Dinky, Ruby, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle, were at the park enjoying themselves. The four of them had decided to go Crusading while they waited for Apple Bloom and Rumble, though it didn’t feel exactly right without Apple Bloom.

Ruby noticed that Dinky was unusually insistent that they go to the Golden Oaks Library to go looking for inspiration for today’s Crusades. They had done such a thing several times before when everypony had a creative block, though it wasn’t go over very well.

Like always, Scootaloo shot down any ideas she deemed as ‘boring,’ and Sweetie Belle confessed that she had been spending a lot of time helping her sister in her shop and would like to spend some time outside for a while.

They had just tried earning carpentry Cutie Marks with varying degrees of success. Though nopony got their Cutie Marks, Dinky and Ruby had great ease given their telekinesis. Sweetie Belle, though she excelled at some spells, still had trouble with precise telekinesis. Scootaloo, having neither Unicorn magic nor appendages like hands, used her mouth and hooves to manipulate the tools entrusted to them by the local carpenter, which didn’t end as well as she had hoped.

Dinky, Ruby, and Sweetie Belle were resting in the grass, enjoying the sun, while Scootaloo practiced tricks on her scooter for their amusement. Scootaloo had decided to work on doing front flips while separated from her scooter with the intention of rejoining her scooter shortly before it landed. Scootaloo had let herself be separated from her scooter before, but she had never tried anything so risky with it.

“Are sure this is safe Scootaloo?” Asked Sweetie Belle with a concerned tone of voice.

“Of course it’s safe,” Assured Scootaloo, “This isn’t the first time I’ve leaped off a ramp before.

“But you’ve never done anything so drastic before,” Pointed out Dinky, “Plus, with all of the construction going on and Ponies moving into Ponyville, it’s going to be harder to get help if somepony gets hurt.”

“You girls worry too much,” Said Scootaloo nonchalantly as she donned her helmet, “You all just watch, and let me wow you.”

Unbeknownst to the Crusaders present, Rainbow Dash was up above on one of the few clouds in the sky watching them. Though she’d never admit it, Rainbow loved watching her honorary little sister preform on her scooter. The way her face lit up when she was riding that scooter, dodging passersby, doing flips, even momentarily letting go of her scooter while in the air. It reminded Rainbow of herself in away, always working to improve herself and always enjoying herself. It somewhat dwarfed her own flight prowess in a seeing as Scootaloo accomplished those two things without the ability to do the one thing most Pegasi take pride in.

Rainbow Dash had meet Scootaloo’s parents on occasion, specifically her father, so Rainbow knew about the genetic quirk that ran in Scootaloo’s family. However, Rainbow had this weird feeling that there was something more in Scootaloo’s case. Scootaloo had an abundance of confidence in herself as well as a tendency to not back down, these traits acted as fuel for Pegasus’ wings and allowed them to take flight. And yet, Scootaloo could only hover a few inches off the ground for even fewer seconds.

Rainbow pulled herself out of her ponderings as she noticed that Scootaloo seemed to be arguing with her friends. What is she up too? wondered Rainbow Dash.

Scootaloo had done some really dangerous things with her scooter before, like purposely swerving in between pedestrians and doing flips on her scooter. Rainbow considered getting closer so she could listen in on them, but she didn’t want to get caught. If Scootaloo saw her, she might concentrate more on her than her performance and nearby Ponies might think Rainbow to be the soft sentimental type. Rainbow closed her eyes and shuttered at the thought of what such a thing would do to her reputation. Rainbow wondered what Scootaloo was about to try to make her friends worry so, when Scootaloo put on her helmet and started racing towards the little ramp she brought with her.

Twilight Sparkle and Berry Punch entered the Ponyville Post Office, hoping that Ruby Pinch was still here.

“Is there a place they usually work in?” Asked Twilight.

Berry shook her head, “Since they’re Unicorns, they work pretty much anywhere. We’ll have to ask somepony if they’re here.”

“If who’s here?” Asked the voice of a familiar Pegasus that the two mares had hoped would be absent.

Twilight and Berry turned around to see a light gray Pegasus mare donning a mailpony cap and a mailbag. Twilight and Berry didn’t want to worry Dinky’s family by letting on to the possibility that being around her best friend could endanger her.

“Oh, hey there,” Said Berry, “How have you been?”

The problem with being acquainted with identical twins was that: while you knew them well enough to know of them, you still had trouble telling them apart. It was especially difficult in the case of Ditzy Doo and Derpy Whooves because even their Cutie Marks were near identical. It was especially awkward for Berry Punch, since the twins would frequent her bar on weekends.

Ditzy (or was this Derpy?) gave them a small smile and nodded her head as she hung her mailpony cap and mailbag on her designated hook by the front door. “I’ve been good,” Answered the mailpony, “I managed to complete my rounds without bumping into anypony or thing. I was just about to start my lunch break actually.”

Twilight turned her eyes without moving her head so that Ditzy/Derpy wouldn’t see her looking at her ‘uniform’ rack. Unfortunately for Twilight, the mailpony hung up her cap in an awkward angle which covered her nameplate, the mailpony in question also noticed where Twilight was looking.

The mailpony gave out a giggle, “My sister and I keep telling you Ponies that it’s fine to ask us for clarification. I’m Ditzy.”

Both Twilight and Berry went rigid for a split second. Dinky’s mother was more likely to overreact if she caught on to Twilight and Berry’s concerns.

“Did you two need something?” Asked Ditzy, so far unaware of Twilight and Berry’s discomfort.

“We were actually looking for Dinky and Ruby,” Said Twilight without thinking.

Ditzy fortunately missed the two other mares going rigid again, “Oh, they went to the park with their friends. Did Dinky forget to return a book again?”

“I was hoping to ask Ruby about that spell book Ruby checked out of the Palace library,” Explained Twilight. She figured that it would be easier to omit things at this point than it was to straight up lie.

“Oh, that,” Said Ditzy, apparently knowing what Twilight was talking about, “Dinky mentioned that a few times. I hope you two can find them, you know how their lot can be at times.”

“Thank you miss Doo,” Said Berry, “Have a good day.”

Twilight and Berry nearly galloped out of the post office while Ditzy happily trotted a short way out of the building and started to fly towards her favorite cafe for lunch. Ditzy was about halfway there when something occurred to her, “Why would an Earth Pony care about a spell book?”

Ditzy shortly wondered why Berry Punch was with Twilight before she decided it wasn’t that important and continued her leisurely flight towards the café she had in mind, before she bumped her head on the sign to Sugarcube Corner, “Oh darn it,” Said the mailpony now that she had broken her streak of not hitting things on accident with her body.

Scootaloo started driving towards her ramp at exponentially increasing speeds. Scootaloo’s favorite thing about Pegasus magic was that it made aerodynamics irrelevant when in use, which meant that Scootaloo could go much further and she would stay in the air for much longer than was otherwise possible.

The orange and purple filly jumped the ramp at ridiculous speeds, “Woohoo!” Cried Scootaloo as she let go of her scooter. Scootaloo started using her magic as she curled into a ball and made herself spin slowly.

Rainbow Dash was gawking at the sight below her. She saw what Scootaloo was doing and was amazed at how good she had gotten on her scooter. Dinky, Ruby, and Sweetie Belle were also amazed, until Ruby and Dinky noticed something that Rainbow Dash couldn’t see at the angle her elevated position gave her.

Were Scootaloo simply letting herself separate from her scooter for a short time, she could use her magic to keep it a short distance away from her before using to bring closer. Since Scootaloo’s body was consistently changing orientation, the slight wind currents that kept her scooter close by was also changing, pushing it away from the blissfully unaware Pegasus.

While Sweetie Belle was simply ignorant of the situation at hoof, Ruby and Dinky were quick to react. Scooatloo’s scooter was wrapped in a golden aura as Dinky’s horn ignited. Ruby’s horn shined a bright fiery orange as she tried to catch Scootaloo. Unfortunately, Scootaloo’s magic was pushing her further and further away, not to mention local interference from the ambient magic in the air and the magic still flowing from Scootaloo’s wings, simply made it impossible for a Unicorn of Ruby’s level to get a telekinetic grip on her.

Rainbow Dash would’ve reacted faster, but her birds’ eye view kept her from seeing how far away from Scootaloo her scooter had fallen from her. Scootaloo was about to crash before Rainbow noticed how bad things had gotten. Though Rainbow Dash hopped off of her cloud and flew like the wind towards her horary sister, she knew there was no way she could catch Scootaloo before she hit the ground.

Though Ruby knew that she couldn’t stop Scootaloo from falling, she did slow Scootaloo’s descent every time she managed to wrap Scootaloo in her magic.

Scootaloo figured out that something was wrong when Ruby tried catching her. And unfortunately, she panicked. Instead of killing the flow of mana to her wings, she increased the amount of mana going to her wings in a vain attempt to save herself. She started spinning out of control as she fell and she inevitably crashed into the ground beneath her. Luckily, she managed to avoid hitting her head, everypony nearby could hear a distinct snapping noise as she landed. The Ponies at ground level could see that Scootaloo landed on her shoulder with one of her wings getting caught in between it and the ground.

Though Scootaloo’s fall was slowed considerably by Ruby’s attempts to save her, she still landed hard enough to make her bounce. Much to everyponies’ surprise and relieve, Rainbow Dash swooped in and caught Scootaloo before she could land again.

“Squirt!” Exclaimed Rainbow Dash with distress clear in her voice, “Are you okay.”

Scootaloo had curled up in the fetal position as soon as Rainbow Dash caught her, which made it more obvious that something was wrong with her right wing and foreleg as they were hanging limply. Scootaloo’s breathing was ragged and tears were flowing from her eyes, “N-no,” Scootaloo managed to choke out, “I h-hurt all over.” Scootaloo pressed her face into Rainbow’s chest as she cried.

Rainbow dropped a little altitude and turned to Scootaloo’s friends, “I’m gonna take Scoots to the hospital, can the three of you go to Scootaloo’s house and see if her parents are in Ponyville, or if they have a house sitter or something?”

“Of course!” Exclaimed Sweetie Belle with a distraught tone of voice, “Just make sure she’s okay.”

Rainbow Dash nodded her head and flew as fast as she could towards Ponyville General Hospital.

“Okay, does anypony actually know where Scootaloo lives?” Asked Sweetie Belle with a hopeful look, which immediately fell into despair when Ruby and Dinky looked to each other with worried expressions.

The two mares were close to the park when Berry pulled on Twilight’s tail and pointed upwards. Twilight looked up to see a familiar rainbow trail in the sky leading from the park to parts unknown.

“Where is she going?” Asked Berry.

Twilight needed a moment to recall everything of importance in the direction Rainbow Dash was flying in, “The hospital?” Suggested the Unicorn.

“What?” Asked Berry Punch with an upset tone of voice. What if it’s Ruby?! thought the distraught mother.

Twilight was about to consul her companion when a familiar squeaky voice rang out behind them from the direction of the park, “Twilight! Twilight!”

Berry and Twilight turned to see Sweetie Belle galloping towards them. She had tears streaming from her eyes and was very obviously upset. Most notably however, was the fact that she was by herself.

“Sweetie Belle,” Said Twilight running up to Sweetie Belle, “What happened?”

“It’s awful,” Said Sweetie Belle, “Scootaloo hurt herself really bad and Rainbow Dash took her to the hospital.”

“Where’s Dinky and Ruby?” Asked Berry, more concerned about her daughter than she was Dinky.

“R-Rainbow Dash told us to go find her parent or her house, but neither of us knew where she lives,” Explained the white Unicorn, “We’re looking for somepony who knows where her parents are.”

Berry Punch let out a silent sigh of relief when she learned that her daughter hadn’t been hurt while Twilight consoled her occasional apprentice.

“Come on,” Said Twilight, “I know somepony who will know for sure where Scootaloo’s parents are.

“Dinky, where are we going?” Asked Ruby, “Shouldn’t we be looking for Scootaloo’s parents?”

Dinky stopped in her tracks and she turned to face Ruby, “Do you have any idea as to where Scootaloo’s house is?”

“No,” Said Ruby.

Dinky nodded, “Do you have any idea what they look like?”

“No,” Ruby was starting to feel that their search would be in vain as she realized how little they knew about Scootaloo’s family.

“Do have any idea where they work?” Asked Dinky.

“No,” Answered Ruby. Though she was starting to become disheartened, she started to wonder where Dinky’s inquires would lead to.

“So, we don’t know anything about Scootaloo’s family,” Summarized Dinky, “But, we do know somepony who has all of that information.”

“Who?” Asked Ruby.

Dinky smiled as she started to lead her friend around one last corner, “The only Pony in town who makes a point of welcoming newcomers with parties.”

Ruby saw that this final turn put Sugarcube Corner in sight, “Pinkie Pie!” Said Ruby as she realized who Dinky was talking about.

Dinky nodded her head without stopping to face Ruby, “If anypony knows anything about Scootaloo’s family, it will be Pinkie Pie.”

The two young Unicorns entered the renowned bakery as fast as their hooves would take them. Dinky happily opened the door as a bell sounded alerting the pink Pony at the counter.

“Hi Dinky, hi Ruby,” Said Pinkie Pie in her usual bubbly tone, “Did something happen?”

“Yeah, how did you know?” Asked Dinky.

“Pinkie Sense,” Answered Pinkie, “What happened?”

“Scootaloo hurt herself really badly and we need to tell her parents,” Explained Ruby.

Pinkie gasped and brought her hoof to her muzzle as her mane and tail deflated slightly, “Oh no, that’s awful! Scootaloo’s mom is in Canterlot and her dad is at Dodge Junction, but I know where their usual house sitter is. Just let me go tell Mr. and Mrs. Cake what’s up and we can leave.”

Ruby and Dinky nodded their heads as Pinkie went into the back of the bakery. The customer bell sounded behind the pair moments later. Ruby turned around to tell the new patrons that they would have to wait a little while when she saw it was somepony she didn’t expect to see, “Mom? What are you doing here?”

Berry Punch happily trotted up to her daughter and nuzzled her, “Oh sweetie, Sweetie Belle told Twilight and me what happened to Scootaloo. I actually came to get Pinkie Pie to tell her parents, but it looks like you and Dinky have that taken care of.”

“Okay girls,” Said Pinkie as she and Mr. Cake came out of the back, “Let’s go fetch Fluttershy.”

Rainbow Dash rushed through the doors of Ponyville General Hospital holding Scootaloo in her forelegs. Rainbow Dash didn’t even have to go to the receptionist as she pushed down on the intercom button at the desk, “Crash Team to the reception desk, Crash Team to the reception desk.”

Within twenty seconds, several Ponies in medical scrubs rushed through a pair of doors in the back with a stretch table on wheels. They were quick to take Scootaloo from Rainbow Dash and take her to one of the operating theaters in the back.

“Miss Dash,” Said the receptionist, “I’m going to need to take a statement from you, do you have time?”

“Yes, I do,” Said Rainbow Dash without hesitation, “What do you need to know?”

Rainbow Dash spent the next thirty minutes answering questions and clarifying things when the receptionist asked. It wouldn’t have taken nearly as long, but Rainbow Dash didn’t always understand the questions and the receptionist didn’t always understand the answers given. The Crusaders that were with Scootaloo came in at some point with Twilight Sparkle and Ruby Punch. They would have been happy to answer questions for Rainbow Dash, but the Crusaders were too upset at the time and the other mares weren’t there when Scootaloo hurt herself.

Eventually, a doctor came out of the back doors the Crash Team took Scootaloo through, “Is anypony here for Scootaloo?” He asked.

The doctor was surprised to see everypony present get up from their seats and approach, “Is she all right?” Asked Rainbow Dash, clearly the most upset out of the bunch.

“Uh, yes,” Answered Dr. Stable unsure of how to treat the usually strong mare, “She went into shock shortly before we put her under, but we were able to keep everything under control.”

“How badly is she hurt?” Asked Sweetie Belle.

“She managed to break both her right wing and shoulder, the only reason I took so long getting here was because we are unused to treating wing breaks and as I am the only doctor here today, I have to see to all of our patients.” Calmly explained Doctor Stable, far more comfortable speaking with the young Unicorn mare.

“Can we see her?” Asked Rainbow Dash, desperate to see the filly she had come to adore.

“I can only permit four of you to go in at once,” Said Dr. Stable, “It’s the law.”

“Why don’t you and the Crusaders go in,” Said Twilight, “She’ll be happiest to see you four.”

Rainbow turned her head towards Berry Punch who gave the polychromatic Pegasus an encouraging nod, “Thanks girls, I won’t forget this.”

Rainbow Dash and the Crusaders present eagerly followed Dr. Stable as he guided them to Scootaloo’s room. If anypony noticed Rainbow Dash poorly concealed impatience, they were too polite or distracted to comment on it. The Crusaders noticed that almost all of the hospital rooms they were passing by had patients in them.

“Wow, there’s a lot of Ponies here today,” Observed Sweetie Belle, now slightly more upset than she was before.

“There’s been a lot of accidents with all of the construction,” Explained the tan Unicorn, “And then there’s been Ponies being hurt in the middle of attempted thefts and resisting arrest by the Town Guard.”

“Have we ever had violent crime in Ponyville before?” Asked Dinky with blatant surprise.

“Ponyville has never attracted Ponies from all over Equestria before,” Pointed out Dr. Stable.

“Ah, here we are,” Said the doctor with a small smile, “Room one-nineteen, your friend is inside.”

“Thanks doc,” Said Rainbow Dash hastily as she entered her little sister’s room. The Crusaders said quick words of thanks as they followed the cerulean mare, almost as eager to see their friend as she was.