Loyalty at its Finest

by Twilight Best Pony

Rating: teen
Tags: Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Sad, Original Character, Rainbow Dash, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Other, Scootaloo
Length: 8428

The CMC find themselves split up and Scootaloo becomes the target of Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Rainbow Dash steps in and defends Scootaloo. Plans are made for a camping trip. Will it go well, or will it end up as a horrible disaster?

What starts off as a normal day for the Cutie Mark Crusaders, ends up with them being split up, and Scootaloo becoming the target of Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Doubt and insecurity plagues the normally brash and confident young pegasus filly. Rainbow Dash comes to her rescue and they plan a camping trip to help strengthen their bonds. Will it work, or will it be a good time gone suddenly wrong?

Co-Written with Scribe of the Damned and Pvt Caboose
Edited by: AuthorGenesis

Published 2014-04-11 23:20:04 UTC
Last updated 2014-12-16 22:06:25 UTC

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

The breeze blew through the ripening stalks of wheat and corn, the coolness reminding ponies that autumn and winter were quickly approaching. The sky was overcast, a dark slate hue, and nearly uniform in its appearance, much like as if someone really had carved a giant slab of slate from the depths of the earth and hung it over the sky. Colors were subdued as a result, so that wheat appeared several shades darker than they would in the sun. The earth beneath the Cutie Mark Crusader's hooves felt firmer, as the cooler temperatures prepared the land for its wintry rest. Squirrels and chipmunks scurried past them, their cheeks bulging with nuts, as they prepared to hibernate. The breeze created a familiar 'shh' sound, as birds chirped, cheeped and squaked at each other, and squirrels and chipmunks chittered towards each other. Leaves on some of the trees were starting to turn brilliant hues of yellows and oranges, the ground beneath them decorated with a scattering of already fallen leaves.

One afternoon near the Ponyville schoolhouse, three fillies were sitting under a tree talking about their favourite subject. Cutie marks, or more precisely on how to get them.

“So, y’all think this will help get our cutie marks?” Apple Bloom spoke up.

“Yeah, I don’t see why not. We’re sure to get our cutie marks with this plan.” Scootaloo clapped her hooves together in excitement..

“But don’t you think being fire juggler is a bit … I don’t know, dangerous?” Sweetie Belle squeaked, her brows furrowed, and eyes narrowed, and unable to look directly at her pegasine comrade, as her eyes became unfocused, as she remembered the last time they had tried to get a cutie mark which involved fire. “Remember the last time we tried something with fire? It didn’t go very well.”

“Oh, that’s because you kept launching the fireworks before you were supposed to.” Scootaloo countered.

“Hey! It wasn’t my fault you kept using complicated signals! You should have just said something like ‘Sweetie Belle, it’s time to launch the fireworks,’ or something like that.” Sweetie Belle argued, mimicking Rarity’s voice and adopting a rear haunch sitting posture, while she bobbed her curls in one of her hooves, while turning her snout upwards as though even looking on a commoner would be exceedingly shameful and scandalous.

“Anyway,” Apple Bloom interjected. “Sweetie Belle does have a point Scootaloo. Maybe we should try something safer this time around and with less fire.”

“Aww, you guys are no fun.” Scootaloo pouted, folding her forelegs on her chest.

As the other two giggled at their friend, a voice called out. “Apple Bloom, it’s time to head on home.”

As the crusaders turned towards the voice, Applejack was standing nearby the school house. She wore a worried look on her face, and her coat was covered in dirt and grass stains.

Apple Bloom jumped up and quickly rushed over to her sister. “Sis!? What happened? Is everything alright?” she asked, worry suffusing throughout her voice.

Applejack knelt down next her sister and placed a hoof on her head, stroking her mane in a calm fashion. “Big Mac had an accident while tending to the south field.” Apple Bloom face displayed shock. “Now don’t you fret none, everything is just fine. He just twisted his ankle after tripping in a gopher hole. He’ll be fine, he just needs to stay off it for a little while. But I need you to come home and help out on the farm. Now, I know you want to go crusading with your friends, but I need all the help I can get until Big Mac gets better. Okay?”

Apple Bloom looked towards her sister and nodded. “It’s okay sis. I can go crusading another time. What’s important is that we Apples stick together in times like these.”

Applejack wrapped a foreleg around her sister’s withers and pulled her into a small hug, “Thanks Ii’l sis. You’ll be back to playing with your friends in time.”

Applejack stood up, letting go of Apple Bloom. “Well then, we better get going. We have a lot of work ahead of us. Say goodbye to your friends.”

Apple Bloom turned to the others and waved to them. “I’ll see you guys later, don’t have too much fun without me.”

“Bye, I hope Big Mac gets better soon.” Sweetie Belle waved.

“See ya around.” Scootaloo said.

Apple Bloom turned around and headed off with her sister. As they walked out of view, Scootaloo felt something about the conversation Apple Bloom and Applejack had. But before she could figure out what that was, Sweetie Belle spoke up.

“Say why don’t we head over to Sugarcube Corner and grab something to eat? We can even plan out additional ideas on activities we have not yet tried in our quest to earn our cutie marks while we are at it.” Sweetie Belle suggested.

“Huh? Uh, yeah I guess that’s a good idea, I can go for something.” Scootaloo agreed as she started heading towards the bakery.

“Scootaloo, you okay?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Yeah. Why wouldn’t I be?” Scootaloo said as she walked on.

“Well you just seemed a bit distracted is all. Something on your mind?”

I wish I knew myself. “No, not really, just thinking about ideas on activities we might do to earn our cutie marks is all. Hey I got an idea. Maybe we could get our cutie marks for fixing Big Mac’s ankle.”

Sweetie Belle arched an eyebrow, before staring intently at Scootaloo for a few seconds before bringing her right forehoof to her forehead, and rubbing it in circles groaning softly. “Uhm no offence, but let’s not do that. I don’t want to find out that it isn’t our talent. Big Mac must be in enough pain without us trying to help him.”

“Yeah I guess you’re right.” Scootaloo sighed. “Darn it! Why does this have to be so hard?”

“Don’t worry Scootaloo, we’ll figure something out something for sure. I’m sure of it.” Sweetie Belle said in a soothing voice, calming her friend. “Lets just worry about getting to Sugarcube Corner for now and we’ll figure this out there.”

“Okay, sounds like a plan.” Scootaloo said as they trotted on to their destination. Maybe I can figure out what I was feeling back there too.

================================================================

The town was bustling this afternoon the chatter of ponies filling the marketplace, as ponies weaved past each other in a polychromatic dance of intricate proportions. Hawkers crying about the quality of their wares, or the excellence of their produce, while buyers tried to barter, or chatted animatedly with friends and neighbors as foals raced about the mobile forest of pony legs, playing with their friends and schoolmates. The rustling of saddlebags also accompanied the chatter, as well as the clinking of bits, both in their pouches and upon the tables of the hawkers. Some didn’t seem too happy, mumbling about a storm that was coming tomorrow night when it wasn’t supposed to rain.

Soon the two fillies arrived at Sugarcube Corner, ready to get their treat and start their planning. As they were about to enter a voice called out, “Sweetie Belle there you are, I have been looking everywhere for you.”

Both fillies turned to see Rarity standing behind them. She was wearing a big pink cotton sun hat with a white, elegant swan's feather tucked in a light pastel pink ribbon. She was also carrying her saddle bags over her withers.

“Hi sis,” Sweetie Belle greeted her sister, a smile on her face, and her eyes danced, as she pranced up to her sister, and gave her a hug and nuzzle, before noticing that her elder sister was all gussied up. She walked up to Rarity and gave her a hug before asking, “why were you looking for me and why are you all dressed up?”

“Well Sweetie Belle, Mother and Father have left town to attend an athletic awarding ceremony and won’t be back for a week. You’re going to be staying with me until then.” Rarity explained as they broke the hug.

“How come they didn’t tell me before I left for school?” Sweetie Belle asked. “They usually do when they are going to leave.”

“Well they did, but you were in such a hurry to meet up with your friends that they weren’t able to.” Rarity explained.

“Yeah. I guess I did leave in a hurry. The girls and I wanted to get some planning for our next crusade in before school started. But that doesn’t answer why you’re all dressed to go somewhere.” Sweetie Belle observed, pointing to Rarity’s hat and saddle bags.

“Yes. Well, that’s the other reason why I came to find you. You see, I have to go to Canterlot this afternoon to gather some supplies for a special order for Hoity Toity. So you are going to have to come with me as I can’t leave you here alone.” Rarity said.

“Awww, but Scootaloo and I were about to get something to eat while we plan out our next crusade. Can’t Rainbow Dash or Applejack watch me while you’re gone?” Sweetie Belle whined, not wanting to go on a boring shopping trip with her sister. She remembered the last time she went on one, they spent about three hours trying on very frilly dresses and she hated every minute of it.

“Sorry, but you can’t. I have already asked them both and both of them are busy, with Rainbow Dash having to put together a storm by nightfall tomorrow and Applejack is busy working due to her brother’s injury. I’m sorry Sweetie Belle, but you have to come with me and we need to leave now, before we miss the train” Rarity explained.

“But what about Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy? They could look after me.” Sweetie Belle suggested, hoping her sister hadn’t thought of that and would go ask either of her friends.

“Twilight is away on royal business and Fluttershy is moving some frogs to froggy bottom bog.” Rarity was starting to get annoyed, just wanting to hurry to the train station before the train left. “Also before you ask, Pinkie Pie is busy watching the shop today for the cakes.” She added in hope to move things along.

“Oh okay, fine let’s go.” Sweetie Belle said in defeat, lowing her head, her body language expressing a dejected appearance, before turning back to Scootaloo, her head still hung low, and her eyes looking down at the ground and no longer danced and sparkled as they had moments before and waving goodbye. “I’ll see you later Scootaloo, sorry we couldn’t hang out today.”

“It’s cool, I’ll be fine. I’ll catch you later.” Scootaloo waved back, a smirk on her face. “Have fun trying on dresses with your sis.” She giggled when Sweetie Belle glared at her and Rarity’s face changed from a frown to a big smile and eyes sparkling and dancing together, expressing her excitement, her ears perked forward, and no longer splayed against her head, and her voice was really animated, expressing her glee at the prospects of modeling the latest fashions the vogue shops in Canterlot had to offer.

“Oh yes! We simply must see what the new fashions are in vogue this season. Maybe we can find you something this time Sweetie Belle! Oh, this will be fun! Don’t you agree?” Rarity asked Sweetie Belle.

“Why yes sis, it will be so much fun. I can’t wait.” Sweetie Belle replied through gritted teeth, while glaring daggers at Scootaloo.

With a squeal of joy from the older unicorn, the pair made their way to the train station. As they left Scootaloo felt something. A feeling all too familiar to her, she felt it when she saw Apple Bloom talking to Applejack back at the school yard.

Man Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom are lucky to have sisters. Sure I have Rainbow Dash, but she has been busy with work lately. Scootaloo sighed.

Well since I’m here I might as well grab a cupcake. It might help cheer me up, then I guess I’ll go look for Rainbow Dash and see if she wants to hang out for a bit, if she isn’t too busy.

She turned around and made her way inside the store. As she entered, she was greeted with the many smells that gave this place it name. Cakes, cookies and other delicious treats all on display as far as she could see. Her mouth watered just from the sight of the delicious treats before her.

As she looked around, her eyes were drawn the cupcake display. They were decorated with pink and purple icing topped with blue sprinkles.

Mrs. Cake came out from the back with a fresh cake on her back. When she spotted Scootaloo, she put the cake down and addressed the filly pegasus. “Oh, hello there dearie. What can I get for you today?” The blue earth pony asked with a cheerful expression.

Scootaloo, snapped out of her daze, looking up, to the older mare. “Oh hello Mrs. Cake, um, could I just have one of those cupcakes over there?” She asked with a hopeful expression.

Mrs. Cake just smiled and nodded. “Of course you can Scootaloo.” With that, she grabbed the cupcake, put it on a small cloth, “You can sit anywhere you like sweetie.”

The small orange pegasus passed the bits over to the matronly mare, before picking up the muffin in her mouth, managing a muffled “ank ou” to Cup Cake, before she turned about and sat in a vacant booth with a window next to it, allowing her to look out upon the hustle and bustle of the ponies as they went about their day.

Once she was seated, she quickly dug into her double chocolate chip cupcake as she reflected on the events from earlier. She thought about how close her friends were to their sisters, how happy they were to have one another. Scootaloo had always felt left out when she saw her friends and their sisters having fun together, always there for each other.

Even though she looked up to Rainbow Dash as a big sister, she would sometimes get a thought in the back of her mind. Does Rainbow Dash think of me as a sister?

Even after everything that happened a year ago in Whitetail Woods during the camping trip she just wasn’t sure Rainbow Dash thought about her in the same way. Sure, she took her under her wing and even gave her flying lessons. But sometimes Scootaloo would feel that Rainbow Dash was only doing it because she felt sorry for her. Scootaloo would shake these thoughts out of her head as quickly as they came, but sometimes she wanted to know if Rainbow Dash really cared for her, like a sister.

You know what, I’m going to go ask her if she thinks of me as a sister. I need to know, I just need to know. Scootaloo thought as she finished her cupcake, ready to go find Rainbow Dash. As she got up to go find Rainbow Dash, a familiar and very annoying voice called out.

“Well, well, look at what we have here Silver Spoon, a blank flank all by herself.” Diamond Tiara said her voice as mocking as usual, causing to pegasus filly to goan.

Great just who I wanted to see, my least two favourite ponies in all of Equestria. Scootaloo huffed as she turned to face her tormentors.

“Do you think her friends got their cutie marks and that’s why she is alone? Guess they don’t want to hang out with a blank flank, I don’t blame them.” Silver Spoon took the next jab at Scootaloo.

“Yeah that must be it, I guess they can see just how lame she really is.” Diamond Tiara added, both fillies laughing at their taunts.

“They didn’t leave me, well not because of that. They just had to do something with their sisters.” Scootaloo said, just wanting to get the two to shut up and leave her alone.

“That must be nice, having a sister to hang out with. Not that you would know, since you don’t have one.” Diamond smirked and added, “must be lonely without somepony to hang out with, when your friends are gone.”

“I do to have somepony to hang out with! I have Rainbow Dash to spend time with. She even looks after me when my mom’s away at work.” Scootaloo retorted.

“Oh yeah? I bet that she hates it when she has to look after you. You nothing but a blank flank, you can’t even fly.” Diamond Tiara said with a wicked smile on her face as Scootaloo’s eyes widened.

“Y-you’re wrong, she does like hanging out with me! Being able to fly or not doesn’t matter to her!” Scootaloo yelled, trying to convince her tormentors their propaganda was erroneous, but her thoughts from earlier started to creep into her mind.

It couldn’t be true, could it? Both her mind and heart called her once firm convictions into questions, as Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon sought tear down the walls of her beliefs and convictions. She just shook her head and glared at the two ponies.

“I know you're wrong Diamond Tiara, she does like hanging out with me!” Scootaloo’s eyes started to tear up, her voice cracking as thoughts of Rainbow Dash leaving her as her imagination played out one of her deepest fears.

As the two bullies laughed at the distraught filly, an angry voice called out, making all three jump in surprise. “Hey leave her alone! What gives you two the right to tell ponies who I hang out with?”

All three turned to the source of the voice, only to see a very angry Rainbow Dash standing by the door. Her wings were flared as she shoot daggers from her eyes at the two bullies, who wilted under her gaze. Scootaloo’s eyes lit up as she saw her idol standing up for her, the thoughts from earlier forgotten.

“Well? I’m waiting.” Rainbow Dash said as she moved closer to the trio, never taking her eyes off of Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon as she did.

Silence reigned over the group for a what seemed like an eternity for the two bullies. As Rainbow Dash was about to speak up again, Diamond Tiara broke the silence.

“We were just joking around, we didn’t mean to upset her,” She pointed to Scootaloo, who was now smiling as she watched her tormentor trying to get out of trouble. “We were just trying to have some fun, honest.”

“Yeah we were just having fun, we weren’t picking one her.” Silver Spoon quickly added in hopes that Diamond Tiara’s lie would fool Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash lowered her head down to eye level with the two bullies, her eyes narrowed as she looked into theirs. “Don’t you two think for a second I’m going to believe any of that. I heard everything you two were saying to her. How dare you try and make her believe that I don’t like hanging out with her just because she can’t fly? What gives you two the right to make her feel like she’s worthless? To me, she is better then you two will ever be.” She said, her voice filled with vitriol and venomous scorn.

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were shaking in fear as Rainbow Dash talked, both worried what she might do to them. Rainbow Dash raised her head back up and look down at the two cowering fillies with a look of barely contained rage, her body trembling with effort to not beat the bullies to a bloody pulp. Her breathing came quick and heavy, her pupils narrowed at the offending fillies, gritting and gnashing her teeth, her body leaning slightly forward as she glowered down upon the two, her entire body language rife with aggressive postures and action. “Now get lost,” Rainbow Dash yelled as she stomped a hoof onto the floor, causing the two fillies to run out of the shop. “… and if I ever see you picking on her again, I’m going to make sure your parents hear about it!”

Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Rainbow Dash went over to Scootaloo. “You okay squirt?” She asked, nuzzling Scootaloo affectionately.

“Of course I’m fine, I can look out for myself ya know.” Scootaloo said trying to act tough in front of her idol. Stepping away from Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo made her way to the door. “Come on Rainbow Dash, let’s go do something fun.”

“Scootaloo,” Rainbow Dash spoke, not moving from her spot, her face full of concern. “It’s okay, you don’t have to act tough in front of me. I told you I saw everything. I saw how upset you were, I know you aren’t okay.” Scootaloo’s composure started to crumble as Rainbow Dash calmly moved towards her. “I’m not going to force you to talk about it, but just know I’m always there for you if you want me to.”

“I … I …” Scootaloo’s eyes start to tear up again as she heard those comforting words from her idol. She looked up to Rainbow Dash and when she saw a face of caring and understanding, she broke down. “Rainbow Dash, i-it was horrible. They kept s-saying that y-you didn’t like hanging out with me, that you hated it when you had to look after me.” Scootaloo hugged Rainbow Dash as she cried, her tears damping Rainbow Dash’s coat.

Scootaloo then felt something wrapped around her, sending a warm feeling throughout her small foalish body. She looked up to see that Rainbow Dash had placed a wing around the her, holding her tightly. Rainbow Dash had a gentle look on her face as she looked down at the filly. Raising a hoof, she placed it on the top of Scootaloo’s head and gently stroke her mane.

“It’s okay Scootaloo, it’s okay. I’m here now, everything will be okay.” Rainbow Dash spoke in a soft, caring voice as she pulled Scootaloo closer. “I love hanging out with you and I most definitely don’t hate it when I have to look after you. What kinda sister would I be if I did?”

Scootaloo could only stare as Rainbow Dash said those words, they filled her heart with joy and peace. “Y-you really mean that? You really think of me as a sister?”

“Of course I do squirt, you’re an awesome filly. You’re the best little sis I could ask for and you always will be like a little sister to me.” Rainbow Dash smiled as she let Scootaloo go. “Why would you think otherwise?”

Scootaloo looked down at the floor as she scuffed it with a hoof. “Well, everytime I see Sweetie Belle or Apple Bloom with their sisters lately, I feel left out. I mean sure we hang out and stuff but,” Scootaloo looked back up at Rainbow Dash. “They seem closer together than we do. Sometimes I wish I could be like them, to be as close to my big sis as they are to theirs. That’s all I want, to know what that feels like.”

“Oh squirt, if that was bugging you, then why didn’t you say so?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Well I didn’t want to seem like a cry baby to you. Because that would be uncool and you might not want to hang with me anymore.” Scootaloo said, her eyes shifting back to the floor.

“Scootaloo is that how you see me? A pony who only cares about hanging with cool ponies?” Rainbow Dash said with fake shock. “Well, sure I do like hanging with cool ponies, but that’s besides the point. Scootaloo you are the coolest pony I know, well next to me of course, and nothing well ever change that. Ever. So you don’t have to worry about coming to me with problems like this. Okay?”

“Thanks sis, that really means a lot.” Scootaloo said as she smiled wide.

“It’s no problem, and you’re welcome. Now how about we head back to my place, I think it’s time for dinner.” Rainbow Dash said as she made her way to the door. “Now then, you said you wanted to do something to bring us closer together, huh?”

Scootaloo followed Rainbow Dash out, Rainbow Dash knelt down so Scootaloo could climb up on her back. “Yeah I would like to do something together, just the two of us.” She wrapped her fore legs around Rainbow Dash’s neck, once she had firm hold they set off into the sky.

Hmmm … What could we do together for a good bonding experience? RainbowDash thought as they soar through the air, she always thought better while flying. Let’s see, the squirt likes it when I give her flying lessons, but we do that every week. Maybe I could teach her how to manipulate clouds? No, I don’t want to bore her to death. Heck I almost couldn’t pay attention about it in school when I was her age. Think Rainbow Dash think. What can we do together?

As they made higher to the sky, Scootaloo spoke up. “Wow, I alway love being up this high. You can see everywhere around Ponyville, from Fluttershy’s house to Whitetail woods. The view is just amazing!”

That was when Rainbow Dash got an idea. “I know what we can do. How about we go on a camping trip in Whitetail Woods? You loved it last time we went camping, so that would be perfect for us. You and me versus the wild, roughing out there showing everyone how tough we are. What do ya say?”

“Yeah let’s do it, it sounds like it will be a lot of fun. Let’s go tomorrow!” Scootaloo cheered as they drew closer to Rainbow Dash’s cloud home.

“Yeah, about that, let’s wait until Friday. I’m busy tomorrow setting up a big storm for the evening and besides that you have school.” Rainbow Dash explained. Scootaloo gave sigh of disappointment. “But we’ll go right after you’re done with school on Friday, that way we can go camping for the whole weekend. How does that sound?”

“Yay! That sounds awesome!” Scootaloo cheered once again.

They touched down in front of Rainbow Dash’s house shortly after their aerial conversation, Rainbow Dash let Scootaloo off her back and then made her way to the door. “Well then, it’s decided, we’ll leave on Friday afternoon for Whitetail Woods. Now then, let’s go in and get something to eat before you do your homework. When you get done, I’ll check it and then we can watch a movie before you go to bed. Sound fair?”

“Sounds great! Oh, I can’t wait to go camping with you again, I just know that it will be awesome.” Scootaloo said as she ran inside.

“Well of course it will be, you’ll have the one and only Rainbow Dash there so it can only be awesome.” Rainbow Dash joked as she went into the kitchen to started dinner.

This is going to be so awesome, I can’t wait. Scootaloo thought to herself. Just the two of us doing something together, being there for each other. Just like sisters, it’s just what I always wanted.

Scootaloo was brought out of her thoughts as a hoof waved in front of her. “Equestria to Scootaloo.” Rainbow Dash chuckled.

“Huh? Oh, sorry Rainbow Dash. What did you say? Scootaloo asked.

“I asked if you wanted to help me make dinner? You know my cooking isn’t … well the best, so I could use a little bit of help.” Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her head, an embarrassed look on her face, as she gazed down upon her young ward.

“Yeah sure, but let’s get one thing straight,” Scootaloo said with smirk on her face, causing Rainbow Dash to till her head in confusion. “Your cooking doesn’t need a bit of help, it needs a ton of help.” She ran into the kitchen laughing.

“Hey that wasn’t nice! Get back here you!” Rainbow Dash laughed as she ran after her sister. Both laughing and having fun.

Neither could wait until their big camping trip coming in a few days. What awaited them they on their trip they did not know, but they would face it together. As sisters.

Author's Note

Hope you enjoy this ride!
some feedback would be nice.
oh hey! scoots has a mom. guess what her work is.

Chapter 2(Un-edited)

Luna’s moon sat high in the sky, full and as bright as ever. The light reflecting of the great white surface bathed all of Equestria in a blueish light. Ever so slowly, dark storm clouds began to gather, masking the miniscule light the moon gave off. The distant sound of rain could be heard in Ponyville, as the wind began to howl and lightning cracked nearby.

A lone filly lay in her bed, dreaming deeply. Every so often she’d fidget or twitch as the world she dreamt of became real in her mind.

~~

Scootaloo sat beside her on the green grass of the towns park. The mother and daughter enjoyed each others company. A loving wing was wrapped around the small filly, as they both swayed softly as a warm breeze passed over them. Both of them were enjoying a quick meal in the park together, as they sat around and watched the clouds drift on by.

Overhead, and rainbow maned pegasus zoomed to and fro. Pulling off death defying tricks at breakneck speeds. On the ground, Scootaloo watched with wide eyes and her mouth open in awe as she cheered on the speeding pegasus. Her mother looked on with a smile, amused by the awe struck filly as she cradled her close with a wing.

Eventually, the rainbow maned pegasus came to rest on a cloud. She peered over the edge of the puffy collection of water vapor.

“C’mon, Squirt, fly on up here and I’ll teach you some tricks!” Rainbow screamed from above with a wide smile.

Turning quickly, the orange filly looked to her mother for approval before taking flight after her idol. Her mother chuckled with a smile and nodded to her.

“Go on sweetie, I'll be up in a bit.” Her mother said, leaning down to nuzzle her mane. Before Scootaloo left, her mother gave one final squeeze of her wings before she took off.

“Thanks, Mom!” The smile on the little filly’s face nearly went from ear to ear as she spun around quickly, hugged her mother and nuzzled her.

Before Scootaloo left the ground, she spun around one more time and hugged her mother before whispering, “I love you Mom.”

In a heartbeat she was up, taking off in a full gallop as she spread her wings. As she continued to move forward, the air passing her by caught her wings and began lifting her. One mighty flap later propelled her up and forward into the sky as she continued to climb in altitude to her idle, who was now hiding on the cloud.

As she neared, Rainbow Dash couldn’t have been found anywhere on the cloud. Carefully she landed, surveying the short area of the cloud for her friend. While she looked, her vision shook, making her dizzy as she stepped off the cloud and hurtled towards the ground.

She nearly jumped upright off of the ground as she shook her head quickly. Scootaloo was still on the ground, and looked around in confusion. Maybe she had imagined that. Next to her still sat her mother, and above Rainbow still lingered on the cloud. Rainbow repeated her earlier words like in a weird case of deja vu.

Without waiting this time, Scootaloo tried to fly back up into the air. She galloped, her wings spread wide as the wind hit her wings and with a mighty flap, nothing happened. Much to her confusion she remained on the ground. As if trying to troubleshoot, she flapped her wings a few times with the same result.

Now growing concerned, she took off running once again with the same end results. She plopped down in the grass, confused and at a loss for words of what to do. Above, she heard Rainbow swoop down and scoff at her.

“What’s wrong, Squirt? Having troubles?” Rainbow asked in a sarcastic and hurtful tone.

“W-What’s going on?” Scootaloo asked, her voice wavering as she looked up at her idol.

“You can’t fly, Squirt, and you never will with those puny wings. Now I’m leaving, I’ve got better things to do than hang out with flightless ponies.” Rainbow spoke, her words dripped with resent towards the smaller pegasus.

Scootaloo took the insult like a sledgehammer to the chest. She tried her best to hold back the tears as her chest slowly began to heave with silent sobs. Looking over to her mother with watery eyes, the same look of contempt and disappointment was mirrored on her face.

“M-Mom…” Scootaloo croaked through her sobs.

Her mother turned away, her nose in the air as she refused to look down upon her own daughter.

“If you can’t fly, then don’t consider yourself to be any daughter of mine.” Her mother spoke harshly, before turning and trotting away.

The final insult hit her deep. She sobbed profusely as she slumped over in the dirt, rocking side to side as tears openly fell from her eyes.

~

With a start, Scootaloo jumped upright in bed. She awoke in a cold sweat, as the tears and sadness from her dream lingered. The dark thoughts of her nightmare plagued her mind as she slowly began to cry again, the mere thought of what happened enough to cause tears to flow freely.

Slowly the door to her bedroom opened as Rainbow carefully peered in. The tears on Scootaloos cheeks sparkled in the moonlight that filtered through the nearby windows. Immediately Rainbow’s attention was caught as she rushed in to comfort the filly.

Scootaloo all but jumped into Rainbow’s embrace. Hooves and wings surrounded the openly sobbing filly, who buried her face in the older mares shoulder. Tears dampened Rainbow’s fur as she softly rubbed Scootaloo’s back. All the while, Scootaloo tried to relay what had transpired in her nightmare, which only came out as more choked sobs.

“Shh, it’s alright, Scoots.” Rainbow began comfortingly, “I’m here, it was only a dream.”

The morning was silent high up in the troposphere. Clouds gently drifted by in the steady breeze of the higher altitude. Early morning rays of sunshine shone warmly through the window in Rainbow Dash’s room. The light illuminating the room, the warm beams came to rest on two pegasi occupying the lone bed in the room.

Rainbow laid under the sheet that remained on her bed, cradled in her hooves and wings was Scootaloo. The small orange filly was bundled up in a blanket and held by her older sibling through the night, ever since her nightmare. Rainbow was the first to awake, tiredly blinking the sleep out of her eyes while trying to fall back asleep.

She watched as the smaller ponies chest rose and fell. Her breathing was gentle and deep as her ear occasionally twitched. Scootaloo incoherently mumbled in her sleep, much to Rainbow’s tired amusement. With a tired sigh, Rainbow rose from her bed, doing her best to not wake the sleeping filly.

Morning had arrived too soon for her. Already at the early hours of the morning, she was planning out naps for later in the day. She made a brief stop at the bathroom, freshening up before proceeding onto the kitchen. The house seemed deafly silent to her as she entered the little kitchenette of her house where she began scavenging for breakfast.

Carefully, she used every little bit of cooking knowledge she had as she attempted to make pancakes for Scootaloo and herself. Only after a few tries did she finally get the hang of the hot griddle top, and produced a few pancakes each. Rainbow smiled at her culinary masterpieces she managed to make as she set them down on the table and waited.

Her ears swiveled in the direction of her room as the sound of little pitter-pattering hooves emanated from down the hallway. The bathroom door down the hall suddenly closed and the sound of running water flowed throughout the house for awhile before the door reopened and Scootaloo reemerged.

Scootaloo tiredly walked around the corner into the kitchen, the blanket she slept in still in-tow and wrapped around her as she sat down at her plate. Her face lit up at the sight of warm food. It only took moments for her to silently dig in to her breakfast like Rainbow.

No words were uttered as they finished up their meal, before leaning back with a satisfied sigh. Rainbow remained reclined in the chair with her eyes closed and a small smile on her face as she enjoyed the quiet morning. Only after the sound of clinking plates did she open her eyes again and gaze at Scootaloo.

Blanketless, Scootaloo collected both of their plates and moved to the sink before drawing up the tap and began doing the dishes. Silently Rainbow watched on in slight awe, as Scootaloo dutifully cleaned the few utensils and bowls that were used to conjure up a meal.

That was, until she dropped a half full bowl of batter. Not only did she get splattered nearly head to hoof, she managed to get most of the cabinets and floor around her. With an incredulous look, she turned back to her older sibling, who was looking on in awe. The mere sight of Scootaloo’s face was enough to send Rainbow into a serious fit of giggles.

While Rainbow nearly tipped over her chair into the pool of pancake batter from laughing so hard, Scootaloo surveyed how much damage she’d caused with her minor slip of her hooves. Ever so slowly, soft little giggles began to build from Scootaloo, before she nearly fell from her small step stool as she joined Rainbow Dash in a furious fit of laughter.

As Rainbow slowly began to recover from her laughter, she rose from her chair with tears in her eyes as she approached the smaller pegasus.

A few giggles managed to escape before any words came out, “You made quite the mess, there, Squirt.”

Scootaloo managed to take a break from her laughter to reply, “I’m so sorry, Rainbow Dash, bu-but-” She began to break into laughter again.

Rainbow smiled, “Don’t worry about it, Scoots. Go on and use my shower to clean yourself, I’ve got everything out here.”

In an attempt to be affectionate, Rainbow licked batter off of Scootaloo’s nose only to instantly regret it. She physically shuttered and made a face of sudden regret before she commented, “Bleh. That was a terrible idea.”

Spurred on by her older siblings display, she took a little taste from her hoof and drew up the same conclusion, only to react more than she did. “Ge’ it’h o’th ma’ tongue!”

Rainbow began to break down again, as she retrieved a vital drink for the filly. As soon as the glass touched her hooves, she downed it’s contents.

Still giggling, Rainbow stated, “Seriously, let’s get you cleaned up.”

After tracking through the batter, Rainbow simply scooped up the filly in a fit of giggles and carried her off towards the bathroom. All the while, batter hoofprints followed them down the hallway and was splattered everywhere.

What started out as a simple idea of getting cleaned, turned into an all out ordeal, as they both managed to get even dirtier in the process. Finally giving in, the two siblings occupied the small shower stall in a poor attempt at cleaning the sticky batter out of their coats.

It only resulted in the smaller one getting even dirtier. After more time than it should’ve taken, the both emerged clean and looking like orange and cyan puffballs once they dried off. From there, they took precautionary measures to preserve their coats as they set out on scrubbing every inch of the hallway and kitchen.

Once the majority of the spill was cleaned up, both ponies took a few minutes as they looked around the spotless kitchen. The floor nearly sparkled as Rainbow Dash wiped sweat from her brow. Though she never knew cleaning was such hard work, or as fun as it was with Scootaloo, they both managed to kill a few hours as they began moving around the house.

“I’m going to run out for a little bit to get some groceries,” Rainbow said, sitting up and giving her back a break, “You good to be here by yourself, Squirt?”

“Totally!” Scootaloo responded, puffing out her chest and striking a pose.

Rainbow smirked and giggled before ruffling the fillies mane, “Alright, if you say so. Just no wild parties or burn the place down, alright?”

Scootaloo giggled, “Sure thing, Rainbow Dash!”

After collecting a small bag of bits, Rainbow headed for the door and set out on her journey to town. With a sigh, Scootaloo looked around the house. The majority of the rooms were clean, except for the bathroom and bedroom. With a determined smile, she set out to finish up the house for Rainbow.

The door was flung wide open and bounced off the wall as Rainbow shuffled in, attempting to carry every bag in at once. Immediately Scootaloo ran passed Rainbow who was settling down the bags, to grab the few remaining out on the front stop.

The bags being just bigger than her made the task difficult, but she managed to scoop up two bags with her wings and began to walk inside. Until her hoof caught the lip of the cloud pad that rested outside of the door.

Instantly, she lost her balance. In an attempt to to regain balance, she moved backwards, only to begin stumbling towards the edge of the cloud the house sat on. A hardy thump shook the cloud house as Scootaloo tipped over and landing square on her back. Bags went flying as their contents departed in random trajectories.

A loaf of bread bounced softly against the springy cloud. A bag of chips crinkled against the hard pad in front of the door. Eggs had been spilled, but were saved by the soft texture of the cloud. A glass jar full of vegetables hit the cloud as well, but went sailing on through.

The jar experienced no resistance as it passed through the water vapor. A hole just bigger than the jar remained, which Scootaloo used to watch the plummeting produce. She thought she heard the jar whistling as it sailed through the air, increasing it’s speed exponentially.

Rainbow Dash emerged from the house, and curious look on her face that turned into one of concern as she rushed out to the still prone form of Scootaloo. In the few seconds she was outside, Rainbow was able to put two and two together to figure out what had happened.

Scootaloo looked up as Rainbow’s looming shadow blocked out the sun. Her face was one of sorrow and fear as she prepared for Rainbow’s reaction. Before any words could’ve been exchanged, the sound of a sickening thump and breaking glass both interrupted each ones thoughts.

Scootaloo winced with the sound and looked down a final time. Bits and pieces of glass twinkled in the sunlight below as the colorful vegetables were scattered all around like colorful polkadots. Rainbow peered over as well and winced slightly at the carnage that lay below, but a small smile worked it’s way on to her lips.

The orange filly was scared to open her eyes as she looked up at the older pegasus with a sheepish smile, “S-Sorry Rainbow, i-it was an accident, I swear!”

Rainbow chuckled lightly, “It’s alright, Scoots, accidents happen.”

Carefully Rainbow helped the younger pegasus up then moved on to repack the remaining goods back in the paper bag and brought them both inside.

“We’ll just have to go down later and pick everything up, we don’t need somepony getting hurt or complaining.” Rainbow spoke in a calm and kind tone to help relax the nervous filly.

“Y-Yeah.” Scootaloo acknowledged with a hint of nervousness, as she helped unpack everything, being extra careful to not drop anything through the floor.

After the extremely minor incident with the groceries, the rest of the afternoon went by without a hitch. The two siblings spent the time bonding and hanging out as time slowly passed them by. As the sun began to dip Rainbow was able to whip up another meal for the two as the day started to draw to a close.

They sat silently relaxing in the living room, enjoying the sunset and each others company. With a slightly dissapointed and lazy sigh, Rainbow sat up.

“We should get the few chores done before we get too comfy.” She stated.

“What do we have to do?” Scootaloo asked, slightly renewed with energy at the thought of helping Rainbow out.

“Well, dishes have to get done again and the trash has to be taken out.” Rainbow spoke from a mental list.

“We know what happened last time I tried to do the dishes.” Scootaloo commented with a giggle.

Rainbow joined her with a giggle of her own as she ruffled the orange filly’s mane, “Alright, Squirt, think you can handle the garbage?”

“Sure I can!” Scootaloo replied with a puffed out chest.

Rainbow giggled, “Alright, let’s get everything done and maybe we can squeeze in a movie tonight.”

Scootaloo sprung up from the couch and hit the floor trotting as she entered the kitchen, Rainbow Dash right behind her and giggling.

The black garbage bag took the definition of full to a new level. The slightest puncture would’ve proved catastrophic and would have sent refuse all over the kitchen. The small filly dragged the back over her shoulder with a mighty huff, using all of her strength and her wings to her advantage.

Eventually she managed to build up speed as she rapidly approached the open front door. As soon as she started moving, the momentum of bag began to overpower her as she neared the threshold of the door.

The slight drop from the doorframe to the pad had caught her this time. As soon as she passed through the doorway and attempted to slow down, the bag kept pushing her. Scootaloo cleared the pad and landed chin first on the soft cloud, the bag bouncing off of her back and flipping through the air towards the edge of the cloud.

Not wanting a recreation of early events, she scrambled towards the edge. She slide to a stop, one foreleg kept her from sliding off the edge, while the other reached out and just barely caught the plastic bag. With baited breath, she laid at the edge of the cloud, the weight and swinging momentum of the bag threatening to drag her off the side to the ground.

The strain was taking it’s toll on her as she bag slowly started to slide out of her grip. Her eyes widened as she quietly prayed and hoped for the bag to stop as she tried to swing it back up and over the edge.

That’s when it slipped from her grip. The force jolted her back slightly as she helplessly watched the black bag hurtled towards the surface of the planet. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a lone pony walking directly underneath her at a leisurely pace.

She tried to scream out to him, but she choked on her words as the bag neared. Her heart dropped when she saw the bag hit him directly in the head. Immediately, the bag burst, spewing garbage all over the helpless stallion.

He stood stock still, shocked from the impact. Slowly he looked down around him, then on to the thick layer of garbage that covered his fur. Ever so slowly, his gazed turned skywards and met Scootaloos. She desperately wished to run inside and hide, but his rage filled gaze froze her.

He was mad. Very, very, mad. The stallion began shouting obscenities skywards at the filly, who slowly began to curl up as moisture collected in her eyes from the hurtful words. His voice traveled far, as if he was right on top of her screaming.

The sound of a dropped pan echoed from the house, as Rainbow Dash rocketed outside. As she peered over the edge over Scootaloo, she looked down and saw the disaster. She nearly broke down in hysterics if it weren’t for the tears coming down Scootaloo’s cheeks and what the stallion was saying.

Immediately her hooves protectively covered the filly’s delicate ears before she started to lay into the stallion.

“Oh yeah?-Up yours!” Rainbow screamed, the sound muffled to the sniffling filly.

She could barely hear what the stallion yelled back.

“I’ll shove my hoof so far up-” Rainbow’s voice came in and out as her hooves moved while she shouted.

There was a pause before the stallion replied.

“That’s right, walk away before I come down and open a can of-” Rainbow continued, while Scootaloo tried to curl up in a ball.

With the stallion now gone, and Rainbow’s anger dropping, she focused on the trembling filly. Immediately Scootaloo was spun over and quickly inspected.

“Did he hurt you?” Rainbow demanded with a little too much force in her voice, still riled up from her yelling.

Scootaloo shook her head rapidly as she sobbed.

“What’d he say? So help him if he-”

Rainbow was cut off as Scootaloo’s sobs became louder. In a heartbeat the orange filly was wrapped up in hooves and wings and up to the older pegasus’ chest. Rainbow softly cooed to help calm down the shaken filly.

“It’s alright, Scoots. That stallions gone, now.” Rainbow said softly, nuzzling her mane.

“I-I j-just wanted to h-help and n-not be a burden to y-you.” Scootaloo sniffled.

Rainbow gaped silently for a moment before replying, “You’re never a burden to me, Scootaloo.” She said comfortingly, tightening her grip on the filly and kissing her forehead.

“Ever…”

Author's Note

Oh hey look! A chapter is done after how many months? 8 months? Wow, I am so sorry for the wait.