"Are you sure about this?"
"Soarin relax, I know what to do! I'm already at the compound and so far every pony's buying it, so chill. You explained the routine! I now know it better than my own name! Seriously, relax I know. Now go have fun on your date, don't worry I'm sure it'll be fine."
"Thanks for the support, but the date isn't my only concern....."
Oh? Then what are you jabbering on about?"
"I-it's Rapidfire..."
"So? What about him?"
"It's just, he knows me best. I'm worried he'll notice that something's up."
"Dude, it'll be fine! I'm telling you, don't worry, he'll never know the difference!"
"Tarnix I know you won't like this but... You see, I told him that I'm a ch-"
"Soarin, Relax! Alright? Just go have fun in your date and everything will be fine, I promise.
*Sigh* "Alright, I hope your right," I said in defeat.
"Of course I'm right! Now go and have your fun," Tarnix said.
"Ok, bye," I said, finally feeling relieved.
"Tarnix's got this! He'd never let me down!" I told myself, now feeling determined. I did my best to push the situation to the back of my mind.
I finally unferled my wings and prepaired to take to the air, to take flight to ponyville. The flight wouldn't be to long, just about 10 minutes or so. It would even shorter because, one I'm one of equestrias fastest fliers, and secondly I'm litterly on the outskirts of Cloudsdale! I flew into town and began to lazily glide around the small town of ponyville looking for Dashie.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"Soarin!"
H"uh?" Tarnix jumped at the loud voice and spun around to see an angry looking Spitfire"
Spitfire's face softened from on of anger to one of concern.
"You okay Soarin," Spitfire asked worriedly.
"Oh yeah, of course I am," Tarnix said piping up.
Spitfire sighed, "look Soarin, I'm sorry I yelled at you. I know I can be a little intimidating at times but remember I'm under a lot of stress right now ok? The inspectors comming soon and we have an important show coming up, but you NEVER miss practice. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions, I'm sorry, but we have to learn this routine and get through the drills we have for today ok?"
"Yes ma'am," Tarnix said saluting and marching down the hall.
'I did that right, right? Who am I kidding, of course I did! this is Soarin I'm talking about,' Tarnix thought to himself with a smirk.
Tarnix turned the corner and bumped into some pony.
"Woa! Sorry," Tarnix said trying to sound as clueless as he could.
Rapidfire raised an eye, "Soarin are you feeling ok?"
"What? Of course why wouldn't I be," Tarnix asked in Soarins voice.
Rapidfire just stared Tarnix down with an unreadable expression.
ABORT! ABORT! Tarnix's mind screamed at him as a single bead of sweat trickled down his forhead.
"Alright," Rapidfire said finally after a long pause. He held absolutely no emotion in his voice, nor did Tarnix smell or feel any emotion comming off of Rapidfire.
somethings wrong! It's not possible for a ponies to completely block out their emotions, right?
Tarnix thought to himself.
"Alright you two! Let's go, we're already way behind schedule," Spitfire said matter of factly. She came up and started trotting up side Tarnix.
Man she really is in love with Soarin! So much love from her... make - make's my h-hungry-NO! Stupid thought's! Come on Tarnix controls yourself! This is for Soarin! But man, never have I felt so mush love come off one pony like that before! She is litterly head over hooves in love with Soarin.. This isn't going to end well between her and Dash. Tarnix gulped.... Not good.. Tarnix thought.
Tarnix was just glad that no pony else noticed his worried expression before he snapped back to his senses. That is until he met Rapidfire's piercing gaze.
"Oh shit," Tarnix mumbled under his breath nerviously. Rapidfire said nothing.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I happily flew through a nice fluffy cloud the cool off. The slightly damp feeling blowing through my mane and past my face, while small little wisps of what were left of the cloud danced across my cheek as they evaporated.
"Aaaahhhh," I sighed in contentment as I neared Dash's house.
I may be a changeling but this is the life for me. The one place I truly belong. I can't change it nor can I deny it. I'm a changeling, I don't like it, but it's who I am. I'm a changeling who's really a pony at heart. I'm more of a pony than I'm a changeling... And flying, man, I was meant for this! I love the sky and everything I've worked, learned, and done as a wonderbolt. I wouldn't give it up for anything.... Except Dashie. I would do anything to be able to be with her.
i love her , I thought to myself.
A peace of cloud hit me in the side of the head, I spun around.
"Huh," I questioned.
Only for another one to hit me on my back!
"What the!" I exclaimed flying in circles, trying to figure out the source for the strange little puffs of cloud.
Then I heard giggles. I flew closer to them and soon found out they were coming from. They were coming from a cloud that was to my left. I scilently flew up into it and saw a cyan pygusus who was trying to contain her laughter. She has still neglected to notice me. "Perfect I muttered to myself smirking evilly.
I pounced on her!
"Whoa," she yelled in surprise, as I pinned her to the cloud.
"Look what the cat brought brought in," I teased.
"Hey get off me," Rainbow Dash demanded.
"Um, no," I said tilting my head as if considering to let her go.
"Get off!" Rainbow Dash yelled now flustered, "I mean it!"
"Aaaawwwwhhhhh, but your so cute when your angry," I teased as her face burned up red with a deep blush.
"Besides," I continued, "rumor has it your very[ ticklish/b]," I said trying to hold in my laughter, when I saw the horrored look on her face.
"NONONONONONONONONO," Rainbow Dash said in horror as she held her breath to try and fight Back her laughter.
"Tickle tickle tickle!"
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"Alright everypony, good practice today," Spitfire praised.
"Soarin," Spitfire barked, as Tarnix prepared to trot past.
"Uuhhhh," Tarnix said nervously.
"What the heck is with you today," Spitfire asked, "its like you forgot the whole entire routine!"
"Heh, heh, he, um s-sorry? I'm, um, not feeling quite myself today-"
"Whatever! Just be prepared for the next show! We've worked hard for this! In this next show Princess Celestia herself will be attending," Spitfire warned.
"O-okay?"
Spitfire glared harshly at Tarnix, "yes?" She asked.
"Yes?", Tarnix muttered nervously, suddenly feeling like he just shrunk.
"Yes Ma'am?" Spitfire questioned her eyebrow raised with annoyance. She looked ANGRY! Like she was trying very hard to compose herself from going crazy!
"Yes ma'am," Tarnix said trying to sound confident. but like him no pony else believed him.
"Good! remember, I don't do disrespect when we're on the practice field, k? You don't normally forget anything, you feeling ok Soarin," Spitfire asked all her anger turning to a look of concern for her friend.
"Y-yes? I mean yes! I'm fine," Tarnix corrected while giving the goofiest grin he could muster. "Yup, I'm fine, I just wasn't feeling so good earlier, but I think I was just stressed. I think I just need some alone time for a while," Tarnix said quickly.
"Ok, if you say so, Spitfire said, shaking her head.
"Come on every pony! Let's hit the mess hall," Spitfire called out. Everypony began to file inside the building behind her.
"Phew," Tarnix exclaimed wiping a bead is sweat from his forhead.
Tarnix turned to walk past the building only to be grabbed by rough strong hooves and slammed into the brick wall!
"Aaaaahhhhhh," Tarnix screamed.
"You have two seconds to tell my where Soarin is," Rapidfire yelled in Tarnix's face. Tarnix could hear the venom in his voice, and feel no other emotion other than pure hatred illuminating from Rapidfire.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
"Hahahahahah," Rainbow Dash laughed so hard her chest hurt.
I finally stopped tickling her so she could catch her breath, but I still kept her firmly pinned to the cloud beneath us. Rainbow Dash gasped for air.
"You, you, you'll pay for this," Rainbow Dash said panting trying to catch her breath.
I leaned up over her so that our muzzles were only a few inches apart, then I smirked.
"Oh yeah? What are you going to do little Dashiekins?"
"You'll see once I- "Rainbow Dash huffed while trying to pull out of my hold.
"Hahaha, funny, you know why," I asked.
Rainbow Dash glared daggers at me. "Are you laughing at me?! Because I swear to Celestia that you'll regret it if your laughing at me! Rainbow Dash yelled getting even more embarrassed by the second.
I simply laughed , "aaawwwww, Dashie, your so cute when your mad," I teased.
Rainbow's face flushed.
"You know, it's funny really," I continued looking away smirking. I glanced back down to see Rainbow Dash glaring at me and sulking, "that I can do this!"
I blew raspberries on Rainbow Dashes tummy, and once again the air was filled with laughter.
"S-stop," Rainbow Dash said through gasps of laughter.
"I dunno, I don't think I can until you tell me who equestrias best pony is....."
"Me, dummy," Rainbow Dash managed to yell through all of her laughter.
"Noooo, because honestly, really I think it's me," I said now tickling her even more.
"Hahahahahah, ok! Ok! You win!! Stop, stop," Rainbow Dash yelled while laughing.
I grinned and let her go.
"I hate you," Rainbow Dash said pouting after a long pause.
"I love you too," I teased, while Rainbow Dash shot me a playful glare.
"So what do you say we go and eat? I'm starving," Rainbow Dash said jumping up.
I simply shook my head with a smile.
can't blame a guy for trying I thought to myself. I know all to well that when Rainbow Dash gets an idea their was no changeling her mind. "looks like our tickle fights over," I mumbled to myself.
Alright" Dashie, come on! I know the perfect place for our picnic! It's got an amazing view, plus, bonus, it's getting kinda late so the sky will look perfect," I said with a smile.
Rainbow Dash blushed, "s-sure sounds good! Sappy and a little too romantic for somepony as awesome as me, but good, I think I can handle that," Rainbow dDash said nonchalantly.
I simply grinned at Rainbow's antics.
"Perfect."
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
"WHO ARE YOU?!? AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH SOARIN?!?!"
"Nothing I swear," Tarnix yelled, now in fear for his life.
Rapidfire only glared, "don't play dumb with me!"
Tarnix eye's shifted back and forth in panic as he contemplated his options, while silently praying for one of the other wonderbolts to come and rescue him.
"Answer me," Rapidfire demanded.
"I, I um," Tarnix studdered.
what do I do, what do I do?!? Their's no fooling him now! Telling him the truths the only way I have ANY chance of living!, Tarnix thought in quick panic.
"My name is Tarnix," Tarnix unintentionally blurted out.
"I'm listening," Rapidfire said softening his glare. He was finally getting somewhere. Still, his eyes felt like they were shards ready to Peirce through your soul at any moment.
I "I, um."
"Your a changeling aren't you," Rapidfire asked bluntly.
"How did you!- I mean, uh, what no! Are you crazy! Changelings are evil!"
"Sure they are and big and scary too," Rapid teased, "now seriously, I know your a changeling and where's Soarin!?"
"I, um, he's on a date," Tarnix said In defeat as he begs. To relax.
"With who? Rainbow Dash?"
"How'd you know," Tarnix asked suprised.
"I suspected it. It was only confirmed when I saw them dancing at the wedding, luckily I was able to snap a picture," Rapidfire said with a mischeviouse grin.
"Um, could you possible let me down now please," Tarnix asked nervously.
"Huh? Oh yeah, sorry, but seriously, why are you here?"
Tarnix sighed, their really wasn't any hiding the truth now.
"Soarin and I switched places so he could go on a date because he knew Spitfire wouldn't let him have the day off."
Rapidfire sighed, "yeah that's true, she wouldn't, she has a HUGE crush on him.
"Yeah I noticed all the love coming off her, and it's making me hungry!"
"Hey," Rapidfire scolded.
"Sorry, sorry," Tarnix muttered while looking to the side.
"Just a tip, always address Spitfire with respect, and try to stay calm around surprise's antics."
"Huh," Tarnix exclaimed snapping his head around to face Rapidfire in pure shock.
"Are are you helping me?"
Rapidfire smirked, "look, any friend of Soarin is a friend of mine. Plus you haven't given me a reason not to trust you. I'll give you a chance, but Soarin better be back soon."
"Well I should' t have to worry then," Tarnix replied with a friendly smile.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"Mmmmmmm this is the BEST apple pie I've ever had," Rainbow Dash commented as she took another bite. The crust was perfect, nice and crispy whol the middle was sweet and gooey.
"Mmmmmmnnnn," Rainbow Dash moaned again in pure bliss, as she let the delicious pastry melt onto her tongue.
I chuckled as I watched her enjoy her pie.
"Yup! that's Sweet Apple Acre's pie right there! It's the best their is!"
"Wait, what? Applejack made this?!? I knew she could cook but I didn't know she could cook like this," Rainbow Dash said throwing her hooves up in the air dramatically.
I laughed, "yeah I got my first one at the gala, remember when you saved it?"
"Yeah, Rainbow Dash laughed.
Rainbow Dash looked up at the evening sky and smiled when a small gust of wind blew and tickled her cheek.
"The sky's beautiful...... But not as much as you."
"Wait what? Are you saying you thing I-I'm pretty," Rainbow Dash asked blushing.
"I, um, wait, what?! No," I panicked.
"I mean your not pretty! I-if that's what you want I -I mean no! You are pretty! I just, um, oh, um, I-that's not what I meant," I continued to jabbered on helplessly .
Rainbow Dash leaned over and calmly put a hoof over my mouth and I became silent. I didn't dare utter a word, for I was unsure of what to say.
"I love you too," Rainbow Dash said.
I sat there stunned like and idiot!
"You do," I asked in complete shock.
Rainbow Dash chuckled, "Soarin I've liked you ever sense I first met you."
"Really," I asked.
Rainbow Dash simply laughed at me as we got lost in each other's eyes. We both began to lean in we were only a few inches apart, then I relized, I couldn't have her, I didn't deserve her, anything we would ever have between us would be a lie.
"No," I yelled jumping up!
Rainbow leaned back in surprise and looked at me surprised.
"W-what,?!"
"I said no! I'm sorry, but no I can't do this!"
I flew as fast as I could and I didn't stop until I saw a lake and landed on its bank. I dropped my disguise and began to scream and yell as much as I could at my reflection.
"Stupid, ugly, monster! You'll never be good enough! Y-you!!!---"
_"--kind, caring, and the sweetest pony I've ever met!" A voice behind me shouted, I spun around.
"R-rainbow?!?!" I stutter nervously backing up until I was ankle deep in the still water of the lake, but she kept coming towards me. Her eyes, her face, they held no fear only concern.
"Soarin don't you dare walk away from me," Rainbow Dash ordered.
I hung my head low and slowly trotted up to the bank, I didn't stop until I was right in front of her.
"Rainbow I-"
"Save it," she interrupted in a harsh angry tone. I hung my head low.
Rainbow Dash closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Soarin," she began gently, "why would you think your a monster?"
"Because I am one! I'm a changeling! And changelings are monsters! Look at me"
"Now stop right there, Soarin! Look, being a changeling doesn't make you a monster. What makes you a monster is when you go out of your way to hurt others! You remember queen Chrysalis right?
"Yeah," I said quietly, "she gave us a bad name. Ponies didn't even know we existed until she attacked canterlot and now.... Every pony fears us."
"See! You care! Plus you look out for every pony, this proves your not like the others," Rainbow Dash said placing a comforting hood on my shoulder.
"I'm still a changeling," I said sadly, lowering my head even closer to the ground.
"Soarin look in the water, what do you see?"
I looked into the water at my reflection like Rainbow Dash said to. All I saw was a black twisted figure full of holes and fangs.
"All I see is a monster," I said quietly.
"No soarin, look harder," Rainbow Dash said as she bent down and and twirled her hoof in the water causing it to ripple. I watched the ripples start to clear and spread out towards the center of the pond..... but when it cleared, I saw, not a pony, not a changeling, but two changelings standing side by side............ as equals.
The End