Soarin's Pie

by gcsmith

Rating: everyone
Tags: Pinkie Pie, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Soarin, Romance
Length: 8529

Soarin goes after the ultimate Pie.

Soarin, flyer of the Wonderbolts loves pies. He will travel the length and breadth of Equestria for one worthy of his pallet.

At the Grand Galloping Gala he noticed the Ultimate Pie, and now must go on a journey to see if he can claim it for his own.

Published 2012-06-14 03:44:02 UTC
Last updated 2012-08-03 09:44:09 UTC

Chapter 1

Three Pegasi clothed in blue came to a stop in the middle of the stadium, all three breathing heavily, signs of sweat visible on their clothing.

"That's it for today, lads, well done and good work," came the voice of Spitfire, a yellow Pegasus and the only female of the trio. "Right let's see, tomorrow we will meet here at seven, we have a lot of work to cover still with the Terrific Trio Tornado. We want to be ready for the Ponyville stunt show next week, don't we?" she asked.

The other two responded eagerly,shouting "Yes, captain!" at the same time.

"Good, now hit the showers." Soarin and his fellow teammate, Twister, headed right for the showers while Spitfire went left. She hated showering on her own, however since she was the only female on the team, she didn't have much choice. 'We really need another female teammate’ she thought to herself, 'Besides, think of the new moves we can do with four people.’

A short time later all three were standing outside the stadium. They often spent the evenings on their own but, always liked to say good night before going their separate ways. Tonight however, the two male teammates were heading back to Soarin’s house together. Tornado's house had suffered serious damage in the last storm and he needed somewhere to stay.

"Good night, you two," said Spitfire before taking to the air and zooming off into the sky in one swift movement.

"Good night to you too, Spitfire," Twister called after her. "So, what we up to tonight roomy?"

Soarin was looking off rather dreamily until he realized his name had been called. "Um, not sure. Guess we can get a pizza in and watch a DVD; managed to get my hooves on 'Mane 6'- you know, that film about that team of six super heroes assembled to fight forces of evil that threaten Equestria."

"No way," said Twister, his jealousy barely hiding behind his thick designer glasses, "How, the hay, did you get hold of that? The film has only just finished at the Cinema."

Soarin cracked a cheeky smile, "Got a massive fan in the film industry, gave me it after I signed a photo for his filly."

"That's whack man, you hear me? Whack! You get fans in the film industry and my biggest fan works for Captain Pudsey's all-you-can-eat-fly-through. I guess I can get our pizzas tonight."

"Hey man, don't feel so down," exclaimed Soarin, "I'm sure you get plenty of use of that fan, I know how you like your pasta pots," He poked Twister in the stomach, "Looks like you should keep off them for a while." He chuckled and sped off before Twister could process the insult.

Twister, eventually catching on, sped up to catch up and respond. "Not cool, man, not cool. Besides, at least I don't stuff my face with pie all the time," he retorted.

"Pies are good man, pies are the best," said Soarin, "Nothing finer than a pie." His eyes went dreamy again.

"You thinking of her again?" asked Twister.

"Of course I am you dimwit. Can't get her out of my mind, no matter how I try." replied Soarin rather sing song.

"Hey, why don't we go out clubbing? I know a nice little place where there's this sweet young thing who would love to meet you," said Twister. Apparently his words hit a nerve and Soarin flew off ahead of him. Twister thought for a moment to see if he had done anything different to particularly offend him. Getting nothing, he raised his legs as if to say "why me", and followed after his friend.

-x-

Several hours later, Soarin and Twister were sitting around a console playing the latest Griffon War Combat game, surrounded by Pizza boxes and howling at the screen.

"What the cud, man! No way that mule of a camper should’ve got me! How the hay did he shoot me through that?" Screamed Twister, his player having been just blasted apart.

Soarin just laughed. "He just has skills, besides there was a massive hole in that hut, of course, he was going to be able to hit you with his rocket spell through that."

Twister threw his remote down at the ground and kicked the console off. "Bah, had enough of this stupid game anyway, ready for that film?"

"Sure, but first I have a bone to pick with you."

"Really? It better not be about this stupid mare again. I said I was sorry."

"Of course its about her! I still can't see why you would think a cheap club floozy could make me forget her."

"Hey, I'm wounded here. She ain't cheap I'm telling you. Besides, some of the things she can do make you forget a lot." reasoned Twister, receiving a hoof across his face for his troubles. He scowled, "Whats with you, man? You used to love the club girls."

"I don't know," said Soarin, rubbing a hoof across his neck, "Just after seeing her at the Gala something stirred inside me. She's so fresh. Besides, did you hear? She's a baker and called Pie. Can you think of a better match?"

"You and your pies. But seriously, what do you even know about this gal? You're getting way out of wack for a mare you don't even know."

"I know her job and her name, more than you know about your dates," said Soarin.

"That's so not true, mate,"

"Really? What was that white mares name and job?" he asked Twister.

Twister sat on his haunches, his face screwed up trying to remember before eventually throwing his hooves up in defeat. "Fine, you got me. Ok so you do know a bit about her, I'll give you that. But you haven't even made a move to find her."

"Well, I found out she lives in Ponyville," said Soarin nervously.

"Really?" asked Twister excitedly. "That's great news."

"Really?"

"Really, means you can try and find her next week when we're in town,” responded Twister.

"Of course! Thanks, mate, I guess your not always a dunderhead."

"Man, you really know how to wound me," moaned Twister. "And just to think I was going to give you some of my finer tips to dealing with a mare."

Soarin was quick to hand his friend a beer and apologized, "Hey, sorry about that."

"It's ok, I guess a beer can heal this wound. Right, so what you need to do is find her and then..."

-x-

A week later, Soarin and Twister were sitting on a cloud overlooking Ponyville, the sun was shining and there were workers filling the southern fields. A large temporary structure had been erected and the finishing touches were being added for the next day.

Twister smiled at Soarin. "So, tomorrow's the big day, eh? You ready?"

"Come on, Twister, we do these events all the time. Why wouldn't I be ready?" Soarin asked.

"Well," Twister rolled his eyes, "there's going to be a special mare in the crowd this time."

Soarin looked down at his hooves, shuffling them nervously.

"Whats wrong, Soarin?"

"Well, um, I have no idea if she will even be going." Said Soarin causing Twister to smile.

"Soarin, I think me and Spitfire can handle the stadium preparations." he reassured, looking down at the Captain down below. The sun glinting off her uniform causing his smile to grow wider.

"Really?" the appreciation in his face showing before he looked down at his hooves again clearly deflated.

"What's wrong now?" asked Twister.

"I don't know where to find her."

"Well, at least you got my message," stated Twister dryly. "Look, either you really aren't the sharpest tool in the box, or you forgot she was a baker already."

"So, I should check..?"

Twister face-hoofed. "The Bakery," he said.

Soarin gave an embarrassing chuckle, "Of course, I'll see you later."

"Do you remember my advice?"

Soarin cringed, of course he remembered the advice. He had spent a week with Twister, where every moment of everyday was filled with stomach wrenching advice. 'I don't know how I will forget the advice he gave me involving a toilet.’ He thought to himself, giving a small chuckle.

"Yeh, I remember your advice. Thanks for that mind cud by the way." With that, Soarin flicked his tale at Twister and flew off into the sky. "By the way, keep your eyes in your head around Spitfire." This caused Twister to nearly fall of the cloud.

"H-h-how did you..?" Twister began to stutter.

"Oh, come on," Soarin chuckled, "With all this talk of mares I could see you couldn't keep your eyes off her. What did you think I looked at every time I daydreamed?"

"You wont tell, will you?" Twister pleaded.

"Why, what you afraid of?" Soarin said, glad he had leverage over his friend.

"You know perfectly well what I'm afraid of." It was true, Spitfire was well known for treating guys who got too close with an iron hoof.

"Ok, your secrets safe with me. See ya tomorrow," with that Soarin, made his way off into town to find the bakery and the mare of his dreams.

Chapter 2

OK, so you guys wanted it and here it is, chapter 2. Thanks a lot to aroptua for grammar checking.

In the end the bakery wasn't too hard to find, try missing a shop shaped like a cake when Pies are your favorite food. 'It's an interesting shop', Soarin thought to himself, reminding him of old fairy tales. As he flew closer he couldn't help but be hypnotised by the tantalizing shape of the building, he hoped the cakes inside looked as good as the shop did.

When he got there he found there was a rather long queue. Looking at his watch he realised it must be the lunchtime rush. He looked nervously around. He didn't consider queuing, the thought of being swamped by fans on his day off didn’t appeal to him. Eventually, he decided it would be best to queue like everyone else, even if it gave more ponies the chance to recognize him. 'I just hope most ponies don't recognize me without my Wonderbolts uniform on.'

He remained at the back of the queue for a while,the line getting shorter, hoping he was the last of the rush. Unfortunately, just before he could enter the shop, two particular Pegasi flew down and landed behind him.

"Oh man, Fluttershy, this show is going to be so awesome. I can't wait to see their moves, and if I'm lucky maybe I'll get a chance to show off my own."

"Um, I'm sure it will be good, Rainbow, I just hope there are no accidents. I can't bear to think of other ponies getting injured." Beads of sweat began to form on Soarin's neck, he recognized that voice. It was one he had heard at the best young fliers competition, and again at the Grand Gallopin' Gala. If he remembered her name right, it was their number one fan, Rainbow Dash. Curses, he just had to hope she was too busy thinking of the show to notice him. He felt a tap on his shoulder and he nervously swallowed.

"Hey buddy, the line's moving you know, we haven't got all day." Rainbow said, a scowl across her face.

"Um, right, sorry." said Soarin, moving forward to take his place in the queue again. He let out a sigh of relief, that was a close call. Soon he was inside the store, grateful for the air conditioning. What with the heat and the nervousness he was sweating like a mule. Then he saw her, the reason he had come to the bakery, that bright-pink mare. His insides twisted and his heart started beating a samba at the sight, with all his day-dreaming Soarin had almost forgotten what a true beauty she was. Eventually reaching the front of the queue, the mare turned to him, her eyes looking at him made him want to blush.

"Welcome to Sugarcube Corner..." Unfortunately she didn't continue as she looked behind him. "Dashie, how are you? Looking forward to tomorrow?" Soarin was stunned, her attention span was almost shorter than his was, when he was around Pies at least.

"Pinkie!" said an older mare who came from the back room carrying a new load of cakes to place in the display. "Deal with customers first, friends later."

"Oh right, sorry Mrs Cake, I just get so excited when friends come to visit. Anyway, mister, what can I do you for?"

He looked around nervously, his neck was being renewed with sweat and his throat felt incredibly dry all of a sudden. It was all he could do to say.

"Pie."

"Ooh Pie, I love Pie. So what flavour? We have plenty to choose from. We have apple; cherry; bannofee, plumb, apricot, strawberry, summer fruit,. and for a short time curtesy of my friend Applejack, zapp apple." By the time she had finished the list, he was licking his lips and had completly forgot his nervousness from before.

"Zapp Apple," he blurted out, "I’ve heard amazing things about that stuff, and, if I'm not mistaken, this is the only place that grows them commercially, right?"

Pinkie Pie nodded enthusiastically. "Yessirree, Her gran, Granny Smith, was the first person to find seeds to plant and discover all the things you need to do to process the fruit." Pinkie cut up the pie that Soarin wanted.

Looking around the bakery he noticed all the full tables. "Looks like you're really busy today." He commented.

"Yes indeedy, we're always busy when we get special events in town, like when we had the summer sun festival, we were busy like bees. Although, I think that's a good thing since bees make honey and make an awesome buzzing sound. BZZZZZ, see, awesome." Soarin just stared as she went off on various tangents.

"Anyway, you going to the show tomorrow?" he asked.

"Nopsy lopsi," she replied frowning, "I would love to but I can't afford to go."

Soarin smiled, seeing an opportunity to make an impression on the mare. "Well, I have a spare ticket you can have if you want?" he said taking a ticket out of his saddlebag.

"Really?" her face lit up. "But I can't just go taking something from a stranger, besides why would you give it to me?"

"Just think of it as payment for giving me a lot of information about bees."

"Well, thanks, mister..."

"Soarin, and see, we ain't strangers no more so you can accept it."

"Ohmigosh, you’re right! Thanks Soarin..." Pinkie paused for a moment realizing the name sounded familiar. "Anyway, here's your pie." She handed him a box with a napkin and a fork. "Hope you enjoy it."

"OH, I'm sure I will, hope you enjoy the show." He said as he picked the box up and left, leaving Pinkie to dance up and down, a ticket in her teeth.

"Woah Pinkie, what's the big song and dance about?" asked Rainbow now able to approach the counter. "Wait a minute, is that a ticket to the wonderbolts stunt show?"

"Yes, indeedy-doo. That nice guy who was before you gave it to me, said it was for giving him loads of information about bees. Which reminds me, did you know the Mexican honey bee..." She was shut up quickly by Rainbow's hoof in her face.

"Let me have a look at that," Rainbow demanded snatching the ticket from the air. "Woah! This is a box ticket, Pinkie."

"It is? What's a box ticket? Do they put you inside a box to see the show? 'Cus I've seen a show from inside a box before and while it was fun to begin with it gets really sticky and cramped."

"No, no, no, Pinkie, the box is where all the stuck up ponies get to sit. It's where they provide you with loads of food and drink. These tickets cost a fortune! Did you say he just gave it to you?"

"Yep, I told him I couldn't afford a ticket and he gave me one. Are you sure its a box ticket, because I'm not sure the bee facts I gave him were worth a fortune."

"Yes, I'm sure, Pinkie." said Rainbow who was pratically hyperventilating, she was unable to believe her friend Pinkie had managed to secure a box ticket. From a random pony no less.

"Um, what was his name?" asked Fluttershy, who had up until this time been sitting silently, listening to the conversation. "He did give a name didn't he?"

"Yes, he did, it was..." Pinkie screwed her face up trying to remember. "Soarin, that was it. Soarin."

"SOARIN!" Rainbow screamed. "You mean Soarin from the Wonderbolts just gave you a box ticket?" she was unable to believe this turn of events.

"I'm not sure about him being from the Wonderbolts, Dashie. After all, he wasn't wearing the blue suit remember? But I thought I recognized the name."

Rainbow just collapsed to the floor wishing she as dead, she had just been in line behind Soarin and she hadn't even asked for an autograph. What was worse, he had just given one of her friends, Pinkie for goodness sake, a Box ticket.

Seeing her eye twitching, Fluttershy poked her friend gently and asked "Are you alright Rainbow?"

The scream of “No!” could be heard all the way in Canterlot.

Chapter 3

The day of the stunt show dawned bright. There was not a cloud in the sky; the weather Pegasi were definitely not going to let rain spoil the day for anyone. By six in the morning, Ponyville was unusually active as ponies were arriving from out of town, and those who had stayed in town were waking up in the various hotels or campsites. No one was going to be caught getting up late for this event and those who did have the luxury of sleeping in were woken by all the hustle and bustle.

Despite the crowds, there was a relative peace, every pony conducted themselves with a standard far higher than usual. After all, with all the excitment in the air, situations could easily get out of hand. Even a certain mail mare was off at the bakery to have an early breakfast with her daughter, the delivery company having deemed it unsafe for her to do deliveries with so many new ponies about. Ones not used to her accidents anyway.

Soarin and Twister were lounging on top of the Stadium, having been deprived of any clouds to sit on, it would have to do. Tired, they were laying down to get some fourty winks before the show, having been woken up early by their captain for last minute practice. It was unnecessary, but Spitfire was never one to take shows, no matter how insignificant, easily.

"Yo, mate, how did it go yesterday with that mare?" Twister asked. Soarin didn't seem to hear properly, merly responding with a grunt that could mean "what was that" or "leave me alone". "Yo, dog, I asked how it went yesturday with that mare of yours?"

Grumpily, Soarin opened his eyes, a much welcomed rest having been stolen from him, he responded. "Firstly, she isn't mine. Secondly, why are you so interested?"

"Well I am your friend, am I not? So, of course I'm interested. Besides, who else am I going to tease about relationships?" Twister said coolly.

Soarin chuckled, it was true he was the only one to tease, Spitfire didn't take remarks about her private life very well. "Thats true. Well, since you care so much, it went rather well. I didn't do much beyond getting a pie from her and giving her a ticket to the show."

"You gave her a ticket to the show? and what kind of "pie" did you get?"

"Yes, I did, she said she couldn't afford one, and I couldn't let the mare I like miss out on my skills."

"Wow, 'real modest dude', she's going to love that about you." said Twister.

Soarin missed the sarcasm. "Really? Thanks man." Then, catching on quickly, "Hey, that was an insult wasn't it?"

"Guess we will never know, Soarin. We. Will. Never. Know. So what kind of ticket you give her?"

"Gave her a box one, she should apprieciate it."

"You gave her a ticket for the box..." Twister's voice caught in his throat, his fear clearly visible in his eyes. "Dude, that wasn’t wise, not wise at all."

"Why's that?"

"Um, hello, did you not see her at the Gala?"

"Well, of course I saw her, why else do you think I can't stop thinking of her with every waking moment?"

"Not what I meant, man, not what I meant. Did you not see how she behaved amongst those high class snobs?"

"Hay, yeh, that was some top class partying if you ask me." said Soarin, his eyes glazing over dreamily as he remembered Pinkies exploits at the Gala.

At the same time Twister just covered his face with his hoof. "You don't quite seem to get me. How do you think those top class snobs will react if she does something like that today? It will ruin the show."

"I'm sure she will behave herself today, Twist, not as if their is any party music to put her in a dancing mood."

"You better be right, Soarin, mate." Twister looked up at the crowds beginning to form. "Looks like we better be going, don't want to be caught up here by any overeager fans." He thought back to that Pegasus he had met at the gala, she had been very eager. Sure, she had saved their lives, but that didn't excuse such rowdy behavior.

"Yeh, I agree, besides, I'm getting a chill up here." With that, both Pegasi took to the sky and headed towards their dressing rooms, hoping to at least get a rest before the show began.

Across town, Pinkie was finishing serving the last batch of early customers in Sugarcube Corner, when her six friends entered the shop.

"You all ready to go, Pinkie?" asked Rainbow, a smile on her face. While she still couldn't believe her friend had gotten a free box ticket, she was glad her friend would be able to see the show this time. Pinkie was the one out of them that earnt the least money and they often forgot about it, leaving her behind when special events came to town - unless the Princesses sent them tickets, that is.

"Mmmph," was all she replied, her mouth taken up by a large tray of goods she was carrying over to a set of customers.

"What was that?" Twilight asked. Pinkie reached the table and put down the tray, carefully, so as to avoid spilling any of the food and drink, before answering.

"In a minute, got one last set of customers to serve." With that she appeared behind the counter again in a blink of an eye, Twilight shook her head, she still hadn't understood how Pinkie did that. She started cutting up some pastries while putting on a batch of coffee. Pinkie may have been crazy, but you couldn't find any faults with her efficiency when it came to doing what she loved. With Pinkie's speed of working, it wasn't long before they were walking down towards the stadium.

"Um, Pinkie, how did you get the day off?" Asked Fluttershy, her face shrouded by a large sun hat. "I thought you were meant to work today."

"Yes, indeedy, however, when they saw I got given an expensive ticket they didn't want me to waste the opportunity." said Pinkie. "They also said it was, and I quote, ‘it's sweet you have a stallion interested in you.’ I have no idea what they meant."

Pinkie's apparent lack of awareness of the situation caused Rarity to giggle like a little school girl. "Oh, Darling, don't you fret. I'm sure they only meant it was nice for you to get a ticket. Such a pricey one as well, I can't believe you got given that."

"Oh, Rarity, you know my bee facts are the best." Said Pinkie, naively believing she got the ticket for her bee facts. While Fluttershy and Rarity, were left baffled by Pinkie's facts, Twilight and Applejack hung back to talk to Rainbow.

"How you holding up, Sugarcube?" asked Applejack. "I know, with all your crazy talk about the Wonderbolts, you can't find it easy to have one of them take such a shine to your friend."

"Fine, I'm just fine, Applejack." Said Rainbow sourly, clearly anything but fine.

"Aw, come one, ya can tell meh."

"Applejack's right Rainbow, you can tell us, after all I’ve read many books on jealously and relationships." Said Twilight.

"Twilight! I am not jealous!" she screamed.

"No, of course you're not, you're just a feather brain," teased Applejack. This caused Rainbow Dash to get really stroppy and storm ahead, leaving Applejack and Twilight in the dust. "Ah think we just upset the poor mare."

"Don't worry, Applejack, she'll calm down."

"Ya sure?"

"Of course, I'm sure, said so in my book." Said Twilight, causing Applejack to just smile and shake her head. At this rate, it was going to be a long day.

Chapter 4

Well a week after I said it would be, here it is. The next chapter of Soarin's Pie. I know it hasn't got all lubby dubby yet, but the hallmarks of great stories is developing the story. Not ending it as soon as possible.

Well a week after I said it would be, here it is. The next chapter of Soarin's Pie. I know it hasn't got all lubby dubby yet, but the hallmarks of great stories is developing the story. Not ending it as soon as possible.

Pinkie stood alone in front of of a gold painted, wooden door, the early morning sun shining off the surface. Two stallions, one a pegasus and the other a unicorn, stood in front of her. The yellow jackets of the stallions that stood at the other gates were replaced with dark suits. This was the posh entrance, and it showed.

"Greetings madam," welcomed one of the stallions, causing her to giggle manically. She hadn't been called madam before.

"Welcome to you too," she said, a large smile on her face, "Boy you two must be super posh, poshy-posh-poshingtons." The two stallions frowned, this hyperactive mare was going to be trouble, they could sense it.

"Do you have your ticket?" The other one asked.

Pinkie rooted around in her saddle bags for a minute before drawing out the golden slip. "Of course I have my ticket," she stated matter of factually. In matter of fact, she had almost arrived without her ticket, dashing back only when her friends went in their door when she realised she had left her ticket behind

The unicorn took the ticket and inspected it, studying it for any signs of forgery, there was no way this crazy mare should’ve had a legitimate ticket. Seeing no faults he waved it before his companion, whose eyes studied it before giving an angry grunt. Neither could find any faults, it seemed that she had indeed got her hooves on a real ticket. Reluctantly they stepped aside, the pegasus taking a velvet cord with him. They bowed their heads and allowed Pinkie through.

She entered the welcoming shade of the stadium, and her mouth went slack. For a temporary and quickly built structure, the inside was luxurious. The walls were lined with various tapestries, the floor a thick shag carpet, and the ceiling was lit with chandeliers. Clearly the richest of the rich ponies couldn't deal with a lack of luxury, even during a one day event.

Unfortunately, Pinkie was one pony who wasn't exposed to such luxury regularly, the very proximity to it all causing her to nearly burst with excitement."This is the poshest place I've been," she exclaimed rather loudly, "Even posher than Rarity's boutique. The only place that probably matches this would be the Gala."

Pinkie began to remember the Gala rather vividly, the colorful dresses, the beautiful decor. Unfortunately, not everything was as wonderful; the guests for instance. They were all horrid von meany-pants as far as she was concerned. Still, she hoped that the fellow box ponies would be nicer, after all, she loved screaming her lungs out when she came to these events.

She made her way up a nearby stair case, each step silent on the thick carpet that covered it, not that Pinkie needed a carpet to muffle her bouncing stride. Quickly reaching the top, she found herself in a box filled with rather comfy looking seats. A bar was to one side, complete with bar pony already setting up and infront of her was a smiling pony in suit and tie.

The pony held, obviously an usher, out his hoof for her ticket. He inspected it and led the way to her seat. "This way, madam. I'm surprised to see anyone here this early."

Pinkie looked out at the stadium, nearly a quarter full already, making the statement confuse her. "But, the stadium is already filling up, why would no one be here?"

"Because, most of the toffs that come to these events show up either just before, or half way through. Not that they stay for long, they show up to make an appearance, drink a little and head off home."

The blatant honesty as well as what he just said made Pinkie pause. "Why would you spend all the money on a ticket just to go away early, or not see most of it?"

"Beats me, I guess it's all about appearances to the average toff, ain't that something you do?"

"Oh no, I always enjoy these events. Besides, I wasn't going to come originally, couldn't afford a ticket. Then a nice pony came to the store yesterday, and gave me one." She replied, speaking far too fast, then sneezing at the end. Covering the serving pony, with confetti.

For a moment she thought he would get angry, his suit covered with streamers. She was just about to apologise, when he burst into laughter. "Boy have I met someone new today, name's Silent Hoof. but, you can call me Si." He held out a hoof for Pinkie to shake.

She took in readily, shaking him up and down, "Pinkie Pie, but you can call me Pinkie."

-x-

At the other end of the stadium, Rainbow, Applejack, Twilight, Rarity, and Fluttershy, were all trying to find their seats. Unlike the posh box, there wasn't an attendant to guide them personally and there were a lot of ponies trying to get about. The constant pushing and shoving did nothing to help Rainbow's surly demeanor. Eventually they found their seats.

Rarity tried to help her calm down. "Come on Rainbow, there's no need to be so worked up."

Rainbow harrumphed, crossing her arms and looked away.

"She's right sugar cube, so what if Pinkie got a ticket from Soarin?" reassured Applejack.

"You girls wouldn't understand!" Rainbow said standing up, "I'm going to go get some refreshments."

"Already? The derby isn't going to start for another hour or so. I was expecting you to tell me all about the Wnderbolts." said Twilight.

"Oh, erm, I'm sure she can talk when she gets back." Squeeked Fluttershy, standing up for Rainbow. If her friend wanted to have some time alone. she should have it.

Rainbow flew up over them, giving Fluttershy a smile as she left, they had been friends since flight school and they were always there for each other. She flew to the inside of the stadium, disrupting several ponies laden with snacks already, a quick sorry emitted from her lips as she went past. The stadiums interior was hot and thick with the scent of sweat, various ponies squashed into the space as they queued for refreshments. The start was a while off yet, but ponies were determined to be prepared.

She headed past all of this to her actual destination, a small balcony that served as a Pegasus entrance, ensuring she had her ticket with her she took off.

Chapter 5

Flying as fast as she could, without drawing attention, Rainbow flew until the din of the stadium was a distant whisper. She looked around, and eventually found a cloud still left in the sky. It was rather high up, hence why it still remained, but it looked large and fluffy enough to support her. Settling herself down, she gazed at the ground far below, she was much higher up than usual but as long as she didn't nap there would be no risk of falling.

It was colder up here, and the chill was already causing shivers along her back, she wouldn't be able to stay up here for long. Not that she intended to be up here for long, she needed to think and if the cold air kept her alert, all the better.

A solitary tear fell onto the clouds spongy surface, disappearing almost instantly to one day fall as rain. Chiding herself, she blinked to removed the tears from her eyes. It didn't matter if they were from the stinging cold, or emotions, she didn't cry. It was a level she held herself too, unless injured, of course.

After quickly composing herself, she sat their silently thinking about what had happened. She had lied to her friends, of course she was jealous, who wouldn't be? When a pony from the sports team you have loved all your life, and wished you could join, gave a ticket to your friend you were allowed to be jealous. Weren't you?

Still, she shouldn't of taken it all out on her friends, they were only trying to help. And, it wasn't Pinkies fault Soarin gave her a ticket. Shaking her head, she sighed, she just didn't understand why Soarin gave her a ticket. Wasn't she, Rainbow Dash, the biggest Wonderbolts fan in Equestria? Didn't she save them at the young fliers competition? And, wasn't she the first pony in living memory to perform the Sonic Rainboom?

She smacked her hoof against her head, ignoring the pain she repeated the action, again and again. It just didn't make sense.

-x-

The male changing room was quiet, the only sound the gentle snoring of Soarin and Twister, both ponies were napping. Twister was lying completely still on top of one of the benches, whereas Soarin's legs were twitching, obviously in time to some unknown dream. Suddenly, there was a loud knock on the door to the room, this sudden noise causing both ponies to wake up. While Soarin opened his bleary eyes and stood up, Twister shot bolt up right, the sudden shock sending him sprawling into a nearby locker.

It was while Twister was rubbing his sore head, that a chuckling, bleary eye Soarin opened the door. In the doorway stood Spitfire, her uniform already on, its blue contrasting with her bright yellow coat. "Uh, hey Captain are you alright?"

The look on her face was stern, she was clearly in a no nonsense mood. Her gaze caused him to shrink back from her, stumbling over his own legs, taking this as an invitation she entered the room. "No Soarin, I am not alright." Her tone was clear and sharp, it felt like cold water had been chucked over his face.

Soarin closed his eyes, awaiting a chiding which she was clearly ready to give, but none came. He peeked through his eyelids to see a small smile appearing on her face.

"I'm half left..." she said, suddenly bursting into laughter.

Soarin stood there bemused, shocked into stunned silence as Twister walked over, still clutching his head. "Did Spitfire just make a funny?" He looked at her standing there, laughing in front of the silent Soarin. "You know what? I think she did." Soon he was laughing too, leaving a silent Soarin who quietly excused himself from the room, for some reason he was far too nervous to laugh.

As he entered the corridor, he could hear a buzzing of noise, looking out to the end of the corridor where it opened to the stadium ground, he could see the stands starting to fill. He gulped, normally he wasn't so nervous, but normally there wasn't a particular mare to impress either. As he began to think of Pinkie, his vision began to spin, nervousness was making him sick.

Wanting to get some fresh air, he used the private exit to the stadium. As the door swung shut behind him, he breathed in heavily, the fresh air smelling sweet and revitalizing his body banishing his headache. Looking around, he noticed that luckily no fans were around to see him, and given he was out of uniform he should have some peace for at least a little bit.

He trotted away from the stadium, and a sudden sound struck him, it was a scream. He looked up, and in the distance he could see a blob like shape falling towards the ground. He noticed the cyan colour and wings, it looked like a fellow pegasus was in trouble. Gritting his teeth and flexing his wings, he took off towards the falling pegasus, at least this would be a nice warm up.

Chapter 6

Inside the stadium, Pinkie was having tremendous fun, her and Si sitting eating cake while watching the crowd fill the stadium below. Even with only half an hour till show time, the box was empty apart from Si, that pony at the bar and her. Still it was nice, at least Si was good company, loved joking and laughing, although he made sure to tell her he couldn't act like that if other guest arrived.

However, the best thing, at least in Pinkies opinion, was the large spread of food available. The posh box came with complimentary refreshments, and boy were they stocked. There were masses of cakes, as well as buckets of hay fires, and food that looked like it came from all across Equestria. Next was the drink, there was all sorts of water, soft drinks, and cider which despite not being Apple Family cider, wasn't all bad.

It was on the third bottle of cider that her tail began to twitch, causing her to pause her laughter from a particularly funny joke. It started off slow, but soon built up a to rapid pace.

"Uh, Pinkie, what's up with your tail?"

"I don't know," She sounded nervous, "Normally it means something's going to fall, but the sky is clear and it's never twitched this fast before."

"Wait, are you telling me you can tell if something is going to fall from the twitching your tail?"

"Uh huh, my body tells me all sorts of things, like shaking knees means watch out for opening doors."

"Right..."

"Si, don't tell me your a skeptic weptic like my friend, Twilight."

"I don't know, I did have an Uncle who said he could tell the month a mare was born by licking her flank, only seemed to work for one in twelve apparently. I guess that's something like this."

"Don't be a silly billy, of course that's nothing like my pinkie sense. Pinkie sense makes sense, whereas that makes none at all, I mean how would licking someones flank help you know the month they were born in. Besides, one in twelve odds, what's the point in a skill that isn't right all the time?"

Si wanted to face hoof, it seemed Pinkie didn't quite get his uncle's somewhat disturbing sense of humour. Also, she did seem to be taking the twitching of her tail rather seriously. 'She can't possibly believe her tail can detect falling items can she? Then again, she is good company, and it's not the strangest thing I've heard. I mean who would of thought the mare in the moon was real.' He thought to himself.

He decided that he would at least play along, chuckling at Pinkie's antics. For her part, she was busy jumping up and around the box, constantly turning her head this way and that to see what was falling. It was in the middle of hanging upside down from the roof of the box, causing great alarm to Si, especially since she wasn't attached through any visible means, that her tail stopped twitching. Pinkie looked at it confused, when it stopped, it meat that what ever was falling had also stopped it's decent. Yet, nothing had seemed to have fallen.

"Hmm, seems like a false alarm Pinkie," said Si

"It's never wrong, never," she struck a pout. "I just hope no one got hurt by whatever it was that has fallen. It must of been super dooper important to make my tail go a-twitching if it didn't happen nearby." For a moment she thought about her friends, they would be important enough, but she dismissed the thought. After all they were all sitting safely in another end of the stands, waiting for the show to start.

-x-

Soarin pushed himself against the resistance forming around him, it felt like he was flying through tar, an experience he hoped he would never face again, not for real. He quickly dismissed the thoughts of one of Spitfire's failed training schemes, he had to focus, a ponies life could be quite possibly be at stake here. As he rushed towards his goal, he noticed the silence in the air, the pony had clearly resigned themselves to their fate.

He sighed, at least that would make her easier to catch, he remembered the screaming unicorn he had tried to catch during the young fliers competition. Her screaming and flailing about had made it impossible to catch her, especially after she knocked them senseless.

Sweat streamed off his body, a mixture of effort and fear, as he urged himself forwards. For a moment he thought he might not make it, but with a last burst of effort he caught the pegasus mere meters from the ground. The sudden weight change however overbalanced his tired wings, and he went tumbling into the ground, plowing a furrow as he went. Eventually, he came to a stop, and lay there as he felt his body come alive in pain. Silently he cursed, it was unlikely he would be able to take part in this condition and Spitfire would be pissed, they had been rehearsing for weeks.

After a minute, slowly struggled to his feet and went to check on the pegasus. Something about her struck him as familiar, but his head was still ringing from his impromptu landing and he couldn't quite think straight. She looked ok, passed out from shock, but otherwise physically fine. Hearing the distance sounds of calls, he looked around, there was what seemed to be a crowd of ponies coming towards them. No doubt they had seen what had happened.

He had to get away, his body was aching and he was already going to get a earful from his captain, he didn't want to deal with some hero worship as well. Making a snap decision, he picked up the pegasus and headed into the nearby forest. Hopefully he could skirt around the crowd of ponies there, and take the pony to their changing rooms to recover.

As he flew he felt her put her fore hooves around him and bury her face in his chest, it made him blush slightly and almost fly straight into a tree. It was probably just a reflex in her sleep, but it felt really weird, kind of warm and fuzzy. Most of all it was a distraction and could get them in further trouble, however he didn't try to move her leg, he hadn't been hugged like this in a long time.

Authors Note: sorry it took a while to get this next chapter out guys, hope you like it.

Chapter 7

Applejack; Rarity; Twilight; and Fluttershy were watching the exit tunnel of the stadium excitedly, the stunt show was supposed to start any minute now.

"Oh, I just hope Rainbow makes it back in time, she shouldn't miss this." Said Fluttershy, barely heard over the sound of the other ponies nearby.

"I know what you mean, Rainbow being such a big fan, I thought she wouldn't be caught dead missing this event." Agreed Rarity.

"Ah just don't know where that feather-brain has go to, I thought she just wanted a minute. She's been gone nearly half an hour." Complained Applejack.

"Twenty five minutes to be precise." Said Twilight.

"Gosh-darn-it, Twi, you know I don't care none for your fancy mathematics, that's ma brothers job."

Twilight grinned rather sheepishly, "Sorry."

Applejack shook her head, "Ahh don't ya worry yourself none, I'm just a bit cranky from all the heat. Not had a day this sunny in a long time."

"I know, isn't just simply marvelous. If only I had finished making my new range of parasols, they're simple divine."

Luckily the girls were spared any more of Rarity's talk about fashion as the crowd suddenly burst into applause, the Wonderbolts were walking out into the stadium.

"Girls, I don't mean to be prude, but isn't there meant to be three of them?"

"Hmm, I think you might just be right there, Rarity. I wonder where Soarin's got to."

"Fillies and Gentlecolts; Stallions and Mares, would you please rise for the Equestrian national anthem."

At the sound of the announcement, Fluttershy looked around nervously, "I hope Rainbow gets here soon, she always loved singing the anthem."

"That's the least of her worries, sugarcube, if she don't get here sharpish she's going to miss the start."

"I do hope she's alright. Maybe I should go look."

"Oh don't you worry, Twilight, darling. I'm sure she's fine, besides, she wouldn't want us to miss it. She's probably off seeing if she can sneak into the box with Pinkie."

-x-

At the other end of the stadium, Pinkie was stood at attention, her hoofs raised in salute while Si just giggled from the back of box. A few other ponies had arrived, which to their dismay signaled the end of their socializing, until half time at any rate. Si could barely contain his laughter at the way Pinkie was behaving, her salute while respectful was partially ruined by the look of concentration upon her face. A look which involved squinting eyes, sticking out her tongue, and glancing around occasionally at every pony in the box. She even motioned the two other ponies, a couple by the looks of it, to join her, too their disgust.

It was hilarious, she couldn't look more out of place in this box if she tried. But yet, Si couldn't help get a warm fluttering feeling inside as he look at her. Maybe it was the cider talking, or maybe it was the spicy hay fries from the night before. However, part of him thought it might just be because he had just seen the craziest, most beautiful mare he had ever laid eyes upon.

-x-

Back inside the changing rooms, Soarin could only listen as the crowd applauded his teammates, he also heard some murmuring, probably wandering where he was right now. How he wished he could be out there, soaking up the admiration as he grinned cheesily at Twister, possibly sneaking a glance towards the booth where the mare of his dreams was.

Unfortunately, a quick inspection from Spitfire and the teams physio, Ball, had confirmed that he was unfit for the rigours of the event. Not after he preformed his little savior stunt without so much as the tiniest of stretches.

To his surprise, Spitfire had be rather calm about the whole ordeal. Of course she had been annoyed that he couldn't perform, not that she admitted as such, she didn't need to, he could see it in her eyes. But, she had understood that saving a ponies life, the pony who had saved them at Equestria's Best Young Flier no less, was far more important.

Twister had teased him about it though, of course he did. "Oh, not content with the one mare now? I'm down with that, and on the plus side, you can always chuck one my way when you're done with them." That remark had almost earned him a smack in the face, almost but the team needed at least two ponies to still put on show.

As the cheering continued, Soarin sighed and collected a jug of water and two cups, he figured the pony - Rainbow something - would probably want a glass of water after what she had been through. Today was going to be boring, and he couldn't even go and join Pinkie in the box, something he could do if it weren't for the pony lying passed out next to him that he had to look after. He hoped he could sneak up there later, but given how much of a fan she had appeared to be, it was unlikely he would be able to do so easily.

Preparing himself for a long wait, he went over to a nearby table and had a look through a set of magazines, mostly trash but he did eventually find something about extreme sports. It wasn't much to read, but it would keep him interested for a while.

A couple of hours later, he had long since finished the magazine and had moved on to the crosswords in a pile of old newspapers found in a storage cupboard, a sign of desperation. Soarin wasn't the bluntest tool in the box, but crosswords usually tied his brain in knots, because of a lot of his lines were filled with rude words out of frustration.

He was about to scrunch up his fifth paper when he heard a groan from besides him. "Oh my back, this must be tartarus, no way I survived a fall that high." Rainbow groggily stood to her hooves and flex her wings, it was then she spotted him, newspaper in hand. "You're...." She seemed to freeze and he got really worried for a second, he clapped his hooves in front of her face and was rewarded by the loudest 'squee' he had ever heard.

Rainbow stumbled for a second, being in the presence of one of her idols draining what strength she had left. Moving quickly, Soarin grabbed hold of her and stopped her mid fall for the second time that day. "Then again this could be paradise."

Silence filled the room, and for a moment he thought she had passed out again until she gave a low giggling and what sounded like a whispered "Oh my gosh - oh my gosh - oh my gosh..." Yes gooey fan mode had been activated.

'Why can't I spend a single moment around a sane pony, you know like Pinkie, is that too much to ask?' he thought to himself.