Shattered Dreams and New Beginnings

by Brian Jacko

Rating: everyone
Tags: Main 6, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Sad, Romance, Original Character, Rainbow Dash, Cutie Mark Crusaders
Length: 11920

Rainbow Dash meets a new competitor who may be able to outperform her.

Rainbow Dash has always struggled with the idea that she needs to be the best, and when a new and mysterious pony comes to town to compete in the annual series of race events, she can't help but feel threatened that some other pony may be able to compete against her. Who is this mysterious pony and what is this pony doing in Ponyville? Will this new pony be able to beat the undefeated Rainbow Dash? More importantly, would Rainbow Dash be ok with losing?

Published 2012-10-06 04:10:01 UTC
Last updated 2013-10-24 18:51:35 UTC

The New Rumor

It was a beautiful summer day and Rainbow Dash lay peacefully on a cloud soaking up the sun's rays. She took a bite of an apple and wiped the juice off her mouth. She was enjoying this day and relaxed as the wind blew her colorful mane around. She finished her apple and tossed the core away. She sat up and sighed. She was bored now and decided to go see what her friends were up to.

Rainbow Dash took off from her cloud and flew across Ponyville. She heard a familiar sound of giggling and laughing and looked down at the ground. There she saw Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootlaloo. They appeared to be carrying stacks of papers with them. Rainbow sighed and muttered to herself, "I wonder what those fillies are up to now. I'd better go check to see what they are up to." Rainbow Dash zipped down and stood before them. "Hey squirt! What are you all up to today?"

Scootaloo ran towards Rainbow and threw her front legs around her body. "Rainbow Dash!" she called out. "We hoped to run into you sometime today! We have been busy posting these fliers all around town."

Rainbow Dash cocked an eyebrow and asked, "What's the occasion for, squirt?"

Scootaloo proudly held up one of the fliers just inches away from her face.

Rainbow backed off a bit and read the flier. It was the annual series of race events for pegasus ponies. "Oh, so you girls are excited to see me win gold this year again, huh?" Rainbow said with a smirk.

Scootaloo closed her eyes and nodded yes proudly.

"But we are also excited about a new rumor going around!" Apple Bloom said.

"A new rumor?" Rainbow asked.

"Yeah!" Sweetie Belle yelled. "Ponies all across town have been talking about this new mysterious competitor who is supposed to be really good. Every pony has been talking about how this new pony is supposed to win the competition with ease."

Rainbow Dash threw herself on the ground and started rolling around while laughing. She put her hoof to her head and said, "You girls seriously think a pony can defeat Rainbow Dash? The fastest and greatest flier in all of Ponyville? Give me a break!"

Scootaloo had a confused look on her face. She walked closer to Rainbow and asked, "You mean you're not afraid of this new pony, Rainbow Dash?"

Rainbow put her front leg around Scootaloo and messed up her mane with her hoof. "Afraid?" she asked. "Are you kidding me, Scoots? Did you seem to forget that I win first place in this silly little competition every single year? I promise you that I'll do the same again and that I'll pass by all those ponies with flying colors just like I do every single time."

Scootaloo grinned at Rainbow's confidence. She looked into Rainbow's eyes and cried out, "And I'll be cheering for you the whole way through! I'm still your number one fan, aren't I Rainbow?"

Rainbow giggled a bit and said, "You sure are Scoots, I don't know if I'd be able to win without your cheering, so you'd better cheer for me like you have never cheered before if you want to see me dominate the race this year."

"I'll do my best, Rainbow. I know my hero won't let me down!" Scootaloo said.

Rainbow Dash patted Scootaloo on the head and said, "Have you girls seen Twilight around?"

Sweetie Belle pointed with her hoof and said, "Oh, we were just talking to her at the library a few moments ago. I'm sure she's still there."

Rainbow Dash hovered above the ground and said, "Thanks girls, I'm going to go see what she's up to. I expect you all to practice your cheers for me. That includes you Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom."

The three fillies yelled out in unison, "We will!"

Rainbow Dash gave them a salute and took off in the sky. "They really think some pony can beat me in an air race. Oh, just wait until I tell Twilight this!" Rainbow giggled to herself. Rainbow Dash touched ground and knocked on the library door.

Spike opened it and said, "Greetings Rainbow, come right on in."

Rainbow walked in and was surprised to find all five of her best friends talking around a table and having some tea.

Twilight shot up when she noticed Rainbow and said, "Hi Rainbow, come on in and join us."

Rainbow sat down next to Fluttershy and said, "Girls, you're not going to believe this, but I just saw Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo posting fliers around town about that annual upcoming series of race events for pegasus ponies. They told me that there is some kind of crazy rumor going around that some mysterious pony is supposed to dominate the race this year. Can you believe that? They truly think that a pony can defeat me in the air."

All the girls stared at Rainbow without saying anything.

Rainbow stared back at them and said, "What's the matter? Don't tell me you all actually believe those crazy rumors too?"

Fluttershy nervously spoke up, "Umm Rainbow, that's what we were all talking about here. Those rumors are true."

Rainbow became slightly annoyed now and said, "Well I don't believe it! No pony is going to even come close to stripping my title away as the greatest flier in all of Ponyville."

"Rainbow, just because you're currently the fastest flier in Ponyville doesn’t mean you're the fastest in all of Equestria. The world is a pretty big place and there are thousands of other pegasus ponies who want to be number one as well. Ponyville is such a small town compared to other cities like Manehatten and Las Pegasus," Twilight said.

Rainbow Dash fumed. "Hey, I'm not afraid. I can take any pony on. I am the best! I have proved it many times before, and I'll prove it again. You girls just watch me. I'm already tired of hearing about this new pony. See ya!"

Rainbow Dash got up and left the other five mares. She slammed the door on her way out.

"Well, golly!" Applejack said. "I reckon some pony needs to have a lil' time out. Can ya girls believe how cocky she is about this race? I think she forgot her lesson about bein' humble and everythin'. Maybe she needs a good swift kick in the backside again."

Rarity sighed and said, "I think the poor dear just feels threatened a bit and needs time to cool off. You do know how important it is to her to be able to win."

Pinkie Pie leapt in the air and cheered, "Oh! Oh! Oh! Can I throw a special party for her to cheer Dashie up? I can bake my special Pinkie Pie cupcakes. No pony can refuse a smile while eating one."

Twilight Sparkle took a sip of her tea and said, "Pinkie that's very thoughtful of you, but I don't think Rainbow is in the mood for a party right now and sometimes you can be a bit much, Pinkie. I think you girls better let me check on her."

Eventually, all the other girls went home and Twilight searched around Ponyville looking for Rainbow Dash. It didn't take her long to find her friend. She was napping on a cloud. "Rainbow Dash, wake up!" Twilight called out.

Rainbow Dash opened one eye and peeked down at Twilight. She picked her head up and asked, "What do you want, Twi? I'm in the middle of a nap here."

"You sure have been sleeping a lot lately. What happened to practicing for this years race, Rainbow?"Twilight asked.

Rainbow shot her an annoyed look and replied, "Hey! What did I just tell you not too long ago? I'm not worried at all about this race and I don't need any practice because I'm going to dominate every pony regardless of who competes."

Twilight smiled awkwardly and said, "But Rainbow Dash, what happened to your lesson about being hum.."

Rainbow Dash cut her off. "Twi, I'm really not in the mood to talk about this anymore. I already told you I'm going to win this race. I'm going to go home now. Don't bother me with this talk again." Rainbow Dash flew off to home as Twilight watched her disappear into the distance.

Twilight kicked a rock with her hoof and sighed. "Maybe Applejack was right. Maybe she did forget her lesson about humility and needs a new reminder. I just hope that she'll be ok." Twilight went back home and fell asleep. Maybe she would talk about this another time with Rainbow when she was in a better mood.

Rainbow Dash's Unexpected Competition

Weeks had passed and Rainbow was sick and tired of hearing every pony in town talk about this new special pegasus. Rainbow wouldn't talk to her friends and often stayed home alone in her house just to get away from all the hype. Today, that would all end though. Today would be the day that she would show her opponent up and humiliate that pony who has been taking away all the attention from her.

Rainbow Dash paced anxiously at the start line as all the ponies started to line up. She stretched her wings as she studied each face that she saw. So far, she recognized every pony that was attending the race. The race was about to start soon and the last pony that showed up was Derpy Hooves. "This is going to be cake!" Rainbow Dash thought to herself. "I know all these ponies and none of them have a chance against me."

Just then Rainbow heard a scream. She turned to see a flock of ponies swarmed around some pony. They were taking pictures and stomping their hooves in approval. Out came the new and mysterious pony that every pony in Ponyville had been talking about. Rainbow squinted her eyes as she tried to recognize who this pony was. She couldn't seem to figure it out. There was something about that pony that looked familiar, but she couldn't quite put her hoof on it.

The pony sat down next to Rainbow Dash at the start line and said, "Hey Rainbow! It's been a long time. Do you remember me?"

The voice sounded painfully familiar to her, but she still didn't have an answer.

"It's me, your buddy, Rain."

Rainbows eyes widened a bit. She stuttered to find words. "R-r-rain Storm?" she asked?

"Yep! That's me," The stallion replied.

Rainbow Dash's mind went back to flight school, when she was friends with Rain Storm. She was his closest friend back then. She actually liked him a lot until one day he started beating her in all the races in school. She remembers how bitter she became and started to ignore him whenever he wanted to hang out. She couldn't believe she was standing in front of him. All the bitterness and jealously hit her hard and she became defensive. "So, are you ready to finish second place, behind me of course?" Rainbow said with an attitude.

Rain Storm laughed and said, "You haven't changed much since I last met with you, Rainbow. I hope you're ready for a good clean race."

All the other ponies got into ready position.

Rain Storm flexed his wings and got down low.

Rainbow gave him a look over from head to hoof.

His coat was of a rich dark shade of royal blue and his tail and mane had many different lighter and darker shades of blue. His cutie mark was of a picture of a rain cloud with rain falling from under the cloud and his eye color was hazel.

The official waved the checkered flag and they were off.

Rainbow was shortly ahead of the pack. She smiled and thought to herself, "I knew I'd still be the best. He can't even keep up with me already."

Just then a dark blue blur raced past her at an alarming speed. Rain Storm had over-taken her with surprise.

"What a fool," she thought to herself. "Expending all that energy this early just so he can lead the pack for a little bit. I know he won't last."

Rainbow finished the first lap, but she was still behind Rain Storm. "Time to kick things into overdrive," She said to herself. She thrust her wings with all her might and broke the sound barrier. She eventually caught up with Rain Storm and passed him. She turned her head and stuck her tongue out at him. Rainbow Dash finished the second lap. She was still in the lead until she heard a loud bang. Rain Storm passed her with ease. He had broken the sound barrier too!

The crowd was in awe, as they watched a streaking trail of many different shades of blue in the air followed by a trail of rainbow behind that. No pony ever saw such a thing before. Rainbow Dash was only known to be able to break the sound barrier in Ponyville. Now things have changed.

Her cockiness turned into uncertainty as he blew past her at astounding speeds.

This was it. Her final lap. She did everything she possibly could to keep up with the speeding pony, but he was so far ahead of her already. She was sweating heavily and was exhausted. Her uncertainty turned into doubt as she watched him fly off into the distance. She couldn't flap her wings any faster. She finished the race in second place. She was devastated. "I lost," she said to herself. "I just can't believe I lost."

She looked over at the crowd who was swarmed around Rain Storm and screaming his name.

Rainbow Dash shut her eyes tightly and bowed her head to the ground. Two tears streamed down her face in unison.

Rain Storm eventually broke free from the crowd and came over to Rainbow Dash. Rain Storm stuck out his hoof for her to shake and said, "That was a great race, Rainbow! Maybe we can hang out later today and do some flight practice together."

She picked her head up and frowned at him. She refused to shake his hoof.

"Hey Rainbow, are you ok?" he asked.

Rainbow Dash lashed out at him. "You think you're so great because you won a race. I bet you think you're just so much better than every pony else now. Well guess what? You're not! I didn't even bother to practice for this race, so I'm out of shape. I can beat you anytime I want, and the next race, you're not going to be so lucky!" Rainbow Dash turned her back to him and flew off to home.

Rain Storm just stood there in shock. He didn't know what to say or do. He turned around and was blinded from the flashes of cameras.

A Bitter and Jealous Heart

The next day, Rainbow stopped by at Sugar Cube Corner for some tea and a snack.

She chatted with Pinkie for a while until she noticed the stack of news papers piled up on the counter. Her curiosity got the better of her and she picked one up and started to read. Right there on the front page was a picture of her lashing out at Rain Storm. The title of the article read: "Poor sport, Rainbow Dash, loses it after humiliating defeat."

Rainbow Dash spit out her tea and said, "Pinkie, did you see this!? The media is ruining my good reputation with lies!"

Pinkie bounced over and looked at the paper and said, "Well Dashie, if I recall correctly, I remember seeing you refuse to shake hooves with him and that picture looks like a pretty accurate description of what the title says."

Rainbow slammed both her front hooves down on the counter and said, "Why is every pony trying to ruin my reputation? It's not fair that I lost the race in the first place."

Pinkie Pie put her hoof to her chin and said, "Uhhh Dashie, it sounds like you're trying to make excuses."

"EXCUSES!?" Rainbow shot back at her. "Excuses!? Pinkie, don't tell me that you too believe the lies!"

Pinkie didn't say anything. She simply sunk low to the ground under Rainbow's hoof that was pointed accusingly at her.

"I can't believe that my own friends have betrayed me, Rainbow said. "That's it! I'm out of here!"

Rainbow Dash left Sugar Cube Corner and walked around town.

Everywhere she went she could hear ponies talking about Rain Storm and just how great he is. It made her sick to her stomach, but she was about to see something far more horrifying.

She heard a familiar laugh and hid behind a nearby tree. Out came Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom with posters in their mouths.

Rainbow Dash appeared from behind the tree and stood before them. She then hovered in the air and put her front hooves on her hips. "What are you girls up to and where is Scootaloo?"she asked.

Sweetie Belle spoke up, "We were just at the autograph signing with Rain Storm! We got ourselves his poster with his signature. It was great! Did you go too, Rainbow Dash?"

Rainbow Dash almost turned red with anger and said, "NO! I didn't go. Where is Scootaloo?"

Apple Bloom looked behind a tree and called out, "C'mon Scootaloo. She won't be mad. Just come on out already."

Scootaloo nervously peeked out from behind a tree and made her way shamefully over to the others. She was holding a poster in her mouth as well.

Rainbows eyes widened. "What do you have there, Scoots? Need me to sign you an autograph?" she asked.

Scootaloo put her head down and dropped the poster at the hooves of Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow gasped in horror. It was the same poster that Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom had. "Not you too, Scoots! Not my most loyal and faithful fan!" Rainbow cried out.

Scootaloo looked around nervously and said, "Hey, I'm really sorry, Rainbow Dash. You're still my hero and everything, but I really like Rain Storm too! He's a really nice pony." Scootaloo suddenly perked up. "Hey! Why don't you and Rain Storm get together and become his some pony special? You two could be the greatest team in all of Equestria!"

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom started leaping around Rainbow Dash in circles and chanting, "Rainbow Dash has some pony special, Rainbow Dash has some pony special!"

Rainbow Dash became sick to her stomach at the thought of having a relationship with some pony who was a better athlete than her. She put her front hooves to her ears and yelled out "ENOUGH! I'm not going to be his special some pony ever! I'm going to become the best racer again and beat him. I am better than him. He just got lucky, that's all. I am disappointed in all of you. Especially you, Scoots. I thought you were my number one fan. It hurts me a lot to see that you don't cheer for me anymore."

Scootaloo looked like she was going to cry. "But Rainbow Dash, I still cheer for you. I cheer for both of you now. You're still my hero!" Scootaloo tried to wrap her front legs around Rainbow Dash's body, but Rainbow knocked her hooves away and glared down at her with anger.

"I'm sorry Scootaloo, but you can't root for both of us. It's either me or him. Make your choice," Rainbow demanded

Scootaloo's lip began to quiver. She didn't say anything, she ran away crying.

The other girl's looked at Rainbow with shock. Sweetie Belle spoke angrily, "Hey! Way to go Rainbow Dash! What a mean thing to do to our friend. Scootaloo really looks up to you. You're her hero and you treat her like that? Well guess what? We're done rooting for you! From now on, Rain Storm is our new hero and we are going to cheer for him only!"

"Yeah!" Apple Bloom added. "We ain't gonna root for a poor sport who can’t even treat her fans right. We're gonna get rid of all your posters in our tree house and replace them with Rain Storm's pictures. Ya hear? Come on Sweetie Belle, let's go comfort Scootaloo."

"WAIT!" Rainbow called out, but it was too late. They already started running. Rainbow held her hoof to her heart and said to herself, "I can't believe they are going to replace me with Rain Storm. What have I done? I'm a monster." A tear streamed down Rainbow's face. Rainbow knew what she had to do. She flew on over to their tree house and was shocked to see her very special pictures of herself ripped up and thrown out the window into the grass outside their club house. She peered into the window and saw that her posters had been replaced with Rain Storm posters.

Rainbow Dash knocked on the side of the house. "Uh girls, listen I'm really sorry about what I said to you all. I'm just under a lot of stress right now and things haven't been going my way. Do you mind if I come in?" She could see Scootaloo hunched over and was sobbing.

"Go away!" Scootaloo screamed as she wiped the tears from her eyes. "You're not my hero anymore and I don't even like you. You're not allowed to come to our club house anymore. You'd better get lost before we tell Applejack that you're bothering us. I don't love you anymore, Rainbow! Go away!"

Rainbow's heart sunk deep into her chest. She thought about Rain Storm. Her emotions went from sad to anger and she lashed out at them. "I don't need fans like you who can't even stay loyal to me. I'll find some pony else to cheer for me. You root for your Rain Storm, but don't be sad when he gets decimated tomorrow afternoon in the next race."

The three girls yelled out in unison, "GET OUT!"

Rainbow Dash frowned and left the club house. Her heart was bitter and filled with jealously and anger.

Rainbow Dash practiced her workout flight routine for the rest of the day, to get all that aggression out of her system.

Hours had past and it was now night time.

She paced back and forth in her home. She was full of anxiety and was worried about the next day. She suddenly heard a knock at her door. She had no idea who it could be at this hour. She walked over to the door and opened it. It was dark outside and she couldn't recognize who was standing there.

"Hey Rainbow, it's me, mind if I come in for a talk with you?" The voice was very familiar.

"Rain Storm, is that you?" she asked.

"Yeah, it's me. Sorry it's so late, I had to come out at night so the crowds wouldn't bother me. Can I please come in for a while?"

Rainbow Dash's cheeks puffed up in anger. "No! You can't come in. I'm really busy and getting ready for bed soon," she lied. "What do you want anyway?"

Rain Storm sighed and said, "Look, I just wanted to tell you that I'm sorry if I came off the wrong way towards you after the race. I wasn't trying to be mean and rub the loss into your face. I was only trying to be friends with you. Would you like to be flight partners and practice before tomorrow’s race?"

Rainbow Dash fumed. "Oh, you came all the way out here to try to get right with me after you made me look like a fool in front of so many other ponies, and you want to be my practice buddy after you humiliated me in front of my very own fans?" NO THANKS! You just wait until tomorrow. I'm going to beat you fair and square. We're going to see how you like it."

Rain Storm fumbled for words. "But Rainbow Dash, please just listen! I just wanted to tell you one more thing. I really want to be your...."

Rainbow interrupted him and said, "I don't care what you want. You're not getting anything from me after how you treated me out there. Don't bother coming back to my house again either. I don't know how you found out where I live, but if I catch you around here again, we're going to have trouble. Good bye."

"But Rainbow, Listen...." Rain Storm said.

Rainbow lashed out and screamed, "I SAID GOODBYE!" Rainbow slammed the door in his face.

Rain Storm put his head down and flew back to where he was staying for the night. He felt defeated and didn't even get the chance to tell her what he really wanted to say.

It took a while for Rainbow to fall asleep that night. She tossed and turned in her bed for a while. She grinded her teeth in agony and closed her eyes shut tight. Deep down inside, there was a hurt and regret in her heart, but she did everything she could to ignore it. Eventually she did fall asleep, but much later than she had hoped for.

Rainbow's Wreckless Race

Rainbow Dash woke up late in the day. She only had a few hours before she had to leave for the race.

She ate her breakfast and wondered what she should do with the time she had left. She couldn't practice for the race, because she didn't get enough sleep last night and she needed to save whatever energy she had left for the race.

She decided to go visit Twilight Sparkle for a bit. She was the most level headed pony in all of Ponyville and she would surely see things her way.

When she got to the library, she knocked at the door.

"Come in!" Spike yelled out.

Rainbow walked in and saw that Spike was busy holding a stack of books trying to put them back where they belong. She was shocked to see all five of her best friends sitting around the table having tea again. Rainbow glumly walked over and sat down next to Applejack.

"Whoa there partner. I reckon ya got some explainin' to do. Apple Bloom told me that ya made Scootaloo cry and that ya were mean to them. Got any idea what that's all about, R.D?"

Rainbow sighed and said, "A.J, I'd rather not talk about that right now."

Applejack adjusted her hat and said, "Well, that's fine, ya don't have to right now, but I think it's best ya stay away from Apple Bloom and her friends 'til things calm down a bit."

"So what brings you here today, Rainbow? Don't you have to get ready for the race in a few hours?" Rarity asked.

"I do," Rainbow replied, "But I was hoping to talk to Twilight alone for a bit."

Fluttershy looked around nervously and said, "Ummmm Rainbow, I can leave. I don't mind really."

Rainbow put her hoof up as if to stop Fluttershy from talking anymore and said, "Nah, it's fine. You girls can stay since you're already here."

"So, what did you want to tell me, Rainbow?" Twilight asked.

Rainbow rested her chin on her hoof and said, "I don't know how, but somehow Rain Storm showed up on my porch last night asking to come in?"

"HE DIIIIIIID?" All the other girls said in unison.

Rainbow Dash gave them a rather disturbed glare out from the corner of her eye and said, "Yeah, he did. I really have no idea how he found out where I live."

Twilight Sparkle started giggling. "That's because he came here last night asking for you! I was the one who told him where you lived," Twilight said.

Rainbow became a bit annoyed and shot back, "Why did you tell him that!? I told him that I was busy and didn't want to talk to him anyway!"

Twilight Sparkle shook her head in disappointment and said, "Rainbow, I don't know if you're going to believe this or not, but I have a strong feeling that he likes you. He likes you a lot, I think. I don't understand where all this hostility and negativity is coming from."

"He sounds like such a sweet pony," Fluttershy cooed.

"He sounds like the most generous and chivalrous stallion ever. A true gentle colt! I wish I could get my hooves on a pony that has such handsome looks and charming behaviors!" Rarity added, as she put her hoof to her forehead in a dramatic matter.

"He even came to my bakery to buy some muffins and tea and said hi to me and he let me throw a small party for him at the shop! He even danced with me!" Pinkie Pie said.

"And he stopped by at the library last night and gave Spike and I a special limited edition poster signed by him. We have it proudly hanging in our room now."

Applejack just chuckled a bit and was blushing. She finally said, "Ya'll missin' the best part of Rain Storm I reckon. Didn't ya'll see the flank on that pony? Whoo-whoo! When I took my lil' sister with her friends to git his autograph, I couldn't help but notice that pony has the hottest flank I have ever seen!"

All the other girls giggled at the thought.

Rainbow Dash crossed her front legs and said, "Why are you all staring at his flank when you should be watching and cheering for me!?"

Applejack just laughed out loud and said, "Sorry Rainbow, I reckon we're all straight here and would rather look at his flank than yours.

All the other girls started laughing even more and agreed.

"Rainbow, I sure ain't that much of a romantic type, but if I had the opportunity that ya had, I'd be all over him like flies on pies!" Applejack said.

Rainbow stomped her front hooves on the table and said, "Fine! I don't need you girls anyway. You all can root for your precious handsome stallion. I don't need anyone to cheer me on. He's going down today and that's final!"

Rainbow Dash stormed out of the library and headed to the race track. Rainbow Dash couldn't help but feel fatigued. She didn't get exactly the kind of sleep she wanted last night, but she had practiced very hard for today's race. In her mind, there was no excuse to lose this race. Little did she know that the fatigue she was experiencing was caused by all the anger and jealousy that plagued her mind on a constant basis.

She could hear chanting in the distance "Rain Storm! Rain Storm! Rain Storm! The only pony that can defeat Rainbow Dash!"

Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth in frustration at what she heard. She landed at the start line and began to stretch her wings. She turned her back to the crowd, but couldn't help but look behind her every so often.

The crowd seemed even more massive than before.

Rainbow sighed and said, "I remember when I used to get all that attention in Ponyville. Just look at him now. I bet he's soaking up all that attention and loving every moment of it." Rainbow's heart hurt with envy as she watched the ecstatic crowds around him.

Eventually, he was able to take his place at the start line, right next to Rainbow Dash. He looked like he desperately wanted to say something to Rainbow, but she had her head turned away from him. She refused to even glance at him.

He realized just how much Rainbow felt the need to win and he decided to do something crazy in this race. He was going to let her win, even if it hurt his reputation.

The officials signaled for the competitors to get ready.

A pegasus waved a checkered flag and they were off. Rain Storm took to the lead right away. He figured that he would lead the pack for a while so it wouldn't be so obvious that he was throwing the game. Slowly, each lap he would finish, he would fly a little bit more slowly, allowing Rainbow to catch up. Through each loop of cloud, he would follow through, he could almost feel Rainbow's presence right next to him.

The course forced them to descend lower and lower into the canyons. There was a sharp turn coming up right through the mountains.

Rain Storm slowed up even more and allowed Rainbow to pass him. She became so excited that she flew as fast as she possibly could. There was one problem. She was going way too fast for this turn and her body collided with the mountain at a devastating speed. She was knocked unconscious and began to tumble down the mountain.

Rain Storm quickly flew down to save her. There was a group of hungry giant eels awaiting her at the bottom of the mountain. Rain Storm swooped down just in time and snatched her up in his hooves before one of the giant eels was able to grab her.

The crowds went wild.

He had more than enough time to put her down safely and return to the race and win, but instead, he flew her back to the crowds where a group of medics took her away. He was about to fly with them when the crowds grabbed him and wouldn't let him go. He hoped and prayed that she would be ok.

Rainbow Dash Gets Desperate and Plays Dirty

Rainbow Dash awoke in the hospital.

Her five best friends were standing there watching her.

Rainbow Dash looked down at herself. She was covered in bandages. "What happened to me?" she asked.

Twilight stepped forward and said, "Rainbow, you had a terrible crash at the race. We all came to see how you were doing."

"Oh no!" Rainbow exclaimed. "The race! How did I do? Did I beat Rain Storm!?"

Rarity giggled a bit and said, "Oh no, dear. You didn't beat him. Why, you both didn't even get to finish the race. You collided with the mountain and he rushed down to save you just in time before a giant eel was about to devour you."

Rainbow Dash grinded her teeth in agony as she was finally able to remember her last moments before she blacked out. She looked up at the others and said, "Yeah, I remember colliding with the mountain, but I was going to be okay! I didn't need him to rescue me, I was about to recover and everything would have been fine, I swear!"

Applejack chuckled a bit. "I reckon you're full of it, Rainbow. You have been out cold ever since your collision! I saw with my own eyes that ya were just seconds away from doom, when he swooped down and saved ya. I reckon you ought to be grateful that HE saved ya and everythin'. Ya were completely helpless."

Doink! Doink! Doink! Pinkie Pie bounced over to Rainbow Dash and put down a newspaper on her chest. She read the front page. "Breaking News! Rain Storm forfeits race to save Rainbow Dash's life!" Under the title was a picture of him holding her in is hooves.

Rainbow Dash crumbled up the paper and threw it behind her bed. The last thing she wanted to know was that her competitor had just saved her life from certain disaster.

All of Rainbow's friends started talking about Rain Storm and how great he is for saving their friends life.

Rainbow Dash threw her front leg's up in the air and yelled out, "Oh for Pete's sake! Can I be anywhere and not hear his name mentioned on a constant basis!? All of you just leave me alone!"

Just then, the nurse stepped in and said, "Rainbow Dash, you have a very special visitor who wants to come see you!"

"Who is it now?" Rainbow grumbled.

"It's Rain Storm." The nurse replied.

Rainbow closed her eyes tightly in anger and said, "Not now! Tell him I'm in too much pain and I don't want to talk!"

The nurse nodded her head in understanding and left.

Twilight Sparkle spoke up and said, "Goodbye Rainbow. I hope you feel better."

Rainbow Dash sat up in her bed and said, "Wait! Where are you girls going!? You're not going to go talk to Rain Storm are you?"

All the other girls nodded and said, "Mhmmmm."

"No! Don't leave me! Please stay with me," Rainbow cried out.

Applejack adjusted her hat and said, "I reckon you're bein' a selfish and jealous mare, Rainbow. Don't ya be lyin' to the nurse, tellin' him ya don't want to talk and sayin' that you're in too much pain when you're fine. I can't stand hearin' lies like that!"

"Applejack's right," Twilight said. "I think you need to get over your jealousy and spend some time alone if you're going to behave like this."

Rainbow's eyes widened and she cried out, "But wait. Please don't leave..."

The door closed and her friends were gone.

Rainbow sunk low into her bed. She thought all kinds of negative thoughts about Rain Storm and how she wished that he didn't ever exist. She knew she was being shallow, but she didn't care. She hated him because he was better than her and it burned her up on the inside.

Rainbow was out of the hospital in no time. Thankfully, all she suffered with was a concussion and other minor injuries. Her wings took a beating, but they healed up just fine and the doctor said that it would be ok if she competed in the final race series.

She did some wing exercises and some light cardio. She didn't want to over work herself, especially since the next upcoming race was the final race. She needed to win at least one gold medal to feel good about herself again. She still believed that she was the best in her mind and made up ludicrous excuses as to why she hasn't won anything yet. She was desperate to win the crowds back and she dreamed of soaking up all the attention once again.

When the time for the next race came, Rainbow Dash paced along the edge of the start line, waiting for every pony to get started.

Rain Storm was the last pony to get into position. His eyes met with hers for a split second. He looked like he was about to tell her something important, but she turned her head away in disgust. All he wanted to do was to talk to her and it hurt him so much, every time he got rejected. He knew just how important it was for her to win. He knew ever since he first met her at flight school that she was obsessed with winning and being the best. Rain Storm stomped his hoof on the cloud. He was going to throw the race again. He was going to let her win, that way she might open up a bit and talk to him.

All the ponies got into ready position.

A pegasus pony waved the checkered flag and they all took off flying.

Rain Storm pulled ahead quickly and was in the lead. The crowd went wild. Suddenly, he slowed down and let Rainbow over take him. He let her lead the whole time. He stayed back in the race with the other ponies. Rainbow Dash turned her head and looked back. She smiled a rather sinister grin and said to herself, "See, Rainbow. I knew you were the best. He can't even keep up with you and you're way ahead of him. You're going to win this race easily."

At the final lap, Rain Storm picked up speed. He felt the crowds were starting to pick up that he was throwing the game. He flew just a few feet behind Rainbow Dash.

This was the part in the race where things got dangerous. This was a different course, but a similar route was used through the canyons.

The finish line was approaching and Rain Storm picked up just a little more speed. He was now just inches behind her. Rainbow Dash looked back and realized how close he was. She panicked at the thought of losing. She couldn't lose this race! She had to win it at all costs! She slowed down a little bit and bucked her back legs as hard as she possibly could. Her hooves connected with Rain Storm's head and he dropped down against the mountain. The collision sent an avalanche of rocks tumbling down. A boulder landed right on top of Rain Storm's wings.

Rainbow Dash raced past the finish line and threw her hooves up in the air in victory. "Thank you! Thank you every pony!" She waited for cheering, but there was silence.

Eventually, the crowds began to throw things at her and booed loudly. Rainbow's eyes widened. She panicked in fear and said, "Wait! Why are you all booing me? I just won! I deserve praise and appreciation!"

Some pony in the crowd yelled out, "You cheated and made illegal contact with Rain Storm. That's an automatic disqualification! You're a no good rotten cheater!"

The crowds murmured in agreement.

"Wait!" Rainbow called out. "It was an accident, I swear!"

The crowds continued to boo and vilify her.

Rainbow Dash looked out for Rain Storm, but he had not passed yet. All the other ponies crossed the finish line, but Rain Storm was no where to be found. She eventually saw Rain Storm being lifted up into the air on a stretcher.

"Oh No!" Rainbow thought to herself. "Did I seriously hurt him that badly?" Her mind raced with conflicting emotions. There's no way she could admit she was a cheater, even though she clearly knew that she played dirty in the race. She told herself over and over again that it was an accident and that it was his fault for racing too close from behind her.

The officials blew their whistles loudly and announced that Rain Storm was the final winner of the series. They disqualified Rainbow Dash and she didn't even get a medal. This was unbelievable to her. She flew away from the race as the crowds continued to boo and call her names.

At home she paced around her house. She was suffering greatly with guilt and shame. She thought she was going to lose her mind. She was a cheater, a liar, and she sent a pony to the hospital. She might have even killed him. She didn't know and refused to read the paper, because she knew that there would be nothing but negative criticism about her cheating and everything.

An Apology and a Shocking Confession

Weeks had gone by, and Rainbow didn't leave her house. She hadn't slept much at all. She was terrified that ponies would see her and say nasty things to her about what she did to Rain Storm. Eventually, she couldn't take it anymore. She had to talk with her friends. She desperately needed to speak with Twilight Sparkle about what to do about this horrible guilt and shame she was suffering with.

As she ventured out to Twilight's library, all the ponies who recognized her, booed and hissed at her. They said all kinds of nasty things. She tried to make excuses and tell every pony that it was an accident, because she told herself that lie over and over in her mind, until it became the truth for her.

No pony would believe her. All the negative comments made her feel even more horrible inside, but she knew that she deserved it. She was a bad pony and now she was suffering with the consequences of her actions.

Rainbow Dash made it to the library. She didn't even knock, she bucked the door open and ran inside. There were tears streaming down her face. She was shocked to see all five of her best friends sitting around the table.

No pony said a word for a while. They just stared at Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow came over and sat down. "Girls, I can't stand it anymore! Every pony hates me now because of what happened to Rain Storm, but I swear it was an accident! You girls believe me, right?"

None of the ponies said anything for a while.

Applejack eventually spoke up and said, "Girl, I can tell when a pony is lyin' and I know that you're full of hay! Why don't ya start speakin' the truth and we'll listen to ya."

Rainbow Dash gulped and said, "Ok fine! I did cheat, I'm sorry. I don't know what to do. I can't even show my face around town without being called a nasty name. The guilt and shame just plagues my mind on a constant basis and I can't stand it anymore! I'll do anything to make it stop! ANYTHING!"

"Anything?" Twilight asked.

"Yes," Rainbow replied. "Anything..."

Twilight Sparkle pushed over a newspaper article. Rainbow read the front page. The article said that Rain Storm was seriously injured and staying at a hospital nearby.

Twilight spoke up and said, "Rainbow, I think you owe a huge apology to Rain Storm for what happened and for how you have been treating him all along.

Rainbow gasped and said, "You want me to see him after what I did to him? Oh girls, I don't think I can do that. He'll probably hate me and..."

Twilight Sparkle put her hoof to Rainbow's mouth to hush her and said, "Rainbow, you promised that you'd do anything, and this is the best thing you can do for yourself, regardless of what his reaction may be. You owe him so much. He even saved your life and you didn't even thank him once for it. You have truly disappointed us all, Rainbow. I thought you learned your lesson about humility back when the five of us played part in being that super hero, Mare-Do-Well."

"But this is different," Rainbow said. "No pony has ever been able to compete against me in the skies. I'm just not used to losing races. Especially when it's something I'm best at. I have worked so hard to be the very best and to have my dreams shattered like that, just hurts me too much."

Twilight frowned and said, "Rainbow, all of us here are really sick of your attitude. You just need to suck it up and face the fact that somewhere in the world, there will always be some pony that's better than you. That's just how it is, Rainbow. You have serious pride and jealously issues. You need to go apologize to Rain Storm now!"

Rainbow sunk low to the floor and said, "But I just can't Twi...I can't"

Twilight Sparkle looked even more angry and said, "Then don't come here looking for sympathy. We don't want to hear it, Rainbow and none of us are going to talk to you until you decide to do the right thing. Now leave my library....NOW!"

Rainbow grumbled some words and left. Her heart weighed heavy in her chest and she couldn't bear to stand another day with all this suffering. Twilight was right. An apology to Rain Storm was the least she could do for him, as well as herself. After all, he did save her life and she never even thanked him for that. She made up her mind right then and decided to go to the hospital.

Once there, she asked the receptionist if she could visit Rain Storm.

The receptionist looked at the list and said, "He was discharged only a few hours ago."

Rainbow Dash stomped her hoof on the floor in anger. "Would you have any idea where he went?" Rainbow asked.

"The last I heard, he was seen walking down that path outside headed towards the woods," The receptionist said.

Rainbow nodded and left. She had no idea where she was going, she just followed the path through the woods.

The skies were getting dark with storm clouds now and the air smelled like it was going to rain soon.

She eventually came to a place where there was some kind of broken down gazebo and an old water mill. Rainbow Dash saw a figure sitting there watching the water mill. As she got closer, she could tell that it was Rain Storm. Before she got inside, Rainbow heard the pitter patter of rain drops on the roof. She tip-hoofed her way closer to him inside the gazebo. "Is that you, Rain Storm?" she asked.

Rain Storm didn't turn around. He sighed and said, "Yes. I'm here. Is that you, Rainbow?"

Rainbow Dash gulped and said, "Yeah, it's me. Listen, I know you must be really angry at me for what I did. I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for everything and I wanted to thank you for saving my life."

Rain Storm didn't say anything, he simply sat there with his back to her.

Rainbow fumbled for words. "So, I guess I'll just be going now. I'm sorry to bother you."

As she was about to turn and leave, he called her name. "Rainbow."

Rainbow's eyes opened wide and she turned back to the stallion and said, "Yeah?"

He said her name again. "Rainbow. Come sit with me here."

Rainbow Dash gulped again and slowly made her way over to the stallion. She nervously sat down next to him. Neither of them said anything for a while. Rainbow Dash finally spoke up and said, "I see your wings are bandaged up pretty well. How long will it be until you will be able to fly again?"

Rain Storm looked down at the ground and wiped a few tears from his eyes. He looked at Rainbow and said, "I won't be flying anymore."

Rainbow Dash's jaw hung low. "What do you mean you won't be able to fly anymore?" she asked.

"When you had knocked me unconscious and I fell against the mountain, there was an avalanche and a bolder landed on my wings."

Rainbow Dash looked at his wings fearfully and said, "But you're still going to be ok, right? I mean you can't fly just for now, right?"

Rain Storm rocked back and forth a bit and said, "No. The Doctors said I won't be able to fly ever again. I'll also be suffering with chronic pain in my wings for the rest of my life."

Rainbow Dash shut her eyes tightly. Two tear drops streamed down her face. She didn't say anything.

Rain Storm eventually spoke up and said, "Rainbow, I want you to know that I tried to throw the last two games for you. I desperately wanted you to win so that I could perhaps talk to you again. I want you to know, that even though I went through excruciating pain at the hospital, none of that suffering hurt me more than when you rejected me each time I tried to talk to you.

Rainbow's crying turned into sobbing.

Rain Storm continued, "My passions are gone now. I'll never be able to race again. I was also supposed to become the next greatest Wonderbolt as well, but that dream can't be fulfilled now. However, I still have one wish and passion left in my heart."

Rainbow finally spoke up, "Wh-wh-what other passion could you possibly have?"

Rain Storm looked at the medals he was holding in his hoof, then looked into Rainbow's eyes and said, "You."

Rainbow was taken aback by what he said and asked, "What do you mean me?"

Rain Storm began to cry and said, "Ever since I first met you at flight school, I really liked you, Rainbow. I fell in love with you when we took our first flight together. I was in love at first flight. I desperately wanted to talk to you and tell you how I felt about you, but you were always brushing me off and too concerned about winning. I tried to get your friends to tell you how I felt about you, but you wouldn't listen to them. Rainbow Dash, I just want you to know that I forgive you. I loved you back then and I still love you now."

Rainbow Dash leapt backwards in horror and said, "No! You can't love me! Not after what I did to you! I'm a monster! I don't deserve to be with some pony who I treated so poorly and I ruined your career. I'm a horrible pony. Don't even talk to me. I'm not worth your time!"

Rainbow Dash sped off into the woods sobbing.

Rain Storm wiped the tears from his eyes and got up. He went looking for her. It wasn't hard to find her, since it was raining, which left hoof prints in the ground for him to follow.

Rain Storm found Rainbow Dash shivering and sobbing under a tree. He put his hoof on her shoulder and got down low to the ground.

"What do you want from me? Leave me alone! I'm not worth it," Rainbow cried out.

Rain Storm took his hoof and gently put it under her chin. He aligned her head with his and wiped the tears from her eyes. He leaned in closer to her and whispered. "Shhh. Rainbow. It's ok. Don't cry. It hurts me to see you cry. I want you to know that I said what I meant, and I meant what I said. I still love you and want to be with you."

Rainbow Dash sniffled and asked, "But why me? You could have any special mare in the world. Why would you choose some pony like me? It just doesn’t make any sense. I'm such a jealous and angry pony."

"Because I love you for who you are, and I know that deep under all that jealousy and anger there lies the real Rainbow Dash. A sweet and loving pony who is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside."

Rainbow perked up slightly and said, "Really? You think I'm pretty? No pony has ever called me pretty before"

"Of course I think you're pretty, Rainbow. You're beautiful! I haven't seen a pony as gorgeous as you before. Don't you know why I came to Ponyville in the first place?"

Rainbow Dash shook her head no.

"It wasn't to earn more gold medals across all of Equestria or to gain more fans. I traveled all the way from Las Pegasus to Ponyville just to tell you how I feel about you. In fact, I started taking up athletics early in flight school just to try to impress you and win your heart," the stallion said.

Rainbow's heart melted in her chest. She sunk back down to the ground when she looked at his wings and said, "But, I'm just not able to forgive myself after what I did to you."

Rain Storm hushed her and said, "You don't have to worry about that, Rainbow. I want you to be able to forgive yourself and get rid of any guilt you may be carrying."

Rainbow somehow managed to let go of her emotions and forgave herself. She smiled and embraced Rain Storm with a grateful hug. "Thank you for being so kind to me, Rain Storm. I owe you everything," she said.

Rain Storm chuckled and said, "How about you give me the one thing that I desire most in life?"

Rainbow's eyes grew wide in anticipation.

He put his medals that he was holding in his hoof around Rainbow's neck and said, "I want you to have these. I intended for you to have them in the first place, now how about you be my some pony special?"

Rainbow Dash embraced him again and said, "Yes! I would love to be your some pony special! Thank you so much for asking me." Rainbow Dash let go of him and stared lovingly into his eyes. She stuttered to find words. "M-m-may I kiss you?" she asked.

"I was just about to ask you the same thing," the stallion replied.

They closed their eyes and kissed passionately as the rain drops fell from the sky onto their faces. When they broke free, Rainbow shivered a bit and said, "I'm freezing."

Rain Storm told her to come in closer to him and she did. He held her in his hooves and slowly spread his wings around her to keep her warm. His wings were shaking with pain, but that pain seemed to be nonexistent in his mind, because he was holding Rainbow and that's all that mattered to him. Rain Storm spoke up and said, "Hey Rainbow?"

"Yeah?" she asked.

"Thanks for giving me my first kiss. I saved it all these years, hoping that you would be the first mare that I'd give it to."

Rainbow felt her stomach do flip-flops and said, "Thank you for saving it for me. Did you enjoy it?" Rain Storm smiled and said, "After all the trophies, medals, and places I got to see, nothing was more magical than your kiss, Rainbow. I always used to joke around and say that I'd give my own wings just to be with you one day. Little did I know that it would become a reality, and you know what? It was all worth it, and I couldn't be happier than I am right now with you. Your kiss alone felt better than being able to fly as high or as fast in the sky."

Rainbow Dash blushed and said, "Then how about you let me keep you flying for a little bit longer?"

Rain Storm smiled and she kissed him again. She wrapped her front leg around his neck and slowly felt his chest with her other hoof. It was cold because of the rain, but the two of them kept warm, sharing the heat between their bodies. They stayed in the woods together until the sun went down.

Rainbow got up and took her some pony special by the hoof. "Come on," she said. "I've got to introduce you to my friends."

The stallion got up and followed Rainbow through the woods and back into town.

A Brand New Mare Again

It was late at night and Rainbow banged on Twilight's door with impatience. She looked over at Rain Storm and told him to wait here for a moment.

Spike opened the door and said, "Sorry, but the library is closed at this hour."

Rainbow stepped forward into the library.

"Oh I'm sorry, Rainbow. I didn't know it was you. Come right on in!" Spike said.

All her friends were sitting at the table chatting. They all looked at Rainbow without saying anything.

Rainbow suddenly grinned from ear to ear and said, "Girls, I want you to meet my some pony special!"

Rainbow reached her front leg outside and drew Rain Storm in with a hug.

All the girls gasped in shock.

Pinkie Pie was the first one to move and speak up. "Rainbow Dash has some pony special! Rainbow Dash has some pony special!" she chanted as she bounced around the couple.

All the other girls got up and hugged Rainbow Dash. They were thrilled to see Rain Storm as well.

"This is absolutely wonderful!" Twilight exclaimed. "I would have never thought you two would be able to get together and here you are! I'm so happy for you both! Why don't you two sit down and have some tea with us?"

Rainbow Dash and Rain Storm sat down and enjoyed some tea.

Rainbow told them about what happened to his wings and they were all very sorry to hear that, but at the same time, they were happy, because Rain Storm was happy and they were amazed at the love and passion he showed for Rainbow despite what had happened to him.

Twilight Sparkle hovered a scroll and a quill with her magic and asked, "So how about a letter to the Princess, Rainbow?"

Rainbow cleared her throat and said, "Dear Princess Celestia. Today I learned just how unhealthy jealousy is and how destructive it can be. I learned that bitter jealousy and selfish ambition does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, and even evil. Wherever jealousy and selfish ambition exists, there will be disorder and every vile practice. I learned from my new stallion companion to do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility, count others more significant than yourself. For a tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot. My companion taught me that good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. I was foolish and wrong, because I gave full vent to my spirit, when I should have been wise and quietly hold back. I'm an entirely different mare now, thanks to my new love, Rain Storm. I haven't met a pony so selfless and loving as him before. I am so blessed to be his some pony special and I don't think there's another pony in the world who is as loving and forgiving as him."

Twilight Sparkle jotted down what Rainbow said and turned to Rain Storm. "Would you like to say anything to the Princess?" she asked.

Rain Strom spoke up, "Hello Princess Celestia. I learned that it's important to never give up chasing your dreams, no matter how far away or impossible it may seem. I knew Rainbow ever since flight school. She was my ultimate passion and dream. Sometimes, you have to make big sacrifices for others and if you really love some pony, then the sacrifice will always be worth it. I'm so glad that I'm with my mare of my dreams. She has learned so much already and I'm very proud of her. I knew all along, that deep down inside, there was a sweet and loving pony begging to be loved and to give love back. She's really a gem and I hope I can meet you one day with her. Thank you, Princess. Yours truly, Rainbow Dash and Rain Storm.

Twilight Sparkle gave the letter to Spike and he sent it off to the Princess.

Pinkie Pie joyfully bounced around them in circles and called out, "IT'S PARTY TIME!" Pinkie Pie threw a special party for them in the library.

Applejack suddenly left the party and came back about an hour later. She brought Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle to the party. Their eyes opened wide at the sight of Rainbow Dash and Rain Storm holding hooves. The three of them ran over and hugged them both tightly.

Scootaloo's eyes opened wide as she looked at them both. She spoke up and said, "Rainbow Dash and Rain Storm are now friends!"

"Not just friends," Rainbow Dash said. "but we became what you wished for Scoots. I'm his some pony special!"

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle began to skip around Rainbow Dash and chant, "Rainbow Dash has some pony special! Rainbow Dash has some pony special!"

Scootaloo just sat there with a look of uncertainty on her face.

"What's the matter, Scoots?" Rainbow asked.

"I don't believe you," Scootaloo said. "You used to be so mean and bitter to Rain Storm. Prove that you love him."

Rainbow scratched her head with her hoof and asked, "How do I prove that, Scoots?"

Scootaloo perked up and yelled out, "KISS HIM!"

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom both started cheering as well, and the three fillies started chanting, "Kiss him! Kiss him! Kiss him!"

Rainbow Dash was blushing madly. She looked over to her friends and they all winked at her.

Applejack spoke up and said, "Go on Rainbow! Give the fan's what they want!"

Rainbow closed her eyes and kissed her mate. All the girls let out an "Awwwww."

When they finished kissing, Scootaloo leapt up towards them and hugged Rainbow Dash. "Oh! You are back to the old Rainbow Dash I used to love and know. You really are back!" Scootaloo yelled out.

Rainbow chuckled and said, "Nah, Scoots. I'm a lot different now. Even the old Rainbow Dash you used to know and love was no good. She was still very cocky and needed something extra special in her life, But now she has it and is a new mare again." Rainbow nuzzled against Rain Storm gently. She looked back over at Scootaloo and said, "We're going to be a team from now on, just like you girls had wished for."

Sweetie Belle spoke up and asked, "So, are you two going to fly together now and we can cheer for both of you?"

Rainbow's heart sunk back down in her chest at the painful reminder. Rainbow did her best to explain what had happened to his wings. None of the fillies really seemed to understand what she was trying to explain to them.

Finally, Apple Bloom spoke up. "Ya mean ya can't fly with your some pony special in races because his wings don't work anymore, Rainbow?"

Rainbow Dash nodded as tears trickled down her cheeks.

Rain Storm perked up and whispered something into Rainbow's ear.

Rainbow Dash wiped the tears away from her eyes and smiled. She looked back over to the three fillies and said, "I won't be competing in any air races anymore either."

The three fillies opened their mouths wide, but nothing came out.

"We're both going to become the fastest racers on the ground, together, as a team! We're going to be like the Wonderbolts! Only on the ground instead!"

The three fillies faces turned into bright and cheerful smiles.

All the other girls in the room stomped their hooves in approval at the idea. Everyone cheered loudly for the couple.

Scootaloo came over and tugged at Rainbow's tail. Rainbow looked down and asked, "What is it, Scootaloo?"

Scootaloo looked up at her with big innocent eyes and said, "Since you two love each other and are going to be a team, are you going to marry him?"

Rainbows cheeks blushed brightly. She put her hoof to her mouth and looked over at Rain Storm.

Rain Storm just grinned with enthusiasm at the thought.

Rainbow patted Scootaloo on the head and said, "We need a little bit more time together, but I can only hope that one day we'll get married and you, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom, can be our flower girls! Wouldn’t that be great?"

The three fillies applauded at the idea.

Rain Storm bent down and said to Scootaloo, "That might happen sooner than she thinks." He then gave Rainbow a playful wink.

Every pony turned around when they heard a loud and dramatic sigh.

Rarity used her magic and out came the red fainting couch. She fell on it and put her hoof to her head. Fluttershy began fanning her.

"Oh Rainbow, where did you find such a handsome and chivalrous stallion. I want one too!" Rarity demanded.

Rainbow giggled and said, "Oh, Rarity, I didn't find him. He found me!"

Scootaloo and her two other friends let out an "Awwww." They then started chanting again, "Kiss him! Kiss him!"

Rainbow shot an annoyed look at them and said, "Ok girls, but just one more time." She put her front legs around him and kissed him once more.

Applejack wiped a tear from her eye and said, "Alright girls. I reckon it's time that ya'll hit the hay! Ya'll got school tomorrow mornin' and I don't wana hear no fuss 'bout gettin' up early, ya hear?"

The three fillies sighed in disappointment.

Applejack motioned for them to leave out the door. When the three fillies were outside, Applejack came over and hugged Rainbow goodbye. "Ya'll gonna be the best and cutest couple in all of Equestria, ya hear? I can already see a beautiful relationship comin' from between the two of ya. I'm so happy for ya both. Now take good care of each other, I'll be waitin' for those weddin' bells to be a ringin'." She looked over at Rain Storm. "Now just because ya in love with Rainbow, don't give ya the right to hog her all day long. She has to still spend some time with us too, ya hear?" Applejack said with a playful wink.

Rain Storm just smiled.

Rainbow Dash giggled and said, "Thanks for the compliment A.J. I can't wait for that day to come too! I'll be sure to make our wedding day at least twenty percent cooler! Don't worry, I'll still be around to hang out with all of you!"

Applejack grinned at them both and then left to take the fillies home.

Rain Storm realized there was one problem. He had nowhere to go, and couldn't fly to where Rainbow Dash lived. He brought that up to the girls.

Twilight Sparkle offered that he could spend the night with her since she had an extra bed upstairs.

Rainbow Dash butted in and said, "I'd like to stay with him too, Twi, if you don't mind that is."

Twilight sighed out loud and said, "Fine. You both can share the same bed upstairs, as long as there's not too much mushy stuff going on up there."

Rainbow Dash giggled and nodded her head yes.

When it was time for bed, Rainbow cuddled up with Rain Storm. She threw her front legs around his body and nestled her head in his chest. Rain Storm wrapped his front leg around her and put his wings around her body to keep her warm. They both slept peacefully and happily together.

Rainstorm and Rainbow Dash both stayed at Twilights house for a while, and even though the doctors said he would never be able to fly again, he still practiced very light wing exercises every day, despite the horrible pain it brought him. Something deep down inside told him that if he believed and tried a little harder to fly, then he would be able to fly again. Eventually, a miracle had happened and he was able to fly once more. He would never be able to fly nearly as strong as he used to and he struggled very much to fly, but he was able to fly none the less and with enough practice and dedication, he was able gather up enough strength to fly back to Rainbow's house to stay with her.

Rainbow gave up ariel races and opted to race on the ground with Rain Storm only. They would work as a team in races where they would pass a wand to each other and race against other pony couples. They dominated the competition together. Rainbow was humble about winning and she loved her stallion with all her heart. He loved her just as much too.

One day, after they won gold at a race event, he took her to that special spot, by the broken down gazebo and proposed to her. They married each other and lived their lives happily ever after.

Rainbow was a completely new mare and she was grateful everyday for the stallion of her dreams.

He loved her unconditionally and was always by her side.

The end.