Chapters At the Grand Galloping Gala
Shining rolled over on his bed, letting out a single grown. He still couldn't believe that the love of his life, Princess Cadence, had ended their engagement. What troubled him even more so was her reason. Another stalion had come into play.
He had loved her for so many years and had used all of his effort to keep her as his own. Was he not good enough? Had he become too weak? Shining Armor wiped his face as a new assault of tears commenced. He sobbed quietly into his pillow for the millionth time. Only when her heard the sound of his door handle turning did he buck up and push down his emotions. He rolled over so he was facing away from the door. "I told you dad, I don't want to go out tonight."
"It's not dad." his sister stated softly as she stood in the door way.
Armor closed his eyes tightly. "What do you want sis?"
"Well, I though maybe we could. . ." the Princess seemed to hesitate before continuing, then sighed, "Listen brother. You've been cooped up in your room for almost five months now. You need to get out and talk to some ponies before you go, well. . .crazy. Look, I have two tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala, and-"
"No Twilight." Shining cut her off with a wave of his hoof. "Cade-. . .we used to go to that together. It wouldn't feel right without her at my side."
The soft clicks of Twilight Sparkle's hooves filled the empty space in the room as she approached her brother's bed. "She won't be there, I promise. She has her own Empire to take care of now." the mare paused before continuing. "Big Mac is going and Sorin will be there. It'll do your soul good to get out of these walls."
Reluctantly, Shining Armor rolled over to face his sister. Her purple eyes sparkled at him with a gentle kindness that only Fluttershy could match. A smile crept upon his lips. "Alright Twily, I'll go. But only because you say it will be good for me."
"I promise, you'll feel so much better afterwards." she gave a smile back to him along with a golden ticket.
Shining felt awkward walking into the castle without a proper date. Twilight quickly abandoned him to go talk with Princess Celestia. Armor sighed as he walked through the castle alone. He didn't pay much attention to the things or ponies around him. He thought he saw Big Mac with Fluttershy at one point, but it was so crowded in the main hall he couldn't be certain.
Eventually he found himself outside on one of the many decks in the castle. He looked over the railing to the ground below, then up to the starry sky. He sat their for minutes on end, watching the stars hang in the air.
The sound of soft hoof steps made him snap back into reality. He turned, happy to see a familiar face. "Hey Rainbow Dash. I didn't know you were coming to this event."
The rainbow colored mare walked up to the stalion and sat next to him. "All of my other friends came, so why wouldn't I? Besides, Scootaloo wanted to see the castle."
"So, that little filly is your plus one?" Shining chuckled.
"Mhm." Dashie nodded, a sharp beautiful movement that caught Shining Armors eye.
He looked at the blue coated beauty. Her normally free flowing hair had been braided to one side, keeping her mane back so you could see her bright pink colored eyes. Her dress was an array of color; a dress obviously made by the one and only Rarity.
He swallowed, suddenly nervous. "It's a beautiful night."
Rainbow looked at him with a puzzled glare before returning her gaze to the stars. "It really is." she stated before falling into silence.
At the Grand Galloping Gala
Shining Armor could sense the mares questioning emotions. "Look, Rainbow, I'm not looking for a quick hookup to get over Cadence." the mare looked at him with shock, but he continued. "I came here because my sister said it would be good for me to get out of my room. . .and she was right. I've spent the past couple of months in my room crying and moaning over the loss of my love. But I realize now that I was being a foolish filly. There were signs everywhere. . ." he hung his head low. "I knew for a while that she had been cheating on me, but I could never accept it. Not until now."
Shining sniffled and looked up once again. "I'm sorry. You probably don't want to hear about this stuff. . .Twilight's probably already told you, hm?"
Rainbow Dash took her time to answer. "She. . .said Cadence left you. She didn't say anything about her. . .cheating."
Armor's heart almost stopped as he realized he revealed too much. "O-oh."
"Don't worry, Shining. I won't tell a single soul." the mare moved her hoof over her mouth in a zipping motion and smiled. "But, if you do need someone to talk to, I'm here for you. I may be a tough pony but I have a soft side for my friends."
Shining Armor felt a strange urge rise within him; he had never felt it with Cadence. "Thank you Rainbow Dash."
"Please man, just call me Dashie." she gave him yet another warm smile.
"Okay. . .Dashie." he felt his face heat up slightly as he looked away.
Rainbow Dash couldn't hold back a giggle. "So, how is being the commander of the Royal Guard going?" she asked, genuinely intrigued. "Twilight said that you got promoted."
The two spent the rest of the night together, walking up and down the hallways. Rainbow Dash's laughter filled the air along with Shining Armor's. He took every opportunity to nudge or glance at the mare walking with him.
A feeling was glowing inside of his chest. He hadn't felt it sense the first time he saw Princess Cadence. Please don't fade by the end of the night. he plead with his inner self.
"Oh! There you are brother." Twilight trotted up to the pair, who were smiling like crazy. "Looks like you two had a good night."
Shining Armor pulled his sister close to him. "Thank you Twilight for bringing me here." he hugged her warmly. "You were right. My soul has started to heal."
"Good good!" she hugged him back. "I'm happy to hear that." she gave him a smiled as she pulled away. "The Gala is almost over. I have a few things I need to help Princess Luna with before we depart. I came to tell you to meet me at the front gates when you're ready to go."
He nodded. "I'll be there."
The princess trotted off, a slight spring in her step.
Rainbow Dash bumped his shoulder to get the stallion's attention. "I, um. . .I'm glad we met tonight. I haven't laughed with someone that hard except Pinkie Pie. I'll make sure to keep in touch." she turned and flew off, leaving Shining Armor behind
As he watched her fly off, he noticed that the glow in his chest didn't disappear. In fact, as he watched the mare fly off, it seemed to multiply! He placed a hoof over his heart.
Does she like me? Do I like her?. . .no, I'm not over Cadence yet. . .am I? he continued to battle with himself all the way to the front gates, where he waited patently for his sister.
At the Grand Galloping Gala
Rainbow Dash flew gracefully though Ponyville, not paying attention to where she was going. She was humming to herself in a state of happiness. Her hooves bounced off nearby clouds, kicking them into obviation.
She couldn't get her mind off of her night at the Grand Galloping Gala. It had started out so rough but ended up so right. It had been almost two weeks and she still couldn't get the stalion out of her head. Rainbow had never thought of Shining Armor as handsome before that night. He infiltrated her dreams every night with roses and words of love. She couldn't even keep a straight face at the sound of his name.
As she finished her leisurely session of cloud busting, Dash made her way casually to Twilight Sparkles new crystal castle. She landed at the front doors, giving the guards a sharp nod as she walked in.
She had been doing her best to try to hide her affection towards Shining from her friend. But she couldn't help herself from asking about him. Twilight questioned her once, but Rainbow had been able to lie, saying that she wanted to get to know him as a friend. Twilight was overjoyed, to say the least.
"Hey, Twi." Dash said as she walked into the princess's new library. "You in here?"
"Up here! Come on up and join me." Twilight called from above.
The rainbow haired mare took flight to join her friend, who was in the middle of sorting books. "Can I ask you something?"
"Is it about my brother?" Twilight asked back in a joking manner.
Rainbow Dash faltered for a moment. "Well, um, yeah. Do you think he'll be visiting anytime soon?"
The princess took a moment to think, putting the stack of books she had on an open shelf. "Hm. Well, I know that he's still in the process of training new recruits for the Royal Guard. . .he's been so much better after the Gala." she smiled slightly before continuing. "I could have Spike write him a letter and ask if he's free."
"Really?!" Rainbow asked in a too excited way. "You would do that?"
Twilight looked the blue pony up and down. "You've really taken an interest in him haven't you?"
"Well, I. . .u-umm. . ." she couldn't find the words to cover herself.
"Do you like him or something?" the princess moved towards her.
Dash laughed awkwardly. "What makes you say that?"
"You DO like him!" Twilight Sparkle pointed a purple hoof at her, a big grin on her face. "I knew it! Ever sense the Grand Galloping Gala you've done nothing but ask me about him. Did you think I wouldn't catch on?"
"Y-you're not mad?" Dashie looked down in embarrassment.
The princess put a hoof on her shoulder. "No, I'm not. I just wish you would have told me. I could've told him to visit sooner!" She put her other hoof under Rainbow Dash's chin and lifted her friends gaze. "You should never be afraid to tell me your feelings, okay?"
"Alright." Dash said. "Don't tell him that I like him. I. . .I want to tell him myself."
"I promise." Twily said before picking up her books. "Now, if you'd be so kind to help me sort these. It seems to be taking me forever by myself."
Shining Armor sighed in relief as he removed the metal from his body. It had been a scorching hot day out on the training field, causing a good amount of sweat to accumulate on his hide. He shook his head, his blue mane falling in a tangled mess. I can't wait to take a long cold shower. he thought to himself as he put his armor away in it's proper place.
"Commander Armor!" a pony cried out as he entered the room. "Commander." The trainee bowed as he skidded to a stop.
"What is it?"
"A message from your sister in Ponyville arrived earlier today. She said that she would like you to visit her sometime within the next week."
Shining held back a shout of joy. "Did she say why?"
"She misses her brother and would like to show you her castle in it's fullest." the trainee straightened his back with pride as he delivered the last part of his message. "That is all."
"Thank you. You are dismissed."
As the pony left the room, Shining Armor smiled with glee. I'll get to see Rainbow Dash again!
Over the last two weeks he had come to the conclusion that he was, without a shadow of a doubt, in love with Rainbow Dash. But he knew that he was still grieving over the loss of his first love and wouldn't be able to fully pursue the rainbow colored beauty until his heart had healed.
It's a small price to pay to ensure that I can love her back with one hundred percent of my heart. he thought to himself as he made his way back to his living quarters. The shower welcomed him with the promise of icy water.
At the Grand Galloping Gala
Shining Armor got off the train and smiled. His sister was waiting for him, along with another beautiful looking mare. He approached the two, setting down his suitcase next to him. "Hey Twily. I got your message. So, about this new castle of yours. . ."
The Princess of Friendship beamed at her older brothers attention. "Yes yes, we'll get to that later. But first," she leaned in so only Shining could hear her, "I think Rainbow wanted to talk to you alone for a while." She took a step back, grabbing her brother's bag with her magic. "I'll meet you two at the castle!" then she took flight, leaving her brother behind with the other mare.
Rainbow Dash looked at the ground awkwardly. "H-hey Shining Armor." she gave him a faint smile. "Long time no see."
"It hasn't been that long." he said as he started to walk off the train platform. "Come on." he urged her gently.
Dash caught up with the stalion and cleared her throat. "How's training going?"
"The newbies need to be broken in. That's what's taking so damn long." he looked at Rainbow Dash as they walked. "But other that that it's been smooth sailing. What about here in Ponyville? I haven't been here in years."
The blue mare shrugged as she maneuvered around a puddle. "Same old same old. Nothing really goes on here anymore. Not sense we defeated Terik."
The two ponies fell into an awkward silence, the only sound coming from their hooves.
Shining was the first to speak. "Twily said you had something you wanted to talk about with me."
"Hm? Oh! Right. . ." she chewed on her words before saying, "I've been doing a lot of thinking ever sense the Gala. I think. . ." she hesitated before stating, "I think. . .that I like you."
Shining Armor almost jumped up and down with joy, but he contained himself. "Like, as a friend?" I need to be one hundred percent sure that she loves me back.
"Well, no, but yes. . .I-" she snorted in frustration, "-ugh! I love you, okay?" she blushed at her words but didn't slow her pace. "But I know that you might still have feelings for Cadence, so I understand if. . .if you don't love me back."
Shining stopped in his hoof tracks. She actually said the words. . .Rainbow Dash said she. . . "I-I think I might like you back. But you're right, I still have feelings towards Princess Cadence. They're not feelings of undying love, but they're still there. I need to heal first, if that makes sense."
Dash only nodded, stopping to keep level with the other pony.
Oh Celestia, I hope she isn't hurt. Shining thought as the two fell into silence once more. He tried to come up with something to change the subject, but nothing came to mind. He decided to let Dash take the lead of the conversation.
"I need to heal first, if that makes sense."
Oh yes, it makes perfect sense. Rainbow thought to herself with a tint of anger. She held it back though, instead giving Shining Armor a swift nod. She started to walk again, knowing Armor would follow.
She glanced at the stalion every so often to see if she could read his mind for any sort of hints. When she could get none, she sighed, thinking to herself, You're looking into this waaaay too much Dash. He needs space, no biggie. It's not like there's another mare or. . .anything. she quickly brushed the thought away before it had the chance to grow. "We're almost at the castle." Rainbow Dash said as they rounded the next corner. "It's quite beautiful actually. Not my taste, but hey. I'm not the princess. That's Twi's job."
Shining Armor looked at her and chuckled. "You sure are something Rainbow Dash. I like that about you."
"Thanks. . .I guess." she didn't know how to take the compliment.
As the pair approached the front doors, Twilight came running out, stopping in front of Rainbow Dash. "Omigosh! I'm so sorry to do this to you Rainbow, but the Princess has requested my presence at once. It's very VERY important."
"What could be so-" Rainbow Dash started.
"No time to explain! Show my brother around the castle. I'll be back as soon as I can." She barely said the last part of her sentence before taking off towards Canterlot.
The two ponies looked at each other. "Well that was weird." Rainbow Dash stated before walking though the two large castle doors, Shining Armor close behind. "I can show you the map room first. Well, it's kinda like a throne room, but there's this magical map and. . .ah, it's hard to explain. I'll just show you." Dash pushed her feelings aside as she walked her crush through the castle's halls.
At the Grand Galloping Gala
Rainbow Dash sat and watched the train disappear from her view. She waved her hoof slightly in it's direction and smiled.
Her long weekend with Shining Armor was amazing. They were able to get to know each other better. They were able to stay up late and sit in each others presence. They were able to be themselves completely.
"Dashie!" A regal voice called.
The rainbow colored mare shoot up straight, turning her attention to the voice. "Huh?"
Rarity approached her and smiled. "Oh Darling, you've been sitting here for quite a long time. Shall we go home?"
Dash looked back in the direction the train left. "I guess so. . ." she stood, her legs feeling like they were in cement. "Do you think he'll want to see me again?"
Her purple haired friend smiled with perfect teeth. "Of course! Why, I bet that the first thing he'll do when he gets home is write you a letter. Come on now, it's getting late."
Dash followed Rarity reluctantly.
Something withing her had changed over that past three weeks. A sense of completeness had risen within her. It felt weird to her though that this emotion only came to her from Shining Armor.
Ah! You're over thinking again Dash. He'll make a move if he wants you. Don't worry about it. The mare thought as she picked up her head. If it's meant to be then he'll come back.
Author's Note
Yes, this chapter was rushed. I wanted to end it, but didn't know how. There will be a sequel down the road, don't worry.
At the Grand Galloping Gala
Rainbow Dash walked into the Gala with pride. I will talk to The Wonderbolts tonight. she thought to herself as she watched her little sister, Scootaloo, run off with her friends. After the little orange filly was out of sight, she strutted her way over to the VIP section and caught the attention of Sorin, one of the main flyers on the team.
"Oh, Hey! It's the mare who rescued us from that big fall. Come on, let her in guys!" Sorin smiled and motioned for the guards to move aside.
Rainbow Dash smirked as she crossed into the cool section. "Hey guys." She said as calmly as her body would allow. "Long time no see."
Her three idols talked with her only for a minute before being swept away into other conversations. Dashie did her best to keep their attention, but no matter how hard she tried they seemed to ignore her. Three hours had come and gone before she realized that The Wonderbolts were too busy for a normal mare like herself. She excused herself and started to walk through the castle's hallways.
I knew that was going to happen. she thought as she wandered with her head down. Why would the Wonderbolts want to talk to me. . .why would anypony want to talk to me? tears began to form at the corners of her eyes, but she quickly wiped them away. Rainbow was a strong pony. She never showed weak emotions.
Squaring her shoulders, she strutted through the castle in no certain direction. She was looking for one of her friends so she had someone to chill with for the rest of the evening. She didn't care who.
Before she knew it she was standing on a deck with her best friends older brother, Shining Armor. She almost laughed at the thought of ending up here with him. Of all the ponies i could have run into. Rainbow Dash genuinely liked Shining. He was strong, fast, courageous, and he knew how to play a mean prank now and then.
She decided to sit next to him, happy to be with a pony like him. She looked him over, finding the suit he was wearing to be weird looking and oddly attractive at the same time.
"It's a beautiful night." The stalion said to her.
Rainbow looked at him curiously. She was confused and surprised at how comfortable he seemed with her. I mean, Cadence just dumped his ass and he seemed to be over her already. Dash took a breath and looked back to the sky. He's only being friendly. Stop over reacting.
"It really is." she stated calmly.
