Four stairs left.

Remembering her moment with Soarin filled her heart with sorrow.

She loved him.

Even after all of the trails the two had faced, they always came out friends but... never lovers.

Unfortunately, this time would be different. The two would be lovers but,... not both of them would come out.

With that thought set in her mind, she bit down hard on her trembling lip, causing blood to flow in her mouth.

Regret flooded into her body.

If only I'd told him sooner. Then I would have had more memories of us... She trailed off in thought wishing more than anything that he was there with her now.

But... No!

She didn't wish he were there with her. She wanted to do this alone. To have him there with her is selfish.

No, it was better this way.

With a heavy heart she continued her ascent.

Don't ever forget that I love you. I love you all...

Flashback

Rainbow and Scootaloo were running.

They had left it too late.

The meteor had already made its first collision with the ground.

All there was to be seen at the time was one large dot in the sky. Till... BOOM!

The large meteor had exploded into many smaller rocks as it hit the planets atmosphere.

The smaller meteors were now falling toward the town.

Panic overtook the two Pegasi as the glowing meteor transformed the sky into a dark red colour. The smaller rocks were glowing white in their descent, indicating the atmosphere was heating it.

At this point, all that mattered to the two ponies was getting to safety.

The first collision with the ground, from only a small looking meteor, caused a massive shock wave to spread out across the small town knocking the two off of their hooves.

Quickly recovering, Rainbow looked to Scootaloo, who was struggling to get up as fast as the rainbow maned mare beside her.

If only Rainbow could fly. Then they wouldn't be in this mess.

Lifting Scootaloo onto her back, Rainbow continued their race against time.

They were so close now... she could see Twilight standing at the open door of her shelter. Hers had been magically protected, while they still had time, to stay above ground so that they could know when the worst was over and send a message to everyone else.

Even closer... seeing the frantic expression on Twilight's face, she kicked it into top notch. Nothing could stop her now. Except...

"Rainbow, Scootaloo, look out!" Twilight warned from the doorway looking up at the sky.

A comet was heading their way and though small, they all knew the impact it caused.

There was no other choice. Grabbing the small filly on her back with her forhooves, she threw her to the purple alicorn a perfect arch.

Catching the small filly in her arms, she looked to Rainbow who was doubling back on herself to avoid the collision point.

Realising that it was the only way they could all avoid destruction Twilight closed the door to the shelter.

"RAINBOW!!!" The small orange filly cried, struggling against Twilight's grip.

A large explosion came from just outside the shelter. Sending a small shock wave through the protected room.

Scootaloo closed her eyes tight and shook her head, tears cascading down her cheeks as she pushed herself out of Twilight's grip.

"NO! No no no no no! WHY DID YOU SHUT THE DOOR!" She shrieked as the alicorn touched her shoulder for comfort. "You're supposed to be the Princess of Friendship for Celestia's sake!"

"Listen to me Scootaloo!" Twilight said looking directly at the small filly face and grabbing her shoulders forcing her to meet her gaze. Twilight continued, her voice taking on a harsh tone. "I will open the door for Rainbow Dash to enter in a minute. I only closed the door to avoid getting blown to bits ourselves."

The Pegasus looked around the room. Applebloom was sat in big Mac's lap with Applejack to the side of them, Granny Smith asleep on the bed behind them. Sweetie bell was sat with her parents and Rarity who were huddled together in the corner. Sitting in the centre of the room was Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy playing with Angel. Everypony looked at her with distraught expressions.

"Rainbow knew that I had to do it, which is why she doubled back to avoid the meteor instead of continuing to run here." Twilight continued in a softer voice. "She will be alright."

Right on cue, the speaker in the corner of the room started to crackle.

Rainbow was trying to talk to them from the outside.

"Rainbow!" Twilight said making her way over to the microphone in the wall. "Rainbow, can you here me?"

The static from the microphone the other side was then interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Yeah,... I hear ya." Came the response, making the occupants of the room to whoop and cheer.

"Is is it safe to open the door?" Twilight asked.

"I don't think that you will be able to do that Twi..."

"Nonsense, I can just..." Twilight said trying to press the button that should open the doors. But it didn't work.

"W-What's going on? I should be able to..."

"It won't work Twilight!"

"Why not?" The purple alicorn asked, panic flooding into her body.

"The meteor,... it contained some kind of metal..."

Twilight blinked away a few tears swallowing the lump in her throat. "Which means?"

" .............."

"Rainbow," She said, her voice catching slightly as more tears arose. "What does it mean?!?!?!?!"

There was a long hesitation from the other side.

Finally, Twilight got her answer.

"The door is soldered shut..."

Author's Note

Phew,... only two more chapters to go.

I hope you like the new update and I hope it was worth waiting for (I got it out asap).
As much as it sounds evil, I actually really enjoyed writing this chapter.
I hope you have as much fun reading it!

Anyway, thanks for reading and...
HAPPY NEW YEAR!