Everypony in Ponyville was gathered on the edge of the Everfree Forest awaiting Scootaloo's appearance. Friends and relatives are usually the only ponies present for thee trials. However, Scootaloo is the last of her age group to come of age, so tradition has everypony present for the beginning of the Trials. This boosted Scootaloo's moral, but she was still feeling slightly apprehensive.

"Wow, this must be what it feels like to be Rainbow Dash," Scootaloo thought to herself, walking towards the excited ponies.

"Here's the pony we have all been waiting for now!" The mayor began to speak, "As you all know Scootaloo is the last of her age group to come of age. So, as we have done every year in the past, we have all gathered here to see her on her way!  Just to clarify in case anypony has forgotten, there are 5 simple rules to these trials."

"1.The pony is tasked with the challenge of traveling across the Everfree Forest from our side here in Ponyville, to the lands beyond. Once they have reached the far side, the pony must retrieve one object as proof of their travels. After they have collected this object, they must then start their journey back here to Ponyville. You are given a time limit of two weeks to return to Ponyville."

"2.The pony who is facing these trials is forbidden to use any special abilities that they may posses. This includes a Pegasi's flight as well as a Unicorns' Magic."

"3.Prior to starting the trial, the pony in question is allowed to pack any items they feel to be useful for their trials, anything is permitted."

The mayor's face became more stern, and she spoke with a much more serious tone as she reached the fourth and fifth rules.

"4.If the pony happens to meet any past contestants who failed to return, they are forbidden to speak to, or even acknowledge the existence of these ponies. As far as this town is concerned, these ponies are a disgrace that do not belong among us."

"Finally, rule number 5. If the pony breaks any of the above rules or fails to retrieve an object and/or fails to return to Ponyville in the required amount of time, this pony will forever be exiled from Ponyville. Any attempt at returning will be punished by death."

"If the pony dies during the trials, they will be given a proper funeral as well as honored by the citizens of Ponyville." As she finished the rules, the mayor returned to her usual cheery attitude. "Now that the rules are out of the way, we can proceed with the Trials once Scootaloo here has collected her items and is prepared to leave. Now without any further ado, are you ready to begin Scootaloo?"

Everypony looked to where Scootaloo was once standing, however she was nowhere to be seen. The only thing that remained were her orange saddlebags packed for the journey. The crowd began to grow restless, if Scootaloo didn't return, then she would face the same fate as if she had failed the trials.

"Everypony just calm down, I'm sure this is just some sort of misunderstanding." The Mayor stated.

"I was afraid this was going to happen..." Rainbow Dash said to herself as she backed away from the crowd and took off into the sky. Although she wasn't sure where Scootaloo may have disappeared to, Rainbow Dash's intuition led her to her own house. Sure enough as she approached her cloud home, she spotted an orange and purple pony sitting next to her rainbow fall. She landed next to Scootaloo who was staring into the pool of rainbow colored liquid.

"I'm sorry Rainbow, I felt like I was ready, but I'm just so scared of failing the test. I didn't mean to let you and everypony else down, but I just can't do it..."Scootaloo forced out through tears, "Now you're seeing me crying...please...don't hate me."

"Scoot, you know I can never think any less of you. If it were my choice I would end these stupid trials, but there is nothing I can do about it. You know you will be exiled from Ponyville if you don't even try." Rainbow Dash said sympathetically. Scootaloo began to cry harder knowing full well that she will never be able to return to Ponyville. Even worse was never being able to see her friends and family again...

"Wait here." Rainbow said as she rushed into her home. Scootaloo watched the door with a mixture of confusion and anticipation. A few minutes later Rainbow Dash returned carrying her crown from the Best Young Flyers competition.

"Take this with you through your trials both as a good luck charm and as a reminder of everypony waiting for you back here." Rainbow Dash smiled, holding up the crown in front of Scootaloo.

"But Rainbow, you haven't let anypony near this since you won it 10 years ago!" Scootaloo exclaimed.

"Which is why I expect you to return with this at the end of your trials." Rainbow Dash laughed with a wink.

Scootaloo smiled, now fully understanding Rainbow Dash's faith in her. "I think I'm ready to leave now."

Both Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo unfurled their wings and took off back towards the starting point where the crowd was waiting with anticipation and confusion. Everypony let out a collective sigh as Scootaloo landed once more, ready to begin her trials.

"I'm sorry about causing you all to worry," Scootaloo apologized, "But Rainbow has reassured me and I think I'm ready."

Everypony in the crowd cheered as Scootaloo picked up her saddlebags. She felt a tug and looked back to see Rainbow Dash placing her crown into one of the saddlebags. As she pulled her head out she smiled and winked at Scootaloo.

"See you in two weeks." Rainbow Dash whispered to Scootaloo returning to the front of the crowd.  

"Well, now that everything is back to normal, we can begin! Whenever you are ready Scootaloo, take your first steps into the Everfree Forest!" The Mayor exclaimed.

With a deep sigh, Scootaloo took her first steps into the Everfree Forest marking the start of her unforgettable journey.