//------------------------------// // Rarity Investigates // Story: Flash Sentry, Defender of the Peace S5 // by Banshee531 //------------------------------// A month had passed since the battle with the Tantabus, everything in Equestria now quiet. The most noteworthy thing that had happened in this time was Rarity's life long dream of opening a boutique in Canterlot finally having come to fruition. It had been three weeks since the grand opening, the mare now alternating between it and her home base of Ponyville. That boutique was where one particular pegasus named Rainbow Dash was heading, having decided to take the much slower train so she wouldn't exert herself. She needed to be in top form for the royal garden opening tomorrow, an event the Wonderbolts were going to do a performance for. Even though there was only a ninety-nine percent chance she'd actually need to fly, she had to be at the stadium where the Wonderbolts were practicing in forty minutes, mainly to see the routine and memorizing the steps in case of an emergency. Knowing she had time, she went over to the boutique and threw the doors open, "Hey Rarity, how's it-" BAM! That was the sound of the usually well-sorted boutique now in utter shambles, mannequins, multiple rolls of fabric and a few other stay bits and bobs now littered all over the floor. Rarity was laying face first into the carpet, her assistant Sassy Saddles now picking herself up as she Rainbow let out a small chuckle, "Oops. My bad." She quickly began to pick the mannequins up, "Sorry I messed up your dress thingy." "Nothing we can't fix in a stitch," Sassy replied as she began magically grasping some fallen fabric before heading for the counter, "What are you doing in Canterlot?" "I'm here for Princess Celestia's royal garden opening tomorrow." "Oh, yes! I heard about that!" Sassy gasped as she placed the fabric down, "Rumor has it that the gardens are especially lush this season. I heard that the Wonderbolts will be kicking things off with an aerial display." "You heard right!" Rarity cheered while spinning in mid-air. "And Rainbow Dash is here to fly with them." She gave her friend a smirk, "So exciting!" But as she said this, she then did a slight huff while scratching the back of her head. "Well, kind of exciting. Technically I'm not flying, as I'm just the lucky reserve who was called in to be the backup flyer in case a Wonderbolt can't perform." "Oh, don't be so modest." Rarity responded as she pointed at the pegasi's chest. "Out of all the reserves, you were the one chosen." The look on Rainbow's face showed her ego starting to flare, crossing her front hooves as she leaned back in midair. "It is pretty sweet. And I do get to stay in the castle, hang out with the Wonderbolts, and eat awesome food at the dinner tonight." She then turned to Rarity. "Speaking of the dinner, you're still coming, right?" "Heavens, yes!" Rarity cheered as she began to dance around the room, making both Rainbow and Sassy giggle as she stroked her dresses. "A chance to dress up, be charming and show off my newest femme mystique couture?" She grabbed a hat off a mannequin and placed it on her head, using it to pose, "I wouldn't miss it for all of Equestria." "Great!" Rainbow flew over to the door, "See ya tonight!" With that, she slammed the door shut, the pegasi now flying over to the colosseum. Twenty minutes later, she arrived as she walked inside, now spotting many costumed pegasi flying above while other ponies were sitting in the stands. It was here she saw the one pony she was looking for, that being Soarin as he was doing some stretches in midair. After a quick spin, he spotted his girlfriend flying over, "Dash!" "Hey Soarin!" Rainbow replied as they met in midair, almost kissing before pulling back as they saw how many eyes were watching. After recovering from the reaction, Rainbow asked, "You ready for the big show tomorrow?" "You know it. Plus, we've got a special guest player coming in to make it extra special." "Oh? Who is it?" Soarin smirked and tapped his nose, which was his way of saying it was a secret. "Aw, come on. Tell me." "Nope." "Please?" "Not happening." Rainbow grit her teeth, ready to grip his shoulders to shake him with all her might. Unfortunately, a certain pegasi flew between them, "Alright lovebirds, enough flirting. We got work to do here." "Ma'am!" Rainbow gasped before stiffening up and saluting. "Reserve member Rainbow Dash, reporting for duty Captain Spitfire!" "At ease," Spitfire instantly replied while waving her hoof. "Rainbow, just head down to the stands and watch our routine. We don't foresee any issues, but I want you to have our flight routine memorized by the time of the dinner tonight." "Yes ma'am, I won't let you down." She then smirked before looking around. "So, will I be seeing this special guest flyer by any chance?" "He got held up on his way over from Cloudsdale, so he won't be here until the dinner tonight. But don't worry, we're doing one of his best routines. He won't have any issues with it during our final flight practice tomorrow. For now, relax and enjoy the show while trying to stay focused on our moves." "No problem." With that, Rainbow flew down to the stands while the Wonderbolts began to get into position. They then started to perform their aerial stunts, Rainbow watching every second. Her eyes were like in a trance, entranced by the performance that not even a foghorn blasting into her ears would have disturbed her. In fact, she was so focused that she didn't notice three hours passed by as the Wonderbolts began to finish their final run. "Alright team, we're done for today!" Spitfire flew down and landed on the stands before turning back to the bolts, "Now, let's hit the shower and then change for the dinner." The other bolts nodded before heading off, Spitfire now turning to the reserve, "Rainbow!" Rainbow was beside her in a flash, "Ma'am!" "Your room's besides mine in the east tower." "Sweet. What about the rest of the team?" "They're in the west tower. I asked for private rooms for us, away from where Soarin's staying." Rainbow raised an eyebrow at this. "Don't take this the wrong way, as I'm happy you and Soar got together. However, I can't have you exhausting one another before tomorrow." "How the heck would we-" Rainbow didn't finish that sentence, her face turning bright red. "Exactly. Now come on. I gotta get out of this suit before the sweat really soaks in." She then flew off, a still red Rainbow following after her. When they arrived at their rooms, they were greeted by a bunch of guards before heading into Spitfire's quarters. The Wonderbolts captain quickly changed into a clean suit while a maid came and collected the one she had flown in, the two mares soon heading down to the dining room. As they arrived, Rainbow spotted a certain friend, "Rarity!" She flew over to her as the mare stepped passed the guard, Rainbow noticing she was wearing one of the dresses she had knocked down earlier. "Any trouble back there?" "Oh, not at all." Rarity pointed at the guard, "He was just making sure I was on the list. Glad to see the standards around here haven't dropped since Grand left." Rainbow nodded before they headed into the castle, soon seeing a room filled with chatting nobles. It was here they decided to first go to the food table, Rarity gasping as an odor struck her nose, "Mmmm...is that Juniper Phoenix I smell?" "No, it's broccoli!" Rainbow replied while gulping down the veg. "Yes, it is. Juniper Phoenix is one of my favourite colognes." said a new voice, making both turn to see an older pegasus with light blue fur and a greying brown mane and tail. He was also wearing an aviator jacket and a silk scarf. "Oh, its mine as well." Rarity responded, Rainbow's face showing pure shock as she accidentally dropped the plate she was carrying. She then leaned over and spoke in a hushed whisper at her friend, "Rarity! Don't you know who that is?!" Rarity blinked at the pony, humming as she tapped her chin, "A gentlepony with fabulous taste in colognes and scarves?" Rainbow shook her head, flying between them before pointing at the stallion, "No! That's Wind Rider!" "Oh!" Rarity gasped while Rainbow facehoofed. "So nice to meet you-" "You didn't let me finish!" Rainbow interrupted, looking her in the eye. "He's a living legend." She grabbed one of his wings, "He holds the Wonderbolt record in the Mustang Marathon!" Wind Rider chuckled at them both, Rarity smiling back while Rainbow looked like a foal on Heartswarming Eve. "Well, that was a long time ago. Honestly, I can't believe I still hold the record." "Wind Rider," they all turned to see Spitfire and Misty Fly walking over, "I see you met Rainbow Dash! She's one of our most promising Reserves." She then gently nudged him in the side, "She just might beat your record." This made Wind Rider raise an eyebrow, making him turn back to the reserve. "Really now?" "Oh, uh..." Rainbow let out an tiny laugh, "I'm nowhere near as good as you." Rarity suppressed a giggle as she saw Rainbow stutter her words, "I mean, I'm fast, but I don't have the endurance to go long distances." Spitfire just guffawed, "Ah, don't be modest. A little practice and you'll be beating records in no time." Wind Rider let out a soft chuckle before walking off, platter in hand. "Well, it was nice to meet you fillies." "Not as nice as it is to meet you, sir!" Rainbow gasped, only to put both hooves on her mouth as he disappeared into the crowd, "Oh my gosh! I can't believe I just met Wind Rider!" Misty Fly nodded. "Yeah! He's coming out of retirement to take the spot of honor in the center of our aerial flower formation tomorrow." The next thing she knew, Rainbow shot up in front of her, the two now almost nose to nose. "Really? You mean he's the guest flyer?! That's incredible!" She looked over at the pegasus, who was now currently sweet-talking Celestia and sighed. "Thank goodness Soarin kept it a secret. I'd be too nervous to memorize the routine if I knew he was coming." "Yeah, he definitely thought ahead there!" Spitfire chuckled before her and Misty walked away. The sight made Rainbow slump over, "Ugh...guess I'll just watch Wind Rider be awesome from the sidelines...tomorrow's practice is gonna be so boring." "Hey now!" She turned to see her boyfriend, a half-eaten pie in his hooves. "You trying to say watching me fly ain't fun?" "No!" Rainbow stuttered before looking away, only to smirk as she glanced back at him, "But it's not gonna be as fun as watching you fly while talking to somepony about how awesome what you're doing is." Soarin chuckled back, Rarity now interjecting as she took a sip of her punch, "Well Rainbow, I don't suppose I could keep you company?" "You sure could!" She pulled her into a hug, "They always let friends and family come watch practices!" A splashing sound then caught her attention, making her pull back to see she had accidentally spilt Rarity's drink onto her dress. "Eep!" She yelped, now seeing the liquid seep into the fabric. "Oops....sorry about that." Rainbow did a small gulp, "Here, lemme help you clean that up." She looked like she was about to spit into her hoof, making Soarin smirk while Rarity's eyes went wide. "Uh...no need dear." Rarity began to trot backwards, "It's uh...almost impossible to get stains out of silk." Her horn then glowed as a large chest suddenly slid out from almost thin air. "But not to worry." She opened the chest, a twister of fabric spinning around her before revealing her to be dressed in a completely new ensemble. "I've come prepared!" With that, she trotted off with a new piece of fabric as Soarin asked, "What...just happened?" Rainbow shrugged, "I've learnt not to question these things when Rarity and fashion is concerned." Soarin looked back her, blinking rapidly, "Wait...so you don't question Pinkie, Rarity or Flash when you didn't know what his powers were. Do you ever question anything?" "Nah. Too much thinking involved." Rainbow replied as she began to walk away, Soarin laughing as he finished his pie before following her. The rest of the night was filled with conversations between nobles, bolts and a quick talk with Celestia. It wasn't long till it got close to half eleven when Spitfire reappeared beside Rainbow. "Alright Dash, the dinner's gonna be winding down. Time for us to head to bed." "Yes ma'am," Rainbow saluted before the Wonderbolts and Rarity began to leave. Once they were out of the main hall, the Wonderbolts all began heading in one direction while Spitfire took another. Since nopony except Rarity was watching, Rainbow gave Soarin a kiss on the cheek before he headed off with the other bolts. "You two aren't sharing?" Rarity asked while Rainbow followed after Spitfire. The pegasi's face turned red as she replied, "Its uh...captain's orders." Rarity wondered what she meant as she followed Rainbow, only for her romance novel history started placing the pieces in her brain, making her blush as well. "Oh my." She giggled, Rainbow hiding behind her wings as they got to the tower, "I didn't know you had it in you Rainbow." "Shut up." Rainbow muttered back. "Its not like I make fun of your dating life." Rarity giggled into her hoof, "You're right. I'll stop in respect of your relationship. To change the subject, that dinner was absolutely divine. Thank you for inviting me!" It was here she saw where they were staying, "Ooh, you're staying in the east tower? Those rooms have the best view of Canterlot!" "How lucky are we?" Spitfire chuckled before opening her door. "Well, we better get some shuteye before practice." With that, she headed inside while Rainbow turned to her unicorn friend. "See you tomorrow, Rarity!" "Goodnight!" Rarity waved goodbye, turning to the exit as a certain figure watched her walk by, the being hidden behind the curtains. The next day... It was a beautiful day, perfect weather for a flight performance despite a big downpour being scheduled for later that day, mainly for the garden's flowers for the show. Everypony was out, enjoying the sun as most went to the stadium to watch the Wonderbolts practice. Among them were Rainbow and Rarity, the pegasus watching the bolts fly around while the unicorn placed suntan lotion on her hooves. Rainbow sighed before turning to her friend, "Thanks for keeping me company, Rarity. If you weren't here, well...I don't know who I'd be talking to right now." Rarity giggled back, not saying anything as she tapped her hoof to her nose. Rainbow chuckled back before a certain stallion landed behind her. "I'm pretty sure you'd be talkin' to me." Soarin pulled his goggles up, he and Rainbow now smiling at one another. "Rainbow Dash, Spitfire's mom sent a message that she was sick. She had to leave to take care of her." This revelation caused Rainbow to gasp, "Oh no! I hope her mom's okay!" "Me too. In the meantime, we need you to fly in her place." Rainbow's eyes slowly grew, "L-Like, in the actual show?" "Unless Spitfire comes back, yes." He would have said more, but Rainbow suddenly let out a squeal as she shot into the air. "This is the best thing ever!" She quickly began repeating 'oh my gosh' several times dancing in the air while singing, "I'm gonna get to fly with Wind Rider and the Wonderbolts, 'cause I'm the bestest and I'm awesome and they know it!" She kept going, catching a lot of attention from the rest in the stadium. "Uh...Rainbow Dash? You-" Soarin suddenly found himself being shushed by Rarity, "Let her have this, darling." Once Rainbow had finally calmed down ten minutes later, she joined the rest of the team, all working to get in sync with the routine. She was taking Soarin's original spot in the formation, the stallion taking Spitfire's as she quickly got the hang of the routine without issue. While this happened, Rarity moved over to the box seat to avoid the rain. And as Rainbow flew by, waving at her, Rarity noticed a late aged pegasus mare that seemed to have a striking resembles to another pegasi she knew. "Hello there! Friend or family?" "Family," the mare said with obvious pride. "My daughter's a Wonderbolt, but I don't see her up there." She blinked at the team, only to then ask Rarity, "Do you know where Spitfire is?" "Ooh, are you Spitfire's mum?" The pony nodded back, making Rarity tilt her head. "But I thought you were sick." "What?" "Well, Spitfire got a note from you saying you weren't feeling well, and she went home to take care of you." "I didn't send a note." "That's strange." Rarity commented, only to see Soarin fly past the box before quickly u-turning back to the two. Coming to a stop, he rubbed his eyes after pushing his goggles. "Stormy Flare? Aren't you supposed to be sick?" She shook her head, "No. I also know I didn't send my daughter a note." "What?! But why?!" Rarity hummed at this, "Could somepony have sent Spitfire a fake note?" "Who would do such a thing?" Misty Fly asked as she and rest landed, all turning to Soarin. "Somepony who wanted her out of the show, I suppose." It was here that Rainbow reached the group, looking just as confused as the rest of them. "Why would anypony want that?" "Maybe so they could take her spot," Wind Rider suggested while glaring at Rainbow, the athlete quickly catching at his comment. She then turned to see everypony glaring at her, soon seeing Soarin...and he was glaring the most. Before she could say anything, the rumbling sound of thunder caught their attention, looking up to see pegasi beginning to move rain clouds into position. They all flew down into the stadium's changing room in response, Wind speaking up next, "So, you gonna make this difficult, or will you save us a lot of time and just confess." "Hang on there!" Rainbow barked back, "I would never do that to Spitfire! Why would you think it was me?!" One of the Wonderbolts, Blaze, stepped up to her. "I did see you and Spitfire leave the dinner together." "We were room neighbors in the castle!" Misty Fly then flew past. "And you did say you'd do anything to fly with Wind Rider." "Yeah, but I didn't mean anything." "But you said-" "That's enough!" Everyone turned to Soarin, the stallion taking a deep breath as he glared at everypony, "We can't just go throwing accusations around without proof. Besides, this is Rainbow Dash we're talking about. She'd never do something like this." He turned to Misty, "I'll remind you that it's thanks to her we're not pile of mush right now." Misty began to blush as she turned to Rainbow, "Sorry. Guess I let myself get carried away." "It's okay," Rainbow nodded while turning to the others. "I'm telling you, it wasn't me." "A likely story," Wind spat as he walked in front of her. "There might not be proof that you did it, but there's no proof you didn't do it either. Plus, you have the most reason for her to be gone. All evidence points to you." Rainbow tried to say something, only for no words to come out. The sight made him shine a big smirk, "Well then, that's settled. Since it's obvious you're the culprit, Wonderbolt bylaws state you are now banned from the team forever." Rainbow gasped at this, her eyes going wide as she heard her whole life dream about to go up in smoke. "But-" "That's enough Wind Rider." He stepped between the two. "You don't have the authority to banish somepony, as only the captain can make that call, with her second in command taking the responsibility should she be absent. That means only I can ban Rainbow, which I'm not gonna do." Wind let out a grunt as he rolled his eyes. "Of course you aren't. I knew a Wonderbolt dating a reserve was a bad idea." "What are you talking about?!" "Face it kid, you're emotionally compromised. The evidence is right in front of your eyes, but you refuse to see it because you don't wanna get the mare you're knocking boots with in trouble." This statement caused many gasps to occur from Stormy Flare and the Wonderbolts, Rainbow turning red at the words as Soarin got up into Wind's face, "That was out of line." "Doesn't change the fact that I'm right. Heck, maybe she didn't really make it into the reserves. Maybe she's only in because she sweet-talked you into pulling a few strings." Soarin let out a low guttural growl as he held back his hooves, ready to punch the stallion right in the teeth. Instead, he let out a long sigh before turning away, his eyes now glancing at Rainbow, who showed nothing but a blushing frown. The sight made his heart twist, his mouth slowly opening, "Okay....since we have to do something this stupid without evidence-" "There is evidence! She's the-" "There is none!" Soarin barked back, interrupting the old pony as he glared at him one last time, "Since there is no evidence...we'll have Rainbow Dash get some." He glanced back at his lover, "Rainbow Dash, if you can prove that somepony else is behind Spitfire's disappearance before the start of the show, you can still fly with us." Rainbow's eyes grew, making Wind's face twist in growling anger as he continued, "In the meantime, Misty Fly and Blaze, head over to Stormy Flare's house and try to find Spitfire and bring her back." "Got it." The two replied before nodding, quickly flying out of the room. "The rest of us, go ready to practice the routine again. We need to get this perfect." Soarin commanded, gesturing to Wind to leave, but he wouldn't budge. He just stood there, glaring at Soarin. Sighing at the sight, Soarin shook his head as he looked back at Rainbow, "Sorry about this Rainbow." "It's okay," Rainbow responded, only to sigh as well, "But how am I gonna prove I didn't send a letter that I didn't send?" "With me!" The two pegasi turned to the voice, now seeing Rarity step around a corner. She was wearing a red trench coat with a black hat. "Detective Rarity is on the case, and we are going to get to the bottom of this faster than my costume change!" Rainbow raised an eyebrow before rubbing the back of her head, "Ooookay. What's with the getup?" "Obviously," Rarity tipped her hat, "I am channeling Shadow Spade through these gorgeous garments. And she would say that the best way to prove that you didn't send the letter is to find out whomever did. Now, do we know anything about when Spitfire got this letter, Soarin?" "Hmmm...that's a good question." Soarin added before crossing his hooves. "If I remember right, Spitfire came by my room and told me she had to go see her mom at around midnight." "Then that's our timeframe!" Rarity exclaimed before turning away, "Now we just need to find out what happened around that time. First stop," she pointed to the door, "The scene of the crime!" With that, the two mares ran off, Soarin turning back to glaring at Wind Rider. Both stared at each others eyes, the other Wonderbolts coming back in to tell them that the rain wasn't done yet. The sight between the two made most stay quiet, Soarin resisting to growl at the old stallion as he remembered when Wind told him to follow his dream. Years ago... "YAHOO!" Soarin cheered as he flew through the air, a younger Wind Rider flying just ahead of him. Soarin was enjoying a day of flying with the team, the first-place prize for winning the best young flyer's contest. The older pony smirked as he glanced back at Soarin, only to fly up to a nearby cloud. "Alright kid, let's see if you can do this one." Soarin followed as they started flying all around it in a spiral, the motion causing the cloud to be morphed into a screw shape, the two flying out soon before landing on the fluff. "Not bad kid." A panting Soarin shined a big smile, "Thanks! But I gotta say, I don't think I've ever flown this hard before." "Well, this is the kind of intense training we Wonderbolts do on a daily basis. If you can't cut it, then you'll never be able to be part of the team." Soarin frowned at the statement. This wasn't news to him. He had always been told that he wasn't Wonderbolt material, his teachers at flight camp, his classmates and even his parents always telling him to try to pursue other career opportunities. "Hey, um...Wind Rider?" "What's up kid?" "Do you...do you think I might be able to one day become a Wonderbolt?" Wind raised an eyebrow at this, soon glaring at the colt with a look of pure judgement, "Well, do you think you might be able to become a Wonderbolt one day?" "I...I don't know. That's why I was asking you." "Doesn't matter what I think kid. What matters is what you think. Me telling you that you could be one won't make it happen. Only you can do that. Only you can do what it takes to earn a spot on the team. As long as you believe you can become one, then you'll make it one day." Soarin's eyes went wide at this, gasping as Wind turned and got up, "Alright, we should be getting back. Come on." He leapt off the cloud and flew off, Soarin staying behind as muttered to himself, "If I believe...then I'll make it." He slowly picking himself up next, "I...I do believe. I'm Soarin Skies, future Wonderbolt. No matter what happens, I'm gonna keep pushing until I'm the best. I vow it!" It was in that moment that a bright flash of light shined in the corner of his eye, making him to turn to gasp as he saw a shining image appear on his flank. "No way..." The light then died down, revealing the image of a familiar insignia that was now printed proudly on his rump. "MY CUTIE MARK!" The Present... It had been Wind Rider's words that had inspired him to make that promise, which lead to him to this moment. But as those memories began to fade, he now found himself glaring at the pony he idolized. And as he did this, Wind Rider trotted past him while saying, "I'm going out for lunch. I'll be back in an hour." "Hold it Wind!" Soarin barked, making Wind glance back at him, "About what you said to Rainbow-" "You want me to apologize to her?!" Wind interrupted, growls in his words. "Yes. Rainbow's one of the best flyers the Wonderbolt's ever had in the reserves. When she and Rarity prove her innocence, I want you to give her a sincere apology." "Yeah, sure....but you really need to wake up. I taught you better than that." "You taught me to fly Wind." "I know." Wind replied, rolling his eyes before walking up and tapping Soarin's chest, "You know as well as I do that there's just as much chance she's gonna get kicked out of the team. Maybe next time you decide to play house with the reserves, trying looking past the good looks." Soarin grit his teeth, clenching his hooves in anger, "I'm not with Rainbow because of her looks." "Really? So if she suddenly became the most hideous pony you've ever seen in your life, you'd still be willing to go out with her?" This made Soarin stop for a second, only to shake his head, "It wasn't her looks that first attracted me to her. It was her courage, confidence and most of all, her sense of loyalty and fair play. That's what made me like her, and that's why I know she didn't do this. And she's gonna prove it." "Yeah, sure she is. You're lovestruck kid, and that's something a Bolt shouldn't be." With that, Wind walked out into the rain while Soarin sighed at the sight. "He's not a very sociable pony, is he?" He turned to Stormy Flare, who had been watching the whole thing. "He's always been that way. Even back when I was in the academy." The past... "AUGH!" Soarin screamed as he slammed through a cloud, the world around him still spinning as he pushed his goggles up. "That hurt..." Hoofsteps made him look up to see Wind Rider glaring down at him, a scowl on his face. "If that's the best you've got, you've got a long way to go before you're ready to become a Wonderbolt." Soarin groaned as he rolled over in response, "I know." "You giving up?" "No way." "Good," he pointed to the Dizzitron, "Then let's try again. And this time, I expect you to actually stay in the air." Soarin nodded and got up, soon getting in as it the device spun. Throwing him a few seconds later, sending him spiraling out of control. "WHOOOOA!" He did everything he could to try and stabilize himself, only to coming crashing into a cloud, "Unf!" "Again!" "Augh!" He smashed into another cloud. "Again!" "Gyah!" He then slammed into a storm cloud, electrifying himself. "Again!" "AAAHHH!" Soarin was sent flying once again, only to flare his wings just in time front hitting a cloud. Gasping at the sight, he flapped back before turning around, now seeing Wind Rider smirking at him, "Ha...ha...I...I did it!" The Present... "He's a really forward pony. He doesn't sugarcoat anything because he believes that harsh words are sometimes the only thing that can work." "I guess..." Stormy Flare shrugged before heading out, the rest of the Wonderbolts soon following. It wasn't long till Soarin found himself alone, deciding to not fly through the rain to go get a bite. But as an hour and a half passed, the water continued to pour down. Sighing at the sight, he went to the building's kitchen, pulling out some ingredients that he had stashed, mainly stuff for after the show. Unfortunately, his hunger said it was time to eat, making him pull out his old faithful: A delicious pie. He warmed his lunch up before heading back into the room, seeing Wind Rider, Stormy and the other bolts were returning from their lunch. Soon sitting down for the treat, a certain shake of head followed this as Fleetfoot asked, "Can't you go one day without eating a pie?" Soarin rolled his eyes at the comment, groaning as he replied, "I'm stressed. This helps." "Whatever you say." Fleetfoot responded as she sat down, watching Soarin scarf another piece. "So, do you think Rainbow-" "Everypony!" two voices screamed as the door suddenly burst open, making them all turn to see Blaze and Misty Fly, "We looked everywhere, but Spitfire wasn't at her mom's house!" Eyes shrunk at the statement, Stormy Flare now biting her hooves, "Oh no! Where could she be?!" Before anypony could answer, the sound of another opening door made them turn to see Rarity and Rainbow Dash standing in the frame as a bolt of lightning cracked behind them. "I have found the culprit!" Rarity announced, trotting into the room as Soarin gulped down a mouthful of pie. "Oookay. That was sudden." Soarin added as he licked his hoof, "Who is it?" "Somepony sent Spitfire away and framed Rainbow Dash for it! And that pony was none other than...Wind Rider!" She pointed at the pegasus in question, who just rolled his eyes while the rest of the Wonderbolts let out shocked gasps. Rainbow at the same time, just facehoofed, "Rarity, I can't believe you would accuse Wind Rider of framing me! He's a living legend for pony's sake!" Rarity kept pointing at Wind as she let out a confident 'hmph!', "All the evidence points to him!" "Peh!" Rainbow rolled her eyes before flying around the room, "What evidence could you possibly have? All you did was ask about cake, admire décor, and change outfits a gazillion times!" She flicked the hat off Rarity's head, though the fashion pony didn't flinch. Rarity kept her grin as she began, "Let me explain," She began to pace around the room, going into full noir explanation mode. "I never believed you would send Spitfire away. When we found the rainbow hairs in Spitfire's room, I could tell they didn't fall out." She pulled a plastic bag that were full of Rainbow's hair, "They...were cut!" The ponies all took a closer look at the hair, as Rarity continued, "Nopony loses hair in a chunk. And look at the ends, it's in a straight line! They were clearly cut with shears, which means somepony planted it!" "Huh...I guess that makes sense. That is a bit strange." Soarin as he blinked at the hairs. "That still doesn't prove I'm the one who did it," Wind spoke up, stomping his hoof. "I'm getting to that," Rarity added as she put the hair away. "When we were examining Spitfire's room, I smelled something on the envelope. Juniper Phoenix, Wind Rider's cologne of choice! Then, in the castle hallway, I noticed some of the damask curtains fell out of their velvet rope-holder, indicating that somepony had been hiding behind them! Perhaps after they dropped off the fake letter?" Everypony all glanced at each other, the bolts showing looks of pure surprise while Wind Rider walked in front of Rarity, "Hold it! That means nothing! Juniper Phoenix is a very popular fragrance, and anypony could have moved those curtains. You have no proof!" Rarity's eyebrows hopped up and down as she turned away and put a hoof to her chest, "That's precisely why I questioned the castle guards! They were at their post at the entrance to the hallway all night, except for a small window of time when somepony brought them cake." Soarin rubbed his chin at that, "Huh. Somepony should look into better security." "That's what I said," Rainbow added while putting her hooves behind her head, "But why does that prove anything Rarity." "Simple. A cake that was ordered by a girl pony with a raspy voice!" She then turned to Wind Rider, staring down at one particular piece of his clothing. "Whomever ordered the cake got a chocolate stain on her ivory scarf, and I couldn't help but notice that Wind Rider's scarf is tied in a tight Windsor knot instead of its usual loose slipknot! And why is that?" Her horn glowed, the scarf instantly being undone. "Is it to hide...this chocolate stain?!" As she said that, the scarf opened to reveal a giant dark brown stain. Rainbow, Stormy Flare and all the Wonderbolts gasped at the sight, Rarity shining a huge confident grin. As for Wind Rider, he pushed Rarity away as he leapt off his seat and flew over the team, "This is preposterous! Wonderbolts, you don't believe a word of this, right?!" "Just admit it!" He turned back to Rarity, the mare glaring as she pointing at the flying pony, "You're as guilty of framing Rainbow Dash as you are of ruining that ivory scarf! You should be ashamed of yourself!" "Grrr..." Wind Rider growled, only to cross his hooves and look away, "Fine! You caught me! I did it!" Rainbow's eyes teared up at this, gasping as she asked, "You...but...why?! Why, Wind Rider?!" A frown began to grow on her face, "Was it because I took the last broccoli at the dinner last night and you really, really wanted it?!" Wind Rider turned to her, glaring at her like she was crazy before Rarity jumped in between them, "No! It was because he was afraid that you would break his long-distance Wonderbolt record, wasn't it?!" Everypony gasped again, Soarin gritting his teeth as his eyes narrowed, "So that's why you were so adamant about her being kicked out. You coward!" Wind growled back, "I didn't intend on saying that much after putting the suspicion on her." He pointed at Soarin, "You lot were supposed to turn on her the second I suggested it! Some team you turned out to be, believing some rookie nopony over a legend like me." Soarin's eyes twitched, putting his face right in Wind's, "We are a team Wind, and Rainbow's a part of that team! If we turned on her the way you said, we don't deserve to have her as a member! She might be a reserve, but she's got as much of a right to have our trust as you have...had." Rainbow shined a huge smile at this, a blush on her face as the other bolts all nodded in agreement. However, Wind just hissed back, "How dare you! I did this because if Rainbow Dash is kicked out of the Wonderbolts forever, my record could be preserved! That's why we ponies are in the Wonderbolts!" "Really? That is so not cool! And I thought you were the coolest Wonderbolt ever." Rainbow countered while looking away in disgust, "Until now." "I did what I had to do to protect my record!" Wind crossed his hooves, "Sometimes you gotta play dirty to be the best!" Rainbow spun back, glaring down at him, "That's not what being a Wonderbolt is all about." "She's right!" Soarin added as he stepped up between them, "Wonderbolts look out for each other! Which reminds me, where is Spitfire?!" Wind Rider's frown turned to a cheeky smirk, "I sent her a letter pretending to be Stormy Flare. I told her I had Pegasitis, and the only cure is the ice iris in the Crystal Mountains." "No wonder she's been gone so long!" Rainbow gasped as she turned to Rarity, "Ice irises are almost impossible to find this time of year!" Soarin's eyes shrunk at this, "The Crystal Mountains are too far for anypony to make it there and back before the royal garden opening!" He turned to his girlfriend, a smirk slash frown appearing on his face. "Rainbow Dash, we need you to fly in Spitfire's place!" "No way! Spitfire shouldn't have to miss this!" A look of determination appeared on her face, "I'm gonna get her!" "But you'll never make it in time!" Rainbow just turned to the nearby window, flaring her wings, "Then there's no time to lose!" With that, she shot out into the rainy sky. Soarin stepped up to the window, watching her disappear into the clouds with a small gulp. "Well, I think that's my cue to leave." Wind commented as he spun around, only for Soarin to jump right in front of him. "Hmm?" "Where do you think you're going?!" "You said it yourself. There's no way that mare's gonna make it in time, which means the team's performance is cancelled, so I'm heading home before it gets too late." "You're not going anywhere. Even if they don't get back in time, you're still staying so Spitfire can decide on your punishment." "Punishment?" Rarity stretched her head between the two stallions, "You don't really think there aren't gonna be consequences to your actions?!" "Oh please, what's she gonna do to me?! I'm one of the most decorated Wonderbolts that's ever lived." Rarity rubbed her chin at this, "Hmm...I wonder about that. You said it yourself that you're willing to play dirty to be the best. That opens your entire career up for scrutiny, doesn't it?" Wind growled at the insult, only for Stormy Flare to grab his shoulder. "Hey!" "You're staying here till my daughter returns." She hissed as she locked her hoof with his. "And that's final." He was about to hit her off, only to see every bolt glaring at him. Growling, he sat down as everypony just started to sit around, all waiting for Rainbow and their leader. It was only two and a half hours until the show was set to begin, which was barely enough time to get to the Crystal Mountains to begin with. Seeing this, Soarin sighed as he back down, now staring at the half-eaten pie he had been munching on. His favorite food suddenly didn't look so appetizing, making him push it away. "You okay?" He looked up to see Rarity, "I'm sure Rainbow will be here with Spitfire before the show." "Maybe..." his gaze then shifted over to Wind Rider, "I don't know." Rarity shook her head at this, "I see. I guess it's hard finding out your teammate would do something like that. I'm sorry Soarin." Soarin's eyes never left Wind Rider. "It's not that. He was the pony that inspired me to become a Wonderbolt, when everypony else told me it was just a pipe dream. He was the one who taught my year at the Wonderbolt Academy, pushing me past what I thought I was capable of. He...he made me the pony I am today." He curled up at this, "But now I've found out all of that was based on a lie." Rarity sat down next to him, sighing as she put a hoof on his, "Soarin...I'm sure it wasn't all a lie. Maybe back then he really was the pony that inspired and taught you. It's not uncommon for somepony with his level of fame to have it change who they are." Soarin just looked away, his words mumbling out as he fought back some tears, "How am I supposed to find out if that's right? Ask him if he wasn't always a cheating jerk?!" "Well...no. But maybe this should be a lesson for you. It shows that you shouldn't put anypony up on a pedestal." "She's right Soarin." They turned to see Stormy Flare trot over to them. "Wind Rider might be considered a living legend, but he's still just a pony. That means he can make mistakes and do selfish things. Just because he was your idol doesn't mean he's perfect." Soarin sighed again, "But every great I've done in my life is because of him." "Was it really?" Stormy asked as she sat down. "Wind might have inspired you to become a Wonderbolt, but it was you who chose to take what he said to heart and follow your dream. He might have taught you everything you know, but it was you who put the work in to take what he taught you and apply it to what you know. He showed you the path, but you were the one that took the steps." Those words actually hit Soarin's heart, making him look back with a small smile. His eyes glanced between the mares and his former mentor, now remembering the times Wind had worked Soarin to make him a Wonderbolt. Every time he was knocked down or fell short, he picked himself back up because of what Wind Rider had said. That alone made him look back with a tiny smile, "You're right. Who cares about Wind Rider?! I'm me, not him." Rarity and Stormy both giggled, the older mare continuing to talk, "And you can still learn a thing or two from him, such as his mistakes. He tied everything about himself to his record and the fame it brought him. But when Rainbow breaks that record, he'll be forgotten because he didn't do anything else worth while with his life." She said this a little louder than necessary, obviously wanting Wind Rider to hear as she added, "You won't make that mistake." "You know Mrs. Flare, you might be a little wrong." The two pegasi turned to Rarity as she crossed her hooves while smirking, "Wind Rider will be remembered for something after his record's broken. He'll be known as the Wonderbolt who cheated and lied to try and hold his fame, which is kind of ironic now that you think about it. He'll get his wish of never being forgotten, but for all the wrong reasons." Soarin and Stormy both laughed at this, while Wind Rider just growled under his breath while crossing his hooves. Two hours soon passed, but the ones there were waiting for were nowhere to be seen. It was here that the rain came to a stop, the weather ponies beginning to clear the clouds away. They finished fifteen minutes before the Wonderbolts were set to perform, Blaze looking out the window and sighing at the clear sky. "This isn't good. Rainbow Dash is still gone!" Rarity shook her head at this, "Oh, don't panic. If I know Rainbow Dash, she'll come through." It was here that the universe decided to prove her right, the sound of an opening door making them turn to see a pair of panting pegasi standing in the frame. "Spitfire!" Soarin exclaimed as he hopped off his seat, "You're back! I can't believe you made it!" Spitfire took a deep breath, rubbing her chest as she tried to reply, "I wouldn't have if Rainbow hadn't found me so fast! Gave me just enough time to fly back..." Rainbow gave a sheepish smile at this, blushing at the praise before turning to Rarity, "Rare, thank you. I couldn't have done it without you...and I'm sorry I doubted you. But why didn't you tell me what you were doing?" Rarity chuckled at this, "Well, I didn't want to get your hopes up until I was sure. And I couldn't be sure until I saw that chocolate stain." Rainbow let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you for believing in me, even when I was doubting you." She looked away in shame, "I'm some friend, huh?" Rarity just placed a comforting hoof on the pegasi's shoulder. "Actually, you're quite a good friend. You went to get Spitfire, even though it meant you couldn't fly today." Rainbow shrugged at this, "Eh, I'll get my chance one day." "Or today." She turned to Spitfire, who had flown over to Wind Rider. "How'd you like Wind Rider's spot in the show?" Wind Rider's eyes went wide, only to scream, "W-w-what?! Y-You can't do this to me! I'm one of the greatest Wonderbolts that's ever lived!" Spitfire turned back to him, glaring at the old pony, "Not anymore." She grabbed the Wonderbolt pin on his jacket and ripped it off. "For attempting to frame Rainbow Dash, I hereby strip you of your Wonderbolts status!" Wind Rider gasped at this, his face morphing to pure anger as her was about to yell back, only to for Stormy to put a hoof over his mouth, "Don't. You've said enough. Get out of here." "Thanks ma." Spitfire commented as Wind got up and slowly trotted out the door, everypony looking away as he disappeared. Soarin then patted Rainbow with his wing, getting her attention, "So, would you like to fly with us?" "Would I?!" Rainbow exclaimed before leaping into the air, "Woo-hoo!" She started dancing in the air, the others all raising an eyebrow at her performance. "Uh...Rainbow Dash?" The pegasus stopped before looking down at them, only to quickly land. "Coming!" She flew after them next, Rarity waving to her as she began to show Canterlot what she could do. That night... The show had gone off without a hitch, the royal garden opening being a huge success. Now the Wonderbolts had all returned to their rooms, Spitfire having no issue with Rainbow sharing a room with Soarin now that the show was over. And so, Rainbow had let Rarity enjoy her room while she and Soarin spent the night together. "Whew..." Rainbow sighed as she stepped out of the bathroom while drying herself off, "I'm seriously beat." "Not surprising," Soarin added as he laid on the bed. "You must have flown over a thousand miles today." "A thousand and one..." Rainbow corrected before jumping on the bed beside him. "Are you doing okay? I know Wind Rider was important to you." "I'm okay." Soarin pulled her towards him. "Yeah, I was upset before....but Rarity and Stormy helped me realize that his actions have no bearing on who he helped me become. I'm not gonna deny what he did was wrong, but I'm also not gonna deny what he did was right. I'm...I'm done looking up to him now, but I won't forget what he taught me before. I'll just make sure to not fall the way he did." "Yeah, I guess you got a point." Rainbow added as she snuggled up to him, "And don't worry. If I ever see you slip, I'll be sure to kick your flank until you get back into line." Soarin chuckled as he began stroking her hair, "And I'll be sure to do the same with you." "Yeah, like you would even stand a chance against me." The two laughed at this, both holding each other as sleep slowly overtook them. It had been a long day, but they had gotten through it together. Because they were a team, both as Wonderbolts and a couple. And thanks to Rarity, they still got to be in both teams.