An orange mare inhaled deeply, enjoying the cool and crisp evening air. A light breeze rustled her mane. Looking up into the sky, an older Scootaloo noticed the dark grey clouds. Seems the wind whispers of rain tonight.
She was getting restless. Waiting for somepony to arrive is harder than she thought. Taking another look around, Scootaloo continued to wait. Shooting its golden rays across the land, the sun was setting. It cast a cloak of warm comfort on everything that was touched; a soft blanket that ushered in the arrival of the moon’s glow.
At the sound of distant hooves padding across the soft soil, Scootaloo turned around. Slowly approaching her was a young filly. With a forlorn look, the filly was gazing downwards, easy to tell she had something on her mind. The orange mare was stunned at the sight. With a light blue coat and a mane of multiple colors, the image was strikingly similar. “Ra – Rainbow Dash …?” Scootaloo spoke softly to herself in confusion.
After the young filly was closer, she could see that it was not Rainbow Dash, although there were obvious resemblances. She walked to meet the filly. Standing only a few feet apart, both were silently taking in the other. A light rain began to fall, speckling the ponies with moisture.
“Hello there young filly, I was told that meeting you was important.” The young filly simply nodded, unable to speak. Revealing a note tied around her neck, she pulled it off and gave it to Scootaloo. Curiosity growing larger each second, the mare unrolled the scroll and read what was contained within.
My Dear Skipper Scootaloo,
Princess Celestia has requested a task that is more dangerous than usual. This letter is a precaution in the event that I will not return.
We have known each other a very long time and I have watched you grow up to be the best, well second best, flyer in Equestria. You have given me enough memories to be secure in the fact that I have lived a full and happy life. If I die in the sky I call home, the only regret I would have is not being able to see you one last time.
I do have one request. If anything is to happen to me, I ask that you please look after my little Swift Squall. There is no doubt that you can take care of her, like I know that nopony else could love my daughter.
In the event that you do get this, take peace with the fact that I now sail higher clouds. One day you too will able to fly high enough and we will meet again.
Farewell my faithful friend … forever my little Scootaloo.
With Love,
Rainbow Dash
Scootaloo was unable to tell why her face was wet, if it was from the tears streaming from her eyes or from the rain. Her first and best friend passed away. How is this possible … why now? There were still so many years to live. It isn’t fair! She snapped herself out of the quick set depression. I have a debt to repay. Somepony else to love; the way that Rainbow Dash was my friend.
Swift Squall simply lowered her head again, sadness still invading her mind. Scootaloo recognized that look from when she was young. “Don’t fear Swift, you have me now. You will never be alone. That is a promise.” Water hitting her face, the filly looked up at the mare. “Thank you … thank you so much!”
They hugged, giving each other assurances of the future to come. A new flood of tears burst from Scootaloo’s eyes as she said softly, “Just promise me one thing. Promise me that you will fly the sky, sailing as if it were an ocean. Sail proudly, knowing that you have the blessing of the best sailor that ever lived, your mother.” With that, she took off the hat that was always on her head, a reminder of a friendship that ran deeper than words could describe. Every movement filled with infinite emotion, Scootaloo placed the hat carefully on the filly.
“Wear this proudly, knowing that you will always be my little Skipper.”