Familial bonds: part three

by Darling Dearest

A new dawn, a new day, a new life?

It was a calm morning once again in Ponyville. The torrential rainstorm that had plagued the small town the prior night having withered away, leaving only Celestia’s beautiful sun, with nothing in its path as it shone down upon her kingdom. Though the memory of the storm was still visible all throughout Equestria. Even in such a small town as Ponyville, the effects were omnipresent. The roads were covered in streams of water, slowly evaporating into an almost noticeable steam as it was continuously exposed to the sun’s rays. The fields, which only a day prior had seen colts and fillies alike running and playing without a single care, now saw an avalanche of trees collapsed from their roots, onto the barren ground. The scene looked apocalyptic, as if no happiness had ever existed there. Thus, teams of strong work ponies could be seen marching throughout Ponyville, beginning their day of strenuous work to restore the town to what it rightfully should have been. However, most ponies remained completely innocent to the town’s condition, instead enjoying a late morning, the storm having killed any plans they could’ve had for work or travel. Everypony was to have the day off… By order of the local princess of friendship of course.

If anypony were to look inside any of the multitude of beautifully designed houses in Ponyville, which had all miraculously survived the storm, with only minimal damages to an unfortunate few, they would likely see one of many adorable images of ponies sleeping. Significant others enjoying their day of rest together and happy parents snuggled with their foals, who had become scared in the storm. Though few would’ve disagreed that the cutest sight came from the cloud home of the town’s local celebrity, Rainbow Dash, who remained curled around a certain orange filly, holding her in a tight grip, keeping her safe from the world.

Scootaloo slowly awoke from her peaceful slumber, disoriented as she struggled to adjust back to reality and quickly realising that she was not in her normal surroundings.

“Wh… Where am I. What am I lying on?” Scootaloo asked in panicked, yet adorably tired voice.

“Hey there Sleepyhead, you slept at my house last night, remember?”

“Rainbow Dash? Oh… Oh yeah. I remember. But wait, what am I doing in your bed?”

“Well I wasn’t gonna let ya freeze, now was I!? So, of course I kept you warm last night, Silly, you really needed it. Oh, an’ you’re on a cloud bed Scoots, feels good right?”

“It’s a little weird, but really comfortable. I could get used to this.”

Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but feel guilty upon hearing Scootaloo’s comment, it was a Pegasus’s right to sleep on a cloud every night, should they so choose, but her little filly couldn’t because of a terrible handicap that prevented her even basic flight. Nevertheless, Scootaloo’s ability was undeniably improving, and she had at least been given the experience of sleeping on a cloud that night. Besides, Rainbow knew she would offer the filly the experience on many nights to come if her plan went as she hoped. Thus, the guilt faded quickly, and Rainbow et Scootaloo with a welcoming expression once more.

“I know right, cloud’s might just be the comfiest things in all of Equestria!”

Scootaloo suddenly began breathing very heavily, barely being able to hold back her adorable, childlike excitement.

“So… I just spent… the WHOLE night… sleeping on RAINBOW DASH’S cloud bed.”

“Well who else is awesome enough to keep the coolest filly in Equestria warm at night?”

“EEEEEEEEEEEKKKKK. This is so AWESOME… Oh my gosh, I’m in Rainbow Dash’s house, in Rainbow Dash’s room… ON RAINBOW DASH’S BED!”

Scootaloo was suddenly ecstatic with enthusiasm, the excitement having left her mind free of the headache that usually came from waking up. She very quickly arose onto each of her four hoofs, almost jumping with glee as her tiny wings were buzzed so rapidly that the sheer force almost lifted her body from the ground.

“Easy there Squirt… Nah, who am I kiddin’, even I can’t deny how awesome this is! Now c’mere you!”

Rainbow then proceeded to embrace the exited little filly, pushing her onto her stomach and sweetly nuzzling her.”

“Rainbow Dash! That tickles!”

“Oh really… Well you were just being so cute, I had no choice. Dashy needs her snuggles ya know.” Rainbow said in a traditionally foalish voice.

“I’m not cute!”

“Squirt, the only thing that could possibly be more adorable than you right now, is a baby foal being read Good night pony whilst wearing frilly, pink pyjamas.”

“Ugh, fair enough. I guess I am a little cute. And… This is kinda nice. So, just ‘cause its you Rainbow Dash…Go right ahead. But don’t you tell anypony this happened!”

“Wouldn’t dream of it little buddy.”

Rainbow Dash then took Scootaloo into a tighter, more loving, grasp. Once again curling herself around the little filly’s body and gently nuzzling her stomach, taking comfort in the thought that her little Scootaloo was safe in her forelegs and being cuter than ever.

Scootaloo found herself enjoying the experience for a few minutes, secretly relishing in the fact that her idol found her to be adorable and was currently giving her the hug to end all hugs. Though she would never admit it to anypony. However, a devious smile slowly began creeping on to her face, as a thought entered her head.

“Ha, I never knew you were so mushy, Rainbow Dash!”

“Oh, I am NOT mushy! Ha, ha, you’re gonna eat those words, young mare!”

Scootaloo then felt herself being pinned down on her back. Watching, as Rainbow took a feather from her miraculous wing, and then proceeded to gently brush it across Scootaloo’s stomach.

“Ha, ha. If you thought it tickrd before. Jush you wait an’ see!” Rainbow said confidently. Her words muffled slightly through her teeth holding the feather.

Scootaloo tried her hardest to hold back her laughter, wanting so desperately to be strong and not give into temptation. Though the inevitable came quickly. Scootaloo’s defences suddenly shattered into tiny, indistinguishable fragments, as a torrent of berserk laughter came flooding from her mouth.

“Ha, whose mushy now Squirt?”

Scootaloo attempted to speak comprehendible words, though her uncontrollably cute laughter, though the task was proving to be more and more futile, as Rainbow only stroked the feather faster across her fur.

“Sto… Stop it…. Can’t, can’t breathe.”

“Ah…Who’s the most awesome pony in all of Equestria?”

“Y… You are!”

“An’ whose definiry not, at all mushy?”

“YOU ARE!”

Rainbow suddenly stopped tickling Scootaloo, spitting the feather out of her mouth. And picking up the filly in her forelegs.

“Good. You’re learning. Now you won’t make the mistake again… Ha, I do love ya Scoots, now c’mere an’ just be cute for a little bit.”

Rainbow then proceeded to take Scootaloo into another embrace, though making sure she still had room to breathe and recover from the tickle onslaught she had just survived. Though the filly recovered very quickly and thus rested her head on Rainbow’s shoulder, enjoying her idol’s show of affection.

“Ha, come on you, mom an’ dad are makin’ pancakes, wanna go get breakfast?”

“Pancakes, for breakfast? Aren’t they more of a desert type meal.”

“Wait, have you never had pancakes for breakfast before?”

“Ehhhh… No, is that bad?”

“Bad… Squirt, it’s not just bad, it’s terrible! Having pancakes for breakfast is an essential part of foalhood! Come on, we have no time to waste, you need the delicious taste of pancakes to properly wake you up.”

“Em, okay.” Scootaloo said whist letting out a light giggle.

Rainbow then proceeded to place Scootaloo on her back, before rushing into her kitchen. Whilst it was true that she was being hyperbolic on the issue for Scootaloo’s amusement, she couldn’t help but find it bizarre that the filly really hadn’t ever had pancakes for breakfast before. They were certainly unhealthy if consumed every morning, but surely allowing a foal an occasional treat was okay, wasn’t it? It seemed so estranged to Rainbow that Scootaloo had been denied what had been such a large part of her own foalhood. Those mornings where she would come down the stairs, still aching and groaning from having to wake up for flight school, only to be suddenly blessed with the enticing smell of freshly made pancakes had become some of the most pleasant memories from Rainbow’s time as a filly. Thus, despite her confusion at the situation, she couldn’t help but allow a tiny smile creep onto her face, at the thought that she would be the pony to introduce Scootaloo to the experience.

Rainbow emerged into the kitchen, to the sight of her mother at the stove, busy finishing a batch of pancakes, whilst her father began pouring the mix for a new match into a pan.

“Why good morning my little ponies. Did you sleep well?”

“Yeah mom, but you’ll NEVER guess what I just learned.”

“Oh, and what would that be Dearie?”

“This little filly, has NEVER had pancakes for breakfast before!”

“REALLY? Scootaloo, darling, is this true?”

“Em, yeah. Is it really that odd?”

“Why, absolutely! They were unquestionably Rainbow’s favourite breakfast when she was your age.”

“Yeah, didn’t ya even have ‘em when you were sleepin’ over with one ‘a your little friends?” Bow asked.

“Em… No, we always just have cereal, or somethin’ like that, in all honesty, we just wanna get out an’ do our thing as quickly as we can. So, we just get a light breakfast an’ get out.”

“Well, that’s fair enough, but you’re not going anywhere fast TODAY little miss. So, you’re getting a proper foal’s breakfast this morning, Sweetie. EEK, this is so exciting, you’re going to LOVE it!”

“Okay, calm down there Windy, it’s not that big a deal.”

“Oh, but Bow, honey. Don’t you remember when our little Dashy was a foal, she’d get so happy when we’d make her pancakes for breakfast.”

“He, you’re not wrong there mom.”

“See! And we’re giving Scootaloo that experience for the first time! Isn’t that exciting?”

“Ahhh, ya got me there. This is gonna be real adorable. Come now little pony, sit down an’ we’ll get you a plate. You just be sure to enjoy it, k?”

“Alright, I still think there more of a desert though. But, this could still be fun.”

“Ha, you bet it will be Squirt, jus’ you wait.”

Rainbow then pulled out a chair, at her table, for Scootaloo to sit, which the young filly promptly jumped on. However, undenounced to the adult ponies, Scootaloo cold barely reach the top of the table from her position on the chair, let alone see over it to eat her food.

“Good Celestia. This is NOT happening!” Scootaloo whispered to herself. “This gonna be so embarrassing.”

However, Scootaloo’s inner panic was quickly cut short, as Windy placed a plate of steaming pancakes, giving off a delightful aroma that soothed the young filly, if only for a moment, onto the table above her.”

“Here you are Sweetie, now eat up like a big mare and tell us what you think!”

“Yeah, eh… sure. I’ll dig right in.”

Scootaloo ten proceeded to try and lift herself ono her back legs in order to see over the table, much to the confusion of the older ponies.

“Hey, little filly, are you sure you’re alright there?”

“Yeah… I’m fine.” Scootaloo said quickly, attempting to grasp her knife and for with her forelegs, her back legs trembling under the weight of her body.

“You sure Squirt… Oh, I get it… You can’t reach.”

“No, I’m fine… Honestly.”

“Scoots, it’s fine. I should ‘a known that my table ‘d be too big for ya. I never would ‘a thought when I bought it that I’d be havin’ foals over, so I just got the biggest one without thinkin’.”

“Oh, it’s okay Dashy, you couldn’t ‘ve known. But what are we going to do?”

“Well… You ain’t gonna like this Squirt, but this house is supposed to be for a family to live in it, not just one pony. So, when I bought it. It came with a couple 'a booster seats I didn't need. So...”

“NO, I am not a foal, I can manage!”

“Scootaloo, I’m not trying to embarrass you. This ain’t your fault. But, you’re too small to reach the table.”

“But… It’s ‘barrassing.” Scootaloo whispered in discomfort.

“Don’t worry Dearie, we won’t tell anypony.”

“Absolutely, this will never leave this room, we promise.”

“O, okay then. It won’t be… THAT bad, right?”

“Certainly not Sweetheart, we won’t think less of you, we won’t even bring it up again.”

“Fine then, I don’t mind.”

“Thanks Squirt, we know you’re not a baby foal and this is completely, one hundred percent my fault. You’ve got nothin’ to worry about.”

Rainbow then proceeded to rush to her supply closet, at the end of the corridor on her top floor, where she believed she had stuffed the booster seats after when she first moved into her house. She scavenged around for a few seconds, finding a multitude of things from her later foalhood years, such as posters and old curtains, which she had constantly told herself she would throw out… someday. Though she quickly found the booster seats at the back of the room, grabbing one, before swiftly heading back to the kitchen.

Scootaloo showed initial embarrassment and discomfort from being forced to sit in the booster seat, valuing her dignity and independence and hating the overt reminder of how tiny she was in comparison to the seemingly ginormous ponies around her. However, she quickly came to peace with the fact, realising that the three older ponies would never break their promise and remembering that the fact that she was still a filly brought her no shame, thus she should take more pride in her foalhood. So, with a curious and innocent smile on her face, she engaged in the delicious meal.

Whilst she had been initially sceptical of the idea, Scootaloo quickly saw herself a fool for ever doubting the concept of pancakes as a breakfast. As the delightfully sweet flavour rushed from her mouth to her stomach, her tastes buds dancing with delight as it did so. With the fluffy texture seeming so soothing to her tongue, Scootaloo was in complete paradise.

“So, tastes nice, right?”

“Oh, yeah. Pancakes normally taste really good, but I didn’t know that they’d taste THIS good for breakfast.”

“See Squirt, I told you they were an essential part ‘a foalhood! They just taste TOO good in the mornin’ to be ignored. Am I right?”

“Right, Celestia, so this is what I’ve been missing!”

“Sure is, little pony. Now, we ain’t takin’ ya back jus’ yet, but when we do, you be sure t’ march right up to those parents ‘a yours and you tell ‘em that pancakes are a perfectly fine breakfast!”

“Yes Sir!”

“Now hold on my little pony. Sure, they’re nice to have sometimes, but they can be very bad for you if you have them all the time.”

“Oh, I know that, they have really high sugar levels, not helped by that delicious syrup ya put on ‘em that’s practically all sugar. Don’t worry Windy, I know how important healthy eating is.”

“Wow, Scootaloo. I didn’t know how intelligent you are with eating healthily. Why, I’ll have to come to you for tips on my next diet! You’re just THAT good at it!”

“Oh, I just like reading the health information at the bottom of the food boxes, it’s fun! That, an’ how am I suppose’ to be like Rainbow Dash, when I’m older, if I don’t eat right?”

Windy then shot her daughter an estranged glare, knowing how… counterproductive Rainbow’s eating habits could be.”

“Yeah… Squirt, it’s important to eat healthily.”

“Ha, ha, good one Dashy, but you’re foolin’ no pony if you’re sayin’ you eat right all the time.”

“Okay, I have some bad habits, but don’t we all. An’ I know how to eat healthy, I wouldn’t be a Wonderbolt if I didn’t. But back onto you Squirt, you’re gonna be just fine if ya keep at your current diet an’ exercise levels. But don’t think that havin’ a treat every once in a while’s such a bad thing, it’s totally fine, jus’ make sure ya don’t overdo it.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t.”

“Then you’re gonna be as awesome as me in no time, Scoots!”

“Absolutely, sweetheart. Now, once you’re done, wanna go read more Daring doo.”

“You bet! That book is awesome!”

“Alrighty then. But, I think somepony deserves another plate first, ya know, ‘cause she’s so awesome. Want one too Rainbow?”

“You kiddin’? Like I’d EVER pass up on pancakes!”

“He, there’s my Dashy.”

Bow and Windy then served their two little fillies fresh plates of the fine cuisine, before swiftly serving themselves, with similar dishes, and enjoying the reword brought from their morning’s work. Little happened whilst they ate, the four ponies taking too much pleasure in the prodigious taste of the perfectly made pastry. Though Rainbow and Scootaloo did make small talk on the topic of Rainbow’s most impressive feats, which Bow and Windy only lightly chuckled at.

The group finished their meals very quickly, the fine batter melting away in their mouths the moment it was placed there. Thus, Windy quickly took Scootaloo into her forehooves, grabbed the copy of Daring doo from a small table next to the sofa, where she had left it the prior night. Before taking her place in the exact position she had been previously, cuddling Scootaloo close to her and signalling for Bow to return also, keeping Scootaloo safe and warm between the two loving ponies once again. Rainbow simply smiled from the distance, pouring herself a cup of tea.

“Oh Dashy, won’t you join us.”

“Nah, I’d just end up spoilin’ the big twists before they actually happen, ya know how I can be.”

“Well, that’s very mature of you Dashy.”

“Ahhh, but Rainbow Dash practically IS Daring doo.”

“He… Ya really think so Squirt.”

“Totally! You’re fast, strong, brave, and the most awesome pony ever! If they ever make a Daring doo movie, I’d really one them to cast you as her.”

“He, I don’t know how good I’d be Squirt, but thanks anyway. Now, I’ gotta go feed Tank, but then I’ll…”

“Wait, who’s Tank?”

“Oh, Tank is Rainbow Dash’s pet turtle.”

“Pet tortoise. But yeah, did I not introduce you? He just spends most ‘a his time sleepin’ in my room. I’ll show him to ya later.”

“That would lovely Dashy, I bet he’s adorable!”

“Ha, ya can say that again!”

Rainbow then looked at Scootaloo, a small, devious grin entering her face as she did.

“Not quite as this wittle one though.”

“Hey! I am not CUTE!”

“Ha, just a little joke Scoots, I know how awesome you are really. Now you just enjoy the book an’ I’ll see ya later, k?”

“Okay, but I’m not cute!” Scootaloo pouted sarcastically.

Rainbow then smiled, as she gently rubbed Scootaloo’s mane. The filly, in turn smiled back, appreciating the love and affection she was receiving from each of the awesome ponies around her. Rainbow then swiftly returned to her room, wanting to show her other little buddy the love he deserved. She fed the tortoise very quickly, the special formula devised by Fluttershy being a favourite of Tank’s. However, Rainbow remained with him for a few minutes, her mind vacant, trapped in a world of abstract thoughts and important decisions. She knew that Scootaloo’s parents couldn’t give her the proper foalhood she was in such desperate need of. They couldn’t be there to teach her life lessons, or to watch her succeed and fail. Despite how much they loved her. Yet she could. Despite the handsome pay from her position as a Wonderbolt, she was very rarely called to work. Thus, she had more than enough time to teach Scootaloo what she needed, to be there when she most needed her. When her little Scootaloo needed to be a filly, to cry or to jump in delight, she could be there. It seemed to Rainbow, that taking Scootaloo into her home was the right thing to do. But was it? It was apparent to Rainbow that, despite how much she had grown in recent years, she was still prone to occasional outbursts of immature behaviour, a trait she dreaded passing on to her little Scootaloo. Moreover, was it really right to take a foal away from loving parents, as misguided as they may have been? Rainbow knew what had to be done but was aware that she had many questions to ask her most trusted friends before she could move forward with her plan. Thus, as Rainbow snapped back to reality, her plan for the day became certain, she was going to know what the right thing was before the day was over.

No matter how long she had to search for it. Rainbow Dash Was going to find what was best for her Scootaloo!

Comments

[OmniFox]

But first RD introduces Tank to her parents.

Also I wish they extended the Character Tags to about 8 instead of 5.

[Darling Dearest]

8711437
I know, right!

[Ellington]

Was the high chair really necessary?

[Darling Dearest]

8714139
Not really, it was just a little idea that popped into my head whilst I was writing it, though it is very out of place, looking back. Moreover, it allowed me to set something up for later in the story. So, other than that little hiccup, did you enjoy the chapter? If so, great! But id not, what would you like to see improved? Remember, I welcome any and all criticism.

[Ellington]

8714176
I'm suspicious of this.

[Darling Dearest]

8714680
Suspicious of what?

[Ellington]

8714681
Fetishes

[Darling Dearest]

8714682
I can assure you that this isn't the case, I was just trying to be funny. I apologise if the inclusion of this plot point disturbed you in anyway.

[Ellington]

8714684
Okay. 😌

[Darling Dearest]

8714693
There, I changed it from a high chair to an ordinary booster seat. That less creepy?

Call me obsessive, but it just didn't sit right with me that something I wrote disturbed somepony. I like keeping my work child friendly, thus I thank you for bringing this plausibly problematic plot point to my attention.

[Ellington]

8714714
Sorry dude. I just can't tell with people in general.

Think less of it as you doing something wrong and more as me being careful.

[Darling Dearest]

8714741
Thank you, in all honesty, I'm the exact same at the minute, with the Toon kritic y2k incident and such. I think were all a bit on edge at the minute.

[Flicker Flame]

I’m pretty sure rainbow dash lives by herself. She moved out of her parents house a while ago. Right?

[Darling Dearest]

9233697
She does, her parents are visiting.

[Fluttershyisacutegal]

enjoyable story, like the other two keep up the good work even there are some grammar errors still enjoyable