//------------------------------//
// One Last Pep Talk 
// Story: Ex-Bolts Rising 
// by Melody Song 
//------------------------------//

Spitfire paced around in front of her team. Who might not be her team for much longer. They had been training for three solid weeks, and were ready for the big race. 

News of their competition with the Shadowbolts had spread fast, ponies all over Equestria knew of the race, and the towns that they would pass over were getting ready to watch for the pegasi. They would make sure there was no cheating at the hand-off of horseshoes. They would also provide food and water to the pegasi who stayed behind while their teammates continued on with the race, and take care of any inured ponies.

"Alright team, this could be the most important race in the History of the Wonderbolts. You've trained hard, worked harder, and are the best flyers I've ever seen." Spitfire said

"We know that Spits, you've said it at least three times this week." Thunderlane commented 

"I just wanted to let you guys know, that since this may be the end of the Wonderbolts..." Spitfire tried to say

"Don't say that Spitfire, we're going to win." Rainbow said 

"Yeah, you'll give us bad luck!" Surprise agreed

"Let her finish." Fleetfoot ordered, and Spitfire looked at her gratefully. Spitfire turned to the other Wonderbolts, smiling, eyes glowing with emotion

"As I was saying; since this may be the end of the Wonderbolts, I want to let you know...that I'm proud to have called you my team. And no matter what, you'll always be my friends." she said, and they all converged on her, making a big group hug

"We're proud of you too." Soarin murmured 

"Yeah, you're the pony who's led us to victory all these years." Blaze added

"You're the best Captain the Wonderbolts have ever had." the Streak Twins said together

"Guys, you're great too. You've been by my side, for as long as I took charge." Spitfire said

"Further proving what you said about how we're all one big family." Wave Chill said

"A family made up of the best friends I've ever seen." Princess Twilight said, coming up behind them "You'll be great. I know you'll win." she added

"Yeah! We need the bestest team ever to be in charge again!" a pink mare cried, tackling Rainbow to the ground

"Pinkie, get off me!" Rainbow protested, and the mare jumped off obediently

"Good luck ya'll, I think you'll need it." a country mare said, tipping her stetson hat to them

"Thanks guys." Rainbow saluted them with her wing, then turned back to the other Wonderbolts

"We'll be waiting for you in Cloudsdale." Princess Twilight said, leading her other friends away

"Are we all ready?" Spitfire asked, and they nodded. Spitfire looked around at her team, each one special in their own way.

Wave Chill, the cool, laid-back stallion. 

Blaze, the fierce warrior. 

Silver Zoom, the wise stallion who could be trusted with anything. 

Sun Chaser, the maternal, kind mare. 

High Winds, sweet and caring. 

Lightning Streak, a ball of energy. 

Fire Streak, the sensible stallion the team admired. 

Surprise, the lovable jokester. 

Rapidfire, the sarcastic, most dirty-minded stallion in the team, but at the end of the day, ready to do anything for the ponies he cares for. 

Misty Fly, a cool-headed mare who always knew what to say.

Thunderlane, a lazy stallion who would nevertheless leap to his hooves for his teammates 

Soarin Skies, the most loyal stallion you'd ever find

Rainbow Dash, the bravest mare Spitfire had ever encountered. 

And of course,

Fleetfoot. Her darling Fleetfoot. Brave, loyal, fast, and beautiful.

"Then let's go. We were the Wonderbolts together, and we'll finish our reign together."

"We won't have to." Misty Fly told her, and Soarin nodded

"You've done so many great things for this team, and you'll do more. Because we're here to stay. Always." he said