> 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!
> The fading paradise
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rainbow sat quietly in her room, her loyal pet tortoise remaining decisively by her side as she took a moment to think. Her plan for the day having been finalised, she was now faced the question of who she would visit to get the advice she needed. Rainbow Dash had many friends and only so much time in one day, thus it was essential that she made the decision on who she would go to very carefully.

“Ugh! Come ON Rainbow. It’s not THAT hard. Who do I know that would be the most help here. Pinkie? No, she’d be encouraging, but she’s more immature than me! Twilight? Nah, knowin’ her, she’d probably wanna do some sort’a science thingy to make sure I’m feelin okay. I don’t have the time for that.”

Rainbow then looked at Tank, who now showed her a concentrated glare. Thus, with a smile on her face, she deepened her voice to mimic that which she believed her pet would have.

“Say Rainbow, why don’t ya just go an’ see Fluttershy, she’s been your best friend since you were a filly.”

“Ha, you might be onto somethin’ there Tank. Flutters has always been there for me when I’ve needed her, an’ despite how nervous she can get, she ain’t afraid a tellin’ me what I need t’ here.”

“Like when she helped you except that I needed to hibernate?”

“Yeh, like that… Sorry about that whole thing Tank. I should ‘a just listened to Fluttershy the first time and let ya hibernate, it would ‘a been the responsible thing t’ do.”

“It’s okay Rainbow. We all make mistakes. An’ your doin’ that mature thing with Scootaloo now, so don’t worry. But go on, that filly needs YOU right now, an’ I need my sleep, just go see Fluttershy later. Alright?”

“Ha, ha. Okay Tank, I will… Thank you.”

Rainbow then stroked her hoof across Tank’s shell, which the tortoise smiled at, before slowly returning into it to rest. She then quickly headed back to her living room, where she was once again greeted with the heart warming image of Scootaloo snuggled between Bow and Windy, who were reading to the filly the fourth chapter of the sapphire stone. She took a moment to watch, chuckling as her parents charismatically read the lines of the different characters, energetically bringing the heroes and villains of the story to the life for the young filly, who was enjoying every minute of it.

“You thought you could evade me and capture the relic for yourself, but you are sadly mistaken, Miss doo! And now you shall meet your doom!” Bow said in the exaggerated voice of Ahuizotl, the infamous antagonist of Daring doo.

“You won’t get away with this, Ahuizotl!” Windy screamed in a bizarrely accurate impression of the courageous hero.

“Ha, ha. Yeah! Don’t think you can’t hurt my Scootaloo, Ahuizotl!”

“Oh, hey there Dashy, did… Tank, was that his name? eat his food well.” Windy asked, breaking character.

“Oh, yeah, he’s fine… But, hey, Ahuizotl’s gonna beet you if you’re not careful there, mom!”

“Ha, right you are Dashy… Quicksand, how AM I gonna get out ‘a this one?”

“You have wings, remember? FLY OUT!” Scootaloo said shouted, enthusiastically enthralled in the perilous plight of Daring doo.

“But I’m tied up! An’ the harder I struggle, the tighter the ropes get!”

“Yeah, and her wings don’t work at the minute. You’d be surprised how often that happens to her, she finds it really annoying.”

“Wait… How do YOU know what Daring do finds annoying?” Scootaloo asked curiously.

“Oh, I know her.”

“WHAT!? You MET Daring doo. But she’s not real, is she?”

Rainbow suddenly realised what she had accidentally said. Both Scootaloo and her parents, now staring at her with estranged eyes, expecting an immediate answer. Rainbow knew that she would have to think of an excuse quickly, to prevent the shocking truth being revealed to a little filly who was not yet ready to hear it.

“Em… Wait, did I said I met Daring doo? No, I met A.K. Yearling, the creator of Daring doo, an’ she told me that Daring finds having her wings broken all the time really annoying, ‘cause ‘a how much it happens.”

“Ohhhh, I get it, so its really Yearling that’s tired because of the creative fatigue that comes from writing that same plot point, constantly.” Windy asked innocently.

“Yeeeeeeeeeeeeees, that’s it.”

“Wow, Dashy, I didn’t know ya had ties t’ somepony like A.K. Yearling.”

“Ha, who d’ ya think Colour kick was based off in The Ring of Destiny, dad?”

“Wait, that was you!? My… I knew I recognised that personality from somewhere! Gosh, Windy. OUR Daughter’s in a Daring doo book!”

“Celestia, I know, this is so EXITING!”

“EEK! Somehow Rainbow Dash is even MORE awesome now! I didn’t think that was actually possible.”

“Nah, it’s okay guys, it’s not that big a deal. A.K’s just a friend a’ mine who based a character of ‘a me in a book… Okay, bein’ in a Daring doo story is pretty awesome, but it’s not like I ACTUALLY helped the REAL Daring Doo or anything. No. That, that would just be absurd… yeah.”

“Oh Dearie, don’t sell yourself short like that. Why, with you AND Scootaloo here. We might just have the most awesome family in all of Equestria!”

Scootaloo suddenly moved her head to face Windy, stunned at what she had just said.

“Wait… Am, am I. Am I really part of your family?” Scootaloo asked with heavy eyes.

“Well, of course Darling. You’re Rainbow Dash’s sister, are you not? So that means you’re part of our family. And we love you.”

“I, I… I.”

Scootaloo’s eyes were beginning to noticeably swell with tears. She finally felt so welcomed and loved as part of an actual family. Thus, she broke down, suddenly not caring about her coltish demeaner and allowing herself to cry tears of joy.

Rainbow then took Scootaloo into her forehooves, holding her tightly and gently stroking her mane. Her protective instincts not allowing her to leave her little filly unloved in her time of need.

“There, there, Squirt. It’s alright. You’re family, an’ we mean it. We love ya more than anything and we’d NEVER lie about somethin’ like that, alright?”

“I… I know. I don’t know what came over me. It’s just… Thank you guys, it means an awful lot t’ know that you think I’m part ‘a your family.”

“Oh, it’s okay little pony, we all get a little emotional sometimes. An’ you’re more than welcome, our family jus’ wouldn’t be the same without you in it now, Scootaloo.”

“Re, really?” Scootaloo asked as Rainbow placed her back onto the sofa.

“Absolutely Dearie. In all honesty, ever since our little Dashy grew up, we’ve missed having somepony to care for, coo over, give all our love to. And we know you aren’t a baby foal. You’ve MORE than proved that. But, to finally have a little pony back in our lives, it’s been… Nice. I’m sorry Scootaloo, I know you don’t like being called cute and what not. But, even with how grown up you are, it has been so lovely having a little filly around again.”

“It’s okay Windy. I mean, if I’m being honest, it’s been real nice having a family that’s there for me, for once. Ya know, you guys spent an entire day with me the other day. Ya didn’t have to, but ya did anyway. So, I got no problem with you guys gettin’ all mushy with me, ‘cause really… I enjoy it too.”

“Oh, Sweetie. You deserve so much more than what you have. I just wish we lived in Ponyville, that way we could be there for you all the time. But hey, you’ve got Dashy, she’s there for you, right?”

“Windy, Rainbow Dash has been my idol since the moment I saw her, the way she flew through the air, her confidence, it was so inspiring! And now, I have her as a sister. She’s given me so much, I couldn’t ask her for more.”

“Oh, Squirt… c’mere!”

Having no words to respond to Scootaloo with, feeling to humbled to properly articulate, Rainbow once again took Scootaloo into her forelegs, squeezing her tightly in an adorable show of affection. Whilst she had initially expected the filly to show resistance, not wanting to further tarnish her coltish reputation, she was surprised to see the little pony holding onto her just as firmly, taking noticeable happiness from Rainbow’s unconditional love. Thus, Rainbow only hugged harder, not wanting the moment to end, to allow the inevitability of Scootaloo leaving, of her little filly being forced to go away, to rear its ugly head.

“Scoot, I… I love ya Squirt, an’ I’m always gonna be there when ya need me.”

“Thanks Rainbow, you’re best sister.”

“Ha, an’ don’t you forget it.” Rainbow said sarcastically.

“Ha, ha, like I ever could.”

“Ha… Now Scoot… I hate t’ have to bring this up again. But, are you SURE you’re okay after last night? You were REALLY cold back there… An’ I’d hate for you to get sick. So, are you sure you’re not commin’ down with any colds or tummy bugs?”

“Nah, I’m good Rainbow, really. I’m all better now.”

Rainbow could tell that Scootaloo wasn’t lying to her, the filly’s voice sounding to upbeat and innocent to hold any dishonesty. However, Rainbow’s now dominant protective instincts over Scootaloo were not yet satisfied, the slight chill coming from Scootaloo’s fur being exaggerated in Rainbow’s mind as the same glacial, frozen feel that the filly radiated the night prior. Thus, Rainbow acted.

“Okay Squirt, but just to be safe…”

Rainbow then placed Scootaloo back onto the sofa, making sure she was tightly squeezed between her parents.

“Now, Dashy. What’s all this about?”

“One sec’, dad?”

Rainbow Dash barely had the time to respond to her father, as she grabbed one of the huge blankets, left over from the previous night and quickly wrapped it around the three ponies. Scootaloo’s little head barely reach above the top of the cover. Though she couldn’t deny that the warmth brought from the two ponies beside her, as well as the thick blanket was surprisingly satisfying.

“Ha. And the motherly instincts resurface.” Windy whispered to herself.

“What was that Windy?”

“Oh, nothing Dearie… don’t worry.”

“Well, as comfy as this is, don’t ya think you’re goin’ ‘a little over board here Dashy? She said she WASN’T sick, remember?”

“What? I can’t have my little buddy getting cold, now can I? A little warmth on a cold day never HURT anypony.”

“Ha, thanks Rainbow… But seriously, I’m FINE! I’m really, totally okay. I’m not gonna get sick jus’ ‘cause of little chill. Seriously, what’s gotten int’ you.”

Rainbow suddenly realised what she had done. In her blind, incisive desire to keep her little filly safe, she had unwittingly allowed her over protective feelings, which she believed to had beaten two weeks ago, to get the better of her. Causing her to once again see Scootaloo as smaller than she really was.

“Sorry Scoots… It’s just, after last night, I like knowin’ that your safe an’ warm is all. I know you ain’t a baby an’ I shouldn’t treat ya like one.”

Rainbow was now forced to deal with the embarrassment that came with her actions. Though she was surprised to see that, despite her complaint, Scootaloo seemed perfectly contempt, even comfortable with the situation she had been placed in.

“Oh, it’s okay Rainbow Dash. This is… actually really nice. An’ to be honest, I was a little chilly. So, I don’t mind. But… what’d make it perfect… em, can I sit on your lap?”

Rainbow was initially startled by Scootaloo’s question, though she quickly calmed down upon remembering the pony who had asked it.

“Sure Squirt… But hey, let me jus’ grab somethin’ first.”

Rainbow then burst from her living room to her bedroom, and back again, in less than a second, returning with another book in her hoofs, which she promptly gave to Scootaloo.

“Here, this is Daring doo and the Eternal flower, the second book, I want you t’ have it.”

“Wait? Are you sure Rainbow Dash?”

“Absolutely! An’ ya can hold on t’ the first one too. Now that you’ve started, you’re not gonna be able to get enough of Daring doo! An’ in truth, I actually own multiple copies, I thought somethin’ like this would happen.”

“Well, thanks Rainbow Dash. This’ll be totally awesome”

“You’re welcome, Squirt. An’ you BET it will! But… Are ya sure you’re gonna be okay with some ‘a the big words?”

“Ha, I’m eight years old Rainbow Dash, I think I’ve got reading down by now.”

“Then ya got nothin to worry about… Now, scoot up Scoots.”

Rainbow then lifted up the cover, swiftly getting under it, before picking up Scootaloo and sitting on the sofa, embracing the young filly in an adorable hug. She then placed the cover back over the two of them, Scootaloo’s head once again peeking over the top to listen to the story, which Bow and Windy quickly started reading again after cooing over how cute their two fillies were.

Time flew by quickly, as Bow and Windy read the popular story, finishing a further three chapters before the time finally came to take Scootaloo home. The three adult ponies were saddened by the prospect and were all hesitant in giving into the inevitable, wanting the morning they had spent together to exist forever. Though they all knew the concept was preposterous.

“Okay Dearie, Dashy’s going to be taking you home now. So, until we next see you, we want you t’ stay safe and ask for help when you need it. Older ponies aren’t always useless, alright?”

“Okay, I know that… Well, now I do. An’ I have you guys t’ thank for that.”

“Oh, Scootaloo, don’t you ever change, ya here. An’ don’t work yourself to hard while you’re at it. It’s good that you and your little friends are so successful, but you’re still fillies, an’ everypony needs a rest from time t’ time. So, take it easy, ya here.”

“Here ya LOUD and clear Bow.”

“Alright Scoots, let’s get ya home.”

“Ugh, that PLACE isn’t a home, it’s just a house where my parents live. I learned that a long time ago.”

“Oh, Sweetie. That isn’t okay! You deserve a home where you can feel comfortable, not just a house where you’re sleep at night.”

“Oh, it’s fine. Other ponies have it a lot worse, an’ I have ponies like you guys who give me MORE than I deserve.”

“Darling, it isn’t fine… Why, it sounds to me like those parents of yours need a STERN TALKING TO!”

“Don’t worry mom, I got this. It okay if I talk with your folks for a little bit when we get there, Scoots?”

“Sure, I don’t mind.”

“Good, then we should be headin’ out. They’ll be gettin’ worried if we don’t get ya home soon.”

“Alright. Bow, Windy, thanks again for everything… It’s real havin’ ponies like you in my life.”

“Oh, you’re welcome Scootaloo.” The two ponies said in unison, before taking Scootaloo into a brief, yet loving hug.

Rainbow then took Scootaloo onto her back, suddenly unsettled by what Scootaloo had said, possibly suggesting that there was more turmoil in the small household than she had initially inferred. Thus, she made a note to schedule a meeting with the two parents, where they could properly discuss exactly what Scootaloo’s daily life looked life behind the closed doors of her house. Though Rainbow knew that the answer would likely disturb her, and that anything they could tell her was ultimately irrelevant. As Rainbow was convinced that by the time that meeting came to fruition, she would have finally have come to the conclusion that her taking in Scootaloo was the best possible outcome for everypony!
> Revelations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stepping out of her peaceful home and into the wide and wondrous world of Equestria, Rainbow was shocked to see the sombre sight of the small town in ruins. The almost apocalyptic area appalling her to an astonishing degree, she held her little filly close to her, wanting to save her from the lethally loathsome landscape Ponyville had become.

“Bye girls!” Windy shouted from the doorway.

“An’ stay safe!” Bow added.

“Will do dad!”

“An’ thanks again for everything guys. It was an awesome sleepover!”

Windy then blew Scootaloo a kiss, a gesture at which the filly lightly giggled at, before slowly closing the door, separating the two the loving parents from the fillies they honourably had sheltered from the horrendous happenings of the horrific night. For a time, they had done everything they could. Leaving only Rainbow to follow through with her plan.

Upon the door closing, Scootaloo confidently opened her wings, ready to forget about how vulnerable she has been the night prior. A slight chill, alien to that which came from the corrupt, course cold breeze, shocking down her spine as the adrenaline started to boil within her.

“Hey Scoots… What cha doin’.”

“Getting ready to glide to the ground of course. How else are we gonna…”

“NO! No, no… e hem. I mean, you probably should probably stay off your wings… just for today though.”

“Wait, what’s wrong with my wings Rainbow Dash.” Scootaloo asked with a panicked tone.

“Oh, nothing! Absolutely nothing… It’s just. After yesterday. Your little body’s still gonna be getting its energy back. An’ so even though nothing feels wrong now, if ya push yourself too hard, you’re gonna end up hurting yourself. Trust me, I’D KNOW! So, just take it easy for a little while and you’ll be right as rain in no time!”

“Alright, that’s fair enough. I thought that maybe you’d lost faith in me for a second there.”

“WHAT!? You kidding me? Scoot, how many times I gotta tell ya this? You’re awesome, an’ that’s never gonna change, ya here! No matter what, I’m always gonna have faith in you.”

“Thanks Rainbow. It’s… It’s nice to have somepony believe in me for a change.”

“Oh, Squirt. You’re loved more than ya know… But, hey! Wanna se somethin’ cool?”

“Of course, I do!”

“Here check this out.”

Rainbow then lead Scootaloo to the back of her home, showing her a bright red button on top of a tall post, which Rainbow had to lift Scootaloo up with her hoofs, in order for the filly to see properly.

“What’s this do?”

“Ha, you’ll see, go ahead and press it.”

Curiously, Scootaloo leaned forward, though being certain not to fall out of Rainbows forelegs, before pressing both of her own hoofs down onto the button. She watched, as the edge of the cloud seemed to evaporate away. However, as Rainbow moved her closer to the edge, Scootaloo was confounded as the colonies of white clouds seemed to clone each other, quickly separating and forming a swirling, spiral footpath down the ground.

“Celestia, is that a cloud staircase?”

“Yeah, I haven’t used it in a while, but I thought it come in handy if I ever invited non-Pegasus friends over. So, I paid a little extra to get it installed when I bought the house. Totally worth it, right?”

“You bet! But, how do you get the clouds t’ go back?”

“Oh, there’s another switch on the bottom that resets it. But it just happens naturally after half an hour.”

“Wait, then can’t anypony come to your home, even if they don’t want to?”

“You gotta remember Scoots, the ladder only leads up to the cloud, it doesn’t just let any old stallion into my home, I still got complete control on who comes in. An’ besides earth ponies and Unicorns need a special spell to walk on clouds, so I still get less visitors than most ponies.”

“Fair enough, I bet all the free time must be nice.”

“Yeah… All alone, always… Is nice. Anyway, lets get you home, we don’t wanna worry your parents.”

“Yeah… Parents!” Scootaloo said with an angry growl.

Rainbow thought about asking Scootaloo about her sudden angry tone, but quickly remembered how hesitant Scootaloo had been to talk about her parents for so long. It was only logical to assume that she did not think fondly of them. Thus, she prepared herself for the worst, ready to act as a mediator if the situation were to get out of hand. Though she covered up these thoughts with a smile, gesturing for Scootaloo to walk down the staircase.

“If you would be so kind, my DARLING Scootaloo.” Rainbow said in a hyperbolic, formal manner.

“Why of course my DEAREST Sister… Ha, ha. Thanks Rainbow.”

Scootaloo innocently trotted down the staircase. Rainbow watched for a moment before slowly following.

“Yeah… Sister.”

The two quickly got to the bottom of the staircase, Scootaloo still awe struck from having walked on a cloud. Unlike most pegesi, it was a rare occurrence for her. Rainbow lowered herself, signalling for Scootaloo to jump onto her back. With a smile, Scootaloo jumped onto her idol, holding onto her neck with a tight grasp, the anticipation almost bursting from her little body. Rainbow blasted off, going from her still, stationary position, to a one hundred mile an hour rush in less than a second. Wind raced past the two ponies, the momentum almost forcing Scootaloo from idol’s back. Though her sheer tenacity allowed her to cling on. She couldn’t have been in a greater state of pure adrenaline and happiness. However, this fantasy was quickly broken for the young filly. As Rainbow grinded to a sudden halt. Her haunting, hollow home now hovering over her, making her feel harrowed and hazed. She jumped off of Rainbow, the excitement that she had once felt now vanished, being replaced with an angry, spiteful void from which no joy could escape.

Rainbow Dash looked down in guilt, she wanted so desperately to take the little filly straight back to her sky castle, where she could giver her everything she needed. As opposed to leaving her in the small house that loomed stood before them, which seemed to make to make Scootaloo so unhappy.

“Hey Squirt… I’m just gonna speak with your parents for a little bit, alright?”

“Yeah sure, whatever.”

“Hey, don’t feel down Scoots, we’’ see each other again soon.”

Scootaloo suddenly perked up, her ears rising and her eyes staring deeply into Rainbow’s.

“You mean it?”

“Sure do, Squirt.”

Rainbow Dash rubbed Scootaloo’s mane as she spoke, an act at which Scootaloo smiled at. However, Scootaloo’s happiness once again faded, as Rainbow Dash knocked on the door of the home. The inevitable had come. A few seconds past, before Rainbow was greeted by the rough, purple mane of Electric Breeze.

“Hello… Oh hey Rainbow Dash. Did you…”

“Yeah, I did. She’s right here.”

Rainbow pointed her at Scootaloo, who was nervously looking away from her mother. Upon seeing her daughter, Electric’s tired eyes burst open with energy. She rushed over to Scootaloo, quickly hugging her and kissing her on the forehead.

“Oh, thank Celestia, you’re alright? You have no idea how worried we were!”

Scootaloo faced her mother with a soul-destroying glare, the mental scars of the prior night still fresh in her mind.

“Oh yeah! Well whose fault was it that all that happened, hu? Where was all this compassion then!? You and dad just wouldn’t stop shouting at each other. It was HORRIBLE! Why didn’t you care then!?”

With tears welling in her eyes, Scootaloo broke free from her mother’s grasp and attempted to blindly run into the house. However, she was stopped by Rainbow, reaching out her wing and pulling her into a tight hug. She tried to fight for a moment, but ultimately gave in, resting her head in the soft fur of Rainbow’s stomach, letting the torrent of traumatic tears, tremble from her eyes.

“There, there Squirt… It’s alright.” Rainbow said awkwardly, unaware of how to properly handle the situation.

The three were silent, allowing Scootaloo a moment of vulnerability, before Rainbow brought herself to speak up again.

“I know they hurt you, an’ you’ve got every right to be mad. But I need you to be strong right now. Okay Scoots?”

Scootaloo looked up at her idol, the tears already beginning to subside.

“O, Okay Rainbow Dash.”

“Ha, ha. That ‘a girl”

Scootaloo smiled at Rainbow Dash, whipping the remaining tears away with her hoof before nodding confidently. Though she still shivered slightly and took heavy, painful breaths, she was slowly recovering. Rainbow put her back on the ground, leaving her with new confidence as she faced her mother.

“Sorry mom, I didn’t mean that. I…”

“It’s okay Scootaloo. You were angry, an’ had every right to be! We all get angry sometimes, there ain’t no shame in showin’ it.”

“Yeah… Sure.”

“We cool?”

“We’re fine! Mom! Just… don’t do that again.”

“Alright then, we won’t. Now come on in, if we don’t keep you warm then you’re going to get sick.”

“Sure.”

“Okay. Thanks for dropping her off Rainbow Dash, but we’ll take her from here. Thank you for your help through all this.”

Rainbow was silent for a moment

“… Actually, I kinda wanna talk with you an’ your husband for ab bit. There are just some things I wanna get straightened out is all.”

“Oh, of course! We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have. After everything that’s happened, all that you’ve done for us, you deserve to know whatever it is you need.”

“Good, I won’t take much ‘a your time, don’t worry.”

Electric singled for Rainbow to enter her home, relieved to have the mare’s compliance in the situation, she followed. Her thoughts remained distant, until she felt the light touch of Scootaloo, remaining loyal by her side, pushing against her fur. The young filly did not want her time with her idol to end. Thus, Rainbow smiled down at her number one fan, not wanting her to lament over having to leave her the pony she had come to respect as a role model. Though she couldn’t help but fell a chill of sadness creep down her, as she saw Scootaloo run from her side, back to her parents. She smiled at Rainbow, though the mare couldn’t decipher weather the smile was genuine, or just fabricated so that her idol wouldn’t worry over her wellbeing. Thus, Rainbow just watched as her little filly charged up the stairs, becoming a smaller and smaller speck, before finally vanishing. Her mind suddenly snapping back to the issue as hand, she turned to face Electric.

“So, em… yeah. There’re some things I wanna ask you.”

“Sure, fire a…”

“BOTH of you.”

“Oh… obviously. I’ll get Wild now.”

“… No need.”

The attention of both mares was suddenly drawn to the kitchen doorway, where are large orange stallion with a short blue mane, pulled back into spikes with excessive hair gel, emerged into the hallway.

“I overheard everythin’. I’m sorry El, but I don’t have it in me to face our little filly jus’ yet. After everythin’ that’s happened. I just… I can’t. I know this makes me real pathetic. But she needed me last night, an’ I wasn’t there. What good father lets that happen!?”

“Don’t worry dear… I’m the same. We’ll give her some time and then…”

“Wait what!? I know your ashamed, but that’s no reason to run away from your problems. She may be a little mad right now, but when all’s said an’ done, she needs you to be supportive, sorry, comforting, ya know, GOOD PARENTS! More than ever. She needs a good example to follow, an’ to know that her parent’s love her. You need to give her that!”

The two ponies stood in silence for a moment, taken back by the unfortunate, yet necessary truth Rainbow had just unsheathed.

“O, okay Rainbow Dash. We’ll talk to her.”

“Good, but first, you two ’ve got some explaining to do.”

Electric motioned her foreleg, pointing it toward the Living room, signalling for Rainbow and Wild to enter. The couple took their seats on the sofa, watching as Rainbow curled up on the arm chair opposing them.

“So, I uh… Won’t take up much ‘a your time. There’re just a couple things I wanted to sort out.”

“Sure, thing Rainbow, ask away.”

“Okay, so let me get this straight, you two were arguin’ over some paper work last night, an’ that’s what caused Scootaloo to get so scared.”

Electric rubbed her foreleg with her hoof, looking away from Rainbow.

“Pretty much, or rather, that’s how it started. One complaint just seemed lead to another and well, you can how that panned out.”

“Yeah, we may ‘a started heckling each other over the work load, but I think after a while, we may of actually moved on to talkin’ about Scootaloo. Her name bein’ brought up’s probably what scared her so much, if ya think about it.”

“Oh… Well its good to see that you’re concerned about her, can you remember exactly what got brought up?”

Wild tossed for a moment, that answer barely out of his grasp.

“Ah Celestia, what were we on about. We were both so tired that I can hardly… Oh! Oh yeah. That was it. If my memory serves me, then El here got upset about how we leave Scootaloo alone too much.”

“Yeah, that was it. I’m sorry Wild, I’d been feelin’ guilty about it for a while, an’ while we were both so angry, it jus’ kinda came up.”

Rainbow stirred solemnly in her seat, an ugly portrait, so malicious in meaning, suddenly materializing in her mind.

“Wait… Wha’ d’ ya mean you felt guilty over leavin’ her alone too much?”

“Oh, uh… em. Look Rainbow, this ain’t right an’ we know it, it’s jus’ one more thing for us to be ashamed of. But as we said las’ night, we don’t have a lot a spare time to be spendin’ with Scootaloo. So, more often that not, she ends up alone.”

Rainbow Dash froze, the portraits paint having dried, revealing a perilous portrayal of parenthood, un paralleled by any other that Rainbow had ever witnessed. Part of her wanted to be angry, though the frustration she had once felt had now largely withered away into apathy, perhaps even sympathy, towards the couple’s plight. She knew that she couldn’t forgive them. But for a time, their own guilt had brought them enough suffering.

“Oh, okay then. Wait, but couldn’t you just hire a foalsitter. I mean, it’s not ideal, but it’s something.”

“Ah, yes. She used to have two Aunts that lived here, my sister Lofty Wings, and her partner Happy Holiday.”

“Yeah, I think I heard ‘a them.”

“She used to spend most ‘a her time with them… Ha, how she did love El’s big sister, they were practically sister’s themselves! But then, Holiday got some big promotion, I’m not entirely shore what line ‘a work she was in, an’ they had to move to Manehatten. It’s been a while since we heard from ‘em but from what I do know… Never mind, not important. What is important is that we can’t rely on them to care for her anymore, thus she says here, alone, most ‘a the time.”

“Wow, sorry to here that. But can’t you just hire a normal foalsitter? Ya know, for when you know you’re gonna be out late.”

Electric suddenly sprang from her relaxed position to a proper, upright posture, her engagement having been revitalised.

“Don’t cha think we’ve tried!? Scootaloo HATES being foalsat!”

“Yeah, I think most foals do. But she’s only eight! I know this sounds weird commin’ from ME of all mares, but ponies that age still need somepony there to do things they shouldn’t be yet. Ya know… like… cooking, and what not… And what if she gets scared!? I know she acts tough sometimes, an’ don’t get me wrong, she is, but Scootaloo’s still a filly, an’ fillies get scared sometimes.”

There was a long silence for a moment, Rainbow’s love for Scootaloo and her desire for her wellbeing having brought upon an unintended rant from her. Though the awkward freeze was eventually brought to an end by Wild.

“We know Rainbow Dash, we want her to be safe as much as you do… Even if we ain’t showin it… We love her. But… well ya see… You should know better than anypony that Scootaloo can be kinda, well… short sighted at times, an’ as she should be, she’s a filly. So, if she thinks she’s right or had a good idea, she’s got the determination to follow through with it. An’ as we said, she don’t like bein’ foalsat. She’ thinks she’s too big for it, makes her feel embarrassed. So, whenever we’d hire them, they’d come over, Scootaloo would ignore them for a little while, wait for them to look away. An’ like that… poof, she’d be gone. Obviously, we weren’t there, but from what we’ve heard, she’s like a ghost vanashin’ into thin air! Most night’s we’d find her in some bush, or old shack somewhere at the edge ‘a town. Sometimes she’d go to the clubhouse ‘a her’s, but we kept findin’ her there, so she got wise an’ moved on t’ different places. For the longest time… we wouldn’t find her at all! We wouldn’t see her until the next mornin’, when she’d obviously let her self in after we’d stopped lookin’. We’d just be so tired after a log day, that we didn’t have the energy to be keepin’ up lookin’ for her after hours an’ hours ‘a searchin’. So eventually, we both reckoned that our best bet was to jus stop hirin’ foalsiiters altogether. At least then we could go to work knowin’ that she’d be warm an’ safe at home, instead ‘a doin’ Celestia knows what in the streets. We know it ain’t perfect. You’re right, she’s still a little filly an’ should have… No, deserves to have somepony there keepin’ an eye on her, makin’ sure she’s safe an’ doesn’t get scared. But unless she can swallow that pride ‘a her’s, it’s the best system we got.”

Rainbow remained still for a moment, completely paralyzed, aw struck from what she had just heard. She knew that Scootaloo could be narrow minded and hated being embarrassed, but she would never have thought that she would have gone to such lengths to avoid any slight reminder of her young age.

She still had every intention of moving forward with her plan, her determination only increasing after hearing the parent’s testimony. However, this knew information reminded her that their relationship was undoubtedly going to change, with Scootaloo’s needs as a filly requiring attention from time to time, as much as the young one liked to pretend they didn’t exist. Thus, at that moment, Rainbow decided that she would enforce harsher rules regarding foalsitting, for the brief occasions when she would have to leave for long periods of time. Scootaloo would hate her for it, possibly diminishing her reputation as “the cool pony”, but Rainbow needed to know that her little filly was safe on those nights where she couldn’t be there.

Rainbow almost found amusement from the situation, Scootaloo undoubtedly having gotten her determination from her idol. And here she was, acting like an old mare, contrasting her usual lax, encouraging personality with thoughts of safety and harsh rules. But, as much as Rainbow wanted Scootaloo to be free and independent, and no matter how deeply she desired a relaxed relationship with the young filly, as it had been for so long, she valued her safety more than anything. The thought of her being so isolated on so many cruel nights making her feel cold and uncomfortable. However, Electric and Wild were beginning to stare, thus she snapped back to reality, a shocked expression still stitched to her face.

“Wow, I never knew Scootaloo did that. I can talk to her if ya want, see if I can persuade her into acceptin’ foalsiiters as a good thing.”

“That would be wonderful, Rainbow Dash. Having all your help through this has been more appreciated than you could ever know.”

Rainbow hesitated, if she was to bring forth her plan, now was the ideal time.

“There, there might be more ways I can help you guys.”

“Oh, em. Please don’t worry Miss Dash, everything you’ve done so far has been so helpful, we couldn’t possibly...”

“I’m not sayin’ I definitely can, I still got some things I gotta work out first. But, if I can. Will you accept it?”

Electric sighed.

“Honestly, Rainbow. Anything that you can possibly do to help us give Scootaloo a better foalhood is more than welcomed… When do you think you’ll know?”

“Tomorrow… Definitely by tomorrow. I f you want, I can come over tomorrow morning, an’ I’ll lay out what I can do an’ what I got planned.”

“Perfect, that alright with you Wild?”

“Yeah, what time though?”

“About… nine-ish.”

The two nodded.

“Good, now. I’ve taken up enough ‘a your time, an’ I got things I gotta sort out. So, I’ll see ya tomorrow.”

“Absolutely, Rainbow Dash, let us see you out.”

Electric and Wild then led Rainbow to their doorway. Innocently passing there staircase where, unbeknownst to them, stood Scootaloo, standing in silence. She had heard every word of the conversation, she showed fear, uncertain as to what Rainbow could’ve meant by the things that she said. Thus, she ran up the stairs, her usual friendly smile replaced by an emotionless expression.

Wild and Electric smiled, waving off Rainbow as she took of into the now lovely blue sky. Whilst she still wished to visit her friends, Rainbow knew that there were still two ponies who needed to be informed of her plan first, who would unrequitedly support her through this legendary process. Before anypony else, she had to tell her parents.
> A plan in motion
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rainbow Dash arrived back at her cloud home, looking back at the armies of worker ponies, nobly fixing the land back to what it rightfully should have been, before finally entering her sanctuary.

“Welcome home, Dearie. Was Scootaloo okay?”

“Yeah, mom. She seemed a little upset, but I’m sure she’ll be fine.”

“Oh, I really do feel for that little filly. She deserves way better than what she has.”

“I know dad, I really didn’t wanna take her back. Heck, I could’a just played with her here all day! But, despite everything they’ve done, they’re still her parents. It wouldn’t ‘a been fair to keep ‘em from their foal.”

“Well Dashy, if you ask me. And I know this might sound rather mean. But, just being the biological mother or father of a foal doesn’t make you their parent! No… you have to earn that title by loving your foal unconditionally, giving them everything they need to prosper, supporting them when they’re feeling low and knowing how to punish and, more importantly, teach them when they’ve done wrong. And from the looks of things… Those two ponies have done none of the sort! It may sound a little odd, Rainbow. Maybe even down right crazy! But, in all honesty, you’re more of a parent to that little sweetheart than those two ever were.”

Rainbow froze, suddenly so static. Her purpose for returning home having been brought to light much earlier than she had anticipated. She wasn’t ready.

“Yeah mom, about that…”

Rainbow hesitated, finally beginning to understand why Scootaloo had been so hesitant to tell her the truth for so long. Her nervous were shivering, the unpleasant touch of fear, creeping up her spine, causing uncertainty filled her mind. A cloud of callous questions causing her to hesitate, a sensation that felt awfully new to her. Was she really doing the right thing for Scootaloo? Was she even ready for the responsibility? She knew that she couldn’t abort from her plan after telling her parents, her stubborn pride would never allow it. This was her final chance to stop the whole operation, forget the whole situation existed and pretend nothing ever happened! For a moment, she considered it. However, the warm, welcoming, unwavering smile of her mother quickly calmed her, snapping her back to reality and washing away any thought of retreating from her mission.

“What is it Dearie? Take your time. You know you can tell us.”

“Yeah, thanks mum. Ya see, all the things your sayin’, I totally agree! Scootaloo deserves somepony to be there for her, give her everything she needs. An’ her real parents just can’t seem to do that, no matter they love her. So… em. It’s funny that you mention that I’d be a better, parent for her, ‘cause… well, remember how I said I had a plan t’ help out Scootaloo the other night? I was thinkin’ I could…”

Windy’s face suddenly burst out in delight. Rainbow knew she didn’t even have to finish her utterance. She knew from the way her mother’s grin reached high into her cheek, from the way that her body shivered in pure excitement, from the way she almost flew from the happiness she showed. That her mother already knew.

“Oh my GOSH! Dashy, are you saying what are you saying what I think you’re saying!?”

“Yeah, yeah I am mom. It doesn’t sound to crazy, right.”

“Why, absolutely not! Darling, this is wonderful news!”

“Can somepony please tell me what in Celestia’s name you two fillies are talkin about!?” Pouted Bow, who had been waiting patiently in the background.

Windy turned to face her husband, the smile still stitched to her cheeks.

“Bow, honey. OUR daughter is going to be adopting Scootaloo!”

For a moment there was silence, the two mares unsure as to how Bow would react. He had certainly been a supportive pony throughout all his years as Rainbow’s father, jumping at any opportunity to jump at his daughter’s success, praising her to a sometimes-hyperbolic degree. However, it was no secret amongst all ponies that most fathers weren’t fond of the thought of their foals becoming parents themselves. The idea of letting their little ones out of their care and permanently into the life of a grown pony seeming stereotypically wrong to them. Thus, Rainbow and Windy waited, as Bow stood there, static in shock.

However, Bow’s cold, callous expression quickly broke down, revealing an identical, inspired, grin to Windy’s. His fur danced as he his body shivered in excitement. In a moment of pure excitement, he flew up, taking his daughter in his hoofs and spinning her around vigorously. Before coming to a sudden halt, embracing Rainbow in a loving hug.

“Oh Dashy, words can’t describe how proud ‘a you I am right now!”

“Oh, its really not that big ‘a deal. I’m not even sure if I can…”

“Well of course it’s a big deal Dashy! Why, I’ve always dreamed about the day my little filly took on her own foals. You, you won’t be my little Dashy anymore.”

Tears began to well in Bow’s eyes. The true reality of the situation beginning to sink in. Suddenly, like a damn bursting open in his eyes, the streaks of water came like waterfalls.

“I… I’m sorry Dashy. This should be your moment. But, but. I just can’t believe that you’re all grown up. Takin’ on a filly of your own. Is there nothing you can’t do!”

Rainbow patted her hoof on Bow’s shoulder, secretly flattered by how proud she was of her.

“There, there dad. Really, its not that big ‘a deal. I’m practically her biggest role model anyway, so it just seems like the right thing to do.”

Bow put Rainbow down, whipping his eyes with his hoof, the tears having stopped.

“Oh, but it is Dashy, you’re putting another pony, a foal no less, before yourself in every possible way. Moreover, you’re lettin’ her move in with her number one idol and actively voulentearin’ to be there for her when she needs you! What is there not to be proud of!”

Rainbow suddenly felt a pang of guilt, the uncertainty of weather or not taking in Scootaloo was really the best thing for the both of them still ever-present in her mind. Thus, making the admiration she was receiving from her parents feel unearned. While she was admitant to hyperbolising her accomplishments for the sake of her own ego. She detested the concept of accepting praise she didn’t deserve.

“Yeah… Thanks dad.”

“Oh, but your father’s right Dashy! Why, I’m certain you’ll be the best parent Equestria’s ever seen!”

“Forgetting somepony there, mom?”

“Oh, Dashy, we were good, yes. And we’re proud of how we raised you, but we made you feel uncomfortable with how over the top we were. You’re going to be just the mother Scootaloo needs. Why, I’m certain that the tittle of best parent in Equestria will be an understatement, with how good you’re going to be! In fact, we should be going to see that Pinkie Pie friend of yours to go plan a party to celebrate Equestria’s newest and bestest mother!”

Rainbow noticeably cringed from the repetition of being called a mother. She was Rainbow Dash! The confident, independent mare who let nopony tell her what to do or how to live her life. Could she really be a mother? Could she live with the restraints of a foal, no matter how close she was to her? Did she even have the maturity to handle the responsibility? She was becoming more and more unsure.

Windy noticed how unsettled her daughter was and instantly stopped her celebration. Though Rainbow began talking before she could ask her a question.

“I’m sorry guys. I know you’re both real prod ‘a me, but I just don’t know if I can do this. Sure, I’m a good sister, and great at giving support from time to time. But, I don’t know if I can actually be a… mother to somepony.”

Windy smiled, placing her hoof on Rainbow’s shoulder, causing her daughter to look her directly in the eye.

“Sweetie, I know how you feel. You’d never guess it, but before you were born, Bow and I were terrified! We didn’t know if we could handle a wild little foal running around. Did we have the time? Did we have the maturity? Could we really take care of a little one properly? It was a big mess! But, then we decided it was time, so we took that leap of faith and had you. And at the moment you were born, everything just fell into place. We knew there’d be hard times. But, that didn’t matter, all that was important was that the little filly, looking right back as us with such an innocent smile was ours, our little Dashy. We knew then that we had what it takes. Now, I know that your adopting, not having a baby, which complicates things a little. But, I’m certain, when you see that little filly, so comfortable, peaceful and innocent in your care, everything will make sense. You’ll know that you’re ready and all your fear will fade away. And remember Dashy, we’ll be there to support you to. If you ever need anything, just give us a call and we’ll see what we can do. So, stop worrying, will you? You’re going to do a fine job.”

“Th, thanks mom. I think I needed that. But, and I’m not sure what it is. But, there’s something inside me that still needs a little more convincing. So, I’ve decided that I’m gonna go talk to my friends about this. After I’ve heard what they have to say, I’ll definitely know what to do.”

Bow placed his hoof on Rainbow’s other shoulder, wanting to show his complete support to his daughter.

“Dashy, if that’s what you think you need to do, then that’s what you should do. We want you to be completely certain about this. But, just know. We think you’re absolutely, positively, one hundred percent ready to take on Scootaloo.”

“Thanks dad, it’s nice to know that I’ve got your support through all this. You to mom, you’ve both done so much for me, I could never repay you.”

Windy placed her hoof on her heart, her daughter’s words having touched her so deeply.

“Oh Dashy, you don’t even need to say it. Every time we get to help you is as much a blessing for us as it is for you. Now go on, go see your friends. It’s always good to get an alternate perspective on things.

Rainbow smiled.

“Thanks mom.”

Rainbow hugged her parents, truly thankful for support they had given her in her time of confusion and transcendence. However, Rainbow only looked forward, pulling away from her parents with a confident grin and heading out back into Equestria. As, whilst her parents loved her, and she could never truly be with out their support, the bond she shared with her friends was stronger than any force could ever hope to shatter. Thus, it seemed only logical to her that their opinions on this matter she be considered with the upmost importance. She pulled back her wings, before bursting of into the sky, vanishing in a second. Rainbow sored through the clouds, the worker ponies still labouring away on the ground beneath her, though she didn’t let the sight of them distract her from her goal. Flutershy’s cottage. Fluttershy was her oldest and most dear friend, having defended from bullies back in her flight school days and having stayed by her side since. If she could rely on anypony to be faithful and supportive with her, it was her Fluttershy. b(V,Y.g)
> Help from a friend
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rainbow Dash arrived at the secluded cottage of her dearest friend, everything about it still seeming to fit right within a little filly’s fantasy. Flowers of a multitude of exotic colours bloomed wherever anypony looked, and fluffy animals ran around innocently across fields of lush grass. The scent of nature graced the air, making the atmosphere seem light and friendly. Even the most hardened ponies wouldn’t dream of denying it, Fluttershy had created a paradise.

“Ha, same old Fluttershy.” Rainbow joked to herself.

She approached the finely crafted wooden door of the small home, contemplating for a moment on how long it had been since she had come to her oldest friend, just to visit, to hang out and have fun, as they used to do so often in the past. Rainbow made a mental note to visit Fluttershy more often, if only just to make sure Discord wasn’t causing her TOO much trouble.

Rainbow gently knocked on the door and awaited a response. A second passed, before the door slowly began to open, revealing the small, yellow Pegasus, her baby pink mane almost dropping to the floor. Her adorable cutie mark of three pink butterflies glistening as the sun’s rays shone upon them, also highlighting her less than muscular wings, barely pointing out from her body.

“Hello, who is…”

Fluttershy stopped mid-sentence, her face suddenly lighting up with glee.

“Oh, Rainbow Dash! It’s so lovely to see you again. Why, it feels like a thousand moons since we last saw each other!”

Flutershy’s body lit up with more energy than it initially appeared to have the capability to possess. She seemed to forget her own meekness and shy nature, as she leaped onto Rainbow, cutely cuddling her, in a sight that even Spitfire would’ve been forced to blush at.

“Hey, Fluttershy, you been okay?”

Fluttershy quickly released Rainbow, her sudden rush of enthusiasm having come to an end.

“I’m perfectly fine, Rainbow Dash. I’ve just been so busy planning an addition to my animal sanctuary. I won’t lie, this whole thing’s been more hard work than I ever could’ve imagined! But, with a little effort, patience and the reward of seeing those animals happy, it’s all been worthwhile.”

“Ha, good to here, Fluttershy… I’m not disturbing you, am I?”

“Oh, absolutely not. Why, I think a good distraction right about now might be just what I need right now. That is if you have the time. I’d hate to intrude…”

“Stop worryin’ would ya, you’re never intruding on me.”

Flutershy’s cheeks suddenly turned a bright red, lighting up as they rose with her smile.

“Thanks Rainbow… So, what do you wanna do?”

Rainbows previously confident demeaner quickly vanished, being replaced with a more sombre, serious and stern expression.

“Well, Fluttershy. If ya don’t mid, I was hoping I could get your advice on somethin’.”

“Certainly, Rainbow Dash, what is it that you need?”

“Well, in all honesty, a lot of things have been changing lately… An’ I’ve learned a lot about a pony I thought I had all figured out. I know what I need t’ do t’ help her, but I don’t know if it’s really the right thing t’ do… Ugh! This doubt is gonna be the end of me! Could we… Could we, maybe, go inside to talk, this is… kinda embarrassing.”

Fluttershy shot Rainbow a sympathetic glare.

“There, there, Rainbow. Everything’s all right. We’ll go inside, and you can tell me whatever you need to whenever your ready. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“Good, can I make you some tea?”

“No… WAIT, yes. That actually sounds great.

“Very well, you go get yourself settled, and I’ll go make tea.”

Fluttershy gestured for Rainbow to enter her peaceful cottage, she did so, smiling at her loyal friend. The inside of the humble home maintained the fairly-tale aesthetic that the outside so gracefully preached. The walls were spotless, not a speck of dust to be seen for miles, yet tiny animals still ran free, playfully chasing each other. A more pretentious pony would have been offended by the sight, though Rainbow just laughed at the adorable sight, before taking a seat on the immaculately designed sofa at the back of the room. She looked around for a moment, birdcages sprang from the ceiling, many hosting families of brightly coloured, exotic birds, holding their young close to them. It was a wonder to behold, though Rainbow couldn’t deny that the image brought back thought of Scootaloo, of how she had been denied the basic right of a loving family to care for her in her darkest hours. The thought saddened her, but still added fuel to the fire of passion for her plan to work that brewed inside her. Though as the minutes passed, her nerves quickly grew again, like a torrent of fear being thrown onto her spirit, dowsing her confidence and determination with thoughts of uncertainty.

“Come on, Rainbow Dash. Pull it together!” She accidentally spoke out loud.

“Erm, Rainbow, are you okay.” Said Fluttershy, slowly flying into the room with a trey of tea in her hoofs.

“Oh, yeah, yeah. It’s noting. Jus… just come sit down, let’s talk.”

“Certainly, Rainbow Dash.” Fluttershy spoke, with a hint of concern still in her voice.

She took one of the cups from her tray and gently placed it on a small table next to Rainbow. Steam rose from the cup, giving of a delightful aroma, making it seem irresistibly sweet and smooth. Though Rainbow knew that drinking it in its current state would burn her tongue, thus she turned to Fluttershy.

“So, erm… about why I’m here.”

“Ah, yes. Tell me what’s on your mind Rainbow Dash, I’m all ears. Take your time, just tell me when you’re ready.”

“Okay then… Here we go… It’s about Scootaloo.”

“Oh, of the Cutie mark crusaders, your little sister… IS SHE OKAY!?”

“Yeah, yeah she’s fine. Well… it’s just. How do I put this? She’s not in any harm or anything. But, I learned the other day that she doesn’t exactly have the best home life, definitely not one a filly as awesome as her deserves. Heck, not a home life any filly deserves.”

“Oh… what do you mean Rainbow.”

“Oh Celestia, where to begin! I’m not… I’m not scaring you with all this, am I?” I mean we can stop if…”

“Oh, no, it’s fine, I’m here for you Rainbow Dash! And, I wanna hear whatever it is you have to say.”

It was true that Fluttershy had become tense from what Rainbow had said, the thought of any young pony not getting what they needed making her fur feel like it was being tightened to the point of snapping in discomfort. However, she treasured the friendships she had gathered over the years over anything else. And, she wasn’t about to let one of her oldest allies suffer alone.

“Alright then. So, I first realised, about two weeks ago that something was up. When I saw that Scootaloo was gonna do something really dangerous… I won’t bore ya with the details...

Rainbow didn’t want to scare Fluttershy and was trying to hide it.

“All ya need to know is that I stopped her in time and made sure she knew what she did wasn’t okay. The upside is, she learned something and probably won’t be putting herself in danger like that any time soon. Then again, she does take after me… Never mind! The downside is, she was allowed to do something like that in the first place. I mean, she had to have let her parents know right, didn’t she? Wait, did she even tell them. Celestia, why did I assume that? I’m a mess!”

“Okay, Rainbow, calm down, it’s okay. Just breathe in and breathe out.”

Rainbow heavily panted, the situation beginning to weigh her down. Though her breaths quickly slowed, becoming more controlled, as Rainbow reconfigured herself.

“Alright, alright. So, I’d known for a while that Scootaloo, wasn’t exactly getting the support I got when I was her age. I didn’t think it was any ‘a my business getting’ involved though. But, after all that happening. I knew I had t’ do something.”

“Hu, well that’s certainly strange. I never would’ve guessed that Scootaloo was having home troubles, she always seems so happy when I see her. What did you find out, Rainbow?”

“Yeah, well. I tried finding out what I could for a while, but I got nowhere.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, Rainbow. You know, you could’ve just come to us, right? We’re your friends, we would’ve had this whole thing sorted out in no time.”

“Nah, this wasn’t your problem, you all have your own things to be dealing with, she’s my little sister and I had to be there for her. But, I definitely needed help, so I did end up getting my parents involved, and as annoying as they can be sometimes! They really did come through for me. They really get along with Scootaloo, and they talked me into going to talk with her parents. And… what I found out.”

“WHAT! Are they hurting her!?”

“No, Celestia NO! They’re actually fine ponies… It’s just, they live REALLY busy lives, as in, barely ever home, busy lives. So, Scootaloo ends up alone most ‘a the time.”

“Oh, no. That sounds horrible.”

“I know, right. She’s had to grow up so quickly because ‘a them!I mean, they haven’t taken away her foalhood, or anything, but they haven’t given her all the things she needs.”

“Like what?”

“Like, well. Ya know she can’t fly, right?”

“Indeed.”

“Well, a Pegasus, a Pegasus filly anyway, can’t learn to fly on their own, they need somepony there to teach ‘em, or else they’re not gonna get it.”

“Oh, that makes sense. I certainly couldn’t’ve learned to fly without those nice flight camp teachers.”

“Exactly! An’, jus’ between us mares, I think that the reason Scootaloo can’t fly, is that her parents never had the time to teach her properly. Now, ‘cause she’s older, it’s harder for her learn.”

“Oh, well it’s a horrible thought, but it does make sense.”

“Yeah, and it doesn’t just stop there! Their busy lives obviously cause ‘em a lot ‘a stress. So… they kinda get mad at each other, and argue, angrily.”

“Ah, the poor filly, I was lucky when I was her age, my parents got a long so well that they rarely ever argued. I hate to here that other ponies aren’t getting what I got.”

“Same here, but it looks like Scootaloo has to put up with it, almost every night! She has to fend for herself durin’ the day and then deal with their bickering at night!”

“Wow, that is terrible. Foals deserve to be cared for and loved by their parents, not be forced to put up with them.”

“I know, and… Celestia, I hate even thinking about it.”

“What is it Rainbow?” Fluttershy asked sincerely.

“Okay, you know we had that rainstorm last night.”

“Oh, how could I forget!? Even Harry was terrified. It was horrible!”

“Yeah, well. Scootaloo’s parents got in a pretty serious fight that evening. And naturally, Scootaloo got pretty scared, she told me that she could here their shouting over the sound of the thunder storm! So… She tried running away.”

Fluttershy was suddenly overcome in a state of pure shock. Her eyes burst open, her jaw crashed onto the ground and her breathing became quick and thin.

“Oh my gosh, how could they have let that happen?! It was so dangerous out there… and she’s so tiny! Is she safe, did she get hurt!? Oh, I hate to think what could’ve happened…”

“It’s okay, Fluttershy. She’s alright now. But, you’re right, she could ‘a gotten seriously hurt. I found her unconscious, in a field near sweet apple acres. If I hadn’t found her… I doubt she’d still be with us.”

The two were silent for a moment, the severity of the situation becoming real for them, as the trauma of the night suddenly flashed before Rainbow’s eyes, making her shiver. Fluttershy, remained perfectly still, the usually optimistic and carefree mare, being replaced by a much more sombre and serious pony.

“Rainbow Dash… I know you said that Scootaloo’s parents are good ponies, and I’m sure that they are. But, if everything you’ve said s true, then there is no possible way that Scootaloo can stay with them, the poor filly just isn’t safe under their care.”

“I know, Fluttershy. I’ve spoken with ‘em a couple times now. And, they’re not bad ponies, they’re not perfect, but they aren’t like, King Sombre evil, or anything. But, you’re right, Scootaloo can’t stay with them. They’re too busy and too short tempered for her. I know something has to be done.”

“Well, Rainbow. I’m here to help you in any way you might need me. So, have you thought about what you might want to do?”

“Well… Fluttershy. I’ve had an idea… And, I think it’s the right thing… But it’s crazy, and… Forget about it, you’ll think I’m insane!”

“No, don’t think that, never think that Rainbow, all of your friends are here for you. And, besides, anything you might have in mind must be better than what she has right now.”

“Okay… well, ya know how… erm, I have, like, lots ‘a room in my house. Where, say, a filly, maybe, could fit in nicely. And, how I have a well payin’ career that I don’t actually have to do a lot of work away from home for, so I could stay home… with said filly. Well, maybe, I was thinking, that I could, I could, maybe, ADOPT, a certain filly.”

“Om my gosh… Do, do you mean it.”

Rainbow was silent for a moment. Her confidence having been assassinated.

“Rainbow Dash?”

“I, I want to. I REALLY want to. I know I can make Scoots happy, and she already respects me, so there won’t be any problem there. But… This is ME where talkin’ about. Rainbow Dash! I’m not exactly known for bein’ too… what’s the word? MATURE let’s say. I make real newbie mistakes on things that I should know better on at this age. Can I really take in a foal? I mean, Scootaloo’s great an’ all, an’ she’s already real grown up. But… she still needs somepony there to give her advice and stuff… I’m not sure if… I’m not sure if I even deserve to be the pony to try and give her that.”

Rainbow suddenly looked defeated, the confident aura that usually beamed from her, having vanished, leaving only a cold, depressed shell, in which the mare remained.

Fluttershy gracefully flew over to Rainbow Dash, taking her into a loving and genuine hug. They remained there for a few second. Whilst Rainbow was never one to be overly affectionate with anypony, even she couldn’t deny that Flutershy’s tender nature made it hard to disguise her feelings around her. Though she quickly turned to face Rainbow directly, a stern, yet still loving look in her eye.

“Rainbow Dash! I don’t want you to say those things about yourself anymore. Sure, you can be a little immature sometimes, but you always realise when you’ve done wrong and do your upmost to fix it. And, no mater how hard anypony tries, nopony will EVER be perfect, so if you think that not being the perfect pony in every way makes you a bad choice to take care of a filly that’s already family to you, then you’re absolutely wrong. And, you know what. I couldn’t think of a better pony for the job if you gave me all the time in Equestria. You get along, she trusts and respects you, and I’ve never seen any filly smile so wide than whenever the name “Rainbow Dash” gets mentioned in front of that little darling. I know that you’ll face hardships, but you’ll get through them and you might even learn things together. I get why you’re scared Rainbow, the thought of having a foal is a scary thought. But, and take this from a childhood friend, I know you’re ready for this.”

“Yeah, but…”

Fluttershy raised her eyebrow at Rainbow Dash.

“No but’s, Rainbow Dash. I won’t lie, taking care of smaller creatures than yourself can be hard work sometimes, but when you see them happy, nothing can ever compare to the feeling. And, nopony will ever make that little filly happier than you, Rainbow.”

“Ah, you’re probably right… I just, I just want to know, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that I’m the right pony to take in Scootaloo.”

“I know you are, Rainbow Dash. I know you might not be known for your sensitive, caring side. But, I know it’s there, I’ve seen it on more occasions than I can ever hope to count.”

Fluttershy waited for a response, she was greeted only with silence.

“Look, I can tell that you want this, and it really is the right thing for you to do. But, if you’re still not sure, why not try going to talk to Applejack about it.”

“You really think that’ll help?”

“I know it will. She’s the most honest and upfront out of all of us. And, she’s going to tell you the exact same thing I’ve told you. So, that way you’ll know that there’s really nothing to be worried about.”

“Thanks ‘Shy, I’ll give it a shot”

“That’s good, Rainbow. But, I promise, you’ve absolutely nothing to worry about. And, when you do take her in. I wish you and Scootaloo a lovely life together.”

“Thank you… You really do know exactly what to say, don’t you?”

“Rainbow Dash, I’ve known you since fillyhood, if your ever feeling down, I’ll always know what to do to comfort you. And, never think I won’t be there Rainbow, I’m ALWAYS here, if you need me.”

“Thanks ‘Shy, it’s nice to know. And, if you ever need me, don’t think I won’t return the favour.”

The two hugged once again, Rainbow’s confidence having slightly returned from her friend’s speech. Though Fluttershy soon saw herself waving Rainbow good bye, as she flew off into Celestia’s golden sun, her eyes solely set on the apple farm of Applejack, current head of the famous Apple family and personal rival to Rainbow Dash herself. Though her honest words could often come across as harsh, they were words that needed to be said. Thus, Rainbow knew that a talk with her should finally give her the confidence she needed to move forward with her plan.
> The element of honesty
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rainbow Dash soared through the blue skies of Ponyville, reaching the humble farm from which the town had originated in record time. Though the usually beautiful, sprawling orchard was suddenly so bleak and horrific, with trees that once bared the most succulent fruit anypony could ever hope to feast upon, now pulled from their roots and sent crashing into the soil that once fed them nutrients, creating a chaotic pile of brown and green. The thought of such a famously proficient farm in such a desolate and poor state was certainly disorientating for Rainbow, who had been a close friend to the Apple family since she had first moved to the small town. However, the mare felt her heart stop, as she arrived at a field, the same she had visited the prior night, where she had found Scootaloo, so cold, bare and struggling to breathe. For a moment, Rainbow felt faint, the thought of a pony she had come to love so dearly being so weak completely breaking her. She began to fall, her wings forgetting how to fly in fear. Though she quickly reasserted herself, the horrific thought still ever-present in her mind. However, the atrocity of the night prior only seemed to motivate Rainbow further, as she finally reached Sweet apple acres.

She landed just outside the iconic, red barn and began to trot towards it. She was stopped by a familiar, southern accent.

“Howdy, Rainbow Dash. What brings you here?”

“Oh, eh, hey Applejack, didn’t see ya there.”

“Nah, don’t worry ‘bout it, sugar cube… Say, are you alright? Ya look like yar a million miles away.”

“Oh, yeah, yeah. Well, there was somethin’ I was hoping I could get your advice on. But, you look pretty busy right now… I can go.”

“Oh, it’s alright, I’ve always got time for a friend. I was just goin’ out to plant some new trees, and take away the ones the storm nocked down, but the field ain’t goin’ anywhere. And, if ya don’t mind me sayin’, seein’ Rainbow Dash be open with her feelings is a rare sight to behold. I wouldn’t miss this for zap apple jam!”

Rainbow chuckled as Applejack showed an exited glimmer in her eyes.

“Alright, Applejack. It’s just, just…”

Rainbow showed an uncomfortable expression, noticing Apple Bloom, innocently playing with Big Macintosh.

“It’s alright, sugar cube, take your time.”

“Erm, could we maybe go inside, this is kinda embarrassing.”

“Oh, honey, you don’t need to be embarrassed about cha’ feelin’s…”

“No! I, I know. But, we really should go somewhere a bit more private. Trust me… This ain’t exactly somethin’ ya want little fillies hearin’

Applejack stared back at her younger sister, playfully playing around with Big Macintosh as they braved through the colossal mess of the orchard. A serious and concerned glare now occupying the same space that had once showed confidence and relaxation.

“All’, all right. It’s like that. I know you Rainbow Dash, an’ if you say this ain’t foal friendly, it DEFFINATELY ain’t foal friendly! Here, come on in, those two should be out here for quite a while, we ain’t gotta worry ‘bout her comin’ in when your talkin’ about… whatever it is she shouldn’t be hearin’. We’ll talk in the livin’ room. An’ don’t feel like ya have to rush anything. I wanna help you the best I can.”

“Thanks, AJ. It’s nice to know I can rely on you.”

“Always, Sugercube. An’, don’t feel like ya have to thank me. A true, true friend helps a friend in need, remember?”

Applejack winked at Rainbow, who smiled back at her, before escorting her into the family’s living room. It was a small space, much more grounded and gritty when compared to Flutershy’s cottage, but Rainbow couldn’t’ve cared, it was still calm and cosy, appearing to have been lived in, making it feel welcoming.

The two mares sat next to each other on a worn, red sofa.

“So, Rainbow, what’s on your mind?”

“Oh, Celestia, where t’ start!?”

“Okay, Sugercube, jus’ take a deep breath, and start from the beginnin’.”

Rainbow took a large breath, mentally preparing herself for what was enviably about to transport her back to the horrendous happenings of that heinous night.

“Alright, Applejack, I’ll keep this short. So, I found out a couple ‘a weeks ago that Scootaloo might ‘a been havin’ some home troubles.”

“Oh, how so?”

“Well, she agreed to race down that huge mountain just outside ‘a town with this teenage stallion she’d never met before.”

“Wait a minute… So, you’re tellin’ me, that little filly almost got herself KILLED! Jus’ t’ look cool in front ‘a some colt she’d never met before in her life!”

“…Pretty much.”

“My Celestia… Why, I can see why you didn’t want Apple Bloom hearain’ any ‘a that, I’d ‘a been appalled if she’d gone an’ done somethin so dangerous! I hope her parents gave her a right ol’… oh, I think I know where this is goin’.”

“Yeah, don’t worry, I made sure she knew what she did was wrong, an’ I don’t think she’ll be doin’ anythin’ quite so stupid in the future.”

“Well… that’s good t’ here.”

“But, her parents really should ‘a stopped her from doin’ somethin’ like that in the first place, right?”

“Oh, that’s what ya meant, golly I pictured somethin’ much worse.” Applejack thought to herself.

“Eh, yeah. Yeah, they should ‘a done somethin’ about it. We’ve stopped Apple Bloom from doin’ some dumb things plenty ‘a times in the past. It was irresponsible for Scootaloo’s parents to let that happen!”

“I know, right! Anyway, I did some diggin’ into the whole fiasco, and eventually had t’ get my parents involved… As much as I hate to admit it, AJ, I was pretty terrible at the whole subtle thing.”

“Well at least ya can admit it t’ ya self, things’d only ‘a gotten worse if ya hadn’t gone for help… Ya know, ya could ‘a jus come t’ use right, we’d ‘a had the whole shabam dealt with in no time!”

“Thanks AJ, but Scootaloo’s my little sister, so it kinda felt like a family issue.”

“Well that sure makes sense, I’d be lyin’ if we said we didn’t have our fair share ‘a family troubles from time to time.”

“Cool, so anyway, with their help, I finally made a little progress, which is when things really started to click into place. I learned that her parents live really busy life styles, so they can’t be home all the time and so Scootaloo ends up alone.”

“What! But, she’s a filly, she needs to have her parents home t’ take care of her.”

“Does Apple Bloom need you guys home all the time?”

“Well… no, I guess not.”

“Exactly! But that’s not the bad part…”

Rainbow Dash heaved a heavy sigh

“I learned this a while ago now, before I even got my parents involved. But apparently Scootaloo’s folks don’t have to much faith in her.”

“Hu? Wha d’ ya mean, Rainbow Dash?”

“Well, ah Celestia, what did she said exactly? Somethin’ like that she should except the reality that she can’t fly. I really don’t know how a parent can say that to their foal.”

Applejack was silent for a moment, her face solemn and bleak.

“That, that. I’m sorry, but that just ain’t right. Sure, she ain’t quite there yet, but she has great ponies like you in her life, she’s bound to get there some day. But, tellin’ her that she’s gonna be grounded forever, that she’s never gonna get somethin’ she clearly wants so badly. Well… that’s just gonna destroy any self confidence that she may ‘a had. Why, the thought of parents like that gettin’ to keep their foal sickens me!”

Rainbow Dash was motionless, her inner conflict brewing within her as the inevitable topic had finally entered the conversation.

“I, I… me to Applejack. In all fairness, I’ve probably made ‘em seem a little worse than they actually are. But, even so, there’s no way I can let Scootaloo stay with ‘em. I can’t just watch little sister not get what she needs.”

“I here ya, Rainbow Dash, an’ it sounds to me like we’re gonna need to act now … But who do we know that’ll take her in.”

Rainbow took a deep breath. The moment finally having arrived.

“Well, that’s the thing AJ… I was thinkin’… maybe I could take her in.”

In what seemed like a fraction of a second, Applejack’s face went form a stern gaze, to an expression of pure shock.

“YOU! Rainbow Dash… wanna take in a FILLY!”

“I know, it sounds crazy… f, forget I said anything.”

“No, no. It’s nothin’ like that. It’s jus’, you never took me as the type that’d ever wanna have a foal is all. No offense, but ya seem to like free life.”

“I know, I know. I jus’… I see her there, an’ I feel like I wanna give her everythin’ they can’t, to really give her a foalhood ya know, like what my parents gave me.”

“Well, that’s mighty noble of ya, Rainbow Dash.”

“Yeah, well I know it’s what I want t’ do. She’s already family to me, so it jus’ feels… right. But, that’s what I wanted to get your advice on.”

“Go on.”

“Well… do ya really think I’m up to it? I mean, you said it yourself, I’, RAINBOW DASH, the most hot headed, full of herself, arrogant mare in Ponyville.”

“Now, don’t sell yourself short like that.”

“But it’s TRUE! I… I know Scootaloo can’t stay with her parents anymore, it ain’t right. But, am I really the best person to take her in?”

Applejack was silent for a moment, looking down at the floor with a thoughtful stare, before looking back up at her friend, a passionate glow radiating from her.

“Rainbow Dash, if this were any other filly we were talkin’ about, an’ I mean ANY. I’d be beggin’ ya to reconsider. You’re right, ya ca be a little full ‘a yourself sometimes, an’ that ain’t always the best with most foals.”

“Yeah, you’re right, it was a stupid idea!”

“BUT, since this is Scootaloo we’re talkin’ about here... I can’t think of anypony more suited to takin’ that little filly in than you, Rainbow.”

“Really!?”

“Would I lie? Look, ya may be a little rough aroun’ the edges. But you know that little filly better than I know ma way around an apple orchard. She’s already family to ya, so she wouldn’t have to go through that awkward bit ‘a havin’ to readjust to a knew family. An’, the two ‘a you ‘re already learnin’ from each other, like a good family should, so quirks an’ all, I see know reason why you takin’ in Scootaloo would mess her up more than what those two ponies must be doin’ to her tiny little head. Rainbow… you’re more mature than you, I or anypony else gives ya credit for. Ya said earlier that ya told her off when she put herself in danger, so ya obviously care ‘bout her well bein’ an’ know when t’ tell her no, or when to step in. Like a good parent needs to do, in addition to bein’ fun with ‘em. So, I want ya t’ know that you have my full support through this.”

Rainbow Dash was once again motionless, though the emotion rushing through her head were now utterly different. A sudden sense of calm and understanding came to replace to chaos and doubt that had previously plagued her mind. For the first time in what seemed to her like a thousand moons, Rainbow Dash was free of any inner struggle or any possible concern that she wasn’t the perfect pony to adopt Scootaloo. Her iconic confidence had been restored, as her path leading forward was no longer blocked by the horrendous storm clouds of worry that had lingered for so long.

“Um, Sugercube, are… are y’all alright?” Asked a concerned Applejack, as Rainbow appeared to be staring into space, with a confident grin slowly growing.

Rainbow quickly snapped out of her day dream, shaking her head as she adjusted to reality, before turning to Applejack.

“Oh yeah, I’m great AJ. I… I’ve just been so scared over this whole thing, and after hearin’ of you of all ponies say I got what it takes t’ take care ‘a Scootaloo. I, I finally feel like I can do it, ya know. I feel confident that I can actually do this!”

“Now, don’t get me wrong, Sugercube. It’s hard work, an’ you’re bound to make a mistake from time t’ time, but I got no doubt in my mind that you’ll lean form ‘em and you’ll both be better ponies because ‘ve ‘em. And, I stand by my statement that you are the perfect mare to take that little filly in.”

“Thanks, AJ. This… this really does mean a lot.”

“Don’t mention it, Rainbow Dash, and I, an’ ALL of us for that matter ‘ll be here to help ya… Have ya told anypony else yet?”

“Yeah, only my parents and Fluttershy, though. She was the first pony that came to mind when I realised I needed advice on this whole thing.”

“I can see that. You two ’ve been best friends since before I even met ya… But, I bet she said the exact same things as me, right.”

“Pretty much… I jus thought she may ‘a jus’ been sayin’ what I wanted to here though. Ya know how she can get. So, I thought that commin’ to you would really get me the answers I needed.”

“That was mighty responsible of ya, Rainbow. But, as your friend, AND the element of honesty, I can say that you ARE right for this.”

Rainbow chuckled.

“Thanks, AJ.”

“Ya welcome… Now, go on. I’ve got an orchard to deal with an’ you’ve got a filly to adopt.”

“Ha, thanks, AJ. I really do owe ya one.”

“Ah, don’t sweat it, Rainbow Dash. You’re gonna do great an’ I know it. Now, come on, I’ll see ya out, jus’ remember that I’m here if ya need my help at all.”

“Thank you, Applejack, this really does mean a lot.”

Applejack then lead Rainbow back outside, they smiled for a moment at Apple Bloom and Big Macintosh, who were still playfully attending to the fallen down trees. Rainbow smiled at the thought of giving Scootaloo the familial experience she saw Apple Bloom happily revelling in, only a few metres away from her.

Applejack waved her hoof goodbye, as Rainbow burst of into the now bright blue sky. Her thoughts were now as clear as the now completely cloudless sky. Her mind had been made and was now more confident than she had ever been that she had made the right choice. Though, there was little more she could do that day, Scootaloo undauntedly needed time to talk with her parents before she intervened further. Thus, Rainbow charted her course back to her cloud home, finally ready to begin planning out how to properly execute her plan.
> When a parent loves their foal
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After a short flight, narrowly avoiding another Pegasus, as she remained entranced in her own thoughts, Rainbow finally arrived back at her cloud sanctuary. Opening her door, she was met with the concerned glares of her parents.

“Did, did ya make ya mind up Rainbow?” Asked Bow, clinging to his wife.

“Mom, Dad, after thinkin’ about it real hard. What Scootaloo’s been through, what I can give her… What might happen either way. An’ talkin’ with my friends about it. I know what I’m gonna do.”

Rainbow’s parents took a deep breath, the suspense being enough to disfigure the calm and graceful nature of Celestia herself into a chaotic frenzy that not even Discord could hope to conjure. Noticing her parent’s hyperbolised reaction, Rainbow chuckled.

“I’m gonna take her in, guys, geez… calm down will ya.”

Bow and Windy’s face burst with pure happiness as Rainbow responded. The tension that had only moments ago plagued their minds had been crushed with a sudden sense of hope and optimism. The happy ending of so many foal tales that had been dismissed as fantasy or unreachable by many ponies as they reached maturity, was about to become more than the frivolous fiction that it had been denounced as.

In her excitement, Windy leaped onto Rainbow Dash, giving her a loving, affectionate, almost bone crushing hug.

“Oh my gosh, Rainbow, that’s amazing! We are prouder of you right now than we have ever been!”

“OKAY there mom, gettin’ a little to obsessive there… again.”

Windy quickly jumped back from her daughter.

“Sorry, dearie. It’s just… we knew that you taking in Scootaloo was the best thing for everypony, but you seemed so scared about it all. You’re usually so confident in your abilities, so it came as quite a shock when you told us that you didn’t think you were ready to take her in. We were so worried that you’d decide to leave her with those wretched, so called, parents.”

“Hey, hey! Let’s not go around bad mouthin’ other ponies. Sure, they’ve done some bad things, but they don’t deserve t’ be treated like that.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, Dashy. You know how I can be, always getting defensive of my foals… Anyway, we were worried that you’d leave her with them, so we’re just so proud that you’ve decided to take in that precious little thing. This really is the best thing you can do for her.”

“I gotta agree with y’r mother there, Dashy. Even after only knowin’ her for barely half a moon, we’ve come to love that little filly jus’ like you have. We jus’ can’t bare t’ see her in a home like that.”

Bow walked over to Rainbow, placing his hoof on her shoulder.

“I know it ain’t… normal, for a father to wan’ his daughter to have her own foal, it means they’ve grown up. They ain’t… yours, anymore. But… when I see the way you an’ that filly are together, even with all the amazing things you’ve done, and me an’ your mother ‘ve cheered you through, over obsession aside, out of ALL of ‘em, sein’ you and Scootaloo together is the thing that makes me most proud t’ call you my daughter. I’m always proud ‘a ya, Rainbow, we both are. We treasure everythin’ you’ve ever done, so trust us when we say that this is an amazin’ thing you’re doin’ an’ that ya should be very proud ‘a yourself.”

Bow leaned into Rainbow, hugging her tightly, knowing that his words could only dos so much. Windy quickly did the same, realising that this was likely the last time that the daughter they had loved and cared for so deeply would be theirs alone. For a moment, everything was peaceful, each of the three ponies completely engulfed in their beautiful familial bond.

Windy was the first to pull away, a smile brewing on her face, Bow noticed this and gleefully backed away also.

“What?” Uttered a curious Rainbow.

“BUT… Miss Rainbow Dash, just because you’re taking in a foal now… Don’t think for s second that you aren’t our Dashy anymore!”

Immediately as Windy’s words flew from her mouth, leaping onto her daughter and rapidly kissing her on the cheek and holding her with a firm grip.

“Ha, mom, knock it off.” Blurted Rainbow, laughing along with her mother.

“Oh, sure, you may be a GROWN UP now, working with the Wonderbolts like you’ve always wanted, going on missions on the order of Princess Celestia herself and even taking in a filly now. But, don’t forget where you come from Little Miss, never forget that we raised you… And that we will always love you.”

“Ha, ha. I won’t, mom.”

Windy let go of Rainbow, lightly tapping her on the shoulder.

“Well… good. I’m glad we got that figured out.

Rainbow Dash fed her mother a loving smile, showing a level of humility that many ponies in the past had wagered she didn’t have the capability to show.

“An’, I love you guys to, really, I mean it. There’s no way I’d be half the pony I am today without everythin’ you gave me… An’, I’m sorry if I don’t seem so grateful sometimes.”

Windy placed her hoof on her chest, deeply touched by her daughters show of affection. Though quickly began to chuckle as she saw comically hyperbolic tears began to well in Bow’s eyes.

“Oh… Celestia. The emotions… So proud. Why do you have no mercy on my poor heaaaart!”

“See! You made your father cry, this always happens when you do something remarkable Rainbow Dash.

Windy winked at Rainbow, causing her to smile as her father hugged her.

“There, there, dad. Let it all out.”

“You, you were so little, an’, an’ now you’re a grown mare… Having a filly of her own. Where did all the time gooooooo!”

The mares giggled at the adorable sight of a grown stallion breaking down at the sight of his daughter leaving behind the final remnants of her fillyhood.

“Oh, okay, I’m better now. Celestia, what just came over me.”

“The same thing that always does when I do literally anything, maybe?”

“Eh, what can I say you’re just that amazing, Dashy.”

Bow winked at Rainbow, showing her a proud glare of acceptance, causing her to slightly blush. Though Windy just let out a small sigh, finally coming to the realisation herself.

“I… I suppose you do have a point there, Bow.”

“Ah, no ‘a don’t, I was jus’ lettin’ the moment get t’ me is all.”

“No… It’s true, Rainbow. To us, it feels like just yesterday when you were that scared little filly, scared to even fly in public, who we taught to be brave. And, now. You’re this beautiful, amazing, loving pony who we’d always hoped you’d be, who’s worked so hard to make all her dreams come true, whereas so many other ponies would’ve just quit, and who’s now ready to raise a filly of her own. I know there’s no way you can understand right now, you will do one day, when Scootaloo grows up into the fine young mare you’re sure to make her. But, Dashy, seeing you there, all grown up, there are no words to show just how proud of you we are right now…”

“Mom… I thank you.” Uttered Rainbow, holding back her tears.

Windy momentarily smiled.

“But, even with that said… Dashy, I’d be lying if I said it didn’t hurt a little to… don’t get me wrong, I have always and forever will love you. But, there were so many years where you were ours alone, where we raised you, gave you everything you needed to prosper. Those are undeniable the best years of my life. And now. Well… well look at you, you’re strong, independent, you belong to the world now. And, soon. You’ll belong to Scootaloo. You won’t… you won’t need us anymore.”

Windy’s eyes began to inflate with tears, the crippling, supressed thoughts of her little Dashy forgetting her overwhelmed her brain.

Rainbow approached her mother, gently laying her hoof on her shoulder and beaming her with eyes filled with such love that it could keep Queen Chrysalis full for a thousand moons.

“Mom, I love you, I love both of you. I wouldn’t be half as awesome today if it weren’t for everything guys me. I’ll never be able to show just how thankful I am. So, if ya don’t mind. What kind ‘a self-absorbed, stuck up, show boat would I have to be to just ignore everything you’ve done for me? I know… I know I ignored you guys for quite a while. And, that’s on me. I was too caught up in the present that I couldn’t respect my roots. I know that now. Mom, I know I’ve got a busy life, but don’t ever think that you’re not gonna be a part of it.”

At the very moment Rainbow finished speaking, as if like lightning, Windy reached over to her daughter, giving her the tightest, most loving hug, a parent could offer their kin, letting her emotions run wild in a beautiful show of vulnerability that a much younger Rainbow would have called weak.

“Thank you, Dearie, you’ve no idea how much this means to me.”

Rainbow chuckled.

“Don’t mention it mom. I’m just returning the favour.”

Windy snickered, holding her daughter even closer to her, treasuring the beautiful moment. For a moment, there was silence.

“Oh, I really do have the greatest family in all of Equestria, now don’ I?” Spewed Bow, tears now bursting from his eyes as he flung his hooves around his two favourite mares.

The day quickly began to come to an end, with the three ponies sharing heartfelt stories of Rainbow’s fillyhood as Celestia dropped the sun, making the pastel blue of the sky vanish and leaving room in the sky for Luna’s dark, rich night.

The two, loving parents had finally come to fully accept that their daughter had grown up and was about to take a foal of her own under her wing. Thus, they took the opportunity to tuck their daughter into bed, one final time.

“Well, Rainbow. Are you all set for tomorrow?”

“Yeah, mom. I’m gonna head back over t’ Scootaloo’s house and talk to her parents again. See if I can get ‘rm t’ see where I’m comin’ from.”

“Good, I’m sure they will Dashy. Why, with your confidence, there’s no way they could even think ‘a turnin’ you down.”

“Thanks dad.”

Rainbow sighed.

“What is it, honey?”

“Nothin’ mom, it’s just, Scootaloo’s such an awesome filly. Sure, she needs somepony t’ take her in, but do I really deserve t’ be that pony.”

Windy placed her hoof on Rainbow’s forehead, giving her a reassuring grin.

“Dearie, I’ve heard it said that ponies come into our lives for a reason. That, that we are lead to those who help us most to grow, if we let them. Dashy, I won’t claim to know the ins an’ outs of how Equestria works, nopony does, not even Celestia herself. But, if anything, I do know that you and Scootaloo met for a reason, to help each other, to grow together.”

Bow placed his hoof on Windy’s shoulder.

“Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s true, but I know we are who we are ‘cause ‘a the ponies we know an’ meet. We certainly wouldn’t be the ponies you see her if not for you Dashy, jus’ like how I’m sure you’d be different without Scootaloo.An’ I can tell ya now, she’d be growin’ up grow up to be a very different young mare if it weren’t for you. You’re the absolute best thing for her, Dashy, ain’t any doubt about it.”

Rainbow chuckled.

“Thanks guys, I know I seem a little nervous, but I know this is all gonna work out it the end.”

“Alright Dearie, now you get some sleep, you’ve got a big day ahead of you and we’d hate for you to feel tired in your little talk.”

“Alright mom.”

Windy smiled, turning of the light to Rainbow’s room, watching as her daughter vanished into the darkness. She gently shut the door.

“We really do have the best daughter in Equestria, don’t we?”

Bow smiled.

“We sure do, Windy, we sure do.”
> Moment of truth
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following morning arrived swiftly, sending rays of sun into Rainbow’s room. They pierced through the window and forcefully yanked Rainbow eyes open.

“Ugh!” Rainbow muttered.

She slumped out of bed, her usually dynamic, rainbow main now droopy and messy. However, it suddenly burst with life, as a shock of memory bolted from Rainbow’s brain, making it, clean and sleek once again. Rainbow had remembered her plan.

“Ha, ha. Today’s the day, Rainbow. You’re finally gonna do it! This is gonna be so awesome.”

“Dearie, are you alright in there? Is somepony with you?”

Rainbow gasped.

“N… no mom, jus’ got a little carried away.”

“Ha, same old Dashy.”

Rainbow made out the sound of hoofs clopping away, cringing all the while.

“Let’s, let’s just pretend that never happened.”

Catching a brief glimpse out her window, Rainbow noticed the worker ponies. Still slaving away, restoring Ponyville from the storm.

“Wow, I knew they went over board with that storm… But, geez. Somepony could’ve gotten…”

Pushing the thought to the back of her mind, Rainbow exited her room.

The morning seemed to flash by at a speed even Rainbow couldn’t dare to comprehend. She washed, ate breakfast and said goodbye to her parents, before bursting from the house and into Ponyville.

She was suddenly in the sky, finally ready, turning what could’ve been a normal day, into an event that would shake the lives of many ponies irreversibly. Rainbow prayed that it would be for the better. She almost wanted to beg for the journey to never end, for the awkward confrontation to never rear its head. However, the majority of her being was filled with a determination that she had been without for days now, which she was so thrilled to finally have back, and that wouldn’t dare of letting her think of deterring now. Just as she had completely squashed any lingering pests of insecurity, the journey was over. She had arrived.

The house seemed small compared to what it had been like previously. No longer the looming, intimidating, haunted house that it once was. And, in it’s place, stood a small and helpless abode, clearly in desperate need of support.
Rainbow approached the door, gently knocking on it three times. She heard fumbling from the other side, before the door violently swung open.

“Whaaaaaa… oh, hello, Miss Dash. What brings you around this early in the mornin’? Wha… what time is it.”

Electric Breeze’s mane was frazzled, with loose strands of hair weaving in and out in every direction, creating some of the most powerful knots Rainbow had ever laid eyes upon. Her eyes were barely open, leaving only a thin light line for the mare to see from.

“Erm… It’s about eight, I’d guess.”

Electric’s head wavered slightly.

“Oh, is it?”

She suddenly snapped from her daze, giving off a powerful yawn, before opening her eyes wide, revealing tiered, vulnerable pupils.

“Could’ve sworn it was earlier… Anyway, what can we do for ya?”

Rainbow slowly began to brush her mane with her hoof, her eye contact slightly veering. 

“Erm, could I… maybe, talk t’ you an’ Wild for a bit?”

“Oh, yeah, sure. But, Wild’s just out for a…”

“Hey honey, I couldn’t…”

Rainbow spun around, noticing Wild Twister, galloping toward the house, his face seemed oddly stern, not making full eye contact with either of the mares.

“Hey, honey. Are you doin’ alright.”

“What, oh. Great, great… jus’ great.”

“Rainbow jus’ wan’ed t’ talk to us for a minute.”

Wild’s eyes dotted from Electric to Rainbow in rapid succession, before abruptly stopping, his eyes now directly staring into Rainbow’s soul.

“Splendid, come on in, I’ll make you some hot coco.”

“No, no. Thanks an’ all, but I jus’ need t’…” discuss some things is all.”

“Oh, erm… alright then, come on through.”

Wild lead the two mares through to the living room, sweat dripped from the his fur covering his fore head, though he tried desperately to hide it.

Rainbow began couldn’t help but feel suspicious. However, she quickly brushed the issue into the left corner of her brain, letting the matter at hand take centre stage once again.

Some time seemed to pass after the three ponies settled into the living room, with each passing moment weighing down the situation with more and more awkwardness, the likes of which Rainbow had never thought could exist. She began to question if she could even bring herself to talk, though the words did eventually force themselves through her mouth.

“Scootaloo.”

“What?”

“How’s… how’s Scootaloo.”

The two parents appeared puzzled for a moment, taken back by what initially seemed to be such a simple question. They stared at each other for a brief moment. 

Electric slowly opened her mouth to respond.

“She’s... she’s great.”

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes.

“Look guys, I’ve know Scoots for quite a while now, we’ve been through things nopony could ever imagine together, an’ I’d like t’ think I a better pony because ‘ve it. And, ’cause ‘a that, I kinda know when somethin’ ain’t right with her.”
“What do you mean?” Wild asked.

“I remember one night, it seems so long ago now, when Scootaloo almost got herself hurt.”

“My, Celestia, was she alright!”

“Emphasis on the ALMOST. I got in their just in time, gave her a good talkin’ to. She ain’t gonna be doin’ anythin’ that stupid any time soon.”

“Yeah…” Wild added, his voice unnaturally high pitched and his eye brows raised high.

“Anyway… I ended up bringin’ up you guys… An’, THAT’S when she getting’ all defensive. Before that, she seemed more than happy to talk, but then, after I brought up you, she seemed so desperate to jus’… get away.”

The room was silent for a moment.

“An’ that’s when it all clicked, Scootaloo had never talked about you guys to me before, like ever. I mean, she’s a little filly, right? They complain about their parents all the time. But, Scootaloo jus’ wouldn’t open her mouth.”

“Yeah, I guess that is a little strange.”

“Look, I get fillies being embarrassed by their parents, I’d know. But, that jus’ didn’t seem like the problem. So, I did a little digging. And, well here we’re now. I finally got her to crack one night. And, no offense, part of me… kinda gets where she was comin’ from.”

“Yeah, we get it.”

“Ya see… Wait, WHAT!?”

Electric stepped forward to speak, though she was quickly interrupted by Wild placing his hoof on her chest, smiling at her.

“We love Scootaloo, we really do. More than we could ever put into words. But…”

He let out a heavy sigh.

“We know that we ain’t the most stable ‘a ponies. We fight argue an’ we’re barely even home. So poor Scootaloo has to act like a full-grown mare before her time. We see all her friends getting’ the foalhoods they all the deserve. It pains us to know that we’ll never be able to give her the same.”

Wild looked down from Rainbow, a guilty, ashamed stare beamed from his eyes. Years of escaping the issue had finally caught up to him. Windy tied to comfort him, but ultimately came to feel the same guilt as he did.

“Hey… you guys aren’t all THAT bad.”

“Don’t pity us Ms Dash… We know.”

“No, I’m serious! You guys work your flanks off, just to give her a safe home. So, you argued a little, I… I know now that if you really love a pony, than you’re gonna fight from time to time. ‘Cause, the ponies who love us most are also the ponies who annoy us the most… And, that ya gotta talk it out before things end up way worse, an’ ya end up not seein’ ‘em for a really long time. That’s a problem that you guys ‘ve gotta work on. But, you ain’t the only ponies who have that problem, and it absolutely doesn’t make you bad ponies.”

Electric looked up at Rainbow, her mask having lifted, allowing Rainbow to glance at her true face for the first time, revealing two eyes of endless vulnerability and insecurity, which so desperately needed southing.

“You mean it?”

“What could I possibly get from lying.”

“Fair point.”

Electric chuckled, Rainbow did the same. However, the cyan Pegasus’ demeaner suddenly took a more serious expression.

“But, that don’t mean your completely off the hook though.”
Still looking ashamed, both Wild and Electric sat up straight to face Rainbow, as if they were mere foals themselves, answering to a strict parent. 

“Before I met you, I thought you’d be these horrible despicable ponies, that was wrong ‘a me. I guess I jus’ wan’ed an excuse to save Scootaloo from… something, anything. But, when I actually met you guys, I realised how closed minded I’d been. You weren’t bad ponies at all, jus’ kinda mis guided. But, I can’t jus’ watch as a filly I love grows up like that.”

“We get that, we always wished she’d have a pony like you, Rainbow. But, outta curiosity, how much did ya figure out before actually meeting us?”

“Oh, well… there was this one time, me an’ Scoots were out trainin’, when I thought I’d bring up her parents. It’d been bothering me for a little while at that point. An’, I thought that there was no better time than the present. So, I just asked, talked first, thought later. Then what she said t’ me, that her parents didn’t believe that she’d ever fly. That jus’ drove me mad!”

“What, we knew it was her dream… but sometimes we can’t always get what we want, an’ with her wings, she probably won’t ever fly on her own. It’s better that she understood that now, instead of having to suffer through it later.”

“… Alright, maybe, maybe she will struggle. Maybe, she will get annoyed at how somepony else ’ll get something she wants so badly, real easy, when she has to work her flank off for it. But, telling a little filly, who wants nothing more than t’ fly, that she’ll never get to the clouds by herself. Did you ever think about what that might ‘a done to her confidence? So now, she’s been havin’ to push those words to the back ‘ve her mind, which is effort she could’ve put into her training. I don’t care how hopeless it might seem, making a filly doubt herself like that won’t make anything better!”

For a brief moment, the three ponies were completely silent. The air suddenly seemed stale.

“Celestia… What’ve we done.” Wild muttered.

“Look, that’s jus an ol’ pet peeve ‘a mine. An’, it don’t even matter in the long run. She’s makin’ good progress now.”

“Yeah, thanks t’ you!” Electric shouted, almost bursting from her chair. “If it weren’t for you, I’d hate t’ think where she’d be now.”

“Okay, what ya did wasn’t right. But, there’re so many fillies, colts an’ other children outside Equestria who’re ignored, malnourished, in horrible homes. Who have t’ grow up long before they should have to. Sure, things ain’t perfect for her, but she could definitely have it a lot worse.”

Electric smiled, the same vulnerability still shining in her eyes.

“Thanks, Ms Dash, it’s horrible to think that there’re foals out there who have to suffer through all that, but Scootaloo still deserves more than what we can giver her right now. We… we jus’ ain’t what she needs.”

Observing the distressed parents, Rainbow knew that the time had come for her to finally pitch her hypothesis to them. However, despite their openness about their struggles with her, Rainbow still knew to be careful when addressing the issue.

“Well, maybe I could help you guys out a little more.”

Both ponies looked up at Rainbow, a confused, yet hopefully optimistic look in their eyes.

“What?”

“I, I know I’m not actually her sister. But, after all this time, carin’ for her, seein’ her happy, sad. I kinda feel responsible for her. So, if you guys want, she could come live with me. She’s still your daughter an’ you’d still see her all the time. But, I got a good job with a lot ‘a time off, so I could give her all those things you want to… I’m not tryin’ ‘a take away your daughter here, I jus’ wanna give her the best I can.”

Once again, the room when silent, Rainbow felt a whole year go by in a single moment. The anguish she felt in the anticipation of an answer was enough to make her faint.

Electric opened her mouth. Rainbow braced herself.

“Rainbow, I… I don’t know what t’ say… This. Thank you.”

“I know, I’m sor’… Wait, really!”

Wild stepped forward.

“You’re like what, half our age, yet you’re still double the pony either us’ll ever be. You have your life in one piece an’ ya know what you’re doin’ with it. I won’t try an’ hide it, it weren’t too long ago that we were conciderin’ putin’ Scootaloo up for adoption. We love her more than anythin, but we knew that she deserved better than us. But, the nearest orphanage is all the way over in Canterlot, an’ we didn’t wanna take her away from her friends, so we jus’ kept at it, hopin’ that things would hopefully get better. So, if ya don’t mind me sayin’, this is the best thing that could ‘a happened.”

Rainbow was speechless, partly due to the frustration she felt with herself, letting such panic consume her, blinding her vision from what was now so obvious. She made a note to not fall into such idiocy again. However, most of her being was filled with pride and happiness, her plan was a success, she was one step closer to giving the filly she had come to adore so deeply the foalhood she deserved.

“Wow, this is… actually happening. An’, I really, mean it, you guys can come visit when ever you want, but I can give her EVERYTHING you guys have always wanted to.”

“We wish we could, Rainbow. But, the truth is… you’re just what she needs right now. Celestia know she respects you more than she does us, she’ll probably be thrilled.”

“Thanks, you guys, for understanding I mean… Speaking of, should we tell her now, or d’ you wanna wait a bit, or what?”

Wild and Electric both looked down, the same guilt that had previously filled their eyes returned. Though they also seemed fearful and damaged.

“Well… ya see.”

Rainbow’s expression toughened.

“What!”

Electric sighed.

“We woke up in the middle ‘a the night t’ the sound ‘a the door slamin’, we thought there might ‘a been a burglar in the house, so my brave husband here went lookin’ around the house, but her found nothin’. That is… ‘til he got t’ Scootaloo’s room… Now, me an’ Wild have had our fair share of arguments, but I ain’t ever heard him scream as loud an’ as painfully as he did then. Scootaloo was missin’! An’ he wasted no time chargin’ out the door, but I stopped him, he seemed way too shocked to find her, ‘specially at that hour. So, I offered to go instead… It was practically light by the time I got back, I’d searched all of Ponyville, an’  gone up an’ down all the Everfree forest at leas’ twice before I headed home. Wild had started t’ get worried ‘bout me ‘cause ‘a how long I’d been.”

The two smiled at each other.

“I hated to worry him like that. But, he’d seen to ‘a calm down quite a bit, so I thought he’d have a better chance than I’d had, with it bein’ light an’ all.”

“My first thought was to let the mayor know what’d happened. I would ‘a come t’ you, but I didn’t know where ya lived.”
“That’s fine.”

“Anyway, I meant to stay there, just in case she came back. But, I was so tired from my own search that I was out like a light in minutes. That’s why I looked so… frazzled, shall we say, when you arrived, I’d only woken up, like, a minute or two ago.”

The atmosphere of the room had become tense, the air had become so tight that Wild and Electric could almost feel it strangling them. Rainbow looked down, her mane now covered her eyes.

“R, Rainbow Dash?”

She looked up, her eyes full of desperate passion.

“I’m… I’m not mad at you. You couldn’t ‘a known when she left an’ ya tried your absolute hardest t’ find her. That’s all that matters.”

Rainbow stormed towards the door.

“I’ll make sure she’s safe knows what she did was wrong when I find her. But, if somepony has took her… I’ll show ‘em what’s what.”

“Thank you, Miss Dash… For everything.”

Rainbow grinned.

“My pleasure.”

Rainbow burst off into the sky, not willing to waste a single second, whilst her Scootaloo was in danger. Ponyville was a safe town, yet a filly unsupervised for too long was bound to endanger her wellbeing. No matter how long she would have to search, she would save Scootaloo, from whatever mess she had gotten herself into.
> New beginings
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rainbow Dash blazed through the sky, her mind reaching for any possible places Scootaloo may have ran off to. She only narrowly avoided a passing by Pegasus mare. Being much closer with the young filly than her birth parents, Rainbow knew of many locations where they would’ve been none the wiser to search. However, with all the rubble and worker ponies scattered around Ponyville, she thought it imperative to check the locations that put the young one in more danger first.

After checking the perimeter of the Everfree forest, the surroundings of the town hall, which had been subjected to a severe slaughter the previous night, and the market place, which saw tents collapsed in ruin, Rainbow finally headed over to the Sweet apple acres. The sight appalled her. Acres of collapsed trees laid before her. Trees that had once bared the most delicious fruit the citizens of Ponyville could ever imagine were now piled on top of each other, their roots sprung into the air.

Though acres more still stud. The trees at Sweet Apple acres had lived on for generation, only growing studier as time passed.

In her mind, Rainbow knew exactly where Scootaloo would have taken sanctuary. Her home away from home, where she had made so many happy memories. Though as she finally arrived at her destination, her heart sank. She dashed down to the ground, her eyes bursting open in horror. The clubhouse was in ruins. What was once a cute little home to three adorable fillies was now a chaotic mess, a frenzy of colourful chunks, crushed into the branches of trees, all surrounding a disgusting pile of rubble and dust. Rainbow’s hooves trembled as she stepped forward, almost tripping over herself.

“Okay, Rainbow. We can fix this later. We need to worry about Scootaloo for now.” She whispered to herself.

She took a deep breath, her mind attempting to rationalise everything that had happened in such a tiny space of time. Though her eyes suddenly perked up, as she caught a glimpse of a miniscule movement behind a tree. She pleaded it was what she thought it was. She treaded forward, keeping her composure, trying her best not to seem threatening.

“Scoots, that you little buddy?”

Her words hadn’t even finished, when a small shadow burst out from the tree.

Rainbow Dash leapt after it, swiftly manoeuvring through the trees, keeping the figure in the centre of her vision. She caught up to the creature in no time, lifting it off the ground, before suddenly collapsing onto the dirt floor.

Her back pinned on the ground, Rainbow held the little one up in the air, staring it directly in the eye. It was Scootaloo. The filly tried her best to escape. Her wings insatiably flapping and her hooves forcing down on Rainbow’s ow. To no avail.
Rainbow sighed in relief. She pulled herself up into a sitting position and placed Scootaloo on her lap, keeping a tight, yet not harmful grip of her.

“Let me go, Dash!”

Scootaloo scowled up at Rainbow Dash, her teeth gritting together as she fought the temptation to start crying.

“Woah, woah, Scoots. Calm down will ya. I’m not gonna hurt you.”

“You betrayed me, Rainbow…”

Scootaloo brushed away tears with her hoof.

“How could you!”

“What! Scoots, I’d never do anything like that. You’re my best little buddy forever, remember. Friends NEVER go behind each other’s backs.”

Scootaloo scoffed at Rainbow.

“Don’t lie to me. I heard you speaking with my parents yesterday.”

“You did.”

“You’re gonna send me away to some orphanage in Manehatten. I’ll never see my friends ever again. My life ‘ll be ruined! I thought we were friends, Rainbow!”

Rainbow gasped. There had been occasions in the past where her own foolishness had caused Scootaloo to question the trust she placed in her idol, causing Rainbow to see a passionate anger, ignited in eyes that normally bore respect and amazement whenever they were laid upon Rainbow. However, the fire, which she saw ignited in Scootaloo’s eyes at that point was enough to break her heart. The anger seemed to radiate from Scootaloo so much that Rainbow could practically feel the heat heaving into her fur from their mere contact. A younger Rainbow would’ve lashed out at the young filly, unable to handle, even the concept of, false accusations. Though now, Rainbow wanted nothing more than to cool her filly’s enraged spirit.

“Scootaloo… listen to me.”

“Why should I!”

“JUST… Listen to me, Scootaloo.”

Scootaloo jolted her head away from Rainbow Dash. The new, chilling disconnect between the two was almost more painful than the anger the filly gave with eye contact.

“Listening.” 

“I, I… If ya really heard everything. Then… I can kinda see why you’d think that.”

Scootaloo glared up at Rainbow.

“So, I was right, hu!?”

“NO, no. Please… let me finish.”

Scootaloo scuffled back into Rainbow’s lap.

“I was havin’ a little talk with your parents. I’m sorry if that made ya uncomfortable.”

Scootaloo jeered at Rainbow.

“They’re great ponies, Sport. They really are. An’ I can tell they mean well. But…

“But, what?”

Rainbow took a deep breath. 

“Ya deserve better, Scootaloo. You deserve a foalhood, you deserve somepony who’ll actually be there for you, who’ll pull ya back up when you’re off your hooves. Who won’t scare you into running out into a dangerous storm at night.”

Scootaloo rolled her eyes.

“Yeah, an’ I’m supposed t’ get all that from some orphanage, miles away from here. I appreciate your concern, Rainbow Dash. But, I’ve been handling myself pretty well for years. I’m pretty sure I can handle a few more.”

Scootaloo was noticeably shaking, the enflamed anger that once radiated from her fur had now replaced with a freezing, intense fear. Her eyes glimmered with a false confidence, as she tried her hardest to seem confident and mature next to Rainbow.

“That’s not what I’m saying, Scoots. I would never send you away from your friends. Never ever!”

“Then what, what are you saying?”

Rainbow Dash briefly closed her eyes, before staring right down to meet Scootaloo.

“Scootaloo, d’ ya… d’ ya wanna come live with me?”

Scootaloo’s eyes suddenly shot open. Her statuesque position unnerved Rainbow.

“I mean, it’s not like ya have to or anything, it’s jus’…”

Fumbling over her words, Rainbow failed to notice the adorable grin, slowly building on Scootaloo’s face. Finally culminating, as she was interrupted by the filly jumping up, embracing her in a warm, loving hug.

“Thank you, so much. Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow felt the drizzle of tears, flooding from Scootaloo’s eyes, as they poured down her fur. She pulled the little one closer to her, gently stroking her back.

“There, there, kiddo. Let it out.”

“I… I don’t know what to say."

“Ya don’t have t’ say anything.”

“But, but I was so mean!”

“We all lash out sometimes, Scootaloo. It’s totally natural. I mean, just look at some ‘a the crazy stuff I’ve done.”

Scootaloo let out a faint chuckle, causing Rainbow to show a small grin in return.

The minutes seemed to fade away, as Rainbow held Scootaloo close to her, the filly’s tears continuing to roll through her fur, though she couldn’t have had the slightest of cares. The state of bliss she felt couldn’t be matched by any experience she had to compare it to. She had never been readier for this new age of her life to begin.

Rainbow soon felt the tears ceasing to drip, causing her to place Scootaloo back into her lap, looking her in the eye with a kind smile.

“All better now?”

Scootaloo wiped her eyes with her hoof.

“Yeah, yeah I’m good. Celestia, I don’t know what came over me.”

“Well duh. The most awesomest pony in all of Equestria just said you could live with her!”

Scootaloo chuckled, almost sneezing as a result.

“No, I mean it, Rainbow Dash. I was mean t’ you, I said all those horrible things t’ you back there. And yet… And yet you still wanna take me in.”

Rainbow placed her hoof on Scootaloo’s shoulder.

“Listen, Scoots. You were mad, we all get mad sometimes. I’d kinda be a huge hypocrite if I wen’ off on ya for somethin’ like that. An’ it ain’t like ya didn’t have a reason, you thought that I’d betrayed your trust. Anypony ’d be furious if that happened to them. But most importantly, Scootaloo. An’, I wan’ you t’ remember this. I love you, we’re family, and families don’t let petty little stuff like that get in the way ‘a the important stuff. Sure, I’ll be there t’ teach you a lesson if ya end up doin’ somethin’ wrong, but sometimes, when we feel hurt, we just have t’ let it all out. There ain’t nothin’ wrong about that."

Scootaloo smiled up at Rainbow Dash, the uncertainty that had been there was now seeming to fade, leaving only genuine Hapieness and vulnerability.

“Thanks… Rainbow Dash.”

“Don’t mention it, little buddy.”

Rainbow couldn’t have been more joyful. However, Scootaloo suddenly gave a worried expression.

“So, does this mean that things are gonna be different now?"

“What, of course not! Well… I’m probably gonna have to make sure ya go to bed early on school nights, do all your homework, ya know, the boring adult stuff, yada, yada, yada. But, other than that, things are still gonna be absolutely, positively awesome!”

Rainbow winked at Scootaloo.

“You promise?”

“I thought you’d know by know that I’m not the kinda pony t’ lie about stuff like that.”

Scootaloo let out a snicker at Rainbow’s comment.

“Meh, I do that stuff anyway.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes.

“Come on, Scoots, cut the act already. I know you’re mature an’ all, but your still a filly. Sure, you CAN manage on your own. But nopony your age should have to, and YOU don’t need to anymore. So, if you’re ever struggelin’ with anything, don’t be afraid to let me know. Seriously, I know how hard school can get.”

“Okay… fine. I guess getting help from the coolest pony in all of Equestria is better than doing it on my own.”

Scootaloo grinned at Rainbow, raising her eyebrow.

“Ha, there’s the Scootaloo I know!” Rainbow exclaimed, rubbing Scootaloo’s mane.

“Buuuuut.” Rainbow expelled, clenching back her hoof.

“Since we are on the topic of boring adult stuff.”

Scootaloo braced herself.

“What the hey were you thinking coming out here!?”

“WHAT? This is always where I go t’ relax!”

“Yeah, but you should ‘a known how dangerous it would ‘a been after that storm. Have you seen all the trees?! The clubhouse even!”

Scootaloo glanced down, a disappointed glow in her eye.

“Yeah, I should ‘a known…”

Rainbow suddenly felt a twang of guilt in the back of her neck. The tragedy of the pile of rubble, which stood before her, now finally starting to sink in.

“Hey, hey don’t worry about it, Scoots, I’m sorry this had t’ happen to ya. L, l… listen. I know it’ll never be the same. But, I’m sure you an’ your friends’ll build one twice as awesome.”

Scootaloo raised an eyebrow.

“You promise it’ll be twice as awesome?”

“Three times even! An’, I’m here t’ help out anyway I can.”

Scootaloo gave a weak smile.

“Thanks, Rainbow Dash.”

“No, problem, kiddo… Seriously though. What were you doin’ here if ya knew it wasn’t safe?”

Scootaloo shrugged.

“Where else was I gonna go?”

Rainbow Dash was stunned at Scootaloo’s response. It seemed so apparent, yet simultaneously tragic.

“C, come on, let’s just get outta here. I need t’ have one more little talk with your parents. Then we can get started on… whatever we wanna call this.”

Scootaloo grinned, jumping up into Rainbow’s hoofs.

Rainbow gave a confident grin, her wings began to rapidly spin, creating a raucous gust of wind. Then, in barely a moment, she launched off into the sky.

Despite having seen it a few times at this point, Scootaloo’s eyes still shone with wonder as she marvelled at how high she was.

As seemed like routine now, Rainbow, soared through the light blue, sky, Scootaloo safely in her hoofs. She grinned down at the young filly, though she was still busy glaring down at the worker ponies below them.

Rainbow often considered herself to be rather thorough when flying, always factoring every minute detail of her surroundings and acting accordingly. However, the same couldn’t be said whilst she was on the ground. Thus, she hadn’t noticed the minor build up of liquid on her pause, as a result of her being in contact with the wet ground. Furthermore, the movement was far too miniscule, and Scootaloo herself far too occupied, for either pony to notice the young filly slowly slipping and slipping and slipping from Rainbow’s grasp. Until…

Rainbow suddenly felt lighter.

“Wait, Wh, Wh, what?”

She glared down, the orange filly now plummeting towards the ground.

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhh”

“SCOOTALOO!”

Rainbow shot down, a colourful stream beginning to flicker behind her… Still not fast enough.

…

The ground seemed so close to the orange filly, when she was suddenly grasped by a pair of cyan hooves grasped her, clutching her tight.

Only a split second later, the two bashed onto the ground, rolling along it with fierce momentum. 

It seemed like an eternity before the tumbling finally ceased, sending Rainbow Dash into a frenzy of rapid breathing. The experience already beginning to seem like a blur. Though a wave of panic suddenly hit her, causing her to quickly opening her hoofs, revealing a terrified, shaking, but ultimately unharmed orange filly.

Rainbow took a sigh of relief, her breath beginning to catch up. However, he eyes suddenly widened, as she once again clutched Scootaloo, diving out of the way of a large tractor.

Managing to land on her hoofs, Rainbow glared up at the tractor, a furious glimmer in her eye. It came to an abrupt stop.

“What the hey was that!?”

A dark red Pegasus stallion emerged from the tractor.

“I’m sorry, mam. But civilians aren’t supposed to… Rainbow Dash!?”

Rainbow’s head jolted up, making direct eye contact with the pony. Her pupils widened.

“Scarlet Speeder!?”

“That’s my name… Sorry for almost gettin’ ya there.”

Scarlet rubbed the back of his neck. Rainbow groaned.

“Look, its fine, I’d honestly rather it’d been me than somepony who can’t react as fast… But what the hey ‘re you even doin’ here?”

Scarlet tilted his head.

“Come again.”

“I mean, don’t you live in Cloudsdale? And, ain’t it illegal to hire ponies your age for this kinda stuff.”

“Well, for your first question. Some stuff went down with whatever mum and dad had t’ be here for. An’, now we gotta be here a little while longer. Can’t say how long. As for your second question…”

Scarlet shrugged.

“We’re jus’ as hard workin’ as any older pony, an’ it ain’t like we’re little fillies anymore. We got the energy for it. So, I really don’t see why ma age should be a problem.”

Rainbow frowned.

“Yeah, but…”

“IS IT OVER!” Screamed Scootaloo, still clinging to Rainbow’s hoofs.

Scarlet tilted his head.

“The hey?”

“I assume ya remember this one.”

Rainbow opened up her hoofs, revealing Scootaloo, still curled up, but her eyes now wide open.

“Oh, hey there, Scootaloo, how ya been? Ya know, except f’ the whole, almost runnin’ you over thing.”

Scootaloo suddenly felt so embarrassed, memories from that night coming flooding back to her.

“Yeah… things ‘re good, yeah.”

Scarlet grinned.

“Well, happy t’ here that, li’l one. One you’re still a bad flank on that scooter.”

Scootaloo chuckled.

“You are so going down!”

Rainbow glanced down at Scootaloo, scowling.

“In a few years.” Scootaloo mumbled

Rainbow smiled, giving an approving nod.

“Alright then, Scarlet, me an’ Scoots here ‘ve got places to be. An’, I’m sure you’ve got lot’s ‘a work t’ do. That is, if your parents ‘re okay with ya bein’ here.”

Rainbow raised an eyebrow. Scarlet shrugged.

“Meh, I doubt they’d really care… Now, y’all ‘d best mosey along. I got a lot ‘a trees to clear. And…”

He glanced down at Scootaloo.

“This really ain’t a place for foals.”

Scarlet smiled at the two mares, before retreating back into the tractor, which quickly returned to trudging along the ground.

However, Rainbow continued to stare out at it, causing Scootaloo to show a confused expression.

“What is it, Rainbow.”

Rainbow continued to stare out into the distance.

“Oh, nothing. This really ain’t place for foals, is all.”

She immediately cut from her trance. She glanced down at Scootaloo, grinning.

“Come on, let’s get outta here. You’ve had enough excitement for one day. Let’s just get you settled into your new home.”

Scootaloo squealed in excitement.

“Oh, my gosh, I can’t believe this is actually happening!”

Rainbow chuckled.

“Easy there, little buddy. I just have t’ have one last chat with your parents. Then we can go home.”

Rainbow frowned, noticing a slight cut on Scootaloo’s forehead.

“You sure your okay after that fall.” Rainbow mumbled, inspecting the cut.

Scootaloo pushed away Rainbow’s hoof.

“Honestly, I’m fine. Celestia, you’re acting like Fluttershy.”

Rainbow giggled.

“Sorry, Scoots, that’s kinda my job now. An’ you of all ponies know how seriously I take my job.”

Rainbow winked at Scootaloo.

Scootaloo grinned up at Rainbow, still shaking in excitement.

“Come on.”

Rainbow, once again, took Scootaloo into her hoofs, making sure she had a firm grip before taking off.

The flight to Scootaloo’s old house was miniscule, though it still allowed Rainbow time to ponder. It had only been one day, and already she had almost gotten the filly she had sworn to protect seriously injured. However, unlike her previous doubts, these thoughts were quickly sashayed, with her natural confidence now in full control again.

“Even the best ponies make mistakes.” She thought to herself, confirming her tight grip on Scootaloo.

Her interaction with Scarlet also plagued her mind. She couldn’t help but escape her belief that such a dangerous job was no place for a teenage stallion. Though her train of thought was quickly cut short, as the two ponies arrived at the small house.

“Well we’re here.” Rainbow announced.

She glanced down at Scootaloo.

“Are you absolutely, positively certain this is what you want, Scootaloo?”

Scootaloo stared up at Rainbow, giving one of the largest, most adorable grins, the mare had ever seen.

“More than anything!”
> The end of an era
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rainbow Dash fluttered to the ground, the soft movements of her wings matched only by the serene, peaceful rhythm of her heart.

Scootaloo leaped from her back, the connection between the two mares, which had been tested and withered over the past weeks, now stronger than it had ever been. The glowing, gleaming grin Scootaloo gave assured Rainbow of this.
Electric Breeze and Wild Twister dashed towards the two of them, each strand of their fur spiked straight up in fear. Electric was quick to embrace Scootaloo with a hug.

“Celestia, we were so worried. Scootaloo, what the hey were you!?... Never mind, I’m jus’ glad you’re safe.”

“I… I’m fine mom. I didn’t mean t…’”

“Jus’, be quite for a minute would ya!”

She tightened her embrace on Scootaloo, the weight of her past mistakes seeming to crush down upon her like a landslide.

Scootaloo gave a small grin, patting her mother on her shoulder.

“It’s alright mom… everything’s okay now.”

She leaned into Electric, gently wrapping her hooves around her neck.

Rainbow Dash kneeled down, placed her hoof on Scootaloo’s shoulder.

“Atta girl, Scoots.”

Scootaloo chuckled.

Wild Trotted over, a stern expression on his face.

“Still, Scootaloo, ya can’t jus’ run off like that, ya could ‘a gotten yourself seriously hurt!”

Rainbow rose, Wild’s voice seeming to sound awfully similar to her own.

“Don’t worry, Mr Twister, she’s been thoroughly told off.”

She glanced down at Scootaloo, raising her eyebrow at the young filly. Scootaloo then immediately shrunk into herself, giving a guilty smile to her idol. Rainbow winked at her.

“I’m just messin’ with ya.”

She patted the young filly on the head, chuckling as Scootaloo sighed in relief.

Wild rolled his eyes, before finally giving in to a chuckle

“Then let’s just be glad you’re safe. Thank you, Rainbow Dash.”

Wild took a deep breath. She knew what that Rainbow hadn’t come to deliver Scootaloo back to her old life. He wished only the best for his daughter and had come to the unfortunate realisation that he was not prepared to deliver the beautiful childhood, of which any foal deserved. Despite this, he still felt a solemn feeling in his soul. 

“So, have ya told, Scootaloo?”

Scootaloo grinned, her new life with the awesomist of awesomist ponies was about to begin! The innocent glee, which had ceased to exist only moments prior, now filled her every being, almost making her glow with excitement.

Wild gave a week chuckle.

“We’ll take that as a yes then.”

Scootaloo leaned into Rainbow Dash, her smile now uncontrollable.

“Thank you so much, you guys. This, this really means a lot to me.”

Wild ruffled Scootaloo’s mane.

“We know we ain’t perfect kid. We can’t be who ya need us to be. So… if it makes you happy. Then, then… then it’s what needs ta happen. "

A single tear dripped from Wild’s eye, though he was sure to dry it before his daughter could notice. He loved Scootaloo more then he could ever hope to show.

Rainbow stepped forward.

“Hey, you two shouldn’t put yourselves down like that.”

Wild rolled his eyes, placed his hoof around Electric.

“Don’t try to pity us, Rainbow Dash. I appreciate your concern, but we know what we’ve done.”

Rainbow shook her head.

“No… I mean. Look, Scootaloo’s one ‘a the most compassionate, peppy, loyal, amazing ponies I’ve ever met. That can’t all ‘a come from me.”

She stepped towards the couple, glancing them both in the eye.

“You guys have a lot t’ work on. But, ya did your best with what ya had. An’ look what came out ‘ve it.”

She gestured her hoof out to Scootaloo, who now glanced up at her parents with large, sorrowful eyes.

Wild and Electric stared at each other, a single second seeming like a century, before finally breaking out into a loving smile, embracing each other in a hug.

“Thank you, Rainbow Dash.” Electric uttered.

“You’ve done so much for us.”

Rainbow took Electric into a hug.

“It was nothin’. Anything for my number one fan”

She winked back at Scootaloo, who gave a giddy squee in retort.

“Now go on.” Wild uttered, interrupting the tender moment. A low tone was present in his voice. 

“You should probably take her to her new home. We… we wouldn’t wanna…”

Wild suddenly felt a warmth around the perimeter of his legs. Glancing down, his cold face melted upon seeing his daughter hugging him, her innocent eyes staring up at him.

“I love you, daddy.”

He brushed his hoof through her mane, his guilt and anguish seeming to sashay away in the light breeze.

“I love you to, Scootaloo.”

She pulled away, regaining her composure.

“I… I can’t forgive you guys jus’ yet, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love you.”

“Oh, Scootaloo, we don’t expect you t’ you t’ forgive us” Electric proclaimed.

“We jus’ want whatever ’s best for you, so that one day, when you’re the big, strong, grown up mare that we would ‘a been proud t’ call our own, we can start to make amends.”

Scootaloo blushed.

“I… I think I’d like that.”

The three ponies engaged in one, final, family hug. The two parents embracing every fleeting second with their daughter. The irony of the three coming together as a family, only as Scootaloo was about to leave, was completely lost to them. Instead, their mind were permanently in the dying present moment, with the optimism of the future acting to warm their hearts and bring them hope for a future relationship with their daughter.

And, with that, it was over, Scootaloo pulled away, still smiling at her parents, but knowing in her heart that it would be years until she could truly learn to see them as family.

The two parents glanced at each other, a bitter sweet glimmer in each of their eyes.

“Let’s get better.” Electric whispered.

“Together.” Wild retorted.

Scootaloo ran back towards Rainbow Dash, her giddy excitement returning.

“Ya, ready kiddo.”

“Have I ever not been ready?”

Rainbow chuckled.

“Very funny, Scoots. If you stay ready, you don't have to get ready”

She wink at her number one fan, before kneeling down and rubbing her mane.

“Thanks for letting me speak with my folks jus’ now.”

“Don’t mention it, Sport. It seemed like ya needed it.”

Wild and Electric advanced towards Rainbow.

“So, are you to off then.” Wild asked.

“You bet.” Rainbow announced.

“Terrific. We’ll be round with Scootaloo’s stuff tomorrow, is that okay.”

Rainbow looked down at Scootaloo.

“That okay, Scoots.”

Scootaloo nodded.

“Then that’s perfect.”

Electric took a deep breath.

“Alright then. I guess this is it. You two travel safe now. And, Scootaloo.

Electric kneeled down.

“I hope you have a lovely time, with Miss Rainbow, okay.”

Scootaloo beamed a gleeful smile. From that, Electric new that this was the best thing that could have happened.
Scootaloo was on Rainbow’s back and in the air within a matter of seconds. The young filly frantically waved back at her mom and dad, before looking forward to the open sky.

Rainbow glanced over at the young filly, when the realisation finally hit her.

It was all over. All the anger, all the anxiety, all the uncertainty, it had all taken its final bow. Scootaloo was at last with her. 
The happiness she felt seemed almost fictitious, as if she’d wake one morning as the arrogant foal of a mare that she once was. However, the dream ceased to fade. This was real and Rainbow had never felt happier in her life. Her castle in the sky was now visible in the near distance.

“We’re almost there Scoots!” Rainbow shouted back.

“Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! I still can’t believe that THE Rainbow Dash wants me to live with her.”

“Yeah, well THE Rainbow Dash loves you. And, don’t you forget it.”

Scootaloo blushed as Rainbow landed on her cloud home, her giddy excitement was next to none. Rainbow couldn’t help but find it adorable.

“Welcome home, Scootaloo. Welcome home.”