The New Princess

Chapter 22: SURPRISE!!!!

Soarin's POV

I strode down the palace corridor, gathering my thoughts as I made my way to my parents' bedroom. As I knocked lightly on the door, my mother's warm voice called me in.

"Mom, Dad" I began, giving a respectful nod to each of them. "I wanted to ask if it would be alright for some of Rainbow's friends to visit Enchancia. She's been adjusting well, but I think having her friends around would help her feel more at home."

Dad raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "How many friends are we speaking of, Soarin?"

"Six, from her hometown, plus four from her team, called the Wonderbolts" I replied with a hopeful smile. "They'd only stay two weeks, leave and return back a few days before the coronation."

Queen Iduna exchanged a look with his father, then nodded. "I think that can be arranged. It's a thoughtful idea, Soarin."

Relieved, I grinned while hugging them. "Thank you, mom and dad." 

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No one's POV

Excitement buzzed through Rainbow as she and Soarin made their way through the forest. She could hardly keep still, her eyes shining with anticipation.

"So, ready to see everyone again?" Soarin asked, glancing over with a smile as they neared a familiar clearing.

"More than ready!" Rainbow grinned, practically bouncing on her heels.

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With a small movement of his hand, Soarin summoned a swirling portal that shimmered with an inviting, misty glow. Rainbow felt a rush of thrill mixed with warmth as they stepped through together, emerging on the other side—right above the Wonderbolts' training grounds, floating in the clouds.

The Wonderbolts paused mid-drill, eyes widening as they took in the sight of their long-lost teammate. Spitfire was the first to break the silence, her stern demeanor giving way to a wide grin. "Well, look who decided to drop in!"

A joyful roar erupted, Soarin and Rainbow was soon enveloped in greetings and hugs from all sides. Laughter and chatter filled the air as her teammates took turns wrapping her in strong, familiar hugs. Surprise darted forward, barely containing herself. "We have to throw a 'Soarin and Rainbow's Back' party! I'll get the streamers!"

"Hold up!" Rainbow laughed, sharing a quick look with Soarin. "We've got something else in mind. Spitfire, Fleetfoot, Surprise, Misty Fly—you're all invited to Enchancia for two whole weeks!"

As a chorus of gasps and excited murmurs broke out, Soarin added, "But first, we've got one more stop to make."

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As the Wonderbolts landed outside Twilight's castle, the moment felt electric with anticipation. Rainbow Dash could hardly contain her excitement as her friends rushed toward her, their faces lighting up with disbelief and joy.

"Rainbow! You're back!" Pinkie Pie squealed, leaping into the air and tackling her in a hug.

Rainbow laughed, returning the embrace. "I missed you, Pinkie! You won't believe the things I've seen!"

Fluttershy stepped forward, her eyes wide with happiness. "You're okay? We were so worried! We thought you were gone for good!"

"I'm fine, really! It's been amazing," Rainbow assured her, though her thoughts drifted back to Soarin. He'd been the one to help her navigate this whole experience, and she felt grateful for his support. He stood slightly behind her, watching the joyful reunion with a soft smile.

Rarity waved a hoof dramatically. "Darling, I simply cannot wait to hear all about your royal escapades! Do tell us about the gowns! And the food! Oh, the food must be delightful!"

Rainbow chuckled, "The dresses are incredible, Rarity! You'd love them. But the food? Nothing beats your cupcakes Pinkie!"

"Speaking of which, I hope you brought us some treats from Enchancia!" Applejack added, crossing her hooves. "Or at least tell me they've got something better than Granny's apple pie."

Rainbow smirked, shaking her head. "No promises, but I'll make sure to bring you something special."

Twilight stepped forward, her expression a mix of excitement and curiosity. "So, what's this about Enchancia? You're really taking us there?"

"Yep!" Rainbow replied, her wings fluttering with enthusiasm. "Soarin surprised me with the idea. He thought you all might want to see this amazing place I've been staying."

"Surprised you?" Twilight raised an eyebrow playfully, glancing at Soarin. "Are you sure that's all he did?"

Rainbow felt a blush creeping to her cheeks, recalling the way Soarin had encouraged her to write to her friends and how sweet he'd been throughout her time in Enchancia. "Alright, maybe he was a bit more than just surprising. He's been really great to me."

"Yeah, I noticed," Rarity chimed in with a teasing smirk. "It's always the quiet ones, isn't it? Soarin, I'm sure you've been very helpful."

Soarin chuckled, his cheeks slightly flushed as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Just trying to make sure Rainbow has a good time."

"More like you made it possible!" Rainbow interjected, her heart swelling with gratitude for him. "I don't think I'd have gotten to see all this without you, Soarin. You really made this happen for me."

"Of course! I wanted you to enjoy it," he replied, meeting her gaze with a warm smile. The sincerity in his voice made her feel a little flutter in her chest.

"Alright, enough mushy stuff!" Pinkie piped up, bouncing in place. "When do we leave? I want to throw Rainbow a 'Welcome Back to Equestria' party! And I bet Enchancia will be perfect for a party!"

"Not just yet!" Twilight interrupted, her mind already racing with plans. "First, we need to gather supplies and make sure everyone's ready. And of course, we have to tell the others!"

"Others?" Rainbow asked, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Who else are we telling?"

"Everypony!" Twilight exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. "I know some ponies who would love to hear about your adventures. We could have a huge gathering to celebrate!"

"Like a 'Dash and Soarin Save the Day' party?" Applejack suggested, smirking.

"Exactly!" Twilight said, clapping her hooves together. "We'll need decorations, a cake, and—"

"Cupcakes!" Pinkie interrupted, already bouncing back toward the kitchen.

Rainbow couldn't help but laugh at the whirlwind of her friends' excitement. She glanced at Soarin, who seemed amused by the chaos unfolding. "Looks like we've got a lot to do," she said, her smile brightening.

"Looks like it," he agreed, stepping a little closer. "But we can do it together."

"Together," she echoed, feeling a surge of happiness. The warmth of her friends around her and the thought of returning to Enchancia made her heart swell. She was excited for the adventure ahead and grateful to have such supportive ponies—especially Soarin—by her side.

"Alright, gang! Let's get ready for this adventure!" Rainbow declared, her wings spreading wide as she took charge. "We're going to make this the best trip ever!"