Roses and Rainbows

Chapters

Following the Trail
A Gift and a Promise
Rainbow Dash Begins Her Training
The Big Race
Life as a Wonderbolt
Giving it All Up
Rainbow Dash's Wish
Soarin's Big Decision
A New Life Together
The Big Announcement and a Hopeful Future
A Mysterious Rose for Rainbow

Following the Trail

She took a deep breath in and relaxed her body. Here she was at the entrance of the trail that Fluttershy loved to take walks in. Walking through this trail helped Rainbow get her mind off of any anxiety that she had built up within her. She listened to each step she took. The soft crunching of twigs and leaves beneath her hooves made the experience all the more enjoyable. This was a peaceful and beautiful place. As she kept trotting through the woods, she could have sworn that she saw something move in the trees up ahead. The branches were still shaking and leaves fell to the ground. She squinted her eyes but couldn't see anything else. "Probably just a squirrel," she thought to herself. About another mile of walking through the woods, she stopped when she almost stepped on something red lying on the ground. She looked down at it. It was a rose. Just like the one she had seen on her doorstep. Rainbow sighed to herself. Rainbow Dash wondered why there was a rose lying there in the middle of the path. She figured that some pony must have dropped it there by mistake. She looked away and sighed out loud. "I wish some pony would give me a rose." She stared one more time at the rose before moving on.

As she went on, she couldn't help but feel guilty that she didn't spend time with her friends and find a some pony special to take on a date. This was a special request from the Princess after all, but she had become defensive and put on the "tough girl" act. For some reason she didn't want to show the soft side of herself that wanted a special some pony. Why she felt this way she didn't know. She shook her head quickly as if the thoughts themselves would spill out of her ears and would never be remembered again.

She focused on being the next big Wonderbolt. This after all was her biggest dream, the one thing she wanted most.

She continued forward down the meandering path. Her eyes grew wide when she saw another rose lying in the center of the path. She stopped and scratched her mane with her hoof. "OK," she thought to herself. "This is getting a bit weird." Rainbow quickly moved on through the woods. All kinds of thoughts were now plaguing her mind. She stopped in her tracks again when she came upon another rose. Now Rainbow was really starting to get freaked out. She continued moving faster and faster when she found a fourth rose, a fifth, a sixth, a seventh, all leading down the same path. Rainbow stopped dead in her tracks when she heard a noise. Something or someone else was with her in the woods. "Alright who is there!? What's going on? Show yourself!" she demanded.

A voice spoke to her, "I was waiting for you to ask that. I was starting to run out of roses."

Rainbow Dash quickly turned around trying to find where the voice was coming from.

"Pssst. Over here," the voice said.

Rainbow turned again. Her eyes grew wide with shock.

There up in a tree was Soarin' hanging upside down by his hind legs on the lowest branch of the tree. He was only slightly above Rainbow Dash. He held a rose in his teeth and was blushing greatly.

Rainbow's jaw dropped as she stared at the stallion. It took her a few moments to process her thoughts. She stuttered as she spoke. "Th-th-this is all for me?"

The stallion nodded his head yes slowly, with a look of uncertainty on his face. He was hoping that this wasn't going to be a bad idea and that she would appreciate this.

Rainbow stuttered again, "W-w-w-were you the pony that left a rose on my door step this morning?"

Soarin' did not speak. His face grew even brighter with blush as he slowly nodded his head yes.

Rainbow lifted up her front hoof slightly above the ground and turned her head away. Her face was blushing madly. She couldn't find words to say.

Soarin' came down from the branch and trotted nervously over to her. He placed the rose he was holding in his teeth in her bright and colorful mane with care. Finally he spoke again, "Yes, Rainbow this is all for you. Will you come with me? I want to show you something."

Rainbow struggled to speak again, "I-I-I-sure," she said.

Soarin' grinned a little and took her by the hoof. He quickly led her off the path down to a place she had never seen before. Soarin' cleared out the bushes for her and held them apart so that she could walk through.

Rainbow was stunned at what she saw. There was a beautiful grassy field with wild flowers all around her. Soarin' took her hoof again and led her through the tall grass. She could hear the sound of a waterfall nearby. They arrived at the edge of the ground where there were many streams of water running and a great waterfall flowing freely. Above the waterfall was a beautiful rainbow arching over the falls.

"Over here," the stallion said.

Rainbow came over and saw that near the streams was a cloud and surrounding the cloud were roses that were made into the shape of a heart.

Soarin' hopped onto the cloud and held his hoof out. "Will you come sit with me and be my some pony special, Rainbow?"

Without hesitation, she grabbed his hoof and jumped up onto the cloud. She stared into his eyes and said, "Soarin' I would love to be your some pony special."

Soarin' wrapped his front hooves around her and squeezed her tightly. "Thank you so much Rainbow." He then kissed her on her cheek. He let go of her and they watched the waterfall flow and the streams gushing with life. Soarin' broke the silence again, "Are you hungry Rainbow?"

Rainbow blinked her eyes as if startled. "Actually, I am pretty hungry now that I think about it."

Soarin' flew off the cloud and went over to some bushes where he bent down and picked up a basket. He flew back over and put the basket next to her. He took out some apples and nuzzled one over to her.

Rainbow grabbed it and took a bite. "Thank you so much Soarin'," she said with a mouthful of fruit.

Soarin' smiled and said, "Really Dash, it's my pleasure." They sat there for a while watching the sun set. The sky was all kinds of beautiful colors. Soarin' looked over at Rainbow Dash who was still watching the waterfall and said, "Hey Rainbow, can you come here?"

"Huh?" Rainbow said. "I'm right here next to you."

The stallion opened up his front legs and said, "No, Come here. Come closer to me. I want to hold you for a little while if that's okay with you."

Rainbow looked at him like he had two heads. Never in her life had she had a some pony special and she really wasn't used to this kind of treatment. She used to believe these kinds of things only happened to girls like her friend, Rarity. Rainbow scooted over to him and turned her back to him. She felt his front legs wrap around her body and he drew her nearer to him. She laid down and put her head against his chest.

He kissed her colorful mane several times and squeezed her so tightly.

All this romantic mushy stuff felt strange to her, being the rough and tough tom-boy that she was, but she was beginning to realize that small soft part of herself, that she worked so hard to suppress and hide, was coming out. It was that desire to be loved and to give love in return.

As she stared into the waterfall, her mind began to wander and she went into a trance-like state.

Rainbow's mind flashed back to when she was just a little filly. Her father had just taken her back from her first Wonderbolts show. He sat there in his chair reading a book. "Dad." Rainbow's father placed the book in his lap. He saw his daughter looking at him with sad eyes.

Her father smiled at her lovingly and asked, "What's the matter Dashie? I thought you'd still be full of energy after that Wonderbolts show."

She looked into his eyes, almost as if she had felt guilty about doing something wrong. "Dad," she said again. "Can we talk?"

Rainbow's father put the book down on the table next to him. "Come here Dashie." He patted his lap with his hoof. Rainbow's wings buzzed loudly as she hovered over to him and sat on his lap. Her father wrapped his hooves around her tightly. "What do you want to talk about sweetie? You can tell me anything."

Rainbow looked up into his eyes with curiosity and asked, "Dad, what's it like to have a some pony special?"

Her father smiled warmly at her and replied. "It's a wonderful feeling Rainbow. There's no other feeling like it in the world. It's very special and magical. Have you found a some pony special, Rainbow?"

Rainbow shook her head no and said, "No Dad, I think boys are weird."

Her father laughed and said, "You still have some growing up to do, but you'll start to feel differently about boys when you get older. You're a very special girl, Rainbow."

Rainbow continued to stare into her father’s eyes. "But Mom said I wasn't a girl today. She said that I was a boy and she called me Tom."

Rainbow's father laughed again. "Your mother called you a tom-boy. That's a girl who exhibits the characteristics of a typical boy."

Rainbow looked away from her father and lowered her ears. "Oh," she said with a rather disappointed tone. "What kind of boy would be interested in dating a girl that's like a boy?"

Her father lowered his head closer to hers and said in a slight whisper, "Don't you worry Rainbow, there are plenty of boys who are very attracted to the kind of girl that you are. You really are just like your mother."

Rainbow's jaw dropped and she looked back at her Dad and said in a startled tone, "You married a tom-boy Dad?"

Her father was enjoying this talk quite a bit. He couldn't help but grin broadly. "I sure did, Rainbow! That was one of the reasons why I liked your mother so much. She's a very special friend to me and so much more. I love her so much."

Rainbow's mind went back to wondering about dating and asked, "So what do ponies do together when they are in love? How will I know if I have a some pony special?"

Her father sat upright and said, "Well, he'll do special things with you that he wouldn't normally do with any pony else."

"But what kind of things, Dad?" Rainbow demanded to know.

Her father continued, "Oh, all sorts of special things. He'll hold your hoof, he'll tell you that he loves you, he'll hold you tightly in his hooves, he'll kiss you, he'll...."

Rainbow interrupted her father, "Do you do those things with mom?"

Her father lowered his head again and said, "I do everyday Rainbow, every single day." He could see the red on her cheeks.

She raised her hoof to his face and looked away from her father. "Daaaad," Rainbow said.

Rainbow's father could tell she was embarrassed for asking that question. He chuckled and rubbed his hoof in her mane.

She backed away from him and asked, "Do you believe I'll ever have a some pony special in my life?"

Her father smiled at her, though this time he was a bit teary-eyed. "Of course I believe you will. You're a very special girl Rainbow, I know that somewhere there's a wonderful young stallion that will take you under his wing and love you for just the kind of girl you are."

"But how will I know if he's really the right one for me?" Rainbow asked.

Her father got closer to her again and whispered, "your heart will tell you sweetie and you'll know. You'll just know."

Rainbow squirmed out of her father’s front legs and hovered above the ground as her wings buzzed. "Well, don't you worry Dad because I'm going to become a Wonderbolt when I get older! I won't have time to be interested in boys."

Her father laughed out loud again and replied, "Someday you will sweetie, someday you will. I love you Rainbow." Her father saying her name echoed in her head numerous times.

She eventually snapped out of it when she felt her body being lightly shaken. "Rainbow? Rainbow? Rainbow? Are you alright?" Soarin' asked.

Rainbow snapped out of it and shook her head. "Oh, I must have been day dreaming. Sorry about that. Were you saying something?"

Soarin' squeezed her gently and said, "I was just telling you that I have a special gift for you and I...."

Rainbow suddenly cut him off. "Why are you doing this Soarin’? I haven't done anything special for you."

Soarin' tilted his head in confusion. "But you have Rainbow," he said. "You have spent so much time with me during your lunch breaks at the Wonderbolts academy. I enjoyed and loved our conversations that we had. I also loved the practice races that we used to have with each other. I have known you for years now and you're a very special friend of mine. You're the only pony that I have ever had feelings for and you are the prettiest pony I have ever seen." Soarin' affectionately rubbed his cheek against her mane.

Rainbow was surprised that he called her pretty. Pretty was a word reserved for a pony like Rarity. Rainbow was a pony who got sweaty and dirty in her sports. She never used makeup and hated dressing up fancy. She suddenly sat up straight and turned around. She looked into his eyes and asked, "You really think I'm pretty? Do you really mean that?"

Soarin' smiled as he stared into her eyes lovingly and said, "Of course I mean that, Rainbow. You're the most beautiful mare I have ever met. I truly mean it."

Rainbow's face lit up and she smiled at the stallion.

Soarin' began to slowly run his hoof through Rainbow's mane. This relaxed Rainbow Dash and she turned back around and slid her head down into his chest. She could hear his heart beating and the rhythm of it put her at a peaceful rest. She eventually drifted off to sleep, still locked in his front legs.

A Gift and a Promise

The sound of crickets woke Rainbow up. She opened up her eyes. It was still light out, but it was starting to get late. She must have been asleep for a good hour or two.

Soarin' had sat there the whole time perfectly content to simply sit there with Rainbow curled up against his body.

She stretched her limbs and looked up at Soarin' with filly-like innocence in her eyes.

"I was wondering when you were going to wake up," he said as he gently nuzzled her. "I still haven't given you my special gift."

Before Rainbow could speak, she felt a slight tug at her throat. She looked down and saw the most gorgeous necklace she had ever seen. Not even Rarity owned anything as pretty as this. There on the necklace, a golden shaped rose with a rare gem stone in it. It sparkled brightly as she stared into the gem stone.

"It's the same color as your eyes, Rainbow," Soarin' said. "Do you like it?"

Rainbow continued to stare into the gem stone. "It's wonderful," she said. "Thank you so much."

The stallion smiled a huge smile and gripped his love even tighter than before. He leaned over and whispered in her ear, "You're so welcome Rainbow. I love you."

Rainbow was never really the emotional kind, but she couldn't help but feel tears trickle down her cheeks. Her father was right all along. Having a some pony special really was the most special and magical thing she has ever felt. She wiped the tears away and smiled to herself. Right now she was feeling a little adventurous with these new feelings that she had never felt before and wanted to explore things a little further. Rainbow broke free from his hug and stared into his eyes. "And I have a special gift for you too," the blue mare said.

"You do?" Soarin' asked with another great big smile.

Rainbow Dash nodded her head yes a few times and then lunged at Soarin'. She wrapped her front legs around his neck and knocked him to the ground. She kissed him with passion. With her eyes closed, she pressed as tightly against his body as she could.

Soarin' was shocked at first, but he quickly relaxed and closed his eyes. He wrapped one of his front legs around her body and squeezed her as hard as he could. He took his other front leg and ran it through her mane. Rainbow's breathing became deeper and deeper as she continued to kiss her mate. Eventually they broke free. Rainbow straightened herself up. She kept one hoof on him and began slowly dragging it down his chest. Soarin' lay there on the ground with a smile. "Did you enjoy it?" Rainbow asked.

Soarin' nodded his head yes and said, "Rainbow that was the most special and magical moment I have ever experienced. I love you."

Rainbow kissed him quickly once more and said, "I love you too."

Soarin' picked himself up. He looked at the night sky and asked, "How has your practice been going for the Wonderbolts race?"

Rainbow felt like she had just been smacked in the face. She had completely forgotten about the race. She didn't even practice her stamina training today. Her mind raced with all sorts of terrible ideas about the race. She stood there speechless.

"Rainbow, if you're nervous about the race, I can help train you," Soarin' suggested.

Rainbow shook her head several times and snapped out of it. "What?" she said. "Don't you have any shows to perform?"

Soarin' shook his head no and said, "Nope. I took a long time off just to spend time with you."

Rainbow's heart went pitter-patter. If she were to end up with a stallion, this pony had to be it.

Soarin' waved his hoof in front of her face. "Dash, are you ok?"

Rainbow backed off a bit and said, "Yeah, I'm fine. It's just that I think it's going to be hard to focus on the race and having a some pony special at the same time.

Soarin' took her hoof and held it. "Don't worry Rainbow, I'll help you train. We'll get through this together."

Rainbow Dash nodded ok. She suddenly perked up and asked, "So if I win this race, does that mean I'll get to be touring with you?"

Soarin' sighed and said, "I'm afraid not Rainbow. Believe it or not, I'm starting to get too old to do these shows and there's a new generation of Wonderbolts being trained. Being a Wonderbolt doesn’t last too long and it's exhausting being the very best. I don't tour very much anymore and I have opted to become a coach, just like Spit Fire. I only have a few more shows to do before I exclusively become a coach. As a coach, I'll have a lot more time on my hooves and will be able to do more things that I enjoy. I have also been wanting to settle down in life and find some pony special to be with."

Rainbow was surprised. She was only a few years younger than Soarin' and he was probably in better shape than she was.

Soarin' continued, "Rainbow, I know you're not going to like hearing this, but most ponies starting out to become Wonderbolts are usually much younger than yourself. I'm not saying that it's not possible for you to become one. You're an incredibly strong mare and I have faith that you can do this, but it's just going to be very exhausting touring with them. I assume that if you do become one, most of your team members are going to be a lot younger than you. Do know that if you win this race and become a Wonderbolt, we won't have much time to see each other. In fact, we might not have any time at all together. We'll probably be forced to keep in touch by mail."

Rainbow looked down at the ground and was deep in thought. She never really considered all of this.

Soarin' reached out and ran his hoof down her face. "Don't worry Rainbow, whatever you want to do is fine. I'm with you no matter what."

Rainbow's mind was racing. She had already given her heart away to this pony, but not being able to see him again for a long time would be difficult on their relationship. However, Rainbow had trained so hard to make it this far. Ever since she was a filly, it was her dream to become a Wonderbolt. Rainbow looked up into his eyes and said, "I need to do it. I need to at least try. Being a Wonderbolt was everything I ever dreamed of becoming. I have to do this."

Soarin' nodded his head in understanding and continued, "Why don't you go home and get to bed early so we can train early tomorrow. Meet me at the Wonderbolts academy in the morning. I'll be waiting for you."

Rainbow hugged and kissed her companion once more before flying off home. He watched her fly off in the distance.

Rainbow Dash returned home and had a small snack before heading to bed. It was a bit early for bed time, but she needed every bit of energy for tomorrow if she were to be trained by a Wonderbolt. She got into bed and snuggled into the blankets. She thought about her friends and the dates that they had. "Oh, if they ever found out about me and Soarin', I don't know what they would think of me." She still wasn't sure that if everything that had happened today was real. She thought these kinds of stallions were a myth, like in the romance novels that Rarity always borrowed from the library and that only girls like Rarity got them. Rainbow Dash put her worries aside and closed her eyes. She imagined the blankets were Soarin's front legs holding her tightly.

Rainbow Dash Begins Her Training

Rainbow awoke the next morning. She quickly got out of bed and looked at the time. She was late. She hurried over to the kitchen and devoured her breakfast. She left as quickly as she could.

Upon arriving at the academy, she saw Soarin' sitting on a cloud patiently waiting for her.

"Come on!" he said. "We need to hurry before the other Wonderbolts need their time to use the equipment."

Rainbow Dash flew off with him and entered the building. She had never been inside this building before. She had been through the academy training before, but this must have been a special place for Wonderbolts only.

Soarin' took her to the weight room. Inside, he had her start out on the wing weight lifting machine. Soarin' had her go through some reps. He was impressed with the amount of weight she could handle. He knew Rainbow was indeed a very strong mare and that she was incredibly fast, but he knew what her weakness was, and that weakness would be put to the test on the day of the race. He went through every kind of exercise he knew. He even had her work on flexibility and stretching. He saved the most difficult part of the training for last. Stamina training.

He took her over to a giant wind tunnel. "OK Rainbow, this is going to be our final task for the day. I'm going to put your stamina to the ultimate test with this machine. I need you to hover inside the middle of this wind tunnel for one full hour. As the time progresses, I'm going to increase the air resistance. You'll notice that there's a red line at the bottom inside. If you fall past that line, then it's game over. Just keep flying above that line and you'll be fine. Oh, and you'll need these." Soarin' tossed her a pair of goggles.

She put them on and entered the tunnel. Soarin' closed the door and locked it. She stood there at the bottom and waited for Soarin' to give the signal. Soarin' climbed up the steps to where there was a control board. He lifted his hoof up in the air and signaled for her to start hovering in the air. Soarin' pushed a button and the fan slowly started to build up wind.

Rainbow began to flap her wings harder as the wind pushed her back a little bit. She was doing well for the first twenty minutes, but as time kept going on she was beginning to struggle to keep up. She had no idea how long she was in there for. For all she knew, it already felt like it had been an hour.

Soarin' increased the resistance and she was almost blown back by the force.

She looked through the glass window to the side at Soarin'. She had the expression on her face that looked as if she was saying, "Are you serious?"

Soarin' simply nodded his head at her and looked back down to the controls on the board.

Rainbow turned her head back and clenched her teeth as she felt the burning and pain in her wings. She began to see the red line on the bottom and began to panic. She flapped her wings with every bit of strength that she could muster up. She held her ground for several more minutes and then her wings completely gave out and she tumbled backwards and landed hard against the cushioned back of the tunnel.

Soarin' immediately turned off the machine and hit the switch that unlocked the door. He hurried over and opened it.

Rainbow fell to the floor gasping for air. She looked as if she had just been hit by a train. She tried to speak, but the words couldn't come out. Eventually, she caught her breath and was able to stand again. "H-h-h-how did I do?" she asked.

Soarin' bit his lip and said, "You did fine, Dash. Great effort!"

Rainbow was still breathing heavily and asked in a weak voice, "But how much time was left for me? I need to know."

Soarin' felt bad that she didn't even make it to the final level of air resistance. He looked down at her and said, "You had another fifteen minutes to go Dash. I'm sorry."

Rainbow's confidence took a huge blow. She stood up and lowered her head. "I gave it my best. I just couldn't go on. I'm so sorry."

Soarin' came over and hugged her. "Don't be sorry," he said. "I'm still proud of you."

Rainbow became anxious again and asked, "Do you still think I have a chance to win the race?"

Soarin' knew it would be very unrealistic for her to win this race. He didn't exactly know who she was going up against, but he knew that things didn't look good. He put his hoof on her shoulder and said, "Dash, according to your performance, your results tell me no, but I'm still rooting for you and I believe if you if you keep trying your very best, you may be able to win."

Rainbow lowered her ears in disappointment. They both stood there in awkward silence for awhile.

Soarin' eventually spoke up, "Come on Dash, let's go for a little flight together, nothing strenuous, just a nice easy flight to chat and help get your mind off all that anxiety. I can tell that you're disappointed and anxious.

Rainbow followed the stallion out the door and through the building. Once they made it out to the exit, Rainbow tried to lift her wings for takeoff, but she couldn't do it. They felt like rubber to her. She wasn't the kind of mare to complain about anything. She attempted to lift off the ground, but she fell to the ground with a less than graceful thud.

Soarin' turned around and asked, "Do you need help, Dash?"

Rainbow's pride was hurt, but she couldn't risk the chance of her wings giving out while flying. She simply looked at her companion with sad eyes and shook her head yes.

Soarin' smiled and helped her stand back up. He squatted low to the ground and said, "Come on. Hop on my back." Rainbow wrapped her front legs around his neck and he took off.

As they were airborne, he turned his head back to Rainbow and said, "Hey Dash, I think we should do one more thing to work on those wings."

Rainbow's eyes grew wide in horror. How could he say such a thing after all she just went through? She shot back at him, "Oh, no! I've had enough! I'm done for today. I'm not going through any more training."

Soarin' grinned a little and replied, "Don't worry Dash, it will be nice. Just trust me. I'm your trainer, remember? I know what's best for you." Soarin' flew around looking for a rogue cloud to land on. He finally spotted one and took her over to it. "Come on Rainbow. Hop off."

Rainbow unwrapped her arms from his neck and stood next to him.

"Alright Rainbow, lie down on your belly and spread your wings out," Soarin' instructed.

She gave him a strange look and did so. She had no idea what he was about to do. Then she felt two hooves press against her wings. "Oh, sweet Celestia, did that feel good!" Rainbow thought to herself. Suddenly Rainbow thought about her friends and her incident at the spa, and how she couldn't bear to get any kind of pampering with her friends, "Oh, if my friends found out about this I don't know what they'd think of me, but wait, this was different," she thought to herself. "This isn't for pampering, it's for training. That makes it ok." Rainbow wasn't a fan of getting lady-like things done for her, but she convinced herself that just in this case it would be ok, but on the other hoof, she could see herself easily getting this kind of treatment done again. Rainbow's thoughts began to slow down and she closed her eyes. She let out a groan of pleasure and smiled.

"Feels good huh?" the stallion asked. "This will help your wings recover faster from the work you put them through."

Rainbow's mind was drifting off to sleep. "You're the most handsome stallion ever. I love you." Rainbow muttered out loud. She didn't even know she said it. She was already half asleep and those words just came to her mind and she said them out loud.

Soarin' smiled and continued to work on her wings. When he was finished he said, "Alright Rainbow let's see if you can fly again now." There was no response from her. The stallion gently shook her. "Rainbow? Rainbow?" Still nothing. She must have been in a really deep sleep. Soarin' sighed and smiled. She was just too cute lying there on that cloud and he didn't want to disturb her sleep. He gently scooped her up in his hooves and flew her back home.

When he got there, he was surprised to find that the door was unlocked. He went inside the house and found her bedroom. He placed her down in the bed and covered her with her blankets. He kissed her forehead and turned to leave when suddenly, she called out his name. Soarin' turned around and said, "Yes Dash?" but she was silent again. Her eyes were still shut. She must have been dreaming. Soarin' smiled at her and turned to leave. He had to get home and take care of some things.

Rainbow awoke a few hours later unsure how she ended up back in her home and in her bed. She suddenly realized that she must have fallen asleep and Soarin' must have carried her home. Goodness, she would have never thought in her life that she would be carried home by a stallion. She wasn't that kind of pony who wished for that kind of stuff. She was kind of embarrassed about it, but a small part of her really thought that was quite sweet. She was still struggling with these feelings. Rainbow found herself still quite exhausted and decided to go back to sleep.

The Big Race

As the days progressed, Rainbow continued to train under the watchful eye of her companion. She worked hard each day and was beginning to build her confidence back up, unfortunately that also started to make her attitude quite cocky again.

The time had now come and she stood there on a cloud next to her opponent. She examined her from head to hoof. Her coat was purple and her mane was a deep blue. She also had a shooting star as her cutie mark. She turned her head and looked over to the stands. She looked at Soarin' and he gave her a playful wink. She turned her head back to where there was a pegasus holding a checkered flag. A whistle blew signaling for both competitors to get into position. They both crouched low and flared their wings out. The pegasus pony waved the flag and they were both off.

They each followed through clouds that were shaped into a ring. The rings in the sky acted as markers for them to follow through. Through the course they went, twisting, turning, rising and falling. Rainbow had done a fairly decent job at keeping up with the purple mare, but she had always found herself lagging behind just a bit. This course was painfully long and they had to do three laps. Rainbow Dash made a quick pass on the second lap, but it didn't last long. In fact, she regretted expending that much energy just to do so. She had to slow down again and her opponent zipped by her. The third lap had come and this was it. At this point her wings were becoming weaker and her lungs burned inside. They were almost near the end and her confidence was falling faster by the second. She grinded her teeth together and gave it all she had, but it was no use. Her opponent was so much farther ahead of her. She watched her opponent pass the finish line with a look of horror on her face. Her heart was crushed inside and her dreams were shattered.

She flew across the finish line and fell on the cloud. She was completely out of breath and her wings were in so much pain. She couldn't even tuck them back under her they hurt so much.

Her opponent on the other hoof stood next to her with perfect posture. She was breathing calmly and stood there with a confident look on her face.

Rainbow was simply devestated. She had failed again, and this was her last attempt at trying. Her dreams were crushed right before her eyes. She waited for the officials to come and announce the winner, but they were busy discussing something. Eventually one of them came out and announced that Rainbow Dash was the winner. Rainbow and her competitor trotted over with confused looks on their faces. The officials explained that her competitor missed one of the markers resulting in a ten second penalty. Rainbow couldn't believe it! She knew deep down inside that her opponent was way better than her, but joy and pride took over her and she resorted back to her filly-like excitement. "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh," she said as fast as she could. "I'm a Wonderbolt!"

During Rainbow's own personal celebration, the purple mare was busy arguing over the harshness of the penalty.

Soarin' flew over and embraced Rainbow with a hug. "Congratulations Rainbow! You did it! I'm so proud of you" Soarin' said as he rubbed his cheek against her sweaty mane.

She broke free and was nearly bouncing with excitement. "So when do I start?" she asked him.

"Oh, they will probably start you within a few days," he said with a rather depressing tone.

Rainbow Dash picked up on the tone of his voice and asked, "What's that matter Soarin'? Aren't you happy that I finally made it?"

Soarin' did smile a bit and said, "Yes Dash, I really am happy for you, but I'm going to really miss you so much while you're gone. Will you promise to write to me while you're away?"

Rainbow Dash nodded her head yes and said, "Of course I'll keep in touch. Don't worry about it! I've got to go tell all my friends the good news." Rainbow struggled to flare her wings out.

Soarin' stopped her and said, "Wait, Rainbow. Are you too tired to fly? Would you like me to take you there? You can introduce me to your friends."

Rainbow couldn't bear the thought of her friends finding out that she had a some pony special. Her pride flared and she said, "Nah, I'll be fine. Don't worry about me. I'll catch you later."

Rainbow took off from the clouds and flew over to Twilights library. She was struggling to keep herself airborne. She was almost there, but she needed to rest a bit. She looked for a cloud to land on, but there were none. She lost all strength in her wings and she plummeted to the ground.

CRASH! Rainbow fell through Twilights library and collided with a book shelf. She popped her head out from a pile of books. "Twilight! Twilight!" She called out as she looked around the room for her friend, but she was not there.

Spike came downstairs to see what all the noise was about. "Hey Rainbow! I see you've made a mess for me to clean up again."

Rainbow flew over to the dragon and picked him up in the air. "Oh! Spike, I won the race! I'm in now! I'm officially a Wonderbolt!" She then accidently dropped Spike onto the floor in celebration.

Spike picked himself up and said, "Hey! That's great Rainbow, but does this mean we’re not going to see you again?"

Rainbow put her hoof proudly to her chest and said, "I might not be around in Ponyville, but you all can still keep in touch with me by mail."

Spike had an unsure look on his face. "Uh, if you're really sure that this is what you want in life, then I'm happy for you, but we are going to miss you."

Rainbow rushed over to the door and yelled out, "I've got to go now! Make sure to tell Twi and all the other girls that I made it! See ya!" Rainbow Dash zipped out the door leaving Spike rather stunned.

Spike waved his claw slowly and said, "Good bye Rainbow. We'll miss you."

Life as a Wonderbolt

Being a Wonderbolt was wonderful in her eyes. She loved the stunts, the excitement, the fans, and the adrenaline rush. It was all so awesome to her. She loved the travel and how the fans would go wild over her. It caused her to become arrogant and cocky again. She didn't even think about her friends while she was away. All she seemed to care about was being in the spot light. The center of attention.

They continued to write letters to each other for a few months. Rainbow Dash was beginning to feel guilty that she was keeping Soarin' waiting for so long. They hadn't seen each other in such a long time and she felt like she didn't deserve him any longer. She couldn't help but feel that she was somewhat afraid of being in a long term relationship. Besides, there was a big part of her that enjoyed being free, but at the same time she couldn't help but acknowledge that her time spent with Soarin' was very special and magical. Her emotions were conflicting and driving her crazy. She sent him a long, emotional letter stating that she didn't want him waiting around for her and that she felt it would be best for the both of them if they weren't in a relationship anymore. She figured a pony like Soarin' wouldn't have a hard time finding another mare. She also told him not to write back in response. Rainbow sent the letter.

A few weeks went by and she put all her focus on being the best Wonderbolt she could possibly be. She hadn't thought about Soarin' too much.

Currently, she was staying at a hotel not too far from Ponyville. She was lying in bed with her front legs behind her head trying to relax after a show. She was starting to drift off to sleep when she heard a knock at the door. She rolled out of bed and trotted over to the door. She peeked through the spy hole in the door and saw it was Soarin'. She thought about why he would be here and then it hit her. She went back to her bed and reached into her bag and got out the necklace. She walked back over and opened the door. She held out her hoof and said, "Hey Soarin' I know you came back for this. I'm sorry I didn't think to send it back in that letter."

Soarin' looked at her hoof and then looked back into her eyes.

Rainbow Dash gave a nervous little grin and extended her hoof out even further.

Soarin' finally spoke, "Dash that necklace was a special gift for you and for you only." Soarin' put his hoof against hers and pushed it back. "I want you to keep it."

Rainbow Dash looked nervously around and said, "Oh, thanks. That's really nice of you. So why did you stop by here anyway?"

Soarin' scratched the back of his head with his hoof and said, "Hey Dash I got your letter and I'm really sorry you’re going through so much pressure. I understand this is all really difficult for you, but I want you to know that I'm more than willing to wait for you no matter how long you're away from home. I have come across a lot of mares in my time, but I swear I haven't found one as lovely as you."

Rainbow shut her eyes tightly at the words he had just spoken. Two tears trickled down her face. She opened her eyes back up and said, "Soarin' I'm so sorry I wasted your time. I just don't think I'm the right pony for you. I'm not really cut out for this relationship stuff. Find some pony else please and forget about me. I've got to go now." Rainbow quickly shut the door and leaned against the back of the door. She slowly slid her back down the door and sat down on the ground. She put her hooves to her head and listened as each hoof step outside her door grew fainter and fainter. The deed had been done. She thought that doing this would be the best decision, but now everything felt wrong.

Soarin' left the building with his head hanging low. He knew that being a Wonderbolt wasn't all fun and good times and he had almost hoped that she didn't become one, but he realized this was her dream and ultimate passion, even if it was driving her crazy. He wanted nothing more than to see her again, but he had to let her go. It was her wish to be left alone and he had to just let it be. Trying to get her back again would probably only make matters worse. She had a lot of issues going on and he knew that it would take her a long time to get things sorted out. Heck, he had emotional issues of his own to deal with. He just hoped that she would be ok. A part of him really wanted to wait for her to see if she'd try to come back, but another part of him was really determined to find his special mate. Soarin' really wasn't a pony known for his patience anyway.

Rainbow started to feel empty inside. Ever since she broke up with Soarin' she had been feeling awfully lonely. She tried to fill her life by dating other stallions, but all those dates didn't end up working out and nothing felt right within her. Every stallion she saw seemed to have one motive. Who can be the first to get in bed with a Wonderbolt? She became grumpy and a bit snappy at her team mates. It was getting harder and harder trying to keep up with them. She was deprived of her cloud naps and was constantly on the go.

She did her best to suppress her feelings again. Those feelings of love and affection and the desire to be loved and to give love back. She forced herself to become angry whenever those kinds of thoughts would enter her mind. She felt that if she wasn't the best at what she did, then she would lower herself worth. It was all about being the best. Her pride in her accomplishments was still enormous. Ever since she was a filly, she always struggled with the idea that she needed to be the very best. She knew she had some issues to work on in her life, but instead of talking to some pony about them she would isolate herself from everyone else. She even refused to read her fan mail.

Years went by and Rainbow continued to tour with the Wonderbolts wherever they went.

She was currently staying in a hotel in a city far away from Ponyville. She stared out the window and watched the rain drops stream down the window pane. She put her hoof to the glass and stared at her reflection. She felt so empty inside and her eyes looked sad. She sighed out loud.

Her mind began to wander and she went back to when she was a filly again. That same memory playing over and over in her mind. That question she asked her father. "How will I know if he's the one?" She remembered her father leaning over and whispering, "Your heart will tell you sweetie and you'll know, you'll just know." Tears trickled down her face at the memories of her former lover.

Was this what being a top notch Wonderbolt was like? Constantly touring. Never getting any time to yourself. It was exhausting being the best. She was drained both physically and mentally.

She stared at a picture of all five of her friends together. "When I grow even older and look back on my life, am I really going to care how many awards and trophies I have? Am I really going to brag that I had the most fans? Or am I going to remember the good times spent with friends and the wonderful memories of spending time with my some pony special. Is this really the most important thing in life to me?"

Rainbow gently rocked herself back and forth on the edge of her bed. She put her hooves to her forehead in frustration and depression. She then threw her body against the pillows. The warmth coming from them reminded her of when Soarin' used to hold her, except it didn't feel magical or special.

Suddenly she heard a knock on her door. "Miss Rainbow Dash. You have a special message," the voice outside her door said.

"A special message?" Rainbow thought to herself. She had already gotten a pile of fan mail today. Whatever kind of message being sent to her at this hour, it must be very special. It was an unrealistic idea, but she hoped that the letter would be from Soarin'. Rainbow Dash opened the door and took the envelope from the mail mare and shut the door. She hopped onto the bed and opened the letter.

"Dear Rainbow Dash, Good gravy girl, we have been trying to contact you for years now, but you never respond to our letters. We miss you so much in Ponyville and want nothing more than to see you again. How the hay are you anyway? Is being a Wonderbolt everything you dreamed of? You wouldn't believe this, but we all have a some pony special! In fact, they are the same stallions from that Hearts and Hooves Day when the Princess asked us to try to find a date for fun. We all thought she put some kind of magical love spell on us, but she claims she didn't. Isn't that hilarious? Anyway, if you have the time, please write back to me, or even better, stop by and give me a surprise visit. Love you sugar cube.....Yours truly, Applejack.

Rainbow put the letter aside and looked out the window. She loved all of her friends, but Applejack was a special friend. Applejack was the pony who she could relate to the most. Rainbow banged her head against the glass. "Had it really been years since I had seen my friends?" she thought to herself. Life seemed to be going past her too fast, and she wasn't enjoying the experience.

She went over to her saddle bag and did something she only did when she felt incredibly depressed, she took out the one picture that she had saved of her and Soarin' together. It was her most favorite picture of them. The picture was of them together kissing in the rain. Rainbow laid down on the floor and curled herself up into a ball. She held the picture close to her heart and sobbed uncontrollably. The sadness and the crying exhausted her and she fell asleep there on the floor.

Giving it All Up

Rainbow was awakened by the sound of loud knocking at the door. "Thirty minute warning!" the voice from outside her door yelled. Rainbow stretched her legs out. The picture she was holding fell out of her front legs and onto the floor. She must have held onto that picture the entire night as she slept. She put the picture back into her saddle bag and began to quickly get dressed. She didn't have time to go down and get something to eat, so she simply grabbed a protein bar and gnawed on that. She brushed her teeth and put on her uniform as quickly as possible. She grabbed her saddle bags and strapped them onto her back. She quickly made it out the door.

Outside the hotel, her carriage was waiting. She hopped into the seat and she made it to the train.

Once on board, she quietly took a seat next to the window without saying anything to her team mates. She sat there and stared out the window as if she was in a deep trance. By now, all of her team mates knew not to bother her.

As the train began to pull away from the station, she let out a depressing sigh and began to fall asleep. Sleep was something that she did often and used it as an escape from her painful reality. That sleep was short lived when the conductor announced that they had arrived at their destination.

Rainbow's mind was foggy and she couldn't think straight.

Her performance at the show was almost a disaster. She was lagging behind her team mates, she made numerous mistakes, and she failed to perform the grand finale. Thankfully, this was her last show in this city.

She soon found herself back on the train headed back to the Wonderbolts headquarters. She kept looking at the picture of her five friends together. She missed them dearly. She was thinking about quitting the Wonderbolt's and moving back to Ponyville for good.

A still voice inside her was telling her that if she were to quit the Wonderbolt's, that she'd be a failure in life. She wished that she could have been a Wonderbolt for a few more years, but the more she thought about that goal, the more it seemed like it wasn't going to happen. After all, she already put her team mates lives at risk several times by screwing up the performance. Rainbow Dash slammed her hoof down. It was right there that she made up her mind. She was going to see Spitfire and tell her that she's done with being a Wonderbolt.

When she arrived at her destination, she gathered whatever strength she had and flew up to the Wonderbolt's recruiting center. She figured that Spitfire would be in her office at this hour. As she walked down the halls, she glanced at all of the gleaming trophies and awards on display. When she got to Spitfire's office, she stared at the door for a moment and took in a deep breath. Rainbow Dash put her front hoof close to the door and paused for a moment before knocking on it several times.

"Come in," the voice said.

Rainbow Dash slowly opened the door and walked inside. This wasn't going to be comfortable for her and she was afraid of how Spitfire may react to what she was about to tell her.

Spitfire was busy going through some papers. She looked up and said, "Well, well, well, if it isn't our rookie Wonderbolt member, Rainbow Dash. How are you doing?"

Rainbow Dash lowered her head and said, "Not well. I'm kind of having a lot of personal issues, and I just can't perform well with the team anymore." Rainbow Dash put her head down and lowered her ears. "I need to quit."

Spitfire lowered her sunglasses and cocked an eye brow. "Are you kidding me, Rainbow? You have only been on this team for three years and you're backing out already? The least we expect out of our team members is five years, unless of course you have some serious injuries. We've spent a lot of resources into training and conditioning you."

Rainbow couldn't look up at her. She closed her eyes and said, "I'm sorry Ma'm, but I can't go on anymore. If I were to stay, then I'd be risking the lives of my fellow team mates. I need to back out. It's for the best, I assure you."

Spitfire was still surprised. "If you need to go, then go, but I'm extremely disappointed in you. I was expecting a lot more out of you than this. You can stop by next week and pick up your last pay check. Now you may leave my office. I am very busy here."

Rainbow Dash left and closed the door behind her. She looked up at the ceiling and took a deep breath. She felt as if a huge burden was lifted off her shoulders. It was difficult to do, but she knew it was the right decision. She made enough bad decisions in her life. It was time to start over again.

Rainbow quickly left the building and headed her way toward home. She needed some joy back in her life and was going to stop by Twilight's library, but instead, she decided to go straight home. If there was one thing she desired most right now, it was to sleep. Rainbow Dash got home and went right to bed. Tomorrow would be another day.

Rainbow Dash's Wish

Rainbow woke up very late the next day. It felt good to be able to get as much sleep as her body desired. She went back to her old morning routine before she became a Wonderbolt. It felt great to be back in her home again, but she had some catching up to do with her friends.

Rainbow rushed out and headed over to Twilight's house. She opened the door and found all her friends chatting around the table and having tea. Rainbow closed the door and the sound of it closing made everyone look. They were all stunned when they saw her.

Pinkie Pie was the first one to move. "Dashie!" she cried out. She raced over to her and threw her front legs around Rainbow Dash. She began talking as fast as she possibly could, "Oh Dashie, how I missed you so much! How is our favorite Wonderbolt? Did you make lots of friends? Huh? Huh? Huh?"

Rainbow's eyes slightly bulged out of her head from the tight hug. "Pinkie.....let go...I can't breathe," Rainbow managed to say.

Pinkie Pie squeezed her for a few more seconds and then let go.

Rainbow caught her breath and said, "Pinkie, you have some death grip of a hug there."

Pinkie Pie giggled madly and bounced away.

All of her other friends came over and group-hugged her.

Pinkie Pie came back over and stuffed a cupcake in Rainbow Dash's mouth and joined the group hug. Rainbow Dash swallowed the cupcake and smiled one great big smile. She hadn't felt loved by her friends like this in a very long time.

Her friends broke away from the hug and sat all around her. "What's it like being a Wonderbolt?" Twilight asked.

Rainbow's smile faded and she sighed. "I'm not a Wonderbolt anymore," she confessed.

All of her friends were surprised.

"But Rainbow Dash, what happened? Did you get injured?" Rarity asked.

"No," she replied. "I just quit." All of her friends gasped.

"How could ya just quit, R.D? This was yer ultimate passion in life! I thought this was yer dream?" Applejack said.

Rainbow looked down at the floor. "I was going through a lot of emotional problems and it was just too physically and mentally draining on my health. I realized that I wasn't performing well anymore and I was putting myself and the lives of my other team mates at risk. I also realized how much I missed you all and I needed to come back to Ponyville. This is where I belong. I need to stay here. I had no friends there and I felt isolated and lonely, no matter how many ponies surrounded me. I didn't realize that being a Wonderbolt was going to be this hard. I let my ego get in the way of things yet again. I'm also really sorry that I never wrote back to you all. I was having a lot of personal issues and I stopped reading my mail. I hope you girls aren't mad at me."

All the other girls confessed that they weren't mad, but they did miss her terribly.

Rainbow sighed a breath of relief and smiled. "Thanks girls. You really are the best friends I could ever ask for." Rainbow's smile quickly turned to a frown and she sat there without saying anything else.

Applejack was the first one to notice that Rainbow Dash still didn't look right. It was almost as if she weren't telling them something. Applejack walked over and put her hoof on her shoulder. "Say sugar cube, is there somethin' else wrong with ya? Ya look like yer gonna cry or somethin'. Wanna tell me what's goin' on? Don't be shy now."

Rainbow couldn't hold it back any longer. Especially after learning that every single one of her friends was still happily sharing life with their own some pony special. She sighed to herself and decided to let it all out. "I'm lonely and I have been wanting to find a new special some pony. I had a one before, but I screwed up badly.

Pinkie Pie got excited and began bouncing up and down. "Rainbow Dash you had a some pony special and you never told us?"

Rainbow lowered her head and confessed, "Yes Pinkie, I actually had a few of them while I was away. I'm sorry I never told you girls this. I was just too embarrassed and didn't know what you all would think of me. I kind have been wanting to settle down in my life now and start over again. I just wish I hadn't made so many mistakes. I was afraid of love and commitment."

"Aw shucks sugar cube, aint a one of us are gonna judge ya. Ya know yer a very special friend of ours, R.D. Ya could have told us before. Besides, there are plenty of other good stallions out there."

Rainbow Dash desperately tried to suppress her feelings, but she couldn't hold them back any longer. She turned her back to her friends and covered her eyes with her hooves. She broke down crying in front of them. All of her friends looked at each other in surprise. They had seen Rainbow get teary before, but to break down and cry was something that had never seen before.

Applejack put her front leg around her and said, "Aw... There, there, sugar cube. It's ok to cry. Don't be ashamed. We're all here for ya. Tell us what happened with you and yer some pony special. He didn't hurt ya did he?'

Rainbow Dash sat there for a while struggling to contain her sobbing. She spoke to them in a quivering voice. "No. He didn't hurt me. He was the most wonderful stallion I had ever met and I screwed up the realtionship badly. I could have had something wonderful, but instead I gave him up." Rainbow Dash began to sob again.

Fluttershy came over with a box of tissues for her. She nuzzled it over to Dash and said, "It's ok, Rainbow. Why don't you tell us about him and what happened?"

Rainbow took a few minutes to regain control of her emotions, but eventually she talked to them. She told them about how he first asked her to be his some pony special and all the things he did for her. As she was talking about him, everyone heard a loud and dramatic sigh.

Rarity had used her magic and brought out the red fainting couch. She fell onto it and put her hoof to her forehead. "Oh, I just never knew those kinds of stallions really existed! I wish my special some pony would take some notes from this," Rarity said in a dramatic voice. The room went silent and everyone looked at her. Rarity's cheeks turned red and she said, "So sorry. Do continue dear."

Rainbow went back to telling them about her experience as a Wonderbolt and how it made her life so miserable to the point where she cut off contact with every pony that she knew. She explained to them how much she missed her former lover and how she tried to date other stallion's again and again to fill up the empty feelings inside of her, but it only led to more tears and frustration.

When she finished her story, all of her friends looked at her with sad and understanding eyes.

Applejack spoke once again to her, "R.D., I'm sorry ya went through so much. If there's anythin' yer heart desires at this moment, what would it be?"

Rainbow didn't have to think about what that wish would be. She told them that she desired to see Soarin' once more, but she was too afraid to go and try to visit him and the chances of him wanting her back again were unrealistic. After all, it had been years since she saw him. They all continued to stay and chat with Rainbow. They spent the whole day with her until night settled and every pony had to go home.

Rainbow was about to leave herself, but Twilight insisted that she sleep over for a while and that Spike and she could take care of her for some time.

Rainbow gladly accepted the offer. She needed the company and her friends nearby. Once Rainbow went upstairs to sleep, Twilight and the rest of her friends gathered and discussed what they could do to make her wish come true.

Soarin's Big Decision

Spike gently shook Rainbow Dash. "Wake up Rainbow, wake up. We have a special surprise for you."

Rainbow turned to the other side of the bed and groaned. "This early?"

Spike grabbed the blankets and pulled them off of her. "Come on downstairs, there's some pony here to see you. I've got to go out and get some quills for Twilight and do some other errands so I'll be back later."

Rainbow Dash sat up and rubbed her eyes. She hopped out of bed and started to walk down the stairs. There stood all five of her friends and Soarin'. She stood there speechless.

Twilight Sparkle stepped forward and said, "What's the matter, Rainbow? We got Soarin' to come here just for you."

Rainbow stuttered a bit. "Thanks. I-I-I just didn't expect you girls to really do that." Rainbow walked slowly and looked at all of her friends with a worried look on her face. "Do you think maybe you can give me and Soarin' some privacy?"

All of her friends went outside without saying a word. Rainbow watched them all walk out the door and then looked back at Soarin'. "So what brings you here?" she asked in a nervous tone.

"Your friends sent me letters in the mail saying that you haven't been feeling well and that you wished for me to come visit you," he replied.

Rainbow Dash looked at the ground and sighed. "Hey, I'm really sorry I dragged you all the way out here. Yea, it's true. I did tell my friends that I wished to see you, but I was too afraid to contact you myself. I'm really sorry for bothering you."

"Nonsense Dash," the stallion said. "I'm more than happy to come visit a friend who is so important to me."

Rainbow nervously dragged her hoof across the floor and said, "I don't suppose you still happen to be single, right?"

Soarin' shook his head no and said, "Sorry, Dash. I'm already with another mare."

Rainbow squinted her eyes shut and muttered something under her breath. "Sorry I asked," she said. "I should have known better."

"It's ok," he said. "I tried to wait a while for you, hoping that you might write back to me, but I eventually got too discouraged and well, I'm not really a stallion of much patience. I'm sorry I didn't wait for you."

Rainbow perked back up with a confused look on her face and said, "Wait, you're sorry? I was the one who told you to leave me alone and find a new some pony special. You did what I asked you to do. How can you be sorry?"

Soarin' sighed and said, "I knew that deep down inside, I wouldn't want to spend my time with another mare other than you, but my friends and family pressured me to see some pony else and I lost faith in what I believed in. I believed that if I gave it enough time, you would perhaps try to talk to me again, but I got discouraged and I lost faith in that. I was depressed and totally lonely. I knew I should have waited a while longer for you."

Rainbow looked even more disappointed and said, "Oh, well I can't really fault you for that. I guess you must be happy with your new mare friend?"

"Well, we were discussing about getting engaged," he said.

Rainbow lowered her ears even more and replied with an unenthusiastic voice, "That's wonderful. I'm happy for the both of you, really. I guess I shouldn't be bothering you anymore. You should go now. I'm sure your special some pony wouldn't want you spending time with your ex."

There was a long awkward silence in the room as both ponies stared at the floor for a long time.

Finally Soarin' spoke up. "Hey Dash?"

Rainbow sniffled a bit and said, "Yea?"

Soarin' let out a deep sigh and said, "What if I told you that you could have me back?"

Rainbow looked up at him with a horrified look on her face and said, "What do you mean have you back!? You're talking about getting engaged to another mare?"

Soarin' looked into her eyes and asked, "But what if you could have me back, would you do it?"

Rainbow didn't have to think about that answer, she stared back into his eyes and said, "In a heartbeat Soarin, in a heartbeat, but I still don't understand what you're talking about."

"Let me explain," he said. "I'm not exactly thrilled in my relationship. It all really happened because of pressure from my friends and family. I felt forced into this whole thing, but I guess at the time, it was better than nothing.....until I got to hear from you again, and now that I know how you feel about me, I'm more than willing to take you back."

Rainbow was stunned at his confession. Her mind began racing with all kinds of questions. "But how will you know that I won't go crazy again and do something stupid?" she asked. "How can you be willing to risk such a thing?"

"I'm a stallion of many risks in life," he said. "And to me, you are worth more than any risk. Why would I settle for second best when the best is standing right in front of me now? Of course I'd be devastated if you left me again, but I understand, that at the time, you were going through so much pressure and your mind wasn't right. I understand what it's like being a Wonderbolt when you're new to it. It's very stressful and I have done and said some pretty stupid things myself."

Rainbow stood still in shock. Suddenly, her lower lip began to quiver and tears started to form in her eyes. "You'd risk everything for me just like that?" she asked.

The stallion nodded his head yes and said, "In a heartbeat, Dash, in a heartbeat." Soarin' got low and opened his front legs. "Come here Dash. Come here sweetie."

Rainbow ran over to him and threw her front legs around him almost knocking him over. They embraced each other tightly. Rainbow shut her eyes and began to sob.

Soarin' felt the tears run down his shoulder. "What's the matter Dash? Why are you crying?" he asked.

Rainbow had difficulty speaking. "I just don't understand," she said. "I don't understand how you can do this for me. I have so many issues in my life and yet you're still willing to take me back. It just doesn’t make sense to me."

Soarin' hushed her and said, "Don't worry about it, Dash. You don't have to understand it now. All that matters is that we are back together again. As for your issues you're struggling with, we’ll work through them together. I'm not going to give up on you. I’ve got you, Dash. I’ve got you, and I won't let you go." Soarin' rubbed her back slowly to help calm her down. When she was able to control her crying, he slowly let go of her, put his hooves to her face and said, "Everything's going to be fine Dash. Don't worry about anything. You are so precious and beautiful to me."

Rainbow Dash wiped the tears from her eyes and smiled. "Thank you, Soarin'. Thank you," she said.

Soarin' smiled at her. "Alright," he said. "I've got some things to take care of. Why don't you wait here for a few hours with your friends so I can tell my mare friend what's going on. I'll be back for you." Soarin' bent low and kissed the top of her colorful mane before he left.

Rainbow's friends were still waiting patiently outside. When they saw Soarin' leave, they instantly rushed into the library to see Rainbow. Rainbow was waiting patiently by the window waiting for Soarin' to return while she talked to her friends about what happened.

Hours went by and Soarin' did return. Rainbow rushed over to him. "How did it go?" she asked. "Did she take everything ok?"

Soarin' shook his head no and said, "It wasn't exactly easy for her, but she did understand and wished me all the best. The deed is now done though and it's time for both of us to move on."

Rainbow looked away and said, "I'm sorry it wasn't easy for her. I feel badly that this happened, all because of me."

"It's ok Dash," Soarin' said. "It's not your fault and the decision was mine to make. She said she'd rather see me happy than to be in a relationship that wouldn't have turned out to be so good. She understands and is ready to move on."

Rainbow Dash began to stutter, "S-s-so does this mean that's it? It's official now? We're back together again?"

Soarin' nodded his head yes and said, "I'm all yours, Dash. I'm all yours now."

Rainbow ran over to him and hugged him with a great big smile on her face. He was smiling as well. Her friends began stomping their hooves on the ground in celebration.

Suddenly, Applejack looked around and said, "Say, any of ya folks know where Pinkie Pie is?"

Rainbow Dash let go of Soarin' and said, "Uh oh, I hope she didn't leave to get the..."

Rainbow was cut off when suddenly Pinkie Pie burst through the door with her party cannon and fired it at Soarin' and Rainbow Dash. The blast of confetti nearly knocked them over. Pinkie Pie ran over to them and wrapped her front legs around them both and drew them near to her. She began talking as fast as she possibly could. "Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry I was late. I was hoping you two would be back together by the time I got back. Oh! I'm so excited and happy for you both and now it's the perfect time for a party!" Pinkie Pie took out a party horn and blew it loudly. She began giggling madly and bouncing all around the two ponies still dazed from the blast of the party cannon. Pinkie Pie suddenly stopped behind Rainbow and shoved her closer to Soarin'. "Come on Dashie! Don't just stand there you silly filly! Kiss your some pony special! Do it! Do it! Do it!"

Rainbow Dash's face turned bright red. She looked back up at Soarin' and said, "I'm really sorry about Pinkie Pie, she tends to be a little too much sometimes."

Soarin' just smiled.

Rainbow looked back over to her friends.

"Come on Rainbow, I know that sometimes Pinkie can be a few apples short of a bushel, but I'm with her on this one. Pucker up sugar cube!" Applejack said. The rest of Rainbow's friends started agreeing with Applejack.

Rainbow looked back over to Soarin' and then back to her friends. "Really girls? In front of you all?" Rainbow Dash nervously asked. All of her friends started stomping their hooves in approval. Rainbow looked back up at Soarin' for a moment and then lunged at him with a kiss. Everyone in the room started cheering for them.

A New Life Together

Rainbow Dash and Soarin' spent as much time as they could together. As the months went by they drew closer and closer together. They would often walk down that trail in the woods where Soarin' first asked Rainbow to be his some pony special. They would also sit down together on a cloud and watch the waterfall nearby.

One day, while they were watching the waterfall together, Soarin' couldn't help but notice that Rainbow Dash didn't look right and that she wasn't her usual self. As Soarin' held her in his hooves, he put his head near hers and asked, "Is there something on your mind that's troubling you, Dash? You don't look so good today."

Rainbow Dash bit her lower lip and said, "Yes, there is. I have a wish, but I'm too afraid to tell you right now and I don't know what you'll think of me."

Soarin' rocked her gently and said, "Dash, there's nothing to be afraid of. You can tell me anything, sweetie."

Rainbow Dash turned around and stared into his eyes. "Promise you won't get upset with me?"

"I promise," the stallion said.

Rainbow Dash sighed and said, "Lately I have been having these feelings of wanting something more in life and I have been struggling with this idea for a while, but I'm kind of afraid of it and..."

Soarin' suddenly cut her off and said, "Just tell me what you want, Dash."

Rainbow picked her head up and looked at Soarin' and said, "I think I want to become a mommy."

Soarin' warmly smiled at her and said, "Dash, that's a wonderful wish, and I think you'd be a wonderful mother."

Rainbow perked up and said, "Really? You really mean that? I was so worried what you'd think."

"Of course I mean that Dash, it's also completely normal to have those feelings," Soarin' said.

Rainbow got a little nervous again and said, "But how do you feel? Would you want to become a father?"

"I think I would, Rainbow, and if that's what you really desire, then I think we can both make that happen, but first..." The stallion reached behind his back and held out a small box in front of her. "Will you marry me?"

Rainbow sat there speechless it took her a few moments to react. She lunged at him with a kiss knocking him to the ground. Rainbow broke free and said, "Yes! I will marry you!" She quickly bent down and kissed him once more. Soarin' and Rainbow got off from the ground and stared into each other's eyes. Rainbow let out a giggle and said, "I guess we have some planning to do. I can't wait to tell my friends."

When the time came, Rainbow Dash and Soarin' got married. All of her friends helped with the wedding in some way. It was a very emotional wedding for Rainbow's friends as they watched them get married.

Soarin' decided to move into Rainbow's home so that she could stay close with her friends.

After their wedding, Soarin' and Rainbow Dash sat down together and decided to write a letter to the Princess.

Rainbow Dash began writing. Dear Princess Celestia, sometimes you don't realize how good you have things until you lose something very special. I learned that not everything in life is what it seems and sometimes there are more important things other than chasing your dreams. I also learned that it's not healthy to suppress your feelings or to isolate yourself from others, no matter how badly you feel. Tonight, I just got married to the most wonderful stallion named Soarin'. Having some pony who will love you even through your faults is really amazing to me.

Hello Princess Celestia, This is Soarin'. I think I'll be writing letters to you along with Rainbow since we are a couple now. I've learned that if you truly love some pony, then sometimes you have to let them go, no matter how much it hurts you. I have known Rainbow for a long time and she's gone through some very difficult challenges. I'm proud that she has learned so much and has become stronger by pulling through the rough times. I've learned that you have to be patient with others and that love will always find a way, even though it may take a while. If there is one thing I do know, it's that you can't go wrong marrying the pony who represents the element of loyalty. Yours truly, Rainbow Dash and Soarin'.

The Big Announcement and a Hopeful Future

About a year later, Rainbow Dash and Soarin' continued to strive to keep their married life the best it could possibly be. They had their arguments and relationship issues, but they always patiently worked through each problem together. Rainbow Dash also made sure to spend time with her friends and keep them close.

One day, she invited all of her friends out to a fancy restaurant to make a special announcement. For fun, every pony brought their some pony special with them. When they arrived at the restaurant, they decided to split into groups. The stallions went to one table, and the mares to another. Rainbow sat down with her friends and went through the menu.

When the waiter came, he took all of their orders and he quickly returned with their appetizers. The waiter put their salads and drinks down on the table and walked away.

They all began enjoying their salads and drinks, until Applejack got curious and asked a question. "Hey R.D., now that ya married and everythin', wanna tell me how the love life is?"

Horrified at such a question, Rarity suddenly started choking on her drink. She managed to recover and said, "Applejack! How on earth could you ask such an inappropriate question like that? That's a private matter between the two of them. A true lady would never ask such a thing!"

Pinkie Pie started giggling madly.

Fluttershy nervously hid behind a veil of her own mane and said, "Um. I'm sorry, what was the question again?"

Twilight Sparkle looked away from them all and face hoofed. "This is going to get awkward," she said.

Rainbow Dash giggled a bit and said, "Well, he needs to learn that not everything in life is a race. I keep telling him that it's actually better in this case to finish in second place, but he never seems to do it. I guess after being a Wonderbolt for so long, he's kind of got the mentality that he has to finish first, no matter what!"

Applejack turned her head away and drew her hoof across the table. "Aww shucks, sugar cube. Ya can't fault him for that! I reckon he can't control that. That's just the way his body is."

Rainbow Dash giggled again and said, "Oh, I know A.J. I just tease him about it sometimes. Besides, later on, I usually make him do another round or two with me until I get to win first for once. I kind of have to tire him out first. Sometimes we like to play a little rough before we get into the action, nothing painful, just something to wake each other up. I also kind of like to control the action from above if you know what I mean." Rainbow gave a playful wink at her friend and continued, "But in all seriousness, he's a wonderful mate. He always makes sure that I'm completely satisfied before we stop."

Applejack grinned and said, "Aww, what a good partner ya have there. I hope when I get married someday I can start explorin' things too. I'm so happy for ya. Put it there, sister." Applejack and Rainbow Dash banged their hoofs together.

They both looked back at their friends. Rarity had fallen over and fainted. She had her hoof to her forehead.

Pinkie Pie was still giggling madly.

Fluttershy was hiding even more now behind her long pink mane, her face as bright red as a tomato, and Twilight was staring at the ground and shaking her head slowly in disbelief.

"Aww, come on now. Ain't nothin' wrong with a lil' grown up talk once in a while. We're all big girls now. Ain't that right, Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy slid her body down into the chair. Her face was still bright red and her two eyes were peeking just above the table. She tried to speak but all that was heard was a tiny squeak.

Twilight gave her friends an awkward smile and said, "How about we discuss something that won't make Rarity faint?" Twilight shook Rarity and woke her up.

They went back to eating and talking about their special some ponies.

After they had dinner and dessert came, Rainbow looked over several tables to check on Soarin'. "I can't believe it," Rainbow Dash said. "I already baked him an apple pie earlier today and look at him going to town on another pie. I bet it's an apple pie too. If he keeps that up, he's going to start losing races against me. I can't believe how much he eats!"

Applejack chuckled and said, "Well, as they say, Rainbow, the only way to a stallion’s heart is through his stomach."

Rainbow rolled her eyes and said, "Tell me about it."

A few moments later, they heard a clapping of hooves and saw their stallions clapping for Soarin'.

"Oh, I guess I better let you girls know too," Rainbow said. "The news that I wanted to tell you is that....." There was total silence as Rainbow paused for a moment and watched her friend’s faces. "I'm pregnant!"

Before Rainbow could even blink her eyes, Pinkie Pie jumped across the table and locked Rainbow Dash into a hug. "Oh! I'm so happy for you! This is so exciting. Oh! Oh! Is it going to be a colt or a filly? Do you need a foalsitter? I'd love to foalsit your foal! Can I also.."

Applejack stuffed a big apple into Pinkie Pie's mouth and said "Easy there, Pinkie Pie." Applejack turned around and tipped her hat to all the ponies staring at their table. "Er. Sorry for all the commotion folks. Just havin' a lil' excessive celebration here."

All the ponies around them went back to eating.

Rainbow's friends smiled and started softly tapping their hooves on the table in celebration.

"Pinkie Pie, you can let go of me now....please," Rainbow Dash begged.

"Okie dokie lokie," Pinkie Pie said, as she hopped back to her seat.

"My goodness! No need to make the foal come out early, Pinkie," said Rainbow Dash.

Pinkie started giggling madly.

All of the girls laughed with her.

In due time, Rainbow Dash gave birth to both a colt and a filly. All of the rest of her friends ended up getting married and having foals too. They would all teach their foals what they had learned about the magic of friendship and hoped that they would carry on their legacy when it was time for them to pass on.

The end.

A Mysterious Rose for Rainbow

Rainbow Dash awoke in her bed and stretched her limbs. With a deep yawn, she got out of bed and looked at her calendar hanging on the wall. "Just a few more months," she thought to herself. "A few more months until the big race."

Rainbow's mind flashed back to when she was much younger, competing in the best young fliers competition. She remembered the anxiety that plagued her and how terrified she was to go out and perform. She also remembered years ago when she had to race against Lightning Dust to determine who would be the next Wonderbolt. Sadly, she was humiliated in that race and had to wait a few more years until she could try to compete again. The Wonderbolts only accepted the best of the best and being in second place was considered failure. She wasn't the kind of pony who accepted failure very easily. In her mind, it would be different this time. She had changed her diet completely and trained harder than ever. She was still young, but she knew time would be running out soon if she didn't get into the Wonderbolts. This was going to be her last attempt. She had to make it in. She just had to. She had performed in front of the Wonderbolts numerous times already and hoped that this final race that determines who gets to be the next Wonderbolt, wouldn't cause her to be a complete nervous wreck again.

She went off to the kitchen and devoured a big bowl of hay and oats. She went about the rest of her morning routine and decided that another walk out in the woods would be a good idea. Fluttershy had suggested that she go out for a walk along a peaceful trail to help get her mind off of things.

She opened the door and spread her wings out for takeoff when suddenly she spotted something red on her front step. Upon closer inspection she realized that it was a rose. "That was odd," She thought to herself. "Some pony must have delivered it to the wrong address." Rainbow Dash shrugged. She picked up the rose and put it on her table in the living room. She looked at it for a moment. No pony had ever given her flowers before and at that moment she wished that some pony would. She studied it for a while, taking in its beauty before turning around to leave.

She took off from her door step and flew down towards Ponyville, but before going to her usual walking spot, she decided to take a slight detour and stop by Twilight's library to see what she was up to and to perhaps tell her about the strange incident about the rose on her door step.

Rainbow touched ground and opened the door to Twilight's library. She was shocked to see that all five of her closest friends were gathered around a table having some tea.

Rarity noticed Rainbow standing in the door way and waved a hoof for her to come over and have a seat.

Rainbow trotted over and sat down with the girls. They all smiled at her and welcomed her.

Rarity used her magic and poured Rainbow a cup of tea. She levitated it over to her.

Rainbow looked surprised and said, "Oh, thanks for the tea, but I'm really not here to stay and chat."

Twilight cocked an eyebrow and said, "But wait, I thought we had this all planned out?"

Rainbow looked as if some pony just smacked her across the face. "Wait, what?" Rainbow asked.

Twilight continued, "The date is today, Rainbow! Don't you remember the letter the Princess sent us?"

Rainbow's mouth hung open like she wanted to say something, but nothing came to her mind. She sat there completely confused.

Twilight put her hoof to her forehead. ”The challenge Princess Celestia sent to us last month. The date is today."

Rainbow's mind couldn't process anything. How in Equestria could she not remember a special challenge for her sent by the Princess?

Twilight sighed. "Don't you remember when I read the letter to you last month? Princess Celestia challenged all of us, this Hearts and Hooves Day, to find a some pony special to go on a date with. Princess Celestia said that it would be a fun and healthy experience for us. Did you find anyone?"

Finally it hit Rainbow Dash and she remembered. Rainbow threw herself to the ground laughing. "Oh that silly thing!" she said. "Twi, you must have forgotten that I have a serious competition coming up in the next couple of months and I don't have time to fool around. I have a lot of practicing to do, and besides, I'm waaaay to cool to date any pony."

"But Rainboooooow," Twilight said in a slightly whiny voice. "This isn't a serious date. This is something just for fun. To meet new stallions and see if anything happens from there. It's going to be a great social experience for us."

Rainbow flapped her wings in defiance and hovered in the air. She put her front legs on her hips and said, "Wait a minute. So you're telling me that ALL of you have a special some pony to date tonight? I can't believe that! Who are your dates? Oh, don't tell me! I can't even imagine how badly this is going to turn out!" Rainbow pointed her hoof in an accusing manner at Fluttershy. "Imagine Fluttershy on a date! She's so shy and quite! How is she going to get the courage to talk to a stallion on a date!? Her date would probably get the same amount of conversation out of talking to a wall. Oh, and Applejack! Why is she even bothering dating some pony when she spends the whole day working on the farm? She has no time for that. What about you, Twi? Are you going to take your date back here and start lecturing him in mathematics and Equestrian history? I bet you'll bore him to death. Oh, I can only imagine Rarity ending up with another date like Prince Blueblood. Do you girls remember that? It was hilarious." Rainbow looked over to Pinkie Pie and scratched the back of her mane with her hoof. "And Pinkie! Well, Pinkie is just in a class of her own." Rainbow looked at all her friend’s faces. They didn't look too happy.

Twilight shook her head and said, "Rainbow, I've already told you, this isn't a serious thing. It's just for fun. No pony is getting married over night you know. Why don't you just come early with us and we can help you find a some pony special to hook you up with."

Rainbow crossed her front legs and turned her head upwards away from them. "No," She said.

"Awww come on Rainbow. Please?" Twilight asked.

"No," Rainbow replied.

Twilight bounced up and down on her hooves. "Pretty, pretty pleaaaseee."

Rainbow's ears lowered and she looked at her friend and yelled "NO! I'm not dating any pony! This is all such a silly idea. I'm out of here! See ya!"

Rainbow turned to run outside, but Applejack reached out and grabbed her tail with her mouth. "Hold on a second there partner. If ya didn't come here fer the special date tonight, then what did ya show up here fer?"

Rainbow Dash scratched her mane and spoke, "I uh, just wanted to see what you girls were up to and..."

"And?" the rest of her friends all said at the same time.

Rainbow let out a depressing sigh and said, "Some pony left me a rose on my front step this morning. It was probably a mistake and delivered to the wrong house, but I wanted to know if you girls knew anything about it."

Suddenly Rainbow found herself being circled by Pinkie Pie. She hopped around Rainbow Dash chanting, "Ohhhh! Rainbow Dash has a some pony special. Rainbow Dash has a some pony special."

Rainbow swatted at the pink pony and said, "Hey, cut it out! I do not!"

The rest of the girls were giggling. "Sorry Rainbow, but we don't know anything about it. Perhaps you have a secret admirer," Twilight suggested.

Rainbow rolled her eyes and said, "Yeah, sure Twi. You just tell yourself that. Listen, I'm going for a walk to clear my mind. You all have fun on your dates tonight. See ya!" Rainbow left the library and made her way to the trails in the woods.