By the Moonlight

By the Moonlight

The Fifth - Entwined

Rainbow Dash skidded to a halt, holding the orange pegasus tight. Her heart was beating almost as fast as Scootaloo's. When asked about it later, the mare would always claim she had seen the little filly's ascent, but the truth of the matter was she was quite lucky to be unhurt.

Scootaloo eased herself out of Dash's grasp, who still had not fully realized what had just happened. "Thanks for saving me!" Her voice trembled, not just because she had narrowly missed breaking several bones, but because it was Rainbow Dash who had rushed to help her. "I'm Scootaloo! I'm a huge of fan of your-"

"Moves. Yeah, I know."

The smaller pony looked down in disappointment. Still just an unwelcome intrusion.

"What were you doing up there?"

"I was flying."

"But I thought-"

"I did too. But apparently my wings are strong enough now."

"If you're crashing down in mid-air, they aren't."

"I guess you're right..."

"Hey, kid," Rainbow turned to face her. "Don't be so hard on yourself. First time's always hard."

Scootaloo's eyes twinkled ever so slightly in the night.

"Listen... I know I've been a little rough on you. And I want to say that, well, I'm sorry."

The filly looked up, mouth agape.

"I just haven't been feeling good at all lately."

"What do you mean, Rainbow Dash?" She tried sounding as elegant as possible, but her eagerness to help showed through in her voice.

"Have you ever felt like you just have no idea where your life is going, like you've lost sense of it?"

"I- that's just how I feel. Hopeless."

"Hopeless. Exactly. But why are you feeling down all of a sudden?"

"Because... because I'll never belong!" She broke out into a whimpering sob.

Rainbow Dash's heart churned at the sight of her little fan crying. She nuzzled her with concern. "There, there. Don't be gloomy, Scootaloo," She paused. How could she bring light to this poor pony? "What if I let you fly with me?"

The filly glanced up, eyes still moist. "But... but I'm no good at flying."

"Oh, don't be silly. You can do it. Are your wings working?"

Scootaloo flapped them slowly, the sudden stiffness she had experienced earlier gone. "Yep."

"Alright! I'll lead the way and you can follow- and don't worry, I'll slow down for you." With that the two pegasi lifted off. "Ready?"

"Yeah!"

The pair surged on as one.

The exhilarating speed made the fliers feel so alive, their daredevil attitudes coming forth. Scootaloo pushed ahead of her partner, eyes narrowing. Dash had been hoping for a relaxing little run, but if that was what the filly wanted... she followed suit, easily catching up to her companion, a smile of pure joy on her face. She turned her head to see Scootaloo's eyes widen in surprise. Probably just admiring her grace and might- that sounded about right. Then Rainbow crashed headfirst into a large oak.

"Rainbow Dash! Are you okay?" The orange pegasus rushed over to her mentor's side.

She groaned. "Yeah... could you try warning me the next time I'm about to fly into someting?"

"Well- I tried! You were going too fast!"

"I wonder why. It definitely wasn't because of a certain filly who decided to speed ahead of me."

Their gazes met, and they realized they were both smiling. And then they both exploded in hearty laughter, celestial light shining down on them all the while.