A week had passed since the talent show and things seemed to be relatively calm in Ponyville. Apple Bloom continued her apprenticeship with Hard Hat, Sweetie Belle was more open to singing in public (which occasionally got on the nerves of citizens) and Scootaloo did some more flight training. But the little orange pegasus had something else going on, something that only she and her friends knew about; a last ditch effort for her to finally earn her cutie mark. She knew Rainbow Dash wouldn't be happy about it, but she didn't think there were any more options. She left a note inside a book for Rainbow Dash on the hotel coffee table (the house was still under construction).
Rainbow Dash took off work early, to help Scootaloo with more flying lessons.
"Hey, Scoots! I'm back!"
The cerulean mare was a bit puzzled by the lack of response, but figured her little orange apprentice was just out with her friends. Luckily, it didn't take her long to notice the book on the table.
THE OLD WAYS OF PONIES: A HISTORY OF THE THREE CLASSES
"Bookie's not gonna like her leaving that behind," thought Rainbow Dash.
She then noticed some paper sticking out of the pages marked DASH. She didn't think much of it when opening it up to read the note.
Dear Rainbow Dash,
I know you and Bookworm have been working very hard to help me get my cutie mark. But, it's finally occurred to me that there are some things you just gotta do on your own. Well, mostly on my own, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom will be helping me out some naturally. Bookworm may not appreciate me highlighting on this book, but I felt it was important. Read carefully.
Love, Scootaloo
"What the hay is she going on about?" she asked to nopony.
She then looked at the highlighted passage in the book, reading out loud.
"In ancient times, and long before the Industrial Age of Equestria, it was very common for young pegasus ponies to learn how to fly much in the way birds teach their young. They would take them to the highest cloud, let them jump off and let nature take its course."
Rainbow Dash's eyes went wider than ever thought possible.
"WHAT!?"