//------------------------------// // When he Comes Soarin' into Town // Story: Pie For Two // by lillytheomegawolf //------------------------------// Two peaceful weeks passed in Ponyville. They were happy weeks of not seeing much of AppleJack as Pinkie successfully fought to suppress her crush on the mare who had rejected her. The group had even planned to meet up later on friday, in two days time. Despite everything, she was actually looking forward to seeing her friend again. But just as Pinkie Pie began to feel happier with her baking, she felt her strange, dangerous twitch on her right shoulder manifest once again. “This is bad bad bad!” The party pony shot up, dropping the rolling pin she held. It clattered to the floor, only to bring an odd silence to the room, her mother figure turned to her with a questioning look upon her face. “What’s bad dear?” “My strange itchy twitch on my right shoulder. Something bad is going to happen!” Mrs Cake sighed, “if you say dear. I hope this isn’t between you and AppleJack again.” Pinkie gulped. “Um... T-that’s what I think this twitch means...” The kind mare knew all too well that it was unwise to brush off such odd behavior as nothing, so instead she walked over to her charge and rested a hoof on her shoulder. “Well whatever happens, just remember that we are all here for you.” “Thank you Mrs Cake.” Pinkie brightened up, glad of motherly company of her long time caregiver and boss. Maybe with help, this would turn out to be nothing after all. After all, she was over her crush. She hoped. Not far away from Ponyville two pegasi stood on a cloud. The pair were invisible to all in the small town as they held their position on the soft platform. Soarin stood alongside his best friend and boss, Spitfire as they gazed down upon the peaceful town of Ponyville. The scenic view matched the well built stallion’s frame of mind, tranquil, with little activity. A place where he could unwind for a day or two before returning to his life as a star and kick off his performance at Canterlot. It felt great to be out of uniform, to allow one's mane to blow freely in the wind. His mind turned to all the great foods the residents must have, simple and tasty. Just the kind of food that could made a hungry stallion full, unlike the dainty morsels of high society. “Remember Soar, this only a small town, so don’t go eating the place out of all their supplies.” The strong voice from his iron ruler brought the light blue stallion back to the cloud he stood upon. “Gotcha boss.” The light blue stallion grinned back. “Somewhere down there... I’m sure there is a pie with my name on it.” Spitfire shook her head, unable to keep an invading smile from slowly taking hold of her muzzle. “I take it your mighty quest to find the best pie is still on then?” You got that right,” Laughed Soarin as he spread his wings, “Hey boss... Can we go into town now? I don’t think the others are coming." “I'll race you there." The sunny yellow pegasus took off with a powerful spurt. She darted right straight towards the massive tree in the middle of town, an easy target. The thick headed stallion stood for a moment, before he realized the location his friend was headed for. He took off with a single powerful beat of his wings, intent upon winning. Soarin scrunched up his eyes a little as he tore through the air with well practiced ease. Every fibre in his body flared and came alive as powerful wings propelled their master onwards. He obliterated one cloud as he barreled through it, his focus on his boss. Her yellow form and hot orange tail teased him as the mare expertly matched his speed, leading easily by a few pony lengths. Twin trails blazed in the wind as the pair sped playfully toward the tree. Spitfire winked at her partner before flipping over and pulling off a slow barrel roll as she sped onwards. This earned a small laugh from Soarin who matched his boss’s efforts with a delighted grin upon his muzzle. Faster and faster they circled each other. Spitfire wore a big confident grin in the lead, while her companion fought to catch up. Everything else in Equestria vanished as Soarin locked onto his target and forced himself to put on an extra burst of speed. Not that it was a competition or anything, but he really wanted to beat his boss at her own game. Agonising moments passed as he continued to put on speed. The fiery tail flickered closer and closer, just like the impending finish line. The mare up front glanced behind and a surprised look swiftly crossed her muzzle. Soarin grinned, it was great to see his actions were rewarded. Now to pass the captain of the Wonderbolts! Like two bullets the pair shot through the air and within no time at all, Soarin had caught up with his companion. Neck and neck they approached the finish line, only for the stallion to give a final mighty burst. Soarin skidded to a halt, victorious. He had reached the tree first. “Awww yea! I win!” The elated stallion turned to his friend, she was smiling at him. “Nice Soar. I gotta say... you were pretty fast.” Spitfire grinned smugly, clearly not one to mind the inflation in the blue stallion’s ego. “Well I am the fastest stallion alive.” Bragged Soarin as he slowly stretched, still on a high from his win. “...Which might explain why you can’t get a date.” “Yea...” Soarin grinned, still filled with pride in his success. “Hey!” The victorious grin fell from the light blue stallion’s muzzle has his brain caught up with what his boss had just said. “What’s that supposed to mean!” “Oh, nothing.” Spitfire smiled lightly back. “Come on, lets go.” She lightly punched her companion in the shoulder. Soarin took the light blow. His glare faded quickly as his good looking boss sauntered happily off, flicking her tail as she waited for him to catch up. "So, Soar... you gonna drop by and visit your sister?" "I sure am... after a good feed!" "Lead on then, pie face." Spitfire waved him onwards with a forehoof. Head held high, Soarin obliged. He enjoyed the stares from the locals and wondered how long it would be till they got accosted by a fan who was bold enough to try for an autograph. While he was here to relax, Soarin was happy to allow his ego to drive him for the moment. Picking his target as the over-coloured bakehouse, Soarin strolled happily along, without a care in the word. “Look everypony! It’s the Wonderbolts!” Cried a little orange filly, her pink and purple mane flicking in the breeze as she sprinted towards her two of her heroes. “Hey there.” Greeted Soarin. “It’s always great to meet a fan.” “Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! It is you guys! I gotta tell Rainbow Dash!” The young pegasus hopped energetically on the spot, gazing up at the two mighty pegasus before her. “Don’t do that please. I plan on seeing her myself.” Replied Soarin with a big grin. “Yea. After he’s had something to eat.” Added Spitfire with a hint of smugness. “Really?! Does that mean she’s got into the Wonderbolts!?” “Not yet kiddo.” Replied the fiery mare. “She needs to grow up a little more first. But I’m sure she’ll get in eventually.” “Yup.” Added Soarin, full of confidence. “I take it you know your way around town? ...” He paused, realizing he had no idea what his fan’s name was. “I sure do know my way around! Does this mean I get to be your guides?” Eagerly asked the energetic filly as other ponies stood by watching the excitement. “Sure. As long as you help us get to someplace that can serve pie.” Replied Spitfire. At this, the young pegasus’s eyes went wide, it was almost too good to be true! ‘Wait till Applebloom and Sweetie Belle hear about this, wait till Rainbow Dash sees this! I get to be the Wonderbolts guide!’ Scootaloo did a little jump for joy, her wings flared with excitement before she took off, eager to be the best guide ever. “Just follow me, I’m Scootaloo, Rainbow Dash and I are like, two of your biggest fans!” Exclaimed the little filly as she led the two amused adults along. “Nice to meet you Scootaloo.” Spitfire said as she led her companion, following the excited filly. “I wonder if she will ask for an autograph?” She whispered to her grinning companion. Before Soarin could answer his boss, the filly beat him to it. “Oh, and I can I get you guys autographs? Cause that would be like, super awesome!” Asked Scootaloo as she loped along, filled with delight. The hot yellow pegasus leaned toward her companion to whisper one last time to him. “Nevermind...” “Sure thing miss.” Replied Soarin as she fought back laughter. “Welcome to Sugarcube Corner!” Greeted Pinkie Pie, seemingly appearing out of nowhere as the trio entered the colorful sweets shop. “What can I get you today?” “Hi Pinkie Pie!” Greeted Scootaloo, still buzzing. “These two are Wonderbolts, Soarin’ and Spitfire!” “Ooooh!” Pinkie put on her widest grin as she stared at the pair of pegasi. For some odd reason, that strange twitch on her shoulder appeared once more. Sudden realization hit the spastic mare and she let out a large gasp and zipped off before anypony could say anything more. “Okay... What was that about?” asked Spitfire. “She’s Pinkie Pie... She’s always like that.” Scootaloo waved the question away. “Anyway, this is the best place to come in Ponyville for something nice. Pinkie Pie can be a little...odd but she really does make the nicest sweets I’ve ever had.” “She makes pie too?” Asked Soarin hopefully as he sniffed the air for traces of his favorite food. Eager nodding was the forthcoming reply from their guide. “She sure does! I’m sure if you asked her she would make you the nicest one you’ve ever had!” “Mmmmmm... that sounds promising.” The blue stallion could just about taste the pie already. “Please lead on.” The excited filly just about dragged her two heroes forward to the counter to be served. As soon as they arrived at the front of the short line, the crazy party pony appeared again. “Hi! What can I get you?” “One Large Apple Pie please.” Confidently replied Soarin, his eyes briefly traveling the length of the mare in front of him before returning her her face once more. “Sure thing!” With a wide grin she zipped away, only to reappear again moments later with his order. Soarin’ migrated toward a table to eat while Spitfire placed her own order. This stallion’s mind was on the good pie clenched securely in his jaws, ready for eating. He plonked his pie down on the table and gazed at it with a grin of delight for a few moments before launching into it with gusto. The sweet, juicy pie drew the hungry stallion on and on and before he knew it, the filling meal was all gone. “That was amazing...” He managed as he settled back in his seat to enjoy the aftertaste of his meal. It was then Soarin realized that a pair of blue eyes were upon his, staring intently at him as if waiting for him to do something. The eyes were amazing, captivating, almost creepy. The grin borne by the earth pony they belonged to was equally so. “Your Pie is amazing.” Confirmed Soarin, grinning. Without replying, Pinkie Pie leaned in closer, her face becoming serious. Soarin had no idea what to think. He pulled back slightly, cautiously, keeping eye contact with the baker. What was this crazy mare thinking and why was she staring at him like that? Without warning, Pinkie Pie jumped, her usual happy demeanour appeared to be restored before she bounced off as if happy about something. “What was that...?” Soarin glanced at his teammate. “I have no idea...” Replied Spitfire before she dug down her own meal, albeit at a more sedate pace than her companion. Under the watchful eye of the happy baker, the trio of pegasi left Sugarcube corner. “Where to next?” Inquired a very excited Scootaloo, eager for whatever was next on the list. Soarin couldn’t help but smile at the youngsters energy. “Well. We have to go see Rainbow Dash now." “That’s so cool! Can I come too?” The little pegasus looked like she was almost ready to explode, she was that eager. "Nope. I would like to have a word with her and I don't need a lot of ponies gathered to see." Replied Soarin with a light grin upon his face. “Awww... You sure? I could show you the way.” The hopeful filly replied. “Na... You head off, have fun with your friends. I don’t know how long this stuff will take.” The light blue Wonderbolt fended off the offer. “Well... Okay then.” Scootaloo sighed. “Will I get to see you two again, or are you going to be too busy doing shows and stuff?” “You might get lucky.” Spitfire smiled. “It would be the least we can do for such a helpful filly." “Yea. We might even be able to slip you a pass to our next show in Canterlot.” Offered Soarin with a big grin. “Really!?” Scootaloo lit up once more. “Yep! After all, you have been a great guide.” Soarin replied. “You guys are awesome!” She paused as if remembering something. “I gotta go tell my friends. Maybe they will want to come too!” The excited filly galloped off, waving goodbye to the two adult pegasi who stood with grins on their muzzles. “I don’t remember telling anyone they were allowed to give away free tickets, that might have to come out of your salary there Soarin.” Spitfire remarked as she began to walk off down the road. “Awww come on boss! It’s not like she didn’t earn it!” Prostrated Soarin as he entered into a quick canter to catch up. “Maybe. But it’s still coming out.” Spitfire kept her face impassive as she walked. Soarin knew he may as well give up. It was clear his long time friend and boss was never going to back down. “Okay, fine. But I still think she earned it.” “And you never wanted a foal...” “Hey! I never wanted to be a stay at home dad. There’s a difference.” Insisted Soarin, a hint of annoyance seeping into his voice. That was not an area he wished to discuss. ‘There I was thinking we were past all that... Why does she bring it up?’ He wondered to himself as he kept pace alongside his captain. The stallion’s mind drifted to the excellent meal he had had, that pie had after all been amazing. Almost as good as the one he had bought off that blond maned mare one time in Canterlot. Thoughts of mares turned his mind to the pony who had served him his most recent meal. ‘Now there’s a strange pony!’ A grin covered his muzzle. ‘Oh yea. She was also one of the ones at that high and fancy party in Canterlot.’ He cruised along for a few moments, body falling into autopilot, his mind filling with pink pony. “Hey, daydreamer!” The call from Spitfire kicked the stallion from his own thoughts. “Huh... what's up boss?” At the slow response, Spitfire kicked off into the air. “This. Flying time. After all, it's not like your sister lives on the ground.” “Oh right.” Soarin gave off a dry laugh. “I didn’t realize we were so close.” “Well, if I remember right. You said she lived in the only home with rainbows around here. So... there it is.” A bright yellow hoof indicated the majestic home as it floated in the midday sun. “Beat you there boss.” Soarin took off and was rewarded by the sound of wingbeats at his side as his fellow Wonderbolt kept pace with him. Once again, he allowed his body to go into automatic, after all, the home was only a short flight from the ground for an athlete like himself. He wondered briefly what the crazy mare was doing now. ‘Maybe she’s making another pie... Or a cake...’ At the thought, he could just about smell the tasty food. As his body continued to take him up into the clouds, his mind wandered back to Sugarcube corner. ‘I have got to go back there. Her baking was amazing.’ All of a sudden, the proud stallion realized he was at his destination, and of course, Spitfire was already standing there, waiting for him. “Caught you dreaming again there Soar. Come on, don’t go soft on me now.” “Don’t worry about me boss. Just thinking about food.” Soarin admitted, omitting the part about the baker. “But you’ve only just eaten.” Spitfire remarked. “But it was good food!” Insisted the light blue stallion as he touched down. “Mmmh yea.” Agreed Spitfire, before turning to face the door. Soarin took the lead, walking slowly toward the door to one house he rarely visited. His eyes wandered, he drank in the sights and allowed himself to wonder how a weather pony had come to afford such an elegant home, especially one as rough as his sister. Almost completely ignoring his companion, he knocked then gazed through the window, waiting for his younger sibling to answer. His mind once again slipped back to the mare who served him. Something had been off about that pony, it was like she had been suspecting something. There was no denying that she was a cute earth pony, even if she was a little odd. ‘Wait! Where did that come from?’ Soarin wondered to himself, only to give up, it wasn’t like it mattered after all. A good looking mare was a good looking mare, even if she wasn’t a pegasus. His eyes wandered for a few moments as he wondered what was off about the home. Then it clicked, it was a little too tidy for anypony in his family. "Huh... I wonder where she moved to..." Soarin wondered out loud. "Moved?" Asked Spitfire. Her voice caused Soarin to jump like a colt who had been snapped with his hoof in the cookie jar. How did he forget that his boss and best friend had been standing by his side all that time? “When was the last time you spoke to you sister?” “Uh...” The bold stallion took a few moments of careful contemplation before choosing to reply. “Well... before Discord’s return, thats for sure...” “You truly are useless at keeping contact with other ponies aren’t you?” Mused Spitfire only to earn a sharp look from her companion. Sorain huffed, offended. “I keep in touch with mom and dad.” “I remember... that would be six months ago... when we were dating.” Bluntly stated the Wonderbolt captain. The blue colt sighed and plonked himself down upon the soft cloud that made up Rainbow Dash’s front doorstep. “I know... I know... stop reminding me.” “It was your fault.” Pointed out Spitfire, her bright wings flexing as she sat beside her old mate. “Yes boss. But you were the one who said work and relationships don’t mix.” Once again, this was the topic Soarin didn’t enjoy discussing. It wasn’t as if he had minded the blend of work and relationships. It had been sweet enough, just cruising along enjoying them both. “Which is why you're still on the team. I would prefer to keep you there than at home looking after foals.” Her third jab sent pangs through the light blue stallion. As fun as children could be, full time foals really were not his thing. Sure playing with one could be fun, as long as it didn’t eat his pie, but he had known for quite some time now that the last thing he wanted was to be locked down by family commitments when the exciting life of a wonderbolt was still his to enjoy. “I’m not a stay at home guy... you know that.” “Yea, well... you seemed to hit it off well with that baker who served you. Maybe she could stay at home to look after foals.” Smirked Spitfire, playfully nudging the stallion by her side. “So?” Soarin physically recoiled a little at that. What gave Spitfire the idea that he suddenly liked the crazy pink baker? It wasn’t as if his boss and ex-flame had a right to put her muzzle in his personal business anymore. “Oh you know... Pinkie Pie, was it? That high energy baker could keep you well pied up for a long time.” Spitfire remarked, a hint of something in her voice that left Soarin unsure of her motives for bringing up such information. “I do like the pie.” The stallion agreed, a grin reappearing upon his blue muzzle as he gazed out across the peaceful town. “How about you ask your sister more about her, I’m sure Rainbow Dash could tell you a thing or two about that Pinkie Pie.” “Oh, right!” The muscular stallion sat up straight, his vision focusing a little more as he attempted to find a trace of his show off sister anywhere nearby. “That’s who I needed to find. Shame our guide is gone... maybe she knew.” “Well come on then. Let’s get looking. As much as I don’t mind the peace and quiet, this place gets boring.” Spitfire took off, slowly into the sky. “Okay Spit. How about you do what you do best, and lead on then?” Soarin asked as his wings bore him aloft to meet his ex. “Works for me.” “Where are they?” Soarin wondered as the pair of Wonderbolts wandered through Ponyville’s park. Of all the places to look, this was a clear sign the two were becoming desperate. Spitfire had already told her companion that this was the last spot she would check before heading off and abandoning him. It was only like they had searched the skies and all the spots around town that said ‘Rainbow Dash.’ Although how a park had managed to sneak onto the list was beyond Soarin. Not that he was bothered, soon as his boss left he planned on making a quick stop at Sugarcube Corner for one last pie for the day. Maybe he could even try another of Pinkie Pie’s creations. His mouth began to water, he could already taste the amazing food. It would make his failure to find his sister a forgotten memory. “What the buck...” Spitfire trailed off. “Huh?” Soarin snapped out of his thoughtful state. But before he could wonder at why his companion had just sworn, the answer became clear. Right in front of the pair, two pegasi were cuddled up in the shade of a mighty tree. They were in the middle of sharing a kiss. A kiss that clearly was more than anything anypony would give to a friend. As Soarin’s stunned brain began to recover, he realised something. His sister had a fillyfriend and hadn’t told him. No wonder Dash’s place had been empty. She must have moved in with whoever her companion was. “Rainbow Dash?” Soarin managed, still unable to believe his eyes. “Woah! Soarin!?” The blue mare pulled away from her fillyfriend, shocked. “W-what are you doing here?” “Hey, don’t be like that baby sis. I only wanted to say hello to my sister.” “Okay... So w-why is Spitfire here two? Are you two here to invite me to be in the Wonderbolts?” The young athlete’s wings rose in excitement and her smile became mirrored upon the muzzle of her shy marefriend. “No.” Spitfire buzz killed. “Not yet.” “Okay. So... uh... why did two of my heroes come looking for me?” The upcoming Wonderbolt glanced uncertainly between the pair of older pegasi. “Well... I haven’t had a chance to catch up properly with my little sis in like... forever.” The light blue stallion replied stepping close to the young couple. “And you never told me you had a fillyfriend!” “Well yea, but thats cause you’re always busy and it’s not like we ever talked much anyway.” Dash replied while Fluttershy hid within the prismatic mane out of embarrassment. “Who’s the mare Dash?” Smiled Spitfire, coming up beside her fellow Wonderbolt to get a better view at the two lovers. “Well, this is Fluttershy. You-” “No way!” Soarin’s shock quickly turned into laughter as realization hit him. He faintly remembered his sisters fillyhood best friend. His laughter increased in volume as the blush on the couples faces increased. Just as he was becoming breathless from hysterics, a hoof slapped his back. “That’s enough Soain.” The voice of his boss was enough to calm the strong blue stallion. He settled down upon the grass, his gaze upon his sister and her marefriend. Soarin could feel the eyes of the mare at his side drilling into him, they forced him to collect himself. He stole a glance at her to confirm it was okay to speak once more. “I’m... uh... sorry. I just found it cute that my sister had bedded her best friend.” Smiled Soarin. Said smile was ripped off his muzzle as fast as it appeared. Spitfire did not look pleased by his choice of words. Rather than allowing himself to fall into a silent war with his ex, the stallion’s gaze returned to the two lovers at the sound of a stifled giggle. After a few moments of attempting to pry a highly embarrassed Fluttershy off, Dash managed a reply to her brother. “Great choice of words there Soarin. Really.” “Awww come on! I didn’t mean it in a bad way.” Insisted Soarin. “It’s cute... and funny.” “Soarin.” “Yes sis?” “Got a fillyfriend?” This caused the easy going stallion to pause for a moment. “Uh... no. Why?” Rainbow Dash sighed, shaking her head slowly. “No wonder you still don’t.” “Why does everypony say that?” Soarin wondered aloud, feeling annoyed. He turned to face his captain and friend. “Cause I remember you said something about it too.” “That’s right.” The fiery yellow mare replied, calmly “You’re either too fast or too laid back to find anypony.” Spitfire of course left out any mention of the only mare he had dated as she had a feeling that her brother had never told Dash that her two heroes had been together as more than friends for a time. “Hey, I got an idea!” Rainbow Dash lept into the air, almost dumping her mare in the process. “How about we find you somepony cool. I mean, you're a Wonderbolt. How hard can it be?” “I don’t need any of your pranks, Dash. They were bad enough when we were young. So I dunno...” Laughed the wonderbolt. “I can’t even begin to imagine how to get you back for all those pranks.” “First off... you were an easy target.” “But there was dad!” insisted Soarin. “And he was always sleeping!” “You were my brother! It was always more fun to get you.” This news didn’t surprise the veteran Wonderbolt and he shook his head slowly as a grin spread lazily across his muzzle. “...And you wonder why I suspect you now?” “It’s not a prank. You need a marefriend. Your like... ten years older than me or something and I have a fillyfriend and you don’t. That’s just... not cool!” “I thought I remember you saying you weren't into romance.” “It’s Fluttershy, okay. She’s special. At least I have a cool date.” Bragged Rainbow Dash as she proudly put a hoof around her fillyfriend who at long last emerged from hiding in all the colours of the rainbow. After a few moments where it felt like everypony in Equestria was looking at him, Soarin stuck his muzzle up in the air with a huff. “I could get a date if I really wanted to.” “Oh yea?” Rainbow Dash advanced upon her brother. “Yea.” “Prove it!” The cocky mare pushed her muzzle into her brother’s face. The intrusion into his personal space made him quick to retort, staring his sister down point blank. “Fine. I will.” “Good. Then I dare you... you must find a date and take her, or him.... with you to dinner.” Rainbow Dash paused for effect, a smug look plastered across her muzzle. “...and you’ll be sharing a table with Fluttershy and me at the family party, so it had better be somepony cool.” “Your on.” Soarin held out a forehoof, feeling assured that everything would work out fine despite the possible pranks that were sure to be coming his way. Soarin’ had been meaning to tell his dad that he would be attending the upcoming family party, but so far he had been too lazy to say anything to his old stallion. At least now, he didn’t have to. It sounded like his sister could organize it all for him. With a grin the younger pegasus shook and turned away and marched back to her mare with a victorious swagger in her step. “You know, you’ve probably lost already?” Spitfire giggled from the lazy stallion’s side. “Come on boss. Have a little faith.” “In that case... Good luck, I’m out of here.” The bright orange mane waved enticingly in the breeze as Spitfire lent in slowly toward her ex with a slick smile upon her muzzle. Soarin’s heart rate picked up and her soft, warm breath touched his cheek. He could not believe what she was doing! Not that he could pull himself away, instead the blue stallion allowed himself to be rooted to the spot. Just before any contact was made, Spitfire pulled away, as if thinking better of her actions. Before the pale blue Wonderbolt could react to the strange move from his companion, she was gone, borne aloft by her powerful yellow wings. ‘So this was why Dash and I never meet up for anything family... now even my boss is acting weird.’ He turned his attention to the two younger mares in time to catch Fluttershy giving the bolder pegasus a nuzzle. “Aww... gee, get a room you two.” He laughed lightly, glad to have a way of moving the focus back to his sibling. “Maybe we will.” Replied Rainbow Dash with a smile. “Unless you had anything else... like a family family discount into the Wonderbolts.” “You don’t get those. Even though you're like... my biggest fan. Don’t worry though, you’re nearly a Wonderbolt Dash. It’s just that, Spitfire makes the rules and says who’s in and who’s out.” “But you’re always at her side, surely you could put in a word for me.” The hopeful mare replied. Soarin lazily waved his sister off. “I already have... too many times. Now she doesn't listen to me.” “Oh... poor you.” Consoled Fluttershy, finally speaking up. This elicited a snigger from her partner. “He’ll be alright. I’m more worried about me. I still need to get into the Wonderbolts.” Dash grinned, as wishful thoughts took over. “Well I guess I could offer you tickets to our show in Canterlot. It’s on soon... Early next week I think.” He paused, “pretty sure.... Actually. I’ll ask Spit.” “You mean you forgot when you were doing the next show?” Rainbow Dash couldn't believe that such important details would go missing from her brother’s mind. The look of disbelief showed clearly on her face and made the Wonderbolt want to laugh. “Yea... I usually just rock up to them when they happen. It’s the same deal with all the gigs I do.” “You are lazier than I remember.” “It’s not lazy. I just chill out.” “Um... Rainbow Dash is very good at that too.” Fluttershy’s comment didn’t surprise Soarin and he decided to take a shot at her for it. “As in, she likes to chill out, or she’s lazy?” “Both I think.” The shy pegasus giggled as she ran a hoof through her fillyfriend’s mane. “Hey! Come on Fluttershy.” Complained Dash. “I never said it was a bad thing sweetie.” Fluttershy nuzzled noses for a moment, before realizing they were being watched. She promptly ‘eeped’, and hid behind her mane. “You sure know how to pick a fillyfriend there Dash.” Laughed Soarin. “Yea. I know.” Agreed the proud multi-coloured pegasus as a blue hoof snaked around her mate’s shoulders. “Well I’ll be off now. I think I have to catch another Pie before I head back to the hotel.” Soarin’s wings extended as he prepared for flight. “Another Pie?” The sound of his sister’s enquiring voice killed the lift for a moment. “Yea. Pinkie Pie makes good pie.” Soarin grinned before lifting slowly off. “You know... there is somepony else in town who makes awesome pie. Maybe you should check her’s out too.” Now in the air, Soarin kept his wing beats at a nice and sedate pace as he hovered above the pegasus pair below. “And where might I find this... other pie?” “Just ask for Applejack. She usually has a stall somewhere in the marketplace. She should be easy to find. Her cooking is great as well. As long as you like food with lots of apples in it!” The future Wonderbolt deliberately added the extra emphasis on food for effect, smiling as she did so. “Don’t I ever.” Replied Soarin, his taste buds coming alive at the sound of a second vendor to pick from. “Well, I guess I’ll see you round at some point Dash. You too Fluttershy.” “Bye!” The two love birds called out to the departing pegasus as he flew off in search of his second pie for the day. “Yes! I get to go to see the Wonderbolts!” Cheered Dash, as soon as her brother was out of sight. “This is going to be super awesome!” Not far away, in the middle of the Ponyville marketplace, Applejack was slowly packing up after an uneventful day. ‘Gee, Ah’ wish somethin’ would happen to make things more interestin.’ She thought to herself. The orange mare quickly threw the thought away. After all, it wasn’t as if she could complain, a quiet life was a good life and she was happy with what she had. The lack of constant Pinkie Pie parties had done wonders for keeping a simple schedule too. But, just before she finished, a stallion landed in front of her stall. His deep blue mane and bright green eyes were the first things that drew Applejack’s eye. “Hi, is this Applejack’s stall? I’m looking for a good pie.”