Why Can't I Fly?by TheCloppyComedianChaptersThe First ChapterThe Second ChapterThe Third ChapterThe Fourth ChapterThe First ChapterRainbow Dash and Scootaloo stood outside of the hospital in Neighagra Falls. This was the ninth town they’d been to, all in search of the answer to Scootaloo’s lack of flight. Dash was getting pretty sick of trotting all over Equestria, but her new daughter was desperate to find a doctor who’d tell her that she might fly someday. The truth was, she would never fly, and she knew it. But she was so insistent on finding somepony who could say what she wanted them to say. Her tears had been many, and Dash had done her best to comfort the filly. She already knew that she loved her, and thought she was awesome in every sense of the word. But Scootaloo didn’t believe any of it. She found herself less than perfect, and diluted in the eyes of every other Pegasus. “Maybe this will be the place!” Scootaloo announced eagerly as she waited on her adopted matron to join her. “The place for what, kid?” Asked a passing Pegasus. “The place where somepony tells me that I might fly someday!” The other pony took a look at her short, stubby wings and burst into laughter. “You? Fly? With THOSE? Thanks, kid! I needed a good laugh today!” Scootaloo’s mouth dropped, and her tears were immediate. She gave the older mare a nasty look and was just about to launch into an altercation when Dash interrupted. The Cyan Pegasus stood between her daughter and the offender, and also gave a nasty look. It was the same look any mother bear gives when somepony disrupts her cubs and tries to hurt them. It became apparent that Rainbow had heard the entire insulting conversation, and she was well prepared to defend her filly’s honor. She ground her teeth together, taking pleasure in imagining every last pearly white smashing down on the other mare’s fur. “If you don’t wanna end up in a body bag on the front cover of tomorrow’s newspaper, I’d suggest you run along,” Dash growled. “Oh, come now, lady,” the mare snorted, “you’re really gonna defend this worthless filly?” Dash felt her anger rise even further, and it took all her faculties to control it. “I…happen to be this filly’s mother.” “Oh, so YOU’RE responsible for this travesty against all Pegasi everywhere?!” “Get going…” Dash said in a voice so low and venomous that it frightened Scootaloo, “…or I may just snap…” “Okay, okay, okay, I’m going. But you’re dealing with a lost cause, there.” The Pegasus whipped her head pointedly and trotted off, leaving Scootaloo shaking and Rainbow Dash fuming. The loyal Pegasus had once again proven her Element of Harmony, keeping Scootaloo safe and secure against a threat. She had also proven her love for the orange filly, and her willingness to do anything to protect her. She felt a sense of motherly pride when she gazed at her hooves and saw Scootaloo begin nuzzling up against them. She couldn’t help but smile and bend over to nuzzle her back. Her anger had melted, replaced by her deep care for her daughter. “It’s okay, Scoots,” Dash said, using her special nickname for the filly, “I’m right here.” “Why did she treat me like that?” Scootaloo asked, “I mean, we’re all Pegasi, aren’t we?” “There are some Pegasi who believe that those of us who can’t fly are inferior,” Dash explained, “it’s okay, I’ve…dealt with it before.” “What do you mean?” Scootaloo said, “you’ve always been an excellent flier! I mean, you’re one of the top Wonderbolts on the team! The autograph line for your meet and greets is always a mile long! How could you have possibly dealt with this?” “Because…I couldn’t fly for a long time, too.” Scootaloo’s eyes widened and her mouth hit the ground. Rainbow Dash…had been a poor flier? How could that have even entered the realm of possibility? She had heard stories of how Dash had crushed the competition at Flight Camp, how she had been one of the best young fliers in Cloudsdale history, and how many medals she’d won. She’d been to Dash’s home, for Celestia’s sake! She’d seen the trophy room! How in the world could Dash just suddenly confess to being unable to do something she was so undoubtedly amazing at? “You…couldn’t?” Dash shook her head. “Nope…at least, not at first.” “But…Flight Camp…the race…the Rainboom…Fluttershy…” “That’s all true, but before Flight Camp, my wings were extremely weak. In fact, my Mom and Dad took me to five different doctors in Cloudsdale, and they all told me that I would never be able to fly well. They said it’d be a miracle if I even got off the ground! But, I worked and I practiced and I pushed myself, and now look where I am.” “But…your wings grew as you did, right?” “Well…er…” Dash said, as her story suddenly lost all of its intended morale, “…I mean, yeah, but-“ “That’s just it,” Scootaloo said as she turned towards the hospital, “mine haven’t grown. I need answers!” “But, Scoot, we’ve been to eight different hospitals already! Why don’t we just go home?” “Because I have to know!” Scootaloo squeaked in defiance. “But, you do know!” Dash retorted, feeling her anger begin rising again, “you’ve gotten eight opinions already! What good’s a ninth gonna do you? Besides, I’m your Mom now, and I say we need to go home!” “No, we don’t!” “Yes, we do!” “No, we don’t!” “Yes, we do, and I won’t hear any more arguing about it! Is that clear, young filly?!” Scootaloo’s ears drooped as she realized that she wouldn’t win this heated debate. She felt like crying again, but she didn’t want to appear in such a way in front of her mother. So, she just plopped on her rump and looked at the ground in complete devastation. Her dreams of being able to fly like a bird, which had lay dormant for so long, had finally been crushed. What was worse, it was her own adoptive matron, whom she loved with all her heart, who committed the crushing. Her lip quivered as a pain she’d never known before took hold on her heart. Rainbow Dash saw this, and immediately sat beside her daughter. She was getting used to the filly’s constant presence in her life, and would hate to break their bond over something like this. All the same, though, Scootaloo needed to understand that she was the authority figure in her life now. Even when it meant taking something like an opportunity away, Dash needed to do what was best for her. She understood that Scootaloo’s heart was broken, and she felt for her very deeply. But at the same time, she also understood the need to accept life’s truths, even when they hurt. “Scootaloo…” She said soothingly, running a hoof through the filly’s mane. “Let’s just go,” Scootaloo responded, on the verge of tears. “You have to understand that I’m doing this for you,” Dash said, “I love you, and I want what’s best for you.” “Then why won’t you let me go see another doctor?” “Because he’s just gonna tell you what everypony else has. I can’t bear to see you disappointed nine times, Scoot!” “If you couldn’t bear to see me disappointed nine times, then…why didn’t you stop me at the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth time?” Dash looked at the ground and then back at her daughter. “I guess…I’d convinced myself that perhaps one of these doctors would have a different diagnosis. I thought that maybe one of them would come back from the lab with test results that showed that you could fly. I had these pictures in my head of you soaring higher than the clouds, and me…I saw me right there with you. Oh, Scootaloo, you don’t know how much I want you to be able to fly! To become every last thing that you want to be! It tears me apart, not just as your new mother, but as your friend!” Dash couldn’t hold back her emotions, and she broke down crying. Scootaloo, shocked at the sudden outpour, slowly nuzzled into her mother. She buried her muzzle into Dash’s shoulder and the two lay as a blubbering pile of fur and hooves for a moment. Dash was the first to stop weeping, and she got up and helped Scootaloo back to her hooves. She saw the pain in the filly’s gaze, but this time…she also saw a lot of understanding. Scootaloo had become aware of the heartache that the Wonderbolt faced on a daily basis. “Listen, Scoots,” Dash said, ruffling the filly’s mane, “if you wanna go in and try one more time…then, we’ll try one more time.” “But…what if the answer’s the same?” The small orange pony asked. “Then, we’ll just have to accept it,” Dash said, “but no matter what, I’m always gonna love you.” “I love you, too…Mom,” Scootaloo said as the two trotted into the facility. The Second ChapterThe two Pegasi made their way into the Neighagra Falls hospital, and stopped to take a look around. It was a nice place, built with the comfort of its patients in mind. There was a rather large reception desk against the back wall, but other than that, the place generally resembled other such institutions. The walls were painted a nice shade of blue, with bright white trim covering the top and bottom. There were comfortable chairs situated in all the appropriate spots, and different ponies awaited their turn with the various medical personnel that worked there. Magazines and newspapers lay in a somewhat organized fashion on the small tables in front of them, though they had probably been much better coordinated at the start of the day. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo trotted along the carpeted floor until they reached the reception desk. A rather pretty young mare sat behind it, busily sorting and filing different patient cards. Since computers and technology as we humans know it does not exist in Equestria, everything must be kept to the highest standard of organization and care. When it comes to medical areas, it was crucial that nothing, and nopony, slipped through the cracks. It was so crucial, in fact, that Celestia had passed a law requiring all hospitals and clinics to have their records thoroughly inspected every single month. They would be fined a certain number of bits if they were found to have performed lackadaisically. This particular mare was in the middle of nosing through the letter “E” when Scootaloo and Dash showed up. She didn’t pay them very much mind at first, as she was so engrossed within her world of files. But then she suddenly popped up and looked them dead in the eyes. She was fairly attractive, with bright blue eyes and a perfectly coiffed mane of pink hair. Her cutie mark was that of a file with a traditional red cross etched behind it. Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but think that she was in the perfect field for her talent. “I’m so, so sorry for ignoring you!” The receptionist chirped, “welcome to Neighagra Falls Wellness. My name is RN Filer. Did you have an appointment?” “Uh…yes,” Dash responded, “the name is Scootaloo.” RN took a quick look through her list of engagements and immediately found Scootaloo’s name. “Ah-ha!” She said, “here we go! It says you’re gonna see Dr. Hoovesy today. You’ll like her. If you’ll just take a seat, she’ll be with you in a moment.” Scootaloo and Rainbow trotted over to some adjoining seats and plopped down to wait. Rainbow amused herself by picking up one of the magazines and flipping through it. This one held particular interest to the Cyan Pegasus, because she was on the cover. It was the monthly edition of the “Smithponyan Air & Space” magazine, and she wanted very much to see the spread. She had been quite the fighter at the shoot itself, and Rarity still had yet to forgive her for bucking her in the nose. But they had gotten the photos, and she had to admit that she looked very sleek and sharp. Even though I despise dresses, she thought, I’ve gotta give credit to Rarity. She really knows how to make somepony shine. “Scootaloo?” A voice suddenly asked, breaking into Dash’s thoughts. The eager filly bounced over to the door, with her new mother following close behind. Dash couldn’t help but notice the way that Scoot’s wings buzzed in anticipation. She sounded like a small bumblebee. Dash had to stifle her giggles, but then remembered just how much was riding on this visit. If a ninth doctor told Scootaloo that she’d never be able to fly, Dash didn’t know what she’d do. She might withdraw into a deep, dark depression…or worse. Rainbow gulped as she thought of all the terrible things that might happen should Scootaloo receive another negative response. After testing Scoot for her height, weight, and blood pressure, they were led into a very bright room. An examining table lay in the center, with small chairs backed up against the white walls. Cabinets hung above a clear, silver sink, accompanied by jars and bags of various medical implements. Rainbow Dash took a seat in one of the chairs, while Scootaloo used the nearby stepping stool to hop up onto the table’s metal surface. She shivered a bit at the cool touch, but then sat up straight when the doctor came in. “So…you must be Scootaloo,” the mare asked, “I’m Dr. Hoovsy.” She seemed very kind, with a gentle face and bright green eyes. Her mane was blue to accompany her aqua coat, which shimmered underneath the bright lights above. She was wearing a traditional doctor’s coat, with a stethoscope slung around her neck. A clipboard sat in a small pocket on her right flank. This compartment was specially designed so that ponies who weren’t magic users could still grasp things like clipboards and other necessities. She turned and pulled out the board, setting it on the counter under the cabinets. “Hm…it says here that you’ve come to me regarding your flight,” she continued. “Yeah!” Scootaloo said as she quivered with excitement, “I’m ready to get in the air! I mean, I’m old enough, aren’t I? My problem is that my wings just won’t grow! I was hoping you could give me some kind of miracle cure…or maybe some kind of procedure that could help me.” Hoovsy smiled back at Scootaloo. “Alright, then,” she said, “let me just check your wings.” The doctor proceeded to give the filly a thorough examination. She lifted the wings, checked to make sure that the feathers worked properly, and rotated them to ensure that they weren’t causing any pain. Then, she had Scootaloo flap them. When the wings began to buzz, the doctor understood what the problem was. “Ah, buzzing wings,” she said, “that’s common for a pony in your condition.” “My condition?!” Scootaloo asked, suddenly frightened, “what condition?!” “Don’t worry, my filly,” the doctor said nicely, “there’s no need for any alarm. You have a disorder that’s common among some Pegasi fillies. It’s called DWS, or Degenerative Wing Syndrome.” “Whoa-whoa-whoa,” Rainbow Dash asked, suddenly rising, “you mean that Scoot’s wings are…degenerating?” The doctor nodded sadly. “I’m afraid so. Unfortunately, there is no cure, and we don’t have the medical technology set in place yet to offer prosthetics.” “But…I…I want my wings to work…” Scootaloo said as tears burned her eyes again. The doctor took pity on the filly and placed a hoof on her shoulder. “Listen, Scootaloo. I know this is difficult to hear, but…you’ll never be able to fly. I’m so…dreadfully sorry to have to be the one to tell you that, but…it’s true.” Scootaloo’s tears fell all the more. She was so sure, so certain that this time would be different. She felt in the very depths of her heart that this doctor would give her some good news. But it was the same response as all the others. She would never be able to fly. She would never know what it was like to soar through the sky with the other Pegasi. She wouldn’t ever be able to try out for the Wonderbolt Academy. But worst of all, she’d never be able to follow in Rainbow’s hoof steps. She worshipped those hoof steps…and all she wanted was to be like her. “Oh, Scootaloo,” Dash said, “I’m so sorry…” “That’s what you said the first time, and the second time, and all the times in between…” Scootaloo said, “…but…you aren’t hearing it.” “Forgive me for interrupting,” Hoovsy said, “but…what’s all this ‘first time and second time’ business.” “The truth is, doctor,” Dash said, “we’re actually from Ponyville. We’ve been to eight other doctors all across Equestria, and none of them told Scoot she’d ever fly. All she’s ever wanted was the same talent that other Pegasi have…and I wish I could give her.” “Well…there is a procedure…” The Third Chapter“A procedure?” Scootaloo asked as her ears pricked up and her eyes widened in excitement, “what is it?! When can we do it?! Can we do it today?!” Dr. Hoovsy smiled at the young one as she wriggled her rump in anticipation. She just didn’t have the heart to tell her that the procedure she was referring to could not be done for months, and only if they found the right pony. It was a million to one shot that it would work, even if all the circumstances fell into place perfectly. But all the same, she was a doctor and she needed to be truthful. It was the only way that Scootaloo would ever trust her. She just needed to find a way to let the young pony down slowly, gently, and with all the love and care in the world. “Well…you see, Scootaloo, sometimes things don’t really work out the way we want them to.” “What do you mean?” Scootaloo asked as her ears drooped, “can’t we do it today?” “I’m worried that we won’t be able to do it at all,” the doctor said kindly, but honestly, “the surgery is a rather intense experience for everypony involved. It’s called ‘Flight Transfer,’ and for it to work, somepony has to…donate their wings.” Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash looked at each other in shock. Somepony would give up their chance at the adrenaline rush of flight just so somepony else could experience it? It seemed like such a huge sacrifice, but it also seemed like a beautiful gift that only a true friend would bestow upon another. The idea both frightened and intrigued the mother and her adopted daughter, and they took a few moments to think about it. The decision was not an easy one, simply due to everything involved in making it happen. That, and a simple nod of the head would mean removing the joy of flight from one of their fellow Pegasi. “I…I just don’t know,” Rainbow finally said, “as much as I want my Scoot to be able to fly…I just…can’t fathom taking it away from somepony else.” “I can’t, either,” Scootaloo said frankly, “I mean, flying is what a Pegasus is born to do…or at least…most of them.” She looked at the table as memories of both her birth mother and her adopted mother flying high overhead raced through her mind. In the farthest recesses of her mind, she was able to conjure up images of when she was a very small foal, and her mother was showing her how wings worked. She would flap them up and down, and the young Scootaloo would clap her hooves in enjoyment. From the day she could understand what flying was, she had always had an unquenchable thirst for it. She would see the other Pegasi foals at school floating above the ground and dream of the day when she might be able to do the same. But, when her wings wouldn’t grow, she began to be bullied violently, which is why her parents sent her to live in Ponyville. Now, she had the chance to retract her entire life and start over. She had the opportunity to become something more than what she was. She could feel the wind in her wings, tickling her feathers as she zoomed through the sky. She saw herself winning many competitions in Cloudsdale, entering the Wonderbolt Academy, and then marching down the aisle on graduation day while her adopted mother watched with tears in her eyes. She saw the pride on Rainbow Dash’s face as she accepted her Wonderbolt pin, and finally joined the ranks of the greatest flyers in all Equestria. She was certain that all of that would happen if Rainbow would only agree to the operation. She gave her new mother the most pleading look she’d ever given. “Please, Mom?” She asked, “you know how badly I want this…how badly I want to fly.” “I know, Scoot, and that’s why I’m taking every possible eventuality into consideration,” Rainbow said bluntly, before turning back to Hoovsy. “How much would this cost?” The doctor looked down, not wanting to answer. She knew of the extensive amount of bits that a surgery so complex required. She thought of the twelve-hour operation, and the sheer amount of medical personnel needed to work on one pony. She had never done one, as she was not licensed to do so, but she had been on the team for one. Once again, the chances of success passed through her mind. The pony she helped with ended up being unable to use her new wings. The search process had been much too fast, and the wings were ever so slightly incompatible with her flanks. The margin between soaring through the air and trotting along the ground had been a few feathers. “Look,” she finally said, “I’m gonna be honest with you two. The chances of this procedure actually enabling flight are about a billion to one. It costs 100,000 bits to perform, and the reward may not be worth the financial and emotional risk. While I cannot operate on Scootaloo in such a manner, the one pony that I did help with could not fly, even after the procedure. She ended up…tumbling over the side of a mountain…” Rainbow’s mouth nearly hit the floor as she imagined Scootaloo suffering the same terrible fate. She saw the filly’s small orange body falling through the air, out of control, her new wings completely useless. She saw her smack into the ground, breaking every single bone, and quite possibly dying from the impact. She saw her entire motherhood completely destroyed by that one single event, and she could barely take it. She felt tears come to her eyes as she stood and instinctively cradled the young pony. “She’s not gonna go through the same thing,” Dash said firmly, “I’m afraid…we can’t do this.” “But…this could be my last chance!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she gave Dash a look that melted at the Cyan pony’s heart. “Please! I’m begging you! Let’s just try it!” “But, Scoot, I don’t have 100,000 bits to spare! Nopony I know does! I mean…really! It’s just out of the question! Plus, it might not work!” “I don’t care!” Scootaloo cried, “at least I’d know that we exhausted all our resources! Please, Mom…please…” The Fourth ChapterRainbow Dash looked down at her adoptive daughter, whose eyes shone back with a silent plea that broke the Wonderbolt’s heart. She couldn’t bear to see Scootaloo so desperate. It was so unlike when she showed the determination and will to succeed despite her handicap. Dash felt her mind begin to shake with the pressure of this decision. On the one hoof, she knew that it was a financial impossibility. Wonderbolts got paid 25,000 bits per year, true, but it would still take a long time to raise the necessary 100,000 bits for the operation. But on the other, she couldn’t take the pain of seeing Scootaloo looking longingly towards the other Pegasi foals, yearning to soar as they did. She was just about to announce her decision when Dr. Hoovsy suddenly chimed in. “Rainbow, may I have a private word with Scootaloo?” “Huh?” Dash asked, before shaking her head and clearing the cobwebs, “uh, sure, I guess. I’ll just be out in the hall.” With those words, Dash retreated from the small room, and Scootaloo was left staring. In that moment, she suddenly felt very much alone, and she wanted her new mother back beside her. It felt like it had when her birth mother had left the room after tucking her in for the night. She’d cry out, and the matron would dutifully return and rub a soothing hoof through her mane while singing a soft lullaby of love. The young filly would instantly forget all about her fears and curl up into a deep sleep, receiving a small kiss on the cheek as she did so. But this was all new, and this time, there was no soothing song or calming hoof through the mane. Now, she had to face this doctor, and she didn’t know why the mare had requested that Rainbow Dash leave the room. She tried to sit up straight and show how tough she was, but inside, she was a quivering little filly. She felt sweat begin to bead and then pour down her face. It caught on the bridge of her nose and ran into her eyes. She got lightheaded and began wobbling in place a bit, but was stopped by a pair of gentle hooves and a very kind smile. “Whoa there, little one!” Hoovsy said, “we can’t have you fainting, now can we?” “I…I’m not scared!” Scootaloo said as she straightened her fur a bit, “I was just…testing your reflexes!” “Oh, I’m sure you were,” the doctor said with an amused sparkle in her eye, “but let’s forget reflexes for now. Let’s talk about your wings.” Scootaloo looked at the table in embarrassment before slowly spreading her tiny appendages. “You mean these things?” “Yes, I do,” the doctor said, “and they’re definitely not a cause for humiliation.” “How aren’t they?” Scootaloo asked, “I mean, I have the smallest wings of all the Pegasi foals at my school. I can’t fly, I can’t even hover! All I can do is buzz them, and all that does is draw cute looks from other ponies. I don’t wanna be cute! I wanna be tough! I wanna be brave! I wanna be…like my new Mom.” Hoovsy smiled again. She understood everything that the young mare was going through. She had seen it time and time again, when disabled foals and their parents came to her, desperate for answers on just what the affliction was and if it could be fixed. She thought of a certain Unicorn filly that she had examined just the previous day. She’d been born without the use of her horn, as the internal organs that Unicorns use to create magic had been improperly formed. The poor filly wept bitterly at her predicament. She explained that she just wanted to make her parents proud, considering their status as the magic champions of Neighagra Falls. She felt worthless and inferior in their sight, and in the sight of all the other foals. So, Hoovsy had told her a secret, and it had lifted her spirits so much that she left the clinic happier than ever. Now, she prepared to divulge the same secret to Scootaloo. “I know you want to soar through the heavens like a bird on the wing,” Hoovsy said compassionately, “but…unfortunately…that isn’t possible.” “But what about the Flight Transfer procedure?” Scootaloo asked. “Well, the fact is…your mom may not be in a position to commit to something like that right now. Whether that’s financially, emotionally, or anything else is irrelevant. It just may not happen. But let me tell you something, Scootaloo…a secret that may just help you more than any surgery could.” “A secret?” Scootaloo asked, intrigued by the doctor’s sudden shift in volume, “what secret?” Hoovsy smiled once again, and removed two small pockets from her lab coat. They were along her flanks, and Scootaloo gasped when she saw what they had to reveal. Two tiny wings poked out, as flightless as she was. The filly’s mouth practically hit the ground as the feathered appendages made themselves known. She couldn’t believe that the kind doctor, whom she had taken as being an Earth Pony, was actually a member of her own species! She was both delighted and disappointed at the same time. As much as she enjoyed being able to relate to the doctor, she also realized that, if Hoovsy couldn’t fly, then she’d never be able to. “Well…there they are,” Hoovsy said, “I know they aren’t much, but I do have them.” “I…I just can’t believe you’re a Pegasus!” “I am,” Hoovsy said, “born and bred in Cloudsdale itself. I remember the day I discovered that my wings were much smaller than the other foals’. I remember being so sad when they all trounced off to Flight Camp, and I was stuck at home. I tried and tried and tried to fly, Scootaloo, and my parents helped me immeasurably. My dad even built me this ramp and I would jump off of it and try so hard to pump my wings and soar, but I never did. I felt terrible about myself, but my parents and friends saw me through it. I realized that, as long as I had a family and wonderful friends, I didn’t need to fly.” “But…don’t you ever wonder what it’s like to fly?” Hoovsy nodded. “I’d be lying if I said I’d never wanted to try again. Even since I graduated from medical school and became a doctor, there’ve been times when I wanted to soar with the other Pegasi. But then I remember my friends and family, and those feelings of inferiority and disappointment melt away. I think they will for you, too. Take your mom, Rainbow Dash, for instance. I bet she’s just as pleased as can be that you’re her daughter.” “I don’t think so,” Scootaloo confessed, “and that’s part of the reason I came on this trip. I…heard her telling her friends that she was upset with somepony for not being able to fly, and I just know that pony’s me! I just know it! She’s not proud of me, and she wishes she’d never adopted me! She…doesn’t love me.” At that point, the door to the room burst open and Rainbow Dash flew in and threw her hooves around Scootaloo. It was very apparent that the Pegasus had been weeping severely, and she covered the young one’s face in kisses. It was such a shocking turn away from her normal character, that it nearly knocked the doctor off her hooves. But the moment was beautiful, and she soon regained her composure and became a willing spectator. She knew she’d said all she needed to say, and she just needed for the parental figure to take care of the rest. “Oh, Scootaloo…” Dash said through a thick voice, “…don’t you DARE think that I don’t love you, and that I’m not proud of you! I love you more than anypony else! You’re my daughter, and I’m always gonna be proud of you, no matter what!” “But…I can’t fly!” Scootaloo cried, “I can’t fly, and I’m never gonna be able to!” “That’s okay, Scoot!” Dash exclaimed as she held the filly tighter, “I don’t care that you can’t fly! I just want you in my life! We started as good friends, became sisters, and now we’re something even closer…a mother and her daughter. Flight aside, that’s a pretty awesome combination. Look, I know you’re upset about not being able to fly…but it doesn’t matter, Scoot! What matters is you as a pony, and as my daughter! You have such an amazing life back in Ponyville, and you’re such an amazing filly. Frankly, you don’t need wings to fly, because you’ve soared your entire life!” Scootaloo couldn’t hold back her own tears anymore, and she buried her head into Rainbow’s shoulder. The two Pegasi shared a few beautiful moments together, as they felt their bond strengthen even more than it already was. Scootaloo had rediscovered her own courage and confidence, and she now knew more than ever that Rainbow and the other ponies loved and accepted her, regardless of her disability. She was intensely grateful for everything that the doctor had told her, and she saw the wisdom in what she said. She would never be upset at her shortcomings again. After all, in Rainbow Dash’s words, she was “all kinds of awesome, anyway.”
The First ChapterRainbow Dash and Scootaloo stood outside of the hospital in Neighagra Falls. This was the ninth town they’d been to, all in search of the answer to Scootaloo’s lack of flight. Dash was getting pretty sick of trotting all over Equestria, but her new daughter was desperate to find a doctor who’d tell her that she might fly someday. The truth was, she would never fly, and she knew it. But she was so insistent on finding somepony who could say what she wanted them to say. Her tears had been many, and Dash had done her best to comfort the filly. She already knew that she loved her, and thought she was awesome in every sense of the word. But Scootaloo didn’t believe any of it. She found herself less than perfect, and diluted in the eyes of every other Pegasus. “Maybe this will be the place!” Scootaloo announced eagerly as she waited on her adopted matron to join her. “The place for what, kid?” Asked a passing Pegasus. “The place where somepony tells me that I might fly someday!” The other pony took a look at her short, stubby wings and burst into laughter. “You? Fly? With THOSE? Thanks, kid! I needed a good laugh today!” Scootaloo’s mouth dropped, and her tears were immediate. She gave the older mare a nasty look and was just about to launch into an altercation when Dash interrupted. The Cyan Pegasus stood between her daughter and the offender, and also gave a nasty look. It was the same look any mother bear gives when somepony disrupts her cubs and tries to hurt them. It became apparent that Rainbow had heard the entire insulting conversation, and she was well prepared to defend her filly’s honor. She ground her teeth together, taking pleasure in imagining every last pearly white smashing down on the other mare’s fur. “If you don’t wanna end up in a body bag on the front cover of tomorrow’s newspaper, I’d suggest you run along,” Dash growled. “Oh, come now, lady,” the mare snorted, “you’re really gonna defend this worthless filly?” Dash felt her anger rise even further, and it took all her faculties to control it. “I…happen to be this filly’s mother.” “Oh, so YOU’RE responsible for this travesty against all Pegasi everywhere?!” “Get going…” Dash said in a voice so low and venomous that it frightened Scootaloo, “…or I may just snap…” “Okay, okay, okay, I’m going. But you’re dealing with a lost cause, there.” The Pegasus whipped her head pointedly and trotted off, leaving Scootaloo shaking and Rainbow Dash fuming. The loyal Pegasus had once again proven her Element of Harmony, keeping Scootaloo safe and secure against a threat. She had also proven her love for the orange filly, and her willingness to do anything to protect her. She felt a sense of motherly pride when she gazed at her hooves and saw Scootaloo begin nuzzling up against them. She couldn’t help but smile and bend over to nuzzle her back. Her anger had melted, replaced by her deep care for her daughter. “It’s okay, Scoots,” Dash said, using her special nickname for the filly, “I’m right here.” “Why did she treat me like that?” Scootaloo asked, “I mean, we’re all Pegasi, aren’t we?” “There are some Pegasi who believe that those of us who can’t fly are inferior,” Dash explained, “it’s okay, I’ve…dealt with it before.” “What do you mean?” Scootaloo said, “you’ve always been an excellent flier! I mean, you’re one of the top Wonderbolts on the team! The autograph line for your meet and greets is always a mile long! How could you have possibly dealt with this?” “Because…I couldn’t fly for a long time, too.” Scootaloo’s eyes widened and her mouth hit the ground. Rainbow Dash…had been a poor flier? How could that have even entered the realm of possibility? She had heard stories of how Dash had crushed the competition at Flight Camp, how she had been one of the best young fliers in Cloudsdale history, and how many medals she’d won. She’d been to Dash’s home, for Celestia’s sake! She’d seen the trophy room! How in the world could Dash just suddenly confess to being unable to do something she was so undoubtedly amazing at? “You…couldn’t?” Dash shook her head. “Nope…at least, not at first.” “But…Flight Camp…the race…the Rainboom…Fluttershy…” “That’s all true, but before Flight Camp, my wings were extremely weak. In fact, my Mom and Dad took me to five different doctors in Cloudsdale, and they all told me that I would never be able to fly well. They said it’d be a miracle if I even got off the ground! But, I worked and I practiced and I pushed myself, and now look where I am.” “But…your wings grew as you did, right?” “Well…er…” Dash said, as her story suddenly lost all of its intended morale, “…I mean, yeah, but-“ “That’s just it,” Scootaloo said as she turned towards the hospital, “mine haven’t grown. I need answers!” “But, Scoot, we’ve been to eight different hospitals already! Why don’t we just go home?” “Because I have to know!” Scootaloo squeaked in defiance. “But, you do know!” Dash retorted, feeling her anger begin rising again, “you’ve gotten eight opinions already! What good’s a ninth gonna do you? Besides, I’m your Mom now, and I say we need to go home!” “No, we don’t!” “Yes, we do!” “No, we don’t!” “Yes, we do, and I won’t hear any more arguing about it! Is that clear, young filly?!” Scootaloo’s ears drooped as she realized that she wouldn’t win this heated debate. She felt like crying again, but she didn’t want to appear in such a way in front of her mother. So, she just plopped on her rump and looked at the ground in complete devastation. Her dreams of being able to fly like a bird, which had lay dormant for so long, had finally been crushed. What was worse, it was her own adoptive matron, whom she loved with all her heart, who committed the crushing. Her lip quivered as a pain she’d never known before took hold on her heart. Rainbow Dash saw this, and immediately sat beside her daughter. She was getting used to the filly’s constant presence in her life, and would hate to break their bond over something like this. All the same, though, Scootaloo needed to understand that she was the authority figure in her life now. Even when it meant taking something like an opportunity away, Dash needed to do what was best for her. She understood that Scootaloo’s heart was broken, and she felt for her very deeply. But at the same time, she also understood the need to accept life’s truths, even when they hurt. “Scootaloo…” She said soothingly, running a hoof through the filly’s mane. “Let’s just go,” Scootaloo responded, on the verge of tears. “You have to understand that I’m doing this for you,” Dash said, “I love you, and I want what’s best for you.” “Then why won’t you let me go see another doctor?” “Because he’s just gonna tell you what everypony else has. I can’t bear to see you disappointed nine times, Scoot!” “If you couldn’t bear to see me disappointed nine times, then…why didn’t you stop me at the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth time?” Dash looked at the ground and then back at her daughter. “I guess…I’d convinced myself that perhaps one of these doctors would have a different diagnosis. I thought that maybe one of them would come back from the lab with test results that showed that you could fly. I had these pictures in my head of you soaring higher than the clouds, and me…I saw me right there with you. Oh, Scootaloo, you don’t know how much I want you to be able to fly! To become every last thing that you want to be! It tears me apart, not just as your new mother, but as your friend!” Dash couldn’t hold back her emotions, and she broke down crying. Scootaloo, shocked at the sudden outpour, slowly nuzzled into her mother. She buried her muzzle into Dash’s shoulder and the two lay as a blubbering pile of fur and hooves for a moment. Dash was the first to stop weeping, and she got up and helped Scootaloo back to her hooves. She saw the pain in the filly’s gaze, but this time…she also saw a lot of understanding. Scootaloo had become aware of the heartache that the Wonderbolt faced on a daily basis. “Listen, Scoots,” Dash said, ruffling the filly’s mane, “if you wanna go in and try one more time…then, we’ll try one more time.” “But…what if the answer’s the same?” The small orange pony asked. “Then, we’ll just have to accept it,” Dash said, “but no matter what, I’m always gonna love you.” “I love you, too…Mom,” Scootaloo said as the two trotted into the facility.
The Second ChapterThe two Pegasi made their way into the Neighagra Falls hospital, and stopped to take a look around. It was a nice place, built with the comfort of its patients in mind. There was a rather large reception desk against the back wall, but other than that, the place generally resembled other such institutions. The walls were painted a nice shade of blue, with bright white trim covering the top and bottom. There were comfortable chairs situated in all the appropriate spots, and different ponies awaited their turn with the various medical personnel that worked there. Magazines and newspapers lay in a somewhat organized fashion on the small tables in front of them, though they had probably been much better coordinated at the start of the day. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo trotted along the carpeted floor until they reached the reception desk. A rather pretty young mare sat behind it, busily sorting and filing different patient cards. Since computers and technology as we humans know it does not exist in Equestria, everything must be kept to the highest standard of organization and care. When it comes to medical areas, it was crucial that nothing, and nopony, slipped through the cracks. It was so crucial, in fact, that Celestia had passed a law requiring all hospitals and clinics to have their records thoroughly inspected every single month. They would be fined a certain number of bits if they were found to have performed lackadaisically. This particular mare was in the middle of nosing through the letter “E” when Scootaloo and Dash showed up. She didn’t pay them very much mind at first, as she was so engrossed within her world of files. But then she suddenly popped up and looked them dead in the eyes. She was fairly attractive, with bright blue eyes and a perfectly coiffed mane of pink hair. Her cutie mark was that of a file with a traditional red cross etched behind it. Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but think that she was in the perfect field for her talent. “I’m so, so sorry for ignoring you!” The receptionist chirped, “welcome to Neighagra Falls Wellness. My name is RN Filer. Did you have an appointment?” “Uh…yes,” Dash responded, “the name is Scootaloo.” RN took a quick look through her list of engagements and immediately found Scootaloo’s name. “Ah-ha!” She said, “here we go! It says you’re gonna see Dr. Hoovesy today. You’ll like her. If you’ll just take a seat, she’ll be with you in a moment.” Scootaloo and Rainbow trotted over to some adjoining seats and plopped down to wait. Rainbow amused herself by picking up one of the magazines and flipping through it. This one held particular interest to the Cyan Pegasus, because she was on the cover. It was the monthly edition of the “Smithponyan Air & Space” magazine, and she wanted very much to see the spread. She had been quite the fighter at the shoot itself, and Rarity still had yet to forgive her for bucking her in the nose. But they had gotten the photos, and she had to admit that she looked very sleek and sharp. Even though I despise dresses, she thought, I’ve gotta give credit to Rarity. She really knows how to make somepony shine. “Scootaloo?” A voice suddenly asked, breaking into Dash’s thoughts. The eager filly bounced over to the door, with her new mother following close behind. Dash couldn’t help but notice the way that Scoot’s wings buzzed in anticipation. She sounded like a small bumblebee. Dash had to stifle her giggles, but then remembered just how much was riding on this visit. If a ninth doctor told Scootaloo that she’d never be able to fly, Dash didn’t know what she’d do. She might withdraw into a deep, dark depression…or worse. Rainbow gulped as she thought of all the terrible things that might happen should Scootaloo receive another negative response. After testing Scoot for her height, weight, and blood pressure, they were led into a very bright room. An examining table lay in the center, with small chairs backed up against the white walls. Cabinets hung above a clear, silver sink, accompanied by jars and bags of various medical implements. Rainbow Dash took a seat in one of the chairs, while Scootaloo used the nearby stepping stool to hop up onto the table’s metal surface. She shivered a bit at the cool touch, but then sat up straight when the doctor came in. “So…you must be Scootaloo,” the mare asked, “I’m Dr. Hoovsy.” She seemed very kind, with a gentle face and bright green eyes. Her mane was blue to accompany her aqua coat, which shimmered underneath the bright lights above. She was wearing a traditional doctor’s coat, with a stethoscope slung around her neck. A clipboard sat in a small pocket on her right flank. This compartment was specially designed so that ponies who weren’t magic users could still grasp things like clipboards and other necessities. She turned and pulled out the board, setting it on the counter under the cabinets. “Hm…it says here that you’ve come to me regarding your flight,” she continued. “Yeah!” Scootaloo said as she quivered with excitement, “I’m ready to get in the air! I mean, I’m old enough, aren’t I? My problem is that my wings just won’t grow! I was hoping you could give me some kind of miracle cure…or maybe some kind of procedure that could help me.” Hoovsy smiled back at Scootaloo. “Alright, then,” she said, “let me just check your wings.” The doctor proceeded to give the filly a thorough examination. She lifted the wings, checked to make sure that the feathers worked properly, and rotated them to ensure that they weren’t causing any pain. Then, she had Scootaloo flap them. When the wings began to buzz, the doctor understood what the problem was. “Ah, buzzing wings,” she said, “that’s common for a pony in your condition.” “My condition?!” Scootaloo asked, suddenly frightened, “what condition?!” “Don’t worry, my filly,” the doctor said nicely, “there’s no need for any alarm. You have a disorder that’s common among some Pegasi fillies. It’s called DWS, or Degenerative Wing Syndrome.” “Whoa-whoa-whoa,” Rainbow Dash asked, suddenly rising, “you mean that Scoot’s wings are…degenerating?” The doctor nodded sadly. “I’m afraid so. Unfortunately, there is no cure, and we don’t have the medical technology set in place yet to offer prosthetics.” “But…I…I want my wings to work…” Scootaloo said as tears burned her eyes again. The doctor took pity on the filly and placed a hoof on her shoulder. “Listen, Scootaloo. I know this is difficult to hear, but…you’ll never be able to fly. I’m so…dreadfully sorry to have to be the one to tell you that, but…it’s true.” Scootaloo’s tears fell all the more. She was so sure, so certain that this time would be different. She felt in the very depths of her heart that this doctor would give her some good news. But it was the same response as all the others. She would never be able to fly. She would never know what it was like to soar through the sky with the other Pegasi. She wouldn’t ever be able to try out for the Wonderbolt Academy. But worst of all, she’d never be able to follow in Rainbow’s hoof steps. She worshipped those hoof steps…and all she wanted was to be like her. “Oh, Scootaloo,” Dash said, “I’m so sorry…” “That’s what you said the first time, and the second time, and all the times in between…” Scootaloo said, “…but…you aren’t hearing it.” “Forgive me for interrupting,” Hoovsy said, “but…what’s all this ‘first time and second time’ business.” “The truth is, doctor,” Dash said, “we’re actually from Ponyville. We’ve been to eight other doctors all across Equestria, and none of them told Scoot she’d ever fly. All she’s ever wanted was the same talent that other Pegasi have…and I wish I could give her.” “Well…there is a procedure…”
The Third Chapter“A procedure?” Scootaloo asked as her ears pricked up and her eyes widened in excitement, “what is it?! When can we do it?! Can we do it today?!” Dr. Hoovsy smiled at the young one as she wriggled her rump in anticipation. She just didn’t have the heart to tell her that the procedure she was referring to could not be done for months, and only if they found the right pony. It was a million to one shot that it would work, even if all the circumstances fell into place perfectly. But all the same, she was a doctor and she needed to be truthful. It was the only way that Scootaloo would ever trust her. She just needed to find a way to let the young pony down slowly, gently, and with all the love and care in the world. “Well…you see, Scootaloo, sometimes things don’t really work out the way we want them to.” “What do you mean?” Scootaloo asked as her ears drooped, “can’t we do it today?” “I’m worried that we won’t be able to do it at all,” the doctor said kindly, but honestly, “the surgery is a rather intense experience for everypony involved. It’s called ‘Flight Transfer,’ and for it to work, somepony has to…donate their wings.” Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash looked at each other in shock. Somepony would give up their chance at the adrenaline rush of flight just so somepony else could experience it? It seemed like such a huge sacrifice, but it also seemed like a beautiful gift that only a true friend would bestow upon another. The idea both frightened and intrigued the mother and her adopted daughter, and they took a few moments to think about it. The decision was not an easy one, simply due to everything involved in making it happen. That, and a simple nod of the head would mean removing the joy of flight from one of their fellow Pegasi. “I…I just don’t know,” Rainbow finally said, “as much as I want my Scoot to be able to fly…I just…can’t fathom taking it away from somepony else.” “I can’t, either,” Scootaloo said frankly, “I mean, flying is what a Pegasus is born to do…or at least…most of them.” She looked at the table as memories of both her birth mother and her adopted mother flying high overhead raced through her mind. In the farthest recesses of her mind, she was able to conjure up images of when she was a very small foal, and her mother was showing her how wings worked. She would flap them up and down, and the young Scootaloo would clap her hooves in enjoyment. From the day she could understand what flying was, she had always had an unquenchable thirst for it. She would see the other Pegasi foals at school floating above the ground and dream of the day when she might be able to do the same. But, when her wings wouldn’t grow, she began to be bullied violently, which is why her parents sent her to live in Ponyville. Now, she had the chance to retract her entire life and start over. She had the opportunity to become something more than what she was. She could feel the wind in her wings, tickling her feathers as she zoomed through the sky. She saw herself winning many competitions in Cloudsdale, entering the Wonderbolt Academy, and then marching down the aisle on graduation day while her adopted mother watched with tears in her eyes. She saw the pride on Rainbow Dash’s face as she accepted her Wonderbolt pin, and finally joined the ranks of the greatest flyers in all Equestria. She was certain that all of that would happen if Rainbow would only agree to the operation. She gave her new mother the most pleading look she’d ever given. “Please, Mom?” She asked, “you know how badly I want this…how badly I want to fly.” “I know, Scoot, and that’s why I’m taking every possible eventuality into consideration,” Rainbow said bluntly, before turning back to Hoovsy. “How much would this cost?” The doctor looked down, not wanting to answer. She knew of the extensive amount of bits that a surgery so complex required. She thought of the twelve-hour operation, and the sheer amount of medical personnel needed to work on one pony. She had never done one, as she was not licensed to do so, but she had been on the team for one. Once again, the chances of success passed through her mind. The pony she helped with ended up being unable to use her new wings. The search process had been much too fast, and the wings were ever so slightly incompatible with her flanks. The margin between soaring through the air and trotting along the ground had been a few feathers. “Look,” she finally said, “I’m gonna be honest with you two. The chances of this procedure actually enabling flight are about a billion to one. It costs 100,000 bits to perform, and the reward may not be worth the financial and emotional risk. While I cannot operate on Scootaloo in such a manner, the one pony that I did help with could not fly, even after the procedure. She ended up…tumbling over the side of a mountain…” Rainbow’s mouth nearly hit the floor as she imagined Scootaloo suffering the same terrible fate. She saw the filly’s small orange body falling through the air, out of control, her new wings completely useless. She saw her smack into the ground, breaking every single bone, and quite possibly dying from the impact. She saw her entire motherhood completely destroyed by that one single event, and she could barely take it. She felt tears come to her eyes as she stood and instinctively cradled the young pony. “She’s not gonna go through the same thing,” Dash said firmly, “I’m afraid…we can’t do this.” “But…this could be my last chance!” Scootaloo exclaimed as she gave Dash a look that melted at the Cyan pony’s heart. “Please! I’m begging you! Let’s just try it!” “But, Scoot, I don’t have 100,000 bits to spare! Nopony I know does! I mean…really! It’s just out of the question! Plus, it might not work!” “I don’t care!” Scootaloo cried, “at least I’d know that we exhausted all our resources! Please, Mom…please…”
The Fourth ChapterRainbow Dash looked down at her adoptive daughter, whose eyes shone back with a silent plea that broke the Wonderbolt’s heart. She couldn’t bear to see Scootaloo so desperate. It was so unlike when she showed the determination and will to succeed despite her handicap. Dash felt her mind begin to shake with the pressure of this decision. On the one hoof, she knew that it was a financial impossibility. Wonderbolts got paid 25,000 bits per year, true, but it would still take a long time to raise the necessary 100,000 bits for the operation. But on the other, she couldn’t take the pain of seeing Scootaloo looking longingly towards the other Pegasi foals, yearning to soar as they did. She was just about to announce her decision when Dr. Hoovsy suddenly chimed in. “Rainbow, may I have a private word with Scootaloo?” “Huh?” Dash asked, before shaking her head and clearing the cobwebs, “uh, sure, I guess. I’ll just be out in the hall.” With those words, Dash retreated from the small room, and Scootaloo was left staring. In that moment, she suddenly felt very much alone, and she wanted her new mother back beside her. It felt like it had when her birth mother had left the room after tucking her in for the night. She’d cry out, and the matron would dutifully return and rub a soothing hoof through her mane while singing a soft lullaby of love. The young filly would instantly forget all about her fears and curl up into a deep sleep, receiving a small kiss on the cheek as she did so. But this was all new, and this time, there was no soothing song or calming hoof through the mane. Now, she had to face this doctor, and she didn’t know why the mare had requested that Rainbow Dash leave the room. She tried to sit up straight and show how tough she was, but inside, she was a quivering little filly. She felt sweat begin to bead and then pour down her face. It caught on the bridge of her nose and ran into her eyes. She got lightheaded and began wobbling in place a bit, but was stopped by a pair of gentle hooves and a very kind smile. “Whoa there, little one!” Hoovsy said, “we can’t have you fainting, now can we?” “I…I’m not scared!” Scootaloo said as she straightened her fur a bit, “I was just…testing your reflexes!” “Oh, I’m sure you were,” the doctor said with an amused sparkle in her eye, “but let’s forget reflexes for now. Let’s talk about your wings.” Scootaloo looked at the table in embarrassment before slowly spreading her tiny appendages. “You mean these things?” “Yes, I do,” the doctor said, “and they’re definitely not a cause for humiliation.” “How aren’t they?” Scootaloo asked, “I mean, I have the smallest wings of all the Pegasi foals at my school. I can’t fly, I can’t even hover! All I can do is buzz them, and all that does is draw cute looks from other ponies. I don’t wanna be cute! I wanna be tough! I wanna be brave! I wanna be…like my new Mom.” Hoovsy smiled again. She understood everything that the young mare was going through. She had seen it time and time again, when disabled foals and their parents came to her, desperate for answers on just what the affliction was and if it could be fixed. She thought of a certain Unicorn filly that she had examined just the previous day. She’d been born without the use of her horn, as the internal organs that Unicorns use to create magic had been improperly formed. The poor filly wept bitterly at her predicament. She explained that she just wanted to make her parents proud, considering their status as the magic champions of Neighagra Falls. She felt worthless and inferior in their sight, and in the sight of all the other foals. So, Hoovsy had told her a secret, and it had lifted her spirits so much that she left the clinic happier than ever. Now, she prepared to divulge the same secret to Scootaloo. “I know you want to soar through the heavens like a bird on the wing,” Hoovsy said compassionately, “but…unfortunately…that isn’t possible.” “But what about the Flight Transfer procedure?” Scootaloo asked. “Well, the fact is…your mom may not be in a position to commit to something like that right now. Whether that’s financially, emotionally, or anything else is irrelevant. It just may not happen. But let me tell you something, Scootaloo…a secret that may just help you more than any surgery could.” “A secret?” Scootaloo asked, intrigued by the doctor’s sudden shift in volume, “what secret?” Hoovsy smiled once again, and removed two small pockets from her lab coat. They were along her flanks, and Scootaloo gasped when she saw what they had to reveal. Two tiny wings poked out, as flightless as she was. The filly’s mouth practically hit the ground as the feathered appendages made themselves known. She couldn’t believe that the kind doctor, whom she had taken as being an Earth Pony, was actually a member of her own species! She was both delighted and disappointed at the same time. As much as she enjoyed being able to relate to the doctor, she also realized that, if Hoovsy couldn’t fly, then she’d never be able to. “Well…there they are,” Hoovsy said, “I know they aren’t much, but I do have them.” “I…I just can’t believe you’re a Pegasus!” “I am,” Hoovsy said, “born and bred in Cloudsdale itself. I remember the day I discovered that my wings were much smaller than the other foals’. I remember being so sad when they all trounced off to Flight Camp, and I was stuck at home. I tried and tried and tried to fly, Scootaloo, and my parents helped me immeasurably. My dad even built me this ramp and I would jump off of it and try so hard to pump my wings and soar, but I never did. I felt terrible about myself, but my parents and friends saw me through it. I realized that, as long as I had a family and wonderful friends, I didn’t need to fly.” “But…don’t you ever wonder what it’s like to fly?” Hoovsy nodded. “I’d be lying if I said I’d never wanted to try again. Even since I graduated from medical school and became a doctor, there’ve been times when I wanted to soar with the other Pegasi. But then I remember my friends and family, and those feelings of inferiority and disappointment melt away. I think they will for you, too. Take your mom, Rainbow Dash, for instance. I bet she’s just as pleased as can be that you’re her daughter.” “I don’t think so,” Scootaloo confessed, “and that’s part of the reason I came on this trip. I…heard her telling her friends that she was upset with somepony for not being able to fly, and I just know that pony’s me! I just know it! She’s not proud of me, and she wishes she’d never adopted me! She…doesn’t love me.” At that point, the door to the room burst open and Rainbow Dash flew in and threw her hooves around Scootaloo. It was very apparent that the Pegasus had been weeping severely, and she covered the young one’s face in kisses. It was such a shocking turn away from her normal character, that it nearly knocked the doctor off her hooves. But the moment was beautiful, and she soon regained her composure and became a willing spectator. She knew she’d said all she needed to say, and she just needed for the parental figure to take care of the rest. “Oh, Scootaloo…” Dash said through a thick voice, “…don’t you DARE think that I don’t love you, and that I’m not proud of you! I love you more than anypony else! You’re my daughter, and I’m always gonna be proud of you, no matter what!” “But…I can’t fly!” Scootaloo cried, “I can’t fly, and I’m never gonna be able to!” “That’s okay, Scoot!” Dash exclaimed as she held the filly tighter, “I don’t care that you can’t fly! I just want you in my life! We started as good friends, became sisters, and now we’re something even closer…a mother and her daughter. Flight aside, that’s a pretty awesome combination. Look, I know you’re upset about not being able to fly…but it doesn’t matter, Scoot! What matters is you as a pony, and as my daughter! You have such an amazing life back in Ponyville, and you’re such an amazing filly. Frankly, you don’t need wings to fly, because you’ve soared your entire life!” Scootaloo couldn’t hold back her own tears anymore, and she buried her head into Rainbow’s shoulder. The two Pegasi shared a few beautiful moments together, as they felt their bond strengthen even more than it already was. Scootaloo had rediscovered her own courage and confidence, and she now knew more than ever that Rainbow and the other ponies loved and accepted her, regardless of her disability. She was intensely grateful for everything that the doctor had told her, and she saw the wisdom in what she said. She would never be upset at her shortcomings again. After all, in Rainbow Dash’s words, she was “all kinds of awesome, anyway.”
