Scootaloo stood in front of the train station as the big train screeched to a stop. Many ponies that Scootaloo knew had gathered at the train station to say goodbye to Apple Bloom. Today was the day everything changed. She was leaving for college.

“Well, this is my train,” Apple Bloom declared, facing her family and friends. “I'm sure gonna miss all of you.”

“We’ll miss you too,” Sweetie Belle cried.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle gave Apple Bloom a group hug.

The hug was over too soon for Scootaloo. Apple Bloom would be coming home when summer rolled around, but ten months without Apple Bloom seemed too long.

“Please write us,” Scootaloo pleaded.

“I will,” Apple Bloom said with a giggle.

Scootaloo watched as Apple Bloom went over to her parents to say her goodbye.

“We're gonna miss you so much, sugarcube,” Applejack told her. “Don't forget to write, ya hear me?”

Apple Bloom laughed quietly. “I won't, I promise.”

“And I got your textbooks for you,” Apple Buck added. “You forgot them on the way out the door.”

“Oh, thanks, Papa!” Apple Bloom laughed and took her textbooks from her father to put them in her bag.

“We love you,” Applejack said. “Have a great time.”

“I reckon I will,” Apple Bloom assured.

“Bye, Apple Bloom!” Pinkie Pie shouted after her. “We’ll have a super duper fun welcome party when you get back!”

“With pizza!” Cheese Sandwich added.

Apple Bloom waved to them. “Thank you! I can't wait!”

Apple Bloom made sure she had everything before boarding the train. She waved to everypony out of the window as the train pulled away from the station.

“I miss her already,” Sweetie Belle said.

“Oh, I know,” Rarity agreed. “It’ll be hard for us when you move to Canterlot to pursue your singing career.”

“That's right!” Sweetie Belle remembered. “I’m leaving next week! Oh, I’m not even packed yet!”

“Don't worry,” Fancy Pants assured to her. “We’ll help you to be ready in time.”

Scootaloo's heart sank as she was reminded of Sweetie Belle's departure. Sweetie Belle decided to move to Canterlot, so she could be by some recording studios for her music. She disliked to leave Ponyville, but Ponyville didn't have many high quality recording studios. Sweetie Belle had promised to visit as often as she could, but Scootaloo still felt an overwhelming sadness. Both of her best friends were leaving. She was the only one left.

Scootaloo restrained some tears before everypony started to return home.

Sometimes, Scootaloo would ride her scooter to feel the adrenaline rush. Other times, she rode it to think about the changes in her life. This was one of those times. As Scootaloo sped through Ponyville, she ignored the wind and payed attention to the thoughts running through her mind.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle had always been a huge part of her life. They were the only two mares who could help her to feel better about her disability and she hung out with them almost every day. Now, the only two ponies she felt close enough to talk to were her parents, but they were often very busy with Wonderbolts business.

When she was snapped back to reality, Scootaloo realized she was heading straight for the side of Sugarcube Corner. She braced herself for the impact before slamming into the building. Dizzily, she arose to her hooves before hearing a familiar voice.

“Why do I keep finding you in crashes?” Rumble asked with a chuckle.

“Why do you keep finding me in the first place?” Scootaloo grumbled.

“Touche,” Rumble replied.

“What are you doing here?” Scootaloo asked.

“You crashed again,” Rumble said. “I wanted to check on you and make sure that you were okay.”

“That's very nice of you,” Scootaloo said. “I’m fine. Thanks.”

“Are you sure?” Rumble wondered. “You seem a little upset.”

“I'm fine,” Scootaloo repeated, firmly.

“Here, why don't we take a little fly?” Rumble suggested. “It might help to take your mind off things. It always helps me. Maybe we can even talk about it along the way.”

“No!” Scootaloo exclaimed, quickly. “It's okay! I don't want to bother you.”

“Trust me, you're not bothering me,” Rumble assured. “My Dad and I do this all the time.” He sighed. “Well, we used to anyway.”

“I'm not going to do it, okay?” Scootaloo said. “I just can't!”

“Why not? I mean, what's stopping you?”

“I can't fly!” Scootaloo blurted out.

Rumble was stunned as he just stared at Scootaloo. Scootaloo began to tear up. “I… I can't fly.”

Scootaloo tried to wipe her tears away before they fell.

“Wh-why not?” Rumble wondered. He had never heard anything like it.

“I was born with earth pony bones,” Scootaloo admitted. “They weigh me down. My own body is working against me! I can't even get up into the air! I can't fly!” Scootaloo paused to restrain a few more stubborn tears. “It doesn't help that my best friends are moving away and that my parents can't be around as often as I want them to be!”

“I get how that feels now,” Rumble said. “Ever since my Dad became a full-time Wonderbolt, he’s never been around that much anymore. I used to tell him everything. We were so close.”

“Well, at least you have your Mom,” Scootaloo said.

“I'm just not comfortable with talking to my Mom,” Rumble admitted. “She's very caring and awesome and I love her and everything, but… I’ve always told everything to my Dad. I'm not ready to switch to my Mom.”

“Oh,” Scootaloo managed. “I’ve always been so close to my Mom and my Dad. I could always talk to both of them.”

Rumble chuckled. “That sounds nice. I wish I could be in your position.”

“No, you don't!” Scootaloo said. “You're an amazing flyer. I can tell from your attitude and your cutie mark.”

“Yeah, us flyers can get pretty cocky,” Rumble reluctantly agreed.

“If you were in my position, you’d be stuck on the ground for life,” Scootaloo continued. “If anything, I’d rather be you.”

Rumble looked as if he was in thought for a moment. “Hey… flying doesn't come from skill. At least, in my opinion. Flying comes from deep down inside of you. It's more of… an art than a sport. I’ve got an idea.”

“You do?” a confused Scootaloo wondered.

“What if I taught you to fly?” Rumble asked.

“You can't teach me to fly,” Scootaloo claimed.

“How do you know?” Rumble replied. “Has anyone ever tried to teach you how to fly?”

“No,” Scootaloo said, softly. “Since I was told that it was impossible, no one ever thought to attempt to teach me.”

“There are ponies who will tell you that it's impossible,” Rumble told her. “Guess the only thing you can do is try to prove them wrong.”

“But---”

“Hey,” Rumble assured, softly. “It looks like you could really use a friend right now.”

Scootaloo hesitated. She did want someone to hang out with since her friends were leaving.

Rumble held out a hoof towards her. “So, is it a yes or…?”

Scootaloo bumped her hoof against his. “Yes.”

“Great,” Rumble said with a smug smile. “Let's get started tomorrow.”

Scootaloo nodded. “Deal.”

Rumble smiled at her before waving goodbye. “See you later, Scootaloo!”

“Bye, Rumble!” Scootaloo replied.

As she hopped onto her scooter to ride home, she smiled. It warmed her heart to know that she had a new friend by her side. She smiled eagerly. Maybe she would even learn to fly along the way.

Author's Note

What do you think so far? As I mentioned previously, I appreciate honest feedback!