Pattycakes: Needs

Applejack tried to hide the fact she had just blurted her scheme out, “I m-meant that she now gets to live around everypony else! You know, for the two days a week she is not a child! And...everypony is okay with that! Heh. Al-righty!”

Twilight raised an eyebrow, attention raised, “Okay. I hope so, Applejack. Hope so.”

Pinkie and Spike both departed the library since the air of suspicion had dissipated from the main room. They were more concerned with searching the skies for Rainbow Dash.

Applejack calmed down, going to join them.

Twilight wasn't done speaking just yet.

Putting a hoof on A.J.'s shoulder, she said her real hope, “A.J., I know you want Rainbow back full-time. A part of everypony else feels the same. You may be able to convince Fluttershy to let her baby go. Maybe. I do kind of doubt it, sadly. Yet, I made a promise. Don't make me break it, A.J.. Don't make a liar out of me. Because you're the only one I feel willing to do something...crazy.”

Applejack mentally grumbled at her suggesting anything Applejack would do is crazier than turning your life-long friend into your child.

She brushed the hoof off, responding before she walked away, “I have a lot of promises to keep. Some I got some major issues with. All I can say is...I'll try.”

“Just...try?”

“Yup. Just try. I will try. That's it. All I can say on the subject. You understand?”

“...Please, Applejack. Promi-”

Applejack was going home. No need to stay. Just be by herself for a bit, then come back to hang out with Rainbow.

Twilight just watched her go, knowing leaving Applejack alone would be in her best interest.

Scootalo was having so much fun! She jumped a table at a restaurant, and slid under a server as he strolled by with drinks for some guests.

She pumped a hoof in the air after the stunt, hearing shocks and applause from the party. Just not the frightened waiter.

She scootered onto the main road, riding past ponies with ease.

When a flash of multiple colors sped past even her, bringing back memories of Rainbow when she wasn't her adopted little sister.

And, as Scootalo tried to follow the phenomenon, it surprised her by diving back.

Right for her!

She screamed, and her scooter flipped out from her hooves steering wildly to avoid the incoming form.

Scootalo was sent flying, just not in the way she ever expected.

And...the flash saved her from a painful crash!

It saved her!

Rainbow grinned like a true speedster, “'Sup, Scoots! Wanna see how fast this pony can fly?!”

Scootalo only whimpered as their speed increased, “R-Rainbow?”

“The one and only, little sis'!”

“Is...this a nightmare?”

After that little unusual choice of words, Rainbow cut the brakes on breaking ponysal records.

She slowed down. Soon, landed on the ground with Scootalo still wrapped in her hoof.

She sat down in mild traffic, not worried about anypony about to overhear their conversation with the surrounding noises so loud.

She asked as she placed her thought-of sister onto her shoulders, “Did you say nightmare?”

Scootalo had forgotten she liked riding Rainbow's back, nuzzling in deep.

She took her time answering, “...Y-yeah.”

“What's wrong, Scoots? You don't like flying anymore?”

“No. No. That's not it.”

“Then...what is it?”

“Y-you are supposed to be the-”

Pinkie Pie and Spike had seen this scene unfold once spotting both Rainbow and Scootalo near each other.

Spike shouted when he got up to them, “Wait! Wait! Not another word, anypony!”

Rainbow told him with right, “You see us having a sisterly moment, right? Are you going to be in my way? Sorry, the position's full. Twilight holds that damn title.”

“N-no! Wait...sort of! Okay, just listen! Scootalo wasn't told about you getting out of...the hospital! Doesn't know a thing!”

“You didn't tell her!”

“There are so many ponies who live here. We were bound to not get a few.”

“Scootalo, though?! Really, Spike?!”

Scootalo had not the slightest idea what was going on. Last week, she was helping Fluttershy feed Rainbow her third bottle of the day. This week...Rainbow's back!

Back back. Mentally all there.

And...it was the best and worst moment in her life.

Apparently, she didn't remember her weeks of babyhood. Though, Scootalo did. Especially that day she betrayed Rainbow for past mistreatment. She hopefully wouldn't ever remember that. Scootalo felt as guilty as Rainbow must have after that day she slapped her.

But, Rainbow was back! And, the guilt would go away soon enough!

She hoped it would.

Spike and Rainbow had been arguing while Scootalo thought intently.

Spike held a claw to his temple, explaining to Scootalo to silence the anger of the mare, “Scootalo, Rainbow just got out of the hospital. Remember when she was put into the hospital after drinking Fluttershy's drink? The one Pinkie Pie made with too much su-gar? Well, after months of being kept essentially hostage by those doctors, was freed from them! You know, because Celestia and Luna kept giving money to them to keep Rainbow healthy, and everypony thought Rainbow was just being used?! When all she needed was a stomach pumping?! Well, here she is! Out and about! Don't bother asking her what her time was like there because she doesn't remember any of it.”

Rainbow griped on the length of Spike's explanation, “Ugh. Too long! Couldn't you have just given the short version of it? I was the one who was in an apparent coma, not her. Pretty sure she was around you all enough to hear bits and pieces of my time in the hospital.”

“Well, I am just following what you asked of me. Don't hit the messenger.”

Scootalo pretended to believe the story, though was emotionally honest, “Oh. Well...awesome! My big sister is back!”

Pinkie had kept herself quiet for as long as she could.

Finally, she excitedly told of her desires, “Can we pwease go to Sugarcube Corner?! Come on, everypony! This is around the time Ms. Cake makes her daily cupcakes! We can't miss them! Hurry, hurry, hurry!”

Rainbow deadpanned as they walked to Sugarcube Corner, “Better not be too sweet. Don't want another trip to the hospital.”