limb movement.
“Only the most adventurous pony other than myself! She goes on daring adventures to find these really cool super power objects and fights off these totally dumb bad ponies.” Dash went on to explain, her voice of a long term fan despite her newness to the series.
Fluttershy relaxed with a soft laugh. Her heart swelled, pleased that even now her crush was expanding her world and growing up just a little more. It turned to ice when Rainbow’s laughter and excitement slowed when she glanced towards the yellow mare. The timid pegasus’ smile dropped when the cerise gaze moved back to the filly on the other side. Wh-what was that? Is… Is there still something wrong?! O-oh no! I have to find out what’s wrong!
The mare remained anxious for the last few blocks, slowing her steps with each five they took. It was a block down the road that she realized that Rainbow kept perfect step with her, even as the blue mare continued to talk with the young filly who started to trot backwards in front of the two adults.
When they reached the cottage, Scootaloo raced ahead to open the doorway, hopping inside with a half-shout of “Hang on! Gotta clean!”. Dash chuckled and sat down, the book held tightly against her chest. Fluttershy hesitantly sat as well, eyes on the door while her head dipped down slowly.
“Everything ok…?” Dash’s soft question startled the other adult, making her start with a tiny ‘eep’.
“O-oh, uhm, well, uh, y-yes…? A-are you ok…?” Fluttershy tried to control her stuttering as she peered at the other. “You… you uhm seem quiet…”
Rainbow laughed again, nudging the canary pegasus with a shoulder. “You would know…” The laughter trailed away as the bold mare looked to the right. “I’m fine ‘Shy, honest.”
Fluttershy winced. “You… Are you s-sure…? If-if you’re worried about something you can tell me…!” She closed her eyes, trying to speak loud and clear enough despite the anxiety that built up in her core.
“Fluttershy…” Cerise orbs waited until they found and connected with teal before their owner continued. Blue hooves reached up to hold the yellow shoulders. “I’m not… There’s… nothing to be worried about. I just didn’t want you to stress out by me getting hurt…” Rainbow broke the stare with a frown and blush, half-wincing at the wide eye gaze of the other mare.
The animal caretaker reached out and placed her left hoof on the lithe blue chest, leaning closer. “Oh Dashie, y-you got hurt! Of… Of course I would be worried!” She closed her eyes, voice quieting to a whisper. “I wasn’t there for your practice even though I always watched before…”
Rainbow pulled back, making the other mare look up sadly, before shaking her shoulders gently. “Come on ‘Shy! This is why I was worried, I knew you would overthink it. I didn’t get hurt because you weren’t there, I got hurt because I overdid it.” The brash mare wore a heavy blush and checked on the cottage to find it still wasn’t ready. “I knew you were busy. There’s going to be times when you are too busy to watch. Nothing can help it.”
Fluttershy watched as the cerise gaze turned distant with dread filling her chest. She wanted to keep the strong blue hooves where they were but Dash withdrew her limbs as a spot of orange appeared in the doorway. She reached out her own hoof, holding the cobalt mare back.
“Yes… Luckily you were practicing close my cottage.”
Rainbow peeked at the other with a half-smirk. “Heh heh, yeah… Lucky me…”
The canary pegasus frowned at the unstable tone. She monitored the other adult who trotted inside on the three limbs. Dash was focused solely on the cottage, while her ear tips had bright red on them. Fluttershy trailed behind her crush only to perk up and out of her thoughts when the brash pegasus agreed that they needed a nice big brunch.
“O-oh wait, please!” Fluttershy raced forward, hoof outstretched. “I-I’m not sure brunch is something we should be making right now!”
“No way, all that walking made us famished, right kid?” Rainbow shared a big grin with the filly who beamed back.
“Right!”
“Right! And I’ll make it!” Dash stood in the middle of the kitchen, eyes shining with determination.
“You will not!”
The two speedsters froze at the stern tone. They sheepishly looked at the frayed mare standing in the doorway, teal gaze shrunk to pinpricks as she glared at the blue mare.
“Rainbow Dash you are to rest! And trying to cook is not going to help your wing. You and Scootaloo should go to the living room and organize how things are going to be for the next few weeks.” Fluttershy pointed with a hoof to the main room, stern look in place. At the bemused expression on the other adult’s face, the sternness melted into half-teasing.
“Yes ma’am!” Dash smirked with a tilt of her head. She trotted by, moving close enough to lightly brush against the yellow fur, with her gaze half closed. The filly walked on the opposite side of the brash mare, and was the focus of the older blue pegasus.
Fluttershy froze at the touch, tempted to lean into the feeling but conscious of the extra pair of eyes on the grownups. Did she… was-was that…? No, no, just… just get them some food. They need all the energy they can get if they are to recover and move Dashie’s things. The mare shook her head clear of the warmth that had started to build up and went further inside the kitchen, options of what to cook running through her mind. Oooh my gosh…!
Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo sat in the middle of the living room, the coffee table between the two. The latest Daring Do book was delicately set on the furniture. The filly stared at the book, uncertain, only to snap her gaze up when her idol spoke.
“I meant what I said before though kid, I don’t want to cramp your style.” Dash didn’t meet the confused gaze, focusing on the wall closest to the kitchen. “What kind of things do you get up to? I won’t tell Fluttershy if they are a bit more on the iffy side.” The pegasus leaned to the young girl, winking conspiratorially.
Scootaloo laughed and shook her head. “Nah, I just sometimes stay up really late. Can’t sleep.”
The girl was surprised to find herself the sole focus after saying that. She tried to keep the eye contact going but became unsure as it continued.
“Any particular reason why squirt?” Dash took on a teasing look. “Noisy neighbors?”
The orange pegasus shrugged, rubbing her forelimbs. “Dunno, just can’t sometimes.”
Dash shrugged as well, moving back to a neutral position. “Alright. We’ll see if I should change up that practice, make it easier to fall asleep.” She stuck out her tongue playfully before taking on a thoughtful look. “Ok. So what do I need to bring from home…?”
The two pegasi sat silently thinking. The blue mare tapped her chin, gaze casting over the furniture. “Uh, well, I don’t usually wear clothes… And I don’t really need any furniture from there…”
Scootaloo peeked into her room, then compared the normally empty one to it. “Well, there’s all that bed stuff. Seems like they aren’t really needed, but you guys put it on my bed…” The orphan shrugged again and looked to the adult. She found understanding and sadness in the cerise orbs. Not sure what to say to the compassion there, the filly focused back on the book.
“Guess you’re right kid.” Dash stood up, head turned back to kitchen where the other pegasus worked. She reached out and scuffed the moderate cerise mane. “Guess what though? Sometimes, you have to add the extra little things to make life that much more enjoyable.”
The orange pony watched her hero closely, unsure what the sentence was about. She stayed in place as Dash spoke to the other mare. She was a little surprised when the brash pegasus came back and opened up the book.
“Why don’t I show you what kinds of things Daring Do gets up to?” Rainbow smiled with excitement shining in her eyes.
The younger pegasus couldn’t say no, even as a tiny voice in the back of her mind moaned about story books being a waste of time. Shrugging once more, she leaned on the table, resting her head on her hooves as she looked at the blue mare. Dash switched sides so she and the filly were sitting beside one another, and opened to the start.
“The summer sun beat down on the tropical beach where I sat by a table, enjoying a sweet drink after the last fiasco with Dr. Caballeron and the treasure of Trottingham....”
Fluttershy smiled as she peeked around the doorframe. Stepping out while the others were quickly engrossed in the daring pony’s adventures, she left plates of salads for the duo and exited. The canary mare glanced over her shoulder and found two sets of eyes watching her leave. The focused gazes froze her in place. The orange set was curious but it was the cerise that sent a shock through her core. Instead of dazed, confident or slightly indifferent, there was warmth and another that caused a corresponding heat blossom in her chest.
The animal care-taker ducked her head, muzzle blazing red. O-oh what is going on…!? Why is Rainbow Dash acting like this…? Is it from the accident? Or from… from before…? The pegasus flew into the sky, aiming for the local cloud home. She tried to go at faster speeds to help the injured mare get the supplies she needed for a comfortable living on the ground.
She felt a moment of uncertainty when she came across the front door. Habit made her knock on the door before entering. A green shell peeked around the corner, croaking an enquiry.
“Oh! Hello Tank!” Fluttershy was emboldened to enter by the sight of the friendly face. “Hmm? Oh, Rainbow Dash cannot be flying for a few weeks, so she’ll be staying with Scootaloo.”
The tortoise followed the mare, brow raised as he floated through the air, flying machine propellers blurring softly.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be checking on her to be sure she isn’t straining her wing.” The pegasus continued to the bedroom, glancing about. “But I’m here to help get the few things she does need and to ask if you would like to come stay with me or Dashie while she stays elsewhere?”
Fluttershy smiled gently to the pet as she folded up the bedsheets. She set them aside as she listened to the flying reptile, and grabbed a set of pjs from the dresser. When she reached for the tortoise supplies, the pegasus paused when Tank mentioned how Dash would enjoy seeing the care-taker more.
“What… what do you mean…? Like when she practices?” Fluttershy bent closer to the pet, listening to each of his minute signs closely. “All the time…? Is… Is she lonely…? Or…?”
Tank shook his head and restated his view of the situation.
“Oh, uhm, ok… So she likes when I visit. Or… or when she visits me…” Muzzle covered in red, the mare gave a comforting pat to the tortoise and finished grabbing the extra supplies. She couldn’t bring herself to comment further, and focused on getting the requested items back to the blue pegasus.
When she entered the small house, she found both of the adventurous ponies glued to the novel in front of them. She giggled at the sight. The sound caused blue ears to twitch. Cerise orbs slowly swiveled to the front as the blue muzzle flushed red.
“H-hey Fluttershy…!” Dash coughed out a greeting.
Scootaloo was slower to look over, though the oddly higher tone and uncertainty in her idol’s voice caused her brows to drop down. She saw the two adults bashfully talking about the bed sheets and pjs the yellow mare had retrieved. Spotting a blob of green, the filly waved a greeting to Tank who slowly waved back. Scootaloo looked back to the other pegasi to find they were parting ways already. She stayed still as the adventurous pegasus trotted back.
“Ok squirt, where were we?” Dash smiled encouragingly, sitting back at the table while setting her new supplies beside her.
The filly sat up straighter, excitement filling her center. “We were just at the part where Daring Do was waiting for the right time to fetch a clue to the location of the Wish Fulfilling Jewel from where it was being hidden away.”
“Aaah yes!” Rainbow rubbed her hooves together before picking up the book once more. “Daring Do sat in the low key motel, waiting for the destined time to go with her fellow archaeologists when there was a knock on her door.…”
-TTS-
Scootaloo roused when she felt herself being lifted into the air. Her first instinct shouted that she was falling and the girl flared her hooves. A low rumble of laughter woke her up further.
“Hey relax…!” Investigation proved that the lithe adult had moved the girl. “You had fallen asleep after our entire day of reading. Figured I should help you to an actual bed.”
The orange pegasus checked where they were and found she was held by a single blue hoof. She blushed at being so easily lifted and stopped struggling. She couldn’t stop the warmth that spread up from where the strong blue hoof rested. She could feel her mane press against the solid barrel of the adult. Huh… Feels weird… but kind of nice I guess…
The filly remained silent the rest of the trip to her bedroom. Dash plopped her down in the center and gave one last hair ruffle before leaving with a ‘goodnight’. Scootaloo murmured a response and curled up in her blankets, feeling out of sorts at the unusual interaction. It was like an itch she couldn’t scratch, ruffling her fur and distracting her mind. She found it was much harder to go to bed that night, especially conscious of the extra being in the house a room away. Her dreams that night were filled with a warm presence that helped to soothe her troubled mind.
The next morning, Scootaloo dashed through the house, grabbing a few pieces of toast and her saddlebags. She was only able to take a few more steps before a confused shout halted her progress.
“Hey, whoa, hold up!” Rainbow stepped out of the kitchen, a single hoof held up in warning. “That’s it for breakfast? If you want to get a hay of a lot stronger you’re going to need to eat more than some toast.”
The orange filly tilted her head, toast hanging down from her mouth. Settling her bag into place, she slowly turned about, going back to the kitchen. She finished the piece with a few more bites. “We wanted to get more time for Crusading today, so I was just going to eat this on the run since we are going to meet at the town square.”
“Uh-huh… And are you guys going to get more to eat?” Dash remained unconvinced and crossed her forehooves.
Scootaloo shuffled before shrugging to the older mare. “I don’t know, probably? We’re going to be super busy. Lots… Lots to do, you know?” She looked hopefully to the adult, willing her to understand and drop the subject.
Dash still seemed unconvinced but mused lightly in her favor. “Alright… Just remember that you have to take care of both body and mind if you want to get stronger.”
Scootaloo watched from the corner of her eye as she nodded in agreement. She turned back and began to leave once more, shoving the last piece into her mouth to eat on the way. It struck her as odd that the rainbow maned pegasus stayed by the counter, staring after the filly with both hooves crossed on the surface.
Moments later the orange pony swerved to a stop beside the fountain in the middle of town square. She had once again skillfully avoided hitting anyone on the path way there and felt a jolt of adrenaline in her system. Almost like the adventurous pony she and her personal hero had just read about. She scanned the area, looking for a spot of light-gray or olive-yellow.
“Hi Scootaloo!” The cheerful shout drew the young pegasus’ attention. Sweetie Belle ran up to the filly and shifted in place, cheeks stained with a pale red. “How has staying with Rainbow Dash been?”
“Yeah! Ah was wondering that too.” Apple Bloom trotted up, grin wide. “Was it everthin’ you was hopin’ for…? You were able to hide all our, uh, Crusadin’ stuff, right?”
“Yeah, I hid everything.” The pegasus rolled her eyes before shrugging with a hoof going to her head, scratching it bashfully. “Well, it’s not so bad I guess, having Rainbow Dash there. We read that Daring Do book she has, it was pretty cool.”
The two friends smiled happily at the positive response. Before any of them could say anything else, somepony else cut into the conversation.
“Oooh, so you’re a nerd now too? How much more of a loser can you get?” A snooty voice drifted over from the nearby crowd, setting the trio immediately on edge. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon strut over to the Crusaders.
The three friends rolled their eyes in tandem.
“Well, you don’t have to be a nerd to like books. Especially if they’re great adventure books.” Scootaloo walked away from the two bullies. She tried to keep up a facade of confidence, only to have it shaken at the next statement from the two mean fillies.
“I heard that Rainbow Dash got hurt trying to read the book.” Silver Spoon put a hoof to her mouth as she giggled. “Guess she was just so weak that even a book beat her.”
Diamond Tiara laughed, rolling her head back. “Ha ha! If she keeps that up, it won’t be long before she has an even larger accident. Especially if it’s over as something as dumb as a book. Or a nerd who likes those books.”
Sweetie Belle walked over to the still pegasus and peered worriedly into her pale face. She bit her lower lip when she saw the wide frightened eyes and scrunched brows that twitched every few moments. The unicorn looked to the pair of bullies, eyes blazing in anger.
Apple Bloom stood between the two sets of ponies, glaring. “Now y’all know that ain’t exactly what happened. Rainbow Dash got hurt doing amazing tricks and performances that y’all ain’t never gonna do even in yer dreams.” She looked to the duo behind her, finding the pegasus slowly turn back around while the unicorn stood boldly beside her. “And Ah bet she’ll become stronger than ever after that, a’cause she knows how to pick herself back up from fallin’!”
Scootaloo perked up at her friend’s words, happiness filling her core. She was pleased to see her friends standing in front of the class bullies. It was a little easier as they were out of school and away from overbearing teachers.
“And, from what Ah heard, she was doin’ some amazin’ ninja stealth moves to get this amazin’ book. And if somepony as cool and-and-”
“Awesome!” The pegasus cut in, stepping up to face the bullies with her friends on either side of her.
“-And awesome as Rainbow Dash, the wielder of the element of Loyalty, wants to read a book, then that book must be pretty darn amazin’!” Apple Bloom finished with a hoof stomp.
As one, the trio of friends left the square, noses in the air, leaving the dumbstruck duo behind. The bullies fumed but left in the opposite way. The three friends felt a thrill of pleasure surge through them as they walked into town.
While they moved along, Scootaloo felt the happiness dissipate as her mind continued to play out the scenario. The uncertainty came back, fueled by the bullies’ words and a fear of loss. She began to slow down, growing more pensive with each passing second. This behavior was soon noticed by the other Crusaders.
“Don’t believe what they said Scootaloo. You can read whatever you’d like!” Sweetie Belle reached out and lightly touched the orange limb.
Scootaloo shifted away from the touch as she half shrugged. “Yeah… Sure…”
Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle shared a look before focusing on the pegasus between them.
“And ya know ya don’t have to worry about Rainbow Dash. Ah bet she’s gotten through a lot worse than this.” The olive-yellow filly nodded once, confidently. The statement got no reply as the girl pushed her scooter, giving a single shoulder shrug.
“Come on, I bet we can get a lot done this summer!” the unicorn tried again to rest a hoof on the orange shoulder, hopeful smile blossoming. “Please cheer up…?”
The orange pegasus sighed and nodded. Straightening up, she continued to push her scooter, trying to distract her mind by talking with the others about their missions for the day.
Scootaloo wasn’t sure what she’d find when she returned home that day. Going quietly, she nudged the door open, peering around the edge to scope out the room first. Rainbow Dash was sitting on the couch in the living room, reading another Daring Do book. She alternated between reading out loud some of the more action based parts and commenting on each decision the cast made. Scootaloo was able to sneak up and look over the grownup’s shoulder, switching to look between the book and the older mare a few times before coughing lightly to announce her presence. The blue mare started in surprise, jerking her gaze away from the novel.
“Oh hey squirt.” She set the book down, turning in place to look at the filly on the headrest of the furniture. “I went to Twilight’s for the next book in the series and just couldn’t put it down. If you want, we could read this one together later tonight.”
“Later? What’s happening now?” Scootaloo squirmed in place, undoing her bag with the motion and allowing it to drop to the ground.
“Well, I know we ended up missing your last training session because of me going to the hospital, so I talked with Fluttershy and she said she’d be willing to switch it to today instead.” Rainbow stood up, walking around the fixture and nudging the bag. “But before we get to that, did you eat? It’s pretty late in the evening squirt.” The adult tapped lightly on the orange filly’s head, pausing when the girl frowned.
“Yeah, we got food while, uh, we were out.” Scootaloo let go of the headrest, dropping to the ground beside the other pegasus.
“That’s good.” Dash looked to the doorway, gaze growing distant. “Well, can’t keep ‘Shy waiting. Ready to go Scootaloo?”
The filly nodded and followed her idol back outside. Together, they went to the hill that had been used many times as a training location. Fluttershy was already there waiting for the duo along with Tank who waved his two flags of the training ponies happily. Scootaloo chuckled at the sight. When Dash slowed down, hoof going to her mane and scuffing it, it drew the filly’s attention. She hung back, watching the grownups curiously.
Fluttershy sternly spoke to the cobalt mare while Rainbow chuckled bemused, nodding along.
“Please remember Rainbow Dash, you are NOT going to take part in the training.”
“Yeah yeah…”
“You HAVE to keep your wing stationary… You… you are, right?” The canary mare leaned closer to the usually brash mare, trying to spot any stress to the bandages. Dash blushed and waved a hoof reassuringly.
“Yes, I haven’t been moving it at all. Right kid?” Rainbow turned to the filly, bringing her into the conversation.
Scootaloo was surprised by the sudden inclusion and paused briefly, trying to understand what was requested. Fluttershy took the pause to mean more and turned back to the other pegasus with a stern frown in place.
“Rainbow Dash…!”
“Wha-?” Dash looked between the two rapidly, shock and worry on her face. The orange filly yelled out her answer, anxious about the situation.
“Wait! She-she hasn’t! I wasn’t - I’m not used to, uh, grown ups asking me for help so I-I wasn’t sure how to respond!” Scootaloo glanced between the two mares, eyes wide, as she speedily explained. “She hasn’t been flying, honest!”
The animal care-taker felt her chest pinch at a common occurrence for young ponies. She was about to reach out a hoof to reassure the filly when the other pegasus beat her to the motion. Fluttershy watched, interested, at how the usually reckless mare would comment.
“Thanks kid for sticking up for me. Appreciate it.” Rainbow slung a hoof around the young mare, smile large and sincere. “See ‘Shy? Told you I was resting it.”
Fluttershy tilted her head with a warm grin. She nodded once, rather sharply considering her personality. “Yes.”
Rainbow blushed further and scuffed her already messy mane. She shifted in place to face the filly head on with a smirk.
“Alright, let’s get started!”
Together, the three pegasi worked at the next, more advanced set of poses. Both Fluttershy and Scootaloo watched anxiously as the blue wings twitched with desire to join in. Rainbow successfully prevented this temptation however. Once they were done, they went to the small cottage for a shared supper. Fluttershy had to leave immediately afterwards to care for the animals at her own home.
Scootaloo was once again tucked in to bed. She watched the blue mare leave her room, blanket pulled to her chin. Her heart beat rapidly, trying to convince its owner that there was a trick or hidden danger still there. It was only several minutes after the lights went out that she fell asleep, accepting that Rainbow was merely trying to help. A tiny voice tried to suggest what she felt, connected with old mostly forgotten feelings, but she ignored it, understanding without thinking that it could prove to be just as hurtful as physical abuse.
-TTS-
“Scootaloo. Hey Scootaloo, wake up!”
Gentle nudging pushed against orange fur. The filly being woken up felt a moment of panic spike through her chest that dissolved at the voice’s soft and calm tones. She groggily opened her eyes, forcing the gunk away.
“Wha…?”
“Come on squirt! Up and at'em!” Rainbow Dash continued to pester the girl, shaking her until the younger pegasus sat up in her bed. “Time to get ready for the day!”
“Huh…? What time is it?” Scootaloo rubbed a hoof against her eyes as she looked for the clock beside her bed. Finding it an hour earlier than her usual wake up time, she looked back to the other mare with an annoyed frown. “There’s still lots of time left before I have to go meet the other Crusaders.”
“Exactly. This way, you can have an actual meal and properly ready before you head out.” Dash stayed in the middle of the girl’s room, watching to be sure the filly actually got up. Once Scootaloo was out of the bed, the older pegasus left with a call over her shoulder. “Come on out and we’ll have breakfast.”
Scootaloo hung her head and slogged her way out to the kitchen with her saddlebags dragging behind her. Waiting on the table were two plates of toast, scrambled eggs and an apple. The blue mare sat on one chair and gestured to the other for the filly to use. She dropped the bag beside the counter and sat down, looking over the spread.
The edges of the cooked objects were more black than brown but the gesture was undeniable. The filly took small bites of each, stacking them all together but found her mouth slowly wouldn’t finish the foodstuff, turning the taste to sawdust. She glanced up and found that Rainbow Dash was piling it away, barely using the fork to shove the food into her mouth. Cerise orbs glanced up, curious.
“Huh? What’s up?” Dash checked on the burnt edges. “Is it, uh, too burnt or…?”
The young filly shifted her gaze to the plate with a shrug and shake of her head. “N-no, uh, just not really hungry.”
The older mare squinted. “Uh-huh… Well, you should try, it helps provide energy to become the best you can be.” Seeing the filly continued to push the eggs around her plate, Dash leaned forward. “Alright, so what do you usually eat then?”
“Uhh… Toast… A fruit here or there…” Scootaloo half-turned away, ears drooping down. “Just, small stuff.”
Rainbow moved back, brows raised. “Oh. So small meals or small sizes?”
“Small… everything…”
The two pegasi sat in silence for a few moments, each weighing what was said and what could be said. Scootaloo slowly reached out for the apple and set it into her bag. “If that’s all…”
“Scootaloo, why are you only eating only small amounts of small stuff?” Dash tried to a calm but stern tone. It didn’t exactly work as the filly stiffened with a frightened scrunch of her muzzle.
“Cause I’m not used to eating full big meals…?” Scootaloo peeked out of one eye while keeping the other shut in worry.
Rainbow huffed, sitting back with forehooves crossed. She frowned thoughtfully, eyes on the table. “Right… Right… Alright kid, don’t worry about it. Just try to eat a little more with each meal, ok? Maybe you can get to a normal rate with time.”
The filly remained silent to the request, focused on getting out of the awkward situation. Once she was closer to the door, she looked back and found the blue mare tapping rapidly on the table, her left wing twitching. Suddenly Dash leaned the chair she sat on back, hooking a hoof under the edge of the counter to help keep balance. Scootaloo flinched and rushed towards the door, throwing it open only to pause when she found a yellow hoof raised mid-air while their owner cringed anxiously.
“Wah! Oh, uh, morning Fluttershy.” The filly tried to edge around the other adult but found that the caretaker wouldn’t move out of the way. “What’s up?”
“Hello Scootaloo! I, uhm, I was going to check on Rainbow Dash before starting my day.” The butter yellow pegasus ducked her head. “And you as well… How are things going?”
The girl paused, tilting her head in thought. “Uh, ok I guess? Rainbow Dash seems to be kind of… well, uh, anyways, I have to get going. Bye!”
Fluttershy watched with concern as the orange filly raced off. Turning to look inside the small house, she found Rainbow trotting around, trying to clean up the place. She also noticed that the two blue wings twitched as the mare moved about. It was as the two wings moved more in excitement that caused the canary mare to snap out of her surprise.
“Rainbow Dash! What are you doing?!”
The pegasus jumped into the air, instinctively flapping her wings to stay aloft, and flinching in pain. She set down the series of books guiltily. The animal care-taker rushed forward, the scolding words dying on her tongue.
“Oh my goodness! Are you ok?” Fluttershy reached out, trying to discern with a quick glance if any further damage had been done.
Dash winced with a rough laugh. “Uh-hah-ha… Yeah, I’m ok. Just, uhm, putting away these other books…”
Fluttershy chuckled when she noticed the various titles of Daring Do books. “Oh, I didn’t realize you needed all the other books right this moment. But you really shouldn’t move your wings so much.”
The canary mare helped prop up the novels, using the chance to peek at the rainbow maned mare beside her. She seemed to be full of nervous energy. Fluttershy bit her lip, trying to find the right words to use. “Is… Is everything ok…?”
Rainbow slumped down in place, neck and wings drooping. “I’m not sure…”
The timid mare gasped with a hoof covering her mouth. Reaching out, she lightly pushed the blue mare towards the couch, taking a spot beside the distracted speedster. She didn’t have to wait long for the pegasus to become animated as she continued talking.
“I mean! The kid’s not eating full meals! Not a full meal Fluttershy!” Dash, eyes wide and shocked, grabbed the yellow shoulder with both hooves and shook them. “She had a few pieces of toast the other day for breakfast and that was it! I don’t know what I’d do without after breakfast snack, before lunch brunch, afternoon bits, and evening half meal!”
The yellow mare watched bemused as the other pegasus flung a hoof to her head, pushing back her bangs. “Oh no, you’re quite right…!” Fluttershy murmured teasingly. “Because eating a LOT of little things all day with mostly full ‘meals’ is a much healthier diet.”
Dash flung her hooves out straight, facing straight out. “EXACTLY! We need to eat light to stay light.”
“No Dashie, you don’t need to ‘eat light to stay light’… But I can understand your worry.” Fluttershy pat her crush soothingly. “That is sad to hear that Scootaloo isn’t eating properly. I suppose she will need to be watched more at meal times…” She peeked cautiously to the cobalt mare. “... How did you find out…? Just recently?”
“Yeah… Just the other morning…” Rainbow blushed, rubbing her forehoof with the other.
Fluttershy reached out, stilling the motion. “And not before…?”
“I… I work early mornings ‘Shy… Or the squirt is already gone by the time I get up on days off…” The brash mare leaned over and rested against the other.
Fluttershy held back an ‘eep’ of surprise, and focused on how the injured pony was acting. She reached out slowly with her right wing, encircling the blue pegasus. “At… at least you noticed this time…”
“Yeah, but what if I hadn’t…?” Rainbow fidgeted further in place, settling down after a few seconds. “And it feels like I’m going to go crazy in here!”
The half-shout shocked the shy mare into pulling back, eyes shut cautiously. She paused at what sounded like a whimper and peered at the other mare. Dash fluffed up her mane and crossed both hooves, half-glaring to the far right. Fluttershy inched closer, watching the red on the blue muzzle grow ever darker.
“Going crazy…? Because you have to stay on the ground? Or because I’m here…?” The soft question caused the reckless mare to swiftly turn.
“WHAT?! NO! Never!” Rainbow’s hooves shot out to reach for the canary mare who shrunk back at the yell but stopped, uncertain. She instead pushed her right hoof firmly against the yellow chest, poking with each word. “You are NEVER the reason for anything bad, got it?” The blue pegasus waited for the corresponding nod before going on. “It’s more like, I want to fly but I can’t. And I’m worried I might be going overboard with things with the kid because of it, you know?”
Fluttershy tilted her head, missing the presence of the blue hoof even as it was only for emphasis. She reached out, gently resting her hoof on one of blue ones that were sitting on the back hooves of the speedster. “What do you mean…? Going overboard?”
“Well, I mean, you know…” Dash used her free hoof to scratch at her side, curling her other one around the yellow one. “Cooking for her, making sure she’s in bed ok, checking on her, helping with homework during the school year, that kind of stuff… Is that… normal for sister-like figures?”
The butter yellow pegasus frowned before smiling with warmth. She shook her head with a laugh. “Oh Rainbow Dash, that is very normal for somepony who is helping to take care of somepony or someone else.”
“Really?” The brash mare dipped her head down with a bashful grin. “Well, neither one of us had sisters growing up, so I wasn’t sure if that is what they do or not…”
“Oh Dashie, that is something both sisters and mothers do.” Fluttershy held a hoof to her mouth, eyes crinkling in merriment.
Rainbow stiffened with a bright hue across her muzzle. “O-oh…”
Fluttershy laughed louder and wrapped a hoof around her crush, nuzzling her side. “It’s ok, it’s a good way to help others and make them feel at ease. I’m sure Scootaloo appreciates it, even if it doesn’t seem like it.”
The blue mare continued to blush and allowed herself to return the embrace. “Thanks Fluttershy… It’s nice to talk about this kind of stuff. I usually talk with Tank but it’s nice to talk with you too.”
“Ahh, so that’s what Tank meant.” The animal care-taker teased, with one eye closed as she looked at the other mare.
The blue pegasus sputtered. “Wh-wha-what do ya mean?! I-I-I didn’t- uhm!”
Fluttershy laughed outright, heat flushing her core. “Don’t worry Dashie, he just said that you two talk often.” She gave one last nuzzle before sitting back, a blush staining her own cheeks. She watched with interest as the rainbow maned mare sighed gustily, relief over her entire face.
The duo sat on the couch, silently, as they held one another with a single hoof. While the canary mare enjoyed the embrace and quiet, she could tell the other was growing more and more embarrassed. With great reluctance, Fluttershy pulled back, trying to hide her disappointment at having to do so. I know she doesn’t normally like to cuddle… Even if we haven’t since we were teenagers… The shy mare tensed for a second when Dash tugged her close instead, grumbling quietly before wrapping both hooves around the other pegasus.
“Can… can you hang out more Fluttershy…?” Rainbow spoke quietly, head resting on the pink mane. “Just… don’t feel like myself, being stuck on the ground and unable to do half of what I usually can…”
The animal care-taker blushed. Nodding, the yellow mare leaned forward, allowing the other to help direct how they laid against one another on the furniture. Dash was between the yellow pegasus and the back of the couch. She was sitting half on top of the slightly older pegasus, giving plenty of room for her injured wing to stretch out.
The two friends rested, enjoying the moment. Fluttershy fought between melting into the embrace and her racing her heart. It almost felt like Rainbow’s pulse was going just as fast. The warmth they generated made the two ponies sleepy, leaving them to fall into dreamland in the middle of their cuddles.
-TTS-
Hours later, there was a rapid tapping to the front door of the little cottage. It startled the pair, causing them to jerk in place before settling back down. Fluttershy blearily lifted her head up, trying to peer around the furniture, only to be pulled back by a pair of blue hooves.
“Hgnnnooo…” Dash murmured sleepily, trying to stay in place.
The other pegasus chuckled, rubbing her head under the blue chin. “But it might be important…”
“Fiiiiiinnnneee...” The brash pony moaned. She slithered across the timid mare, causing the one being traveled over to shiver at the touch making a corresponding tremble appear for the top one.
Fluttershy sat up, watching from the over top of the couch. The brash pegasus looked very ruffled, fur and a few feathers sticking up against the flow. Her eyes were scrunched with sleep gunk. Flinging open the door, Dash growled out a welcome.
“Yeah hi, what do you want?”
The doorway was empty. Both mares straightened up in surprise, minds clearing at the mystery. Movement on the door drew the animal care-taker’s eye and she gasped at the familiar red and black creature that hung on the frame.
“Oh! It’s Red Feather. What’s wrong Mr. Feather?” Fluttershy stepped over the couch, trotting up to the woodpecker.
The bird left his perch and flew to the yellow pegasus, landing on her outstretched hoof and chirped away. The mare listened patiently, nodding along. At the end, she gasped and looked to the blue pony with an apologetic gaze.
“I’m so sorry Rainbow Dash, Mr. Feather reminded me that I haven’t finished caring for the animals at my cottage.” Fluttershy inched closer to the door. Her chest tightened with each step as she watched her crush’s face droop into disappointment. “I-I-I can come back later if you’d like...”
“No no, it’s… it’s fine Fluttershy.” Dash tried to smile gallantly, tilting her head back with eyes shut tight. “I know you’ve got things you have to do too.” The brash mare stepped aside as the yellow pony stepped outside. “I mean, it’d be nice if you could visit. Just, when you can, ok? Not because you have to. You never have to do anything...”
“Oh, uhm, ok… You… You can visit my house if you’d like too.” Fluttershy scuffed the ground bashful. “I mean, you do anyways already, and there’s nothing that’s stopping you this time, not that that’s a bad thing… You could just walk instead or… or something…”
Rainbow Dash laughed, tilting her head almost playfully. “Guess that’s true. So I guess, one way or another, we’ll see each other again soon.” The usually confident mare dropped her gaze, ears flat as her smirk dimmed. “So even if I can’t fly, there’s at least one thing I can do…”
“Oh!” The soft exclamation made the blue mare look up hopefully. Fluttershy rushed close, eyes pleading. “Uhm, Applejack does a lot of things without needing wings. I’m sure there’s lots of things you can do while, ah, you stay here…Please don’t think you can’t do anything..!”
Rainbow perked up slowly, hoof to her chin. “Huh… That’s true. That pony sure does have a lot of chores at the farm too; she’s almost as amazing as me!” She smirked, laughter tinting her words. “Gotta say, I never would have imagine that her and fru-fru Rarity are dating now.”
Fluttershy dipped her head with a large smile. “Oh, I just think it’s lovely. It’s so nice to see them happy together… I suppose it’s true, that opposites do attract.” The canary mare blushed, eyes glanced off to the side.
“Huh… So you don’t mind, two mares being together…?” Dash rubbed her left hoof against her right, eyes turned to her left.
“Of course not!” Fluttershy’s firm response made Rainbow glance back quickly, surprised. “Love is love, no matter who it is with! They-they are really lucky to find something so precious in… in someone else…”
The two pegasi went quiet, musing about the statement. Dash slowly nodded, looking up from the ground to the other mare who peeked out from behind her mane.
“Sounds about right. I… I think so too.” They shared a quick grin, muzzles covered in red. Rainbow shuffled in place, murmuring a goodbye as she noted the woodpecker trying to regain the other mare’s attention.. “See you later ‘Shy.”
“Have a nice day… Dashie...” Fluttershy watched the slightly tempered farewell as the light brown door shut but refocused on the outer world by a quick chirp from the bird on her shoulder. “Hm? Oh, yes, Rainbow Dash has gotten hurt and I was checking on her this morning. I’m so sorry I forgot about the appointments I had with the other animals.”
The caretaker took to the air to avoid the midday traffic. It may have also been to help her wobbly limbs regain any semblance of a solid state as molten heat ran through her veins. What in Equestria was that about? Is… Is Dashie really ok? She wouldn’t normally allow for such a long time of cuddling… Maybe I’ll ask Tank when I get home while I see the other animals for the day… Oh! I hope everything is alright!
Arriving at the small grass covered cottage, she found most of the sick patients waiting on the living room couch, favoring whatever injury they had acquired. The white bunny raced around the home, trying to sort out food for the hungry as it neared lunch time. When he spotted the canary mare in the doorway, he halted, chittering angrily.
“O-oh, yes, Angel, I know I’m late; I’m so sorry everyone!” Fluttershy addressed the room as a whole, stepping further in. “Please wait a moment while I check who was to be helped first, unless your injury has gotten worse… Uhm, please let me know if it got worse…” She ducked her head, pleading with a stern gaze.
The animals all agreed and shifted in place, waiting with understanding gazes. Each one the pegasus helped clung to her, whimpering and almost tearful in their pain. With every animal she treated, the timid mare couldn’t help comparing their actions with that of the blue mare.
She… She was acting oddly, but she has been badly injured. Maybe-maybe for the first time? Or- no, I-I’m sure she has gotten hurt before… Fluttershy shared a nose nuzzle with a squirrel and their husband as they thanked the healer for the help. Maybe… Maybe I’m assuming too much…
The white bunny hopped close, offering a cooling drink to the mare. He tilted his head curiously, silently asking what was wrong.
“Oh, no, it’s… it’s nothing Angel Bunny. I… I’m probably overthinking about Rainbow Dash’s injury and- it’s nothing…” Teal eyes looked to the window, thoughts far beyond to another house with a different pegasus who was stuck walking on the ground. “Let’s… let’s keep going, hmm?”
“So, what has it been like, living with Rainbow Dash?” Sweetie Belle asked as she walked alongside the orange pegasus.
The trio were trotting down the street, coming back from their clubhouse on the farm. The day was only partially cloudy and warm for the middle of June, with the sun coming close to the western edge. The three friends were free of any encumbrance, walking side by side.
“Kind of weird… But I guess in a good way.” Scootaloo shook her shoulders, face and voice neutral.
“What do ya mean Scoots?” Apple Bloom inquired from the other side.
“Well, like, she tries to make food.” The pegasus chuckled, peeking to the unicorn with a teasing smirk. “She’s only a little better at it than you are Sweetie Belle.”
The pale-gray fur turned red at the smile. “H-hey! I’ve-we’ve gotten way better at cooking! I haven’t made burnt toast in a long time!”
The other Crusaders laughed, with the unicorn joining in after a few moments of pouting. The earth pony shook her head, smile still firmly in place.
“Don’t think Ah didn’t notice ya didn’t finish answering.” Apple Bloom nudged the pegasus playfully. “Aside from makin’ food, does she drive ya up the wall? Or are you the one makin’ her go crazy?”
“No way!” Scootaloo shook her head, pushing the olive-yellow mare back. “She… Well, she wakes me up sometimes, especially if there’s plans for the day. We read Daring Do. It’s a pretty neat book.” The pegasus looked up to the sky, blush staining her cheeks. “She… she makes sure I get to bed at a reasonable time, I guess…”
“Awww! That’s so sweet!” Sweetie Belle cooed. “Just like what a mom would!”
The orange filly stumbled to a stop, tripping over her own hooves. Her face burned heavily as she stared at the ground. The others tilted their heads at the curious behavior and turned to face the pegasus head on.
“S-Scootaloo…?”
“Ya ok there…?”
Scootaloo jerked back into the world around her. “Huh? Oh, uh, yeah, I’m ok. Just, uh, hadn’t thought of it like that before…” She blushed even harder. “It’s.. it’s been a long time since I’ve had anyone do that kind of stuff for me…”
The other Crusaders stayed quiet, uncertainty floating off them in waves. The pegasus noticed their worry and shook her head. “Look guys, it’s fine. It’s just, different. Anyways, I probably have to get back.” She scratched her head, bashful. “Rainbow Dash was uh, going to make supper and Fluttershy is coming over for it.”
The others smiled warmly at the explanation. Sweetie Belle held her hooves under her chin, taking in a deep breath. Apple Bloom saw it before the action could be completed and shoved a hoof over the light-gray muzzle, stopping the filly from exclaiming in awe. She shook her head, bow holding tight to the red mane, and smirked teasingly.
“Alright, well, ya take care then, Scootaloo. We’re both glad ya have someone to go home to and lookin’ after ya.”
Scootaloo gave each a solid knock with her hoof on their shoulders and trotted on by herself, picking up pace hopping on her scooter and driving off. When she got to the home, she ran inside, checking that nopony else had gotten there yet. She set the scooter aside and raced to her room, jumping into bed and hugging her only pillow.
I… can’t believe I didn’t realize that’s what having a … a mom is like…! Is it really what they are like…? I can’t remember mine… Is… Is Rainbow Dash doing it on purpose? Is she trying to be like… a mom… to me…?
Unable to keep thinking about the possibility, the filly tried to keep her mind clear and hugged the fluffy fixture. She stayed in bed until she heard the front door open. Sitting up, she let go of the pillow and trotted as normally as she could to the living room. Rainbow Dash trotted in, one hoof holding a stack of letters while the saddlebags on her sides were stuffed with more Daring Do books.
“H-hey Rainbow Dash… What’s with the mail?” Scootaloo walked up to her idol, face carefully neutral as she coughed out a greeting.
“Hey Scootaloo… Seems the mail got backed up.” Rainbow used one wing to quickly flip through the addressed notes, identifying which came from where and their importance. “I guess that some of their staff hasn’t been to work in a while? And so now they have a bunch of Ponyville’s letters delayed. Yeesh, there’s one from those foal services.”
“Wha-?” The filly followed the other pegasus to the kitchen where the extra letters were set down while the official large letter was opened.
“Uhh, well, guess we’re having a visitor tomorrow.” The cobalt mare scanned the paper, eyes scrunching in concentration. The filly tried to read the letter as well, and couldn’t, deciding to instead focus on the older pony.
“Visitor?”
“Yeah, another check up.”
“But… I thought they had to give advanced notice or something…?” Scootaloo frowned, mind running through what the next day would bring.
The rainbow maned pony lightly coughed. “They, uh, they did. This is just a reminder…”
“Huh? Well, did, did you write it down or…?” The filly stared at the bashful adult who scratched at her mane.
“I, uh, did… in my calendar…” Rainbow peeked apologetically to the younger girl. “Up in my cloud home…?”
Scootaloo groaned, throwing her head back as Dash chuckled. She didn’t move away when the older mare reached out and scuffed up her mane.
“Sorry squirt. Hope it won’t mess with any plans you had.” The pegasus looked over the letter once more. “Says the inspector should be by around 4 pm, ok?”
“Yeah, alright.” The filly didn’t move as the adult continued to give her a noogie. She looked up at the gentle nudge however.
“Alright. Go ahead and put away your stuff; Fluttershy should be here soon and we both need the cooking lessons.” Rainbow smiled widely with a teasing glint to her gaze. The filly gave her idol a rapid hug and raced to her room, cleaning up the little bit of mess and getting ready for dinner.
The beige stallion held up his clipboard with barely a thought of magic. He ticked off various portions of the paper as he looked around the house pleased. The two pegasi sat on the couch beside one another, facing the unicorn in the armchair.
“Yes, yes indeed. Things seem to be going very well indeed.” The inspector smiled at the two mares, signing at the bottom of his paper. “Final grades are looking better, living conditions are optimal, and the overwhelmingly positive atmosphere is great to see.”
Dash blushed, scuffing her mane up before going to noogie the filly beside her. “We try.”
“And succeeded.” The stallion continued to smirk. “I believe this will conclude our mandatory inspections. So, unless there is a complaint or something comes to our attention, there won’t be any visits from us except in a year’s time to be sure things are still on track.”
“Great! Thanks for stopping by.” Rainbow Stood up, reaching out to shake the inspector’s hoof.
Once they shook, the stallion didn’t waste any time, heading for the door. “Hopefully your wing gets better soon Rainbow Dash.”
“Yep! I’m sure it’ll work out in no time.” Dash waved a hoof happily, escorting the unicorn out.
Door shut, the two pegasi sighed in relief. Scootaloo leaned against the bookshelf, stance relaxing as the official was out of the house. The usually brash mare sank in place by the door, grin wide, as she brushed her bangs back.
“Heh heh, guess we did it squirt. Good work.”
Before the filly could respond, there was a loud crack. Both sets of ears perked up, trying to pinpoint its source. Cerise orbs were the first to find the problem, looking to just above the orange pegasus where a large crack was forming in the wood.
Instinct took over for both ponies. The filly crouched down, wings flaring open, as she began to notice the source of the troubling sound. The grown mare however, shot forward, wings expanding to add to her speed. Her large blue hooves encircled the small girl, tucking her under the lithe body as they both continued past the danger zone.
The shelf crashed down under the weight of Daring Do books. The novels bent and landed upside down, their pages folded wrong. Neither pegasi cared nor noticed. The orange filly was tucked under the blue body which was wrapped around the precious cargo. Dash’s wings were flared, the bandages falling down from having used it fully. Both panted heavily from the sudden adventure.
“You… You ok kid?” Rainbow didn’t move, eyes wide while every fiber of her being was alert.
“Yeah…Yeah, I’m ok.” Scootaloo looked up from behind the two blue hooves. She glanced behind them to find the shelf in ruins. “Heh… Heh heh… Guess it was just too much Daring Do.”
“Ha ha…!” Dash started to stand up, one hoof holding the filly in place while the other three helped the movement. “Guess it was a Daring ‘Don’t’!”
The two broke out laughing at the horrible joke, feeling the tension expel with each sound. They uncurled from their tensed positions. With happy excitement, Dash flapped both wings, feeling the muscles flex without pain. Two sets of eyes slowly moved to look at the appendage.
“Heh… Guess it’s… better now.” The brash pegasus tried to smile but wavered at the almost disappointment on the filly’s face. “I mean, I’ll have to get it checked over again to be sure, but I guess… it’s about time I head back to my home in the skies.”
Scootaloo backed away, alternating between frowning and keeping her face neutral. “Yeah… Yeah. At least… At least now you get to, uh, fly again. Bet it’d be cool to be back up in the sky again…” The filly looked towards the ceiling, imagining the flight and sights.
“Hey… Hey…!” Dash stepped in front of the girl, tipping her chin up. “We’ll get you up there soon enough.” She stepped back, rubbing left hoof with right. “I better get my stuff…”
The orange pegasus flattened her ears as the room seemed to enlarge around her, the edges growing darker. She nodded, trying to ignore the pit forming in her center.
“Nah…” The adult’s words cut through the silence. “I’ll keep it here, so it’s here if you’re willing to put up with me for a night or so.”
Scootaloo peered up to the adult who wouldn’t meet her eyes. Dash shuffled from side to side, trying to decide. She nodded firmly, tapping the filly’s shoulder softly.
“I’ll… I’ll try not to get in your way, huh? I’m going to… go to the hospital I guess...”
The young pegasus nodded just as slowly as the older mare spoke. She watched the brasher pony trot out, bandages drooping off her wing. Soon the lass was alone in the house once more. The edges were not as black, but she could still feel the emptiness weigh on her mind. Unnerved, she also exited the building, standing still in the sunlight with both eyes closed.
This is a good thing… It is a good thing… Right…?
A shout broke into the pegasus’ attempt at relaxing.
“Hey Scootaloo!” Sweetie Belle rushed up, almost tripping over her hooves. “Did… Did it go well?! Is everything ok now?”
The orange filly shook herself from her thoughts and tried to smile. “Uh, yeah, it’s all fine. It went great.”
“Now that’s really nice to hear Scoots.” Apple Bloom came up at a more even pace. Seeing the unicorn grow concerned and pegasus staying distracted caused the earth pony to sigh. “Alright, what’s wrong now…?”
“Huh? Uh, nothing.” Scootaloo shifted her shoulders up then down. “... Rainbow Dash’s wings are all better. So she’s… going to move out.”
Sweetie Belle’s ears drooped while she gasped. “Oh no!”
The two others looked at her in surprise, confusion painted all over their faces. The unicorn bashfully kicked at the ground.
“Well, now she’s not staying with Scootaloo anymore…” The light-gray filly peered worriedly to the pegasus. “Are you going to be ok…?”
Scootaloo stiffened. She tried to relax her stance and waved dismissively. “I’ll… I’ll be ok. Had to be on my own before, and I can do it again.”
The other Crusaders scrunched their faces uncertaintly. Turning together, the three friends went to town for another day’s work of Crusading.