It's Worth It

Back at Applejack's barn Scootaloo was curled up in a ball sobbing well  Applejack and Rainbow Dash discussed what to do with her. Rainbow had managed to get Scootaloo to stop crying long enough to tell them the story of how she was homeless and was starving.  She wasn't really listening to what the two mares were saying. She was thinking of how much this would effect her life from now on. Applebloom would be mad at her. All the ponies would see her as a thief who attempted suicide to avoid her crime. She would probably be sent to an orphanage. She would have to pay for all the apples she stole... With bits she didn't have. Community service seemed definate, but that wasn't too bad. She might be forced to see a doctor about her mental health. But worst of all, the ponies close to her would see how weak she truely was. They'd think of her as a little cowardly baby.

Rainbow Dash and Applejack aproached.  Scootaloo, calm by now, sat up. She saw Rainbow Glance at Applejack, who gave a small nod. Rainbow spoke to Scootaloo kindly, "Scootaloo, we're sorry for not noticing how troubled you were. AJ here won't press charges, provided you don't steal again. In fact, we won't tell anypony about tonight if you don't want us to. We can't have you living on the streets, so you'll live with me."

Scootaloos ears perked up. "Really?"

"Really. But you have to promise to never do something stupid like that again."

"I won't," Scootaloo promised, feeling stupid and defeated. Noticing her attitude, Rainbow Dash leaned down to comfort her.

"Hey, we all make mistakes, don't beat yourself up. I do think you should stay home from school tomorow though. We can see how you feel after the weekend. Once you get settled in I can teach you how to fly too. I do have to warn you, I have no expierence caring for fillies, but I'm going to try, because I care about you. Now come on, let's go home."

Leaning down so that Scootaloo could climb on her back, Rainbow said goodbye to Applejack, walked outside and took off. Scootaoo gasped as they were suddenly in the air. It felt... amazing. The wind in her mane, the rush she felt when she looked down... was this how flying felt?

She thought of everyting that had happened today. She realized her scooter was still at school, but at this point she didn't care. She though of all the scenerios she had imagined, and couldn't help but smile at the way things turned out. She still felt bad about stealing those apples, though. Deciding she'd make it up to the Apples somehow, she looked down at ponyville. It looked so tiny.

When she finaly looked up, she saw a huge cloud house. In reality, the house was big enough for a family of 6 to comfortably live in, but the huge cloud feild outside made it look even bigger. She stared in awe, for another minuite after Rainbow had landed. Gingerly, Scootaloo got off Rainbow's back and stepped on the cloud, amazed how easily pegasi could walk on it.

She gasped at how soft it was. It was softer than anything she could of ever imagined. Slowly, she started walking as Rainbow Dash watched. When she was done taking everything in, she followed Rainbow upstairs. "This is your bedroom," Rainbow informed her. She tucked her in, and then read a chapter of Daring Do outloud to Scootaloo. Once Scootaloo was asleep, Rainbow Dash went outside to prepare a surprise.

Gathering all the nearby clouds, she began to add to her practice feild. Making steps up to a platform about 1 story higher then the feild of clouds stretched out in front of her, she had an idea. But first, she would finish this. Once the first platform was finished, she proceeded to make two more platforms, one two storys high and one three stories. She added to the length of the cloud in front of the platform, until she was satisfied. For good measure she added saftey walls around all the sides, making a whole in the wall connecting to the main practice feild for the door.  Adding rings to fly through, Rainbow felt satisfied. She tested it out, and it was good to go.

There was only one thing left to do. Flying down to Sugarcube corner, Rainbow bought a surprise breakfest of muffins for Scootaloo. On the way back, she decided to stop and grab Scootaloos scooter. Twilight was happy to put a cloudwalking spell on it so it wouldn't fall through the clouds. When she arrived home she set the muffins up on the table, and set out glasses of water. She put a ribbon on the scooter and set it in the corner.

Now all there was to do was wait for Scootaloo to wake up.