Familial bonds: part two

by Darling Dearest


A peaceful night

Rainbow Dash quickly reached her cloud home, exhausted from her long, strenuous day, slowly opening her door, not wanting to wake her family, who despite probability stating otherwise, could still have already been asleep. However, she was ultimately unsurprised by the adorable image of Scootaloo snuggled in between her parents, who were reading to her what Rainbow knew to be the third chapter of Daring doo and the quest for the sapphire stone.

The three ponies each turned to face Rainbow as she entered the room. However, Rainbow’s eyes were quickly drawn to the slow, aching movements of the Pegasus filly. As well as her dreary eyes, struggling to remain open, and her chaotic mane that sprung out in many directions. Scootaloo looked exhausted.

Inversely, Bow quickly sprung from the sofa, as if he were a Wonderbolt, and took one of the many left-over towels that had remained unused by Scootaloo, and wrapped it around his daughter. No Family of Bow Hothoof was going to freeze from torrential rain! Rainbow then proceeded to dry herself, the once biting water quickly evaporating away into the fabric of the towel, leaving her feeling refreshed, and her coat looking as if it hadn’t ever once been wet.

“Thanks dad, didn’t notice how cold I was ‘til I got back.”

“Ah, your welcome Dashy, you’re home now, and that’s all that matters… Now, I hate to have to ask, but did everything go okay… With her folks I mean?”

Rainbow was silent for a moment, taking the time to properly comprehend her interaction with the two ponies that had been such a mystery to her for so long, before properly responding.

“Yeah dad. I can’t forgive ‘em. But at least I knew what happened now… They aren’t the worst ponies in Equestria, but they really don’t…”

As Rainbow spoke, she noticed how engaged Scootaloo had become in the situation. Thus, not wanting to make the filly think less of her parents, or that the night’s turmoil may repeat itself, she abruptly stopped talking.

“What? What is it Rainbow Dash?”

“Don’t worry Squirt, nothin’ bad went down.”

“Ah, good. I thought that maybe somethin’ terrible might ‘a happened for a second there.”

Rainbow couldn’t help but feel guilty for not telling Scootaloo the complete truth as to what had transpired. Though she also knew that the orange filly had gone through an incredibly traumatic experience that night and didn’t want to give her little mind more to worry over. As mature as she was, Scootaloo was still a filly.

“Yeah, it was all okay… But hey! Shouldn’t little fillies be in bed by now?” Rainbow asked in a sarcastic manner.

“Oh Dashy, you sound just like me! But, let us at least finish the chapter. It’s so exiting!”

“Yeah, Rainbow. Pleeeeeeeeeease!”

“Ha, I know how ya feel Scoots.” Rainbow said whilst giving her mother a playful stare. “But, you’ve had a huge day, an bein’ out in this weather can’t ‘ve been good for you. Ya wanna be strong again tomorrow, right?”

Scootaloo sighed, knowing that her sister had made up her mind and would not be swayed.

“Yeeees. Rainbow.”

“Then you need your rest. Even the Wonderbolts need early nights to stay strong, ya know.”

“Really!?” The three ponies asked in unison.

“Uh, definitely! Ya think we could work so well without a good sleep? Anyway, you’re gonna get sick if we don’t get you into a warm bed soon. Little fillies who get frozen need to get warm, and get lots of rest, to get better!”

Windy chuckled slightly at Rainbow’s final remark.

“I guess so.” Scootaloo said in a disheartened, yet understanding tone.

“Don’t worry Dearie, the book will still be here in the morning… But hey! I can’t believe I forgot to ask you how your day at the fun-fair was.”

“Oh yeah! Dashy was tellin’ us about how you were goin’ up to Rainbow falls earlier. Was it fun?

“Oh, absolutely! There were rides everywhere, people sellin’ cotton candy. it was totally awesome!

“Yeah, well you earned it, you three fillies have been working really hard lately, from what I’ve heard. So, I’m glad you got to enjoy yourselves.

“Right you are Windy. But wasn’t there this big roller coaster you wanted to go on? Did ya get to in the end?”

“Well… Ya see Bow. I was tall enough to go on it, so was my friend Sweetie Belle. But Apple Bloom wasn’t quite big enough for it… So, we just didn’t do it. We agreed a long time ago that we’d never do something as Crusaders, if it meant leaving one of us behind. All for one an’ one for all! That an’ I’m pretty sure Sweetie was a little too scared to go on it anyways.”

“Ah Squirt. That’s adorable! I’m real proud ‘a you. I know how much you were lookin’ forward to that rollercoaster. So not goin’ on it, just for you’re friends, shows how mature you are. You’d make a fine element of Loyalty.”

“REALLY!”

“I know so Scoots! Nopony ‘d be better element bearer than you! But hey, chill out will ya. It’s late, an’ you’re already tired. So, don’t waste your energy.”

“I am SO not tired. I bet I could fly… fly to Canterlot right now!”

“Ha, take it easy there, little pony. ‘Cause weather ya like it or not, you are absolutely exhausted!

Whilst it was true that Equestria span around her at ferocious speeds, as if she were still on the tea cups at Rainbow falls. And that she struggled to keep her eyes open under the weight of what felt like Bulk Biceps resting on them. Scootaloo could never admit to anypony that she was actually tired.

“But I’m not Bow… I’m fine… Seriously.”

“Ha, tell that to those dreary eyes ‘a yours Squirt. Now c’mere here you!”

Scootaloo then felt Bow gently lifting her from the sofa she rested upon, into the comforting embrace of Rainbow’s forelegs. The warm and secure feeling it gave her beckoned the little filly to let go of reality. Though she found her phobia of Rainbow seeing her as small and weak preventing her from granting her mind’s wish.

“Ya know, you can fall asleep if ya want Scoots.”

“But… But I’m not tired yet. I’ll go… Go to bed. But I’m fine.”

“I’m not gonna judge you Squirt, fillies need their rest. Even grownups need to sleep Scoots. So don’t think that getting a little tired and needing to go to bed makes you a baby foal.”

“It’s not fair though. You’re… You’re so much… Bigger than me!”

“Not for much longer Squirt. You’re almost ten now, yeah? Well that means, in a couple years, you’re gonna have a massive growth spirt, don’t worry though, all mares do. An’ by the end of it, you’ll almost be as tall as me!”

“You mean it?”

“Of course, she does Dearie. You’d never guess now, but Dashy used to be a tiny, adorable little filly, no bigger than you are now until she was about twelve! Remember Rainbow?

“Egh, how could I forget? Even Fluttershy was taller than me at one point. Ugh, an’ by Celestia! Would she not stop treating me like a baby foal just because she was like, an inch bigger than me.”

“Ha, must ‘a been funny.”

“He, it kinda is lookin’ back Squirt.”

“Ha, ha. But what I’m trying to get at Scootaloo, is that even though she was small, Rainbow still did some really cool, amazing things. And now look at her, she’s a tall, strong, loving mare with the job of her dreams. The same’s gonna happen to you Scootaloo. Sure, you’re small now, but you’re still amazing in your own way, and you’re gonna get a lot taller very soon. You’re going to do great things Scootaloo, and don’t let anypony, or anything stop you.”

“Thank you Windy.”

Scootaloo showed noticeable discomfort in her voice, still unwilling to show the full extent of how exhausted she was in front of Rainbow Dash, not wanting to be seen as weak or pathetic by the three ponies she had come to idealise. Thus, Rainbow came to the quick conclusion that the she herself needed to calm down the little filly in her forehooves.

“Yeah, but Squirt, even with all that don’t think ya have to be ashamed ‘a yourself, just ‘cause you’re still a filly a filly. Don’t get me wrong, you’ve do a lot of awesome stuff, an’ you’re real mature for your age. We’re all really proud of you for it. But don’t think were gonna laugh at ya just ‘cause ya get scared or tired real easy sometimes. You’re young, its normal. So, stop thinkin’ less ‘a yourself, alright. And don’t think ya have to hide stuff from us, just ‘cause ya think were gonna judge you. We’re only ever gonna help you. An’ as good as bein’ strong and independent is, it’s always okay to ask for help.

“But… Rainbow Dash… Everypony’s gonna think I’m cute… An’ weak.”

“Scootaloo, you have a tiny little body, short mane, and giant puffy eyes. It’s kinda impossible for ponies to not find you cute. Trust me, I was you once, I know how annoying it is. But, don’t worry, it won’t last much longer. An’ Squirt, nopony thinks your weak. By Celestia! You’re only eight years old, an’ you’re already one ‘a the most awesome ponies I’ve ever met! Don’t think that little moments where ya need to be a filly, ya know, like you are, an’ you need an older pony’s help are gonna change that. So, let your guard down will ya, we all get a little sleepy sometimes.”
Scootaloo suddenly dropped her failing, tough mare act, instead showing peace and comfort in the embrace of her idol. Her body suddenly fell limp, and her eyes collapsed shut, as Scootaloo finally stopped wasting her energy.

“Thanks… Rainbow Dash. You’re… Best sister.”

“There, there Squirt, you’re awesome, an I mean that. But you just go to sleep for now, we’ll all still be here in the mornin’. Everything’s okay.”

Scootaloo then curled up in Rainbow’s forelegs, giving in to her body’s desperation for rest. She suddenly felt tranquillity and warmth fill her being, southing her muscles. She had never felt so peaceful and comforted.

“Night… Rainbow.”

“Good night Scoots.” Rainbow whispered.

Rainbow then watched as Scootaloo let out a tiny breath, before snuggling even deeper into her sister’s forelegs, gently grasping them. She was suddenly so still, so peaceful, having come to terms with trauma she had been forced to endure, but taking such comfort in the care and love of the three ponies that treasured her so dearly. A smile was stitched to her face, taking her away into a realm that wouldn’t torment or frighten her, as she had unfortunately seen on so many other nights, but instead took her to a realm of harmony and relief, where a foal could truly get what they needed.

“My, is she asleep already?”

“Yeah mom. Out like a light.” Rainbow said whilst stroking Scootaloo’s mane.

“She’s had a tough night, hasn’t she?”

“Yeah, nopony deserves to go through what Scootaloo did today. Especially not a filly!”

“I know Dashy, but she’s all better now. YOU saved her, remember? So, don’t be so hard on yourself. But Rainbow… Now that she’s asleep, what happened when you were with her parents? You’re right, no filly deserves to go through what Scootaloo went through tonight, an’ there gotta be a reason her folks were so mad at each other.”

“Yeah dad, I was thinkin’ the same as you when I went down there. But after meeting them, hearin’ what actually happened, I feel sorry for ‘em more than anything.”

“Really, after everything that happened. Dearie, are you sure?”

“Ha, I know right, I was as surprised as you are. But after seein’ ‘em together, it’s clear that they love Scootaloo, but they both have such demanding jobs, that they just can’t make time for her. They can’t be there when she needs ‘em. They both feel terrible about it, but there’s nothing they can do.

“Wow… That’s. I see it now, we certainly couldn’t have coped if we had no way of being there for you in your foalhood. The thought is just terrifying!”

“Yeah, seems to me like they’re all victims here. But that doesn’t change what they did!”

“I know dad, what they did was horrible, but they worked the hours I did today, almost every day! So, yeah, they’re gonna get a little mad every once in a while.”

“I guess… Wow. So that’s it then. They’re not bad ponies, they just can’t be what Scootaloo needs as foal. I really do feel sorry for ‘em.”

“Absolutely! Dashy, we have to do something! That poor family deserves better!”

“I know mom… An’ I think I know what I need to do.”

“Oh really? Then what…”

“Not… Not now guys, I’ve got a lot to think about right now. I don’t mean to keep you guys in the dark, but I just need to get my head straight before we move forward.”

“Okay Dashy, were not going to force you, just tell us when you’re ready.”

“Thanks mom.”

“Your welcome Dearie. Now anyway, it’s very late, and you’ve had a big day. I think it’s time for bed. Little fillies who get frozen need to get warm, and get lots of rest, to get better!”

“That ol’ line, hu?”

“Oh, you of all ponies can’t complain.”

“Ha, ha. Never change you two. Now come on, you really should get to bed Dashy, we’ll tuck Scootaloo into one of the guest rooms and then…”

“NO, no. I… em… Guys, this might sound weird, but with everythin’ Scootaloo’s been through tonight, an’ with how cold she was earlier… I kinda wanna keep her warm… I can’t really explain it, but I just wanna know that she’s safe. So…

“Ha, ha, you don’t need to say it Rainbow, I know exactly how you feel.”

“Really?”

“Ha, you have no idea Sweetie. Remember all those nights when you were a filly, after you’d had a rough day, or had been out in the cold for whatever reason, where we’d let you sleep in our bed.”

“How could I forget? You guys were always there for me after I’d had a bad day, and your bed was always so warm an’ comfortable. An’ no matter what I’d been through, I always felt better in the mornin’… Thanks you guys, I don’t think I ever have before.”

“Oh, you’re welcome Dashy. But there’s the thing, those nights weren’t just for you. We just hated seeing you so distressed and alone, that we had you sleep with us. Not just to make you feel better, but to reassure us that you were okay after everything you’d been through in the day. So, don’t worry Dashy, what you’re feeling is perfectly normal. It’s just something parents do sometimes. Or, ya know… Something older sisters do sometimes… I suppose.”

“Wow, I… I didn’t know you guys got so scared for me back then. I didn’t mean to worry you.”

“Oh, it’s alright Dashy, you were a filly, we were just being parents… Now go, get into bed, and snuggle up with her and protect her ‘till morning just like we used to for you.”

“Ya know what. That sounds like a great idea ‘round about now. Have a nice sleep mom and dad. And thanks again for everything.”

“You’re more than welcome Darling, were happy to help.”

“Absolutely Dashy. Now you go an’ get a good sleep for tomorrow.”

Windy and Bow then embraced their daughter one final time, being certain not to crush the tiny filly she held in her forehooves, before heading to their own room to rest for the night.

Rainbow, holding her sister in a gentle grasp, also headed to her bedroom. She slowly trotted down the corridor and gently opened the door, not wanting to wake the little filly, who had been through so much that day. She then quickly got both herself and Scootaloo underneath the warm blanket of her soft cloud bed, delicately placing Scootaloo onto the cloud, before laying on it herself, curling herself around the filly’s tiny body. She was sure to hold her sister tight, taking comfort in the thought that her little Scootaloo was safe and asleep for the night. She stroked her hoof through the filly’s mane a few times, reassuring herself that she had in fact saved her sister from the storm. A few minutes passed before Rainbow disregarded her fear of what could’ve happened, instead taking pride in the happy thought that Scootaloo was right there with her.

“Good night Scoots.” Rainbow whispered.

Rainbow then took a moment to smile at her sister, proud of the mature mare she would one day become, though ultimately happy that she was a filly, if only for a brief time. She then placed her wing over Scootaloo, determined to keep her warm, which the young filly gently grasped and cuddled into, showing a smile as she did so. Thus, after all the turmoil that the night had brought, Rainbow Dash was finally ready to put the day behind her and go into the rest she so sorely needed.

The next morning arrived quickly, with Rainbow Dash sparking awake after what felt like a mere minute! Though her rest had still left her feeling refreshed and revitalised. She quickly lifted her wing, desiring further reassurance that her sister was safe. However, her fear was quickly spirited away, completely disappearing and being replaced with a feeling of complete bliss and delight. As Rainbow was blessed with the adorable image of Scootaloo snuggled deeply into the soft cloud bed, her tiny hoofs stretched into a hug around Rainbow’s body. She was sound asleep, completely oblivious to the world around her. Rainbow was convinced that the sight could even have thawed the evil heart of King Sombra. She laid her wing on the filly once more, wanting to allow her more sleep, before curling around her sister even tighter, keeping her as safe as she possibly could from the world that so gravely hurt her the previous night. Though just as she once again rested her hair on her pillow, she heard her door slowly creek open. Thus, giving in to her newly received protective instincts, Rainbow peeked her head over the covers ready to protect Scootaloo at all costs! Only to find her mother emerging from the corridors, with a welcoming smile stitched to her face.

“Good morning my little ponies, did you sleep well.”

“Yeah mom, you?”

“Oh, absolutely Dashy. But your father and I both woke up so early, and we couldn’t get back to sleep. So, we found the ingredients for pancakes, and… Well, ya know. Sorry we didn’t ask for your permission first. But we just wanted to make our fillies a little treat.”

“Nah, it’s okay mom. But, thanks for thinkin’ of us.”

“Oh, Sweetie, it’s our jobs! And we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Thanks mom, I’d get up an’ join you, buuuuut…”

Rainbow gently lifted her wing from Scootaloo once again, revealing the loveable sleeping filly to Windy.

“Oh, isn’t that just the CUTEST little sight!”

“In it? Even she couldn’t deny how cute she looks.”

“Well she was absolutely exhausted last night, it makes sense that she’d sleep heavy.”

“Right. So, I wanna give her a little longer, she is too comfortable right now for me to wake her up. But I don’t wanna disturb her by movin’ myself. So, you just go enjoy your breakfast, we’ll be up later.”

“Oh, don’t worry Dashy, we’ll bring a couple plates through, you just stay there and keep her warm.”

“Will do mom, thank you.”

With a giant smile attached to her face, Windy then quietly closed the door to Rainbow’s bedroom and headed back down the corridor to the kitchen, once again leaving Rainbow alone with Scootaloo.

Rainbow took a moment to look down on the tiny filly, pondering on why somepony so small, young and innocent had been forced to go through so much, just because she didn’t have parents who could be there for her when she needed them. She knew that the previous night had only been one example of what were unquestionably many experiences of Scootaloo being forced to suffer through an experience nopony her age should’ve had to. It was apparent that Electric and Wild loved their daughter and didn’t deserve all the blame for what had happened. But, she simply couldn’t deny the strong feeling within her, that Scootaloo was not receiving a proper foalhood in their care.

Rainbow knew what she had to do. Though part of her questioned weather or not it was the right thing, or if she was even mature enough to handle the responsibility that would inevitably come as a result. As, whilst seemingly insignificant in comparison to the two days that came before it, Rainbow knew that this new dawn would be the most important day for her and Scootaloo’s relationship that the two had ever seen, remodelling it into much more than that of mere sisters, making it what it now needed to be. She would need advice, as this was not a decision to be taken lightly. What she planned to do would undeniably change Scootaloo’s life, and Rainbow needed to here from the ponies she trusted more than anything that she could only improve the filly’s life by taking her into her home. Full time.

TO BE CONTINUED: