//------------------------------//
// A Deceptive Date 
// Story: Of Love and Loyalty 
// by Brian Jacko 
//------------------------------//

	Rapidfire checked his watch and frowned. "I know that Derpy delivers the mail late sometimes, but has she ever been this late before?" He had been waiting all day, in the sky, for Derpy to pass by Rainbow Dash's house. Just before he was about to leave, there was a grey pegasus flying his way. "Hey there, Derpy!" He called out. “I have a very special treat for you!"

Derpy flew over to him curiously.

Behind Rapidfire's back, was the BIGGEST muffin he could buy from Sugar Cube Corner. He showed it to Derpy. "I bet you would like to have this big, tasty muffin, wouldn’t you Derpy?" 

Derpy nodded her head and shook her whole body in excitement. "Oh boy, oh boy, I would love to have that muffin!" Shouted Derpy. 

"Well, it's all yours," Rapidfire said as he smiled. "All you have to do is give me that letter you're about to deliver to Rainbow Dash's house." 

Derpy looked confused. "But I might get in trouble for tha," Derpy said as she frowned.

"Well, I would just hate to have to throw this big, delicious muffin away, that I bought for you, but I guess I have no choice." Rapidfire said as he gestured to let the muffin drop out of his hooves. 

"NOOOOOO!" Derpy shouted. "Give me the muffin please!" 

"Then give me that letter Derpy," Rapidfire yelled.

Derpy reached into her mailbag and gave the letter addressed to Rainbow Dash to Rapidfire.

He took it and rewarded the pegasus with the gigantic muffin. "Thank you for your cooperation," he said as he patted her on the head. 

"Oh boy, oh boy! Thanks for the muffin!" Derpy shouted, as she flew off to a nearby tree to enjoy her treat. 	

Rapidfire shredded the letter and tossed the pieces into the air. 

The letter had stated that Rainbow Dash had been approved by each member of the team, and that she was welcome to join the Wonderbolts. 


Days had gone by and still no word from the Wonderbolts.

Rainbow Dash made pacing quite the habit in her room. "What if I didn't get accepted? What if they found some pony better than me and decided not to let me know. What if Derpy forgot to deliver the mail today? What if..." Before she could finish her sentence, she heard the flapping of wings outside her front door. "Finally!" she exclaimed. "Derpy remembered to use the front door for once!" Upon opening the door, she stood in utter shock.

It was Rapidfire from the Wonderbolts. "Hey there, Rainbow Dash, mind if I come in and talk with you for a bit?" 	
Rainbow Dash stuttered for a moment. "S-s-s-sure! Come right in please, make yourself at home!" 

"Thank you." Rapidfire said with a smile. "I just wanted to let you know that half of the team voted not to let you in."

Rainbow Dash's heart sank.

"But, our team captain, Spitfire, left the final decision to me to decide whether to let you in or not, so I'm personally letting you on the team because I like you so much."

Rainbow Dash almost jumped out of her skin. "I don't know what to say," she said. "Thank you so much! I really owe you." 

"Oh, it's nothing reall," Rapidfire said with a smirk. "How about you owe me a date tonight? What do you say?" 	
Rainbow Dash froze. She thought to herself, "First he chooses me to be on his team, and now he wants to go on a date? Can this night get any better? An actual date with a Wonderbolt?" Rainbow Dash shouted, "Yes! I would love to go on a date with you."

Rapidfire grinned and said, "Good, I'm glad. We'll be able to get to know each other better. There's a carnival being planned over at Sweet Apple Acres tonight. How about we meet there after lunch?"

Rainbow Dash nodded with a huge grin on her face. "Oh, and one other thing, I almost forgot to give you this," said the stallion, as he pushed over a golden box for Rainbow Dash to open. 

She opened it without hesitation. Inside the box, was her very own Wonderbolt uniform.

"Rarity still had your measurements from the last time she made a dress for you. It's a custom fit, so it should fit you perfectly."

Rainbow Dash threw her hooves around Rapidfire and thanked him many, many times. 

Rapidfire stood up and said "Well, I got to get going. See you at Sweet Apple Acres later today!"

"OK!" Rainbow Dash called out as he left her home. "This is going to be great!" she said to herself. "A date with a Wonderbolt. I can't wait!"



Rainbow Dash showed up at Sweet Apple Acres before the event was ready. The fresh smell of farm and carnival food filled her nostrils with delight. 

Ponies were still setting up the games and rides. 

She saw Applejack filling up a small pool of water for a game in which to dunk Granny Smith. "Applejack!" Rainbow Dash cried out as she galloped over to her friend. 

Applejack looked over and said, "Hey there sugar cube! What are ya doin' here so early?"

Rainbow Dash screamed out at her. "I'VE GOT A DATE WITH A WONDERBOLT TONIGHT!" 

Applejack just grinned at her enthusiasm. "Well, I sure as hay never thought you were the romantic type, Rainbow Dash, but I sure as sugar am happy for ya! I'm sure you two will have a swell time at our carnival tonight! I got some fresh zeppolis that were just made a few seconds ago. Why don't ya grab some and share 'em with your date? Don't worry about payin', it's on me, hun."

Rainbow Dash thanked her and zipped on over to get some zeppolis. She waited patiently for her date. Hours had gone by and the carnival was jam packed, but still no Rapidfire. It was getting late now and she was about to give up hope. She had finished eating the last zeppoli, and was ready to go home. As she was about to leave, Rapidfire showed up from behind her. 

"So sorry I'm late Rainbow Dash. I was uh, you know, quite busy with other things." 

Rainbow Dash's eyes widened. "Oh, it's no biggie," she said. "Let's go have some fun and make the most out of what time we have left at the carnival."

Rapidfire and Rainbow Dash went along together and played some carnival games. They went on rides, ate dinner together and talked about their dreams and goals.

After the carnival ended, they flew together performing tricks and talents that only they could do. When they both became tired, Rapidfire took Rainbow Dash's hoof, and flew her to a peaceful place, where there were grassy hills and a beautiful waterfall. Together, they watched the sunset, as he held her in his hooves. He stroked her mane and held her close. He leaned over to her and whispered into her ear. "I think I love you." 

Her heart went pitter patter and she froze up. All she could do was return a silent smile. He leaned forward and went to kiss her. She closed her eyes, as they locked lips under the sunset. She was in love and nothing else mattered to her. Nothing.