Chapter 7 - Better than a medal

The Grand Galloping Gala. One of the greatest events in Equestrian history, happens annualy at the Royal Palace in Canterlot. Ponies from all over Equestria come to enjoy themselves, swap stories, meet the royalty, and hope that the night never ends. Listen to me, I sound like a fucking history book. I'm usually not one for these sort of celebrations, but sometimes you just have go with your gut feeling, even if it feels like it's half filled with alcohol. I got dressed in my Wonderbolts uniform (I don't usually wear it, considering I'm only a reserve member), stayed away from the alcohol, and headed out to the main room, where everyone was getting excited.

"Hey everybody, Everyone excited for the big night?"

Spitfire looked at me, with a sincere look about her. "Sorry to say this Hornet, but you're not coming."

I was shocked. "W-w-w-w what? What do you mean I'm n-"

"Gotcha!" she blurted out, with the most riduculous smile on her face. I just stood there, with an expression more blank than slenderman's face. Yes, slenderman. "Come on, like I wouldn't let a fellow Wonderbolt such as yourself miss out on one of the biggest events of the year. Here's your VIP Pass, put it on and lets go!"

After a few hours, we finally arrived at Canterlot Palace. It was truly a sight to behold. If the palace didn't look great enough during the day, then during the night it was truly something else. Bright lights and fireworks lit up the night ike nothing I've ever seen. Hundreds of ponies were inside and lined up outside the palace. After a little while of enjoying the festivities (and the whiskey), Shadow and Rainbow Dash arrived.

_"How's it going Spitfire?" I said, holding up my beer.

"It's going pretty well. How about you Rainbow Dash? Nice costume by the way. Maybe in time, you can have a real one."

"You really mean it?" Rainbow said, having a fangasm on the spot.

"Of course, along with us and Shadow here, you're one of the fastest fliers in Equestria."

"Don't faint again Rainbow." I teased

She responded by slugging me on the head.

"Ow, easy on the head!"

Spitfire chuckled. "Follow me, you can meet Soarin and Blaze."

"Alright, cool."

Rainbow could only nod and follow.

We arrived and found Soarin and Blaze just chatting. Soarin turned to me.

"Hey, nice costume." He said.

"Thanks, I appreciate it." We gave a quick bump of hooves.

Blaze trotted up to me. She looked pretty similar to Spitfire, except she didn't have lighter orange streaks in her hair. She also looked much younger from what I could tell.

"What's up?" she said

"Nothing much with me. You look pretty young for a Wonderbolt you know."

She smiled. "That's because I'm fourteen. I'm the youngest Wonderbolt ya know."

"Impressive. You must be quite the flier to make it for your age."

"That's right. So you're trying to get into the Wonderbolts too, eh?"

"That's right. Both me and Rainbow Dash here."

"You don't look like much, but looks can be deceiving. I of all ponies know that, not to mention I saw that little shadow pulse of yours, and her sonic rainboom."

"So you think we could become Wonderbolts."

"I wouldn't be surprised if you did, but you'll have your work cut out for you. Who knows, you might even get to be one of the few."

"One of the few?"

Spitfire popped Blaze on the back of the head.

"Ow, what was that for?" Blaze shouted

"Nothing. And what she means is one of the few ponies who are the best of the best fliers in Equestria."

"Oh, okay." I decided not to press.

Soarin whispered something in Spitfire's ear, and she turned to me. "I agree. I think it's about time we added some new members."

"Wait, do you mean-?" I started

"That's right, for both you and Rainbow. Any objections Soarin or Blaze?"

"None here." Soarin said.

"Let's give 'em a shot." Blaze said.

"Alright then. It's settled. You two will receive a tryout in ten days."

"Ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmy-"

"Easy there Rainbow." Soarin said

"Right, sorry. It's just that I can't believe it, I'm finally getting my chance!"

"It's not a guarantee you know. I don't want you to get your hopes up for nothing." Spitfire said

"I can't help it. I've been waiting for this opportunity for years!"

"I understand, I just don't want you to get hurt."

"She'll make it, and I will too. You guys won't regret this." I said.

"That's the spirit!" Blaze said.

"In ten days, come to our building in Cloudsdale. We'll be there."

"Alright, sweet." I responded.

"Well it was great talking to you guys. I'm going to hang out with the others now. See you guys later, and thanks for the tryout!" Rainbow said

"Take it easy Rainbow." Spitfire said

Rainbow trotted away after giving me a quick kiss.

"Hey you three, would you mind doing me a favor?"

"That depends, what did you have in mind Shadow?" Soarin asked

I leaned in and told them._ -chapter 11-

"Oh, you tease. What do you think guys?" I chuckled.

_"Nice. We'll do it, but you'll owe us." Blaze said

"Alright, thanks. Just wait until we go outside."

"Sure thing. See you then." Spitfire said_

"This will be something they'll never forget." Said Soarin

"Especially after I'm done with them." I murmured. I was then responded by a noogey to the head. "Just kidding! like I would do that to a fellow Wonderbolt like him." Spitfire smiled and then gave me a kiss on the cheek.

"Come on everybody, let's get ready."

I was partially stunned for a second, until Soarin waved his hoof in front of me. "Did everyone see that, or was it just me?" They chuckled, and went to get into position.

_I trotted back to the bar and requested another Colt Lite. I sat at the bar for a little while longer until Rainbow trotted over.

"Hey." She said

"Hey yourself." I responded

"How's it going?"

"Pretty well. I think we should go outside for a bit."

"Okay, that sounds cool."

We headed outside, and I nodded to Spitfire, Soarin, and Blaze. They nodded back and went through a different exit. I also nodded to Rarity, who gathered the rest of our friends to go outside as well.

Me and Rainbow arrived outside. "So what's up?" she asked

"Rainbow, do you love me?"

"What kind of question is that? Of course. I also remember asking the same question myself, but you were asleep."

Our friends arrived next to us then.

"What's everypony doing here?" Rainbow asked

"Look up." I said

She looked up, along with everypony else. Just then, Spitfire, Soarin, and Blaze flew overhead in a specific pattern. They left a trail of electric smoke behind them. When they finished, the words Will You Marry Me Rainbow? were floating. Rainbow looked back at me in shock. I activated a hidden button on my armor. My chestpiece opened up, revealing a bracelet. It was made of gold, with some gems on it. Rainbow was stunned.

"I- I don't know what to say."

"You could say yes." I said with a smirk.

She jumped over to me and gave me a long passionate kiss.

"Yes, I will!" She exclaimed._

"Now that," I said shedding a tear "Is beautiful. Just beautiful. Congrats you two!"

_"Rainbow, I'm so happy for you!" Fluttershy said.

"We all are Rainbow. Congratulations to the both of ya." Applejack added.

"Yes, congratulations, to the both of you." Princess Celestia said as she walked out.

We gave a quick bow before she continued. "As a present, how about I let you two hold your wedding here in the castle?"

"That-that's great! Thank you Princess Celestia!" I exclaimed.

"You're quite welcome Mr. Flash. When would you two like to hold your wedding?"

"If it's okay with you Rainbow, I was thinking somewhere around a month or so."

"Anytime is fine with me." Rainbow said, putting her two front hooves around me.

"It will be in exactly thirty days from now, if that is fine." Princess Celestia said

"Yes Princess, thank you." I said

Spitfire trotted over to us next. "Way to go you two."

"Thanks. I appreciate the favor."

"You're welcome. Just remember, you owe the three of us a favor."

"As long as it isn't insanely outlandish, I'm happy to oblige. You guys did just get me engaged, and probably laid tonight."

She laughed. "Well we're about to head out. Congratulations again." She said as she flew away with Blaze and Soarin._

"Good luck Shadow, and well done. We'll make a Wonderbolt out of you yet." I said as I turned around and followed Spitfire and the gang, lucky bastard. For me, something like that would have been better than a medal.