When the Dash Comes Around

A long time ago, Scootaloo attached a basket to her scooter. It was for Tank, her pet tortoise. For a little while, when she received him for her birthday, she felt indifferent toward him. Scootaloo couldn’t believe nor comprehend that out of all the amazing, fast, and cool animals that roamed the earth Rainbow Dash could have had as pets, it was this wrinkly reptile she chose. Even Pinkie Pie said she was going to choose a hawk. A hawk made sense. When enough time had passed Scootaloo grew fond of Tank each day, then attached the little basket to her scooter, so wherever she went he came along for the ride. It was his face that won her over most of the time.

On some days while Scootaloo roamed the streets, she’d go to the edge of town where Rainbow Dash’s cloud dominium was located. During the months after Rainbow Dash died it remained uninhabited. Scootaloo thought of it as her own personal memorial to her. She moved in and lived with her for ten months, but they were ten months worth treasuring. When spring arrived, a family had moved in, pegasi. There were two parents, a colt and a newborn foal. Sometimes when the family was out, and saw Scootaloo riding below them, they waved to her, and she waved back. They seem nice, Scootaloo thought. She hope the family will take good care of Rainbow Dash’s home.

If Scootaloo had a word to describe the previous year, “zigzag” would be more or less appropriate, but it seem to fit. On the summer Rainbow Dash took her final bow she was sucked into a deep spiral she’d never thought she’ll escape from. Everything was happening so fast that her mind couldn’t comprehend it, and when it did she wanted to reject it. Reality was a distorted version of itself. Not even Discord himself can give her bad day after witnessing the death of her best friend in the sky. She had a difficult time trying to look at rainbows during rainy days. Scootaloo remembered the sky exploding with magnificent colors, and the cheers that erupted from the ponies watching Rainbow Dash, only to change immediately into mournful cries.

On the flip side, things seem to get better, if better was the word Scootaloo would choose. She couldn’t think of anything else. Everyone; Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie, including herself, realized they’re going to have to live their lives without Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy and Pinkie were the most affected by the tragedy. Pinkie’s hair deflated for a long time and Fluttershy wouldn’t come out of her home. Pinkie left town for soul-searching, as did Twilight and Rarity. But things got better overtime. Scootaloo couldn’t think of a better phrase.

The scooter ride to the park was silent, something Scootaloo never liked. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, her two friends, were at least with her most of the time when she was on her scooter. She slowed her pace, and was walking. She leaned her head to Tank, who was poking his head over the basket, and talked to him.

“I had that dream again,” she said to him. “I woke up in the middle of the night, and saw the door. When I looked long enough the other side was glowing this bright light. I don’t know if it’s real or not. It seemed real. I always wake up before I open it.” Tank never answered back to her, but Scootaloo somehow knew he was listening. “What do you think it means?”

As always, Tank was silent. At least he was listening, Scootaloo thought. She kept her pace, but her thoughts still dwelled on the closed door that glowed on the other side. A while back, while talking to Tank, she looked at his beady eyes, and for a moment he seem to react to the things she said. That’s why she talked to him once in awhile, to see if he’ll react again.

Scootaloo entered the park, took the stone pathway that led her to the playground. She liked to play on the swings. They were therapy for her. Whenever something was on mind, or wanted to get away from her troubles, the swings were there for her. She picked up Tank from his basket, and sitting on the swing she laid him on her lap. Scootaloo slowly rocked the swing with her body back and forth. She smoothly ran her hoof across Tank’s shell. She didn’t know if he felt it, but it felt good to do it.

“Sometimes when I’m on the swing, I try to swing really hard and jump off,” she told Tank. “I always like to see how far I’ll go if I jump off. One time I drew a line on the dirt, and I went way over it! I fell on my face, but it was amazing! It was kind of like flying in a way.”

She heard voices approaching the playground. When the voice were close they sounded familiar to her ears. Scootaloo turned around, seeing Pinkie Pie and Mrs. Cake, who had her foals being pushed in a carriage. When they spotted each other, Pinkie excitedly waved at her.

“Hey Scootaloo!” she called.

Scootaloo waved back. Like herself, Pinkie was best friends with Rainbow Dash, and were very close until her untimely demise. When the dark clouds passed over their lives Pinkie and Scootaloo found comfort and friendship in each other. It happened after the birthday party she hosted for Scootaloo in August. Their newfound companionship made Pinkie take out the old pranks and games she locked in the basement of Sugarcube Corner. Their first victims together were Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, later moving on to the ponies themselves. On New Year’s Eve Scootaloo and her friends attended the Grand Galloping Gala for the first time, but Scootaloo opted to spend the night with Pinkie Pie. They both called it the best night ever, but Twilight made sure the two didn’t get in trouble.

Pinkie and Mrs. Cake took the foals out of their carriage, and placed them in the foal-sized swings that were next to the child-sized swings. Scootaloo knew one of them was a pegasus, the colt whose name was Pound Cake. He had baby wings on his back.

“So what brings you out here?” asked Pinkie.

“Oh, nothing… just hanging around,” replied Scootaloo.

“Well, little Pound and Pumpkin wanted to go to the playground today,” said Pinkie. She then spoke in a cutesy voice to them, making them giggle. “Mrs. Cake, you remember my friend Scootaloo, don’t you?”

“Of course. She and her two little friends are regulars at Sugarcube Corner,” said Mrs. Cake.

Scootaloo smiled. There was never time she’d been called a regular by someone.

As the morning went on Scootaloo, Pinkie and the Cakes enjoyed their company. Scootaloo let the foals play with Tank. They were very mesmerized by the creature with the large shell. It was something they never seen before. Tank hid inside his protective shell, but poked his head out when he realized Pound and Pumpkin posed no threat to him. Later, Mrs. Cake decided to take the twins home, although Pinkie opted to stay behind with Scootaloo. When it just the two of them alone in the playground, Pinkie chose the empty swing next to Scootaloo.

“Do you think it’s still there?” asked Scootaloo.

“What’s still where?” said Pinkie.

“The memorial for Rainbow Dash. Do you think it’s still at the park?”

“I’m sure it is,” answered Pinkie. “There’s no way they’re going to take that down. It’s gonna be there forever.”

“I can’t believe it’s been a year. It feels like it only happened a few days ago. Do you know a new family moved in her home?”

“Uh-huh. I met them,” said Pinkie. “I surprised them with a welcome party. They seem really nice and friendly. Oh, and the whole family is pegasi, just like Rainbow Dash.”

“I’ve always like that house. Too bad I only lived her for a short time.” Scootaloo sighed. “Well, I guess it was going to happen anyway. Somepony had to move in eventually. I remember one time, me and Rainbow Dash stayed up all night and watched a bunch of horror movies. I guessed I watched too much, because I couldn’t sleep that night. I thought something was going to come out of the darkness and snatch me from the bed. Then Rainbow Dash caught me all shivering and scared and told me not to worry. I’ll punch that monster right in the face!” she said, doing her best imitation of Rainbow Dash.

“Even though the house may not belong to her anymore, that’s a good memory to cherish. I bet you have lots of memories of Rainbow Dash,” said Pinkie. “I know I do.”

“What do you think is your favorite memory?” asked Scootaloo.

Pinkie placed her hoof under her chin. Then she thought of something. “I have so many great memories of her. From the first time we met, to our first adventure, from that pie eating contest we entered. Even holidays like Hearth’s Warming and Nightmare Night. But I believe my favorite memory is the sonic rainboom.”

Scootaloo grimaced. “Which one?”

“The very first one she made. You remember the story, right? I was a filly when it happened. It was the first time I was truly happy. It wasn’t for that sonic rainboom, none of us would be here. It’s kind of something, isn’t it?”

“Yeah… I guess you’re right,” said Scootaloo. “You know, nothing like has ever happened to me.”

“What do you mean?”

“That moment of inspiration. You and the others had it at the same time. That’s like a once in a lifetime thing. I don’t think I’ll ever experience something like that.”

“I know this will sound cliche, but I believe each pony has an inspirational moment. Maybe a moment like that will happen to you, but… different than what we went through. Maybe it will something way cooler than a sonic rainboom, who knows? But you can’t force it. You just have to let it happen. It comes during times when you’re not even thinking about it.”

“I hope that’s true.”

“I know it’s true. Trust me.”

Scootaloo and Pinkie sat on the swings in silence, gazing at nothing but the trees under the blue sky. Pinkie’s recollection of the first sonic rainboom reawakened thoughts Scootaloo had. She heard the story of how the ponies earned their cutie marks and how they discovered they carried the magic of the Elements during their fight against Nightmare Moon many times. But how were they all connected, she wondered. She will later go to the one pony in town who may hold the answers.

The thop-thop-thop in Twilight’s head wouldn’t give up. All through the afternoon it was nonstop, disturbing her from her much needed writing. It was rapid, like pallett balls colliding on a wall. It echoed all through the treehouse, much to her dismay. As it continued Twilight covered her ears with her hooves. Why can’t Spike play with that paddle ball somewhere else, like outside? she wondered. The thop-thop-thop grew closer, until Spike entered the room with the paddle ball. Twilight called his name several times, which resorted to her yelling at the top of her lungs to get his attention. “Must you do that inside?” she asked.

“I’m sorry, but there’s nothing to do,” said Spike. “You know how I get bored easily.”

“I wish I can help, Spike, but I have to write,” sighed Twilight. “I’m pretty sure there are other things you can do than play with that paddle ball.”

“Like what?”

“Read a book. Play outside. How about visit Pinkie Pie? Maybe she’d like to…” she tried to force the words from her mouth. “... watch you play with the paddle ball all day.” How can some ponies stand those things, she’ll never know. Spike put down the paddle ball, much to her relief. He walked over to her desk and looked over her shoulder.

“So whatcha doing?” he asked.

“I’m writing a column for the Ponyville Gazette,” Twilight answered.

“Okay… what about?”

“Do you know those friendship lessons I learned?” Twilight asked. “I decided to write about them for the newspaper, so I’m taking the letters I, and everyone, wrote to Celestia and expanding upon them.”

“That’s neat, I guess,” said Spike.

“I know it doesn’t sound much, but I thought it’d be great for the community. Here’s what I’m writing now.”

Twilight moved out of the way and let Spike read the stack of papers that she had finished typing. There was something she wrote about ponies should never have to be afraid to ask for help when they need it. She used Applejack as an example, during the previous year’s applebucking season, when she tried to buck every apple tree at the farm on her own, while at the same time trying to keep up with the promises she made for her friends, with disastrous results. In the end, Applejack realized she needed help, and everything was solved. “Do you like it?” asked Twilight.

“Do you think Applejack might be mad if you publish this? Remember what happened last time with Gabby Gums?”

Twilight shook her head. “Unlike Gabby Gums, I asked Applejack’s permission to use her as an example for this column, and she said yes. I will never write and publish anything about my friends without their consent. And beside, the Ponyville Gazette is not a tabloid paper; it’s a respected, local periodical news publication.”

“That’s good to know. You must be really into this,” Spike commented.

“Of course. I thought I share the lessons I learned with everyone.”

“Are you sure ponies will spend time reading what you wrote?” asked Spike.

“If it’s in the newspaper, then yes.”

Twilight returned to her work on the typewriter. Spike shrugged, grabbed the paddle ball, then began to move his hand. The ball bounced on the wooden paddle repeatedly, causing Twilight to groan inwardly. “You know, I believe I should write for my next editorial of how it’s rude to annoy your friends when they’re trying to do something pertaining to their work.”

Spike stopped. “Sorry,” he said. “You know, I guess I’ll see what Pinkie’s up to.”

Twilight nodded, very pleased that Spike listened to her for once. She returned to her typewriter, but she moved her hooves she read what she had written, and her smile fell. She accidently typed You know, I believe I should write for the next editorial of how it’s rude to annoy your friends when they’re trying to do something pertaining to their work. Twilight groaned, and tossed away that sheet of paper, and began on a new one.

Spike wander about the treehouse until he heard Scootaloo come in. She placed her scooter outside and carried Tank on her back.

“Scootaloo’s in the library?” he said. “That’s something new.”

An ironic smile crossed Scootaloo’s face. She shook her head. “Do you really think a pony like me doesn’t like to read once in awhile?”

“I was just kidding. Anyway, what brings you here? The copies of the newest Daring Do book hasn’t been shipped yet.”

“I wanted to talk to Twilight about something,” answered Scootaloo. She placed Tank on a table and removed a book from a shelf. “Is she around?”

“She is, but she’s busy right now. Twilight’s writing something for the Ponyville newspaper.”

“Oh. Is she writing news or something?”

Spike shook his head. “Twilight’s writing about all the friendship lessons she’s learned.” He shrugged his shoulders. “It’s for a column, she says. I don’t know…”

Scootaloo shrugged as well, then glanced at the book she was holding. She had no idea what she was reading until she realized she was reading a science book. Scootaloo looked at the cover and noticed it was about quantum physics. Too advanced, she thought, so she placed it back on the shelf. Scootaloo caught a glimpse of the paddle ball Spike had in his hand.

“Are you seriously playing with that?” she asked.

“I was trying to beat a world record. I began this morning, but Twilight stopped me.”

Spike was silent for a moment, then gazed at the paddle ball. He decided to continue, seeing if he can impress Scootaloo. There was a trick he mastered where he lifted one leg and paddled under it. The thop-thop-thop of the paddle ball filled the air in the library. Spike held continuously for a long time until Twilight walked in on them, frustrated.

“Spike, I made a mistake because of that… thing again,” she said. “Can’t you see I’m doing something important?” It wasn’t until a moment later she noticed Scootaloo, and Tank sitting on top of a table. “Oh, I hello Scootaloo. I apologize for the outburst. Are you here to borrow a book?”

“... Not really. I wanted to talk to you about something, I mean, if that’s okay with you.”

Twilight stroked her lavender chin. “I guess I can take a break from my writing,” she answered. “So what did you want to talk about?”

“Since this the week of the Summer Sun Celebration, I was thinking… how did you know about Nightmare Moon, the Elements of Harmony, and that other stuff?”

Twilight was surprised to hear a question like that from Scootaloo. In fact, she could hardly remember a time any child showed any interest in the power of the Elements. Then a smile brightened her face. This was a chance to pass knowledge toward a young mind.

“You know, I’m glad you’ve asked me that,” said Twilight. “Just grab a seat and I’ll tell you all about it.”

Scootaloo took a chair and sat in the middle of the library, with Tank sitting on her lap. Twilight was at another corner of the library. She aimed her horn at a shelf and a book hovered to her. She trotted to Scootaloo with a pleasant smile on her face, then presented her the book.

“What’s that?” asked Scootaloo.

“This book is called Predictions and Prophecies. As you can tell from the title, it contains revelations and prophecies of every culture and era in Equestrian history. It’s also the very book that convinced me of Nightmare Moon’s return to Earth.” Twilight used her magic to scan the pages until she found the passage she was looking for, then repeated what it said, “Woe to the Earth, for it is written, on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring darkness eternal.”

“Whoa,” said Scootaloo. “Were you scared?”

“Of course I was afraid,” Twilight answered. “I even warned Princess Celestia about it in a urgent letter. Do you know what happened next?”

“No. What?”

“She sent to overlook the preparation of festivities for the Summer Sun Celebration,” Twilight answered blankly. “And to make friends.”

Scootaloo tilted her head, raised an eyebrow. “Wasn’t the princess worried at all?”

“This is where things become interesting. On the surface, it seemed as though Princess Celestia took the situation lightly. But as the day went on, and at that fateful night, I began to understand why she sent me to Ponyville. She knew it all along. She knew what had to be done, but it was I and my friends who have to make the journey.” Suddenly, there was a look of disgust on Twilight’s face. “And to think at the time I was very cynical about friendship,” she shuddered.

“How did you know you and the others were the Elements?” Scootaloo asked.

“We weren’t literally the Elements of Harmony, but we carried the magic of the Elements inside us,” said Twilight. “That night as we ventured into the Everfree forest, we each performed a special task that determined who we truly are. Applejack assured me I was safe during that horrible fall off the mountain; Fluttershy showed kindness to a rampaging manticore; Pinkie laughed at the face of adversity; Rarity generously gave to someone in need…” Twilight was silent for a moment. A light smile crossed her lips. “And Rainbow Dash never left us behind,” she said with a soft, but prideful tone.

Scootaloo smiled and nodded. “What did you do? What was your special task?”

“My special task? Well, I believed in my friends. I believed in the magic of friendship. I believed with all of us together, there was nothing we can’t accomplish. I know it doesn’t sound like much on my part,” she chuckled.

“That’s okay,” said Scootaloo. “You guys saved the world.”

“Is there anything else you wanted to know?”

Scootaloo thought for a moment. There was one thing she wanted to know, but wasn’t sure if Twilight knew the answer. Still, it didn’t hurt to ask. “Do you know what happens if one of the Elements… you know, dies?”

“I’m glad you asked. Sometime ago, Princess Celestia told me that anytime a bearer can no longer fulfill their duty, in this case - death, the magic becomes dormant until it passes to someone else.”

Scootaloo stared at Twilight. “How does that happen?”

“We’re not entirely sure. The magical properties of the Elements remain mysterious to still day. Not even Celestia and Luna understood them, and they were the first bearers. One theory Celestia came up with was that during a time of crisis, a chosen pony must show the same amount of loyalty as Rainbow Dash, if not greater. But, again, it’s just a theory at this moment.”

“... Do you think there’s anyone that can take Rainbow Dash’s place?” asked Scootaloo.

Twilight sighed. She rubbed Scootaloo’s hair with her hoof. “There’s no pony in Equestria as loyal as Rainbow Dash. I can’t see anyone take her place. Unless…” Twilight gazed at Scootaloo very closely. The filly understood that look. She knew what Twilight was thinking about. Scootaloo hoped it was only a simple thought.

“You don’t think it’s me, do you?”

“Who knows. Anything is possible,” said Twilight.

"And if anything is possible, do you think something like a sonic can happen again?"

Twilight kept her eyes on her, but she didn't answer her question. There was no way to say yes or no to something like that. "Hopefully," she finally said.

Scootaloo removed herself from her seat, thanked Twilight for the brief lesson and placed Tank on her back. Before leaving, Twilight also mentioned to Scootaloo that she’ll inform her when the new Daring Do book arrives at the library. Scootaloo took note, and nodded to her, then exited through the door.

“You know,” Twilight told Spike. “Since this is Summer Celebration Week, maybe I should write about the power of friendship for the column. Isn’t that a great idea?”

Her ears were caught off-guard by the annoying thop-thop-thop of the paddle ball. Twilight glared at Spike until he stopped. “Yeah, sure… that’s a neat idea,” he said weakly.

Scootaloo decided to return to Sweet Apple Acres after spending half of the day riding on her scooter. Before going home, she made one last stop at Rainbow Dash’s old home. Since it was evening, the lights were on. The family was inside, probably having dinner, Scootaloo thought. Tank’s head stretched out of his shell. He set his sights on the cloud home.

“Feeling homesick, huh?” asked Scootaloo. Tank slowly turned his head toward her. She understood that simple, but honest look on his face. “Yeah. Me, too.”

Scootaloo gazed at the cloudominium for a few more moments before leaving. The memories of the fun, sleepless nights she spent with Rainbow Dash came back to her. Hopefully she can properly introduce herself to the new family instead of passing under them while waving.

During the ride home Scootaloo thought about what Twilight had said about the Elements of Harmony. Mainly, her thoughts dwelled on one element in particular - the Element of Loyalty, Rainbow Dash’s element. Is it possible that some part of her has lived on in some way? Twilight had said that the magic of the elements is transferable, given the circumstances. But how does that happen? Neither she or the princesses knew. One thing was sure enough - the next bearer will not be Scootaloo. She shook her head at the thought. There was no way she can be at the same level as her. Rainbow Dash was a pony who came once in a lifetime, the kind of pony others tell fantastic stories about. Scootaloo was just Scootaloo. What was special about her?

Scootaloo came home to the farm just in time. Whenever there was a time she come home just a tad later than usual, Applejack let her motherly instincts take over, and let the house flood in a sea of panic. Thankfully this was not one of those times. Applejack tend to let herself go overboard with her status as Scootaloo’s guardian.

She rode her scooter up the porch then left it there. Scootaloo entered the house saw the Apples were already preparing for dinner. She laid Tank on a large basket next to Winona, the Apples’ pet dog. Winona didn’t mind at all - she was very fond of the tortoise. Scootaloo took a seat between Apple Bloom and Granny Smith, her favorite seat at the table. Applejack eyed her just as she entered the dining room with Macintosh.

“You know, I was just beginning to think about you,” she said. “Lucky you dropped by in a nick of time.”

“Come on now, Jackie, I think the youngin’ learned her lesson,” said Granny Smith. Applejack gave her a look. She didn’t like it when Granny, or when anyone referred to her by her nickname. “You were a young filly yourself long time ago. I remember when you went out pass curfew any chance you got.”

Applejack’s orange cheeks had spots of light-red from embarrassment. She eyed Macintosh when she heard him snickering. “You too, Big Mac. You were a troublemaker as well,” Granny added. “Tryin’ to sneak out to go to the drive-in movie. I remember it all.”

“Well, I’m just trying to look out for Scootaloo, that’s all,” said Applejack.

“And I reckon you’re doing a mighty good job. But you don’t need to act all crazy like a jack rabbit when she makes a mistake.”

“Well, maybe I can learn to take a step back and not get excited,” said Applejack. “But still, there ain’t nothing wrong with watching out for the little ones. You understand, don’t you Scootaloo?”

“... Yeah, kind of,” she said with mild indifference.

“What’s wrong?” asked Apple Bloom.

“Oh, nothing’s wrong. Just tired from riding around all day. I hadn’t used that scooter in a long time.”

“At least you got some exercise,” said Granny.

“Did you know a family moved into Rainbow Dash’s home?” said Scootaloo.

“I know. Pinkie told us about it. Have you met them?” asked Applejack.

“Sort of. A lot of the time we don’t really speak, we just wave when we see each other. I do know they’re all pegasi, and they have two kids. One’s about my age, I think, and the other is a foal.”

“I think the next time you cross paths with them, introduce yourself,” Applejack suggested. “Ain’t no use smiling and waving at them if you ain’t got nothing to talk about.”

“It must be weird seeing ponies living in your old home, ain’t it?” said Apple Bloom.

“Well… it is, at first. But I knew it was going to happen eventually. Nopony was going let a perfectly good cloud home like that go to waste. I just hope they take good care of it.”

“Do you think they put Rainbow Dash’s stuff in a storage somewhere?” asked Apple Bloom. “They can’t just throw stuff away like that. We’ve been to her home, before. She has all kinds of trophies, Wonderbolts posters, medals, photos. I bet all them things were mighty important to her.”

“Maybe we’ll go by town hall and ask what they’ve done with them,” said Applejack. “I’d be anxious too if all my belongings were gone like that.”

Scootaloo nodded, but said nothing else. She fiddled with her food, looking down, and mostly looking anywhere at all. Granny noticed her behavior. “Anything else on your mind?” she asked.

“Oh… well, there is, but it’s not important.”

“It has to be important if you been thinking about all day,” replied Granny.

“Well… today I went to see Twilight Sparkle. I wanted to know about the Elements of Harmony. You know, since it’s almost the Summer Sun Celebration. And then we talked about some heavy stuff, and then I just sort of left.”

“What y’all talked about?” asked Applejack, anxiously.

“She talked about how friendship is very powerful and stuff, and the magic of the Elements is mysterious. Then we got to Rainbow Dash. Twilight said that the Element of Loyalty is not working right now, but eventually… it can pass on to anyone.” Scootaloo shrugged. “She said it was only a theory.”

“It seems probable,” said Macintosh. Everyone gazed at him in silence. “If you ask me, it looks like Twilight is trying to say that maybe you might carry on Rainbow Dash’s legacy.”

“She didn’t specifically say me,” said Scootaloo. “It could be anyone. Besides, I may not know much about magic, but I don’t think that’s how the Elements work.”

“Why don’t you think it’ll be you?” asked Apple Bloom.

“Because… I’m just me. Scootaloo. There’s nothing amazing or special about me. Rainbow Dash is amazing. I’m… just plain old me.”

“Don’t you go talk down to yourself like that,” Applejack said with a firm voice. “Look at me. I’m just a simple farmpony through and through. Before Twilight came to town I never would’ve thought that one day me and five other strangers will end up save the world together. Scootaloo, there are ponies out there with the most humblest of pasts that wind up doing great things for Equestria. Just because you don’t think highly about yourself doesn’t make it true.”

“It’s not that I think highly of myself, it’s just that… I don’t think I’m good enough for what Rainbow Dash has done,” Scootaloo said slowly.

The Apples stared at her. There was no anger toward her, no confusion, only sympathy. Scootaloo was feeling uncomfortable under their gazes, so she quickly finished her dinner, moved out of her seat and approached the basket to retrieve Tank.

Later that night Scootaloo sat on the edge of the bed, holding Tank. For the time being she was along with her thoughts until Apple Bloom entered the bedroom. She sat next to Scootaloo, staring at her, waiting for her to make eye contact.

“You don’t really think that about yourself, do you?” she asked.

“Think what?”

“You not being good enough for the Element of Loyalty?”

“It’s complicated,” sighed Scootaloo.

“I don’t tell anyone about this, but sometimes I don’t think I’ll be as great a pony like my brother and sister. Macintosh big and smart, Applejack is efficient and hardworking, not to mention she’s the Element of Honesty. In fact, she’s considered the hero of the family. But you know what, whenever I find myself thinking like that, I remind myself that the only way I can be great is to just be myself. You can be as great as Rainbow Dash if just remind yourself who you really are.”

“And who I really am is just a filly with chicken wings,” Scootaloo muttered. She and Tank shared a long gaze. “Sometimes I wish I was a turtle. They can hide themselves whenever they’re in danger, or don’t want to be bothered. They don’t have to deal with things like this.”

“We all gonna have to face the problems we don’t like,” said Apple Bloom. She crawled under the blankets and laid her head on the pillow. “I’m sure Rainbow Dash had her moments of self-doubt. And I know for sure Applejack has them, too. We all do. But doubt always holds us back from reaching our true potential. If Rainbow Dash had any doubt about making the first sonic rainboom, then none of us will be here.”

Scootaloo turned back and gave her a look. “You know I’m right,” added Apple Bloom.

“I think I should be going to be now,” said Scootaloo.

She placed Tank in the empty birdcage, then crawled under the sheets and blankets next to Apple Bloom. While Apple Bloom had no problem going to sleep, Scootaloo kept herself awake about thoughts of her being Rainbow Dash’s successor. Even after that pep talk she received, Scootaloo didn’t feel the least bit better about herself. There is no pony alive in Equestria who can take Rainbow Dash’s place as the Element of Loyalty, not even the members of the Wonderbolts, and certainly not Scootaloo. Finally, she closed her eyes and let sleep take hold of her.

Then, she found herself in a hall of a great castle. There was darkness everywhere, and desolation had claimed the once great halls. Scootaloo desperately tried to figure out where she was. And she saw them - Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy; all of them together. They were facing an enemy that claimed the throne of Equestria, but Scootaloo couldn’t make out who it was. The adversary was covered in shadows that seemed to move. Upon closer inspection of the scene, she realized that something was wrong with this picture, however Scootaloo couldn’t put her hoof on what it was that was out of place.

“You may have defeated the princesses, but you’ll never defeat us!” Twilight told the shadows. “With the power of friendship, we shall overcome! Honesty, kindness, laughter, generosity…” And then she said it, and Scootaloo realized what was wrong, “... loyalty, and magic! We are the Elements of Harmony, and we will prevail!”

The ponies began to glow, Twilight with her crown and the others with their necklaces. Scootaloo looked down and saw she had Rainbow Dash’s necklace, with the red gem in the shape of her cutie mark. They hovered off the stone surface and continued to glow. Later, they will strike against the shadow that overthrew Celestia and Luna.

Unfortunately, the ponies stopped glowing, and they dropped to the ground. Realizing they have failed, the ponies looked around to find the cause. Together, they gazed back at Scootaloo, and she couldn’t help but to shrink under their scornful eyes.

“Scootaloo,” Twilight began. “You failed us.” There was no anger in her voice. It was simple and straightforward, which made it worst.

Scootaloo breathed heavily and turned away from them, but something else that was truly horrifying. At the opposite side of the hall there was a pony who had their back turned. She looked, and noticed the pony had a very familiar figure. This pony was a pegasus, with light-blue skin, and hair full of color. Scootaloo’s soul was stricken with horror as the pony turned to her.

“You’re a failure,” said Rainbow Dash.

Then she woke up, finding herself once again in a dark room. Scootaloo was relieved when she remembered it was Apple Bloom’s room, but couldn’t get herself back to sleep. Although, she didn’t mind not going back to sleep. Scootaloo didn’t want to have that horrible dream again.