Going Under Their Wings
Skye rhythmically pumped his wings to continue his ascent back into the clouds. All of his efforts were being focused into not plummeting toward the ground again. About the only thing working on his body were his eyes thanks to the goggles preventing the wind from hindering his vision. The fur on his body was a disaster. The cuts and bruises had stopped bleeding, but left his once sleek coat matted and filthy.
A hoof adjusted his goggles as Skye squinted to pinpoint his destination. "That's it! That's the academy."
The journey from Cloudsdale had felt like an eternity. Skye wasn't sure how much time had passed. Minutes? Hours? None of that was tracked in his mind. All that mattered was staying airborne.
His flight path became unsteady once more as he felt a wing cramp interrupt his focus. That was all it took to throw his entire body out of whack. Skye winced and tried desperately to remain calm as his left wing failed him. Suddenly his time in the clouds ended once again as he lost control and started dropping in altitude.
"I can at least make a crash landing this time!" Skye licked his lips and calculated the fall from the air to the slab of ground jutting high above Equestria.
Most pegasi knew of this landmark. It was the training ground for anypony with aspirations of becoming a great flier and someday a Wonderbolt: The Wonderbolts Academy.
A paved landing strip cut through the soft grass and winding river on the plateau ahead. Rising so far from the ground, the moon had no trouble illuminating the silent beauty of the landscape. The raised ground held no structures. Just obstacles, flags, and shrubbery dotted the land. Surrounding the elevated earth was the typical pegasi architecture; polished stone walls for the barracks and offices, with a swirl of clouds for a roof as if placed on top by a tube of toothpaste.
The silence on the training course ended as Skye tucked his wings against his body and braced for impact. All four hooves were held out in an attempt to skid to safety. Unfortunately, he was still weak from his skirmish with Chemtrail and Force Majeure. Upon his crash landing, his legs buckled and caused Skye to turn into a tumbling mess as his body tore up the grass. Dirt and chunks of green laid in wake behind him as he finally slowed his crash and slammed into the trunk of a tree.
A light flicked on from the main office after the loud thud reverberated from building to building. With a mane as white as a fresh snowfall and a light-arctic blue coat, a pegasus emerged from the doorway. Wrapped around her body was a grey warm-up suit often used by pegasi, who were training for an upcoming race. Embroidered on the collar was the word Fleetfoot.
"What's all the commotion out here?!" Fleetfoot yelled in a stern but worried voice. Her eyes quivered as she watched a foreleg rise in the distance from behind a mound of upturned ground. She quickly darted over and landed next to the crash site. "Sweet Celestia! What happened?" Her voice turned softer as she dug a pony out from the dirty heap. Much to her surprise, the victim was still conscious.
Skye had a weak smile on his face. Nestled against his chest safely were the goggles from Rainbow Dash. He coughed and used his last ounce of strength to speak. "I'm h-here to see Soarin or Spitfire." Skye's body relaxed as he passed out from exhaustion.
. . . . . .
A leaf twisted in the wind and fell onto the dirt road that snaked between the trees in the orchard. The clopping of hooves in the distance answered the call of the rustling tree branches. Lines of baskets filled with shiny red apples rested on the grass. Occasionally a loud impact echoed from a tree trunk; then came the rumbling of apples as they poured down from above. Sweet Apple Acres continued to carry the torch for having the most rustic charm of any locale in Equestria.
Applejack's hooves cantered along the pathway. A cart full of apples was securely fastened around her waist. Casting a shadow over the earth pony's sweaty body was Rainbow Dash. Without any sign of Skye Shot in Cloudsdale or Ponyville, she was beginning to wonder what had happened to her partner for the rapidly approaching Cloudsdale Rumble.
"Maybe you were right, Applejack. Maybe Skye isn't coming back to Cloudsdale." Rainbow's legs were hanging from her body like the limp appendages of a marionette.
Applejack came to a halt and wiped the sweat from her forehead. Her green eyes looked up to her mane as she felt her ponytail coming undone from a long day in the orchard. "Now Rainbow, you know he wouldn't just abandon you 'cuz you forgot to meet him at the pub. Nopony in their right mind would be as stubborn as to hold a grudge for a reason like that. After what ya told me, it just wouldn't make a lick of sense."
"Then why can't I find him?" Rainbow pressed in frustration. "He missed the big clean up in Cloudsdale, hasn't stepped hoof in the factory, and nopony in all of Ponyville has seen him. I checked every possible place! He still never turned in his weather report either. New Jockey is going to need some rain soon!"
The cart started moving again as Applejack's dusty hoofprints left their mark against the soil. Despite working on the farm all day, she was still just as energetic and chipper as ever. Not even the figurative dark cloud Rainbow was dragging around with her could punch a hole into Applejack's spirit.
"Use your head, sugarcube. Think like he would. You're lonely, your hearts achin' something fierce, and ya can't figure out what to do next; seems to me like the only remedy is a trip home."
"But he never filled out his-"
"If there's one thing you two have in common," Applejack stated, "It's that ya both behave with your hearts and not your heads. I don't think Skye gives a hoot about fillin' out paperwork right now. He probably flew straight home to be with his friends and family."
Rainbow landed on the back of the apple cart and folded her wings against her side. "So, looks like I'll have to go hunt him down in New Jockey then!"
"Just go easy on him when ya finally find him! He's probably upset enough without ya yelling at him." Applejack squinted ahead and could make out the outline of the barn through the moving leaves.
Rainbow jumped from the cart and immediately flew back into the air. "Then I guess this is goodbye until I get back from the competition! I'm gonna be really busy. Especially since now I have to add flying across Equestria to my list. Sheesh! He better be happy to see me when I find him…"
Applejack looked up at Dash and gave a chuckle. "I'm sure he'll be thrilled!"
. . . . . .
A muggy breeze blew into the room and ruffled Skye's mane. He slowly opened his eyes and tried to decipher the outline of the pony above him. A balled up rag gently patted his cheek. Skye's vision focused more as he watched the icy blue foreleg quickly move away.
"Finally awake?" Fleetfoot smiled and placed the rag on the cart next to Skye's bed. "You had me worried after that crash."
Skye nodded slowly and tried to sit up, but was pushed back down onto the mattress.
"Sorry, you shouldn't be moving around just yet. Not because of your injuries. Just a safety precaution. I'm not sure why you're here, but I can't have you wandering around unsupervised."
"I guess I did cause a bit of a mess when I landed."
"Landed? That's a funny word for it."
Skye wrinkled his face in irritation and tried to ignore the mare's words. "My name's Skye Shot. I'm here to talk with Soarin or Spitfire if they're around."
"I'm Fleetfoot. I work alongside both Soarin and Spitfire. They'll be coming back soon. They probably left Canterlot later than they expected. Sometimes these airshows tend to drag on."
Skye examined the room while listening to Fleetfoot. It was very sterile and bland. The sheets were white. The curtains were white. The tile floor was white. It was obvious this was an infirmary of sorts for the academy. Considering Spitfire was the mare in charge it was no wonder that order and organization were number one here. She ran a tight ship. Something most stallions hated about her.
Fleetfoot continued after the awkward silence. "I hope you don't take this the wrong way. I don't have clearance to let you come and go as you please. Not to mention I was worried about you." She tore the blankets from Skye and revealed his bandages. The embarrassed stallion blushed as his body was inspected.
"W-wait a second!" Skye panicked.
"Relax. All things I've seen before." Fleetfoot laughed and pressed on his side. "None of your wounds were as bad as I expected. You were definitely exhausted and dehydrated. I made sure to have the doctors and nurses keep an eye on you overnight. We washed you and bandaged up your nastier wounds." Her smile faded as she moved her muzzle closer to his. "I know I'm not supposed to ask, but… What happened to you, Skye?"
He pulled the blankets over his body once again and closed his eyes. "I flew into a bad storm and got hit by a few lightning bolts. It was really careless of me."
The slowness of Fleetfoot's nod indicated that she didn't entirely believe him. "Well, just rest up for now. I'll send Spitfire and Soarin in as soon as they return. I'm sure they'll be thrilled to see an old friend." Her flank rose from the bed. The creaky spring relaxed and Skye shifted his body to take over the entire width of the mattress.
Fleetfoot placed a hoof on the nob and gently started to close the door from the other side.
"Thank you." Skye blurted from under the covers. "You saved my life."
"Just don't go flying into any more storms, Skye Shot."
The door closed and Skye let out a large sigh.
. . . . . .
"Excuse me, Miss Rainbow Dash?"
Rainbow turned her head and acknowledged the nurse.
"I heard you're taking Scootaloo home with you."
"Yeah, that's right. You've all kept her here long enough. She needs to be with her family now." Dash remained on guard. She never liked dealing with hospital employees. Especially since last time she was in a hospital she was chased out by an angry mob of doctors.
"Who will be settling the bill? Her parents?" The nurse picked up a clipboard in her mouth and tapped the circled amount with her hoof. "We had to reset the bone, administer pain killers, set her for the cast, then you factor in the room service-"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'll cover all that. Just… give me some time, okay? I have a lot going on right now." Dash's face shifted away from the nurse and back to Scootaloo's room. "I'm the closest thing that filly has to a family. I'll figure out a way to pay the bills."
The nurse nodded and placed the clipboard on the counter. She trotted away down the hall. "I'll make sure they send you the bill after the Rumble. Good luck, Rainbow."
Dash slowly pushed the door open to Scootaloo's room and peeked through the slit. The filly was anxiously paging through the second Daring Do book Dash had lent her. Her eyes were full of such happiness. Anything Rainbow Dash did for her was instantly the best thing ever. Whether it was telling Scootaloo a story, showing her a new trick, or even just having some mare talk; Dash had become a big sister without ever trying.
Scootaloo never talked much about her parents. It was a topic Dash never pressed on either. For a while now Scootaloo had been bouncing between homes in Ponyville. Some of the younger ponies made fun of her for being an orphan. Not being able to fly was another sore subject the school ponies used against her. Finally, she was still a blank flank. The filly had a lot on her plate working against her. Scootaloo's best times were spent when she was with her fellow Crusaders or Rainbow Dash. Over the years Rainbow came to love the filly and wanted to be the role model she truly deserved.
"Knock knock!" Rainbow put a smile on her face and pushed the door open. "You awake, squirt?"
Scootaloo closed the book and fluttered her tiny wings in delight. "Rainbow Dash! Did you come to read some more?"
"Nah. I'm not really in the mood for that." Dash shrugged.
"Oh... That's cool." Scootaloo frowned and looked away.
"I was thinking… we'd go on a little trip instead. Ya know, something totally awesome only the best big sister ever would do for ya." Rainbow squeed and flew over to the bed.
Scootaloo's eyes lit up as she wrapped her hooves around Dash's neck. "You mean it?!"
"Sure do! Today is your last day in the hospital, but cast or no cast I know you're looking for some new adventures! Well, how's about we take a trip across Equestria and look for my pal Skye?"
"Count me in! This'll be the coolest trip ever! I might even get my cutie mark for cross country travel. Or maybe being your navigator!"
"Easy! Don't go getting yourself all worked up. Let's get you wheeled outta here first. I'm sure you're sick and tired of being on your back for so long. The doctors said you'll need to come back and get your leg checked out in a few weeks. Just don't put any weight on it for now. If you need anything just ask me!" Dash blushed as she listened to the motherly words coming out of her mouth. "Anyway, just take it easy, kiddo. Okay?"
"Mmm hmm! Got it!" The filly's eyes welled up with tears of joy as she rubbed her head against the tuft of fur on Rainbow's chest.
. . . . . .
The door swung open and Skye instantly sat up.
"Skye Shot? To what do we owe the pleasure?" Spitfire was in full uniform sporting her dark sunglasses. "Fleetfoot tells me you took a nasty tumble last night on my property. Care to explain?"
"Yeah, of course. I was leaving Cloudsdale and I got caught in a-"
"Save it. I'm looking for the real story, Skye. If you're just going to lie to me then I'm going to count this as trespassing and I'll be charging you for the medical expenses. Not to mention the landscaping we'll need to do after you tore up the academy's grounds." Spitfire's eyes narrowed behind her dark shades.
Skye swallowed hard and covered his face with the spare pillow.
"I'll ask again… What happened to you?"
Skye groaned into the pillow and flung it against the wall. "I was attacked. Chemtrail and a friend of his jumped me, okay? They were faster, more agile, more aggressive, more ruthless – stop me if I'm going too fast – and just all around better than me. I never stood a chance."
Spitfire's hardened face softened a bit as she listened to Skye. It was obvious he had already gone through a nightmare and didn't need a reminder of his failure. "Skye-"
"I was upset with Rainbow and tried leaving Cloudsdale to get away for a while. Then I flew into the start of a thunderstorm. Chemtrail and Force from the weather factory were waiting for me. It was a trap. They used the storm to their advantage and tried to eliminate me for my rude behavior. Sorry if I'm not thrilled to talk about all of this. I don't like being reminded how inferior I am to everypony else in Cloudsdale."
"Just calm down! I'm not here to lecture you. I just wanted some answers. We don't have battered ponies crashing onto our academy that often, you know?" Spitfire was exhausted from just listening to Skye.
Soarin poked his head in the doorway. "Can I come in yet?" He blinked and looked from Spitfire to Skye.
"Come on in, Soarin." Spitfire offered. "Skye is just clearing up the lie he told Fleetfoot."
Soarin was looking much more sympathetic. He knew how business-oriented Spitfire could be. Even when she wasn't trying to be firm with some ponies her tone always registered as the fearless captain of the Wonderbolts.
"I'm sorry I lied, okay? I just wanted to get some rest and not think about my trip from Cloudsdale to the ground."
"What made you come here, Skye?" Soarin inquired.
"I was hoping," Skye started, "that you and Spitfire could help me train for the Cloudsdale Rumble. Just one week. I need some pointers-"
"We're not allowed to give you special treatment here." Spitfire blurted out.
Skye ignored her and continued speaking. "- to make sure I don't embarrass Rainbow Dash."
Spitfire's mouth opened as she struggled to process the information. "What did you say?"
"You don't understand how low I feel. I promised her that I'd make her proud. I even told you that I'd watch over her out there. I can't do any of that if I'm knocked out of the sky before I can even find her." Skye paused and tried to collect his jumbled thoughts. "She means a lot to me and I know winning this competition means the world to her. I would never forgive myself if she lost because I screwed something up. So please; just give me a few days with you here to learn some maneuvers or something. This is my last chance." His head lowered.
"Like I said, we can't give you special treatment here." Spitfire repeated. She remained in the doorway and studied Skye's reaction.
"I'm sorry, Skye Shot. I wish we could help you." Soarin twirled a hoof on the floor and tried to force all of the tension down an imaginary drain. "If Spitfire says-"
Skye's hoof shook as he refused to take no for an answer. His black hoof slammed against the bed as he forced himself out from under the sheets. His blue body was wrapped in bandages and the feathers on his wings were still tattered. "That's it, huh?"
Spitfire and Soarin remained silent.
"It's real easy for a Wonderbolt to forget what it's like to be a regular pegasus. We have dreams that we want to achieve too. The difference is that we need help. We aren't all born equal!" Skye bit his lip and continued. "A close friend of mine grew up trying to make sure that earth ponies, unicorns, and pegasi could all coexist. He studied day and night trying to create spells that could help us all work together. And you know what happened? He failed. I've never seen a pony pour so much of his life into a goal and then just… give up. I haven't seen him for months. He just left home and told me that I need to pursue my own dreams and not worry about him. Instead of trying to stop him I honored his wish and decided to become a weather pony like I always dreamed. I never expected for things to get so complicated." Skye sighed and braced himself against the bed. "I need your help because I made a lot of promises and I want to keep them. Spitfire, you can't just turn me away like this! I've never begged somepony like this before in my entire life!"
Spitfire walked over to Skye slowly and slapped her wing against his. "I said we couldn't give you special treatment here, Skye Shot. I never said I wouldn't help you." She slid the glasses down her nose and looked deep into his eyes. "You don't have to be the best flier or the strongest pony to win me over. It takes a lot of guts to make a stand like you did. Not only to me, but to Chemtrail and Force. Heck, even Cloudsdale's residents can be a bit unforgiving to an outsider at times. I'm glad Rainbow will have you by her side."
Soarin tried to hide his excitement as Spitfire warmed up. He breathed a sigh of relief and wiped his brow.
"Does she know you're here?" Spitfire questioned.
"No. I haven't seen her in a while now. She doesn't even know about Chem and Force attacking me."
"She won't like it, but we won't be contacting her about any of this. If she finds out what happened she'll blow her top and most likely do something very… stupid; for a lack of better words." Spitfire turned away and placed a hoof to her chin. "That still leaves the dilemma of where to train you…"
Soarin cleared his throat.
Spitfire rolled her eyes. "Yes, Soarin, what is it?" She wasn't amused by her partner interrupting her thoughts.
"What if we got permission from Forecast to use the weather facility in Cloudsdale? It is a training center after all. If we tell him that we need to run some drills for an airshow I'm sure he'd allow it!"
"I knew there was a reason I kept you around." Spitfire smirked.
"Uh, thanks? I think…" Soarin raised an eyebrow.
"Listen up, Skye Shot! Fleetfoot, Soarin, and myself will take you under our wing for the next few days and give you some pointers on how to stay airborne! We could get in big trouble for this, so don't mention this to anypony! I'm only doing this because I want to make sure Dash has somepony reliable up there watching over her. I'll be counting on you to keep her safe. Let's just say not everypony admires her for being one of the best fliers in Equestria." Spitfire trotted away towards the door. "We leave for Cloudsdale in half an hour. Stretch those wings of yours. Injuries or not, a real pegasus never quits as long as he has a feather to spare!"
Skye saluted and grinned. "Yes, ma'am!"
. . . . . .
Scootaloo had her forelegs wrapped around Dash's neck as they both flew over the grassy plains below. Her injured leg was safely propped against Rainbow's back. The filly was having the time of her life so far and the duo had only left the hospital.
"How ya holdin' up?" Rainbow yelled. "Have a good grip?"
"Yeah! Can we go any faster?" Scootaloo leaned forward and licked her lips. "I can take it!"
"There'll be plenty of time for that when we leave! I wanna stop home first and make sure I'm all packed up for a cross country trip." Rainbow grinned. "Then again it won't take Equestria's best flier long to get to New Jockey from here. We'll probably set a new record!"
"That would mean my cutie mark could be a stopwatch! Or… a finish line?" Scootaloo tilted her head and thought harder. "Or maybe I'll get something similar to yours!"
"Heh. Maybe! The sky's the limit for you! Just keep tryin' your best!" Rainbow narrowed her eyes and flapped faster.
Scootaloo squinted and pulled back on Dash's neck a few times. "I see Apple Bloom down there! Slow down!"
"You can just ask. No need to yank my head all over the place!" Rainbow huffed.
They descended below the clouds. A yellow filly with a rose-red mane was happily trotting along next to Fluttershy. Rainbow gave a shout and spooked the timid Fluttershy into jumping from the path and cowering. Apple Bloom turned her head just in time for Dash to whiz by. Scootaloo waved to her friend and cheered as they landed down the road.
"Scootaloo!" Apple Bloom shouted excitedly. "Yer alright!" The bow in her mane bounced back and forth as she galloped toward her friends.
"Not totally back to my old self, but at least I'm outta that hospital finally. So, what's the next plan?"
Apple Bloom wasted no time in planning their next crusade. "Well, I was thinkin' we could patrol Sweet Apple Acres and get some kinda badge or something. Ya know, like we'd be like a security team while everypony else was sleepin'!"
Fluttershy finally caught up and gave the group an innocent smile. "Rainbow! I'm so glad to see you. Sorry I was in your way back there."
"In my way…? Really, Fluttershy? You jumped off the road and curled up into a ball!"
"Well, you startled me a bit, but I know you were only trying to give me a spirited 'hello!'" Fluttershy's voice was as tiny as the innocent smile on her face.
"Yeah, anyway… Me and Scoots are taking a trip across Equestria. I'm stopping home quick, but I figured I'd see what you two were up to first." Dash looked from Fluttershy to Apple Bloom. "Glad to see your friend?"
Apple Bloom nodded and cheered. "You betcha! It felt like forever since I saw that face!" She giggled as Scootaloo stuck out her tongue and smushed her own cheeks together. "Good to have ya back!"
"You fillies will have lots of time to play once we're back from New Jockey. Just need to… check on the weather there… and then we'll be flying back!" Rainbow blushed and shifted her eyes from Apple Bloom to Fluttershy.
"We're getting ready for the Ponyville Pet Show in a few days. It's going to be so much fun! I can't wait to see all the itty bitty critters doing tricks and looking adorable! You should stay and-"
"Pass." Dash said bluntly.
"Oh, well, maybe next year then." Fluttershy backed away slowly and squeed.
"Uh huh. Okay, everypony, I think me and Scootaloo better get ready for our little adventure! Right?" Dash turned her head to look at Scootaloo, who was leaning to the side and waving to Apple Bloom.
"You got it! Gonna get me a cutie mark for traveling!"
"Or maybe for soarin' the highest!" Apple Bloom added.
"Or the fastest!"
"Or the longest!"
"Or the-"
"Or maybe for being the quietest! Let's all try that now!" Dash interrupted in a huff. "My neck is starting to get all sweaty. You're like a big heater, kid."
Scootaloo hugged Dash and nuzzled her neck. "'Cuz I love my big sister so much!"
Dash sighed and smiled. "Enough mushy stuff! Let's hit the road. Quick stop at home and then we're off to New Jockey!"
Apple Bloom shoved her muzzle into her saddlebag and pulled out an extra crusader cape. "I made this for ya, since your old one was ruined in the accident. Never forget you're a crusader!"
Scootaloo nodded and lowered her neck for Apple Bloom to drape the cape over her shoulders. "Promise! See ya soon, Apple Bloom!"
The bow shook once again as Apple Bloom nodded in agreement. Rainbow grinned and launched herself back into the air.
. . . . . .
A knock on the door startled Forecast to attention. A mug of steaming coffee was staining a ring onto the papers piled on his desk. "Come in."
Spitfire marched in with Soarin closely behind her flank. They both stopped and stood at attention. "Good evening, sir." She said with her sunglasses covering her eyes. The fiery colored main atop her head was a mess from the speedy flight from the academy. "We have a request."
Forecast wrapped a hoof around his mug and took a sip. "What can I do for you, Spitfire?"
"We'd like to use the training facility to run some exercises with a newbie. We need a safe location." Spitfire remained in place without moving a single muscle. She was the definition of discipline. "I understand this is short notice…"
"No, no, it's fine. I could never turn down a Wonderbolt. You carry the pride of Cloudsdale on your wings! So, who is the recruit?" Forecast eagerly leaned forward.
Soarin bit his lip and looked away.
"That isn't important, sir. No point in knowing his name if he isn't an official Wonderbolt." Spitfire's resolve did not waiver in the slightest.
"Captain Spitfire, I don't ask for much… I just want to know who will be in my facility. It's still very new and I don't want to take any chances."
Both ponies stared at one another. Soarin chewed on his hoof from the anxiety. Even a pin drop would be a welcomed noise in this room.
"Skye Shot."
Soarin's jaw dropped as Spitfire so casually dropped the name of the mystery flier. "S-Spitfire! You can't!"
"This stays between us. I can't explain the situation, but he needs our help. Nopony can know of this operation." Spitfire held out a foreleg. "I trust we have a deal?"
Forecast nodded and bumped her hoof in agreement. "I don't know what you have up your sleeve with that stallion, but I will certainly keep this between us. Oddly enough, Miss Rainbow Dash volunteered to bring some rain to New Jockey earlier today. Are you sure there is nothing else you want to tell me?"
Spitfire grinned and gave a hearty laugh. "Well, sir, the only thing I can tell you is that all of Equestria is going to shake when Rainbow and Skye take flight during the Cloudsdale Rumble. I appreciate your cooperation. Rest assured we have nothing but Cloudsdale's best interest in mind."
The old pony took another sip of his black coffee and made a disgruntled face. "I think it's time for a fresh cup… Tell me, Spitfire," Forecast continued, "why are you going against your own rules to train him? 'No participant shall have any interaction with the overseers.' You do realize this could land all of you in hot water, correct?"
"There's a lot more to this than just me favoring somepony over the other contenders. Skye is a great stallion, but judging from what I've seen so far he definitely doesn't have the skills to win. Even if we trained day and night up until the dawn of the Rumble I don't think he'd have a shot. But when I saw the look in his eyes when he asked for help… I just knew there was something genuine inside him begging for a chance."
Forecast chuckled and stood up from his chair. "You are a strange one, captain. Your secret is safe with me. I must say, even I'm beginning to look forward to this competition. You can have the facility for 5 nights. I'll make sure nopony from the factory steps hoof on the facility grounds."
Spitfire turned to the doorway and motioned her head for Soarin to follow. "I owe you one, sir."
. . . . . .
Rainbow watched out the window as the sun hid behind the trees. Scootaloo had her head poked inside the stuffed saddle bag on the couch.
"A tent! Looks kinda small, but does that mean we're camping?" The filly's voice was muffled.
"You got it! I figure we'll set out now, take a break with a nice campfire, then finish the trek in the morning. No need to rush too much." Rainbow slammed her hooves together. "We got him cornered this time. You can't hide forever, flyboy!"
"I'm ready to go when you are," Scootaloo exclaimed.
"I've been waiting on you! You keep rummaging through the bags…" Rainbow crossed her forelegs and hovered over to the couch.
"I know, I know! I'm just excited! It's just, the accident, then the hospital, I haven't seen my friends, now all this!"
Dash shook her head and blinked. "Slow down, squirt. Just relax. It's smooth sailing for you from here on out." She cleared her throat and turned her head away. "I mean… Unless you don't want to stay here with me when we get back."
The flap of the saddlebag fell from Scootaloo's mouth as her brain processed the words.
Unless you don't want to stay here with me when we get back.
"Y-You mean…"
"I mean, welcome home, kid. What's a big sister for after all?" Rainbow winked.
Scootaloo leapt from the couch and wrapped her hooves around Dash's neck. She sniffled and held on as if her life depended on it.
"Somepony needs to take you under their wing. I figure it's about time I become the big sister you really need."
/) To Be Continued (\