Raining Fire

Written by: Alex A

Chapter 8: The Grand Galloping Gala - Part II

The Wonderbolts soared through the night sky over Canterlot castle, their manes flowing in the wind as the crackle of thunder could be heard behind them. They darted from place to place - performing their routine for the crowd below, who watched them with great interest.

Spitfire motioned for the team to dive into the main part of their routine. All the Wonderbolts began dive into a helix spin which sent crackles and sparks flying across the sky, which produced an even bigger cheer from the crowd below.

The next and final trick in their routine was the Magical Split: a stunt that Rainbow had perfected over weeks of hard training. She soared out and over the crowd, spotting various fans and friends cheering from below. Dash loved the feeling of complete stardom, and pushed herself further as she rounded the turn and powered straight back down towards Blaze - who was slowly advancing towards her.

As they had practiced many times before in training, Rainbow slipped passed Blaze by a whisker sending the pair into a barrel roll, giving just enough space for Spitfire to pass through from above. The three ponies then broke out as they flew directly up into the sky as many fireworks blew into into the night sky, lightning up the world around them.

Spitfire smiled as she heard the roar of cheers from the crowd below. She nodded to the other Wonderbolt’s, confirming the end of their performance. They darted off behind the castle once again, kicking off the start of the big evening as the crowds where let into the palace.

Spitfire and the rest of the Wonderbolts landed on the palace gardens - where they had started the performance. They immediately started to celebrate with each pony congratulating each other. Spitfire turned to Dash, who had a proud smile adorning her face as she watched the rest of the fireworks explode in the sky above.

Spitfire was about to go over to the mare when she felt a hoof tap her shoulder. She turned round to see Blaze with a comical smirk playing up on his features. Spitfire jabbed in the side making him jump slightly.

Blaze raised an eyebrow as he whispered, “Hey, what was that for?”

Spitfire gave him another jab before speaking, “That’s for Rapid… oh and while I’m at it, fifty demerits for that,” she said, putting on a fake smile as she trotted away from her now slackjawed brother.

Rainbow heard the sound of soft hoofsteps on the ground. She turned round to face Spitfire who wad looking down at her with a warm and content smile. She sat down next to sky blue mare.

Dash’s face lit up slightly at the sight of the golden mare. “Hey Spitfire, what’s up?” she asked in an usual spunky tone.

Spitfire grinned. “That was a great performance today, Dash… I’m proud of you,” she said, feeling the blood making it’s way into her cheeks.

Dash’s face glowed slightly red as she heard the praise. “T-thanks Spit, It means a lot.”

Spitfire shook her head. “You don’t need to thank me, Dash, I’m not some goddess,” she said giggling slightly.

Dash sighed. ‘If only you knew,’ she thought to herself.

Spitfire looked up into the now clear black sky “Come on Dash, let’s get inside,” she said getting up and trotting off with the mare towards the entrance of the castle.

Spitfire trotted cautiously as she made her way into the castle with the rainbow mare. She was still feeling the nerves rising in her chest, but she knew deep down that she could do it, she was just afraid of what would happen.

Both Spitfire and Rainbow had long since removed their head pieces from their uniforms as they trotted into the main hall, which tonight was the host for the famous Grand Galloping Gala. Spitfire looked up in wonder at the vast ceiling which was decorated with golden chandeliers and banners to symbolise the event. Meanwhile, the smell of perfume and confectionaries wafter their way through the hall as ponies mingled in the crowd that filled the giant room.

Spitfire lead Dash over to the V.I.P area in the hall. They walked down the red carpet which lead to a guard pony who was standing next to a red velvet rope defensively.

The guard pony looked down at the two mare’s approaching the rope and stood in front of them before speaking, “Are you on the guest list?” he asked in a strong Canterlot accent.

Spitfire nodded politely. "Yes we are."

The guard levitated a clipboard in front of him. "What are your names?" he asked with a serious tone.

Spitfire rolled her eyes before speaking, "I'm captain Spitfire and this is Rainbow Dash, she's the newest Wonderbolt," she said, gesturing to the mare standing next to her.

The guard flicked through a few names before stopping and reading over a few words. He then nodded and levitated the rope out of the way, allowing the mares to enter the section of the hall. The two Pegasi trotted there way into the V.I.P area. It wasn't long until the duo spotted the rest of the team chilling out next to one of the table's in the corner of the room.

Sitting at the table next to the team were Fleetfoot and Misty. They both had equally big smiles adorning their faces as Spitfire and Rainbow Dash came up to them.

Fleetfoot was the first to speak, "Congratulations on your first ever performance, Dash," she said with a gleeful tone.

Rainbow’s face filled with pride. “Thanks Fleet, it was so awesome!” she said as the bumped hooves.

Spitfire turned towards the rest of the team lounging at the table, out the corner of her eye she spotted Soarin silently motioning with a hoof for the mare to come over.

When Spitfire was close enough the pale blue stallion spoke, “Hey Spitfire, when are you going to make a move?” he asked knowingly, raising an eyebrow.

Spitfire's lips turned to a playful smirk, she leaned in before speaking, “Do you want fifty demerits as well?” she asked rhetorically.

Soarin’s eyes widened slightly. “Um… no thanks,” he said moving away from the mare slightly as Spitfire muffled a giggle.

After a few moments Spitfire spoke again, “I’m not sure when, but I’m not doing it in front of everypony,” she said.

Soarin motioned over to the sky blue mare, who was now sitting at the edge of the table. She had a bored expression on her face. Spitfire turned back to her friend who silently whispered, “Go on, now’s your chance.”

Spitfire smiled and nodded confidently, but as she turned a voice shattered her current thoughts.

“Well there you are, sweetheart, we’ve been looking everywhere for you,” a voice said. Spitfire turned around to see a white pegasus with a pink and white mane.

Spitfire shuddered slightly as her mind came to terms with what she was seeing. “M-Mom?”

The mare smiled softly and wrapped her forehoof around Spitfire’s neck before leaning in and kissing her softly on the forehead.

The mare’s face seemed to radiate with pride as she spoke, “Well done on your performance today, sweetie. Your father and I are very proud of you.”

Spitfire’s eyes began to widen as she looked up to see a golden unicorn with a black mane, he too had an equally warm smile adorning his features. He ruffled his daughter’s mane playfully. “You were really good out there today champ.”

Spitfire held a sheepish smile as she looked between her parents. “Thanks Dad… I didn’t know you guys would be here tonight,” she said nervously.

Spitfire’s father smiled. “Why wouldn’t we be here to see our daughter and our son accomplish another great show… speaking of which, where is Blazing?” he asked, looking around the hall.

Spitfire’s eyes turned to a nearby table. She saw her brother sat around a table currently playing poker with a few of Canterlot’s higher class businessmen. She quickly turned back and rubbed the back of her neck hesitantly. “Umm he’s…”

“Hey there Mr. Golden Fire and Mrs. Starfire, how nice to see you both,” Soarin said as he trotted up to the pair.

Spitfire silently sighed in relief.

The two ponies turned to see the pale blue stallion and immediately greeted him. Spitfire’s mother was first to start up a conversation with the blue stallion whilst Spitfire’s father came round to talk to Spitfire once again, “So then Spitty, you got any eyes on any stallions lately?,” he asked casually.

Spitfire resisted the urge to drop her jaw and simply looked at her father in shock. “W-what do you mean?” she asked cautiously.

Golden Fire chuckled slightly and wrapped a foreleg over his daughter before speaking, “You’re in your prime age now Spitty, it’s about time you started looking for somepony to have a relationship with,” he said gesturing towards the sky blue stallion still talking to Spitfire’s mother.

Spitfire couldn’t stop herself from going slack jawed as she came to terms with what her father was trying to say, “You want me to ask…” She gulped. “Soarin?”

Golden Fire smiled. “He’s a fine gentlecolt and a very hard worker, and just like any stallion he would be biting your hoof off to go on a date,” he said, nudging his filly.

Spitfire’s face started to brighten the slightest tinge of red from embarrassment, “Daaad! Stop it,” she whined, trying to squirm away from her father.

The golden unicorn smiled gently and nuzzled her daughter affectionately.“I know, sweetie, but just promise me you’ll find a good pony for yourself.”

Spitfire nodded softly as her father made his way over to Soarin and her mother.

Spitfire quickly looked back over to the table where she last had seen the sky blue mare and gasped slightly when she didn’t see her there any more. She quickly started searching round the V.I.P area and finally found the mare she was looking for at the entrance to the exclusive area talking to some ponies.

Spitfire quickly made her way over to her and smiled. “Hey Dash! are these some of your fans?” she asked.

Dash giggled and shook her head. “No Spitfire, these are my friends,” she said gesturing to the five ponies and dragon standing behind the rope.

Spitfire smiled sheepishly. “Oh, sorry about that. I’m Spitfire, and you all are?”

The lavender unicorn in the middle of the group was the first to speak, “Well, my name is Twilight Sparkle, and this is Pinkie Pie,” she said, gesturing to the pink mare currently bouncing up and down in a rhythmic motion.

The unicorn continued, “This is Fluttershy and Rarity” she said motioning to the yellow and white mare’s both wearing equally long dresses and standing gracefully next to the wild ponies next to them.

Before Twilight could speak again a mare with an orange coat and blond mane spoke, “My name’s Applejack, pleasure to be meetin’ your acquaintance,” she said holding out her hoof to which Spitfire shook firmly.

Suddenly the guard pony came over to the ponies. “Sorry ladies, but if you’re not on the list, I’m going to have to ask you to leave,” he said politely.

Rainbow however was far from pleased and was about to protest when Twilight cut her off. “It’s okay Rainbow, we’ll speak to you later on tonight If we can,” she said waving a hoof goodbye as they walked back into the hall.

Rainbow gave the guard stallion an annoyed look before turning to Spitfire. “So Spits, what do you wanna do now?” she asked her face brightening up slightly.

Spitfire’s next words caught in her throat as she quickly pondered over what she was about to do… after a few moments of awkward silence she spoke, “Could I um… talk to you Dash?” she asked blushing slightly.

Dash nodded happily. “Sure! what’s up?”

Spitfire’s bright red cheeks intensified as she whispered out the last few words, “Could we go somewhere less... crowded.”

Dash was slightly surprised at her idols words, but again nodded her head. Spitfire motioned for her to follow. Dash trotted after the yellow mare through the crowds of high class ponies until they came to an opening which lead out onto the castle's balcony.

Dash immediately felt the cold night air brush through her features as she traded the exclusive hall for the palaces outside walkway.

Spitfire leaned on the balcony as she looked into the quiet night sky. Dash cautiously leaned on the balcony close to her idol as Spitfire continued to stay silent.

Dash was about to speak up over the deathly silence when her hero stopped her, “Dash...there’s something that I’ve been needing to explain to you for a while now.”

Dash’s mind stopped dead in it’s tracks when she heard this. “Okay...what’s up?” she asked, though hesitantly.

Spitfire stopped looking at the sky, her amber eyes now coming to rest on the blue mare next to her. Dash knew through those eyes that what the mare was about to say was the utter truth.

The Wonderbolt sighed. “Dash… for a long time now, I’ve been having these feelings… and at first I wasn’t really sure what they meant,” she let out a light chuckle before continuing, “but then I had my friends tell me what was really happening to me… and I’ll be blunt… I was scared for my life,” she said smiling as she turned to fully face the mare in front of her.

Spitfire’s laid her hoof on the ledge of the balcony as she spoke, “As time went by though… I got less and less scared and more and more of these feelings came, they didn’t leave either, they just built till my mind was screaming at me to run and shout out to the world the one thing I thought I’d never say to any stallion… let alone a mare,” she said locking eyes with Dash for the first time since their conversation had started.

Dash started to feel a flurry of emotions well up inside her, rendering her whole body motionless as she stood there taking the information in word by word.

Spitfire continued her speech, “I…I’ve had a... crush on you for a long time, Rainbow Dash… and I don’t think theres much more to it than that,” she said falling silent again as she watched the light blue mare closely, hoping for any sign of what was to come.

Dash was now in complete and utter shock, it was as if she wanted to scream to the heavens that her dreams of being with her idol, hero and secret crush had come true. But at the same time she felt like she wanted to run and hide away from everypony fearing what they would say about her.

A tense silence fell over the two ponies, each one watching the other intensely for any kind of response. Spitfire opened her mouth to speak when Dash cut her off, “Look Spitfire I-I...um I really need some time, it’s just...I.”

Dash felt her throat swell up as her nerves started to overpower her body, she quickly reacted and bolted into the night sky as quickly as possible leaving a very stunned and surprised Spitfire behind…

Dash soared up into the sky as fast as her wings could take her, she stopped once she felt free of everything, and her mind could think clearly. She breathed in a few precious gulps of air as her muscles finally started to relax.

Breathing out heavily, she looked around for a suitable place to rest whilst she collected her thoughts of what she’d just been told.

She floated over to the top of the mountain that Canterlot resided in. She sat down and looked over the vast panoramic view of Equestria as she thought about recent events.

Dash was completely and utterly stunned, she couldn’t believe what her idol had just told her. A part of her was extremely happy that her idol and crush had just asked the question she’d thought she would never hear, this made her angry at what she’d just done and part of her wanted to go back to Spitfire… but something stopped that action.

Inside, Rainbow started to comprehend the effects of being in a relationship with a mare, and not just any mare, the one and only captain Spitfire of the Wonderbolt’s. Dash thought about her reputation - what her friends and family would think about it all?

Just then the peaceful silence of the night air was disrupted by the sound of hooves landing on the ground behind the blue mare. Dash turned to see Spitfire, she wore a face of slight regret and confusion.

Before the Wonderbolt could speak, Dash raised her voice, “Spitfire… I-I’m sorry! I shouldn’t have left you like I did it was just-”

“Too much,” Spitfire finished as she sat down next to the mare as they both continued to look out onto the view ahead of them.

Dash nodded. “Yeah, it’s just I never thought you would ever say-”

“I like you,” Spitfire finished again turning towards the mare.

Dash nodded again before speaking, “Yeah, it’s just part of me wants to, but on the other hoof, I’m just really scared,” she said, her head sinking a little as she admitted the truth.

Spitfire nodded her head understandably. “I know Dash… I’m scared of what might happen too,” she replied truthfully.

Dash’s head turned up to look at the mare of her deepest dreams as she continued, “I’m scared of what everypony will say about us… I’m scared about what might happen between us… but as long as there is an ‘us’... I’m willing to try, if you are,” she said moving a forehoof over to cover Dash’s.

Rainbow was surprised by the touch, but didn’t resist. After a few moments she spoke, “W-when did you start, you know… liking me?” she asked.

Spitfire smiled happily as she remembered the times. “Well, after you saved me from certain doom, I think that’s when I started to… like you,” she said as the sky blue mare listened intently.

Spitfire continued. “I thought my life was over that day at the coliseum in Cloudsdale… I was thinking what the papers where going to say about my death the next day… kinda ironic that I liked mares, but I was going to be killed by one,” she said with a slight chuckle as Dash joined in.

Spitfire sighed. “After you saved my life... thats when the feelings started to grow. I liked your attitude, I see a younger me in you... and I like the way you raise everypony's spirit, how you can strive anypony to do there best in the world… I think your awesome Dash and I would be proud to call you my marefriend.”

Another tense silence came over the two ponies on the mountain top, the only sound being the soft whistle of the night air. Spitfire saw no emotion in the sky blue mare as she continued to look out onto the horizon.

Spitfire felt her hopes fade away, she felt tears well up in her eyes as she felt her heart wrench inside. She sighed and turned to leave…

Suddenly, Spitfire felt a hoof clench her’s. Spitfire turned around to see the sky blue mare holding her outstretched hoof tightly, she looked towards her with a tear streaming it’s way down her left cheek.

Dash’s face glowed with happiness as she spoke, “That’s the nicest thing anypony's ever said to me… and… I’d be proud too,” she said, looking at the now stunned Wonderbolt.

Spitfire stared at the blue mare before she felt her emotions peak. And without warning, Spitfire launched over to Rainbow, locking their lips together in a kiss.

Dash watched her world haze slightly as she felt the complete bliss of her heart finally beating a steady rhythm. But she was now able to feel the faint beat of the heartbeat from the mare she was now kissing back.

Spitfire also felt the same way as her mind finally came to peace with itself once again. She felt happy… she felt free. With this new thought Spitfire decided to take the kiss one step further as she pushed her tongue past Dash’s lips.

Both mare’s felt like there were living an eternal bliss in one anothers company. But like all great things in life - and from lack of oxygen - the mares parted, but still stayed close to one another. Spitfire smiled warmly at the mare and wrapped her wings around her comfortingly.

Dash nuzzled into Spitfire’s neck as the pair fell back into silence once more.

After a few moments Spitfire spoke, but only in a quiet tone, “So...how was that?”

Dash smiled whilst still nestled in the mares soft fur, “Awesome…”

Spitfire held the mare closer as Dash continued, “...and if it’s still okay...I want to be your marefriend.”

Spitfire looked down at the mare. “Are you sure?” she asked hoping what she’d heard was correct.

Dash leaned up and kissed her softly on the cheek before nodding, “Yes, I am sure.”

Spitfire sighed as the she and Rainbow listened to the silence of the night sky wrapped in each others embrace… both happy that they had found their true soul mate... but little did they know what was to come.

To be Continued...

Author's Note

Hey guys it's me Alex and yeah BIGGEST CHAPTER YET, surprisingly since I wanted to write this chapter I managed to get this all done within just a few hours... only thing is it's gonna be another long night of editing for my brother.

So yeah I really like how this chap worked out and I think Spitfire asking Dash out after 17 thousand words isn't too bad for pacing but just to announce THEY HAVE NOT SAID THE WORDS I LOVE YOU TO EACH OTHER YET I'M HOLDING THAT BACK

anyways just a quick summary

1: NO THEY HAVEN'T CONFESED THEIR LOVE FOR EACHOTHER THEY'VE JUST AGREED TO BECOME MAREFRIENDS AND SEE HOW IT GOES.
2: Soarin is somehow a gentlecolt
3: Blaze is an amazing poker player

~Alex