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Big Sis Scootaloo

by Never2muchpinkie

Chapter 17: Chapter 17: Parting gifts.

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Chapter 17: Parting gifts.

“What do we do?” Rock Climber asked in a panic.

“I… I don’t know! We have to stop them.”

The two of us ran up and tried to break them apart. They seemed like they were about to get into a hoof-fight. The two of them ignored us and pushed us out of the way.

“Now what?” asked Rock Climber.

“Um, um, um…” I gasped as I got an idea. “Follow my lead.”

“Okay.”

I put out my hoof to him and said in an overly loud voice, “Rock Climber, I had a great time racing against you today. You were a tough opponent. Even though I won I still think you’re really good.”

I think he got what I was going for. He put his hoof out too, meeting mine. He also was practically yelling to be heard over them. “I had a real fun time racing against you too, even though I lost. We should do it again sometime.” He moved forward and hugged me, and I followed suit.

As we broke apart I noticed a strange quiet had settled over the area. I looked and saw that Scootieloo and Rainbow Dash were still in each other’s faces, hooves raised, but they were both looking over at us. They slowly moved away from each other, and the both of them looked really guilty.

“Heh,” Rainbow Dash laughed, but it didn’t sound real. “Look at us, Scootaloo. Our students are showing more sportsmanship than we are. It’s not good.”

Scootieloo sighed. “You’re right. I’m sorry I let my temper get the better of me.”

“And I let my pride get the better of me. We need to do better than this. We’re supposed to be setting the examples here, not be schooled by these little whippersnappers.” She put her hoof out. “Sisters?”

“Sisters!” Scootieloo responded, meeting her hoof and then hugging her just like me and Rock Climber just did.

Rainbow Dash walked over to us. “I’m sorry, you kids. We just made ourselves out as liars and hypocrites. We said it wouldn’t matter who won but the two of us were both focusing more onourselves and foolish pride instead of on the real stars of the day.”

“Yeah,” said Scootieloo sheepishly, walking over too. “I wanted you to win, Rose, mainly because I wanted to shove it in Rainbow’s face rather than because I wanted to see you excel. It was wrong of me to have that attitude. If there’s anything we can say in our defense it’s that… simply put, we are not perfect. We may be more grown up, but we can also be mean, rude, spiteful, and stupid. Can you forgive us?”

I nodded quickly, giving her a hug. “Of course I do, Scootieloo. You forgive me for stuff all the time, so I can do the same for you.” I went and gave Rainbow a hug too. “I forgive you.”

Rock Climber gave Scootieloo a hug while I was busy with Rainbow, then he hugged Rainbow too. “You are forgiven.”

They both seemed relieved. Rainbow said to him, “Rock Climber, I had planned on giving you something only if you won, but I see now that that is a disrespectful attitude and unworthy of the lessons we’re trying to teach. Besides, you did win.”

I felt my eyebrow raise, and Rock Climber said, “But Rose Blossom crossed the finish line first.”

“I know that. But do you remember what I said to you yesterday? It isn’t about winning, but being stylish while you’re doing it, and having fun. You showcased your lessons very well, and you had a lot of fun doing it. That makes you a winner in my book. You and Rose Blossom are both winners. You should be proud of yourselves for how far you’ve come in such a short time.

“So are you ready for your presents?”

“Yes, please!” Rock Climber said excitedly.

Rainbow Dash went to the table that had her saddle bag and took out what looked like a rolled up piece of paper. When she placed it in his hooves his face was blank, but then he looked a bit confused before looking awkwardly away from her, his eyes going in several different directions. I could kinda understand his feelings. The edges were crinkled and ripped a bit, and the poster had yellowed a bit from age.

“You look so disappointed,” said Rainbow Dash. “What’s the matter?”

“W-well… I… I don’t want to sound ungrateful but… an old poster? Is that all I get? You made it sound really important.”

Rainbow smirked. “Before you start thinking I’m just playing a cruel joke on you why don’t you try opening it first?”

When he opened it he let out a gasp, and I saw his mouth and eyes open wide. “T-this is…”

I went to stand next to him to see what it was. I saw a picture that had about twenty ponies in Wonderbolt costumes, along with a bunch of names written across it. In the top left corner it said, “To our biggest fan Rainbow Dash. Always fly high!”

“That’s right!” said Rainbow. “When my parents took me to the Wonderbolts Derby when I was just a filly that was what inspired me to want to become just like them. That was what got me into racing and wanting to train to be a great flier. At the end of the show they picked out one lucky kid in the audience. Can you guess who that was?”

“Y-you?”

“That’s right. My heart was racing like crazy to be right in front of every member of the Wonderbolts. I got to ask a few questions of them, and then they gave me a poster autographed by every one of them. It’s been hanging on the wall of my room ever since. When I moved out of my parent’s house and moved to my own place in Cloudsdale I took it with me there. It served as my inspiration. Any time I began getting discouraged or thought I couldn’t manage it I would look up at the ceiling and remember that day, and those negative thoughts would go away.

“Now… I’ve come far enough that I don’t need it anymore. So… I entrust this to you to serve as your inspiration and encouragement as you strive to soar high and become the next greatest flier. I trust that you’ll keep this precious memento safe and you won’t let anything happen to it.”

“I… I can’t take this! It’s too important to you!”

"It’s because it’s so important I want you to have it. I wanted to show you how much faith I have in you. Scootaloo trusted Rose with the scooter her dead grandmare gave her. She gave Rose a gift close to her heart and trusted her sister to take good care of it, because she knows how much it means to her sibling. So I thought I’d do the same. You deserve it. Believe it!”

I saw Rock Climber start shaking. Tears came down his eyes as he looked up at her. He wiped his eyes and sniffed, but more just started pouring down his face.

Rainbow gently pried the poster from him as she said, “Watch the waterworks, kid. You don’t want to go ruining it already.”

He let out a choked laugh before throwing himself at her, thanking her over and over. I couldn’t stop a few tears coming down my own eyes. He just looked so happy and touched.

Rainbow Dash put a wing around Rock Climber as she rubbed his head. “There, there,” she said softly. It was, I think, the first time she had used such a tender tone with him.

After a few minutes she gently pushed him away. “I have one more gift for you. I hope this time you won’t mind that it’s used.”

He shook his head as he wiped his eyes. “Nope! As long as it isn’t a used tissue.” All of us cracked up.

“No, it’s not a used tissue. Close your eyes.” When he did she went back in her saddlebag. She took something out and put it around his neck. “Okay, you can look.”

When she stepped away he looked down and saw a pair of goggles. “This was my very first pair of flying goggles. Having these with me always psyched me up and got me in the mood for flying. If you’re planning on being a Wonderbolt you’re going to need them.”

He let out a joyful laugh, grabbing the goggles and putting them on his face. I couldn’t help but snicker as they fell right back down.

Rainbow laughed too. “Same with me when I was a filly. They were way too big for me too. Even so, I would wear them around my neck every time I went flying because it reminded me of what I was fighting for. Just knowing that one day I’d grow enough to get the chance to wear them was enough to fill me with inspiration. Maybe it will be the same for you.”

He looked down at his neck, staring intently at the goggles. “I can feel it,” He said confidently. “I’ll become a champion flier no matter what it takes! I’ll become the second greatest flier in the world!”

“Don’t you mean first?” I asked.

“Of course not. Rainbow Dash is number one!”

“I’m glad to hear that.” Her mood suddenly shifted as she let out a little sigh. “There is… one more reason I gave you those gifts today.”

“What’s that?”

“I’m not going to be training you anymore, so you can just use those as a memento of me.”

“W-W-WHAT?” he said loudly. “WHY? I thought that you… that you…” He began crying as he turned away from her, unable to finish.

When Rainbow started talking to calm him down he turned to her, saying angrily, “W-why are you abandoning me? That’s not how a sister is supposed to act! You’re… you’re as horrible as my brother!” With that he ran way behind a tree.

I could see Rainbow really looked hurt by the comparison. I don’t blame her. That would offend me too. “Let’s just leave him be for a few minutes,” I said. Everyone agreed with me.

By the time we were going to go to him he suddenly came out from behind the tree. He was looking down at the ground as he came up to us all. Sitting down he said simply, “Why?” His voice didn’t have any emotion. He restlessly fiddled with the goggles around his neck.

Once more going into her saddlebag she took out an envelope. Opening it up she pulled out a folded sheet of paper and handed it to him. “Read it,” she said. “Then you’ll understand.”

Unfolding the letter he said in a bored voice, “ 'To Miss Rainbow Dash, we hereby decree that your application to join the Wonderbolts reserve squad…' ” His eyes went a little wide, and interest sparked in his voice as he finished, “ '…has been approved!

“ 'Please respond back at your earliest convenience of when you can arrive in Cloudsdale for your intensive training regimen to build up your skill, stamina, and endurance, as well as to test whether you are truly competent to move on to the Wonderbolts proper in the coming months or years. Given the recommendation of current Wonderbolts leader Spitfire your prospects look good, but there is no special treatment. You must go through the regimen just like every other pony that comes through here.

“ 'Hope to see you soon.

“ 'Sincerely yours, The Wonderbolts Academy Committee.' ”

He looked up at her, all his sadness gone. He was actually shaking a bit he looked so excited. “You’re in! You’re in! You’re finally going to become a Wonderbolt!”

“I already sent in my reply a few days ago. However, before I went I wanted to test you and see how you’ve improved. And so, as of tomorrow. I’m going away for a few months. Because of the promise I showed with the Sonic Rainboom and at the academy they’re going to give me a shot at the big time. I’m going to be living in Cloudsdale as they give me training, test my flying ability, my capacity to lead and to follow orders, my personality… everything that they want to know about in a potential Wonderbolt candidate. I’m going to be swamped with work so I won’t have the time to give you the proper attention you deserve. It would be an insult to train you half-heartedly.”

She walked over to Rock Climber and hugged him with both her wings and her hooves. “I’m very, very proud of you for all your hard work. Just like with Scootaloo I can see a great potential inside of you just waiting to be brought out. Just like her you’re going to be great and be one of the next heroes of this town. It’s an honor having you as my little brother.”

Rock Climber had been lightly crying, but that last sentence made him rocket up to full-on sobbing as he held her back.

I was a little sad too that she was going away. She was a stern teacher for sure, but she was also very kind when the occasion called for it. I was going to miss her, but I knew Rock Climber admired her and would miss her more. Those two gifts she gave him… I knew he would take care of them like his life depended on it. It was the same with me and Scootieloo's scooter.

After a few minutes Rainbow Dash rubbed his mane and said, “Even though I’m going away that doesn’t mean your training is over. You’ll continue on with Scootaloo. I expect you to give her the same level of dedication and respect that you gave to me. Got it, kid?”

He nodded, still within her grip. With a sniff he lifted one of his hooves and wiped his face. “S-since I have so much potential for flying I’ll try to get even better than Scootaloo before you come back.”

That made Rainbow crack up. “That’s the spirit!”

I laughed a bit too. “Looks like you got some competition,” I said as I turned to Scootieloo. She looked upset, and I immediately felt bad for laughing. “S-sorry.”

Scootieloo shook her head. “That’s nothing. I don’t care about that. I… I just didn’t know that you were going away, Rainbow Dash.” I felt a pain in my heart. She was actually crying about it.

Rainbow Dash gently pushed away Rock Climber and walked over to Scootieloo. “Oh, what’s wrong? Are you going to miss me?” She sounded in high spirits. “Or are you just jealous I haven’t given you a special going away gift too?”

She let out a laugh that sounded more like a groan. “O-of course not. I am going to miss you. When I had my race with you it felt like I had grown up and finished needing a teacher to train me. Even so, just having you here helping to teach Rosie, and me helping her, and getting to work alongside you to shape her future… it just reminds me of the good old days. I’ve really enjoyed working with you again, that’s all.

"You’ve been with me since I was just a filly, teaching me and making me a better pony. Even if it’s only going to be for a couple of months I’m going to hate not having you here to guide me when I make a mistake.”

Rainbow was giving her a big hug now. “Chin up, Scootaloo. You’re going to be training the kiddies in flying now as well as scootering, so you have to keep your spirit strong.”

“But you’re a much better flier than I am! I can’t teach them like you can!”

“Maybe not, but you can teach them well enough. As I’ve said to you before I never push more onto you than I think you can handle. If I didn’t think you could do it then I wouldn’t ask you to do it.

“And… well… I’m gonna miss you too, kid. I have to do this, though, regardless of either of our feelings. Do you remember why you wanted to move in with Star Gazer and Cloud Hunter in the first place instead of staying with me? Well, rather, one of the reasons? You said you didn’t want to have my dream end by becoming a full time sister to you. This is everything my life has led up to. Now it’s time to pass the reins on to you. You can handle this. I know you can!”

Scootieloo settled into her hold, closing her eyes. “I… I know, Rainbow Dash. I’ll do my best.”

Scootieloo always seemed so strong. Because of her story I now know how much family means to her. Even if she doesn’t see Rainbow Dash as much as she does us, the two of them have a really close relationship too. I can understand how she feels. I’d hate to be separated from Scootieloo for even a single day, let alone a few months.

When she let go of Scootieloo she came to me next. “Sorry, Rose. I don’t have any super special presents for you. I had expected Rock Climber to win. All the same I can see you also have a special potential in you as well. Your goal, just like Rock Climber’s, is to beat your sister. Became an even more talented scooter rider than her and surpass everyone that has come before you. I am confident you can do it if you just put your mind to it and push hard. Never quit and never give up until you show her up. Even if I didn’t like losing to her in our race I still was filled with so much pride for Scootaloo for winning. She’ll feel the same way about you when you pull it off.”

I nodded. “I’ll do my very best, Rainbow Dash.” The two of us hugged.

“Okay, then. Scootaloo?”

“Yes?” she responded.

“You brought up the good old days. So why don’t we relive them a little more? These two deserve a nice reward for all they’ve accomplished, so what say we head to Sugarcube Corner and celebrate?”

“Sounds good.”

When we got to Sugarcube Corner I was surprised to see how decked out the place already was. At first I thought it was all for us, but I learned a little later that it was also for Rainbow’s farewell party.

All of us had a good time. Pinkie Pie had gone all out and really outdone herself. It was okay that we weren’t the main focus of the party. It was still enjoyable regardless.

By the time things were wrapping up I was nearby Scootieloo when she said to Rainbow Dash, “So do you really want to send yourself off with a bang? I think you should give Rock Climber one more present.”

“What’s that?” she responded.

“Well, you’re gonna need some ropes. Just think of how you fixed my wings. He’ll never forget it. I can still remember that moment very well.”

Rainbow Dash had a huge grin on her face. “Aw, yeah! Let’s end this party on a big note! Hey, Rock Climber!”

“Yeah?” he responded, running over.

“Hop on. We’re going outside for a fly. Everyone else, come on too.”

I could tell Rock Climber was excited to be flying with her. I got excited too when I go scootering with Scootieloo, so I could understand how he was feeling.

When all of us went outside I saw Scootieloo begin tying Rock Climber to Rainbow Dash, tying his back legs to her front ones. I wondered what she had planned. It seemed like it had to be a little dangerous if they needed the added security of the ropes.

“Well, kid? Are you ready for the flight of your life?”

“YEAH!” he yelled. “Let’s do it!”

“Okay, then. Make sure you hold on really tight and don’t let go no matter what.”

“Got it.”

Rainbow unfurled her wings and took off into the sky. She went straight up, higher and higher and higher and higher until I couldn’t even see her anymore. I didn’t know what she was planning.

It took almost thirty more seconds before I started hearing a strange noise in the sky. I could see a strange distortion up above in the air, getting bigger and bigger. It quickly turned rainbow colored, and I let out a squeal as I was nearly knocked to the ground by a gigantic wave of air that felt like it flattened my mane.

I squinted upward at the sky and my heart felt like it was soaring. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. I knew immediately what it was: the sonic rainboom. A rainbow colored circle was expanding in every direction into the horizon, and I could see a rainbow trail following Rainbow Dash everywhere she went. It was the first time I had actually seen one.

A short while later Rainbow Dash slowed down and came to a stop on the ground. However, the rainbow trail still sparkled marvelously.

Rock Climber looked completely out of it. I actually thought he was dead for a few seconds he looked so dazed.

Scootieloo helped untie him and he fell off Rainbow’s back onto the ground. Or, he would have if Scootieloo didn’t catch him first. She gently placed him on the ground. It took a little while before he could speak.

His eyes were only half-open, and he had such a look of joy and contentment on his face I’m sure that if he had still been mad at Rainbow that she was leaving he would have forgotten all about it by now.

“That… was… amazing!” he cried out joyfully. “Oh, man! Words… words can’t even… even describe it.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it, kid. Make me proud and try to pull it off yourself one day.”

“I’ll do my best, Rainbow Dash.”

As he went to get up Scootieloo put a hoof on him. “Slow it down there, Rock Climber. Rainbow gave me that same gift when I was just a filly and it took me a while to get up without feeling dizzy. For now, just relax and reflect on how much you loved it.”

He looked like he wanted to argue on getting up for a moment, but then he gave in.

***********

Later that night Rock Climber was in extremely high spirits. He had had the most unbelievable experience of his young life. He grabbed some tape and taped the poster Rainbow gave him to his ceiling, humming to himself all the while.

He was still wearing the goggles she had given him, giggling happily as he pushed them to his face. He didn’t think anything could break his spirit now.

At least until he heard a knock on the door. His brother came in the room, asking, “Can we talk?”

Next Chapter: Chapter 18: Rock Climber and Thunder Storm Estimated time remaining: 1 Hour, 54 Minutes
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