"Don't Let Her Down"

by Ian 'Shade' Key

  For now, no cloud dared show itself in Ponyville. The summer's heat had thoroughly asserted itself into the lives of creatures big and small. Bees buzzed in pursuit of their honey, birds sang their songs of companionship that defied any need of rhyme and rhythm that ponies could make out. The enthusiasm of youth had infectiously carried over into the minds and rooms of open-windowed houses and streets rife with lush flowers and bright fruit that begged to be tasted. These busyings of life were the familiarities attributed to peace and quiet, and yet they were audible all around.

  They rang with the need to be heard and cried with the promise to do more; make more of the day and chase this lengthy spell of sunlight all the way to its eventual brief retreat. For after all, every wave of warmth would find itself broken on life's coasts, and rain would prove as necessary as heat. It was the curiosity of the incomplete that drove the town's denizens onward, ever questing to learn of treasures new and old, or divine in whatever manner available to them what exactly was their place in this grand scheme of bright green hedgerows and sienna barks. And to the curious, one such tree presently lured with the sounds of laughter and mischief - components at least as infectious as their own youthful bounce. It was indeed the town's library treehouse, appropriate to knowledge and secret.

  "Stop showing off!" Twilight Sparkle giggled as Rainbow tossed up Professor Truffle Hood's Guide to Mycology, two complete writings on palaeontology, and even a verbose tome written by one Maneutia: masterpony of grammar. Here they were; those tireless minds - researchers of craft and idea - juggled shamelessly by the pegasus who now stretched her wings towards a corner shelf to toss up an extra pair of encyclopaedias, the whole display like a stage act at a carnival. 
  "No way, not when I'm this close to beating your record!"
  "Yes way, Rainbow, don't you know my record's about reading the books?"
  "You juggle your words your way, I'll do it mine!"
  Hopping over to the desk next to her, she effortlessly threw the books safely into their homes as a more urgent matter came to her. One that, for now, postponed this inevitable victory. She turned to the scholarly unicorn and pointed at the lofty row just above it with a questing hoof. 
  "Have you got any more Daring Do yet?"
  Twilight laughed softly, "I told you I'll get it the moment it arrives! Just one more week!"
  At this, Rainbow laughed with urgent beats of her wings, making a promise of her own. 
  "I'll help you next time you need to organise this place again.
  "This time without the hilarious.. whatever you called it!"
  "Misfiling," Twilight giggled, knowing that this offer was more than generous, thinking of all the ladder climbing and magic use she'd save by having a strong, swift pegasus taking care of all the upper shelves in the lofty library chambers. 
  
  "Coach Rainbow Dash! Coach Rainbow Dash!" squealed a raspy, excited voice as its accompanying little pony stormed into Twilight's study, flapping her wings with matching enthusiasm.
  "Coach Rainbow Dash?" repeated Twilight in perplexity, turning the title into a question. 
  "Oh, of course!" Rainbow muttered as she explained, "you're looking at this here filly's cutie mark coach! 'you ready, squirt?"
  "I'm always ready!" Scootaloo affirmed, taking out a small figurine from her saddle bag. 
  Although her mane was rugged and messy - no doubt from playing out in the park with her friends - it was clear that she had prepared herself well for this occasion. In fact, she had found herself unable to avoid yearning for it several times on each day leading up to this; she had suffered through the season's final classes that were not anything even remotely related to this miracle: Dash was going to hang out with her and she was going to get her cutie mark! It's a good thing she told her fellow Cutie Mark Crusaders about this well in advance. Soon they would have had a whole week to have adjusted to it. Actually, it was Sweetie Belle who had suggested she should make something for her coach to thank her, before Apple Bloom quickly gave her the perfect idea. Such was the method of how Scootaloo handled this intense excitement, the additional nervous cheer balancing her impatient anticipation as best it could. 
  Hopping close to Dash, she presented the tiny, painted piece. Rainbow looked at it curiously, in wonder of what exactly it was that she held in her hooves. She examined the blue, unevenly shaped wood and the glittering pieces of string that were haphazardly attached. 
  "Ah, it's me.." she muttered, taken aback by the unexpected gesture, "and what's the.. uhm.. orange ball?" 
  "That's me!" Scootaloo explained, "it's for when we're flying together! Just like when we did through the Everfree Forest!"
  "Of course, of course, how could I forget? You screamed for me to put you down at least, what, thirty times?"
  "Did not!" Scootaloo pouted as Twilight blushed, stepping towards Rainbow as she asked Scootaloo, "can I have a little word with your.. err.. coach for a second?" 
  Scootaloo nodded, "sure Twilight, but don't forget that I'm the pony getting her cutie mark tonight!
  "I'll be downstairs!" she added, slipping outside after descending the ladder to the library's ground floor in but a single leap.
  
  "Wow, she's awfully certain she'll get that cutie mark."
  "She knows who she's putting her trust in all right, I'll say that," replied Rainbow with a short laugh, trying to find a place to put the figurine - any place.
  "She's pretty excited about you too. Don't you think she's looking up to you a bit too much?"
  "I didn't ask for.. gifts, Twilight, but I'm not going to let her down."
  At this she simply stared, amazed.  
  "Remarkable! How did she manage to earn your respect so quickly? Didn't you say she was basically pestering you all the time and never giving you any peace?"
  "Well.. she is spirited, all right," Dash laughed in embarrassment, rolling her eyes as she considered. Why indeed did she not resent this more than she did? It's true that to be constantly reminded of one's own abilities was hardly a punishment, but she could easily do without all the youthful bouncing, cheering, and harassment. Couldn't she?
  "Of course she is just a little filly.."
  "She seems to think it might be a bit more than that," suggested Twilight astutely.
  "What do you mean by that?" Rainbow thought aloud, absolutely in the dark as to where her friend was going with this as she remembered she was supposed to be downstairs.
  "Just that it might be a bit unfair to her when she's thinking so highly of you," warned Twilight.
  Dash stopped herself from replying that said little filly was a lot tougher than she looked. In fact, maybe this was why she had agreed to spend time with her at all. There was something about teaching her that had unlocked in her a feeling she didn't expect. Whether or not this was temporary she did not know, but she could hardly urge herself to not spend time with her at all. Indeed, she had to keep herself from agreeing to this little training session too easily. This too she did not fully comprehend. She had already learned that passing on a skill was in many ways more exhilarating than using it herself, so why would this be any different? In the seasons she's been captain of Ponyville's weather team she's instructed quite the gathering of pegasi, but rarely was it more than simply her duty or, perhaps, a chance to show those ponies who's in charge. In fact, it must have involved a dash of curiosity that had drawn her to spend time with Scootaloo beyond that which was strictly necessary. 
  Twilight Sparkle scanned her face as she knew there was something her friend wasn't telling her, and they broke the silence almost simultaneously as she reminded her, "well, tell her I said good -"
  "I'd better get to it!"
  At this they both chuckled, Dash finishing Twilight's request, "good luck. Of course, I'll tell her!"

  Her promise to Twilight Sparkle had not been insincere. There was no way Rainbow was going to disappoint her: this filly was going to get her cutie mark really soon now, she could feel it. There was something about the way she dedicated herself that reminded her of her own self when she was her age. True, she would not be beating through the sky anytime soon, but that too was inevitable.

  "Squirt -
  "Err.. Scoots: are you ready for your cutie mark?"
  "Yes Coach Rainbow Dash, yes!"
  "Then let's get you dressed!" 
  At this, she tossed a little box in front of the cheering filly, who wasted no time in ripping the wrapping to shreds as her teeth tore their way through. Her eyes wide with wonder, she stammered, her mouth open for at least a full second before she even spoke. 
  "What is it for?"
  "Normally," Dash started, "normally I'd have gotten a full suit, but we're not going to waste any time!"
  Scootaloo could barely hear her, which was indeed a first (at least from so close a distance), her thoughts swimming in delirium as she unravelled the scarf in her hooves. It was blue and yellow, which she instantly recognised as the motif of the Wonderbolts. This must've been something that she herself had used! It was unthinkable even now, on such a momentous day, that she'd get such a personal, important artefact from her. She leaped right up, nosing Dash's cheek thankfully as she squealed "Thank you Rainbow Dash!" at least twenty times.
  "Okay, okay.." muttered Rainbow, gently pushing Scootaloo back as she lead her under a secluded patch of clouds. Deftly leaping up and reaching with a hoof, she pulled down a tiny cloud for them to sit on, only a few centimetres above the grassy grounds.

  "Now, first things first; I know you're sure you're getting your cutie mark today, but remember: even if you don't, don't be disappointed."
  "I won't be disappointed!" Scootaloo responded simply, "because I'm getting that cutie mark!"
  Wrapping the scarf snugly around her neck, she eyed the cloud she sat on curiously.
  "That would be the best, I don't have time for extra lessons! Tomorrow's the Wonderbolts show, and after that there's going to be a big storm for me to cook up."
  "Wow, the Wonderbolts!" remarked Scootaloo, "I bet that'll be amazing!"
  "Yes, of course," muttered Rainbow, who, in fact, hadn't given it as much thought as she probably should have.
  "So, you might be wondering what occasion exactly you are dressed for..
  "I know that you were probably thinking you'd be doing a couple of games, exercises, work-outs, but I've given this a lot of thought." 
  Scootaloo looked expectantly at Rainbow, who cast her eyes to the sky above them as she continued. 
  "After careful study of your situation I've come to the conclusion that what you need to get your cutie mark is to be.."
  "Yes? Yes?" Scootaloo quested impatiently, quivering in anticipation of that ultimate solution as Rainbow finished, 
  "..faster!"
  And so they took off, Dash dragging that cloud behind her as she motioned to hold on. Scootaloo squeaked in wonder as she quickly seized Rainbow's tail with her teeth. How obvious it was. Why hadn't she thought of this herself? The cool wind in her mane, the adrenalin; it was thrilling beyond compare, and indeed so compelling that she barely had time to consider all of its joys. After all, this could only build up to her getting her cutie mark! Powering up speed like this was not possible for ordinary ponies - not even pegasi - it was a true credit to Dash's determination that this was made possible for her. Her stomach shook violently, her entire body feeling like a bullet shot forth, now inexorable on completing its single mission through the sky, all around her flashes of trees and houses racing by that she could barely pay any heed, forced to focus all her energy on holding on as best she could. The power that had built up inside her was now so insistent that she knew something was coming; a force as undeniable as thunder after seeing its trademark flash surging down towards the land - her cutie mark? This was unbelievable -
  The moment Scootaloo gagged and snatched Dash's tail with her hooves, Dash looked back in surprise, already stepping back her accelerative resolve as she sensed what had just happened. No way were they breaking the speed of sound and crashing into the clouds with this filly's breakfast all over herself - nopony could possibly get her cutie mark in such a manner. She pulled the breaks and caught Scootaloo as best she could, not wanting to upset her body any more than necessary.

  Scootaloo stammered, mumbling feebly as she tried to remember where she was. The clouds that had urged past were not the ones moving; it was she who had been cast forward in such unwavering speed and then stopped short just as suddenly. She held on to Dash's tail in search for comfort as she looked about her dumbly, not fully aware which way was up as still the sky seemed to be moving all around her. What went wrong?
  "Uhh.. squirt, easy now.."
  Dash had tried to comfort the girl as best she could, but really, she was quickly reminded that this was not her turf by any stretch of the imagination. Helplessly she fell to simply putting her hooves around her, the rush in her own body apparent as she awkwardly trembled against the little filly, who truly had her fur smattered with bits and pieces of pie. Gross. She could actually tell it was cherry pie, smelling more sour than ever.

  *  *  *

  A good night's rest was all that Scootaloo needed, but her body had quickly adjusted to what she still craved. She didn't get her cutie mark. It was as if it had been dangled in front of her and always kept but a wing beat away, her pursuit completely beside the fact that it would always remain beyond her desperate reach. Bemused, she found herself at the Cutie Mark Crusaders clubhouse, hardly capable of knowing how she got there. Where was Rainbow Dash?
 
  "Are you okay, Scootaloo?" Apple Bloom asked, "you look like you're still sick."
  "Sick with disappointment," pouted Scootaloo as she threw herself on the floor, "that did not go as well as I thought it would."
  "Maybe you'll get your cutie mark another way?"
  It was a dream that was finally revealed to be what it was: impossible. If not even Rainbow could get her her cutie mark, she was a hopeless case. In fact, it was still true that her coach had the solution in her hooves. After all, she had studied the matter and couldn't possibly have been wrong; she both knew her and had put her trust in her, something no other pony of her ability could claim.
  "I failed her," Scootaloo concluded. In the warmth of the afternoon, Apple Bloom's suggestion remained far from her thoughts as her friends looked at her helplessly. "I'm a failure."
  "That's not true!" 
  "You're good at so many things!" Sweetie Belle added hopefully.
  
  Like Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle wanted badly to cheer her friend up. If there was an adversary that had reared its ugly head; if there was homework largely unfinished; if there was a clear way to help Scootaloo she wouldn't hesitate to leap to it. Both of them could recall vividly the many times when they had stood up for one another; when they had proven how interminable their friendship was. If they could just get her to join in on today's crusading; could just get her outside, that frown would surely be turned upside down, or at the very least forgotten for a while. But Scootaloo was unconvinced. She looked up and said simply, 
  "I wasn't good enough to let Rainbow Dash get me my cutie mark! I must be the only pegasus that gets air sick." 
  At this, Apple Bloom looked puzzled.
  "Let her get your cutie mark? That don't sound right."
  "It's the way it is," Scootaloo muttered, feebly hoofing at the floor.
  "Do you have a crush on her?" Sweetie Belle wondered aloud, using a word she heard her sister Rarity say on a couple of occasions.
  "No," she replied, quickly adding, "what's a 'crush'?" as images of crushed fruit suddenly filled her head; Rainbow Dash with splashes of apple all over her. She giggled.
  "It's when you really like somepony and always want to be with them," Sweetie Belle explained.
  "Oh." Scootaloo looked up, "then yeah, I guess so."
  "Then let's get you going!" Apple Bloom decided, not without wondering what all this crush business was about.
  "Where?" Scootaloo wondered, "she's off to see the Wonderbolts show today."

  There was a new emotion that had welled up inside her: though her desire remained, it lacked the hope - the knowing - that it would ever be fulfilled. What good were all the days in the world, if she would have had them at her disposal, if the best efforts she could manage would be in vain? She would be a blank flank living out her time in some sort of hut in the woods somewhere, chewing wood and juggling apples - crushed or not - or something ridiculous like that. And how then, could she face her? Again her thoughts turned to that majestic pony; a surge of radiant blue that would tunnel through her thoughts just as effervescent as she'd oft speed across the sky. And with it at once returned her energy, realizing there was something she could do; there was still time.
  "I've got an idea!" she declared as she leapt to her hooves and looked back at her friends with a glare of mischief.
  "Are you with me girls?"

  *  *  *

  A day just for herself spent with her lifelong heroes in the finest coliseum Cloudsdale had to offer. First row seats soft as ever, a pack of hay fries at her side. The gentle breeze blowing in her mane and nopony in Equestria expecting any work from her today at all. And yet she wasn't pumped with adrenalin; wasn't thrilled out of her wits. It puzzled her something fierce. Why wasn't she happier? Was the now that lay before her not the only moment of value? It promised to be the greatest air show of their entire tour - for some reason they always saved up an extra little special something for their last few dates. Would Soarin' couple his double spin with a reverse-gale somersault? It would be such a natural inclusion to that routine. She had greatly anticipated this day for months.. until about a week ago. What changed? Her thoughts immediately turned to Scootaloo, that spirited little filly. It almost felt like she was letting her down just by not pursuing that cutie mark quest with her. Twilight had not been wrong; she had been placed on a pedestal that not even she could live up to. 

  The announcer hummed into the microphone and spoke promises in an enthusiastic manner that she instinctively blocked out, her eyes instead idly wandering off to the sky as the trumpeting of horns roared from the stage. It was vexing: was she responsible for her failure now? Was this now her problem? If it was it would give her even more reason to be angry with her. She could hardly take the filly by the scruff of the neck and force that cutie mark onto her flank, now could she? No, this problem would persist and buzz at her side until it was resolved or she severed all ties. Even that thought made her feel guilty, but why?
  "Good evening Cloudsdale, I see you're about ready but we still need about half an hour to flex our wings. But oh how I promise you you're in for a treat!"
  Her eyes flashed to the cloud tuft podium. It was none other than Spitfire who spoke in that characteristic, raspy tone; her voice booming through the coliseum and building momentum with each word, beguiling the crowd as if she were indeed already performing, her mannerism relaxed yet full of life. But now the Wonderbolts' captain checked herself, as if recalling something else that needed announcing. 
  "Oh, one more thing:
  "Is your best young flyer; the inimitable Rainbow Dash in the audience? Your presence is kindly requested backstage!"
  She could barely believe those words. She was talking about her! Forgetting her snacks she flapped past the surrounding ponies and wiggled her way towards the back of the stage, where a large tent had been pitched that towered up high towards the lower pillars of the coliseum. The thick fabric lined with glittering gold and silver, crested with the Wonderbolts' classic winged thunderbolt logo. Quickly she caught up with Spitfire who was about to slip inside. 
  "Wait up!"
  Her head turned expectantly, her mane swaying to the side.
  "Hey Rainbow Dash! It must be nice to know ponies in high places!"
  "Hey!" she answered hurriedly, both a little embarrassed and curious what she meant. She stammered as she added, "yeah, I guess.."
  "Why, if I knew the princess I'd see about getting us some royal catering or something!"
  Dash nodded slowly as she scratched the back of her neck, completely confused but not wanting to ruin this unexpected pleasure as she added a quick laugh. 
  "Of course!"
  "Well, let's show you around then!"

  She had always wondered how the Wonderbolts had prepared for a big air show such as the one they were about to give. Were they free-flying, warming up meticulously, or just sitting back with a mug of cider talking casually (and what would they be talking about?). Did they rehearse their full act? Much to her surprise their preparations were not completely uniform. All around pegasi were flapping, the upper reaches of the tent being filled with rings and clouds, which saw ponies flying through and around them guily. Some wore their Wonderbolts uniform, and others just had their trademark goggles on. Others still were sitting comfortably on a cloud, chatting at ease. If there was any nervous tension, they didn't let it show. In fact, they barely paid them any heed as Spitfire strolled to one side, noting Rainbow's amazement.
  "Not what you were expecting, huh?"
  She laughed, adding, "we've already done all the real preparation, this is all just for up here." pointing to the side of her head as she explained.
  "You don't need to practice?" Dash asked in awe, following Spitfire closely.
  "Hey, we've been doing this for years. If we're going to mess it up it's too late to stop it now."
  This made sense somehow.
  There was Soarin' in the corner, his wings fully stretched and flapping ever so slowly. His captain smiled. 
  "Feathers all loose, Soarin'?"
  He looked up, focus written all over his face.
  "Almost."

  Strolling on they almost were full-circle, and Dash suddenly wondered why Spitfire herself wasn't engaged in anything. Was she showing her around instead of tending to her own intended warm-up routine?
  "Don't you have to get ready in some way?"
  Spitfire laughed, "me? Not for what I'm doing today.. my wings know what they have to do."
  In barrelled a suited-up pegasus with a whirling silver mane, flipping to his right while tunnelling through the air above them, his movement smooth and precise; every flap of his wings exactly covering the right distance as he sped to his intended target, landing effortlessly with a satisfying, airy pomf! as the cloud released misty strands of azure.
  "Save something for the show, Wind Streak!" Spitfire laughed.
  "Wow! That was amazing!" Dash commented.
  "It's why I do it, you know?
  "To be as perfect as you can be, and to feel that perfection drive you and give you ever more air to soar into; never stopping in the pursuit."
  Dash listened intently as Spitfire spoke, the use of the second person presenting the intended philosophic air. This sounded familiar, yet she hadn't worded it as such herself. She had always felt the thrill of speed draw her in, setting her entire scene. Surrendering to that pull was the most outrageous, exciting, unbelievable thing in life. And yet, she had never really given it much thought. This talk of perfection was almost foreign to her.
  "This is all so awesome!"
  "I know," laughed Spitfire, "but don't let it fool you. It's a lot of work to be part of a larger whole; a perfection greater than yourself."
  At this Rainbow felt startled, still finding herself exposed to a chiefly unexplored part of her desires. Undaunted, Spitfire went on:
  "Getting used to that discipline is worth it though; life's too short to go it alone."
  
  She paused briefly on her way back to the entrance of the tent, looking at Dash, who was trying hard to grasp what she had been told.
  "I'm only telling you all this because I could see it at the Young Flyer Competition: you've got potential, and maybe you'll want to join us some day."
  Dash's heart stopped, her mouth hanging open in awe. The way she said that was promising nothing less than an invitation, to be safely delivered to her door some time not too far off. Her eyes watered up as the years gone by seemed to flash past her once more. In years of longing dreams she had imagined to hold a place in that poster above her bed, a poster that had hung there for so long now that it had gotten loose around the edges. Years of powering through the sky, a slave to her need to soar as rapidly as she could. And now her wish had been granted - her dream and her very being were part of the same memories; the same future.
  Again Spitfire laughed, enjoying the effect.
  "Well, we've got a show to do. I'll catch you later!"
  Remembering something, she took a scroll from the counter, tossing aside somepony's goggles to unearth it.
  "I was telling the truth: you've got some ponies in high places. Somepony's really looking out for you."
  As she read the parchment she had tossed her way she could scarcely believe it. The past twenty or so minutes had indeed been a whirlwind of wonder spent among the clouds, but this took her right down to reality. Before her was the most clumsily written letter she had ever seen. In fact, it was even worse than the letters she had written to the princess the past year. Crudely, it had requested for her own invitation backstage. It didn't take her more than a second to realize who's writing this was. Blushing, she stammered, "I don't understand.. if you knew it was a fake why did you go along with this?"
  At this Spitfire chuckled, confessing, "maybe I liked seeing you squirm." 
  Elbowing her in the side playfully, she added, "besides, you were here anyway."
  Nodding in half-understanding, Dash smiled in an awkward manner far more gratifying than any amount of squirming or embarrassed wiggling could manage and trotted off. She was too excited to even thank her for the free tour - which actually had delighted Spitfire even more - and managed only to mutter something about her really going to enjoy this show.

  That she would enjoy it more than any other show she had seen - surpassing even her first - was already clear to her. Memories of that experience surfaced as the Wonderbolts had begun their first act, making for the pillars that towered high above the cheering crowd with such speed and grace, and they became superimposed over those memories, though those were seen through the eyes of but a young filly, visions of a world that should in most ways be completely different. The amount of wonder however had remained unchanged as they flipped downward, descending in an interwoven pattern; pegasi zigzagging past each other like lines on a painting in progress, a masterpiece that was made by a dozen likeminded master painters. She knew she could enjoy this even more than she did now, or ever did, and now she understood why - she finally grasped what was missing; it was not any form of guilt, or any question that needed answering, or any problem that needed solving. She smiled as a tear rolled down her face, completely in awe of the perfection in front of her, and the promises that it held for her - it was something simpler than all that. Like a new room appearing in the house she had lived in all her life, her mind turned to Scootaloo as all the ponies around her were going wild at Soarin's effortless somersault burrowed into the gale that pulled at his tail. She went wild in her own way; so in awe that her hooves were stayed, her voice kept from assertion. She wanted to share this, all of this.

  *  *  *

  Another day having passed may have helped ease things for Scootaloo. It wasn't a conscious decision to have made peace with the blank reality, yet her priorities had shifted. It all started with that letter and the relief it brought. Was it a punishable offence to impersonate a royal Canterlot guard with the aid of two other fillies and a blanket? Although she might not have her failure undone, Dash would at least see her determination through her actions. That she could never be denied, and it was the only thing she was left with; the thing she clutched with all her hooves.

  She had a dream that night where Dash forgave her. At first she had been angry with her, but at length, when Scootaloo had declared that having a cutie mark was worthless, and that she'd only want Dash's mark anyway, it turned to a form of oppressive pity. The truth was that even in her subconscious musings she knew that this wondrously streaked lightning cloud was for Rainbow Dash alone. She had earned it; she alone had the dare and the do for that one. After that she had ventured into the sugar sprinkle sand of a candy beach, where the pie lobsters moaned horrifyingly and sang songs about salt water showers that defied their very existence. It was a dream, after all.

  Today too she would go crusading, but she wasn't doing it to get her cutie mark - for how could she? It wasn't even an outcome at all considered. Yet the flowers bloomed, the wind blew their scents far and wide, and the sweet shops were still open for business. And her friends were going to get their cutie marks - today or another - and she would be there by their side. As she rode through the park, Sweetie Belle holding her tight, her wings propelled them toward Sweet Apple Acres at a casual pace. There was no way her friend would've agreed to this otherwise. 
  "Do you think you could.. slow down?" Sweetie Belle whimpered.
  "Even more? We'll never get there!" Scootaloo commented as her friend clasped her hooves around her excitedly.
  But slow down she did. They didn't have far to go, and she decided she might as well park her scooter at the fence posts that announced the Apple family's land. Sweetie Belle sighed with relief as she got off.
  "Phew! We made it!" 
  "Of course we did!" 
  Scootaloo rolled her eyes and then wondered aloud, "do you think we'll be in trouble?"
  Sweetie Belle considered, walking casually along the farm as she weighed the matter carefully. Several bumblebees buzzed at the pink and orange papavers at the edge of the farm, passing by the ponies labourously. Further off in the distance rang the shrieking calls of a family of bluejays.
  "Maybe. But they'll understand, won't they?"
  "Hey, I asked you!" Scootaloo shot back, not without a hint of irritation.
  She too thought for a while as they covered the short distance to Apple Bloom's house. Of all the trouble she had ever gotten into no lark had seemed more potent than this, yet she knew she had done far worse. Had she never been held truly accountable for her actions? It was as if an unseen weight had been added to everything. At last she concluded, "we should probably stay away from the library for a while."
  
  Staying away from the library might've been easy enough, but they could hardly stop the library from coming to them. There, on the porch of the farmhouse sat Applejack and Twilight Sparkle, a jug of applejuice propped on the wicker table in front of them. While Twilight leaned back, book in hoof, Applejack looked out across the lands, her stoic gaze meeting distant clouds of grey on the horizon in a manner not too dissimilar to a vigilant guardspony watching for danger in a time of peace.
  "Uh oh," muttered Scootaloo, immediately cursing herself for not having considered a more secretive way of entry.
  "There you are!" Applejack declared, Twilight looking up at the sudden notice.
  "Apple Bloom!" she continued, shouting loudly for her sister, "your friends are here!"
  Embarrassedly, the two fillies looked around them, as if there was respite to be found in the pebbles and grass on the farm's ground. Twilight however, had not spoken yet. Did she not know they had tricked Spike into sending that letter in name of the princess? Or was she just silently prolonging the torture? If that was indeed the case, she was doing an excellent job. Certainly if she intended to lecture them she wasn't going to be rushed. Noisily Apple Bloom raced down the stairs and hopped out to meet them, a bundle of rope in her mouth. Glad to be given the chance of distraction, Sweetie Belle looked at her curiously.
  "Hey Apple Bloom, what's the rope for?"
  "It's to get our cutie marks of course!" Apple Bloom replied matter-of-factly, her voice muffled.
  "Let's go then!" Scootaloo said hurriedly, turning to the other ponies, "bye Twilight, bye Applejack!"
  "Have fun girls!" Applejack replied with a wave of her hoof. Twilight spoke up as well, just as the three crusaders turned to run off, "and don't worry! Apple Bloom and Spike told me everything!"
  Wondering what exactly they had told her, Scootaloo looked up at her with both relief and confusion. 
  "They did?"
  "Yes! Just come to me next time, okay? It's wrong to fool another pony.. or dragon!"
  
  As they made their way to the other side of town, past the busier streets with their restaurants and shops, Scootaloo finally put the question to Apple Bloom, who was more than happy to explain.
  "I just told her you have a crush on Rainbow Dash and she understood."
  "Just like that?" Scootaloo asked in amazement. Was that all it took to get off the hook? This was something to keep in mind.
  "Wow, that's pretty amazing." echoed Sweetie Belle.

  Though lacking the air of mystique that Scootaloo's supposed crush had, the Cutie Mark Crusaders' rope venture was no less amazing, if for entirely the wrong reasons. As she had rightly predicted, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were no expert lasso throwers, as with fits of giggles the girls threw loops of rope at each other, on several occasions a filly getting tied up by her own cast. When Scootaloo found herself somehow tied to a tree, Sweetie Belle couldn't help but laugh.
  "I'm not even going to check my flank!"
  "Why didn't we just do this at the farm, Apple Bloom?" Scootaloo wondered, giggling helplessly.
  "What? No way am I going to embarrass myself in front of my sister! She's way too good at this sort of stuff!"
  "She could've tied us all up and saved us the trouble!" Sweetie Belle concluded, hysterical with laughter.
  
  Apple Bloom felt particularly inspired that day and had a couple more suggestions. First they stared at the rope, trying desperately to make it move - without actually touching it. No matter how pleading, demanding, or humble Sweetie Belle sang, or how hard they put their mind to it, they were forced to move on in defeat, again being reduced to helpless giggles. The inevitable tug-of-war turned out to be an even match between Scootaloo and Apple Bloom, with Sweetie Belle acting the very astute referee, who indeed declared it to be a tie, to which Apple Bloom noted that they knew all about those.

  It was when they had tied the rope between two trees and Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom tried walking across it that it occurred again to Scootaloo how futile it was. She herself could easily do better than stumbling to the ground time and time again, and it would hardly get her her cutie mark. Neither of her two friends were even remotely good at this rope business, or most of the other things they went specifically out of their way for each day. When they looked at her expectantly she put the matter to them.
  "Let's face it, we're no good at ropes."
  "I bet you could make it across!" Sweetie Belle assured, confidence strong in her voice.
  Scootaloo looked at it with a calculative eye and concluded, "maybe, but I'm not sure I even want a rope on my flank anyway."
  "Foiled again!" Apple Bloom pouted, finally accepting defeat.
  "Yeah, I guess we're not cut out to be lariateers." added Sweetie Belle.
  "What are you, a dictionary?"
  They laughed at the remark, but Scootaloo had not been fully distracted from her troubled thoughts. She had wanted her friends to succeed, for they at least could still earn their marks. But Apple Bloom would not be a lasso master, nor would Sweetie Belle become tightrope walker extraordinaire. Their skills lay elsewhere. But who was she to question their resolve? Though it made little sense to her now, they did not call it a hidden talent for nothing, and who knew what sort of wonderful cutie marks they'd receive if they but stayed the course like she herself had always felt it right to do? She felt like she had given up too soon and was being dishonest with her friends in the process, for she was not any more mature, clever, or wise than they were. If only she could try harder.

  "Aren't you going to take shelter from the rain?"
  They hadn't noticed Rainbow Dash soaring by above, looking down at them from over a cloud.
  "Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo declared simply.
  Dash giggled, enjoying her impressive entrance even more now. The skies didn't show any signs of changing weather but it was true that she had announced a storm. Scootaloo's friends looked around themselves warily, as if already finding places to take cover.
  "Aren't you supposed to be making a storm then?" asked Apple Bloom astutely.
  "Yeah, yeah, in just a minute," Dash said as she rolled on her back, leisurely waving a hoof as if to say that all would happen in due time. Satisfied, she eyed Scootaloo and added, "I just came by to give this pony her scarf back."
  She tossed the flashing yellow-blue scarf down, it falling from the skies like a divine gift. Scootaloo stared in awe. Had she gone all the way to return it? She had assumed she'd never see it again, which would've been only fair. Catching it in her hooves she looked down, stammering, "I.. I don't deserve it.. I failed you."
  More than anything, Dash had wanted to say that it was she who had failed. She had not just brought about great disappointment, but she had also let her take the blame all on herself, where she knew it was often not the student but the teacher's fault when a lesson was not learned. But she couldn't, could she? She looked at the filly, who even now seemed to be fighting the approaching tears, seeing with new eyes just how much she was being idolised. This wasn't any simple impression she had made over time; it was straight up devotion. 
  Filled with doubt she looked into those expectant eyes, still frustrated with her dilemma: if she'd reveal herself to her, how much of that devotion would remain? But no, there was something she wanted more now than affirmation of her unrivalled ability, and again it was the call to action that won out over meticulous consideration. She wanted her to feel better. Whatever it would take, she would battle back those tears before they would come. She jumped off her cloud and flew down with just a few casual flaps, turning to Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom.
  "Mind if I borrow this crusader for the evening?"
  Neither had even the time to object as the older pony offered to said crusader, "would you like to see the storm being made?"
  "Would I?" muttered Scootaloo in awe. It was true that her worries had not suddenly disappeared, but these were matters that belonged to the ground she would, for now, leave below her. She looked to the sky above, her mouth open as she finished Dash's sentence in her head.

  "Would you like to see the storm being made.. with me?"

  As if there was anything more important to be done in the world! The concept was so outrageous that she giggled, quickly rubbing her eyes.
  "Better put that on then, it gets a little cold where we're going!"
  And so she tied the clean and dry scarf around her neck, feeling far more comfortable and fluffy than any rope, and turned to say goodbye to her friends. Suddenly she felt guilty, for how could she abandon them like so? But as quickly as it had come it was taken away, as she could see in their eyes that they weren't disappointed at all. Tomorrow would bring them their cutie marks, somehow, and more, much more than that: they were happy for her.
  "Tell us all about it tomorrow, Scootaloo!" Apple Bloom demanded.
  "Have fun!" Sweetie Belle said, quickly throwing in a wink that must've had a hidden meaning that no other pony could understand.

  *  *  *

  When Scootaloo had first caught sight of Rainbow Dash, in what seemed now to be eternities ago, she had felt a shiver. It was like a small shake before the earthquakes that would forever alter the face of the ground: enough to warn somepony on some level of the arrival of something big, even though they had not the experience to know what it was. Days passed before her mind had seized the full grace of that streak of rainbow that she saw racing across town; the question of who or what this was needed time to form itself in her young mind. But ask it she did. Slowly at first, with a hint of nonchalance, as if she was learning to speak; curious of the very sound of her own voice. But after she had gotten comfortable with it, she could not resist chasing anypony who knew even the slightest bit about her. 
  She quickly learned that no question she could ask would bring the true answers any closer; this pegasus was of the clouds, huge and out of reach. 
  She wasn't stupid. No pony could always get what she wanted, yet she felt that she had to try; had to believe, as though she had promised Rainbow Dash herself; had made her promise to her.
  Who would have given her a chance but her friends? Mocked was her journey; mocked by the laughs of the schoolfillies who did not want another's success flashed in front of them - even if just imagined, and - far worse, certainly - by the well-meaning advice of those more learned than she. Yet the traveller had reached the skies that none but she must've comprehended. Her insight had been underestimated - most significantly so by herself. If she would be forced to ever return, she would have that trophy to prove her efforts were not in vain; her struggle not a folly's chase. She still could not understand why she had been given that scarf; did not understand why Dash had thought her worthy of it. Why would she even make a point of it to another pony but the Cutie Mark Crusaders? The very idea would tarnish that which seemed to her should remain indestructible forever; should remain her secret prize.

  She already knew that soaring through the clouds with Rainbow Dash was a thrill beyond compare; already she knew of the wind, the change in air pressure; the swift passing of clouds and trees. She had even already known what it was like to sit on her back, her hooves clutching around her strong neck. Yet this ascension, though lacking the length that her expedition out of the Everfree Forest had, was the greatest yet, for the time they'd spend together was entirely by Rainbow's will. This time there was no need to bring her home safe, or save her from terrible giant owls intent on munching on her nose. The flight was its own reason. She unfolded her wings to match Dash's spread, the wind coursing along her feathers filling her stomach with such simple and abundant joy. Maybe she wasn't such a bad pony to be around after all. As if sensing her thoughts, Dash eased her down right next to a pillared cloud path and looked at her.
  "I have to thank you for what you did."
  "You.. are thanking.. me?" Scootaloo stammered.
  "Thanks to you I got to hang out with the Wonderbolts," Dash explained, now wondering just how thankful she should be. Why was she being so conscious of such a simple matter? But was it even a simple matter? If she wasn't allowed backstage, would Spitfire even have remembered her later on? Would she had received that glorious promise? Of course: she was memorable, and this was nothing short of her self-earned destiny, but she wouldn't have been as aware of it as she was now. She owed her. It was she who had learned, and she would make good on her debt. There was so much that she would show her.

  "I thought you might be mad at me," Scootaloo admitted, airing the worry that had come to her after acting on her impulsive plot. 
  They said nothing more as they now strolled at ease across the skyward steps, Rainbow leading them across a rainbow bridge to a small palace with spiralling pillars towering high above them, circled by gold-coated steps. Where exactly they reached could not be seen, and Scootaloo wondered if this was her house. It was she that broke the silence.
  "You know, for getting in your way."
  "What?" Rainbow wondered, before realizing Scootaloo was finishing her confession. Her thoughts went back to the Everfree forest, where she had truly met Scootaloo. Then too, the young filly was filled with doubt; a doubt she found oddly familiar. At first it was the disconcerting part of a greater nuisance that had no right to make any demands of her, but did so all the same with impressive persistence. But something had changed in Rainbow. Now the desire to make that doubt go and replace it with confidence was never far away, and seeing her happy made her grin with accomplishment not too dissimilar to the relief that succeeds the eventual victory of a long race.
  "You can get in my way any time," Rainbow joked, forgetting herself. She instantly wished she could take that sappy quip back and replace it with something cooler. She had a reputation to live up to, after all. But Scootaloo was warmed by the invitation: did Rainbow Dash just say that she was indeed a welcome addition to her life? That she had not been out of line but, rather, that she should do it again if given a similar chance? No scolding, no lectures.. just the plain truth that this was all right? So she was thankful of something she had done, of that there was no doubt now, and yet she could hardly believe it. Her smile widened as she wondered what other amazing things she would see today.
  
  "This is where we keep the storm clouds," Dash explained. "Definitely not a place to live," Scootaloo thought to herself as she stared in awe. Stacks of black and grey clouds floated around below the arches of the interior hallway, now and then a flash of light surging across one or another as she followed them upward with her gaze, noticing the classic cloud patterns on the stained glass windows that loomed far above her. Leading the way cautiously, Rainbow warned, "don't touch them, of course, we don't want you to get hurt." 
  Was she now reduced to some wimpy weakling? She felt angry with herself, mostly because she knew it wasn't the little filly's fault. She had merely revealed these anxieties in her, but what they meant she still didn't quite understand. She decided that for now, she should just focus on making sure Scootaloo doesn't electrocute herself. What she would do to herself if she somehow got hurt - ah, there she went again..
  "Do you leave them here to build up power or something?" Scootaloo wondered, staring wide-eyed at all the fluffy masses of cloud humming ominously around her.
  "We kick the ones who got enough sunlight and then haul them here and wait 'till they're ripe." 
  That made sense. 
  Onward she lead her to another hallway beyond the cloud storage, where Scootaloo saw several other pegasi flying this way and that, busy carrying clouds as they zipped along the colonnade. One or two cast them an attentive glance despite their minds being on the job at hoof. Rainbow flew to a small pool of shimmering grey - bright light surfacing intermittently through its dark waters - and dipped in a hoof, retrieving a flashy lightning bolt. 
  "Once the cloud has enough rain and sunlight, and it's ready for thunder, we just need to put in the lightning. Want to see?"
  Scootaloo nodded, spellbound. Dash grinned as she squeezed it inside the waiting cloud and shook her hoof around, seeming to be so meticulous about it that it suggested to her that shaking too much would make it explode, and not shaking it enough would mean there not coming a storm out of it.
  
  She had felt inspired. The weather immediately meant more to her than ever before. It wasn't just a condition that determined whether she'd need to drink more water, or got mud in her mane when she scooted across town. Deep inside her she knew why. A true interest in it couldn't have been given in any other way; no lesson at school could've had such an unexpected impact on her, not even if she had been given such a glimpse as she had now in watching the lightning resonate inside the cloud - tremors escaping it that spelled out more pressure than such a small, fluffy mass should be able to contain. It was made important solely by virtue of it being a part of Rainbow Dash's life.
  "I'll show you more later when the whole supply is ready. Tomorrow maybe?" and she had tossed the cloud to the waiting hooves of a passing stallion pegasus, who deftly caught it and brought it back to the other side of the weather temple.
   
  Dash skipped along the clouds above the temple, looking over her shoulder with a grin that dared Scootaloo to try and keep up. Giggling and doing her best to match her speed, she followed Dash to a little platform from where they could look down and see all of Ponyville. Here they fell to enjoying the view. Peering down leisurely they could see all of the vast stretches of farmland belonging to Sweet Apple Acres, with its far reaching fields of apple trees and red stables new and old. Next to it lay the Everfree Forest, which she'd rather not revisit any time soon. And, if she squinted, she could make out the school yard, just abandoned for summer break.
  "I wish I could show Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom! This is amazing."
  "It's pretty cool," Dash admitted, adding, "though I watched you on your scooter this morning."
  Scootaloo was puzzled, wondering how this could be related, but more so she was flattered.
  "You were watching me?"
  "Well, I happened to see you," Dash mumbled awkwardly, hoping that this would be a satisfactory answer. Just in case, she explained, "you've got moves."
  This was like a dream coming true within an already unbelievable dream. But she was awake, and nothing could take this from her. If she'd do nothing further of consequence in her life she could still claim this. She stared and fell to stammering, not knowing what to say, the very thought of simply saying thanks not even occurring to her. Moves. Rainbow Dash had said she had moves!
  "Don't let it get to you!" Dash warned, laughing, and feeling the urge to hold her close to her and give her a firm squeeze.. an urge she felt she needed to resist even now. It was a difficult balance to maintain. She was succeeding in making her feel better, surely, and indeed she seemed suitably distracted and spirited, but how long would her ability to have such an effect last if she would give all this affection and praise? She had to be careful.
  "Let's get a bite to eat."

  Being told that she had some leftovers from yesterday's take-away was a promise that at long last that fabled mansion-castle would be within her sight, appropriately at the far end of the cloudy lane marked by swirling posts of unpolished marble. It was certainly a lofty castle to the young filly's eyes, anyway. The darkness had even reached them up here, and further off pegasi were putting dark clouds in place. It was a good pouring down, but nothing compared to what would come later. Up where they were it was moist, but of course they were above the rainfall itself, and yet the sound of the water falling down invited the idea of taking refuge. And she would get to see Rainbow's house! Though she had always fought for the grand privilege to be close to her, she had never allowed herself the day dream of such magnitude. She barely had kept hold of the sense to step inside and not make too much of a fool of herself.

  Inside what must be her living room posters of the Wonderbolts decorated the walls, a big banner hanging over a spiral-glyphed window like the herald of the future. Verily, these ornaments cast the coloured glass view with a mysterious bluish violet light; one that she, at a later time, might have ascribed to a poetic connection between dream and reality. It was remarkably spacious though, leaving plenty of room to fly around - or hop, as she herself was now content with, excitedly pointing out the sights as if Rainbow had not been surrounded by them for years. Dash didn't speak, preferring to silently revel in the effect her house had on Scootaloo. Particularly, she marvelled at the collection of Wonderbolts toys that stemmed from Dash's foalhood, but were now displayed like monuments; reminders of the values that were important to her hero.
  "My bedroom's up there, why don't you take a look while I fetch us some of that salad?"
  She needn't have said anything more, for Scootaloo already hopped up the stairs with anticipation, skipping the even steps. 
  Dash's eyes however, shot to a curious package that had been dropped off next to the front door. "Smells like muffins again," Dash remarked to herself as she opened the box. She was greeted by a letter:

   Dear Rainbow Dash,

    It seems you forgot something in my library. This is really important to her, and you should really keep a hold of it, 
  even if just for her. She really thinks the world of you, you know.
  
  Your friend,
  Twilight Sparkle

  Underneath it was the figurine she had been given two days before. How could she have forgotten about it? As she thoughtfully placed it beside the collection of Wonderbolts miniatures a fresh air of peace came to her. She mused on how easy some things could be. True, she already lived that most of the time, but she'd not attributed such thought to it before. You forget about something special and a friend will show you the way. You doubt yourself and you just let go. If only that young filly could see it like that. You want a cutie mark and you just take a deep breath and do what you're good at. She looked at the ceiling as if she'd be able to look right through it and will that wisdom straight into her.

  Scootaloo hopped about the bedroom, circling around the tall pillars and hopping on the cloud bed. To think that this fluffy expanse was where she slept every night. Flinging herself on there once more, to remind herself that she was indeed awake, she wondered, a happy sigh escaping her. Things were hardly hopeless; it was as if Rainbow Dash's energy was now flowing through her, its potency stronger than ever. It reminded her of the dream she had the night before. It was comforting enough that at least Rainbow Dash knew who she was, and so long as she would be near her that would be enough. As she perused the stack of books on her night stand her ears turned to the rainy night below her. Would she get to spend the night here? Hopping over to the other side of the bed she sighed once more, imagining the possibility; she could then, in that magical night, ask to sleep next to this very bed. She eyed the marble floor dreamily.
  "Enjoying yourself?" 
  Dash had flown up the stairs with two bowls of seasoned tomato-flower salad, and had spoken with a hint of amusement that was infectious beyond resistance.
  "Yes, Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo said, unable to hide her admiration.

  Scootaloo had taken off her scarf carefully, folding it safely beside her with an air of ritual import and they had eaten hungrily, not wasting any time in getting food in, for their days had been full of tasks of both physical demand and recurring ponder. Satisfied, they lay back on Dash's cloud bed, looking up at the high ceiling, which was filled with purple swirling wind patterns that gradually moved to smooth sky blues. Scootaloo indeed now thought of nothing but being in Rainbow's company - again she had come to her rescue! Was there nothing she could not do? What did her failures, problems, or otherwise even amount to, if in her presence they were cast aside as insignificant hurdles? They would be resolved, or remain as unresolvable as they were. Feeling cozy and happy she again listened to the tapping of the raindrops on their way down towards Ponyville and pushed her face against Rainbow's chest comfortably, her breathing now so at ease and relaxed that Rainbow felt unsure how to reciprocate. 

  When she had brought the sick filly to Applejack's she had done so in part because this was a responsibility she was not equal to. Though she took pride in the myriad of skills she possessed, she was not blind to her weaknesses. She was not a learned unicorn like Twilight, nor could she chain words together like Pinkie. But now there was nowhere else to go. The urge came to her to tell her all that happened yesterday, and how truly thankful she was. Twilight's words rang in her mind like the echoes of the past few weeks' events had kept surging through her; it was now her mission to live up to those expectations. But that in itself was not enough. The desire to open up, to share exactly who this girl was admiring was overpowering. More than that, she wanted to show her that she herself was special, that the kindness and spirit she had was, to her, equal to none she had seen. There was one way to be free of that constant need to check her status, to maintain that curious balance; to keep her here in this state of bliss, a bliss that latched onto her like indeed it had been her own.

  It wasn't an option she was truly aware of, for already she had let go, doubt being no longer a part of her pose. She had put her hooves around the filly and nibbled her ear sweetly, leaving no room for any second-guessing. Scootaloo gasped. The planets stopped; the only gravity the pull of Rainbow's advance, genuinely caring about her; wanting to be with her. Panting softly, Dash whispered into that ear,
  "Believe me.. you are so cool."
  Scootaloo shivered as she felt Dash's strong, resilient breathing reach her in waves of wonder, culminating like electricity gathering in a storm. But now she was the cloud, brought closer to the nexus with every second; leaping steadily towards its climax, one promise following another without any hint of it proceeding otherwise. She didn't understand, and yet she could do nothing but simply let it happen, it being completely irrelevant what it meant or why - why this happened to her of all ponies. Though she couldn't believe it, she could feel, hear, smell that Rainbow did; she believed in her; she thought she was cool. Even now, as Dash pressed against her and clasped her hooves around her tummy ever-so gently she could see her eyes, though hers were closed. Those sharp eyes that sparkled with action would surely see that unexpected fulfilment. Even her backside was valuable, being pressed against warm and snug, causing Scootaloo to whimper, completely beside herself with overwhelming joy.
  "Say I'm yours, Rainbow Dash.."
  She couldn't help herself. It wasn't just that to make her hers was the next logical step, no, it was now a matter of necessity. From that first nibble that seemed timeless stretches ago to the gentle pushes against her rump - a declaration of true desire she was now urgently expressing, her heart beating vital and rapid as the rain. This must've been the way. She felt all of that delicate beauty wriggle under her, filled with brazen spirit, each squirming little shiver compelling her to feel more of her. Higher in the air than they already were they shared that anticipation: it was right there that the sky must've split, the storm being a sweet cauldron of surrender and the immediate relief that came with it. These fancies of flight had been building up inside them for years, not until this very moment showing themselves for what they were: pressing speed that could lead up into this togetherness, this understanding; this release that made worthwhile the very tribulations of life that completed them. For all life was now was rubbing against her filly - her filly.
  "Scootaloo.." 
  She couldn't have said more if she even felt it necessary to speak. Though she had felt the urge to bury herself closer, ever closer, violently taking her in full if she could but find the means - not stopping for anything - she also felt another urge outside of any knowledge of what she experienced - a stronger urge. This young filly's sensitivities were felt with every urging tremble, every thrust, never before being so close to somepony beside herself; so close that her admiration, desire, and hope could be touched, irrevocably insisting herself against her body as she truly grasped just how happy this girl really made her. 

  As Dash licked her cheek, Scootaloo felt the unexplainable warmth moisten her behind, seeming to liquefy all of her. Still she was that vaporous cloud, now cast away on her journey across the skies, on an adventure that beat fast in her heart and fluttered mysteriously in her belly, and she needed only to keep herself anchored safely in Rainbow's bed and trust in her determined, splendourous vigour to get there - there, wherever they would go. Instinctively her tail had found its way beside Dash's chest just as her wings spread against that assuring stomach, and oh, did she feel Dash's hot, satisfied presses; her quivering being like the warmest tide coming ashore; expected and yet no less wondrous. To be enclosed by her smooth wings; to be safe beyond any care was a thrill so intense that she was barely aware of Dash's increase in pace - her closeness being the only meter she paid heed - but her build-up was a part of her now, streaming into her like syrup. As the larger pegasus fell to excitedly repeating her name - a name that seemed to spell a new kind of meaning - she had felt every measure of tension and desire meet her own, making her whimper Rainbow's name in turn as she realized it was she herself who helped weave this unsurpassable strength. Her cheek was licked, her ear nibbled, her tummy held to her in a fixture of unbridled joy; she was hers - there was no question - and nothing would take that from her; nothing in all of Equestria and beyond could take from her the news: Dash was her hero now. Those quick, panting breaths they drew were all the proof that would ever be needed. 

  Her realness was unfolded in a single motion, each consequent repetition a new, sweeter retelling of the same unbelievable story, told faster and with more punch than before; its smell more demanding; the smooth, warm moisture between them a stronger catalyst than any for Dash to push against her shared privacy and Scootaloo to squeal in tandem, pushing Dash even further - past what she knew to be capable of - in her will to fill them both with ecstasy and chase the rising feeling that appeared in her tummy. And as she panted in exertion, pitifully joining her friend's whimpers, their raspy exchange of hotly repeated names came with the cadence of an energy hereto unknown to them; together they were more full of zest than they could ever have been alone. Scootaloo deserved all the impact and each begged, wild push she had to offer, never before having used her powerful muscles in such fixed control; soaring and flying faster, stopping and starting without going a distance beyond who was right there against her - each thorough, swift, driving thrust that edged further kept her girl right where she belonged; reeling her closer into her implacable triumph. With half-shut eyes she saw how pretty this filly was; she heard her excited, questioning squeak meet her expressive gasp and smelled her intoxicating curiosity everywhere. Beyond that she felt it: Scootaloo had tasted her; her lightning storm - the most impressive storm she had ever created - and her hindlegs were put to the task of continuing to squeeze out every thunderous enchantment her body could offer them. 
  They flapped their wings together tumultuously, Scootaloo feeling Dash's saliva dribbling down her cheek as she kissed her; the assuring heat pushed into her making her feel yet more afloat despite bracing herself on the cloud bed with demanding urge. That excited, physical pressure only made her feel more free, the knowledge that this was where she truly belonged so thoroughly embedded into her despite her bewilderment. They shook and shivered against each other as Dash paced herself, nothing to her now feeling more rewarding and inviting than to press warmly against her so naturally, to feel her in full abandon, to keep her here in her bed all through the night. It was a seamless becoming that would hold its power even in sleep. 

  *  *  *

  When Scootaloo finally woke, the warmth around her reminded her that nothing had changed. How could she have thought of that moment when she was close to being torn to shreds by huge sooty owls, or have fretted hopelessly about her future? Her vitality was neither ending nor endless. As Rainbow had dashed in to save her, and even stooped down to share her time with her, so too had she kept her safe throughout the night. It was that safety that made her feel more thrilled to be alive than anything, and as she had swam in it so it had flown effortlessly into the liberty that came with being desired beyond any further expectation of her besides simply continuing to be who she was. 

  Dash was already awake, her hooves firmly clasped around her. She wondered for how long she must've been looking at her face, and blushed, embarrassed. There was no hurry in her eyes, and it must've been the most sedate she had ever seen her.
  "Good morning, Scoots," she said dreamily. 
  To think that she seemed to respect her as much as she did! It was strange, perhaps even questionable, but her trust had not been misplaced. Indeed, to have felt the way she did was testament to that. She had held her comfortingly with each thrust and each exchanged shiver. As feathers flew and they had followed that emotional experiment to its mysterious conclusion; a commitment beyond the need for understanding. 
  Together they had inched towards it only half-aware, sensing only the tension that would lead them somewhere. Perhaps this was Sweetie Belle's wink. Perhaps it was the reason why Apple Bloom got Scootaloo out of trouble so easily, or perhaps it was nothing more than the natural urges of the two pegasi, confident in one another's crossing paths to have room for the other. Everything seemed simpler now. Her memory an unbroken chain of overwhelming sensations, she breathed nervously.
  "Rainbow Dash.." 
  A name spoken with even more wonder than before, assuring Dash that no mistake was made - though she hadn't once felt anything but success; each breath coming in exactly the right place; each utterance no longer or shorter than it was supposed to be. She knew now that she would share her life with her, and she would do everything in her power to let her know. It was she that had been admired all along, she had just shown less of herself than she had now. But Scootaloo had already demonstrated that her devotion was not blind; that she was too sharp for that. She had seen more than just her skill each time she had flown through the sky; more than her calm and resilience in her pursuit of this life's bounty. Just considering these matters made her see herself in a new light. No, it was she herself that had been the matter of doubt all along: all this showing off and careful hesitation, it could hardly keep her back any longer. Her desires were too strong to allow any more question, and that much was now proven irreversible. She needed to kiss this girl for more reasons than she'd care to consider.

  But their journey was not over. The things they would learn about themselves and each other would continue to amaze, assure, and thrill them. And Dash would explore the full potential of their bodies, every intimate experiment being like a new world found in a distant galaxy. In Cloudsdale's arcades they would work out and tackle the rings or ropes, Scootaloo being every bit the nimble pony as Dash would hold her up, suspending her in the air as she flapped for all she was worth. And then, when she expected it the least, Dash would find a way to make her feel just as treasured and connected to her as she did on that adventurous night with just the right touch of her dextrous hooves or desiring tongue.

  On cold nights, Dash would hold her with the promise of comfort for as long as she needed it of her, causing Scootaloo to snuggle all the more closely as Dash passed on to her the love of reading (initially Rainbow had insisted on reading her all of the Daring Do series before she would open the new release together). But also there appeared curious days where it was Scootaloo who initiated adventure, taking great pride in leading Dash near the Crusaders' club house to undertake whatever wild scheme had come to her. And though many a time the older pegasus had felt silly immersing herself in the filly's games, it never felt awkward or not worth her while, and whenever she played with her she did so without a care about what anypony might think of her. (Truth be told those who valued her enough to notice only admired her more.) Indeed, when she had flown around her spontaneously invented Mysterious Zebra Dance in misshapen circles; when they slid down the clubhouse's rickety roof together, and even when she joined the full ensemble of Crusaders in exploring the depths of the town well she had come away with a sense of having discovered something valuable, even if most of the time it revolved around admiring Scootaloo's growing confidence.

  There was always the promise of another adventure bounding in around the corner; of things they could do that they had never considered before. Some were as thoroughly mundane as a tea party on invitation of Sweetie Belle, while others were as daring as a quest for lost treasure outside the very borders of Equestria. And although it was clear, certainly at first, who was the leader and who the follower, the company they shared was ever of mutual inspiration. As such they'd pursue these journeys as a real team flying, speeding, criss-crossing from one curious experience to the next. And as for the things Dash showed Scootaloo about herself? These discoveries would never find room for question. She had but to look in those fiery magenta eyes to see she would always be able to count on her. And Rainbow Dash in turn relied on her much more than she ever relied on anypony, such was their respect.

  For it was on that stormy morning that, as she lead Scootaloo to the edge of the cloudy lane around her home that she said, uncharacteristically cryptic, "the urge to go, be released, is in you too. I know that."
  Her mind turned to Spitfire's philosophy of wanting to be part of the perfection, that perfection she had spoken of with word and action - that desire was the skill the flashy captain drew on more than muscle or knowledge. Dash knew that the two of them were drawn by that same urge; an urge that could not possibly be contained or held back by any force in Equestria. They had only to give in to it, as she herself had surrendered to it long ago, and as she had again the night before. As if culminating to its natural conclusion, an unexpected impulse overcame her and she had scarcely time to warn her friend with a softly spoken "don't worry" before she shoved her off the cloud.

  The words slipped past her, and again the sky moved, but her confidence in Dash could not be quenched by anything now - not after having found this belonging. Indeed she felt she was still in its wake; still under its dreamy spell. But where would it take her now? The clouds raced by as her speed increased and she was hurled towards the rainy field below by a force she could not fight - an unstoppable element of magnetic immediacy. She screamed in alarm, the excitement building inside her stomach like a train speeding forward far off the tracks, heedless of its lack of proper placement. 
  "Help!!"
  But Dash could not help; there was something of a trust in her that she had not felt toward the filly before, but was now undeniable. She could see her potential as clearly as she could see her own, perhaps more so. Uncaged by the trials of evaluation and calculation, unburdened by the daily quests to keep that personal confidence safe against disappointment, doubt, and the ponies that would not grant her the light of success, she saw only the to-be fulfilled dreams and hopes of the little pony that was tumbling beside her, her life energy fighting that downward pull as she circled around her. She called out to her sharply.
  "Don't let me down!"
  Scootaloo felt an insistent comfort in seeing Dash around her, though it was strange that although she was there, she, her hero, she did not reach out a hoof, or ready herself to catch her. Even as her thoughts were filled with the immediate reality - gravity, the sky, falling, the ground - she felt her confidence reach her and ripple along her skin and feathers. Where did this trust come from? But she knew things, like she had demonstrated she knew all the important things day in, day out. Was she still up there in the sky, sharing her cloud bed?
  The vertigo was like an arrow intent on its target, but she herself still felt able to move. She felt that excitement in her stomach get the better of her panic; she had control. She spread her wings and felt the ground approach, now mere meters away from her. It echoed in her head as if it had been chanted to her for ages.

 "Don't let me down!"

  Relinquishing conscious thought, she closed her eyes, still seeing Rainbow Dash's soaring colours in the sky even now. She bit her lip and reached out with her hoof, flapping her wings wildly to grasp the air that surged up from under her, water droplets flying everywhere. Whilst in a single vertical flip she spun sideways, easing the wind into smaller packets, intent only on following this one movement to its completion and feeling the expected force meet her adjustments as if she could enjoy nothing else. It was as if she was riding her scooter on a crazy spring day, a day that demanded of her only the wildest jumps and spins, and it were these that were required now, making her twirl her tail behind her to maintain her backward salto that sliced the air around her as if it was she that had commanded the forces of nature; not she herself who was subject to them.

  She had looked about herself, bemused, not considering anything beyond that fluid spin. She had reached the ground. Immediately Dash was upon her, running her hoof through her mane with pride.
  "Did you see that, Scoots? That was totally awesome!"
  She had not seen it, but she was aware that it had happened. She hadn't even thrown up or anything disgusting like that. Her heart's beat slowed down as she caught her breath. It didn't feel like anything awesome - surely not as awesome as the things Rainbow Dash had done on a daily basis - but there was something else that did occur to her; she had done what she could do. Indeed it had been no different than her ordinary fare, she had simply carried it out in unexpected circumstance, listening only to her instincts to survive; to do what she would. And it was exciting, no doubt about that. She licked Dash's face happily, her cheeks tasting sweeter than the best candy. To be held by her now seemed to add a mysterious significance to it; a significance beyond escaping a dangerous fall or performing a feat of agility. That confidence that had been placed in her suggested that there wasn't even a chance of failure; that encouraging request made by her as they piloted toward the ground a catalyst to simply do; she had made her believe she could do it, and more so that it mattered - that she mattered.

  She smiled with wide eyes as Dash had held her close in the pouring rain, the rewarding touch sailing her into calmer seas despite the distant rumbling of thunder as she saw Dash admiring her body. She had felt it much like her confidence in her had carried over to her as she sped to the ground, and how the joy taken from her presence had transferred into her own electric pleasure the night before, now surging together as if they were in full gallop - a movement in close, breathtaking unison. Dash grinned, her voice a mixture of pride and mischief, as she pointed with her hoof.
  "You've got a little something on your flank."