Scootaloo's Wish
or
Scootaloo The Filly & The Wish For Wings That Work
by Bagel Brain
This holiday tale is dedicated to the following:
* Bonnie Zacherle, for creating the cute little stable of cartoon ponies that have lasted about 40 years, and will last for as long as the Magic of Friendship stays in our hearts.
* Lauren Faust and the crew at DHX Media, who through toil and toll, created a one-of-a-kind cartoon with a heart and soul that came into my life when I needed it the most.
* To the Brony fanbase, one of the nicest, most passionate, and supportive fanbases I have ever been proud to be a part of (even if there are some bad apples and nutcases here and there).
* For my internet friends and their honest feedback about my writing and story-their advice only helps me grow as a writer!
* And finally, to my parents and grandparents, who have never given up on me.
NOTE For Whoever It May Concern: This story is intended as a "Continuity-Light" tale that can be plugged into any point in the series between "Call Of The Cutie" and the finale episode "The Last Problem", and any accompanying tie-in books and comics set prior. Hence, no mention of any specific story shake-ups or events in between will occur, so don't sweat the details.
NOTE #2: The story is written with the idea that either Discord (in a particularly festive mood) or Zecora are narrating it, though I wouldn't rule out a narration by Cheese Sandwich either.
T'was a long time ago, in a land far away, when a miracle happened on a special day.
In the land of Equestria, home of the ponies and friends, all the usual business had now reached its ends.
For Hearths Warming Eve came to Ponyville once more, and every stallion and mare held parties galore.
The pegasi spread snow high up from the clouds, and the local party planner sang carols real loud.
There were candy canes and decorations everywhere, up for mere days, but then again, no one cared.
The spirit of the holidays was filling the air, and there was love and happiness everywhere.
The gifts were hidden, the kindling was lit, and Mr. Cake chipped a tooth, for a fruitcake he'd bit.
The spirit of the season was shared by the lot...
But there was one little pony who simply did not.
Her name was Scootaloo, a pegasus filly, and she had a problem that made her quite willy-nilly.
She couldn't fly, whether in or out of season. And before you ask why, no one's sure of the reason.
It could be perhaps that her wings were too small, and maybe she just wasn't grown and tall.
Or it could simply be, warts and all, that she was never meant to fly at all.
Every Hearths Warming Eve, she wished for one thing, and that was a pair of working wings.
But as each year passed, she became increasingly blue, for, despite her begging, her wish didn't come true.
And the bullies would scoff how she couldn't fly, sending poor Scootaloo back home to cry.
But she refused to give up, she still had some hope. Would she be stuck to the ground forever? Nope!
She knew someday, she'd show up the jerks, who had poked fun at her physical quirks.
"I'm sure for this season..." She said with a smirk, "That I'll get my wish for wings that work!"
She then heard a sound, neither mouse nor louse; nay, t'was the bell from Ms. Cherilee's schoolhouse!
For playtime was over, and there was one last thing, before the fillies leave for their holiday fling.
Scootaloo ran in and sat by her friends, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, who had started a trend.
They were the Cutie Mark Crusaders, as cute as a porpoise, and their goal in life was to help others find purpose.
Their teacher, Ms. Cherilee, announced class was in session, and that before vacation, she had one last lesson.
And to keep her teachings from being a bore, she chose an old story, with a surprise in store.
She saw it as a story that would ring very true, for a certain little filly, that she very well knew.
Out of the desk came a book, dusty, cracked, and old, but judge not by its cover; it had a tale to be told.
Cherilee announced "The Wish For Wings" as the book's name, which one Diamond Tiara thought was quite lame.
She opened the book, eager and proud, and read the prose to the class aloud;
"Once upon a time, in the forest of Everfree,
every pony and filly lived within the trees.
Most lived in the trunks, warm, sleeping, and glad...
But there was one little pony who was rather quite sad.
For there lived a Pegasus who wished to soar in the sky.
She gave her all, she tried and she tried...
But she simply could not find out how to fly,
and ra home each night with tears in her eyes.
But one foggy night, during Hearts Warming season,
she saw an odd sight that gave hope and reason.
For beyond her warm grotto stood something brand new,
a tall bristling pine, as if out of the blue!
It stood high above any tree in the woods,
at its base were piled many festive goods.
Every toy, every treat, that would start a trend.
and the greatest gift of all; the young mares friends.
But the young fillies heart was set on the sky,
and all her friends knew the reason why,
For she wished she had wings that could carry her long,
not knowing she had such a gift all along.
She looked up to the pine's peak waiting up afar,
and at the top, she saw a wishing star!
It was a magical treasure, rare and blunt,
and could grant any wish your heart would want.
The filly then knew just what to do;
get to the top, and make her wish come true,
then she'd soar through the sky with a shout and woohoo!
(And maybe wish for a bowl of hot cheese fondue, too.)
She climbed up the tree against her friends' wishes,
who insisted she join them in eating warm dishes.
They called out to the filly with a worried shout;
"You'll get yourself hurt, you silly ol' lout!"
But the filly was stubborn, and refused to listen,
instead, she climbed more and made further hasten.
She continued her journey, climbing branches up high,
on the tree so tall, practically touching the sky.
It felt like hours, but she soldiered on,
eager for the reward waiting just beyond.
She made it, bragging "If they could see me now, tash tish!"
And put her hoof on the star, to make her wish;
"Wishing Star, shining bright,
In this cold, shivering tight,
I wish for just this one night,
My greatest dream, the gift of flight!"
Cherilee's tale sparked the fillies imaginations, filling their minds with festive sensations,
but the most elated pony of all, was Scootaloo, one-hoof-and-a-half tall.
She grew excited, her face turned a bright hue, for, in her heart, this tale had to be true.
She knew in Everfree, the tree couldn't be missed, and she eagerly waited for class to be dismissed.
But before Cherilee could finish the story, she noticed the outdoors had become quite stormy.
For a strong winter gale had started to blow, and with that naturally comes heavy snow.
With much worry, Ms. Cheerilee stopped class at once, and she urged home her students (yes, even the dunce)
She hoped they'd soon escape from the cold winter breeze, as her schoolhouse did little to battle the freeze.
Apple and Sweetie bundled up, ready to leave, but not Scootaloo, for in the tale she still believed.
"I'll find that tree, by hook or by crook!" She'd search all Everfree, every nook, every brook.
"But Scootaloo, wait!" Sweetie Belle chimed in. "We need to go home where it's safe, listen!"
But Scootaloo took off, focused only on her goal, and towards Everfree, ran the small little foal.
"We'd better go get her, or there'll be trouble!" said an annoyed Apple Bloom, who took off on the double.
But she quickly slipped, had a fall, and tumbled, for the ice and harsh wind had caused her to fumble.
Ms. Cherilee stepped out, hearing all the commotion, and saw Apple Bloom trying to get in motion.
"Children, what are you still doing out here? You must head home, the winter storm is near!"
"Scootaloo ran off to find the tree!" Sweetie Belle explained with haste to Cherilee.
Cherilee panicked, almost tempted to curse, fearing her uplifting tale may have made things worse.
"I knew I should have told the entire tale!" And Cherilee ran off through the snow trail.
Sweetie asked "Why? What's wrong? Isn't it true?" And Cherilee said, "Yes, but I left out the last part meant for Scootaloo!"
She promised to explain things on the way, and she ran through the snow to try to save the day.
Sweetie and Apple tagged right behind, hoping their best friend they could quickly find.
Scootaloo found herself in Everfree all alone, a forest vast and with parts unknown.
The forest on good days was tricky to traverse, and being snowbound only made things worse.
But the tale of the wish was still fresh on her mind and would make it worth dealing with the pensive grind.
She remembered the story, every syllable to a tee, and knew to watch out for the tallest tree.
But Scootaloo soon found she was not truly alone, for a burst of breath sent a chill to her bones.
She slowly turned around and came to behold, a lone Timberwolf, standing tall in the cold.
She let out a scream, and took off for her life, barely dodging its teeth, which were as sharp as a knife.
She ran through the snow as fast as she could, making haste across shrubs and through the thick woods.
The Timberwolf wouldn't stop, always keeping right behind, eager to devour any scrap of pony it could find.
Scootaloo continued to run, despite gasping for breath, for she knew she was mere inches away from certain death.
She then reached a new route, a large lake frozen stiff, and the timberwolf caught up, finding her with a sniff.
Scootaloo conjured a plan before it was too late, and got on the ice and began to skate.
Using her wings, while not capable of flight, gave bursts of speed as she flapped with all her might,
And she glided across the sheets of ice, and then took a risk and rolled the dice.
For up ahead was a hole in the ice river, and if she slipped and fell in would make her shiver,
but she took the chance, as slim a sliver, for if she stayed as is, she'd instead be chopped liver.
She took a deep breath and with a burst of speed, launched at the ice hole, giving it great heed.
The Timberwolf was now breathing down her neck, but she had to escape and earn her wish, by heck!
With precision timing, Scootaloo jumped with a glide, and into the hole fell the monster's hide.
In more ways than one, it fell for her trick, as Timberwolves and water mostly certainly don't mix.
It clawed and pawed to try and make it out, but the thing fell to pieces, with a painful shout.
Scootaloo stood victorious, with relief started grinning, for she knew her journey would now end with her winning.
But before she could travel further ahead, the winter storm resumed and stopped her path dead.
She tried her hardest to fight the harsh gale but found herself blown away like a piece of junk mail.
She hid inside a tree trunk, riding out the storm, part of her wished she was home, where it was comfy and warm.
But she knew not to give up, for her goal was nearby, to find her dream gift that from no store she could buy.
Elsewhere, Cherilee and the children trailed Scootaloo closely, for her hoofprints in the snow allowed them to follow-mostly.
But then Apple and Sweetie let out a loud cry when they saw Timberwolf prints in the snow nearby.
Apple Bloom shouted "Scootaloo's in danger! We have to help her!" But Cherilee insisted "Children, turn back and seek shelter!"
Which Apple Bloom and Sweetie simply refused to hear, to save their best friend, they couldn't give in to fear.
They both ran ahead of Cherilee, for the trail ahead straight, praying they could get to Scootaloo before it was too late.
"Children, stop!" Cherilee cried out for the brood, fearing they themselves would wind up Timberwolf food.
Scootaloo traveled further inside the hollow, hoping no other animals would try to follow.
The stinging weather whipped at her face, but the bold and brave filly continued to keep pace.
For she knew in her heart it would all be worthwhile, to find her wishing star and the smiles that'd follow.
She imagined flying as fast as her friend Rainbow Dash, with wings so strong she'd reach the moon in a flash.
She didn't care if it took all Hearths Warming Eve, to find the miracle that she so strongly believed,
she'd put up with every last pain and irk, to earn her one wish for wings that work.
Suddenly, the wind subsided, finding time to relent, and what Scootaloo saw could only be Heaven-sent.
For right up ahead, by a cliff not too far, was a massive pine tree, adorned with a star!
It was real all along, by no means fantasy, it stood in broad daylight for all to see.
She couldn't believe it, her jaw was agape, as the star sat there tempting, like a branch of grapes.
Scootaloo made haste and began climbing the tree, bouncing off branches, eager and merrily.
A few twigs snapped off, but she knew not to be scared, for her wish was ahead; to forsake it, she wouldn't dare.
But as Scootaloo was midway through reaching her goal, out of the woods burst a grown mare and two foals.
For her friends had finally caught up at last, and at the sight they saw, they were aghast.
"Scootaloo, stop!" Ms. Cherilee pleaded. Above all else, she knew the fillies safety was needed.
The last thing her soul wanted was guilt from the fact, that if Scootaloo fell, it would leave more than a splat.
"I will, Ms. Cherilee! But first things first!" Scootaloo was prepared to face the worst.
"And the first thing first is one small thing, and that's to fix my pair of wings!"
Cherilee, in fear, became more stern and curt. "Come down at once! You'll fall and get hurt!"
Cherilee tried in vain to climb the branches, bouncing between them with carefully timed prances.
But her size was too great for the little twigs to bear, and one branch snapped, sending her plummeting without care.
Cheerilee was unharmed, merely put in a daze, but to Apple and Sweetie, she turned her worried gaze.
"I'm sorry, children!" Cherilee pleaded, "But I'm afraid to say your help is needed!"
As her calls to Scootaloo were being unheeded, both fillies had to climb, they all conceded.
After much struggle, Scootaloo reached the top of the tree, and she could scarcely contain her festive glee.
Scootaloo's heart raced, her soul filled with excitement, First, she'd get her wings, and then face indictment.
For despite the consequences, which she wrote off with shirk, she knew she would earn her wings that work.
The young little mare then laid her eyes, on the wishing star, her coveted prize.
It sat there glistening, its beauty untold, and just waiting for a miracle to unfold.
Scootaloo wasted no time, and she sought her behoof, and on the star, she placed her hoof.
She clenched her teeth, her eyes squeezed shut, for now, she was going by her gut.
Her spirit soaring like a bird, at last, she spoke the magic words:
"Wishing Star, shining bright,
In this cold, shivering tight,
I wish for just this one night,
My greatest dream, the gift of flight!"
Scootaloo stood frozen in anticipation, eagerly awaiting the tingling sensation.
Her imagination ran wild, for in her heart she knew, what she'd do with her wings when her wish came true.
She'd be happy forever, never again sully, for with her celestial gift she'd humble the bullies,
and what had held her down would now lift her up, and make a great logo on a hot cocoa cup.
She'd soar through the sky, to the awe of other colts, and maybe even join the Wonderbolts!
She knew any moment, it had to happen, that the holiday miracle could not be dampened.
She waited and waited for any kind of sign, that she'd get her wish, and everything would be fine.
Scootaloo became unsure and began to feel grief, and repeated the magic words to feel safe in her belief.
Again nothing happened, not a sound nor a spark. Just a cold eerie wind blowing through the tree bark.
The situation quickly became too grim to bear, and poor Scootaloo began to despair.
"Please, Wishing Star, I beg you!" She cried. "For just once in my life, please let me fly!"
By then, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle reached the top, finding their close friend a weeping sop.
"Scootaloo, please!" Sweetie Belle pleaded, prepared to tell her friend the truth she needed.
"That star won't listen to incantations, that's just this year's holiday decoration!"
"What?!" Scootaloo cried. Sweetie Belle explained; "I have to tell the truth, even if it causes us pain.
The forest critters like to decorate the tree, to bring Everfree some Hearths Warming glee."
Scootaloo's brow furrowed as her heart ripped in two. How dare she say that her dream wouldn't come true?
"Why didn't you say so if you knew?!" Scootaloo shouted, her eyes wet as dew.
Apple Bloom interjected "Cherilee told us, she wanted you to feel better! And besides, you didn't hear her story to the letter!"
But before Apple Bloom could further explain, a returning frosty gale brought them all great pain.
It whipped through their fur and ate at their skin. Scootaloo feared the worst was about to begin.
"It's the late winter winds!" Scootaloo wailed, knowing it would whisk them away without fail.
The wind blew the star off and made the pine tree move manic, and Cherilee down below began to panic.
"Children, hurry!" Their schoolteacher pleaded. She knew that this time, her words had to be heeded.
The Crusaders started climbing down in a hurry but were soon overwhelmed by the harsh winter flurry.
Suddenly, Sweetie Belle slipped, falling off with a scream, calling for help from the rest of the team.
Scootaloo called out her name in fear, now praying that this wouldn't end in tears.
But Sweetie Belle did not fall with a splat, rather the winds carried her off the cliff, just like that.
But this offered no console to her friends or teacher, for there was still no way for them to reach her.
Scootaloo knew she had one chance, even without magic spells, that by hook or by crook, she would save Sweetie Belle.
She knew this was her last chance, there was no use crying, to save her friend, or at least die trying.
Scootaloo decided then it was now or never, and took a leap of faith to try to save her.
Scootaloo dived into the white gorge beyond the cliff, she was brave in her heart but her face was frozen stiff,
Cherilee and Apple Bloom looked on in tears, thinking they had lost two friends they held very dear.
But then a miracle happened, seen only by a few, how it was possible, not one pony knew, but then and there, whether it be fiction or true,
For the first and only time in her life, Scootaloo flew.
To her shock, the wind carried her through the air, and pried her wings open, as if it was a dare.
Scootaloo saw her moment and took the chance, and soared through the wind with the grace of a dance.
She swooped through the air with the greatest of ease, the daring young mare riding high on the breeze,
and gliding at speeds faster than stories could tell, she caught up and by her mane grabbed Sweetie Belle.
Soaring out of the mists and up above Everfree, Scootaloo flapped her wings and cheered with glee.
Sweetie Belle clung to her friend as tight as glue, and squealed in joy "Scootaloo, your wish came true!"
Scootaloo looked all around her, weeping with joy, for she'd earned a gift greater than any knick-knack or toy,
and used it not to show off or get a fine view, for she'd used her gift selflessly, as a true friend would do.
Scootaloo soared down, using her wings to glide, and into the snow, she and Sweetie made a safe slide.
Cherilee and Apple Bloom ran up, both saddled with grief, but now they were blowing sighs of relief.
Apple Bloom exclaimed, "Scootaloo, you flew!" But how she did it, not she or the others knew.
It could have magic, it could have been physics, or maybe mother nature playing one of her tricks.
But Scootaloo, humble and filled with guile, claimed, "That wasn't flying, that was falling with style!"
Scootaloo prepared to take off again quick, but the thought of her falling again scared Cheerilee sick.
Cherilee stopped her midway; the miracle made her glad, but she made it clear she was also quite mad.
"But Scootaloo, your actions today were also reckless and bad. When I tell your family, there's trouble to be had."
While Cherilee was sweet, she was a teacher foremost, and tense from the fillies nearly giving up the ghost.
"All that trouble over a tree." Apple Bloom said out loud. She thought the trip silly (though of Scootaloo, she was proud).
Scootaloo got worried; when returned home, she'd be toast, but of her situation, she tried to make the most.
Scootaloo anxiously asked Cheerilee; "The part where we nearly died, saved Sweetie, flew, or all three?"
"Yes." Cherilee bluntly spoke with an annoyed look. Scootaloo accepted she wasn't getting off the hook.
But then cracking of branches nearby was heard, and they all huddled in fear, acting as one little herd.
Then out of the forest, something appeared to their shock, but to their relief, it was but a zebra with a mohawk.
It was merely Zecora, the local shaman, the ponies, relieved, thought out loud "Amen."
Zecora asked "What is this noise? What brings ponies out here? This forest is no place for the fillies you rear!"
Cherilee explained, "Let's just say Scootaloo got carried away by a story, and then by the wind, before finding her glory."
Zecora then led them safely out of the woods, keeping them warm by lending them thick hoods.
And despite Scootaloo causing them lots of strife, they all hugged and thanked her for saving Sweetie Belle's life.
Cherilee returned them home within the hour and delivered the news, both sweet and sour.
For her reckless transgression, for endangering friends meek, Scootaloo should have been grounded for a week.
But that would wait until the holidays ended, for her family didn't dare ruin a holiday so splendid.
And what's more, they were proud of how their child had grown, for their precious Scootaloo, had truly flown.
Scootaloo told them the story over cups of hot cocoa, so filled with excitement, she seemed rather loco!
She danced in front of the tree and fireplace, boasting of flying above Everfree with impeccable grace.
When she was finished, she curled right up by their chests, with a yawn signaling that it was time for rest.
Scootaloo was sent to bed, quiet as a mouse, ready to curl up, calm, and at peace in her house.
She crashed into bed after clearing her cookie dish, glad that one way or another, she had earned her wish.
For she was truly grateful that her dream had come true, for, on that cold winter night, Scootaloo finally flew.
Once she thought she'd only fly in her dreams, but it turned out life is more surprising than it seems.
But then, one more thought raced through Scootaloo's head;
For she'd forgotten to ask Cherilee how her tale was supposed to end.
FIN