A Dash of Love Soared Through the Skies

by flaminkomage

Rating: teen
Tags: Random, Slice of Life, Drama, Romance
Length: 28558

After making an agreement with the Wonderbolts, Rainbow Dash and Soarin are finally able to get married! But after Rainbow Blaze takes things a little too far, something unexpected happens...

After making an agreement with the Wonderbolts, Rainbow Dash and Soarin are finally able to get married!

But when Dash's father, Rainbow Blaze, takes things too far, what will become of the young couple?

What will they do?

Cover art by the very fabulous PimpArtist101

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2016-01-10 22:14:08 UTC

Chapter 2: Curious Parents and a Worried Fiancé

A Dash of Love Soared Through the Skies

By: Crystal Heart

Chapter 2: Curious Parents and a Worried Fiancé

Rainbow Dash and Soarin both barged into their home after the long, rough day of training. Dash instantly headed over to the kitchen, and started to rummage through the cupboards. Soarin raised an eyebrow.

"What are you doing?" He asked her. Dash shot him a confused glance.

"Well, seeing as we skipped dinner at the compound for extra training, I thought we could have some dinner." She said sarcastically, continuing her search for the hay fries. Soarin shook his head, and trotted over besides her, earning him a curious glance from the rainbow maned mare. He shrugged.

"After all that work you did today? No way! Either I help you, or we go out." He said. Dash sighed, and shook her head.

"As much as I'd like to go out tonight... It's too late." She said, glancing at the clock which read 11:00 PM. Soarin's eyes widened.

"Woah... I didn't even notice it was this late! Never fear! I shall make us an apple pie for dinner!" He said, whisking out some pre-cut apples from the fridge. Dash raised her eyebrows.

"For dinner?" She questioned. Soarin eagerly nodded.

"DUH!" He said, before mixing up some ingredients. Dash shrugged, and started to help him. They both smiled to each other, as they started to make a rather weird, and unhealthy supper for themselves.

"Hey, Dashie! Any news on the wedding?" Firefly asked Rainbow Dash as she entered the large cloud house with her husband, Rainbow Blaze. Dash nodded.

"Yeah! Didn't you get my letter?" She asked her. Firefly scrunched her eyebrows in confusion, and shook her head. "Huh... That's funny... Soarin and I sent you a letter yesterday..." Dash said. Firefly shrugged.

"Probably a mix up with the mail, I suppose?" She suggested. Dash rolled her eyes, as a certain muffin-loving pegasus came to mind. She nodded.

"Yeah... Probably..." She said, gesturing them inside.

"Come in you guys! Soarin made pie!" Dash said, rushing her parents inside the house, swiftly closing the door behind her. Soarin then appeared in front of them.

"Oh! Welcome!" He said frantically, taking their coats and boots, and pushing them inside a nearby closet. Firefly and Blaze chuckled.

"Hehe... Thanks, Soarin." Blaze said, trotting inside. Firefly then soon followed behind her husband.

The four of them made their way to the large living room, and took a seat. Soarin then instantly got up, making his way to the kitchen, and coming back again with two plates of pie.

"Sorry 'bout that..." He told his fiancé's parents. They both giggled, and accepted the pie, taking a few bites.

"Oh this is delicious!" Firefly exclaimed suddenly. Soarin beamed with pride.

"Thank you kindly, Mrs. Firefly!" He said happily. Firefly rolled her eyes.

"Soarin! We've been over this before! No need to call me 'Mrs.' or anything fancy like that. Just Firefly is fine... Besides! We're going to be family soon!" She insisted. Soarin blushed, but nodded.

"Um... Alright... Firefly..." He said uncertainly. Firefly gave a nod of approval.

"Speaking of family... Tell me about your plans for the wedding!" She said. Soarin raised an eyebrow.

"You didn't get the letter?" He asked her. Dash giggled.

"It's a long story..." She mumbled. Soarin gave a slow nod.

"Um... Okay then... Anyway! We decided that we should start the wedding preparations, and have the actual wedding day be in a month or so... How does Valentine's Day sound?" He asked them. They all grinned at him.

"Oh how romantic!" Firefly swooned. Dash rolled her eyes.

"Wow, Mom..." She mumbled under her breath. Soarin chuckled, but then frowned.

"Do you think Spectrum and Ace will be able to come though? They just had their foal a few weeks ago..." He said. Dash's eyes widened.

"Oh right! Hm... February isn't for a month... I'm sure we'll be fine..." She insisted. Soarin smiled, and nodded. Blaze then spoke up.

"So is it set? Valentine's Day for the marriage?" He asked. Soarin and Dash looked at each other, and gave him a nod of approval.

"Sounds great, Dad. Thanks!" Dash said, confirming the date. Blaze nodded, before leaning back in his seat.

"So what have you two been up to these past few months? I feel like it's been forever since we've seen each other!" He said. Soarin grinned, and nodded.

"Yeah! It's been way too long!" he said.

"Life's been kinda stressful..." Dash started, earning concerned expressions from the other three ponies. "You know.. With me being a captain of my own squad now and all..." She finished.

"Oh! Well, I could always ask Spitfire to reduce your workload, if you'd like!" Soarin said, taking her hoof in his own. Dash shrugged nonchalantly.

"Nah... It's fine!" She said, before getting up, and walking into the kitchen. Soarin looked after her with a worried face, turning to her parents.

"She's been at this for days... Always insisting she's fine... I'd really like to help, but there isn't really anything I can do without Spitfire's okay. And you know how she is..." He said. Firefly stared at him.

"What do you mean?" She asked for clarification. Soarin sighed.

"She's the captain of one of the elite squads... Not to mention inexperienced! Of course it's going to be a challenge... And I really want her to succeed! But she shouldn't be feeling bad about it..." He explained. Blaze nodded.

"I'm going to go talk to her." He said. Soarin instantly shook his head, and held his hoof out to stop him.

"Don't... She needs to overcome this on her own. We can't always do everything for her. She's only beginning her career as a Wonderbolt! So she really just needs time to herself right now..." He explained. Blaze shrugged, and sat back down next to his wife. Dash trotted back inside the room with a glass of water.

"Hey guys! How's it goin'?" She asked them casually, grabbing a Daring Doo book from the counter, and lazily flopping back to read it. Soarin rolled his eyes, before gently tickling her stomach.

"Better now that you're here..." He mumbled. Dash blushed, and started to giggle at the touch. Firefly and Blaze cast each other a nervous glance, as they quickly got up.

"Well! This has been fun! How about you two come over this weekend to finish wedding preparations? Unless of course you're busy..." Firefly said, earning the attention of the younger couple. Soarin quickly ran through his schedule mentally, and then turned to Dash.

"I'm available Sunday afternoon. You?" He asked. Dash thought about this.

"Well, I scheduled some weight training with Squad Three Sunday morning... But I can probably finish up early, and meet you guys there! What time?" She asked. Blaze shrugged.

"Let's say... Two o'clock?" He asked. Soarin and Dash both nodded.

"That can be arranged. Could I invite Spectrum and Ace?" Dash asked her parents. Firefly smiled.

"Of course you can!" She said, making her way to the front of the house with her husband. She quickly gave her daughter a kiss on the cheek, and Soarin a hug.

"Bye, you guys! We'll see you in a few days!" She said, waving to the young Wonderbolts, as she and her husband flew off into the bright and sunny morning. After they left, Dash turned to Soarin.

"You do realize we missed half of practice for this, right?" She asked him lazily. Soarin's widened, as he gasped in shock.

"Holy crap..."

Chapter 3: Planning a Wonderbolt Wedding

A Dash of Love Soared Through the Skies

By: Crystal Heart

Chapter 3: Planning a Wonderbolt Wedding

“Dashie! Soarin! Come on in!” Firefly said, opening the cloud door to the Cloudsdale mansion. Dash and Soarin both fluttered inside, setting down their coats and bags on the way.

“Spectrum and Ace are coming soon. They just got caught up at the foal supplies shop.” Dash said, plopping down next to her coltfriend on the fluffy couch. Firefly and Blaze nodded, and sat down on the seats opposite them.

“Oh that’s fine. We for one haven’t even seen the foal yet! And it’s been what? Two months since the delivery?” Blaze said, sighing. “What kind of father isn’t there at his son’s fathering?” He mumbled. Firefly laid a hoof on her husband’s shoulder.

“It’s fine, Blazey. It wasn’t your fault! You know just as well as I do that being the boss of the Weather Factory isn’t an easy task…” She said. Blaze sighed again.

“Yeah… I guess so…” He said, taking his wife in his hooves.

Dash and Soarin looked at each other nervously. Soarin leaned in to whisper something in Dash’s ear.

“Do you think it’s alright if I cuddle you? I mean.. They’re doing it!” He exclaimed. Dash snorted, and started laughing quietly. Soarin smiled, and joined in the quiet laughter, making sure not to interrupt the older couple. Dash then grabbed his chin, and pulled him in as well. Soarin sighed, as he wrapped his own hooves around his mare.

“I can’t wait till we’re married…” He sighed out. Dash nodded in his chest.

“Mmhmm... “ She mumbled. They heard somepony clearing their throat, as they let go of each other, and stared into the eyes of Rainbow Blaze, whose eyebrows were highly raised. Dash and Soarin both blushed, as they let go of each other, and returned to their original positions.

"Anyway..." He said, just as the doorbell started to ring. The ponies instantly jumped up, and flew over to the front entrance of the house, opening the door quickly.

"Ace! Spectrum! It's so wonderful to see you two!" Firefly exclaimed, taking her son and daughter in-law in her hooves. The couple returned to hugs, flying inside with a foal seat hanging from Spectrum's hooves.

"Oh! Is that the foal?" Blaze asked, cooing at the sight of the little golden filly in the carriage. Ace and Spectrum both nodded, as Ace took the little filly into her hooves. Firefly led them into the family room, and they all took a seat together.

"Here's our little daughter, Crystal Rain..." Spectrum said, taking his little girl out of his wife's hooves.

The filly had a beautiful golden coat, with a shock of rainbow hair sitting behind her forehead. She had octagon highlights in her eyes, just like her mother, and her coat was slightly glowing, just like her mother's. She was obviously a crystal pony. She had giant cerulean eyes, and a tiny muzzle which aligned perfectly with her stout face. She really was an adorable sight.

"Oh gosh, Sparky.... Even I don't remember her being so precious..." Dash said softly. Ace and Spectrum beamed. A few sniffles were heard from the back, and everypony turned in alarm to see Rainbow Blaze letting a few tears escape his eyes.

"Dad?" Spectrum asked in disbelief. "Are you crying?"

"No... No... It's... It's liquid pride. Totally different thing!" He insisted. The others just rolled their eyes.

"It's just so wonderful to finally have a grandchild of my own... Ace, Spectrum, you've been married for almost five years now... I was thinking you were never going to finally have a kid!" He continued. Ace blushed madly, and nudged her husband in the ribs. Spectrum's eyes widened, as he cleared his throat.

"Um... I... Well... I don't really know what to do..." He said nervously to his wife. Ace grinned, and just shook her head, looking back over to the others. Blaze then reached over, and took his granddaughter into his own hooves.

"Aren't you just the sweetest thing?" He cooed. "Got any plans for future foals?"

"Um... Dad... We just had Crystal... Maybe in a few years..." Spectrum said, bashfully putting his hoof behind his neck. Blaze grinned, and kept cradling the baby.

"Sorry... I tend to go a little nuts over kids... I can't wait for you two to have more children for me to go crazy over!" He said goofily, patting the little filly on the back, while she gurgled a little. Dash then spoke up.

"Um... You know, Dad... Soarin and I-" She started, before Blaze cut her off.

"Don't even think about it." He said simply, rocking Crystal Rain. Dash and Soarin both blushed, as they stepped back.

"Dad... It might happen in the future... I don't want you to go all overprotective on me all over again..." Dash said. Blaze looked at her with wide eyes, and set the filly back in her mother's hooves. He then turned to Dash.

"Oh don't be ridiculous. You need to actually love each other before anything like that can happen." He said with a wave of his hoof. Dash and Soarin's eyes both widened. The cyan mare cleared her throat.

"Uh... Excuse me?" She asked in disbelief. Soarin went by her side.

"What do you mean, Sir?" He asked.

"I'm just saying, that since you don't love each other, you shouldn't be thinking all those nonsense thoughts! Sure, I mean, you like each other, but there really isn't anything more to it!" He explained carelessly. Dash looked down, and glanced over to Soarin, who's face was slowly turning red. She looked at him in alarm.

"Soarin... Calm down... It's alright." She whispered to him subtly. Soarin glanced down to her level.

"Dashie... What's he saying? How can he still be this way?" He asked her, before turning back up to Blaze. "Why would you think we don't love each other?"

Blaze shrugged. "If you loved each other, you would be spending more time with each other. You would be fighting for time to be with one another. But right now, you two are just so focused on your work... I don't think you'll EVER be that focused on each other." He said simply. Firefly tried to stop Blaze, but failed.

"Blazey... Stop now. Enough," she tried. Blaze shrugged.

"Just wanted to let you know my thoughts... That's all." He said, before returning to his granddaughter.

"What kind of cake do you want? Chocolate, vanilla, or buttercream?" Ace asked the young Wonderbolt couple. They both looked at each other, and nodded.

"Lemon!" They said together. Ace raised her eyebrows.

"Lemon? But that wasn't even a choice!" She said. Dash shrugged.

"Well, make it a choice! Lemon cake's awesome!" She said.

"Just about twenty percent cooler..." Soarin chimed in. Dash giggled, and nodded.

"What he said."

Firefly was the next one to walk inside the room. She set down a giant book in front of her daughter.

"I just picked up this book from Rarity's! She said she can sew you a wedding dress, and gave me this book of all the different choices!" She said happily, opening the book to a random page with different dress patterns.

Firefly then gasped, as she saw Soarin try to take a look. She instantly closed the book, and dragged Soarin out of the room.

"Sorry, Soarin! The groom can't see the bride's dress until the ceremony!" She insisted, closing the door in his face. Dash chuckled, before skimming through the book.

"Ack... None of these are remotely good..." She said, closing the book. "Could you ask Rarity to surprise me or something?" She asked Firefly. The older mare frowned.

"Are you sure? That book was awfully hard to fly over... It's very heavy... All that work gone to waste?" She asked nervously. Dash shrugged, and simply nodded.

"Eeyup..." She said, before getting up, and flying out of the room. Firefly sighed, and plopped down onto the large couch behind her. She sighed, before opening the book herself.

"Oh these are absolutely beautiful!" She exclaimed, pouring herself into the wide world of dresses.

Rarity would be proud.

"Rainbow Dash! Soarin! Come here!" Spectrum yelled out. Dash and Soarin looked at each other with curious glances, before shrugging, and walking into Dash's brother's room, where he and Blaze were sitting on the bed.

"Come on in, you guys! We need to decide on a suitable venue for the two of you!" Blaze explained, showing them a catalog of different resorts.

"So! We can have the wedding in Cloudsdale, Manehattan, ooh! How about the Canterlot Castle? Or maybe Fillydelphia Marriot? They're pretty pricy, but I think we can make it work!" Spectrum kept saying. Dash grimaced, and closed the book.

"I was thinking something a little less... Fancy..." She said firmly. Soarin instantly nodded.

"Yeah... How about a nice little wedding in the Ponyville Park?" He asked. Spectrum frowned.

"But... It's your wedding! Possibly the most magical day of your life! You MUST have it be big, bold, and beautiful!" He insisted. "Even my wedding was in The Crystal Empire!"

"And why was that?" Soarin asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Because it was where my wife used to live..." He said. Soarin nodded.

"And where did Rainbow used to live?" He asked. Spectrum's eyes widened, before he sighed in defeat.

"Oh... Okay fine..." He said, before trotting out of the room. Soarin and Dash grinned, and they got off the bed as well, turning away from it, and towards the door. Soarin turned to face Dash.

"Well this went well..." He said. Dash giggled, and nodded.

"Yeah... Well..." She snorted. Soarin smiled, and reached out draped both of his wings around the mare.

"You know, you look unbelievably cute when you stand up to others..." He said, resting his forehead on hers, and closing his eyes.  Dash smiled, and closed her eyes as well.

"Don't I always?" She replied.

"All the time." Soarin said, before reaching his hooves out, and embracing the mare in a tight hug. She softly nuzzled his chest affectionately.

"Hey Soar?" She mumbled.

"Yeah?"

"I love you..."

Soarin's eyes shot open, and his pupils dilated. Of course, he knew she loved him, but she was yet to say it first. It was always him saying 'I love you' and then her replying with an 'I love you too.' Never the other way around. He took a deep breath, and tightened his grip around the mare.

"Oh, Dashie..." He started. "I love you too..." He said, never wanting to let go of his hold.

Perhaps they had forgotten, or perhaps they didn't even care... But whether they knew it or not, Rainbow Blaze was still sitting on the bed, staring at the couple, as they embraced, and revealed their love for each other.

Maybe it was all a big mistake. Maybe Blaze was trying too hard. Maybe he should just accept the fact that his little girl had grown up. Maybe it was time.

Chapter 4: Soarin Stands Up

A Dash of Love Soared Through the Skies

By: Crystal Heart

Chapter 4: Soarin Stands Up

"Rainbow Dash? May I come in?" Blaze asked from outside his daughter's room. But there was no answer.

"Dash? Dash? Dash!" He kept yelling, but still no answer followed.

Blaze was growing impatient. He knew how his daughter was a heavy sleeper, but this was too much! He needed to talk to her! And he needed to talk to her right now!

With force, he pushed the door open to the large bedroom, gasping at the sight in front of him.

Rainbow Dash and Soarin were curled up in the large bed together. Soarin had his hooves clamped tightly around the mare, his head resting on her soft, rainbow mane. Dash had her own hooves around the stallion, and was resting her head onto his chest. She was lightly drooling on him, but he didn't seem to mind. They were both softly snoring in an identical beat, not seeming as they wanted to let go of each other.

It had been a few months since everything was set for the wedding. Blaze and Firefly had invited their children over before the main ceremony, and Blaze was forced to give Dash and Soarin a room to share. He purposely changed Dash's old bed for a much larger king sized one, so that the couple would have as much space as possible between them. But it didn't look like that trick was working.

Blaze stared at them for a little while, not sure what to do. He didn't want to wake them up, and have them angry at him, but at the same time, he wanted to yank the sheets off them, and give them a piece of his mind. So he just stood there.

Soarin stirred lightly in his sleep, gently waking up, and taking in his surroundings. But he didn't seem to notice the periwinkle stallion at the entrance to the room. So he turned back to his marefriend, and started stroking her mane affectionately. He leaned in, and lightly kissed her forehead, waking her up with a start.

So she'll wake up with a kiss from her coltfriend, and not constant yelling from her father? Blaze thought angrily. He was about to go up to them and pry them off of each other, but stopped once he saw what they did after.

Rainbow Dash awoke with a start, but instantly relaxed as the realized who was holding her. She giggled, and turned to face Soarin, who was smiling, and staring into her eyes.

"Hehe... Good morning..." She said, tilting her head up to get a better look at him. Soarin's smile widened.

"Good morning, my angel." He said, kissing her on her forehead again. Dash blushed, and shook her head, relaxing back into his hooves.

"Oh please... I'm no angel..." She said quietly. Soarin sighed, and turned her to face him.

"No... You're my angel." He said softly. "And mine alone."

Dash looked up to him with wide eyes.

"Not your mother's, and not your brother's. Not even your father's. Mine." He said firmly. Dash instantly looked away, tears starting to well up in her eyes. Soarin instantly put his hoof out, and turned her to face him again.

"And you have no idea how much I love you for it." He finished, wiping a few of her tears away. Dash suddenly make a low squeak, and pulled him in.

Their lips landed on each other's softly, but firmly. They moved together in a passion like no others.

A few minutes later, they slowly pulled away, keeping their eyes closed, and breathing hot air onto each other's faces. Dash was the first to speak.

"Overprotective much?" She asked quietly. Soarin chuckled.

"Of course I am, sweetie. I'm your husband." He said, pulling her in for a hug. Dash breathed a sigh of sheer content, as she wrapped her hooves around him.

"I just remembered today's our wedding day..." She said. Soarin giggled, and pulled away, nodding.

"Yeah... For a moment, I forgot as well..." He said.

"WELL! This has been LOVELY!" Somepony spoke up behind them. Dash and Soarin jumped up in fright, and turned instantly to the door, just in time to see Rainbow Blaze with an unreadable expression on. Dash gasped, and clamped Soarin's hoof into her own. Soarin glanced down to it, glared at it, and then looked back up at Blaze.

"Hey! What gives?" He asked with pure annoyance. Blaze raised an eyebrow at the question.

"Excuse me? You're about to get married to my daughter. I expect you to at least TRY to be nice..." He said. Suddenly, something inside Soarin snapped. He was sick and tired of Blaze acting this way, ruining every moment he got with his mare.

"You're daughter? The daughter who's scared of you?" He asked. Blaze's eyes widened.

"What are you talking about, and what happened to sir?"

Soarin ignored the question, and simply held up his hoof to show the tight hold Dash had on him.

"Look. Look at the effect you're having on her. After all you've done, she expects you to instantly do something bad to me. How can you do this to her? She's SUFFERING!" He said. Blaze glared at him, and shook his head.

"No she isn't. What I'm doing is purely for her benefit."

"You're WRONG!" Soarin exploded. "She may not be showing it... But she's hurting down inside. All she wants is for her father to get along with the stallion she loves. Look, I've been trying hard. Way too hard. But nothing seems to please you, does it?" Soarin continued. Blaze took a few steps back, clearly not expecting this.

"I've kept quiet for all these years. I've stood in your shadow, letting you do whatever crap you want to. But this is too much. The minute ANYPONY hurts Rainbow Dash... I don't even care anymore." Soarin said, not giving up. Dash then shook his body in fright.

"Soarin! Stop! Please..." She begged him. Soarin turned to look at her, and put a hoof on her shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Rainbow Dash... But I have to do this..." He mumbled to her, before turning back to Blaze.

"I'm sorry for anything I ever did to you... I really, truly am... But if this is what you really want... Then okay. Fine." He said, letting go of Dash, and walking up to the older stallion.

"You win, Rainbow Blaze. I won't marry your daughter. I'll never see her again. If you truly believe that she'll be happier without me, then I want her to be happy." He said.

Blaze's eyes widened, as he stared at him. Soarin had a look of pure determination on his face. They both heard a soft cry from the bed, and they turned to see Dash with tears streaming down her face. Soarin bit his lip, wanting desperately to go up to her, but he knew he couldn't.

Rainbow Dash got out of the bed, and ran up to Soarin. At the last second though, he took a step back, not letting her touch him. She frowned, before letting a few more tears escape.

"Soarin... Don't do this..." She whispered. Soarin hung his head sadly, and shook his head.

"I'm sorry, Dashie... I really am..." He said, before turning around, and walking out the door, giving Blaze one final look before exiting the room.

Chapter 5: Idea

A Dash of Love Soared Through the Skies

By: Crystal Heart

Chapter 5: Idea

Rainbow Dash stared out the door as Soarin left her. As he left her life. Her bottom lip quivered, and she burst into tears. She collapsed down onto the floor, and cried her eyes out.

Firefly, Ace and Spectrum all ran into the room, looking around, before spotting a crying Dash on the floor, and an awestruck Blaze standing with his mouth agape.

"Dashie?!" Firefly exclaimed, sitting down to see her daughter better, and lightly stroking her mane. Dash snorted, and reached out for her mother's hoof. She yanked it off her head, and sat back down.

"Don't call me that." She whispered harshly. Firefly got up, and took a few steps back. This was new...

"What? But I always call you Dashi-"

"I said DON'T CALL ME THAT!" She yelled out. "Only... Only... Only he was allowed to call me that..." She said, tears streaming down her face once again. She looked away from her family, and out towards the window.

"Soarin..." She whispered. Firefly raised an eyebrow, and yanked her daughter closer, making her face the pink mare.

"Rainbow Dash. What's going on?" She said firmly. More tears welled up in the cyan mare's eyes, as the looked down at the floor.

"He left... He left me..." She said softly. Firefly's eyes widened, as she stared at her daughter.

"What do you mean? But he loved you! How could he just leave...?" She pondered. Dash closed her eyes.

"Ask Dad... This is all HIS fault." She said, pointing her hoof towards her father. Firefly's mouth opened to speak, but stopped once she saw what Dash did next.

Dash got up, not bothering to wipe her tears away. She glared to her father, and stomped over to him.

"How... How could you?" She asked quietly. "HOW COULD YOU TAKE AWAY THE ONE PONY I LOVED?" She yelled.

"The ONE pony? What about your REAL family?" Blaze said back. "That worthless colt was only playing with your emotions! I see it all too clearly now. I can't believe I ever let him date you..."

Dash stomped her hoof on the floor, making a few clouds pop up, and disperse into the tension-filled air.

"That's NOT TRUE!" She yelled again. "He loved me!" She finished firmly. Blaze glared, and shook his head.

"Yes it is! He yelled at me! If that's not the sign for a bad colt... Then I don't know what i-" He started, before being cut off by Dash. But not verbally.

Rainbow Dash slapped her father. Hard. Her face, mushed with tears, shot daggers into her father's eyes. A red hoofprint appeared on Blaze's cheek, as he gasped, and held it softly.

"RAINBOW DASH!" Firefly exclaimed, running over to her husband. "Why would you slap your own FATHER?"

"Wouldn't you slap your father if he made Dad not marry you?" Dash replied quickly. All the color drained from Firefly's face, as she stared at her husband.

"Is this true, Blazey?" She asked him. Blaze just shrugged.

"Why should it even matter? Now Dash doesn't have to face heartbreak." He said. Firefly shook her head.

"You KNOW the two of them love each other a lot! How could you do this?" She asked her husband quietly.

"Oh please... That stupid, miserable, worthless colt meant nothing to us. He can just move on like Dash will." Blaze replied, looking over to where his daughter once stood.

But she was gone.

Soarin flew down towards earth pony level, desperate to get away from everything. He saw a bench from the corner of his eyes, and softly landed on it.

Then, he let himself free.

He cried, and cried. He cried like there was tomorrow... Like his whole world was coming to an end.

Which was exactly what was happening.

He let her go... He let his beloved, sweet, beautiful Dashie go...

No goodbye hug... No goodbye kiss... He just... Walked away.

And he felt absolutely terrible about it.

All he really wanted was to see her... To touch her... To kiss her... To hug her... But he knew that was a lost cause. Oh but what the heck... He loved her! Was that such a crime?

Rainbow Dash sneakily escaped the large room, and flew out the window beside her bed.

She needed to find Soarin.

After flying around for quite some time, she finally spotted him hunched up and sitting on a nearby bench. Cautiously, she flew down, and landed softly on the ground behind him. Soarin didn't seem to notice her.

He just kept crying.

Dash's heart broke at the sight. He had never seen him cry this hard before... And she couldn't bear it. Not one bit at all.

"Soar?" She said quietly. Soarin's head snapped up immediately, and he quickly whipped his head over to face the cyan mare. His eyes widened once he saw her, and instantly pulled her in for the tightest embrace they ever shared.

No words were spoken, no gestures were made, it was just the two of them, sitting in each other's hooves, anxiously getting their fill of one another.

"Oh Dashie..." Soarin said after a while.

"Soar..." Dash said softly into his chest. Soarin then slowly let go of her, and held her shoulders.

"What are you doing here?" He asked her.

"I needed to see you..." She said softly. Soarin gave her a tender smile.

"Me too." He said, before hugging the mare once again.

"Soarin... I really wanted to get married to you..." Dash said. Soarin nodded, and pushed her back to face him.

"I have an idea... But first, I need to ask you a question..." He told her. Dash gave him a curious nod.

"Go ahead..." She said slowly. Soarin took a deep breath.

"Rainbow Miriam Danger Dash... Do you love me?"

"Yes."

"Would you be willing to give up your entire career as a Wonderbolt for me?"

"Yes." Dash replied once again. Soarin closed his eyes, and nodded.

"Let's run away."

Chapter 6: Run

A Dash of Love Soared Through the Skies

By: Crystal Heart

Chapter 6: Run

"So... What do you say?" Soarin asked Dash in a low tone. The cyan mare closed her eyes, and nodded.

"Lets do it. But I don't want anypony to follow us." She said. Soarin nodded.

"So... Kind of like an elope?" He asked.

"Yeah." She said. Soarin nodded, and pulled her in for another embrace.

"How are we going to do this?" He mumbled into her rainbow mane. Dash sniffed a little.

"Just follow my lead."

Mom, Dad, Ace and Spectrum;

I've decided to move. I will not be continuing my career as a Wonderbolt, and I will not be coming by for visits any time soon. In fact, I'd like you to forget you ever knew me. I'm starting a new life with my future husband.

I love you,

Rainbow Dash

Firefly stared at the letter that had just landed on the doorstep to her house. Her eyes widened as her brain processed the information. Dash was... running away? She gasped, and flew quickly into the house, grabbing the attention of everypony else.

"Fire? What is it?" Blaze asked, as he saw his wife take deep breaths, sitting on the couch. Spectrum and Ace entered the room with worried faces.

"Mom?" Spectrum said, trotting over to sit next to her. Blaze took the seat on the other side of his wife, and Ace sat next to her husband. They all looked over the pink mare.

"Dash... She... I..." Firefly started to say. Blaze raised an eyebrow.

"Fire! What's going on?!" He asked again. Firefly looked up to him, and gave him the letter. Blaze cautiously took it, and started to read it, his eyes widening as he went along.

"WHAT?!" He yelled. Firefly quietly sniffed, and nodded.

"She's ELOPING?" Blaze yelled again. Spectrum and Ace both gasped.

"What?" Ace asked in disbelief.

"No... This is Dash! She wouldn't do this!" Spectrum insisted. Firefly just looked down, and shook her head.

"But she did... Her love for Soarin was too powerful..." She said, before looking up to her husband. "You do realize this is all your fault, right?"

"What? How is it MY fault?" He asked. Firefly shook her head, and flew out of the room in a swift motion. Blaze frowned, and read the letter once again, sighing as he went along.

"Trust me... She'll come back. I just know it..."

Rainbow Dash and Soarin flew south of Cloudsdale and Ponyville, with only one set destination planned out. The Crystal Empire. After making a quick stop at the bank to pick up their savings, they started their long journey.

"Hey Soar?" Dash spoke up. Soarin looked over to her.

"Yeah, Dashie?"

"What do you think's going to happen to us?" She asked worriedly. Soarin frowned.

"Hey, hey hey... Don't feel bad... We'll start a new life! One for ourselves, without ponies trying to tell us what to do!" He said to her, flying closer to her side. Dash gave him a small smile, and nodded.

"Yeah... I hope so. Do you really think The Crystal Empire was the best decision?" She asked. Soarin glanced down at her, and nodded.

"Definitely. Whenever I can't be around helping you, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor can! They can look out for you, and it would make living somewhere without anypony close a lot easier if you're friends with the princess." He explained. Dash thought about this, and nodded.

"But what about Ace? And Spectrum? They LIVE in the Empire... What if they find us, and tell my parents where we are?" She asked him. Soarin shook his head.

"Then we'll just make sure they don't find us." He said.

"But how do you kno-"

"Dashie... Trust me on this one. We'll be fine. We have each other." Soarin said, putting a hoof over the mare's lips. Dash looked down, and nodded.

"Okay, Soarin." She said, before picking up slight speed.

"Here we are... The Crystal Empire..." Soarin said to his marefriend, as they flew into the protective barriers of the Empire. Dash smiled, as she looked around to see the many happy crystal ponies cherishing in the sunlight of the Empire.

"Where to now?" She asked Soarin. Soarin grinned.

"I thought we could go and see Princess Cadance first, tell her our current situation." He said, as Dash smiled, and nodded.

"Alright. To the Crystal Castle we go!" She announced, heading over to the large castle in the middle of the city.

"Oh my! Rainbow Dash and Soarin Skies of the Wonderbolts? What can I do for you?" Cadance asked the young couple as they entered the throne room. Dash and Soarin instantly bowed low.

"Princess Cadance... Prince Shining Armor, it's nice to see you both..." Soarin said out of respect. Shining Amor raised an eyebrow.

"Hello there, you two. What happened?" He asked them both. Dash and Soarin gave each other nervous glances.

"Well, there have been some issues at home. Could we please talk? In private?" Dash asked the rulers, glancing over at the guards. Cadance gave her husband a confused look, but beckoned them deeper inside the castle.

The four ponies entered a deserted room with a few chairs lying around. Cadance gestures to a large one.

"Take a seat, and tell us what's going on." She said, as the two athletes sat down.

"Oh my... That's terrible!" The pink alicorn princess exclaimed. Shining Armor gave a vigorous nod.

"How on earth did you manage to elope like this?" He asked them. Dash sighed.

"We're not really sure... But we really wanted to get married... And since my father wasn't cooperating, we decided that this was the only way we could be safely united." She explained. Cadance nodded.

"Well, I'm glad you decided to reach out to us. I'd be happy to preside over to ceremony. Even if it is a very small one. As a princess, I have the same power as a preach would. So I can do the job that Twilight, or Celestia would have done. When do you want to hold the wedding?" She asked them. Dash shrugged.

"As soon as possible. Much sooner than my brother and his family arrive back here. They live in the Empire, and I want to get married before they come." She said. Cadance nodded, and got out of her seat.

"We shall hold the ceremony right now then. Follow me to the main reception hallway." She said, beckoning her husband and the younger couple out of the room. Dash and Soarin glanced at each other. Soarin gave his mare a small smile.

"Ready, Dashie?" He asked her. Dash nodded.

"Ready as I'll ever be."

Chapter 7: Wedding

A Dash of Love Soared Through the Skies

By: Crystal Heart

Chapter 7: Wedding

Rainbow Dash gasped as she heard the bridal march being played by Shining Armor's magic. She took a deep breath, as Cadance used her magic to open the doors from inside the large room.

Slowly, Dash walked inside the reception hallway, where Soarin, Cadance and Shining were waiting for her at the end of the long aisle. Dash took a deep breath, and started to walk.

Nothing was fancy. In fact, the four ponies weren't even dressed for the occasion. But nevertheless, Dash and Soarin were happy.

But Rainbow couldn't help but feel a little empty down inside. She always imagined her big day to be lavish, and full. With almost all of Equestria in attendance!

Even though it was far from what she always hoped for, she still knew it was perfect. For it wasn't the wedding that mattered. It was the marriage. And Dash was very excited to finally be united with her one true love. Even if it did mean an elope.

In a few minutes, Dash had reached the end of the aisle, and stood opposite Soarin, as they gazed into each other's eyes. Cadance smiled, as she saw the small gesture, before clearing her throat, and beginning her speech.

"Mares and stallions... Um.. Nevermind. Moving on! We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Rainbow Dash and Soarin Skies. The strength of their commitment, unbreakable. The power of their love, undeniable. In fact, they loved each other so much, they couldn't stand to be apart, resulting in an elope. Although they've had their rough patches in the past, they hope to forget about them, and create new memories together, and as one. So without further ado, do you, Rainbow Dash, take this stallion to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and health, till death do you part?" Cadance asked, looking over to the cyan mare who had tears in her eyes.

"I do." She said softly. Cadance smiled.

"And do you, Soarin Skies, take this mare to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and health, till death do you part?" She asked the baby blue stallion.

"I do." Soarin said. Cadance smiled again, and nodded.

"Very well. May I have the rings?" She asked Shining Armor, who handed the rings, which were on long threads, over to his wife with his magic. Cadance transferred the objects into her own magic, and slipped them onto the couple's necks.

"I now pronounce you, husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Soarin instantly dipped Rainbow Dash beneath him, and leaned in for a short, sweet kiss. They did it! They were finally married!

Cadance and Shining clapped their hooves together in celebration for the married couple, and both grinned over at each other. Cadance had never presided over a wedding ceremony, and she felt awfully great about doing it! She and her husband were also incredibly happy for the young couple.

"Oh congratulations, Rainbow Dash and Soarin!" Cadance said, as they broke away from each other. Soarin and Dash both grinned.

"Thank you Cadance!" Dash said. Shining nodded.

"Congrats, you two! Welcome to marriage life!" He said. Dash and Soarin grinned at him, and nodded.

"Thank you, Prince Shining!" Soarin exclaimed.

"Oh please... No need for formalities. Just Shining is fine." He said. Soarin smiled, and nodded.

"Cadance! No! We can't!" Dash insisted, staring at the crystal mansion on the outskirts of the Empire. Cadance shook her head.

"Please! Take it! I insist!" She said. Dash's eyes widened, and she frantically turned to Soarin.

"Soarin! Tell the princess we cannot accept such a gift!" She demanded. Soarin nodded with a serious face.

"Dash is right, Cadance. We can't take a house from your empire! That's way too much!" He said. Shining then stepped up.

"You're going to need someplace to live, though! This house is perfect for the two of you!" He said. Dash shook her head again.

"You've already done more than enough for us!" She said, stomping her hooves on the ground. Shining looked over to his wife with a nervous glance. Cadance only have him a small smile.

        "No. You are taking it. And that's final." She said.

        "But-"

        "No buts. It's final. In fact, as the Crystal Princess, I hereby ORDER you to take the house." Cadance said. Dash sighed.

        "Oh... Alright. We owe you one." She said, turning to her husband, and gesturing him to go inside the house. Soarin quickly glanced over to the two rulers.

        "Thank you, Cadance, Shining. This all means so much to us." He said. Cadance and Shining Armor smiled.

        "Oh please. It was no problem at all! Now, we best be going. You two should get settled in." She said. Dash smiled, and trotted inside the mansion.

        "Woah..." Soarin said in disbelief, when he entered the house. Dash nodded with an awestruck expression.

        "Yeah..." She mumbled, walking up the stairs. "Look... Five bedrooms... Soarin, this house is way too big!"

        "Cadance and Shining are just way too kind..." He replied, coming up the stairs from behind her. Dash turned to him, and nodded. She then looked over to the room farthest to the right of them.

        "That's our room." She said simply, grabbing Soarin's hoof, and dragging him inside.

        Once they entered the large room, Dash turned to Soarin, putting her hooves to the back of his neck, and pulling him in for a long, rough kiss. Soarin closed his eyes, as he melted into the kiss, kicking the door closed behind him.

        The two lovers floated over to the middle of the room, not breaking the kiss. Soarin wrapped his arms around the mare, pulling her closer to him.

        Dash let a few tears escape, still not breaking the loving gesture between her and her husband. Soarin lingered off of her, and stared into her eyes.

        "Dashie?" He asked with a concerned expression. Dash took a few deep breaths, and stared into the stallion's dark green orbs.

        "I... I love you, Soar." She said, pushing herself back onto him. Soarin lightly kissed her again, before pulling back.

        "Dashie... I love you too. And I'm sorry." He said, resting his forehead upon her's. Dash closed her eyes.

        "For what?" She asked him.

        "For doing this. For separating you from your family... Your friends..." He replied. He then felt her shake her head.

        "Soarin... It was my decision. Sure... It hurts a little, but I'm happy. I have you..." She said, before pulling him in again.

        Soarin relaxed into the mare's arms, and he felt her doing the same. He roughly pushed her, and they fell on the huge bed behind them, eventually leading to something more.

Chapter 8: What's Wrong?

A Dash of Love Soared Through the Skies

By: RDcrystalheart AKA Crystal Heart

Chapter 8: What's Wrong?

It had been a good few days.

Okay I'm lying.

It had been terrible for a certain cyan pegasus mare.

Moving on!

Rainbow Dash was still feeling a little stressed about the wedding, and her family, but Soarin was trying his very hardest to comfort her when things got a little too rough. But sometimes, it was proven impossible.

"Dashie? Are you coming down for some breakfast?" He asked her one morning, peeking his head into their room. Dash was curled up on the bed, with her eyes closed. She cautiously looked up, and shook her head.

"You go on without me. I think I'm going to skip today." She said, before returning to her original position, moaning slightly. Soarin frowned, and trotted up to the bed, placing a hoof on her forehead.

"Rainbow Dash... I'm worried about you. You haven't eaten in two days! Are you sure you're alright?" He asked her. Dash opened her eyes again, and nodded.

"Yeah, I'm... Fine... Please Soarin. I just really want to be alone for a little bit." She said, pulling away from his reach. Soarin's eyebrows flattened, as he stared upon his clearly distraught wife.

"Dashie... Please eat som-"

"I said I'm FINE!" She yelled out suddenly. Soarin took a few steps back, clearly not expecting this. "Now GO AWAY!"

Soarin hung his head, and slowly trotted out of the room. "Alright fine. If you need anything, let me know" He said. Dash moaned in answer, and closed her eyes again, grumbling to herself.

As soon as she knew Soarin was downstairs, she let it all out.

"Stupid mood swings..." She mumbled, rolling over onto her belly.

"Stupid pregnancy..."

Alas, it was true. Rainbow Dash had discovered only yesterday that she was in fact pregnant with her husband's foal.

"How the hay am I supposed to tell this to Soarin?" She asked herself, hiding her face in her hooves. "And after I yelled at him... I really doubt he'd want to talk to me. Who'd want to talk to me of all ponies?" She said, letting a few tears escape.

Like magic, there was a knock on the door, resulting in the baby blue stallion trotting inside the room, with a plate full of food held in his teeth.

"Okay, I don't care what you say. You are eating this. Even if I have to force it down your mouth." Soarin said, sitting down besides the mare on the bed. She rolled onto her back, and looked up at him.

"What? But I told you! I'm NOT hungry!" She said, pushing the plate away. Soarin frowned, and picked up the bowl of oats.

"Open up," he said. Dash crossed her hooves, and held her head high.

"Nuh uh!" she exclaimed, avoiding the food. Soarin just smirked, and quickly put the bowl up to her lips.

"HEY-" Dash started, but the second she opened her mouth, in came the oats. She frowned, and grumpily swallowed the breakfast, not being able to resist the tempting smile that crept onto her face. Soarin grinned.

"There's the sugar!" He exclaimed, giving the bowl to his wife, who happily munched on the oats.

"Oh gosh I needed that..." She said, wiping her mouth. Soarin smiled.

"Glad I could make you feel better." He said simply. Dash then suddenly frowned.

"What? You didn't even do ANYTHING! It was all the oats! So stop being a liar and telling me all these LIES! LIAR!" She yelled, before bursting into tears. Soarin's eyes widened, as he looked upon the weeping mare with concern.

"Dashie... Something's wrong. What happened?" He asked her worriedly. Dash grumbled.

"NOTHING is wrong." She insisted. Soarin frowned.

"Rainbow Dash... Tell me what's wrong. Or am I going to have to call in my private investigator Eclipse?" He asked her teasingly. Dash instantly looked up.

"You have a private investigator?" She asked him in disbelief. Soarin nodded.

"He works in Canterlot. But do I really have to call him to know that something's wrong? Come on, babe. You can tell me anything." He said softly to her. Dash hung her head low.

"I can't tell you..." She said quietly. Soarin was shocked. What could be so bad that his little Dashie couldn't tell him?

"Sweetheart... You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. But I really thought this was a no-secret relationship. I thought we didn't hide things from each other..." He said. Dash's head snapped up, and her eyes widened.

"What? Of course we don't have secrets from each other!" She said quickly. Soarin then got up from the bed.

"Yeah well, you're not really living up to that right now!" He said, raising his voice slightly. Dash's bottom lip quivered. Soarin tried to stay put, but he was really getting on verge right now. "When you're ready to tell me what's going on, come downstairs." He mumbled, turning to walk out of the room.

"Wait..." He heard a soft cry from the bed. Soarin's eyes widened, as he turned his head around, still keeping the rest of his body in place. He saw Dash with teary eyes, and he quickly faced her completely.

"I can't tell you... Because... I'm afraid..." She said quietly. Soarin walked back over to her.

"Afraid of what?" He asked. Dash looked away for a second, before getting out of the bed, and standing in front of him.

"Afraid that you'll leave me..." She said softly. Soarin let out a soft gasp, before scooping her up in his hooves.

"Oh sweetie... I made a promise to always be by your side. And I'm not going to be breaking it." He said, as she nestled herself into his chest. "Now... No more secrets. Tell me what's going on."

Dash's throat hitched up, as she stared up into his loving eyes. The eyes she had fallen for so long ago.

"I'm... I'm pregnant."

Soarin let go of his hold on the mare, and leaned back a little.

"W-W-What?" He stammered. Dash hung her head, and nodded.

"You mean... I'm going to be a daddy?" He asked for clarification. Dash looked up to him, and nodded. Soarin suddenly broke into a huge grin.

"Dashie... THAT'S AMAZING!" He yelled, picking up the mare, and spinning her around. Dash's eyes widened as she was in mid air, and she instantly started to smile.

"HAHA I LOVE YOU RAINBOW DASH!" He yelled out. Dash couldn't take it any longer. She grabbed Soarin's face, and pulled him in for a long lasting kiss.

Soarin instantly closed his eyes, and returned it with just as much passion as she was showing. He wrapped his hooves around her, and pulled her closer, deepening the kiss.

A few minutes later, they pulled away, and stared into each other's eyes. Soarin smiled.

"You're going to be the best mommy ever." He said happily, bumping foreheads with his wife. Dash smiled.

"And you're going to be the best daddy ever." She said simply. Soarin chuckled. Dash sighed.

"You're in for a long ride. I can be one moody pegasus." She said. Soarin nodded seriously.

"Oh I've noticed." He said. Dash playfully glared up at him.

"HEY!"

Chapter 10: Doctor's Visit

A Dash of Love Soared Through the Skies

By: Crystal Heart

Chapter 10: Doctor's Visit

Rainbow Dash, Soarin, Spectrum and Ace all made their way inside the doctor's office.

"Hi there, what can I do for you?" The receptionist mare asked them. Soarin cleared his throat.

"Hello. My wife made an appointment to find out the gender of her baby today." He said. The mare nodded, and took a few notes down with her quill. After a few mumbles, and turned to the four ponies, and nodded.

"Perfect. Room 13A please. Your doctor will meet you there." She said. Dash thanked the mare, and made her way through the corridors to the many different rooms.

"There's the room, Rainbow!" Ace called out, pointing to a door a few meters away. Dash smiled, and nodded, going up to it, and knocking lightly on the door.

A small, middle aged mare with a turquoise coat and a dark green mane opened the door, and looked upon the arrivals. She instantly smiled upon seeing the pregnant mare.

"Hi, Rainbow Dash, right?" She asked. Dash nodded.

"That's me! And this is my husband, Soarin. And my brother and his wife, Spectrum and Ace." She said, introducing everypony to the doctor. She smiled.

"Hello everypony. I'm Doctor Vine. Who's coming inside with me?" She asked. Dash raised a hoof, and Soarin did as well. Soarin then turned to Spectrum and Ace.

"Do you mind if we do this one alone?" He asked them. Ace smiled, and nodded.

"Of course not! You two go on ahead. We'll be outside here waiting." She said, ushering the couple inside the room with the Doctor.

"Alright, Rainbow. Lets start with some questions." Doctor Vine said. Dash nodded, as she sat up on the bed, and Soarin in a chair next to her.

"So what do you do for a living?" Vine asked them.

"Me and my husband both work as weather ponies for the east side of the Empire." Dash said. Vine nodded, and took a few notes.

"What are your symptoms?" She asked. Dash thought about this one, before answering.

"Well, not any different than any other pregnant mare. The usual... Morning sickness, mood-swings, swelling. Stuff like that." She said casually. Vine nodded again, and wrote some more stuff down with her quill.

"Perfect. Lets begin." She said, taking a bottle of gel out from the cupboard. Slowly, she rubbed it onto the cyan mare's belly, and attached a few cords on.

Vine then backed up, and took a look on the monitor screens.

"Alright! The baby looks nice and healthy. It's growing up fi- Wait... What's this?" She mumbled. Soarin's eyes widened.

"What? What happened, Doctor?" He asked frantically, looking over onto the screen. Vine suddenly broke into a huge grin, and used her hoof to point to something.

"Congratulations, Rainbow Dash and Soarin! You're giving birth to twins!"

"TWINS?" Soarin and Dash both yelled at the same time, causing Ace and Spectrum to burst inside the room.

"Did I hear right? My baby sister's having twins?" Spectrum said, frantically looking around. Vine only nodded, and trotted to the front of the room.

"Yes. One baby boy, and one baby girl. They're growing up fine. Healthy and happy. If you need anything else, I'll be at the front desk filing your papers." She said, walking out of the room, and closing it behind her.

Soarin instantly turned to Rainbow Dash, and held her hooves in his.

"How are you feeling, sweetie?" He asked her with concerned eyes. Dash gave him a slight frown.

"I was barely even ready for one foal... Now we're having two?" She mused quietly, before sitting up in the bed. Soarin gave her a small smile, and wrapped his hooves around her, which she quickly returned.

"Hey now. Dashie... What did I tell you all those months ago the night you told me you were pregnant?" Soarin asked her.

"That you were going to force the oats down my throat if I didn't listen?" She guessed. Soarin chuckled.

"No... I said that you were going to be the best mommy ever. And I was right. You are going to be the best mommy ever." He said, before pulling away from the mare. He placed his hooves on her shoulders, and looked into her eyes.

"And do you know why?" He asked, not giving her a chance to answer. "Because you have me." He finished, kissing her on her forehead. Dash smiled, and looked away from him, biting her lip slightly.

"You really think we'll make good parents?" She mumbled. Soarin only nodded, putting his hoof to her chin, to make her face him again.

"I know we will." He said, before giving her another hug.

The two of them pulled away from each other when they heard light crying coming from the back. Dash and Soarin turned to see Spectrum and Ace with teary eyes, looking at them happily.

"Oh... We're so happy for the two of you..."  Spectrum said, holding his wife in one of his wings. Ace nodded.

"Truer words were never spoken... Have you guys decided on any names yet?" She asked them. Dash and Soarin glanced at each other, before turning back to the older couple.

"Well... We were thinking Rainbow Sandstorm if it was a filly, and Stronghold Skies if it was a colt... But I guess we can use both now? What do you think?" Dash asked. Ace and Spectrum looked at each other with big smiles.

"Sandy and Strongy? Awe... That's so cute!" Ace cooed. Dash grinned, and looked over to Soarin, who was wearing a tender smile.

"Thanks. Picked the names out myself." He said, before covering his mouth, and looking over to Rainbow Dash with wide eyes. Oops! He didn't mean to let that slip!

"Excuse me?" She said in a low voice, walking closer to the scared stallion. Soarin gulped, and took a few steps back.

"Um... Nevermind." He said. Dash only continued.

"Now... You have five seconds to clear up what you just said. Otherwise, you're going to have to face MY wrath." She said with an evil smirk. Soarin didn't like that look...

"Uh... We both chose the names together! But Rainbow Dash did most of it!" He stammered to Spectrum and Ace, who were quietly laughing from their spots. Dash instantly straightened up, and gave him a nod of approval.

"Nice job." She said, before trotting out of the room. Soarin released a sigh of relief, and followed his wife. Wherever she was going.

Rainbow Dash was now officially ten months pregnant. Meaning her due date was coming up fast. She and Soarin had finished their foal shopping a few days ago, and had the room next door to them ready as a nursery.

One night, Dash stood in front of the large mirror in her room, looking over herself.

God she was fat.

And she didn't like it one bit at all.

Would Soarin still love her once he saw her more closely? Would he leave her once he saw her true self?

She hoped not… because she would be heartbroken if he did.

But… What if it did happen? What if he really did leave her?

Suddenly, Dash felt a pair of strong hooves wrapping around her. She snapped out of her gaze, and looked through the mirror, seeing her husband behind her with his arms around her.

Soarin started leaving light kisses from her shoulder up. He breathed hot air onto Dash’s neck, and then continued his journey.

Once he reached her ear, he softly bit down, earning a soft moan from the mare beneath him.

Soarin continued to bite her ear, as Dash slowly closed her eyes, enjoying the pleasure he was giving her. Suddenly, her eyes snapped open again, and she pushed Soarin away from her.

"Dashie? What happened?" He asked her. Dash looked down, and walked over to the bed, sitting down.

"Soarin... I need to ask you something." She said. Soarin scrunched his eyebrows, and sat down in front of her. He took her hooves in his, and looked at her lovingly.

"Go ahead, I'm listening." He said.

"Do you think I'm fat?" She asked him quickly. Soarin's eyes widened, as he just stared at her.

"Dashie... Why are you asking me this?"

"Please answer me... And tell the truth..." She said. Soarin shook his head.

"No. I don't think you're fat." He said simply. Dash shut her eyes tight, and frantically shook her head back and forth.

"No! You're lying! Look at me!" She said, gesturing to her body. Soarin sighed, and held her shoulders, looking her deep in her eyes. He slowly lowered her down so they were both lying side by side on the bed.

"I am seeing you perfectly fine, Dashie. And do you know why you think of yourself this way?" He asked her softly. Dash curiously shook her head no. Soarin smiled, and shifted her body so that her back was facing him. He put his hooves around her, and they landed on her stomach.

Slowly, he started to caress his wife's belly, leaning in to kiss her neck.

"I see a beautiful mare, who's carrying my children. Dashie... You only look this way because you love me. And I love you." He said, kissing her once again.

He lifted one hoof from her stomach, and put it to her neck, starting to rub it thoroughly. He reached the part where Dash's mane ended, and he heard a loud moan from her.

"Mmmmm.... Ahhhh... EEEEEEEKKKIIIIIWWWOOWW!!" She suddenly yelled, as he ran his hoof across the end part of her neck. She instantly blushed, and looked up at the baby blue stallion, who was smirking at her.

"Did I just find another sweet spot?" He asked her. Dash blushed harder, as she bit her lip. Of course, after being with him for so long, he knew most of her weak places... But to find another...

"Mayyyybbeeee..." She teased, lying back down, and letting her husband continue. He chuckled, and turned her so she was face to face with him.

He moved himself down a little till her belly was right in front of him. Lovingly, he stroked a hoof across it, smiling as he felt a little kick. Dash giggled, and watched him go on.

Soarin leaned in, and planted small kisses all over her abdomen, hearing Dash gasp as he did.

"Oh god I love you..." She moaned. Soarin looked up to her, and smiled.

"I love you too, Dashie," he said. he scooted himself up, until he was back to looking at her perfect face. "More than anything I have  in my entire life." He finished, before cupping her cheeks in his hooves, and kissing her passionately.

Dash lifted her own hooves up, and caressed his cheeks, releasing soft gasps every now and then.

She pressed her tongue to his bottom lip, demanding for entrance, which he gladly gave her. She then rolled herself onto him, so her back was resting on his front.

"Will you always love me?" She asked, allowing him to wrap his hooves around her waist once again. He leaned in, and kissed the crook of her neck again.

"Of course I will, baby." He said, breathing hot air down her spine. "Will you?"

Rainbow Dash curled up on him, using his warmth an underside blanket. She slowly heaved herself up, and landed back onto him so she was facing his chest.

"Always..." She said, nuzzling his fur, and hearing his fast, steady heartbeat, knowing it was doing so for her. Only her.

The two lovers laid there on the bed, eventually falling asleep in each other's embrace.

Never wanting to let go.

Chapter 11: Mother Dashie

A Dash of Love Soared Through the Skies

By: Crystal Heart

Chapter 11: Mother Dashie

"So Rainbow! How are the foals doing?" Ace asked her sister in-law, as she fondled with her own daughter. Dash looked up, and smiled.

"Hopefully, they'll be out soon..." she mumbled. Ace chuckled, and nodded.

"I remember being in the same position a little more than a year ago.. it was quite the adventure," she said. Dash's eyes widened.

"Does it... hurt?" she asked. Ace thought about this, and shrugged.

"Well, it all depends on what you're capable of. And I think you'll do just fine," she reassured the younger mare. Dash smiled again, and nodded.

The two were at Ace and Spectrum's house on the west side of the Crystal Empire. Soarin and Spectrum were at the foal-shower shop, picking up a few last minute things for Dash.

Of course, being the caring stallion he was, Soarin insisted that he stay with his wife. And Dash, being the competitive mare she was, didn't let him. She remembered the moment all too well.

--Flashback--

"Dashie! Your due date is in a week! I can't leave you like this!" Soarin said. Dash rolled her eyes.

"Soarin... Like you just said, my due date is in a week! I'll be fine! Besides, if anything were to happen, Ace and Spectrum are just a few roads away!" She said, remembering that her brother's house was actually on the other side of the Empire. Soarin instantly brightened up.

"Oh! I know! How about I drop you off at their house? Ace can take care of you, and Spectrum can come with me, if he wants!" He said. Dash shrugged.

"Would it make you feel better if I did?" she asked him. Soarin nodded in a serious manner. Dash sighed.

"Oh alright. We'll go to Spec and Spark's house." she said, getting up from her seat, and making her way to the front door of their house. Soarin instantly stopped her.

"Oh no, my dear. You are not walking. I'll carry you." He said. Dash raised her eyebrows at him.

"I'm a pregnant mare, with not one foal, but two. I think I can manage myself." she said.

"Oh... fine. But on one condition." He said slyly.

"What's that?" Dash asked.

"You can walk with me, just for the small price of a kiss," he said. Dash rolled her eyes, and pecked him on the nose. Soarin beamed.

"Perfect!"

--End Flashback--

Rainbow Dash chuckled at the memory, before turning her attention to the little filly who was crawling up to her.

"Aunty Wainbow!" Crystal Rain exclaimed, holding out her hooves. Dash giggled, and picked up the foal, bouncing her in her hooves, while she gurgled happily. Dash held the filly to her chest, and started cradling her gently.

"Who's a pretty little filly? You are! Yes you are! Yes you are!" She cooed, bouncing her in the tight embrace. She smiled as Crystal spit out slightly while laughing.

Ace watched from afar, smiling as she saw the cyan mare show affection for her daughter. She grinned.

"You really are going to make a fabulous mother..." She silently said to her. Dash looked up with wide eyes.

"What? I wasn't being all that motherly! I was just... playing with the filly!" She exclaimed. Ace nodded.

"Exactly. By playing with her, you made her happy! And that is the first fine quality of a- Rainbow? What's wrong?" Ace said worriedly as she noticed the new position Dash was in.

Dash winced as an incredible amount of pain overtook her body. Mostly her lower regions. She tried to keep a straight face, but it was proven impossible.

"I'm... fine! Just... gimme a few... seconds... AH!" She suddenly yelped, clutching her stomach. Ace's eyes went wide.

"Rainbow Dash! Are you okay?!" She yelled, putting her hooves on the younger mare's shoulders. Crystal Rain backed away in fear.

"Spark... It's time."

Soarin burst into the hospital, Spectrum following close behind. He frantically looked around, and spotted a doctor not too far away.

"Do you know what room Misses Rainbow Dash is in?" He said, shaking her slightly. The mare stared at him, before blankly pointing to a room a few doors down. Soarin gasped, and ran to it.

"Thank you, doctor. And I apologize for his anxiety." Spectrum said, trying to catch his breath.

"Is it his first time?" The doctor asked. Spectrum nodded, and followed Soarin to the room.

Soarin tried with all his might to open the door, but it was proven impossible.

"IT'S LOCKED?" He yelled. Spectrum trotted up behind him, and tried to open it too.

"Yeah... I think it is..." He said. A nearby doctor looked at them curiously, and walked up to them.

"May I help you?" He asked them, once he saw Soarin start to pound on the door. The two stallions looked over, and nodded.

"My wife is in there, having her children. I need to be in there with her!" Soarin insisted. The doctor's eyes widened, as he shook his head.

"Sorry, sir. No can do. We never allow the husbands to be in there. You'll get to see your wife in an hour or so." He said. Soarin banged his head on the wall, shaking his head rapidly.

"No! I need to be in there! She needs me!" He yelled. The doctor shook his head again.

"As I take it, her sister is in the café. You two gentlemen can kindly make your way over there, and we can call you back once the procedure is complete." He said, gesturing to a long hallway. Soarin shook his head.

"If I can't be inside with her, I'll just wait outside the door." He said, planting his hooves firmly on the ground by the door. The doctor sighed, and simply used his magic to pick Soarin up, and walk with him down the hallway. Spectrum followed soon after.

"Hey! Put me down this instant!" He yelled, struggling to break free from the magic. The doctor simply shrugged.

"Sorry. But rules are rules. You! Get him something to eat, and talk to him about anything but his wife having his children. I take it you're having twins?" He asked, looking over to Soarin, who sighed, and nodded.

"Yeah. Rainbow Sandstorm and Stronghold Skies. A filly and a colt." He said. The doc smiled, and nodded.

"And I'm sure they'll be very beautiful. Now, you go and fill yourself up on the food in the cafeteria! Enjoy!" The doctor said, setting Soarin down, and making his way back through the corridor. Soarin sighed again, and picked himself up. Spectrum instantly spotted his wife among the many tables, and gestured for Soarin to follow him to her.

"There you two are!" Ace said, patting the two seats next to her for the men to sit down. They did as they were told, and looked back to Ace.

"Do you think she'll be alright?" Soarin asked her. "You went through pregnancy! Do you think she'll be able to bear it?" He finished with a worried look. Ace gave him a reassuring smile.

"I know she will. Now, what do you boys want to eat?"

Rainbow Dash held her two little bundles in her hooves, as she heard the door creak open.

"Dashie?" Soarin called out to her, entering the room, and closing the door behind him. He cautiously walked up to the bed, where his wife and new children were laying. Soarin gasped upon seeing the two foals.

"Oh, Rainbow Dash! They're beautiful!" He said, picking up his daughter.

Rainbow Sandstorm had a baby blue coat just like her father. Her mane and tail style was exactly like her mothers. Stronghold Skies also had a baby blue coat like his father, and his mane style was just like his mother's, only shorter.

Sandstorm's hair was vibrant red, orange, and yellow, and Stronghold's mane was bright green, blue, and purple. They had clearly inherited their mother's mane.

The two foals gently opened their eyes, as Dash and Soarin gasped. Sandstorm's eyes were a shocking green shade, exactly like her father, and Stronghold's eyes were the same as his mother's. A bright magenta.

The foals held small smiles on their faces, enlightening Dash and Soarin's hearts.

They really were a beautiful sight. And they were all Dash and Soarin's.

Chapter 12: Over The Years

A Dash of Love Soared Through the Skies

By: Crystal Heart

Chapter 12: Over The Years

When Rainbow Dash and Soarin brought Sandstorm and Stronghold home, Ace and Spectrum were overjoyed! Princess Cadance and Shining Armor visited often, and Dash and Soarin were both extremely happy with the new additions.

Well, most of the time.

There was no doubt about it, Rainbow Sandstorm and Stronghold Skies proved to be difficult babies. Especially for amateur parents like Dash and Soarin.

After plenty of sleepless nights, wet diapers, and the occasional instance when Stronghold escaped the house, Dash and Soarin were pretty much done. Who knew handling a baby would take so much work? They did. They had two.

"Argh! Soarin! Get in here!" Dash called to her husband from the bathroom. Soarin came wobbling in with an eight month old Stronghold on his head, pulling his hair.

"Yes, Dashie?" He mumbled, as he desperately tried to get his son off his head. Dash looked over, and then back at her daughter who was busy throwing her bath toys around.

"Could you give me those toys Sandy threw from under the sink?" She asked, tilting her head to said location. Soarin grumbled, and bent down, picking up the toys, and handing them to Dash.

"Thanks." Dash mumbled, giving them to Sandstorm, who merrily threw them again, laughing her head off. Dash sighed, and picked her daughter up from the cold bath she was in. She grabbed a towel, and wiped her off, ruffling her mane slightly as she went along. She then turned to Soarin.

"Here. You take Sandy, and I'll try my best with Strong." She said, as the couple exchanged babies. Soarin sighed, and went into the twin's room. Dash smiled after him, and started running another cold bath for her son.

"Oh Strongy... Your father is getting very stressed because of you and your sister." She mumbled to him, while he just started swimming around in the tub. At least he didn't throw any toys at her. Instead, he splashed water all over her body.

"Hmph."

"Sandstorm! Stronghold! Time for dinner!" Dash called out to her three year old children. They ran inside, and took their seats, smiling innocent smiles.

"What did you two do?" Soarin asked, raising his eyebrows. Sandstorm shrugged.

"Nothing, Daddy! We are very good little children. Aren't we Strong?" She said, directing her attention to her brother. Stronghold nodded.

"Yeah! Sand's right! We didn't do anything!" He said, turning to look at his mother. "Mommy! When's the food gonna be ready?" He whined. Dash looked over, and rolled her eyes.

"Strongy... It's right in front of you." She said. Sandstorm and Stronghold looked down to find a plate of steaming hot vegetables. Sandstorm then smirked, and looked over to her brother.

"And it was riiiiiiiight there, in front of me!" She sang. Stronghold glared at his sister, before turning to his mom.

"Mommy! Make her stop!" He said, as Sandstorm continued.

"Just to close for me to seeee!" She sang again. Dash raised an eyebrow at her daughter.

"Where's that song from?" She asked curiously. Sandstorm shrugged.

"It's from a new movie... About these strange creatures who walk on two legs. Eh. I forgot most of it." She said. Dash gave her daughter a weird look, before returning to cooking the food for her and her husband. The twins looked back at their own food, and grimaced.

"But we want candy!" Sandstorm cried. Stronghold nodded.

"Yeah! And chocolate cake!" He said. Dash glanced over to Soarin, who shrugged. Dash sighed.

"We can have all of that later. For dessert. But if you want to eat it, you need to finish your food first!" She said, going up to the two foals. She lightly tapped the spoon in front of them, and gestured to the vegetable salad. The two children sighed, and started munching on the food, grimacing after every bite.

"Yuck!"

The twins were now seven years old.

The family of four had gone through their ups and downs, but in the end, it was all worth it. Soarin and Rainbow Dash wanted nothing except their children to be happy.

Then, came that one fateful day.

Rainbow Dash and Soarin were up early, sitting on the couch, with their eyes closed, just thinking about how wonderful life had been over the past few years.

It was peaceful at this time of day, since the twins hadn't awoken yet, and Dash and Soarin cherished it very much.

"Today's my parent's anniversary..." Dash mumbled. Soarin looked down at her.

"Oh... I'm sorry, Dashie." He said softly.

Suddenly, the doors to the room burst open, revealing a very confused looking Rainbow Sandstorm and Stronghold Skies. Dash and Soarin jumped, and looked at the children.

"We were up all night reading this!" Sandstorm said, handing over a thick book to her parents. The minute Dash and Soarin laid their eyes on it, they gasped.

"W-W-Where did you find this?" Dash asked slowly. Stronghold shrugged.

"It was in the attic. Mom! We didn't know you had these adventures!" He said. Dash sighed, and closed her eyes.

"Sandy... Strongy... You don't just read stuff that's found up there without asking us first!" She said, looking over to Soarin. Soarin nodded.

"Your mother's right. This book is not something you should have read. Now go up to your rooms." He said, before the twins looked down sadly, and trotted up the stairs.

The minute they were gone, Dash frantically looked over to Soarin.

"Soarin! They read our diary!" She said. Soarin took a few deep breaths, and nodded.

"This book contains everything. Everything from when we first met at tryouts, to when we had them. No doubt they didn't understand some of it... They're only seven. Their knowledge and reading skills are limited. But still... They have a general idea about everything now..." He said, shaking his head.

"They know about their grandparents..." Dash said quietly. The door creaked open, and in came Sandy and Strong once again.

"Did Rainbow Blaze really do all those things, Mom?" Stronghold asked, as he came up to his mother. Dash's eyes widened as the two approached, and she tightly gripped Soarin's hoof.

"Is it true that you ran away?" Sandstorm asked them. Dash and Soarin both closed their eyes, and didn't answer.

"You know what... The Empire's getting a little boring for my taste. How about we take a little vacation?" Soarin asked to the three other ponies. They all instantly brightened up, and nodded.

"Yay! You're the best, Daddy!" Sandstorm said happily, jumping up, and doing a flip in mid-air. Soarin chuckled.

"Alright. We're going to Hawaii!" He said happily, as his children and wife all leapt happily onto him.

Back on the other side of Equestria, Rainbow Blaze and Firefly stared at a picture of four ponies. Them, with their two children. Rainbow Dash and Spectrum Dash.

"Do you think she's okay?" Firefly asked, leaning onto her husband.

"It's been eight years, Fire. And she still hasn't come back." Blaze said bluntly. Firefly closed her eyes, and let a few tears escape. "I would go looking for them... But I don't know where she's gone. I tried asking Spectrum and Ace, but they said they didn't know either..." He finished.

"I can't stand living here with this guilt on my shoulders..." Firefly said. Blaze nodded, and turned to his wife.

"I think we all need a little vacation." He said. Firefly opened her eyes, and nodded.

"Yeah. We really do. It's even our anniversary today!" She said. Blaze smiled softly.

"Let's go to Hawaii. And we'll ask Spectrum and Ace to join us."

Chapter 13: Airport Drama

A Dash of Love Soared Through the Skies

By: Crystal Heart

Chapter 13: Airport Drama

"Next stop, the Crystal Empire airport!" Soarin said comically, making the rest of the family giggled. Rainbow Dash spread her wings, and flew above her children.

"Now, Sandy, Strongy. There are going to be some rules for the airport." She said sternly, glancing down at them. Sandstorm and Stronghold groaned.

"Awe, Mommy! We're grown up now! We can handle ourselves!" Sandstorm said. Dash rolled her eyes, and swooped in to pick up her daughter.

"Hmm... okay fine. How about I make some rules for your brother?" She said softly, smiling as the little filly giggled, and nodded. "I just need you to listen and follow them as well, so you can set a good example for him," she said. Sandstorm nodded.

"Okay, Mommy! What do you want us to do?" she said. Dash smiled, and nuzzled her cheek.

"That's the spirit! Now, you two are to stay with me and your father at all times. You must tell us if you need to do something away from us. Understand?" she asked her children sternly. They both nodded.

"Okay, Mama. But I think you might wanna tell my baby sister again. She has a thick skull." Stronghold teased, sticking his tongue out at Sandstorm, who scoffed in return.

"What? Come on! You're only older than me by THREE minutes! Are you gonna hold that against me?" she pouted. Stronghold nodded.

"Yup. For the rest of your life." He said simply, flapping his wings, and lifting himself off the ground to join his sister and mother. Dash smiled, and let go of Sandstorm, letting her fly out of her reach, and down to where her brother was flying.

Rainbow Blaze, Firefly, Crystal Rain, Spectrum and Ace were all at the younger couple's house in the Empire. Getting ready for the journey to the Crystal Empire Airport. Blaze turned to Firefly.

"Did you remember to pack everything from home?" He asked her. Firefly nodded.

"Yes, Blazey. I did. For the hundredth time, I'm not like your dau-" She said, before stopping herself mid-speech. Blaze froze, and slowly turned to face his wife. Her eyes widened, as she realized what she was about to say.

"No." Blaze mumbled. "No. She isn't my daughter anymore."

There was a collective gasp around the room, as Spectrum and Ace looked over in alarm.

"You can't be serious!" Firefly exclaimed. Blaze roughly shook his head, and tightened his glare.

"No. She ran away from home eight years ago. And she still hasn't come back. I hereby disown her as my daughter." He said harshly. "A real daughter doesn't run away from her father. A real daughter listens to her father, when he forbids her from doing something. These are all things Rainbow Dash has done. And I will never forgive her for it. In fact... If I ever see her again... Just try and stop me from what I'll do." He finished, walking out of the room.

Dash, Soarin, Sandstorm and Stronghold all arrived at the airport, and did all the things they needed to do, they seated themselves in the waiting area, and tried to pass the time until it was time to board the plane.

"Daddy, how much more time?" Stronghold asked Soarin, who looked at the clock overhead, and smiled.

"Shouldn't be too long now! An hour at the most!" He replied, going back to the book he was reading. Dash came up to him, and sat down besides him.

"What are you reading?" she asked. Soarin looked up, and sighed, showing her the book.

It was the same copy of the Wonderbolts Guidebook that Soarin had given Rainbow Dash for Hearths Warming all those years ago. Dash gasped once she saw it, and started to run her right hoof over the cover.

"Soarin... It's the book you gave me!" She said softly, taking the object from her husband, as she started to read the first few pages. She gave a small smile as she looked over the many notes she had written inside the margins.

"Yeah... Hey Dashie?" Soarin suddenly asked. Dash looked up to him, and nodded.

"Yeah?"

"Do you ever wish we could go back? Back to our old lives?" he continued. Dash snapped the book closed, and looked him in the eyes. Searching for a possible way to answer this question.

"Oh Soar... Of course I do... Every single day!" she said, placing her head on his chest. "Sometimes, I wish  on a falling star, that by some miracle, I'd be able to go back to my family, my friends, my teammates!" She said softly, closing her eyes.

"I'm so... so sorry, Dashie!" Soarin exclaimed, picking her up, and hugging her tightly. "I know how much being a Wonderbolt meant to you! I know how much your friends and family meant to you! Oh Dashie... I'm so very sorry..." he kept apologizing.

Dash shook her head, sighed.

"Well, there isn't really much we can do about it. But I love you, Soar. I love you with all my heart. And no matter how bad I miss them, I couldn't live without you..." she said softly. Soarin smiled.

"I love you too, Rainbow Dash."

Rainbow Blaze, Firefly, Spectrum, Crystal Rain and Ace all sat down in the waiting area of the airport, in the very corner to not attract too much attention.

"You didn't really mean what you said back there, did you?" Spectrum asked to his father. Blaze just roughly shook his head.

"I meant every single word of it." He said simply, taking out a book from his suitcase. Spectrum sighed, and shook his head, getting up, and going besides his wife.

"He's still at it..." he said to Ace, who shook her head.

"Should we tell them the truth?" she asked. Spectrum's eyes widened.

"No way! Sparky, we made a promise to Dash and Soarin! We can't just break it like that!" he insisted. Ace sighed, and got up, trotting away from the group.

"I'm going to get a cup of coffee. Anypony want anything?" she asked to them all. They all shook their heads no, but Firefly got up.

"I'll come with you." She said, as Ace nodded, and the two of them made their way to a nearby coffee shop.

Sandstorm and Stronghold were playing a mobile board game that they had packed in their suitcase, when Sandstorm spotted something out of the corner of her eye.

"Hey... Doesn't that pony look exactly like Aunty Ace?" She asked, nudging her brother besides her. Stronghold looked up, and gasped once he laid his eyes on the tall crystal pony by the coffee shop. He nodded.

"Yeah! It does!" He said. Sandstorm glanced over to her parents, but when she saw they were preoccupied, she slyly smirked over to her brother.

"Wanna go take a closer look?" She asked mischievously. Stronghold's eyes widened, as he grinned, and nodded.

"You bet!" He said, as the two children quietly snuck over to where Ace and Firefly were.

"I'm sorry, Mom. About Dad, and everything." Ace said to Firefly, putting a hoof on her shoulder. Firefly sighed, and shrugged slowly.

"Yeah... I don't think he'll ever learn..." She said softly. Ace gave her a reassuring smile, before looking over to the coffee shop.

"Oh! We should probably get in line before it gets too big!" She said, starting to trot over to it.

"AUNTY ACE!!!" Two voices yelled. Ace's eyes widened, as she looked over to an indoor plant, as two little children leapt out, and landed on her.

"Sandstorm? Stronghold? What are you two doing here?" She asked in disbelief, as she knelt down to their heights. Her eyes suddenly narrowed. "And where are your parents?" She whispered. Sandstorm shrugged.

"They're over there somewhere." She said, waving her hoof off into the distance. Firefly raised her eyebrows.

"Wait.. Who are these fo-" she started, but was interrupted by a voice she instantly recognized.

"Sandy!? Strongy!? Where are you?" a mare called out coming into the clearing. Firefly looked up, and internally gasped at the sight.

"Mommy! Mommy!" The two little foals yelled, jumping into the mare's cyan hooves. Rainbow Dash gasped, as she looked at the two children with worried faces.

"Where on earth were you two? Me and your father were worried sick!" She said, kissing their cheeks frantically. Sandstorm and Stronghold giggled, as they pointed over to Ace and Firefly.

"We saw Aunty Ace! And we got curious! Sorry, Mommy." Sandstorm said, as Dash raised an eyebrow at her daughter, before slowly looking up, trying to find Ace.

Dash's eyes dropped dead onto Firefly at first glance, completely ignoring the crystal pony besides her. Her eyes widened, as her grip on the foal's were released.

Mother and daughter locked eyes for the first time in years, not daring to believe the sight in front of them. Dash's eyes filled with tears, but she didn't let them escape. The two just stared at each other.

"Dashie? Dashie! Did you find them?" A voice snapped them out of their thoughts. Dash jolted slightly, and wiped the tears that made their way down off her cheek. She leaned down, and placed the two foals on her back.

"I-I-I-I'm r-r-r-right h-here!" She stammered, using her wings to balance herself. Soarin trotted up besides her, and saw she was struggling. He gently nudged her, and she looked into his eyes with a hopeful glance. He chuckled, and took Stronghold from her, allowing her to only deal with one foal.

"C'mere, big guy." He said, bouncing Stronghold in his hooves, and giving him a peck on his cheek. He then turned to his wife, not noticing the shocked pink mare looking upon them.

"They called for the ponies with children to be seated. Lets go." He said, trotting away from her. He glanced back, and beckoned for her to follow. Dash snapped out of her trance, and cautiously walked behind him, giving Firefly one last glance, before making her exit.

Chapter 14: Vacation

A Dash of Love Soared Through the Skies

By: Crystal Heart

Chapter 14: Vacation

After a long, and rather uncomfortable plane ride, Soarin, Dash, Sandstorm, and Stronghold all made their way out of the plane, taking in the warm weather with a smile.

"Ahh... Feels good, doesn't it, kids?" Soarin said, looking over to where Sandstorm and Stronghold were. They nodded.

"Yeah! This place is great!" Stronghold said, jumping onto his father's back. Soarin chuckled, and looked over to where his wife was standing.

Rainbow Dash had her head down, and wasn't really paying attention to anything that was going on around her. Soarin gave her a worried look, and trotted besides her.

"You okay, Dashie?" he asked. Dash snapped up, and stared at her husband. She breathed a heavy sigh of relief, and nodded, looking to where the kids were.

"Yeah. I'm fine," she said. Soarin raised his eyebrow, but decided not to investigate further. He knew was it was like when you got on Rainbow Dash's nerves. He had been married to her for eight years now!

"Um... Alright then, but if you need anything, let me know," he said. Dash smiled, and nodded, trotting up besides her children.

"So! Here's the plan. We're going to stick with all our previous airport rules just like back home. But just in a new airport this time. If you see anypony you think might look familiar, I want you to ignore them. Understand?" she asked them sternly. Sandstorm and Stronghold hung their heads, and nodded.

"Okay, Mommy, we won't go running off like that again," Sandstorm said. Dash gave her a nod of approval, and took to the air, spinning around, to take in her surroundings.

"If we want to make it to immigration without standing through a super long line, we should really get going," she said, starting to pick up speed. Soarin nodded.

"Yeah, guys. We should go now," Soarin said, flying up besides his wife, and beckoning for the kids to come up as well. Sandstorm and Stronghold both shrugged, and flew up, until the four of them were side by side, flying through the airport.

"Ace. You know something," Firefly said to her daughter in-law, as they separated themselves from the group. "... who were those foals?" she finished. Ace sighed, and beckoned for her husband to come over.

Spectrum noticed his wife's gesture, and gave Crystal Rain to Blaze. "Take care of her. I need to go see what Ace wants," he said, before making his way to where his wife and mother were. "What is it, Sparky?"

"Spec... When me and Mom left for coffee... Something happened," Ace started. Spectrum raised an eyebrow, and gestured for her to continue.

"What happened?" he asked. Ace glanced over to Firefly.

Slowly, she explained everything that happened. From when Sandstorm and Stronghold made their appearance, to when Dash left them with Soarin and the kids. Spectrum's jaw dropped, and he turned to his mother.

"You... saw all of that?" he asked cautiously. Firefly nodded.

"Yeah... and I'd greatly appreciate it if one of you were to tell me how you know all of this stuff. You know, with Rainbow Dash and Soarin," she said impatiently, tapping her hoof on the ground.

"Alright... here goes nothing. About seven and a half years ago, we discovered that when Rainbow Dash and Soarin eloped, they came to the Crystal Empire," Ace started. Firefly gasped.

"What? And you never bothered to tell us?" she asked. Ace and Spectrum shrugged.

"Sorry... Rainbow and Soarin made us promise," Spectrum said, before continuing with the story. "Anyway. When we first had our encounter, Dash was about five months pregnant. She and Soarin were actually heading over to the hospital to find out the gender of the baby that same day."

"Wait a minute... I have more grandchildren?" Firefly interrupted. Ace nodded.

"Yeah. You have another grandfilly, and a grandcolt. Anyway, Dash tried to hide from us, but she wasn't able to. So we all went to the hospital together, and Dash and Soarin found out they're having twins! Which was awesome!" she said.

"Wow..." Firefly mumbled under her breath. Spectrum then cleared his throat.

"A few months later, Rainbow Dash finally had her foals. A filly, Rainbow Sandstorm, and a colt, Stronghold Skies. They lived in peace for the next seven years. And now, we're here. That's really all we know," he said. Firefly thought about this, and sighed, closing her eyes.

"I still can't believe they were right in front of me the whole time..." she said. Ace and Spectrum glanced at each other, and nodded.

"Hey, Mom? Have you seen my journal anywhere?" Crystal Rain asked, coming up to the trio. Ace and Spectrum's heads snapped up, and they turned to their eight year old daughter.

"Oh! Um... I think it was in your grandfather's suitcase," she said. Crystal raised an eyebrow, but shrugged, and went back to where Blaze was. After she was gone, Firefly turned to Ace and Spectrum once again.

"I still can't believe this. Dashie ran away, married Soarin, and then had foals?" she exclaimed. Ace and Spectrum simply nodded. Firefly shook her head... "And I saw Soarin entering the plane for the Hawaii flight... Meaning they're going to be here on vacation with us.. oh dear... what if Blaze sees them?" she mumbled.

"We'll just have to make sure he doesn't then. Who knows what he'll do if he sees Dash with children!" Spectrum said. Ace nodded in agreement.

"Yeah. We'll just have to make sure they don't meet."

"Come on kids! We're going to the beach!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, grabbing a few towels, and gesturing to the front door of their beach house. Sandstorm, Stronghold, and Soarin all came out from their respective rooms.

"Ooh! That sounds fun! Right, kids?" Soarin asked, turning to the two little seven year olds. Sandstorm and Stronghold both nodded.

"Yeah! Let's go! I'll bring the volleyball!" Stronghold said, running out, and returning a few seconds later with a giant beach ball in his hooves. He kicked it over to his sister.

"Last one to the beach is a rotten pile of hay!" Sandstorm cried, running out of the house, Stronghold following shortly after. Dash turned to Soarin with a sly grin.

"They think they can beat the two of us?" she said. Soarin grinned, and spread his wings, bending down slightly.

"Want a lift?" he asked casually. Dash giggled, and climbed onto his back, and they both flew out of the house at an incredible speed.

Sandstorm and Stronghold glanced up, just in time to see their parents flying over them. Dash looked down at them, and stuck her tongue out childishly.

"Look who's a rotten pile o' hay now!" she teased playfully. Soarin chuckled, and nodded, as the two overtook their kids. Sandy and Strong looked to each other, and grinned.

"Let's go!" Sandstorm cried, pushing herself off the ground, and into the air. The two foals slowly caught up to their parents, mostly because Dash's weight was slowly Soarin down a little. But he didn't mind.

The family arrived at the beach in a fit of giggles, splashing their way into the ocean. Dash and Soarin started roughhousing in the water, and Sandstorm and Stronghold lept into their arms.

They were having loads of fun, and they didn't want anything to ruin this moment.

Too bad a certain other pegasus stallion existed.

"Oh come on, Blazey! It'll be fun!" Firefly insisted. Blaze roughly shook his head.

"Sorry, Fire. But I'm not coming to the beach..." he said. Firefly frowned.

"Please? Do it for me?" she begged, pouting her bottom lip out. Blaze looked at her with a glare, before sighing in defeat.

"Oh alright. But just for a few hours," he said, turning to Spectrum and Ace. "Are you three coming?"

"Oh yes. We wouldn't miss it!" Ace said, picking up Crystal Rain, and putting her onto her back. "We can collect seashells! Right, Cryssie?"

"Yeah! That'll be fun!" Crystal Rain said happily, as her mother carried her out of the beach house, and onto the grainy sand.

Blaze and Firefly followed Spectrum, Ace, and Crystal as they made their way to the beach, Firefly glancing up at Blaze every now and then.

She still couldn't believe it.

Her daughter... after running away, got married? And had foals to top it off? She just didn't know what to say... but she was pretty sure what her husband would say if he found out.

"Stronghold! Pass it to me!" Soarin said, calling to his son with his hooves flared into the air. The baby blue colt threw the volleyball up, and lightly bounced it over to his father. Soarin jumped up, and smacked it high, making it bonk Rainbow Dash right in the nose.

"Oh! Sorry, Dashie!" Soarin called to her, as Dash stumbled backwards, sending the ball flying off into the distance. Soarin flew up, and went after it, while Sandstorm and Stronghold ran up to their mother.

Rainbow Dash stepped backwards after the impact of the ball hit her.

It didn't hurt, just caught her by surprise.

She felt a body up against her back, as she and another pony collided. Dash winced, and quickly turned around, stammering an apology.

"Oh my gosh! I'm so-" she started, before noticing who she collided with. She instantly gasped, and took a few steps back, her eyes wide as she saw a periwinkle coat.

"Blaze! Crystal Rain is-" a pink pegasus mare said, flying into view. Firefly's wings instantly snapped to her side, and she fell on all fours to the ground, once she saw Dash and Blaze looking at each other. Her eyes dilated, as she glanced back and forth between the two ponies.

Rainbow Blaze stared into the magenta eyes of his long lost daughter, as she stared right back into his. He mumbled a few inaudible words, as he stepped back.

Rainbow Dash felt a little tug on her tail, as she whipped around to see Rainbow Sandstorm and Stronghold Skies behind her, looking at her with a confused glare.

"Mommy? Do you know these ponies?" Stronghold asked, walking into view of Firefly and Blaze. Sandstorm followed him, and trotted besides him. Rainbow Dash bit her lip, and she turned back to her parents.

Slowly, she closed her eyes, and took a deep breath, glancing down at her son.

"Stronghold Skies. Go find your father. Bring him here. Rainbow Sandstorm, stay with me," she said firmly. Sandstorm and Stronghold's eyes widened. Their mother only ever used their full name when she meant business.

"Uh... okay, Mommy. I'll be right back," Stronghold said, spreading his wings, and taking to the sky. Sandstorm stepped up, and looked over to Dash.

Firefly flew up besides Blaze, as she stared upon her fully grown daughter, Blaze doing the same.

There was a swish of wind behind Dash, as Soarin landed, placing Stronghold besides his sister, and trotting up to her.

"I came as quickly as I could! What's wro-" he started to say, before he saw Dash looking at something. He followed her gaze, and gasped as he saw Rainbow Blaze and Firefly.

"S-S-S-Sir..." he stammered lightly, looking into the eyes of Blaze, and patting his hooves on the sand.

The two families just stared at each other, not daring to believe what was in front of them.

Art By: ME

Blaze suddenly glared at Dash and Soarin, completely ignoring the foals besides them. He stepped up to Soarin with a hard expression.

Dash's eyes widened, as she grabbed Sandstorm and Stronghold, and pushed them away. Then, she slowly backed away herself, as Blaze grew nearer.

Rainbow Blaze raised a hoof, and pounded it tightly. Soarin gasped, as he realized what was about to happen.

"Soarin! Get away! Quickly!" Dash said, but just mere seconds too late.

Blaze's hoof made contact with Soarin's cheek, as a loud SLAP was heard around them, causing Ace and Spectrum to look over, gasping at the sight.

Art By: Rainbows-In-Reality

"ARGH!" Soarin yelled, clutching his cheek. Dash put her hoof to her mouth, gasping in shock. Blaze rubbed his hoof on his other foreleg.

"RAINBOW BLAZE!" Firefly yelled to her husband, marching over to him, and spinning him around. "WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?" she kept yelling.

Rainbow Dash ran over to Soarin, as he fell onto his knees. She ran a hoof over the light bruise that was starting to form, as a few tears threatened to fall from her eyes. Soarin glanced up at her, and put a hoof on her shoulder.

"Dashie... please don't do anything you'll regret," he said, glancing over to Blaze. Dash looked at him, before her expression turned into a ferocious glare. She whipped around to face the periwinkle stallion quickly, and stomped up to him.

"DAD!" she yelled. "THIS IS HOW YOU START? YOU'VE JUST SEEN ME FOR THE FIRST TIME IN EIGHT YEARS, AND THE FIRST THING YOU DO IS SLAP MY HUSBAND?"

"Husband?"

"WHAT YOU GONNA DO NEXT, HUH? BEAT UP MY CHILDREN?"

"Children?"

"OH! I KNOW! YOU'RE GOING TO KILL US ALL, AREN'T YOU! AS A FAMILY! Yeah! Go on! KILL US!" she yelled, putting her hooves up, and heading over to Sandstorm and Stronghold.

"Mommy... this is Rainbow Blaze? The one you wrote in your diary about?" Sandstorm asked. Dash closed her eyes, and fell to her knees, sobbing into her hooves. Sandstorm and Stronghold gasped, and went up to their mother. Soarin looked at his wife, and turned to Blaze with a harsh glare.

"Well? Are you happy now?" he asked in a strangely calm voice. Blaze's eyes widened, as he remembered how his last conversation with Soarin went.

Soarin just kept staring at him.

"I mean, this is what you wanted all along, right? To emotionally stab your daughter?" he continued, pouring salt in the wound. Blaze took a step back, and glared back at the baby blue stallion.

"Do you even have an ounce of brain in that thick skull of yours?" he started. Soarin didn't move. "She left me! Eight years ago, she left me! And it was all. Your. Fault."

"How in Equestria was it my fault?" Soarin asked him, still glaring. Blaze scoffed.

"You took her away from me! You... you fool! She meant everything to me! I tried so hard for her!"

"What did you ever do for her? Ya know, besides trying to kill her coltfriend?"

"I protected her!"

"From what?"

"From idiots like yourse-"

"Stop Dad," a new voice entered. Everypony turned around to see Spectrum Dash walk up to his father. Ace was right behind him. They were both wearing deadly glares.

"What?" Blaze snorted. Spectrum didn't move his position.

"Seven and a half years ago, me and Ace met Rainbow Dash and Soarin. Turns out, they had run away to the Crystal Empire," he started. Blaze's eyes widened, as he glanced over to Soarin and Rainbow Dash, who were busy comforting their scared children.

"When we met, Rainbow Dash was five months pregnant," Ace continued. Blaze backed away from them. "We saw Soarin and Dash go through the ups and downs of pregnancy, childbirth, and raising their very own twins."

Ace and Spectrum continued to tell Blaze the tale of the two ex-Wonderbolts. Blaze didn't believe it.

Sandstorm and Stronghold were scared out of their wits.

After reading Dash and Soarin's diary, they knew what Blaze had done to their father. He had purposely broken his wing, emotionally abused him, and many times, even hardcore physical abuse got mixed in.

"Mommy... what if he tries something again? Stronghold asked nervously. Soarin shook his head.

"He might not be the best influence, but he does love Rainbow Dash and I very much," he said, lying through his teeth. Stronghold looked up to his parents, and gave them reassuring smiles.

"Don't worry, Mommy, Daddy. If Grandpa Blaze tries anything, I'll protect you. Besides, isn't that what my name means? Stronghold?" he said cutely. Rainbow Dash and Soarin looked to one another with small smiles.

"Of course it does, honey. You'll make an excellent military pony, one day," Dash said, kissing her son on his forehead. Stronghold giggled, and nodded.

Ever since he was just a little colt, Stronghold had wanted to join the Equestrian Army. He had pretended he was a knight many times in the house, saving his sister from many pretend foes over the years.

Sandstorm was the next one to speak.

"Will everything be okay?" she asked. Soarin gave her a small smile, and squeezed her hoof.

"Of course it will, Sandy. Your daddy is here. Your daddy will always look out for you. I will always be there for you, my little storm," he cooed, taking the little filly into his hooves.

Sandstorm smiled, and returned her father's loving embrace. Dash put a hoof on Soarin's shoulder, and made him get up.

"What is it, Dashie?" he asked her, his voice wrought with concern. Dash sighed.

"Could I talk to you?" she asked, guiding him over behind the bushes, out of sight from anypony else.

Rainbow Blaze glanced over to his daughter, seeing her drag Soarin away. His eyebrows instantly furrowed, and he started to follow them. Firefly put a hoof on his shoulder.

"What are you doing?" she asked him. Blaze turned to her, and frowned.

"That player is getting away with my daughter!" he insisted.

"They're married, and sensing by the kids, they've shared intimacy before," she said. Blaze's eyes widened at the last comment, realizing what it meant.

"Which is exactly why I need to follow them!" he said, pulling himself out of his wife's embrace. Firefly sighed, and then turned to her granddaughter.

"Hello there, I'm your grandma, Firefly," she said, bending down to Sandstorm, who gave her a small smile in return.

"What happened, Dashie?" Soarin said, as Dash led him to a nearby bench. They sat down, and Dash instantly took Soarin's hooves in her own.

"Okay, first thing's first. Are you alright?" she asked him, looking at the light bruise on her husband's cheek. Soarin smiled, and nodded.

"I'm fine, Rainbow. But I'm glad you're concerned," he said. Dash nodded.

"Of course I am... you're my husband!" she exclaimed.

"And you're my wife," he said.

"And no matter what, we'll always be there for each other," they said in unison. Dash looked up in surprise, and gave him a small smile, which he happily returned. They shared a brief embrace, before pulling away. Dash rested her head on his chest, and wrapped her hooves around him.

"What will Sandy and Strong think now? They've seen the rest of their family..." Soarin asked her. Dash closed her eyes.

"I'm not sure... do you think the Empire was a good choice?"

"What?"

"I mean... If we had gone anywhere but the Empire, we wouldn't have met Ace and Spectrum. And I wouldn't have seen Mom at the airport yesterday..." she said. Soarin let go of her, and gave her a confused look.

"Yesterday?" he asked. Dash blushed.

"Oh right. I never told you about that..."

"Care to explain?"

"It's a long story... maybe later," she said. Soarin chuckled.

"Oh alright," he said softly, before leaning in, and pecking her on her lips. She frowned.

"That's it?" she asked. Soarin grinned.

"Hmm..." he mumbled, giving her another kiss, this one longer, and much more passionate.

When they pulled away, Dash snuggled into his chest fur.

"Mmmm... I love you, hubby," she sighed. Soarin ran a hoof through her mane, and smiled.

"I love you too, wifey," he said goofily.

Chapter 15: Come Home

A Dash of Love Soared Through the Skies

By: Crystal Heart

Chapter 15: Come Home

Rainbow Blaze hung his head as he stared at the exchange between his daughter and her husband. He turned around, to see Firefly behind him, giving him a stern look.

"Well?" she asked. Blaze shook his head.

"I still don't approve," he said bluntly. Firefly's expression hardened, as she kept staring at him.

"What did he ever do to you?" she asked.

"He took my daughter away from me!" Blaze insisted. Firefly shrugged.

"Yes, but why?" she asked, digging deeper. Blaze put his head down low, and sighed.

"Because he loves her..." he said softly. Firefly nodded.

"Exactly. Now are you going to be a good, supportive father, and let this relationship be?" she asked. Blaze bit his lip, and looked away.

"Let me meet the kids first," he said, trotting away from the bushes, with Firefly following close behind.

"Ooh! Ooh! Look! Grandma Firefly is back!" Sandstorm said happily, jumping up, and heading over to said mare. Firefly smiled, and took Sandstorm in her hooves.

"Hello there, little one!" she said, nuzzling the filly's stomach. Sandstorm giggled, as she was set down on the sandy beach floor again. She then looked over, and met eyes with Rainbow Blaze. Stronghold came besides her, and gasped.

The two kids made their way to Blaze, and stared at him with a confused look.

Art By: Rainbows-In-Reality

"Uh... Hi?" Blaze said with an unsure tone. Sandstorm and Stronghold looked at one another, before shrugging.

"Hi there! I'm Rainbow Sandstorm, and this is my brother, Stronghold Skies!" Sandstorm said, jumping onto Blaze's back. Blaze's eyes widened, as he looked back at the filly, who was smiling wide while lightly jumping on his back.

Stronghold then came up with a slight glare.

"Hmm... as a soldier, it's my responsibility to make sure nopony is hurt... hmm... I think you're okay... you are my awesome mom's dad, after all!" he said, flying up besides the large periwinkle stallion.

Blaze looked down, as a small smile began to form on his face.

Art By: Soarindash10

These are my grandchildren, he thought. My daughter and... and her husband were able to create these... ADORABLE foals!

Blaze's love for foals was taking over now, of course. But this time, he was in control.

Rainbow Dash and Soarin emerged from the bushes, and stopped in their tracks as they looked upon the sight in front of them.

Blaze turned to Sandstorm, and gave her a little peck on her baby blue cheek. "You... are an adorably cute filly. Has anypony ever told you that?" he asked her. Sandstorm blushed slightly, and looked down, shaking her head.

"Well, besides Daddy and Mommy... no," she said. Blaze frowned.

"Well, it's time they did... you're going to be quite the colt-magnet when you're older..." he said slyly, poking her in her chest. Sandstorm's eyes widened, as she looked away, and locked eyes with her mother, who had a smirk on her face. Dash trotted up to her father and children, and picked her daughter off Blaze's back.

"Did you hear that, Sandy?" she started, nuzzling her belly. "All the stallions are gonna be after you!"

Soarin came over, and stopped besides his wife, taking Sandstorm into his own hooves.

"Woah woah woah... let's take things one step at a time," he said, placing Sandstorm on his back. Dash burst out laughing, as Stronghold came up to her.

"Hey! What about me?" he whined. Blaze, Soarin, and Dash all turned to the colt, and smiled. Blaze trotted up to him, and picked him up, hovering slightly above the ground.

"And what about you? As far as I can tell, all the mares will be DYING to be with you!" he said playfully. The smile that grew on Stronghold's face was the biggest he ever held. Dash smiled at her son, and took him out of her father's hooves. She placed him on her back, and nuzzled him roughly.

"Oh, kids. There'll be plenty of time for all that later on in life. Right now, why don't you two go and play on the beach? Go and see your cousin, and I dunno... collect some seashells or something," she said, gesturing to Crystal Rain in the distance. Sandstorm and Stronghold brightened up when they saw the filly playing with her father in the water.

"Crystal is here? AWESOME!" Sandstorm yelled, pushing her brother away, and taking off into the sky, leaving a faint red, orange, and yellow trail behind her. Stronghold frowned.

"HEY! WAIT UP!" he yelled, taking off in a similar manner.

When the two foals were gone, Dash and Soarin turned to Rainbow Blaze nervously. Blaze simply stared after Sandstorm and Stronghold with a permanent smile etched into his face.

"You two make adorable foals," he stated bluntly. Dash and Soarin's eyes immediately widened, as they stared at each other in shock. Dash cleared her throat.

"Uh... thanks?" she said uncertainly. Blaze chuckled, before his expression hardened.

"Come home," he said softly. Soarin whipped around, and stared at him.

"What?" he asked quietly. Blaze closed his eyes, and sighed. Dash looked away.

"We miss you... both of you... and there have been some... complications," Blaze said. Dash and Soarin exchanged worried looks, before turning back to the periwinkle coated stallion.

"What do you mean, complications?" Dash asked.

"I mean... the Wonderbolts were furious when they found out you left. And since Soarin was part of the lead squad, they had to try their very hardest to find replacements. Hibiscus Wings and Burning Cloud, your squadmates, were bumped back down to recruit rank, as they didn't have a complete squad anymore... and Dash... your friends. They were absolutely broken," Blaze explained. Dash's eyes widened.

"Oh my gosh..." she said softly, closing her eyes, and looking away. Soarin noticed this, and draped a wing over her back. He gave her a comforting smile, as she frowned, and looked towards her father again.

"Dashie... do you want to go home?" Soarin asked her. Dash didn't move. She was just thoughtfully staring at her father.

"I... I don't know..." she said, looking at Soarin. Soarin bit his lip. Blaze then cut in.

"Well, what's holding you back?" he asked her. Dash instantly turned to the beach, looking upon Sandstorm and Stronghold with a pained expression.

"Them. They mean so much to me... they've grown up in the Crystal Empire, they go to school, they have their friends... I just wouldn't want them to part with any ponies they care about. It isn't a good feeling. Trust me, I know," she explained. Blaze looked at Crystal Rain as she gave her little cousins a pail each, as Spectrum splashed water on the trio. The four of them laughed, and started chasing each other, Sandstorm and Stronghold scooping water in the buckets, and throwing it at their uncle.

Blaze sighed. "I understand... but Dash, don't you think a little change would be good for them? They need to learn how to adjust to their surroundings. It's a good lesson to learn at a young age. It can come in many different forms, and moving is one of them," he said. Dash then glanced up to Soarin.

"Soar... do you wanna go home?" she asked. Soarin looked into her eyes, and gave her a painful nod.

"Oh Dashie... of course I do... I've been just as homesick as you have. And you know that..." he said, tightening his wing's grip on her. Dash looked away, and nodded.

"Okay... let's go home."

Chapter 16: Story Time

A Dash of Love Soared Through the Skies

By: Crystal Heart

Chapter 16: Story Time

"Wait... WHAT?!" Rainbow Sandstorm and Stronghold Skies yelled. Rainbow Dash and Soarin had just told their children that they were moving back to Cloudsdale, and frankly, they were quite freaked out.

"Yes, kids. We're moving," Soarin said bluntly, grabbing a suitcase from the closet. Sandstorm trotted up to her father, and gave him her most innocent puppy dog eyes.

"But Daddy! I was so looking forward to that science quiz next Wednesday!" she whined. Soarin raised an eyebrow, and glanced towards his wife.

"You definitely didn't get your learning habits from your mother..." he mumbled. Thankfully, Dash didn't hear that, or all hell would break out, right then and there.

"What?" Sandstorm asked. Soarin's eyes widened, as he frantically shook his head.

"Nevermind!" he said quickly, averting his gaze back to the plain blue suitcase with a Wonderbolt logo on it. Stronghold raised an eyebrow.

"Dad! I didn't know you were a fan of the Wonderbolts!" he exclaimed. Soarin and Dash immediately locked their eyes together, and held back a tiny gasp.

"Um... didn't we ever tell you?" Dash asked the twins, slowly walking beside Soarin, as Sandstorm and Stronghold trotted in front of them. They both shook their heads. Dash bit her lip, glancing over to Soarin, who simply nodded.

"Yes, Dashie. I think it's time," he said. "They're old enough to know now."

Rainbow Dash gestured for the foals to sit down, grabbing a chair herself, and setting it by her husband. She took a deep breath, and began to tell her tale.

"About ten years ago, I was invited to Wonderbolt tryouts by Captain Spitfire herself," she said. Sandstorm and Stronghold both gasped.

"Really? Wow!" Stronghold exclaimed. Dash smiled, and nodded. She knew they were both fans of the 'bolts.

"Anyway... while I was there, I met your father," she continued on.

"You mean you both went to try out for the Wonderbolts?" Sandstorm questioned. Dash shook her head.

"Actually, only I was there for the actual trying out part. Daddy was one of the Wonderbolts who was testing me," she said quickly. But the twins heard it all. Their eyes both widened, as they whipped around to face Soarin, who was wearing a smug grin.

"WHAT?" they yelled simultaneously. Soarin smiled, and nodded.

"Yep. Remember Soarin Skies? The legendary Wonderbolt who supposedly retired nine years ago? That was me," he said. Sandstorm and Stronghold's jaw dropped.

"Wait... is THAT why you never told us your full name? You were afraid we would find out?" Sandstorm asked. Soarin blushed, and nodded. "Wow..."

"Yep. Anyway, your mother did an amazing job at tryouts! She actually was the one chosen for the elite spot!" Soarin continued. Stronghold turned to his mother.

"Mommy... you were a Wonderbolt?" he asked her. Dash proudly nodded.

"Yep! The best of the best! I was the captain of elite squadron six!" she said. Stronghold turned to his sister.

"So THAT'S what you couldn't make out in the diary!" he exclaimed. Dash furrowed her eyebrows.

"What do you mean?"

"There were like, twenty pages drenched in tears," he explained. Dash turned to Soarin, and awkwardly chuckled.

"Hehe..." she mumbled, before returning to the story.

"Of course... there were some complications with me and Grandpa Blaze, so Daddy and I decided to come to the Crystal Empire, where we got married, and had you two sweethearts," she said, nuzzling Sandstorm's cheek, as Soarin did the same with Stronghold.

"And now, we want to go home. With Grandma and Grandpa. We have a big house in Cloudsdale, where we can all live together! Me and Mommy can continue our career as Wonderbolts, and we can still be the happy family we are!" Soarin said. Sandstorm and Stronghold looked at each other, before slowly nodding.

"Hm... Okay... We'll all go home," Stronghold said, earning a kiss from his parents. Sandstorm smiled.

"Are there any ponies there waiting for us?" she asked. Dash nodded.

"There are tons of ponies waiting! There are all of the Wonderbolts, plus a bunch of my friends! Did you two know you have five other aunts?" she asked. The twin's faces grew surprised.

"No..." they said slowly. Dash smiled.

"Well, you have Aunty Pinkie Pie, Aunty Rarity, Aunty Applejack, Aunty Fluttershy, and Aunty Twilight Sparkle!" she exclaimed. Stronghold gasped.

"You mean... Princess Twilight Sparkle?" he asked. Dash chuckled.

"Yep. She used to be one of my very best friends!" she said. Sandstorm and Stronghold both yelled with excitement.

"AWESOME! First, we find out we're the children of two Wonderbolts, then we find out we have Princess Twilight Sparkle as an AUNT?" Stronghold said.

"How could this day get ANY better?" Sandstorm mused. Soarin and Dash giggled, as they stepped back, and let the twins have their moment. They smiled as they looked upon the young ponies, as they laughed, and played. Suddenly, Soarin remembered something.

"Oh! Don't forget about Aunty Scootaloo!" he said. Dash's eyes grew wide, as she nodded, and physically facehoofed.

"Oh! How could I forget about the little squirt?" she asked, rolling her eyes. Sandstorm tilted her head in confusion.

"Who's Aunty Scootaloo?"

Dash smiled.

"Aunty Scootaloo is my little sister!" she said, picking up her daughter. Sandstorm furrowed her eyebrows.

"Mommy! You never told us you had another sister! Why wasn't she with Grandpa and Grandma on vacation?"

"Because Aunty Scootaloo isn't my blood sister."

"Huh?" Stronghold said in confusion.

"That means, her parents aren't Grandma and Grandpa. I took her under my wing about thirteen years ago. Since then, we acted like sisters. Heck, we even entered the Sisterhooves Social together one year!" Dash explained, remembering the time like it was yesterday.

"Wow..." Sandstorm said from her mother's lap. Dash gave her forehead a kiss, and set her down on the floor.

"Come on now, kids! Time to finish packing! We have an early train for Ponyville tomorrow morning!" she said, getting up and heading besides Soarin.

"Wait... why Ponyville?" Stronghold inquired. Soarin and Dash both smiled.

"Because before we go to our house, we were thinking about going to see your aunts as a surprise!"

Chapter 17: Reunited with Friends

A Dash of Love Soared Through the Skies

By: Crystal Heart

Chapter 17: Reunited

It was a pleasant morning in Ponyville, Princess Twilight and her four friends were gathered in the Castle of Friendship for a big pancake breakfast.

"Darling, could you please pass the syrup?" Rarity asked Applejack, who was busy munching on some strawberries. Applejack shrugged, and tossed the bottle over to the unicorn.

Rarity grimaced at the mare's uncouth way of handling things, but nevertheless accepted the bottle, pouring a little on the large plate in front of her.

"Ooo!!! This is so exciting! Guess what? I actually created a special pancake for today! Enough for the five of us, plus a few more if any pony decides to join!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, starting to jump up and down with excitement. Twilight raised an eyebrow at the energetic pony.

"And what exactly is so special about it?" she asked. Pinkie Pie giggled, and revealed a stack of pancakes from underneath the table. Fluttershy let out a scared little whimper, as she slammed her pink hoof down onto the table.

"Take a look for yourself!" Pinkie said, displaying the cake to her friends.

It was a simple pancake, clearly made with blue food coloring, it had a large rainbow on the front, and more-

"Oops! Wrong one!" Pinkie said frantically, pushing the pancake out of the way, staring at her friends with a nervous look. The rest of them were staring at the spot where the pancake once was, with shocked expression. "Hehe..."

"Pinkie... why would you make a pancake like that?" Fluttershy asked, looking over to the party pony. Pinkie released an awkward chuckle, as she bit her lip, and looked away.

"Um... I was... saving it for when Dashie decided to come home..." she mumbled. Her friends all gasped, and backed away from the table. Applejack reluctantly put her hat over her eyes.

"Pinkie Pie... After eight years, I don't think she's going to come back, no matter how much we wish," she said, looking at her hooves with a saddened expression. Twilight sighed, and nodded.

"I'm afraid Applejack is right. At least, I think she is. Argh. All this stuff is confusing," she said, shaking her head, and pounding it with her right hoof. Pinkie nodded, and looked towards the door, hoping that by some miracle, Rainbow Dash would just walk in.

Suddenly, Pinkie's tail started twitching. The others looked at her with confused looks, and then at her tail. They gasped, and started looking around them for doors. But the only one in sight was the entrance to the dining hall.

"Uh... Pinkie?" Spike asked, raising an eyebrow at the pink pony's continuously twitching tail. Pinkie tried to stop it, but it wasn't working! She glanced over to the front door, just in time to see the knob start to turn.

The door burst open to reveal a very frazzled looking cyan mare, accompanied with a baby-blue stallion, and two little children. One of them, the filly, was jumping on the mare's back, as the colt zipped around, eyeing his surroundings.

Stronghold Skies gasped as he saw the five ponies, and dragon in the room, and immediately made his way over to the tall purple alicorn mare. He eyed her up and down.

"SANDSTORM! I THINK I FOUND HER!" he yelled into Twilight's face, as Rainbow Sandstorm flew up besides her brother.

"Uh... excuse me?" Twilight said in confusion, looking at the foals.

"OH MY GOSH! YOU'RE PRINCESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE!" Sandstorm exclaimed, jumping onto her, and wrapping her hooves around her neck.

Twilight instantly lept up into the air, spreading her wings in surprise. She picked Sandstorm off of her, and gently set her down on the table. Pinkie Pie was the next one to speak.

"AWEEE! Aren't you just the cutest little thing? Oh hi Rainbow Dash! Twilight! Isn't this little filly so-" she started, before her eyes widened, and she stared at the door, where Rainbow Dash and Soarin were currently standing, wincing as their children made a mess of the castle.

Fluttershy instantly jumped out of her seat, and ran right into Dash, tacking her, and pinning her to the ground.

"RAINBOW DASH!" she yelled, not changing her position. Dash struggled from underneath the yellow pegasus' grasp, and tried her hardest to break free.

"Ah! Fluttershy! Let me go!" she yelled, finally able to move. Fluttershy backed away slowly, and glanced over to Soarin, who was helping his wife up.

"DASHIE!" Pinkie Pie suddenly yelled, leaping at the cyan mare, and tacking her in a ferocious hug. Dash chuckled, and wrapped her hooves around the mare.

Rarity came up next, wiping away some tears from her eyes, as she embraced the pegasus after Pinkie let go of her.

"Oh, Rainbow Dash! We missed you so much!" she exclaimed, letting the tears fall freely now. Dash sniffed a little, and nodded into her friends back.

"I missed you too, Rares. I missed all of you!"

"Rainbow Dash?" Twilight asked in disbelief. Rarity let go of Dash, and let her go see her old friend. Twilight and Dash looked at each other for a few seconds, before jumping into each other's hooves, crying silently.

"Twi! I missed you so much!" Dash said, as she felt Twilight nod.

"I missed you too, Rainbow Dash!" she exclaimed, slowly letting go of her.

"Rainbow Dash," a new, southern voice interrupted. Dash looked over Twilight's shoulder, and met the eyes of Applejack, who's hat was off her head, and her mouth was curved into a slight frown. Dash cautiously stepped up to her.

"AJ!" she sighed in disbelief.

"Why'd you leave us?"

Rainbow Dash was not expecting this. Applejack could have done anything at that moment. She could have hugged her, told her caring words, but she sprung a question like that the first time she saw her in almost nine years?

"Uh..."

"Answer me. Why'd you leave?"

Dash bit her lip, and glanced over to Soarin, who took his queue, and hovered over to his wife. Soarin and Dash looked at the orange farm pony.

"I left because... because I wanted to get married to Soarin," Dash said simply. Applejack raised an eyebrow.

"Couldn't you have done that here? You didn't have to leave us! You didn't have to make us all feel rejected, alone, and miserable!" she exclaimed. Dash took a step back.

"What are you talking about?"

"After your parents told us the news, the news of your foolish departure... me and the rest of the girls were absolutely BROKEN! How could you do that to us? I thought you were our friend!"

"I am!"

"Then- god help me here- why the hay did you leave?"

"AREN'T YOU LISTENING? I WANTED TO GET UNITED WITH THE ONE I LOVE!"

Applejack took a step forward, as did Dash.

"You love Soarin, huh? What about us? The friends who were always there for you? Almost your entire life?"

"What about them?"

Applejack's small glare suddenly hardened.

"Once you left, we were all desperately waiting for SOME means of contact from you! But no! No letter, no call, no NOTHING! You completely left us in the dust!" Applejack continued. Dash's eyes widened, as she took a few steps back. Twilight came up to them, and placed a hoof on Applejack's shoulder.

"Applejack. Quit being so stubborn. She's here now, isn't she? And I thought you two were the best of friends!"

"We WERE!" Applejack suddenly yelled, stomping her hoof on the ground. Dash's eyes began to water up, as she bit her lip, and looked towards her kids.

"Come on, Sandy, Strongy. It's time we showed you two my house from back when I used to live in Ponyville," she said, gesturing for them to take to their parent's backs. Stronghold climbed onto his mother's, as Sandstorm did the same with her father.

"Rainbow Dash... are these your foals?" a tiny voice piped up. Dash and Soarin turned to see Fluttershy with an awestruck look on her face. Dash's tearful face filled with a small smile.

"Yeah. This is my daughter, Rainbow Sandstorm, and my son, Stronghold Skies," she said, gesturing to the colt and filly. Fluttershy squished her cheeks, and grinned.

"Awe... they're absolutely adorable!" she exclaimed. Soarin smiled.

"Thanks, Fluttershy," he said, turning to his wife. "Ready to go?" he asked. Dash gave him a tiny glare, signaling that she wasn't at all ready to go. That she was broken inside.

"Yeah. Let's go," she said, though her eyes read the opposite. Soarin stared into them, desperately searching for answers, as he bent down, and started to flap his wings, Dash doing the same.

Suddenly, Dash felt a tug on her tail. She turned around, to see a frowning Applejack holding her back from moving any further. Dash stopped mid-flight, as she lightly pressed Stronghold off her back, letting him fly freely off her.

"What?" she spat harshly. Applejack winced, as she pulled the cyan mare down to the floors of the castle. Applejack then pulled her hat back down to cover her eyes.

"Um... you have cute kids," she said softly. Dash's eyes widened, as she internally gasped. She huffed.

"Well, thanks, is that all?"

Applejack shook her head, being pushed slightly to the right by Twilight, who was gesturing for her to continue. Applejack gulped, as she looked down.

"Uh... I'm... oh forget it," she said, pulling Dash in for the tightest hug the two had ever shared.

Rainbow Dash squeaked in surprise, as she felt the strong hooves wrap around her. She let out a soft chuckle, as she hugged the mare back with all her strength.

"Sorry, Rainbow Dash. I guess my emotions kinda took off without me...." she said, pulling away. Dash inwardly smiled, and nodded, as she shrugged nonchalantly.

"Thanks, AJ. I missed you too," she said, hugging her quickly once again. Applejack smiled, as she pulled away for the second time.

"Eight years. We haven't seen each other for eight years," she said. Dash sighed, and nodded.

"I'm so sorry, for leaving. I just couldn't stand my father and his petty insults anymore. I'm so sorry, everypony," she said. Applejack and the four other mares all nodded. Dash turned to them, before gesturing to her family.

"Meet my family," she said, as the mares all instantly targeted the twins. The five all crowded around Sandstorm and Stronghold, as Soarin backed away, and frowned.

"Hey! Where's my love and adoration?" he asked childishly. When none of them answered, Rainbow Dash flew up besides him, and pecked him on his cheek.

"I think you already get plenty of it from me," she said. Soarin didn't avert his eyes, as he smiled softly.

"You glad to be back home?" he asked. Dash instantly nodded, and pulled Soarin to face her.

"More than you could ever know," she said, glancing at her children, and best friends as they all swooned over them. Soarin grinned, and nodded, before his expression became a lot darker, and he looked away. Dash frowned. "Soarin? What's wrong?"

"I think it's time to face the Wonderbolts."

Chapter 18: Wonderbolt Glory

A Dash of Love Soared Through the Skies

By: Crystal Heart

Chapter 18: Wonderbolt Glory

"So... what exactly are we going to say when we arrive at the compound?" Dash asked Soarin, who was busy humming to himself, as the two flew over the majestic city of Cloudsdale. They had left Sandstorm and Stronghold with Dash's parents for the day, much to the children's concern.

"We're going to wing it!" Soarin exclaimed, flapping his wings harder, making him rise up above the clouds. Dash's eyes widened, as she followed shortly after.

"What do you mean, wing it?" she asked, once they were flying side by side again. Soarin looked at her, and shrugged.

"To be honest, all I can really tell is that Spitfire is going to be so shocked, she might die of a heart attack," he said, earning a light punch from his wife. Dash glared at him.

"Soarin... I'm serious," she said. Soarin chuckled, before flying in front of her, making their wings push back, to stop them from moving further ahead. He put his hooves on her shoulders, and gave her a sincere smile.

"I know, Dashie. And I don't blame you for being worried. It's been quite a while since we've been full Wonderbolts," he said, placing a soft kiss on her lips.

When they broke apart, Dash bit her lip, and nodded.

"Alright, then. Who are we going to see first, though?" she asked. Soarin smiled, put his hooves to the sides of her ears, and pulled her in, making his lips rest gently on her forehead.

"Who would you like to see first?" he asked, as he backed away from her, continuing their journey. Dash looked away.

"I'm not sure. But I know at one point I'm going to have to go see Hibiscus Wings and Burning Cloud. They must be pretty upset that I was the cause of them losing their Wonderbolt status..." she mumbled. Soarin frowned.

"Oh... right. That. Well, how about we settle things with Spitfire, and then we can go down to the recruit training grounds to meet up with them?" he asked. Dash smiled, and nodded.

"That sounds great, Soarin. Thanks," she said, only making the stallion kiss her once again.

Soarin and Rainbow Dash landed in front of the compound, staring in awe.

"Wow... it's been quite a while since we were here last..." he said. Dash only nodded.

"Yeah..." she said, as Soarin opened the door for her, leading them both inside. They closed the door behind them, and looked around. The compound was completely empty at this time.

"Hmm... nopony's here... are you sure there's even a training session today?" Dash asked. Soarin nodded firmly.

"Yep. I'm sure, and I think I know why there's nopony here," he said, leading her to the front desk, which was closed up. There was a sign on the front of it.

"Oh!" Dash said, scanning the text. "Spitfire set up an all compound training day! What's that?"

"An all compound training day is when every single pony in the compound, whether it be a Wonderbolt, staff member, or recruit, all go to the main training fields, and practice what their personal job is," Soarin explained. Dash's mouth formed an 'o' shape, as she nodded.

"Oh! That makes sense, I guess," she said, before the two of them took off to go to the training grounds. "Makes explaining things a hell lot easier."

Soarin grinned, and nodded.

"Surprise, could you pass me the tape from over there? I'm trying to draw out a finish line for the recruit races," Lightning Streak called out to said mare, who popped up from behind him, with the tape in her mouth.

"Here ya go!" she exclaimed, tossing it to him. Lightning looked at her once, before shrugging, and turning away. By now, he was used to his teammate's crazy antics.

Spitfire started trotting across the large outdoor fields, looking over to the many recruits lined up.

"Alright, recruits! Are you all ready for the race?" she yelled, earning distant nods from them all. Spitfire nodded, before blowing her whistle loud enough for everypony to hear.

The second they heard the whistle, the recruits were off, zooming around the fields, desperate to complete the fifteen laps of the race before any of their teammates. Spitfire scanned them all, before noticing that one of the recruits, namely Burning Cloud, wasn't focusing on the race. Instead, his head was turned to the entrance of the stadium.

"Hibiscus!" Burning Cloud yelled, catching the attention of the pink pegasus besides him. Hibiscus Wings looked over to the red stallion, as he gestured to the front of the field.

Hibiscus, clearly confused, looked over to where he was pointing, as gasped at the sight.

Two very familiar blue pegasi were standing there, smiling as they watched the race continue. The slightly darker blue one, waved over once she saw them looking. Hibiscus and Burning's wings both snapped, and stopped them from flying any further. They noticed the rest of the recruits flying past them, but they didn't care.

Suddenly, Spitfire trotted up to them with an angry glare.

"Why did you two stop?" she asked. Hibiscus and Burning didn't answer, as they helped each other up, and zoomed over to the two pegasi.

Spitfire was confused, but followed shortly after nervertheless.

Rainbow Dash and Soarin smiled at the approaching figures, but their expressions instantly turned to ones of dread as they saw their speed.

"Nononono!" Dash cried out, as Hibiscus lept into her hooves at an incredible force. She chuckled, and wrapped her arms around the mare in return to the massive hug.

The two mares embraced tightly, clenching each other's body thoroughly, before pulling away. Hibiscus' mouth curved into a huge grin, as did Dash's.

"Where. The freaking *HELL.* Have you been?" she asked, exaggerating every word she said. Dash's smile didn't falter, as she turned to her husband.

"I was with him," she said simply. Burning Cloud came up to her with a hug of his own.

The cyan mare and the shocking red stallion embraced warmly, smiling into each other's fur. When they broke apart, Burning grinned heavily.

"I missed you so much, Dash!" he said, hugging her once again. Dash smiled.

"And you'd better believe that I did too!" she exclaimed. A rough hoof separated them, as the two pegasi turned to see Soarin with an angry glare at Burning. Burning, realizing what it meant, backed away to join Hibiscus once again.

"Relax, Sir. I have a fiancé," he said, draping a wing over the pink pegasus. Dash and Soarin's eyes both widened, as they stared between him and Hibiscus. Dash squealed in delight.

"You two are ENGAGED?" she exclaimed, hugging both of them from behind. They both grinned, and nodded. Hibiscus unfurled her wing to reveal a dazzling golden ring clipped onto it. Dash unfurled her own, to reveal the diamond and sapphire one she had gotten from Soarin. Hibiscus gasped.

"Oh that's right! You two were engaged the last time we saw you! Are you guys married now?" she asked. Dash and Soarin smiled, and nodded.

"Yep. I'm also a proud mother of two!" Dash said. Hibiscus gasped, as she started jumping up and down in delight.

"Oh! That's so wonderful! I can't wait to meet them! How old are they?" she asked. Soarin grinned.

"They're twins, a filly and colt, and both seven years old," he explained, as he spotted a fiery orange pegasus in a blue flight suit flying up to the four ponies. He gulped, nudging Dash in her rib. She glanced up, and saw Spitfire coming up to them with a slight frown.

The Wonderbolt captain landed on all fours in front of them, and inspected the new arrivals closely. She noted Dash's much longer mane, and a few bruises near her abdominal area. She also saw Soarin's older, more ragged hooves, and overall, tired expression. At least, more tired than eight years ago.

Suddenly, her stern expression turned to one of pure glee, as she pounced on one of her oldest, bestest friends. Soarin squeaked in surprise as he felt Spitfire's hooves around him, and chuckled, returning the embrace.

"Woah there, Spitty," he said, as she let go of him.

"Holy crap, Soarin... where the hell have you been?" she asked, breathing heavily. Soarin glanced over to Rainbow Dash, who shrugged, and stepped forward. Spitfire looked over to her, and embraced her in a tight hug as well.

"Rainbow Dash! It's great to see you too!" she added, before turning back to Soarin. "I didn't exactly hear an answer..."

Soarin chuckled, and placed a hoof behind his neck, laughing nervously.

"Hehe... where to begin?"

Chapter 19: A New Beginning

A Dash of Love Soared Through the Skies

By: Crystal Heart

Chapter 19: A New Beginning

Welcome to the last chapter of A Dash of Love Soared Through the Skies! I hope you've enjoyed the duology, and how far it has come! I'd also like to personally invite you to join me for the next story in the series, titled Twin Trouble, and will be following the lives of Rainbow Sandstorm and Stronghold Skies!

Enjoy the chapter!

About a year later, Hibiscus and Burning were set to be married. They had decided for it to be held at Twilight's castle, and were both excited, and nervous about it.

"Are you ready for your big day, Hibiscus?" Dash asked the pink pegasus, who was busy looking over herself in the mirror. Hibiscus closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and nodded.

"Yeah, Dash. I think I am..." she said softly. "I think I'm ready to be united with the one I love," she finished with a small smile. Dash grinned.

"How are you feeling?" she asked. Hibiscus looked at the cyan mare, and smiled.

"Surprisingly, okay, how did you feel on your wedding day?"

"Just anxious. The only guest was Prince Shining Armor. So it was pretty quiet. But I was also incredibly happy to be marrying Soarin," Dash explained. Hibiscus nodded. Dash then started to trot towards the door.

"I'll be right back. I'm going to go check on the guests," she said.

Dash began to trot through the hallways of the Castle of Friendship.

It was pretty nice of Twilight to lend the castle for the wedding, she thought, smiling slightly to herself.

She opened one of the doors she was now in front of wide, and laid eyes the reception hall.

Seats were in rows of ten on either side, with a decorative alter at the front. Twilight was looking through a thick book, and Sandstorm and Stronghold were both looking up at her with wide eyes. Dash raised her eyebrows, and began to walk up to them.

"But Aunty Twilight! Why can't we presede?" Stronghold asked. Twilight rolled her eyes.

"It's preside, Stronghold. And you don't have the status to be able to do that yet," she explained. Sandstorm looked at her brother with a smirk.

"Ha. Told you so!" she said, flicking her tail at him. Stronghold grumbled with a frown, and glanced behind him, noticing his mother standing there with her hooves crossed.

"Mom! Do you know where Daddy is?" he asked. Dash frowned.

"Okay... so I just came here, your mother, and you're asking where your father is? Seriously?" she asked. Stronghold shrugged nonchalantly, earning another sweet glare from his mother. He grinned sheepishly, before trotting down to her, Sandstorm following shortly after.

"Um... Hi?" he asked uncertainly. Dash gave him a nod of approval, and looked over to her daughter.

"Your father is talking to Uncle Burning. I'm just here to see if Aunty Twilight needs any help," she explained. Twilight's head snapped up, as she looked over to Dash.

"Oh! Rainbow Dash! Didn't see you there!" she said. Dash raised an eyebrow, and Twilight chuckled nervously. "Okay, that's a lie."

"Anyway... do you need any help?" Dash asked. Twilight flipped through the book, and shook her head.

"Nope. I think I've got it all! Did you check in with Hibiscus?" she asked. Dash nodded, before turning back to her children.

"Alright, kids. Do you want to go see your father with me?" she asked. Sandstorm and Stronghold both eagerly nodded, as the three all started to walk away.

"Wait!" Twilight called. Dash stopped, and turned around with a confused look.

"What happened?"

"Could you take care of Illusion for me?" she asked. Dash nodded.

"Yeah, sure," she said, walking out with the kids once again.

Dash, Sandstorm, and Stronghold trotted into a spare room on the second floor of the castle, looking around. Dash turned to the twins.

"Do you think you two can go find Illusion, and then meet up in the groom's area?" she asked them. Sandstorm and Stronghold both nodded.

"Yeah sure, Mom. Go ahead," Sandstorm said, starting to look around. Dash nodded, and walked out of the room.

"Why do we have to look for that brat?" Stronghold whined. Sandstorm shook her head.

"Look, we may not like her very much... but Mom asked us to look for her," she said.

Suddenly, the two heard a small squeak coming from inside the bathroom. Sandstorm and Stronghold both looked simultaneously at each other, and started to cautiously walk towards it.

"Do you think it's her?" Stronghold asked. Sandstorm nodded.

"Positive."

The two opened the door, to see a small orange filly standing in front of the mirror. Sandstorm and Stronghold gave each other curious looks, before walking up to her.

"Illusion, your mother wanted us to look after you," Sandstorm said. Illusion only raised her eyebrow.

"You do know that we're the same age, right?" she asked. Stronghold shrugged.

"Doesn't matter. Our mom said that we had to bring you to where Burning Cloud and our dad are," he said. Illusion gave them a look, and started to walk in front of them, out the door.

"Well, then! Let's go!" she said in an annoying tone. Sandstorm glared after her, and gestured for her brother to follow.

"Soarin... Soarin!" Dash yelled, trying to locate her husband. Soarin, who was talking to Burning Cloud, looked up, and exited the room, coming face to face with his wife.

"Oh! Hey, Dashie," he said casually. Dash pushed past him, and entered the room he was in previously.

"Hey, Burning. How's it going?" she asked. Soarin frowned.

"Wait... what about me?" he asked, pouting slightly. Dash rolled her eyes, and ignored him, looking back over to the red stallion, who was inwardly chuckling.

"Eh. I'm feeling dandy," he said. Dash nodded.

"Cool. Sandstorm and Stronghold are looking for Illusion. They'll be here soon," she said, directing the last part over to her husband.

"Oh, so now you're talking to me?" he asked childishly. Dash playfully glared at him.

"I'm serious," she said. Soarin only shrugged.

"Wait... they're looking for Illusion? Won't that... I dunno, end in disaster?" he asked. Dash's eyes widened.

"Shoot," she mumbled. Soarin nodded matter of-factly. Dash started pulling at her mane.

"What the HELL have I done?" she said, starting to raise her voice. Soarin just continued to nod, closing his eyes. Dash started to shake his shoulders roughly. "Twilight's going to be FURIOUS if something goes wrong!"

Soarin didn't stop nodding.

"They're going to rip each other's skulls out!"

Soarin kept it up.

"WHAT. HAVE. I. DONE?"

Soarin didn't stop. "Told you so," he said. Dash's wings snapped open, as she stomped up to him.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Illusion, Sandstorm, and Stronghold were walking in a quiet manner. Not looking at each other once.

They knew how much they hated each other. The reason was unknown, but the hatred was real.

"So... I heard Sandstorm cheated on a test!" Illusion suddenly spoke up. Sandstorm's eyes widened, as she glanced at her brother, who was wearing a shocked look.

Stronghold knew what was going to happen. So he casually stepped away from the two mares.

"What did you say?" Sandstorm asked in a low voice. Illusion stuck a tongue out.

"I said... I heard you forgot to study for something! YOU'RE A CHEATER!" she blared. Sandstorm suddenly jumped, pouncing on the smaller mare.

Stronghold, who had been observing the scene, just smiled, as he watched the mare's break out in combat. Neither were very good.

Naturally, being the bigger one, Sandstorm managed to pin Illusion down.

But Illusion didn't give up. She jerked her head up, sending the two of them tumbling down the stairs, heading straight for the reception.

"So... do you wanna go, lover boy?" Dash asked in a threatening stance. Soarin raised his eyebrow at her, and took his own stance.

"Lover boy? BOY? OH COME ON!" he yelled childishly. Dash lowered her stance, and sat up straight.

"Let's settle this in a civilized manner, as two adults," she said.

"Huh?"

Dash simply started screaming.

Nothing more to it!

"I TOLD YOU SO? SERIOUSLY? YOU'RE JOKING, RIGHT?" she yelled. Soarin gaped at her. "THE WEDDING IS SUPPOSED TO START IN A FEW MINUTES... AND YOU'RE HERE DOING THIS?"

Soarin didn't know what to say.

"Um... Dashie..."

"WHAT?"

"You okay?"

"NOPE!"

"Alrighty then..."

"Ladies and gentlecolts! We are gathered here today to celebrate the-" Twilight started, before being interrupted by the doors swinging open, revealing a tumble of children.

"Hey!"

"No!"

"Stop Illusion!"

Three foals said at once. They all stopped once they saw where they were.

"Oh.... oops," Sandstorm said, blushing slightly. "Carry on!"

Twilight raised an eyebrow, and looked over her daughter and her companions. She cleared her throat, and continued with her speech.

"Uh... anyway. As I was saying. We are gathered here today to celebrate the union, of Hibiscus Wings, and-"

"SOARIN! GET RIGHT BACK HERE!" a new voice yelled. Everypony turned to the entrance, to see Rainbow Dash and Soarin bickering at each other.

"I'm right here, you know..." he said. Dash shook her head roughly.

"ARGH! Oh! Um..." she said, before noticing where she was.

Twilight sighed, and just shut the door with her magic.

"ANYWAY!" she continued, before hearing yet ANOTHER voice.

"Um... I'd actually like to have them inside for this one..." Burning Cloud said. Twilight glared at him, and sighed.

"Oh, fine," she said. Burning nodded, and looked back to Hibiscus who had an amused look on her face.

"Burning Cloud, do you take this mare to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and health, till death do you part?" Twilight asked, hovering a ring above him.

"I do," he said. Twilight smiled, and nodded, turning to the pink pegasus on her right.

"And do you, Hibiscus Wings, take this stallion, to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and health, till death do you part?" she asked. Hibiscus nodded.

"I do," she said. Twilight nodded, and clipped the rings to their wings. Burning and Hibiscus smiled at each other, as they waited for the signal.

"Then I now pronounce you, husband and wife. You may kiss," Twilight finished. Burning pulled his new wife in, and planted his lips on her's, sealing their marriage.

"Hey..." Dash said, walking up to Soarin, who was sitting underneath the blanket of stars in the cool night's sky. Soarin looked over, and beckoned for her to sit down.

"Hi," he said softly. Dash lowered her ears.

"I'm... sorry about the way I treated you earlier..." she said. Soarin gave her a tender smile, and shook his head, pulling her in with his wing.

"Hey now... it's all okay. I'm still here, right?"

"But... I completely embarrassed you! Doing that in front of such a huge amount of ponies..." she said, laying her head on his chest. Soarin smiled.

"It's okay. But I think there's more to this... the last time you shouted at me like that was..." he started, before trailing off, his eyes widening as he realized something. Dash looked up, and smiled, nodding slightly.

"The last time I was pregnant?" she asked. Soarin gasped, as he stared at her in shock.

"Well, yeah..." he said softly. Dash giggled slightly, and grinned.

"Time to buy double the food! Because I will now be eating for two..."

Chapter 1: Wonderbolt Love

A Dash of Love Soared Through the Skies

By: Crystal Heart

Chapter 1: Wonderbolt Love

Rainbow Dash trotted through the Wonderbolt compound, heading straight for her room on the third floor. She arrived right in front of it, and used her key to creak it open.

She was one of the the newest members of the Wonderbolts, and was still getting used to everything. Including a new home.

Most Wonderbolts lived inside the compound, in their own separate rooms, but Rainbow Dash and her fiancé, Soarin were different.

Ever since Dash had joined Soarin's ranks, they decided to move into their own house in the outskirts of Cloudsdale.

"Dashie!" Someone yelled out to her. Dash spun around, just in time to see Soarin jump into her arms. He wrapped his hooves around her in a loving embrace.

"I've been looking everywhere for you!" He said. Dash blushed, and lightly pushed him away. She then smiled.

"Well, you found me!" She said. "What happened though?"

"I just got a letter from your mother and father! The want to know if we've decided on a wedding date yet." Soarin explained. Dash raised her eyebrows, but nodded.

"Oh! Well, did you reply?" She asked. Soarin shook his head no.

"Not yet. Thought I would ask you for your opinion first." He said. Dash nodded.

"I'm still not sure, Soar." She said, shrugging slightly. Soarin frowned.

"We've been engaged for more than a year now... We've known each other for five... Don't you think it's time?" He asked her. Dash sighed, and nodded.

"Yeah... I guess so... How about we reply that they can start the preparations?" She suggested. Soarin grinned.

"That sounds perfect." He said, before dragging her inside the room. He plopped his flank down onto the chair in front of the large desk, and grabbed a scroll from the shelves.

Quickly, he penned a reply to Dash's parents, and gave it to her to look over.

Dash scanned the text thoroughly, giving a nod of approval to her stallion. She then grabbed Soarin's hoof, and took him to the front of the compound.

After dropping the letter off, Dash turned to Soarin, and smiled.

"When do you have to meet up with your squad?" She asked him. Soarin sighed.

"Fifteen minutes." He said. Dash frowned.

Ever since she started working as a Wonderbolt, the two had been spending less and less time together. Usually, Dash was free, and Soarin could make time for her. But it was different now.

Since Dash had joined the newest Wonderbolt squad, Squad 6, with her old friends, Hibiscus Wings and Burning Cloud, she had been pounded by her own work.

Now! You might all be wondering, 'When did Hibiscus and Burning become Wonderbolts?' Well, there's a little story behind it.

After Wonderbolt tryouts a few months ago, the Wonderbolt who had left, Rocky Edge, decided to come back to the Wonderbolts. Rocky Edge was the same pony who had been the cause of holding tryouts. Of course, Spitfire was more than happy to let in an old friend, and an experienced Wonderbolt into the crew, so Dash had to leave her previous squad, Squad 5.

Spitfire then went and took a look at her old tryout records, and saw that the next two best recruits after Dash were Hibiscus and Burning Cloud. She invited them to join Dash in making a sixth squad, which they obviously accepted.

Then, the Wonderbolts welcomed their newest elite squad, with Rainbow Dash as their captain.

Being a captain of a squad was very tiring for Dash, even though she did think it was awesome.

Due to this, she couldn't spend as much time as she would have liked with her coltfriend, and fiancé. But any moment they got was one they cherished.

Rainbow Dash waved goodbye to Soarin, and watched him enter the compound building to the training facilities. She sighed, and made her way back inside as well, heading for her office.

"Squad Six, please report to my office." Dash said over the intercom system of the compound. She leaned back in her chair, as Hibiscus and Burning entered the room, chattering to themselves. They stopped once they saw Dash, and saluted.

"Ma'am!" They said together. Dash rolled her eyes.

"Didn't I tell you that you don't have to call me ma'am? We're part of the same squad! Not to mention best friends! It's fine!" She insisted. She eyed them as they didn't leave their position. Dash grunted.

"At ease... But remember what I said!" She exclaimed. Hibiscus and Burning both shrugged.

"Sorry, Rainbow..." Hibiscus said. Burning nodded.

"Hehe... Yeah... Sorry about that. We're still getting used to the whole Wonderbolt thing ourselves." He said. Dash's frown cracked into a large smile.

"I understand. I was in the same position for a few months as well. But I'm glad Rocky decided to come back... If he didn't, I wouldn't get to be a part of such an amazing squad!" She said. The other two grinned, and nodded.

"Yeah! I still can't believe Spitfire let us join! It's like a dream come true!" Burning said, earning a small kick from the pink mare besides him.

"That's because it is! We all went through tryouts together, remember?" She asked him sarcastically. Burning grinned. Dash then spoke up.

"As much fun as this is, we really need to get training started. You guys ready?" She asked. Hibiscus and Burning both nodded. Dash smiled.

"Alright. Put on your uniforms, and meet me outside by the track in fifteen minutes. I've booked us to train with the lead squad today." She said. Her friends nodded, and trotted out of the office, heading to the changing rooms.

"Oh hey Rainbow Dash! Where's the rest of your squad?" Spitfire asked the cyan mare as she emerged from the mare's locker room with her flight suit on. She quickly flew over to her.

"They're in the changing rooms getting ready. Where's Fleetfoot and Soarin?" She asked. Spitfire shrugged.

"Doing the same. Well, it's for the best. Gives us captains a chance to go over the plan for today." She said. Dash only nodded, as Spitfire started talking once again.

"I was thinking we could warm up with a five-hundred, and then make our way into some endurance tests." She explained. Dash nodded again.

"Sounds good to me." She replied nonchalantly. Spitfire nodded.

"Nice of you two to start before us!" A voice emerged from the locker rooms. Spitfire and Dash both turned to see Hibiscus Wings, Burning Cloud, Soarin and Fleetfoot trotting out. Spitfire rolled her eyes.

"Come on, you guys! We're already behind schedule as it is! We don't want to waste any more time!" She said impatiently. The other's all nodded, giving her a salute. Dash then spoke up.

"We're going to start with a FIVE-HUNDRED METER WARM UP! GO!" She yelled, taking off from her spot. The others all watched in awe at her speed, but then quickly ascended into the sky as well.

Soarin quickly caught up to her, and they flew side by side for a while.

"Nice leadership captain..." He teased. Dash blushed, and pushed him to the side a little, as they made their way in for a landing.

After a few seconds, the rest of them all landed behind the two lovers, and glanced to each other. Now came the hard part.

Endurance tests.

Chapter 9: We Meet Again

A Dash of Love Soared Through the Skies

By: Crystal Heart

Chapter 9: We Meet Again

A few months later, Rainbow Dash and Soarin headed over to the doctor's office to find out the gender of the baby. As they were flying, Soarin glanced over to Dash. Or more specifically, her stomach.

"Dashie... Are you sure you're alright flying?" He asked her. Dash only nodded.

"Yeah. I'm fine." She said, picking up slight speed. Soarin then noticed her queasy looking expression.

"On second thoughts... Let's just walk..." She said, adjusting her flight path to land on the crystal grounds of the Empire. Soarin smiled, and landed down besides her. He draped his wings over the mare's body, as they continued their journey.

"Would you like me to call a cab for you?" Soarin asked Dash. She shook her head.

"Soarin... I told you, I'm fine." She said, putting a hoof on her husband's shoulder. Soarin gave her a nervous glance, and cautiously nodded.

"If you're sure..." He mumbled. Dash smiled, and nodded.

They both looked straight ahead, but just a moment too late, as Dash collided with a crystal pony. They both fell to the ground with a thump, and Dash winced in pain. Soarin instantly went by her side, and helped her up.

"Oh my gosh... I'm so sorry!" The mare she collided with said frantically, shaking her head trying to regain her sight. She opened her eyes, and glanced over to see who she bumped into, the same time Dash did.

The two mares locked eyes, and both gasped simultaneously. Soarin took a few steps back, as he realized who the mare was.

It was Ace. Sparkling Ace.

"Oh no. Ohnonononono!" Dash exclaimed, frantically looking over to Soarin. He looked back at her with an awestruck expression. Ace's jaw dropped, as she stood up.

"Rainbow Dash?" She mumbled. Dash looked over to her with wide eyes.

"No... This can't be happening! SOARIN YOU PROMISED ME THIS WOULDN'T HAPPEN!" Dash yelled, pointing a hoof accusingly at her husband. Soarin's eyes widened.

"Okay... Well, Dashie that hardly seems fair." He tried. Dash stomped up to him, and roughly shook his shoulders.

"Then what's fair you IDIOT?" She yelled. Soarin took a few steps back.

"Okay... I know you get pregnancy mood-swings often... But this is a little out of control, is it not? You're kind of yelling at me in public." He said, trying to reason with her.

"Look. I'm your wife. And I can do all I please to you. Understand?" She asked in a dangerously low voice. Soarin gulped, and nodded.

"Yes ma'am!" He said, saluting to her. Dash gave a nod of approval.

"Spitfire taught you well." She mumbled, before turning back to Ace, who was staring at the mare's middle.

"Rainbow Dash? You're... You're having a baby?" She asked in disbelief. Dash just stared at the older mare, not wanting to believe what had just happened.

Dash looked away, and bit her lip, not wanting to speak to the golden coated pony. Soarin walked up behind her, and placed a hoof on her shoulder. She looked back at him with large eyes, as he gave her a comforting smile. She rested her head in the crook of his neck, and closed her eyes.

"What are we going to do?" She asked him, forgetting her sister in-law was standing only a few feet away from her. Soarin grunted slightly.

"Just go with it." He said simply. Dash frowned, and pulled away from him, staring back into space.

"Sparky! You won't believe what just happened! Crystal just-" Another pony yelled from behind Ace. Dash turned in alarm to see a periwinkle coated stallion with a rainbow colored mane trot up to them, with a golden filly resting on his back.

Spectrum Dash's eyes landed on the cyan mare, as his jaw dropped to the floor. Dash shifted uncomfortably on her spot, as Soarin draped a wing over her back possessively. She glanced to him, and saw that he was staring at the older stallion with a slight glare.

"No..." Spectrum mumbled, as he stared upon the younger couple. "This can't be happening..."

Rainbow Dash slipped out of reach from Soarin, and slowly walked up to her brother. She stopped right in front of him, and gave him a long, meaningful glare that was so sharp, it almost cut through his heart.

"Tell anyone about this... And I mean anyone... I'll kill you." She said in a dangerous tone of voice. Spectrum's eyes widened, as he saw his little sister walk back up to Soarin, and gesture for him to take off into the sky. Soarin gulped, and did as said.

Shooting her brother one final stare, Dash spread her wings out, and took off slowly into the sky.

"Rainbow wait!" Ace called out. Dash stopped in mid-flight, and looked down to the ground. Ace gave her a small smile.

"A pregnant mare shouldn't fly. It's bad for her." She said. Dash's eyes widened, as she glanced at Soarin, who simply nodded. They both cautiously made their way back to the ground.

"Rainbow... Where have you been all these months?" Ace asked Dash. Dash instantly looked away, and hung her head.

"I've been right here. Living in the Empire with Soarin." She mumbled. Ace's eyes widened, as she looked over to her husband, who cautiously set his daughter down, and trotted up to them.

"Are you two... Married?" He asked Dash and Soarin. Soarin glanced at Dash, who was on the verge of tears. He cleared his throat.

"Uh... Yeah.... Do you have a problem with that?" He asked. Spectrum simply shook his head. Ace looked between the two of them.

"And now you're expecting..." She said, before crying out softly. "Come here..." She said, opening her arms. Soarin stayed back, but Dash ran into her sister in-law's hooves.

The two embraced in a tight hug, letting out a few tears as they went along. Dash pulled away from the crystal mare, and turned to her brother.

"Oh, Spectrum..." She said softly, taking him into her arms. "I missed you so much..."

"I missed you too, Rainbow Dash... Mom and Dad have been worried SICK about you! The minute I get home, I'm going to ca-"

        "No. You're not." Somepony said from behind them. Spectrum's eyes widened as he turned to see Soarin standing with his head down, and glare up. Dash instantly let go of her hold, and nodded.

        "Yeah. Mom and Dad cannot know we're here." She said simply, going to her husbands side. Spectrum looked between the two of them.

        "I understand why you don't want Dad to know... But why not Mom?" He asked them. Dash glanced besides her to see Soarin with a faraway look. She sighed.

        "Have you even met her? She won't be able to keep it in! The second she finds out, she'll go and tell Dad!" Dash said. Ace looked over to Spectrum, and casually nodded.

        "They have a point, dear." She said simply. Spectrum nodded.

        "Yeah. I guess you're right. But how long are you going to stay in hiding for?" He asked his sister and her significant other.

        "Till death do us part." Dash said simply. Soarin nodded. Spectrum sighed.

        "Still stubborn as a mule..." He mumbled.