//------------------------------// // Chapter Six: Rainbow Dash // Story: Nice Catch // by Night Princess //------------------------------// "I'll just go in there, meet the guy, say a few words, and leave. It'll be done in ten seconds flat, Twi." Twilight shook her head. "I don't think it will be that easy. Luna has picked stallions that actually liked us, and he might not let you go. And then the Princess will probably make you marry him and have kids and-" Rainbow Dash snorted. "What's the worst he could do, propose to me? I can always say no." The Pegasus slipped into her navy blue gown, dotted with rainbow sequins. "This'll be easier than beating Rarity in a race. All I have to do is  "Don't forget the tiara," Twilight sighed, placing a gold crown covered in colorful gems on Rainbow's head. "Now go out there and try not to impress him. If he hates you, he won't want to meet you again." "Easy as pie." Rainbow trotted off.  Princess Luna told her that she and her date wouldn't be going anywhere, just walking around Ponyville.  Couldn't get easier than that.  Rainbow Dash zoomed into the sky, ignoring her promise to Rarity about keeping her dress nice. "Where's that stallion?" she wondered out loud. Then she saw him. She immediately knew he was her date because she knew Princess Luna wouldn't pick just any old colt for her. No, he had to be perfect, like this stallion looked. Glistening white coat, sharp horn, stunning blue eyes, golden mane. Rainbow had never seen such an attractive stallion.  Then he looked up and saw her. Their eyes met for a split second, and Rainbow looked away, blushing.  "Mother of Celestia, he's hot," she whispered. She landed gracefully on the ground and galloped towards him. "Hi," she said, still blushing. "I'm Rainbow Dash, the Element of Loyalty and three-time Savior of Equestria." One of his eyebrows rose. He didn't seem impressed. "I am Prince Blueblood." His voice was like butter on toast. Rainbow didn't really know what that meant, but she had heard Rarity describe someone's voice like that, and it sounded nice, anyway. "Maybe you've heard of me? I've saved the Wonderbolts, twice actually, and someponies have called me the hero of Ponyville!" She wished she had sounded more confident. Oh, if only she knew how to flirt! "Never heard of you." He spoke again! Rainbow Dash felt dizzy, like she was about to faint. "Should we start, um, walking?" He began strolling around Ponyvilke Square, with Rainbow at his heels. Oh, he smelled like roses. And a waterfall.  The two wandered around silently, with Blueblood wishing for this stupid date to be over and with Rainbow daydreaming beside him.  She imagined him confessing everlasting love for her, even if he had only known her for two minutes. They would become coltfriend and marefriend, date a little bit, and then they would be married at once, since love as strong as their's couldn't just stop at dating. Then Rainbow would become a princess, and Rarity would be so jealous. And maybe Blueblood would help her get into the Wonderbolts, and they would go around fighting evil with their indestructible love for each other.  The Prince, bored out of his spoiled mind, decided to make conversation with the peasant. "Nice weather, isn't it." She almost fainted. "Yes, it's magnificent." She paused, and added in a small voice, "Just like you." "I know I'm amazing. Everyone does." He was made for her. They both agree he was amazing! They had something in common! Rainbow stopped daydreaming just long enough to notice a popcorn stand. She ran over to it and bought two containers of popcorn, not realizing that she accidentally paid ten bits instead of four.  "I bought you some popcorn," she said to the love of her life, throwing a few pieces in her mouth.  "Ugh! Common peasant food? In my royal mouth? I wouldn't dream of it." Rainbow immediately spat out the corn and tossed the containers into a trash bin. "You know, you're right. It's gross." They continued walking around awkwardly. Neither of them said a word.  She decided to break the silence and get his attention. "So, you're a prince?" He nodded. "I have been called one of the most loyal to the crown of the ponies in my home, Canterlot." Loyal? He was loyal? Sweet Celestia, they had something else in common! This was the best day of her life. Wait a minute. His home, Canterlot? He lived all the way on the other side of Equestria where ponies were all snooty and hated Ponyvillians? He might as well live on the moon! They would have to meet in secret, somewhere between Ponyville and Canterlot. Or she could move. She was sure her friends wouldn't mind if she left because of her true love.  "I must be going," the Prince said, bored. "It has been an honor for you, having me here. Goodbye." He began walking away. "Wait, what? You didn't confess undying live for me yet! We haven't even kissed!" Rainbow watched, aghast, as her Prince walked off. She rushed up to him and grabbed his shoulder. "I need to tell you that I have always been desperately in live with you! Tell me you love me back! Tell me!" Blueblood was starting to feel terrified. This mare must have escaped from the Canterlot Asylum, or a circus of some sort! And she might ruin his perfectly groomed coat! "Release me!" he screamed.  "But I love you!" Blueblood broke free and ran as fast as he could, leaving a broken hearted Pegasus crying in the dust.   ### "He was perfect, Twilight! The love of my life!" The rainbow-maned mare flew up to Twilight's face, tears spilling everywhere. "Great, another disastrous date." Twilight was almost in tears herself. "And the worst part is-" "-I'll never see him again!" Rainbow Dash wailed.  "No!" The unicorn tugged at her mane. "The worst part is that my date is next." "Twilight," Rainbow grabbed the other mare's face and held it close to her's. "I hope you never have to experience a heartbreak as terrible as mine." The unicorn sighed. "We're doomed. All of us." "Come on Twi, don't exaggerate." Well, at least Rainbow was back to normal.  "My tragedy wasn't so bad that it would affect everypony else." Or maybe not.