//------------------------------//
// A Truth Long Forgotten 
// Story: Rewrite: Sisterly Bonds 
// by Secret_Shadows 
//------------------------------//


Chapter two
A Truth Long Forgotten



Original Author
Secret_Shadows



Written by
Enlistedpony & Secret_Shadows
Edited by avorin



‘The present and the past coexist, but the past shouldn't be in flashback.’


Scootaloo woke up the next morning a groggy feeling, probably from drugs she had been given at the hospital last night. She rolled over and let her eyes slide open letting the world come into focus. 

‘Boy what a strange dream I had.’ She thought. But after trying to stretch she realized there was a familiar throbbing feeling almost like pain on her hip. ‘No way.. It could not of happened, could it?’ Her fears were soon answered when she looked down and saw the white bandage on her hip. Soon she heard the sound of clip clops coming from the other side of the door. The door knob started to turn.

______________________________________________________________________


The doorknob was starting to turn and all the small filly could do was cower in fear she had made her choice.

‘I have to get out of this place!’  Quickly she snatched up a saddlebag and grabbed some of her most personal items, afterwards darting under the bed. The door slid open and a figure entered.

“Scootaloo, where are you hiding? Come out right now!” The stallion demanded. No answer. The filly remained quiet waiting for the chance. The stallion started searching around the room waking some of the other kids. 

“What’s going on?” A filly asked. 

“Nothing that concerns you! Now go back to sleep!” He barked at the filly. She rolled over and silently mocked the arrogant stallion. 

“Now Scootaloo, where are you? Stop hiding, you are only making it harder on yourself the longer you keep doing this. Come out please, we are here to take care of you.” He said in an unconvincing tone. Still no answer. The stallion after a few moments of fruitless searching eventually ran out the door yelling. 

“Call security, we have a missing foal!” Scootaloo was about to run, but a second figure one less intimidating entered and made their way to the bed. A mares voice asked.

“Scootaloo what  are you doing under my bed?” 

______________________________________________________________________


“Scootaloo what are you doing under my bed?” Rainbow Dash leaned down to pull the cover up and expose the filly causing her to jump back a bit banging her head on the bottom of the bed.

“Ow! Thats smarts..” Rubbing her head afterwards. Rainbow helped the filly out from under the bed and then too her hooves snickering a bit.

“Wanting to go back to the hospital so soon squirt? I didn’t know you liked it there so much.” Rainbow was laughing afterward. The filly waving her off with a hoof.  “Okay kid come on, lets get that bandage changed. Then how about some breakfast?”

“Sounds great! I am pretty hungry.” Although Scootaloo still felt a bit uneasy waking up in this new place she could at least be grateful that Rainbow Dash would not (hopefully) treat her like she had been treated before. The two walked out of Rainbow’s bedroom and made their way to the living room, the pegasus motioned for Scootaloo to get on the couch.

“Okay Scoots, I need to change your bandage so lie on your side and hold still.” Rainbow gently peeled the old bandage off leaving a slight red mark on the fillies skin from where the bandage had been applied. Rainbow Dash went over and grabbed the saddlebag then returned setting it besides the couch. She pulled out the paper and started to read it.

“Okay Scootaloo, it says here we need to let your wound get some air so relax for a bit. Rainbow went and got the rest of the supplies out and laid them on the coffee table. “Wow Scoot its like we got a mini hospital in here.” The pegasus committed.

“Guess they wanted to make sure you had enough for a week right?” Scootaloo replied looking around at the various medical items on the table. What was there amazed her, various bandages, medical tape, a few pairs of hoof gloves and what looked like a tube of antibiotic salve was strewn about.  

“Yep, they don’t take any chances thats for sure. So after this you feel like taking a trip to Ponyville? I need to make a trip to the store to stock up on food, seeing as you’re going to be hanging around for the week. I think it would be a good idea don’t you?” Scootaloo nodded.  

“I could teach you some flight lessons on the way there too.” Rainbow said slipping the glove on her hoof, she then reached for the salve.

“But didn’t the nurse say no flying for a few days until this gets a bit better?” Scootaloo said looking at her wound, watching what Rainbow was about to do.

“Yeah... she did, but you will just be on my back as we go to Ponyville, so I can at least show you some basic wing positions and body movement when we are heading to the market. Sound good?” Next Rainbow started to apply the medicine to the wound with gentle blotches, the filly flinched and gasped softly every time Rainbow Dash’s hoof came in contact with her wound. Afterwards the pegasus reached for a bandage and some medical tape.

“Oh cool! I guess that will be ok.” Scootaloo not taking her eyes off how the cyan mare was tending to her injured leg. Rainbow finished up and placed the medical supplies back into the bag and slid it under the table. 

“Okay Scoots I’d figure we go get something to eat first in town then go shopping. Its Saturday, so the market doesn’t open for probably another couple hours, but I bet Applejack has got her stand already set up and I really like the Apple fritters her family makes so how about we get going?”

“Ohh, are those good? I never had them before.” Scootaloo’s mouth was watering at the notion of something yummy she had never tried before. Rainbow chuckled and helped the filly off the couch.

“Oh yes, they're absolutely delicious! Simply mouth waterin-” But she was cut off as Scootaloo yanked her by her tail hurrying for the door. She was really anxious to try some of the food Rainbow Dash was describing. “Ow! Geez kid you sure are impatient aren’t you?” Rainbow Dash afterward thought to herself  ‘Heh.. She kinda reminds me of myself sometimes'

“Oh sorry Rainbow Dash. I guess I got a bit carried away.” The filly let go of her tail giving the pegasus an apologetic look. Rainbows mood lightened and she waved a hoof. 

“Don’t worry about it kid. Anyway lets get going, we don’t want to keep Applejack or them yummy fritters waiting do we now? Hop on.” The filly climbed on the pegasus back accidently tugging on her wing while trying to climb up. “Ow! Geez.. Again Scoot? Its not a rope ya know? Take it easy or we’ll have to walk.”

“Oh heh, Sorry Rainbow Dash, I didn’t mean to.” She shifted a bit and made herself comfortable. Rainbow Dash ruffled her wings a bit to shake off the pain and made her way to the front door.

“Okay squirt, Hang on because The Rainbow Dash Express is leaving station! Next stop, Ponyville and Applejack’s stand.” She opened the door took a running start and leaped into the sky. The two now making their way to Ponyville.

                                                                **** 

Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo were flying towards Ponyville enjoying the morning sky. It was a cool morning the sun now rising from the east giving a nice morning glow.

“Soo.. whatcha gonna teach me Dash?” Scootaloo asked enjoying the morning air whipping at her face. She let her forelegs extend outwards to catch more of the air as they flew towards Ponyville.

“Well how about banking, climbing and descending?

“Sounds good, lay it on me.” She said absentmindedly. Scootaloo had now let her wings flare out to let the rushing air flow through them it was a great feeling. She was smiling, excited to be flying even though she was not actually doing it herself. Rainbow looked back noticing the filly was enjoying her flight and smiled, that unknown feeling starting to creep back into her again. She decided to allow the filly to enjoy her flight a bit longer, banking off in a circle pattern around Ponyville. 

Flying from left to right in zigzagging patterns tilting, climbing and descending Rainbow Dash was starting to enjoy the flight herself. Scootaloo taking mental notes at how the cyan flyers wings were angling themselves and her body movement when Rainbow Dash made a change in direction. Banking back when diving throwing her hooves forward. Tilting to one side to turn, while curling one foreleg up keeping the other extended while turning her head in the new direction. Flaring out to come to a glide, letting her legs rest and finally flapping when climbing. Pushing her forelegs back out in front of her again.

“Getting all of this kid? By the way, we are nearing Ponyville. I think I can smell those yummy fritters now.” Scootaloo’s instantly broke her trance her mouth starting to water and her tummy growled making the pegasus shudder at the feeling.

“Dang kid heh, save some for me when we land ok?” She chuckled. “Oh look, here we are! Hiya Applejack!” Rainbow waved. The farm pony responding with a similar warm greeting.

“Howdy! Good morning ya’ll! What brings you two down ta mah stand this early? Ah never fancied you fer gettin up so early Rainbow Dash.” She tipped her hat to the two standing in front of her stand.

Rainbow waved her friend off with a hoof. “Yeah.. Its early for me, but the little squirt here is hungry, and I need to go to the market to get some food. Seeing as I need to take care of this little crash magnet here for the next week.” Scootaloo gave the pegasus’s shoulder a shove and then huffed rolling her eyes.

“Pfft whatever Dash, I recall the doctors at the hospital snickering at your return yesterday.” The filly said now eyeing the tasty morsels in front of here. They smelled so good! It was making her mouth water. 

“Ha you’re a funny filly now aren’t you? I’ll remember that.” She placed a hoof to her belly rubbing it, and then made a devilish grin and pointed to scootaloo. The orange filly getting a bit nervous her eyes darting back and forth, she laughed hesitantly Applejack raising an eyebrow at the exchange between the two pegasus’s 

“Heh.. soo how about those fritters Rainbow Dash?” The filly still acting a bit nervous at the cyan mares unchanged expression.

“Hmm?” Rainbow demeanor dropped at the comment. “Ohh yea thats right. We came to get some food off ya Applejack. What’s on the menu this morning?” Rainbow herself letting her eyes look over the tasty food displayed in front of her. 

“Well whatcha fixin ta be hungry fer? Ah gots Apple pie, Apple cakes, Caramel apples..” Applejack seeing the two pegasi’s mouths watering at a specific item she chuckled ‘Ah guess these two have already figured what they want.’ 

“Well it seems ya’ll two have already figured out what ya want.” 

“Yep, you guessed right! Lay a few on us!.” Rainbow Dash plopped a few bits down on the stand. Applejack laughed and grabbed a few fritters then hoofing them off to the eagerly waiting duo.

“Here ya go, enjoy!” Applejack was about to return to her stand, but she caught a glimpse of the small fillies leg before the two had a chance to leave. “What in tarnation happened ta yer leg Scootaloo!?” She pointed to the small fillies bandage and looked at her shocked.

The two looked back, Dash giving a bit of an embarrassed look “Heh well you see...” The small filly butted in.

“Rainbow Dash was showing me the basics of flying it was awesome!”  Scootaloo smiled at Dash. “But I got a bit carried away and flew up to high.” She then looked down frowning. “I..I kinda got tired and fell, and I landed on a rock cutting my leg..” She shed a tear looking at Dash. “B-but Rainbow Dash was quick to get me to a hospital so I could get patched up.” Dash placed a hoof to her shoulder.

“Yep,” She smiled at the filly. “Dash to the rescue!” She said with a little bit of pride. “This filly is a tough one. I have to admit, even during the operation of when the doctor was stitching her up, and I was looking away cringing at the site.. she was watching with not a bit of fear in her. Way to go squirt!” Rainbow signaled Scootaloo to raise her hoof and she gave her a hoof bump. 

“Heh.. Thanks Rainbow Dash,” Scootaloo rubbed the back of her neck with her hoof a small smile tugging her lips. “Maybe next time, you will be able to manage to watch?” She giggled at that. Dash just giving the filly a mock look. 

“Heh, yeah.. Maybe I will.” Giving the filly a playful shove.

Applejack during this whole conversation sat and stared at the two smiling. “Seems ya’ll two are becoming pretty good friends throughout this heh.” The two pegasus looking at each other. They both answered.

“Yeah.. I guess you’re right.”

“Darn tootin Ah’m right! Now, what are ya’ll two planning fer the rest of the day might Ah ask of ya.” 

“Well, since I need to take care of this kid here, I need to do some shopping.” 

“Going ta the market Ah take it?” 

“Yep, it should be open by now soo.. Thanks for the fritters we’ll see you later.” The two pegasus’s started to turn for the market, but the farm mare stopped them.

“Hay, Ah gots an idea. Why don’t Ah come with ya’ll two? Ah could bring Applebloom too, seeing as how its Saturday she donna have school, Ah’d bet she would love ta hangout with her filly friend here.” Said Applejack as she started to close up her stand. 

“Actually.. Thats not a bad idea.” Dash said. “I was kinda drawing a blank on what to get.” Dash looking a bit nervous. “See funny thing is well.. I kinda don’t know what to get. I never had to care for another pony cept myself, so it was easy to just snatch some apples from you Applejack,” The farm pony putting on a smug face at the comment. “Or eat out somewhere, but this.. well.. This is Rainbow Dash we are talking about ya know?” Rainbow was scuffing the ground with her hoof.

“Ah know sugarcube, Ah understand” She placed a hoof on the pegasus’s shoulder. “So Scootaloo, how does it sound ta ya? Ah bet Applebloom would enjoy the company seein as how she’s stuck at home at the moment, what say you?

“Oh that sounds great! I could tell Applebloom all about my stay at the hospital! I wonder if she wants to hear the details though..” The filly putting a hoof to her chin in thought. “Oh well guess only one way to find out right?” The two mares nodded.  Applejack now finished packing up her cart she headed off to Sweet Apple Acres. 

“Ah’ll be right back ya’ll two. Ah needs ta drop this stand off and pick up mah sister. See ya’ll in a bit!” With that the country pony galloped off to her home. She returned a few minutes later with Applebloom in tow.

“Howdy Scootaloo how are ya’ll doin!” The yellow filly cringed at the site of Scootaloo’s bandage. “ Ouch! What happened ta ya? That thar bandage looks a might painful.”

“Naa.. Its alright Applebloom, just a little hard to walk thats about it, but I take my time. Hey, you want to know how I got this injury? It was pretty cool how the doctor sewed me up, I even got to watch!" Apple Bloom raised a questioning eyebrow at the orange pegasus. 

“Oh wow would Ah!” The country filly was excited to hear the tale Scootaloo was about to lay on her.

“Oh okay, well.. Here goes.” Scootaloo began to tell her story. Her and Applebloom walking ahead leaving Dash and Applejack to talk in peace.

“Okay Rainbow Dash, spill it. How come YOU are taking care of Scootaloo? An injury like that ya’ll should really tell her parents about it.” The farm pony thinking to herself for a moment. “Umm.. Who are her parents? “Rainbow just looked at Applejack for a moment.

“Well.. I don’t know, and neither does she,” Applejack taken back for a moment. “And the real kicker is she’s been living in that run down treehouse outside your farm.”

“What!? How long had she been stayin thar?” 

“She didn’t say, but I would figure at least a year or so maybe more. She's a crafty one at avoiding being noticed I’ll say.” 

“Well we should at least get in touch with Twilight, Ah gather she might be able ta find out what in tarnation is going on.” 

“Yeah, maybe later.. for now, lets get going to the market. Them fillies are gonna beat us if we don’t get moving slowpoke.” Dash giggled at the country pony then took off towards the market.

“Oh no you don’t! Nopony calls me a slowpoke!” Applejack took off in hot pursuit of the cyan pegasus. A few moments later the group arrived at the market entrance.

                                                                       ****
Arriving at the front door of the market the Rainbow Dash and Applejack stopped to take a breath.

“Heh..Phew! You almost caught me there Applejack!” Dash said trying to catch her breath.

“Ah woulda caught ya if ya dun didn’t cheat again usin them thar wings again. Don’t ya ever play fair?” Giving Dash a playful shove.

“Meh.. I don’t remember you calling out rules before we took off. Besides, maybe I would've not used them if you didn’t try to buck down every tree in my way..” Dash returning the shove.

“What!? Ah never... Them thar trees was looking mighty weak so Ah figured Ah would buck them outta ya’ll way thats all” But unfortunately Applejack being a honest pony as she is, Dash could easily see through her lie.

Dash rolled her eyes. “Oh yeah.. Sure, sure, just happens I am able to fly over them right?” Rainbow said with a smug look on her face.

“Well yeah, thats it. Ah guess...ah shoot, how do other ponies manage ta do this, dagnabit ya got me.” She let out a breath. “Ah’m sorry. Ah guess mah competitiveness got the best of me again.” She looked away embarrassed.

Dash waved her off. “Meh, don’t worry about it Applejack. Heh, I guess me taunting you most of the time wasn’t helping.” It was Dash’s turn to look away embarrassed now.

Applejack smiled. “It’s ok sugarcube. How’s about at the next Running of the Leaves we give it another go? Sound good?” 

“Sounds like a plan! But, you better be ready cuz I am not gonna hold back!” She proclaimed.

“Okay then. Now lets get back ta what we had originally planned on doing shall we? Applejack made her way for the door. “Them fillies must be inside waiting for us, lets head on in.” Dash following behind. Once they made it inside Applebloom and Scootaloo were waiting at a table. Scootaloo was finishing up her trip to the hospital.

“And then he stuck the needle into my leg one last time and tugged it closing the cut. It felt kinda weird after he had numbed it up. Like I could feel the needle going in and the suture pulling on my skin, but no pain ya know?” Appleblooms face was going a little green by now.

“Yeesh! Ah can’t believe ya could keep a straight face through all of that Scootaloo, Ah woulda probably tossed mah hay by then. Ah feel Ah got enough of  the,” She cringed. “Juicy details, let’s talk about somethin else okay?” Just then Applejack and Rainbow Dash had walked up. “Oh hey ya’ll what took ya two so long?” Applebloom got up to stretch and walked over to her sister.

“Me and Dash had ta have a little talk thats all. Grown up stuff. So what say we go look fer somethin yummy ta eat?” 

“Ohh sounds good! Are ya ready ta go Scootaloo? Cuz Ah know Ah am.”

“Oh yeah! But if its ok with you two I think I’ll hang with Rainbow here if thats ok with you Dash.” The orange filly walked up to the pegasus.” 

“Sure squirt, fine with me. So.. Applejack, Where do we begin?” The group was slowly making their way down one of the isles looking at the food displayed. 

“Well, lets head over ta the flower section ya’ll. Ah’m sure there is somethin that even ya’ll are capable of fixin up right? The country mare walked over to a section containing some flowers. Sunflowers, tulips, and some other various flowers were strewn about. Applejack picked up some dandelions and showed them to Rainbow Dash.

“What about these Dash? They are pretty good and even you could manage ta make sandwiches of these.” The pegasus walked over and took the flowers and examined them...

______________________________________________________________________

“Can you get the dandelions Rainbow?” Skylight was making Rainbow and herself lunch.

“Ok Mommy!” Rainbow jumped into the air, her basic flying allowing her to hover over to the cabinet containing the dandelions. It was a small kitchen, just the basics. A sink, a small table with three chairs, and an oven like device.

“Eventually you are going to need to learn how to make these on your own Dash.” Skylight looked over at her daughter, who was fumbling with the door on the cabinet.

“But you make them really good, I don’t think I could make them like you can.” As she said that the cabinet door flew open and several boxes of food fell onto her head. Luckily it was mostly fruits and it didn’t make a mess, accept for the tomato that landed on Rainbow’s face.

“Ah! Stupid Tomato!” Rainbow swiped it off her face onto the floor leaving a large red stain.

“Are you okay?” Skylight asked as she walked over to her daughter. She licked the end of her wing and then used it to wipe the tomato residue off of Rainbow’s face.

She helped Rainbow into a chair and patted her on her head.

“Eventually” Skylight leaned down to clean up the mess. “You’re going to have to be more responsible, with your little sister on the way, I won’t be able to do a lot.”

“I can be res-res-respo” she sounded out the word “Res-pon-si-ble” Confident that she now knew the word she tried to say it. “I can be Responissible.”

Skylight smiled at her daughter’s ability to make any word sound cute “Responsible”

“Yeah! I can be Responable!”

“Ok miss responsible, can you try to get me the dandelions again; And not make a mess this time?” Skylight teased.

Rainbow pouted for a moment at her mothers teasing, but her mood quickly changed into that of obedience.

“Yeah! I can! And in ten seconds flat!” Rainbow flew up into the air and over to the cabinet, crashing into it. As she found herself in the cabinet, she crawled her way through it to find the dandelions. At last she found what she was looking for, and after a moment of Skylight only seeing a Rainbow tail sticking out of the cabinet, a hoof holding a box of dandelions appeared.

“Thank you, you did a good job Rainbow.” Skylight smiled, though Rainbow couldn’t see it.

Skylight continued to fix a sandwich when she noticed Rainbow trying to wiggle her way out of the cabinet, only seeing the bottom half of Rainbow wiggling back and forth trying to free herself. Skylight stopped making the sandwich and watched in amusement as her daughter continued with her antics.

“Need some help?”

Rainbow blushed a bit, luckily her mother could not see her face.

“No! I can get out! Just Watch!” Rainbow said, she was being a bit more confident than she should have been.

After a few more moments of wiggling, she stopped.

“On second thought, I would like help, yes please.”

Skylight chuckled before reaching her forehooves up and pulling Rainbow. Suddenly Rainbow flew backwards out of the cabinet almost knocking over her mother. Skylight looked down into her hooves to see Rainbow, as if she was a foal being carried.

“You look so adorable, this reminds me of when you were a foal and I carried you.” Skylight teased.

Rainbow blushed profusely as she tried to wiggle her way out of her mother's grip, to no avail.

“Why don’t we finish lunch ok?” 

“Can you put me down, please?”

“Aw, but my little dashie wouldn’t want to get stuck again?” Skylight teased as she used her free hoof to prepare the sandwich.

“Uh, Rainbow, yer getting awfully close to that stand.”

“What mommy?”

“I didn’t say anything dear”

“Who’s mommy? Rainbow, yer gonna-”

”-Crash” Applejack was too late. Rainbow absentmindedly dove head first into the stand sending the products all over the place. She tried to free herself wiggling and pushing, but she had wedged herself in pretty good.

“A little help please?” Applejack snickered at the pegasus and walked up to her.

“Heh sure thing Dash give me a sec Ah’ll getcha out.” Applejack grabbed a hold of her tail and started to pull the trapped mare out of the stand. Tugging a little too hard Rainbow Dash popped out lost her balance and toppled backwards onto the country pony sending both of them into the stand on the opposite side of the isle. The two were covered in the various vegetables displayed. The two fillies now laughing at the two.

“What’s so funny?” Dash trying to get back up she slipped on a piece of lettuce and plopped back on her rump letting out a yelp “Ow!” Scootaloo walking over to the fallen mare,

“Haha! Oh you look soo funny Rainbow Dash, Here, let me help you up.” The filly extended a hoof to help Dash to her hooves. Next she helped clean the all the vegetables off her. “You smell like a garden Dash.” She laughed.

“Oh haha, you’re a real joker aren’t you? She rolled her eyes at the comment. “Come on Applejack time to get out of the garden.” She walked over to the farm pony resting in the lettuce.

“Oh look who the joker is now! Yer tryin ta make fun of me too?” Dash reaching forward to help her out.

“Pfft.. Whatever. Anyway... What’s next on the list of stuff I’ll need?” Returning to their previous plan. The group moved forward collecting some dandelions. Next they got some bread, lettuce and other various toppings moving on to the seafood section. Dash walked over to the counter and looked at the various products displayed behind the glass. She got a few weird looks from her friends. Scootaloo walked up and asked.

“Do you really like to eat this stuff? I’ve heard of ponies eating fish, but I never really tasted the stuff myself.” She looked at the fish laid behind the counter oddly enough her mouth was starting to water at the smell. “Smells good though.” Dash raised an eyebrow at the filly.

“Would you like to try it Scootaloo? The filly nodded nervously.

“Okay I’ll try some.” She nervously waited.

“Okay. Excuse me, is anypony back there? We want to try something.” The pony, a unicorn behind the counter walked up smelling like fish he placed his hooves on the counter.

“What can I do for you two?” 

“This filly here wants to try some tuna, Can she have a sample?” 

“Oh sure just give me a second to slice you a piece.” He went and grabbed a serrated knife with his magic setting it down on a cutting board; he walked back to the counter.

“Okay which one would you two like to try?” The two looking over the various fish displayed, they settled on a tasty looking piece of tuna. 

“That one please.” Rainbow asked, pointing to the slabs of tuna neatly stacked behind the glass.

“Sure thing give me a second.” The unicorn went over to the selected piece of fish and sliced a tiny section off with the knife. He then passed the slice over to the waiting two. “Here you go let me know if you need anything else okay?” He waited at the counter for their next order.

“Here ya go Scoots, let me know what you think of it.” Hoofing the piece off to the filly. Scootaloo hesitated for a second then took a bite of it chewing on it for a bit to get a good taste of the fish. She felt like gagging the texture was weird unlike anything she had ate before. This was a pretty new feeling for the filly, eating something that was once alive and had a heartbeat of its own. Her mind was screaming for her to stop, but oddly though she continued to chew on the fish savoring in the taste; it was actually pretty tasty once she got over the whole its a peice of meat dilemma.

“Hey.. This is not half bad actually! So.. What’s it taste like to you?” 

“Well.. Kinda like chicken I should say.” 

“CHICKEN!?” The group spat out shocked looks abound. 

“You ate chicken before Dash?” Applejack was taken back at this. “Ah woulda never took you ta taken a fancy ta eating meat. 

“Well I did hang around Gilda for some time ya know.. She kinda asked me to try this stuff one time, never really told me what it was. Not that I liked it. I actually got sick after trying it. We kinda fell apart after that.”





“Dash, you have to try this.” Gilda said as Rainbow entered their dorm room. It was a shared dorm room at flight camp.

“Uh, what exactly is it?” Rainbow eyed it. It was a white form covered in what seemed like bread crumbs.

“Just try it, you’ll like it.” Gilda held a piece of it in her claw and gave it to dash.

Rainbow stepped back a bit unsure of what to do.

“Don’t tell me you’re going to start being lame on me Dash.”

“I’m not lame! I just, it looks like-”

“Eat it then! or are you lame like the rest of these ponies?”

Rainbow stood there for a few moments. She knew she recognized what Gilda was holding, but she couldn’t quite remember what it was. Something in her mind was saying no, but if Gilda, her best friend was eating it, then it couldn’t be too bad.

Rainbow picked up the food in her hoof and stared at it.

“What are you waiting for? Eat it!”

“O-ok, here goes.” Rainbow lifted the food into her mouth and started to chew it. It was warm, she sort of liked the taste but hated the texture but continued to chew it to appease Gilda.

“Well?”

Rainbow swallowed, she nearly gagged on the food traveling down her throat.

“It tasted, ok I guess, but the rest of it was horrible, what was it anyway?”

“Chicken.”

Rainbow’s eyes went wide, she went as far as to eat fish, but chicken, that was different. Chicken was unheard of for a pony to eat in the first place, and for good reason to. Her stomach started to get upset and her face flushed.

“I, I’m a bit dizzy...” Rainbow said as she started to fall over, her stomach was hurting and she felt the food protest in her throat.

“I-I, I need the bathroom!” Rainbow shouted as she ran past Gilda into their dorms bathroom to get sick.





“So.. Scootaloo how did you like it?" Rainbow was wondering if her revealing she thought fish tasting like chicken would stain Scootaloo’s opinion.

“I actually like it, and I would like to try some more, but maybe cooked next time?" 

“Oh yeah no problem kid. Gilda showed me some tasty ways to cook fish. I think you would like it, I know I did.” Rainbow breathed a sigh of relief. She was also happy some other pony had a taste for fish, it made her feel more like she wasn’t alone. 

“Ya’ll two sure are weird, Ah never saw a pony that liked ta eat meat how does it taste? What’s it feel like when ya chew on it?” Applebloom was interested to hear Scootaloo’s response.

“Well kinda gammy actually, with a kinda sweet taste I would say. I can’t comment on the whole chicken thing that's Rainbows feeling towards it, but I like it.” 

“Hey now! I was only comparing the taste that's all. I never liked chicken it was disgusting, and made me sick almost instantly after I ate it. Why did you want to try some Applebloom?”

“Well Ah dunno..” She looked over to her sister for some guidance.

Applejack gave the yellow filly a look of approval and nodded “Go ahead Applebloom, try it if you like too, Ah won’t tell ya what ta eat or not ta eat.” Applebloom smiled.

“Thanks sis, Ah think Ah would like ta try it. Ah just wanted ta know if you were alright with it first. Ah wasn’t sure if you would be upset or not.” Applebloom scuffed the ground looking away coyly.

“Now why would Ah say that? You are free ta try what ya want, so long as ya donna try anything stupid. Then Ah’ll step in and say something.” She said ruffling the yellow fillies mane. “Now get over there and go try it. Let me know what it tastes like ok?” 

“Okay.” she walked over to Dash. “Can you get a piece for me to try?” 

“Sure thing kid. Excuse me sir, can we have another piece to try?” 

“No problem, same fish?” He walked back to the piece of tuna he had previously cut.

“Yes sir that will be fine.” The unicorn sliced another piece of the tuna and handed it off to the pegasus. “Here ya go Applebloom tell us what you think.” She hoofed the piece to the yellow filly. Applebloom took it and stared at it for a moment it felt weird like nothing she had ever felt  before her confidence left her in an instant. Applejack walked up to her nervous sister sensing her reluctance at trying the fish she spoke.

“Hey there Applebloom how about you and me both try it at the same time? She took the slice of fish and tore it in half handing a piece back to Applebloom “Ah’ll count to three and then we take a bite okay?" Applebloom nodded nervously. 

“Okay sis Ah’m ready when you are. She took the piece of fish waiting for the countdown to begin.

“One...” Applejack looked at Applebloom and smiled “Two...” Applebloom took in a breath letting it out, “Three..” simultaneously the two sisters took a bite of the fish, chewing on it for a moment the two almost again simultaneously spit the fish out making gagging sounds.

“Bleh! That was sooo nasty! Ahh! Ah can’t get the taste outta mah mouth. Quick! Get me an apple! Ah need to get this putrid taste outta mah mouth!” Applebloom was stroking her tongue  trying to get the taste off it. At the same time Applejack too was gagging over the food she had just tried.

“Gah! Ah’m gonna go get some apples that taste..” She shuddered. “How do you two find it enjoyable? Come on Applebloom, the fruit section is over there.” She pointed to the fruit aisle. “Let’s go get some apples to kill off this rancid taste in our mouths. We’ll catch up with you two in a little bit okay?” The two pegasus’s were giggling at to farm ponies.

“Okay see you in a bit.” Dash turned back to the counter and ordered some tuna, flounder and some cod, figuring Scootaloo would like to try this stuff. Her assumptions were confirmed when the orange filly looked at the packaged fish with her mouth watering. “Well what’s next you think? We need to get some herbs, spices and sauce for the fish, because it tastes so much better when you have some good topping for it. Also, I think we can do a bit more flight practice after we are done here, as long as we only try some basic wing movement and possibly some minor hovering it should be okay. How does that sound?” 

“Oh, that sounds awesome! I can’t wait! But where are we going to practice at?” She was starting to get nervous. “I don’t really want to practice on the ground again. Not after what happened last time.”

“Hmm? Oh.. No, no, I’ll take us to my cloud home. The clouds will be nice and soft, and you’re not going to be lifting off well.. not more than a few hoof’s anyway, so you’ll be fine.” 

Scootaloo let out a sigh of relief. “Whew.. Thats a load off my mind, so what else do we need from here?” 

“Well I lets catch up with them two country ponies shall we? I want to pick up some apples anyway, and its better this way too. Not getting yelled at by Applejack for taking hers heh.” The two pegasus’s made their way over to the fruit section. upon arriving they spotted Applejack and Applebloom scarfing down a couple apples.

“Ahh.. Much better,” Applejack was relieved, the fish taste was gone. “Good thing Ah didn’t make it to swallowing it, Ah woulda just puked it back up. Are you feeling better now Applebloom?” The filly had just finished her apple.

“Yeah, Ah feel so much better.. Pony, that taste was soo nasty! Ah can’t believe a pony could actually like it.” Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo walking just as Applebloom had finished what she had said.

“Its an acquired taste I guess.. You either like it, or hate it. Isn’t that right Scoot?” She nodded.

“Yup and I like it. So, me and Dash are gonna grab a few apples and then take off. Shes gonna show me some more flight positions and maybe a little hovering. See you around Applebloom?”

“Yeah sure, Ah’ll see ya later.” 

“Ya’ll be careful now Scootaloo, Ah don’t want to hear ya went back into the hospital again so soon,” She gave Dash a stern look. “”Isn’t that right now, Dash?” 

“Yeah, yeah.. I’ll be careful, don’t you worry.” She said rolling her eyes at the farm pony. “I’ll make sure this filly doesn’t get hurt again I promise...I’ll never let you get hurt again Scootaloo, Happy?” 

“Yeah, that will be fine. Well.. We’ll see ya’ll later okay?” The turned to leave but Applejack remembered something she wanted to tell Dash. “Ah almost forgot Dash, tomorrow we need to go see Twilight about what we talked about earlier got it?” 

Rainbow Dash got a little nervous over the planned meeting the two had agreed upon tomorrow. She had would've forgotten if Applejack had not just reminded her about it. “Y-yeah.. I’ll be there don’t worry.” She said fidgeting around nervously. “ You ready to go squirt?” 

Scootaloo was just finishing her goodbyes to Applebloom, reminding her about the upcoming meeting, and what they could possible work on next to get their cutie marks. “Huh? Oh.. Yeah, I’m ready Rainbow Dash. Lets get going.” Dash laid down to allow the orange filly an easier time getting on using her wing to help Scootaloo get comfortable. Once she was all settled Rainbow Dash stood back up and made her way to the exit.

“Okay kid, I need to stop at Twilight Sparkle’s library for a moment. I need to have a little talk with her, then its off to my house for some flight practice okay?” The duo exited the market saddle bag full of goodies and all, they took off towards Ponyville library to meet with Twilight.

                                                           ****

Landing at the library Dash sat down and let Scootaloo slide off her back, the two pegasus’s walked up to the library door and Rainbow Dash knocked.

“What do you need to talk with Twilight about Dash?” 

“Oh just need to have a quick chat with her about what  me and Applejack were talking about earlier thats all.” Dash knocked on the door again. “Geez Twilight put the dang book down for a second and answer your door already.” Dash was getting a bit impatient tapping her hoof on the ground. A few minutes later the two heard a voice from behind the door.

“I’m coming!” The knob turned and the door swung open.” Hey, what’s up Dash!” Spike said waving to Rainbow. “Oh... Didn’t see you brought company too. Hello Scootaloo.” He waved to the orange filly and beckoned the two in. “Come on in you two what’s the occasion?” 

“I need to talk with Twilight for a sec is she here?” Spike nodded. 

“Yeah, shes over in the reading room caught up in something again...” He chuckled.

“Okay well.. I’ll just go in and say hi, mind waiting here with Spike Scootaloo? I need to speak with Twilight in private, grown up stuff and all, wait here I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

“But Rainbow, I am a big pony, I can be all grown up and stuff.” She stomped her hoof and huffed.

“Scootaloo this is, kinda private.” 

“Oh ok, thats fine I’ll hang out with spike here. Ohh.. Hey Spike, want to hear about my recent hospital trip? Its graphic with blood and stuff, even Dash herself was cringing at the sight hehe.”

Rainbow Dash turned for a sec after hearing the filly teasingly mock her. “Oh haha, being that funny filly again are we?” Dash gave Scootaloo that mischievous look she knew all too well. “Looks like somepony has a special treat coming to them later on.” Said Dash in a sing song tone. She made her way off to Twilight giggling. Scootaloo nervously laughed it off.

“O-okay.. heh, heh, I can’t wait.” She twitched when Dash walked out of the room giggling. “I guess..” Spike looked at the filly raising an eyebrow at the exchange.

“What was that all about? Why are you all fidgety all of a sudden?” He crossed his arms in question, looking back to where Dash had walked off to.

“Heh.. Its nothing,” She swallowed the lump in her throat. “I hope.” The filly felt like she had butterflies in her stomach, she had a feeling she knew what was in store for her at some point. 

Spike shrugged off the nervous reply and returned his focus to the filly. “So you gonna tell me how that happened?” Pointing to the bandage on the fillies hip. 

“Hmm? Oh.. Sure thing, but can I get something to drink please? I am a little thirsty.”  

“Sure do, follow me. Do you like tea? I was brewing some for myself and Twilight.” Spike waved for the filly to follow him into the kitchen, a sweet smell of lemony tea was coming from it.

“Ohh smells good! What kind is it?” She asked following the dragon into the kitchen.

“Lemon, with a bit of honey mixed in to give a taste of sweetness. I think you’ll like it.” He handed her a cup of the sweet smelling tea, she took in a smell of it and smiled, taking a sip of it. “Twilight likes herbal, but I like mine to have a bit of a tart taste, adding the honey was for Twilight, she’s likes her tea to have a sweet taste to it. So, let’s hear how you got that injury on your leg”

Taking another sip of the tea Scootaloo sat the cup down on the table and looked at Spike “MMMmm.. Thats good stuff! Anyway.. Where to begin.. Oh, right, well first...” She began to tell her story to Spike, he sat at the table with the filly his eyes wide at the tale being told to him.

                                                                      ****

When Rainbow Dash walked into the reading room what she saw kinda reminded her of her own place. Books strewn about, paper blowing around in the breeze, some crumpled up littering the floor. It was a mess. Twilight was at her desk, her face glued to a book, her horn glowing a quill was vigorously scribbling something onto a piece of paper. Dash snuck up on the unknowing unicorn and tapped her on the shoulder. “BOO!” Twilight screamed, thrown off guard she sliced the paper with the quill, jumping up like a scared filly then falling on her back afterwards. 

Dash fell over laughing at the scene. “Haha! I got you Twi!” The unicorn rolled over to see the pegasus laughing at her. She stood back up and stomped over to Dash, leaned down to her face.

“That was NOT funny Rainbow Dash! I was trying to finish my report and you made me mess it all up! Now its gonna take me all night to re-organize this mess.” She looked around at the books and paper lying about and let out a breath. “What did you want? Besides trying to see if I could hit the ceiling. 

Dash let herself to her hooves, a little more timid than before. Twilight raising an eyebrow at the change of the pegasus’s demeanor. “Well I..,” She tried to think of what to say. “Got a problem that I think only you can help with.”

“Oh?” The unicorns ears perked up. “What problem? I should have a book around here somewhere that can help.” She started to search through her books tossing them to and fro, Dash nearly getting hit by some as Twilight tossed the unwanted ones away.

“Twilight how can you help if you don’t first let me tell you what the problem is.. Whoa!” Dash ducking a book tossed right at her face. “What the hay Twilight, you nearly hit me with that one!” 

The unicorn looked over to a now rather upset Rainbow Dash, she looked away bashfully. “S-sorry Rainbow Dash I guess I kinda get carried away sometimes.” She said scuffing the floor.

“Meh, don’t worry about it Twi, I forgive you. But, you need to be less egghead sometimes anyway,” Dash letting out a breath. “ About my problem, it’s about Scootaloo.”

“What about her? Did she get into trouble? Or worst, did she get hurt?” Twilight starting to get a bit upset.

“What? No! Shes fine. Well... almost fine I should say.” 

Twilight was getting confused now. “I don’t understand Rainbow Dash, stop beating around the bush and just tell me already!” 

“Fine. She got hurt the other day..” Twilight cut her off

“WHAT!? Is she ok? Do her parents know? How did she get hurt?” Twilight was right up in Dash’s face now. The pegasus took a step back getting away from the unicorn.

“First, shes fine.” Twilight eased off and let out a sigh of relief. “Second well..  I don’t know.” Twilight again cutting her off.

“You don’t know? What is that supposed to mean? 

“It means exactly what I just said!” She retorted. “Third, It was kinda my fault..” Again Twilight butting in.

“Your fault!? What the hay Rainbow? Don’t you ever try to you know.. BE CAREFUL?

“No Twilight, I purposely injured a little filly, of course I’m careful.” Dash said rolling her eyes. “Besides, it was not  directly all my fault, Scoot wasnt paying attention to how high she was flying.” 

“That’s no excuse Dash, you had her flying when you darn well know she is only a beginner. You really need to learn some responsibility and patience, shes only a filly.” 

“Well, I, uh, she wanted to...You know, and I was like...well uh, yeah.” Dash rubbed her forehoof behind her neck. Knowing she had just lost this argument. 

“Ok Dash, I really feel we need to talk to Scootaloo’s parents, they need to know.” 

“That’s the thing I...,” Rainbow stopped herself for a moment thinking about what she was about to say. “I don’t think Scootaloo has any parents...” Twilight was just totally blown away at the comment she just heard, she went and sat down on her couch trying to wrap her mind around what the pegasus had just said.

“H-how can you be so sure? Did you ever try to find them? I am sure I can find them somehow.”

“Well first, Scootaloo was really timid when I asked about her parents. She has not even told me anything. Second, I had to cover for her in the hospital because the nurse needed contact information for a parent or guardian, and third, she revealed to me she was living in that run down treehouse on Applejack’s orchard.” Twilight looked up when that was mentioned.

“Does Applejack know about that? or any of this?” 

“Only what I have told her, and she was shocked at what I had said too.” 

“Well Rainbow I think we need to have a meeting. I’ll invite all the girls over and we can discuss what is going to happen with Scootaloo. Sound good?” Rainbow nodded.

“Yes that sounds good, but tomorrow ok? I promised the squirt I’d show her a few more things tonight, and far be it from me being called a liar.” 

“O-okay Dash, but you be careful okay? She is just a filly, take it really slow and BE CAREFUL, understand?” Dash nodded again waving the unicorn off with a hoof. 

“Yeah.. Yeah, I understand Twilight, I’ll be extra careful..never again will it happen Scootaloo, well.. I should go, need to get the squirt up to my home to change her bandage, and I want to show her a few things before it gets dark. I’ll talk to you later ok Twilight?” The unicorn nodded and walked up Dash. 

“Sounds good! Here, let me walk you two out, I want to say goodbye to Scootaloo.” Twilight motioned for Dash to follow her.

“Okay Twilight, I left Scoot with Spike, I believe they went to the kitchen after I came to see you.”  Dash said as the two made their way out of the reading room and headed towards the kitchen. Scootaloo was just finishing up her tale when The two mare’s entered the kitchen.

“So.. Spike, What do you think?” She took the last sip of her tea and sat the cup down waiting for the dragon to reply. Spike was trying to process the information he sat there for a moment looking at the filly.

“Wow Scootaloo, That is one wild ride you had yesterday. Good thing Dash was there or you could of been in real trouble.” Just then The two mares walked up behind Scootaloo and Spike, The filly not yet noticing them. Spike glanced over at the two 

“Yeah Spike, thank Celestia Rainbow Dash was there. I really cannot thank her enough for getting me to the hospital, and really being there for me afterwards,” The filly shed a tear, but quickly wiped it away with a hoof trying to regain her composure. “Nopony has ever done that for me. I just wish there was someway I could repay her for being so nice to me.” Rainbow looked away blushing at what the filly had said, that familiar unknown feeling creeping back into her chest again. Twilight looked away from the group and scuffed the floor a bit, upon hearing what the filly had said, she now felt a little bad for berating Dash as much as she had a few moments earlier. 

She turned to look at the now bashful looking pegasus, she placed a hoof on her shoulder and whispered in her ear. “Sorry for yelling at you as much as I did Rainbow Dash, I didn’t know she felt you meant this much to her.” Dash looked up to Twilight her face flushed eyes a bit misty.

“I..I didn’t think so either...” She smiled and walked over to Scootaloo and placed a hoof on her shoulder causing the filly to spin her head around to see a smiling Rainbow Dash.

“Oh, Hiya Rainbow Dash, I didn’t hear you come in, I was just finishing up my story with spike.” Dash looked at Scoot then ruffled her mane.

“I know squirt, I heard.” She felt like hugging the filly right now, but maintained her composure and just gave the filly a playful shove. “Come on kid, we need to get going. I need to change your bandage, and afterwards show ya some things. You ready to go?” The filly nodded.

“Yes Rainbow Dash, I’m ready to go. See ya later Spike, talk to you again soon?” 

“Sure Scootaloo, I’ll see you again take care of yourself.” Spike collected the cups and walked over to the sink and placed them in it. “I need to clean up this mess so talk to you later.” 

Twilight walked over to Scootaloo placing a hoof on her shoulder she smiled at her. “You take care of yourself now got it?” The filly nodded. “I don’t want to hear you went back in the hospital again.” She nodded to Dash getting a roll of her eyes in return. “Don’t try anything too advanced or dangerous, you are just a filly okay?  No need to try anything stupid or over your head, I’ll see you tomorrow.” The filly raising an eyebrow at that comment.

“Tomorrow? What’s going on tomorrow?” She looked at the unicorn in question.

“Rainbow Dash and you are going to come visit me tomorrow, Dash needs to talk over some stuff with me and the girls. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle should be her too, so you can go play while we talk ok?” 

“Ohh alright! Well.. See you tomorrow. Come on Dash, I am ready to go now.” The filly walked up to the pegasus and she lowered herself to let the filly get onto her back. Rainbow Dash stood once she knew the filly was now comfortable and made her way for the door.

“Ready kid?” Scootaloo nodded. “Okay here we go!” Dash waved goodbye to Twilight, the unicorn returning the gesture, Dash then ran off and lept into the sky making her way to her cloud home in the distance.

                                                                         ****

On their way back to Rainbow Dash’s home Dash decide to make a little fun in their return flight. “Hold on kid, we’re gonna have a little fun.” Scootaloo nodded and wrapped her forelegs around the pegasus’s neck.

“O-okay Dash I am ready, please be careful, d-don’t scare me.” Rainbow Dash glanced back to see Scootaloo was shaking nervously a bit. 

“Hey, hey now.. Calm down Scootaloo, I promise I’ll be extra careful okay? No crazy stuff, just some fun flying.” The filly nodded, but continued to keep her grip. ‘Ok Scootaloo, looks like I need to prove myself to you.’ Dash leaned forward with her hooves and flapped her wings taking off in a climb, reaching the top of her arch she leveled out and flared her wings  coming to a hover. “Ok squirt hang on!” She leaned forward again, banking her wings back and going into a slightly sloped dive making sure she was not going to steep. “Scootaloo! Come on, open your eyes! you’re missing all the fun!” Scootaloo nudged her head away from the pegasus’s neck, she opened her eyes and looked forward the ground coming towards them. Dash toward the bottom of her dive, banked slightly to the left and circled around going back into another climb. Reaching the top she angled slightly to the right and banked off into another gentle dive. This time though Scootaloo was starting to enjoy the flight, she slid back letting her hind legs dangle behind her while holding on to Dash’s neck with her forehooves.

She giggled and looked at Dash “H-hehe this is pretty fun!” She smiled and let her wings flare out, letting the warm summer wind flow through them it felt really good, she was really enjoying herself now. “Faster Rainbow Dash!” The filly said excitedly. Dash smiled and angled a bit steeper, but not too steep.

“Coming right up!” She said, letting the two snap through the afternoon sky. Rainbow Dash was enjoying herself. Flying up and down in a rollercoaster style ride the filly cheering and laughing on the ups and downs filling Rainbow Dash with so much pride. 

“This is so fantastic! You are soo awesome Rainbow Dash!” The filly cheered. Rainbow Dash could do nothing but smile she felt just so good!  But, after a few more ups and downs Rainbow Dash was getting tired, she leveled out and made her way for her cloud home

“Okay Scootaloo, I’m getting a bit tired, I need to rest a bit.” She said and angled towards her home, but just then she felt a shiver go down her spine, and she felt a warm feeling nuzzling the side of her neck. 

“Thank you Rainbow Dash,” Scootaloo said nuzzling her neck. “I really enjoyed that.” Dash blushed a bit at the gesture, and looked away bashfully.

“Heh, heh, no problem Scoot, I’m happy you enjoyed it...I know I did, lets get you inside now, shall we?” Dash landed at her home and let Scootaloo slide off her back and beckoned her inside.

                                                                              ****

Once inside Dash made her way to the kitchen to offload the goods that they had got from the market. “Wait on the couch Scootaloo I’ll just be a second. I need to put this stuff away, then I’ll return to change your bandage.” The filly nodded and made her way to the couch and plopped down on it letting out a breath.

‘Whew! What a day! I never thought this could happen to me. I really can’t thank Rainbow Dash enough for taking such good care of me.’ Dash soon returning from the kitchen she walked over to the filly on the couch and sat down and pulled the medical bag out from under the table.

“Okay squirt let me see that wound.” Scootaloo rolled over onto her side and let Rainbow inspect it. “Hmm.. Does it still hurt?” Dash asked.

“No not really..” The filly replied leaning her head on her hoof.

“Oh, well.. Thats good to hear, sounds like it's healing up pretty good. Let’s take a look at it.” Dash slowly peeled the bandage off the filly, getting a slight wince out of her when the final piece of tape peeled off her pinkish skin having the same red mark as before.

“My fur will grow back?” She looked down at her exposed skin and blushed embarrassingly.

“The doctor said it would. He also said that no visible scar would show either.” Dash said slipping on a hoof glove, reaching for the salve.

“Oh, well.. That makes me feel better...Celestia, I can only imagine Diamond Tiara mocking me if she ever saw it.” Dash started to dab the salve on the fillies wound, it looked much better than a few days ago.

“Wow squirt you sure do heal fast! This wound looks alot better then how I remembered it a few days ago.” Finishing up she grabbed a clean bandage and the medical tape. “After we are done here why don’t we head outside and practice a bit more?” 

“Oh that would be great!” The filly was excited to again be learning from her idol, and friend.

“Okay Scoot I am finished playing doctor for today.” Dash giggled. “Let’s head on out.” She helped Scootaloo off the couch, afterwards the duo made their way outside.

                                                                         ****

Dash and Scootaloo were standing on a cloud just outside of Rainbow Dash’s cloud home. The afternoon sun showing signs of early evening. Dash was hovering a few hoof’s off the cloud getting ready to show Scootaloo some wing positions and basic hovering.

“Ok Scoot, let’s start with the basics this time shall we?” The filly nodded. “Okay spread your wings to their fullest, the filly obliged and spread her wings, wincing a bit and making a quiet “uhh” noise when she did.” Rainbow Dash this time took notice raising an eyebrow at the filly. ‘I need to take a look at her wings after we get done here.’

 Scootaloo after a bit of grunting finally extended her wings to their fullest. “Okay Rainbow Dash, what's next?” 

“Well.. First lets get you used to wing movement. Try flapping your wings, up then down. Keep in tune with your breathing got it? In and up, out and down. Here, let me show you.” Dash unfurled her wings and took in a deep breath, letting it out she flapped them downwards lifting off the ground a bit. “See? Now you try.” Dash kept her hover a few hoofs off the ground.  

“Okay Dash, here goes.” Scootaloo took in a deep breath letting her wings rise up, letting it out she let her wings flap downwards, she felt herself hop off the cloud slightly. “Wow, I almost go off the ground!” she smiled at Dash.

“Good job squirt! But, take it easy, now continue with what I am showing you. Remember, in and up, out and down.” Dash was starting to zone out. A past memory filling her mind as she echoed to the young filly the basic’s of flight.





“Miss not afraid of anything, are you telling me you’re afraid of hights?” Refraction chuckled to himself.

“I, I...” Rainbow looked over the edge of the cloud that her parents house sat upon and gazed in fear at the height.

“I, I’m not afraid!” She stepped back from the edge of the cloud;  “I, I just don’t want to fall off...” She trailed off.

Refraction chuckled again, he knew how badly she wanted to fly. She was letting a small fear get to her, he had to encourage her just  enough, or get her to accept a dare...

“Oh I dunno, hey dashie, bet I can fly out farther than you.” Refraction said, trying to talk on her level. He flew out a few hoofs away from the cloud. 

“I, I don’t know...” She looked over the cloud again. It’s not that she doubted her ability to fly or her fathers ability to catch her, she just really didn’t like heights.

“I think somepony is afraid.” Refraction teased.

“I am Not!” Rainbow Squeaked, she lept into the air and raced out farther than Refraction had.

“Oh and now you’re not afraid of the heights?”

Rainbow looked down and then her wings snapped to her sides and she started to fall.

“Help!” She screamed as she plummeted through the sky leaving dash shaped holes in clouds she should have been able to land on.

Refraction quickly jumped into action and chased her, feeling the wing trying to force him back up into the sky.

“Almost, there” He said getting closer and closer.

He reached a hoof out and managed to catch Rainbow, they were not that far from the ground now.

“Oh no! The Ground!” Dash said, being absolutely petrified of it after being told a scary pegasus bedtime story. The intent of the story was to keep young pegasi from falling off their cloud homes, but dash thought it was true.

“What’s wrong with the ground?” Refraction was puzzled.

“Mommy says the ground has all kinds of s-scary m-m-monsters that eat little fillies and colts, and, and I-I don’t want to be eaten.” Rainbow was nearly shaking in her fathers hooves. She was looking down at the ground in panic.

Refraction chuckled as Rainbow moved around in his hooves trying to protect herself from the dangerous unknown that lay beneath them.

“Dash, that's just a story that mothers tell little pegasi so they don’t wander down to the ground and then be unable to get back up.” Refraction said, still chuckling to himself.

Rainbow’s face turned beat red, how could she fall for such a silly tale? Could she really be that naive?

“It’s not funny! I, I don’t think it’s fun-AHH a monster! Save me daddy!” Rainbow panicked as a bee flew past.

“Oh, Dashie its just a bee, it won’t hurt you.”

Rainbow was nearly in tears from the monster that tried to attack her!

“I, is it gone?” She said, her face pressed up against Refraction so she couldn’t see.

Refraction looked down at her and saw the tears flowing down her face.

“Are you really that scared?”

She nodded.

“Ok, well lets go back up then and try something safer...” He said as he flew them back to their cloud.

When they reached their home Rainbow was starting to feel better.

“All better now, no monsters up here.”

“W-what a-about the boogiepony who lives under my bed?”

Refraction laughed again.

“The big bad boogiepony is me! and I’m going to get you!” Refraction said as he started to chase Rainbow.

Rainbow flinched and started to jump away, but alas, she was too slow and the boogiepony got her! She erupted in giggles as Refraction tickled her.

“S-St-top! I-I-I c-can’t b-b-b-breeee-th” She said laughing.

“Oh, but what kind of boogiepony would I be if I let you stop laughing!” He said as he continued to tickle her.

“D-Daddy y-you s-sa-said y-you’d show me m-more flying!” She said, starting to regain her breath as refraction slowed down and stopped tickling her.

“Oh alright, well first, your wing form needs to be better, lets try a little exercise. He said as he stood next to his daughter. Rainbow mimicked his pose.

“Alright now stretch your wings out.” He said as he did the same. Rainbow followed the instructions giving a small wince of pain.

“Aww, Dashie needs her first preening, we’ll cover that later.” Refraction chuckled again at his daughter, though this chuckle was one of being happy, she was growing up, his little filly was becoming a mare, albeit still very young.

“Right, now take deep breaths, when you breath in raise your wings, when you breath out wings down, its a rhythm, try it.”

Rainbow did as Refraction did, moving her wings slowly in rhythm nearly getting herself off the cloud.

“I’m doing it! I’m doing it daddy!”

“Good, now try a little bit faster, not the breathing, but the wing movement.” He said, she did as told and she started to fly.

“Daddy! Look! Look! Look! I’m Flying!” Rainbow said her voice extremely enthusiastic. Skylight had come out to see what the commotion was.

“I see that Dashie, you’re doing great!”

“What’s going on?” Skylight asked.

“I’m Flying Mommy! I’m Flying!” Rainbow said, she had the biggest smile on her face.

“Well, just don’t fall, you know how dangerous the ground can be.” Skylight said.

“Oh Mommy, Daddy says that's just a story! But Look! I’m flying!” Rainbow said being overly infatuated with her flying.

Skylight sighed and Refraction smiled, it was a great flight lesson.





“Dash are you there? Equestria to Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo looked at the pegasus wondering what the hay was going on. Thankfully she was only a few hoofs off the ground so the filly walked up to her and tugged on her leg instantly snapping her out of her day dream, but also breaking her concentration at the same time.

“Huh? wha- what? Whoa!” Dash unfortunately had also forgotten she was flying and stopped flapping her wings too, making a prompt descent to the cloud below making a quiet “Poof” sound when she hit “Bah.. I’m stuck, little help squirt?” The filly giggled at the flyers predicament  “Yeah, yeah.. Laugh it up.” She said rolling her eyes at the filly afterwards waving her off with a hoof.

“Hehe.. S-sorry Dash. Here, let me help you up.” Dash extended her forelegs to Scootaloo, the filly grabbed a hold with her own and leaned back on her hind legs tugging on Dash to get her out.  Rainbow Dash popped out from the cloud making a “Foomp” sound when she popped out. She quickly got back into the air to prevent herself from landing on the small filly and injuring her. 

“Thanks kid,” She said landing next to her and ruffling her mane with her hoof. “Okay so.. Lets see how you manage a small hover. Remember, no over exerting yourself. Just take it easy and let yourself float a few hoofs off the cloud got it?”

“I gotcha Dash. Well.. Here goes.” Scootaloo unfurled her wings and took a ready stance letting in a breath and raising her wings, afterwards letting it out and flapping them downward. She continued this for a moment to get a good feeling, but after a few more test flaps she started to really flap her wings coming to a very low hover . She breathlessly looked over to Dash and smiled.  “Whew! It is tough to hold my weight at a hover, when do you think I can actually try moving around?” The filly asked.

“Well.. First, I need to have a look at your wings Scootaloo, I feel that’s the reason you’re tiring yourself out so quickly. Please land for a moment and hold still.” The filly nodded and landed taking a moment to catch her breath and let her heart slow down. Dash walked up to the side of the orange filly and started to examine her wings, but noticed the filly looking at her nervously. “Something wrong?” She asked.

“Well Dash, I feel kinda uncomfortable with you staring at my wings like the way you are now.”

“Hmm? Oh.. Oh! I’m sorry, I totally let it slip my mind heh, heh... I forgot us pegasi dislike other ponies staring at our wings, but don’t you worry, this is for your own good. Trust me.”

“Oh well.. Okay Dash, I trust you.”  

Rainbow smiled and continued to examine her wings. Finally she found what the problem was. “ You’re going to have to preen your wings soon squirt. The feathers are all ruffled up, and I bet the reason you are cringing when you unfurl them is because the new feathers are trying to push through, but the old ones are not coming out. So, I will have to assist you.”

Scootaloo immediately folded up her wings and looked at Rainbow Dash scared. “ D-do I have to do it n-now?” She backed up away from Dash a bit keeping her wings tight to her sides.

“Well no..” Scootaloo letting out a sigh of relief. “But, within the next day or two you will need to have it done. Otherwise, the pain will be pretty unbearable. So, perhaps after the meeting tomorrow I’ll help you with it ok? Don’t worry though.. I’ll be gentle, you should not feel much pain, and besides, after what you have been through a little preening is hardly a concern.” 

“Well.. okay, if you say so.” Just then the fillies tummy grumbled. She looked away shyly.

“Heh.. Looks like a part of you is speaking Scootaloo.” Dash giggled and gave a playful shove to the filly.

“Yeah.. All this flying is making me hungry. So, What’s for dinner?” The filly asked rubbing her tummy.

“Well how about we try some of that fish we got from the market?”  The two making their way back into the house for the kitchen. Scootaloo went and sat down at the kitchen table while Rainbow scanned the ice box. “I was thinking about cooking some of this codfish I picked up, its mighty tasty once you cook it.”

Scootaloo’s mouth started to water, her tummy grumbling when she heard about what was about to be made. “Ohh.. Sounds tasty, I can’t wait to try it, but how do you fry fish up here?” She wondered tapping a hoof to her chin.

“A little cloud power!” chimed the pegasus. “But, you need to know how to apply just the right amount of it, otherwise you get a burnt fish stick.” She chuckled pulling the codfish out from the icebox and placed it on the counter. 

The filly chuckled. “ Nope, don’t want that!” 

“Say squirt want to help me make our dinner?” 

“Okay, what do I need to do?” She go up from the table and walked over to Dash.

“Well you can prep the fish. We need to slice some,” She thought about if it was wise idea to let Scootaloo handle a knife. “On second thought, I’ll slice you can make the batter, and bread it okay?” 

“Okay Dash.” Scootaloo walked up to the counter. “ How do I make the batter?” She asked.

“Well.. It’s easy. First, you need a nice flat pan to set them in.” She reached over into a cabinet and pulled out a flat pan and set it on the counter. “Next I’ll slice some portions for you to prep.” Dash took out a sharp serrated knife and carefully sliced six good sized portions of codfish and set them on a cutting board. “Okay now, take some eggs, and mix it them up good.” Rainbow grabbed a few eggs and some butter from the icebox and handed the eggs to the filly. She also grabbed a bowl for the filly to mix them in. 

“Okay Dash, I think I can handle this.” She said taking the bowl next cracking an egg on the side of it and placed the contents in the bowl. “Umm.. Rainbow Dash?” Dash raised an eyebrow in question.”

“What is it Scoot’s?” 

“How will I stirr it?” 

“Oh.. I’m sorry, let me get you a whisk.” She leaned down and opened a drawer pulling out a whisk and hoofed it to the filly. “Here ya go, now stir it up good!” 

“Okay Dash!” The filly responded happily. She propped herself up on the counter standing on her hind legs and grabbed the bowl with a foreleg, using the other she started to churn the eggs in the bowl making circular patterns with the whisk, her head turned a little sideways; her ears slightly tilted back, and her tongue just barely sticking out the side of her mouth as she beat the eggs. Rainbow just smiled while she watched the filly stir the eggs. Scootaloo turned to look at Dash for a moment. Seeing her smiling at her she raised an eyebrow while tilting her head sideways. She perked her ears up and asked, “What?” With an innocent, but questioning look on her face.

Dash snapped out of her trance and shook her head. “ Oh.. Sorry squirt, it’s nothing. Anyway, on to the next step. Dash laid out a pan and poured some flour into it. “ Ok kid, dab the fish in the flour then place them one at as time in the egg ok.” she slid the cutting board of codfish over to the filly, and Scootaloo dropped a piece in causing some flour to poof on her face. Dash giggled. “Trying to batter yourself up there Scootaloo?” 

Scootaloo rolled her eyes and huffed, waving the pegasus off with a hoof. “Hey! I didn’t know, this it my first time trying this!” She wiped her face smearing the flour over her snout and sneezed. “Ah pfff!” Rainbow laughed. She reached over to the sink grabbing a wet towel and went to wiped the flour off the fillies face. “T-thanks Rainbow Dash.” Scootaloo said coyly blushing a bit.

Dash smiled and tossed the towel back into the sink. “Don’t mention it kid. Now, finish the rest of the fish then place them in some breadcrumbs.” She went over to another cabinet and pulled out another pan and placed some bread crumbs in it. “Here ya go, when you’re done there place the pieces in here one at a time, and take your time this time around okay?” 

“Aye! Aye! Rainbow Dash!” She returned giving Dash a mock salute, Dash laughed and poked the filly in her side eliciting a few giggles from her. “H-hey! tehehe.. Quit it Dash!”  She then finished covering the fish in breadcrumbs. “How do they look Rainbow Dash?” Rainbow leaned over to inspect the fish.

“Looks good Scoot. Now, watch as I work my magic!” She tossed a skillet on the cloud stove and grabbed a tuff of cloud from the cabinet. “I keep these guys for heating and cooking food.” 
“She positioned the cloud above the stove and gave it a couple whacks with her forehooves causing the cloud to shoot out a few bolts of lightning heating up the skillet. She next tossed a stick of butter in the skillet and let it melt “Pass me the fish please Scootaloo, I am going to cook it now.” Scootaloo hoofed the pan of freshly coated codfish over to Dash, she took a slice and tossed it into the skillet watching it sizzle in the pan. A few moment passed and the kitchen started filling up with the scent of cooking fish.

“MMMmmm.. Smells amazing Rainbow Dash, I can’t wait to try it.” She said while licking her lips.

“Give it a few more minutes Scootaloo, and you can have the first one okay.” She picked up a spatula from the counter and flipped the fish, tossing in some spice’s afterwards. Dash leaned forward and took in a smell of the cooking fish, her mouth watered at the smell. “Mmm.. You are right kid it does smell pretty good! I think this one is done, here let me get you a plate. Dash got a plate from the cupboard and placed the slice of freshly cooked fish on it “Careful eating it Scootaloo it’s still pretty hot. Also, tell me what you think about it.” She set the plate down on the table. Scootaloo walked over and sat down in front of the tasty meal taking the smells for a moment. 

“MMMmm.. Smells so good!” She rested her forelegs on the table and leaned forward to blow on it a bit. “Okay Dash, here goes.” She leaned in and took a bite,  Chewing on it a bit she realized the fish when cooked tasted amazing! She continued to munch on the tasty food noticing Dash was waiting on her response, she swallowed and spoke. “Wow! That was great! I never ate something like that before. I can see why you like it.” She smiled to Dash.

“See I told you, you would like it. Give me a few minutes, I’ll cook the rest of it up.” Rainbow Dash went back to finish up cooking the remaining fish while Scootaloo gobbled up the one on her plate. After a while Dash returned to the table with the rest of the fish and set it down in the middle of the table, “Wala! Dinner is served!” She said sitting down at the table. “So Scootaloo about tomorrow” Dash reached for a piece of fish and set it on her plate. “Its well...”

“Yes? What is it?” She asked looking up from her meal. 

“Uh.. Well, umm.. You know what, nevermind...How is your meal?”

“Really good. Never got the chance to eat like this before. Most of the time I just ate what I found lying about.” She said absentmindedly while continuing to scarf down the food.

“What? Scootaloo we really need to have a talk sometime. Your past is beginning to bother me.” The filly wasn’t really listening, she was too focused on the food.

Scootaloo leaned back in her chair and rubbed her tummy. “Ahh... I am stuffed. I couldn’t eat another bite.” She looked over to Dash, she was just pawing at her food. “Are you ok Rainbow Dash? You haven’t touched your food yet.” 

“Yeah I’m gonna eat don’t worry it’s what you just said, it kinda bothered me a bit that’s all”

“What did I say that bothered you so much?” She thought for a moment. “Oh! No.. I...I Didn’t mean to say that.” She looked away from Rainbow embarrassed.

“See now Scoot there you go again. Everytime I try to ask you a question about your past you avoid it.” 

“I’m sorry Rainbow, but its a really touchy subject I don’t want to talk about it.” She got up and made her way for the living room.

“Scootaloo come back here, don’t walk away from me.” The filly stopped for a moment and looked back at Dash.

“I’m tired Rainbow Dash, can I go lay down please?” The filly did in fact look sleepy, her eyes were half open, bags had formed under them.

Rainbow Dash dropped the matter and lightened her mood. “Sure kid you can use my bed again ok?” Dash got up from the kitchen table and let Scootaloo into her room. “Okay squirt hop in.” Dash pulled the covers back and let Scootaloo jump up and lay down on the bed, She then pulled the covers over her. “Good night Scootaloo see you in the morning.” Scootaloo let out a yawn and laid back resting her head on the soft pillow.

“Good night Rainbow Dash..Wait..Umm where are you going to sleep?” She asked sitting up.

“Don’t worry about me kid, I am gonna go back downstairs to clean up, and then I need to feed Tank. I’ll be on my couch in the living room if you need anything ok?” 

“Oh.. Okay. Well thanks again Rainbow Dash.” She laid back down and slid her eyes closed. “See you in the morning.” She said sleepily.  Dash smiled and made her way back downstairs letting the filly drift off to sleep.




 
Scootaloo still laying under the bed waiting. The door closed. “Okay this is my chance I have to get out of this terrible place.” She slid out and slowly made her way down the room. A young pegasus colt waking up to see what the commotion was.

“Scootaloo, that you? What are you doing up? You’re going to get in trouble. You know you are not supposed to be up this late.” The filly turned to look at the colt.

“I am sorry Aero, but I cannot handle it. I am losing my mind! They treat us so terrible here.” Aero looked away from the filly thinking to himself. “Goodbye Aero, take care of yourself.” She said and walked over to the window. She was about to open it, but then a hoof stopped her. She turned to look only to smile when she saw Aero standing next to her. 

“I won’t let you leave alone Scootaloo, I am coming with you.” He said smiling.

“Thanks Aero.” She smiled and gave him a playful shove. “ But, you’re still just a scaredy pony.” She laughed. Aero just rolled his eyes.

“Yeah, yeah... Come on lets get going before the guards find us.” He pushed the window open and looked out only to see a vast ocean, “Well this could be a problem.” 

“No sweat. I tied a bunch of bed sheets together we can use it as a rope to slide down to the beach.” Scootaloo said pulling the sheets out from behind her and tossing it out the window. She secured it to a post by the window and climbed up onto the windowsill. “I’ll go first, your next got it?” He nodded and leaned up on the windowsill. 

“Be careful Scootaloo Its a long way down.” He looked down at the ground nervously. 

Scootaloo climbed onto the sheet rope and started to inch her way down. She looked down, getting a bit dizzy as the ground below her started to move. She closed her eyes and breathed before starting to move down the sheet rope again. She was about half way down when she looked up at Aero and noticed a figure approaching behind him.

“Aero look out!” Scootaloo yelled up to him, he turned in time to see a large earth pony stallion reaching for him, he jumped.

Scootaloo yelled in panic but then realized he could fly... ‘how did I forget that?’ she thought to herself. He lowered himself down to her level. She was snapped out of her daze when the rope was starting to be pulled back up.

“Come on, take my hoof!” Aero reached his hoof out to Scootaloo who was slowly being pulled back into the building.

“Are you crazy! You can barely fly yourself!”

“Trust me.” He smiled and looked into her eyes. Reluctantly she reached her hoof out and he took it.

“Let go.”

Scootaloo didn’t like the sound of that, after all they were still very high.

“I...I don’t-”

“Do you trust me?”

He looked deep into her eyes and she looked back.

“Let go.” She let go of the rope and started to fall, pulling Aero down with her weight. She yelled as she plunged down, Aero in tow.

“Don’t let go of my hoof!” Aero yelled as he tried to pull them up, furiously flapping his wings.

His grip loosened and Scootaloo fell a bit faster. Then, Aero lost his grip. Scootaloo fell plunging hoof after hoof through the air.

*Splash*

Scootaloo plunged deep under the water, she kicked for the surface trying to reach it. She could see Aero speeding down to the water, his wings had given out. He splashed down next to her, however he started to sink. She tried to save him, pulling him up, just a few hoofs from the surface of the water. Her mouth opened on reflex and she stopped floating up. Soon, everything went black.





It was silent in Rainbow’s house save for the occasional movement of one of the sleeping pegasi.

All of the sudden the silence was pierced by a loud scream. Rainbow Dash shot up spinning her head around “What the hay was that!?” She listened and heard the screaming was coming from her room. “Scootaloo! Hang on squirt, I’m coming!” She shot up off the couch snapped her wings open and exploded off towards her room blasting stuff out of the way as she darted up the stairs, landing a second later she threw the door open to see a crying filly in her bed, her head in her hooves. “What’s the matter  Scootaloo? Are you alright?” She walked over to the bed and was about to put a hoof to the fillies shoulder, but Scootaloo threw herself into Rainbow Dash hugging her tightly. Dash just stood there shocked.

“I..I...I h-had a N-n-nightm-mare.” Scootaloo whimpered. Dash just stood there in disbelief, she didn’t know how to respond.

“You had a Nightmare? Um, everything is..um, everything is gonna be ok?” Dash said, unsure of how to react to the situation. She put her hoof on Scootaloo’s head.

“P-please d-don’t l-leave, I, I-I’m s-scared.” Scootaloo sobbed.

“Um.. Sure thing kid. Um, wanna uh, talk about it?”

“I, I j-just d-don’t want t-to be al-lone.” Rainbow Dash smiled and ruffled the fillies mane. 

“No worries squirt, I’ll make a bed for me to sleep on and keep you company. Sound good?” The filly nodded. “Ok then Scootaloo. Also, could you please let go of this bearhug you got on me?” Dash giggled.

Scootaloo let go and turned away bashfully. “Heh, heh... Sorry.” She said now looking back with a slight blush on her face. Dash stood back righting herself and taking a breath. 

“Okay Scootaloo...hay that kid has quite a grip, give me a second to make my bed.”  She walked over to a corner of her room and pulled out a couple tuffs of cloud forming it into a bed and she hopped into it. “All set! Well... Goodnight Scootaloo see you in the morning.” Dash said as she laid down on the bed trying to get comfortable. Scootaloo laid back into the pillows and sighed..

“Thanks again Rainbow Dash, I can’t begin to appreciate what you are doing for me.”

Dash raised a hoof in the air and waved it at the filly. “Don’t mention it kid.” she paused for a moment, and rolled over to face the filly. “I mean that too. Don’t mention to the girls tomorrow  I went all mushy and stuff okay?” 

Scootaloo chuckled. “Alright Rainbow Dash, your secret is safe with me.”  She then rolled over and closed her eyes. and drifted off to sleep. Dash lay still for a few minutes thinking to herself.

‘This kinda reminds me of when I had a nightmare a long time ago. Poor Scootaloo, I know how you feel.’  She then rolled over and after a few minutes drifted off to sleep herself.