Ch. 13: Casualties and Wonderbolt Plans
Legacy of the Pegasi:
Ch. 13: Casualties and Wonderbolt Plans
The Trough and Cider was no stranger to the many festivals, parties and celebrations that rotated throughout the year. Each one had its own flavor and merits, filling the well known establishment with jovial patrons, who were only too eager to add good food and drink to the occasion. So connected were these celebrations to the watering hole that The Trough and Cider had become synonymous with carefree smiles and silly company, both with the slight compliments of alcoholic cider.
Unfortunately, that long tradition had come to an end. Instead of joyous laughter, there was only a dreadfully confused silence.
Soarin', Spitfire, Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle each stood rooted to the wooden floorboards. For several seconds only haphazard blinks passed between the ponies, each recovering from the sudden burst of light.
Twilight's stupefied expression suddenly changed to shock. “What in the name of Celestia was that?!”
“DAD!” Scootaloo yelled out. Scrambling from Applejack's hooves, she half ran half stumbled across the floor, all the while her tear filled eyes locked onto her father.
Twilight's query evaporated at the sight of the dashing mare. Immediately everypony began to move, The Trough and Cider thrown once more into a different kind of chaos.
Soarin' intercepted Scootaloo a second before she reached Swift Jet, tussling with the emotionally wracked teenage mare, doing his best to restrain her without harm.
“What are you doing?! Let me go, I have to-D-DAD!” Scootaloo tore against Soarin', desperately trying to get to her father. Confusion and anger colored her face as tears continued to pour from her eyes.
“Scootaloo!” Soarin' spoke firmly, trying to get the distraught mare to look at him.
Spitfire skidded to a halt next to the unconscious stallion, taking only a split second to assess his condition.
“D-DAD! Say someth-DAD!” Scootaloo continued to struggle, striking her hooves at the Wonderbolt.
“Scootaloo! Listen to me!” Soarin' yelled, trying to force Scootaloo to meet his eyes.
“He's bleeding badly!” Spitfire announced in a detached voice, her motions mechanical as she continued to survey the comatose stallion. “I need a first aid kit! And sompony call a paramedic!”
“Right here!” AJ replied, bounding over the bar with a small case in her mouth.
“Rarity, get help from the hospital!” Twilight ordered. However, she quickly amended it. “No, wait!” She started to gallop toward the confused unicorn, eying the night sky warily through the ruined ceiling. “I'll go with you!”
“Let me go, let me go!” Scootaloo yelled, her mind frantic as she tried to break away from Soarin'.
Soarin' was beginning to get frustrated. “Scootaloo! Listen. To. Me!”
Rainbow Dash rushed toward the agonizing mare. “Scootaloo, stop! Listen to Soarin'!”
Scootaloo slowed, as Dash's words cut through the torrent of pain that enveloped her. Her tearful eyes turned to Dash, an outpouring of sympathy and care on the elder pegasi's face.
“Scootaloo.”
The words were firm, but calm. Scootaloo turned from Rainbow Dash to the stallion who held her. His large emerald eyes stared intently down at the delicate mare.
“Scootaloo.” Soarin' repeated, reaffirming he had her attention. “Listen to me very carefully.” He spoke slowly, trying to calm the frenzied mare. “Your father is hurt. At this moment, the best thing for you to do for him is to stay clear and let trained medical personnel do their work.”
Scootaloo's lip quivered as she tried to speak, her words shaky. “B-but I n-need to be with him. M-mom told me t-to...” The futility of Scootaloo's words lay before her as she hiccuped in a whimper, fresh tears coming forth.
Rainbow Dash put a comforting hoof to Scootaloo's back, rubbing soft circles. “It's okay Scootaloo.” Her words were tense and inexperienced, but sincere. “You're not going anywhere.”
“Scootaloo?” Soarin' spoke up again, this time a little softer. “Do you understand?”
The mare nodded without looking.
“You sure?”
Again she nodded, her head downcast.
Satisfied, Soarin' nodded to Rainbow. He slowly released Scootaloo, leaving her with a gentle rub of her shoulder.
Rainbow immediately sided up next to Scootaloo, pulling her close and draping a comforting wing around her. The younger pegasus was very still, only fearful quivers assaulting her as she watched over her father.
Soarin' immediately joined Spitfire and Applejack, both of whom were rapidly tending to Swift Jet's worst wounds.
A clatter of hooves across the hall announced Twilight and Rarity's return along with a pair of determined medics in tow behind them.
The medics, an earth pony and unicorn, immediately took over for AJ and Spitfire. Thanks in part to the Wonderbolt and farm pony's actions, the medical duo took little action. Seconds passed like hours however, until the two finally began to prepare the unconscious stallion for transport. A gentle shimmer of magic found its way around Swift Jet as he was carefully raised from the floor and lowered onto a stretcher.
Scootaloo yelped slightly, involuntarily stumbling toward her father as the two medic ponies began to slowly carry him off.
“D-dad-?” She mumbled, her voice quivering slightly.
Rainbow lowered to Scootaloo's ear. “Go on. Stay right by his side. I'll be there soon.”
Scootaloo didn't need to think twice. She rushed after father, still scared but visibly calmer.
“We'll go with her.” Applejack announced quietly, glancing to Rarity. The white unicorn gave a solemn nod, joining the retreating medical party.
Rainbow Dash smiled weakly at her departing friends, thankful for their presence.
An eery silence founds its way into the room. Twilight and Rainbow stared blankly for a moment, as if lost in their own thoughts. There was only a veteran weariness upon the pair of Wonderbolts.
Spitfire raised a hoof, massaging her temple. “I hate that stuff.”
“What was all that?” Twilight finally asked. No longer alarmed, only a surreal disbelief laced the unicorn's words.
The question seemed to hang in the air. All three pegasi nervously glanced at one another, unseen to Twilight.
“Million bit question.” Spitfire sighed, leaning against one of the tables. “Your guess is as good as mine.”
Dash slowly released her breath, thankful for Spitfire's discretion. She couldn't involve her friends with this. The danger had suddenly become all too real.
“I've never seen magic like that before.” Twilight thought aloud. “And from pegasi!”
“They all seemed to be wearing some kind of amulet.” Soarin' spoke up. “That might've had something to do with it.”
Twilight began pacing about the room, deep in thought as her horn glowed softly. “I can feel the residual magic in the air; you're right Soarin', it was definitely from those amulets.” The unicorn frowned. “But it's still unlike anything I've felt before.”
Twilight cautiously walked toward the debris covered staircase. “The trail is stronger back here...”
Soarin' started to walk after Twilight but Rainbow quickly pulled him aside. “What are you doing?” She whispered urgently.
“I know you want to protect your friends, but Twilight's the only one who can sense this magic.” Soarin' countered. “Right now it's our only lead. We know next to nothing about these guys.”
Rainbow frowned, glancing toward Twilight. The unicorn was quickly clearing the stairway, completely engrossed in the mystery before her.
Dash sighed in resignation, nodding slightly.
“Hold up there Twilight.” Spitfire called out. The Wonderbolt leaped into the air with a flourish of her wings, landing ahead of Twilight on the stairway. “Soarin' and I will lead ahead, we don't know if any of those goons are still around.”
Twilight nodded in agreement.
Rainbow Dash fell in alongside the unicorn, a watchful eye on her friend.
Soarin' joined Spitfire at the head of the group, both Wonderbolts alert as they slowly moved forward.
All four ponies reached the landing, the darkened hall before them. Slowly they crept forward, four sets of eyes peeled for any movement.
Despite watching for more of the belligerent pegasi, Soarin' found his eyes drawn to the floor. Tiny holes of charred wood peppered the hall floor. Lightning strikes? And all grouped in the hallway? The Wonderbolt thought, frowning. He put the curiosity in the back of his mind, there wasn't time to think on it now.
Eventually the group made it to the end of the hall without incident. Spitfire peered through the door-less frame, breathing a sigh of relief.
“It's clear. Nopegasi around.”
Twilight peered at the ash on the floor, her horn aglow once more. “The signal's much stronger here. Not only was there a powerful spell here,” the unicorn stepped into the conference room glancing about, “but I'd wager that there were more than a dozen ponies in here, based on the magical distribution.”
Spitfire entered the room, followed by Rainbow and Soarin'.
Much like the hallway before, the room was a wreck, with chairs upturned, windows broken, and a pile of debris on the table from the gaping hole above.
Spitfire studied the breach in the ceiling, letting loose a whistle. “Impressive. Only military types can pull off an exit like that.”
Twilight continued to circle the room. Occasionally the unicorn would shoots puffs of magic into the air, studiously watching the air around her.
Soarin' and Dash watched the lavender unicorn go about her observations. Dash fidgeted slightly, while Soarin' shuffled in place.
Then, ever so slowly, an amethyst haze appeared in the room. Though brighter in some places than others, the suspended stream formed a rough ring around the table.
Soarin' was still for a moment, startled by the appearance, but relaxed slightly when he saw Rainbow's grin.
“Wow.” Rainbow started, taking a step toward the floating haze. “So, this is all that magic signal stuff you were talking about?”
“Huh?” Twilight replied, confused. “What are you talking about?”
Spitfire looked equally puzzled, glancing between Dash and Twilight.
“Uh, you mean...” Rainbow looked all around, like a lost filly. “You don't, uh, you don't...”
Twilight cocked her brow. “Don't what?”
“Rainbow was just wondering that it seems like you don't know a whole lot about this kind of magic.” Soarin' jumped in, striding up next to Dash.
Twilight thought for a moment. “Oh, well, yes that is true.” The unicorn replied absently. “But I will soon.”
Twilight returned to her work, none the wiser. Spitfire was not so content, a skeptical look on her face as she watched her fellow pegasi.
Dash nodded curtly from Soarin' to the haze. The Wonderbolt nodded in affirmation.
Slowly, and as unassuming as he could, Soarin' strode casually alongside the haze. Nothing. Thought the stallion, stopping aside the fog. He had half expected his aura to flare in alarm, but his ethereal ally maintained its dormant hum with Rainbow Dash. So what if I...
Soarin' started to walk again, casually letting his canter drift into the haze.
“Argh!” Soarin' exclaimed awkwardly, bolting into the air. A small blackened singe marked the Wonderbolt's hoof.
Rainbow Dash immediately winced. Her aura flared slightly, as she felt the power siphon toward Soarin'.
Again Twilight leveled a curious stare. “Uh, Soarin'? Are you, okay?”
Slowly Soarin' hovered to his hooves. Ugh. Okay, that was stupid. He put a hoof to his pounding skull, trying to ignore the sudden pain. “Uh, yeah, just uh, stubbed my hoof on the table, that's all.” The Wonderbolt played off casually.
Twilight eyed the pegasi for a moment longer, but finally shrugged indifferently.
Spitfire was like a hawk, watching the two from her perch in corner of the room.
Rainbow stared insistently at Soarin', despite trying not to draw attention to herself. “Yeah, you should try to be a little more care-” Rainbow froze mid sentence, her eyes still as she stared at Soarin'.
A gentle silver glow emanated from the Wonderbolt, collecting around his chest and slowly growing.
Soarin' looked confused for a moment. Rainbow's eyes seemed locked on his chest. Slowly the Wonderbolt glanced downward.
Immediately the stallion skittered backward several steps, like a group of spiders had sudden attacked him. Thankfully, he restrained the urge to shout.
Twilight took no notice, but Spitfire was all the more suspicious.
Soarin' stared down at himself, as the silver glow continued to waft and swirl slowly about his body. It was thin and almost completely transparent. Slowly, the Wonderbolt raised a hoof and gingerly prodded at his chest.
“Uh, Soarin'?” Rainbow asked expectantly.
Soarin' looked up to reply, but quickly caught his words in his throat. All he could do was nod poignantly, gesturing to the rainbow mare.
Oh crud. Rainbow lowered her eyes. Sure enough, a light red mist gathered about her in the same fashion as Soarin'. She stared between herself and the stallion, unspoken questions passing between them.
“Alright, what's up with you two?” Spitfire finally spoke up, trotting next to Dash.
Both Soarin' and Dash jerked toward Spitfire, ready to deflect her question. All words were immediately lost as they gawked at the yellow pegasus.
Spitfire stopped short of the amethyst haze. “What? Why are you guys looking at me so funny?”
Soarin' and Dash's eyes remained locked on Spitfire. A small, fiery orange gleam circled about her chest, smaller in volume than Soarin' or Rainbow's own, but just as bright.
Rainbow quickly glanced toward Twilight. No glow gathered at the unicorn's chest.
“Uh, Captain, you uh, you feeling okay?” Soarin' asked, trying not to sound suggestive.
Spitfire raised a brow. “I'm fine, other than the weird vibes I'm getting from you two all of a sudden. You two clearly need some rest.” The Wonderbolt walked toward Twilight. “Twilight Sparkle, I think we need to-”
Rainbow jumped forward. “Spitfire, wait!”
Unfortunately, Spitfire had already crossed into the haze.
Nothing happened.
Spitfire glared back at the other two pegasi, now clearly annoyed. “What?!”
Soarin' and Dash glanced stupidly between each other and the Wonderbolt Captain. The malevolent haze bombarded the glow around Spitfire's chest, soundless sparks spraying about. Spitfire seemed to take no notice.
“Uh, nothing! Nothing at all!” Soarin' exclaimed. “You're right Cap, just need some rest is all!”
Rainbow nodded in agreement, hoping Spitfire wouldn't prod further.
Spitfire sighed in frustration, suddenly looking more haggard. “Twilight, I think we need to wrap this up. These two might be in shock from earlier. And uh,” She put a hoof hoof to her head, teetering slightly. Beads of sweat started to form at her brow. “I think I might need a break too...” She trailed off, her breathing a little more shallow.
Twilight's eyes lit up in alarm. "Oh, what was I thinking!? You all should have gone to the hospital." The unicorn quickly doused her horn, quickly trotting toward the doorway, passing through the haze unharmed. "There's not much more I can do here anyway; I need to do some research first."
Rainbow smiled inwardly, for once thankful she had a friend as big of an egghead as Twilight. It's going to be hard keeping her in the dark the more she digs though. Rainbow thought, frowning. And what if she found out too much? What then? What if she sent a letter to Celestia? Things had certainly gotten more serious. Would Rainbow and Soarin' be able to handle the rogue pegasi without the help of an Alicorn? Rainbow didn't know. But if Celestia found out then surely Rainbow's friends would want to know. She glanced to Soarin' beside her, but the stallion seemed more concerned about the immediate predicament.
Spitfire trotted over to Soarin' and Rainbow Dash, her face still slightly strained. "I'll ask what all that," Spitfire glared suspiciously between the two pegasi before her, "was about later." She turned to follow Twilight out of the room. "Come on, lets get to the hospital."
Both pegasi nodded, joining Spitfire and exiting the room.
Soarin' and Rainbow Dash sat quietly in the emergency room of the Ponyville Hospital. Tired both physically and mentally, both were exhausted from the night's events.
There was a soft click as the office door opened. In strode Doctor Remedy. Bags hung under his eyes, complimented by his disheveled mane.
"Mr. Soarin', Ms. Dash." He greeted the two pegasi absently. "Can't say I'm surprised to see you here."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, we're trouble makers." Dash snapped, in no mood for the physician's jibes. "We get the clean bill of health or what?"
"Yes, yes, you're both perfectly fine. More than perfectly fine it seems." The doctor glanced over toward Soarin' for a moment.
"Still not happening doc."
"I thought as much." Doctor Remedy sighed. "I must see how Mr. Jet is doing. If you'll come with me, his room is this way."
Both pegasi followed the doctor through the hospital to one of the patient rooms. Inside, Swift Jet was still unconscious upon the bed, with both Scootaloo and Midnight Blossom by his side. Applejack, Rarity and Twilight were also present, keeping watch over the trio.
Rainbow and Soarin' silently walked over to Scootaloo, while Doctor Remedy looked over Swift Jet.
“Your husband is still unconscious, I'm afraid.” They physician turned, addressing Midnight Blossom and Scootaloo calmly. “But, thankfully he's not in a coma, and we've stabilized the worst of his wounds. The only thing we can do now is give his body time to heal.”
“Thank you doctor.” Midnight Blossom replied in relief. “Thank you so very much.”
“Please let any of the nurses know if you need anything. If you'll excuse me.”
Quietly the doctor exited the room.
Rainbow Dash sided up next to Scootaloo. “You okay kiddo?” She asked quietly.
Scootaloo nodded, taking a shaky breath. “Y-yeah.” She looked up at Rainbow Dash for a moment, then lunged forward, pulling the elder mare into a hug. “Thank you.”
Dash simply smiled, returning the gesture.
Scootaloo released Rainbow, then suddenly hugged Soarin' in turn.
“And you too Soarin'!”
Soarin' stiffened slightly, not at all expecting the intimate gesture, but slowly returned the hug weakly. He looked down at the younger pegasus who held onto him fiercely, her face buried in his chest.
“Oh, um... your welcome Scootaloo.”
Slowly Scootaloo released the Wonderbolt. She appeared visibly more relaxed as she seated herself once more next to her mother.
“Thank you. Both of you.” Midnight Blossom looked between Dash and Soarin', then to Rainbow's friends. “All of you. I don't know what I would have done if...”
“Hey.” Rainbow interjected. “None of that stuff. No way anything was going to end up bad, not with us around.”
Midnight Blossom nodded, blinking away a few tears. “You're right. I really am grateful that you all were there; the Elements of Harmony and the Wonderbolts. I only wish Ms. Spitfire were here so I could thank her.”
“Present ma'am.”
All eyes turned to the doorway as Spitfire strode in. Though her voice had been firm, the pegasus looked just as tired and worn as Soarin' and Dash.
Scootaloo visibly brightened at the sight of the Wonderbolt Captain. Midnight Blossom simply smiled appreciatively.
Spitfire looked on at Swift Jet. “How is he?”
“Still unconscious.” Soarin' replied. “Doc says he should recover with enough rest.”
Spitfire nodded. “You okay Scootaloo?”
Scootaloo smiled, nodding. “Yeah. Thanks for saving my Dad.”
Spitfire grinned. “What I do kiddo.”
The yellow pegasus turned to the other two pegasi, a more serious look on her face. “Soarin', Rainbow Dash, a word.”
Soarin' and Rainbow Dash glanced at one another, but wordlessly followed Spitfire out of the room.
Spitfire led the duo down the darkened hall. Moonlight streamed through the window panes, painting silvery squares on the floor and casting pegasi shaped shadows as the trio walked on. Along with the darkness came the silence that filled the deserted hospital, only a skeleton crew of nurses to administer to the few patients that had come in only an hour before.
Finally, Spitfire stopped near the end of the hall. She stepped into an open lounge that sat in an alcove off of the hall, glancing around to make sure that they were alone. Satisfied, she turned to Soarin' and Rainbow Dash.
“I've put the Wonderbolts on alert.” Spitfire announced.
Soarin' nodded in ascent, but Rainbow looked confused.
“Alert? What do you mean?”
“What happened at The Trough and Cider wasn't a disorganized rabble; these were military trained pegasi with powerful magic, and clearly up to no good. What exactly that is, I'm not sure, but I'm not about to let a bunch of rogues tarnish the Cloudsdale Pegasi's name.”
Soarin' turned to Rainbow Dash. “This is the kind of mission we'd get tagged for anyway. Special operations and counter-terror ops that your standard guard isn't up to.” Soarin' smirked cockily. “Can't expect those Canterlot sellouts to do the hard stuff.”
“So what exactly are we gonna do?” Rainbow questioned again.
“The 'Bolts will run a night watch over the Everfree and Ponyville.”
“Two squads should do it I think. Rapidfire and Wave Chill on the lead.” Soarin' replied, the gears in his mind turning. “Regular reports every quarter hour, and we should be able to run it through the show tomorrow with the reserve squad.”
“Wait a minute.” Rainbow interjected. “We're not going after them?” There was a defiant look on her face. “We gotta stop them now!”
Spitfire straightened up a bit. “Not happening. We know next to nothing about these guys, what they're capable of, how many there are, or what their exact target is, if it is in fact in the Everfree. Not too mention an infinite number of reasons to not go into the Everfree at night.”
“We'd be walking in blind.” Soarin' added grimly.
Rainbow frowned, but couldn't argue with the Wonderbolts' logic.
“Don't worry Rainbow Dash.” Spitfire said, trying to reassure her fellow pegasus. “I promise, as soon as we know more, I will make stopping these rogue pegasi my top priority. Until then, all I can do is monitor the area. I can't risk the safety of my squadron.”
Rainbow looked Spitfire square in the eye. “I'll hold you to that Spitfire.”
The Wonderbolt Captain nodded solemnly. “I know you will Dash. You can count on us.”
“Do you need anything else Captain?” Soarin' asked, hoping to change the subject.
“Yes actually. Do you two know anything about how Scootaloo's father is involved with all this? Right now he's our only lead.”
Soarin' shook his head, but zeroed on Rainbow when she spoke up.
“Uh, yeah actually I do.”
“Wait. You do?”
Rainbow looked apologetically to the stallion. “Sorry Soarin', I just found out, and I meant to tell you, but a lot of stuff kept getting in the way tonight.”
“I assume it's related to all this ancient stuff.” Spitfire commented. “What do you got?”
Rainbow rubbed the back of her neck, trying to best describe her theory. “Well... its more of a hunch than anything. I think Swift Jet may be the third pegasus.”
“The one we're supposed to be looking for?” Soarin' asked, surprised.
“Yeah. I felt his aura before we met up with you guys at The Trough and Cider. Was only for a second though.”
“Hmm.” Spitfire thought pensively. “That would explain why he was involved with those pegasi mercs. If those guys are actually a part of this cataclysm prophecy stuff.”
“I didn't feel anything though.” Soarin' countered. “No aura from him or anything.”
“Like I said, I only felt it for a moment.” Rainbow added quickly, hoping to allay Soarin's confusion. “That's why I'm not too sure. And it's better than what I was thinking before...” Dash trailed off cautiously.
“Scootaloo?” Soarin' guessed.
Dash sighed.“Yeah.”
It was Spitfire's turn to be surprised. “Her? You can't be serious.”
“It seemed like it could be her, especially after what she experienced outside The Trough and Cider.” Dash scrunched her face up in frustration, suddenly stamping her hoof to the ground. “By the Archons it better not be her! It can't be her! She can't get hurt!”
“It may be too late for that...” Spitfire said wistfully, looking on to Swift Jet's room.
“We'll follow up with Swift Jet when he wakes up.” Soarin' said quickly, putting a comforting hoof to Dash's back. “If he was investigating these cult pegasi guys then he may know something we don't.”
“Right.” The yellow pegasus nodded. “Now that we've got that out of the way,” Spitfire fixed her eyes curiously on the two pegasi, “what the hay was up with you two back there?”
Rainbow Dash cringed. She had hoped Spitfire would forget to ask since they had left the bar.
“Okay.” Soarin' started. “Well, would you believe that-”
“Yes actually, I think I would.” Spitfire cut the stallion off, a slightly amused look on her face. “I don't think you can top anything you two haven't already told me.”
Soarin' briefly recapped the magical streams the two had encountered from earlier.
Spitfire seemed mildly alarmed by time the stallion had finished, glancing awkwardly down at her chest, half expecting something to appear atop it.
“So you're saying I had this weird glowing thing hanging around me? Why? I thought you said there was only three of these special pegasi.”
“Yours was different. Somehow.” Dash added, fully aware of how weak her argument sounded.
Spitfire simply cocked a brow at Dash.
“Yeah.” Soarin' lifted his hoof up, examining the singe that still marked it. “You only got a headache from that purple fog.” He grumbled.
“Thought you two were supposed to be invincible now or something.” Spitfire said, eying the stallion's blackened scar.
Rainbow sighed in defeat. “Hay if I know anymore. Everything’s more twisted than last years Winter Wrap Up.”
“But,” Soarin' spoke up, “I'd be willing to bet my left horseshoe that this glowing stuff is something only pegasi have.”
“Twilight didn't have it.” Rainbow commented absently.
Spitfire put a hoof to her chin. “Huh. Sounds like something my mom used to say about all pegasi being special and connected and whatnot.” She shook her head dismissively. “More stories.”
“I think we better get the rest of the 'Bolts going Spitfire.” Soarin' said, looking through the adjacent window to the night sky. “The sooner we get that patrol in the air, the better.”
“Right. No use in wasting time with myths now.” She looked over the two pegasi in front of her. “And I think we could all use some rest. Let's link up again in the morning.”
Spitfire made a move to leave, but Soarin' lingered. “You go ahead Spitfire, I'll catch up.”
The Wonderbolt Captain looked between Soarin' and Dash. A smirk tugged at the corner of her mouth. “Don't be too long lover boy.” She said maliciously, walking off.
“Spitfire, I swear...” Soarin' seethed under his breath.
“So, never a dull moment with us huh?”
Soarin' turned to Rainbow Dash. She wore her own cocky smirk, as she looked on at the stallion.
Soarin' grinned. “No kidding. Not everyday I get to kick flank with the awesome Rainbow Dash. I think I'll keep you around.”
“Oh really?” Rainbow feigned insult. “I think you've got it the other way around there pal.”
Soarin' laughed. “Somehow, I don't have a problem with that.”
And suddenly Soarin's thoughts wandered. To something that was bothering him terribly. Back to The Trough and Cider. Back to when one of the rogue pegasi had attacked Dash. That moment had been more terrifying than anything he had experienced up to that point. He hadn't really had time to think on it; all he knew was the absolute terror that gripped his chest every time he played the memory through his mind.
“Hey Dash, I wanted to ask you something.” Soarin' mumbled, his expression more somber.
Dash looked concerned, noting the stallion's sudden change in demeanor. “Sure. What's up?”
Soarin' stumbled through his mind. What did he want to ask her? Why did he want to ask her anything? He blurted the first thing that came to mind.
“Are you okay?”
Rainbow looked confused. She looked over herself quickly. “Yeah, I guess, all things considered. What do you mean exactly?”
Soarin' frowned. Of course she's okay! What kind of question was that?! “I was thinking, back to when you were attacked at the bar.” Soarin' averted his eyes. “I couldn't do anything. You could've been... you might've been... I wasn't sure if you were okay.” Soarin' looked back to Dash sincerely. “I've never been so afraid before in my life.”
The mare just stared back, stunned.
And then Soarin's mind went blank. “Right, well, I uh better get going...” He said dismissively, trying to forget his confession. The Wonderbolt started to walk off, when a feathered wing suddenly wrapped itself around his neck.
He could feel the warm presence of her next to him, her breath on his neck.
Rainbow leaned lightly into Soarin', placing a gentle kiss on his cheek.
Soarin' was momentarily stunned as the euphoria rushed through him. Rainbow's serene whisper came very close to his ear.
“That answer your question?”
All Soarin' could do was look down at the lithe pegasus next to him, her playful smile looking back.
Her angelic voice came again. “Goodnight, Soarin'.”
With a final gentle squeeze, Rainbow released the stupefied Wonderbolt, walking off with a little more sway in her step.
A few moments passed before Soarin' finally moved. But when he did it was with a much lighter step and a delightfully stupid grin on his face. Despite all the gloom that had transpired in the past few days, none of it could blot out the soft kiss that he replayed in his head, over and over and over again.
He traced his steps back to meet with Spitfire and the rest of the Wonderbolts. There was work to be done, but for just a little while, his mind was solely on that of a rainbow maned pegasus.
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Seems like a good idea, but unfortunately ship I don't like so I'll pass. Good luck though.
Excellent chapter.
I hope Twilight is informed soon though.
And here I thought your romance was sweet...
.
And I really love your building suspense; we all know Scootaloo is the third, but you're not pulling a Star Wars on us. No "Annakin is Darth Vader so he's suddenly, inexplicably evil". Great world building too!
I think it's impressive (if a little odd) that you've gone almost a year and a half, and more than a dozen chapters, yet Scootaloo is not the orphan you said in the initial description that she would become. It looks like it will come in the next chapter or two, but that still suggests that this fic could have another year in it or more.
I am enjoying it however.
You say you can't romance?
Seems pretty good to me.
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Well I guess maybe the romance is a little cliche. The main thing is I don't want Rainbow and Soarin' to be together just for the sake of being together; there has to be some chemistry. But I'm writing from what I think makes sense here (no romance for this guy here lol. Typical brony right?), not what may or may not be realistic.
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To be honest I'm not really sure how I feel about it either. My outlines never intended to get drawn out this far, that or I really need to trim down on content that may not be useful to the story. For example, I have a series of bullet notes at the bottom of each chapter I work on for reference. Many times the intent was to accomplish all of the goals of say 5-7 bullets in one chapter, when in reality, after I was done writing a chapter, I may have only completed 1 or 2. Perhaps its just my pacing, but I've always felt that a proper buildup lets you (the readers) have time to speculate and ruminate on what has been presented. In effect, you are writing the story with me by filling in the gaps of the worldbuilding with your own ideas and thoughts with the material I provide. Not too mention the suspense! Or at least that's how I look at it.
IT'SSS ALIVVVEEEEEE!!!! No, seriously. Great to see this update! I personally enjoy the pacing of your chapters, nothing bothers me more than a rushed story.
On a side note, protective Soarin is adorable~
This story warms my cold nights in the zone keep it up!
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Haha. Hope it doesn't get too cold in the zone! (Wherever that happens to be!). Thanks for the encouragement, I'm glad you enjoy the story!
At this stage, I don't think it's wise whipping out the Poor Communications Kill, Dash. Not when you have a cult running around. At least the Wonderbolts will report it to--
Well isn't that just dandy. Interservice Rivalry. That's how stuff like the Boston Bombing happens, Spitfire. Communications is critical for any military force and right now, you're all failing miserably at it.
Aw u do not suck at writing romance I actually thought it was pretty realistic to what Dash would have actually done , not too cheesy but like just the right amount of romance for those two ponies so thx again for an awesome thrilling chapter
Hey man the romance is realistic and sweet. And definitely a better love story then Twilight!
T
4294881 true but grass growing is a better love story than twilight