The Fleeing Wing

It had been 12 hours since Rainbow Dash had left Ponyville with Scootaloo and Tank.

By this time, they had rented a small apartment in Manehatten. They didn't choose Cloudsdale; Rainbow's ex-friends would easily find her there. They had rented the apartment in a quiet, obscure hotel, where they were safe.

It was late at night. Luna's moon shone brightly in the darkness, moonbeams pouring into the windows. Scootaloo was busy petting Tank as Rainbow Dash smiled down at her.

She was a big sister now. Not an honoury big sister, an actual big sister.
The very fact made her smile.

"He's funny, isn't he?" Scootaloo asked, stroking Tank's shell with her hoof.

Rainbow Dash could tell that Scootaloo was sleepy. She wasn't usually this laid back.

"Yeah. He's pretty cool though, don't you think?"

Scootaloo nodded lightly. Rainbow Dash pulled the orange filly closer to her. Scootaloo looked up at her sister and snuggled into her blue fur.

Rainbow Dash grinned.

"Do you like it here Scoots? I'm sorry if it's a bit small, but I have to save our bits," Rainbow Dash explained, petting Scootaloo's mane.

Scootaloo nodded.

"Yeah... I don't care if it's a bit small. I like being here." Scootaloo slowly closed her eyes, making Dash smile again.

"Your falling asleep on me."

Scootaloo opened her eyes and pulled her head away.

"No I'm not! I'm just... relaxing."

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes.

"Squirt, it's ok if you fall asleep. We have a big day tomorrow."

Rainbow Dash wrapped her wing around the filly and began to rub her back. Scootaloo closed her eyes and smiled, not experiencing the feeling before.

Rainbow Dash still couldn't believe that Scootaloo was an orphan the entire time.

Did she really think Rainbow Dash would hate her just because she didn't have parents?

"Scootaloo... did anypony ever do this to you?"

Scootaloo shook her head slowly. It hurt Rainbow Dash to think about what she missed out on being an orphan. Dash didn't know what having no parents was like, but she was sure it wasn't easy. Or pleasant for that matter.

"My parents were usually so busy... but... I miss them." Scootaloo snuggled up to Rainbow Dash as she looked down at the filly with sympathy.

"I'm sure you do, squirt."

Rainbow Dash hugged her little sister.

"But no matter what, I'll keep you safe. Remember that, ok?"

Scootaloo nodded and after a while she finally drifted off to sleep. Rainbow Dash smiled lightly. She looked down at Tank and petted him. He had long disappeared into his shell, but Rainbow Dash felt good talking to him even if he was asleep.

"That goes for you too, buddy."

Rainbow Dash slid her hoof down Tank's shell before standing up from the sofa and walking into the bedroom. It was very small, only enough space for two small beds and a dresser, but Rainbow Dash was just glad that Scootaloo was ok with it. She placed Scootaloo into her new bed and pulled the cover over her small body. She leaned down and gave Scootaloo a small kiss on the cheek.

"Goodnight, Scoots..."
"Sweet dreams."

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle walked down the street with their sisters.

It was midday, and the Sun cast a bright glow all over Equestria.

"I...I cannot believe that Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo left..." Sweetie Belle stated.

"Ah agree. What happened anyway Applejack?" Applebloom replied, all four ponies freezing at the question.

Applejack and Rarity turned to face their sisters.

Applejack had to tell them. She had to be honest. If she didn't she'd be betraying her element.

She took a deep breath.

"Well... you see sugarcubes... you know Mare Do Well?"

"Yup," Applebloom and Sweetie Belle answered together.

"Well," Rarity decided to take the story from there, "it was me, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Twilight and Fluttershy the entire time."

Sweetie Belle and Applebloom gasped.

"You mean... your both heroes?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Wow! Our sisters are heroes!" Applebloom stated with a little smile, trying to see the brighter side of the situation.

"It ain't like that, sugarcube." Applejack shook her head, "we made a huge mistake. We were trying to teach her a lesson about bragging... but she was just giving her fans what they wanted. Now we're all paying the price."

"You... you drove Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo out of town?" Sweetie Belle couldn't believe what she was hearing.

Rarity and Applejack gave a small nod.

"Yeah sugarcubes... we did."

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle looked at each other. They simply looked at their sisters with more disbelief, turned around and slowly began to walk away.

Rarity looked down.

"Oh no... I hope they're not too mad..."

Applejack put her arm around her friend.

"Me neither sugarcube... me neither."

After a while, Rarity began walking again.

"Well, let's just get this over with... I hope I don't have to be the one to tell her."

Applejack followed right beside the white unicorn.

"Ah'm with you there."

Rarity and Applejack trotted to their destination; the library. They slowly opened the door.

There with Twilight Sparkle was her.

Princess Celestia. Her mane was sparkling and flowing freely as usual. She looked at the two mates as they slowly trotted into the centre of the library. They stood next to their lavender friend.

A few seconds later, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie entered and stood by the once group of three. Celestia took a deep breath.

"Twilight Sparkle and friends. Your recent letter said that Rainbow Dash has left Ponyville because of a mare named 'Mare Do Well'. I would appreciate if you would explain."

Twilight Sparkle and her four friends nodded. They told Celestia the entire story, from the fanclub, the idea, to Rainbow Dash leaving Ponyville with her pet and newly adopted sister.

Princess Celestia frowned.

"That was not the way to handle the situation, my little ponies. I am quite disappointed."

The five ponies ears dropped.

"While I agree that it is unusual for Rainbow Dash to abandon you and her other friends here, it was her decision and I'm afraid there is not much I can do. I will try and get Rainbow Dash's current location, but everything else will be up to you."

Twilight Sparkle nodded, feeling guilty and ashamed along with the remaining four elements.

"I also expect you to explain to Ponyville why Rainbow Dash left here. Everypony is in shock and I feel it only best you tell them of what has gone on."

Twilight and her friends nodded for the final time.

"Now I must return to Canterlot for a Royal Summit. I will make time to return next week. I will alert you when I have found out your friend's location."

"Yes Princess... thank you."

Twilight and friends looked down with shame as Celestia left the library.