//------------------------------// // Soarin // Story: A Broken Mare // by DJ Variety //------------------------------// A peaceful night, Celestia’s sun had just vanished and Luna’s moon was hanging overhead.  Darkness’ veil rested over the residents of Ponyville.  Rarity had already turned in for the night and was quickly approaching a deep sleep.  Right before unconsciousness fully consumed her a loud and terrible banging noise jolted her awake.  Slightly dazed and confused she exited the comfort of her bed and headed out of hear bedroom.  Upon reaching the top of the staircase Rarity knew the ruckus was coming from her front door but the reason anypony would disturb her at this hour was beyond her. To say Rarity was a little grumpy from being woken at such a late hour was an understatement.  She wanted little more then to run the culprit off her property but knew to do so would not be becoming of a civilized pony.  Swinging the door open forcefully with her magic Rarity came face to face with the one and only Rainbow Dash.  “Rainbow Dash do you know the hour?!  What could be so important that you would dare disturb my beauty sleep, hmm?” “It’s not that late Rarity.  Can I come in?” Replied the cyan mare who was already entering the house upon asking her question. “As if you’re not already,” grumbled Rarity through clenched teeth.  Rarity loved spending time with her friends but knowing Rainbow Dash this wasn’t a matter of life or death and could have waited till the morning.  “What can I help you with Rainbow Dah?” sighed Rarity in defeat just wanting to get it over with so she could return to slumber and good dreams. Rainbow walked over and sat down on Rarity’s couch.  “You’re not gonna offer me any refreshments or anything?” asked Rainbow surprised it wasn’t Rarity’s first comment like usual.  Upon turning and looking at her friend’s glare Rainbow sheepishly smiled and quickly replied, “It’s okay I’m good, heh heh.” “Why are you here Rainbow Dash?”  Rarity’s patience was cut extremely short after that last comment.  “I would prefer to get some sleep sometime tonight.” “Look I’m sorry to have disturbed your slumber but I just really wanted to talk with you.” “And why couldn’t we have talked in the morning?” was Rarity’s response, still waiting for the answer to her question. With a small nervous smile Rainbow said, “Well, I couldn’t sleep so here I am.”  The statement came out almost more like a question.  As if Rainbow Dash were asking Rarity if that was a good enough reason. “Leave,” was Rarity’s short response.  Just because Dash couldn’t sleep doesn’t mean she shouldn’t get to. Quickly Rainbow replied “But it’s because of romance. You love romance. Don’t you wanna know how my date with Soarin went?”  Rainbow was smiling gleefully now hoping that by using the word romance that Rarity would cave. “I don’t need to know so bad that I lose sleep over it,” answered the sleepy fashionista. “But I’m already here,” pleaded the unwanted guest. “Ugh! Fine! Let me make myself a cup of coffee.” Rarity was too tired to argue and added in spite, “But you don’t get any!” After a short period of time Rarity re-entered the living space with a cup of coffee.  Rainbow was waiting surprisingly patiently for her friend to situate herself and take a few sips of her hot beverage. Feeling a little more awake Rarity set down her drink onto the coffee table in front of her.  “So, how is Soarin doing these days?” “Ohmygosh, Rarity it was awesome!  I’ve never felt like this before.  I thought the date with Thunderlane was great but today with Soarin it was on a whole other level.  He’s a hoot to be with, being both confident and nervous at the same time.  Kind and funny, making me feel more special than anypony ever has before.  Understanding and willing to do whatever to make me feel more comfortable.”  Rainbow had seemingly burst, not even answering Rarity’s original question and just spewing everything she was thinking. “Besides, compared to Thunderlane he’s at least 20% more hansom… (cough) I mean cooler.” Rarity was taken off guard by the sudden ramblings of her friend.  Even though she knew this was something Rainbow had been wanting, it still seemed strange to see this rainbow maned mare excited about a date.  “It seems to have gone well.  I’m glad to here it darling.  What all did you two do tonight, if you don’t mind me asking?” “Well, first it was just dinner.  He had made reservations at one of the best restaurants in Cloudsdale, but not one of the more fancy places.  Neither of us are really fans of fancy things.  Next he took me to downtown Cloudsdale where we ran around just participating in any old random thing that seemed to interest us. After that he…” “Hold on Rainbow Dash,” interrupted Rarity.  “He planned the entire evening then?” “Yeah, isn’t that what colts are suppose to do?” “Well, I’ve always felt like it should be whoever asks the other out.   You feel like putting all the pressure on him to plan the date he wasn’t even prepared for was fair?”  Rarity agreed that it should be the colt’s job to plan the date but traditionally it’s also the colt who asks the mare out. “I was going to but he insisted.  Said since he didn’t get to ask me out the least he good do was make an evening I’d never forget.  And I won’t.” “I suppose chivalry isn’t entirely dead after all.  Please do continue, where did you two go next?” Rarity couldn’t have been happier for her friend.  The look on Rainbow’s face filled Rarity with such joy that she didn’t even mind that she wasn’t sleeping right now. “Okay, right.  So, he took me out of town.  Told me to just fly next to him for a while.  When I asked where we were going he said it was a surprise.  We just flew as the sun was setting.  Finally we landed at this little pond where he had laid out a blanket on the ground.  He asked if I recognized the spot.  I had no idea where we were apart from being directly under Cloudsdale. I didn’t think I had ever been there before but he told me we were directly under the spot where I saved you and him during the young flier competition remember?” “Yes, yes. Though I’d rather forget.  I acted dreadfully, but do go on” Rarity encouraged. “Apparently after all that happened Soarin would go down to the pond a lot.  He told me it became his spot.  Anytime he was confused or had questions he would go there to think.  He told me one thing he thought about a lot while down there was me and that’s why he wanted to share it with me.  He said I was the only mare he wanted to be with and asked if he could kiss me.” “Did you?!” Shouted Rarity in excitement, just wanting to know if her friend had made such a huge step. “Of course not.  I’m not ready for that yet.  But the offer was nice,” Replied Rainbow.  “He was very understanding.” “Oh darling that’s terrific!  He asked you out again undoubtedly?” “Yeah, for next weekend but I had to say no,” was Rainbow’s response with a lot of disappointment in her voice. “But why not?”  Rarity was afraid that such strong emotions from Soarin might have put off Rainbow but her friends over all demeanor prior to this statement had been sheer excitement and joy. “I already made plans next weekend with another colt, but after tonight I don’t wanna go.  I just wanna be with Soarin.” “Who?” “His name is Flash Sentry.  He’s a royal guard apparently.  I haven’t met him but Twilight set me up with him.”  Rainbow sounded less then thrilled with her next weeks date. “Why did Twilight set you up with a colt?” “Well, after you suggested I don’t keep my dates secret I told Twilight.  She was happy for me and all but ended up telling me about Flash.  I guess he’s a newer guard but Shining Armor said he had a great reputation.  I was all for it at the time, figured the more colts I dated the sooner I’d find one I truly liked.  Now though I wish I could just cancel.” “It won’t be too bad.  It’s one date. Who knows maybe you’ll like him and you two could become friends.  I doubt Soarin will mind, I’m sure he’d understand,” reassured Rarity.  “Did you explain the situation to him?” “Yeah, and in classic Soarin style he brushed it off as no big deal and said there would be other opportunities for us.” “So don’t be too downtrodden about the whole thing.  Have a good time with this Flash Sentry.  Let him know that the date isn’t serious and I’m sure he’ll understand.” “Oh, and I almost forgot.  Apparently I’m gonna need a dress for that date.  Apparently he wants to take me to some fancy pants restaurant and then a tour of the castle.  Twilight said I’d have to look my best because delegates from Saddle Arabia will be there.” Rainbow seemed less than enthused about having to go so formally. “Have no fear Rainbow Dash, I’ll make you a dress that’ll stun all that see it.  And just for you I’ll make it light and not over the top.  Just like you I’ll make it, how do you put it, 20% cooler,” smirked Rarity. “Thanks.  You’re a true friend.  For everything, really.”