"Look, in order to get airborne, you have to flap your wings harder! Jumping won't work!"

Coronus pumped his wings, trying to get higher off the ground than a hoof-width. It wasn't working. "Rainbow, can't we start slower? I haven't had any lessons yet..."

"Fine." Rainbow Dash landed from where she expected Coronus to hover to. "Okay, so run over there."

Coronus obeyed, jogging a few pony-lengths away and turning to face her.

"Now run at me as fast as you can with your wings open. You might be able to glide a bit."

Coronus started running, trying to get to his top speed. Suddenly, his wings caught the breeze and he lifted up. Startled, he stopped running. A gust of wind started forming in his wake, blowing him into Rainbow Dash. The pair rolled for a few pony-lengths before Coronus rolled off and ground his muzzle into the dirt.

Rainbow Dash got up and dusted herself off. "Well. This is going to take a while."

...Three weeks later...

"Rainbow! I think I'm getting the hang of this!" The colt was growing fast, already larger than Rainbow Dash, who was hovering as he caught up. "Look! I bet I'd beat you in a race!"

"No way, colt! It's on!"

The two took off side by side, muscles straining. Slowly, Coronus pulled ahead of Rainbow Dash. By the time they passed the center of Ponyville, Rainbow was starting to lag behind. Coronus landed, waiting for Rainbow Dash.

As she approached, her wings locked. She slid the last few pony-lengths on her belly.

"Are you okay?! Talk to me!" Coronus waved his paw in front of her face.

She opened her eyes. "G...g..."

"What? I can't hear you!"

"Good race, buddy!" Rainbow Dash jumped to her feet, hugging the half-dragon. "I haven't flown that hard in ages!"

"Uh... thanks?"

"C'mon!" The racing Pegasus yelled, taking off towards the library. "Bet I can beat you to go tell Twilight!"

"No way, filly!" Coronus laughed as he took off after.

Suddenly, something landed on his back, pushing him to the ground. He skidded, feeling small cuts open on his belly where stray rocks had peirced. He whimpered in pain, trying to see his attacker. A frond of pink mane fell in front of his eyes.

"What is wrong with you?!" Fluttershy screeched, pushing his head down with her hooves. "Why are you out here all alone?"

"I-I'm not alone, mom... Rainbow Dash was teaching m-me how to f-fly..."

"No! You are not flying. Do you hear me? Never!" She jerked her head up as Rainbow Dash flew into her, knocking her off and rolling her into a store's wall. "Don't you dare teach him how to fly!"

"Why not?"

"Because he'll turn out like me!"

"No, he won't!"

"Yes he will!"

"He can't never fly because he's part you and part goshdarned DRAGON!"

Fluttershy stood up, wincing as she narrowed her eyes at the two. "He's never been a part of me." She snarled, galloping off back to her home.

Coronus scrambled to his feet, running after her. "Mom!"

She stopped, glaring at him. "You're not my son."

As she cantered away, Coronus felt like the weight of the moon had fallen on his shoulders. He sank to the ground, tears running down his face.

Rainbow Dash walked up beside him. "If it helps, I could find you a place to stay. I've got no room to spare, but somepony ought to. C'mon. Let's go."

She grabbed his scruff gently, pulling him to his feet. Staying half-carried, Coronus stumbled alongside her, unable to see the ground he was placing his paws on. Rainbow Dash could feel her side wet with tears.