How Close You Both Are To Me...

Chapters

Days, Weeks, Months
Just Three Little Words
New Special Somepony
At The Gala
Taken
Why Me?
The Wedding
My Life Is Crumbling Away...Or Is It

Days, Weeks, Months

Seconds.

Seconds turn into minutes. Minutes turn into hours. Hours turn into days. Days into weeks. Weeks into months into years.

Every second of our life is spent searching for our perfect lives. Whether its looking for fame, for riches, for answers. For truth. Some for love. And love is like a rare jewel. Search well and you will recieve well. But if you are reckless and impatient, only darkness. Care for it well, and in return it will treat you to delightful surprises. However, mistreat it and you will be to blame. And you will regret it.

I've searched every crack and cranny for my jewel. For my special somepony. And with no results.

My life is like a blank canvas.

Nothing. Nothing is happening.

That is until that one, that special one, will come.

And bring light and life.

But most of all...

Rainbows.

~~~

"Soarin? Soarin! SOARIN!"

The ice blue pegasus stared straight.

He had midnight blue hair and emerald eyes. A simple lightning bolt with wings was marked on his flank.

"Soarin. Yo! Daydreamer! Captain ain't happy. Hello?"

He kept staring at the sky, filled with clouds.

But it wasn't the sky or the clouds that he was staring at.

It was the vibrant streaks of colour, zipping past the clouds.

"SOARIN!"

"Oh no. Listen bud, ya own ya own now." The white haired mare zoomed away.

"SOARIN BLITZEN!"

Soarin snapped out of his dreaming. And just in time.

A golden pegasus mare with flaming orange hair stormed towards him.

"Get your head out of the clouds and concentrate on the maneuvers!" Spitfire yelled.

"Huh? Oh, sorry captain."

Spitfire calmed down and lowered her voice.

"Soarin, I'm sorry. It's just that you seem off lately. Ever since the Gala."

"Uh huh." Soarin began to flutter away.

"The Gala was nearly six months ago."

"Well done! You have the ability to read calendars! OoOo!"

"Don't get cocky."

"Whatever." Soarin landed on the cloud floor and walked towards the locker rooms, of the Wonderbolt coliseum.

"Soarin. Please. Your skills are beginning to fade. What's distracting you?"

"Nothing." He placed his uniform and goggles in the locker.

"Soarin!"

"I said nothing!" He slammed the locker door shut. "Quit bugging me!" And he flew off.

"Ohhh! Looks like your not the only one with a fiery temper, Spitfire." Fleefoot giggled.

Spitfire simply rolled her eyes.

~~~

"Stupid Spitfire!" Soarin flew over to a cloud and sat on it. "Aww, why am I blaming her? It's not her fault. She's only concerned. Besides, my skills are lacking a bit. I better go and sorry." He looked around from the cloud that he was sitting on. "Hey, am I above Ponyville?"

Small tower with dome. Traditional cottages. Big farm with apple trees.

"Yep. I'm in Ponyville. Wait, Rainbow Dash lives in Ponyville." He grinned.

He flared his wings open.

He was about to fly when his hoof got caught in the cloud. He tripped and fell.

He saw the ground zooming towards him. For some reason, his wings weren't responding.

He began to panic. He shut his eyes, and prepared for the mass of pain to come.

Nothing.

Maybe he hadn't reached the ground yet.

Nope, still nothing.

He slowly opened one eye.

Right under him was a small orange filly with purple hair.

"Yay! You go mum! You saved him!" She cheered.

"Huh?" He looked upwards.

"Well, it was nice of you to drop by."

There she was.

Rainbow Dash was fluttering above, holding him by his tail.

"I think its time to drop me off." He said sarcastically.

"Alright then." She let go of his tail.

He landed on face.

"Omigosh! Soarin!" Squealed Scootaloo.

As he got up, a cyan blue hoof pointed towards him.

"Need any help?"

He grabbed onto Rainbow's hoof, and got himself up.

"Are you alright?"

"Uhh."

"Mum, I think you broke him."

"Uhh, nah. I'm used to this."

"Knowing that you're a Wonderbolt, you're used to much more." Rainbow said.

"Yup! Wait..." He turned to face Rainbow. "Rainbow Dash?"

"The one and only."

He secretly smiled to himself.

"But who's the little one?"

"I'm Scootaloo!"

"My daughter."

"You have a daughter?"

"Long story." Rainbow muttered.

"Mum! I've got to go to the clubhouse!" She began to run. "I'll see you later!"

"Okay, bye Scoots! Say hi to AJ for me!" She yelled.

She turned back to the pegasus stallion. "So Soarin, why did you fall?"

"I tripped over a cloud." He smiled sheepishly.

Rainbow quietly giggled.

"Well, I had an argument with Spitfire, and I needed to think. Then I was about to see yo-her to say sorry."

"Argument, hey. What about?"

"Nothing...."

Rainbow gave a stern look.

"Something I've had my mind on."

"Oh really. What?"

"You." He blurted out.

Rainbow stepped back. "Me? Why me?"

"Err."

"There you are Soarin." Spitfire landed besides them. "I've been looking for you."

"Err, Spitfire, I've-."

"I'm sorry I yelled and all, but we are under a lot of stress lately. We've got far too many performances."

"Listen, I've-."

"So please come back to HQ."

"Just hang on, I've got t-."

"We've got to go now. Or our schedule will be ruined." Spitfire grabbed Soarin's tail and pulled him up.

"Hey, Spitfire!"

"Um on oran! Eve hot ew go!"

Soarin began flapping his wings.

He looked towards Rainbow. The confused Rainbow.

And flew away.

So close Soarin. You almost had it then. You've been waiting days, weeks, months! You featherbrain! Three little words. Three little words!

However, those 'three little words', are the most hardest to utter. To even whisper...

Just Three Little Words

"Are you all tucked up?"

"Yes."

"Okay sweetie." Rainbow began to leave Scootaloo's room. "Night."

"Night."

She used her wing to flick off the lights.

She trotted down hall, still confused over the whole Soarin incident.

Rainbow fluttered over to her cloud couch, and began reading the new Daring Do.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

"Huh?"

She left it.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

"Oh for mother of Celestia!"

She dragged herself to the door.

"Hello?"

"Good evening Rainbow."

"Soarin?!"

"Can I come in? It's a bit chilly out here."

"Yeah, yeah sure."

Soarin entered and Rainbow closed the door.

"Make sure you're quiet. I've just put Scootaloo to bed."

"Okay." Soarin whispered.

"Can I get you anything?

"No ta."

They both awkwardly sat down.

"Umm, if you don't mind me asking, but why are you here?"

"That's the thing. I wanted to tell you earlier, but you know how that ended." Soarin laughed nervously.

"Is everything alright?"

Soarin gazed up, and stared into Rainbow's eyes.

They were like rose hue jewels that shone brightly.

"Soarin?"

Come on Soarin! You can do this! It's just three little words, three little words, three little words, three little words...

"Three little words." Soarin whispered.

"Say what?"

"I-erm-I-."

"Are sure you're okay?"

"I can't do it!" And he zoomed off, blasting the door open on his way out.

Rainbow just sat there. "What just happened?"

"Hmm hm hmm." Surprise quietly hummed to herself.

It was morning over the mystical land of Equestria.

Ponies busily running-or flying- off to work or school.

The Wonderbolt coliseum wasn't exactly busy.

Only, Fleefoot and Surprise were there. Walking around to the lunch hall, to grab a quick morning snack.

"Sooo, are you going to the Galaaa?" Surprise sang.

"The Gala?"

"The Galaaa!"

"The 'Galaaa' is five months away."

"Sooo?"

"So, there's no need to worry an-."

"And?"

Fleefoot just stood there. Her eyes scanning the area.

"Err, Fleefoot?"

"Can you here that?"

"What? What is it? Is it aliens? Monsters? Nightmare Moon?" Worried Surprise.

"No, that..."

A gentle banging and yelling could just about be heard.

Surprise looked up at Fleefoot.

"No Surprise. We are not under attack."

Surprise wiped sweat away from her brow in relief.

They both trotted towards the noise.

As they got closer to the locker room, the noise got louder.

"It sounds like crying." Fleefoot said.

"It sounds like....Soarin."

They walked into the locker room, to find a distraught Soarin sitting on the floor.

"Soarin?"

"Go away." He croaked.

"Listen, bud, are you okay?" Fleefoot asked.

"I'm fine."

"You're not fine."

"Yeah Soarin, what's up?"

"The sky." He said sarcastically.

Fleefoot walked over to Soarin, and sat beside him.

"You can tell us. We're your bestest friends."

"Yeah! We're your besties!" Surprise jumped up and down.

"Calm down Surprise. What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"You've been like this for months. What is wrong?" Fleefoot demanded.

"I really like this mare."

"And?"

"And, yesterday...everything went wrong."

"Whatcha mean?"

"Well, I tripped over a cloud and fell. She saved me. But I didn't have chance to say thank you."

"Why?"

"Spitfire."

"Oh." The girls said in sync.

"Last night I tried to tell her how I feel, but I got too scared. And flew away."

"Why don't you try and find her? Then tell her now you really feel."

"I don't know."

"Soarin, you've got urge your self a bit. Get her before anyone else."

"I think I'm too late."

"Why do you think that?" Surprise calmed down slightly, and sat next to Fleefoot.

"She's got a daughter."

"So?"

"So, She could be married."

"She could."

"But-but, you said you went to see her."

"Yes Surprise."

"Did you see anything that could show that she was married?"

"No."

"No stallion, wedding bands, photos?"

"Nope."

"There is a chance her daughter is adopted."

Soarin smiled.

"Listen, give me the name and I'll find her."

"Rainbow Dash."

Surprise's eyes lit up.

"Rainbow? She used to be my old school buddy!"

"Okay, but can you..."

"Yes, of course. She's on morning weather patrol in Ponyville. Till twelve. Then she's got a deliver rain clouds to Sweet Apple Acres. After that, she's got cloud clearing till two." Surprise grinned.

"How do you know that?"

"Like I said, she's my buddy. She comes to Cloudsdale for weather patrol as well. That and she owns the factory."

"She does?"

"Yep. After her father died, it got handed down to her."

"Okay, you say she finishes at twelve?"

"Yes. But my other friend who is her friend, Pinkie Pie, said that she usually has an afternoon nap."

"Okay. Well it's eleven now. So I'll meet her later." Soarin got up and walked out. "Thank you girls."

"Rainbow! Wha in tarnation are ya waitin for?!" Yelled a very stressed Applejack.

"Alright! Keep your hooves on!" Rainbow began pushing the clouds towards the apple orchard.

"Why are ya takin so bloody long?"

"Just shut up AJ! If I do something wrong, then the clouds will get ruined. Then I have to get some more made. Which will destroy the factory schedule! Then the factory would be in utter chaos and broke because it ain't getting paid as the deliveries aren't making it on time!"

"Okay, calm down." Applejack lowered her voice, seeing as she had just got her friend angry.

"Don't make me mad then tell me to calm down! That's like stabbing somepony and wondering why they're bleeding!"

"Alright, steady girl. Ah know ya are under a lot of stress. So am ah."

"I'm sorry Applejack. I shouldn't take it out on you." Rainbow admited.

"It's okay. Ah am stressed too. Tha Princess has asked me ta cater for tha Gala."

"Yeah, I know. Twilight is organizing the guests, Pinkie is decorating, Rarity is obviously doing dresses and outfits, and Fluttershy is helping with the music."

"An wha about yah, Sugarcube?"

"Fireworks."

"Fireworks?"

"Yep. But these are special ones. Like my sonic rainboom, but smaller and glittery."

"This, ah wanna see."

"Oh yeah, Applejack?"

"Yup."

"Finished."

"Wha?" Applejack looked around.

It was raining.

"Cheers Rainbow."

Rainbow stared straight ahead, at some clouds.

"Rainbow?"

"Is that?"

"Is everything alright?"

Rainbow squinted.

"Oh, seems like somepony has got a temper."

"Rainbow! Whas got yah so darn distracted?!"

"AJ, I've got to go. See ya." She slowly flew away.

"Wha-ever." Applejack mumbled.

"Three little words. Just three little words! How hard can it?!" Soarin yelled as kicked several clouds.

"Cheers for doing my job."

"Wha?" He turned around to see Rainbow Dash.

"I had cloud clearing, but since you've done it, the schedule is back to normal."

"Uh huh." Soarin stared back at the clouds.

"The whole factory was going into utter chaos as the weather machines are broken and slow. But you've just cleared an entire hour of cloud-kicking. Cheers!" Rainbow grinned. "By the way, why do you keep say three little words? Is like code or som-mmm." Rainbow was cut short, as Soarin merged his lips with hers.

Soarin quickly pulled himself away.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I just couldn't help myself."

Rainbow just stared blankly at him.

"I'm sorry." He flew upwards, and away. As fast as possible.

"Are you sure Applejack? I mean she could just be tired, or stressed." Twilight stated.

"Ah know tha she was not tired or stressed. She keeps gettin distracted." Applejack replied.

"Well, that can not be good for the business. For the weather factory." Rarity said.

The three mares were walking through the park, discussing anything that was on their minds.

"Hey, is that Rainbow?"

They all looked up to see Rainbow sitting on cloud.

"Rainbow darling, are you okay?" Rarity shouted.

No answer.

They shared concerned looks.

"Rainbow Dash!"

The pegasus just simply flew away.

"Huh?!"

"And then we could get our cutiemarks in skydiving."

Three fillies ran up the path.

"Rarity! Hey Rarity!" Sweetie Belle hopped over to the white unicorn mare.

"Well hello Sweetie. And Applebloom and Scootaloo."

"Hiya big sis!" Applebloom waved at AJ.

Twilight walked closer to Scootaloo.

"Scoots, have you noticed anything strange about your mother, lately?"

"Kinda. She keeps muttering to herself, and saying three little words."

"Three little words?"

"Yeah. Also, she seems really...off."

"Wha do yah mean by tha?"

"I dunno, she seems to be...far away. If you what I mean."

"Yeah, we know. Go on then girls, go crusading, or whatever." Twilight ushered the girls away.

As the fillies left, Rarity spoke up.

"So?"

"So what, Rarity?"

"What do you think? About Rainbow?"

"Three little words. I think you can guess that. Especially you Rarity."

Rarity stopped and realised what Twilight meant.

"Awwww."

Then she saw the others, walking away.

"Girls! Wait for me, darlings!"

New Special Somepony

"WOAH!"

CRASH! BASH! BANG!

"My word!"

"Urg!"

"Scootaloo?"

"Scoots!"

Two fillies ran to the newly made hole in Carousel Boutique.

"Oh sweet apple sauce! Scoots are yah okay?" Applebloom frantically asked.

"Darling, are you hurt?" Rarity brushed the dirt and dust off the small pegasus.

"Urhh. Y-yeah. I'm fine. I've taken to worse." Scootaloo got up from the rubble.

"Just like your mother." Rarity chuckled. "Oh, by the way dear, how did this happen?"

"Erm..."

"Let me guess, a stunt?"

"Eeyup." Applebloom replied.

"With Pinkie's super special propeller!" Sweetie looked around at the debris of bricks and plaster. "Err, Rarity?"

"Yes Sweetie Belle."

"How are you going to fix...all this?"

"Hmm. Oh I'll just ask Big Mac."

"Ah will ask him for yah. Ah've got ta go now. Granny Smith is makin apple pie. See ya later crusaders, see ya later Rarity." The filly earth pony ran off, down the path.

"I think it's time for you to go too, Scootaloo."

"Okay Rarity. I'm sorry for ruining your wall. Bye Sweetie Belle!"

"Hmm hm hmm hmmm!" Scootaloo hummed as she approached her house.

Since she was reunited with her mother, Rainbow Dash, they made some cloud steps up to the house. Seeing as Scootaloo couldn't properly fly yet.

She opened the front door, but as she did, she heard talking.

"Rainbow, I'm sorry for flying off the other day. I-I-it's just that-."

"I know Soarin. You don't to hide anymore."

Scootaloo quietly closed the door and crept to the front room.

"To be honest, I never thought about having another...special...somepony." Rainbow's expression dropped.

Soarin placed his arm around her.

"Hey, it's okay. It's all in the past."

"I know, I know. It's just that, so much happened in my past. I hear others saying 'oh I was bullied in my foalhood' and 'I hated being young', but they had the best. To be free. To...to have a loving family." Rainbow began to cry.

Soarin hugged her closer.

"Don't cry."

"I've never told anypony my past. To tell every grueling detail just makes me want to vomit. I just cannot believe I went through it."

"Well, at least it's over."

"I wish it was."

"How do you mean?"

"It's Scootaloo. I love her. I cherish her. But just looking at her reminds me of him."

"Her father?"

"Yes. I look at her and remember what he did to me. He nearly killed me, for Celestia sake."

Rainbow looked up at Soarin.

"But she's not him. She's a strong, caring, independent and loyal young mare."

Scootaloo walked over to her room. Where she began to come up with conclusions.

"Three little words. I...love...you. I..love you. That's what mum had been going on about. They....must love each other."

A picture of her, Rainbow and Soarin sitting together bloomed in her mind.

Rainbow looked up at the clock.

"Scootaloo should be home by now." She then looked at the door, where a small scooter leaned against it.

"Where is she? I would like to know the young filly, seeing as we are now...." Soarin got up.

Rainbow looked over to him, and gently smiled.

She and Soarin trotted towards Scootaloo's bedroom.

Scootaloo lay on her bed asleep with her covers turned over and ruffled, crayons everywhere and a piece of paper on her head.

Soarin picked up the paper as Rainbow removed the crayons and pulled the covers over her daughter.

As they walked out and closed the door, they looked at the picture.

A small orange pegasus filly with purple hair, sat in-between a cyan blue pegasus mare with a rainbow mane, and a light blue pegasus stallion with midnight blue hair.

"Applebloom! Sweetie Belle!"

An orange pegasus ran up to small wooden house, placed on a tree.

"Applebloom! Sweetie Belle! Guess what?" The excited filly burst through the door.

"Rainbow an Soarin are tagether. Ya we know."

"Yeah! Wait, what?! How do you know?"

"We saw them in town. Me, Applebloom, Rarity and Applejack, walked through the town centre. And then-."

"Why were you in town?" Scootaloo was confused. Rarity and Applejack walking through town. Together. Without fighting. Now that can't be possible.

"Ah know wha ya thinkin. They needed ta talk about tha Gala."

"Ah-hem! As I was saying before I was rudely interupted." Sweetie glared at Scootaloo. "We were walking through town, when we saw Rainbow and Soarin walking as well. Both their tails were wrapped around each other. It was sooo cute."

"Now yah might have a mum an a dad." Applebloom hugged Scootaloo. "Unlike me though."

Scootaloo retreated from the hug. "Hey it's okay. As long as you have somepony. You've got Applejack, Big Mac and Granny Smith."

"And all the others!"

"Yeah. Thanks girls. Good luck with ya new dad, Scoots."

"So darlings, I guess you like the masterpieces I made for you for the Gala, then?" Rarity asked.

"Oh yes beautiful. My dress at the last Gala was so pretty as well. It was such a shame it got ruined." Fluttershy sipped at her tea.

Rarity, Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie were sitting outside the Dandelion Cafe. Discussing the Gala, since it is in a couple of weeks time.

"They are mighty fine, Rarity." Applejack said.

"Mighty fine? They are bloody gorgeous!" Twilight yelled.

"Yeah! They are superduperabsulotelyfantasticlyawesomelyamazingly..." Pinkie bounced around the table.

Applejack leaned over to Rarity.

"Ah don't tink this is gonna anywhere."

"Yes, I agree." Rarity replied.

"..incrediblymarvouslybrilliantlyvibrantly! And breathe." Pinkie fell onto the floor panting.

Twilight and Fluttershy giggled.

Fluttershy looked behind her. She nudged Twilight.

"Oh, what is it?" She also looked behind her.

"Well, by Celestia's beard, Rainbow has got hitched." Applejack laughed.

"Applejack! That is no way to describe a relationship." Rarity huffed.

"I'm surprised she is not hyped up about Soarin being a Wonderbolt."

"Well that's the magic of love. It doesn't matter what they do or what's happened in their past, it's what they think about each other. How much they think of each other."

"Awww, Fluttershy. That was so sweet."

"Err, where's Pinkie?"

"Soo?"

"So what?"

"Soo what are you doing tonight?" Soarin question.

"Nothing special."

"Really?"

"Okay, maybe something."

"Oh, what's that?" Soarin asked surprised.

"Being with you, silly." Rainbow teased.

"Aww, you two are soooo sweet."

"AH! Pinkie!"

"Dashie!"

"What is it Pinkie?"

"Nothing. I just wanted to say congratulations. You two love-birds are so sweet." Pinkie gasped. "You know what this calls for?"

"Let me guess...a par-"

"A parttteee!!" Pinkie skipped away.

"She's...something." Soarin laughed.

"That's Pinkie Pie. She is so random." Rainbow began muttering.

"Rainbow?"

"Party."

"Party?"

"What's the biggest party in Equestria?"

"The Gala?"

"Yep. The Gala."

"Oh the Gala. Oh no, the Gala."

"What is it Soarin?"

"I haven't got a suit. I can't wear my Wounderbolt suit, that would be stupid."

"What's that dear? You don't have suit for the Gala. Now we can't have that, can we?" Rarity trotted towards them.

"Your name is...Rarity, right?"

"Yes dear. Now about that suit. I can't have one of my friend's special somepony going to the Gala without a suit. Especially after she saved me from plummeting to the ground."

"Rarity, I said you don't have to pay anything back."

"Well I'm still going to make a suit for this fine gentle-pony. I am the element of generousity for a reason, you know. TTFN dears. Ta-ta for now."

"She seemed nice."

"Just don't get on the wrong side of her, or you will be in for it." Rainbow scoffed. "Oh, and don't meantion Tom."

"Tom?"

"It's a loooong story."

At The Gala

"I cannot believe that the Gala is tomorrow!" Rarity squealed.

"I'm still surprise that the Princess let us go in again. Especially after last year." Twilight blushed at the memory.

"An we have an extra guest coming with us." Applejack smiled.

"Who? Who is? Ohoh, is it...Mrs Cake? No, umm Mayor Mare?" Pinkie guessed.

"No, Pinkie. You know very well how it is."

"Errrrr..."

"Okay maybe not."

"Oh, I know! Soarin! Dashie's special somepony!" Pinkie bounced up and down.

"Very special somepony. Rainbow won't leave his side." Twilight said.

"Well, ah don't blame her. Even though this is tha same Rainbow tha said being with a special somepony is lame."

"Yes Applejack, but do remember Scootaloo." Fluttershy spoke up. Everypony nodded. "The both of them deserve him."

"Please!"

"I'm sorry Scoots, but no."

"Pleeeassssee! With a cherry and whipped cream on top." Scootaloo begged.

"Scootaloo, no matter how many cherries or how much cream you put on that please, you are not going." Rainbow called from the other room.

"But mum..."

"No young lady. The Gala is not little fillies."

Scootaloo pouted.

"Listen to your mum, Scootaloo." Soarin said as he put his tie on.

It was the night of the Gala and it had also had been nearly four months since Rainbow and Soarin have been together.

Scootaloo pleaded to go but with no luck. She reluclently walked towards her room.

Rainbow walked into the room, just as Soarin finished the tie to his suit.

Soarin gazed at her.

She wore a blue dress with a blue netting at the bottom. White feathers were placed on the dress as well as gems. Her hair was put up in a bun, and was held up by a glittering clip covered in gems. Her collar was sea blue with a sapphire in the middle.

"Wow mum. You look beautiful."

"Thank you sweetheart."

Once Scootaloo was tucked in bed, Soarin and Rainbow Dash left the house.

"Hi Rainbow. Hi Soarin."

"Hello Girls."

Standing outside Carousel Boutique, was a pearly white carriage with diamonds encrusted on the swirls which wrapped around it.

"Wow, Twilight. How did you make this one?" Fluttershy asked.

"I used one of Rarity's old necklaces."

"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get to tha Galaa." Pinkie jumped in.

"Ah'm gonna try out tha buffet."

"I'm going to talk to Sapphire Shores. She's now a very popular customer of Carousel Boutique."

"I'm gonna find Princess Luna. Celestia too busy and Luna is all alone tonight."

"I'm going to see Gustave La Grand. He's made some fancy new cakes." Pinkie licked her lips.

"Oh, I'm going to find Green Tea. The geologist. He is so sweet. And he loves animals."

"We're here!"

As soon as the door opened the six mares and stallion rushed out.

As they all walked through, Soarin urged Rainbow to go outside.

"What is Soarin?" Rainbow asked.

"I hate being inside. It's always so stuffy. Especially at the Gala."

"Yeah. Come on then."

"Hey! Soarin!"

An orange pegasus with golden flame hair. She wore a flame dress with topaz jewels.

"Oh hey Spitfire."

"Soarin, can I have a word?"

"Yeah sure." He placed a kiss on Rainbow's cheek. "I'll meet you outside."

"Okay." Rainbow began walking away.

"What is it Spitfire?"

"Well, over the past few months you work has been..lacking."

"What are you getting at?"

"I'm saying that, well...this isn't easy."

"Spitfire?"

"I went over the rule book and...it says that no member can be in any relationship."

"What?" Soarin asked thinking that he miss-heard Spitfire.

"You have to leave Rainbow Dash, or leave the Wonderbolts." Spitfire said firmly.

"But I can't. I've just found her. She's my special somepony."

"I'm sorry. But it has to happen."

"And I refuse?"

"You'll be kicked out, and will never be allowed to any Wonderbolt shows or acdamys." She walked away.

"Oh Soarin. What did Spitfire want?"

"Umm..."

"Soarin? Is everything okay?"

"Come on Soarin. Make her hate you. Just get it over and done with."

"Rainbow, there's something I need to tell you."

"Hey, does anypony know where Dashie is?"

"In the garden I think. With Soarin." Twilight replied.

"Come on. Let's find them."

"Don't you think we should leave them?"

"Ah'm sure it won't kill them ta say hi."

"What do you mean? You're leaving me."

Soarin nodded.

"But-but-but.."

"I'm sorry Dashie." Soarin kissed on the fore-head.

"No. Please don't leave me."

"Hey. Did you hear that?"

"Hear what?"

"Well maybe if you're quiet, you might be able to hear it."

The five mares silenced.

A small yelling could just about be heard.

They all poked their heads through the bushes.

"Why Soarin? Why?"

No answer.

Rainbow Dash was standing and yelling, with her wings fluttering beside her in frustration.

Soarin sat down with his head down.

"Why? Please say something."

"I-I-I can't."

"Why? Why do you want to leave me?"

"I have to."

"B-but.." Rainbow's eyes began to well up. She lowered her voice and ears. "Is there somepony else?"

"What?! No!"

"So why are you leaving me? I love you. Don't you love me?"

"Yes."

"Why then, Soarin? Why?"

"Please Rainbow, I don't want to make this any hard than it already is."

"What do you mean? And what about Scootaloo, huh? What shall I tell her?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing? Soarin, you are breaking up with me for no apparent reason."

"Please Rainbow. I still love you."

"You obviously don't." Rainbow turned around and began to walk away. "And I don't love you either." She opened her wings out and let the gentle breeze blow through her ruffled feathers.

Soarin took in a deep breathe.

"Oh so now he wants to talk."

"Dashie."

"No. Don't call me that. I only let Pinkie, my family and my special somepony call me Dashie. But since my family are dead, and I no longer have a special somepony, Pinkie is the only pony that can call me Dashie."

"Please Rainbow. Please understand."

"Understand. Understand?! You don't understand! Do you know what I've been through? What me and Scootaloo have both been through?"

Soarin shook his head.

"No, I don't. Nor do I care."

"What? How can you-you heartless..."

"Heartless what? Jerk? Let me tell you something, I couldn't care less about Scootalooo, or about you. You stupid pathetic mare! You're just a low life, with dead end achievements and dreams. You should have died! I have no idea why your friend, Kluztershy, saved you. She should have left you to die. You're worthless. Not an element of loyalty. Why would you be loyalty?"

"B-B-Because I stick to the ones who truely care for."

"Oh really? Just go and kill yourself, no-one would care. No pony would miss you. Let me ask you one thing, has anypony been loyal to you? Ever? Anypony willing life and limb for safety?"

"Yes. My f-"

"Friends. Oh lar-d-dar! Friends! BFFs! Your friends don't care. I bet they would save their own skin instead of an attempt to save you. Anypony else?"

"Yes, yes I have. Well, did."

"Who's this, your deceased boyfriend?"

"No. Somepony very special I met only a couple of months ago. He was loving, funny and caring. But now he's gone. Gone. Just like everything else. Just like everypony who I cared for." Rainbow sobbed. She ran off crying.

Soarin stepped back, and realised what he had just done.

"Oh no. What did I do? Why did I do that?"

"Yeah! Why did you do that?"

Five angry mares emerged from the bushes.

"Urr...girls, I can explain."

"Sooarin! Hey Soarin!" Somepony sang.

"Surprise! Fleefoot! Spitfire!"

"Soarin! Ya enjoying the Galaaa?" Surprise jumped around in her frilly white dress. "Hiya Pinks!"

"Hi Surprise!"

"This is no time for friendly chats! I demand to know why you just did that to Rainbow?" Yelled Fluttershy.

"Yeah!"

"What do you mean?" Fleefoot asked.

"Spitfire told me I have to give up Rainbow."

"What?!"

"That's horrible!"

"Yeah captain! That's horrible! Why say such a thing?" Fleefoot growled.

"I had to. The rule book said that no known member of the Wonderbolts can be in a relationship. That, and your work has been degrading." Spitfire sheepishly smiled.

"How-that-..." Twilight stuttered.

"Rules are meant to be broken." Pinkie and Surprise said in unison.

"Yes, well but-"

"I know what this is all about. This is all about us, isn't it?"

The looks of now seven curious mares were shared.

Spitfire hesitated. "Yes."

"You selfish cow!" Soarin yelled.

"How could you, captain?" Surprise asked.

"You are not worthy enough to be called captain." Fleefoot trotted away.

Surprised followed after shaking her head.

"An old fling has caused you to do something so inconsiderate. I loved Rainbow Dash, but you made me give her up."

"No. You gave her up. You could have quit your job if you really loved her. But no, you turned her away." Spitfire snarled.

Soarin's eyes opened wide as reality him hard.

CREAK...BANG.

"Mmmm."

THUD.

"Huh?!"

SMASH.

"Is it morning already?"

Scootaloo rubbed the sleep from her eyes as she rose from her bed. She glanced at the small clock on the side.

"Ten." *yawn* "Is mum home already?" She clambered out of her bed and began to exit the room. Then she stopped dead in her tracks. "What if it isn't mum? Or Soarin? And it's burglars? Oh no!"

She slowly opened the door, but as she did, she heard a quiet crying.

Scootaloo walked down the hallway and noticed a smashed picture and cider bottle.

She stared at the smashed picture.

It was a picture that was taken last week, at the Ponyville Picnic.

Pinkie held the camera while Rainbow and Soarin sat next to each other. In the middle was Scootaloo. That day was perfect. That day was when Scootaloo and Rainbow's life had become complete.

She carried on walking down the hallway, and walked into her mother's room.

"Mum? Are you okay? I thought you were at the Gala."

"I-I...I wasn't feeling well." Rainbow croaked.

"Where's Soarin?"

As soon as Scootaloo uttered his name, Rainbow burst into even mare tears.

The pegasus filly jumped onto the bed.

"It's okay."

"I'm sorry you have to see me like this. Come here, gimme a hug." Rainbow stretched out her fore-legs.

Scootaloo jumped onto the bed and gave her distraught mother a hug.

Taken

"Huh?"

Scootaloo rose up and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes.

She looked around to see her mother still lying on the bed. Her dress was now on the floor along with a couple cider bottles.

She then gazed at clock.

"Mum! Mum! You're late for work!"

"Mmm..."

"MUM!"

"I'm awake! I'm awake!" Rainbow shot up. "Scoots?"

"Mum! You're late for your Saturday shift."

"But...OH CRAP!" Rainbow rushed out of bed. "Stormhooves is going to kill me. Bye Scootaloo!" And she zoomed out.

"Rarity? What's with the commotion?" Twilight asked.

"The weather is all wrong. My mane!" Rarity wailed as the wind blew her indigo hair.

"What's wrong with it?"

It began to snow.

"Oh! Where's Rainbow?"

Twilight's question was answered when a rainbow streak zoomed around the clouds.

"Hey! Boss!" A purple pegasus blonde hair called.

"Yes, Cloudkicker?"

"Why's the weather all...weird?"

"I'm sorry, but I've got the Manehatten order here."

"Why's that, Dash?" Blossomfourth asked.

"Listen, just go east and sort out the wind. Me and the others are bucking the clouds."

"Yes ma'am!"

"Righty-o, that's done."

"Rainbow! Rainbow Dash!"

"What's up egghead?" Rainbow landed in-front of her purple friend.

"This pony is..."

"Stormhooves, sir!"

A grey pegasus stallion with a black mane and grey eyes, stood next to Twilight.

"Rainbow Miriam Dashery, I demand to know why the factory is in chaos."

"Hehe, about that...the orders for Manehatten got sent here, Hoofsenbay's orders got sent to Canterlot and Fillydelpha received Canterlot's."

"Rainbow, you are the owner of a very big business. If it breaks, you will be in some serious trouble. I also want to know why this all happened."

"Urmm...personal matters." She sheepishly smiled.

Stormhooves gave a stern look. "Okay. But as your supervisor, I must remind you that Storm Day has been moved to this Sunday. Goodbye and good-day." He flew off.

Rainbow gulped.

"He seemed angry."

"That was him being his usual self."

KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.

"Hello?"

"Hi Scoots."

"Hi Soarin!" Scootaloo jumped up and down.

"Hey, have you seen your mum?"

"Not since this morning. Why?"

"Listen, thanks girls with helping me out this morning."

"It's okay dear. It's the least we could do." Rarity smiled.

"Umm, Rainbow, are you sure you're okay? I'm even with Soarin gone."

Applejack elbowed Twilight.

Rainbow's wings drooped.

"I'm fine." She muttered.

"Are you sure? I mean we are your friends. And we coul-"

"SHUT UP! I DON'T CARE IF YOU'RE MY FRIENDS! YOU DON'T HAVE TO ACT LIKE YOU CARE!" Rainbow yelled.

The girls stepped back.

Rainbow's ears flattened and she lowered her voice.

"I'm s-s-s-sorry. I-I-I-I didn't mean-"

"Ya, we know. Jast don't come crying ta us. We don't care." Applejack walked off with a sobbing Fluttershy and Pinkie.

"Disrespectful cow!" Rarity snorted as she urgered Twilight away from Rainbow.

Twilight tried to protest, but just stared. Then eventually walked with Rarity.

Tears began flowing down Rainbow's cheeks.

"P-P-Please. Don't leave me as well."

"Rainbow!"

The spectrum coloured mare turned around.

"Rainbow! I'm so sorry about last night. I didn't mean it." Soarin trotted towards her.

"Stay away from me!"

"Rainbow! Please!"

"No! You broke my heart, like it was made of glass."

"And, I'm sorry."

"Sorry doesn't fix things. Soarin," She turned away. "My glass was shattered already. It was only starting to come back together." She then faced Soarin. "And then, you smashed it. Hit hard. And now, I'm the one standing on the shards."

"If you give me chance, I can fix it."

"Dirt is not going to fix it."

"Rainbow! Please!" Soarin grabbed Rainbow's wing.

"Ah!"

"I still love you. It was stupid of me to throw you away. But...I want us to be together. As one, again." He smiled.

Rainbow looked into his eyes. His emerald green eyes. And smiled.

She then growled, and then punched him in the face.

Rainbow zoomed off, however, Soarin was holding onto her wing as she flew away, and pulled out a few primary feathers.

Soarin got up and looked at the feathers.

The tips ,where they were held in the wing, had drips of blood.

"I'm sorry, Dashie." He whispered as he wiped the blood from his nose.

"What in Equestria was that about, Applejack?!" Twilight yelled as she shut the door to the library.

"Ya heard her. She doesn' wan ta know us!"

"Girls! Don't be so insensitive!"

"Us? You heard that cow!" Rarity huffed.

"If you haven't realised, she just got dumped by her special somepony!"

"Oh...yes."

"I cannot believe you girls."

"Mum?"

Scootaloo shut the door to her cloud house.

"Why?! Why does everypony hate me?"

"Mum?"

"I didn't mean it!"

Scootaloo edged closer to the room where her screaming mother was in.

"It's okay though! I don't need friends!"

SMASH!

A photo of Rainbow and her friends was knocked off by a cider bottle.

"It's stupid! Who needs friends?" She threw another bottle.

Scootaloo sniffed at the air. It was obvious that Rainbow had been drinking.

"Mum!"

"Applesnack! Twilight Dork-al, Kluttershy, Diamond Ass and Balloon Brain!" Rainbow yelled.

Rainbow was about to throw another bottle.

"MUM!"

But instead of throwing it at the wall, she threw it at the young orange filly.

"Scootaloo!"

Rainbow rushed over to her fallen daughter.

Blood began to seep through a cut on Scootaloo's fore-head, and a bruise began to show. She was also unconcious.

"Oh sweet Celestia! I'm so sorry. Scootaloo! Are you okay? I'll get you a towel." Rainbow rushed off and grabbed a near-by towel.

As soon as she got back, she held Scootaloo in her arms and dapped the damp towel on her head.

"Oh sweetie."

"Mum?" Scootaloo's eyes flickered open.

"Scoots." Rainbow hugged her closer.

"I'm fine, mum."

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it." She brushed the fushia mane out of her daughter's eyes.

"I know."

"Please forgive me."

"I do, forgive you, mum. I love you."

"Well, that's the end of class, children. I'll see you tomorrow."

The class erupted into chaos as the fillies and colts ran out.

"Come on girls! To the clubhouse!" Sweetie cheered.

"Yeah!"

"Um, Scootaloo?"

She turned around to see a blossom pink mare walk up to her.

"Can I talk to you privately?"

"Um, yeah sure. I'll see you later girls!"

"Okay!" The two fillies ran out of the school house.

"What do you want, Miss Cheerilee?" Scootaloo asked.

"Is everything alright at home?"

"Yes, why?"

"You don't have to lie Scootaloo."

"I ain't lieing, Miss."

"Where did you get that cut?"

"I-"

"And don't say it was a scooter accident."

Scootaloo sighed. "My mum was angry yesterday, and accidently threw a cider bottle at me."

Cheerilee stared at Scootaloo.

"What?"

"I said it was an accident."

"Scootaloo, you're coming with me."

"Where are we going?"

"Just wait."

"Derpy, I am trusting you with these clouds. Okay?"

The grey mare nodded.

"There is no water or electrical charge in them. Nothing. I want you to take them to Ponyville Park. You got that?"

"Yes, Dash."

"Good. And if you do it quickly, you might be able to get a muffin from Sugarcube Corner before they run out." Rainbow teased.

Derpy flew off in flash with the clouds in tow.

"Rainbow Dash!"

"Huh? Oh hey, Cheerilee." Rainbow fluttered to the ground.

"Is everything alright?"

"Have you abusing your daughter?"

"What?! How could you say that?" Rainbow recoiled in horror at such a question.

"So how come Scootaloo said you threw a bottle at her?"

"It was an accident. I was angry."

"And so you used your daughter as a target!" Cheerilee yelled, catching the attention of everypony in the square.

"What's going on?"

"Twilight! Cheerilee is accusin Rainbow of abuse!" Applejack said. "Ah heard it from ma stall."

"Well, that's ridiculous!"

"Yeah! Come on girls!"

"How could you say such a thing? I would never hurt her!"

"Well you did. You used her as a toy to release your anger."

"Miss Cheerilee, stop." Scootaloo whimpered.

"Excuse me. Coming through. Move, Wonderbolt here."

Soarin moved through the crowd of ponies who came watch the two mares argue.

"You have no respect for your daughter!"

"Of course I do! I love her!"

"Soarin?"

"Girls?"

"What are you doing here?"

"Same as you, I suppose."

"Listen Cheerilee, she is my daughter. I would never hurt her. I swear on my life that I would protect her!"

"Well you haven't!"

"Please Miss. Stop." Scootaloo began crying.

"I am going to look after Scootaloo myself, until you get yourself sorted! Especially, your drinking problem.

"I don't have a drinking problem!" Rainbow lied.

"Oh! So how come I can smell alcohol? Hmm?"

"I-I-I-I...I am her mother, so just leave us alone."

"You are an unfit mother!"

"Excuse me?"

"STOP! PLEASE STOP!" Scootaloo screamed, before running away.

"Scootaloo!" Rainbow tried to run after her, until she was stopped by Cheerilee.

"No. By law, I will be her guardian until you are fit enough to look after her."

"But I am."

Cheerilee just turned around and walked away.

Rainbow just stood there. Her eyes filled with water, which was leaking freely down her cheeks.

"Please." She croaked.

Twilight, Soarin and the others ran up to her.

"Rainbow? We're so sorry."

"Why do you need to be sorry? There's nothing to be sorry about!" Rainbow laughed manically.

"Rainbow, please calm down."

"Why do I need to calm down? My life! My dreams! Are being crushed second by second!" She flew up and away from the town square.

The crowd dispersed.

But the group heard what ponies were saying.

"Unfit mother."

"Physco."

"She is such a bad mother!"

"Yeah, she should just go."

"Or just drop dead."

The others looked at each other.

"Poor Rainbow."

"She is emotionally unstable." Twilight stated.

"We noticed."

"But don't you see. First, she's rejected by Soarin. Then we disown her when she needs us most. And now, she's just had Scootaloo taken from her. Who knows what she would do next?"

"Let's just hope it's nothing drastic!"

Why Me?

"I don't know what to do. She won't answer the door. She's not talking to anypony. She won't even open the door for Derpy." Soarin said frantically, as he lowered his ears.

"Listen, she will come out."

"How do ya know tha Twi?"

"Her supervisor said that Storm Day has moved to today. It should start at twelve."

"She still won't come out." Fluttershy said worriedly.

"Well, what can we do? She won't answer to any of us." Rarity added.

Soarin's ears perked up.

"I know somepony she will answer to though."

"Who?"

"Just wait and see." The male pegasus smirked as he left the library.

"Rainbow Dash! Rainbow Dash!" Twilight banged on the cloud door.

Five mares, a stallion and an special pony stood outside of Rainbow Dash's house.

Twilight put the cloud walking spell she previously used, two years ago at the Young Fliers Competion, on herself, Rarity, Pinkie and Applejack.

"Go away Twilight!" A voice called from inside.

"Please Rainbow! We have a special visitor for you!"

"I don't need a doctor or a therapist!"

"Miriam! Open this door right away!" The visitor demanded.

The door slowly creaked open.

"Father?" The mare croaked.

"I don't know any other pony that calls you Miriam, Miriam." He softly smiled.

Tears poured out of the young mare's eyes as she shook her head.

"No. Nononono. You can't be here."

"Why not? Can't I make a friendly visit to my daughter's house?"

"How can you make a friendly visit?!" She attempted to slam the door, however, Soarin blocked it.

"Please Rainbow. We're just trying to help."

"You're not helping anyone!" Rainbow tried to push Soarin, but the Wonderbolt was too strong for her.

She fell onto his shoulder and sobbed loudly as he hugged her.

"I just want everything to be back to normal. I just want my daughter back." She blubbered.

"I'm confused, darling. I thought you said your father was dead." Rarity inquired as she sipped at the steaming tea that Fluttershy made.

"He is." She growled.

Fluttershy handed a cup to the dark blue pegasus with blue, purple and green hair. He had rose eyes like Rainbow Dash's, and had a lightning cutiemark.

"Thank you, Fluttershy."

"That's okay Lightning Blitz."

"So, Mr Blitz-"

"Please. Just call me Blitz."

"Okay, Blitz. How come you no longer own the weather factory?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah father! Why don't you tell them? And while you're at it, tell them everything else!" Rainbow yelled.

"Miriam, please. Calm down."

"No! Miriam is dead! I'm Rainbow Dash! Miriam died when you threw her out onto the streets!"

Blitz lowered his head.

"A temper like your mother."

"Don't bring her into this!"

"It wasn't my choice, Rainbow!"

"What wasn't your choice?!"

"To...to...."

"Exactly!"

"Oh please Miriam."

Rainbow stood up and threw her cup to the floor, which surprisingly, smashed as it hit the cloud floor.

"I'm not Miriam! I'm not your baby girl anymore! I wasn't your daughter ever since you left me!" Rainbow shouted and flared out her wings.

"Rainbow, calm down." Soarin got up.

"Don't tell me what to do! Ever since you left me, everything has gone down hill! And do you know what? I might as well kill myself! Seeing as I have nothing left!"

Fluttershy's eyes widened, and she stood up too.

"No Rainbow. Not again. I nearly lost you last time."

"Wha do ya mean.....last time?" Applejack spoke up.

"Oh, Rainbow. Please tell me you didn't." Twilight muttered.

"Dashie?" Pinkie looked deeply into Rainbow's eyes.

"I-I-I-I-I....I did." She sat back down. Her eyes closed and wings drooping. "I did."

"Why?" Even her father was surprised by this.

"I had lost everything. My mother was dead. My sisters were dead. My father disowned me. My daughter was in care. And...my special somepony tried to kill me. School wasn't helping me, and Gilda didn't even bother to help. The only pony to help, was Fluttershy."

The butterscotch pegasus walked over and hugged her distraught friend.

"I told you that Fog Heights tried to kill me. And that Fluttershy saved me. Well,...."

Flashback

A young teenage Fluttershy glided through the sky. In her mouth, she held a small basket. A small basket with small blankets and baby toys. She brought them for her friend's child.

Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash was her closest friend. A sister really.

Rainbow had always helped Fluttershy. When she was being picked on, Rainbow was there. When she was scared, Rainbow was her light. When she was upset, Rainbow was her rock.

Rainbow recently, had a foal with her special somepony.

Fog London Heights.

Fluttershy thought that he was a very kind pony. And that he was lucky to have Rainbow.

She met him when she and Rainbow bumped into each other at school.

And she thought that they were so cute together.

And now they have a beautiful filly.

She was lovely. Even though she looked exactly like her father, her eyes were a mixture. A bit of rose and a bit of blue.

Fluttershy was so proud of Rainbow. And so happy for her.

She knew that Rainbow's foalhood hadn't been the best. Hey, it was the worst. She no longer went to school. Her mother was murdered, her sisters were pony-napped, and she never knew of her father. Rainbow had always avoided the subject.

But that's why she looked up to Rainbow Dash.

Not because of her skills and attutide, but how she would always stay strong. No matter what.

She had just arrived at the house where her friend lived.

It was a small, crummy, grubby cloud house. Parts were falling off and there were no electrics. But it was all that Rainbow could afford, and no thanks to Heights.

The pegasus just hoped that she came at a right time.

Last time she came, Rainbow and Heights were in an argument. She never knew what about, she wasn't that nosey.

As she knocked on the door, she heard nothing. No cries of a foal, no snoring, no talking.

She did hear something though.

A small, soft whimpering.

The door creaked open and literally fell off the hinges.

The small basket, that Fluttershy held in her mouth, fell to the ground. Throwing the blankets and toys.

Fluttershy stared wide eyed at the inside of the small house.

Orange and cyan feathers were all over the floor. Blood was smeared on the walls.

Fluttershy carefully walked inside.

"R-R-Rainbow? Heights?" She squeaked.

She screamed when she walked into the bedroom.

A suitcase was wide open on the floor, and next to it was Fog Heights.

His lifeless body laid on the blood soaked bed, with a knife lodged in his throat.

"Oh...my."

She walked back out to shocked to do anything, when something caught her eye.

"Rainbow!"

Her cyan friend was sprawled out on the floor. Covered in blood.

Her wings were bleeding from the feathers that were ripped out. But her side was stained red.

Fluttershy carefully lifted the wing that covered her friend's wound.

A deep cut sliced across her rib cage.

"Oh my goodness!"

The vibrant pegasus groaned in pain.

Fluttershy saw that she was heavily bleeding. If she didn't act soon, she would lose her best friend.

"Oh, what to do? What to do?"

She stared at her friend who was barely breathing.

She gently lifted her friend, despite the risk of injuring her friend even more.

Fluttershy quicked zipped out the house.

Her wings ached from the extra weight she was carring, but that didn't stop her. She couldn't stop. She wouldn't stop.

"Awww! Fluttershy! You saved Dashie!" Pinkie brought the shy pegasus into a spine cracking hug.

"Tha also explains tha scar on ya side." Applejack lifted up Rainbow's wing.

Rainbow scowled the apple mare before closing her wing.

Lightning Blitz came up to his daughter.

"Rainbow, I'm sorry."

"Oh shut up!" She growled.

"Please, I mean it."

"No! Why should I?"

"Oh please, Mi-"

"I said earlier that I am no longer Miriam!!" She screamed at her father. "Miriam died along with her mother! And her sisters!"

"You don't know if they are dead." He said calmly.

"Oh, you really don't get out much." Rainbow trotted over to a cloud bureau.

She came back with a newspaper. She threw it at Twilight.

"Rude!" Rarity snorted.

"Just read it!"

"The Sisterly Hell. Sisters, Daydream Dashery, aged 9, and Whispen Wind Dashery, aged 17, were found yesterday by the Cloudsdale Stadium. Both sisters from the Famous Dashery family were found with their throuts slashed open and their wings cut off. They both went missing on the day of the Summer Sun celebration four years ago. Searches for them stopped last year when their mother, the famous singer, Sunset Breeze, died recently of unknown sickness. However, their father, the owner of the Cloudsdale Weather Factory, attempted to re-start the search, but was unable to do so because of family problems. He said to interviewers that he was going to turn his attention to his middle child, Rainbow Miriam Dahery, aged 12 at the time. The whereabouts of the last of the Dashery family are now unknown. But nopony knows who was the evil cuprit, who foal-napped these two innocent fillies." Twilight read out.

"They're...dead?"

"Yes father! They are dead!"

"If it's okay, but why do you call him father? Instead of dad?" Rarity asked.

"I was born into a rich household."

"My two girls. They are dead." Blitz sobbed quietly.

"You mean three."

"What?"

"I'm dead too. Well, to you I am."

"Rainbow. Please."

The cyan pegasus shook her head.

"Why did you bring him here?"

"We thought he would help."

"Well, you thought wrong." Rainbow stamped her hoof. "It's just brought unnecessary memories."

She stormed out.

The others heard her yell outside.

"I've just stormed out of my own house!"

"Well, tha went well!" Applejack said sacastically.

A little cloud hovered above Whitetail Lake.

A cyan pegasus was laying on the cloud with her front hoof dangling from the side.

She touched the water daintly, watching the ripples go outwards and the fish swimming away.

"Ssh! There she is." A purple pegasus with blonde hair pointed out.

"I can see that, Cloudkicker!"

"Oh shut up Thunderlane! Just go and get her already!"

The grey pegasus stallion fluttered over to Rainbow Dash.

"Rainbow?"

"Hmm."

"We need to start Storm Day. It's twelve."

"Hmm."

Thunderlane scratched his neck.

"Umm...we need to start now."

"Okay." She said calmly. But she didn't move.

"Stormhooves is here, as well."

"What?!" She shot up and zoomed off. Destroying the cloud she was previously sitting on.

"Where is Rainbow Dash?" Stormhooves demanded.

"We...err...don't know." Blossomforth muttered.

"So, your captain is not here?"

"Well, she could have already started."

"Please don't lie, Miss Flitter."

"I'm here! I'm here!" Rainbow stopped infront of Stormhooves. "I am soo sorry, sir. I forgot it was Storm Day. Cause earlier my friends tried to reunite me with my father and th-"

The grey pegasus put his hoof up.

"Miss Dash. You are a good leader. Like your father."

"Please don't compare me to him."

"As I was saying, you are a good owner and a good captain. But you are lacking."

"Lacking?"

"I'm sure you understand."

"Can you repeat that?"

"You are no longer the owner of the factory."

"But it's part of the Dashery family." She said desperately.

"I'm sorry Rainbow, but what is done, is done. As from now on, I am now the owner until somepony else is suitable for the poistion."

"Am I still-"

"Captain of Ponyville Weather Team? No."

Rainbow looked down.

"I understand." She whispered as she lowered to the ground.

Stormhooves followed her.

"I know what you are going through, but the factory must come first."

Rainbow simply ignored him and walked off.

"Why? Why me?" She croaked as she walked away.

The Wedding

"Rainbow Miriam Dashery, will you marry me?"

Soarin opened the small white box.

Rainbow gasped as she saw the object inside.

It was a diamond necklace, with silver spirals. A pearl was placed in the middle and was surrounded with gold swirls. And engraved on the pearl was Rainbow Miriam Dashery and Soarin Blitzen.

"Oh my gosh. That must have cost a fortune."

"That doesn't matter. As long as I am with you, it's a price well paid."

Rainbow stared into Soarin's emerald eyes. Her own eyes watering.

"I-I-I...don't know."

Soarin's face dropped.

"I don't know what to say."

"So...you don't love me?"

The mare turned away.

"You hurt me bad, Soarin. I still feel hurt."

"Oh...okay. If that's how you feel."

"But! I love you! I couldn't love anyone as much as I love you! Yes, Soarin! Yes I will marry you!!" She jumped onto Soarin, who fell back by the force of the hug.

Both their lips met, as they both lay on the grass.

As they parted, Soarin grinned.

"I love you too."

"Are you ready?"

"Yes."

Fluttershy brushed her hair as she waited for her friend.

It was the day of Rainbow and Soarin's wedding. It was a warm summers day, and the wedding was placed outside. Everything was made from clouds. The chairs, the table, and the gazebo that Soarin proposed under was the place where the happy couple will tie the knot. Everypony in Ponyville had arrived. Plus someponies from Cloudsdale, like The Wonderbolts, and some of Rainbow's co-workers and friends. Even Princess Celestia and Luna had come.

Celestia stood under the gazebo, as she will be the one to make the couple become one.

Twilight, the girls and Princess Luna, stood by the gazebo. While both princesses wore nothing, everypony else wore fancy outfits. Especially Rarity.

The Cursaders stood at the end of the aisle, ready to skip down and spread petals everywhere, and Rainbow's father stood by the tent that his daughter was in.

Soarin trotted up to Celestia.

"Is she ready?"

"I believe so."

When everypony had sat down, Fluttershy walked out and stood with the girls.

"She's ready."

The orchestra began to play the Bridal March.

Everypony turned around as they watched the bride to be walk down.

The three fillies skipped down the aisle.

And close behind them was the father of the bride and Rainbow herself.

"You look beautiful." He whispered. "I never thought I would see the day that my Miriam would become married."

The ponies gazed at Rainbow's dress.

The gown was a white silk cloud, with a rainbow train. She wore white slippers with ribbons. Her hair was brushed smoothly, and her hair was tie like it was at the Gala. But instead of a hair band, her was tied into a spiral.

As Rainbow came up to Soarin, Blitz walked over by the girls.

"Hello gorgeous."

"You ain't half as bad yourself."

"I now pronounce you mare and colt. " Celestia said as she stood in front of the now married couple.

Everypony cheered and clapped as the two kissed to final complete their bond.

The music boomed as Vinyl Scratch played the lastest tracks of every song.

While everypony danced, or chatted at the sides, Rainbow and Soarin held each other in their arms. Rainbow rested her head on her now husband's shoulder.

"Best...day...ever." She yawned.

Soarin smirked.

"And it ain't even finished yet."

My Life Is Crumbling Away...Or Is It

"Scootaloo?"

"Mum!"

Rainbow quickly walked up to the orange filly. But was stopped abruptly as a pink mare stepped in front of her.

"Rainbow. Stay away from Scootaloo."

"Please, Cheerilee. Please just five minutes with her. I need to see her." Rainbow pleaded.

Cheerilee sighed before nodding.

"Take her to Sugarcube Corner. But only five minutes, okay."

The pegasus grinned as she fluttered over to her daughter.

The filly hugged Rainbow instantly.

"I missed you so much."

"I missed you too, squirt. Come on. I'll treat you to a shake at Sugarcube Corner."

Scootaloo's eyes widened as she licked her lips.

"I'll take that as a yes then." Rainbow smiled.

"...and then I threw her cake into her face! And Cheerilee threw her brownies at me! It was so much fun!" Scootaloo told her story as she gulped down her chocolate shake.

Rainbow laughed nervously.

"Sounds like you had fun."

"I sure did! And Miss Cheerilee's choc chip cookies are amazing! I couldn't stop eating them! Oh! I have to tell you! It is sooooo amazing!"

"Is that so?"

"Me and the girls got our cutiemarks!" She shouted as she stood up. "Sweetie got a microphone with heart on top, and music thingys around it. Applebloom has a hammer shaped apple. And I got a purple lightning bolt with a helmet on top and flames! I think mine is the best cutiemark ever! And Cheerilee made me a big cake to say congrat...congratu...well done!"

Rainbow sat there gobsmacked.

"That's...that's amazing, Scoots."

"Hey, mum. Are you okay? You look a bit sad. You should be happy."

"I'm happy, Scoots. I'm happy that you found something that makes you extra special." Rainbow choked down her tears. "Listen, Scootaloo, are you happy?"

"Hell yeah! I've my cutiemark! And Miss Cheerilee's cooking is amazing!"

"Scootaloo, there are many ponies that want to hurt you, but you must know that there are more ponies that love and care for you."

"Why are you saying this?"

"I want you to know that I love you Scootaloo. No matter what, I will always be there for you."

"Rainbow Dash."

The prismatic mare looked up to see Cheerilee.

"It's time for Scootaloo to do her homework."

"Homework?!" The orange filly moaned as she hopped down.

"Hey, head up, sweetheart. An education is good for you. It didn't do me any good, but that doesn't mean you can't be your greatest."

"Okay." She groaned. "I'll see you at home Cheerilee. Bye mum!" She waved as she skipped out.

"Rainbow, are you doing okay?"

"And what do you mean by that?"

"I mean, your life is crumbling away. And you seem quite stable."

"I'm assure you. Everything will be fine." Rainbow trotted out.

"That's what she said? Are you sure Pinkie?" Soarin asked.

"I'm surer than the sea shores!!"

"Well, why would Rainbow say all of that?"

Fluttershy's eyes lit up.

"Oh no. Oh my sweet Celestia!!"

"Fluttershy? What is it?"

"We must find her. Quickly!"

"Why?"

"When she tried to...do that, she came to me and said the same stuff that she had said to Scootaloo."

"You mean..."

"Oh my little girl!" Blitz wailed.

Before they could leave the library, Pinkie began to shake.

"What is it this time?"

"I don't know. I've never felt this one before, but it's coming from Ghastly Gorge."

Soarin and the others zoomed out of the library, leaving Pinkie behind.

"Hey! Wait up!"

"Just...jump. It's not that hard. I tried to do it before."

Rainbow walked around the edge of Ghastly Gorge. Her wings tied firmly to her sides.

She remember the last time she was here.

The day she got Tank.

"I'm sure Fluttershy could look after him again. Or Scootaloo."

She stopped, and she got closer to the edge.

Rainbow closed her eyes, and leant forwards.

"RAINBOW! NOO!"

The pegasus stepped back and turned her head.

"Rainbow! Don't!"

The girls ran up to Rainbow, while Soarin and Blitz flew.

"Don't come any closer."

The ponies stopped, and the stallions landed.

"Please, Rainbow. I don't to lose my best girl." Blitz pleaded.

"So my mother and sisters didn't matter to you."

"Of course they did! I just don't want to be the last of Dashery's. I don't want another one of my girls to die."

Rainbow rolled her eyes.

"You shouldn't have kicked me out onto the streets."

"Rainbow, I didn't...I...I...I don't know..."

"You pushed me out of your life. I had nowhere to live, I had no job, I didn't go to school anymore, and I was pregnant. And no thanks to Heights."

"If you told me, then I could have-"

"Could have what?! Forget everything. Sorry for kicking you out Rainbow. You got kicked out of school, don't worry daddy is here." She said sacastically.

"I'm sorry."

"Sorry is not going to bring back my life."

"Rainbow, don' do this ta ya self."

"Do what Applejack? Jump?"

"Please Dashie! You're my best friend!" The party pony's hair began to go flat.

"I'm sure you can make another friend, Pinkie. Everypony loves you."

"But, Rainbow, darling, everypony loves you as well." Rarity stated.

"Not as much as they love all of you. They love Twilight and all her helpful spells, Applejack and her farm, Pinkie and the way she makes everypony smile, Rarity's beautiful dresses, and how Fluttershy is always so kind. What do they love about me? I'm just the pony who kicks the clouds."

"I love you, Rainbow." Soarin shouted.

"So why did you leave me? Your job is more important than a low life, with dead end achievements and dreams." Rainbow stepped closer to the edge.

"I said goodbye to Scootaloo, and she didn't even notice. She's too busy having the time of her life with Cheerilee. I wasn't even there for when she got her cutiemark." Rainbow's tears fell to the rocky ground.

"Please Rainbow, come away from the edge." Fluttershy wailed.

"I'm sorry, Flutters. I can't live with this anymore." She looked into depths of the gorge. "Death. I've been close to it so many times. I guess dying is just a long nap."

"Rainbow, we can help you." Twilight walked closer to the suicidal pegasus.

"You can't!"

"You still have us, Rainbow. You still have your friends."

The rainbow-maned mare burst into even more tears.

"I can't even stay loyal to you girls. What am I? I'm pathetic." She croaked.

"No, you're not."

"I'm selfish."

"You are not."

"I can't even fly straight."

"Don't do this to yourself."

"Come any closer and I will jump."

Twilight stopped instantly.

"You are loyal. You would risk your life to save anypony. And now it's time for us to be loyal to you." Twilight gently smiled.

Rainbow shook her head.

"I don't have friends anymore. I yelled at them and they left me. I don't have anything."

Soarin pushed past the girls and walked up to Rainbow.

"Rainbow, I was a fool to push you out of my life. I had a choice to leave to The Wonderbolts or you. I was stupid. You were right. I am a heart-less jerk. But Dashie, please don't jump. You are my life. Scootaloo is my life. That's why I have quit The Wonderbolts."

"What?!"

"I chose you Rainbow. You are everything I want. Yes, you can be arrogant and a bit off a show-off. But you are kind, helpful, funny and loyal. You never left my side. And even though I was a Wonderbolt, you didn't care. You loved me for me."

"I just want everything back to normal."

"And jumping is not an option. Please, come away from the edge and we can start again. We can get Scootaloo back."

Rainbow stared into his emerald eyes.

She ran up to him and embrace him into a hug.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I won't jump. I love you. I love you Soarin." She cried.

"I signed the forms, you can have your daughter back."

"Thank you." Rainbow smiled as Scootaloo came running over.

"I missed you so much mum."

"I thought you had fun at Cheerilee's."

"Oh I did. It's just that it wasn't the same without you." Scootaloo hugged her mother tight.

"I'm sorry Rainbow."

"What for?"

"For taking you two a part. She's a big part of you. And you can tell. But I shouldn't have come between you."

"You were only doing what you thought was right for Scootaloo." Rainbow stood up and hugged Cheerilee.

"I-I-errr-I." Cheerilee stuttered as the pegasus hugged her.

"Thank you."

"I-what?"

Rainbow stepped back. "You don't realise how much you love something till it's gone. And I couldn't live without her."

The teacher smiled sweetly.

"I'm so glad you two are back together. You look so sweet."

"Well, nothing can break us apart." Rainbow booped Soarin's nose.

"Hey! Who is that?" Rarity pointed to three flying mares, coming towards them.

"It's Spitfire. And the girls." Soarin sat up as the three Wonderbolts landed.

"Soarin, Rainbow Dash. We need to speak to you." Spitfire stated as she beckoned over the two lovers.

"What is it Spitfire?"

"I'm sorry Soarin. I became selfish. But we need you back." Spifire pleaded.

"No. I'm staying with Rainbow."

"But Soarin! We went through the rule books!" Suprise jumped around.

"And?"

"It says you can still be in The Wonderbolts while in a relationship. As long as it doesn't distract you from your work."

Soarin's grin grew.

He looked at Rainbow.

"Go on. It's your dream job."

"And, we offer you a space in The Wonderbolts. Will you accept?"

"What did she want?" Rarity hissed.

"I'm back in The Wonderbolts!" Soarin cheered.

"You're leaving Rainbow!?"

"What?! No! I'm allowed to stay in The Wonderbolts and have my special somepony."

Rainbow nuzzled her lover.

"And they offered Rainbow a place as well."

"Well, there's no doubt that you accepted it." Twilight said as she sipped her tea.

"I didn't."

The purple unicorn spat out the tea.

"What?!" The girls said in sync.

"But it's your dream."

"I'm living my dream right now. Friends, Scootaloo, and my Wonderbolt." Rainbow kissed Soarin.

"Aww."

"What about your job, Rainbow? And the factory?"

"My father has taken back the factory, and I'm still the most awesomeness weather manager ever!"

"Well, tha's good. Cloudkicker couldn't get tha clouds in tha right places for tha farm." Applejack scoffed.

"Rainbow?"

"Yes."

"I need to show you something."

"Okay."

"Close your eyes."

"Ookaay. Why?" Rainbow asked as she closed her eyes.

"You'll find out soon enough." Soarin winked at the girls who were giggling.

"Soarin. Where are we going?"

"Hang on...and stop. You can open your eyes now."

Rainbow fluttered her eyes open.

"Oh my."

She stood under a gazebo made of clouds.

Cloud whisps and roses wrapped around the pillars. Ribbons of all the colours of the rainbow hung above them. And in front of them was a small table, with a cloud on it.

"Soarin?"

"Rainbow, I left you for my job. I was selfish. I made the wrong choice. And now, I making the right choice."

"Soarin?"

The stallion picked up the cloud on the table, and pulled out a small white box.

"Rainbow Miriam Dashery, will you do the honours of marrying me?"