//------------------------------// // Chapter 12 - Bonding // Story: Rising Above // by Quick Fix //------------------------------// Present day "And that's my story, looking back on it, it's not the best. But it's mine and I'm still proud of it." Scootaloo said as she finished the story. Looking up she saw the entire class was silent, she couldn't tell if they had been enthralled or bored by the whole thing and she shifted nervously. Just as the silence started to become awkward, she perked at the sound of a sole pony clapping, steady, genuine clapping. She looked round and realised it was coming from the door...Coming from Rainbow Dash. "I knew it was going to be good, but wow! You really were born to ride." Rainbow gushed, taking all her discipline to stay in place right now. Dinky stepped up next to her and nodded, looking similarly impressed. As if on cue the class started cheering and clapping, though Scootaloo couldn't really tell if it was meant for her or Rainbow Dash. Rainbow glanced over at her, biting her lip slightly as she noticed the uncertainty building in Scootaloo, it was enough for her to step in and put a hoof round her shoulder. "Fillies, I know I'm a national figure, but I'm also just like all of you. A pony respecting what a hero of mine went through. I mean, and be honest, hoofs up if you liked Scootaloo's story," They both smiled as just about everypony put a hoof up, Stellar Nova putting up both. "Exactly, I'll be happy to talk to you all at break time but this is Scootaloo's moment, let your focus be on the bravest pony I know." Scootaloo's jaw dropped slightly as she looked at her surrogate sister. Even with all her Wonderbolts discipline, Rainbow had never really lost her drive for attention. Seeing her redirect the spotlight like that really was unexpected and Scootaloo wasn't afraid to get a little teary eyed as the class starting cheering for her properly. She mouthed a 'thank you' to Rainbow as her big sister stepped back to the door, smiling more as Rainbow smiled and nodded in return before she turned back to the class. "Alright, I'll take any questions." As the bell rang for the class to begin their afternoon lessons, Scootaloo shook hooves with Dinky and turned to make her way back toward town, joined by Rainbow Dash. The two had spent the rest of the morning taking questions from the fillies and colts about cutie marks and how it influenced their life choices. Now they had the afternoon free and had decided to just catch up together. "How's Sugarcube Corner sound, I haven't had a chance to see how the twins work on their own yet." "If it's open, I remember Apple Bloom saying Pinkie Pie needed to talk to her urgently there. Something about the fate of Equestria's cake supply." "Heh heh, sounds like Pink alright." Dash grinned as she adjusted Scootaloo's wing warmer, looking on her with pride. Though they had an unspoken agreement to never talk about it, Rainbow always tried to make it clear that the wing issue had never affected anything between them, that she always loved Scootaloo as her little sister. Of course, she didn't know about Quick Fix's work either, Scootaloo planned that to be a surprise in the event it worked. For now, it was just about the two of them having some long overdue time together. The snow was starting to fall again as they reached town, several snow banks forming alongside the pathways. Scootaloo's step had got lighter as they walked, clearly she was enjoying the weather. Rainbow Dash didn't want to say anything to dampen the mood but she didn't enjoy winter so much, too many bad memories about what she tried to do for Tank. That didn't help either, she still missed him. Scootaloo glanced over as Rainbow took her glasses off and sighed slightly, sensing what was wrong. "Rainbow, I know you'd rather be back up in Cloudsdale, away from the weather. If it helps, I really appreciate you taking the time to come down for me." "I....Yeah, I've had some bad times in the winter. But that's no excuse to avoid it, it's beautiful in it's own way and there's no way I'd miss a chance to see you shine if I could help it. You're my little sister and there's nothing in this world that's gonna keep us apart." "Thank you, and the same for you big sis." Scootaloo put a hoof round Rainbow's shoulder and nuzzled her softly in support. With hardly a moments hesitation, Rainbow did the same, making the moment last. "You know, there are things I really don't say enough, mostly because I worry what ponies would think if they heard it out of context. But, as my surrogate but totally closer than blood little sister, I love you, Scootaloo." "Surrogate but totally closer than blood big sister, I love you too, Rainbow Dash. Now come on, I owe you a hot meal." Scootaloo trotted for home, almost bouncing on the snow in her glee at the moment. Rainbow sighed happily before following, silently acknowledging that there was no reason she couldn't have good memories alongside the bad ones. After all, the ones from today ranked up there with the best. Scootaloo gave a sigh of relief as they got into the warmth of Sugarcube corner, the atmosphere inside a lot better than the winter air. Several groups of ponies had already gathered inside, including Pinkie and Apple Bloom studying a map in the corner booth. She couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of them both so serious before heading for the counter while Rainbow Dash found them a table. Pumpkin Cake was manning the counter today, skipping in place as usual. "Afternoon, Scoots! What're you up for?" "Two sets of something warming, surprise me." "Okey dokey lokey! Fresh grass pancakes with cupcakes and hot cider." Pumpkin brought a pair of plates and glasses over with her magic, loading them up while Scootaloo paid her. "You're selling cider now?" "Yeppers! Worked a deal with AJ and that Bounty guy, I tell ya, he's got a proper mind in there. Well he would have to with all that work he does, kinda reminds me of Shining Armour. AJ's a lucky girl to have him around." "Huh, sounds like it." Scootaloo spread her wings and let Pumpkin place her order on them before trotting over to Rainbow's table. She set their plates down and took a seat, relaxing in her seat. Rainbow grinned and took her glass, Scootaloo took the hint and picked hers up, as one they raised them together and tapped them together. "To sisterhood." "To sisterhood" They both took a drink together, sitting back and relaxing. Rainbow Dash looked down in thought for a minute before perking, remembering something that had slipped her mind. "So, I don't know how much use it'd be, but I found the contact information for a wing specialist in Baltimare, one that deals in more exotic conditions. Maybe they know something new that could help you." "Thanks, but I'll have to pass." "Oh," Scootaloo could see the concern Rainbow was trying to hide now, more for her sibling's sake than anything. "Does that mean you've...?" Scootaloo shook her head and flexed her wings, watching Rainbow relax slightly. "Let's just say I'm pursuing my own lead, one that I'm beginning to have faith in."