Rainbow could barely contain her excitement as she sat beside Scootaloo in the shelter’s front office. The staff were busy with Scootaloo’s mom filling out all the paperwork while they waited by the door. The door, Rainbow thought dreamily. She was going to walk out that door with hope because was leaving and never coming back. Not only that, she was leaving with her little sister! Someone she loved. Someone she trusted! Whether it was luck, fate or a random act of chance Rainbow wasn’t going to question it. She’ll be back in the air any day now.

Rainbow couldn’t help eyeing the quill they were using. How badly she wanted to jump up, grab that quill and with its sweet, black ink she would write out the message of who she really was. Maybe I should go for it now? I may not be able to fly but I’m still fast. I could write it fast. I’m Rainbow Dash! As if her canine body was agreeing with her mind Rainbow found herself already bent low to the ground ready to sprint and pounce. Before she could make her move a hoof began stroking her back, breaking her concentration. Whipping her head back with a cross look on her face Rainbow saw it was Scootaloo rubbing her back. She had practically forgotten she was there. Almost on instinct Rainbow immediately relaxed her body and backed up a little more into Scootaloo. On second thought, maybe it would be better to wait to get back to Ponyville. Rainbow had learnt a few moments ago the shelter she had been trapped in resided in Trottingham of all places. (The name of the town caught her ears as the staff were reading out the adoption contract.) It would be a far journey home if she did something to mess up the opportunity to get the fastest and easiest way home.

“Sunshine.”

Rainbow wanted to growl in frustration as Scootaloo said her ‘name’. It was a fine name and all for another dog she guessed but it wasn’t her name. She had a brown coat now for crying out loud! Apparently the staff named her that since they thought it would bring luck on improving her mood here. They were wrong. Dead wrong. Pegasi crashing, fire burning, moon shattering wrong.

“I’m not sure I like that name for you,” Scootaloo went on. “You need a cooler name.”

Rainbow’s ears perked up at the words. Of course Scootaloo didn’t like the name either. She was her little sister for a reason after all.

“Maybe Rain…” Scootaloo started. Rainbow flinched at the start of her name. “Actually, no…. No, I can’t make you live up to that name.”

Rainbow didn’t realize she tilted her head at Scootaloo’s words. What did she mean by that? Is she referring to Pegasus me? Does Scootaloo know something of what happened to me?

“But maybe something close to it.” Scootaloo looked down at Rainbow both clearly in deep thought for different reasons. “Something Rain… Cloud? No- Rain Splash? Ugh, that’s even worse. Rainstorm? Or maybe just Storm?”

Getting impatient with her confusion and hearing silly names, Rainbow let out a small bark at Scootaloo hoping to make her stop. You’re going to give me a headache, kid!

“You like the name Storm, huh?” Scootaloo asked, assuming that’s what the Doberman puppy wanted. “I guess it’s close enough. And a lot cooler than Sunshine.”

Storm is a cool name. Rainbow internally agreed. And a lot better than Sunshine. Just don’t get too used to calling me that cause I’m gonna be back in the air any day now. I’ll make sure you have an awesome dog to call Storm when I’m back. Something fast. Like a greyhound. For now, I’ll play along. She looked up at Scootaloo with hopeful eyes, her tail shuffling lightly on the floor. Wait, when did my tail start wagging?

The paperwork was soon completed and the gentle staffmare handed over a leash to Scootaloo. "Remember to keep Sunshine on a tight leash when outside. She might be a little frightened of the new sights and sounds. Your mom said you’re taking the train home tomorrow so don’t feed her too much before the trip and it will help if she has a chew toy to go for the ride.”

Scootaloo took the leash and nodded solemnly. Rainbow could tell she was excited but wasn’t letting it show. Rainbow herself felt a mix of emotions. She was happy to be out of the shelter but she was going to have to stay in this form for a bit longer. "Thanks," she replied to the staffmare with a smile. "I’ll take good care of her. And it’s Storm now.”

The staffmare blinked, confused. "I’m sorry, what did you say?"

"Her name is Storm now," Scootaloo repeated firmly, stroking the pup's back. "It suits her better. Also, it reminds me a little of my old sister.”

The staffmare looked puzzled but nodded, making a note of the name change. Rainbow unknowingly tilted her head again. ‘Old sister?’ Doesn’t she mean ‘Older sister?’ Whatever. It didn’t matter. All that mattered now was that Rainbow was to never see the inside of this shelter ever again. Even if it did mean being led out on a leash by her sister.

They stepped outside and Rainbow felt the sun’s warmth on her fur for the first time in what felt like an eternity. The sounds of the city were deafening compared to the cacophony of the shelter but she didn’t care. It was the smells that hit her first. The smell of fresh grass, the distant scent of rain, the faint aroma of donuts from a nearby bakery, and oh, the sweet scent of the clouds she longed to touch. Rainbow’s nose quivered, taking in every scent, trying to remember them all for when she’s back to her rightful form. The concrete was hard under her padded paws and she missed the feeling of the cool clouds beneath her hooves.

Soon, Rainbow. Soon.

Scootaloo’s mom led the way back to the place they were staying as Scootaloo and Rainbow followed close behind. They had to walk back since carriages didn’t allow dogs unless they were in a crate. Rainbow didn’t mind though. For the first time in what felt like eons she was actually feeling quite happy.

The sights and sounds of the city were indeed overwhelming to Rainbow’s canine senses. Every little thing was a new experience to her. Carriages rolling, birds chirping, foals laughing, it was like her mind was a sponge soaking everything up. Rainbow’s eyes widened at certain things she saw. Things like a squirrel scurrying up a tree, a cat lounging on a windowsill, and other dogs that came too close for comfort as they walked by. Why am I only now feeling tense at the sight of other animals? I was locked up with them for what felt like years and handled it easily enough. It was a world she knew so well but had never truly experienced from such a low point of view. The sounds were so much louder down here, the smells so much more pungent and the sights so much... much more. Guess you really don’t know what you have until you’re a dog.

They arrived at a large apartment building. It was cleaner than Rainbow had expected and had a fancy glass door with a gold handle. She had to admit, it was really decent. Something a Wonderbolt could retire in. They all approached the door that had a buzzer with a list of names. Rainbow tried to read the names but they were written in some kind of squiggly code that she couldn’t make out. Who makes squiggly lines rather than actual names at a door buzzer? Was this some kind of fancy place only ponies like Rarity could know why the list of names were in code?

They didn’t need to buzz in, it seemed as Scoot’s mom produced a key from her saddlebag and unlocked the door for them. Feeling hesitant for some reasons Rainbow followed behind Scootaloo as far as the leash would allow it. She wasn’t looking to try and run off or anything. She needed Scootaloo. This place just felt so big. Like she didn’t belong here and the building knew it. Fully inside the entryway Rainbow jumped feeling a strong cold breeze go over her body followed by a strong scent of metal. What the hay is that? Scootaloo noticed Rainbow’s little panic and was quick to see what the problem was.

“It’s just the AC, Storm,” she explained, giving a gentle tug on the leash. “You’ll get used to them.”

Rainbow eyes found the metal contraption on the wall. She had never felt so cold in Ponyville, not even during winter. As a Pegasus she easily adapted to the cold weather like all pegasi did. Being a weather manager required more tolerance to the cold, too. Now as a dog she was feeling the bite of air conditioning. The coat she now bore was so sleek and short it made her feel weak and vulnerable. No, Scoots. I won’t get used to it. I don’t want to get used to it. I want to go home and get my life back and that’s exactly what I’m going to get. Rainbow gave the AC a dirty look before walking on.

Seeing there was no elevator in this apartment they had to take the stairs. From the long walk and the journey up the stairs Rainbow was now finding herself worn out. Again, this sort of exercise would be an easy thing to do as her old self. She looked at Scootaloo who was trotting up the stairs with ease and envy filled her. Even with her shorter legs she was doing better. Rainbow’s tongue lolled out of her mouth, panting as they stopped in front of a door leading to a hall of door. They were almost there now. Whether the place had a cold stone floor or shag carpet Rainbow was going to collapse on it and sleep for a month. This puppy gig sucks rocks! And what kind of fancy apartment doesn’t have an elevator?

They finally reached the apartment and with another twist of the key they were inside. Rainbow took in her surroundings. It was definitely more decent than the shelter. One of the first things she noticed was the plush feel of carpet beneath her paws. The walls were painted a soft yellow adorned with family photos, the couch was a plush blue velvet, a rather long dining table and what had to be the most beautiful thing Rainbow had ever seen in a long time was a writing desk. A writing desk with quills and ink to be exact. Oh yeah, I’ll definitely be using those later. But for now I really need to rest up. I doubt I could even make it to the desk let alone write out a message.

“Make yourself comfortable, Storm," Scootaloo said, unclipping the leash.

Rainbow didn’t need a second invitation. She stumbled over and flopped down on the carpet with a contented sigh. Rainbow could feel the fatigue from the day wash over her. Scootaloo sat beside her gently rubbing her back, “Good girl, Storm.”

And that was the last thing Rainbow heard before falling into a deep sleep.

The sound of the bustling streets down below was the first thing she could hear when Rainbow woke up. She yawned and stretched out her limbs, her body feeling surprisingly rested despite the discomfort of the floor. Gently raising her head, she looked around and found the room bathed in the soft glow of moonlight. Guess they decided to not to disturb me and went to bed themselves.

With a renewed sense of urgency, Rainbow felt her need for water. As a dog, the necessity for hydration was more pressing than ever. Her tongue was sticky and dry, and she could feel the thirst from her core. She pushed herself to her feet and padded over to the kitchen area, her eyes searching for a bowl or anything that would hold water. There it was, a shiny metal bowl by the fridge. Making her way to it like a mare lost in a scorching desert Rainbow shoved her muzzle in the water and began to drink, and drink, and drink. Never had water going down her throat felt so good.

As she lapped up the cool water she couldn’t help but stare at the quills and ink on the desk in the other room. Now that she wasn’t tired anymore she knew exactly what she had to do. Rainbow’s mind was racing on what words she’d use to write. I’ve got to let them know it’s me. That I’m not just some stray puppy. That I’m a Pegasus! That I’m Rainbow Dash! And I have to do it without waking anybody. Who knows when I’ll get another shot at this?

Moving as quietly as she could, Rainbow crept over to the desk. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She had to be careful. If she knocked something over, she’d be caught for sure. With a silent prayer to Celestia she picked up a quill with her mouth and dipped it into the inkwell. The quill felt strange between her teeth. It was so much thinner and more fragile than she was used to. But she had to try. She had to get her message out there. Rainbow approached the paper with determination, her tail wagging slightly with excitement. This was it.

But as she went to write, she found herself frozen. The quill hovered just above the paper, trembling slightly. Rainbow stared at the paper, feeling utterly lost. The thoughts in her head were as clear as the noonday sky, but she couldn’t translate them into the familiar strokes of ink she knew so well. Panic began to set in. Did she forget how to write? It couldn’t be. She’s written hundreds, no, thousands of times. Maybe not big words like Twilight could but still!

She took a step back, bumping the ink pot with her paw and dropped the quill in her teeth. It clattered on the desk, and she watched as a tiny pool of ink began to spread out. Rainbow felt a strong feeling of frustration. How could she have forgotten something so fundamental? So easy to remember? Could there be anything else she couldn’t now do as a dog? Wait… those squiggly lines on the buzzer list. No… Surely not.

Her eyes darted to the bookshelf. It was filled with books of all colors and sizes. Rainbow trotted over to it, her tail tucked between her legs. Her eyes scanned the spines, hoping to find some semblance of order. But as she looked closer, she realized she couldn’t read them either. The letters and words were just more squiggles, indecipherable to her canine eyes. Panic turned into horror. What kind of curse is this? To take away not just her ability to fly but to read and write? Rainbow felt a low growl build in her throat, she hadn’t realized she had forgotten how to read and write too. She nosed through the books hoping that she could at least read some small words. But it was like trying to catch smoke with her teeth.

The room began to spin around her as the reality of her situation sunk in. She had been so focused on flying again that she hadn’t even considered the possibility that she had lost more than just her wings. Rainbow felt a tear slide down her furry cheek. It was a sadness she hadn’t felt since she was stuck in the Everfree Forest all those years ago, lost and unable to find her way out. But she wasn’t lost anymore. Not in the same way at least. Lost in the sense of who she was and what she had become. Lost in a world she knew so well but was now so alien to her. Lost as Rainbow Dash. Lost as Storm.

Rainbow stepped back from the bookshelf, her body trembling slightly. She couldn’t do this. Not now. Not when she was so close to getting home. She had to keep it together. Rainbow took a deep breath and turned around to find Scootaloo standing in the doorway, her tired eyes locked on her newly adopted puppy. Rainbow looked up at her wondering how much she seen? Rainbow stood frozen in the dark waiting to hear what Scootaloo would have to say because all she could manage to get out was a small, reluctant whimper.

“Storm, what have you done?” Scootaloo scolded in a hushed tone, looking at the mess she made on the desk along with the books scattered on the floor. “This isn’t even our home!”

Rainbow looked back at the ink mess she had made earlier, then back at Scootaloo. Her canine face looked as if to say, Whoops.

Scootaloo sighed, walking over to the desk and carefully picking up the quill. She dipped it in the inkwell to clean it off before setting it back in its stand. Rainbow watched her sister’s deft hooves move with a grace she no longer possessed. Her paws felt clumsy in comparison, unable to hold the quill the way she used to. Thinking she should at least help where she could Rainbow went back to the books and began to pick up a book between her teeth.

“Storm, no!”

Rainbow immediately dropped the book in her mouth and looked back to see her sister coming over to her with a cross look. She snatched up the book and shoved it in Rainbow’s face.

“You don’t chew books!” Scootaloo whispered angrily, pushing the book closer to her face as it were a holy artifact that would expel the chewing demon from her body. Thankfully, Rainbow wasn’t playing as Twilight’s new pet or she may not have lived to see tomorrow. “These are not for you! No!”

Rainbow couldn’t help recoiling at the scolding. She was just trying to help and Scootaloo was angry at her for it. It made her feel worthless, scared and small. Like… a bad dog… The sudden thought felt like a bee sting to her heart. No, I’m not a bad dog! I'm not a dog at all! I’m Rainbow Dash! I’m the Rainbow Dash! I’m cool! I’m awesome! I’m… Rainbow glanced back at Scootaloo’s angry face hoping she would understand. I’m not a bad dog. I’m not a bad dog. I just want to go home, Scoots… I just want to go home.

Scootaloo saw the fear in Storm’s eyes and realized she may have gone too far. Storm was in new surroundings after all. She didn’t know the rules of any of that stuff yet. Letting out another deep sigh, Scootaloo put the rest of the books back into place, cleaned the desk up and came back to Storm whispering comforting words. Storm seemed to understand she was forgiven as she sat up properly and rested her head against Scootaloo’s chest whimpering softly. Scootaloo gave her head a gentle pat and a scratch behind the ear. Her touch was oddly more comforting than Rainbow thought it would be.

“It’s okay, Storm. I shouldn’t have left you alone. I’m still kind of adjusting to the idea of how you’re gonna be my best friend. I’ll try to remember that.” Scootaloo gave her one final pat and turned away. “Come on, you can sleep in the bed with me.”

Rainbow stayed put staring into space trying to process what just happened. Why did I submit to Scootaloo like that? Why was I so afraid of her? And why did I feel so guilty? I’m supposed to be her big sister. Well, you’re not her big sister, are you? a nasty voice spoke in her head. Not anymore.

“Storm, come on. Let’s go to bed, okay?” Scootaloo’s voice was softer now, filled with concern. “We’re going home tomorrow.”

Home.

That sounded so awesome right now. Just get home first. Then she could worry about finding a way to communicate to her friends. Her five best friends… her one friend…. Hope began to swell inside Rainbow Dash like a balloon. Holding on to the idea tight in her mind Rainbow went after Scootaloo eagerly accepting the offer to share the bed.

Fluttershy, you and I are gonna have a long talk.

Author's Note

I just wanna say thanks to those who appreciate the story. I honestly didn't expect anything from readers. I just wanted to finally leave my piece on the fandom. Honestly, the support of seeing just one user following or favouriting the story gives me a boost to write out more. I was planning to post once a week but seeing the small yet awesome support I decided I'd post this early.

This story was meant to be short but as I wrote it became longer than I thought it was going to be. I already have several chapters planned out.

Thanks again for reading and I hope you enjoy the rest.