The next day, Royal heard a knock at the door. Scootaloo, who he had appointed as his #1 assistant for the week, answered it. Fluttershy had stopped by yet again; this time she brought a wheelchair.
“Royal, this should help you move around a little easier. Come on and try it out, if you don’t mind, that is,” the quiet mare said. She helped him stand up from the sofa and sit down in the chair.
“Okay, this button moves you forward, this one moves you backwards, and this one brings out a cupholder so you can have a drink with you when you get thirsty.” Royal listened closely to her instructions.
“Thanks, Fluttershy. This will make moving around a lot easier, especially with the service coming up later today.”
Fluttershy got a bashful smile on her face.
“Oh, no need to thank me. I’m just glad you’re okay. I have to go now. Get well soon, Royal.” With those words, the meek mare left his humble home. After a few steps, however, she realized she had forgotten something. She opened the door, walked right over to Scootaloo and grabbed her, holding her in a hug for about fifteen seconds. She then let go and turned toward the door.
I’m so sorry, Scootaloo, honey,“ Fluttershy said; her voice got very emotional as she exited the house.
Scootaloo knew the service Royal was talking about. After overcoming the initial shock, Twilight Sparkle took it upon herself to organize a memorial service for the filly’s parents, who were lost in the freak occurrence. Royal wished he could have gone to the library to help her, but his injuries prevented it. Being so new to Ponyville, he hadn't met Scootaloo's parents before the accident that took their lives. However, his own recent loss made him able to identify with the filly.
The service, as one might expect, was very emotional. Naturally, Twilight and the other element bearers attended, along with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. Some of the Pegasi from Cloudsdale came down to show their support, since Scootaloo’s parents were well-known back in the sky city. In fact, part of Scoot’s interest in the Wonderbolts came from the fact that her parents had gone to flight school with Spitfire and Soarin. Scootaloo didn’t know either of them, mainly because the four had gone their separate ways after that.
The service was short, and everypony went on their way after wishing Scootaloo well. Soon, the only remaining ponies were some of the first ponies who had shown up; Twilight and the gang, plus Spitfire and Soarin. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle approached Royal after the service.
“Royal, is it okay if we spend the night with Scootaloo?” Apple Bloom asked. He nodded.
“I get your thinking, and I approve. The Cutie Mark Crusaders really ought to be together in times like these. If it’s okay with your sisters, it’s okay with me.”
“Oh, they already said yes. In fact, they said we should!” Sweetie Belle said. Royal glanced over at the two older sisters; Applejack and Rarity smiled and nodded.
“Well then, a deal’s a deal. You two get your stuff and come over whenever!”
Spitfire and Soarin approached Scootaloo. The filly was intimidated by their presence. The Wonderbolts were larger than life even to such a cool pony as Rainbow Dash. And they apparently wanted to speak to her.
"You must be Scootaloo. Your parents were two of the best friends I ever knew. You look just like your mother when she and I were that age." Spitfire smiled. Royal walked over and stood next to the filly of which he had taken charge.
"Oh, hello. Rainbow told me you were going to take care of her." Royal smiled.
"That's correct. She's going to be like my little sister." Spitfire and Soarin were both touched by his sentiments.
"Watch over her. The daughter of my wingpony deserves the very best." Spitfire said.
"I will...always." Royal said, surprised at himself for not getting nervous around those daring ponies who had been his heroes as a filly. He looked over at Scootaloo, who had now joined a conversation with her fellow crusaders.
Looks like my life just took a new turn. I will protect you, little sister...
Ever since Royal could remember, he had always recovered from injuries quicker than his peers. The first week of immobilization ended up being the only week. Royal had thought Fluttershy would be the examiner, but this was not the case. The yellow pegasus had explained to him during a prior visit that she had only filled in for Nurse Redheart, who had been busy treating other injured ponies after the blizzard, along with Nurse Tenderheart. Nurse Redheart showed up at his door on this fair morning.
"Hello, Mr. Blue. I'm Nurse Redheart. I'm here to perform the examination."
"All righty, then. Where should I begin?" The pink-haired nurse looked at him.
"Well, we will first test your legs. Stand up, please." He did so without any signs of pain, which surprised the nurse. She scribbled down some words in her notebook.
"Good. Now walk around for me, please." Royal nodded.
"Okey-dokey." The blue stallion said. He strolled around the main room, still without feeling any pain. He had not experienced any setbacks thus far.
"Mr. Blue, you are looking well, but there's one more test we need to run. Your wings were also damaged in your accident. I need to see you fly. It doesn't have to be anything astounding, just make sure your wings aren't broken. We'll need to go outside for this one." Royal nodded and followed her outside. Nurse Redheart proceeded to unwrap the bandages from his wings. He spread them immediately.
"Oh yeah! Does it feel good to be outta those bandages! All right, time for me to fly!" He began flapping his wings vigorously.
Wait...I think I'm flapping too hard. Uh oh. He suddenly shot into the air like a rocket. He flew up past the clouds.
Now you've done it, Royal.
Royal had always considered himself a fairly decent flyer, but he was clearly out of practice. In fact, the blue stallion was going so fast he couldn’t gain control. He freaked out and thus, he froze up. He free-fell toward the ground, knowing that he was about to set himself back several months, if the fall didn't kill him. The only thing he could do now is call for help. He yelled, hoping that some pony, any pony, would hear him. Luckily, Rainbow happened to be on her daily rounds. She spotted something falling from the sky. A closer look told her it was Royal.
"I'm comin,' Royal! Just hang on!" She sped up dramatically. Royal looked over and saw a rainbow drawing close to him.
Oh, thank Celestia! It's Rainbow! The aforementioned pegasus snatched him out of his freefall, slowly lowering him to the ground. Royal felt immense relief when his hooves touched the surface. He turned around to greet his saviour.
"Wow, that was a close one. Thanks, Rainbow. I'm a little out of practice with my flying."
"Yeah, just a little. You're lucky I was around." The blue pegasus said. Nurse Redheart approached them, after writing some more notes in her book.
"Mr. Blue, I'm happy to announce that you have a clean bill of health. Your legs are healthy, your body's healthy, and your wings are definitely healthy. Let's go back inside and get those bandages off." Royal could hardly contain his glee as he followed her back into his house.
Later that day, school let out for the fillies of Ponyville. Scootaloo sped away from the crowd on her scooter.
Royal said today was the day he would be well enough to teach me how to play the guitar! I've got to get home on the double!
She wouldn't have to get too far to see him. The now-healthy pegasus saw her while flying above Ponyville. He flew down until he was right beside her. Needless to say, she was surprised to see him.
"Hey Scoot! How about a race?" He asked. She nodded.
"Okay, but you won't beat me!" She sped up, leaving him in the dust.
"That's what you think!" Royal sped up as well until he was right beside her again. This pattern continued until they made it back to the house. For anyone wondering, Scootaloo won the race.
Royal opened the door and let Scootaloo in.
"Wow, I haven't done that in a while," he said. Scootaloo was still amazed that he was walking; nevermind the flying.
"Royal, it's only been a week. How did you get better so quickly?"
"I've got my grandpa's genes in me. He recovered in weeks from injuries that sidelined others for months. See, the only thing that ever stopped Gramps was time itself." The young stallion paused, taking a second to gaze at his favorite picture.
Scootaloo went over and grabbed the guitar. Royal saw her and broke out of his silence.
"Oh, yes! I said I would start teaching you how to play the guitar today. Let's get cracking!"
A couple of hours later, the first lesson had finished. Scootaloo had gotten frustrated, but Royal was a patient instructor. He calmed her down and got her to try again. The entire lesson had taken place outside, because, in Royal's words, "it's too nice to stay inside all day." Toward the end of the lesson, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle had shown up. The musical pegasus took this as a sign that he had done enough teaching for the day. He had a long time to teach the young pegasus how to play the instrument; now was a time for her to spend with her friends.
"Thanks for the lesson, Royal! See you later!" Scootaloo said as she left with her friends. She only made it a few steps when she heard him call out to her.
"Wait, Scoot!" The fillies turned around.
"Yeah?" Scootaloo asked. Royal pointed to his guitar.
"Before you go, would you like to hear a song?"
The fillies nodded.
"I'll play you one of my favorites." The girls came back and sat in a circle around him.
"My father taught me this song before he passed away." He began strumming.
Why are there so many songs about rainbows, and what's on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, but only illusions, and rainbows have nothing to hide.
So we've been told and some choose to believe it.
I know they're wrong, wait and see.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection.
The lovers, the dreamers, and me.
The fillies started swaying their heads to the music.
"I like this song. I bet whoever wrote it is a big Rainbow Dash fan!" Scootaloo said. Royal chuckled as he kept playing.
"Actually, I'm pretty sure this song was around long before she was."
Who said that every wish would be heard and answered
When wished on the morning star?
Somepony thought of that and someone believed it.
Look what it's done so far.
What's so amazing that keeps us stargazing
and what do we think we might see?
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection.
The lovers, the dreamers, and me.
All of us under its spell.
We know that it's probably magic.
Have you been half asleep, and have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name.
Is this the sweet sound that calls the young sailors?
The voice might be one and the same.
I've heard it too many times to ignore it.
It's something that I'm supposed to be.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection.
The lovers, the dreamers, and me.
At the end of the song, the fillies rushed up to him.
"That was amazing, Royal!" Apple Bloom said.
"Can I sing it next time?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"You should sing it to Rainbow some time!" Scootaloo said.
"I'm glad you all liked it." Royal then heard a familiar voice from behind him.
"Liked it? Darling, we loved it!" The young stallion turned around to face Rarity, who had (obviously) spoken, along with the rest of the Mane 6.
"That's such a sweet song, Royal. Where did you learn it?" Twilight asked.
"My father taught it to me when I was about their age," he said, pointing to the crusaders. Twilight smiled.
"I bet whoever wrote it is a big fan of mine!" Rainbow said. Royal laughed.
"What's so funny?" she asked.
"Scootaloo said the exact same thing, almost word for word. It must be the old pegasus bonding at work. To answer your question, this song is older than any of us."
Applejack broke the brief silence. The Cutie Mark Crusaders had gone off on their own, as was their original plan.
"So, anypony else notice the weird weather patterns we've been having lately?" she said. Royal nodded.
"A tornado followed by a blizzard, but the snow melted in just a day. I've never seen anything like it, Applejack." he said. Rainbow came over to them.
"I'm on the weather team and even I have no idea what's going on. I'll take it up with headquarters later today."
"My Pinkie senses have been going off a lot lately!" Pinkie Pie said. Twilight nodded.
"Yes, and if I've learned anything about Pinkie since I met her, it's that her senses never lie."
"I've been having odd dreams lately. But then again, I've had weird dreams before that have meant absolutely nothing. I'm sure this is more of the same." Royal was trying to remain optimistic and brush off the perceived threat he was feeling.
"Rainbow told us all that you were feeling better, so we decided to drop by for a visit." Fluttershy said.
“I heal fast. It’s been in my family for years. We Blues might get black and blue at times, but it’s never too long before we’re
back on the go.” Royal spread his wings and took off into the sky. He flew through some clouds and performed some loops before coming in for a landing and settling on the ground. Rainbow, for one, was impressed. This was a far cry from the episode she had experienced that morning.
“I spent the whole morning flying around Ponyville, because I really needed the practice. I think I’m getting the hang of it again.”
“That's good. You really should come out with me and Scootaloo sometime.” Rainbow said.
"Sure thing. How about tomorrow?"
"Yeah! Tell Scoot about it when she gets home tonight! Well, we've got to go. Take care, Royal." Rainbow flew into the sky. The rest of the ponies bid him farewell and went their separate ways as well. Royal sat there for a moment, thinking about his current situation.
Finally, I get to take to the sky with Scootaloo! Life is good.
Later that day, Royal decided to get in some more flying practice. After all, he wanted to look like he was a halfway competent flyer in front of a heroic mare like Rainbow Dash. He zoomed through the clouds at a modest speed, for he wasn't nearly as fast as she was; no one could make such a claim unless they were lying. He looked back to see the ground from his current altitude. It had been a while since he had flown this high in the sky. Suddenly, he felt himself smack into something. Had he run into a cliff side or something like that?
“Hey! I’m flyin’ here!” Royal’s vision adjusted to the figure in front of him.
Holy moon princess! It’s a griffon! He regained his composure. He wasn’t stupid enough to make one of these creatures angry. He smiled, hoping to appear courteous.
“Hey there. What brings you ‘round these friendly skies?” The griffon did not share his enthusiasm.
“Listen and listen well, pony. I’m on a mission. I’m looking for a very important individual. A little pink pony. Have you seen her?” Royal nodded.
“Oh, you must mean Pinkie Pie! Wait…what business do you have with her?” he said, eying the stranger suspiciously.
“My business with her is none of your business. Now, kindly move out of my way!” Royal refused to budge. He had a bad feeling about the situation. This did not sit well with the griffon.
“What, exactly, do you think you’re doing? Do you not realize that I could kill you if you pushed me to it?”
“I don’t like your tone. Now tell me what you want with Pinkie Pie!” The griffon’s scowl turned into a crooked grin.
“Okay, okay. I’ll tell you exactly what I want with your little friend. See, I know someone. That stupid little pink pony hurt her deeply. I’ve come to hunt Pinkie Pie down and make her hurt the same way!” Royal held it in as well as he could, but his emotions got the better of him and he burst out laughing. Naturally, this angered the griffon.
“How dare you?” Royal stopped laughing immediately and stared his new adversary in the eye.
“How dare you? I’m sorry for your friend, but you’ve got the wrong mare, believe me! She’s one of the sweetest souls I’ve ever met!” The griffon, much to Royal’s surprise, began to back off.
“So, in other words, you’re not going to let me near her.” Royal shook his head.
“I’m afraid not, no. Now kindly let me get back to flying.” The angry bird displayed an evil grin.
“Okay, I’ll go. But mark my words, my little pony, I’ll be back sooner than you think.” The griffon turned around and flew back the way he came. Royal flew back toward Ponyville, with the griffon’s words etched upon his mind. Upon landing, he was greeted by none other than Pinkie herself.
“Hi Royal! Whatcha doin’?” The pink pony’s cheerfulness almost made him forget what he had to tell her. However, he retained his serious demeanor.
“Pinkie, watch your flank for the next few days.” With those words, the blue coated pegasus trotted away. Pinkie turned her head and stared at her cutie mark. After a few minutes, her neck began to feel sore, so she returned to her regular position.
“Silly Royal! There’s no way I can do that for three whole days!” Pinkie happily trotted back toward Sugar Cube Corner. She wondered, however, if he had meant something different with his words.