A New Family: Independent
By hannahs98
Rainbow Dash has always been an independent sort of mare. She never really needed anyone to be happy; all she needed were her wings and the endless stretch of blue sky. Rainbow loved the feeling of the wind gently rushing over her ruffled feathers, the breeze blowing her mane and the exhilarating feeling of adrenaline pumping in her heart as she made several loop-di-loops on her way back down to Ponyville. Her thoughts shifted to friends as she angled the tips of her wings slightly to adjust her balance before landing.
She loved her friends just as much though. Ever since they took on the Elements of Harmony to defeat Nightmare Moon, the bond with her friends remained unbreakable. True, there had been ups and downs, she thought as she landed and looked around at the shops of Ponyville. But nothing could compare to the swelling feeling I could ever have while with my friends. Well... maybe except flying. She gave a half smirk as she thought to herself before trotting, stretching her wings with a soft whoosh and taking to the air again.
She angled her head upwards and closed her eyes while taking a deep whiff of the cold air just below the clouds. It had rained a few hours ago; leaving the air smelling fresh with moisture. She spiraled upwards and rose above the clouds... they were pure white; almost angelic. Rainbow Dash stuck her tongue out in a mischievous grin. One. Two. Three. FOUR! She flew upwards a few more yards before pointing her nose downwards in a steep dive. The cold air whipped past her face as her speed increased steadily; her eyes involuntarily watering.
"Awwh yeah!"
Rainbow smiled devilishly and glanced to her right and left. She dropped below the clouds and plummeted towards the edges of Ponyville quickly. At the last moment, she flew up in a sharp U-turn.Whoo! she hollered as she flew upwards in a corkscrew. She had outdone herself again! Although it was practice, Rainbow desperately wanted to impress the Wonderbolts the next time there was a chance to meet them.
Slowly, she glided down again towards the center of Ponyville. She landed and trotted towards Sugarcube corner to say hi to the other five. They had agreed to meet at the bakery and grab some snacks that morning. On her way there, she happened to come across Scootaloo.
"Hi, Rainbow Dash! I saw you flying just now! You were amazing!"
Rainbow Dash shuffled her hooves in an embarrassed but pleased manner.
"Thanks, squirt! Someday, I bet you'll grow to be amazing too!" Dash winked before galloping off; while Scootaloo gazed at her idol in awe at the encouragement.
An hour went by. After grabbing a snack with her friends at Sugarcube Corner, Dash quickly finished up her weather duties by clearing the sky of the clouds. All except for one. She landed neatly on the cloud before ruffling her mane and plopping down on the cloud. The morning had been full of activities and she desperately needed her morning nap. She was unaware that her eyelids were becoming heavier and heavier...
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It felt good. Adrenaline is good. Rainbow Dash huffed as she willed her body to go faster as she raced through the sky with her hooves outstretched in front. The tips of Rainbow's wings curled to maintain balance as she raised her right wing. Fwooosh. She peeked over her shoulder as she rounded the final corner of the race and noticed that Gilda wasn't far behind her. Rainbow playfully stuck her tongue out as she sped up and crossed the finish line. Cheers erupted from the crowd as she slowed down and took a moment to absorb the number of ponies hollering out her name.
However, one chant stood out particularly from the crowd.
"Rainbow Dash! Wak-!" She couldn't make out the source of the chant as it faded to a mumble.
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"RAINBOW DASH!! WAKE UP! RAINBOW!" came the familiar squeak.
Rainbow Dash slowly opened her eyes and rolled over. She never realized that she had accidentally fallen asleep on the plush cloud.
"Oh, hey tiger," Rainbow Dash grinned and winked. There, standing below her with twinkling eyes, was her number one fan Scootaloo.
"What's up, sport?" Rainbow Dash called.
"I was just wondering if you could help me with something!" Scootaloo said happily.
She dismounted her scooter and bounced up and down giddily. Rainbow Dash sighed as she opened her wings, leaped off the cloud, and landed effortlessly next to Scootaloo; whose eyes opened in awe as she watched Rainbow.
"Whoa!!! How'd you do that?" Scootaloo exclaimed.
"Practice," Rainbow Dash responded lightly; taking the time to flip her mane haughtily over her shoulder. They walked quietly together towards the edges of Ponyville to get some privacy.
Once they got there, Rainbow Dash eyed Scootaloo quizically. She loved having adoring fans, but she couldn't understand why Scootaloo was always amazed by her flying tricks.
Scootaloo paused and blushed.
"I want you to teach me how to fly!"
Rainbow Dash was shocked. How could she of all ponies teach Scootaloo to fly? She thought to herself, Her wings are underdeveloped! In order to teach her the basics of flying, I'll have to help her strengthen her wings, teach her how to maintain balance and control, and so much more.... No! This is just too much work! There's no way that I'll be able to achieve this! Not anytime soon, at least... While Rainbow was struggling with her innermost thoughts, Scootaloo looked up in her face for any detection of saying yes.
Rainbow Dash sighed heavily and Scootaloo felt a lump in her throat. She desperately batted her lashes in efforts to stop herself from displaying any "mushy" emotions in front of her idol but she just couldn't do it. Scootaloo wiped her eyes and sniffled softly. She knew the answer before Rainbow even had to say it.
Rainbow Dash hated herself for saying this, but she couldn't do it. "I'm sorry Scootaloo... I guess I just have to think about it for a while." She averted her eyes and took off slowly towards the skies; leaving Scootaloo behind.
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Once in the safe boundaries of her luxurious cloud home, Rainbow Dash cannonballed into her favorite chair. She sighed in content as she closed her eyes... only to remember the incident that happened earlier today. She tried to come up with a list of pros and cons about helping Scootaloo. Well, first... I guess it would be nice to help a friend out. After all, she is my absolute number one fan! She's so loyal to me... just as I am to my friends... Hm... I would be doing a good deed for a friend in need! ...But what about the cons? It's so tedious! Starting from scratch and teaching Scootaloo just like my Junior Speedster camp instructor did with me so many years ago!
Rainbow groaned inwardly and bit her lip. While she struggled with a decision, her eyes slowly drifted lower and lower... until her consciousness was locked away in a deep, fretful sleep.
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The flapping of pegasi wings could be heard from outside. Rainbow Dash slowly opened her eyes and stretched her neck after noticing how sore it was from falling sleeping in her chair, before adjusting her eyes to the bright morning light that entered through her window. She must've forgotten to close it the night before. Hm... the night before...Her thoughts yet again traveled to her battle with her conscience on what she said to Scootaloo yesterday; declining to help her.
Rainbow suddenly felt a pang of guilt in her gut. She knew she made the wrong choices and that her loyalty was in the wrong place. She had been incredibly selfish. She had turned down the opportunity to make her number one fan smile! No. This wasn't right. Rainbow Dash suddenly knew what she had to do. With a determined look on her face, she took off out the window; streaking through the clouds quickly. Her wings flapped frantically as her eyes searched all over Ponyville.
Rainbow looked everywhere, but she just couldn't find the tangerine colored filly that she needed to see. Suddenly, she had an idea and dove down; skimming low on the ground while making the morning dew droplets on the grass quiver as she sped off towards the CMC clubhouse.
When she got there, Scootaloo was sitting in the corner; with an inconsolable look in her eyes. Scoot didn't even pay attention when Rainbow tapped quietly on the door and asked to come in. She walked over next to Scootaloo and sat down. Even though she never showed feelings of love because of her tough status; this was her only chance. She patted Scootaloo's head in an effort to stop her sniffling. Scoot lifted her head in a depressed manner. Rainbow Dash quickly stood up and offered her hoof to Scootaloo; who took it.
"Hey... Sorry I abandoned you yesterday. I dropped by to apologize... and to tell you that I'll help ya! By the time I'm done with you, you'll be cooler than the rest of the ponies in Cloudsdale!"
Rainbow Dash winked at Scootaloo, who sniffled and smiled.
"Really? You would do this for me?" exclaimed Scootaloo ecstatically.
"Of course, squirt! You know I couldn't leave ya hangin'!" Rainbow Dash said. For the first time, Rainbow Dash felt a glowing sensation in her heart. Could she be feeling...love? Not the kind of crush love, but a... sisterly love. It felt... surprisingly...nice! She tenderly looked at Scootaloo, who embraced her warmly as she burried her snout into Rainbow's fur. Rainbow hugged Scootaloo back before giving her a noogie on the top of her magenta mane. Then they both fell down in a heap of hysterical laughter after sharing a tender moment.
"Come on, Scoot," Rainbow Dash smiled. "There's a lot to learn about flying and it'll take a while. Are you ready for the adventure of your life?"
"You bet I am!" Scootaloo squeaked. They walked together towards the center of Ponyville; in search of one building: Twilight's library.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Come in!" Twilight's voice called from the loft. She peered over the top and grinned.
"Hey, Dash! I see you've brought one of the cutie mark crusaders with you! Hello Scootaloo!"
Rainbow chucked and embraced Scootaloo. "That's right. I'm going to train Scootaloo how to fly like a pro!" Scootaloo nodded enthusiastically.
Twilight nodded and said, "That's great!" She finished her thought and continued, "Right. Spiiiike? Would you please get as many books that teach young pegasi how to fly?"
"Sure thing, Twi!" Spike called from the hallway. In less than a minute, Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo had their hooves full with loads of books on the art of flying.
"Ready, Scoot?" Rainbow said. "Ready!" said Scootaloo as they made their way back to the CMC clubhouse to start her training.
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END OF CHAPTER 1. To be continued... c:
A New Family: Off the Ground
By hannahs98
******AUTHOR'S NOTE: (since I'm well above 1,000 anyways) This story is tagged romance. No, it is not between Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash. It will not be R-rated. (that's why this story is tagged for everyone). Anyways, this chapter show's Rainbow Dash's soft side for Scootaloo. So don't be alarmed that she's not as mischievous and devilish as usual. It's a process, darlings~ c; ***** With that being said, begin chapter 2!(: Critiques, anyone? Message me!
"There." Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo unhauled their load of books onto the floor of the CMC clubhouse. Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash each picked up books and began to read... Although Rainbow Dash was quite experienced with flying; she was absolutely oblivious about teaching little fillies how to fly. Rainbow's thoughts drifted to the good memories of her Junior Speedster camp when she was learning how to fly.
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Scootaloo sighed as she dropped what seemed like the hundredth book she read and groaned inwardly. This was going to take forever! She'll never be able to learn how to fly like the other fillies in Miss Cheerilee's class... She sighed dejectedly and squeezed her eyes shut while trying not to concentrate on her innermost insecurities.
Dash peeked over the top of her book and glanced over at Scootaloo as her mind wandered once again to the thought of having Scootaloo as her little sister as well as mentoring her over many things! First flying, then tricks, and many more things that we would both enjoy! Her chest puffed out as she felt the familiar sensation of pride. Rainbow turned her focus to Scootaloo once more.
"Aww, Scoot. Don't give up now! After we finish reading and collecting info, we'll go outside and start training right away!" Dash declared with a triumphant note in her voice.
Scootaloo rolled over and crossed her eyes in annoyance before picking up another book. She read the cover.
How to Fly Like a Pro!
By Marelyn Skye
Scootaloo opened the book; renewed with interest. She flipped to a random page and began to read. Her eager eyes skimmed each page; lustful for knowledge. After what seemed like hours, she was finally done with the book. She shut it closed with a snap and plopped it on the floor. She stared at the cover.
"Are you ready, Dash?"
No response.
"Dash?" she called again and searched around the clubhouse frantically.
She huffed cynically and thought darkly, I knew it. She backed out again. She never really meant it. How can she deserve the element of loyalty when she just makes empty promises to hopeful fillies like me? Rainbow Dash refused from the start to train me because I'm weak. Well, I'll show her. I'll show them all!
There was a knock on the door.
"Go away!" Scootaloo yelled. She turned her eyes away from the door and pouted while scuffing her hoof on the floor.
Rainbow Dash opened the door and stared at her. "What's the matter? I just went to pick up two cupcakes for the both of us from Sugarcube Corner! It's going to be hard work learning to fly and I thought we could get our energy up before starting this task!" She flapped her wings as she hovered noiselessly over the clubhouse floor.
Scootaloo wiped away her tears and realized she had been. Her lips trembled as she turned around to face Rainbow Dash with wide, frightened eyes.
"I'm sorry for my outburst," she whimpered. "I thought.. maybe you... had abandoned me again... or didn't want to teach me..."
Scootaloo's voice trailed away to an ashamed mumble as looked away; her cheeks flushing in embarrassment.
"...are you mad at me?"
"Of course not, Scoot! So... whaddya say? Are ya ready to blow this joint?"
Dash grinned slyly and tossed the box to Scootaloo, who opened the package, offered one to Rainbow Dash and giggled before stuffing her face with the chocolate flavored cupcake. Rainbow Dash laughed as she packed in her own cupcake as well; accidentally smearing chocolate frosting all over her snout before licking it off abruptly with a contented sigh.
"Now come on!" Rainbow Dash offered her front hooves to Scootaloo as she beat her wings rhythmically. Scootaloo quickly finished the rest of her cupcake before grabbing Rainbow's hooves.
"You have to open your wings first, you silly filly! Let's do this!" Rainbow Dash squinted mischievously.
Scootaloo grinned before unfurling her wings and flapped them a few times. Her face contorted in concentration as she tried to lift her body off the ground. She pushed down on Rainbow's hooves for lift off. No luck. Scootaloo let go of Rainbow's hooves as her body fell back down to the ground with a loud thump.
Scootaloo grunted and bit her lip after realizing her failure. Her eyes lit up when she spotted the stool in the corner of the clubhouse. With her muzzle, she pushed it over towards Rainbow Dash; who was still hovering above the floor.
She climbed on top of the stool and reached up to grab Rainbow Dash's still outstretched front hooves. Once again, she flapped her wings frantically and gingerly tried to take the weight off her hind hooves. Scootaloo's eyes widened as the stool wobbled and she lost her balance. She tumbled to the floor with a shriek.
Rainbow closed her eyes and winced at the sound of the impact on the floor. She opened one eye and saw Scootaloo shake her ruffled mane, stand back up determinedly and attempt to climb back up the stool.
This time, Scootaloo grabbed Rainbow Dash's hooves tightly and pushed down on them slightly as she tried to lift herself up. Rainbow Dash grunted and closed her eyes in concentration as she sunk a few inches in the air before regaining her balance and opening her eyes. She could not believe what she saw.
Finally - Scootaloo did it! She was beating her wings and hovering a few inches above the stool! This may not be flying; but hovering was certainly a start!
Rainbow Dash nodded enthusiastically before landed on the floor of the clubhouse. She embraced Scootaloo before giving her another noogie.
"Let's go outside where we can practice more. This clubhouse is too small for the both of us!"
Scootaloo giggled in agreement and followed Dash outside the clubhouse.
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Scootaloo grunted in frustration as she tried her best to do what Rainbow Dash was telling her to do. These wing exercises were definitely hard to do. How did Dash make it look so easily?, she thought. Rainbow Dash had been alongside her all morning; dressed in coach get-up. She was grateful for such devotion to help her with one special request.
Focus, she thought.
Scootaloo flexed her wings and stood up off the ground. Her muscles were sore as she tenderly furled and unfurled her wings; cringing at the pain it brought. Sweat glistened off her body from that morning's exercise. Scootaloo huffed as she struggled to slow her breathing to a normal rate. She beat her wings as hard as she could; hovering a few inches off the ground again.
Scootaloo bit her lip in agony; it took every ounce of strength and concentration that she could muster to do this once again after the strenuous workout she went through. She panted as she struggled to rise a few more inches. Nnnghhh... she gasped hoarsely. She opened her eyes at first in a squint; which widened in amazement. She did it! She rose another inch!
Rainbow Dash was furiously scribbling on her notepad, then blew her whistle. "Eeep!" Scootaloo shrieked in surprise as she lost concentration and tumbled to the ground in a whirl of tangerine and magenta. "You did incredible, tiger! You beat your record by about... 2 inches! That makes a foot and a half off the ground! That's awesome!" Rainbow Dash ran over and embraced Scootaloo.
Scootaloo didn't care that she was humid with sweat, or that she unintentionally cringed at the feeling of her sore muscles being embraced. Her mentor was proud of her. She grinned over the top of Rainbow Dash's shoulder before hugging her back.
"... thanks Dash. You're changing my life. You're my biggest hero!"
Rainbow Dash closed here eyes in pleasure at the sound of the words. She had never considered herself to be a big sister. Yet, she had never felt so sisterly before. Her eyes wandered quickly over the field, before kissing Scootaloo's forehead on impulse.
Scootaloo's eyes widened before closing her eyes. She couldn't believe it! Was this a fantasy?
As if reading her thoughts, Rainbow Dash ruffled her hair softly before saying quietly, "Scootaloo, you are like my little sister. It's no biggie!" Rainbow's heart swelled as she stated the facts. She hugged Scootaloo tightly before letting go.
This was no time to be mushy. "Now come on," she winked impishly. "Back to training." Scootaloo groaned before giggling in a foalish manner. She had never considered Rainbow Dash as a sister; but she loved every minute of it. She got up and shook the broken pieces of grass out of her mane. She nodded before flapping her wings once more and taking flight with newfound confidence.
