Scootaloo headed to Sweet Apple Acres the next morning to meet her friends for school. As miserable as the weekend had been, Scootaloo was certain school would be much worse. Especially since she had no paint. Scootaloo had put on a pair of shorts to hide her mark. She knew everyone would wonder why she decided to wear pants, but it didn't matter. Scootaloo did not want anyone to see her cutie mark, not even her friends. Scootaloo saw her friends by the house waving to her. She walked to them, but didn't bother to go any faster. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were very confused by her appearance.
"What happened to your scooter?"
"It's broken."
"Why?"
"It just is."
Apple bloom recoiled at Scootaloo's sharp reply. Sweetie Belle eyed her shorts curiously.
"How come you're wearing shorts?"
"I just felt like it."
Apple bloom and Sweetie Belle both saw Scootaloo was not happy and wanted to know why.
"What's wrong, Scoot?"
"There is nothing wrong, alright?! Just leave me alone!"
"What's all that racket out there?"
Granny Smith walked outside to see the crusaders all ready to leave. She noticed Scootaloo lacked her scooter.
"You forget your scooter, ya silly filly?"
Scootaloo didn't look Granny Smith in the eye. She simply hung her head miserably. Granny Smith put a hoof under Scootaloo's chin.
"Why the long face?"
"It's nothing..."
Granny Smith gave Scootaloo a knowing look, leaning toward her with a smug smirk. Scootaloo hoped she wouldn't push, but knew otherwise.
"C'mon now, what’s the problem?"
"Nothing! I'm fine!"
Granny Smith cracked her brow. Scootaloo immediately regretted coming at all. She wished she had stayed home and hidden from sight. Granny Smith decided to tease her a bit and fiddled with her shorts.
"Does it have something to do with your trousers?"
Scootaloo slapped Granny Smith's hoof away for fear she would expose her cutie mark.
"Will everypony just leave me alone?!"
Granny Smith and the other crusaders recoiled at Scootaloo's outburst. Scootaloo ran from them, hoping to avoid explaining herself.
"Scootaloo, wait up!"
Apple bloom and Sweetie Belle ran after her. Granny Smith wondered what was wrong with Scootaloo until Applejack joined her a second later.
"What was that all about?"
"Something's gettin' under the little filly's skin."
Applejack sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose.
"First she disappears for half the day, then she acts like she's wound up about somethin'. Once they get out of school, I'll have to take her to see Rainbow Dash. This needs to be straightened out."
~
The crusaders walked to school with Scootaloo in the lead, not saying a word the entire trip. Scootaloo stopped when the schoolhouse came into view. She really hoped Diamond Tiara or Silver Spoon would bother her today. Who was she kidding, of course they would. Diamond Tiara especially loved to pick on even the tiniest thing. Scootaloo looked at herself, knowing her shorts would be pointed out. This thought made Scootaloo want to skip school and hide. She was shaken from her thoughts by Apple bloom and Sweetie Belle gently nuzzling her, both looking very worried for their friend.
"Scootaloo, please, what's wrong?"
Scootaloo took a deep breath, trying not to cry. She didn't know if her friends would understand, but part of her did not like lying to them. The three of them had worked together to earn their cutie marks for a long time, and Pinkie already knew, her friends deserved to know. Scootaloo finally swallowed her pride and lowered her shorts, letting her friends see her cutie mark. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle felt excitement at first which quickly turned to confusion.
"Why are you hiding your cutie mark?"
Scootaloo hung her head and started to weep in shame.
"I can't fly..."
Scootaloo lay on the ground and continued to explain between her weeping.
"Rainbow Dash said I should be able to. She wants to make me a wonderbolt...and teach me the sonic rainboom."
Scootaloo buried her face in her arms and sobbed. Apple bloom and Sweetie Belle gave her a big hug and held her. After a few minutes, Scootaloo calmed down a bit and continued.
"I...I just want her to be proud of me. I want to be just like her and learn everything she can teach me. But I can't..."
Scootaloo started to shake in fear and dread.
"I'm really scared...What if she doesn't want to be my big sister anymore?"
Scootaloo continued to cry, feeling completely hopeless. Apple bloom and Sweetie Belle held onto her and nuzzled her, wanting to give whatever comfort they could to their friend.
"We won't tell anypony. We promise."
Scootaloo felt a little better knowing her friends would be there for her. She dried her eyes and put her shorts back on and the three finished the walk to school. They tried to avoid drawing attention, but Snips and Snails both ran to Scootaloo looking ecstatic.
"Was that you who skated through Ponyville on Saturday?"
Scootaloo froze in worry. If they saw her skate, they might have seen her cutie mark.
"N-no! I don't know what you're talking about."
Unfortunately, Snips' shout had attracted the attention of every other student who asked what he was talking about.
"Scootaloo was so cool! She was like-"
Snips went into an animated display, impersonating Scootaloo's stunts on the roofs of Ponyville. Snips finished his display out of breath and collapsed. Snails chimed in.
"Yeah! It was like she was flying without wings!"
The other ponies murmured in curiosity and smiled in interest at Scootaloo. Scootaloo resisted the urge to run away and nervously answered.
"I-I-I'm telling you, that wasn't me!"
"Of course it wasn't."
Scootaloo grimaced in disgust at the voice.
Diamond Tiara. Scootaloo braced herself for the inevitable teasing as Diamond Tiara forced her way past the other ponies with Silver Spoon close by.
"Scootaloo doing something cool? I doubt it."
Scootaloo didn't respond. She knew how Diamond Tiara worked. If Scootaloo did try to fight back, Diamond Tiara would get exactly what she wanted. Diamond Tiara sneered at Scootaloo, waiting for her to get upset. Silver Spoon took notice of her shorts.
"Nice outfit."
Scootaloo paid her no heed, but Diamond Tiara decided to use her jibe.
"Trying to hide your 'BLANK FLANK?!'"
Scootaloo only rolled her eyes. That particular taunt didn't bother her much anymore. At best, it was only annoying. But Diamond Tiara had one thing she knew would get under Scootaloo's skin.
"I'm surprised Rainbow Dash would waste her time on you."
That got to Scootaloo, but not how Diamond Tiara intended. Hearing anyone say something insulting about Rainbow Dash made Scootaloo's blood boil. Her face contorted in fury and she gritted her teeth; Scootaloo would not let anyone talk about Rainbow Dash that way. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon both felt slightly frightened by how angry Scootaloo looked. But they didn't have the chance to run away. Normally, Scootaloo knew not to start fights at school, but after the weekend she had, she didn't care. Scootaloo turned around and kicked both Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon in the face. The impact made them both fall to the ground holding their mouths and their tiara and glasses flew off their heads and smashed into the ground. Scootaloo stood motionless for a moment, not realizing what she had done, while every student stood slack jawed at what happened.
"Alright, everypony, time to come inside!"
Cheerilee called out to her class, but saw they were all gathered around something in the schoolyard. She quickly trotted to the crowd to gain the students' attention.
"Come now my-"
She stopped seeing Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon crying on the ground and Scootaloo standing dumbfounded at her actions. Cheerilee felt anger build in her seeing this, thinking a fight just occurred.
"What happened here?!"
Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon immediately started to shout accusations at Scootaloo but Apple bloom and Sweetie Belle spoke in her defense. The four shouted and rambled for only a few seconds until Cheerilee lifted her hoof to silence them. Cheerilee gestured to another pony to step forward. He had a light blue coat with snow white mane and tail with a cherry for a cutie mark.
"Cherry Blossom, did you see what happened?"
"Yes, Miss Cheerilee."
"Then tell me exactly what Scootaloo did."
"Well, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were making fun of Scootaloo and Diamond Tiara said Rainbow Dash was wasting her time and Scootaloo kicked them in the face."
Cheerilee looked shocked at what she was told. Not that Scootaloo fought back, but that Diamond Tiara would be that nasty. She spoke to the three of them in a hard tone.
"I will speak to all three of you after school."
They didn't argue, knowing not to defy Cheerilee. All the ponies followed Cheerilee into the school, no one saying much do to the uncomfortable atmosphere created by the fighting ponies.
~
At Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack and Big Mac worked diligently on jobs throughout the farm, tending to animals, harvesting crops and so on. Around midday, the two pulled a pair of wagons full of barrels to set up and harvest the apple orchard. As they began placing the barrels under trees, Applejack noticed the river running through the orchard wasn't flowing like normal.
"Dangnab them beavers!"
Applejack ran down the bank toward the mouth, expecting to see a dam being built. However, once she reached the obstruction, it looked like some object was clogging the river and there were no beavers in sight. Applejack couldn't tell what it was, but a handle was sticking out of the water. Applejack tried to reach it with her teeth, but came just an inch short.
"Big Mac!"
A moment later, Big Mac responded and joined Applejack at the mouth of the river.
"Can you get that loose?"
"Eeyup!"
Big Mac reached for the handle and grabbed it in his teeth. With one swift tug, Big Mac wrenched the object free, allowing the water to flow like normal. Applejack was surprised to see what caused the obstruction; it was Scootaloo's scooter. Big Mac set it down so both of them could look at it.
"How in the hay did Scootaloo's scooter get in the river?"
Big Mac simply shrugged. Applejack's thoughts went back to her talk with Scootaloo, and her running off upset that morning. Applejack knew Rainbow Dash needed to be told about this, but she would be in Cloudsdale training for the wonderbolts throughout the morning. Applejack decided she'd take Scootaloo to her as soon as possible. Applejack looked over the scooter and saw it had a few dents and missing screws, but otherwise was in good shape.
"Ya think you could fix this up, big brother?"
"Eeyup."
Big Mac took the scooter and headed to his work shed. Applejack put it out of her mind for the moment and returned to work.
~
The day in Ponyville Schoolhouse went by as usual, in spite of the morning's events. The only thing out of the ordinary was the arrival of a unicorn doctor who saw to Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, reducing their injury to light bruising and mild swelling. Scootaloo stayed quiet and tried to avoid anyone's eye. Cheerilee would no doubt notice she wasn't acting like normal and want to know why. Although Scootaloo would probably be made to apologize to Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. They had both sent dirty looks toward Scootaloo throughout the day when Cheerilee had her back turned, or so they thought. More than once she had berated them both for not paying attention. Normally, Scootaloo would have loved to see them get scolded, but she had been dreading the end of the day. Once Cheerilee knew, Rainbow Dash wouldn't be left out for long. At the end of the school day, Cheerilee gave out the homework assignment for the day.
"Make certain you read chapter three in your history books. We'll have a lesson tomorrow and I would like everypony ready to review."
The class took note of the assignment. A few minutes later, the bell rang to signal the end of the day. Only Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon remained in their seats, but Apple bloom and Sweetie Belle stayed with Scootaloo.
"Areyou okay, Scoot?"
Scootaloo shook her head no. Both her friends hugged her and held her for a few moments.
"Girls."
Apple bloom and Sweetie Belle looked up and saw Cheerilee giving them a look. Not angry or frustrated, but somewhat reassuring, as if to say she would handle it.
"We'll wait up for you."
With that, Apple bloom and Sweetie Belle left the schoolhouse. Outside, Applejack and Rarity waited for them.
"Did you have a good day, girls?"
Apple bloom and Sweetie Belle answered 'no' in unison. Rarity wanted to question them but Applejack beat her to it.
"Where's Scootaloo?"
"She got in a fight with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon and Miss Cheerilee kept them after school."
Rarity looked shocked but Applejack shook her head in annoyance.
Inside the school, Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon sat nervously waiting for Cheerilee, wondering if she would just keep them for a while. But Cheerilee was thinking how to handle the situation. Normally she did not tolerate violence on school grounds from anyone, but she could see Scootaloo was very upset about something. Also, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon had made it their life mission to bully the crusaders; it was only a matter of time before one or all of them retaliated. Not to mention what had been said.
"Diamond Tiara. Silver Spoon."
"Yes, Miss Cheerilee?"
Cheerilee motioned for them to come to her desk. The two stood up and did as they were told. Cheerilee took a deep breath before beginning.
"I think you both know why I kept you after school."
"To have Scootaloo apologize to us?"
Diamond Tiara smiled smugly at the idea of Scootaloo having to swallow her pride and ask for forgiveness. However, Cheerilee had other plans. She tapped her hoof and actually looked very angry, making Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon shrink in fear.
"No. You are here because of your bullying."
"But she-"
"We are not talking about Scootaloo! Though I have to admit, I'm surprised she only now decided to fight back after you two tortured her and her friends."
Silver Spoon decided to stay quiet and not defy Cheerilee, but Diamond Tiara was much more stubborn and shouted at her teacher.
"That is not fair! You didn't do anything to Scootaloo and she kicked us! Why haven't-!"
Diamond Tiara was cut off by her nose being pressed into by Cheerilee's, who gave her an intimidating glare. Diamond Tiara immediately clamed up in fear.
"Watch your tone, young lady! You're in enough trouble as is!"
Cheerilee maintained her position to ensure Diamond tiara understood she meant business. After a minute, Cheerilee backed away from her imposing stance allowing Diamond Tiara to breathe easy.
"I am going to call both your parents to have a very long talk about your bullying."
The two shared nervous glances thinking about their parents’ wrath coming down on them. Cheerilee sat down behind her desk as she continued.
"If I find out either of you are still bullying, I will have you both expelled. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, Miss Cheerilee."
Cheerilee looked over them, looking for any sign they were lying. After a few moments, Cheerilee dismissed the two. They left without a word but sent a hateful glare at Scootaloo. Cheerilee took a moment to compose herself before she spoke to Scootaloo. She knew first hand that Diamond Tiara could be very frustrating to deal with, but Cheerilee didn't want to be harsh with Scootaloo. Finally, Cheerilee picked up her chair and walked to Scootaloo's desk. Scootaloo shifted nervously as Cheerilee sat down, expecting to be scolded. However, Cheerilee very gently placed her hoof on Scootaloo’s shoulder to gain her attention and carefully spoke to her.
"Scootaloo, I understand that it is not easy dealing with those two on the best of days."
Cheerilee put her hoof under Scootaloo's chin so they looked each other in the eye.
"But you know there will be no fighting in this school. I'm going to overlook what you did just this once. But you need to promise me that you won't do it again."
Scootaloo nodded, thankful not to be scolded but still nervous from the sternness in Cheerilee's eyes. Cheerilee softened seeing the sincerity in Scootaloo.
"If they or anypony else bothers you, come to me. You're a good filly; you don't have to lower yourself to fighting."
Scootaloo nodded, hoping Cheerilee would stop there. But Cheerilee could tell something had been bothering Scootaloo much more than Diamond Tiara. Cheerilee leaned closer to Scootaloo and gently rubbed her back.
"You know you can consider me a friend, right?"
Scootaloo nodded. Cheerilee gently nuzzled Scootaloo's nose with her own.
"You can tell me anything that's bothering you. I won't judge you for it."
Scootaloo shifted nervously. She did trust Cheerilee and looked up to her, but it still hurt to tell anyone the truth. Scootaloo didn't respond, but Cheerilee wouldn't be deterred. She put her arm around Scootaloo.
"Scootaloo, please, let me help you."
Scootaloo finally caved in, realizing her secret had to come out sooner or later. She took a shaky breath and lowered her shorts to show her cutie mark. Cheerilee gasped and lit up at the sight.
"You got your cutie mark! But...why are you hiding it?"
Scootaloo finally broke down and sobbed, thinking Cheerilee didn't understand. Cheerilee was taken aback by her sudden loss of control and tried to comfort her.
"What's the matter? I...I thought you wanted to find your mark."
Scootaloo spoke through her sobs.
"I can't fly!"
"But you're still young. You might-"
"You don't understand. I tried! I really, really tried! Rainbow Dash taught me everything she could, and I still can't do it!"
Cheerilee felt a strong pulse of empathy seeing Scootaloo so heartbroken. She knew how much Scootaloo looked up to Rainbow Dash and how she wanted to follow in her footsteps. Cheerilee remained silent as Scootaloo continued.
"I did everything she taught me! I tried so hard, but no matter what, I couldn't do it! I'll never be a wonderbolt! I'll never do a sonic rainboom! I'll never be as good as Rainbow Dash!"
Scootaloo buried her face in her arms and wept. Cheerilee tried to keep control of herself to not weep in empathy for Scootaloo. She had never seen any student become upset because of their cutie mark. The cutie mark was supposed to bring joy and purpose to a pony. To see any student so miserable after finding their special talent ripped her heart out. Cheerilee lifted Scootaloo's face and wiped her tears away.
"Scootaloo, just because you can't fly does not make you any less special. You were still able to find your special talent. You have nothing to be ashamed of."
Scootaloo continued to cry and whimper. Cheerilee pulled her into a gentle hug and rubbed her back.
Outside, Scootaloo's friends listened intently to what was happening. Sweetie Belle and Apple bloom still felt very sad for their friend. Rarity held her hoof over her mouth and her eyes were full of unshed tears of empathy. Applejack had the most passionate response. She felt angry, but she didn't know towards whom. Rainbow Dash may be part of the problem, but she was only trying to help Scootaloo find her special talent and her natural skill. Also, for all her boasting, she had no idea what Scootaloo's mark would be. Applejack realized she wasn't angry at anyone, she was angry at the situation. Scootaloo had always dreamed of being a great flyer long before she met Rainbow Dash. Having a special talent that kept her grounded ruined all of her hopes and dreams. Applejack broke out of her thoughts knowing she needed to find Rainbow Dash.
"Rarity, can you keep an eye on the girls?"
Rarity nodded once, knowing what Applejack had in mind. Applejack immediately galloped toward Ponyville to find Rainbow Dash.
~
Rainbow Dash flew over Ponyville, looking for any sign of Scootaloo or her friends. It had been a long morning in weather patrol and training, being worried about her little sister. After seeing no sign of anyone who could help her, she decided to head for Sugarcube Corner. Pinkie Pie would probably have seen Scootaloo at some point. Rainbow Dash landed in front of the store and trotted inside, seeing Mrs. Cakes behind the counter.
"Hi, Mrs. Cakes. Is Pinkie here?"
"Yes. She's in the kitchen. Could you cheer her up a little, please?"
"Wait, Pinkie Pie needs to be cheered up?"
"I don't know why, but last night she came home looking heartbroken and she's been like that all morning. She won't tell us why, though. She said she made a promise not to tell."
"What the heck happened to everypony the past couple of days?"
Not waiting for an answer, Rainbow Dash walked into the kitchen. She saw Pinkie working on some mix. Rainbow Dash hesitated to talk to her seeing her mane and tail flat and lifeless. The last time Pinkie was like that, she had gone temporarily insane and thought her friends were turning against her. Rainbow Dash decided to tread carefully.
"Hey, Pinkie."
Pinkie turned and gasped seeing Rainbow Dash. She spared a quick hello and returned to her work. Rainbow Dash felt confused by this. Normally Pinkie would chase Rainbow Dash everywhere just to say hi, but now she was acting like she was hiding something. Rainbow Dash walked to Pinkie and gently nuzzled her.
"How have you been?"
"Okay. I've been making some yummy cupcakes."
Pinkie didn't meet Rainbow Dash's eye, hoping not to give any hint of her secret. Rainbow Dash became more curious by the second.
"Did somepony hurt you?"
Pinkie quickly shook her head no.
"So what's the problem?"
"I...I made a pinkie promise not to tell."
Rainbow Dash wasn't sure what kind of promise Pinkie would make that would make her so miserable and uncomfortable. A thought suddenly hit Rainbow Dash and she questioned Pinkie more sternly.
"Does this have to do with Scootaloo?"
Pinkie's eyes widened in fear, giving Rainbow Dash her answer. Pinkie tried to run for the door, but Rainbow Dash was faster and stopped her.
"What happened, Pinkie?!"
Pinkie remained tight lipped trying to keep her promise, but Rainbow Dash continued to press Pinkie for an answer.
"Pinkie, what happened to my little sister?!"
Pinkie hesitated. Normally, she would keep a pinkie promise no matter what, but keeping it now meant Rainbow Dash would be very angry with her and Scootaloo would have to face her problem alone. However, Rainbow Dash made that decision for her, pushing her against a wall with a thud.
"Pinkie, I don't care if you made a promise! Just tell me what happened to Scootaloo!"
Mrs. Cakes entered the kitchen, looking concerned. Between Rainbow Dash's angry glare and Mrs. Cake’s worried look, Pinkie finally caved and decided to tell Rainbow Dash.
"She got her cutie mark."
Both Mrs. Cakes and Rainbow Dash looked confused wondering why Pinkie kept that secret, but it quickly turned to joy for Mrs. Cakes and absolute glee for Rainbow Dash.
"Awesome! I knew she'd get it if I helped a little. What is it, a pair of wings?"
Pinkie hesitated to continue, uncertain Rainbow Dash would take the news well. Rainbow Dash continued to prod her for information, smiling wide.
"C'mon, spill it! What's her special talent?"
"A scooter."
Rainbow Dash didn't believe Pinkie at first, but she saw the sincerity in her face.
"Really?"
Pinkie nodded. Rainbow Dash took a moment to let this sink in.
"I guess you were right."
Another thought came to Rainbow Dash which dampened her mood.
"So...she still can't fly?"
Pinkie shook her head. That explained why Scootaloo could never do the exercises. Rainbow Dash sighed in empathy.
"That's why she hid from me. She's embarrassed."
"No. Scootaloo feels ashamed of herself."
"What? Why? What does she have to be ashamed of?"
"Well...she wants to be like you and become a wonderbolt. She feels like you won't want to be her sister anymore.”
That hit Rainbow Dash hard. She realized how much she was building up the idea of being a wonderbolt to Scootaloo. Thinking back, Scootaloo took it the wrong way and thought she needed to fly to win her respect. Rainbow Dash felt completely ashamed of herself. All she wanted was to see Scootaloo become all she could be, even if she couldn't fly. Rainbow Dash didn't care what her special talent was. She was shaken from her thoughts by the front door slamming open and someone shouting.
"Rainbow Dash! Are you here?!"
Rainbow Dash flew out the kitchen toward the shouting pony and saw Applejack looking upset.
"We need to get back to the schoolhouse now!"
"What happened? Is Scootaloo okay?!"
"No, she's not. The poor thing is bawling her eyes out and scared to death because of her cutie mark."
Rainbow Dash felt her frustration reach a boiling point, knowing she herself was to blame for this. Without thinking, Rainbow Dash kicked the table behind her, sending it on its side and started shouting.
"I DON'T CARE WHAT HER CUTIE MARK IS! I DON'T CARE IF SHE CAN'T FLY! I JUST-!"
Rainbow Dash couldn’t say anymore and slammed her face into a table, trying to hide her crying. Applejack rubbed her back, empathizing with her. Rainbow Dash lifted her head, showing a few streams of tears on her face.
"I just want her to be the best she can be. That's all I want for her."
Mrs. Cakes stepped toward her and offered her a mother's advice.
"Rainbow Dash, how often have you said 'I love you' to her?"
Rainbow Dash lowered her head in shame. She never said that. Thinking more, Rainbow Dash realized she barely hugged Scootaloo. Mrs. Cakes placed a hoof on her shoulder.
"I understand you were trying to help her, and anypony should want what's best for their filly."
Mrs. Cakes looked Rainbow Dash intently in the eye.
“But you need to tell Scootaloo you love her unconditionally. You know how much she looks up to you. She needs you more than anypony."
Rainbow Dash nodded in agreement. Mrs. Cakes was right about everything. Rainbow Dash wiped her face clean and stood up.
"Thank you. I'll pay for whatever damage I did later."
Rainbow dash immediately flew out of Sugarcube Corner with Applejack right behind her. Pinkie Pie, who had watched the exchange silently, proceeded to clean up the mess made by Rainbow Dash, but Mrs. Cakes stopped her.
You go with your friends, Pinkie. I'll handle this."
"Really?"
Mrs. Cakes nodded, smiling warmly. Pinkie set off after Rainbow Dash and Applejack.
~
Within minutes, Rainbow Dash reached the schoolhouse, Applejack and Pinkie right behind her. However, seeing and hearing Scootaloo shattered her resolve. Scootaloo wept and whimpered in Cheerilee's arms, a pair of shorts around her knees.
Rainbow Dash hesitated to enter the school. Seeing Scotaloo's pride crushed so utterly broke her heart. The fact she was part of the cause made it worse. Rainbow Dash squinted her eyes shut and held her breath, trying to hold back her own tears. She hated letting anyone see her get upset. Besides, now was not the time to let herself lose control. Scootaloo needed her to be strong, not-
She was shaken from her thoughts by a hoof on her shoulder. Rainbow Dash looked and saw it was Applejack, giving her a comforting look.
"It's okay, Dash. Nopony's gonna hold it against you."
Rainbow Dash took a deep breath, feeling a few tears run down her face. Finally, she quietly entered the school.
"Scootaloo?"
Scootaloo gasped in horror and immediately pulled up her shorts to cover her flank. Rainbow Dash felt a lump in her throat seeing this. It was a pitiful sight to say the least. Rainbow Dash knew how hard Scootaloo had worked for her mark, hoping it would make her a flyer. But having a mark that pretty much said she would never fly...Rainbow Dash couldn't even imagine how much it hurt. She sat down by Scootaloo, who couldn't even look at her out of shame. Cheerilee stepped back to give them space. Scootaloo said nothing and didn't move an inch, but she was shaking in fear and kept a tight grip on her shorts. Rainbow Dash gently rubbed her hoof to loosen her hold. She already knew what Scootaloo's mark was, but she wanted to see it for herself.
Scootaloo hesitated at first, but knew Rainbow Dash would find out eventually, no matter how much she tried to hide. Scootaloo let go of her shorts and braced herself for the worst. Rainbow Dash pulled down Scootaloo's shorts enough that her cutie mark was completely visible. Rainbow Dash couldn't help but smile slightly. It actually looked really cool. Rainbow Dash felt curious how exactly Scootaloo earned it. Those thoughts were pushed from her mind hearing Scootaloo whimper and seeing tears rolling down her face and fall to the floor.
"I'm so sorry, Rainbow Dash."
"No, I'm sorry Scootaloo."
Rainbow Dash sat down in front of her and gently lifted her head so they were looking each other in the eye. Scootaloo had a look that was both confused and sad.
"I was so determined to make you like me. I wanted you to be my wingpony so much, I...I never really thought about what was right for you."
The others entered the school, concerned what was happening. They all stayed back to not interrupt.
"I want you to know you have never let me down."
"But...I still can't fly."
"That does not make you any less special Scootaloo."
Rainbow Dash felt herself choke up with emotion as tears rolled down her face. She gently rubbed Scootaloo's cheek with her hoof.
"And it doesn't change anything between us! You will always be my little sister, and I love you. No matter what!"
Scootaloo felt like a weight was lifted off her and felt her face turn to a big smile. Rainbow Dash smiled in kind and held open her arms for a hug. Scootaloo literally leapt into her and held on for dear life as tears of joy fell down her face. Rainbow Dash wrapped her legs and wings around Scootaloo and whispered to her.
"I'm so sorry I made you think it was something you had to earn."
Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo held each other for quite some time, feeling closer than they ever had before. The feeling of love spread to the others watching. Applejack and Rarity gave their little sisters a big hug while Pinkie's mane and tail returned to their natural curls and Cheerilee held a hoof over her mouth to cover her sobs of joy. Finally, Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo let go of one another to wipe off their faces. They saw everyone watching them and Rainbow Dash sighed.
"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. Rainbow Dash is being sappy."
Rainbow Dash gave them all a snarky look until Pinkie gave her a big hug.
"Sappy Dashie is best Dashie."
Pinkie nuzzled her lovingly, but Rainbow Dash looked a little awkward.
"I don't know about that, Pinkie."
Rainbow Dash ceased the hug from Pinkie and turned her attention to Scootaloo.
"So, how exactly did you earn your cutie mark?"
"Well, after we finished practice, I just kept riding faster and faster. It kinda felt like I was really flying. When I got to town, I started jumping on rooftops."
"So Snips and Snails were right? That was you doing all those stunts?"
Rainbow Dash looked very interested now and smiled wide.
"I gotta see this! You think you could do it again?!"
Scootaloo looked down, remembering she threw away her scooter, but Applejack smirked knowingly.
"I think she could."
Applejack exited the school and returned a second later with Scootaloo’s scooter. Scootaloo lit up with delighted surprise.
"I thought I kicked it into the river in the forest."
"That explains how it ended up in the stream at Sweet Apple Acres."
Scootaloo smiled and gave Applejack a big hug. She then hopped onto it, happy to have her prized possession back. Rainbow Dash smiled smugly and floated beside her.
"So, you think you can keep up on that thing?"
Scootaloo gasped. Rainbow Dash was actually challenging her to a race. Scootaloo never dreamed of something like this ever happening.
"I-I...I don't know."
Scootaloo shifted nervously, both excited and slightly intimidated at the idea of a race with Rainbow Dash. However, Rainbow Dash was beyond thrilled to have a chance to race with Scootaloo. Rainbow Dash gave her a noogie and smiled wide.
"C'mon sis! I wanna see what you can do!"
Scootaloo felt her heart start to pump faster, her excitement building up. Putting aside her uncertainty, Scootaloo kicked forward on her scooter and took off in a flash, her wings propelling her at high speed.
"Hey, no fair!"
Rainbow Dash took off after her. Pinkie watched the two Pegasus race off and noticed they stayed neck and neck.
"Wowie zowie! Scootaloo is super-duper fast!"
~
The ponies returned to Ponyville to enjoy the rest of the day. They sat with Twilight, Spike and Fluttershy at a cafe, telling them about what happened between Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo.
"-and Rainbow Dash took off after her!"
Twilight and Fluttershy let all they heard sink in. Spike spoke up first.
"Glad I don't have to worry about a cutie mark."
Twilight smirked at him and took a sip of tea.
"Do you know how Scootaloo earned her mark?"
Apple bloom and Sweetie Belle answered first.
"Snips and Snails said they saw her riding on rooftops and doing lots of cool stunts."
"They even said it looked like she was flying!"
Applejack chuckled at the two fillies’ enthusiasm.
"Doesn't surprise me, really. She really takes after her big sis."
"Did...did she really get so upset about not flying?"
"Honestly, I think it was because she wanted to follow in Rainbow Dash's hoof steps."
Cheerilee added to the conversation.
"From what I know of her, I think Scootaloo has a bit too much of her temper too."
"Diamond Tiara was asking for it!"
Cheerilee and Applejack gave Apple bloom a hard look which made her back down.
"Be that as it may, you girls know I don't tolerate fighting."
"None of us do! So don’t go thinking you can start using your hooves to deal with your problems, alright?"
Sweetie Belle and Apple bloom nodded solemnly. Pinkie suddenly shot up in excitement.
"Ooh, look, here they come!"
Everyone looked in the direction Pinkie pointed. They indeed saw both Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo heading toward Ponyville. However, they were all amazed to see that Rainbow Dash was flying very fast, yet Scootaloo was right by her side, able to keep up on her scooter.
"When did Scootaloo get so fast?"
Meanwhile, the two Pegasus were having the time of their lives. Scootaloo was riding faster than ever before, more even than when she earned her cutie mark. Her wings were starting to ache from overuse and her coat was matted in sweat, but she was too overjoyed to finally be able to keep up with Rainbow Dash to care. Rainbow Dash was smiling with absolute glee and her heart swelling with pride. She could see that all the practice and exercise they did really paid off. Rainbow Dash could care less about Scootaloo having to use her scooter. She was still her wingmate. The two continued to race until Scootaloo spotted a familiar sight; a board leaning upwards like a ramp. Scootaloo felt her excitement peak. She could show Rainbow Dash how she earned her mark, maybe even all her friends. Feeling a renewed energy churning in her, Scootaloo put in a burst of speed and headed straight for the board. Rainbow Dash watched her in anticipation, seeing the makeshift ramp.
"Go for it, Scoot!"
A split second later, Scootaloo hit the ramp and went flying high into the air. All of Ponyville saw her high above the town, reaching well past the clouds. Scootaloo managed to do five backflips before coming close to the rooftops. Everyone watched in awe as Scootaloo landed flawlessly and proceeded to leap from rooftop to rooftop like an experienced dancer. Snips and Snails tried their best to follow her while shouting to everyone around.
"We told you! Scootaloo is the coolest pony ever!"
Scootaloo's friends watched in amazement as she nearly flew across Ponyville. Rainbow Dash joined them, still beaming with pride.
"You guys seeing this? I knew she was good, but...wow!"
Scootaloo was reaching the last house to jump to, noticing it could be used to propel her up again like the ramp. As soon as she landed on the roof, Scootaloo flapped her wings as hard as she could and sent herself flying into the air, looking like she was going to perform a sonic rainboom. Scootaloo held her scooter to the side and just let herself soar. The feeling of weightlessness and the wind blowing against her made her feel like she was flying for real. The sensation was overwhelming and filled her with bliss and tears of joy filled her eyes. The others watched completely amazed by her display of skill. Scootaloo saw the ground approach fast and set herself back on her scooter. She landed with a loud and hard thud, leaving a crater in her wake. Scootaloo leaned on her scooter panting heavy as sweat dripped off her. Her intense exertion and rush of adrenaline took a toll on her and left her ready to pass out. Scootaloo caught her breath and looked to her friends. They all stared at her in awe and their jaws hung low. Rainbow Dash however wore a huge smile and looked like she would burst into tears of joy.
"That. Was...AWESOME!!!"
Rainbow Dash swooped up Scootaloo and set her on her shoulders. Suddenly, ponies surrounded them and showered Scootaloo with applause and cheers. Rainbow Dash smiled proudly at her.
"I can keep an eye on the sky. You think you can handle down here?"
"I...Yes, ma'am!"
Rainbow Dash patted Scootaloo's knee and continued to hold her high for everyone to see. Scootaloo smiled proudly and enjoyed the moment. Even though she couldn't live her dream and fly, she still had her special talent and her big sister Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo wouldn't trade that for anything.
The End