As they continued walking, other ponies would actively avoid them. Some turned their noses up and quickly cantered away. Others went into their homes or businesses. Word had traveled quickly about the bizarre scene between both pegasi.

Scootaloo didn’t let the rudeness deter her. She was happy that others were leaving herself and Rainbow Dash alone. With a pep in her step and occasional tugs on Rainbow’s leash, she eagerly continued trotting through town, and led her pet along the cobblestone streets.

“Are you feeling happy, Pet?” Scootaloo inquired.

“Yes, Mistress. Sure, other ponies may be skeeved out. I get it. The unsightly ostentatious promenade of a mare and filly is definitely strange. But, we’re in love and enjoy our agreed set-up. Fuck anypony who has a problem with this.”

Scootaloo grinned, feeling the palpable passion from her marefriend. She was touched that Rainbow exhibited such doting emotions.

After another ten minutes of their public walk, Scootaloo tugged the leash again and turned left.

Rainbow, noticing the change of direction, hastily followed. Her azure appendages clopped softly on the cobblestone road. She smiled as she stared at her owner.

“You know, Dashie. I’m actually surprised you chose to break the artifact and keep things how they are. Don’t get me wrong, I’m certainly not upset with your choice. But, despite the emotions I’ve instilled in you, I never thought you’d abandon your dreams and desires. What caused that decision?”

Slightly alarmed by the serious subject of the conversation, Rainbow thought intensely about how she’d reply. Her eyes focused on Scootaloo as she became pensive.

Scootaloo stopped walking. She turned to gaze at the black-maned pegasus. The filly bore a curious expression. The orange pegasus walked towards her pet and gently cupped a hoof under Rainbow’s chin.

“Just be honest with me, Dashie. I was certain you’d elect to undo the damage. Desperately wanting to reverse the draining and return to the Wonderbolts Academy. Becoming your old self, and having all of our future interactions return to being platonic. But you didn’t. Why?”

As Rainbow’s magenta eyes shimmered while staring into Scootaloo’s purple irises, the mare felt her heart burn with affection. Grinning, she softly draped a hoof around Scootaloo’s neck and responded to her girlfriend.

“You’re astute. A portion of me wanted to say all of that. I did have a hankering to regain my magic, focus on my dreams, and return to my former glory. We both know if I selected that option, I’d have succeeded in the academy, and eventually achieved my fillyhood ambition of becoming a Wonderbolt.”

Scootaloo became laconic. Her inquisitiveness never left her expression. Now, she raised an eyebrow at her lover and waited for the mare to elucidate.

“But, there’s already plenty of Wonderbolts. Even though I know I’d stand out from the roster, I’d just be another member. There’s no way I could leave a solo legacy. A century from now, we’d all be remembered as a cohesive unit. Not by our individual exploits.”

Rainbow gently grinned at her Mistress and softly stroked the filly’s purple mane.

“Besides, I couldn’t get this overwhelming lustful feeling by flying with The Wonderbolts. You’re the only one who causes such desires in me. While being a Wonderbolt would be awesome and cool, I think being your pet is twenty percent cooler.”

Deeply touched by Rainbow’s utmost honesty, the filly leaned her head towards the mare’s own, and lovingly pressed her lips to the azure pegasus’s cheek.

“Thank you, Dashie. It was great to hear your reassurance. I want to reiterate that you’re in good hooves with me. You’ll absolutely be loved, appreciated and cared for.

Rainbow gave another few strokes to Scootaloo’s mane before replying.

“I know, Mistress. I completely trust you and have no doubt in any of your abilities. You make me tremendously happy and I’m confident that I’ve made the correct decision.”

Scootaloo squealed. She became airborne and wrapped her orange hooves around her marefriend’s neck. In response, Rainbow placed an azure hoof on Scootaloo’s back and tenderly rubbed it.

The pair of pegasi embraced for a moment before Rainbow broke the cuddle. She chuckled and reminded her owner that they were on a walk.

Grinning sheepishly, Scootaloo turned back around. She put the hoop of the leash over her hoof and returned to her gait.

They walked, silently, for a while, before they turned another corner. Like before, other ponies intentionally ignored and ostracized them.

“Least they’re not complaining about it.” Scootaloo said.

“Hey, Scootaloo!”

“Howdy, Rainbow!”

Dash and Scoots turned their heads to search for the pair of voices. It took only a few seconds before both ponies recognized the white unicorn and yellow Earth pony standing a few dozen feet behind them.

Scootaloo’s eyes happily widened as she absorbed the sight of her two best friends.

“Apple Bloom! Sweetie Belle!” Scootaloo cheerfully called out.

The two aforementioned fillies zestfully hopped towards the pegasus filly. Upon reaching Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle eagerly hugged their friend. They broke the embrace a short moment later.

“How’s your pet doing, Scootaloo?” Sweetie asked, gazing over at Rainbow Dash.

“Dashie is doing well. In fact, I’m taking her on a celebratory walk, to commemorate our permanent status as Mistress and Pet.”

Apple Bloom noticed the cutie mark on Dash and nudged Sweetie Belle in the ribs.

Confused, the unicorn filly turned towards the red-maned pony. Before Sweetie could utter a word, Apple Bloom pointed at the mare.

Sweetie Belle immediately understood. After studying Rainbow for an ephemeral time, she chortled and asked Scootaloo what was up with Rainbow’s cutie mark.

“That? Well, remember the bangle we three found a while ago? Turns out, it drains magic. When a pony wears it and comes in contact with another, the bangle steals their magical energy. Dashie had so much drained over the tenure we spent together, that she actually lost her cutie mark. No lie. She was a blank flank.”

The other crusader’s eyes widened by the anecdote. They shared a look as Scootaloo continued.

“So, once Dashie agreed to permanently become my pet, I was overcome with happiness that I painted my mane and coat colors on her flank. Because I’m so nice, I even made it in the same shape that her original cutie mark was in.”

Apple Bloom approached Rainbow Dash. The filly studied the marking on the older mare’s flank. It was as Scootaloo described. The orange cloud sat atop a purple lightning bolt. The filly noticed a streak of orange within the bolt to make it dichromatic.

Rainbow Dash appreciated the attention. She was glad to be marked in this manner. Aside from her new cutie mark, the pegasus was proudly wearing her inscribed collar that denoted her as a pet and property of Mistress Scootaloo.

“Mistress Scootaloo?” Dash asked.

The ebullient, orange filly turned her attention towards her pet. With a wide grin, she gave the older mare permission to speak.

After clearing her throat and readjusting her collar, she began.

“Speaking of cutie marks, don’t you want to show-”

Knowing what Rainbow was hinting at, Scootaloo squee’d. The filly happily zoomed in a circling pattern around Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. She did it thrice before coming to a halt. Then, overcome with euphoric gaiety, she jumped while launching a hoof towards the sky.

“Girls! That’s not all. I got my cutie mark too! Check it out!”

Scootaloo, standing proudly, gestured to the mark on her flank. There, on the filly’s hindquarters, was a similar shape to Rainbow’s own. However, the color palette was inverted. Additionally, a blue gem was plastered on her flank, and, inside of it, contained the lightning bolt and cloud. Moreover, there was a chain around the lightning bolt.

“Wow!” Sweetie squeaked excitedly. “Your cutie mark is cool, Scoots!”

The filly beamed and placed a hoof to her flank and rubbed the image. She felt ebullient about getting one.

“I know. My special talent is being Rainbow Dash’s owner! That’s so awesome! But, that’s not all. Check this out.”

Feeling fervent, Scootaloo flapped her wings and quickly became aloft. She flew to a low-hanging stratocumulus cloud. With a grin, she landed on it, then waved down to her two best friends and her pet.

“You can fly too!” Apple Bloom shouted in amazement.

Scootaloo earnestly nodded and widened her grin. She kicked off the cloud, and, after a brief descent, landed next to the three ponies.

“Yep! The absorbed magic didn’t just make Rainbow lose her cutie mark, but her ability to fly, too. Her magic is now mine.”

“That’s so awesome, Scootaloo.”

“Yeah! Ah’m ov’r the moon fer ya’ll.”

“Thanks, girls! I’ve never been so happy.”

With a mischievous grin, Sweetie Belle focused her magic. Her horn glimmered a green hue, and, shortly afterwards, a ball gag materialized. She hoofed it to the orange pegasus.

“A gift from me and Apple Bloom. Use it on your pet and celebrate getting a cutie mark.”

“I will! Thanks, girls! Dashie and I must continue walking now, so I’ll see you both later, okay?”

The three friends shared a collective hug before parting.

Hearing the disgruntled murmurs of multiple ponies as they traversed past Sugarcube Corner, Applejack popped her head out of the door and asked a pedestrian what the hubbub was about.

The green-coated, blue-maned stallion replied. His tone was of recoiled disgust and disbelief.

“You’ll never believe this. Hay, I can barely believe it, and I’ve seen it for myself. But, I never thought that Rainbow Dash would act obsequious.”

Hearing Rainbow’s name mentioned, the orange farmpony frowned. She had no idea what ‘obsequious’ meant, and told the stallion to wait there for a moment.

After he obliged, the orange mare craned her head back inside and towards the table where four of her five best friends were sitting.

“Hey, Twilight?”

The lavender unicorn raised her gaze to meet Applejack’s eyes. With an encouraging nod, she tacitly instructed AJ to ask her question.

“What in tarnation does ‘obsequious’ mean?”

Surprised by Applejack’s choice of advanced vocabulary wordage, the studious mare raised an eyebrow. She chuckled and asked if Applejack was increasing her lexicon.

“Ah got no idea what ‘lexicon’ is, so Ah’m assumin’ Ah’ll answer no ta yer question, Twi. There’s somepony outside sayin’ Rainbow Dash was acting obsequious. Whatev’r the hay that means.”

With shock and resolve, Twilight stood up and retrograded a few steps. After pushing the stool in, she told Applejack to ask the pony where they had seen Rainbow Dash.

Applejack obliged, and, after the stallion answered the query, she relayed it to Twilight and the rest of her friends.

“This fella be sayin’ he spotted Rainbow in the square. That’s abou’ half a mile, Ah’d say. Should we go check on her? Iffin that word means trouble, Ah wanna help Rainbow.”

Twilight didn’t immediately answer Applejack. Instead, the lavender unicorn turned to Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy, and told the three mares to head to the square.

Fluttershy shifted her gaze between Applejack and Twilight. The bashful pegasus gave a gulp, followed by a deep breath. She was trying to reassure herself that everything would be alright.

The three mares stood, and, after pushing their stools in, joined Twilight. All four walked towards the front door.

“Fer Pete’s sake! Cun somepony jus’ tell me what that word means, b’fer Ah start tearin’ mah mane out?”

Twilight stood in front of Applejack while the other mares walked past them. With a shaking voice, the unicorn told the farmpony that it was bad news.

“Applejack. The word ‘obsequious’ means to be obedient or attentive to an excessive degree. Rainbow Dash is being submissive. That’s very unlike her and is a cause for concern.”

Absorbing this information, Applejack pushed the doors of Sugarcube Corner open and galloped towards Ponyville Square. Twilight yelled after her, wanting them to investigate together. However, the pleading fell on deaf ears as Applejack ran on.

“What in Equestria is goin’ on 'ere?” Applejack inquired.

Rainbow Dash, recognizing the voice of the country mare, could only mumble through the ball gag that had been inserted in her mouth. She was currently flogged, wing-tied, collared, leashed, and gagged. As she noticed the rest of her best friends flanking Applejack, the former speedster squirmed at them seeing her in this manner.

Surprised at the interruption, Scootaloo turned. Her eyes widened as she took in the forms of Rainbow’s five best friends. Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie Pie were shifting their glances between Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy, though, was staring intently at the ground while nervously scratching her foreleg.

Applejack galloped over to Scootaloo and began furiously shaking the pegasus filly. Surprising everypony in the vicinity, Applejack shouted an expletive while jiggling the small orange pony.

“What the FUCK is goin’ on ‘ere, Scootaloo?”

Slightly alarmed at the wordage, Scootaloo turned her head and stared at each of the mares.

Twilight looked aghast. Rarity was horrified. Pinkie Pie was confused. Fluttershy, having already known about the relationship between Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash, attempted to look surprised. Her mouth contorted into a small ‘o’ shape.

With increased force, Applejack shook Scootaloo again.

“Quit dawdlin’ Scootaloo. Ah demand ta know what’s happenin’. Git ta talkin’ now!”

Despite the impatient and angry tone of the orange mare, Scootaloo gently swat Applejack’s hoof away. She retrograded two steps and, with a flick of her foreleg, gestured to Rainbow Dash.

“Fine. The blunt truth, everypony, is that Dashie has become my pet. I own her.”

Rarity and Applejack gasped. Twilight gave a surprised squeal. Pinkie tilted her head until her cheek touched her shoulder. Fluttershy was reticent.

Rarity was next to speak.

“Darling, you can’t be serious. Something like this is reserved for adult ponies. Do be a dear and end this charade.”

Glowering, Scootaloo glared at the fashionista. She was about to deliver a harangue full of vituperation, when she remembered that these were her pet’s best friends. Aside from Fluttershy, none of them were aware of the interaction, and were only speaking and acting from shock. Instead, the filly took a deep breath and slowly outstretched a hoof from her chest.

“I’m fully serious, Rarity. Your friend, Rainbow Dash, is my property. Would her admitting it herself be enough evidence for you all?”

The five mares shared a collective look. Silence hung in the air for a moment before Twilight stepped forward.

“If Rainbow Dash reiterates what you just said, we’d believe it. However, I’m sure we’d have several questions.”

With a scoff, Scootaloo sauntered over to Rainbow Dash. The filly grabbed the silicon ball from Rainbow’s mouth and pulled it out. She gestured to the mares and instructed Rainbow to speak.

Slightly trembling, and humiliated that all of her best friends now knew her secret, she hung her head. She felt slightly abashed and mortified. However, she couldn’t lie to them.

“It’s true, everypony. I understand that this is shocking, but every word is factual. Scootaloo is my owner and I’m her pet.”

Rarity gasped as Twilight stepped towards Rainbow. Speaking gently, she attempted to convey to Rainbow Dash why a public display like this was inappropriate.

However, before Rainbow could respond, Fluttershy interposed herself. She ambled to the lavender unicorn and placed a gentle hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. Fluttershy explained that being a pet is liberating and stress-free. Gazing around at her friends, the timid pegasus implored them to support Rainbow Dash.

“Fer land sakes!” Applejack uttered. “Fluttershy, ya’ll can’t believe that.”

Twilight hastily nodded and agreed with Applejack.

“Exactly. How could even-”

As Twilight studied Fluttershy, she noticed the mare was blushing. This caused the studious unicorn to cease her started query. Dumbstruck, an epiphany formed.

“You knew.” Twilight whispered.

Fluttershy’s eyes widened. She quickly put a yellow hoof over her mouth and gave a shrill squeak.

“YOU. KNEW. ABOUT. THIS.” Twilight roared.

Another squeak was given by the timid pegasus. Slowly, she nodded.

“I did. But I Pinkie Promised that I wouldn’t reveal their secret.”

Twilight facehoofed. Then sighed. Groaning, she explained that, Pinkie Promise or not, the interaction between Rainbow and Scootaloo was something the pegasus should’ve brought to her attention.

Pinkie’s ears twitched at Twilight’s dismissive response. Glowering, she marched up to Twilight and repeatedly poked her pink hoof into the lavender mare’s chest.

“Hey! Pinkie Promises are serious business, Twilight. You know what I always say. Nopony breaks a Pinkie Promise.”

Twilight, in frustration, groaned, and pulled at her eyelids.

“You’re missing the point. Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash is a pet to Scootaloo. Doesn’t that bother you? Aren’t you concerned?”

“Nope! Not at all!” Pinkie jubilantly replied.

Twilight blinked in confusion. She released her grip on Pinkie’s eyelids and took a hoofstep backwards.

“W-what? You don’t have a problem with it?”

Before Pinkie could reply, Scootaloo interjected.

“What’s the problem, Twilight? Rainbow Dash is happy. She loves being my Pet, and I assured her that I’ll always love and take care of her. Her life is full of pleasure and enjoyment now. I realize that this new change is worrisome to you, but do you want to be selfish and take something away that Rainbow values?”

Scootaloo grinned and, with a few affectionate rubs to Rainbow’s chin, instructed her pet to explain her euphoria.

“Mistress Scootaloo is right, Twilight. Look, I know none of you ever expected this from me. Seeing me this way is a shock and surprising. But I am happy. Despite Mistress being so young, she instills a lot of joy in me. I love her, Twilight. We’re dating. I’m her pet. These are facts and won’t ever change.”

In response to Rainbow’s reply, Scootaloo gently pressed her lips to Rainbow’s own. The pair of pegasi kissed sweetly. The peck was short and the filly pulled away almost immediately.

“See? There’s no reason to be upset, Twilight. Dashie is well-loved and cared for. She’s in safe hooves.”

Twilight’s eyes began twitching. Furious, she began to grit her teeth. The lavender mare was on the threshold of a breakdown.

“But! You can’t just! Rainbow isn’t! Scootaloo’s only! This is!”

Suddenly, Applejack stepped forward and placed an orange hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. Despite the turbulent thoughts swimming in her mind, the farmpony softly shook her head.

“Twilight, sugarcube. Ah can’t believe Ah’m sayin’ this, bu, Scootaloo is righ’. Iffin we agree or not, Dash is a full grown mare. It ain’t righ’ of us ta try or do anythin’ ta change her life.”

Pinkie Pie placed a pink hoof on Twilight’s other shoulder. The party pony affectionately nuzzled Twilight’s cheek and hoped it’d calm the unicorn down.

“Rainbow is free to make her choices. Fluttershy’s right, Twilight. As Rainbow’s friends, we should support whatever makes her happy, even if it’s a little strange. Dashie means so much to all of us.

“Well, I, for one, still have a doubt.” Rarity began.

“Please, Rarity. This is no different than what you and Twilight have going on with Spike.” Fluttershy responded.

Mortified, Rarity’s cheeks tinged red and the mare gave a surprised squeak. The fashionista crossed her hooves over her chest and turned her nose up at the pegasus.

“Hmph!”

Hearing her name bellowed from Fluttershy’s mouth, accompanied with the sexual implication, Twilight blushed. The yellow pegasus was correct in her small anecdote, though, Twilight didn’t think it was appropriate to make the correlation.

While walking towards the azure mare, Twilight called out to her.

“Rainbow Dash?”

Dash looked at Scootaloo, then to Twilight. As soon as she opened her mouth, Scootaloo interjected.

“Yes, you can respond. Dashie, you don’t need permission to talk to your best friends.”

Flashing her owner a grateful smile, Dash turned back to Twilight and asked what she wanted.

“Are you truly happy this way, Rainbow? If this is what you want, I’ll accept it. Though, I still think it’s strange, and makes me uncomfortable. But, you’re one of my best friends. Ultimately, I just want what’s best for you, and what gives you the most joy in life.”

Touched by her friend’s genuine compassion, Rainbow smiled at the unicorn before affirmatively nodding her head.

“It is. She makes me content, Twilight. Always. I love her and don’t want to change a thing.”

Twilight nodded at the response. She turned, in tandem, to her other friends, and asked if they were all comfortable with the Rainbow’s new developments.

“Of course!” Pinkie said cheerfully.

“Darn tootin’! As long as she’s happy!” Applejack replied jovially.

“Pet or not, she’ll always be our friend. I support this.” Fluttershy admitted.

“With time, I can accept this unconventional behavior.” Rarity added.

Twilight turned back to Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo. The mare walked towards them, quickly closing the distance in a few strides. They stared at each other and Twilight broke the silence.

“Then it’s settled. Scootaloo, all of us are fine with this announcement. As Rainbow Dash’s best friends, we want what’s best for her. She seems elated with you. So, do take care of her, okay?”

After the lovers shared another kiss, Scootaloo put the ball gag back in Rainbow’s mouth. The mare whimpered, which caused Scootaloo to giggle.

“I will. I assure you all that Rainbow Dash will be loved and cherished. I’ll remind her everyday.”

Twilight told Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo that when both were done with their play, to join them at Sugarcube Corner.

“We will! See you all there, everypony!” Scootaloo replied.

The five mares walked back to the bakery. Scootaloo turned her attention back to Rainbow Dash.

“Ready for more fun, Dashie?”

The older mare whimpered and Scootaloo grinned. The two continued their exhibitionism, then, when done, joined the others at Sugarcube Corner.

In the end, Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo lived happily ever after.

Author's Note

This is it! Thanks to everypony who read this story. It was written to fulfill a promise that I made a decade ago. I hope you've all enjoyed it!