//------------------------------// // Chapter 19: Rainbow Falls // Story: Light and Dark // by MXCDarkHorse2020 //------------------------------// Chapter 19: Rainbow Falls In the days following her visit to Mane-hattan, Midnight continues spending her time training and practicing her magic spells and combat skills in preparation for the Equestrian Games. At the same time Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Bulk Biceps are training for the upcoming aerial relay event at the Equestrian Games as well. Rainbow Dash while a little uncertain since Fluttershy is a shy and timid peagsus and Bulk Biceps is muscular yet has small wings remains confident that her team will qualify. After walking inside the library after another successful personal training session she sees her crystal orb has sensed another key is nearby. It is currently in the town of Rainbow Falls where the tryouts for the game are being held. Seeing this, Midnight goes forth to make plans to going over there by heading over to the train station to get herself a ticket so she can secretly join the others for their trip to Rainbow Falls while continuing her training exercises in private while monitoring them up them close while she searches for the key she is looking for. On the train ride over there, Midnight sits in a seat near the back of the train cart wearing sunglasses, a black hoodie with her hood up to obscure most of her face, and matching black sweat pants so none of ponies would recognize her. From afar she can hear and witness a couple of peagsus’s respectively approach Rainbow Dash as she watches the scenery from her window seat with Applejack sitting next to her. “Good luck, Rainbow Dash!” The blue peagsus called out to Rainbow. “Sorry we couldn't fly with you on the Aerial Relay, but the air sprinters needed us too.” Helia apologetically added. “Too bad we can only compete in one event.” The black peagsus sighed apologetically before he continued. ”But rules are rules.” She added before they turned to walk away. “Good luck!” Applejack told them as they walked off before turning to Rainbow Dash “It was nice of you to be part of the team that doesn't have... uh...” She paused mid-sentence while briefly looking at Bulk Biceps’s small wings “the strongest flyers.” She finished somewhat awkardly to avoid being blunt on describing her teammates. “Nothing nice about it. I know that I can pick up the slack for anypony. With me on the team, we'll qualify. I'm sure of it.” Rainbow Dash confidently assured her friend still not worried about their qualifying chances causing Applejack to roll her eyes amused. “Ponyville is very lucky to have you.” Applejack complimented. “Yeah, I'm pretty awesome.” Rainbow Dash proudly complimented herself nonchalantly like she knows it. Fluttershy who is sitting in the seat behind them strains and gasps as she struggles to free herself because Bulk Biceps is sitting in her seat “I am so proud to be representing Ponyville.” She started to express her excitement before interrupting herself with her straining as she failed to free herself as she held up her Ponyville flag. “Oh, it's such an honor to even try out for the Games. I just hope I don't let anypony down.” “We'll make them proud!” Bulk Biceps yelled out before being pushed out of her seat by an excited Pinkie Pie wearing her cheerleader uniform. “'P' is for 'proud'! We're gonna be the best fans anypony has ever seen!” She excitedly said as she jumped onto the bench. “Ooh. Can't wait to see what everypony else is wearing.” Rarity eagerly said from behind them “Even though I am absolutely sure they won't be better than the Ponyville uniforms I'm designing for the Equestria Games.” “And we will make it to the Games once everypony carbo-loads on my apple brown bettys.” Applejack added as she held up one with her hoof. “I can't wait!” Pinkie Pie said still excited as the train continues to make its way to Rainbow Falls. “Neither can I.” Midnight silently said to herself with a smirk on her face. “Once I obtain what I’m looking for.” The train shortly made it to its destination as they approached a village with a stream of rainbow-colored water with the water coming from the clouds among multiple rainbows that appeared in the sky from multiple clouds through the village. Shortly after the Mane Five got off the train Midnight was one of the last to leave the train as she started to explore the village. As she walks around she sees many ponies prepping up for the tryouts. Some are stretching, some are lifting weights, some are doing push-ups, and others are flying around. For these ponies it is a big day for them to be able to get the chance to qualify for the opportunity to compete in the games. Some ponies upon seeing Rainbow Dash look on in awe given she is well known for being one of the fastest flyers in Equestria. “There's Rainbow Dash! She's an awesome flyer!” A brown peagsus commented. “I heard that she's flying the last third of the relay, which means everypony else is gonna have to be way ahead to beat her!” The peagsus next to him commented as Midnight watched as well. “I’m not going to lie but Rainbow Dash is one tough flyer to beat.” Midnight commented as they watched her and her friends set up their tent as a distant boom as heard from the sky. “Oh, the Wonderbolts!” The brown peagsus said in awe as they flew down in front of Rainbow Dash. “I hear they're flying for Cloudsdale.” The same female peagsus commented as they landed. “Then Cloudsdale will definitely qualify. They're the best flyers ever.“ “And the game is on!” Spitfire said with a grin. “Hah, nice to see there's some real competition here!” Soarin said as he removed his goggles. “Two more days of practice, then we'll see you in the air, Rainbow Dash!” She said as she approached Rainbow Dash and placed a hoof on her shoulder. “If you're lucky.” She added as she and the other Wonderbolts walked off as Applejack approached her from behind. “The Wonderbolts know a winner when they see one, and we'll be winners just as soon as we practice! Right team?” He said confidently while looking at Fluttershy and Bulk Bicep. “Right.” Fluttershy gleefully answered. “Yeah!” Bulk Biceps again yelled out. “Hooray!” Pinkie happily cheered out as she blows a party hooter causing awkward silence between them. “And, um, I'm with her! Hooray!” Applejack said with some attempted enthusiasm which Rainbow Dash frowns at before catching their attention to Cloudsdales cheerleaders practicing their routine. “Give us some clouds! Give us some dale!” The girls cheered as they did cartwheels to pass by each other. “And what do you get? Cloudsdale! Woo-hoo!” The girls cheered as they tossed up confetti in the air. Pinkie Pie gasps very interested by the pompoms the girls had. “Where can I get pompoms like those?!” She eagerly exclaimed as she ran off ahead while Midnight herself would head in the direction of the Wonderbolts tent where her orb senses the next key is having a plan ready to go as she watches them practice for their qualifying trail run. Soarin, one of the Wonderbolts was flying around in the air practicing for his relay trail run by finding through the rainbow rings as Fleetfoot barks out orders to her teammate. “C'mon, Soarin, pick up the pace! You can do better than that!” She yelled out. “I sure hope so.” Spitfire added as she was getting a massage. “Practice, practice, yay, practice!” The Cloudsdale cheerleaders cheered out which drew Soarin’s attention as he took his goggles off of his eyes which wound up distracted him as he approached and upcoming ring causing him to clip his wing as he flew through the ring courtesy of Midnight's magic unbeknownst to any pony. “Whoa!” Soarin screamed as he fell to ground at an impeding speed. Everypony gasps in shock seeing Soarin about to have a crash landing. Reacting quickly, Midnight flies up at fast speed as she swoops in to catch her. “Aaaaah! Help!” Soarin screamed as he was about to hit the ground before being caught by Midnight on her back who manages to fly down before safely landing on the ground and helping him off of her back. “You okay?” Midnight asked Soarin. “Yeah. Thanks to you Princess Midnight!” Soarin happily replied while recognizing her. Surprised by Midnight’s appearance every pony happily cheers for her spectacular save as both teams approach the two. “Awe-some!” Fleetfoot congratulated. “As good as a Wonderbolt, Princess!” Spitfire complimented. Both Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy are both stunned and surprised at Midnight’s appearance wondering what she is up to now. “You’re welcome.” Midnight humbly accepted Soarin's gratitude as she took notice of his wing which wasn’t looking good. “But your wing?” She added as she pointed at his wing. “Uh, my wing hurts, but I-I'm sure it'll be okay by the competition.” Soarin tried to reassure her despite worried looks from both Spitfire and Fleetfoot as a siren is heard as a medical pony carried a stretcher cart for Soarin to get onto so he can be carted away to his recovery. Soarin had a little trouble but was able to climb onto the stretcher. “You're the best, Princess Midnight.” Soarin again thanked her while groaning in pain. “Think nothing of it.” Midnight humbly responded. “But, if you feel like talking to me just let me know! I am more than willing to help you the best I can.” She told him as he was being carted off. “'P' is for Midnight!” Bulk Biceps yelled as he dashed in. “Um, Midnight' actually starts with an 'M'.” Fluttershy whispered in his ear to correct him causing him to feel embarrassed realizing his mistake. “Never mind!” Bulk Biceps quickly shouted out. “Sorry about Soarin.” Midnight apologetically told Spitfire and Fleetfoot. “Tough break to lose a teammate right before the tryouts.” “It’s all right.” Spitfire responded as she is not too shaken up by bit. “We can arrange to find another teammate to pick up the slack.” “Speaking of which…” She continued while turning her attention to Rainbow Dash while putting on her shades while motioning Midnight politely if they could have a private word with Rainbow Dash which Midnight respected as she walked away a good distance from them while still within hearing range. “You know, you grew up in Cloudsdale.” Fleetfoot told Rainbow Dash as she put on her shades. “So that means you could fly with us.” Spitfire added. “Fly?” Rainbow Dash asked confused of what she means by that. “Uh, we mean practice.” Fleetfoot corrected Spitfire. “You could practice with us until Soarin's better.” “What do you say? Wanna be our third?” Spitfire asked Rainbow Dash giving her the offer to fly with the best. “Uh, I don't know.” Rainbow Dash responded unsure about the idea as she turned to face Fluttershy giggling at Bulk Biceps flexing his muscles. “My team really needs me to be at my best in order to qualify. Don't wanna be too worn out by the time the race comes around.” “We put you through some pretty intense workouts at the Wonderbolt Academy and you handled those just fine.” Spitfire countered Rainbow’s response. “Heh, I did kick some major tail at the Academy...” Rainbow Dash said with a smile remembering that he did before his expression turns still unsure about the idea. “But I don't know how my teammates will feel about me practicing with the competition.” “Who says they need to know?” Fleetfoot countered with a smirk as she grabbed ahold of Rainbow Dash’s cheeks before directing her attention to the rainbow finish line in the sky. “Think about it, Rainbow Dash! This is your chance to fly with the winners!” After some thought after briefly looking at Bulk Biceps still flexing his muscles and then at the finish line he came up with his answer with a content smile. “Alright, I'll do it.” Rainbow Dash firmly answered causing Spitfire to slightly chuckle in delight. “Wise decision, Rainbow Dash.” Spitfire told Rainbow Dash with an approving nod as she led her to their group so they can train together. Before walking off Spitfire stopped to turn to Midnight to call out to her while briefly removing her shades again. “Oh and thank you Princess for saving Soarin.” “I’m just glad that every pony is safe right now.” Midnight kindly responded while acknowledging the gratitude she gave him as the three ponies walk off while Rainbow Dash looks a little uncertain at both the idea of letting his Ponyville friends down in favor of competing with the winning team and what Midnight is planning this time seeing that she is up to something but can't put her hoof on what it is. Midnight watching them walk off smirks at Rainbow Dash’s direction seeing that her plan is in motion. Throughout the day, while Midnight focuses on her flying exercises she secretly spies on both parties as Rainbow Dash trains with the Wonderbolts while training her Ponyville team at the same time. She sees Rainbow Dash effortlessly fly through the rings while passing the horseshoe to Fleetfoot at a fast speed effortlessly. “Awesome!” Fleetfoot complimented as she flew off. “Whinny, ponies, whinny! Fly on, fly on, fly on!” The Cloudsdale cheerleaders cheered and danced as they flew up to Rainbow Dash. Back with the Ponyville team Bulk Biceps is struggling to fly with his small wings. “Come on, Bulk Biceps, you can do it!” Rainbow Dash encouragingly motivated him as he tried to fly through the hoop yet seems to be stuck in it. “Um... I'm ready to take the horseshoe, if you want me to. “Fluttershy kindly offered which Bulk Biceps tries to do only for both of them to fly away into the distance when Bulk Biceps tries to pass her the horseshoe and Fluttershy ends up hanging on to him causing them to crash into a nearby mountain. Fortunately, both ponies were okay but Rainbow Dash groans in frustration at the lack of progress she is making when trying to train them. Next, both teams are focusing on push-ups by using their wings as arms which they are referred to as wing-ups where Rainbow Dash, Spitfire, and Fleetfoot are doing wing push-ups with trainer ponies on the their for added weight while Fluttershy can barely do one push-up with her wings and Bulk Biceps can’t do them because his wings are tiny. “You, uh, keep doing your wing-ups. I'm just gonna get some, uh, water.” Rainbow Dash said somewhat nervously as she flew off hoping no other pony suspects what she is doing. Yet she isn’t fooling Midnight who effortlessly does her wing-ups with huge weights on her shoulders while rolling her eyes at Rainbow’s direction unimpressed with what she is doing. Later both teams are snacking so they can fuel up for later practice. The Wonderbolts fly as they eat their snacks from their bags they are carrying while Fluttershy and Bulk Biceps are munching on apple betties provided by Applejack while sitting on a picnic blanket. Midnight secretly helps herself to a handful of apple betties as she takes them while distracted by Bulk Biceps flexing his muscles by bouncing an apple betty on and off his pecs as Rainbow Dash flies off already having his fill on the snacks the Wonderbolts gave him. Next up is dressing up for both teams. The Wonderbolts after getting their sizes measured out are fitted with gray and silver new Wonderbolt outfits while Fluttershy and Bulk Biceps are both fitting with dresses and flowers designed by Rarity herself while Rainbow Dash can only nervously grin at the sight of girly-girl outfits. Later, after training with the Wonderbolts again he quickly takes off his uniform and he disguises his switching back and forth routine by taking a drink of water from a nearby stream in the forest just as Midnight approaches her. “It's not easy practicing with two teams, is it?” Midnight sternly questions Rainbow Dash who spits out the water shocked that somepony knows the truth. “Midnight! You... know? Does anypony else?” Rainbow Dash shockingly asked while completely stunned as she turns to face her. “No. Just me. They're too busy practicing to wonder why you keep disappearing.” Midnight stoically answered. “A little tip though, your excuses for switching back and forth could use some more work.” She commented on how she isn’t fooled by her charade nor impressed by it. “Well, I've seen the other teams practicing and we're still gonna qualify.” Rainbow Dash said somewhat nervously because of her appearance before confidently flying up in the air. “I can fly fast enough to make up the distance.” “It just seems like one of the teams you're practicing with needs a little more help than the other one.” Midnight observantly commented while flying up to her so she can face her. “But it's so much more fun working out with the winners than... um... the non-winners. Besides, Ponyville will still qualify.” Rainbow Dash said in response trying to defend his reasons for flying with Cloudsdale while showing no fear towards her former friend. “Rainbow Dash, you got a minute?” Spitfire called out to her as she and Fleetfoot flew over to her. “Uh, sure.” Rainbow Dash said somewhat reluctantly as she flies up to them while Midnight watches skeptical of what they are up to. “You could really be an asset to our team, so...” Fleetfoot started while exchanging a certain look with Spitfire “…we want you to join the Cloudsdale team. Permanently.” Hearing this causes Rainbow Dash to gasp in excitement hearing this as if her dream is finally coming true while Midnight watches with an unimpressed look as Spitfire leans close to her. “It looks like Soarin's wing won't heal in time for the trials.” She said as she wrapped her hoof around Rainbow Dash “We want you to fly with us.” “Of course, this means you won't be able to fly for Ponyville” Fleetfleet added as she leaned in as well before turning her attention to Fluttershy and Bulk Biceps who are struggling with horseshoe exchanges causing Fluttershy to accidentally press the horseshoe on his cheek causing him to fall on the ground while Fluttershy places a hoof on her mouth mortified with she accidentally did as he walks off crying while Fluttershy follows after him to apologize. “But let's face it. Even with you on their team, their chances of qualifying for the Game are pretty slim.” “So, what's it gonna be?” Spitfire asked. “Well, I... “ Rainbow Dash started uncertain before trailing off. “Take some time to think about it.” Spitfire quickly responded to give Rainbow Dash some breathing room as they flew off. “They want me to fly with them! It's like a dream come true!” Rainbow Dash excitedly flew around and then laid down on her back as he lets the dream flow through his mind. “But you do know if you fly for Cloudsdale, Pinkie Pie won't have anypony to cheer for. Rarity's uniforms will never be seen. And Applejack will have slaved over those apple brown bettys for nothing.” Midnight correctly pointed out with no exchange in her stoic expression. “Oh, but I really wanna fly with the best team!” Rainbow Dash said torn up over this tough decision as she flew over to her with a slumped position “What would you do?” She asked the alicorn desperate for an answer while pleading to her not to tell everypony about this. “Personally, I think this is a decision you have to make on your own. The race is tomorrow, so you'd better make it soon." She replied with no interest in solving her personal problems as she started to walk off before stopping to say one more thing as she quickly turned around raising a hoof in the air. “And Rainbow Dash…” She started while catching Rainbow Dash’s attention. ”Unless you want the truth to be revealed to your friends, I will be expecting something in return in exchange for me keeping this a secret.” She finished as she walked off while Rainbow Dash groans as she now being blackmailed on top of facing a tough decision. “Perfect!” Midnight said to herself as she secretly smirked as she is now in a position where she can get the key from Rainbow Dash with this leverage she now has on her. Later that day Rainbow Dash groans in pain wearing bandages all over her body while in a wheelchair catching every pony’s attention. “Woe is me! Oooh!” Rainbow Dash cried out in faked and exaggerated pain with ponies gathering around with chattering concern as Fluttershy walks up to her. “What's happened?” Fluttershy worryingly asked. “Urgh, I've hurt my hoof... “ She explained holding up her left hoof earning gasps from Pinkie Pie and Rarity while Midnight watches completely unimpressed with Rainbow’s poorly constructed lies. “All of them?” Spitfire questioned as she looked down at her lower legs. “I, uh, tripped on a-a foam hoof and landed on a...” She further explained while trailing her words with unintelligible mumbling “…pokey stick coming out of the ground... “ “If I get my hooves on that…” Pinkie angrily said while speaking and matching Rainbow’s unintelligible gibberish. “… it'll be in big trouble!” She shouted swearing to get the pony responsible for hurting her friend. “There is no way I can fly now.” Rainbow Dash despairingly cried out. “Do you think you'll be better by tryouts?” Fluttershy asked worriedly which is answered with exaggerated groaning as she leans upside down from her chair with both hooves in her face in distraught. “I'll be lucky if I ever fly again!” She groaned as Midnight rolls her eyes in annoyance seeing through her act. “I just need a little rest.” She sighed as Fluttershy helps her back in her chair. “Oh, don't worry, Rainbow Dash. We'll take care of you... or, at least, somepony will. Like, a medic or-or a doctor, or a nurse.” Fluttershy comfortingly told her as she rolled her chair to the emergency room while Rainbow nervously looks at Midnight who simply glares at her to non-verbally tell her “Yes, I know you’re faking.” As she is being carted off. By the time Rainbow Dash has her bandaged hooves were all held up on her bed with Midnight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Bulk Biceps visiting her. “So, the medic pony isn't sure what's wrong with you.” Midnight explained to her while watching her heart rate monitor before facing her. “Everything! Absolutely everything!” Rainbow Dash complained as Applejack walks up to her holding one of her apple brown betties. “This'll cure everythin' that ails ya!” She told Rainbow Dash as she shoved it into her mouth. “Thank you.” Rainbow Dash told Applejack with her mouth full from chewing on the treat. “I couldn't have done that on my own.” Midnight simply sighs thinking to herself “Well, of course you could since you’re faking it.” “Nothing says 'get better' like a little medical pizazz!” She enthusiastically said as she pulled a piece of purple silk from her bag with her magic. “Silk slings and a glitter bandage?” She offered. “That might help.” Rainbow Dash answered with Rarity placed the cloth over Rainbow Dash’s left hoof in a bow tie form who smiled at her generosity in return. Fluttershy and Bulk Biceps enter the room to check up on Rainbow Dash. “And how is our patient doing?” Fluttershy warmly asked as Bulk Biceps squeezes through the door and falls on the floor from losing his balance while sheepishly grinning in embarrassment. “I've been better.” Rainbow answered with faux pain in her voice. “We just wanted to let you know that we're so sorry you're hurt, but you shouldn't worry a bit about not being able to be in the tryouts.” Fluttershy expressed earnestly as she walked up to her bed. “We'll be alright. We even have a replacement.” She said as they turned to Derpy who walked up to the doorway while holding up a flag with excitement on her face who is going to replace Rainbow Dash in the qualification trail run. “We're so, so sorry that you can't compete.” She continued. “We all know how much you love to fly. And we promise…” “Cross our hearts!” Bulk Biceps added loudly. “...That if we qualify and make it to the Equestria Games and all win gold medals, you can have ours, because we know how much a gold medal means to you.” She finished. “Thanks... “ Rainbow Dash responded while taken aback by what she just said as Midnight clears her throat. “I think Rainbow Dash might need to rest some more.” Midnight politely told the others who all reluctantly obliged to her request while wishing Rainbow Dash to get better even though they are suspicious of what Midnight wants from her yet wisely decide against challenging her. Once they had all left, Midnight turned to face Rainbow Dash with a more serious expression. “You know, choosing not to choose isn't really a decision.” Midnight sternly told her while Rainbow Dash worriedly watches of where this conversation is going to go. “You might be able to fool them but you're not fooling me. Either you tell them the truth before qualifications take place or I tell them and expose your lies.” She added as she turned to leave before turning her head back to Rainbow Dash. “And remember, whatever the Wonderbolts give you is what I will expect from in return for keeping your secret.” She finished as she walked off leaving Rainbow Dash gulping in fright of Midnight’s threat while overcome with guilt. Just as Midnight leaves the room she turns to place a listening ear on the wall hearing Soarin who was placed on a bed next to Rainbow Dash’s talking to her. “You sure have nice friends. Nopony's been by to visit me. Eh, too busy practicing, I guess.” Soarin told Rainbow Dash while expressing his sadness at his loneliness. “Well, hopefully your wing will be better soon.” Rainbow Dash told Soarin encouragingly. “Oh, it's fine. I-I'm just keeping it warm in case my team wants me back.” Soarin responded while unknowignly catching Midnight's attention as she expresses interest hearing this revelation. “What do you mean, 'wants you back'? Spitfire and Fleetfoot told me that you were still too injured to fly!” Rainbow Dash surprisingly questioned. “And they told me that they were worried I wouldn't be one hundred percent by the tryouts, so they were going with somepony else!” Soarin answered. “That somepony else was me!” Rainbow Dash said in realization before turning her expression to somewhat nervous one to keep up her lie. “Until, uh, well, until I got hurt, that is.” “So…” Soarin started while depressingly sighing. “I guess we're all out of luck. Cloudsdale won't qualify without three fliers, and Ponyville won't qualify without you. Too bad...” Having heard enough as she sensed that Rainbow Dash felt the rainbow shimmer in her eyes now knowing what must be done, Midnight makes her way out of the emergency room as she walked back to the field while awaiting Rainbow Dash’s decision before she decides to tell everypony the truth. Just as she makes her way to every pony, Rainbow Dash walks by with a determined expression on her face with Soarin trailing behind her with the same expression catching Spitfire and Fleetfoot’s attention who look on in surprise at the sight causing Spitfire to drop the water bottle she was drinking from. Midnight smiles seeing that Rainbow Dash is doing what she predicted she would true to her nature by confessing the truth and confronting Spitfire and Fleetfoot. “Does... this mean you're feeling better?” Fleetfoot asked strangely. “I-I feel great, because...” Rainbow Dash reluctantly started to explain as the girls walked up to her. “I was never hurt in the first place.” She confidently confessed while shaking off her bandages causing the Wonderbolts and every other pony except Midnight to gasp at this revelation. “I faked my injury so that I wouldn't have to choose between flying for Ponyville or Cloudsdale.” She further explained as she glanced at her friends with a lowered head shamefully. “I wanted to fly with you both, and the decision was too hard!” “Oh, Rainbow Dash, you don't have to choose us.” Fluttershy reassuringly spoke up while approaching Rainbow Dash. “I know you love to win, and you should go with the team that surely will.” “I know now who I should've been loyal to.” Rainbow Dash concluded. “Good choice. Always stick with the winners.” Spitfire responded assuming she has decided to fly with the Wonderbolts while nudging at Fleetfoot. “Ponyville.” Rainbow Dash corrected while pointing at her friends without hesitation surprising both of them. “Because it's not just where I live, but it's where my friends are.“ She further explained while approaching them who smile at her decision. “The ponies who really care about me, whether I can help them win a race or not.” The girls all cheer for Rainbow Dash hearing that. “Are you sure that's the right decision?” Spitfire questioned. “You lied to me about Soarin's wing just so you could get a better flyer!” Rainbow Dash confronted her as Soarin crosses his arms upset with them for being quick to replace him. “You may be a winning team, but you're still not the kind of team I wanna be a part of.” After a second of silence, Spitfire removed her sunglasses. “Huh. Rainbow Dash, you are something.” Spitfire admittingly told her before continuing with a smile. “Saw it at the Academy, seeing it again here. We could learn a lot from a competitor like you. “ “Think we already have.” Fleetfoot added. “Ready to fly?” Spitfire asked Soarin as she walked up to him “Really?” Soarin asked in a surprised tone. “Never should've lied and tried to replace you to begin with.” Spitfire answered causing Soarin to gasp with glee. “Go, Cloudsdale!” Soarin excitedly said as he flew up in the air.” “Come on, Ponyville relay team! We've got a race to get ready for!” Rainbow Dash confidently told her friends as she flew ahead with Fluttershy and Bulk Biceps following behind her. “Yeah!” Bulk Biceps yelled out as he flew off. As Midnight watches the three fly off from the distance she is pleased with Rainbow Dash’s decision as well since now that she has learned her lesson she can now expect Rainbow Dash to uphold his end of the bargain by giving her the badge in exchange for keeping quiet of her secret. Shortly afterwards, the qualifying trail run came. The Wonderbolts managed to qualify with the fastest time easily and it is now Ponyville’s turn as Soarin encouragingly shouted from above “Come on, Ponyville! You can do it.” Bulk Biceps starts off and was just barely able to squeeze through the rings as he passed the horseshoe to Fluttershy who nearly dropped it after fumbling with it a little before flying off as Bulk Biceps falls to the ground exhausted. Fluttershy going at her fastest was able to clear through her hoops as she sprinted the last stretch as she handed the horseshoe to Rainbow Dash who speeds off in a flash literally. “Qualify, Ponyville! Qualify, Ponyville!” The Cloudsdale cheerleaders cheered for Ponyville interestingly as Pinkie Pie jumps onto both the girls upper hooves to from the top of a pyramid cheer. “Woo-hoo! Go, Rainbow Dash!” Pinkie Pie shouted as she flung confetti into the air. Going at top speed Rainbow Dash easily clears all of her hoops with every pony supported her nervously watching whether or not it will be enough to qualify for the games as Applejack nervously munches on an apple betty while Midnight calmly watches on. Rainbow Dash sprints the last stretch giving everything she has left as she flies through the finish line as the pony timing the run stops the stopwatch. “Ponyville qualifies.” The pony happily announced leading to everypony to immensely cheer in excitement as Fluttershy and Bulk Biceps hug Rainbow Dash in celebration as they turn to fly down as everypony cheers for their accomplishment except for Midnight who only smiles at their success while pleased that her plan fell in place as she predicted. Shortly afterwards, all of teams that qualified all stood on a wooden platform to accept the medals for their successful qualification runs. After the official places the medals around the Ponyville team’s necks, Spitfire tapped Rainbow Dash’s hoof to get her attention so she can place the badge Midnight is seeking on Rainbow Dash’s medal who returns a surprised look a Spitfire as she returns to group up with her team. “Yeah!” Bulk Biceps shouted happily. “Yeah!” The girls also shouted happily and walked towards them. “Woo-hoo!” Pinkie Pie cheered. Midnight having decided to join in on the Ponyville photo shoot to show how much she is impressed with Ponyville’s accomplishment approaches the group and places her hoof around Rainbow Dash who is taken aback back this as she takes her badge from her medal as payment for keeping her secret while pleased with her for doing the right thing with her other hoof while smiling an sly grin at her direction while the other girls watch uncomfortably seeing their enemy hidden in plain sight joining in on their photo shoot yet smile for the camera. “Equestria Games, here we come! Applejack quickly said happily and proudly as Pinkie Pie jumped onto Bulk Biceps and Derpy climbs up on Bulk Biceps while holding up a Ponyville flag both smiling as their picture is being taken. After having their picture taken, Midnight flies off while waving goodbye to Rainbow Dash with the same smirk with every pony waving at her direction with the girls looking on confused and suspicious at Midnight’s appearance and why she took the badge Spitfire gave her as Midnight takes off at top speed. As she is flying home, Midnight pulls out her crystal orb to observe the girls conversation about her. “What was that all about?” Applejack asked Rainbow Dash confused of what that was all about causing Rainbow Dash to sigh as he confesses. “Because she was the only pony who knew I was lying the whole time and blackmailed me into giving her a souvenir from the Wonderbolts in exchange for keeping quiet about it.” She shamefully admitted as she hung her head. “And the badge Spitfire gave me was what she wanted from me.” “She blackmailed you?!” Rarity asked in shock as she placed her hooves on Rainbow Dash’s shoulders. “Oh darling, are you all right.” “I’m fine.” Rainbow Dash answered while taking Rarity’s hooves off of her. “I’m more upset over the fact that I lied to you all and nearly blow our chances of qualifying for the games for the sake of being with the winning team.” “Well at least she didn’t turn you into a vampire bat.” Fluttershy added in an attempt to comfort her while shuttering at the thought of the spell Midnight performed on her. “But why did she go through all of that trouble for your Wonderbolt badge?” Applejack asked still trying to understand Midnight’s motives along with her appearance at Fashion Week. “I’m guessing it was to teach me a lesson of loyalty for abandoning her at the rehearsal.” Rainbow Dash guessed with a shrug “To further punish me for hurting her.” “If only Twilight could find it in her heart to see how sorry we are so she can let this all go so we all can be really happy again.” Pinkie added in a somewhat somber tone. “If only we knew how to open that chest we would.” Rainbow Dash answered while trying to keep Pinkie Pie happy by placing a hoof on her shoulder. “But some way, somehow we will.” She confidently told her which cheered Pinkie up as every pony joins in on the group hug. Midnight undeterred by their confidence as she watches says “Oh, but I do.” She said as she held up the Wonderbolt badge which gave a reflective shine like with Rarity’s spool of yarn. “Two down, four to go.” She said confidently as she flies off into the distance with no pony able to connect the dots to her ulterior motives behind obtaining these items proving she is still always a step ahead of them at every turn.