//------------------------------// // Letter Three - Flight to the Finish // Story: Letters From a Princess // by Littlecolt //------------------------------// Dear Celestia and Luna, See? I’m trying to get away from using your titles in these letters. I must admit, it’s rather difficult given how I’ve always used them. I will persevere, though! Also, Luna, I think the term ‘citizen’ is just fine. I’d avoid ‘peasant’ or ‘commoner’. As you have likely heard, we are in the midst of a celebration here in Ponyville for three talented little fillies who have really done the town proud today. To be honest, though, it’s not as big a celebration as I make it sound. Just a little get-together at Sweet Apple Acres for family and friends. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo really put on a great act and will be carrying the flag for Ponyville at the Equestria Games. Their sisters are so proud of them, especially Rainbow Dash, even though she isn’t actually related to Scootaloo. It wasn’t easy for the three of them, though. It was hard work, and Rainbow Dash has told me that two of their classmates made it even harder for them. It appears that Scootaloo can’t fly due to a developmental issue with her wings and the two fillies in question were teasing her about it. She’s usually so upbeat so you wouldn’t think something like that would bother her, but I guess we all have our inner fears. We all have our own fragilities. Rainbow Dash was really concerned about the whole situation and came to me for advice after the performance. To give a little background, she’d gone on a camping trip with Rarity, Applejack, and the girls a while back. During that trip, Scootaloo confessed that she’d always looked up to Rainbow Dash and had dreamed of having a big sister like her. Rainbow kindly agreed to take that role, but she has no experience with having a young sibling. I don’t either, so I’m not sure why she came to me, but I was flattered that she did. She hadn’t noticed how insecure Scootaloo was about her wings until today. She said that ever since she’d agreed to take Scoot under her wing and be like a big sister, she’d actually not been that involved with her. She didn’t want her to feel like she was abandoning her, and the fact that she never noticed something like that made her nervous about what else Scoot might be bottling up inside. She’s worried that Scoot thinks she doesn’t really care about her that much, but that’s actually far from the truth. She hadn’t noticed the bullying going on, either, and didn’t know what to do about that. In the end, I decided to defer to Applejack, and Rainbow begrudgingly went to her for advice. I am sure whatever Applejack tells her will help. After all, Applejack is one of the best big sisters I know. I did mention that spending a little more time with Scoot couldn’t hurt, though. I should really get back to the party instead of sitting here in the corner with my thoughts and this letter. Everypony is waving me over. I will ask if you have any advice on the situation, though. I feel like there must be something else I could have done, particularly about the bullying. I’m a princess, after all, and three little friends of mine are suffering under the hooves of bullies. Let me know what you think! Yours Truly, Twilight Dear Twilight, As Princess of the Night, I cannot abide by these bullies you mention! As I write, I am formulating a plan! I will tell you all about it soon! I am familiar with the filly named Scootaloo, as well as the camping trip that you mentioned. During that trip, she was full of fear and doubt, which is something else that I am familiar with. I entered her dreams and helped her discover the solution to her problem, but in the end she was the one who had to recognize and face that fear. Giving advice is good, especially if you have been through something similar, but you ultimately cannot control how something will turn out. I believe Rainbow Dash has a similar fear to face, now, and she will have to make a decision. Just as Scootaloo feared Rainbow Dash not wanting to spend time with her, or to use the slang of the children these days, thinking that she is not ‘cool’, Rainbow Dash must now face this fear that Scootaloo does not feel appreciated or loved. The solution is simple, of course—she need only spend more time with the filly. However, to one who is in experiencing it, the answer is less clear and harder to achieve. There was a time in the past when I felt unloved, as well. Everypony knows how that turned out. I doubt Scootaloo will become the embodiment of darkness, but she may feel that way inside. While you may feel like you should help Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo, it is something that the two of them should face together, but on their own. From what you have written, I believe Rainbow Dash is on the right path. Now, those bullies you mentioned, you must tell me who they are! We shall bring them to justice for their cruel acts! We cannot sit idly by and allow— Celestia taking over here. I think perhaps the bullying is something that those involved should handle. The fillies and their families and teachers can work it out, I am certain. It just may take a little bit of time for the girls doing the bullying to grow out of that phase in their lives. It can be a complicated situation, too. The ones doing the bullying may be bullied, themselves, outside of school. It is a tragic situation, but not one that even a princess can solve all by herself. You did right by Rainbow Dash, today. Applejack truly is a loving older sister, and I think Rainbow Dash can learn a lot from her. Perhaps you can, as well. You do have a little brother living with you, you know, although he’s a dragon. You might just have more experience with a younger sibling than you initially thought. I know from experience that sometimes we can be a little absent-minded about our little siblings, especially as they grow older, but just being there for one another can go a long way. It's not all that different from friendship, don't you think? Our siblings, young or old, are also some of the best friends we'll have in our lives. A little love goes a long way. Speaking of which, I may wish to go restrain Luna in a hug. She’s at the door to our room shouting commands to a guard—something about organizing an anti-bullying squad to head to Ponyville. Write again soon! We love hearing all about the goings-on in Ponyville! Your Friend, Celestia P.S. Crisis averted! Luna has calmed down now. There’s no anti-bullying squad heading to Ponyville. P.P.S. This is Luna once again! I have called off the hunt for the fillies! We shall allow them to remain free for another day! However, I make no promises about not going into their dreams! The Anti-Bullying Squad, or ABS, shall someday rise! Maybe! Your Royal Friend, Prin Luna