At The Weakest

by Forhumans

Rating: everyone
Tags: Romance, Adventure
Length: 7613

Soarin and Rainbow Dash were just beginning to fall in love. Everything seemed perfect. But when Soarin is suddenly diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, and Rainbow's abusive father comes after her, what will they do?

Soarin and Rainbow Dash were just beginning to fall in love. Everything seemed perfect. But when Soarin is suddenly diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, and Rainbow's abusive father comes after her, what will they do? Time is running out for Soarin. Will he live long enough to marry Rainbow Dash? Or see his baby daughter? All they know is that without each other, all is lost.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2014-04-16 04:20:11 UTC

Chapter 1 The Warning Signs

It was a sunny day in the small town of Ponyville. The townsfolk did what they usually did in the afternoons: Gathered at Applejack's for  apple juice.

Applejack would talk about customers or the lack thereof these days, The Cutie Mark Crusaders would occasionally fight about the things they cant do to get a cutie mark, and Granny Smith was ranting on about how the fence around the barn was broken again. She turn to Big Macintosh and told him to go repair it later, because there was only one of them that could have done it, and Granny Smith doubted it was Pinkie Pie.

Pinkie's ears weren't hearing her though. Pinkie's thoughts were elsewhere.

"Has anybody seen Soarin today?" Pinkie asked.

Applejack walked up with a tray of apple juice. "He was here this mornin'. Asking if ah had any ginger ale for an upset stomach." She explained.

Twilight looked up from her newspaper. "Is he sick?" Twilight asked.

"Couldn't tell ya." Applejack replied. "He was looking a little pale, though."

"I'll go check on him in a little while." Twilight promised. "But I hope he isn't getting sick again."

Everyone went quiet. Soarin had gotten sick three other times that year, and it was only June.

Twilight looked over to tell Pinkie Pie something, but she'd already ran off.

After a twenty minute search, Pinkie found Soarin in his office just right outside Ponyville. Soarin was coughing and sneezing, but trying to do paperwork.

"Heya Soarin!" Pinkie greeted happily.

"Hey Pinkie Pie. How are you?" Soarin asked in between coughs.

Pinkie tilted her head. "I'm good. You dont sound too good. Are you ok?" Pinkie asked, concerned for her friend.

Soarin sighed. "I'm fine. Just a few coughing spells. I just hope Rainbow won't find out. She'll just baby me ... Thats what's she's done every time I've gotten sick." Soarin said hoarsely.

"Well, good luck! I got to go. Applejack wants me to go check on the barn. See ya later!" Pinkie said, always energetic and optimistic.

"Bye Pinkie." Soarin said while coughing again. He stared at the wall. This was the fourth time he'd gotten sick this year! He hated it. He'd never used to get sick like this, and whenever he was, Twilight and Dash would keep him from the track.

He coughed again, hard, and this time it stung.

"Oww." He croaked after he'd stopped. At this point, he almost wouldn't mind Dash babying him.

Speaking of, his door creaked open and Dash walked in. Her purple eyes were sparkling in the sunlight

"Hey, Soarin." She said, kissing him on the cheek. Then she noticed that his skin was really hot. "Soarin, you're burning up!" She said, concern evident in her voice.

"So? Just a little fever and a cough won't kill me, Rainbow." Soarin said stubbornly.

"You're coughing too? Well, it can get worse and you'll have to waste more of your training time to get better." Dash said. "You should get checked out. Make sure you're not coming down with something too bad."

Soarin groaned. "Rainbow Dash, please don't tell Twilight." He pleaded in between coughs.

"Don't tell Twilight what?" Twilight asked, Entering the room and coming up behind Dash.

'Oh… This day keeps on getting better and better!' Soarin thought sarcastically.

Dash looked back at Soarin. "Well, feel Soarin, Twilight. He's burning up!"

Twilight put his hoof on Soarin's forehead and took it off. "You're so hot!."

"Umm… Twilight… This just got awkward…" Soarin said shifting on his tires.

"You know what I mean." Twilight said irritably. "Go back to your room and get some rest. Rainbow Dash, can you watch after him?"

"Sure Twi. Come on Soarin." Dash said while smiling at him.

"Soarin, if you still have a fever in the morning, you're not racing." Twilight called after him.

Soarin groaned and followed Dash to his bedroom in his office where he doesnt sleep on it that often. The blazing sunlight hurt his eyes. He ached all over and was glad when he lied down on to his bed. He closed the blinds. He felt better while laying down.

"Hey Soarin. I know something that will make you feel better." Dash said while smiling.

"What? Letting me race again?" Soarin asked, eagerness in his voice.

"No silly. I'll show you." She said. She came over to Soarin and cuddled up against him. "Does this make you feel better?"

"Ohh… Absolutely." Soarin said, his eyes half closed. Dash pulled the blanket up over then, and Before they knew it, they were both asleep.

Twilight came to Soarin's office that night, considering he hadn't seen Soarin or Dash since they went in there together.

He opened the door to the bedroom and saw the cutest site.

Soarin and Dash cuddled up together sleeping.

Twilight chuckled at them. "Love birds." Twilight said out loud and let them sleep. Neither of them would admit it, but they were in love. They spent nearly every waking moment with the other. They were always on the phone when Soarin was away at the track.

It wasn't until recently that the townsfolk and Twilight herself had noticed Soarin start holding Rainbow's hoof when they were near each other. They'd usually keep contact for about ten seconds before one would pull away.

Twilight decided to wake Dash up. She needed to talk to her.

She walked over to the side of the bed she'd fallen asleep on.

Twilight shook his head. Very unhealthy for Dash to be this close to Soarin. He was sick. If he came down with something awful, it'd be better if Dash didn't have to catch it too.

"Rainbow Dash?" Twilight said softly.

She stirred and opened her eyes. "Yeah, Twi?" Sally blinked a few times. "What's going on?"

"Come with me." She said, opening the door.

Dash reluctantly left Soarin's side to follow Twilight out into the cold night air. She glanced back at the clock. It was 8:21. She'd been asleep for three hours!

"Was I really asleep that long!"

Twilight chuckled. "Yeah. You and Soarin were in there long enough for a few, erm, questions and suggestions to arise from the townsfolk."

Dash blushed. "Oh good grief."

They walked over to Applejacks, and settled for apple juice.

AJ brought them each a glass of apple juice, then she walked back in her house.

"So what did you want to talk to me about, Twi?" Dash asked, taking a sip of juice.

Twilight cleared her throat. "You being in the hospital many times, could you do me a favor?"

Rainbow's brow furrowed in confusion. "Go on.."

"I need Soarin's health records." She told her. "You'd need to find out who his doctor was, or contact his parents, and get the papers."

Dash nodded and pushed away her empty glass. "I can do that. Why though?"

Twilight sighed. "There's something strange about him getting sick for the fourth time since January. There may be some deeper illness going on, and I have a few ideas about it. I need to see his health records though to be sure."

Dash nodded in agreement, then after bidding everyone goodnight, she was about to head off to bed, when Twilight stopped her.

"Rainbow Dash, if anything strange happens to Soarin. If he develops any more symptoms, come get me. I don't care what hour of the night, or where I am. Get me."

Dash, fear in her eyes, nodded. "Twilight?" She asked hesitantly. "Is Soarin...Going to be okay?"

Twilight looked her in the eyes. "I hope so."

Chapter 2 What is going on?!

Soarin was still sick three days later. He felt weak. It was hard to lift a hoof. He still had a fever, and his cough wasn't relenting. He slept all through the day.

Twilight and Nurse Redheart had examined him, and prescribed an antibiotic. Redheart said that if Soarin wasn't on the road to recovery in two more days, she was going to have to hospitalize him.

Rainbow Dash had been working hard at finding Soarin's medical records. She'd contacted another lawyer who she hoped knew Soarin's parents. His name was in Soarin's contact list.

However, Soarin's parents weren't. Soarin had been slightly delirious and out of it from the fever, so she couldn't ask him and expect to get legitimate information.

The lawyer had given her the number of a doctor who knew Soarin's parents, but wasn't Soarin's doctor.

Dash had called him and gotten the names and numbers of Soarin's parents. Finally she was able to contact them.

Dash had explained the situation, and they'd promised hastily to get the medical records and mail them.

Once Dash had completed this task, she'd reported back to Twilight, who would be sent the records in a few days time.

When Dash wasn't trying to track down all these people and numbers, she'd hardly left Soarin's side. She'd pulled the curtains closed, and even put blankets over the windows, so that the bright rays of streaming sunlight wouldn't be in Soarin's eyes. He'd managed to murmur that he had a headache and the light made it worse, so she'd done all she could to bring him comfort. She placed a cool cloth on his head, and brought him some of Fluttershy's warm soup. She made sure he had enough blankets, and when he still shivered from the cold and fever, Dash would lean up against him to warm him with the heat of her body.

"Thank you." Soarin managed after Dash settled next to him.

She kissed his burning cheek. "You're welcome, Soarin." She watched him close his eyes and sigh.

"I hate being sick." He murmured.

"I know." Dash said, looking at him sympathetically. "But we're gonna try to get you feeling better soon."

Soarin sighed uneasily. She was doing all of this to make him feel better. Being so nice to him. Soarin hadn't told her yet, but he loved her. He knew that he should tell her soon, but what if she didn't feel the same way? It would ruin the relationship. And Soarin didn't want that.

But what if she did feel the same? Then they could become boyfriend and girlfriend.

Soarin decided that he would take the chance. Soon.

That night, Dash woke up around two forty-five in the morning to her alarm. She needed to take Soarin his medication. Flying out of her house into the night air, she pondered her relationship with Soarin.

They weren't 'together', but when other ponies weren't around, sometimes he would reach for her hoof and hold it in his. He'd never said 'I Love You' though. And that was what made her wonder.

Rainbow reached the door to his office and knocked softly before entering.

Soarin was asleep under the blankets and the light coming in from the open window cast a white shade over his body.

Dash hated to wake him, especially when he was this sick, but it was for his own good.

"Soarin.." Rainbow said, nudging his head with her left hoof. "Soarin... Wake up."

Dash walked over to the light switch and flicked it on. Turning back to Soarin, she realized that the outside light wasn't turning his body white. He was white!  Maybe whiter than snow! Pale with just twinges of red! "Soarin!" Dash shouted, shaking him. But he didn't move.

Dash immediately ran to the phone and called Twilight.

Walking back to Soarin, she realized he wasn't breathing. "Soarin!" She shouted again before taking a deep breath and pressing her lips to his, exhaling slowly. She repeated this five times before Soarin began violently coughing.

Just then Dash heard a siren approaching and Twilight rushed in, an ambulance pulling in front of the office.

After that, all that happened was a blur in Rainbow's memory. Nurse Redheart had gotten Soarin into the ambulance, then asked Dash questions as they flew behind it and to the clinic.

Now at 3:45, Dash found herself in the waiting room. She'd been there for half an hour, and the tension and anxiety was building in her stomach, making it hard to breathe. She wondered why she felt this way about him. Earlier she'd wondered if he would ever say 'I Love You'. But maybe she had to say it first. Did she mean it though? Did she truly feel that way about him? ...Yes.

She did.

She did love him.

Suddenly the tension melted away and she felt happiness. A giddy excitement. She wanted to tell him that she loved him. Thinking about it, she loved everything about him. The strong and powerful stallion, but in contrast, the gentleness of the way he'd hold her hoof with his.

The way he could be joking at times and brighten her day, or be the comforting flank to lean on when she needed it.

However, she was brought out of her thoughts when Twilight appeared in the doorway between the pale green, swinging door panels.

She walked over to her, her face solemn. Meanwhile at the doors stood Nurse Redheart.

Dash hated that look on anypony's face. It never meant good news. The same look on the Twilights face in Coltlifornia a few years ago, when that doctor had given her the news of her father's cancer.

The look on the face of a doctor a few years before that when she's been told of her younger brother's systematic disease.

That look never meant anything good.

She waited in silence while Twilight walked beside her.

She took a deep breath. "Well, he's stable." Twilight started. "Breathing steady, Heart rate good..." Her voice trailed off. "...But I need those medical records, Rainbow Dash. Soon."

"Twilight, what's wrong with him?" Dash asked in desperation. "What is going on?"

Twlight looked at her tentatively. "... I don't want to scare you."

"You're scaring me by not telling me!" Dash blurted.

Twilight took another breath. "He's showing all the symptoms of... An stomach deterioration."

Rainbow's jaw dropped. Stomach Deterioration Disease only happened to elderly ponies! How could Soarin have it? He was young. healthy. There was no way!

She looked back at Twilight. "How?" She asked.

"I don't know." She replied, looking at the ground. "I need his records first. If his medical history is consistent with the theory, if he's had stomach troubles before, especially around the first five years, then it'll be correct."

"What's the cure?" Dash asked, inwardly panicking.

Twilights expression became pained. "Rainbow Dash, as far as we know... There's not one. He'll recover... Or He's going to die."

Dash and Twilight made an agreement. Until they were sure that that was what was wrong with Soarin, they wouldn't tell him. It wouldn't be good for him to worry. It'd take him longer to recover from his sickness.

Dash sat in his hospital room with him every day for the next week. During the day, she'd try her hardest to make sure he was comfortable. And at night she never left his side. Twilight had assured her that even if there was a deterioration happening, he wasn't showing the severe signs, meaning he still had a few months. Possibly even years.

Twilight spent every available moment during the next week searching for books and racking brain for some cure.

She hadn't liked Soarin when he first came to town, but now she thought of him as a friend. And to lose him... Twilight hated the thought. It seemed so terrible that someone so young could have this disease. Soarin was only twenty-six. He was too young for this fate.

Twilight just held on to the hope that the medical records would come through and Soarin would be alright.

Chapter 3 A Walk in the Other Direction

Two days later, Soarin was almost recovered from his illness. All the color had come back to his face, his cough had vanished, and his temperature was normal again. He felt amazing.

But... Soarin had noticed something strange. Rainbow and Twilight both seemed to be avoiding him. Not so much Dash, but Twilight had walked away whenever Soarin had approached. Rainbow just made sure that Soarin was still feeling okay, made sure he didn't need anything, then she went on her way.

Soarin was thinking about Dash. He'd promised himself that he would take the chance soon of telling her those three words.

Sitting at Applejack's, drinking hot apple tea, Soarin looked up to see Dash approaching him. She ordered a apple juice, then sat beside Soarin.

"Hey." She greeted. "Feelin better?"

Soarin smiled at her. "Yeah. Dash... I- I uh, wanted to um... Thank you. For taking care of me while I was sick. It means a lot."

Rainbow moved a little closer to him. "You don't have to thank me. I'm your friend. Friends do that kind of thing."

Soarin felt disappointment rising in his stomach. Dash only thought of them as friends? He looked at her out of the corner of his eye. She was gazing in the other direction. Soarin sighed. Should he ask her if that was how she really felt? Or should he let her bring it up? He didn't think of them as 'just friends'. He was... In love with her. He had to tell her somehow. What could he do? And why was love so complicated?

"But why not?!" Soarin demanded of Twilight. "I'm fully recovered, and if I don't start practicing again to build back up my strength, there's no CHANCE of us winning the Equestrian Flying Championship."

The two were in Twilight's library, and had been in an argument for the past half hour. Soarin felt that he had to get back to the track. If he didn't get back to practice SOON, he'd fall behind in standings.

Twilight, on the other hand, did NOT want Soarin to go back to the track. If his theory of the stomach disease was correct, then the only reason Soarin's symptoms began at such a young age was because of the strain that racing put on his body. It had caused Soarin's symptoms to start. For Soarin to go back to racing would cause RAPID deterioration, and Soarin would only live a few more months.

"No." Twilight said firmly. "You're not ready to get back out on the track." Twilight was still trying to keep the truth, well the suspected truth, of the disease from him.

"Please, Twilight?"

"No."

"Please?"

"No."

"Please, Please, Please?"

"No!" Twilight said, then stopped. Soarin had seemed extremely more energetic than anyone else who had stomach disease. Maybe he just had a weak immune system. Maybe it was something else entirely. She sighed. There were always these moments in life when decisions had to be made. And she had to make one.

"Alright, fine."

"Yes!-"

Twilight sighed. Had that been a wise decision?

Twilight was bewildered. "Why not?"

"He says that he's not allowed to release his patients records and information like that, even to the patient's parents." Dash stopped for a breath. "But, he says that he will give them to you, or me, personally. What do you want to do?"

Twilight was struck with an idea. "Rainbow, why don't you come with Soarin and me to the race track? The next race is in Colt Lake City. Isn't that where Soarin's doctor lives?"

Rainbow's jaw dropped. "You're letting Soarin keep racing?" She asked. "Twilight, he'll kill himself!"

"He'll be fine. And if there's a problem, I'll be right there with him." Twilight said, trying to get her to see reason.

"You're just going to watch him get hurt?!" Dash asked, still distraught.

"Why are you so concerned?" Twilight asked gruffly. "A few months ago, you couldn't stand the sight of him."

"Because I love-" Dash started, but then realized what she'd just let slip.

"I knew it." Twilight said superiorly.

"Twi, please don't tell him." Dash pleaded. "I have to. In my own time."

Twilight nudged her. "I won't tell him. Now you'd better go pack up if you're going with us. After all, we have to go get those records."

So Dash left the clinic to go get ready.

That night, Dash had just finished packing and was on the way to go place her luggage in Soarin's personal moving trailer so the moving guys will be ready in the morning. Rainbow flew out of her house, landed on the ground and turned the corner, only to nearly ram into Soarin.

"Whoa!" Soarin exclaimed. "You scared me."

"Oh!" Dash said. "I scared myself, scaring you, scaring me

Soarin just looked at her a minute. "Hey listen, I uh, I overheard you talking to Twilight earlier."

Rainbow drew back. "Wha- What did you hear?"

"That you agreed to come with us." Soarin said with a smile. "Rainbow, I'm really glad that you're coming along. I'll feel a lot better if you're there." Soarin glanced down and saw her carrying her suitcase in one of her hooves. He reached out and took her other on his. "Come on. I'll show you where to put your stuff."

She walked up the ramp, Soarin following her. It was dark in the trailer until Soarin reached up and turned on the light. He placed Dash's suitcase inside, then slowly turned around and turned to face her. She was looking around at the interior of the trailer. On the walls were mostly posters of Soarin, and on one wall was a photo of all the Wonderbolts. There was a phone in the corner. Up on the ceiling was a sunroof, and on the floor were two soft mats.

"Oh yeah." Soarin said, breaking the silence. "I forgot, you've never been in here."

Rainbow looked at him, a reluctant look on her face. "Are-um, are w-we going in here?" Though she wasn't complaining about being in a trailer with Soarin for an eight hour flight with a few breaks.

Soarin nodded. "Yeah, we'll both be able to get in here. It might be kinda boring, but we'll make it. By the way, you're cute when you stutter."

Rainbow blushed and Soarin hastily apologized. "Sorry. No offense." He said, mentally hitting himself for just saying that. They both walked out of the trailer. As they slowly walked, Soarin tried to think of something to say.

'Think of something, stupid! It's getting awkward!' Soarin thought as Dash looked up in they sky looking at her house made out of clouds. "Goodnight, Rainbow." He said softly. "See you in the morning."

"Night." She said to him, walking forwards slightly. "What time tomorrow?"

"Early." He replied. "Probably five." But Soarin wasn't focusing on his words. He was watching the way that her coat shown in the moonlight. It was breathtaking. He had never seen anything prettier. And her eyes... They were sparkling like the stars above them. Lightning moved a little closer, noticing Sally also walked towards him.

Rainbow was awestruck by Soarin's spiked, blue mane. She'd never seen it glow the way that it did when the moonlight struck it. And his eyes... The curves of his lips... She found herself looking at every little detail of his appearance. He was so sexy. The way that he looked at her made her heart speed up. The way that every angle and his muscles caught the lights from the evening. She'd never seemed to notice it like she did now. Rainbow continued to lean forward, her lips nearly touching his.

Soarin hesitated, unsure now. Suddenly he realized that he couldn't kiss her yet. He didn't feel ready. He quickly pulled back and he could almost see the disappointment on Dash's face.

'Darn me. Chickening out', Soarin thought.

Rainbow smiled. "Right. See you in the morning." Then she flew away.

"See ya." Soarin called, then sighed and walked into his office which he called home. Bed time.

Rainbow sighed as she lied on her bed and crawled under the covers. So close! She'd been so close to kissing him. She sighed again. Maybe another time.

Chapter 4 Field Trip!

Around five-am, Dash and Soarin were getting ready to roll into the trailer. "Goodbye!" Pinkie Pie shouted over to them from Applejack's. "Okay. I'm good."

Rainbow laughed and looked at Soarin. "She's my best friend. What are you gonna do?"

Flyson flew down a moment later after finishing his coffee and Soarin brought Dash over to him. "Rainbow Dash, Flyson., Flyson, Rainbow Dash." He introduced. "Flyson is my 'flyer' and instructor. He flies me to my races in this trailer so I still have my energy and not flying myself for eight hours... thats how they do it now in case you forgot." Soarin explained.

"Pleasure to finally meet the girl who got Soarin's sorry attitude back into place." Flyson said, playfully punching Soarin.

Rainbow smiled. "Believe me, the pleasure is all mine."

Soarin made a pouty face, then looked at Flyson. "How long is this flight going to be?"

"I can't believe this." Flyson said to Dash, shaking his head. "Not even in the trailer yet and he's already asking 'Are we there yet?'. See what I have to put up with?"

Rainbow stifled a laugh and Soarin teasingly glared at her. "Alright." Flyson announced. "Miss Dash, if you and I are finished tormenting Soarin, why don't we hit the sky."

Flyson walked over to go get hooked up on to the trailer and Soarin turned towards the ramp. "Ladies first?"

Rainbow  smiled and went up into the trailer, Soarin following her. Twilight will try to catch up to them in about 2 hours. However, because it was such a long trip, Flyson decided that he would take a few breaks. They were going to stop at a hotel that night and then continue two more hours to Soarin's parents house where they would be staying until Dash and Twilight got the medical records. Soarin didn't know this.

After walking into the trailer, Soarin hit the leaver to close the door.

"Alright, we are starting for take off for a long flight ahead of us." Flyson said over the intercom.

"Yup." Soarin agreed,  "And this trip is going to last all day." He looked beside him to see that he had about 12 inches between himself and Dash. She was gazing out the window, and Soarin took this opportunity to take in her appearance. Her eyes were so pretty, and shone when the lights hits them correctly

And her mane... That was what got him, every time. That beautiful rainbow mane, they took his breath away. 'But', Soarin chided himself, 'She only thinks of us as friends'. But those eyes! He wanted to melt every time that he saw them... Looking... Right at him!

"Soarin! Rainbow said again. "Snap out of it."

Soarin blushed a little."Sorry, Dash." He said with a smile. "I kinda zoned out, there."

"I'll say. You didn't hear what Flyson said." Rainbow replied. "It was about the trailer. He thinks it might break down."

Soarin's eyes widened. "Are you serious?!"

Dash laughed "I was kidding! Got ya there!"

Soarin shook his head. "Rainbow... Do you just enjoy teasing me?"

Flyson voice came over the intercom. "I do."

Soarin reached over and turned off the speakers.

Rainbow giggled. "Yeah, but you're right. I probably shouldn't do it so much."

Soarin just rolled his eyes again.

"So..." Dash broke the silence, "Want to play a game?"

They had been cooped up in the trailer for an hour and a half and were beginning to get bored.

Soarin shrugged. "Sure. What game?"

"Twelve questions."

"Don't you mean twenty?"

Rainbow shook her head. "No. That's a different game. Twelve questions is basically you play with two ponies, and one of them asks the other ANY twelve questions that they want to. No secrets, no lies. You want to start, or do you want me to?"

Soarin thought about this. "I'll start. Ready?"

Rainbow nodded.

"Okay then." Soarin said. "Umm... Do you like your coffee hot or cold?"

Rainbow laughed. "What kind of question is THAT?!"

"You said ANY twelve questions." Lightning protested, pointing a hoof at her. "That was one of them."

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Hot." She answered.

"Likewise. How long have you been in Ponyville?"

"I got there about five months before Fluttershy." Dash replied.

Soarin nodded. "Do you have any siblings?"

Rainbow shook her head. "Nope. I'm an only child."

They continued playing until Soarin had asked all his twelve questions, and Dash was about to take her turn, when Flyson landed on the ground somewhere. "What's going on, Flyson?" Soarin asked, turning on the intercom.

"A flock of geese in the sky. I was just landing to let them pass. No biggie." Flyson replied.

"Already, they're past, ready?" "Ready." Soarin replied

They both gazed out the window and were silent for awhile, until Dash realized that Soarin had fallen asleep.

She was glad he was sleeping. He needed any extra rest he could get. If Dash had ever hoped for anything in her life, she hoped that Soarin's medical records proved Twilight wrong.

After another excruciatingly long 2 hours, Dash and Soarin flew outside together while Twilight caught up with them and massaged Flyson's wings. They were racing each other practically. They kept trying to fly in front of the other, and they both kept smiling and laughing. Twilight smiled herself. It was good to see them so happy. So carefree, if only for a few moments.

It was... Terrifying to think that Soarin might have an stomach deterioration. He was too young for that to happen. Twilight had seen deterioration before, considering that she is a doctor and has been for 3 years since taking the doctor's degree in La Saddle University in Fillydelphia. It was scary. For the doctor AND the patient.

There was stage one: The Illness stage. In that stage, the patient would become sick. Over and over. It happened because the immune system was slowly deteriorating, and with it being so close to the lungs, it caused the patient to cough violently. They also produced a fever and drainage. It wasn't uncommon for them to stop breathing for a few minutes. That's what had happened that night a few weeks ago when Dash had gone to give Soarin his medication. He had stopped breathing.

There was stage two: The weakening stage. In this stage, the patient began feeling extremely weak. Too weak to lift a hoof. This was because the disease was spreading into the part of the stomach that controlled the muscles. The patient, at this stage, either had to be hospitalized or constantly with someone who could help him if needed.

Stage three: The painful stage. This stage was scary. The patient was almost constantly in pain due to the deteriorating in nearly all the rest of the body. It could become excruciating agony very quickly. The only way to prevent it from hurting as much was to lie in bed quietly, unmoving, and take all the painkillers you could. This stage lasted about two weeks. This could also be a good stage though. This was the stage where either the rest of the deterioration happens, OR your body is strong enough to fight it. If the patients body was strong enough, they could perform surgery to give replacement parts where the rest of the parts had been deteriorated.

And finally there was stage four. Death. There were no other words needed. The stomach was deteriorated completely, and the patient died. Twilight hoped more than anything that Soarin would be able to fight this off. He Dash nor Soarin noticed, she was always looking out for taking care of him.

Twilight looked back at Soarin again to see that he was breathing hard and wincing. Rainbow, ahead of him, didn't notice. Twilight couldn't blame him. After his most recent illness, the last thing he needed was get out of breath. Because of all the severe coughing, to become out of breath was probably very painful. Twilight watched as Dash looked behind her, saw Soarin's expression and stopped beside him.

"Hey, what's wrong?" She asked in a worried tone.

Soarin managed a smile. "Oh, just got out of breath. Give me a minute, I'll be fine."

Instead of flyng back on up ahead of Soarin, Dash stayed beside him as they continued to fly slowly.

Twilight smiled. She wondered if the Wonderbolt knew how much Dash liked him. She wondered...

Later on, that afternoon around four, Soarin and Dash were just hanging out in the trailer. It was quiet and peaceful. Soarin looked at Dash and smiled. "Guess what?"

"What?" She asked, an amused smile on her face.

"Guess what?" He asked again, his grin growing.

"What?" She asked, becoming slightly annoyed.

"Guess what, guess what, guess what?"

"What?!"

"Hi."

"What?!" Rainbow asked, then shook her hood. "Soarin..."

He was laughing now. "You gotta admit  that was funny."

Rainbow just rolled her eyes. They were quiet for another minute until all the sudden, Flyson flew with no caution. Soarin slid forward against Dash, his lips pressing onto hers. They were both shocked, and it was as if time stood still for a moment. Rainbow's heart began to race. Then just as quick as it happened, it was over. Soarin pulled away. "I'm sorry!" He said, blushing red all over his baby blue face.

Rainbow was also blushing. "It's okay."

The rest of the flight was filled with an awkward silence, but Dash wondered if Soarin kissed her intentionally, would it feel as amazing as that? She wondered if she would ever get a chance to find out.

Finally that night, they arrived at the hotel. It was nearly midnight. All were exhausted, and after unloading the luggage from the trailer, Flyson immediately flew to the nearest trailer stop, saying he'd be back in the morning. Soarin, Dash, and Twilight checked in at the front desk, then took the elevator upstairs. While in the elevator, Dash leaned against Soarin, her eyes nearly closed.

"Tired?" He asked.

Rainbow nodded. "Long day."

A few minutes later they got up to the room, and that was when they realized something: There were only two beds. And three of them. "Well now what?" Soarin asked Twilight.

"You and Rainbow can share." Twilight replied, setting her suitcase on one of the beds. "I'm sure she'd rather share with you."

Soarin looked hesitantly at Dash. He wasn't going to say it, but he wouldn't mind that, actually. Rainbow was thinking that she wouldn't mind either. Twenty minutes later, they were settled beside each other under the covers. Twilight was asleep.

Rainbow and Soarin were very aware of each other's presence in the dark room. "Dash?" Soarin whispered.

"Yeah?" She whispered back, facing him.

"Goodnight."

Rainbow smiled. "Goodnight, Soarin."

Chapter 5 Meet My Parents

The next morning, Soarin opened his eyes to see that Dash had snuggled up against him. He tried not to move, so as not to wake her. She was so beautiful... Soarin sighed again. He loved her. And he wanted to tell her that he did. But what would she think? Did she return his love, or did she only think of them as friends? Soarin sighed and stretched a little, but Dash stirred and woke up from the movement. She looked at him and smiled. "Hey, Soarin. You sleep well?"

Soarin nodded. "How bout you?"

Rainbow shivered. "Go turn off the air conditioner. Honestly, I don't know why Twilight had to turn that thing on 'iceberg' setting." Rainbow said, burrowing further under the covers.

"B-But why-why do I have to go turn it off?" Soarin stuttered. "It's freezing out there and warm in here. And I don't want my hooves to touch that cold tile floor! That's the worst feeling ever!"

Rainbow shivered again. "Because. You're supposed to do stuff like that for ladies. Brave deeds." She said in a dramatic voice.

"But it's cold!" Soarin whined.

"Oh, so you're going to make ME go do it?" Dash asked. "What ever happened to-"

"Ladies first?" Soarin suggested with a smirk.

Just then the humming of the air conditioner stopped and Dash and Soarin looked over to see Twilight beside it. "You two quit arguing." She looked at the clock. "Come on. They'll have closed the hotel breakfast before we get down there."

"But it's cold!" Dash and Soarin both protested in unison.

Twilight just rolled her eyes, then as she drove past them she yanked the covers off of them and into the floor. Soarin and Dash both yelped and grabbed onto one another. "Would you two chickens get up?" She asked with a laugh, then walked out of the room.

Rainbow let go of Soarin and rolled onto the floor. Soarin could tell from her expression that the floor was indeed freezing. "That is cold!" She hissed through gritted teeth. Rainbow walked into the bathroom. When she returned a few moments later, Soarin was still on the bed. "Come on, Soarin." Rainbow said. "You get used to it after a minute."

Soarin shook his head. "It's those first frostbiting minutes that I'm afraid of!"

"Come on, Soarin." Rainbow said, then stuck out her bottom lip. "Please."

Soarin sighed. "Fine." Soarin squeezed his eyes shut and took those first tentative steps onto the floor. "Oh! Geez! That's freezing!"

Four hours later, Flyson was dropping them off at Soarin's parent's house, all except Twilight, who had to go to a meeting and sign some papers before Soarin could start race practice.

The house was large, but not huge. From the outside one could see a chimney poking out of the roof. The house was made of red brick and the window panes were black. A fountain stood in the front yard. Flowers and shrubbery lined the front and sides of the house."Soarin, this is gorgeous." Rainbow said, looking around. 'I wonder if our house will be as pretty as this.' Dash thought. 'Wait, what?'

After a knock on the door, Dash could hear from inside, the sound of three or four sets of hooves running down the stairs, and three voices called "Soarin!"

Soarin looked at Dash. "Brace yourself." a moment later the door flung open and four little ponies, three red and one purple, jumped onto Soarin. Rainbow backed up, startled.

"Soarin! Soarin! Soarin!" The little ponies shouted.

There was a little cry from inside of 'wait fow me!" And another purple pony, littler than the others, drove out. "Soawin!" She shouted, then jumped onto the pile.

"Soar! Bro!" A shout came, and another pony, thin and lanky with braces rushed out.

"Soarin, Soarin!" Two more fillies said, running out the door.

"Big brother!" One last shout came, and another purple pony ran out, jumping on the pile.

Soarin was laughing. "Okay, okay, get off. Hey, where's Frolic?"

"Soooooaaarrriiinnnn!" Came another call. The door flung open and a little blue pony ran out, immediately clinging to Soarin.

Soarin was smiling hugely. "Okay, that's all of you. Except the little twins, but i guess they're with mom and dad. Line up real quick."

All of them lined up beside each other, and Soarin turned to a gaping Dash. "Something you forgot to tell me, Soarin?" Rainbow asked.

Rainbow laughed. "Rainbow, these are my brothers and sisters- well, most of them- and guys? This is my friend, Rainbow Dash."

They all smiled. "Hi!"

"Rainbow, oldest to youngest, okay actually, I'm oldest, but this is Sogan, Sia, Sala, Sillian, Suke, Sance, Sinda, Sandon, and Sewis. The little twins, Sacey and Sisa, are inside."

Rainbow smiled. "Nice to meet you."

A few moments later, The door opened once more and two adult ponies appeared. One was a blue pony with a baby blue mane which was starting to gray, and the other was a red pony with a purple mane also starting to gray. "Soarin!" The blue pony exclaimed. "It's good to see you again, son."

"Hey, Dad." Soarin said, embracing his father. "Hey, mom."

"Oh, Honey!" Soarin's mother exclaimed. "You should visit more often. And who's this?" She asked, indicating Dash.

"Mom, Dad, this is my friend, Rainbow Dash." Soarin introduced. "Rainbow, these are my parents Frolic and Thrill."

Rainbow smiled. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Frolic and Thrill."

Frolic walked forward to hug Dash. "It's wonderful to meet YOU, dear.

Ten minutes later, Dash and Soarin followed his family inside. Frolic turned to Dash and Soarin. "If you'd like to put your suitcases in the guest room, Rainbow Dash, Soarin knows-"

"Mom! Mom! Mom! Mom!" One of Soarin's brothers shouted, walking down the stairs. Frolic rolled her eyes. "Yes, Sandon?"

"The mice got back into the guest room!" Sandon announced. "They ate into the bed!"

"Mice?!" Rainbow exclaimed.

"Nonsense." Frolic said, waving Sandon off. "We've never had mice in this house." She turned to Dash. "They do that anytime we have someone over. They're just trying to scare you. Kids. Ha."

"Follow me, Dash." Soarin said, nudging her.

Ten minutes later, Frolic heard a shout from Soarin. "Hey, Mom! Sandon wasn't kidding about the mice!"

Rainbow placed her suitcase in the girl's room, where she would be staying. That meant sharing the room with Sia, Sala, Sillian, and Sinda. Rainbow didn't mind that. And the girl's were excited. It would be like a sleepover.

However, the guys had plans. What was a girls sleepover of the guys didn't pull a few pranks... Huh?

Rainbow was taking a shower before dinner. What she was unaware of however, were the three little ponies, Them being Sewis, Sillian, and Sandon, outside the bathroom, plotting a prank. Sillian entered the bathroom quietly so Dash wouldn't hear her. Then Sillian flushed the toilet and made a run for it.

Rainbow shrieked, suddenly being hit by freezing water. She heard the sound of giggles and running hooves, then the sound of Soarin's voice.

"What did you do to Dash?"

The water wouldn't warm back up, and Dash was freezing! She hastily got her towel off the rack, and began drying off, when the door opened and Soarin came in.

"Oh my gosh!" He exclaimed, then left, shutting the door. "I'm sorry, Dash! Accident!"

"Just go!" Rainbow shouted back through a sigh.

That night, Dash took a spot at the table, beside Soarin. "I'm sorry about earlier." He whispered.

"Just let it go, Soarin." She whispered back, shaking her head.

Frolic and Thrill entered the room just then, carrying the little twins, Sisa and Sacey. They put them in their high-chairs, then Frolic called for everyone else. "Kids! Dinner!" She shouted up the staircase.

After a moment, hooves tapping and running could be heard, and then nine rambunctious little ponies drove in and crowded around the table.

All of them were talking and laughing. Rainbow was amazed that any of them could hear each other.

A few minutes later, Frolic brought in dinner and some mashed food for the little twins. After serving it onto plates, they all began to eat.

"So how was the trip down?" Frolic asked Soarin and Dash.

Soarin smiled. "It was great, mom."

"That's good." Frolic said, handing a spoonful of mashed food to the baby. "And-"

The baby flung her spoon, and it flew across the table, hitting Dash in the face and covering her in baby food. Rainbow was stunned, but then all the kids started laughing. Frolic gave them a stern look. "Kids, be nice. Soarin, honey, give Rainbow Dash a napkin."

Rainbow gratefully excepted the one he handed her, and wiped the baby food from her fender. "Thank you." She whispered.

Sinda, five years old, looked up at Dash and Soarin. "Big brover?" She said to Soarin.

"Yeah, honey?" Soarin said.

She looked up at Dash again, then Soarin. "How many babies is you gon' hab?"

There were stifled laughs from all the other kids, and Soarin's parents.

Soarin blushing, took a deep breath. "Rainbow isn't my girlfriend, Sinda."

Sinda's eyes widened with realization. "Ohhhh... She is you's wife."

Rainbow and Soarin both blushed harder. "No, she's just my friend."

Sinda smiled. "Well you two should hab some babies. I like babies."

Soarin cringed, and everyone except Dash laughed.

Dinner continued without much event, and then everyone made their way to the living room.

That night, Dash was upstairs with the girls after they all climbed in bed. There was Sia, a fifteen year old, purple pony. Sala, a thirteen year old red pony. Sillian, an eleven year old, purple pony. And then there was five year old Sinda, a baby blue pony.

Sinda and Sillian fell asleep almost instantly, but Sia, Sala, and Dash stayed up talking.

"So really, Dash, where IS your relationship with Soarin?" Sia asked.

"Honestly, we're just friends." Rainbow replied.

"But do you wish that it was more?" Sala asked dramatically.

Rainbow hesitated. "Maybe from time to time. But I'm happy with us just being friends."

The girls nodded. Then yawned at the same time. Rainbow chuckled. "Why don't you two get some sleep? It's late. Oh, gosh. And I have to get up early."

"Where ya going?" Sala asked.

"I have to run some errands." Rainbow replied. Actually, tomorrow she was going to get the medical records, but she thought it best not to tell the girls about that.

In twenty minutes, they were asleep. Rainbow was unaware of the prank that would be played on her and the other girls the next morning, and she fell asleep, thinking of Soarin.

Soarin, unaware of his brother's plans for the girls the next morning, fell asleep thinking of Dash.