Chapter 9- A Moment To Open Up
As the sun's golden rays began to peek over the horizon, Ponyville slowly started to come alive. A few ponies had already risen to set up their shops, preparing for another busy day. Despite this early stir, the town still had a quiet calm to it—most ponies were still enjoying the last remnants of sleep. One of those ponies who would normally be curled up in bed was none other than Rainbow Dash.
Usually, she enjoyed a few extra hours of sleep, especially since her job was so laid-back, but today was different. She had made a promise to Flamebolt to help him start his new job. Groggy and frustrated at herself for volunteering to meet him so early, she flew toward the center of Ponyville, stifling another yawn.
"Why did I say early in the morning?" she muttered, trying her best to shake off the sleepiness clinging to her. Another yawn slipped past her lips as she lazily descended into the quiet streets. "Maybe he'll forget and I can go back to sleep," she mused, rubbing her tired eyes and hoping for an easy out.
As Rainbow landed near Town Hall, she noticed that the streets were still mostly deserted, except for a few early risers setting up their market stalls. The fountain in the center of town, where they had agreed to meet, was still and peaceful.
Her spirits lifted slightly—maybe she'd get her wish after all.
But before she could relax, a somewhat familiar grunt caught her attention.
"…43...44...45...46..." the voice grumbled.
Rounding the fountain, she spotted Flamebolt deep in the middle of a workout. He was doing wing push-ups, sweat pouring off his face as if he'd been at it for hours. His concentration was so intense that he hadn't even noticed her approach.
Rainbow raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. "Geez, Flamebolt, I would've never taken you for an early riser," she commented. He didn't respond, too focused on his routine.
"47...48...49... grunt 50!" Flamebolt finished with a final push, nearly launching himself into the air. Landing on all four hooves, he finally acknowledged her, his chest heaving from exertion. "About time you showed up," he said between breaths, his tone flat.
Rainbow groaned, rolling her eyes. "Well, soooorry," she drawled, clearly not amused. "Not everypony is used to waking up this early, you know." She stifled another yawn as she plopped down near the fountain.
Flamebolt didn't seem to share her sentiment. He was wide awake, full of energy. "Doesn't bother me," he shrugged, stretching out his wings.
Rainbow blinked at him, watching as he dunked his head into the cool water of the fountain. When he pulled his head back out, shaking it vigorously to dry off, she couldn't help but notice just how much energy he had for this time of day.
"How long have you been up anyway? You're drenched in sweat," she asked, her curiosity piqued despite her fatigue.
"Since the sun started rising, I guess," he replied nonchalantly, shaking the water from his mane. It fell back into its usual wild style, even while still damp.
"That early?!" she exclaimed, her drowsiness suddenly fading with the shock. "No pony in their right mind gets up before Celestia's even finished raising the sun!"
Flamebolt shrugged again, moving on to stretch his legs. "I'm always up early. More time to train before everypony else starts their day."
Rainbow stared at him like he was crazy. "Training? Is that all you ever do? Don't you ever just… relax?"
Flamebolt paused mid-stretch and looked at her, raising an eyebrow. "I'll relax once I beat you."
Rainbow smirked. "Still stuck on that, huh? Well, better not slack off with all that training if you wanna have a chance."
"Oh, trust me, I never slack off," Flamebolt said with a small chuckle, resuming his routine. "I can guarantee that."
Rainbow couldn't help but give him another look over, her gaze scanning his frame. He had the build of an athlete for sure—more muscular than most pegasi she knew, even Soarin. His wings were powerful, and his speed, as she'd witnessed in their race, was impressive. There was no doubt in her mind that he could probably get even faster with his commitment.
Flamebolt suddenly noticed her studying him and gave her a puzzled look. "What're you staring at?"
She snapped out of her thoughts. "Oh, nothing," she said quickly, though she couldn't help herself from adding, "Just wondering why I've never seen a pony like you at the Wonderbolts Academy or any of the flying competitions. With your speed, you could be a Wonderbolt like me!"
Flamebolt's expression hardened. "Oh, you're a Wonderbolt, huh?"
Rainbow puffed out her chest proudly, ready to bask in the glory. "Heck yeah! Well, I'm a reserve right now, but I'm practically one already!" She quickly added, trying to sound modest—though she clearly wasn't.
"Good for you," Flamebolt muttered, his gaze dropping to the ground, his tone suddenly colder.
Rainbow's smile faltered. That wasn't the reaction she expected. He seemed almost… disappointed. She opened her mouth to ask, but Flamebolt cut her off.
"Anyway," he said abruptly, clearly wanting to change the subject, "shouldn't we get started? The sooner you show me what I need to do, the sooner you can go back to sleep."
Rainbow blinked, a bit taken aback by the shift. She thought about pressing him on it, but decided against it—he probably wouldn't tell her anything anyway. Instead, she cleared her throat, remembering something important.
"Yeah, about that… we're gonna have to head to Cloudsdale first."
Flamebolt's eyes narrowed. "Cloudsdale? Why?"
"Geez, what's with the attitude?" she replied, crossing her hooves. "They wanna meet you in person and get you into the employment records. You know, standard procedure."
He groaned, rolling his eyes. "Fine. Let's just get this over with."
Rainbow sighed, realizing that dealing with Flamebolt's attitude was part of the package. "Yeah, let's go," she muttered. It wasn't worth arguing, not this early in the morning.
With a mutual agreement, the two pegasi lifted off into the bright blue sky, leaving Ponyville behind as they headed toward Cloudsdale. Both familiar with the route, having once called the floating city home, they didn't need to navigate, allowing their wings to carry them at a steady pace. The wind rushed past them as they flew side by side, their speeds evenly matched.
But Flamebolt, always the restless competitor, decided to loosen up a bit. Feeling the freedom of the sky wash over him, he broke away from their even flight and began showing off with a few aerial tricks. First, he shot upwards, climbing higher into the atmosphere before abruptly stopping. His wings stalled as he flipped backward, his body rolling effortlessly through the air. As he began to plummet, he controlled his descent with precision, extending his wings at the last moment to level himself out in perfect form. His eyes closed, letting the wind guide him. For a moment, the anger and tension he constantly carried melted away, leaving him feeling at peace. Flying freely, without a care in the world—this was the one thing he truly loved.
Rainbow Dash, noticing his antics, couldn't resist joining in. She never missed an opportunity for a challenge, and if Flamebolt was showing off, she had to step up too. Flashing a smirk, she pulled into a tight upward half-loop, flipping her body so that she hung upside down for a brief moment before smoothly rolling back to level flight. She then performed two front flips in quick succession, catching herself midair and gliding alongside him once more.
Flamebolt shot her a sideways glance, realizing what she was doing. Grinning with competitive energy, he decided to push it further. He executed a series of loop-the-loops with effortless grace, adding a sharp barrel roll for good measure. His mane whipped wildly in the breeze as he climbed back to Rainbow's level, throwing her a playful grin that practically dared her to one-up him.
Rainbow's eyes gleamed with excitement. Never one to back down, she dove downward at a steep angle, accelerating as she performed a continuous corkscrew. The ground rushed up at her at an alarming rate, and it seemed for a moment as if she was going to crash. But just before impact, she flared her wings, expertly leveling herself out. She skimmed along the surface, her hooves just inches from the ground, before pulling up sharply and rocketing back into the sky, her shout of exhilaration echoing behind her.
Flamebolt was impressed, but he wasn't about to let her steal the show. They exchanged challenging glances, and without a word, the impromptu competition turned into a synchronized display of skill. They distanced themselves briefly before coming back together, each taking turns to perform daring tricks. Flamebolt spun into a spiraling dive, and Rainbow mirrored his movement, the two pegasi crisscrossing in the air before shooting back up into the clouds.
Their tricks, once individual, now seemed like a seamless performance. They looped and rolled, their movements perfectly synced as if they had practiced this routine for years. They spiraled downward in unison, their bodies twisting through the air in perfect harmony before separating once again, crossing paths at dizzying speeds only to meet up at the same level, grinning at each other.
It wasn't a competition anymore. There were no winners or losers—just two pegasi enjoying the freedom of the skies, pushing their limits, and sharing the thrill of flight. For the first time in a long while, Flamebolt wasn't focused on proving himself or outpacing someone. He was simply having fun.
As the towering cloud city of Cloudsdale came into view, they instinctively knew how to end their aerial dance. A race.
With a quick glance at each other, they shot forward, increasing their speed in a burst of acceleration. The sky around them seemed to blur as they raced toward the city, their wings working in a flurry of motion, each one determined to be the first to land. The friendly challenge returned, but this time it was different—less about pride and more about the sheer joy of flight.
Both pegasi laughed as they rocketed toward Cloudsdale, the thrill of the race and the excitement of their shared adventure in the sky filling the space between them.
(Cloudsdale)
As they approached the cloud city, pegasi in Cloudsdale began to take notice. From a distance, the two ponies hurtling toward them looked like colorful streaks in the sky—one leaving a rainbow trail, and the other leaving a fiery, electric wake. The pegasi on the streets quickly moved aside, clearing the way as the two racers came barreling toward the city.
Rainbow Dash and Flamebolt landed with a force that shook the ground beneath them, sending gusts of wind in all directions. Ponies nearby stumbled back, their manes tousled by the sudden rush of air. The dust settled, revealing the two pegasi, now panting and catching their breaths from the exhilarating ride.
"That… was… AWESOME!" Rainbow Dash squealed, her excitement bubbling over. "I can't believe what we just did! You were pulling off some seriously cool moves up there!"
"I know, right?" Flamebolt replied, matching her enthusiasm. "You weren't too bad yourself. Some of those tricks were insane!"
The two shared a hoof bump, laughing and recounting their stunts. For the first time since meeting Flamebolt, Rainbow Dash saw a genuine smile on his face—a bright, toothy grin that made him seem completely different from the grumpy stallion she'd come to know. Flying seemed to unlock a side of him that she hadn't seen before, and for once, they were having a normal conversation without the usual tension.
Rainbow Dash couldn't help but be amazed by how much he'd changed in the past few minutes. His smile made him look friendlier, more approachable, and for the first time, she felt comfortable around him. "Wow," she said, watching him as he caught his breath. "I would've never thought you could smile like that."
At her words, Flamebolt's smile instantly vanished. His heart pounded in his chest, and he felt an unfamiliar warmth spreading through his body. Looking around, he spotted a nearby mirror and saw his reflection—a happy expression, teeth showing. Panic set in as he shoved a hoof over his mouth and quickly turned away from her, his mind racing. 'What in Equestria is happening to me? Why am I feeling like this?'
The smile, the laughter, the sense of joy—it all confused him. Flying had always been about pushing himself to be the best, about clearing his mind or winning a race. But this? This was something different. It felt like something had returned to him, something that had been missing for a long time.
Seeing him suddenly turn away made Rainbow Dash tilt her head in confusion. A second ago, he was all smiles, but now he was back to avoiding her.
Flamebolt took a moment to control his breathing, clearing his throat before he spoke. "S-stop wasting time and let's get going." His voice was tight, his words hurried as he tried to shake off the strange emotions. Without waiting for her to reply, he started walking ahead, putting some distance between them.
"Wait up!" Rainbow Dash called, flying after him. She caught up quickly, landing beside him as they continued walking through the city. "What the hay just happened? We were talking and having fun, and now you're acting weird again."
"I don't know what you're talking about," he muttered, keeping his eyes on the ground as they walked.
She rolled her eyes and moved in front of him, blocking his path. "Don't play dumb. You were smiling! You were enjoying yourself!"
"That's ridiculous!" Flamebolt snapped, trying to walk around her. "I only fly to be the best."
"Oh, come on!" Rainbow Dash pressed. "You're seriously gonna tell me you only fly to be better than everypony else? You were having fun, and you know it!"
Flamebolt gritted his teeth and started to walk faster, but Rainbow easily matched his pace. No matter how fast he moved, she was right there, demanding answers.
Fed up with his stubbornness, she flapped her wings and tackled him mid-stride, sending them both tumbling across the street. They rolled a few feet before coming to a stop with Flamebolt pinned beneath her.
Both pegasi were breathing heavily from the chase, but Rainbow smirked in triumph. "Gotcha."
Flamebolt grumbled in defeat. "Fine… you win."
She let him go and stepped off, watching as he dusted himself off. "You're more stubborn than a mule," she muttered, shaking her head.
Still avoiding her gaze, Flamebolt remained silent, his mood sour once again.
Rainbow Dash sighed, deciding to drop it for now. "Whatever. Just know this—I won't race you again until I see the real you. That guy who was smiling and having fun? That's the one I want to race." She trotted ahead, glancing back over her shoulder. "Not this grouch."
Her words hit him harder than he expected. After a moment of silence, he followed behind her, defeated. As they made their way through Cloudsdale, he was left alone with his thoughts, trying to process the whirlwind of emotions he'd experienced.
Rainbow Dash, meanwhile, smirked to herself, satisfied that she'd at least gotten through to him, even if only for a moment. 'There's definitely more to him than he lets on,' she thought. 'And I'm gonna find out what.'
After some time, they reached their destination: an administrative office in Cloudsdale that handled pegasus employment. It was a small, unassuming building, but it served an important purpose—getting Flamebolt officially registered for his new job.
Inside, Flamebolt was asked to fill out a few forms, take a picture for his ID, and answer some basic questions. He kept his answers short, wanting to avoid sharing too much about himself, but the process was quick and easy. Soon enough, he had his work badge and was officially approved to take over weather duties for Ponyville, alternating days with Rainbow Dash.
As they left the building, Rainbow stretched her wings and looked over at him. "Alright, now that we've got all the paperwork sorted, I'll show you the ropes when we get back to Ponyville. You'll be working on your own soon enough."
Flamebolt nodded silently, eager to leave Cloudsdale behind.
With that, they both took to the sky, heading back toward Ponyville. Rainbow Dash gave him a few more pointers on the way, though he only half-listened, distracted by something below.
His attention was drawn to a small obstacle course camp below, filled with young fillies and colts practicing their flying skills. Coaches blew their whistles as the students flew through rings and dodged cloud pillars, determined to improve. The sight stopped him in his tracks, causing him to hover in place and stare down at the camp, lost in thought.
Rainbow Dash, realizing he was no longer by her side, turned back and spotted him staring below. She flew up next to him, waving a hoof in his face. "Hey, Equestria to Flamebolt? What's going on?"
He blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. "W-what?"
"You were zoning out, staring at that flight camp." She followed his gaze and smiled. "Heh, brings back memories, huh? I used to tear it up at Junior Speedster Flight Camp."
"Junior Speedster Flight Camp..." Flamebolt echoed quietly.
"Wait, were you there too?" Rainbow asked, surprised. She hadn't expected him to have a connection to her past.
"Not for long," he admitted, his tone darkening. "I wasn't exactly... welcome there."
Rainbow tilted her head, confused. "What do you mean? You're fast now—if you were at that camp, you should've been a star!"
Flamebolt's jaw tightened. "I wasn't always this fast. Back then, I could barely get off the ground. I was the worst flier there."
Rainbow stared at him, disbelief written all over her face. "The worst? But… you're one of the fastest pegasi I've seen!"
"Yeah, well, it didn't come easy," Flamebolt replied, his voice laced with bitterness. "I had to push myself harder than anypony else. Every day, every night, I trained until I couldn't move. All because I was the joke of the camp—the weak one."
Rainbow Dash fell silent, feeling a pang of guilt. She had been at that camp too, and if she had known him then, maybe she could have helped. But she didn't, and hearing how much he struggled struck a chord with her.
"So, now you know," Flamebolt muttered, zipping ahead of her toward Ponyville. "Don't expect this to mean anything. I'm only telling you so you'll hold up your end of the deal."
Rainbow Dash watched him fly off, her heart heavy with the new understanding of his past. She would keep her promise, but now she realized there was much more to Flamebolt than she had originally thought. Shaking off her thoughts, she took off after him, determined to catch up.
(Ponyville)
The afternoon sun hung low in the sky as Flamebolt finished his weather duties for the day. Busting clouds, creating a few when necessary, and maintaining the skies had been easy enough. Rainbow Dash, trusting him to handle things, had already taken off for Cloudsdale to train with the Wonderbolts. Though she hadn't said much after showing him the ropes, he could tell there was something on her mind—probably what he had shared about the Junior Speedster Flight Camp. He figured she'd let it go for now, but knowing her, she was likely going to bring it up again at some point.
As for Flamebolt, he was just glad to be left alone. His work for the day was done, and now he had free time. He considered getting in some training, but his stomach had other plans. The rumbling in his gut made it clear he needed food—and soon.
He grimaced, realizing he hadn't had a proper meal in a while. "Guess I'll have to do this like in the old days," he muttered to himself, the thought of having to scrounge for food bringing back old habits he wasn't particularly proud of. "Hope I don't get caught. Last thing I need is to hear a lecture from that princess."
With his mind made up, he flew into town, scanning the restaurants and food carts from above. He hovered around, landing near a few places, hiding in the shadows to observe. He scoped out his options carefully, waiting for the right moment to make his move. The idea of stealing didn't sit well with him, but his pride wouldn't let him ask for help either. If he was going to eat, it'd have to be by his own means.
His heart began to race as he crouched behind a building near a café, preparing to make his move. But just as he was about to dart forward, something gleamed in the corner of his eye. He paused, glancing down to see a gold bit lying on the ground, half-buried in the dirt.
Flamebolt blinked, hardly believing his luck. He quickly looked around to make sure no pony was coming back for it, but it seemed to be a stroke of pure fortune. "Thank Celestia for that," he whispered, scooping up the bit with a grin. His heart rate slowed down as the tension faded. He didn't have to steal after all.
He wandered through the market, searching for the cheapest option. After a bit of looking, he found a small food cart selling daffodil sandwiches for one bit apiece. He bought one, thankful for the simple meal, and devoured it quickly. It wasn't much, but it was enough to keep him going for the time being.
"That's so much better than doing things the old way," he said with a sigh of relief. He was grateful that he didn't have to resort to desperate measures.
With his hunger satisfied, Flamebolt turned his thoughts to how he might spend the rest of the day. 'Maybe I can find a good spot to work out,' he mused, stretching his wings. He launched into the sky, heading toward the outskirts of town to search for a quiet place to train.
As he flew over Ponyville, he heard the distant sound of a school bell ringing. He looked down and spotted the small red-bricked building—the schoolhouse Scootaloo had mentioned to him before. 'Looks like school's out,' he thought, remembering his promise to check on the filly. 'Guess I should keep my word.'
Not wanting to draw attention to himself, Flamebolt landed on a cloud near the school. He crouched low, pressing himself into the fluffy surface so he wouldn't be noticed. From his hidden perch, he peeked down at the schoolyard, watching as fillies and colts began pouring out of the building. His sharp eyes scanned the crowd, looking for Scootaloo.
At first, he didn't spot her. The other Crusaders, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle, had already emerged and were chatting near the steps. But just as he began to wonder if he'd missed her, he saw the familiar orange filly walking out, her saddlebags slung over her back.
"There she is," he muttered to himself, pushing his cloud lower for a better view. He didn't want to get too close, but he leaned forward, listening in on the conversation.
(Crusader's View)
School had just let out, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders—Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo—were reunited and ready to tackle the rest of the day together. For the past week, they'd been playing it safe, staying away from their usual riskier adventures. Instead, they focused on milder activities in hopes of discovering their cutie marks.
Applebloom bounced with enthusiasm, leading the charge. "Well, Crusaders, it's another great day to find our cutie marks!" she cheered, her excitement contagious.
"Yeah!" Sweetie Belle echoed with a bright smile.
But Scootaloo, walking behind them, didn't seem as engaged. Her mind was elsewhere, and she lagged behind, her eyes distant as if she were deep in thought.
"Uh, Scootaloo?" Applebloom glanced back, noticing her friend's distraction. She trotted over and gave her a gentle tap on the shoulder. "You okay?"
Scootaloo blinked and snapped out of her daze. "Oh, right. Sorry, girls. I was thinking."
Sweetie Belle raised an eyebrow, exchanging a quick look with Apple Bloom. "You were thinking about Flamebolt again, weren't you?"
At the mention of his name, Scootaloo nodded, her expression softening. "Yeah... I've been trying to figure him out."
Apple Bloom tilted her head. "What do ya mean? He's the one who saved ya from those Timberwolves, right?"
Scootaloo nodded again, her gaze dropping to the ground. "I tried asking Granny Care-Care about him this morning, but she didn't really tell me much. Every time I brought him up, she'd change the subject or say it wasn't important."
(Earlier At The Orphanage)
As the warm rays of the morning sun bathed the small orphanage, its peaceful aura set the tone for another bustling day. Inside, the little ponies were finishing up breakfast, their soft chatter filling the cozy dining room. The older fillies and colts began to pack their school bags while the younger ones stayed behind to help Caring Heart with chores. Scootaloo had offered to lend a hoof, washing the dishes with Caring before heading off to school.
As the others left, and the dining room grew quieter, Scootaloo saw a perfect opportunity to ask the question that had been lingering in her mind. "Hey, Granny Care-Care, can I ask you something?"
Caring Heart, focused on scrubbing a plate, replied warmly, "Of course, Scootaloo. What's on your mind?"
Scootaloo hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath. "It's about Flamebolt..."
Caring's movements slowed at the mention of his name. She paused, a gentle sigh escaping her lips. "Oh... what about him, dear?"
"How long have you known him?" Scootaloo's curiosity was clear, her eyes searching Caring's face for answers.
Caring smiled softly, though there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. "A very long time, Scootaloo... longer than you might think."
Scootaloo's brow furrowed. "Really? But I've never heard you talk about him before. I even looked through all the old photos of the ponies you took care of, and I never saw one with him."
Caring Heart's shoulders sagged slightly, and she set down the plate she had been washing. "It's... complicated, sweetheart. A lot happened that makes it hard to talk about."
Scootaloo frowned, her heart heavy. "What happened?"
Caring shook her head gently, her expression turning more somber. "I don't think it's my place to say. It wouldn't be fair to him for me to tell you things he's not ready to talk about."
Scootaloo bit her lip, feeling a pang of guilt for pushing. "I'm sorry, Granny Care-Care. I didn't mean to bring up something hard for you."
Caring placed a comforting hoof under Scootaloo's chin, lifting her face gently. "It's alright, Scootaloo. Some things are just best left in the past... but let me ask you something. Why are you so interested in him?"
Scootaloo's ears drooped, her mind flashing back to the forest, to the way Flamebolt had saved her. "I just don't get him. Everypony kept saying he was mean and angry, but he didn't seem that way when he protected me. Sure, he's not the nicest all the time, but I could tell he's... hurt. He avoids talking about himself, and whenever I try to ask him anything, he just shuts down. But I see it in his eyes—there's so much pain there."
Caring's smile faded slightly, replaced with a more thoughtful expression. "Well, from what I remember, he never had many friends... if any at all."
Scootaloo's eyes widened. "No friends? Not even one?"
Caring nodded, her voice gentle but sad. "It was hard for him to fit in. He was different, and ponies didn't understand him. It broke my heart to see him so alone, but he never gave up. In that way, you remind me of him, you know."
Scootaloo's ears perked up. "I remind you of him?"
Caring chuckled softly. "Yes, dear. When he was your age, he was always determined. Even when things were tough, he found ways to stay positive."
"I remember him saying he couldn't fly when he was my age. Is that true?" Scootaloo asked, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and hope.
Caring nodded again, a small laugh escaping her lips. "Oh, it's true. While the other pegasi were flying circles around him, he couldn't even get off the ground. He was always so frustrated by it, but he never let it stop him."
"Wow..." Scootaloo's eyes widened with awe. "And now he's flying and even raced Rainbow Dash! That's amazing."
"He certainly worked hard for it," Caring replied, her smile returning, brighter now. "I always knew he had it in him. His determination carried him far."
Scootaloo's wings buzzed with excitement as she imagined asking Flamebolt for tips. "Do you think he'd give me advice on how to fly better?"
Caring Heart giggled at the filly's enthusiasm. "I'm sure he could teach you a thing or two. But you might want to wait until he's more comfortable opening up. He might need a little more time."
"Yeah... he's not big on talking, especially about himself. But I really hope he stays in Ponyville after he pays off his debt." Scootaloo's voice softened, a hint of longing in her words.
"We'll see, dear. Time will tell." Caring Heart glanced at the clock and gasped softly. "Oh my goodness, you better get going, or you'll be late for school!"
Scootaloo's eyes widened. "You're right! I gotta hurry, or Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle will think something's wrong!" She quickly grabbed her school supplies, ready to dash out the door.
Before she could leave, Caring Heart called out, stopping her in her tracks. "Scootaloo! If you happen to run into Flamebolt today, can you...?"
(Back To Present)
"And that's what she told me," Scootaloo finished, recounting the conversation to her friends.
"Well, at least we know something about him now," Sweetie Belle noted thoughtfully.
"Still, it's really sad to hear he never had any friends... Maybe we can help him out and be his first real friends!" Applebloom suggested brightly.
Scootaloo nodded, feeling a surge of determination. "Yeah, but it won't be easy. He's not the type to trust ponies easily. We'll have to really show him what friendship means—and we gotta find him first."
"Then it's settled!" Scootaloo declared, her voice strong with resolve. "Today, we're gonna find Flamebolt and show him what friendship is all about!"
"Yeah! Cutie Mark Crusaders, go!" Applebloom cheered, her enthusiasm echoed by Sweetie Belle.
Their excitement was cut short by a familiar, mocking voice. "Well, well, well, look who it is—the blank flanks at it again."
The trio turned to see two familiar earth pony fillies striding towards them: Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, both wearing their usual smug expressions.
Scootaloo narrowed her eyes. "What do you two want now?"
Diamond Tiara smirked. "Oh, we just wanted to check in on poor little orphan Scootaloo. Must have been so scary when you got attacked in the woods..."
"I'm fine," Scootaloo shot back. "And in case you didn't hear, my leg is all healed up."
"Well, that's nice," Diamond Tiara replied, her smirk widening. "But I bet your parents would have been worried sick... Oh wait, you don't have any, do you?"
Scootaloo felt the jab like a punch to the gut, her chest tightening as her friends stepped in front of her defensively.
"That's not funny!" Sweetie Belle snapped, her voice trembling with anger.
"Yeah, leave her alone!" Applebloom added, her eyes narrowing at the two bullies.
Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon exchanged a cruel laugh. "We're just stating the obvious," Silver Spoon added with a snicker. "It's not like anypony would notice if she didn't come back."
Scootaloo's heart ached, the words striking deeper than they knew. She could feel her eyes burning, her vision blurring as she tried to hold back her tears. She wanted to stay strong, but the constant reminder of her missing parents always hit harder than she'd like to admit.
Before she could fully process her emotions, a loud crash shook the ground behind them, sending a gust of wind through their manes. All eyes turned to see a shadowy figure emerging from the dust and debris—Flamebolt.
Scootaloo's heart skipped a beat, and she blinked through her tears. "F-Flamebolt...?"
Her friends looked just as surprised, but they could sense something dangerous simmering under the surface as Flamebolt's gaze locked onto the two bullies.
He was furious.
With deliberate steps, Flamebolt strode past the Crusaders, his body radiating an intensity that made even Scootaloo's friends uneasy. The closer he got to Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, the more their bravado faded.
Scootaloo tried to call out to Flamebolt, but he ignored her. He stopped in front of Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, towering over them. As a grown stallion, he seemed even more imposing compared to the two young fillies. His eyes were burning with barely contained rage, and his very presence made them tremble.
Diamond Tiara, for once, looked completely unsure of herself. She forced a smirk to cover her fear. "W-Who are you? Did the orphan get a bodyguard now?" Her voice wavered despite her attempt to sound confident.
Flamebolt's gaze darkened. He took a step closer, his voice low but seething with anger. "You think it's funny?"
Diamond Tiara blinked, confused. "W-what?"
"You think laughing at another pony's misfortune is some kind of game?" His voice had a dangerous edge that sent a shiver down their spines.
Silver Spoon nervously tried to speak, "W-we were just–"
"QUIET!" Flamebolt snapped, his voice booming. Everypony nearby jumped, startled by his sudden outburst. "You got a lot of nerve, treating her like that." He leaned in closer to the fillies, his face inches from theirs. "Do you think she wanted this? Do you think any pony chooses to have no parents? To wake up every day without the things everypony else takes for granted?"
Diamond Tiara, usually the boldest filly around, could barely whisper. "I... I didn't mean–"
"NO!" Flamebolt cut her off again, his voice dripping with fury. "Every day, those orphans wake up wondering why they got left behind, why they weren't wanted! How would you feel if you woke up and had no parents? Or better yet, if you were thrown away and forgotten?"
Ponies in the surrounding area started to murmur in concern, unsure what Flamebolt might do next. He didn't care. His rage was squarely focused on the two fillies in front of him. "Maybe I should toss you two into the Everfree Forest. See how you like it. I'm sure the Timberwolves would love to meet you."
Diamond Tiara's eyes widened in panic. "Y-you can't do that!" she stammered, desperate to regain control. "Do you have any idea who our parents are? What they'll do if you try to hurt us? My dad is the richest pony in Ponyville—he'll ruin you!"
But Flamebolt just chuckled darkly, stepping even closer. "You think I care about your rich, snobby parents? I've been through worse than anything they could throw at me."
Scootaloo and the other Crusaders looked on in stunned silence, watching Flamebolt tear into the two bullies like no one had ever done before. Scootaloo felt torn—grateful he was standing up for her, but also worried he was going too far.
"You think that makes you better than other ponies?" Flamebolt continued, his tone fierce and unrelenting. "The only reason you pick on others is because deep down, you're weak. It's pathetic. Even mocking them for not having their cutie marks? That just shows how sad your life really is."
He jabbed a hoof at Silver Spoon's cutie mark. "What's so special about that? A spoon? Impressive." Then he turned his gaze to Diamond Tiara, who was visibly shaking. He grabbed the tiara off her head and flung it to the ground. "And you," he snarled, "with your precious little crown—what does it stand for? Some fake sense of importance?"
Diamond Tiara gasped, "My tiara! Give it back!"
Ignoring her cries, Flamebolt raised his hoof and, with a heavy slam, crushed the tiara under his hoof, smashing it into pieces. "Consider this a warning," he growled. "If I ever see you harassing her or anypony else again, I'll do a lot worse than destroy some cheap jewelry."
Both fillies were trembling, their eyes wide with fear as tears welled up in Diamond Tiara's eyes. Silver Spoon tried to comfort her, but the two fillies quickly scurried away, yelling that they would tell their parents.
Flamebolt straightened up, glaring at the other ponies who had gathered to watch. A few looked like they were ready to intervene, but after seeing him smash the tiara, they quickly backed off, not wanting to provoke him further.
As Flamebolt finally took a deep breath, his anger simmered down. He turned back toward the Crusaders, who were still huddled together, watching him with wide eyes. His voice was calm but firm now. "They won't bother you anymore."
Applebloom was the first to speak, still shaken by what just happened. "Don't ya think that was a bit... much? You didn't have to scare 'em like that."
Flamebolt met her gaze with a raised eyebrow. "If you want a bully to stop, you give them something to be afraid of. Make sure they think twice before doing it again."
"But... smashing her tiara?" Sweetie Belle said, her voice soft but concerned. "That was a little harsh."
Flamebolt shrugged, his tone indifferent. "She's rich. She'll cry for five minutes, then her daddy will get her a new one. Problem solved."
He turned to Scootaloo, who had wiped away her tears but still looked shaken. "You alright, kid?"
Scootaloo nodded, her voice a bit hoarse from crying. "Yeah... I'm okay. Thanks."
Flamebolt softened slightly at her response. "You're gonna have to deal with bullies like that all your life. Don't let ponies like them get to you. You're better than that."
Scootaloo nodded again, a flicker of resolve in her eyes. "I won't."
The Crusaders exchanged glances, the tension finally easing. As they stood up, they noticed everypony else had dispersed, leaving them alone with Flamebolt.
"Where did you come from?" Sweetie Belle asked, curiosity getting the better of her.
Flamebolt pointed up toward the sky. "I was on a cloud, keeping an eye on things. When I saw those two giving you trouble, I figured it was time to step in."
Applebloom frowned, still worried. "Aren't ya scared you'll get in trouble? Diamond Tiara's dad, Filthy Rich, is pretty powerful here in Ponyville."
Flamebolt shrugged again, unfazed. "Not really. If her daddy wants to complain, let him. That princess of yours can handle it."
"But—" Applebloom started to protest again.
"Look, I don't care about any of this," Flamebolt cut her off, his patience wearing thin. "I'm only in town to pay off my debt. Once that's done, you won't have to deal with me ever again."
He turned away, stretching his wings and preparing to take off. "Go do whatever Crusader thing you do. I've got things to do."
"Flamebolt, wait!" Scootaloo suddenly called out, causing him to pause mid-takeoff. "Could you... take me back to the orphanage? Granny Care-Care asked me to bring you by."
Sweetie Belle was about to remind Scootaloo of their earlier plans but got cut off by Flamebolt's sigh of resignation. "Alright, fine. I'll take you back."
Scootaloo smiled, grateful. "Thanks, Flamebolt. Sorry, girls, but I'll meet you at Rarity's when I'm done."
The Crusaders agreed, albeit a bit puzzled by Scootaloo's sudden change in plans, and waved her off. Flamebolt crouched down to let Scootaloo hop onto his back, then, with a strong flap of his wings, they shot into the sky.
For the first few moments, they flew in silence, with Scootaloo holding on tightly. But something was nagging at her, something she needed to get off her chest. "Flamebolt?"
"Yeah?" he replied, not turning to look at her, his focus on the path ahead.
"I... I talked to Granny Care-Care about you," Scootaloo admitted, her voice hesitant. "She told me a little about your past."
Flamebolt clenched his jaw, his frustration bubbling up again, but the wind and the rush of flight helped him stay calm. "So now you're prying into my past too?"
"I-I'm sorry!" Scootaloo blurted out. "I didn't mean to! I was just curious, and Caring Heart seemed so happy since you came back, I wanted to know why..."
Flamebolt sighed heavily. "You're really making this day just perfect, aren't you?"
"I'm really sorry," Scootaloo repeated, her ears flattening in guilt. "It's just... ever since you came back, Granny Care-Care has been so much happier. She's been singing, humming... I've never seen her like this. And she says it's because of you."
Flamebolt's eyes flickered with something—concern, guilt, maybe both. "She... wasn't like that before?"
Scootaloo shook her head. "No. She's always been kind, but... it was like something was missing. Like her heart was broken, and nothing could fix it."
A minute of silence passed between them. Flamebolt flew on, his expression unreadable, but inside, the guilt weighed heavy on him. He thought back to his conversation with Caring Heart at the hospital and how much she'd missed him. After a long pause, he finally spoke.
"Alright, kid," he muttered. "I'll tell you one thing about me."
Scootaloo's ears perked up. "Really?"
"But you better not tell anypony else," Flamebolt warned her. "I don't want this getting around."
"I Pinkie Promise! Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!" Scootaloo said quickly, making the accompanying gestures.
He had no idea what that meant, but she seemed serious enough. "Alright. When I was your age, I had a dream. I wanted to be a Wonderbolt."
Scootaloo's eyes widened. "You wanted to be a Wonderbolt? That's the same dream as Rainbow Dash!"
"Had the same dream," he corrected her, his tone bitter. "Not anymore."
"What happened?" Scootaloo asked, her excitement giving way to concern.
"One of the Wonderbolts—somepony I looked up to—was hiding a secret. A big one. When I tried to tell everypony the truth, they didn't believe me. Instead, they accused me of trying to ruin the Wonderbolts' reputation. They banned me. Permanently."
Scootaloo gasped. "You're banned from becoming a Wonderbolt?!"
"The worst part," Flamebolt continued, his voice tightening with anger, "was that the pony who did it? One of my role models. Turns out they were just a fraud."
"But... Rainbow Dash," Scootaloo said, confused. "She's in the reserves! She's so close to becoming a full Wonderbolt! How can you say it's all a lie?"
Flamebolt sighed again. "I'm not going to ruin it for her. If she wants to be a Wonderbolt, that's her choice. But I saw what I saw, and I can't respect them anymore. At least one of us can keep that dream alive."
Scootaloo felt her heart ache for him. "Flamebolt..."
"That's all you're getting from me," he said, his voice firm but softer now. "So quit digging into my life."
"I promise I won't say anything," Scootaloo said quietly. She hugged him from behind, her little hooves wrapping around his neck. "Thanks... for telling me."
For a moment, Flamebolt felt something strange—something warm. Maybe it was just the sun on his coat, or maybe it was something else. Either way, he didn't hate it.
Before long, they reached the orphanage. Flamebolt landed softly in front of the worn-down building. The wood was chipped, and nails stuck out in places, but the playground behind it was still full of life, the laughter of children echoing from inside the gate.
"This is home, huh?" Flamebolt asked, looking around.
"Yup!" Scootaloo hopped off his back, grinning. "Everypony's probably inside by now."
As they approached the door, it opened to reveal Caring Heart. She looked like she was about to run some errands, with a saddlebag draped over her back and a small list in her hoof. She barely glanced up from it before Scootaloo called out.
"Granny Care-Care! Look who came to visit!"
Caring Heart looked up, her eyes lighting up the moment she saw Flamebolt. Her smile was warm and genuine, spreading quickly across her face. "Flamebolt! Oh, I'm so glad you stopped by."