All of her life, Scootaloo has dealt with a problem that's kept her from what she wants most. Can the pony she holds in highest esteem help her to overcome her problem and achieve her greatest dream?

Rainbow Dash has a secret that she keeps from her friends. If caught, she could end up in prison. What could it be?
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Not related to any other stories I've written.
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Thanks to Son Elec for and JackRipper for helping to improve this story.
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The cover art comes from the Spike At Your Service episode of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.
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My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic and all related content is owned by Hasbro. CYA.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders cut the tails off their sisters. It goes well. Sort of.

Find this story and more in a print copy! Just click these words here!

During a party in her honor, Rainbow Dash reflects on how it really feels to be a Wonderbolt... Are dreams that satisfying? Is there a pony to save her from herself and her (well-hidden) insecurities?

Can be read as a sequel to Bound To You and If Stupid Like Us

Twilight Sparkle has a big day coming up, and a dragon around to remind her of it in no uncertain terms. But her heart doesn't seem to be entirely in the swing of things, and she can't understand why. Sometimes, it might not be such a good idea to listen to your heart.

A leader can't be nice...that's a weakness.
She has to be strong.
I learned that quite a few years ago.
Even now it seems I haven't quite figured it out.

I don't know what I was expecting when I came to this academy...
Not a friend who turned against me.
Not a mare who happily stripped me of my rank.
Not this.

I'm not a leader.
I'm just...
Reckless

Written for the Everfree Northwest Fanfic Competition

This story is a sequel to Alternate Beginnings: Year Three

In the fourth year of Doug's arrival in Equestria, Applejack and Pinkie Pie expand the members of Herd Apple, with Fluttershy apprehensive but hopeful with her choice to be next. Rainbow Dash's venture with Sunset Shimmer takes a heavy toll, the pegasus now on the road to recovery.

Reading of previous books is not required, though some events from earlier years may be referenced.

Set Approximately four years before the events of MLP:FiM

Sex tag is for relationships between human and ponies (no clop)

Previous Year:
Alternate Beginnings: Year Three

Continued In:
Alternate Beginnings: Year Five

It's Scootaloo's birthday, and all she wants is to spend most of it with her idol. Instead she got something she never asked for.

At least not out loud.

A short, yet meaningful birthday present for Tad Stone. Thanks to Kev and Babs for the edits.

After a day full of excitement, and a sleepover at Rainbow's, Scootaloo is brought above Canterlot to witness the princesses lower the moon and raise the sun. As Rainbow shares how she first came across the perfect vantage point, Scootaloo is yet again reminded of what she lacks. Her feelings, bottled-up throughout the years of frustration and envy, finally explode in a nervous breakdown.

It's up to Rainbow to remind the filly just how strong and awesome she really is.

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Cover art by the insanely talented Chiweee.

Rainbow Dash likes to think that she has the coolest mom ever. She doesn't, however, always listen to her, and some lessons take a while to sink in. Years, even.

Thanks MLP Vector Club and others for the vectors of books, clouds, Rainbow Dash, and Firefly. I just mash it together in Photoshop, people.