Tangerine Wings

Chapter 1: Dreams

Scootaloo bounded off the rock and landed with a little splash in the puddle beneath her. Placing her helmet on top of her head, her mind began to race. As she looked up at the cloudless sky, she broke into a huge smile at the possibilities the day held. She lifted her hoof to shade her eyes from the sun and she watched other pegasi flying overhead to unknown destinations.

What's Rainbow Dash's up to? Today'd be so awesome for flying!" The young mare hopped on her scooter and began to furiously beat her wings. Maybe, she thought, just maybe, I can convince her to teach me to fly again. I mean, I'm not a little kid any more. I should've learned a long time ago. She sped off towards the center of Ponyville, hoping she could find the cerulean Pegasus there. As she neared the main street, her heart began to flutter. A mix of excitement and fear formed inside of her, adrenaline pumping trough her veins. She burst through the doors of Sugar Cube Corner, leaped off her scooter, and skidded to a halt, narrowly missing a collision with the counter.

"Where's Rainbow Dash!?" she spluttered, out of breath.

"Dashie was here just a second ago," Pinkie giggled. "What's the rush? Looking for an autograph?" The pink pony snorted at her own joke. "I'm not sure when she'll be back."

"I've gotta find her," she replied. "I wanna try flying again."

The party pony's face fell as she recalled the disappointment and pain that came from the last few attempts. "A-are you sure? I don't think that's a very good idea."

Scootaloo's ears drooped but perked back up almost immediately. "So?" she fired back. "Who says I can't try!?" Her voice became louder as Pinkie backed towards the kitchen. Her face burned bright red as the anger built up inside of her. "Why doesn't anyone have faith in me!? I'll show you what I can do!"

"Scootaloo, please I-"

"Whatever," Scootaloo muttered through gritted teeth. "I'm leaving." Turning towards the door, she scowled. "I'll prove you and everyone else wrong!" Frustrated, she ran out the door and jumped on her scooter, speeding towards Cloudsdale.

As she zoomed closer to the city of clouds, tears began to well up in her eyes. I'm stronger than they think. I'll show them. I'll prove everypony wrong. I will fly. I know it.