Ten years have passed since the incident with Scootaloo and Malevolence. The facts of what happened that day were made public five years ago, and a new historical curriculum was added to schools across Equestria with the help of Princess Twilight. The purpose was to teach the younger generations of the failures of those before them, as well as their successes, all in the attempt to help educate the youth of the kingdom to avoid the same mistakes of those before them. The last five years have seen an increase in relations not only within Equestria, but also with the Griffin Kingdom and the new Yakyakistan citizens.
The first ones to learn the lessons the schools taught, however, was the Cutie Mark Crusaders, having been present at the time. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle only ever heard stories of what happened, but Scootaloo was a key component with the resolution of the previously unknown threat to Equestria. In the following years, Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash became even closer as sisters, even eventually reuniting with Scootaloo’s parents in Cloudsdale. Each year since then, they have made the journey back to be with family, despite the fact that Scootaloo is still unable to fly. Much to the surprise of all, however, Scootaloo was made an Honorary Wonderbolt, and found a cutie mark and career as a scouter for the Wonderbolts, finding some of the most talented young fliers in the organizations history, all because Rainbow Dash would always tell her stories of the great Wonderbolts of old. Rainbow Dash herself finally found her place among the Wonderbolts, though she is not yet the Captain.
Sweetie Belle found the sorrow and joy of Benevolence’s life, and her first poem quickly became a classic, even becoming part of Twilight’s new curriculum. The words she used to describe the good and sad times in everyday life based on Benevolence’s story were noticed by many, including Sapphire Shores, who employed her as a lyricist for her music. In recent years, Sweetie Belle herself has become more known for her singing as well, though she refuses any major contracts. Apple Bloom chose to embrace many of the zebras’ ancient herbal traditions, and became a master of potions of all kinds. Oddly enough, it seems most of her potions use apples as a base… Regardless, her innovations in chemistry and herbs have all but revived a once dead art, drawing even more zebras to Equestria is search of new learning in the field.
Although so much time has passed, there is not a day that Twilight, Celestia, Luna, and Scootaloo forget a single word that was spoken with Benevolence, and the promise that they made with him. What had started as one of the darkest times in Scootaloo’s life had turned out to be one of the most positive impressions in her life to date. Likewise, the friends that stood by her side were inspired by the resolve she showed, which strengthened their own resolve, who shared it with others, who shared it with others. Although it was a selfish action that had sparked the situation, it was the selfless sacrifice she faced that touched the lives of those around her, that had supported her, that continue to support her.
Life can be tough. Life can hurt. Life can seem like a bleak, bottomless pit. But it is not. If you hit bottom, there are those that will help you stand again, that will continue to support you for years to come. They are few and far between, so cherish them. If you have the resolve to stand up once more, it may not be your own life that you change. So make mistakes. Learn from them, and share that knowledge with others! Live your life, you only get one!
Thank you for reading!