Clipped Wings

by TheLionNerd

Rating: everyone
Tags: Sad, Drama, Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo, Fluttershy, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 5788

After an accident paralyzes Rainbow Dash's wings, she must find a new place in the world.

Collaboration with Jinzou!

Picture by ArthurPaige!

Wassup? My name is Rainbow Dash and I am the fastest flier in Equestria! Super awesome, covered in coolness and a member of The Wonderbolts!

Or well... I was.

I don't remember how it happened or why it did, but I can't fly anymore... and this is the story of how I learned to overcome it.

Published 2020-05-02 10:00:01 UTC
Last updated 2020-05-14 08:32:01 UTC

Beginning of the Road

Ugh...where am I?

And why do I feel...warm?

As my eyes started to open, a blinding light drowned and blocked those around me, my vision not even able to return before being hit by it. Covering my face to give my eyes time to adjust, I start to sit up and rub my head, but also feeling pain every time I so much as move my body.

‘’The patient is waking up.’’ Patient? I shook my head and looked around, seeing stallions in doctor’s uniforms looking at me until one put a careful hoof on my chest. ‘’Lay back down, Miss Rainbow Dash.’’

‘’Where am I? Why am I here?’’ I asked through a pained voice, my back burning like I had a run-in with another fully grown dragon.

‘’You are in the Ponyville Hospital.’’ He replied with a frown as he examined a screen. ‘’According to what I read, you had a previous experience here? For an injured wing, I assume?’’

‘’Well, yeah.’’ Raising an eyebrow, I blinked in confusion. ‘’Why?’’

‘’It appears that you have been sent here for the exact same reason.’’ The doctor, I guess, narrowed his eyes and used his magic to show me the screen, an x-ray of both of my wings and... oh horseapples, it’s bad. ‘’And here is what we found.’’

I stared at the X-rays and what I saw horrified me. My left wing had been broken in three places, and they weren’t even clean breaks. The edge of each bone segment had fragmented into dozens of tiny pieces, and they were all over the place. A quick glance at the other X-ray showed my right wing didn’t fare too much better.

I glanced over at the doctor, doing my best to swallow my fear. “S-so what, you set these back in place and I’m up at full power in a few weeks?”

His somber expression said more than any words could. ‘’Unfortunately, the injuries you sustained did untold damage to your nervous system, Miss Dash.’’

“So what? I’ll fly a little twitch-ly? How long will that last?” I finally sputtered out.

The doctor sighed heavily. ‘’I am aware of how much this means to you, but there is nothing we can do. It might not even come close to healing. Nerve damage isn’t a black and white science, Miss Dash. It might restrict your movement, or if the nerves are damaged enough…your wings may be paralyazed.’’

“What? Like, forever?!” I yelled out.

No, no this couldn’t be true. I was Rainbow Dash. I was the fastest flier to come out of Cloudsdale! I was the only pony in history to make a Sonic Rainboom! I was a Wonderbolt! I couldn’t be grounded!

A nod from the doctor was enough to confirm this despite his pained expression. ‘’Forever.’’

No. No nononono. This can’t be happening! I had just achieved my lifelong dream and now it’s being snatched from me?! There has to be another way. Somepony had to have a solution. Somepony like… Twilight! If anypony knew some freaky healing spell, it had to be her! That egghead had a solution for everything!

“Well Miss Dash, now that you’re awake there are a couple of ponies here to see you. Would you like me to let them in?” The doctor said, trying his best at a sympathetic tone.

‘’U-Uh, sure.’’ I gulped, nervous of what was going to happen next.

As the doctor went out to go fetch my friends I shot a look behind me. Both wings were heavily wrapped and stuck in a wing cast. Oh Celestia, this was real. Twilight had to know something!

The doctor returned with five ponies in tow.

‘’Rainbow Dash?’’ Twilight asked in concern as she approached me, the others right behind her. ‘’Are you..?’’

“No! I’m not alright!” I yelled, lurching forward and grabbing Twilight. “You gotta help me out, Twilight, this crazy doctor is telling me I’m gonna be a grounder! You can heal me, right?”

Electing to ignore me for the moment, Twilight gazed at the X-rays the doctor had hung up. She bit her lip apprehensively.

“Ignoring the broken bones and multiple abrasions all over Rainbow’s back.” The doctor began. “The tissues and nerves in the primary bone have taken untold damage. I fear it may be debilitating neuropathy. The axillaris and radialis nerves were right in the way of the bone fragments, and directly impacted by the accident. The tricipitalis nerve also looks quite damaged, judging by the condition Miss Dash was in when she first came here.”

‘’...Huh?’’ I blinked, confused at what he was saying. All of this egghead stuff was making my head spin.

“Uhh…” Twilight began, worrying on how to word her explanation. “So those nerves he mentioned bring signals to your brain to move your muscles. And all the nerves in this area-” Twilight pointed to the first segment of my wing on the X-ray. “Have been damaged. So even when the muscles and bones heal, the signal won’t send and… and…”

‘’And…?’’

Twilight blinked back tears. “I’m so sorry Rainbow.” She stared at the floor. “So, so sorry.”

‘’Twilight, what are you even talking about?’’ I asked, trying to move my wings, but the muscles didn’t respond. ‘’Why can’t I move my wings?!’’

Twilight couldn’t meet my gaze. I stared wildly at the rest of my friends, hoping for a sane answer. There was no way Twilight was saying the doctor was right. She had to be able to fix this, she was a princess!”

“Rainbow Dash” came the dulcet, recognizably southern tones of Applejack. “Now I ain’t much for all this crazy medical jargon, but even I know what they’re getting at.” She walked over to me and sat by my side, holding a hoof out reassuringly. “Your wings are paralyzed. You can’t fly.”

‘’So that means….’’ My heart started to sink at the realization of what that meant. A cold shiver ran down my spine. I shook my head furiously while I started to hyperventilate. I could feel my eyes misting up but made no attempt to fight them back.

Not after everything. I couldn’t be flightless after everything I’d done to get where I am. There had to be some mistake. ‘’No, you’re lying!’’ I screamed desperately.

This time it was Fluttershy who came up to me, putting one of her hooves on my own.

“We’re here for you the whole time Rainbow. We’ll be there every step of the way.” She said soothingly.

“It can't be…” I choked out with a sniff. I closed my eyes tightly and looked away, feeling the water make its way down my cheek.

A few hours later, I was laying in my bed, still thinking about what was said earlier. Not only could I not fly anymore, but I can’t even move my wings, either. I can’t move the things that allow me to be as awesome as I am!

...The things I had built my life, identity, and career around.

My friends had offered to stay through the night, letting me know they were “there for me” and “understood my pain.”

I’d never heard such blatant lies in my life. Twilight and Rarity still had functional horns, Fluttershy could still fly, and Applejack and Pinkie Pie had no health issues bogging them down. How could they understand what I was feeling?

I turned around and punched my pillow. What had I done to deserve this? I was always there for my friends, did my best to help our around town, and even took in an adoring filly and treated her like a sister! But the moment I am in serious danger, they just leave! They leave!

The door to my hospital room opened as one of the nurses came in and smiled. ‘’Miss Dash, you have another visitor.’’

‘’Oh yeah?’’ I huffed, crossing my hooves as I looked at her. ‘’Who could possibly want to see me?’’

A small voice called out from behind her. “R-Rainbow Dash?”

Released

"R-Rainbow Dash?"

My breath stilled and my body tensed as I heard the small voice of a filly poking her head in. "Scootaloo?"

"Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo galloped towards me, then jumped for a hug, wrapping her hooves around my neck as I felt wet tears coming down my shoulder. "Oh my gosh, I was so worried!"

Returning the embrace, I looked at her for a bit and smiled slightly. "What, about me? Hah!"

Wordlessly I felt Scootaloo nod into my shoulder. All she gave in response was a strangled sob.

“I was talking to Sweetie Belle and Applebloom, and they said their sisters had to go to the hospital because you got into a crash, and then I… I…” Scootaloo whimpered."Are you okay, Rainbow Dash?"

"Totally!" I tried to say, wanting to not break the full truth of it all to her. She was just a kid, after all. "Can't keep me down forever, can ya?"

Scootaloo broke the hug and just looked up at me with a small sad smile. She nodded.

"Doc just said I had a couple bumps and bruises, but should be out by the end of the week." With a shrug, I ruffled her mane. "Which means I'm back in the game!"

Scootaloo gave a little giggle."I should’ve known nothing could keep Rainbow Dash down!"

Then she paused as she noticed the giant casts attached to my back. Tilting her head in confusion, she looked up at me. "Rainbow Dash, what happened to your wings?"

...Oh. Biting my lip, I tried to word it as best as I could without telling her the injury. "Uh, well, my wings got scratched a bit."

Scootaloo fixed me with an unsure look."B-but Rainbow Dash, don’t wing casts usually mean broken bones?"

''W-Well.'' My ears fell, trying to find a way to get myself out of this and dodge the question. "Oh! How was school today?"

Scootaloo stared right at me, eyes full of confusion and fright. "Rainbow Dash? Wha… What happened?"

"Trust me, I'm fine.'' Looking at my cast, I rubbed it a bit, only to wince in pain. "Ow!"

"No Rainbow Dash, you’re not alright!" She squeaked, looking around in panic. Unfortunately, her eyes fell upon the X-rays still hanging on the wall. She let out a small gasp and slowly turned to face me, tears welling up in the corners of her eyes. "N-no."

As soon as our eyes met, I looked away sadly, not meeting her gaze. "Scootaloo..."

Scootaloo’s gaze flickered between me and the X-rays, comprehension slowly dawning on her as she realized what this might mean. “But… You’ll still be okay, right? You're Rainbow Dash! You’re a Wonderbolt! You can do anything…”

"That's the thing.." Tears came to me as well. "I can't fly anymore."

Scootaloo just stared at me for another minute, a crushed expression on her face, before wordlessly throwing me into another hug, her forelegs acting like a steel vice on the back of my neck.

With widened eyes, I stared back at her and hugged her, the two of us embracing as Scootaloo started to cry.

I wasn't the super cool Rainbow Dash she knew who could do awesome tricks for the Wonderbolts. I wasn’t the pony that could laugh at the concept of impossible and pull of a Sonic Rainboom. I wasn’t… anything anymore.

I’m not sure how long we stayed like that. It could have been minutes, hours, or even days. All I knew is that I had watched Celestia’s sun set before the embrace had broken. Scootaloo’s cries had devolved into dry sobs, then gentle shakes, and finally she was still. The filly had cried herself to sleep.

A week after I was put in the hospital, I was told I was being released. Finally, something good was happening! Yeah, I was eager to get out and back to a normalish schedule, but it won't be the same as before. Far from the same.

That did leave one problem that hadn’t occurred to me before, though. My house was a cloudhome. And if I couldn’t fly, how was I supposed to get back up to it? Well, with my wings paralyzed, I can't use them to get up there. I sure as hay wasn’t going to be seen catching a ride from another pegasus. Maybe I could get Fluttershy to help me make a staircase out of clouds?

Wait, Fluttershy! I could stay with her! Fluttershy would be able to have me stay with her! Though that does mean that I'll have to get a bunch of the stuff that was at my home brought down here.

But if I knew my fillyhood friend, she would love to have me over and help me out. Her heart was too big for her own good. And besides, what's the harm? Well, except to my pride. Well, to hay with that. This entire week was a constant stream of insults to my pride. With my mind made up, I turned and made my way over to Fluttershy’s cottage.

"Oh, I would love to help." Fluttershy told me as we sat at a table, both of us sipping our tea as we talked.

"I'm sorry that I don’t have a spare bed, but I can get you some pillows and blankets and you can have the couch, oh, if that’s okay with you." Fluttershy gushed. "And you can help me feed and take care of all the cute little animals here while I help get you back up on your hooves!"

"Whatever helps, Fluttershy." I said, taking another sip and gazing at all the decorations and cages adorning the wooden walls that my friend and her animals lived in. So this was going to be what I'll be around for a while, huh? "Even if the last time I took care of animals didn't end well."

"You mean when our cutie marks got all switched up, you moved every animal into the cottage, and forgot to feed them?" Fluttershy tittered. "Well rest assured Rainbow, this won’t be quite like that."

"Good thing, too.'' Looking at my cast, I rubbed the back of my head in shame and embarrassment. ''If one of your birds tried getting away, I'm not gonna be able to stop 'em."

Fluttershy looked at me in worry, seeing through my pathetic attempt of deflecting shame as a joke. "Well Rainbow Dash, you’re always welcome here as long as you need, but what are you going to do after you’re back to full… After your wings heal?"

"That's just it!'' I pointed out, setting the cup of tea down. "They'll never heal, Fluttershy!"

Fluttershy stared at the ground. "I mean, I know what Twilight and the doctor said when we first saw you in the hospital, but I just figured if anybody could figure it out in the meantime , it’d be Twilight."

"If she could, she would have by now." My expression softened a bit as I sat back, sighing while looking at her. "Face it, Fluttershy, I can't so much as move my wings."

"Oh." Came the soft reply. The cottage was silent for a moment, and then Fluttershy perked up. "Well consider this your home away from home Rainbow. Stay here as long as you need, and I’ll do my best to take care of you."

"Thanks." I smiled slowly. "Even without me being in Cloudsdale, I at least still have someplace to stay for now. What kind of work will I even have to do?"

"Well you can always help with feeding the animals." Fluttershy gave off her signature comforting smile. "Feeding the chickens and getting lettuce and acorns for the little ones."

''Better than nothing, I guess.'' I shrugged with a groan, then went silent as I looked back at the wings. "But nothing will fix these..."

I was surprised to find the gentle sensation of Fluttershy throwing her hooves around me and pulling me into a tight embrace. Sighing in defeat, I returned the hug in kind. Out of all the ponies and places I could be stuck while broken, maybe this won't be so bad after all.

Crusading for Jobs

The next morning, I reached the edge of Ponyville with a deep breath. Here we go, the first steps into my new life without flight. The cool breeze and chirps of the early birds welcomed me to my new hometown as I ran a hoof across my mane and looked ahead, then began to move forward

"Doesn't hurt to adjust.'' I smiled to myself, using the time to head into town and find something to do to keep myself occupied. What all is there to do here on day to day stuff? Surely it can't be that bad!

Okay, I couldn’t have spent all my time in the air, what else did my friends and I do? Well, we spent a lot of time around Sugarcube Corner. Maybe I can go find some trouble to get in there. And if not, Pinkie is always a great pony to waste time and have fun with.

With my mind set, I set my path to the confectionery funhouse, as I walked, my gaze wandered. I spotted several pegasi I recognized on the way enjoying taking to the air and enjoying the sky. Every time I saw this I felt a pang of sadness and anger hit me.

These pegasi barely used their talent for flight. They just aimlessly flew around. Why hadn’t it been one of them that had to become a grounder? It just had to be me, didn't it?!

I kicked a rock along the ground in an angry huff. I turned my vision to the dirt below me, unable to watch those ponies flaunt the very talent that now evaded me.

''It stings a lot at first, but you eventually get used to it.” Came a small voice from behind me. Turning around, I saw Scootaloo standing there, buzzing her wings. ''I had to and despite that, I met you, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. You guys helped a lot, you know?''

I felt a wave of guilt wash over me. Here I was, throwing a silent tantrum like a little filly, and here was an actual filly who had been dealing with my current problem for her entire life. ''S-Sorry, squirt.''

Looking down, I hid my look of shame and guilt. Quickly wanting to try to change the subject, I cleared my throat after ruffling her mane. ''S-So, you got school?''

"Rainbow Dash, it’s saturday."

"Oh. Right." I rubbed the back of my head in embarrassment as I sighed. "I'm trying to spend the day in Ponyville and see how a pony on the ground can live daily."

Scootaloo gave me a sympathetic smile. ''Oh… you're wanting to get used to being on the ground? Well you’ve come to the right pony!''

The filly stood proudly at the mere notion of being able to help me as she tapped the ground a few times. ''So, where ya going right now?''

''Well, I was going to go and visit Sugarcube Corner. I figured if there was any way to kill time, Pinkie Pie could come up with some harebrained scheme. Why, you have a plan?''

''You want to know how to live on the ground, then we need to teach you the ropes, Rainbow.'' She announced in her best Spitfire impression. Pretty far off, but a good attempt. ''Alright, newbie?''

Stifling a laugh, I brought my right leg up in a mock salute. ''Yes ma’am!''

''Okay, so what plans did you have before you ran into me, again?'' Scootaloo asked me curiously as we were walking through town, some ponies giving my wing casts curious glances and others sympathetically smiling at me. Word travels fast in Ponyville.

''I was originally going to be hanging with Pinkie. Maybe do some pranks, or maybe… I dunno, do Pinkie things. She never seems to run out of ideas.''

''Well, before we get to that, how about we eat?'' She joked, looking up at me with a grin.

''You’re the boss, Scoots.'' I chuckled as we approached Café Hay, ponies in front of it eating their own breakfast meals and talking to each other, but some still shot my wings a stare. Entering the cafe, I went up to the front desk and was met by one of the hostesses.

''Hello, my name is Juicy Strudel and I am the hostess here. Well, one of them.'' She laughed sheepishly. ''Would you like a menu?''

''Yep!'' I replied, putting a hoof on the table as Strudel grabbed one of the menus with her teeth and put it on the table, then did the same with Scootaloo. ''My sister and I were wanting to come by and grab some breakfast.''

''This is the best Café in Ponyville!'' Strudel grinned, replying with excitement. ''And that's because we're the only one in Ponyville!''

''Right…'' I raised an eyebrow while Strudel passed us the menus, Scootaloo barely able to hold onto hers due to her diminutive size. '' Well, we're gonna go find a seat.''

''Alrighty then!'' She waved as she left. ''I'll come find you when you’re ready!''

''Shouldn’t be too hard, we’re the only ones here.'' I whispered, eliciting a giggle from Scootaloo.

As the two of us sat at our table, we looked over the menu. The menu wasn't the most appealing or diverse one in Equestria, but it was better than nothing.

''Breakfast has hayburger, lunch has hayburger, dinner has hayburger.'' With a sigh, I decided on what I wanted. Wasn’t too hard. ''Might as well get a hayburger and some water for breakfast. What about you, Scoots?''

''Ooh, how about a daisy sandwich?'' Scootaloo asked?

I nodded in response as I sat my menu down. ''So we're ready, or do you want a drink with the sandwich?''

“Water’s fine.” Scootaloo smiled.

I waved over Juicy Strudel and told her our orders. As she left to prepare them, Scootaloo and I began talking. 'Y’know Scoots, if you told me when I was in flight school that I’d be living in Ponyville, and best friends with a shut-in and a librarian, I’d call you crazy. Weird how much can change in just a couple years, huh?''

''I suppose so.'' Scootaloo responded. ''Then again, you’ve always lived an action packed life. Only thing that’s really changed in the past few years with me is you and the Crusaders.''

''Yeah…'' I responded wistfully.

''Where are you going with this, Rainbow Dash?'' Scootaloo giggled.

''Honestly, nowhere. I suppose I’m just in a nostalgic mood.''

At that moment Strudel saw fit to come back with our meals. Nodding our thanks, we both dug in.

As we ate, I thought of what this new life could bring and what might happen with it. I'm a shadow of the mare I used to be, so that complicates a lot of things, and my life was going to have to completely change.

So I couldn’t work with the flight team anymore. I was going to have to start a job here on the ground. I could ask Fluttershy, but not only is she already sheltering me, but I don’t think she makes all that much anyway.

Actually, how are the Wonderbolts going to take this?

The sheer thought of that sent a shiver up my spine, causing me to stop eating for a moment as my head wrapped around that question. I am a Wonderbolt, so how are they gonna react to this?

I mean, sure, they’ll just take somebody from the reserves to replace me, but is that really going to be the extent of it? A “hey, that sucks. Seeya”?

Especially after all I’ve done to make it to be a Wonderbolt?

My mind moves to subconsciously shuffle my wings awkwardly, only for me to give a sigh when the feathery appendages refuse to respond. After so many years, this was gonna take forever to get used to.

''Rainbow Dash?'' Scootaloo asked in worry as she finished the last of her sandwich. ''Are…you okay?''

I instantly prepare some cool thing to say to look tough in front of the filly, but stop myself. Right now if there’s anybody in Equestria that could relate with me, it’s her. What could be the harm in confiding in just one pony?

''To be honest, squirt, I’m just worried about the Wonderbolts. And where I’m gonna work. And just… everything! I’ve never had to think of what I’d do if I lived on the ground so right now I just feel a bit… overwhelmed.''

The filly I have come to call a sister gave me a sad look and put her front hooves on the table. ''Well, I don’t think the Wonderbolts are just gonna kick you out and say ‘good luck’. And… Well I mean don’t you sometimes get that thing where to work somewhere for a while and then when you leave they pay you a little for the rest of your life?''

I cocked my head to the side as I tried to figure out what Scootaloo was even talking about. ''Do you mean a tenure? To get one of those you need to be a Wonderbolt for 20 years. Nah, I’m pretty sure they are just gonna say ‘good luck’ and that’ll be it.''

''I...don't really think that's gonna-''

''Hello, again!'' The voice of Juicy Strudel sang as she approached us. ''Are you two finished with your meal? It's good, huh?''

The sudden appearance of the mare made me jump a bit. I almost choked on the bite I’d just taken.

After coughing on, then proceeding to swallow my food, I looked at the mare a bit awkwardly and nodded.

''Very good!'' Strudel purred. ''Would you like me to bring the check?''

...Check?...

Oh ponyfeathers!

I instinctively felt around for my saddlebags to pull out a bit pouch, freezing when I found nothing there.

Oh ponyfeathers, my saddlebag is still in my house!

''Scoots, stay here, I forgot my bit pouch at home!'' I ordered, moving to flare out my wings and taking a leap as I prepared to fly. I proceeded to have a very close and intimate meeting with the patch of dirt next to our table, landing face first with a grunt of pain.

Staring backwards, I saw my wings still firmly attached to my side, and two ponies looking at me with some concern. I rapidly stood up and dusted myself off, trying to hide my blush.

''Right. Still flightless.'' I sighed. ''I’m sorry ma’am, in the rush today I completely forgot my bit pouch. Can I grab some and pay you back tomorrow? Honor system?''

''Oh, you're fine!'' Strudel waved a hoof. ''As long as you pay, we're willing to let ya go!''

''Right. I’ll be sure to do that.'' I chuckled, glancing at the check.

4 bits. I embarrassed myself in front of everypony for 4 bits.

''So, Scootaloo, how about we go?'' I gave off a sheepish chuckle as I rubbed the back of my head. ''After all, we're gonna be spending the day together, right?''

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom had already been waiting when we had finally ambled into the Crusader’s clubhouse. Not long after leaving the café, Scooaloo had run into Apple Bloom in town, and upon Scootaloo’s request, Apple Bloom had run off to find Sweetie Belle, and rushed to the clubhouse.

I smartly walked to the middle of the clubhouse and sat down, feeling the full states of three sets of fillies. ''So whatcha doing?''

''So!'' Apple Bloom announced, sitting behind the stand in the front of the room. ''First order of business, Crusaders, helping Rainbow Dash get used to life stuck on the ground. Any suggestions?''

''Oh, I know, I know!'' Sweetie Belle held her hoof up excitedly. ''How about we give her a walk around town?''

''I’ve lived here for years. I know my way around town.'' I chuckled nervously.

''But you're always flying! This could be a chance to have a new opportunity for yourself!''

“How about we find her a job here in town?” Apple Bloom countered.

''Uh...'' I gulped a bit, but then looked to Scootaloo.

“And a place to live!” Scootaloo piped in. “Unless you’re going to be fully moving in with Fluttershy?”

''I guess I am for right now, squirt.'' I patted her head with a slight smile. ''Can't be that bad, right?''

“Nope!” Scootaloo chirped.

''Hey!'' Sweetie Belle grinned. ''That's a great idea! Let's find her a job!''

“Alright Crusaders!” Apple Bloom grinned. “Let’s go get Rainbow Dash a job!”

“Yeah!” They yelled in stereo, jumping up and clapping their hooves together.

“So…” Apple Bloom trailed off. “Who do we know that Rainbow Dash can work with?”

“Maybe my sister can help!” Sweetie Belle squeaked.

“I really don’t think that will w-” I protested.

“Let’s go find out!”

''Oh, no, no, no, absolutely not!'' Rarity shrieked at the concept. ''She'd ruin all of the decor!''

''Jeez, thanks for the vote of faith, Rarity.'' I quipped.

''Apologies, Rainbow Dash, but you simply must understand. I run a business of fashion and how you handle clothing is not satisfactory towards it. Besides, I don't need any assistance at my Boutique. I can handle all my own commissions and you can’t sew, darling.''

''Uh-huh.'' I frowned. ''I'm pretty sure we all know that.''

''Maybe Applejack can help her?'' Apple Bloom suggested. ''Rainbow Dash can buck, can’t she?''

“Let’s go ask her!” Sweetie Belle replied cheerfully.

“I’m sorry sugarcube.” Applejack apologized. “You know I’d love to help you out, but we just don’t have the bits to hire somepony. Especially with winter coming in a few months, we have to make do with every little bit we have.”

''Don’t worry about it.'' I sighed. Despite my assurances of it being fine, this 'finding a job' thing was a lot harder than I thought it would be. ''Thanks anyway.''

''Maybe ask Pinkie or Rarity? Those two probably make enough to hire somepony else.'' Applejack suggested.

''We actually just came from asking Rarity.'' Sweetie Belle said.

''Let me guess, she said no.'' Applejack replied with a flat expression as I shrugged.

''She didn't want me to ruin her dresses.''

Applejack rolled her eyes. ''Alright, since I doubt Twi is looking for an assistant librarian, I’d say ask Pinkie or Fluttershy.''

I pursed my lips. ''I’m already staying with Fluttershy, and besides the fact I’m confident I couldn’t afford it, I think she only gives me stuff to do out of pity.''

''So that just leaves…''

''Pinkie Pie.'' I finished.

I really didn’t have anything against Pinkie. She was one of my best friends. But the thing about Pinkie is she is best taken in small doses. Hang out with her too long and she’ll stop being fun and be more annoying. And working with her? I didn’t know if I could handle that much Pinkie in one day.

Although Pinkie knows everypony. She might be able to point me in the direction of somepony else that could offer me a job.

At this moment I became aware I was just idly staring into space without speaking, and four sets of eyes were watching me with apprehension.

''To Tartarus with it.'' I finally decided. ''Let’s go talk to Pinkie.''

It was a short walk to Sugarcube Corner. As our little group padded along the Crusaders recalled the one time they had volunteered at the bakery trying to get their cutie marks in baking.

''Oh come on Sweetie Belle.'' Scootaloo laughed. ''There’s no way Rainbow Dash could be as bad a baker as you. If Pinkie hadn’t stopped you she said you would’ve blown the whole bakery up!''

''That was one time.'' Sweetie Belle grumped. ''And I’m pretty sure Pinkie Pie was just being Pinkie Pie. I’m sure at worst the cake would just have been a bit… crispy.''

''Crispy?'' Apple Bloom stared at her unicorn friend. ''That cake was almost a piece of coal when we pulled it out of the oven! Her reaction alone was proof it was a disaster. Remember on the day we met I burned a batch of cupcakes black? She ate those without complaint but wouldn’t even look at your cake!''

Scootaloo giggled. ''I still can’t believe she held a funeral for it. Holding my laughter in as she read the epitaph was the hardest thing in my life!''

That broke the feeling of trepidation I was feeling. ''Wait, she actually did that? That’s hilarious!'' I let out a chuckle as Sweetie Belle just stared at the ground angrily.

At least it sounds like the bar is set pretty low for new bakers.

We finally reached the front of Sugarcube Corner. I took a deep breath and pushed the door open.

Here goes nothing…

Pinkie Pie was sitting behind the front desk, somehow making a card castle, but with soup ladles instead.

''Dashie!'' Pinkie exclaimed. ''You’re 2.6 seconds late! I already got your application paperwork ready. You just need to sign your name!''

''What?''

''Don’t be silly, silly. I was thinking since you can’t bust clouds anymore that you needed some way to make a living wage, and would go to all your friends. And I know Rarity wouldn’t want you Rainbow Dashing up her shop, and neither Applejack or Twilight would be interested. And then you would think of me. And then you would get annoyed at the idea. And you would walk over here around this time and open the door. And then Spitfire would come visit an-''

Pinkie Pie promptly shut up, a blank expression on her face and pulled a ringed binder full of paper out of thin air. The binder was titled 'Clipped Wings Script'.

''Whoops, we’re not on that chapter yet. Anyways I filled the form out for you!'' Pinkie smiled sweetly, throwing the paper behind her.

My muzzle hung open as I looked at her, in complete bafflement at her knowing everything without even being told. ''H-How?''

Pinkie just kept smiling.

One thing I had come to learn about being friends with Pinkie is that as soon as she got involved with anything, it stopped making sense. It was best to try to take her in strides.

I sighed and shook my head a little, walking over to the forms Pinkie had prepared.

At least my new job won’t be boring.

Author's Note

NEXT TIME

As Rainbow Dash starts to settle in fully, she realizes the hard way of what living with Fluttershy means: taking care of animals.