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Learning to Soar

by TheGreatEater

Chapter 6: ... and Choose

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... and Choose

It was the following day, and Pinkie Pie took one of her rare few days off of work. While the Cake's were worried about her, having learned long ago that when she was visibly deflated it was a sign that things were going south for the filly they cared about. But she assured them that everything was going to be ok, and she just was having an off day. So with the day off to gather her erratic thoughts she decided to make her first stop of the day to be to speak with Rainbow Dash and Cloud Kicker.


She hadn't had spent as much time with Cloud Kicker as she'd like but she knew she was a very serious pony in her own way, even if she didn't have a stable relationship, she was a good pranking buddy when Dashie was to busy with her stunts, and most of all those she cared about she was fiercely protective of. Even if they weren't related to her by blood. She knew that Dizty Do, Flutters, Dashie and her were big friends in flight school, and if she was friends with that group she had to be a good pony. But Pinkie Pie had a Pinkie Promise to keep, and she had to be sure of what was going to happen. Especially since her Pinkie Sense told her that somepony was going to be getting sad news today, and with her mind being preoccupied with Scootaloo she determined that it had to be about her.


Usually she would bounce along the streets, but today she slunk through the shadows using her Pinkie sense to avoid being seen as she made her way to Rainbow Dash. She was so down that she didn't even take the short cuts that she'd usually take to arrive on Dash's doorstep, or behind her mane, or through Dash's left earlobe. Even though it was the most hilarious one Pinkie wasn't feeling much like playing around right now. In fact she was feeling decidedly unPinkielike today.


It seemed like forever but she eventually saw Rainbow Dash sitting under a tree, with huge bags under her eyes. Slumping down next to her she got the first word in, "Hey Dashie, have you figured what you're going to do with Scootaloo?" She asked in a soft voice barely over a whisper.


"You're starting to sound like Fluttershy. But yeah," She said a note of sadness woven through her voice, "I'm going to have to find a place for her. I thought about it I really did Pinks, and it's just not safe for her to be with me. My lifestyle is to dangerous, my place is to foal unfriendly, and I ... I just can't. Does that make me a horrible pony?"


"You aren't horrible Dashie. I mean it's better that at least you aren't doing it for selfish reasons, but because you care about her. That's makes you a good pony, I'm just worried about her."


"Yeah, what was that about last night? Are you alright?" Rainbow asked placing a comforting hoof on Pinkie's shoulder, she had only seen Pinkie Pie like this once before and she really didn't want one of her friends to lock herself away again having in depth conversations with inanimate objects.


"Well ... you remember my story on my Cutie Mark?" She said shrugging off Rainbow Dash's hoof.


"Of course you told it too us when the Crusader's were asking about everyone's cutie marks."


"Well there's a little bit more to it than that. You see after the party my parents tried everything to get my cutie mark to go away short of ripping it off. Saying it was something that no self, respecting earth pony would ever have. And that my Special Talent was an affront to Earth Ponies everywhere. So they banished me saying I was no longer kin and shall be treated as if I was never born."


"That's a tad harsh isn't it? I mean heck even if Scoots got a Cutie Mark in gardening or, " shuddering, "Dress making. I'd still think of her as my honorary little sister. How can anypony do that to their kids?" Rainbow Dash


"Well alot of the older pony families of any tribe are very strict about their traditions. They see things as ponies are their race for a reason, and anything that breaks the mold is an afront to their race. And the Pies are even older than the Belle's or the Tomato family. Heck our family tree out ages the Apples by a two thousand years. Don't ask me how I know that. But when it turned out that my special talent wasn't working the earth or using what the earth provided in what they saw as a constructive manner. They deemed me an unfit Earth Pony, and ... that's why ...," It was at this point that Pinkie Pie broke down into tears. Even though she scheduled one day out of the year for a good cry so her emotions wouldn't crush her. Thinking back on that day to long always tore open old wounds that had yet to heal.


Rainbow Dash had thought to this moment that her day was rough, but seeing Pinkie like this it made her seriously reconsider what the definition of a bad day was. Although it made sense why Pinkie was so broken up when she thought her friends abandoned her. To her it must have been like her family shunning her. It also made sense why she was eager to please other ponies. But Rainbow Dash already had one bombshell to deal with. She'd help Pinkie through her dilemma later.


"I'm sorry Pinks, hey if you ever want to talk about it later when everything with Scoots is taken care of I'm here for you. And I know that the girls are going to be there for you too. As for Scoots. I'm going to talk to CK tonight. I know that Scoots may not understand why I can't take her in right now, and how much it's tearing me up inside that I can't be there for her like she'd want. But everything'll be ok. I hope. Either that or she'll hate me forever." She said giving Pinkie Pie a hug.


"Well I got to go I have to talk to AJ and Rares to see if one of them can take in Scoots while me and CK talk." Rainbow Dash said with a soft squeeze before flying off. Leaving Pinkie Pie alone under the tree. Pinkie Pie collected herself. She hated when others saw her sad. I'm supposed to make ponies happy not sad. Well I need to go over to Cloud Kicker. If Scootaloo needs anything I'll be there to help her out.


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Pinkie was still in her slump, but was feeling almost better knowing that Dash wasn't going to up and abandon her. At the very least if Pinkie had anything to say about it Scootaloo would have a good home. She walked over to a cloud where Cloud Kicker and Blossomforth were sitting, She called up to Cloud Kicker who giving her a once over told Blossomforth that she would be up soon, and flew down to see what Pinkie wanted.


Cloud Kicker had hung out with Pinkie Pie only occasionally doing pranks, or at her almost ever ready parties. She couldn't think of how much flank she got at one of her parties. Although poor, innocent Pinkie Pie never made her parties purely to get flank, especially where fillies or colts could wonder in at any moment. But almost eighty percent of all relationships over the last ten years owed their existence to Pinkie Pie. And she was just happy that she could make others happy.


But here she was looking down, and nothing made Cloud Kicker feel sadder than seeing a hot mare looking down. If it wasn't for the fact that she had a lot on her mind she'd offer to give her a night to remember. Even then there was a purity to Pinkie Pie that she always stayed her hoof before now. Almost like she'd be corrupting something, and it made her even more torn on how to act with this mare. She chose to be a more professional side of casual. Which meant the least amount of flirting.


"Hey Pinkie, what can I do ya for?" Cloud Kicker asked, while repeating, Ignore the double entendre! Ignore the double entendre! inside her head.


"I heard you took in Scootaloo, I want to know what your plans are for her? Before you ask, I want to know because I know what she's going through, and when I was a little, ittsy, bitsy, pixie, Pinkie I Pinkie Promised that if ever saw a pony that was in my situation. I'd give them I'd help them just like the Cakes helped me. If she has a place to go to, I'll be happy for her, but if she doesn't I need to know so that I can be there for her. I know alot of ponies don't take me seriously or don't think I'm serious. But I'd never break a Pinkie Promise, and I'd never let a pony suffer like I did. So I need to know. What are your plans for her?" Pinkie rambled.


"Well I'm not going to ask how you knew what I was going to ask. Everyone knows a Pinkie is as a Pinkie does. But yeah ... this stays between us ok?" Cloud Kicker asked leaning in.


Pinkie Pie went through the motions of a Pinkie Promise and some other intricate movements that Cloud Kicker didn't even want to try to decipher. All she knew was any promise that Pinkie made was something that was more unbreakable than the most unbreakable magic oath, "Ok. It's nice to know that you'd take her in if she had noone else, but she's been without the culture of a Pegasus since forever. She's missed out on so much. If there is no way to keep her here with a Pegasus otherwise. I'll gather the Kickers and talk to them about bringing her into the clan. Actually I went ahead and sent letters to bring the clan over so we can discuss everything.


But hey, I think no matter what happens you and Scootaloo should get together and talk. She needs somepony whose been through what she's been through. And I know if anypony can cheer her up it's you. Listen ... if you want ... when this is all over why don't we go out. As friends. You look like you could use some good company, and I promise not to use any of my signature charm to get under your tail." There I didn't hit on her or try to get under her tail. WhooooHooo! Score one for being mature! Cloud Kicker thought with a grin as she was done whispering into Pinkie's ear.


Hearing this Pinkie Pie's body brightened visibly and her body returned to it's normal fluffy, bouncy state. She gave Cloud Kicker a near rib crushing hug, hugging her with so much gusto cloud kicker squeaked like a chew toy, "Thank you! Thank you so much! I was worried that she'd have nopony that'd be willing to look after her, and I'm glad that she at least has somewhere to call home. But if you need any help, don't hesitate to contact me. I can hook you up with whatever you need to help with Scoots. And when she gets a home I can throw a "Yay! Scootaloo stays in Ponyville and Everypony Is Happy Party!" That'd be the best party since Cadance's Wedding. And not --"

At this point Cloud Kicker placed her left forehoof in Pinkie's mouth knowing if she didn't stop her before she built up steam she'd go on for hours. When Pinkie Pie finally quieted Cloud Kicker removed her hoof before saying, "Hey I got to go back to work, and I have to talk to Dashie about Scootaloo. But we'll talk later. Although I want to know something before I know how I want to go through with my talk with her. Are her reasons for not taking Scootaloo honorable?"


"I can't tell you everything me and Dashie talked about, but I can tell you that her reasons are because she's worried about Scootaloo. She thinks that she'd make a good honorary big sister, but taking her in is something that she's more worried than when she went to the Young Flier's Competition."


"Good. That actually means all the difference to me. Well I heard that she's been maturing, but it's good to know that she's finally grown into a good mare. Well I got to go Pinkie. I'll talk to you later." With that Cloud Kicker flew off into the sky to wrap up another day of Weather Maintenance.


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I have a lot to think about, Cloud Kicker thought to herself as she sat at a table of The Wild Stallion: Bar and Grill. It was Rainbow Dash's idea of all mares not Cloud Kickers. For some reason Rainbow thought getting smashed, in a loud crowded bar that doubled as a restaurant was going to make this talk easier. I need to figure out if any of her friends other than Pinkie has plans for Scootaloo. What Dash has in store for Scootaloo's future and what role she want's to play in her life. Then there was what to do about Pinkie. That mare was always off limits and now I'm hooving a very dangerous line. She's a good mare with a good future ahead of her. But Scootaloo's a good filly and could use the help of somepony whose been through that loneliness and made it well, some what alright. Well as the Kicker clan says, We'll see what we'll see. and No use worrying about an uncertain future when your about to buck a Minotaur in the balls.


It was at that moment that Dashie trotted in. Cloud Kicker could see from the look of her face and how she held herself that this talk was weighing heavily on her shoulders. Cloud Kicker almost felt a glowing sense of pride that Dash was so loyal that she'd take this choice this seriously. If the Element of Loyalty couldn't pick a Kicker, than this prooved that it picked the next best thing.


As Rainbow Dash sat across from Cloud Kicker, Cloud Kicker decided that she'd take control of the conversation. At least ease some of the tension that looked like it was about to burst out of Rainbow Dash at any given second, "Listen I know that you aren't going to be taking in Scootaloo." She started when Rainbow Dash accidentally cut in.


"I guess I am that irresponsible huh? Can't even change her life around for the pony that needs her most? I must be the worst pony in Equestria. Right?" She said tilting her head to the side. If her mane was longer she'd be hiding behind it like a certain socially inept Pegasus she knew.


"You didn't let me finish. But to answer your questions. I was thinking that until Pinkie Pie came to talk to me. I don't know your reasons entirely, but I at least know now that it's because you are thinking about somepony other than yourself. And that you really care about this filly we're talking about tonight. As for changing your life around, Tartarus, you think it's something that is that easy? Foals are hard. Having some filly or colt added to your life is always a hard thing. Don't you look at me like that Dash." Cloud Kicker semi-playfully told Rainbow Dash as she caught her looking at her incredulously.


"Sorry, it's just that it's been so long that I've seen you serious like this. I kind of forgot that you were a hopeful for the Royal Guard until you left to come here. But yeah, go on." Rainbow replied sheepishly.


"That's exactly right, I was trained from birth on how to be a Royal Gaurd. Hell if I wanted it, I could easily have a few strings pulled and probably skip the academy training. Get right in there as a Private. I'd be royally screwed in the love life department, but hey. That's a different conversation altogether. But yes. Change, any change is hard. But I respect that you are doing this rather than taking her in when you aren't sure you would be able to look out after her safety. I'm proud of you Dash, you're almost as good as a Kicker." Cloud Kicker said, ending her talk with a prideful grin aimed at her friend.


"Coming from you that's a huge compliment. But what do we do about Scoots? Did she tell you anything we can use to help her?"


"Hmmmm .... what a sec," Looking at the waiter that came up, " We'd like several spicy, fish sticks. Haddock. With Buffalo Sauce. For the Appetizer, For diner I want a Glazed Apple and Chili sandwich. Dash here will take a Screaming Gut Buster with a side of Hayfries. Two Apple Shine's premium Malt and Colas on the Rocks. Add a fresh Lime to those and I'll throw in a few bits extra on your tip. Thanks.


"Now on to what to do about Scootaloo. Well I think we should at least see if there's any Pegasus couples looking for a Filly like Scootaloo in the area. If not. I called in a Kicker Clan meeting. We'll talk about her, and we can bring her into the Flock. By the way, Did you know she never knew what the Flock was?"


"Seriously!? How can she be a Pegasus and not know about that?" Dash asked her body reeling in Shock. Not knowing that simple terminology would be like not knowing about Santa Hooves. It just wasn't heard of.


"Serious as a heart attack. That poor filly has missed out on so many Pegasi Holidays and our very culture. She hasn't just missed out on a child hood. She's missed out on what it means to be what she was born as. And she's got a lot to catch up on." Cloud Kicker said her body going from relaxed to dead serious.


"Well we'll start looking tomorrow. But no matter what happens. Thank you. You have no idea what it means that you took in Scootaloo for me. And what you're doing. I owe you big time. You ever need anything, anything at all. Any time, any where. If it's in my power or I know somepony who can help with it. It's yours." Rainbow Dash said a huge weight that she had been carrying for over two days felt as if it had lifted. It was still going to be hard. But if the Kicker Clan was getting involved than she had a whole lot less to worry about.

Author's Note:

Well folks who've been following this fic. You might be wondering why I changed the title. Well a few reasons actually. First and foremost. As you've probably noticed. While it was originally going to have alot of characters in it. From chapter one Scootaloo, Cloud Kicker, and eventually Rainbow Dash. Stole to spotlight. Nothing could really be done with this fic to get others noticed without taking away from the story.


So I went with the flow and decided that from here on out. While others will eventually show up. This is truly a fic about four ponies. Scoots, CK, Dashie, and Pinkie Pie. The CMC, and other Mane six will eventually have a part in it. But it's those four ponies who regardless of my meddling have taken the stories reigns. And I'm excited to see where it goes. Also TGE Tales Blog has a few special shout outs in there at the end.


Thanks all y'all who helped me determine who gets Scootaloo. Although Dashie and Pinkie Pie still have a big, if not equally important part in her life. So don't count them out just yet. They might just surprise you.

Next Chapter: Preparing for the Pegasi Games, pt. 1 Estimated time remaining: 5 Minutes
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