Sciros

Chapters

Chapter 1: The Curse
Chapter 2: The Rose
Chapter 3: The Search
Chapter 4: Discoveries Uptown
Chapter 5: The Attack of the Bataling
Chapter 6: First Aid For The Wings and The Heart
Chapter 7: A Place To Feel Peace
Chapter 8: The Dance
Chapter 9: New Feelings
Chapter 10: True Love
Chapter 11: Home Is Where The Heart Is

Chapter 1: The Curse

The sun peeked into the window waking Soarin and his wife up.

It was only 7 months since Rainbow Dash and Soarin had been married, but they still agreed it was the best decision they had ever made.

"Good morning, Rainbow Dash," Soarin said as they arrived in the kitchen.

Rainbow Dash yawned and looked at him. "Good morning," she said.

Knowing Rainbow Dash, she was not a morning pony. Her eyes were still heavy and she didn't have her usual energy yet. Considering she was walking instead of flying to the kitchen, Soarin knew she was in her tired morning state.

"Any plans for today?" Soarin asked her.

"Wonderbolts meet at 2:00 today," Rainbow Dash said. She smiled. "It's the last time we're practicing this routine before performing."

Soarin almost forgot about the Wonderbolts meet which was unlike him. He was very passionate about flying. He never missed a single practice. He was glad Rainbow Dash was there to remind him on this one.

"Do you have your moves down?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Yup!" Soarin replied, happily. "Been practicing ever since Spitfire assigned them."

Soarin picked up his Wonderbolts jacket and looked at it. Memories flowed back into his mind and he smiled. He remembered his first day of Wonderbolts, clipping his wing on the flagpole, earning the nickname Clipper from his teammates. He remembered explaining to Rainbow Dash why the Wonderbolts nicknamed each other. Making her feel better like that really lifted his spirits. He knew that was the day he felt different towards Rainbow Dash. He remembered the time they practiced together just the two of them on the field. They helped each other with their moves and Rainbow Dash showed him the Sonic Rainboom which Soarin had cheered and applauded at. Then, he grinned as he remembered their first kiss. He was feeling awful for losing the games against the Crystal Empire and he thought the other Wonderbolts blamed him for the loss. Rainbow Dash came to comfort him, but nothing was making Soarin feel better. That's when everything was a blur. Rainbow Dash put her lips up against his. His happiness came rushing back to him like a hurricane. He loved it.

"Soarin?" Rainbow Dash asked.

Soarin nearly dropped his jacket. "Rainbow Dash, you startled me."

"Yeah, you were just staring at that jacket," Rainbow Dash said. "Why?"

"Memories," Soarin replied, with a smile.

"What's your favorite one?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Our wedding day," Soarin said. "Best day I've ever had."

Rainbow Dash smiled. "That's my favorite, too."

They looked at the clock upon the wall.

"The Wonderbolts meeting!" they exclaimed in unison. They flew at their top speeds to the stadium.

"Now, this routine has to be precise," Spitfire said. "There will be no mistakes because we are doing this as a fundraiser for the Ponyville Hospital. Ponies only want to see the best of the best to pay."

Those words made Soarin feel nervous. No mistakes, he thought. How was he going to manage a perfect performance?

"Now, this is our last practice," announced Spitfire. "And if somepony messes up, I'm not going to be happy! We've been practicing for 3 months now and I know you all can do this! Are you ready?"

Soarin gulped, but joined the rest of the Wonderbolts in saying, "Yes, ma'am!"

"Then, let's go!" Spitfire exclaimed, taking off into the air.

All the other Wonderbolts followed her. Soarin was doing perfect at first. He didn't miss any turns or any of the moves. But, it was too good to last. Disaster struck. Soarin accidentally flew off course and bumped into Misty Fly. Misty Fly, because of the crash, missed her next cue causing Fleetfoot to go off course. Fleetfoot was supposed to be guiding Lightning Streak along the routine, so Lightning Streak also missed her trick. Lightning Streak accidentally hit the flagpole and spun out, hitting Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash yelped and bumped right into Spitfire. Once it got to the captain, it was all over.

Spitfire removed her goggles and she looked angry. "Who started this?!" Spitfire shouted.

Everyone pointed to Soarin who laughed nervously.

"Soarin," Spitfire scolded. "Why do you have to mess everything up today?!"

"I'm sorry, ma'am!" Soarin exclaimed. "I didn't mean to!"

Spitfire took a deep breath, calming down. "Practice dismissed."

Soarin went to play games with his friends. Gaming with them always made him feel better.

He had three awesome friends: Orange Breeze, Cloud Blaze, and Dust Storm. They loved to tease him, but they were also great in cheering Soarin up.

"Okay," Orange Breeze said. "Frosty Night, Thunder Hoof, and Soaring Cloud run into a huge dragon. It's the biggest dragon you've ever seen. It's ready to breathe a blast of fire. What are you going to do?"

"I don't know," Soarin said. "Spitfire getting mad at you is a pretty big thing to stitch up."

"I was talking about the game," Orange Breeze said. "Are you okay, Soarin?"

Soarin sighed. "I just feel so bad for messing up the routine."

"No one can stay mad at you for long," Dust Storm said. "I know that because I'm your friend!"

"Thanks, Dust Storm," Soarin said. "But, I just want to go home."

"What?!" Cloud Blaze exclaimed. "But, dude, we need your help to defeat this dragon."

"You'll do just fine without me," Soarin said. "I've seen you do game nights without me before."

"But, it wasn't as fun," Cloud Blaze protested.

"I'll play when I'm more in the mood," Soarin said. "Goodnight."

Soarin left and his friends all stared after him, sadly.

"Why does he have to mess everything up today?" Orange Breeze asked, sadly.

Soarin heard that sentence and tears stung his eyes. He didn't want to cry, so he took a big breath, held it all in, and kept walking away.

Soarin came home and Rainbow Dash was mopping the floors. She hated to clean the house, but it had to be done.

"Oh, Soarin!" Rainbow Dash said. "You're home! How did the game night go?"

Soarin grabbed a bowl of soup from the fridge to microwave. "It was fun."

"Good!" Rainbow Dash said. "I'm glad that you have awesome friends!"

"Me too," Soarin said. "Nothing has been going well for me today."

"We all have our days," Rainbow Dash said, dipping the mop in the bucket.

But just then, he forgot how wet the floor was and slipped, spilling the bowl of soup all over the floor.

Rainbow Dash gasped. "Oh, I have to start all over on that spot!"

"I'm so sorry," Soarin cried.

But, Rainbow Dash, hating to clean as much as she hated to be kept from flying, forgot every ounce of her forgiveness. "Why do you just have to keep messing everything up today?!"

Soarin was done. He ran out of the kitchen, straining not to cry.

The next day was the Wonderbolts performance. But, Soarin didn't feel like going after all the incidents yesterday.

Soarin looked around the house to see that Rainbow Dash had already left. She loved her performances so much even she would get an early start.

Soarin sighed and sat at the table, eating his breakfast.

After getting in his Wonderbolts uniform, he set out the door.

"I wish there was a way I could just... disappear," Soarin said.

"Maybe there is," said a strange pony, stopping him in his tracks.

"Who are you?" Soarin asked.

The strange pony let down her cloak, revealing she was a unicorn with a grey coat. "My name is Storm Whirl. I may have just the cure for your accidents."

Soarin followed Storm Whirl, forgetting about the performance.

He entered Storm Whirl's house after her. He began to feel uncomfortable, seeing all the strange artifacts and bottles of liquid. He stepped on something and his stomach heaved, hoping it wasn't a rattlesnake tail.

"What exactly is your special talent?" Soarin asked.

Storm Whirl removed her cloak and revealed her cutie mark to him. It was a star with a strange circle in the middle. "It's stopping ponies from ever making accidents again."

"Really?" Soarin asked.

"No, dimwit," Storm Whirl said. "Like anypony is perfect. It's making portals to show ponies how much they may actually be loved."

So, that's what the strange circle on her cutie mark was. A portal.

"So, what's the plan then?" Soarin asked.

Storm Whirl smiled. "Now, listen closely."

Soarin worried.

Storm Whirl began to speak this to him in a mysterious rhyme:

"Yesterday, you fear you have made too many mistakes
But, now there is another path which you have to take
All these twists and many turns you will have at stake
You will have to do these things before it is too late

I am sending you to this place from the path you chose
With nopony and nothing with you but this magic rose
This magic rose loses its petals and it begins to wilt
And when the magic destroys love, it cannot be rebuilt

Rainbow Dash will not recognize you when you arrive

Then when you are there, for this one thing you'll strive

Get her to fall in love with you before the last petal falls

If not, you disappear

Are you daring to risk it all?!"

"So, if I get Rainbow Dash from this universe to fall in love with me, I get to go home? And if I don't, I vanish?" Soarin said.

Storm Whirl gave a sinister smile and nodded. "You never existed in this universe. Nopony knows your name and nopony is your friends or family. You made this choice and there's no turning back now. Good luck, Soarin!" She laughed.

Soarin saw nothing but a swirling vortex of multiple colors. He felt extremely sick and dizzy. Make it stop, he begged silently. He was tossed and thrown through the portal, violently.

Then, he landed and the world was painted black.

Author's Note

I hope you guys liked the first chapter! :twilightsmile:

Chapter 2: The Rose

The world gradually began to fade in. He blinked away his blurry vision and took in the setting around him.

It was not Equestria. It was similar, but definitely not Equestria. The sun was in the sky, but it would not give light the way it did in Equestria. It looked like a cloudy day and that's what it would always be. The buildings were all run-down and built as if the builders were in a rush. The castle looked like the one in Everfree Forest, but it was completely built and not a single part was chipped away or destroyed. Some vines looked as if they strangled the sides of the stone castle, but it stood on its own, firm and sturdy.

"I must be in the alternate universe," Soarin said to himself.

Then, he looked beside him and his heart sank. It was the rose. It had all its petals for now and glowed with a faint light, but it would be losing its petals soon one by one telling Soarin when he was running out of time. He grabbed the rose and put it in his Wonderbolts saddlebags.

"This must be Ponyville," Soarin said, walking into the unfamiliar but recognizable town.

He walked through, passing many ponies he knew but they were different. Nopony smiled or trotted happily along. Nopony even talked to each other unless discussing plans for vital reasons. Soarin began to feel scared. All the ponies he knew at least a little weren't the ones he knew back home.

"Did you do the background check?" a voice asked.

Soarin turned to see Twilight, dressed in a black jumpsuit with some tears in it. She was levitating a book and Soarin felt sick to his stomach when he realized Twilight wasn't an alicorn. She was a unicorn, the way she had been before earning her princess title.

"What background check?" Soarin replied, nervously.

"You know the rules," Twilight said, firmly. "All ponies must do a background check to make sure they are not any enemies trying to sneak into our town."

"I'm not an enemy trying to sneak into your town, Twilight," Soarin said. "I mean... pony I've never seen in my entire life."

"How do you know my name?" Twilight asked, surprised.

"Er... lucky guess?" Soarin said, hopefully.

Twilight shrugged it off and immediately began lifting his hooves and checking areas around his mane and tail.

"What are you doing?" Soarin asked.

"Background checks," Twilight said. "I want to make sure you're not an enemy invading our town."

"I'm not," Soarin said, firmly.

Twilight stood up. "You're right. You're normal."

Twilight levitated the book and began to read.

"What are you reading?" Soarin asked her.

"My favorite story. 'When Hope Was Alive'. It reminds me of what happened in Sciros."

"What's Sciros?"

"Uh... the name of our land of course," Twilight replied. "Are you alright?"

"Oh, I knew that," Soarin lied. "This place is Sciros."

"I have no time for this," Twilight said. "Making friends is kind of a waste of my reading time."

"Wait, wait!" Soarin exclaimed. "But, your friends... Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy..."

"Stop knowing so much," Twilight said, obviously starting to get intimidated by him. "I tried to make friends with those ponies one day when Celestia asked me to. And I failed."

Soarin was shocked. "What? But... why not?"

"Serves me right for that ridiculous friend making!" Twilight exclaimed.

Then, she trotted away without another word. Soarin looked after her, confused and saddened.

"Hello?" Soarin asked. "Is anypony else there?"

"I'm here," another voice said.

Soarin turned to see another recognizable face. It was Fluttershy.

"Fluttershy?" Soarin asked, in surprise.

She looked different. She wore a jumpsuit, covered with some leaves and vines. Her hair was in a messy braid and she carried a spear with her, but it was tucked in a little belt she wore in the middle of the jumpsuit. Despite being fragile and timid back in Equestria, she looked graceful and strong here.

"Oh, so you know my name," she said. "Makes things easier for me."

"What are you doing here?" Soarin asked.

"The question is: What are you doing here?" Fluttershy shot back. "I've never seen you around here before."

Her voice was no longer quiet and timid. It was quite firm. It kind of scared him.

"Uh... I'm looking for Rainbow Dash," Soarin said.

"Rainbow Dash," Fluttershy said. "Interesting. I know where she lives."

"You do?" Soarin asked. "Can you take me to her?"

"I guess so, as long as its quick," Fluttershy said, reluctantly. "Everypony in Ponyville is kind of on a tight schedule here."

Fluttershy began to trot after Rainbow Dash's house and Soarin followed.

Fluttershy knocked on the door and Soarin stood, ready to see what Rainbow Dash was like.

Fluttershy actually looked nervous and Soarin got to see a familiar facial expression on Fluttershy again. Why was she so nervous?

"Please, Rainbow Dash?" Fluttershy asked. "There's somepony who wants to see you."

"I'm busy," Rainbow Dash said, firmly. "Come back later."

"I know you're not busy," Fluttershy replied. "Please, quit stalling and come out here to meet the stallion who would like to see you."

Soarin heard Rainbow Dash sigh and walk over to the door. She opened it.

Rainbow Dash wore a blue and yellow jumpsuit and her mane was messy, but overall, like the one she had back home. Her wings were broad and her gaze was piercing.

"What is it you wanted?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"I'm Soarin, co-captain of the Wonderbolts," Soarin said, as if he was a hero coming to save all of Equestria.

Rainbow Dash snickered. "You say you're the co-captain of the Wonderbolts? That group went out years ago to stop a Bataling attack and never came back. Their co-captain was Misty Fly, not Soarin."

Soarin once again remembered he never existed here and sighed.

"Wait, what's a Bataling?!" Soarin exclaimed, heart beginning to beat in fear.

"A Bataling is a bat-like creature that looks sort of like a pony," Fluttershy said. "They can fly at 60 miles per hour, their shrieks are deafening, and they're one of the many types of creatures that love to target Sciros."

"There's also Silvertongues, Plunderseeds, Darklings, Hydras, and many more," Rainbow Dash added. "Sciros is a very popular attack area."

Soarin frowned.

"So, what did you come for anyways?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"I... I wanted to get to know you, I guess," Soarin said.

"Am I that famous?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Wow, my ability must be paying off." She eyed Soarin's saddlebags. "What's in there?"

Soarin felt himself panic. He didn't want anypony, but him to know of the rose. "It's nothing anyone needs to know!"

"O...kay," Rainbow Dash said.

"Follow me," Soarin beckoned. "I'm going to find everypony else I need. Let's hope we don't get attacked by any bat thingies."

"Batalings?" Fluttershy corrected.

"Yes," Soarin said.

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy followed Soarin as he went off to find the rest of Rainbow Dash's friends.

Author's Note

Okay, Fluttered made a comment and I apparently made a plot that is like "Shrek Forever After" without seeing it... I'll see it after I write this and see how much I know about this movie without watching it. :applejackunsure:

I based the rose concept off of "Beauty and the Beast" which is a story I really love. :twilightsmile:

Keep a lookout for more chapters of "Sciros"! There may be a few surprises in store! :raritywink:

Chapter 3: The Search

Soarin looked all around to find a sign of any of Rainbow Dash's friends. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy walked by his side. But, he couldn't help feeling saddened as he looked at them. They were so different then they were back home. Rainbow Dash didn't even look at Fluttershy or Soarin. She just held a firm gaze on the ground and hovered above them slightly. Fluttershy didn't look delighted or nervous as usual. She just looked she had given up hope on ever being safe in the future.

Soarin wondered greatly what the cause of this alternate universe was. Was a villain undefeated? Did it come from a magical mistake or naturally happen from nature? He didn't know and he knew Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy wouldn't want to talk about it.

But distantly from his thoughts, he thought he saw somepony familiar. He payed closer attention and he found that it was none other than Applejack. She was hauling in a barrel of apples on Sweet Apple Acres. She still wore the tan hat, but she also wore a camouflage button-up shirt and pants to go along with it.

Soarin rushed over to her. "Hello there!"

Applejack looked at him, as if she was annoyed to be distracted from her work. "What can I help you with?"

"Surely you recognize Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy," Soarin assumed. "I'm Soarin."

Applejack rolled her eyes. "Nice to see you girls again. Nice to meet you, Soarin." The way she had said it prompted Soarin to knew she was being sarcastic and didn't really like Rainbow or Fluttershy in this universe.

"We were hoping you could come along with us," Soarin explained. "I wanted to do some exploring and I thought you would be another great pony to give me a tour around Sciros."

"Don't have time," Applejack lied.

Applejack started to rush back inside, but Soarin quickly flew in front of her.

"Wait," Soarin urged. "At least, give me a chance."

Applejack sighed and turned to look at all three of them. "You want me to give you a tour of Sciros? I'll admit I'm not a very good tour guide. But, I guess I can try."

Applejack joined the three of them, but she didn't look very happy about it.

"Now, onto the others!" Soarin said.

He looked around for the rest of Rainbow Dash's friends. He'd seen Twilight earlier, but no traces of Rarity or Pinkie Pie yet.

"Excuse me sir, you don't happen to know the way to the orphanage, do you? I've got some deliveries to make to the fillies and colts."

Soarin recognized the voice. It belonged to Rarity. "No, I don't know my way to the orphanage unfortunately. But, I bet we can help you figure it out! Why don't you join us?"

"Thank you very much," Rarity replied. "I needed the help, but I'm usually too afraid to ask..." She trailed off and got distant, but came back to reality with a quick shake of her head.

Despite Rarity's positive attitude towards others, she didn't smile or look fashionable. In fact, her mane was very messy as if she was constantly frazzled. She wore a black jumpsuit.

"Now, we just have Pinkie Pie and Twilight to find," Soarin said to himself.

Pinkie Pie wouldn't be a sight to miss. He just had to look for the outrageously curly hair and the bouncing pink pony through town.

Then, he saw Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie looked very toned down, but somewhat like herself. Her mane was still curly and she still smiled, but she had lost her bounce and she reminded him more of a kind pony who loved to make others smile, but didn't act over-the-top. She wore a black jumpsuit as well, but it tended to look more cheery on Pinkie Pie than it did on Rarity.

"Excuse us!" Soarin said, rushing up to her.

"Hi there," Pinkie Pie said. "What's your name?"

"I'm Soarin," he said. "And this is Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Applejack."

Pinkie Pie's expression immediately changed and her tone dropped to match her frown. "Hey, girls."

Soarin wanted to shrug it off, but he couldn't help but ask why they didn't feel happy around each other.

"We just didn't click," Applejack claimed. "That's all there is to it."

Soarin felt the urge to pry for more information, but stopped himself. "Let's go find Twilight," he said finally.

"What do you need Twilight for?" Rainbow Dash asked, clearly unhappy. "She's too interested in those books of hers. Do you really need her for this tour?"

Soarin wanted to say 'This is more than a tour', but he didn't. Instead, he said, "She'll be a great tour guide. She needs some social time anyway."

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, but gave in.

Soarin looked to see Twilight sitting by the fountain, reading a book.

"Hey, Twilight," Soarin said, as he came up to her.

Twilight looked up from her book to find the girls by his side and lost interest. "Hi, Soarin," she replied returning to her book.

"Would you like to help give me a tour of Sciros?" Soarin asked.

Twilight looked up. "Give you a tour? I'd love to show some of my knowledge of this place."

Twilight joined them, but kept her book with her and read as they walked.

Soarin had a secret plan to get the girls to be friends, but he didn't tell them that.

"Now, I'd like to get to know why this happened," Soarin said.

The girls all looked at each other.

"It's nothing really," Rarity said. "It's not much of a story to tell."

"Are you sure?" Soarin asked her.

"We're pretty sure," Applejack said.

Soarin knew the girls were hiding what had happened. Had it scarred them? Had it done damage to them more than anypony could imagine? Soarin would never know. The girls clearly didn't want to tell him the story.

"It's a lot more than nothing," said a familiar voice. "In fact, I think this world suits them better anyway."

Author's Note

And that's the end of this chapter! :twilightsmile:

Comment on who you think the mysterious pony is at the end of the chapter! Is it a villain that was defeated in Equestria, but not in Sciros? Or is it someone new? What do you think? :raritywink:

Chapter 4: Discoveries Uptown

"This was all because of you?" Soarin was dumbfounded. How could this be?

"Oh, don't act so surprised," Storm Whirl said. "This place was bound to be mine long ago."

"How did you do this?!" Soarin asked, rage running through him for being tricked like this.

"It was simple," Storm Whirl said with a cruel snicker. "All I had to do was create these creatures and unleash them upon Sciros."

"You created these creatures?" Soarin said.

"Well, of course," Storm Whirl said. "The Plunderseeds, The Batalings, The Silvertongues... you name it. Although, the hydras and chimeras just decided to join the fun."

"I can't believe I let you trick me!" Soarin raged. "I trusted you to help me rebuild trust when you can't even earn it yourself!"

"Temper, temper," Storm Whirl said.

Soarin felt steam shooting from his ears, but he calmed himself down.

"Storm Whirl, out of all the times you can bother us, why now?" Applejack asked, irritated. "We're kinda busy at the moment."

"Expect to see me again," Storm Whirl said.

With a beam of light from her horn, she was gone.

"Well, now you understand," Fluttershy said.

"Why didn't you girls want to tell me?" Soarin asked.

"We're just... afraid of Storm Whirl, that's all," Rarity said.

"All the things she can do, the things she might be capable of... who knows what might happen next?" Twilight said.

"Storm Whirl did seem a little strange when I first met her," Soarin admitted. "But, I didn't know she'd open a portal and send me to an alternate universe."

"You're from an alternate universe?!" Twilight exclaimed.

"Oh... uh... yeah," Soarin said. "I was afraid you wouldn't believe me."

"No, we believe you alright," Twilight said. "Storm Whirl is quite the portal master. I know she could do something like that."

"What is your universe like?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"It's called Equestria," Soarin replied. "There's certainly no war. It's usually pretty sunny outside. Oh! And when the lake freezes over, that's when we get go ice skating!"

"Ice skating! Oh, I've always wanted to try that!" Pinkie Pie said, wistfully.

"You do it all the time where I come from," Soarin said. "You're actually really good!"

"You know us in your universe?" Pinkie Pie asked, shocked.

"That explains a lot today," Twilight said. "Can't you get home?"

"There's only one way I can get back home," Soarin said.

"And how do you get back?" Twilight inquired, intrigued. She was hanging onto his every word.

"It's... uh... it's personal," Soarin said quickly.

"Oh," said a disappointed Twilight.

"It's getting late," Fluttershy announced. "We should go home."

"Alright," Twilight said. "We'll see you, Soarin. Alright?"

All of the girls, but Rainbow Dash walked out.

"Aren't you going to follow them?" Soarin asked.

"Nah, I have some extra time on my hooves," Rainbow Dash claimed.

"So, have you ever fallen in love before?" Soarin hinted.

"Love," Rainbow Dash snickered. "You're kinda funny... for a guy, of course."

"Uh... thanks?" Soarin said.

"I vowed not to give my heart away a long time ago," Rainbow Dash said. "It's already broken enough."

Soarin was shocked. Rainbow Dash sounded so unlike herself. What could she have gone through to get her heart so broken?

"I've gotta go," Rainbow Dash said, sharply.

Rainbow Dash rushed out without saying goodbye.

Soarin got out his rose and looked at it. He watched the first rose petal fall gently to the ground.

Soarin walked through the town by himself. He was currently walking downtown. Downtown was buzzing with chatter, but mostly warnings and negative comments. Soarin clutched his saddlebags closely and tried to ignore all the noise.

But, Soarin entered uptown. And everything was quiet. All ponies were silent as they were all thinking and feeling the breeze. They looked at peace for once. Soarin stood looking around. Everything was so quiet. So peaceful. He finally found a place where he could think. He sat down and let his thoughts flow.

He thought about Rainbow Dash first. She was just as beautiful here as she was at home. He wanted her to love him, but what could make Rainbow Dash so negative about love? What could break her heart enough to not want to be in love just once? He turned his thoughts towards the rest of the Mane 6. They were sure different here. It made him want to cry just thinking about how their loving personalities turned so distant so quickly. Then, he thought about the rose. What would happen if the last petal fell? Would they even miss him?

At least, it was quiet uptown.

"The guest gets to decide, Pinkie Pie!! Stop your annoying complaining and be quiet!" Applejack yelled.

"I'm not annoying!" Pinkie Pie argued.

"That's weird," Rainbow Dash said. "Last time I checked, you seemed annoying to me."

Pinkie Pie looked like she might burst into tears. "I'm not annoying! I'm just different! And I wanted to show Soarin Sugarcube Corner first!"

"I'm sure he's very interested in baking," Rainbow Dash said, sarcastically. "What he really needs is to see the old Wonderbolts arena."

Although he wanted to see the arena, he didn't want to hurt Pinkie Pie's feelings.

"It's fine," Soarin said. "You girls can choose---"

"Girls, why don't we come to a compromise?" Rarity suggested. "It will be easier when we choose a place we all agree on."

"We don't agree on anything!" Rainbow Dash argued. "That's why we're not friends in the first place!"

Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash burst into argument, all talking at once.

Soarin was saddened that these girls who seemed to be so close at home were constantly shouting hatefully at each other in a different universe. He knew he had to do something to stop them. So, he did.

"GIRLS!!!" he shouted.

They stopped at the sound of his voice and stared. They had never been stopped from arguing before.

"Pinkie Pie, show me around Sugarcube Corner," Soarin said. "Cake is really delicious. I'd love to try a few samples."

Pinkie Pie grinned.

"Right this way, Soarin!" Pinkie Pie said. "We imported a few cake recipes from Germaneigh!"

Soarin laughed as he followed Pinkie Pie and the other girls followed them. But, Soarin looked back at Rainbow Dash who stared at the ground in sorrow. He hoped she would be okay.

Chapter 5: The Attack of the Bataling

After seeing Sugarcube Corner and stuffing himself with delicious creamy cake and flying around the abandoned Wonderbolts arena, he was on his way to a rundown inn where he could stay the night.

He paid the pony at the desk and entered a room with a bed that had a hard mattress, a toilet that was clogged (from the previous users), and a light that didn't work. It's better than nothing, he thought to himself.

He set his rose on the table and sat in the wooden chair that immediately snapped, so he decided to stand instead.

The second rose petal fell from the flower. He sighed. Rainbow Dash was so heartbroken and didn't want to fall in love. Soarin knew with every bit of his mind that he would disappear.

But, did he know that with every bit of his heart?

After waking up from 2 hours of sleep because of the room that was nearly impossible to fall asleep in, he walked outside. He tried to breathe in a breath of fresh air, but was interrupted by a cough because of the terrible smoke that was coming from a nearby campfire.

He was greeted that day by Pinkie Pie.

"Hey, Soarin!" Pinkie Pie said. "How are ya?"

"I'm good," Soarin said. "Did you get enough sleep last night?"

"I slept like a foal last night! I was exhausted!" Pinkie Pie replied.

"Good for you," Soarin said with a yawn.

Everypony else joined them.

"Hey, Soarin," Rarity said. She giggled. "How are you today?"

Soarin wondered if Rarity was flirting with him. He sure hoped not.

Then, he heard Fluttershy squeal.

"What's wrong?"

He saw the rest of the Mane 6 were afraid as well.

"B--B--B," stuttered Pinkie Pie.

"BATALING!!" Rarity cried.

Soarin spun around to see a Bataling standing right behind him. It let out a defeaning shriek and Soarin let out a loud scream.

"Run!" Pinkie Pie urged.

Soarin didn't hesitate to lift himself into the air. The Bataling chased them flying as its top speed.

Fortunately, Rainbow Dash and Soarin were a lot faster. Unfortunately, the others weren't.

"Girls!" Soarin yelped.

"Get back, ya varmints!" Applejack snapped, bucking the Bataling as much as possible.

Soarin went back after them and Rainbow Dash followed.

"Leave my friends alone!" Soarin hollered.

The Bataling hissed and turned for Soarin.

It flew at him and connected him with a punch in the face.

Soarin let out a yelp of pain, but didn't fall. He flew at the bat and kicked it down.

The Bataling fell and one of its wings was damaged, but that didn't stop the creature. As Soarin landed, it hissed and bit one of his wings.

"OW!!!" Soarin cried.

Soarin fell to his knees. He felt the Bataling had started sucking and he swore he felt his blood rush away.

Rainbow Dash was shocked.

"Get away from him!" Rainbow Dash shouted.

She flew at the bat and wrenched the Bataling out of Soarin's wing. It hissed and flew with its unharmed wing, shakily, at Rainbow Dash, but Rainbow Dash hit it hard in the other wing. It crashed. It seemed the Bataling had given up and ran off.

Soarin looked at his wing. It was marked, but it wasn't bleeding. But, he knew that the Bataling had taken some of his because his wing looked pale.

"Are you okay?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"I'm fine," Soarin claimed, wincing at the stinging pain in his wing.

"You saved us," Rainbow Dash said. "Why?"

"I care about you," Soarin replied. "That's all I can say."

Rainbow Dash was surprised. How could this stallion arrive and change their whole outlooks? He would fight and risk his life for them even though they met yesterday? This stallion was certainly not like others.

"Stay at my house," Rainbow Dash said. "I've got bandages in my first aid kit."

Soarin agreed. He was glad he didn't have to stay in that terrible inn another night.

"Thank you," Twilight whispered.

"You're welcome," Soarin said.

Author's Note

That was action packed! Even I didn't know I was going to make this turn! Woo! :pinkiehappy:

Hope you guys are loving Sciros and hope you want to see more! :pinkiesmile:

Chapter 6: First Aid For The Wings and The Heart

Rainbow Dash carefully wrapped the bandages around Soarin's wing.

"Thank you," Soarin said.

"Thank you," Rainbow Dash said. "If you hadn't been there, we would've been doomed for sure."

The others had gone home and it was just Rainbow Dash and Soarin.

Rainbow Dash was a lot more calm than she had been. She seemed to have gained compassion which was something Soarin hadn't seen in this version of Rainbow Dash before.

Rainbow Dash sprayed some form of ointment on his wing. It stung and Soarin winced at the pain.

"Why did you do that?" Rainbow Dash asked, finishing wrapping the bandage.

"It felt like the right thing to do," Soarin said.

"You saved our lives," Rainbow Dash said. "I can't believe you did that. Nopony ever does anything like that for us."

"Why not?" Soarin asked.

"It's a cruel world out there. Everypony looks out for themselves and only themselves. There's no time for friends, enjoyment, interests..."

"Well, I'll look out for you," Soarin said. "I'll protect you physically... and emotionally if you need me to."

Rainbow Dash smiled at the kind stallion. "That would be nice."

"You know? Like... first-aid for the heart," Soarin said.

"There's nothing you can do for mine," Rainbow Dash claimed.

"What caused your heart to get so... broken?" Soarin asked her.

Rainbow Dash hesitated. "Can you keep it a secret? I don't want anypony to know I'm really weaker than I seem."

"Of course," Soarin replied.

"When I was little, I loved to fly. But, I didn't know how to fend off the Batalings and the Plunderseeds which are the creatures that have aerial ability. One day, I was attacked by a Plunderseed. Its scaly wings and long forked tongue brushed up against my own wings. It felt warm and slimy. I screamed for help. My parents answered my pleas. But... the Plunderseed was too strong for them and it..." Rainbow Dash's eyes welled up with tears. She felt like she couldn't continue.

"It... got rid of them?" Soarin asked. He didn't want to say the word "death" in fear of making Rainbow Dash even more upset.

Rainbow Dash nodded. "So, I went to live with my grandparents, but they were incapable of taking care of me at all. So, I learned how to fight and care for myself as a filly. When I grew up, I went to live on my own. I lived in Ponyville which was the safest town in all of Sciros... but wasn't that safe at all. I met the rest of the girls, but we didn't get along. Twilight obviously only cares about reading, so it kind of got the rest of us riled up and into a major fight that was the cost of ever being friends. I met a little filly named Scootaloo and her two best friends. Scootaloo seemed to look up to me more than she loved to ride her scooter. But, one day there was a Darkling attack... and it got rid of Scootaloo and her two best friends. It was hard. I mean, Scootaloo felt like a sister to me now that both of my parents were dead. And her two friends were very fun as well. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. Fortunately, my experience allowed me to survive the Darkling attack. It hurts, Soarin. I don't let anypony see because I don't want them to see me as weak, but it just... hurts."

Soarin stared at Rainbow Dash for a long time. "You're not weak," he told her.

Rainbow Dash looked at him.

"Everypony has a trial that hurts them and holds them back," Soarin said. "That doesn't make them weak. It makes them stronger. When you face that trial and get past it, your mind and your heart will be stronger for the next challenge."

"I guess you're right," Rainbow Dash said, a smile creeping across her face.

"It will all be okay," Soarin assured. "I know it."

Rainbow Dash looked at Soarin and smiled.

He felt his heart flutter the way it always did when Rainbow Dash smiled. He loved to see her so happy.

"Come on," Soarin said. "Thanks for caring for me."

"No," Rainbow Dash replied. "Thank you for caring for me."

They arrived outside and met their friends again.

"That was some wound," Applejack said. "Are you alright, Soarin?"

Soarin nodded. "We're fine."

"That was some crazy fight back there," Twilight said. "Why did you do that?"

"I don't know," Soarin replied. "It just... feels like the right thing to do."

"Well, we thank you greatly for that," Twilight said.

"You're welcome," Soarin said.

"Come on, let's get going," Twilight said. "There's bound to be another attack and we should find somewhere to go."

Author's Note

Hope you guys want to see more chapters in the future! :twilightsmile:

I know some people do. :raritywink:

Chapter 7: A Place To Feel Peace

Soarin and the Mane 6 all walked together through the downtown area of Ponyville. It still buzzed with incessant chatter from the ponies.

"You girls are feeling okay, right?" Soarin asked.

"Of course," Twilight said. "We're completely fine."

Soarin was unconvinced. Twilight's tone didn't sound fine.

"You can tell me what happened," Soarin said. "I won't judge."

"It's nothing big, really," Rarity claimed.

Soarin then remembered what Rainbow Dash had said: And it got rid of Scootaloo and her two best friends. He knew that Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were the sisters of Rarity and Applejack back home. That means that was what was bothering them all. They had losses of their own.

"You girls lost your sisters," Soarin said.

Applejack looked at Soarin and reluctantly nodded. Rarity did the same.

"And the rest of you lost somepony as well," Soarin assumed.

"Well, I guess it didn't take you that long to figure that out," Twilight said.

"Are you comfortable with telling me?" he asked them.

"Well, I guess we have been needing somepony to confide in," Twilight admitted.

"We did not," Applejack snapped.

"Girls, no fighting, please," Soarin begged. "Differences shouldn't break apart a chance of being friends. It should strengthen it."

They all looked at each other.

"Who did you lose?" Soarin asked.

"I lost my sisters too," Pinkie Pie replied. "Maud and Marble Pie."

"Apple Bloom and Granny Smith," Applejack added.

"My parents," Fluttershy reluctantly chimed in.

"Sweetie Belle and my parents," Rarity said.

"Shining Armor and Princess Cadence," Twilight said. "Shining Armor is my brother and Cadence is his wife. They were lost in an attack which is pretty common nowadays."

"Girls," Soarin said. "I want to show you a place. A place to feel peace."

Soarin led them uptown. As soon as they entered, it was just as quiet as it always was.

The Mane 6 were astonished at how quiet it was. They never heard the peaceful silence before.

"This is so beautiful," Fluttershy said.

Applejack smiled at her. "I agree," she said.

They finally agreed on something.

They took a few moments to reflect on their feelings and then the Mane 6 began to talk to each other. Soarin realized he had done a lot more than try to make somepony fall in love with him. He had begun a friendship between 6 ponies that disliked each other.

The ponies stared in wonder as they walked by, giggling and chatting together. They weren't just discussing plans or exchanging goods. They were actually enjoying themselves, introducing themselves and getting to know the others.

As each of the Mane 6 went home, they exchanged apologies with one another and promised to become closer.

Twilight was the last one that was about to go.

"Soarin?" Twilight asked.

"Yes?"

"I just want to thank you for inspiring me to give friendship a chance. I never realized how fun friends could be."

Soarin smiled at Twilight. "Of course. Goodbye, Twilight."

Twilight went inside the Golden Oak library and Soarin entered Rainbow Dash's house.

He realized the house was quiet and Rainbow Dash was asleep. He went to the guest room and set his rose on the table.

It lost its fourth petal and Soarin sighed. Rainbow Dash still wasn't in love with him. He was running out of time.

Soarin woke to the sound of Rainbow Dash laughing in the living room along with another voice which he recognized as Pinkie Pie's. Rainbow Dash must have invited Pinkie Pie over to hang out. It was nice to hear them bonding.

Soarin rolled over to see the rose had lost another two petals while he was asleep last night. He got out of bed to count how many petals were left.

His heart sank. Five petals. That wasn't a lot.

He stuffed the rose in his saddlebags and rushed out of his room.

"Oh, hey Soarin!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "Good morning!"

"I'm really enjoying this friendship thing," Rainbow Dash said. "Do you want to talk with us?"

Soarin nodded and took a seat with them.

"So, you're from an alternate universe where you're the co-captain of the Wonderbolts," Rainbow Dash said.

"It's a very big duty, but I'm glad to follow my dreams," Soarin replied.

Soarin looked over at the clock.

"Listen," he said. "We've probably gotta get a move on."

"Why the rush?" Pinkie Pie asked.

Soarin looked at his saddlebag, sadly. "Nothing personal."

Soarin was talking with the Mane 6 who seemed a lot happier than they were.

"I want to show you some of the trophies I earned as a filly," Rainbow Dash said, eagerly. "I'll be right back."

She soared off towards her house to grab the trophies.

Soarin, without thinking, got out his rose to look at it.

Twilight gasped, recognizing what it meant.

"Oh!" Soarin exclaimed, realizing his mistake.

He tried to stuff it back in his saddlebag, but Twilight grabbed the rose with her horn.

It lost another petal and was down to four.

"Storm Whirl gives this curse out all the time," Twilight cried. "Who has to fall in love with you?"

The Mane 6 looked at him, worriedly.

"Rainbow Dash," Soarin said.

The Mane 6 gasped.

"Rainbow Dash, oh boy," Applejack said. "Good luck."

"She's terrified of having her heart broken," Twilight explained. "That's why she runs away from falling in love."

"But, for your sake, we'll get her to fall in love with you!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "Right, girls?"

The Mane 6 all put their hooves in.

"Thank you, girls," Soarin said.

"But, we've gotta hurry," Twilight said. "We're running out of time fast."

Author's Note

Do you think Rainbow Dash will fall in love with Soarin? Or will Soarin disappear?

Find out when you continue to read Sciros!

Chapter 8: The Dance

"Soarin!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

Soarin glanced over at Pinkie Pie.

"Come on, follow me!" Pinkie Pie urged. "We've got a surprise for you!"

Soarin smiled, eagerly and followed Pinkie Pie.

Knowing Pinkie Pie, she had something big in mind. What kind of games would there be? He wondered if there would be gifts included. Would there be refreshments? Would there be pie?! Soarin sighed, happily at the thought. He loved pie.

Pinkie Pie looked back at Soarin thinking. She smiled knowingly. I wonder if Twilight has picked up Rainbow Dash yet, she thought.

"Rainbow Dash, slow down," Twilight giggled. "You're making me fall behind."

"What is the surprise?!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

"You'll see when we get there," Twilight replied with a smile.

"It feels like an eternity since we left," Rainbow Dash groaned. "Are we almost there?"

"Almost," Twilight said.

"Whew!" Rainbow Dash said in relief.

"Alright, Rainbow Dash," Twilight said. "A surprise is about to come your way."

"Uncover your eyes," Pinkie Pie and Twilight said to Rainbow Dash and Soarin.

They uncovered their eyes slowly and gasped in awe.

A beautiful landscape was before their very eyes. Flowers bloomed from every area and brightened the land. A platform sat in the middle of it all, vines snaking around the sides. Butterflies and birds flew around the garden. Rainbow Dash and Soarin stared agape.

"This... is... wow," Rainbow Dash breathed. It was all she could manage.

Soarin could manage less. He was speechless.

"Do you like it?" Twilight asked them.

"We love it!" Rainbow Dash and Soarin exclaimed in unison.

Rainbow Dash and Soarin joined each other on the platform.

"Now, let's dance!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

Twilight began to sing the songs for Soarin and Rainbow Dash to dance to. Rainbow Dash and Soarin laughed in joy. They were having so much fun that the others wanted to come join them. So, Soarin and Rainbow Dash invited them up. They all danced together not a single memory of pain to be seen. Now was the time for happiness and friendship. Any trace of the girls hating each other vanished into thin air. There was only smiles and laughter to be found.

After they danced to upbeat songs, Twilight began to sing a slower song. The others slowly walked away and left Rainbow Dash and Soarin alone on the platform. Rainbow Dash looked reluctant.

"I can't dance," Rainbow Dash said.

"You were just dancing moments ago," Soarin said full of confusion.

"I can," Rainbow Dash said. "I..." She looked at him.

"You don't trust me?" Soarin asked her.

"I trust you," Rainbow Dash said. "I just promised myself not to fall in love. How can I be sure you won't leave me too?"

"I won't," Soarin promised. "Don't let your past heartbreak ever stop you from healing."

Rainbow Dash looked hesitant, but then attempted to position herself for a slow dance.

Soarin laughed and corrected her position. "No, one hoof holds my hoof."

"What do I do with the other one?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"That's easy," Soarin replied. "Your other hoof goes over my shoulder."

Rainbow Dash put her hoof over Soarin's shoulder and smiled at him. As they began to slow dance, Rainbow Dash began to think about him. Soarin had arrived and started her friendship with the ponies she had hated. He would risk his life for all of them. He had words of advice that made her think twice about her past decisions. Why did she feel so... different around him?

The slow dance ended all too quick. Rainbow Dash and Soarin wished it could go on forever.

"You two are amazing at slow dancing!" Pinkie Pie complimented.

"Thank you, Pinkie Pie!" Rainbow Dash said.

Soarin smiled. But he couldn't help but think back to the rose. How much time did he have left?

Rainbow Dash and Soarin looked at each other.

"It's getting late," Twilight announced. "Maybe we should get going."

Rainbow Dash and Soarin didn't want to leave the garden. But they followed their friends.

"Soarin?" Rainbow Dash said.

"Yes?"

"Why did you care so much about us when you first arrived?" Rainbow Dash asked him. "Nopony ever does anything for us."

Soarin smiled at Rainbow Dash. She was still trying to get past her broken heart and finally heal.

"Maybe I was truly sent here," Soarin said. "To change that."

Rainbow Dash paced around her room. Soarin's words played over and over in her head. Maybe I was truly sent here to change that. What did he mean by the words he said? He was acting as if he was from another world. Was he? Rainbow Dash didn't know if she had feelings for the stallion that had arrived. Or maybe she just didn't want to admit them.

Author's Note

It's finally here!! After your weeks of waiting!! I'm sorry it took so long! Forgive me! :raritydespair:

Chapter 9: New Feelings

There was a knock on the door of Rainbow Dash's house. She answered it.

"Hi, Rainbow Dash!" Twilight exclaimed. "May I come in?"

"Sure, but why?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"I just want to talk for a while," Twilight said.

Rainbow Dash paused. "I've had some things on my mind."

"Of course," Twilight said. "You can talk to me."

Twilight and Rainbow Dash sat down on the couch.

"What's bothering you?" Twilight asked.

"It's about Soarin," Rainbow Dash said. "He's just made me feel... weird lately."

Twilight got excited. Had their mission been accomplished? Was the curse broken? "Really?!"

"I don't know how to describe it," Rainbow Dash continued. "My heart feels like it's doing these funny flips and then I get completely nauseous."

"Ooh, maybe you like him?" Twilight asked.

"No!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed quickly, blushing furiously. "I think..." She trailed off.

"You think what?" Twilight asked.

"You know how I promised myself not to fall in love?"

"Yeah. What about it?"

"I think... I just broke that promise."

Soarin watched the rose, sadly. Its rose petals still fell, even though he was sure Rainbow Dash liked him. But another rose petal fell and two remained. Two. He knew if he didn't get Rainbow Dash's love by today, his fate was in place.

Memories filled his head and he felt like he wanted to burst into tears. He had failed his family and friends in both Sciros and Equestria. He thought of the ways he had messed up before he left home. Is that how he'd be remembered? As a failure? As the one who messed everything up? He thought of the time Rainbow Dash had kissed him for the first time. It hadn't been a fast and furious kiss like her personality. It had been soft and comforting. It had lasted at least 10 seconds before they stopped. He thought of his proposal to Rainbow Dash. Her friends had been going crazy in the background, excited and hopeful. Rainbow Dash had stood there, shocked and in disbelief. There was at least a minute of silence from her as she just stared at the ring, wondering if she was dreaming. Then, she had said the answer he wanted. Yes. Then, tears stung his eyes as he thought of the wedding. They danced all night and when Rainbow Dash had thrown the bouquet, Rarity had scrambled madly for it. Unfortunately, it was Twilight who caught it. Coincidentally, she got married next.

There was a knock on the door of Soarin's room. "Come in."

Twilight opened the door.

"The curse has to be broken!" Twilight exclaimed. "Right?"

Soarin shook his head. "It's not broken," he said, reluctantly.

Twilight was confused. Why hadn't it worked? Rainbow Dash had told her outright that she had feelings for Soarin.

"But she does like you," Twilight stuttered. "Why isn't the curse broken?"

Soarin sighed. "The problem," he admitted. "Is that the pony has to say the three little words."

"I love you?" Twilight asked, surprised.

Soarin nodded. "Those are the ones."

Twilight's voice was full of alarm and surprise. "Rainbow Dash has a different way of showing her love than saying those words! She's still not ready for that step..."

"It's fine, Twilight," Soarin said, hopelessly. "I'll be gone by sunset."

Soarin and Twilight emerged from the guest room. Twilight shaken, Soarin in despair.

"Hey, Soarin! Hey, Twilight!" Rainbow Dash greeted. "Pinkie Pie invited us on a walk with the rest of the girls! Wanna come?"

Twilight and Soarin nodded in unison. "Of course."

As they met up with the rest of the group, Soarin looked at Rainbow Dash. This wasn't the Rainbow Dash he had married, but he still loved her and he knew it. He wasn't afraid to admit it, but Rainbow Dash was. Rainbow Dash was still afraid of the heartbreak she had been caused in her past. Soarin looked at the ground. He was certain he'd disappear without a trace. But he was so certain, he didn't know that a surprise was waiting in store.

Rainbow Dash looked over at Soarin. She liked the stallion that had come into her life. She knew it and she only worked up the courage to tell Twilight so far. Rainbow Dash was afraid. Do I love him?, she thought. She didn't know if the feelings she had were little or if she had fallen in love with Soarin. Rainbow Dash didn't want Soarin to disappear. But not admitting her feelings right away could lead to her biggest heartbreak yet.

They all took a break at the garden they had danced at the previous day.

Soarin looked at Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash looked concerned. The stallion she had met always had a twinkle of hope in his eye. But now it had vanished completely. He looked at her with sad eyes where all hope had diminished. Rainbow Dash wanted to ask Soarin if he was alright. But she didn't. She was afraid it would only cause tension.

"Is everypony alright?" Rarity asked. "It's awfully silent."

"We're fine," Soarin lied. "Everypony's just... tired, that's all."

It fell silent once more.

But, they didn't know creeping in the bushes was a Bataling eyes glowing red....

Rainbow Dash didn't know what it was. But she suddenly felt like danger was present and they had to escape the area fast.

"Maybe, we should go," Rainbow Dash said.

"Why?" asked a confused Twilight.

"It's not safe here," Rainbow Dash said, quickly. "Come on, follow me."

Soarin jumped up and the rest of the girls copied him. They began to rush out of the area, but it was too late. Their screams filled the air, horrified at the sight they saw. The Bataling had attacked.

Author's Note

2 more chapters after this one! What do you think will happen?! :pinkiehappy:

I just love leaving my readers with cliffhangers. :rainbowlaugh:

Chapter 10: True Love

"Run, girls!" Soarin hollered.

The Mane 6 didn't hesitate and began to sprint away from the hissing, swerving, swooping Bataling. Its eyes glowed bright red and its fangs glistened in the light.

The Bataling immediately chased after them, wind increasing the speed it flew.

It was a blur. The Bataling flew straight at Soarin and hurled him backwards through the garden. He was so dizzy he couldn't use his wings to stop him. He hit the ground and he gasped for air. Burning flames raged in his throat as he breathed. That's what it felt like.

"SOARIN!!" Rainbow Dash cried, in alarm. Her attention was on his face.

Soarin didn't have to look in a mirror to know his face was cut. He could feel the stinging pain on his face.

Rainbow Dash turned to the Bataling in rage. She flew at the Bataling full force. She slammed into the Bataling, impacting it like it had just been thrown off a cliff. It squealed loudly as it landed. Rainbow Dash was about to connect the Bataling with a punch, but the Bataling used its broad wings to brush her away. Rainbow Dash grunted as she hit the ground.

The rest of the Mane 6 pitched in attacking the Bataling. Applejack bucked and hit the Bataling in the face. The Bataling squealed, but it was returned with hissing and a return hit on Applejack. As Applejack groaned from the pain, Fluttershy filled in for her. She always carried her spear in her belt, so she got it out. She slashed wildly at the Bataling, but the Bataling dodged with astonishing speed. Fluttershy was struggling, so Twilight rushed in to help. Twilight hit the Bataling with a blast of magic from her horn. The Bataling squealed in pain and fell to the ground. It struggled to get back up, but it slowly got back up. It had still had the strength to fight the girls.

Rarity tried her best to punch and kick the Bataling. But the Bataling just seemed amused by the mare's futile attempts.

"You think I'm weak, don't you?!?!" Rarity screamed at the Bataling. "Well, let me show you how a lady fights!!"

Rarity leapt onto the Bataling and connected the Bataling with many kicks and punches. The Bataling was surprised at how strong the mare actually was. It hurled her off as it curled up in pain for a few seconds. Then, it stood once more. It just looked like it was asking to be attacked, so Rainbow Dash rushed over to the Bataling.

Rainbow Dash rushed over to the Bataling and finished the fight with a kick in the Bataling's wing. The Bataling cried out in immense pain and it crawled away, helplessly.

"You girls did it," Soarin said, wincing in pain.

Rainbow Dash rushed over and helped Soarin up.

"Are you okay?" Rainbow Dash asked, frantically.

Soarin laughed. "I'm alright. Just a little pain."

Rainbow Dash embraced Soarin and took him by surprise. Soarin returned the embrace with a smile and Rainbow Dash's friends giggled and whispered excitedly.

Soarin looked over at the case Twilight had brought the rose in. It sat on a spot on the ground, concealed so nopony could see it. It didn't look like the curse was broken.

He looked over and saw that the sun slowly began to set. Soarin knew it was over soon.

"We can dance again," Rainbow Dash suggested.

Soarin shook his head. "No thanks."

Rainbow Dash's face fell. "Oh."

Soarin began to feel strange. Then, he let out a grunt. He looked down to see golden light consuming him as it was making him disappear. It was over. It was too late. "No," Soarin said.

"Soarin," Rainbow Dash cried. "What's going on?"

"THE ROSE!!!" Pinkie Pie shouted.

The Mane 6, except for Rainbow Dash rushed over to the case. Pinkie Pie lifted the case and they gasped. The rose only had one petal left.

"Oh no..." Twilight said, trailing off.

"You had a rose?" Rainbow Dash cried, looking over to Soarin who fell to the ground. She caught him in her arms.

Soarin nodded. "Yes."

"Why didn't you tell me that it was me?" Rainbow Dash asked, tears pouring down her face.

"I'm so sorry," Soarin said. "But I really do love you, Rainbow Dash."

Rainbow Dash only hesitated. She couldn't find the right reply, so she was silent.

"You know what I liked best about today?" Soarin asked her, halfway consumed by the light.

Rainbow Dash looked at him, eyes filled with tears, waiting for his answer.

"I had the chance to fall in love with you all over again," Soarin said.

Rainbow Dash nodded. "T-thank you... for showing me what it feels like."

She felt like her world was shattering again. She could barely get the words out.

Soarin closed his eyes ready to accept his fate. Rainbow Dash's friends looked at him, silently crying for both Rainbow Dash and Soarin. Rainbow Dash wasn't ready.

She threw her arms around Soarin and sobbed as hard as she could. "NO! PLEASE! SOARIN! This can't happen to you!!"

It was hopeless. Soarin continued to disappear and fade.

Rainbow Dash admitted her true feelings to him before he could disappear. "Please... I love you..."

Before Soarin disappeared, Rainbow Dash kissed him softly. Soarin had done it, but not in time. Rainbow Dash let go of the kiss, reluctantly not wanting to let go of him.

Soarin vanished into the light. The light faded and turned into glitter that flew off into the wind. Soarin was gone.

With that, the last rose petal fell slowly, slowly, to the ground...

Author's Note

Oh no! Is Soarin truly gone?! :raritycry:

Don't worry! One more chapter after this! Let's see what happens next!

Chapter 11: Home Is Where The Heart Is

Soarin blinked. Wait, blinked? He looked around as the landscape blurred in.

He looked and saw Canterlot Palace glimmering in the distance under the sun shining brightly. It was the Equestria he knew. He was home.

Soarin was confused. What about the curse? Then, he remembered. Rainbow Dash had kissed him before the last petal fell. The curse had been broken.

He stood up and looked around. He caught sight of a pond rippling nearby. He looked in the pond and saw a shocking sight. The cuts on his face had completely vanished. It was as if he had never been cut in the first place.

He flew up into the air and shouted, "Yes!"

He caught sight of a group of royal guards coming after him. "There he is!" Flash Sentry exclaimed.

"Flash, buddy!" Soarin whooped, relieved.

Flash Sentry slapped him and Soarin said, "Oh!"

"Where have you been?!?!" Flash Sentry asked, frantically.

"Oh, my face," Soarin said. "I just got healed."

"Sorry," Flash Sentry said immediately, realizing that wasn't the best move.

"It's fine," Soarin replied.

"But where have you been?!?!" Flash continued. "We were all so worried! Everyone was looking for you for four days straight!"

"Just another town," Soarin said. "But I'm glad to be back!"

"Welcome home, Soarin," Flash said with a smile. "It hasn't been the same without you."

Soarin followed Flash back to the ponies had to see.

Spitfire looked at the poster of the Wonderbolts had sighed. She wished she hadn't yelled at Soarin before he had disappeared. Even though he had messed up the routine, Soarin was the best co-captain Spitfire could ever ask for.

The door opened and she saw a familiar face. "Permission to enter, ma'am?"

Spitfire grinned. "Yes, Soarin."

Soarin entered the room. "I'm sorry I messed up the routine," he said. "And didn't show up for the performance. Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?"

"Having you back is enough," Spitfire said.

Soarin felt his spirits rise. The captain wasn't mad.

"There are some other ponies I have to see, ma'am," Soarin told her.

Soarin's friends sat playing games. However, they just couldn't enjoy themselves. They had lost their friend who always made every game interesting.

Then they heard the door open. They knew only one stallion walked into Orange Breeze's house uninvited.

"So, games?" Soarin asked, as usual.

His friends were overjoyed and ran to hug him.

"You're back, dude!" Orange Breeze exclaimed. "Where have you been?"

"All that matters is that I'm back, right?" Soarin asked, avoiding the question.

Soarin's friends laughed and agreed.

They went back to playing games like they were, except this time they had Soarin around to make them laugh.

Soarin looked up at the clock. He had been playing for 5 hours. He almost forgot there was one pony he needed to see most.

Rainbow Dash had given up hope. It was the fourth day of searching. She would never see Soarin again.

She was full of regret. She had yelled at him for a small mistake before he left and she burst into tears.

Then the door opened slowly.

"Don't cry," Soarin said. "It'll be alright."

Rainbow Dash ran to Soarin and embraced him, tears still running down her face.

"I'm sorry for yelling at you," Rainbow Dash sobbed.

"It's alright," Soarin said. "I know you didn't mean it like that."

Rainbow Dash was just glad her husband had forgiven her.

Soarin sat down with her on the couch.

"Now, let's wipe away the tears and race," Soarin said. He knew Rainbow Dash loved to race.

Rainbow Dash wiped her tears and smiled. "Good luck."

They rushed out the door.

"No fair!" Soarin puffed. "You got a head start!"

Soarin's life was back to normal. All of his friends had told him he hadn't messed everything up and that they missed him when he wasn't around.

Soarin's heart sank when he saw a familiar unicorn watching from the bushes.

Storm Whirl walked over to him. "Well, you did it."

"You... I..." Soarin gulped. He couldn't find a reply.

"Maybe my talent could be showing ponies how much they may actually be loved after all," Storm Whirl said smiling.

Soarin looked at her. There had been a glimmer of change in the mare's eye. He wondered if his love for Rainbow Dash really had been enough to change her ways.

Storm Whirl pulled her cloak back over her mane, threw a potion on the ground, and went back through to Sciros.

Soarin looked through the portal and watched her go through. He smiled, knowing Sciros would be safe at last. Rainbow Dash, from Sciros, was probably heartbroken once more, but he knew that she had friends who would help her through.

"Alright, Wonderbolts!" Spitfire announced. "Prepare to fly!"

He soared off into the air. He knew he was home.

He looked at his friends who waved in the audience, cheering loudly and shouting his name. He looked at Rainbow Dash who flew right ahead of him. He looked at his captain who smiled and gave him a nod. He knew was home. Home really was where the heart lied. With his friends, family, and the one he loved.

He was no longer afraid of messing everything up. Because he knew he was Soarin. The one who had set everything right.

Author's Note

Here is the end of the story! I hope you enjoyed it!

Once I finish "The Melody of Love", I will continue "The Next Generation" and start a few new stories. Don't worry! I'm extra sure I can handle it all!

Of course I can!! :pinkiecrazy: