It was a pretty big day for Rainbow Dash. Today, she and her flying team representing Ponyville would be facing trials to represent in the Equestria Games. And as per usual, Steel was hanging around her. Taking note of how driven Rainbow Dash was. 'She's pretty cute when she's so motivated.' Steel thought to himself. He also took note of the team that was assembled. Besides Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Bulk Biceps composed the flying team representing Ponyville. However, those two weren't known for their flying skill. "All the same, I gotta applaud Dash for pushing them to do their best." Steel said with a nod Before gliding down from the tree he was sitting on top of. "So? Your team ready to take the gold?"
"They will be after training!" Rainbow Dash said with a confident smirk. "Next stop: Rainbow Falls! The trials aren't gonna wait for us, so let's move!" The group took a train to Rainbow Falls, and sure enough all the flight teams were out practicing. Most of note was the Wonderbolts practicing. And Rainbow Dash was in awe of their speed as per usual. "Wow! I bet this year they're gonna take the spot for representing again!"
Steel smiled, but it soon faded. "Actually, you might wanna rethink that!" Steel pointed to Soarin as he started to spiral down after pulling a stunt move and crashed into the ground! Steel rushed over, and managed to pull Soarin free of the wreckage. However, the wonderbolt's wing was badly hurt. "Hate to say it, but you're gonna be grounded for a while. Hey Dash? Help me get this guy to the medical center." Rainbow Dash nodded, and helped Steel carry Soarin to the nearby medical tent. "Hope that doesn't make you less hyped for the trials."
"You kidding?" Rainbow Dash said with a grin. "Now I'm twice as motivated! My team's gotta make it so we can go in honor of Soarin!" Soarin smiled weakly at Rainbow Dash's compliment, and was soon taken to a room so he could be treated. "Well, time to get down to business!" Rainbow Dash flew back to her team, and set about running through practice! It didn't go unnoticed as Spitfire and Fleetfoot took notice of how fast Rainbow Dash was. Both had sly smiles as they slipped on their sunglasses. However, their actions were monitored as well. Steel caught sight of them eyeing Rainbow Dash, and he knew that they had something in mind. And much to his dismay, he found Rainbow Dash hearing them out on thier offer to join their team. Steel was equal parts disappointed in Rainbow Dash for being so eager to follow her dream she'd abandon her teammates, and angered that Spitfire and Fleetfoot would ditch their own comrade for the sake of victory! Something would have to be done. And Steel caught Rainbow Dash about to fake feeling sick. "Oh, Steel! Yeah I'm-" Rainbow Dash stopped herself when she saw the look in Steel's eyes. She'd only seen him look so diappointed in her once before. Back at the competition she'd had with Applejack. "Hey...what'd I mess up this time?"
Steel sighed. "Nothing. Yet. But that remains to be seen. First? We need to see Soarin." Steel led Rainbow Dash to where Soarin was resting. "Soarin? Did either Fleetfoot or Spitfire come in here earlier?"
"Uh...no." Soarin answered. "At least, not for long. They said that they'd be just fine not representing in the games this year."
Rainbow Dash blinked. "Wait. They didn't tell you that I was taking your spot?" Rainbow Dash fell into a nearby chair and slumped. "Oh man....what did I almost do?"
"Rainbow..." Steel said with a sigh. "You've got a dream that makes you reach for the heavens and push past your limits. But you've always gotta ask yourself if you can live with how far you're willing to go. I wasn't picked as the Elite Guard's captain from the start. Back when the position was up for grabs, some memebers of the guard took all sorts of risks and pulled all sorts of cheap tactics that they thought would get them picked. And as I saw it, I couldn't stand it. I'd always heard that guards stood for honor. And seeing those idiots think only of themselves made me sick. So when a similar chance came to me, I chose to stand by my comrades instead of myself. I showed the mark of a leader by caring for my team and looking out for them. Because I honored the bonds we shared, I came out stronger than before."
Rainbow Dash wiped a tear from her eyes. "I guess I wouldn't be the Element of Loyalty if I didn't stick with my friends when they need me." And with that, Rainbow Dash left. "But first..." Rainbow Dash tracked down Spitfire and Fleetfoot, and gave them a piece of her mind. "Listen up you two jerks! There's no way I'm ditching my team just to fly with you! Sure. I wanna be a Wonderbolt. But you know what? It isn't worth ditching my friends like you two ditched Soarin! I'm the Element of Loyalty for a reason. Now get!" The two Wonderbolts were reasonably stunned, and backed away slowly. "...MAN did that feel good." Rainbow said as she took in a deep breath. "Is that how one of you guys feel whenever you give whatever villain you fight a piece of your mind?"
Steel chuckled. "Something like that. But I wouldn't know. Burst, Ty, and Ice are the only ones to do that." Steel then noticed Soarin limping over. "And I don't think I'm the only one who was impressed."
"Here." Soarin said with a proud smile as he handed Rainbow Dash a Wonderbolt pin. "If it were up to me, I'd make you a Wonderbolt in a heartbeat. Sadly it isn't, but you represent what we should stand for. Wear it proudly. And make sure to win one for me at the games!"
Rainbow Dash cried out in joy! "SO AWESOME!" And her day was made even better due to her team making it to the Equestria games. She then rushed Steel, and tackled him with a hug. "You know, sometimes I can't believe I got lucky having you for a boyfriend."
"I love a woman who can kick my butt." Steel said with a smirk as he pulled Rainbow Dash into a kiss. "And I lucked out too. I scored an incredibly loyal girlfriend."