Epilogue

5 years later…

November 7TH

Soldier Field, Chicago.

“Here we are ladies and gentleman, Welcome to the finals of the North America Women’s World Cup! My name is Alan Smith reporting live from Soldier Field, here in the beautiful city of Chicago! Next to me is Martin Tyler, Martin how are you?”

“I am so excited to be in another World Cup, thank you very much. Both teams have fought with all that they’ve got to get here.”

Alan nods. “Sure they have, USA VS Germany, both teams have given us such amazing games for the past weeks.”

“Especially certain girl from the American Team, the young promise of the American soccer, you know who I am talking about! The most recent player the team summoned last year. She has shown to the world that no matter the odds, you can still be victorious!”

“You are right, that girl has a lot of potential! No need to question that. She even became Captain of the team sooner than everyone expected. The one and only Rainbow Dash!”

Martin looks at the field has both teams are entering. “Looks like the game is about to start but first, let us remembering the tragedy that happened last year in the Middle-East, when a group of militants attacked the US Embassy. That day shall be remembered as one of our darkest events in our history, we all have seen as a nation. Because of this, the Government sent troops to bring Justice to the people responsible for the attack.”

As both teams perform a single line everyone prepares for the National Anthems. “Well, that was the Anthems section, now, here comes a minute of silence for the lives that got lost that day.”

Everyone in the stadium went silent for a minute as the American Flag is shown on the screens. On the field, Rainbow Dash and some others girl, salute to the flag.

“That is everybody, now is game time!” Alan says clapping.

“I just want to add, that our troops have returned home. Yeah, you heard right. The first wave of American soldiers arrived yesterday. You can see some posters the people who has come to see the game, saying ´Welcome Home Troops!´. I have to say, that I am truly amazed by the tons of support, we, the people give to the women and men of our Armed Forces.”

Rainbow shakes hand with the captain of the German Team, they posed for the photo.

“Looks like our girls are going to kick the ball first, Martin.”

“That is correct, and according to the statistics, 80% of the time our girls kick the ball first, they score a goal in, approximately, 10 minutes. Those numbers sure are amazing!”

The referee blows her whistle giving the signal to start the game.

“So it begins!” Alan says.

“And it’s a goal to our girls! What a terrific goal by our Captain Rainbow Dash!”

As the first time is almost over, the German Team managed to turn the scoreboard to their favor. The American Team underestimated their opponents.

Meanwhile at the airport…

Insert Video here…

I arrived home, well, not the place where I live but, finally being on American soil sure gives me the feeling of being at home.

“Welcome home, soldier.” The receptionist said giving me my passport. I just nodded and took my backpack. After that I proceed to the exit, lucky for me. I found a cab right away.

“Where are we heading, sir?” The taxi driver asked.

“To the Soldier Field Stadium, please.” I said looking at my phone. The driver turned on his radio as he takes the highway leading to the Stadium. He has been listening to certain game. “What is the score?”

The driver looks at me thought the retro visor and makes a notch with his mouth. “At first, that girl everyone is talking about scored a great goal but… then the girls had to fall back, the other team took the chance and scored two goals. I think the first half is about to end.”

From one of my pockets, I pulled out a photo of Rainbow. She is winking at the camera as she holds Ruby. “It was Rainbow Dash who scored the goal.”

The taxi driver nods. “Indeed, she did. I once saw her play. The girl is a beast! With all due respect.” He says chuckling.

“Yes, I know that.” I thought.

On the radio, one of the narrators yelled. “Ohhh that was a close one! Dash performed a volley shot but the goalkeeper managed to scratch the ball!”

“C’mon Dash, I know you can score another goal.” I said.

“Did you say something lad?” The taxi driver asked.

“How far we are?” I asked.

“We will arrive in 10 minutes.” He then looked at me with a curious look. “Excuse me, sir but can I ask you something?”

“Sure.” I said crossing my arms.

“May I know your unit?” He asked.

I took a glance at the windshield and he has a patch of the 1st Army Division. I slightly turned my torso to the left and showed him my insignia. “I am with the 101ST Airborne Division.”

“Oh, the Screaming Eagles?” He said with a smile. “Well, I am glad to see a brother in arms. Staff Sergeant Knight, retired.” He salutes me.

“2ND Lieutenant Blazingsol, I just came back from my third tour.” I returned the salute.

After an, unexpected but nice chat with the Sergeant, I finally made it to the Stadium. I closed the door and waved at the driver. I looked up at the stadium and one can hear all the shouting from the people watching the game.

Inside the stadium, the first half has ended. Rainbow and her team are entering into the changing room.

I was already there, leaning against the wall. I heard her voice getting closer.

“Do not worry! We can still win this!” She says clashing her fists together. “We will change tactics, and surprise the other team!” The girls gathered around and lifted the arms into the air.

Rainbow looked back at the field, and crossed her arms.

“Excuse me but… can I have your autograph?” I asked with a smirk.

In that moment, she slowly turns her torso and looks at me as her eyes started to fill with tears. She sprints towards me and leaps forward. I catched her as she wraps my waist with her legs. “Ignis, babe. I… was so fricking worried about you!” She says planting several kisses on my lips.

“Everything is fine, babe. I fulfilled my promise, didn’t I? I will return just in time to see my girl winning the World Cup.”

“Yes… you did.” She says before her smile on her face disappeared. I sighed as I know that she noticed the scar on my left eye. “How… what happened to you?” She asks running a finger on my face.

“Some idiot got lucky when I entered into a room without noticing that he was hiding a blade beneath his clothing. The helmet took most of the damage, though.” I said kissing her.

She plants her feet on the ground and hugs me. “I was afraid to lose you. When I heard that the USS Hancock got hit by an unknown aircraft. I feared the worst.” She says burying her face on my chest.

I placed a finger on her chin and gently rose up her head. “But I came back, alive.”As we continue talking, some girls from Rainbow’s team noticed us. I brushed her hair and planted a kiss on her lips. “I’ll be supporting you; I heard that you had… trouble.”

Rainbow slowly nods. “Yeah, we lost focus for a few minutes. But, we will recover for the second half!”

I turned my head to the right and saw those girls from Rainbow’s team; they hide at the moment I smiled at them. “Well, looks like your girls need you, Captain.”

“I know that… but… where are you going to be?” She asks.

“First, I will find something to drink and then I will enjoy the game, and cheering on my favorite soccer player.” I said with a smirk.

Rainbow gave me a final kiss as she heads towards the changing room.

After getting myself a soda, I found my seat. I was drinking my soda when the two little girls came running from my left. One of them is carrying quite big binoculars.

“This is the perfect spot!” She says sitting down.

The other girl has a worried look on her face. “Hey, sis. Are you sure about this?” She asked looking around.

“C’mon Rom! You wanted to see her up close, right?”

The shy girl slowly nods. “Yes but… why did we have to-“

They both have blond hair but the energetic one has longer hair than the shy one has short hair. They are wearing the same type of jersey too.

The players are taking positions on the field. The energetic girl lifts up her binoculars and scans the area. “There she is!” She says pointing at the field. “Look!”

She passes the binoculars to her sister. “Wooooow! She looks prettier in person!” She says with a big smile on her face.

“GO RAINBOW DASH!” They both screamed. Oh, I forgot. They have ´Dash´ and the number 10 at the back of their jerseys.

I couldn’t contain my smile to see such lovely girls supporting Rainbow. I did not know that Rainbow has such young fans. I do not blame them; I used to be like them wherever I saw a Marine.

The referee gives the signal for the second half to start.

“Let’s go everyone!”

“Time to turn the tides!”

After half an hour of struggling, one of the midfielders crossed the ball right into the box. Rainbow receives the ball with her chest, and, at the right moment shoots.

“SHE SCORED!” One of the girls yelled.

“She IS the best.” The younger girl says clapping.

Rainbow scored the equalizer goal, the team needed. That is the Rainbow Dash that I know.

A couple of minutes later, one of the sisters lowers down the binoculars. “Hey Ram, I want an ice cream.” She says pointing at the dude who sells them.

Her sister looks inside her pockets for money. “Oh shoot! I left my wallet up there.”

You know, my heart just yelled at me. I know you want to keep your girlfriend’s fans happy, go for it!

I raised a hand to the ice cream dude, he comes over. “Give me two, please.” The dude gives the ice creams as I passed him a few dollars. “Thanks man, here take them.” I said to the girls with a smile.

“Thank you so much sir!” The older sister says taking both if the ice creams.

Taking a second look, the girls are… twins. But also I thought where the one in charge of them is. “Where are your parents?” I asked.

“They are… sleeping.” She said looking at her sister. “Our uncle is the ones who watch over us, now. But, he is a really busy person.”

Rom nods as she licks her ice cream. “Instead, we have Tom to look for us!” She leans to her sister. “He looks just like daddy, right?” Her sister nods with a smile.

“Where is this Tom-“

I was cut off when the crowd yelled goal, I looked the repetition on the screen and Rainbow scored with a lucky headbutt, I must say.

“Oh man, that is a hat trick!” A man said in front of me.

We are on the last 5 minutes of the game; the score is 3-2. Our girls are winning this. But, just after the extra time. A german defender performed a slide tackle to one of the forwards inside the box. That is a penalty shot.

Both girls showed some competitive spirit as they fist bumped and hugged.

“Who do you think is going to take the shot, Ram?”

“It has to be Rainbow Dash. Duh.“ She says laughing.

They were right; Rainbow places the ball taking a deep breath. If she scores then it is all over.

The crowd went crazy when she shot with such a relentless force, the goalkeeper stood still as she looks the ball inside the net.

The girls hugged each other with a big smile on their faces. “WE WON!”

Yes, I listened to my heart once and so I am going to do it again. “Hey, girls. Can I ask you something?”

“What is it, sir?” The girl with long hair asked.

“Would you like to meet Rainbow Dash in person?” The girls started to jump like crazy. Even the, I thought, quiet one is as much as happy as her sister.

“Of course we want!” They both yelled.

The referee blew her whistle, and ending the game. I get up and told the girls to stay close and to follow me.

They were amazed once we entered into the changing rooms. “I cannot believe that we are where Rainbow and her team changes for the games!”

One of the girls pulls my sleeve. “How do you know Rainbow Dash, sir?”

“She is…” I kneeled before them. “My girlfriend.”

The girls are now full with energy; they kind of remind me of Rainbow after she just ate like crazy. I talked with the chief of security of the national team, guess who it is? Freaking Bulk Biceps, no one would dare to defy him, after being almost crushed by him after he greeted me with his deadly hug, the girls and I gained access to the field, where the team is already celebrating.

Once in the field, of the girls pull out a camera and starts taking pictures. “This is so AWESOME!”

“Ram! Save some space for once we meet her.” Her sister says lowering her sister’s arm.

“It’s OK, Rom. I brought enough cartridges!” She said patting the head of her sister.

Rainbow is jumping in circles with her teammates. Her Coach gets closer to her and taps her shoulder. “Looks like you’ve got company, Dash.”

Rainbow turns around and sees me waving at her. She starts to sprint towards me.

“You were amazing.” I said planting a kiss on her lips.

“I always do my best.” She said with a smirk.

The two girls took a photo, taking me and Rainbow with our lowered guard. “That was cute.” One of them said, chuckling.

“W-Who are those girls?” Rainbow asked blushing.

“They are your fans.” I replied.

“I am Rom! And this cute and little girl is my twin sister, Ram!” She said hugging her.

Rainbow kneels before them. “Hi little ones! I am Rainbow Dash!” She said shaking hands with both girls at the same time. The girls shouted and jumped at her giving her a great hug, making her fall. But, her ass took most of the hit. I just laughed at her. Rainbow starts to tickle them as she slowly gets up. “So, you girls want an autograph?”

That just made them even happier. “YES we want one!” They both yelled.

Lucky for us, Rainbow’s manager, Mrs. Sapphire, appeared holding a pen. “You might need this, Dash.” She said handing over her the pen.

“Thanks, Ma’am.” Rainbow says grabbing the pen, just after a couple of girls poured an entire gallon of water on the manager.

Ram took a photo, laughing. “That was fun.” She said. Rainbow kneels and signs both shirts and a small soccer ball Rom was carrying.

Rom gets closer to us. “I was wondering, can we take a picture with you guys?” She asked aiming her camera to us.

Rainbow and I nodded. “Sure, let’s do it.” We sat near them; Rom gave me the camera, so I lifted up and took the photo. Ram is hugging Rainbow from behind as Rom hold hands with me and Rainbow.

“It’s perfect! I cannot wait to show this one to our uncle!” Ram said excited.

They continue taking photos; I looked at Rainbow and said to her the few things that I learned about those two.

I crossed my arms. “That is all I managed to asked.”

Rainbow looks at them, as they crossed look with her. “Well, they seem happy. That is what matters.”

“Hey! Get back here!” A police officer yelled to a man in suit and black sunglasses.

“Wait, those are the little girls I’ve been looking for!” He says struggling with the police officer. He then takes off his glasses and shows his ID to the cop. The officer nods and let him pass.

Rom turns around and starts to wave at him. “Oh! Hello Tom!”

“ROM! RAM! Where have you been?! You had me worried, Uh. I just hope my boss does not fire me because of this.” He said taking his head with both arms. He… seems panicked.

“Uh, so that is Tom.” Once I looked up to one of the screens I saw him, leaving the car. I touched Rainbow’s shoulder and pointed at the screen.

Rainbow looked at the screen too and gasped. “No way!”

“Ladies and gentleman, please give warmth welcome to the President!” Alan Smith said.

The President appears escorted by his agents and his wife. Giving his classics thumps up to the crowd. “Greetings everyone!” He said.

From my back, I pulled out my beret and put it on. “H-How do I l-look, Rainbow?” I asked.

She fixes the beret and plants a kiss. “You look nervous. Take it easy.”

“Rainbow, you do not fool me. You are nervous too.” I said narrowing my eyes.

I saw Tom shivering in fear, as he holds hands with the girls. “He is here, he is here, he is here, he is here.”

If I look nervous, then he is nervous incarnate. But… why? It was when Rom and Ram started to run towards the President.

“Uncle Prescott!” They both yelled.

In that moment, my heart stopped and Rainbow is laughing nervously. We just met the President’s nieces, without knowing that.

The President holds both of them and lifts them up. “Oh, my girls! Did you enjoy the game?”

Ram and Rom nodded as they showed him the photos they took. “Look! We met her! We met Rainbow Dash!” She shows him the picture.

“How did that happened?” The President asks. “Agent Blackburn! Where are you?”

Tom slowly approaches. “S-Sorry Mr. President!” He says looking at the ground.

“How did you let my nieces meet her idol without telling me that you know her?!” He says looking at the twins.

Ram starts to laugh ad Rom rolls her eyes. “C’mon, Tom barely talks to girls! It was not him who introduced us to Rainbow Dash!

Rom points at me. “It was that soldier over there! He is also Rainbow’s boyfriend!”

That’s it. I am so going to regret this.

“What?” the President sets his eyes to me and walks towards us.

Rainbow hit my side with her elbow. “He is coming, he is coming… HE is coming.” She whispered.

“I know!” I said. “Just let me handle this.” I stood firm and once he got close enough I salute him.

The President places both girls on the ground and salutes. “What is your rank and name, son?”

“2ND Lieutenant Ignis Blazingsol, sir!”

“Blazingsol?” The President asked rising an eyebrow. “The son of General Solstice? The one, who cleared a room dealing with a dozen of enemies and rescued seven of our troops from certain death? That Blazingsol?”

Well, I have to say. News sure spread faster than I thought. “Yes, sir! I am. But, it was actually fifteen… enemies, sir!”

What follow next, surprised me. The President took my hand shaking it. “It is an honor to finally meet you, son. You see, your father is a good friend of mine. When I heard that you were deployed, I told to my closest officers to keep an eye on you. What was that nickname the troops put on you?”

“The… Phoenix, sir.”

Rom pokes the President’s leg. “Uncle? What is a P-Phie- Phoenix?”

“The Phoenix, Rom, is a fire bird known for it can never die. It resurrects from its own ashes. But, Lieutenant Blazingsol here, he received that name for soaring above its enemies raining fire upon them.”

Rainbow looked at me. “You did not tell me that.” She whispered to me.

“I was going to, but things got a little weird, as you can see.”

Ram hugs my leg and looks up to me. “Someone called like that sure deserves to be Rainbow’s boyfriend, right Rom?”

The President now turns towards Rainbow. “Rainbow Dash, the young promise of the American Soccer. Excellent job, girl. Keep it up.”

“T-Thank you so much, sir!” She says blushing and shaking hands with the President.

The President slowly leans towards me. “You better respect her, Lieutenant. Girls like her are extremely rare.” The President whispered taking my shoulder.

I blushed and tried not to laugh. “Will do, sir.”

“I will talk with a few friends. You deserved a medal for your service, son.”

“Sir, with all due respect, there is no need to do that. I was not the only one out there fighting… very few of us... returned.“

He then looks at me and smiles. “Please, allow me to do that. You gave my nieces something they will never forget. When… my brother got killed in the embassy, I took an Oath. That I will take care of them, no matter the cost. For him.”

I looked at the twins and they are laughing as they are playing with that soccer ball, such a sight. It reminded me of the reason why we fight. So our kids, love ones can do whatever they like, without fear. Then, a smile appeared on my face. “Thank you, sir. I will gladly accept that honor.”

“Your country is proud for both of you.” He says looking at Rainbow. “Now, if you all excuse me I have to notify to the First Minister of Germany that the Cup stays in America, and… tease her after she laughed at my deficiently skills as a tennis player.” He says laughing. “Carry on, then. Have fun. That is an order.”

“Sir, yes sir!” I said.

“C’mon girls.” Tom said waving at them. “We need to get going!”

Rom and Ram came to us. “We want to say thank you, to you Ignis and Rainbow. We had a great time!” Ram said.

Rom buries her face on my leg. “I am going to miss you, big brother.” She said sobbing.

I kneeled before her and kissed her forehead. “Hey, next time we see each other. I will make sure to bring you and your sister an ice cream, got it?”

Rom brushes a tear from her cheek. “I will be waiting!” Goddesses, my heart just melted.

Rainbow gave them a big hug. “It was nice to spend some time with you girls.” She said before she gave them the ball of the game. “Take this as a present. From the National Team, to you.”

Rom grabs the ball. “Rainbow Dash you are the best!” They ran towards that agent Tom. I forgot to tell the President not to go hard on him.

I placed an arm around Rainbow’s neck and pulled her close to me. “You are crying, aren’t you?” I asked teasing her.

Rainbow takes a deep breath and hits my belly with her elbow. “Idiot.” She replies before turning around and wrapping my neck with her arms. “Now, where were we? Before the arrival of the Commander in Chief?”

As I am still recovering from that blow, I embraced her and leaned forward. “I think you were going to kiss me.”

She presses her lips against me. “You know? If we ever have kids, I want two beautiful girls, just like Rom and Ram.”

“W-What?! I mean, that will be… fun to do.” I replied with a smirk. I brushed her hair over her ear. “Do you remember what I said to you that night on Camp Everfree?”

She makes her thinking look and snaps her fingers. “Of course I do, you said-“

I nodded taking her hand and placing it on my chest. “When I see your face, my heart burst into fire. Never forget that. I love you, Rainbow Dash.”

“I love you too, Torchie.” She said giving me a kiss. “That scar on you, on second thought. It makes you look hotter.”

We heard the players laughing around us. I broke up the kiss and the entire team is looking at us.

“What a pair of little lovebirds, don’t you think?”

“The Captain sure scored a big one with him.”

Rainbow blushed a little and took my hand. “We should follow orders, like the one the President said.”

“What are we waiting for? Let’s do it.” I was about to follow Rainbow and start celebrating before my sister shows up.

“You were going to celebrate without me?” Arctika asks hands on her hips.

“I thought you were on an expedition across Egypt!” I said as she comes at full sprint and hugs both of us.

“Well, you don’t always get the chance to see your team win the World Cup!” Arctika says hugging us tighter.

“THIS IS SO AWESOME!” Rainbow yells filled with happiness.

After breaking up the hug, Rainbow gives a small box to us. “This is for you, guys. What kind of girlfriend and loyal friend would I be if I were to forget the birthday of the man that I love and my BFF?”

I took the small box and opened, it’s a pendant of a wing and the one of my sister is a snowflake crossed by two arrows.

“Wow, Rainbow… they… they are beautiful.” I said placing the pendant on my dog tags. “Thanks.”

“Thank you so much Dashie!” Arctika leaped at her and almost strangulates Rainbow.

“Woah! I- I am glad t-to see that you both love your presents!” She then gets close to me and kisses me.

“So… yeah, Happy Birthday to my favorite dummy and BFF!” She said with that glamorous smile on her face. “Let’s get this party started!”

And thus, this is how the girl of my dreams and I achieved our goals. But, this journey is far from over. We are just getting started, right?

Thanks everyone, this is Ignis Blazingsol, signing off!

Author's Note

Did I just wait this long to publish the final chapter?
Uh... Yes I did!

Thanks for reading!