Chapter 5 – Among Friends
The next day Rainbow Dash was with her friends at Sugar Cube Corner. Normally she would be excited to be seeing them and hearing about their lives, the things that they were doing, and any events they were planning for the future. It was only a few years ago that the rainbow manned Pegasus only knew the five mares in passing, but upon discovering her bonds with them and becoming the Element of Loyalty she developed a lasting friendship that proved to be unshakable despite what was going on in each other’s lives. Yet this time she was reserved and quiet, letting her other friends talk. It was as if she wasn’t really there, like statue in a gallery. Her lack of participation and her uncanny silence was also noticed by her friends.
“What’s wrong,” Twilight Sparkle said. She of all her friends was the first to know something was not right.
“You look like you have a lot on you mind,” Rarity said.
“Ooo! Maybe Rainbow Dash needs a cheering up party,” Pinkie Pie said, her mind already picturing what such an occasion would look like.
“Um… Pinkie, ah’ don’t think she needs a party. Ah’ think that talkin’ to us will help her though.”
“You know you talk to us Rainbow,” Fluttershy said softly, “that is, if you want to.”
Rainbow Dash knew that her friends were there for her, and she also knew that hold it within was eating her up inside. She needed to let it out, and what better ponies to do so than her friends.
“Ok, I do have something on my mind, but it’s not about me. It’s about Scootaloo,” she said.
“Scootaloo,” Rarity said surprised, “What’s wrong with her? Sweetie Belle didn’t tell me about her.”
“Neither did Apple Bloom,” Applejack said, “and she’s like two apples on a tree with Scootaloo. Is she sick or somethin’?”
Rainbow Dash understood the concern Applejack and Rarity had. After all, their younger sisters were best friends to Scootaloo and members of the Cutie Mark Crusaders.
“No, she’s not sick. I mean, she was kind of down yesterday because some ponies were making fun of her, but that’s not what I was thinking about.”
“Then what it,” Twilight asked.
“I was thinking about her parents. I asked her what her parents thought about her being bullied and it was as if something was up, but I can’t put my hoof on it. I mean, have you ever seen Scootaloo with her parents?”
“I don’t think so,” Fluttershy said.
“And Pinkie, has Scootaloo’s parents ever stopped by Sugar Cube Corner?”
“Come to think of it, no,” Pinkie said, “I don’t even know her parents and I know everypony in Ponyville!”
“And Applejack and Rarity, has your sisters ever been to Scootaloo’s house?”
“Well, most of the times the Crusaders are at the clubhouse in my orchard,” Applejack said.
“Yes, and sometimes they come to the Carousel Boutique, but mostly to pick up Sweetie Belle. I don’t think they ever went to Scootaloo’s house dear.”
“It just seems odd you know that all these years I’ve known her, I’ve never met her parents or been to her house.”
“You don’t think they’re mean to her do you,” Twilight asked with a look of concern.
“No, I think she’s ok,” Rainbow said, “As I said, there’s something strange going on, but I can’t figure out what.”
“Well,” Fluttershy said, “How about we help you look after Scootaloo.”
“Thanks, but I don’t want to invade the filly’s privacy. She might not want to be with me, and I can’t risk losing her.”
“You really like her, don’t you,” Twilight said.
“Yeah,” the rainbow manned mare said, “She’s a great kid. She reminds me a little of when I was a filly. She really needs somepony to help her, and I want to continue being that pony.”
“Then what would you like us to do,” Twilight said seeing the concern in her friend’s face.
Rainbow Dash thought about the best way to allay her fears without alienating the filly. Then a grand idea appeared in her mind.
“Ok, I think I have a plan. . I’m going to meet Scootaloo this Saturday in the park. Rarity and Applejack, can you talk to your sisters to see what they know that day? ”
“Yes darling,” Rarity said.
“Absolutely,” Applejack replied.
“The rest of you, can you just when you’re in town watch to see where Scootaloo goes, especially in the evening?”
“Yes,” Fluttershy, Twilight Sparkle, and Pinkie Pie said.
“Thanks you five. I really appreciate it.”
“That’s what friends are for,” Pinkie said, “Now, who wants some cake?”
With her fears calmed and her plan put forth thanks to her friends, Rainbow relaxed back into her normal state, hoping that whatever her friends find out, it will be for the best.