//------------------------------//
// Chapter 0: Prologue 
// Story: When The Rainbow Fades 
// by KShez 
//------------------------------//

	"Could this be any more relaxing?", thought Soarin. He and his marefriend Spitfire were watching the gorgeous sunset from the comfort of a soft cloud, the perfect way to end a training-packed day at Wonderbolt Headquarters. 

Soarin and Spitfire had been together for almost 6 months now, and he had enjoyed every second of it. They hadn't been much more than co-workers when he first asked her out, but it had been enough for them to form a relationship. They loved each other, that much was certain. 

But, with all the performances, Spitfire was routinely busy with training, so they hadn't spent much time together over the past month or two. And when they did have time together, it was not put to waste. Everything was going well for him, and his future was looking up. Just then, a thought that had been sticking in the back of his mind was starting to creep out of its hiding place. One that could jeopardize their relationship, or maybe end it. No matter what, he knew she had every right to know.

"Hey Spit, can I ask you something?", asked Soarin.

"Sure, whatcha need Soar?", Spitfire replied.

"Well...you see...I'm kinda worried it'll affect our relationship."

Spitfire turned her head towards her coltfriend, "Soarin, you know you can tell me anything."

"Okay then...If I asked Rainbow Dash out and we actually did go out, on a scale of 1-10, how much would you care?"

Spitfire froze, pondering the question at hand. Soarin could tell the gears were turning inside her head, or she was hesitating. Would she care at all? No, of course she would; she has a coltfriend for Celestia's sake!

"I'd say probably a 1.5." 

"Really? Are you sure?"

"Positive."

Soarin kept replaying her answer over and over in his head to make sure it was her actual answer and he wasn't just partially deaf. Not that he was, but still. 

"Why?"

Another pause from Spitfire, giving the white and navy blue pegasus some time to think. This doesn't make any sense. Why would she not care? How could she not care? Unless...no, that's stupid, Soarin thought to himself.

"I guess I wouldn't be that surprised", Spitfire finally replied.

Soarin sat up from the cloud and looked at her, "Wait, you wouldn't be surprised? How?"

"Well, you and Dash are two of the closest friends I've ever seen, and I can easily see  that you two care for each other, but not in that way. Heck, I'd go as far as to say if either of you had to choose between your life or the other one's, I can almost guarantee you'd choose the other one. But, if you wanna know something Soar, I've seen Dash checking you out a lot lately."

Soarin's eyes shot open in shock at what his marefriend said.

"Dash? No way", he said.

"Yes way. I can't tell you how many times I've seen her staring at you with...that kind of look the past week."

No, this can't be true. Not Dash, he thought. 

"But, Dash is one of my best friends. Why would she be checking me out?"

"Who says she can't?", Spitfire replied.

"Good point."

"Besides, I think you and Dash would make a great couple. Plus...there's something that's been bothering me too."

Oh no, please tell me she's not breaking up with me, Soarin frantically thought. He didn't want to lose his marefriend when they were this far along. 

"I...I...I'm starting to think we're not going to get much farther than this Soar, I really am. A...And I'm not trying to break up with you or anything, but...I guess I don't love you much more than when you first asked me out."

Huh, that is kinda true, Soarin thought to himself.

"Well, I guess that makes the two of us who think we're not as meant for each other as we thought. But, still...why Dash? I mean, I like her, but not very romantically."

A devilish grin formed on his marefriend's face as she sat up, face-to-face with him once more. 

"Not very romantically, but still a little bit."

Soarin blushed and cracked a small smile, "Shoot. Yeah, she is pretty cute for a mare, and she really is very sweet and considerate. But, what if she says no if I ask her out?"

Spitfire smiled and raised his chin to match her eyes, "I'm sure she'll say yes, Soar. I'm sure of it."

"But, what about you? Would you still be with me?"

A slight pause from Spitfire made Soarin nervous.

"Yeah, but very loosely. In fact, if you love Dash that much, I'd be willing to break up with you so you can be with her. And if she says no, you've still got me."

The stallion smiled, delighted by how well things should go if he did ask her out. Having that comfort lifted his heart a bit for a moment.

"Thanks a ton, Spit. I knew I could count on you."

"So...will you do it?" asked Spitfire.

"Do what?" Soarin asked, momentarily dazed. He hadn't realized Dash was clouding his thoughts like she had been for so long before this evening.

"Ask her out, ya dummy! I thought that was what started this conversation. Come to think of it, why did you ask me that question earlier? Have you been planning to?"

Soarin blushed once again, and looked away from his marefriend, "Oh! Actually, yeah. I've been fantasizing about Dash for a while now, but I never thought I would have a chance at it. I guess I do now."

He looked back towards her as she said, "Well then, go for it! If that's what your heart tells you to do, do it! You never know what will happen if you don't." 

Relieved at her approval, Soarin smiled again, and said: "Okay then. Thanks a million billion Spit. I'm glad you understand me so well. I...I love you."

Spitfire blushed, "Aww, I love you too Soar. Happy to be here." 

She pulled him in for a warm embrace, which she didn't want to end. But, he eventually pushed away, looking up at the sky.

"Jeez, it's getting late, I'd better go. Thanks for everything Spit, see ya later!" 

"Love ya, Soar!"

As Soarin flew back to his home, he couldn't help but beam at his marefriend's surprise approval. He might actually be able to be with the mare he had dreamed of for almost as long as he and Spitfire have been together. He might still have a shot at a life with her. The mare with the rainbow mane, and the beautiful face. The mare named Rainbow Dash.