> Love is Rainbow colored
>  by The Hunter
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The start
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter one.



Love is rainbow colored


Rainbow Dash awoke with a groan.
The morning sun had awaken her.
She had been up late last night planning for her Wonderbolt training.
But this was a morning she needed to be awake for.
This was the morning se would be teaching Scootaloo to fly properly.
"I have to stop staying up so late"
Climbing out of bed she went to the bathroom to freshen up.
Despite of what other ponies thought she did spend som time on her looks.
When she feelt presentable she went downstairs to the kitchen, after putting on some coffee she made a quick breakfast. After the food was finished and the coffee was finished she looked out of the window and let out a soft sigh.
"How will i help her?" 
She knew that Scootaloo's wings where underdeveloped even at her age.
After a while she finished her coffee and put away the cup in the dishes.
Opening the front door she took in a deept breath of fresh air.
The sky was clear and calm.
In secret she was proud of this, before she left the weatherteam she had picked the replacements.
The new weather captain was perfect for the job.
Opening her wings she let out a silent sigh.
Before long she was on her way to the meeting point where she would meet up with Scootaloo. 



On the other side of Ponyville Scootaloo was racing through the town.
"Watch out!" Yelled a rather angry looking Lyra
"Sorry!"
This was the first day of flight training with Rainbow Dash, her parents didn't have the time to learn her to fly properly before the accident that took both of her parents.
This made Scootaloo the primary target to bullies at school.
"I will not fail at this!" Scootaloo yelled! Loud enough for most of the ponies in Ponyville to hear.
"If both Sweetie belle and Applebloom have their cutiemarks why dont i have one?"
It had been a couple of years since the other crusaders had their cutiemarks, but still Scootaloo didin't.
This troubled her greatly, if she ever wanted to fit in she needed that cutiemark no matter what the cost.
She passed Sugarcube corner and noticed her old cursader friends.
Stopping almost instantly she rushed in to her friends.
Hearing the loud noise of her scooter Applebloom turned her attention to the frontdoor.
"Scootaloo can't yah be a little more subtle?"
Sweetiebelle huffed. 
"That is not how a lady should behave!" she said as she turned her head upp like Rarity.
This made the others laugh a little.
"I am sorry girls, but i am so exited to start training with Rainbow dash." Scootaloo blurted out.
Both Applebloom and Sweetiebelle looked at Scootaloo in shock before the news hit them. 
"O MY CELESTIA!, that is so cool, this is what you have wanted for years." shouted Applebloom. 
"Yeah, Rainbow Dash have been quite busy with her Wonderbolt training." The pegasus said. 	
"Does this mean you would get your cutiemark after all those years?" Sweetiebelle asked.
The smile on Scootaloo's face dissapeared in an instant. The girls noticed this and quickly went over to Scootaloo's side and wrapped her in a big hug. 
"Sorry Scoots, i didin't mean to open old wounds."
Scootaloo smiled at Sweetiebelle.
"I know Sweetiebelle." Scootaloo said.
The three of them laughed as the memory their days of crusading came to mind.
"The crazy stuff we did!" Applebloom said as she wiped some tears of joy from her eyes.



"She is late, why!?" Rainbow dash thought to herself, being a Wonderbolt she was used to everypony being on time.
After a while she saw a famliar orange pegasus. 
"You are late!" said Rainbow dash with a smirk.
Scootaloo stopped to the right of Rainbow dash. 
"Sorry, sorry!" she pleaded. Rainbow dash looked at Scootaloo and sighed. The look on Scootaloos face where that of apology. 
"If you want to be a proffesional flyer you got to arrive in time, i can't wait for you every time." The tension was high but it was lifted when Rainbow Dash smiled and said. 
"OK Scoots, lets try ten laps around Ponyville as a warmup." Scootaloos jaw dropped when she head that.
Rainbow Dash noticed this and said. 
"Don't worry this is easy!" She took of in a blur of rainbows, leaving Scootaloo blinking, shaking her head she quickly chased after the Rainbow blur. 
After ten laps Scootaloo was dead tired. 
"Please Rainbow Dash i can't take it anymore!"
Seeing Scootaloo this tired made Rainbow Dash a little sad.
She knew that this was a hard task for her and decided that a short break was in order.
When they had rested for a while Rainbow Dash got up and looked at Scootaloo. 	
"If you want to be like me and be a part of the Wonderbolts!" She said with small smirk, her face turned more serious as she took to the air. 
"You need to train your wings as much as possible and more!"
Scootaloo nodded.
Hearing this made Scootaloo swallow. 
"Rainbow Dash is right i have to be strong!, if only my wings where normal." The thought in of it self made her ill, Rainbow Dash noticed her sad face.
"Hey scoots if it helps ill ask Soarin' if he will help, ok?" Scootaloo looked up with teary eyes and gave Rainbow Dash a quick hug. 
"Promise?" she asked.
Rainbow Dash looked att the teary eyed Scootaloo.
"Of course!"



At the Wonderblot academy Soarin' was just finishing his exercises.
“Good Work Soar!” Spitfire called.
Turning around, Soarin' saw his Wonderbolt captain and saluted.
“Yeah i was kinda awsome!” 
After about ten seconds he sighed. 
“I don't know how to tell her.”
Spitfire walked over and put a hoof on Soarin's shoulder. 
“You will find a way, i know you will.”
Soarin' looked at his captain and smiled, he knew she ment it and that Rainbow Dash was the mare for him. 
“But what am i to do?" 
Spitfire smiled at her commrade 
“You will figure something out.” 
He said nothing but instead hugged Spitfire.
She felt a little awkward about this, The sounds of laughter from Wave chill did not help.





As the day turned to evening, Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash was finishing up  some basic flying manouvers. 
When they landed Scootaloo was panting greatly. 
“Please tell me that was the last exercise for today?” Scootaloo manage to say between pants.
Rainbow Dash answered with a smirk 
“Yeah, and you did great today.” This made Scootaloo's mood improve. 
“But i can't help you for some time as i am returning to the Wonderbolts tomorrow.”
Scootaloo sighed and turned to Rainbow Dash trying her best holding in the tears.
“Yeah i know.” Scootaloo said. 
Rainbow Dash smiled.
“Maybe you could ask your coltfriend for help?”
Scootaloo's eyes went wide as she quickly answered back.
“Rumble isn't my coltfriend!”
Immediatly Rainbow Dash started laughing and causing Scootaloo to blush. 
After what felt like an eternity for Scootaloo she stopped laughing and wiped her eyes.
“Ok Scoots i need to get home and get some  sleep, see in two weeks!”
Rainbow Dash said as she went and hugged Scootaloo.
Scootaloo Waved at as Rainbow Dash took off.
While she was flying she suddenly realized what she said erlier. 
"I can ask soarin' for help if you like" 
A blush formed and she picked up speed.
"I can't belive i said that out loud!"



Soarin' paced around his room at the Wonderbolt HQ.
“I will tell her tomorrow!” 
He had been trying to ask Rainbow Dash out for a date for some time now, but he could not muster up the courage to do that. 
“Some Wonderbolt i am!? I can't even ask her out, i have battled against dragons but can't ask a mare out?”
His thoughts were interrupted when he heard a knock on his door. Opening it he saw Rapidfire standing outside with a huge grin on his face.
“What do you wan't?” Soarin' asked knowing that Rapidfire would probably try to tease him for not having the courage to ask Rainbow Dash out. 
“I just thought i'll drop by to check on the Number one charmer!” Rapidfire said.
Soarin' facehoofed.
“I will have you know that i am going to ask her out tomorrow."
Rapidfire answered with a chuckle.
“If i had a bit for every time i have heard that i would be rich!” 
Soarin' groaned and slamed the door shut, he could hear the laughter outside. 
While Rapidfire was laughing he didin't notice Spitfire approach.
“I don't see you trying to ask somepony out.” Spitfire said with a serious voice.
As he heard her voice he immediately stopped laughing, turned around and quickly gave a salute.
“At ease Rapidfire.” She said with a smirk.
“Can you atleast try to be nice to him.” She continued.
Rapidfire felt a little guilty and simply stared down at the floor.
“Sorry.” He said. 
“I will tell him i am sorry tomorrow before training."
Spitfire smiled when she heard that.
“Good, now remember that i will be watching” She said and gave him a quick salute, he immediately did the same and then turned and went to his own room.
“See you at 0700 Spits!” 
As he  walked towards his room he coulden't stop thinking.
“Maybe i should try and get a marefriend, i am quite the catch afterall!”
He let out a small chuckle as he got to his room.

Spitfire turned to Soarin's door.


End of chapter one.

> When words fail
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter two


When words fail.



*Knock Knock!*

The male Wonderbolt turned to the door with a cold stare.
"Knock it off Rapidfire!, i am not in the mood!"
The knocking resumed and Soarin' really didin't want anymore to do with Rapidfire. He walked to the door and shouted.
"I said! I am NOT in the mood!!"
He walked over to his bed and flopped down. Of all of the Wonderbolts, why did it have to be Rapidfire!? Several seconds went by before he heard a familiar voice.
"Soarin' it's me, can i come in?"
This was a suprise to him and he quickly rushed to the door.
"I am sorry i thought you were somepony else." The look on Soarin's face said it all.
Spitfire walked in and sat down in the middle of the room, she showed a face of concern. After Soarin' closed the door he walked over to Spitfire, he was about to open his mouth when she spoke up.
"I know that you aren't happy right now and that Rapidfire can be a pain in the flank sometimes."
They stared at each other before the room filled with light laughter. After the laughter had died down Spitfire stood up and walked over to his nightstand. On his nightstand was a picture of Rainbow Dash, she smiled at the mental image of her second in command being in love.
"She is brave, skilled and a bit weird. The perfect mare for you"
Spitfire spoke this word with utter confidence and Soarin' smiled.

Soarin' walked over and picked up the photo and smiled.
"You know, i have had a crush on her ever since i first saw her."
Spitfire couldn't contain the small chuckle.
"Can you promise me that you will talk to her? I don't want her or you to leave because of your feelings."
He put the picture back on the nightstand and smiled.
"Of course i will."

The two friends shared a hug and this time it more relaxed. After they parted Spitfire wen't towards the door.
"And remember! Report at the training arena at 0700."
Spitfire left and Soarin' could finally see that he had no choice. He had set his mind to speak his mind to her. It was not going to be easy for him, His shyness around Rainbow Dash was his first obstacle was talking to her about this. But he knew that if he could overcome this he could do anything!




Meanwhile in ponyville


Scootaloo was exhausted after her training with Rainbow Dash, so she took it rather slow through Ponyville. Her destination was Sweet apple acres where she was staying at the moment. The evening air helped to soothe her aching muscles. The thought of Rainbow Dash not being there to help her for some time was not easy to comprehend, she was slightly confused that her alltime hero had agreed to help her the day before she went back to the Wonderbolt HQ.

She soon decided to go to the local library and look for some books on flying.
"Have it gone this far? Reading?
After seeing the library just ahead she defied her sore wings and increased her speed. When she got there she gently knocked on the door. Even though she had been there several times before she didn't know what to expect.
Instead of the usual sight of spike opening the door, she was treated to an unfamiliar pegasus stallion. He looked at at Scootaloo with a smile.
"Hello what can i do for you? Do you need a book or are you here to see Twilight?"
Scootaloo was curious about this stallion she never seen before.
"Excuse me but who are you? I have never seen you around here before."
The stallion let out a small chuckle.
"You have not been to the library for a while?" Scootaloo nodded. "Well let me introduce myself, i am Flash Sentry. Twilight's husband"
Scootaloo's jaw dropped to the ground, had she not been to the library for that long? When did Twilight Sparkle get married?
Flash Sentry looked a little worried at the shocked expression on Scootaloo's face.
"I am sorry! I didn't know Twilight got married, when did this happen!?"
The resulting laughter from Flash Sentry caused a voice from the library to ask.
"Flash dear who is it?"
He turned to Scootaloo and asked.
"Sorry but i didn't catch your name?"
Clearing out her throat she awnswerd.
"Scootaloo, pleased to meet you!"
Rasing her voice made Flash Sentry to laugh, when he was finished he turned towards the voice from the inside,
"It's Scootaloo!"
There was a sound of something moving inside the library which Scootaloo could only assume was Twilight. Her suspicion was confirmed when Twilight Sparkle rushed forward and gave Scootaloo a big hug.
"O, Scootaloo! It have been to long!"
Struggling to breath and slightly embarrassed by the look Flash gave her she manage to break the hug before she passed out.
"Nice to see you too Twilight. I must ask, when did you get married?"
Twilight started to blush slightly when she recalled the wedding. She gave her husband a quick peck on his cheek before turning to Scootaloo.
"Well it was just over a year ago"
Scootaloo smiled at this before recalling why she was her for in the first place.
"Oh! I almost forgot, i was looking for a book on flying techniques!"
This made Twilights face to light up even more, she dove right back into the tree that housed the library and her home. Flash led Scootaloo inside. He knew that when Twilight was asked for a book or a spell for something, it was best to stay out of her way. Ever since Spike left to live with Rarity she had a bit more to do. Being both a princess and a librarian was sometimes a bit stressfull but Flash managed to help her when she needed to calm down.
"She tends to do this from time to time." Flash said
After a couple of minutes Twilight approached the young pegasus with a couple of books.
"Do you want The history of flying. Flying 101. Tips, tricks and miscellaneous stuff when it comes to flying or Flying for dummies?"
Twilight held the books in her magic waiting for Scootaloo to choose.
"I think the third one will be perfect!"
The book was levitated into a bag and then to Scootaloo who took it with her teeth. After Twilight made a note about who borrowed what Scootaloo was making her way out.
"Please be careful and return the book within a months time!" Said Twilight sparkle.
Flash Sentry drew Twilight into a kiss. After they parted Flash spoke up.
"These books meen a lot to you don't they?"
Twilight smiled.
"Almost as much as you!"
When Scootaloo was outside she jumped on her scooter and raced towards Sweet apple acres.



The next morning.



The alarmclock was sounding it's call, that was barely enough to wake Rainbow Dash from her sleep. Almost on routine she got out of bed and went to her bathroom. As usual, the coffee was the only thing that could wake her up. After that she packed her saddlebags and left for the Wonderbolts HQ. The cold morning air sent a shiver along her spine, this did wake her up a bit. It took only 20 minutes to reach her destination.
Rainbow Dash landed at the entrance and casualy walked in. She walked straight towards the locker rooms.
"Might as well change now!"
When she opened the door to the locker room she saw Spitfire talking to Fleetfoot.

On the other end of the corridor in the stallion locker room Soarin' was changing into his Wonderbolt outfit when Rapidfire approached him.
"What do you want!?" Soarin' snarled
Rapidfire felt guilty and couldn't look Soarin' in his face.
"I just want to say i am sorry for teasing you."
Soarin' was a bit surprised about this and gave him a confused face.
"It was wrong of me to tease you, heck i haven't done much good in the mare department myself!
Taken aback, Soarin' chose to remain silent.
"Perhaps i am jealous, but i know you and her are made for each other."
Rapidfire was begining to tear up, Soarin' smiled at the pony with tears in his eyes.
"Thanks for being nice for once."
For that he received a light punch to the shoulder.





"Hi there Rainbow Dash, we where just talking about you!" Spitfire called.
This made Rainbow Dash to give a puzzled look as she made her way over to the Wonderbolt captain. When she came closer she saw that Spitfire gave knowing smile.
"Yeah, what was the word? My awesomeness!?"
Neither Spitfire or Fleetfoot could help themselfs and both started laughing. Rainbow Dash was not amused about this.
When the laughter had died down, Spitfire sent Fleetfoot away and turned toward the remaining Wonderbolt.
"Well we where not talking about that actually, but i want to tell you something." Spitfire leaned to Rainbow Dash. 	"Soarin' has a big crush on you!"
It took a while to register the words being said, when they did Rainbow Dash turned away with a blush on her face.
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Because i know you have one on him!"
The tension was high in the lockerroom and Spitfire giggled. Rainbow Dash soon regained her composure. She had a crush on Soarin' for some time now, ever since she joined the Wonderbolts she and Soarin' had become good friends. But there was always some awkward tension between them. She had always secretly hoped that Soarin' would ask her out.

"So what are you going to do?" Spitfire asked.
"Nothing, if he want to ask me out he has to ask me because i won't ask him."
Raising a eyebrow the Wonderbolt captain looked at Rainbow Dash with a confused look.






Scootaloo was racing at full speed through Ponyville, at those speeds she barely had anytime to recognize anypony. But she saw a familiar colt with a light grey coat. The sight of him made Scootaloo stop her scooter.
"Hi Scootaloo!"
She hopped of her scooter and smiled at rumble.
"Hi rumble what's happening?"
The colt smiled and went over to Scootaloo, he could see a light blush appear on her cheeks.
"Nothing much, i just thought i would take a walk."
"A bit early if you ask me. but i could join you if you want."
"Any reason for wanting to take a walk with me?" Rumble's smile indicated that he knew. Scootaloo's blush increased.
"Lets talk about that later!"





"OK! Lets wrap it up for now, you all did great!" Spitfire yelled
The Wonderbolt's landed in front of their captain. It was a real workout this time and everypony was glad to get some rest.
Most of them walked to the locker rooms except for Soarin' who was walking towards Rainbow Dash.
She noticed him and gave a sincere smile.
"Hey Rainbow Dash you did really good today."
Rainbow Dash let out a small giggle. She had started becoming more open about her feelings but still retained her tough exterior.
"Thanks, you were quite good yourself!"
"Um, Rainbow Dash i want to say something."
"Yeah what's that?"
Soarin' looked down, not knowing what to say he had a small conversation in his head.
"This is it, if don't do anything now i will never get another chance!"
He took a deep breath and kissed Rainbow Dash, this startled her but she did not resist it. She knew that Soarin' liked her and she liked him, she had been fantasizeing about him asking her out. It was not what she expected.

It was better.


End of chapter Two

> Priority
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter Three



Priority.




Walking was something Scootaloo secretly loved. The afternoon air was pleasant and she felt that she could relax.
Rumble seemed a bit worried about something and Scootaloo noticed. Normaly she wouldn't care but this was Rumble.
"What's on your mind Rumble?"
At this Rumble stopped, he had a slight blush on his cheeks. This was not apparently obvious to Scootaloo.
He turned towards Scootaloo and the sight before him made him gasp. The afternoon sun was shining at her coat and mane perfectly, awestruck he stood there with no words to speak.
After he saw that Scootaloo was starting to look annoyed he cleared his throat and said.
"Well... It's like this you see... I kinda."
The pause made her move closer.
"I like you... A lot!"
This was both a suprise and not a suprise at the same time, she was a bit startled but still managed to speak.
"I like you too."
The two blushing young ponies looked at each other for some time before something disturbed them.
"NEW COUPLE PARTY!!!!"
They both jumped into the air at the sound of the pink party pony, both looking down they gave the pony a stern look.
"Pinke please don't jump to conclusions"
Both settling down on the ground was greeted by a smile. They both sighed.
"Well lets get it offcial!" Rumble didn't have time to react before Scootaloo planted her lips on his. The smile on Pinkie Pie growing ever larger, Rumble's wings was slowly extending.
"Wow" they both said in unison. The Pink party pony was literally bouncing around the new couple.
No pony knew where she got all that energy from, probably all that sugar.
"WOWSIE! NEW COUPLE PARTY!!!" She disappeared only to leave a pony shaped cloud behind.
What she had planned was anypony's guess.
"Where did she go?" Asked Rumble.
Scootaloo chuckled.	"Nopony knows, but expect a party soon, let's go to Sugarcube Corner."







Soarin' and Rainbow Dash parted from their kiss and looked at each other, the blushes on their faces was impossible hide.
Rainbow Dash was the first to speak up.
"I never knew it would feel so. Awesome!" She leaned against Soarin' With a smile.
Nopony said anything for sometime until Spitfire spoke up.
"Finally!"
Jumping into the air the Rainbow maned Pegasus let out sigh and landed.
The smile on Spitfire's face told Rainbow Dash that Spitfire knew about Soarin's Attraction to Rainbow Dash. Although she didn't mind there was someting on her mind.
"Is there any rules on Wonderbolt dating? And what about parental leave?"
Soarin' froze in an instant and Spitfire started laughing. Rainbow Dash was not concerned about their reactions, she has always been straightforward about things.
It took a little while before Spitfire stopped laughing. She wiped her eyes and said.	"There is no problem at all, unless you count the frozen Soarin' over there."
They both laughed and Soarin' was just starting to come to his senses. 
"A bit early to talk about that?"
The Rainbow maned pegasus laughed. 	"I was only kidding!" She brushed her tail againt Soarin'. "Maybe!"
"So where should i take you for our first date?" Soarin' asked.
Rainbow Dash thought for a second and let out a small grin.
"How about Sugarcube Corner?"
She knew that Pinke Pie would sense the new couple even from here and that this was the best way to properly introduce Soarin' to the party pony. Soarin' smiled and nodded not knowing what would hit him.









The inside of Sugarcube Corner was filled by a pink blur moving stuff around, the owners was looking at this. They could not understand how Pinke Pie could do this, even the children of the Cake family was confused by this and they where almost used by this seeing that they grew up with her. Still they where confused.
Panting the party pony stopped.	"That's the last of it!"
As on cue a pair of ponies walked into the shop and was promptly assaulted with confetti.
"And they say you don't do anything small." Scootaloo said.
Pinkie Pie just smiled and disappeared only to reveal a cake with their names on it. The two young ponies just laughed and cut the cake.
The party went on as one would expect a Pinke Pie party would, but after some time the pink party pony started to buzz.
"Whats the matter?" asked rumble.
Pinke Pie didn't answer but instead ran to the door.
Outside Rainbow Dash and Soarin' landed and was sprayed with confetti. They both looked at each other and then on the smiling earth pony. Rainbow Dash smiled.
"How did you figure out?"
Soarin' did not understand anything.
"Well duh! I was buzzing!"
Rainbow Dash knew better than to question Pinke Pie's logic and simply hugged her.
"It's nice that you put this together for us."
Pinke Pie couldn't contain her laughter. When she was finished she told the new couple.
"It wasn't for you! It was for Scootaloo and Rumble. HAHAHA!!! You should see your faces!"
The two pegasi was standing in silence.
"What do you mean Scootaloo and Rumble?"
"Well a new couple party of course, but you are welcome in aswell seeing that you are a couple too!"
Soarin' was about to say something but Rainbow Dash stopped him.
"Best not to question Pinke Pie logic."
The couple walked in, immediately Rainbow Dash was spotted by Scootaloo.
"You are here! That's awesome!" Scootaloo went to grab her new coltfriend and bring him to the Wonderbolt couple.
Rumble was about to say something until he noticed Soarin', he simply stood there with his mouth wide open. Both Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo laughed, they where after all used to the Wonderbolts.
"Hey take it easy kid!, i may be famous but i am still a pony." Soarin' said with a smile.
The shocked grey pegasus returned to the real world and gave a look of apology.	"Sorry."
The ponies near to him laughed a bit.	"So you are Scootaloo's coltfriend?" Asked Rainbow Dash.
"Yeah he totally is!" Scootaloo said.
Rumble looked at the two Wonderbolts and said.	"It looks like you are dating too."
Immediately a blush formed on Rainbow Dash's face.
"As of this afternoon he is mine." Soarin' looked over at his marefriend when she said "Mine.
The party went on for some time before it was decided that it was time to go home, the new couples waved to the guest leaving.
Rumble and Scootaloo said their goodbye's to the Wonderbolt couple, after this Rainbow Dash turned towards Soarin'
"Well since we are a couple now shall we go to my place? It is closer than the Wonderbolt HQ anyway."
Soarin' looked a little shocked at first but soon he sported a smile.
"Yeah let's."








Two weeks later.




Scootaloo was training with Rumble, he wasn't as good at teaching as Rainbow Dash but Scootaloo knew that she needed the training. The past two weeks had been wonderfull for the two, they had grown closer than ever and spent almost every second of their time with each other. Today Scootaloo was extra excited because Rainbow Dash had a month of free time and Scootaloo got a letter last week saying that she would meet her here.
But as the day ended she saw no sign of her hero, she even decided to train in the usual spot to make it easier for Rainbow Dash to find her.
"Why isn't she here?"
Rumble looked at the sad pegasus and answerd her question.
"Maybe something came up." He tried to comfort his marefriend as best as he could, but Scootaloo looked angry.
Suddenly she took off and started flying towards to the Wonderbolts HQ with tears in her eyes.
"YOU PROMISED!!!"
A shocked Rumble took after her and tried to keep up.









"Are you sure you aren't forgetting something?"
Rainbow Dash looked at her coltfriend.
"Hey i am Rainbow Dash the awsome, i don't forget!"
Soarin' looked at a small orange dot coming towards the and gestured to Rainbow Dash to turn around,
The look on her face turned from a warm smile to a look of shock. She was about to flee but she was grabbed by Soarin', this was something she needed to face. The orange pegasus landed infront of Rainbow Dash, her face was full of anger and she was panting hard.
"You promised... Why?"
Rainbow Dash was struggeling to find a good answer, but unable to find one she simply looked down and sighed.
"I am sorry scoots, i forg..."
She never got to finish her sentence when a crying Scootaloo shouted.
"You forgot? I don't mean anythin to you anymore. I am just something to cast away like garbage?"
Scootaloo took of in a blur and Rainbow Dash stood there unable to do anything. Soarin' put hoof on her shoulder only to have it shoved away. He understood that she was hurt and ashamed about what happend. Suddenly Rumble landed and looked at the two Wonderbolts.
"Where's Scootaloo?"
Rainbow Dash broke out in tears and Soarin' walked to Rumble.
"She took of, it seems that she was quite hurt. I am sorry about what happend."
Soarin' pointed to where Scootaloo was heading, Rumble knew that her special place was that way. She had taken Rumble there a  couple of times before so he knew that she was there. He took of too.
Rainbow Dash looked at Soarin' and he knew that she had to do something.









At a small field a crying orange pony sat, she never cried but this time was different. She felt betrayed. Her hero. Her idol. Her inspiration. She could not belived it. The sound of a landing pegasus was enough to break her out of her train of thought. Expecting to see Rainbow Dash she was suprised to see Rumble.
"What!?"
The sound of Scootaloo made Rumble hesitate a bit.
"I am sorry about what happend."
She looked at him with eyes of pure anger.
"She told me that she would come. She told me that she would train me. SHE PROMISED!!"
Rumble moved closer and hugged Scootaloo, she accepted this. On a cloud nearby Rainbow Dash looked at the young ponies. She was unsure what to say to make it better, but she decided to confront the orange pegasus. After she landed Scootaloo was about to attack her but Rumble managed to hold Scootaloo.
"WHY DID YOU DO THIS!?"
Rainbow Dash knew that Scootaloo was hurt but she also knew that she needed to hear the truth.
"I forgot, i am sorry. I have been so busy with my Wonderbolt training that i wanted to spend some time alone with Soarin' and i forgot about my promise. Some element of loyalty i am huh? You have all the reason to hate me right now and i deserve it. but i want you to know that i will always be there for you. But sometimes i will be unable to help you or simply forget. I want you to know that i am truly sorry about this. If you want i will leave you alone, but if you can find it in your heart to forgive me i won't leave you behind again."
Scootaloo was still angry but she understood that misstakes happen and that she herself had neglected her friends because of Rumble. They had understood that Rumble was more important at the time. She wiped her eyes and looked at Rainbow Dash.
"Pinke promise"
Rainbow Dash made the gestures and said the little chant associated with the promise. With that Scootaloo jumped at Rainbow Dash and hugged her.
"You know Scoots? You flew really fast."
Scootaloo looked up at her idol with confusion.
Feeling that she needed to explain she backed away from Scootaloo.
"You flew faster than the average pegasus and considering that you have had problems with your flying. That is truly awesome."
"Well i have been training with Rumble the last two weeks."
It was at time that Rainbow Dash noticed that something had happend to Scootaloo's wings. They where bigger and stronger looking.
"Hey scoots your wings!"
Scootaloo looked at her wings with worry, thinking that they where damaged or something. Not seeing something out of the ordinary she looked over at Rumble who simply looked confused. What Scootaloo failed to notice was that her wings had grown stronger and slightly bigger over the two weeks. Rumble did not notice either because he had spent so much time with her.
"Your wings are bigger!"
When Rainbow Dash said this Scootaloo shouted.
"WHAT!?"
> Changes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter Four



Changes



"I guess that the training with Rumble payed of." Rainbow Dash said.
Scootaloo looked over at Rumble, he no longer had a face of confusion but instead a warm smile. She looked back at her wings and noticed that they where more like Rainbow Dash's wings. Stronger and bigger. Although she could not understand how this could happen, was it the training? A blur of questions was racing in her mind.
"How is it even possible? I have never heard of something like this happening before." Scootaloo said
This time it was Soarin's turn to speak.
"I know of one time." He moved closer to Scootaloo and whispered. "It's a secret to everypony, promise that you won't tell anypony." Scootaloo nodded. "The truth is, i had weak wings when i was younger too, but things turned out ok anyways."
Hearing this made Scootaloo gasp. She gave Soarin' a big hug and after about a second she felt the other ponies join them, she decided that she could get used to this. When they parted Rumble gave Scootaloo a quick peck on the cheek.

"You know, Rainbow Dash asked me if i could help with your training. And since we are already here, do you want some tips?"
Scootaloo's face went blank for a moment and Soarin' looked concerned. She came to her senses and nodded.
Scootaloo thought to herself. "I must ask Twilight about my wings."







With the training from the two Wonderbolts her flying skills where increasing greatly.
However one thought was on Rainbow Dash's mind. Back at her house she was pacing back and forth while Soarin' was sitting on the couch watching her, he was worried about her and was about to say something when she charged at him.
"She can live here!" Soarin' looked at his marefriend not knowing who she was talking about. He looked in her eyes and asked. "Who?"
"Scootaloo of course! She can't live on Sweet apple acres forever and i have plenty of space." Soarin' could see both the logic and the flaws in her idea. He knew that Rainbow Dash had the space to accommodate the you pony, but what if Scootaloo didn't want to move in? It was a decision that could both hurt and help the young pony. He looked into her eyes and saw that whatever he said would not change her mind.
"So what do you think?" Rainbow Dash asked.
Soarin' was unconfortable with the answer he had. but it was important that he said it anyway.
"Have you talked to Scootaloo about this? Maybe she doesn't want to move in?"
Rainbow Dash backed away, the thought of Scootaloo not wanting to move in with her hero was foreign. She debateted with herself for a while before she turned to Soarin'.
"I guess i shall ask her."
Soarin' hugged her. He knew the words had made her think, but he also knew it was the right kind of thinking. He released her and gave her a goofy smile.
"Then lets go."
The two ponies flew off to Sweet apple acres. On their way Soarin' saw that Rainbow Dash was troubled. "Now is not the time to tell her." He tought to himselft. Rainbow Dash didn't notice that his face changed from a smile to a face of concern.
Sweet apple acres was fast approaching fast and they both landed at the barn. Knocking at the doors Rainbow Dash was expecting Scootaloo but instead she was suprised to see a sad Rumble.
"If you are looking for Scootaloo you are out of luck, she is not here."
Rainbow Dash looked confused. "What are you saying? Where is she?" Rumble started to tear up. "SHE BROKE UP WITH ME AND FLEW AWAY!"
The two Wonderbolts was startled, the sight of Rumble in tears was almost to much for Rainbow Dash. She was both angry and confused. Rumble was drawn into a hug by Rainbow Dash, her shoulder was getting soaked by his tears. Soarin' took the opportunity to ask the only question that needed to be asked.
"What happend?"
Rumble parted from Rainbow Dash and wiped his tears. "She....She told me that the Wonderbolts was more important than anything, i didn't agree. Apparently i was wrong"
Hearing this made Rainbow Dash boil with anger, she never thought that Scootaloo would say something like that. She have always been proud of her fan, but this was something unexpected.
"Where is she!" The anger was apperent.
Rumble looked at her. "I think she went to the lonley tree at the hills, why do you ask?" Rainbow Dash looked at him with eyes of determination. "I need to talk to her about something." She took off before somepony had anything to say.
Soarin' looked at Rumble and said. "Show me the way." The young gray pegasus looked down. "She doesn't want to see me right now." Soarin' put a hoof on his shoulder. "Listen kid, you know that isn't true. When Rainbow Dash have talked to her she will recognize the mistake she made." Rumble looked at the Wonderbolt. "You think so?" 
"If i learned anything as a Wonderbolt, it is that if something is important then you pursue it!" 
Rumble thought to himself. "He is right, Scootaloo is going to forgive me, i hope she can understand why i said what i said."
He looked at Soarin' and they both nodded. The Wonderbolt knew what he was going to do, Rumble gave a weak smile and took off.







At the lonley tree Scootaloo was filled with anger about what Rumble said. "Stupid Rumble, how dare he interfere with my dreams!!
She punched the tree, the thud was nice and she punched it again.
"What do you have to say young lady?" She knew this voice all too well. This made Scootaloo freeze in place. "How long have you been standing there?"
Rainbow Dash moved closer to Scootaloo. "Long enough. Care to tell me why you broke upp with Rumble?"
Scootaloo looked at her with angry eyes. "He told me that joining the Wonderbolts wasn't the most important thing!" The tears was streaming down her cheeks. Rainbow Dash sighed and looked Scootaloo in her eyes. "The most important this is the thing that makes us what we are. Friendship and love. I don't know why you thought that being together with somepony you love would hinder you from being part of the Wonderbolts. It didn't stop me." Scootaloo looked a bit confused at this. But in her mind i was too late, she and Rumble could never be together again. "Rumble will never forgive me, i must avoid him at all costs!"
Rainbow Dash sighed and out a hoof on Scootaloo´s shoulder. "That isin't you Scoots. If you really believe that then you are right, but it isn't what you really believe deep down? That is what you need to ask yourself." The gears in Scootaloo´s head was visibly turning, could Rainbow Dash be right. I didn't feel like it, something had to confirm if it was what she really thought. At this moment she saw two ponies approaching.
"Scootaloo, please can we talk!?" Her ears picked up the voice of Rumble and was preparing to fly away but was grabbed Rainbow Dash. "Scoots you are going to talk to him."
Rumble landed infont of Scootaloo and there was a long silence between them. Scootaloo and Rumble both had tears in their eyes. After what felt like hours Rumble was the first to speek. "I am sorry. I know that the Wonderbolts are your biggest dream and that me thinking that i can intrude on that was dumb."
Tears was now streaming freely down Scootaloo's cheeks. "No Rumble, i was wrong. The Wonderbolts is my dream but i know that there is room for you." She hugged him hard. "Can you ever forgive me?" Rumble just moved away from her and smiled. "Of course."







"I wonder how her training is going? I haven't talk to her for some time. What do you think Flash dear?"
Flash Sentry looked up from his book he was reading. "I don't know, why don't we go and have a look?"
The thought never occured to Twilight since she was studying but it seemed that Flash had a valid point. She looked at her workload and decided it was a good idea. Flash Sentry had no time to put a bookmark in his book before Twilight draged him outside.
They both took the air, knowing where Scootaloo usually trained.







The four ponies was training when they where interrupted. "Twilight! What are you doing here?" Rainbow Dash asked.
Twilight Sparkle and Flash Sentry landed and where greeted with the usual hugs. "Well we wanted to see how Scootaloo was doing." Twilight said. Flash looked at the four ponies in front of him. "I was dragged here."
Rainbow Dash withheld a small laugh and said. "That really sounds like twilight, but still. It doesn't explain why you are here. You can always visit her at Sweet Apple Acres." Twilight gave an awkward smile. "Well i thought a fieldtrip was in order and what better way to study pegasus growth than Scootaloo." Rainbow Dash looked annoyed.
"Rainbow Dash don't be angry, you know how she is." This time it was Twilight's time to look annoyed. "I don't mind her studying my flying, it is special after all."
The alicorn smiled and Rainbow Dash nodded. "If you want i can try some tricks with Rumble." He looked shocked at this but still flew after Scootaloo. Rainbow Dash flew after them closely followed by Twilight Sparkle. Soarin' walked to Flash Sentry. "She has become quite a flier." Flash smiled. "And Scootaloo too." They both laughed.
Rumble and Scootaloo was preforming simple tricks infront of Rainbow and Twilight, althought these tricks where simple by the standards Rainbow Dash was used to she was still impressed. Not long ago Scootaloo couldn't even fly and now she was doing loops and barrel rolls. The pride was enough but it was something other that made Rainbow Dash stop the young ponies.
"Scootaloo, Rumble can you stop? I need to talk to Scootaloo about something." They both stopped, Scootaloo was a bit nervous, Rainbow Dash seldom called her by her full name. She followed Rainbow Dash to a nearby cloud. It wasn't to far away from the others but still far away for them to have some privacy.
"Listen Scoots... I was wondering about something... Do you want to come live with me and Soarin'?" Scootaloo blinked, did she really just ask her to live with the two greatest Wonderbolts of all time? "I..I..I don't know what to say!" Rainbow Dash saw that Scootaloo was thinking overtime, she decided to lay down the biggest question. "And i wan't you to be part of my family."
Scootaloo didn't quite understand what she was hearing. "But we are already sisters?" Rainbow Dash sighed. "No Scoots i was thinking of something closer, like a family."
Down below Rumble was trying to hear what they where talking about, once in a while he started to hover closer to them but was pulled down by Soarin'. "What do you think they are talking about?" Soarin' leaned closer to Rumble. "If i know Rainbow right you will know soon enough."

"Now listen Scoots, i have always loved you and felt that you where a part of my family but i want to make it official. I want to adopt you." Scootaloo's face went blank, after some time she came to her senses. "You mean like i am your daughter and you'r my mom?"
Rainbow Dash blushed and nodded. "Kinda, but i know you are a little to old to be thinking about that and you don't need to call me that. Still i want you to have a real home and family." She was suprised at what happend next as she was assaulted with a great big hug from Scootaloo. "OH MY CELESTIA YES!!!"
The other noticed this and all but Soarin' looked confused. For he knew what was happening on that cloud, still he decided to play it cool. It wasn't long before the two returned to the others, both sporting great big smiles. "Hey guy guess what?" asked Rainbow Dash. Because of the looks on the others she decided to tell them. "I am going to adopt Scootaloo!" This was met with looks of both confusion and joy, the first one to speak was Twilight. "Are you sure about this? I have read that it is a lot of work." Rainbow raised an eyebrow. And how come you know this? I mean it isn't something anypony reads about without reason." Asked Rainbow. A small blush was starting to appear on Twilight. "I needed information on the subject!" This wasn't enough for her and gave a look that demanded an answer, Twilight noticed this and decided to continue. "Well i was researching because i am...Pregnant." Flash put his arm around Twilight. The look on the others was of shock but it quickly turned to joy. They all started to cheer loudly.
"Well that is quite the news! Lets all go to Sugar Cube Corner to celebrate! My treat!" Rainbow Said knowing that Pinke Pie would be there to throw them a new foal party.
They all left towards Ponyville and Scootaloo thought. "Best day ever!!".
> Settling down
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter five


Settling down.



Over at Sugar Cube Corner a pink mare noticed that her tail was twitching, this was not a unusual sight here. Still the Cake family looked at Pinkie Pie with confusion,
"Pinkie! What's happening?" Asked Mr.Cake. The amount of twitching did worry him, something about it seemed to indicate that something big was about to happen. Pinkie Pie made several gestures signaling to prepare for a massive party. Mr. Cake nodded and started to preparing. Pound Cake came down the stairs and looked at Pinkie Pie. "It's a big one, isn't it dad?" His dad nodded. "I'll get sis."
Then in a flash Pinkie Pie ran out of the store. She bolted through Ponyville. Her destination was set, she was going to get Spike. His unique way of sending messages was perfect. Rarity was not prepared for the amount of force entering her shop.
"PINIKE PIE! What have I told you about this, please be more gentle next time!" Pinkie Pie promptly ignored her and rushed to the fashionista. "Where is spike!?" Rarity looked slightly confused.
"Calm down dear, what's the matter?"
Pinkie Pie was gasping for air, before she could react spike came down the stairs. He had begun walking on all fours, after all he had grown larger. Almost bigger than Big Macintosh. His wings was a thing to behold. Even bigger than the biggest pegasi, still they seem to fit him. Overall he was the same Spike. He saw the two and asked. "What's going on?"
He was rushed by a pink blur. fearing for his life he wrapped his wings around him, Rarity draged the pink mare of Spike. As spike drew back his wings, he noticed that Pinkie's tail was twitching. "It is something big isn't it?" She nodded. This motion was all he needed He gave a reassuring smile and gave her a big hug. "Just tell me what's happening."
Wiping her tears she said. "I think Twilight is having a baby."
Spike's eyes doubled in size and Rarity was about to faint. Quickly Spike caught her.
It was dead silent for some time before Spike said something. "Twilight pregnant!? How do you know this!?" Rarity was still too shocked to say something so Pinkie decided to continue her quest.
"TAIL TWITCHING AND I NEED YOU TO SEND LETTERS TO APPLEJACKFLUTTERSHYAND CELESTIA!!"
Both Spike and Rarity looked confused. The serious look on Pinkie Pie's face was real and it showed that this was important. Spike smiled and walked away to get his writing supplies. Meanwhile Rarity had one question on her mind. “If I may be so bold to ask you? What about Rainbow Dash?”
Pinkie Pie just smiled and said. “She is with Twilight silly.” Rarity just stood there with and said. "I don't even want to know how you know." At that moment spike came down with his writing supplies and started writing what Pinkie Pie Said.
After the letters had been written and sent, Pinkie Pie told them to come over to Sugar Cube Corner in about an hour. This was much to Rarity's dread, it meant that she only had roughly an hour to get ready.

On her way back Pinkie noticed a stallion with a light brown coat and green eyes walking down the road. She could see that something was wrong, he almost looked depressed. She had to help him, but the quest on hoof was of greater importance for now. “I will see you later don't you worry.” She thought as she continued.
When the doors to Sugar Cube Corner busted open the ponies inside jumped. Inside there was streamers and banners, even the famous party cannon was ready. The only thing missing was the oversized sign.
They where just about finished when the invited guests came in.
“Wow, you weren't joking when you said it was big.” Said Rarity.
Just behind her was Fluttershy, who simply nodded. Applejack came after her and remained silent. Big Mac who had followed Applejack nodded just like Fluttershy. Everypony greeted each other before a new voice was heard. "I hope i didn't miss anything?" All of them turned around to see no other than Princess Luna and next to her Princess Celestia. The Princess of the sun just shook her head. "Dear sister, i am sure that we haven't missed anything."  



A short while later six ponies landed outside of Sugar Cube Corner, one of them noticed the darkness inside. 	“Oh no, it looks like Pinkie Pie has prepared a party.” Rainbow Dash said. Twilight looked at her and said. “But for which one of us? She have to know about you and Scootaloo” They both looked at each other and shrugged. 	“Can we please go in already!?” Came from behind.   The two ponies looked back. They saw Scootaloo tapping her hoof on the ground, having a look of boredom.
Soarin' gave a light chuckle as he approached Rainbow Dash.
“Come on, don't let your daughter wait any longer.” He said. This resulted with him getting punched in his shoulder. “Don't be silly, she dosent need to call me that. Of coarse if she wants to I'm fine with that.” Rainbow Dash said. Scootaloo looked a little embarrassed about this. Even though she didn't want to say it in front of other ponies, she wanted parents. And parent that where members of the Wonderbolts was a big advantage.

As they opened the door they were showered with confetti, above them was a big banner saying congratulations Twilight.
Twilight brushed off the confetti from her mane. "How did you know? I mean i haven't told anypony beside Rainbow Dash and her family" Twilight asked
Pinkie just laughed and said "Well duh, my tail was twitching." Twilight just brushed off this comment, knowing that she had an ability to predict stuff it was to be expected. The mention of Rainbow Dash family haden't registred with Pinkie Pie at that moment but Rainbow dash walked up to Pinkie Pie. "I have a suprise as well." Pinkie Pie's ears perked up. Rainbow Dash cleared her throat and said. "I am adopting Scootaloo, so she will be living with me and Soarin' from now on." The room nearly exploded with cheers as Dash said that. Next thing that happend was DJ-PON3 appeard from behind a DJ table. Loud techno music filled the small but yet roomy sweetshop. Twilight had to ask the DJ to keep the music volume down a bit. She explained that she would get a headache from this volume. The party was fun but calm, this had to do with Twilight wanting everypony to keep it down.

Sweetiebelle and Applebloom walked up to Scootaloo and gave her a big hug. "Ah can't belive it, you finally have a family!" Appleboom said, Scootaloo gave her a look that reminded of the look Applejack had given her when she asked about her own parents, "Ah am mighty sorry, i didn't think about it."
Scootaloo shaked her head. "Don't worry, i know you didn't mean to say that." She let out a happy sigh and continued. "This is everything i have wanted. I have a wonderfull coltfriend and the coolest parents in the world." Sweetiebelle looked at her. "Coltfriend?" Scootaloo looked at her friend and said. "Yeah, Rumble and me are going steady. How about you and that nerd?" Scootaloo awnswerd. The blush on Sweetiebelle told her averything she needed to know but still she was told off. "He is not my coltfriend! And Button Mash is not a nerd!" By this time Applebloom was rolling on the floor laughing. Both Sweetiebelle and Scootaloo looked at her. "Where is your coltfriend then?" Scootaloo asked. Applebloom stopped and looked at them both. "Well he is busy. Some adventure in the mountains." She told them.

As the young ponies where talking Celestia walked up to her former student. "Hello Twilight." Celestia's voice was calming as always. Twilight almost immediatly shifted her attention to her former mentor and gave her a hug. "This is a big step for you, but i am certain that is nothing you can't handle." Celestia said with a motherly smile.  Twilight gave her a nervous smile. "I hope i am ready for this, i mean it is a big step and i want a foal of my own. But what if i can't handle it?" Celestia gave a smal nuzzle and smiled. "I know you can handle this Twilight." This made Twilight calm down a bit. She gave her former mentor a small nod and proceded to enjoy the party. As a matter of fact so did most of the guests there. Rainbow Dash was bragging about her being in the Wonderbolts infront of the younger ones. Spike and Rarity was sitting by themselfs having romantic conversation. Fluttershy was quiet as always, but still couldn't keep her eyes of a certain red earth pony. Pinkie Pie ran around serving everypony and Applejack was making polite conversation with Princess Luna.

Congrats and good luck's where made during the party and soon it came to a close, most of the guests had left and it was time for Rainbow Dash and her new family to say goodbye. "Well Pinkie, it was a nice party but i need to head home." She yawned. "Soarin' and i have training tomorrow." She noticed Scootaloo by her side. "I hope you have a room prepared for me, i don't want to sleep on the couch." That question was a mixture of both surprise and happiness. Rainbow Dash had already prepared a room for Scootaloo and decided that she could watch her and Soarin' train. She smiled at her and said. "Of course!"
As they left they left as a family. Scootaloo could not be more happy. But Rainbow Dash was deep in thought.
When they got home Rainbow Dash showed Scootaloo her new room. It was decorated with Wonderbolt posters of both Soarin' and Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo was in awe over the posters, but one thing caught her eye. It was a picture on her nightstand. When she walked up to it she saw that was a picture of Rainbow Dash, Soarin' and her. This simple thing was enough for the tears to start flowing. She rushed to her new guardian and gave her a big hug. "Thank you!" She shouted.
Rainbow Dash happy to hear this. "I am glad you you like it, but it is time for bed." Scootaloo looked up at her and looked a little sad, she had wanted to stay up. Rainbow Dash simply smiled and said."If you want to come with us to the Wonderbolts HQ then you need to wake up early." The young pegasus nodded and darted for her new bed in her new home. Both Soarin' and Rainbow Dash smiled and walked out towards their bedroom. They haven't been together long but still Soarin' had decided to move in.








The alarm was sounding loudly, both Soarin' and Rainbow Dash forced themself up. Soarin' was kinda used to get up this early but Rainbow Dash could never get used to it. "Can you get Scootaloo ready?" She said to Soarin' as she went into the bathroom not expecting a no as an answer. Soarin' yawned and walked out of their bedroom.
Rainbow Dash's house was quite large even for her new family, it had room for atleast three more ponies.

The hallway only had two more doors and the one on the oposite was Scootaloo's. Rainbow Dash had insisted that she had a nearby room much to Scootaloo's joy. Soarin' walked up to her room and knocked. The return was a muffled sound of somepony  saying something. Soarin' waited but after a while he knocked again. "Come on Scoots, we have to leave soon, you don't want to miss the trip to the Wonderbolt HQ?" Soon after he said it a loud noise was herd from the room and the words. "Ok, i am up!"

Smiling to himself he returned to the room he came from. Meanwhile in the shower, Rainbow Dash was thinking.
The soothing drops of water did little to calm her thoughts. "I want one." she thought.
Soarin' walked downstairs to the kitchen. Scootaloo was already prepared to go so she dashed after Soarin'. "You sure seem eager." Soarin' said as Scootaloo appeard like a flash in the kitchen. Her smile was almost to large for her own face, it was almost like Pinkie Pie was in the room. "Everypony is going to be suprised and specially Rumble!" Scootaloo said with a small blush forming on her face.
The breakfast was quick but efficient and in no time the three of them was ready to head of to the Wonderbolt HQ.


> Twists and turns
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter Six


Twists and turns



The trip to the Wonderbolt HQ was not far, at least not for Scootaloo. She was excited beyond belief. ”This is going to be so cool!” She thought to herself.
Both Rainbow Dash and Soarin' had to take it slow during the flight, both knew that Scootaloo still wasn't used to flying, even though she had improved a great deal since her new parents had helped with her training. As they continued their flight the destination came into view.

”Hey Soarin'! What do you think Spitfire will say about Scootaloo coming with us?” Rainbow Dash asked. She was a bit worried about what Spitfire would say.

Soarin gave Rainbow Dash a big smile. ”I don't think she will mind. Other Wonderbolts have brought their family members before.”
Rainbow Dash smiled.

The rest of the journey was mostly quiet besides the wind and various happy sounds from the young pony behind them.






Celestia was walking in circles in her meeting room. She was expecting a guest, but nopony had arrived yet.
"Guard! Why isn't she here yet?"

A lone guard stood beside the large door. He answered, but did not change his expression. "I do not not know your majesty!"
Celestia's face grew more annoyed. She did not expect her guest to be this late. As she walked to the large window at the back of the room she heard a familiar laughter.
"I am sorry, i had to see how long i could keep this up." Said the voice.

Celestia turned around with a annoyed look. Her guest had finally arrived. She walked towards a large table in the middle of the room. It had two chairs and was made with the finest oak. Celestia sat down in one and motioned her guest to sit in the other one.
"I thought you would not do that," Celestia said. The guest who was now sitting down on the other side of the table gave a fake look of heartbreak. "I thought you could take a joke." Came from the guest.

Celestia's expression grew more annoyed. "You should know that i don't joke about this particular subject. Especially after what you did to us."







Scootaloo looked at the ponies flying in the air, even though they where not performing it still looked impressive. "You like?" Came from behind Scootaloo, as she turned around she saw Spitfire. Scootaloo nodded.
Spitfire continued. "I am guessing you came here with Rainbow Dash?" Spitfire was awarded with another nod.
"Please tell me how you are related to her, as far as i know she doesn't have any siblings and our rules states that no outsiders besides family may visit during training."

Scootaloo pumped her chest out proudly. "She is my adoptive mother, so that’s why I’m here."  Spitfire smiled.
"Then Soarin' must be your adoptive father?" Scootaloo thought for a moment. "I guess, but they aren't married."

Rainbow Dash saw the two talking so she flew down. After she gave a salute to Spitfire, she gave a smile to Scootaloo. "What are you two talking about?" Asked Rainbow Dash.







"So if i may be so bold to ask, why?" Celestia said, giving her guest an annoyed look. "You have terrorized my little ponies."
Her guest sighed. "Lets just say that i am desperate. I have no other choice than peace."

The room was quiet for a moment before Celestia spoke. "And how can i know that you won't try something like last time. You can probably see why i have my doubts."

"I can see that you have your doubts but i can assure you that no harm will come to your dear little ponies." Said the guest.

Celestia thought for a moment. "If i would say yes to this i want the elements of harmony with us. They can assure me that you wont try anything like last time."








Rarity was working on her latest creation for the Canterlot elite when she was disturbed by a loud belching sound. She grunted and put down the lavender fabric on the table. "Spike dear, i thought i told you to keep those obnoxious belches down. I have an important order to finish."

Spike did not hear his wife but instead looked at the piece of paper in his hands. As he read it his eyes grew big. "Rarity read this."

Rarity looked confused when she took the letter in her magic. When she had finished reading it she turned to Spike. "We have to get the others."
As much as she wanted to complete the order she knew that this was of greater importance. She and Spike decided to go to Sugar Cube Corner first.
The streets outside where crowded with all kinds of ponies, getting to Sugar Cube Corner would take some time. Spike lifted Rarity onto his back and took to the air, this was much faster than walking. Rarity still haven't gotten used to the idea of flying while on the back of Spike.
They landed outside the sweet shop. Spike opened the door, he was greeted by Pinke Pie and her usual friendly smile.
"Hello guys! What can i get for you today? Cupcake? Donuts? Cake?"

Rarity put her hoof in Pinke Pie's mouth. "Dear we have more important thing to do right now."


After they had gathered Applejack, Fluttershy and Twilight Sparkle. The Six of the where walking to the train station.
"you did send the letter to the correct address Spike." Twilight Sparkle asked. Spike looked at her and nodded.







"Captain! I have to go!" Rainbow Dash called out when she started flying towards the exit. Spitfire took flight after the new Wonderbolt blocking her path out. "Mind telling me why rookie?"
Soarin' caught up with the two. "I have to meet Princess Celestia, she probably needs my awesome skills. I don't know exactly why but sounded urgent." The Wonderbolt Captain sceptic until Rainbow Dash showed her the letter. Spitfire nodded and Rainbow Dash saluted.
"I will make sure Scootaloo gets home, don't worry." Said Soarin'. Rainbow Dash took of towards Canterlot.

She estimated if her friends took the train then she would arrive at the Canterlot station at the same time as the others.

Scootaloo looked at Rainbow Dash as she flew past above her head. Wondering why she suddenly took of. Soarin' landed beside her.
"Don't worry kid, she was summoned by Princess Celestia." He turned and smiled at her. "I am sure she will be back in no time at all, you don't need to worry."
Scootaloo looked at him still not sure why Princess Celestia would need Rainbow Dash on such short notice, she saw her new adoptive parent getting smaller and closer to the horizon.

Soarin' told once more that she did not need to worry.







Rainbow Dash flew almost as fast as she could, the journey would be long so she needed to conserve her strength. What ever Princess Celestia wanted it had to be important, otherwise would not the request of her presence would come by regular mail not through Spike.
After about one hour she could see the train station, the train from Ponyville had already arrived.

The five ponies and one dragon departed the train. Twilight Sparkle was the first to say something.
"Where is Rainbow Dash? I thought she would be here by now!? Did you send the letter to some pony else Spike!" Twilight's anger was only slight but Spike was still hurt by her words. "I did not send the letter to anypony else than Rainbow Dash!" Spike responded.
Rarity watched ha fierce battle of words until she couldn't take it anymore.
"Please don't yell at my husband!, I never yell at Flash!" Rarity said as she stepped between Twilight and Spike. Twilight looked at her friend. "What about the time you told him his suit and i quote 'You look dreadful, This won't simply do, come here and let me fix this mess'. I thought he looked perfect!" Twilight said while imitating Rarity's voice.
The anger in Rarity's face made it self visible. "I never said that! And besides did he not look better afterward!"
While the two ponies continued to argue Rainbow Dash landed, she looked at the with confusion. They did not notice her standing there. After a while Fluttershy tried to get their attention.
"Um...Girls? Her voice was so quiet that it would be hard to hear it in complete silence. She continued to get the attention of the two ponies in their fierce word battle until Applejack couldn't take it anymore.
She walked up to the two and shouted. "WHAT IN TARNATION ARE YAH TWO DOIN'!!!" Both Rarity and Twilight fell silent, Applejack decided to continue. "Ah thought you where friends. And are we not here for somethang more important than this."

Twilight and Rarity looked at each other.

"Um, did i come at a bad time?" Asked Rainbow Dash.







The Wonderbolt training was over and Soarin' walked with Scootaloo to the exit. "Are you sure she will be back soon?" Scootaloo asked.
Soarin' looked at Scootaloo and saw that her face was full of concern. "Yeah I'm sure. it probably is just some charity of some sort."
The young pony did not look entirely convinced but still nodded. They both took flight towards their home.
On the way over there Scootaloo could not shake the idea that something wasn't as easy as she was led to believe. They both landed at the front door and Soarin' unlocked the door. "Come on, I'll make you something to eat." 
The mention of food did distract Scootaloo from her worries. Soarin' made something quick for them both, after they both had finished eating and putting away the dished Scootaloo walked to the front door. He noticed this. "Where are you going?"
Scootaloo stopped. "I am just going out to see my friends."

Soarin' gave her small nod and she went out.
The late afternoon air was calm but yet warm, down below the streets was still populated by a small number of ponies.
She knew that applebloom was working for at least one more hour and so did Rumble. She decided to visit Sweetie Belle instead.

Sweetie Belle had moved out of her sister's house a year ago, but it still looked like Rarity's house. She landed and knocked.The door opened and revealed a brown earth pony. "Hello Button, is Sweetie Belle here?" Asked Scootaloo.
Button Mash shook his head. "She left a little while ago, i think she was going to Sugar Cube Corner."
Scootaloo thanked Button Mash and turned around.

When she was on her way to Sugar Cube Corner she saw Diamond Tiara walking alone, not wanting to talk to her she flew faster. However it wasn't enough. "Hey look! There flies the blank flank!" Scootaloo stopped when she heard those words.

Diamond Tiara still teased her about not having a Cutie mark yet, Silver Spoon had grown tired of this, after that the two best friends no longer talked to each other. That and the fact that Silver Spoon started dating a blank flank.

"I don't have time with this Diamond Tiara, i just came home from the Wonderbolts and i want to see my friends. Not that you would know what having friends is like." Scootaloo said.

Her former and still current bully's ears shot up. "Did you say Wonderbolts!?"









The castle gates opened slowly as the group of ponies and one dragon walked into the castle. They have visited the castle many times but they where still amazed by the beauty of the ornate windows and walls.
Four royal guards led them to a large oak door and motioned them to wait. It didn't take long for Princess Celestia to approach them. They all bowed.
"No need for that now my little ponies." She cleared her throat. "I know you all wonder why you are here, if you would please step inside." Celestia said.

When they stepped inside they where greeted by a familiar voice. "Hello little ponies, long time no see."

Rainbow Dash prepared to attack and Twilight shouted when she recognized the voice. "YOU!?"
> Of friends and foes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter Seven


Of friends and foes




"Why do you ask?" Scootaloo was still annoyed. She really didn't want to talk to Diamond Tiara. The thought that she only wanted to talk to her because of the Wonderbolts was not helping her with the irritiation.

"Because that would be so cool if you know the Wonderbolts." Diamond Tiara responded.

Scootaloo just rolled her eyes and decided to fly away, but was grabbed by her bully before she could get away.

"Please get me some tickets to their next show!, I would forever in your debt!"
She knew by instinct that this was one of her ways to use other ponies. "No way!, you only ask because I'm related to one of the Wonderbolts. Any other day you would bully me just like you allways have!" Scootaloo said.
Diamond Tiara looked shocked.
The Wonderbolts was the most famous ponies in all of equestria, tickets was at a premium and VIP tickets was ultra rare.

She kept bugging Scootaloo for tickets until Silver Spoon walked by.
"Begging huh? I never thought you would stoop so low. Even though you did hang out with a lowlife like me."

Both Diamond Tiara and Scootaloo turned their heads, Silver Spoon was standing besides them with a smug face. She had grown quite alot in the years, her mane was much longer and she didn't have glasses anymore. 

"You got to stop this someday Diamond, we are not little fillies anymore. Someday it will destroy you," Silver Spoon said.
Scootaloo said nothing but gave a face of approval, Diamond Tiara was visibly furious. "Say the same pony whose marefriend is a blank flank!"
Silver Spoon herself got angry. "She is not a blank flank anymore, and besides." She turned her head away from her former friend. "She is twice the pony that you are!"
Watching the two former friends argue was something Scootaloo would never guess to see, atleast not in this way. Suddenly she realised what Silver Spoon said before.
"Wait a second, marefriend? Blank flank?!"







Flash Sentry was walking around the library and home, boredom was not something he liked. Looking at the clock he decided to get out and take a drink, he would probably not be allowed any alcohol now that his wife was pregnant. But seeing that she was out of town it probably wouldn't hurt to go out and have a drink or two.

He gathered some money and went out, it was close to sundown. That would probably get the more undesirable ponys to come out, But still he decided to go to the nearest bar.
It was a quite nice place, not the finest but certainly not the worst. Opening the doors he could see that it was not to crowded, he thought of a phrase he heard from one of the old colleagues. He was from the frozen north.
"Lagom*." He thought to himself.
He sat down at the bar and ordered a cider.







Soarin' looked at the clock, it wasn't really that much, he figured that both Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash would be out for a couple of hours. "Might as well go and get a drink."

He quickly wrote a note explaining where he was and then left the cloud home. There was a certain bar he liked, Rainbow Dash had showed him it a while ago.
Flying towards Ponyville he saw that there was still ponies on the streets, soon his destination came into view. He touched down in front of the building.
There wasn't anything special about the building, haven't it been for the sign nopony would guess that it was a bar. He looked at the sign. It said 'The Dizzy Pony'. A not at all fitting name.

As he walked in he saw Flash Sentry, he did not notice Soarin'. "Hey! I thought you weren't allowed to drink while your wife is pregnant."
Flash Sentry turned around, seeing Soarin' he relaxed.
Soarin' sat down and told the bartender to give him the same as Flash Sentry.







"Yes marefriend, and she was a blank flank too." Silver Spoon said to Scootaloo.
She could not belive what she was hearing, she knew that Silver Spoon had stopped hanging out with Diamond Tiara. But this was new to her.
"So in short. Stopp messing with ponies, or you will be lonly for the rest of your life."
Diamond Tiara was shaking with anger, but she turned around and walked away.
The two ponies looked on as the bully walked away but was interupted. "Hey what's happening over here!?"
Scootaloo turned as saw her friend she was looking for.
"Sweetie Belle! I was looking for you." 
With a big smile the light grey pony walked up to Scootaloo. "What's happening?"
Silver Spoon and Scootaloo looked over at Diamond Tiara who was walking away. The way she was walking told anypony to stay away.
"Lets just say that she got what she deserved." Scootaloo said with joy.
Sweetie Belle facehoofed. Carefull not to hit her face to hard. "I thought you said you wouldn't beat up ponies anymore."

This caused Silver Spoon to look at Scootaloo with a mix of confusion and a bit of fear.







"Marrige, how does it treat you?" Soarin' asked. Flash Sentry let out a small chuckle and waved to the bartender signaling him to bring more drinks.
He took a deep breath. "Well it is nice, sometimes it's hard but mostly wonderfull." He paused to look Soarin' in the eyes. "It's about giving and...Giving some more."
Soarin' laughed hard at this, after a moment Flash joined him. They both laughed until the drinks arrived. Flash spoke up again. "But seriously! It has it's upsides as well as it's downsides. But for the love of Celestia i can't remember them!"
He took a big gulp of cider, it was clear that they both where begining to get drunk.
"So do you think i should marry her?" Soarin' asked.
Flash struggled to focus on Soarin' as his slightly intoxicated tried to come up with an answer. After a while he said. "Well what i think..."







"What are you doing here! Come to ruin our lives again?" The anger in Twilight's voice was clear.
At the same time Rainbow was being held back by Celestia's magic.
"It is quite simple. Peace" The guest said in a calm manner.
Twilight's stance changed from defensive to normal. Something was not right about this she thought. Rainbow still struggling in the grip of Celestia's magic. Twilight walked forward carefully.
"Please tell me why?" She asked. The question was not of anger but of curiosity. "I have trouble of trusting you Chrysalis. especially after what you did to my brother"
Chrysalis sighed. "I have no other choice!, my subjects are not fairing well." She walked over to the window, looking out at the sunset. "This have been on my mind for some time, i have to do my best for my dear subjects."
Rarity decided to speak up. "But don't you feed on love? How would being allowed into Equestria help?"
"Because, if my subjects can be allowed in Equestria maybe they can find somepony who are willing to give love freelly, Love is not only something we feed of, it is also something we want in our lives just like you. Besides we can surive on other things than love, we are adaptable after all." Chrysalis said.
Celestia walked over to the ponies and dragon still with Rainbow in her magic. "That is why i have called you here, i need you to keep an eye on Chrysalis." Casting a glare at the changeling. "In case she want to try something outside of our agreements."

Twilight looked at her mentor. "What agreements?"

Chrysalis walked over and cleard her throat. "Let me say this. The agreements are no changing, no stealing love and following the laws. Simple as that." 

Rainbow who still was being held by Celestia's magic chose this moment to speak. "And how are we to know that you won't break the deal?!"

Celestia sighed and released Rainbow who crashed into the nearby pillar. "That is why i need your help, i want Twilight Sparkle to construct a device that will expose changelings that have taken the forms of the citizens living in the area. And the rest of you to keep the elements ready."

"And where will she stay? Canterlot? Manehattan?" Rarity asked. Celestia smiled. "I have made arrangements for her to live in Ponyville"

All of the six ponies and one dragon shouted in unison. "WHAT!"









"Ok i think you two have had enough to drink" The Bartender said to the two.
Soarin' looked at him with an unsteady pair of eyes. "I swear to drunk I'm not Celestia"
The Bartender was about to grab Soarin' and Flash when he suddenly noticed Flash standing up. Then promptly falling down, only to stand up again and loudly proclaiming. "I am Prince Flash *Hic* Sentry! I will not take orders from you!" After he said this he fell down once again.
Soarin' was a bit steadier and managed just barely to stand without falling. "You heard what he said?...It was to call a cab right?"

The Bartender had to struggle for while with the two before finally getting them into the cab.








*Earlier


Scootaloo sighed. "I didn't beat her up. Silver here just taught her a lesson." Silver Spoon smiled weakly at this.
Sweetie Belle knew that Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara wasn't friends anymore. 
"So what are you guys doing?" Sweetie asked. Scootaloo remembered why she went out in the first place. "I was looking for you, i wanted to hang out!"
Before Sweetie could answer Silver Spoon spoke. "I have to go, somepony is waiting for me at home. See you guys some time."

She walked of with a happy bounce in her steps, almost if she had been hanging out with Pinke Pie.

"Anyway, what do you say? Wanna hang out?" Scootaloo said after looking back at Sweetie.
She pondered for a moment before answering. "Yeah sure, but why aren't you out with Rumble?"







As the group of six ponies and one dragon was escorting the Queen of the changelings towards the trainstation there was quite a lot of ponies looking scared around them. It was only natural, since the Canterlot invasion the thought of changelings was mostly of fear. They had been told that there was a train ready for them, since most of the ponies where afraid of the changelings it was safer to travel in a personal train.
The train itself was more decorated than most of the trains in the station, with guards outside and inside. There where gold and gems all over train.
Rarity's eyes grew big with wonder and Spike's stomach growled. Twilight facehoofed and turned to Chrysalis.
"So please tell me, how many changelings are in Ponyville right now?" Twilight asked. Chrysalis looked at Twilight with a smile. "A few. As a matter of fact, they have been trying to start their new lives in Ponyville for about two months now. With the strict orders to not attack and to reveal themself to their loved ones when they feel the time is right.
Inside the train it was as expected, gold and gems everywhere. Princess Celestia did not spare any expences when it came to transport it seemed. As they where about to get seated Princess Luna stumbled out of one of the private booths.
She looked like she had been working out, her mane was messy and so was her regalia. After quickly running her hooves through her mane she walked up to the guests.
"You have finally arrived! We are most pleased that you took on this task." She said as she approached the ponies.
Twilight looked around and noticed the guards where not in fact Solar Guards but instead Lunar Guards. And as if on queue Princess Luna spoke again. "You are curious about the fact that the Lunar Guards have replaced our sisters guards?" Twilight nodded. "This is a overnight train to Ponyville! And the Lunar Stallions have greater night vision than most. Just in case Chrysalis decides to try something."
Chrysalis looked over at Princess Luna. "Surely you have other things to attend to right now?"
Luna's cheeks became red as she gently bowed to her guests. "Yes you are right...We will be accompany you all on this trip, but it is time for rest."  Luna quickly turned and trotted towards the other carriage which presumably was ment for sleeping.
It was safe to say that the number of guards where enough to overpower Chrysalis if she did in fact try something.

A short time after Luna had left, a lone Lunar Guard poked his head out from the same booth that Luna was in earlier.

Nopony said a word even as the train started moving.







The cab containing the two ponies stopped outside the Golden oak library. When the driver walked over to the door he saw the two occupants sleeping leaning at each other. He sighed and knocked on the doorframe of the cab. The two inside jolted. "I swear she was eighteen officer!" Soarin' shouted. Flash on the other hand looked out and saw that he was home, he struggled a bit to get out and managed to only fall once. "I guess this is my stop." He said
Soarin' waved goodbye to what he hoped was his friend before falling back to sleep. Yet again the driver sighed and closed the door to the cab.
The ride over to where Soarin' now lived wasn't that far, althogh he never woke upp during the trip over there. Once they got there the driver simply dumped Soarin' on the doorstep. "I have other customers tonight, sweet dreams."
He lay there for a few minutes before the door opened.
"Mom is going to be so pissed with you when she gets home!"







The train journey was mostly quiet, except for Pinke Pie trying to make some conversation.
"Come on! There has to be something to talk about! Oh! I know! There was a stallion that looked rather sad the other day, i bet i can make him happier!" No response. "Or the fact that the changelings are moving into Ponyville!"
This was the one thing that made most of the occupants eyes move to Pinke.
"Please Pinke, i have a lot to think about. This isn't a joke!" Twilight said. Pinkie Pie looked sad, she only wanted to make some light conversation. Twilight noticed this, "What i mean i, i would love to talk right now but there is so much happening right now."
Unknown to them Chrysalis has peaked an interest in the subject.
"And would one thing have to do with the one you are carrying?" Twilight turned in shock towards the changeling Queen when she said this. She did not wait for an answer from Twilight. "Remember i can sense emotion, i can feel your love for your child. And don't worry, i would not do anything to harm it."

> Trouble ahead!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter Eight


Trouble ahead!




The journey was uneventful to say the least, nopony had mentioned the incident with Luna and the Guard and most of the passengers where in fact asleep. Only Twilight and Chrysalis was awake. They where silently reading, not wanting to say anything.
In a couple of hours they should be home.
But Twilight could not stand the silence and the burning question she had in her mind had to be answered.
"How come you waited this long to negotiate a peace treaty?"
Chrysalis put down her book and looked at Twilight, she knew this question was coming. "If it was up to me i would have came to you sooner!"

This made Twilight interest rise. Chrysalis sighed and continued. "I know what you are going to say, no i am not the sole ruler. I have a number of changelings that keep things in order if i can't or won't. A sort of council of you like."

Twilight didn't know much about the changelings and her mind was working overtime recording everything.

"But what about the invasion of Canterlot? It's something none of us will ever forget."
The look on Chrysalis face changed to a pained one. Twilight noticed this. "Yes that! It wasn't the smartest thing i have ever done. But i don't really want to talk about it right now."
"But we certainly would hear it" The changeling and the alicorn turned to see Princess luna standing in the doorway. Her face was neither happy or angry, more one of determination. "Our sister never told us why you decided on peace, so hearing your side of the invasion would certainly help us ease our mind."
Chrysalis still looked pained about this subject matter. "Well if you insist! I have not been Queen long when the council talked me into attacking Canterlot to make sure we had a steady supply of love. As foolish as i was back then i went along with the plan. They where all power hungry, perhaps more hungry for power than love." Chrysalis sighed before she continued. "As for the reason for peace? I don't want my children to starve any longer, and one of them is already on his way there. He was the final straw. The way he spoke about his longing to live among ponies made me think. I decided that peace was the only option."

Chrysalis looked down, if Luna and Twilight could feel emotions as Chrysalis did they would feel her sadness.
"But i thought you said that changelings could survive on more than love?"
When Twilight asked this Luna looked surprised. "Yes we can survive on more than love alone, but it is what keeps our reserves of magic full. Yes i know that unicorns and alicorns get their magic from within, but not us changelings!"

Suddenly the doors opened and a very tired Rainbow Dash walked out. "Can you guys keep it down!? Someponys are trying to sleep." 

"We are most sorry, but there was some things that needed clearing up." Luna said.
Rainbow decided she would stay up, the sun was about to rise anyway. Luna politely left.
"So when are we due in Ponyville Twilight?" Rainbow asked. Twilight looked at the passing scenery and turned back to Rainbow. "I would guess in about one hour. Why do you ask?" She returned with a smirk. Rainbow's wings flared up and a slight blush appeared on her face. "No reason!" She said a little louder than she intended.
Chrysalis giggled. "My, i think she wants back to her love. And it is more than one." As Rainbow managed to get her wings under control Twilight spoke. "I also want home to my love, he is so well behaved. He would never do anything that would upset me!"


The rest of the journey went by quickly and soon the train arrived at Ponyville station. A large group of ponies had gathered at the station platform because of the decorated train. When the steam had cleared the first thing heard was somepony shouting "CHANGELING!" Panic started to spread in the crowd. Ponies was runing back and fourth trying to get away, some even fainting on the spot while some of the stallions prepared to attack. However it all changed when Luna stepped out. "CALM DOWN MY LITTLE PONIES! DON'T BE AFRAID OF HER, SHE IS HERE PEACEFULLY!"
The effect of the Royal Canterlot Voice did what it was supposed to do, most of the ponies stopped running. And how could they not they were in fact knocked down by the sheer force of Luna's voice.
Twilight cleared her throat "Please let me explain, Chrysalis is here to live in peace with us, to learn of friendship with our kind and to someday be forgiven for what she has done!"
No pony would believe what they where hearing and some could not hear at all as of an effect of the Royal Canterlot Voice.
They all departed from the train and started walking towards the appointed house for Chrysalis, it was a modest house, not to small or to big and situated close to Twilight's house. They all said their goodbyes and started heading home. Chrysalis house had a pair of guards outside. Celestia had insisted that they where stationed there for security.

Twilight sighed and walked home, when she entered her home and also the town library she triped on something. Or rather somepony. "Flash!?" She stood up to inspect her husband, he was lying on the floor and stinking of last night's alcohol. The anger in Twilights eyes where enough to even make Discord shy away. "OH come on! Like i would be scared of her!?" Please Discord, don't interrupt the story!" "Fine, but i am telling you, i am not scared of her!"
"FLASH SENTRY! WHAT IN THE NAME OF CELESTIA! WHAT WHERE YOU DOING LAST NIGHT!"







Rainbow Dash had nice slow flight back home, she wasn't due for training for atleast two hours. As she landed at her front door she was greeted by Scootaloo. "Hey kid miss me!?"
Scootaloo couldn't look her legal guardian in the face.
"What's wrong kid?" Rainbow asked. Scootaloo was about to say something when Rainbow spotted something on the couch.
The sight that greeted her was Soarin' lying on the sofa. He did not look like he normally did, it was a more troubled look. Almost as if something was wrong. "What happened?" Asked Rainbow Dash as she walked over to her coltfriend.
"He passed out drunk just outside, me and Rumble had to carry him inside." Scootaloo answered.
Rainbow Dash stopped and turned around. "When did you find him?" Scootaloo thought for a moment. "I would say about 10 pm."
Anger was filling Rainbow Dash. "You mean that you had Rumble over here at 10 pm!? You are not to bring Rumble over that late! Don't do that again if none of us is here!" Scootaloo whimperd."But Soarin' was here. He just happen to be asleep."
The anger that Rainbow Dash had felt was quickly disappearing.The sight of Scootaloo being scared of her was something she never wanted to see. she knew that Scootaloo never would do something stupid with Rumble at home. But if she did, she would find Rumble and make him regret it!.
"Scootaloo, i am sorry. I didn't mean to shout at you. I only want to protect you, both of you are still young." Rainbow dash said.

Scootaloo ran to Rainbow Dash and gave her a hug. "I am sorry, but i promise you! Nothing happened between us last night." This was not a direct lie but Scootaloo didn't feel it was the right time to mention what happened earlier. Just as the two ponies seperated from their hug Soarin' groaned. "Ow my head!" Rainbow Dash turned and looked at Soarin'.
His eyes where bloodshot and his mane was a mess, more than usual. He was an absolute wreck.
"Soarin' what the hell where you thinking!? Don't you know we have a training session soon?" Rainbow Dash said.
He slowly sat up before he answered. "Relax Dashie. Training isn't today." Rainbow dash pointed at the calender. "Yes it is, today is Saturday! You know we have training on Saturdays! Spitfire is going to kill you if she sees you like this. Go up and take a shower now! I will make some strong coffee."







Flash Sentry was lifted into the air by an angry Twilight. "Please Twilight please put me down! I think i am going to be sick."
Twilight looked him in his eyes. "Only if you explain why you where out drinking last night! I remember clearly that we had a discussion about this. You promised to not drink while i was pregnant." Her words where a mixture of anger, sadness and disappointment.
He took a moment to collect his thoughts, which was not easy due to his hangover. "I am sorry! I only went out to have one drink, but then i met Soarin' and before i knew it i was on the floor." Twilight gently put him down and looked away from him.
"Can you promise me that you will never do this again while i am still pregnant?" Flash smiled and nodded. "No Pinke Promise!" She said.
He tensed up a little, he knew what would happen if he didn't keep the promise. It was almost as if Pinke Pie was watching.
"Of course i'm watching! How else would i know if somepony breaks the promise?" "Not you too? Can't i write this in peace?" "Okie dokie loki! If you say so! I'll leave you alone!"
Flash did the little chant that came complete with gestures. Twilight hugged him hard when he was finished, he could feel his coat getting damp. "Honey are you ok?" Twilight released him and looked at him with teary eyes. "I can't believe how lucky i am to have you!"
They soon engaged in another hug and stay like that for some time. When they finally parted Twilight felt it was time for a question she had on her mind for some time. "Flash dear? What shall we name our little colt?" Flash was surprised but still happy. "How do you know it's going to be a colt?" She looked down at the floor. "I went to the doctor and she told me it was a colt." He smiled at his wife before he answered. "Well in that case i think we shall name him...Night Sentry!"
Twilight was about to kiss him, but backed away when she smelled his breath. "Ok. Night Sentry it is, but you need to take a shower and brush your teeth!"







The extra strong coffee did help Soarin' to clear his head from last night's adventures but was still reminded about it with a headache. Rainbow Dash had told him to concentrate extra hard so Spitfire wouldn't notice.
If it where that simple.
"SOARIN' What the hell is wrong with you!? It's the third time you messed up today!" Soarin' gently glided down to Spitfire. "Sorry captain. My mind was somewhere else." He said, not wanting to tell her about last night.
However. Spitfire recognised the bloodshot eyes and the lack of concentration. "Where you drinking last night!?" She shouted.
He had trouble looking his superior in the eyes. "Yes, i am sorry. It won't happen again!"

Spitfire walked up to him. "I am sure of it. Soarin'. You are hereby suspended without pay for three months!" Rainbow Dash heard this.
She flew down and yelled. "You can't do that!" Soarin' couldn't say a thing.
"Rainbow Dash please. You know the rules, every member has to be able to preform at their best at all times. That includes training, breaking of that rule is serious. But because i know Soarin' i was being nice. Normally the punishment is suspention for six months without pay and a permanent mark on the records."
Soarin' finally snapped back to reality. "Spitfire i am sorry." He took of and Rainbow Dash was about to go after him. But she was stopped by Spitfire. "Rainbow Dash please don't. I know you want to go after him, but your duty is with the Wonderbolts and if you leave now you could be suspended or worse. I am sorry but i did not make the rules."
> Life changes.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter Nine.


Life changes.



Soarin' flew as fast as he could. Nothing was going to slow him down, he just wanted to get away from the Wonderbolts right now.
"Stupid rules!"
Spitfire was right, she didn't make the rules but it still seemed a little harsh to suspend him. Years of loyal service and now, suspended for a little hangover! Secretly he had hoped that Rainbow Dash followed him, but he knew that she could be suspended as well and being part of the Wonderbolts was her dream after all.

And what about Wave Chill!? He have been known to practice while hungover! Why was he not suspended?
Soarin' thought about why Wave Chill wasn't suspended yet and the only thing he could think of was...Spitfire!
His past relationship with Spitfire had ended with a mutual agreement, but it seemed that he was replaced by Wave Chill. His own brother!
He decided against flying higher to avoid the many pegasi that where out on a Saturday flight, his head was mostly clear, but the high altitude and his speed would not help his hangover. Instead he flew lower until he touched the ground.
Most ponies thought that the Wonderbolts almost never walked anywhere, but that wasn't true. Leg strength was as important as wing strength.
After a walking for a little while, he came to Ponyville. He decided to visit Sugar Cube Corner. If something was going to cheer him up, it would be something with more sugar than was deemed safe. The building always seemed odd to him, a candy building? That's crazy!

He had barely opened the door before a pink blur attacked him. "OH MY GOSH! IT'S RAINBOW DASH'S COLTFRIEND SOARIN'. YOU LOOK LIKE YOU COULD USE A PICK-ME-UP! I WISH SOMEPONY WOULD PICK ME UP! I WAN'T LOTS OF KIDS! HAVE YOU AND RAINBOW DECIDED ON HAVING KIDS YET? I BET WOULD BE REALLY CUTE. MAYBE THEY WILL BOTH BE WONDERBOLTS! BUT YOU AREN'T MARRIED YET! OH! PLEASE LET ME BE THE WEDDING PLANNER! PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE!!!!"
Soarin' push the pink menace of him and stood up. "First. What!? Second. What!? And third. I need something with sugar."

Pinkie Pie smiled at him. "Okie dokie lokie! One 'Sorry you got suspended from the Wonderbolts Cupcake' coming' right up!"
Soarin' was about to question her how she knew that but remembered that Rainbow told him to not question how.
He was given the  cupcake and sat down, as he was eating it something Pinke had said was on his mind. 'But you aren't married yet?' It was something he had been thinking about sometimes when he and Rainbow Dash was sitting on a cloud and watching the sun set. He finished the cupcake, which was delicious. 
Because he had moved in with Rainbow Dash, he decided to go home.







"Rainbow Dash! Not like that! It's straight up, loop, barrel roll and then straight down!!!" The voice of Spitfire never really needed the aid of a megaphone and it was fierce.
Rainbow Dash was practising a simple maneuver for the next Wonderbolts show. Because Soarin' had been suspended she had to fill his part. But she was distracted by his suspension from the squad.
She landed in front of Spitfire. "I'm sorry, I won't make the same mistake again"
Spitfire looked at the rookie Wonderbolt for a moment, she could see that she was suffering from the things that has happened earlier. "Look, Rainbow. I know that you are hurt. But you can't let that mess with your focus! Even if he is gone for a little while you have to push through!"
Rainbow Dash sighed. "I know, but I promise you. I will get this right!" She then took off.







The place which Soarin' called home was quite large, with several floors and a rainbow waterfall. It was as Rainbow Dash would describe 'awesome!'
Scootaloo could hear the door open, this was surprising to her because both Soarin' and Rainbow Dash wasn't due for a couple of hours. She zoomed down only to see Soarin' standing there. "What are you doing here this early?"
Soarin' decided that holding on to the truth wasn't the best idea right now so he told her what happened. After about ten minutes later of explaining what has happened Scootaloo spoke. "So you are going to be around allot now?" Soarin' nodded. "So if that's the case. It wouldn't be a problem for you to train me?" She said with a smirk.
Although he wasn't surprised with that question, it did shock him a bit. He hadn't thought about it. He did almost see Scootaloo as his own child, so training her wasn't that odd of an idea.

A smile appeared on his face. "Yeah sure!"
He knew that she was a huge fan of the Wonderbolts and Rainbow Dash, but he wasn't prepared for the almost bone crushing hug he received

They both spent a few hours training, he was giving her instructions how to maximize her wing-power, and although she did make some mistakes he was forgiving. He decided that it was time to go home when he noticed that she was almost asleep when she was flying. "Hey! how about we  go home, you look like you need some rest?" Scootaloo looked at him and said. "No way! I have the ener.." She fell asleep, But Soarin' was quick to catch her and placed her on his back and headed home.

When he got home he went up to the bedroom assigned to Scootaloo and gently placed her on the bed. Looking at the clock on the bedside table he realised that Rainbow Dash would be home soon so he went down to start dinner. Something he liked doing.
He was almost finished when he heard the door open, the next sound wasn't what he expected to hear. The sound of a pony collapsing onto the floor.
Rushing to the hallway he found Rainbow Dash lying on the floor. "Hey Dashie are you OK!?" She groaned a reply. "I am so tired, thanks to you I have to work twice as hard!"

Soarin' had forgot that Spitfire had planned a show for next month and that he was one of the main performers.
"I am so sorry Dashie!" Was all he could say before Rainbow Dash stood up. "Where is Scootaloo?" She asked.
"She is upstairs sleeping. It seems that you weren't the only one to have a though day!" Normally Rainbow Dash would have punched him hard for that comment, but she didn't have the strength right now. "I took her out for some training today, she fell asleep after a awhile." Soarin' said. She Could not ignore that act of kindness, she knew that most of all, Scootaloo wanted to be a part of the Wonderbolts. And Soarin' helping her was one of the things she loved about him.

He gently helped her to the kitchen and finished the preparing the food. It wasn't anything special. But still it was just what Rainbow needed. After eating they both settled on the couch, Soarin' was massaging her to help her relax. He had learned that if something was going to relax somepony after a hard day's workout it was a good massage.
"Mmm that feels nice." said Rainbow Dash
Soarin' smiled and bent down to give her a kiss. If it wasn't for the massage she would have returned the kiss and then some.
"You do know how much I love you?" Soarin' said. She nodded in silence.

The massage continued for a little while before Soarin' stopped. Rainbow Dash turned her head. "Why did you stop?"
He looked uncomfortable when he answered. "Well I was thinking. Can we go out some time? Just the two of us?"
Rainbow Dash looked at him for a short while. "Well I kinda busy until after the next show, how about then?"
"That sounds perfect." Soarin' said before he gave her a loving kiss.

Soarin' woke up later than usual, he had the whole day planned. "Oh this going to be perfect." After having a light breakfast he went to Ponyville, one place in particular was of interest today. Carousel Boutique.
The building came into view fast, he had been there a couple of times before with Rainbow Dash. When he opened the door the first thing he saw was Spike working on something. "Hey there big guy!" He said. Spike turned around, almost dropping the gem he was working on. "Hey there Soarin', what's up?" Never in his life had Soarin' thought that he would be friends with a dragon.
"Well I was wondering if you could help me with something?" Soarin' replied. Spike had become a real expert on gems and in particular the cutting them. Not only was he very good in finding them, but his claws was almost made to carve the gems too.
"Sure what do you need?"
Soarin' walked up to Spike and whispered. "I need something special." He paused. "A special rainbow colored gem inserted into an engagement ring."

None of them was prepared to the squeal from upstairs and soon Soarin' was confronted by a very excited Rarity.
"Are you going to propose to Rainbow Dash!? Oh my Celestia! I have to tell everypony!" She shouted before turning to leave the Boutique but was grabbed by Soarin'. "Please don't, I want to keep this a secret to everypony! Promise me you won't tell a soul!"
Soarin's plea was exactly what Rarity didn't want to hear, she wanted to rush over to all of her friends to tell them the good news.
"But..." Was all Rarity could say before Spike started talking. "Dear listen. Of course Soarin' wants to keep this a secret. Think about it, if you tell all your friends then the surprise would be ruined. Applejack could never lie, Pinke Pie would throw her a huge party and nothing could stop her. Fluttershy is one of Rainbow Dash's oldest friends and would be incredibly uncomfortable. And lastly Twilight, i have known her for as long as I can remember and she would start researching everything there was to help with the wedding. Just remember how her wedding was." Rarity shuddered at the memory of Twilight's wedding. But she could see the logic in what Spike said.
"Your right, as always." She turned to Soarin' "I promise not tell anypony as long as I can design the clothes." Soarin' chuckled. "I don't think that Rainbow Dash would have it any other way."







Scootaloo was in her bed, the smell of food woke her up. The only thing that really could wake her up was either food or training, today it was both. She hurried down to the kitchen, Soarin' had provided a high energy breakfast.
"Morning kiddo." He said to the young pony who was currently stuffing her face with food. "Are you excited for today?"
She swallowed the food and nodded.
The breakfast was a quick one and soon the both of them was in their usual training field.
Soarin' had decided that endurance training was best for her right now, it was important that she built up her stamina.
After a couple of hours Soarin' called. "Hey kiddo, lets take a break!"
"But I am not tired!" She called back.
He did not take a no for an answer and pointed to the ground. She reluctantly flew down panting hard. Even though she was tired, she didn't want to seem weak. But unknown to her, Soarin was actually impressed by her stamina.
"You did really good! Soon there will not be a pegasus in your age that can outfly you!" Soarin' said. Scootaloo pumped out her chest proudly. He continued. "But there is something i want to tell you and i want you to promise me that you will not say this to anypony ESPECIALLY Rainbow Dash!" She nodded. "Good. The thing is." He leaned closer. "I am going to ask Rainbow Dash to marry me after the show next month."
Scootaloo blinked a couple times before falling over.

Meanwhile at the Wonderbolt HQ.

Rainbow Dash was training. Hard. But she did manage, she was after all Rainbow Dash. Spitfire called for the squad to assemble.
"Ok i going to be straight with you all! Good work!" The squad looked proud. "But i need more from you guys, especially from you Rapidfire! I know you can do better! Have you got anything to say?" Rapidfire shook his head. "Good, take a 10 minute break then get back to training."







The Wonderbolt was held just outside of Ponyville this year. The reason was that it needed the space, this year promised a spectacular show. And it was the first show with Rainbow Dash as a main performer.
All of her friends had gotten VIP tickets of course, except for Scootaloo and Soarin'. They where in fact down with the other Wonderbolts. Scootaloo was jumping with excitement and Soarin' had to tell her to calm down or she would miss the show.
"As if! I would never miss this!"
Rainbow Dash smiled when she heard this, but truth be told. She was terrified, what if she screwed up? What if something went wrong. The whole of Ponyville was there and more importantly, her friends. The announcer called and the rest of the squad getting.
She glanced over to Scootaloo and Soarin', Scootaloo was smiling so hard that Rainbow Dash was certain that it was hurting. Soarin' meanwhile gave her a look that said. 'I know you can do it.'

The show was a complete success and it was finished with Rainbow Dash doing a Sonic Rainboom.
Occasionally Rainbow Dash would cast a glance at Scootaloo, she was stunned with awe.

When they all where finished there was a gathering in which the fans had a chance to talk with the Wonderbolts. Most of them went up to Rainbow Dash. It was only natural, she was a local celebrity even before she joined the Wonderbolts. Soarin' decided to wait until the fan gathering was over.
"Great show Dashie!" He said as she walked over to him.
"Yeah i know, kinda awesome don't you think?" Rainbow Dash replied.
Scootaloo was standing there with her mouth open almost paralyzed. When she finally regained her senses. She shouted. "OH MY GOSH!! That was awesome!!"
Rainbow Dash's heart melted when she heard this. She was about to say something when Soarin' spoke. "Anyway, would you meet me at the hill in 10 minutes?" Rainbow Dash looked confused but remember that Soarin' wanted some time alone with her, so she nodded.







Soarin' had prepared a blanket and some food when Rainbow Dash arrived. "So this is what you where thinking of, a picnic?"
Rainbow Dash said when she landed. "Yes, i wanted to spend some time with you alone and i could not think of a better idea." He replied.
They both enjoyed the food and after they where finished they both sat and enjoyed the sunset. Soarin' had his wing wrapped around her back. Unknown to Rainbow dash he made a signal with his other wing. She noticed somepony singing. And before she could say anything. Soarin' looked her in the eyes and said. "Rainbow Dash since the first time i met you, my life has become better in ways i can never understand. Every waking hour i remind myself how lucky I am to have you. And now i want to make it ever better." He took out a small box and opened it. "Rainbow Dash. Will you marry me?"
Rainbow Dash was in utter shock.

"Soarin'...I.."

End of Chapter Nine.
> For the better.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter Ten.


For the better.



Rainbow Dash looked at Soarin', he was kneeling and presenting the ring he himself had chosen. Her mind was blank, she wasn't prepared for this. In all of her life, this moment had never come up. And now her stallion of her dreams was asking the ultimate question. She didn't know what to say. "Soar...I...I." Was all she said before she took of.
If she could se the heartbroken face of Soarin' she would turn around in an instant. But she didn't look back, in fact she didn't even think. She was flying on autopilot right now. Marriage was the last thing she would think of when she was with Soarin', she wanted to spend all of her time with him. But she never thought of this, it all felt so wrong and still so right.
Meanwhile, Soarin' sat exactly where he was, frozen. This wasn't the answer he had hoped for. He had never done this before but still expected to hear her say 'Yes'. Maybe he had been reading to many romance novels.
He decided that he couldn't sit there and do nothing, so he took flight after the mare of his dreams.

Scootaloo was watching from a bush nearby, with her was Applebloom. Although Soarin' had told her not to tell a living soul about his proposal, he had conviced her to ask Sweetie Belle to sing one of her songs while he proposed.
"What just happened?" Scootaloo asked.

Rainbow Dash wasn't called the fastest flier in Equestria for nothing and she reached the home of Twilight Sparkle in minutes.
Not bothering with knocking she barged in, all of her friends looked at her in surprise. She didn't that they where there, she just needed to talk to somepony that was married and she wanted to talk to Twilight because she wasn't likely to pressure her about details like Rarity. But she quickly noticed that indeed Rarity was there.

"What's the matter? Why barge in like that?" Asked Twilight.
"Yeah, what in tarnation is wrong with ya?" Applejack continued.
Rainbow Dash had a look of sheer panic of her face. "Soarin'... On the hill... Proposed!" Was all she managed to say between her breaths before she was in the middle of a group hug.
"OH! How wonderfull!" Rarity almost shouted when they finally released Rainbow Dash.
All of her friends looked at her and she couldn't even look them in their faces. In all of her life she had never thought of getting married. Sure Soarin' was pretty cool and she loved him to bits, but there was something that halted her. Was it because she was bullied in school. 'Look there goes Rainbow Crash! I bet she goes after fillies!
No it couldn't be that, they got what they deserved after all. Perhaps it was because her parents had separated when she was young.
Fresh memories of her mother walking out the front door and never coming back flooded her mind, she never understood why.
She held back the tears.
"Rainbow Dash please tell us, what's the matter." Said Twilight
Finally managing to look up from the floor and she saw Twilight. She couldn't take it anymore and hugged Twilight, it didn't matter anymore, the tears flowed freely.
"I don't think I can do it." Rainbow Dash said. All of her friends looked at her.
None of the others was prepared for this, all of them was used to see her as brash and confident.
"Rainbow Dash. Please. Talk to us." Twilight said.
She released Twilight and took a deep breath.
"When I was young... My mother left me and my father only to never return." It took a while for Rainbow Dash to continue.
"She was the coolest pony i knew back then, but she just left. I never got an explanation why she left, even my dad never knew."

The room was in complete silence when she finished talking. Everypony was waiting for her to continue, thunder could be heard in the distant.
Rainbow Dash continued. "After she left, my dad changed, he started drinking and stopped caring for his job. I lived with that shell of a pony for years before i finally moved to Ponyville."

Rainbow Dash was silent once more And Twilight took the opportunity. "I can see you have had some tough times in the past. But what does this have to do with you and Soarin'? Do you think you will do the same as your mother? Rainbow Dash look at me. You will never do that, you are the element of Loyalty!" Twilight looked Rainbow Dash straight in the eyes. "You do love him right?" Rainbow Dash nodded. "And you believe for one moment that you would ever leave him?" Twilight continued.
That question made Rainbow Dash think. "Would i ever leave him like mom? NO! I refuse to believe it! I would never leave him!" She stood up and started walking towards the door. 
"Where are you going?" Asked Twilight. Rainbow Dash looked back, her eyes full of determination. "I have a question to answer."
She was about to fly off when she was stopped by Twilight. Rainbow Dash continued to struggle. "You can't leave now! Don't you see the storm!?"
There was indeed a storm raging outside. It was one of the big storms planned for the year, but Rainbow Dash didn't care.
"Let me go! I have to find Soarin'!" The pegasus shouted. "I can navigate a storm anyday! Let me GO!"
But Twilight didn't let her go. Struggle as she did was no use, even being the fastest pegasus in history was no match for the power of an alicorn.
She continued for a bit until she stopped. "Please Twilight. I have to go."
"Rainbow Dash, I don't want you to do something stupid like flying in a big storm. Come on, wait until the storm passes."
Twilight was concerned for her friend. While the others didn't say anything, Twilight could not bear to see one of her friends getting hurt.
Rainbow Dash looked at her silent friends, all of them look concerned for her. Just a moment ago she was crying more than she had in years and now she was about to go out in one of the biggest storms they have seen in a long time. She then looked at Twilight. "Please...I need to see him. Knowing him, he is probably out there looking for me."

Twilight sighed and released Rainbow Dash. "Fine! But don't do something stupid."

In a flash the pegasus was gone.

"I hope i did the right thing."

Fluttershy took the moment to speak.

"Don't worry, she will be fine."

This did little to calm Twilight.

"Lets hope you are right."







The Storm was indeed a big one. Thunder was heard every few seconds and the rain was fierce. She had flown through alot of storms before, but not like this.
Dodging the thunder wasn't easy, but she had to find Soarin'. If she couldn't fly through a storm to find him, then she could never be sure that she stay with him.
No this was something she had to do.
Her first target was the hill where she last had seen him.
She wasn't flying as fast as she had before, the rain was to intense.
The hill came into view as she was almost hit by lightning.
However. When she came closer, there was no sign of Soarin'
"SOARIN'! Where are you!"
No answer.
"SOARIN'!"
Still no answer.
"SOARIN'! I am sorry!"
"Rainbow Dash!?"
She turned around and saw the stallion she was looking for. But as she was about to fly to him everything went silent. Time came to a standstill.
Then came the sound.
And then the pain.
And then everything went dark.
She was struck by bolt of lightning, and was now free falling towards the ground.
"RAINBOW DASH!" Shouted Soarin'
He took out to catch her before she hit the ground. Flapping his wings harder than he ever did before, he didn't have any time to lose. She was falling fast.
Flapping his wings harder and harder he started to realise that he was coming in to fast. He could catch her but they where both going to crash.
He got closer and closer to catching her. And just before they would hit the ground, he managed to catch her. He wrapped his arms around her and prepared for impact.

The only thought on his mind was keeping Rainbow Dash as safe as possible. He landed on his back and skidded along the ground. The pain was intense but he ignored it for now. As long as the mare in his arms didn't suffer more damage he could ignore the pain.
When they both stopped he looked at Rainbow Dash. She had some nasty burns along her left side of the body, some of the feathers where burned. Even her normally colorful mane was partly black and burned.
He placed his ear to her chest, she was alive!
They both laid there for a while until he heard her speak.
"Soarin'?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm sorry."
"What for?"
"Everything."
"Don't be. You have nothing to be sorry about."
"It hurts."
"I know."
She looked him in his eyes, even he was clearly in pain pain he still had a smile on his face.
They both became quiet again. Even the fierce storm started to lighten, almost as if it had decided to leave them alone.
"Soarin'?"
"Mm."
"Yes."
"What?"
"My answer. Yes i will marry you."
Soarin' reached his arms around her neck and pulled her down for a passionate kiss.







Rainbow Dash woke up, and before she opened her eyes she could hear a faint beeping sound. A sterile smell invaded her nose.
When she opened her eyes she was greeted with white walls, a hospital.
She was about to sit up, but the pain forced her back. The memories started to flood back, the storm, the lightning, waking up in his arms. And most of all, the answer.
Suddenly there was a noise beside her, she turned her head to see Soarin' in the bed beside her. Memories of the last time they had been in this situation came to her. But that time none of them had any real injuries.
He was lying on his stomach and his back was wrapped in bandages.
She could feel that she was also in bandages.
But nothing of that mattered right now. She had made her decision.



End of chapter ten.

> Epilogue (part 1)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter Eleven.


Epilogue (part 1)



*Beep*


*Beep*


*Beep*


*Beep*


*Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee*



The sound of the EKG flatline startled Soarin'. Fearing the worst he looked over at Rainbow Dash.
It took him a couple of seconds to realize that the sound was caused by the nurse disconnecting Rainbow Dash from the EKG machine.
"I bet you got scared." Rainbow Dash said.
Even though she was still in bandages, there was no need for her to be connected to the machine anymore. She looked at him for a moment before opening her mouth. "How did we get here?"
In Soarin's mind images of him carrying her to the hospital appeared. It had taken some time to carry her all the way and the pain wasn't helping.
"I carried you." He replied.
After letting the words sink in he continued. "We almost didn't make it, if it wasn't for your friends..."
The sound of the door bursting open startled her. Had she still been connected to the EKG the nurses would have rushed in.
But instead of the nurses bursting into the room it was her friends. There was looks of concern from them, except for Twilight.
"What did I tell you? I told you not to do something stupid! And here you are!" Twilight said, not quite shouting but still quite loud.
Rainbow Dash flinched, but she did tell her to not do anything stupid. And something stupid she did. What was she thinking? Flying out into a fierce storm? Well she wasn't thinking, atleast not about the storm. The only thing on her mind at that moment was. Soarin'.
"I am sorry, but i had to find Soarin', I needed to tell him." She replied.
The expression on Twilight's face changed.
"I am sorry too. I tend to get a little moody from time to time, but you still did something stupid."
At that moment Soarin' decided to speak. "Well, atleast we are still both alive. Even if we both got hurt."
It was decided by all to drop the subject for now. Instead, get well presents where given to both Soarin' and Rainbow Dash. It was a mixture of balloons and get well cards.
Meanwhile Rarity looked like she was going to burst. Rainbow Dash saw this.
"Well i guess it's just fair to let you know now. I said yes!"

The cheers where loud and joyfull, but only for a moment.
"Can you please keep it down!? This is a hospital!" Nurse Redheart called from the door.
All of them gave a guilty look. When everything had calmed down and the noise level had been brought down, Rarity spoke.
"Well if I may ask, when is the big day?"
Rainbow Dash shrugged.
"As soon as we are back to form i guess."

It was no use for Rarity, she needed a date. And as much as Rainbow Dash gave vague answers Rarity kept asking. After some time it was decided that the wedding should be on the first day of spring.
"But i am due to have a foal close to that day, i am not sure i can attend." Twilight said.
"Come on, it won't be a problem. If the foal comes during that time we can just move to another day." Rainbow Dash replied.
"Or. You could get Celestia or Luna to conduct the ceremony."
"Twi, please. You are my friend, i really want it to be you. As i said, we can move it to another day."
Twilight groaned. "Ok i will do it. But if the foal comes then, you have to take me to the hospital yourself!"







Two weeks later, both Soarin' and Rainbow Dash were permitted to leave the hospital.
"Now remember. Don't try to do any flying for at least a month. You need time to heal. Here is some exercises you both can do to speed up the process and keep your bodies in shape." Nurse Redheart told them both as they where leaving.
Rainbow Dash did not like walking at all, she was to fly, as most of the pegasi. Soarin' on the other hoof didn't mind as much.
They both walked through Ponyville. Everywhere they looked there was some activity going on, there was always something going on, even in a small town as Ponyville.
Although Ponyville had grown in the recent, it still had the small town charm that Rainbow Dash really liked.
They stopped briefly at Applejack's apple stand to purchase a pie for later.
Normally Applejack would be selling, but not today.
"Hey Big Mac, where is AJ? I thought it was her day to be selling today." Rainbow Dash asked.
The big red stallion looked at her. "Eeyup."
Not satisfied with his answer she asked. "Why isn't she here then? I was hoping to talk to her."
Big Mac's face did a slight change and Rainbow Dash could swear that she saw him look annoyed. But she couldn't be sure. Big Mac wasn't know for expressing  himself much.
"She's busy." Was his only reply.

Not wanting to press the matter further, she bought  a pie and made her way home. 
Soarin' was not dropping eyecontact with the pie and almost continued without both Rainbow Dash and the pie when she suddenly stopped.
"Hey! Why did you stop?" Soarin' asked.
Rainbow Dash didn't look him in the face when she answerd. "We are home."
The two of them looked up to see that they where infact home. Well nearly home.
It was atleast 80 feet up and none of them could get there.
"Great! How are we going to get up there?" Asked Rainbow Dash.
"Hey guys! Need a lift?"
Both of them turned to see Twilight and her balloon.
"I thought you might need this, seeing as none of you can fly right now and you live up there."
Rainbow Dash sighed.
"Yeah, thanks Twi."
The two friends shared a quick hug before Rainbow Dash and Soarin' climbed into the balloon.
Once home they where assaulted by Scootaloo. All the time they had spent in the hospital was torture to Scootaloo.
"Mom! Thank Celestia you are home!" Scootaloo called as she hugged Rainbow Dash.
Rainbow Dash smiled as the young pony hugged her. After a while she looked at Scootaloo.

Realisation then dawned on her, Scootaloo called her mom. A word she had never been called before.
At least not in this way.
If Applejack had been her daughter and said it, she would not belive it. But this was coming from Scootaloo.

"Scoots? Did you just call me...Mom?"

Scootaloo looked at Rainbow Dash. "Yeah. It just felt natural."
At this moment, Rainbow Dash could not feel prouder.







"I get to use the balloon today!"

"No way! I need it more!"

Why!? Visiting Rarity is more important!?"

"YES! She is designing my wedding dress!"

"Well i have to report to Spitfire!"

"How can that be more important than my wedding dress!?"

"If i don't tell her what happened then we will be kicked from the team!"

"Fat chance!"

"There is a big chance, because two of the best performers are not able to fly suddenly."

"Well i still need it more!"

"No i do!!"

"Does not!"

"Does too!"

"Does not!"


"STOP!!!"

Both Soarin' and Rainbow Dash looked and saw Scootaloo standing on the stairs. Both of them had been fighting over which had the best use of the balloon today.
"Why are you fighting? Who gets to use the balloon? Come on! Why don't you both ride it down to the ground and then go to whatever place you need to go to."

Scootaloo had a point.
Rainbow Dash only needed it to get down to the ground so she could go over and visit Rarity. And Soarin' needed it to get to the Wonderbolt HQ.
So it was only logical for Scootaloo that they both went down to the ground and then Soarin' could use it.
"Sorry Scoots." Rainbows Dash said.
"Yeah, sorry kiddo." Soarin' replied.
Scootaloo gave them a harsh glare. "Good, now get going. I need to go and meet Rumble soon."
Rainbow Dash's ears picked up the words. "Meet. and "Rumble."
She didn't dislike Rumble but she was a bit over protective.
“And what are you two doing might I ask?”

Scootaloo facehoofed. “Like I have told you a thousand times before. We are training!”
She stormed up to her room and slammed the door.

“Heh teens.” Rainbow Dash said
Soarin' looked at her. 
“Look Soar, I am sorry. I shouldn't overreacted. Can we go? I don't want to be late. You know how Rarity gets.”
“Yeah. And I am sorry too Dashie. It was silly to fight over something this stupid.”

They both calmed down and took the balloon to the ground.
When they had landed Rainbow Dash walked out and said goodbye to Soarin'.
Her next target was Rarity, even if she for once wanted a dress made she was still nervous. Rarity was know for her insatiable hunger for gossip.
She knew that she was going to be asked a lot of questions about her and Soarin's relationship.
Unkown to her as she was deep in thought she had arrived at the destination.
She took a deep breath and opened the door.
The inside could only be described with one word. Chaos.
Had it not been for Raindbow Dash's knowledge of how Rarity worked then it could be blamed on Discord.
Looking around the room she could see fabrics of diffrent colors and varieties everywhere. Maybe it was Discord after all.
"Rarity! You in here?" She called.
From the other room she heard the voice of Rarity.
"Rainbow Dash?"
In i a split second Rarity was in front of her, she could swear that Rarity was faster that she was.
"Ah there you are darling. I was waiting for you." She led Rainbow Dash to the main room. "I have been quite busy working on your dress."
The main room where Rarity did most of her work was even more disorded than the other room.
"Have you?" Rainbow Dash said. But the sarcasm was lost on Rarity as she levitated some diffrent colored fabrics to Rainbow Dash.
"What was that? Oh never mind, Which of these do you like?"

After what seemed like hours to Rainbow Dash, the dress design was finally finished. It was decided on a white dress with gold and light blue features.
When they where finished Rarity had insisted that Rainbow Dash stayed for tea. 
Rainbow Dash accepted the offer even though she was certain that Rarity was after something.
But it would seem that she was wrong. The conversation was mostly about her time as a WonderBolt and her wedding.
Just when Rainbow Dash thought that she was in the clear. Rarity asked a question.
"So how is Soarin' in bed?" She asked calmly
If Rainbow Dash had any tea in her mouth, she wouldn't anymore.








"So you are telling me that you went out in a middle of a storm. And that Rainbow Dash was struck by lightning?"

"Yes Ma'm."

"And why is that?"

"Well. She was looking for me."

"Why?"

"She ran away from me."

Spitfire looked at Soarin', there was something he wasn't telling her.
"Anyway, how long untill you both are fit for service again?" She said.
Soarin' thought for a moment. "Atleast a month, maybe more."

"I see. Lucky you then, we don't have any shows for three months. But when you two are ready to return, you are going to practice twice as hard."

Soarin' didn't mind the extra training and he knew that Rainbow Dash didn't either.  He gave Spitfire a quick salute and turned around towards the door. But before he exited he turned his head. "By the way, make sure the schechule is open on the first day of spring."
"Why?"

"Because i am getting married on that day!" Soarin' said as he exited.







"RARITY! How can you ask something like that?"
Rainbow Dash could not belive what her friend had asked her. To her it was something you simply didn't ask.
"Well you can't blame a one for being curious. Besides, I am not afraid to tell you about Spike and me." Rarity said.
For a moment Rainbow Dash just looked at Rarity. She had never wanted to know something like that.
"Ok, one. I don't want to know and second. What me and Soarin' do in private is private."

Rarity continued to probe Rainbow Dash about her relationship Soarin' but it was no use. Even when she tried to steer it gently to that direction Rainbow Dash always caught her intension. 
Eventully it was time for Rainbow Dash to leave.

She cared about her friend, but sometimes she could be a little to much.
The next stop was Twilight. She wanted to know that she was availeble on the day of her marrige.
Some part of her was worried that she had pushed it a bit to far when it came to the wedding date. Sure it was the day she wanted, but it was also just about the same time Twilight would have the foal. So she had decided on a backup date just in case.

Normally she would just have entered through the opened window on the second floor, but because of her inabillty to fly she had to enter the door like everypony else.

*Knock, Knock.*

She waited.

Nothing.

"Maybe she isn't home?"

Just as she was about to turn around and leave, the door opened and right in front of her stood the Queen of the changelings.
"What do you want?" Chrysalis said.
Rainbow Dash stood there for a moment before she shook her head and glared at Chrysalis.
"I am here to see Twilight, what are you doing here?"
There was clearly anger in the changelings eyes.
"I can ask you the same."
But just then Twilight appered.
She was walking down the stairs with a towel around her head.
"Chrysalis please, Rainbow Dash is always welcome here."
Rainbow Dash gave Chrysalis a smug look when she entred.


The months went by and Rainbow Dash was finally allowed to fly again, it had been a nightmare for her. Flying was what she was born to do, not being able to do so was agony for her.
Scootaloo and Rumble was a common sight at the house, even though Rainbow Dash was a bit overprotective, she had started to warm up to the thought of the young colt dating her adoptive daughter.
Soon it was time for her to return to the Wonderbolt HQ.
Rainbow Dash and Soarin' both stood in front of Spitfire's desk.
"So you two are finally back?" Spitfire said.
Both of the wonderbolts nodded.
Spitfire acknowledged that and stood up. "Both of you are to report to training room three, Rapidfire will be your instructor today, just to make sure that you are ready for regular practice."
Soarin' groaned. Rapidfire wasn't the best at instructing and constantly got on Soarin's nerves.

They both walked in silence towards the training room, it was at the far end of the building.
Most of the training rooms where situated in the middle. But the room three was special, it had padding that absorbed most of the impact. It was designed for the rookies, most of them needed the padding because most of them fell.
Rainbow Dash did not like this, not only was she forced to use the rookie room, but also with Rapidfire.
She hadn’t had much time to train with him, but she knew that he was the sort of stallion that often tried to get into bed with the mares on the team. Most of the time he was turned down, but that didn’t stop him.
Soarin’ meanwhile didn’t mind the fact that he had to use room three, he was infact glad. Doing hard flying maneuvers after an accident was dangerous.

Before they reached the room Rainbow Dash started to lose her balance.
“Hey are you ok?” asked Soarin’
Rainbow Dash quickly straighted up.
“Yeah I’m fine.”


The training wasn’t hard for either of them, but after about an hour Rainbow Dash landed.
“Excuse me, i need to *urp* go!”
She flew out at record speed.






Soarin went after to look for Rainbow Dash when he heard a noise from the room next to him. 
“Dashie!?” He called.
The only sound he got was the sound of somepony vomiting. He gently opened the door to see Rainbow Dash being emptying her stomach contents into the toilet.
“Soarin’, help me get to the doctor. I feel like crap.” Rainbow Dash said.
Concerned with her health, he helped her to the doctor on the HQ.

Luckily the doctor’s office wasn’t far.
When they entered a unicorn stallion with a nametag, acording to the nametag he was named Healing Touch.
Soarin’ told him what had happend and watched as Rainbow Dash and the doctor went into the examination room.
Healing Touch had been the resident doctor for the Wonderbolt’s for a long time. Long enough for the cloud walking spell he needed to be permanent. A pegasus doctor would have been easier, but the fact that unicorns had magic meaned that it was easier to diagnose what was wrong.

It took some time for Rainbow Dash to come out. When she did, Soarin’ embraced her in a hug.
“What did the doctor say!? Are you ok!?” Soarin’ almost shouted.
Rainbow Dash looked him in the eyes for some time before she answered.
“Soarin’...I am pregnant.”
He stood still for a moment before he looked her in the eyes and said.
“Are you sure?”
Rainbow Dash nodded.
“Yeah, the doctor was sure. We are going to be parents. It’s a bit sudden but i am happy.” She said.
Soarin’ said nothing.




End of chapter eleven.