Chapters “And you loop-de-looped around like that, broke through the clouds, and they exploded like fireworks! That was so awesome!” Scootaloo exclaimed with admiration.
Rainbow Dash smiled. She knew Scootaloo was a huge fan of her, and idolized her. Not that she had anything against it. She liked Scootaloo’s company, and agreed to take her under her wing very recently.
“Yeah. That was some hay of a trick!” Rainbow Dash replied.
“Hey, you know what?” Scootaloo asked eagerly.
Rainbow Dash smiled. “What?” she replied.
“My birthday’s in two days!” Scootaloo exclaimed. With a flutter of her wings, she flew about 6 inches above the ground.
Rainbow Dash smiled to herself. If Scootaloo wanted to be like her some day, she really had some learning to do. Not to mention bigger wings.
“Well, I gotta go. I don’t want to be late to my Crusaders meeting. Today we’re going to try underwater basket weaving! Don’t you think an underwater basket weaving cutie mark would look great on me?” she asked.
“Of course it will,” Rainbow Dash answered, winking.
“Bye, Dash!” Scootaloo yelled, waving excitedly.
“Later, squirt!” Rainbow Dash answered. The two parted ways; Scootaloo to the Cutie Mark Crusaders clubhouse, and Rainbow Dash to her cloud mansion. Lying on the bed, she thought about what Scootaloo said to her. Scootaloo was such a loyal fan and friend of hers. What could she do for her birthday? Flying lessons? Nope. Scootaloo would fail at those. Rainbow Dash didn’t want Scootaloo to get hurt. A sonic rainboom across the sky and some epic cloud art? No. Scootaloo had already seen that. Cupcakes from Sugarcube Corner to share? Rainbow Dash slapped herself for even thinking of the idea. She wanted a gift that screamed Rainbow Dash. Just then, she felt tired. She curled up a cloud to take a nap. Napping on a small cloud, basking in sunshine was the life. As she was sleeping, she had a dream that she forgot to get Scootaloo her present, and when Scootaloo found out, she ran away crying, and said Rainbow Dash was the meanest pony ever, and that she didn’t want to be under her wing anymore. Then Scootaloo adopted Lightning Dust, another Pegasus that Rainbow Dash was briefly friends with at the Wonderbolts Academy, as a big sister.
As Rainbow Dash awoke, she realized that turmoil of events was just a dream. However, the perfect idea for a present came to her. She would officially adopt Scootaloo as a little sister. But was she really prepared for this? Or would she end up biting off more than she could chew? She decided to talk to her friend Applejack. She and Applejack shared some interests, and Applejack had a little sister. Rainbow Dash decided to ask Applejack what it’s like to be a big sister.
“Well, Rainbow, I sure am glad you stopped in. We got all them apples to buck, and hooey! I sure am exhausted,” Applejack greeted in her Southern accent.
“Applejack! I need to know what it’s like to be a big sister!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
Applejack smiled. “Why, ya thinkin’ of adoptin’ Scootaloo?” she asked.
Rainbow Dash did a double take. Could Applejack read minds now or something? “Yeah. For a special birthday gift,” Rainbow Dash replied.
Applejack smiled again. “Well, let me start from the beginnin’. Bein’ a sister is more than just havin’ fun together. You need to respect each other’s differences. You see, it’s like apple pie. You can have amazin’ apples, and you can have really good crust. But it won’t taste good unless it’s together. See, Rainbow, I really want ya to know what ya gettin’ yourself into. I don’t want ya to regret your decision. Maybe I can let you have Apple Bloom for a day, so you can figure out whether ya up to it or not,” Applejack stated.
“But what about Scootaloo? When she sees Apple Bloom tagging along like that, she’s going to think something’s up,” Rainbow Dash asked.
Applejack sighed. “Well, I got nuthin’ I can do ‘bout that. All I can say is to avoid hangin’ out with Scootaloo for the day, That is, if ya really want this to be a surprise. Ya know what? Maybe I can have Scootaloo help around the farm a bit. But I know she’d rather be with ya.”
Rainbow Dash looked crestfallen. “Yeah. I guess that’ll work. I mean, it’s all worth it in the end isn’t it?” she said, looking hopeful.
“It sure as sugar is,” Applejack answered. Then she turned to the fields. “APPLE BLOOM! GET YOUR TAIL OVER HERE, YA LITTLE WHIPPERSNAPPER!” she yelled loudly. Immediately, a yellow filly with a red mane and a pink bow the size of her face galloped out of the fields.
“Hiya, sis! What do you need?” Apple Bloom asked.
“Well, ya see, Rainbow over here is thinkin’ of adoptin’ Scootaloo as a lil’ sis,” Applejack explained.
Apple Bloom’s eyes lit up like the city lights in Manehattan. “Really? Oh my goodness, that’ll be sweet! And that’s perfect, ‘cause her birthday’s comin’ up!” she squealed. “Do ya want me to oversee the ceremony? ‘Cause I can write one hay of a speech!”
Applejack turned to Apple Bloom. “Lil’ sis, there’s somethin’ else I need ya to do. See, Rainbow has never had a sister before. She needs to be prepared, if she’s gonna take on Scootaloo. Apple Bloom, could ya’ stay with Rainbow until tomorrow night?” Applejack requested. Then she turned to Rainbow Dash. “Bring her back at about sundown. Tomorrow’s an Apple family dinner, and she hates to miss those,” she added.
Apple Bloom nodded. “Well, if it’s for Scootaloo, then I’ll do it! After all, Rainbow Dash is really cool!” she eagerly responded.
“Well, Apple Bloom, ya better pack everything ya need. Don’t forget your toothbrush. I don’t want ya gettin’ them cavities.”
“Of course, Applejack!” Apple Bloom answered obediently. Then she ran off.
Minutes later, Apple Bloom showed up with her saddlebags packed.
“All right, Rainbow Dash! I’m ready to go!” she exclaimed eagerly.
“I’ll see ya tomorrow night!” Applejack yelled with a wave of her hoof.
Together Apple Bloom and Rainbow Dash trotted off.
“I can’t believe I’m spendin’ the night with you!” Apple Bloom exclaimed. “Scootaloo would be so jealous. Did you know she’s thinkin’ of dyeing her mane and coat to look like you?” Apple Bloom continued.
Rainbow Dash laughed. “I wouldn’t be surprised,” she answered. “Let’s stop by Twilight’s first. If you’re going to hang out with me, you gotta be able to walk on clouds like me.” Once they arrived at the Ponyville library, they entered. A purple unicorn was reading a book.
“Twilight Sparkle!” Rainbow Dash yelled.
“AAAH!” Twilight Sparkle exclaimed, startled. She turned around to face Rainbow Dash and Apple Bloom. “Hi, Rainbow Dash. Hi, Apple Bloom. Anything you need? There’s a new Daring Do book in my collection,” Twilight continued.
“Well, Apple Bloom over here’s going to spend the night with me and hang out tomorrow. I’ll need you to perform a spell on her that’ll make her be able to walk on clouds,” Rainbow Dash requested. “Oh yeah, you don’t mind if I borrow the Daring Do book, do you?” Rainbow Dash added.
Twilight Sparkle winked. “Not at all! Wait, what happened to Scootaloo?” Twilight asked, puzzled.
“You promise not to tell Scootaloo or anyone else that might tell?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“I got you covered,” Twilight Sparkle replied trustworthily.
“Okay. You see, Scootaloo’s birthday is coming up in two days. What I want to do is officially adopt her as a little sister. So, I went to Applejack’s for some advice, since she already had a sister. Applejack agreed to let Apple Bloom stay with me until tomorrow evening,” Rainbow Dash explained.
“Well, I may not be able to give you any information about the sister part, but I can fill you in about the process of adoption! See, you go to the town hall. Ask to be directed to the Relations department. Once you are there, explain your request. Scootaloo doesn’t have to come with you. She’d be bored to tears anyways. They’ll perform a background check, but I don’t think you’ll need it, being that you have never committed a crime before, except for that time you took a bite out of Pinkie Pie’s cake, but I don’t think that’ll count against you. There’ll be a lot of paperwork. Fill that out, they’ll review it, and once they give you an adoption certificate, you’re good to go!” Twilight Sparkle said excitedly.
“Thanks, Twilight!” Rainbow Dash answered appreciatively. “Wait, how do you know all that?” Rainbow Dash asked, head tilted to one side.
Twilight Sparkle smiled. “Trust me. Twilight knows it all,” she replied, tapping her head with one of her hooves. “Step back, Rainbow. Don’t want anything to happen,” Twilight Sparkle advised. Then, she turned towards Apple Bloom. A magenta glow emitted from her forehead. Rainbow Dash watched in awe as the glow spread to Apple Bloom’s hooves, then slowly up her legs, around her body, and then finally to her head, when she was encased in an orb of magenta light. After a minute, the glow died down.
“I don’t feel any different,” Apple Bloom complained.
“Don’t worry, Apple Bloom. You will feel different when you take a step on a cloud,” Twilight Sparkle advised. “And the effects will wear off after tomorrow night. So don’t try to go stepping on any clouds.”
Minutes later, the two were streaking across the sky, Rainbow Dash with her wings, Apple Bloom on a cloud powered with Rainbow Dash’s help.
“Now watch the master do it,” Rainbow Dash said as she deftly kicked a cloud and it vanished into thin air.
“Whoa!” Apple Bloom said in awe.
Rainbow Dash held Apple Bloom up, with her back legs facing another cloud. “Now you try,” Rainbow Dash encouraged. “Don’t worry, I won’t drop you,”
Apple Bloom kicked hard. The cloud disappeared too. The two traveled the sky, clearing clouds. Once the last cloud was cleared, Rainbow Dash and Apple Bloom hoof bumped.
“We’re going to have clear skies in Ponyville!” Apple Bloom exclaimed.
“We sure are!” Rainbow Dash replied. “We gotta get you on the ground. We’ll clear the one you are standing on there. Rainbow Dash flew back down to earth, while pushing Apple Bloom. Once on solid ground, Apple Bloom stepped off the cloud, and Rainbow Dash jumped in the middle of it, clearing it.
“You know what? I’m starving. Let’s grab a bite for lunch,” Rainbow Dash suggested.
“Don’t mind if I do!” Apple Bloom agreed.
Once they spotted a café, they made their way to an outdoor table, since the weather was nice. Just as they sat down, Scootaloo popped up at Rainbow Dash’s side.
“There you are! How was the cloud clearing?” she asked eagerly. Then her expression shifted from excited to confused. “Wait, what’s she doing here?” Scootaloo asked, gesturing at Apple Bloom.
Rainbow Dash froze. Oh no! Caught! Immediately, she improvised an explanation.
“Yeah, we’re just stopping for a bite. See, Apple Bloom is really into getting her cutie mark, so she wanted me to see if she could get a cloud clearing cutie mark,” Rainbow Dash explained.
“Oh, awesome! Can I come?” Scootaloo asked.
Rainbow Dash grinned sheepishly. “Sorry, squirt. I…can only take one filly with me. Two’s a little much to handle. I don’t really want a repeat of the parasprite incident, you know,” Rainbow Dash continued. Then she pretended to have a sudden realization. “Oh, right! I just remembered. Applejack told me that because Apple Bloom’s over here with me cutie mark hunting, she needs some extra help on the farm. Maybe you could lend her a hand? You might even find a cutie mark doing that!”
Scootaloo looked disappointed. “Okay. Well, good luck finding your cutie mark, Apple Bloom,” Scootaloo galloped away in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres. Rainbow Dash and Apple Bloom ordered their food. While waiting, they discussed their personal lives. Rainbow Dash found that Apple Bloom’s life was very interesting, even if it didn’t involve saving others from mortal peril or stopping thunderstorms in their tracks. Apple Bloom was discussing the fun Apple family reunions the Apple family occasionally planned when their food arrived.
“I’m so glad our food came! I am so hungry I could eat a whole apple tree!” Apple Bloom exclaimed.
“Well, let’s dig in!” Rainbow Dash responded.
Together, they enjoyed their food. Within minutes, it was gone.
“Hey, you want to go play with Tank?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Sure! But we’re not going to give him a makeover, will we? Last time I did that, it didn’t turn out that well,” Apple Bloom replied sheepishly.
Rainbow Dash did a double take. “You gave him a MAKEOVER?” she asked, shocked.
“You don’t want to know. It’s a long story,” Apple Bloom answered. “Do you think there’s a cutie mark for playing with turtles?” she added.
Rainbow Dash winked. “Well, we’ll have to find out about that!” They walked towards Rainbow Dash’s house. Once they were inside, Rainbow Dash handed Apple Bloom a helmet, and put one on herself.
“You might want to wear this. You only want to be hit in the head by a flying tortoise once,” Rainbow Dash advised.
Obediently, Apple Bloom put on the helmet.
“Now, where is that tortoise,” Rainbow Dash wondered aloud. Fortunately, she didn’t have to wonder for long, because a flying tortoise flew out and crashed into her head. Fortunately, she was wearing a helmet.
“Here, Tank, here!” Apple Bloom yelled, waving her hooves. However, Tank flew in the opposite direction.
“He sometimes needs some help,” Rainbow Dash explained apologetically. She turned Tank around, and Tank flew in Apple Bloom’s direction.
Together, they played games with Tank, who took to Apple Bloom so much he even licked her flank. Apple Bloom thought she finally got her cutie mark, so she started squealing with joy. That is, until Rainbow Dash pointed out its actual identity.
“That was really fun, Rainbow Dash!” Apple Bloom exclaimed.
“I know! Hey, you wanna go on a cloud ride?” Rainbow Dash suggested.
“That seems cool. I’d like to try it!” Apple Bloom agreed.
Seconds later, both of them were seated on a cloud.
“Are you ready?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“I was born ready!” Applejack replied excitedly. Once hearing that, Rainbow Dash began flapping her wings hard. They began picking up speed, until the point that both ponies’ manes were blown back at the speed they were traveling.
“This is awesome! I can’t believe I never tried this until now!” Apple Bloom exclaimed excitedly.
Rainbow Dash was enjoying every moment until she heard a distinctive “HEY DASH!!!!!!” She knew who it was instantly.
“Hold on tight. There’s going to be a sudden burst of speed,” Rainbow Dash advised. Using all her wingpower, Rainbow Dash flapped her wings twice as quickly as she was just doing so. The cloud shot forwards. Apple Bloom had to dig her hooves into the cloud to ensure she didn’t fall down. Finally, Rainbow Dash slowed to a cruising pace.
“Think we lost her?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“I think we did,” Apple Bloom replied.
“Great. You know, it’s getting late. I should you take you back to Sweet Apple Acres. Don’t want you to miss your family dinner,” Rainbow Dash said.
Apple Bloom nodded, and Rainbow Dash took off in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres. Once reaching Sweet Apple Acres, Rainbow Dash saw Applejack at work in the fields, bucking the final apples off the trees.
“Hi, Applejack! We had such a great time. Thank you for letting Apple Bloom stay with me. I really wish she could stay longer, but I know how much she loves those Apple Family dinners,” Rainbow Dash greeted.
“She sure as sugar does,” Applejack replied. “So, do you think you’re ready to take on Scootaloo?”
“I think I am,” Rainbow Dash answered confidently.
“Well, that is mighty great,” Applejack congratulated. “Say, could ya do somethin’ for me, pretty please?” she requested.
“Name it,” Rainbow Dash replied.
“Please move that cloud out of the orchard. I may not be Rarity, but I still want the orchard to look nice, and that won’t happen if there’s a random cloud lying around on the ground,” Applejack commanded.
Apple Bloom burst out laughing. “Silly Rainbow!” she said between giggles.
Rainbow Dash grinned sheepishly. “Yeah…I meant to move that,” she answered. “Well, see you around, Applejack. You too, Apple Bloom,” she said with a wave of her hoof. Pushing the cloud, she restored it to its rightful position in the sky. As she was doing so, she heard a familiar voice.
“RAAAAAINBOOOOOWWWW DAAAAAAAASH!!!!!!!” it screamed.
No explanations this time. “I gotta go!” Rainbow Dash yelled. Then, she zoomed off to her home as fast as she could.
Rainbow Dash got ready for bed in a flash, then fell into her bed for a good night’s sleep. Even though Rainbow Dash was one of the most athletic ponies in all of Equestria, she still enjoyed a nice rest. She dozed off, and had a dream about Apple Bloom becoming a Pegasus, and clearing clouds while jumping on them.
The next morning, she woke up. Instantly, she knew exactly what she needed to do. She leaped out of bed, stretched out her wings, and flew down to the streets of Ponyville. Immediately, Scootaloo zoomed by on her scooter.
“Nice moves, kid!” Rainbow Dash congratulated. Finally, she approached the Ponyville Town Hall. She entered. A pale blue mare with a pale blond mane and smart looking glasses approached her.
“How may I help you?” she asked. “Wait a second, do I know you? Oh, yes I do! You’re the pony who did that Sonic Rainboom and was nominated the Best Young Flyer!” she replied, smiling. “Congratulations. I myself wanted to be a Wonderbolt when I was younger, but my dream died when I realized I was an earth pony for life,” she added.
Rainbow Dash did her best to stifle a giggle. “Yes. I am looking for the Relations department,” she answered.
The mare’s eyes lit up. “Ah! Relations. Left turn, second door on the right,” she answered.
Rainbow Dash flew off at a gentle yet steady pace. Left turn, second door on the right, she thought. She approached the door and entered. An elderly stallion with a dark green coat and a mustache looked up at her.
“Well, hello! Welcome to the Ponyville sector of the Equestria relations department. How may I assist you today?” he asked.
“Yes. I am thinking of adopting a filly,” Rainbow Dash requested.
“A filly? Why, you seem a little young to be a mother,” he answered in surprise.
“Not as a daughter, as a little sister,” Rainbow Dash explained.
“Oh! A little sister. There are adoption agencies here in Ponyville. Or, if you’d like to be more exotic, there are also more adoption agencies, in Manehattan, Fillydelphia, Los Pegasus, Baltimare, Appleloosa, and even Canterlot! Yes, Canterlot! Who knew royal ponies would have unwanted foals?” the stallion continued. This guy loves his job, doesn’t he, Rainbow Dash thought.
“Oh, no. I already know who I’m taking in. And she is right here in Ponyville. We are already rather close,” Rainbow Dash explained further.
“Ah! Then why didn’t you say so?” the stallion asked.
“I just did,” Rainbow Dash muttered to herself.
“So, who is this filly?” the stallion asked.
“Her name is Scootaloo. She’s a resident of Ponyville,” Rainbow Dash replied.
“And you are?” the stallion asked.
“I’m Rainbow Dash,” Rainbow Dash answered.
“How could I not have guessed? You saved my daughter when she fell in a well! Silly little thing,” he replied with a smile. Then he turned around and leafed through a box of papers. He pulled out Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash’s files, and a couple other papers.
“Now I just need you to fill these out,” he said.
Rainbow Dash took a pencil that was lying around nearby, and began filling out the forms. Once all the forms were filled out and hoof-stamped by her, she passed them back to the stallion.
“Perfect! And it doesn’t seem like there’s any problem with this adoption, so we just might as well get on with it!” he said. Immediately, he began pulling out a paper. Rainbow Dash assumed it to be the adoption certificate. Once it was hoof-stamped, he handed it to her. Sure enough, it was an adoption certificate. She thanked the stallion, and headed out of the town hall. It was about time, anyways. The stuffy air was beginning to give her a headache. She headed straight to Scootaloo’s house and knocked on the door.
Scootaloo answered the door.
“Hi, Rainbow Dash! What are we going to do today?” Scootaloo greeted eagerly.
“You are going to read this,” Rainbow Dash answered, handing Scootaloo the adoption certificate.
Scootaloo looked skeptical, but she still opened the folded piece of paper. Once she read the first two lines, her face lit up. She immediately jumped up and hugged Rainbow Dash.
“Thank you, thank you! This is the best birthday gift ever!” Scootaloo squealed.
“Anything for you, squirt. After all, you are my little sister,” Rainbow Dash replied.
“Last one to my house is a wet rain cloud!” Immediately, she and Apple Bloom began bouncing along the cloud lines. Once Rainbow Dash saw Apple Bloom outstrip her, she flapped her wings hard, and zoomed to her house in a blink of an eye. She was sitting on her cloud floor when Apple Bloom arrived.
“Hey! You flew! That’s not fair!” Apple Bloom exclaimed indignantly.
“You never said no wings!” Rainbow Dash replied, smirking. Then, she changed the subject. “It’s getting late. Why don’t we go into my room? I can tell a mad scary story!” Rainbow Dash suggested. Apple Bloom nodded, and the two headed into Rainbow Dash’s room.
“Wow! You have a picture of Spitfire hoof-stamped by her!” Apple Bloom exclaimed in awe.
“Eh, it’s nothing. She just mass-stamps those like an assembly line. Trust me. I know. I walked in on her doing so,” Rainbow Dash answered nonchalantly.
“That’s pretty cool!” Apple Bloom replied encouragingly.
“Hey, you wanna know something I like to do whenever I have friends over?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Sure! What is it?” Apple Bloom answered curiously.
“This!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she grabbed the blanket off her bed. She flew around the bed in an intricate pattern, fashioning a nice little tent for both of them.
“Wow! That’s cool!” Apple Bloom exclaimed in awe.
“Now we can pretend we were camping just like we were last time! Wasn’t that really fun?” Rainbow Dash replied excitedly.
“Oh yeah!” Apple Bloom exclaimed. “I liked it so much! Maybe we can do it again sometimes!”
After a couple exchanges of scary stories, Rainbow Dash and Apple Bloom fell asleep. The next morning, Rainbow Dash woke up. She could see the bright sunlight filtering into her room. Did she really sleep that long? Then she remembered. Apple Bloom stayed over and they stayed up late. She was about to fall back asleep when she heard a loud “RAINBOW DASH!!!!!!” Rainbow Dash flew over to the door and poked her head out. It was Scootaloo.
“Hey, Dash! What are we going to do today?” she asked easily, wings fluttering. Rainbow Dash froze. She would have to turn Scootaloo down in some way.
“Well, Scootaloo, there’s a lot of crazy weather going on near Baltimare. It’s rather out of control, so a lot of other Pegasi and I are heading over to settle that. It might take all day. I might not be able to hang out, but if I can I’ll find you,” Rainbow Dash replied. Before Scootaloo could ask anything else, she ducked back into her house. Retreating to her bedroom, she found that Apple Bloom was awake.
“Where were you?” she asked.
“Scootaloo wanted to hang. I had to turn her down. Said I had weather duties today. Which, I guess is true. There’s some clouds that need to be cleared. You wanna come? It isn’t really dangerous,” Rainbow Dash explained.
“I won’t get in the way, will I?” Apple Bloom asked.
“Don’t worry, you won’t,” Rainbow Dash reassured.