//------------------------------// // Episode 11: Rainbow Falls // Story: The Pony Guard (Season 4) // by MXCDarkHorse2020 //------------------------------// Episode 11: Rainbow Falls In the outskirts of Ponyville, both Rainbow Dash and Fuli were both standing tall and firm before pacing around their recruits. For Rainbow, she had enlisted the services of Fluttershy and Bulk Biceps. For Fuli, she had enlisted the services of Kion and Kyoga. Angel Bunny was also there for moral support for Fluttershy with Rainbow being the first to address her team like a military commander giving orders. "Alright, ponies, listen up!" "We're all ears." Fluttershy said while standing up straight, "Right, Bulk Biceps?" Said pony was kissing his biceps just when he turned and saw the others eyeing him rather disturbed by what he was just doing. "Nuh-uh! I'm all muscles! Yeah!" He loudly answered before showing off his strong, muscular body and displayed a quick set of pushups with his forelegs along while shouting “Yeah!” in Fluttershy’s face. "I like your attitude, Bulk Biceps," Rainbow Dash said while still speaking firmly. "But it's gonna take more than muscles and “Yeah’s!” to get us to the Equestria Games! We are the Aerial Relay team, and it's up to the three of us to make sure that we qualify at the tryouts. And do I need to remind you how much I…” She quickly corrected herself upon realizing she was dipping into me instead we mindset mentality. “I mean, Ponyville, heh – wants to qualify and make it to the Games?" "I remember." Fluttershy said while briefly hugging her mane. "I really, really, really want to qualify for you and Ponyville." "Bring it on!" Bulk Biceps shouted in the yellow Pegasus’s ear once more. “And since Rainbow has already explained what we are competing for…” Fuli took her turn in addressing her teammates. “…it’s going to take speed and pacing in order for our team to qualify as well so better come prepared and ready to run! Is that clear?” “Yes, sir, ma’am, sir!” Both Kion and Kyoga stated while saluting. Bunga’s voice was bursting out into laughter after hearing what they said together. “Something funny about this, Bunga?” Fuli inquired while turning her head in his direction behind her back. “Oh, nothing, it’s just…” Bunga spoke while tearing up and trying to contain his chuckling. “…both Kion and Kyoga both said “Yes, sir, ma’am, sir!”” He repeated the saluting motions before rolling onto his back unable to resist holding it in anymore. Fuli groaned and rolled her eyes before looking down straightly at Bunga in the eyes so she can explain why it’s necessary. “For your information Bunga, I’m training these two in preparation for the upcoming tryouts at Rainbow Falls. And it’s important that we do in order to qualify for the Equestrian Games if we want a shot at winning gold in the running relay event. The honey badger sat right up. “Yes, sir, ma’am sir!” He saluted once more before continuing to laugh on his back leaving the irritated cheetah turning back to her teammates. “Unbelievable.” She huffed. “At least he never dared to laugh like that to Twilight.” Just then, Pinkie Pie, suddenly appeared, wearing a own cheerleader's uniform, consisting of a yellow tank top and a purple skirt and yellow pom poms on her hooves and a megaphone around her neck, "Gimme a 'P' for 'Ponyville'!" Fluttershy yelped and squatted down when Pinkie shouted and waved her pomp oms in the former’s face before pulling out her megaphone from around her neck. “P for, Ponyville!" "P!" Bulk Biceps shouted back which blew Pinkie backwards. "Oh, thanks, Pinkie Pie.” Fluttershy complimented. That was a scary…” She quickly corrected herself. “…I mean, great cheer." She finished with a slightly nervous laugh. "Just make sure you have one ready for when we qualify for the Aerial Relay." Rainbow said to their friend. "And after that, for when we win gold medals in the Equestria Games!" Bulk Biceps shouted confidently. "Not so fast!" A voice stated to them. Said voice belonged to Applejack carrying a cart filled with apple treats behind him, accompanied by Beshte. “If you're gonna be good, you're gonna be better with some of my apple brown bettys in ya." Applejack smiled proudly, "They're perfect." Just when Fluttershy was about to pick one, Pinkie Pie popped out from inside the cart cheering once more. "'P' is for 'perfect'!" “Whoa!” Beshte stepped back in surprise by that cheer while Bunga was still laughing. Rainbow on the other hoof, was face palming in response to Pinkie’s miss-timed cheer. “Phew!” Bunga said after calming down while patting his ribs and wiping the tears from his eyes. “Man have I been laughing so hard!” “No kidding.” Fuli deadpanned in his direction before turning to face Beshte giving a supportive smile while the others help themselves to muffins Applejack provided them. “But either way, I am really looking for to this.” “Glad to hear it.” Kyoga said while they all ate together. “I can tell by how you’ve wanted the fastest of the fast to be qualify for the upcoming Equestrian Games and how much you really want to win gold.” Kion added. “True, true.” Fuli nodded. “It would be nice…Very.” “Well, I’m sure we’ll have fun doing our best.” Kion said content with whatever happens next. “Because that’s what really matters.” “And that I do get to do it with some of my best friends on my team.” Fuli said knowing that’s true too. “No question about that.” Kyoga agreed before the cheetah turned back to the others finishing their treats before resuming training along with Rainbow who was already ready for that. "Alright, team! Show me what you got! Put some bend into those knees!" Rainbow commanded both ponies who both did as they were ordered. “You too! Let’s see some bending in those legs!” Fuli commanded to the two lions who both obeyed likewise. "Flap those wings!" Rainbow said to her wing ponies. “And I want to see all four hooves off the ground on the count of three!” “Ready? Towards that tree in the distance from here and back!” Fuli turned to both Kion and Kyoga now ready to rush over to said tree just within sight. She smiled along with Rainbow before they both gave the next command together. “One two three!" While both Kion and Kyoga both sprinted from where they were standing, Bulk Biceps grunted as he and Fluttershy flew up into the sky while Bunga and Beshte watched. The honey badger watched with a wide and eager smile while the hippo was watching with silent encouragement for his friends. "Don't forget to breathe while you're up there!" Rainbow said to the flexing pony now wheezing. Unfortunately, that tad of advice came a little too late before he ended up losing control of his flight before dropping to the ground while dragging Fluttershy along with him by the tail. And by doing so they both ended up crashing on top of their cyan colored friend. “Ouch.” “So close.” Both Beshte and Bunga commented just when both Kion and Kyoga both arrive back at the same time. "'P' is for, uhh... 'pain'?" Pinkie cheered in delight. Rainbow Dash groaned before being helped up by her friends. “It’ll be okay, Rainbow.” Kion assured them. “They’ll get it, they just need more practice.” “Easy for you to say.” Rainbow muttered under her breath to the point her pony friends didn’t hear what she just said. Deep down she sees potential in them, yet wonders if she truly has better luck with teammates a little more up to her speed. “Don’t worry, Rainbow Dash.” Scar commented while watching the scene from his magic alongside Twilight and Lightning Dust. “We can help you out there.” He then turns to both the alicorn and Pegasus ponies watching from Pride Rock. “Absolutely.” Twilight nodded. “Leave it to me.” Lightning voiced with vicious joy. Lightning was very eager for the day she can exact revenge on her new rival Rainbow Dash and now she has a new opportunity in front of her. “Remember, I need her alive…for now.” He cautioned. “Fine.” She begrudgingly said in the face of the two eyeing her that they really mean it and she is not allowed to kill her rival. Otherwise, her allegiance and her life will be put into question. Lightning moves towards the direction of the portal while Twilight sticks behind with Scar so the latter can add an extra instruction for his second-in-command. “Make sure she keeps a cool head, Twilight.” “I will, Scar. I’ll make sure of that because she and the rest of her friends from the Lion and Pony Guard are mine.” She vowed before turning to join Lightning Dust towards their next destination right where the next key is, Rainbow Falls. Sometime later in the week, the Mane Five, Bulk Biceps, and the Lion Guard are all in the train on their way to Rainbow Falls where the big day for the two teams of friends awaits them. “Oh, boy!” Bunga said very excited himself. “We’re almost there!” "Yep, Rainbow Falls." Rainbow Dash said. “So if you think you’ve been amazed already well, think again because there’s more to come.” While they were talking, two Pegasus ponies approached the two. One was a mare named Helia who had a light blue coat, blue eyes, and yellow mane and tail. "Good luck, Rainbow Dash!" said Helia, "Sorry we couldn't fly with you on the Aerial Relay, but the air sprinters needed us too." "Too bad we can only compete in one event." The male pony Thunderlane added with a sigh. "But, rules are rules." He then moved to leave but not without noticing the leader of the Lion Guard. “Good luck in the track relay run.” “Thanks, you too.“ Kion returned to the two ponies walking off before turning back to both Rainbow and Fuli. "It was nice of you to be part of the team that doesn't have... uh…" He paused before eyeing Bulk Biceps's tiny wings before choosing his next words carefully. "The strongest flyers." "Nothing nice about it." Rainbow Dash said with great confident in her choice. “You sure?” Fuli questioned while eyeing Bulk’s wings and Fluttershy sitting in the back of their cart. “It’s not too late to pick other Pegasus ponies who are more up to speed with you.” “It’s all right, Fuli.” Rainbow reassured her speedy friend with her hoof raised up. “I know that I can pick up the slack for anypony. With me on the team, we'll qualify. I'm sure of it." “Very well.” Fuli said knowing that her mind has been set and she has no intent on changing it. “Do it the hard way.” “And that’s the way I like it.” Rainbow stated still feeling proud of her choice. "Ponyville is very lucky to have you." Kion complimented with a smile. "Yeah, I'm pretty awesome." Fluttershy, struggled and was currently getting squashed by Bulk Biceps's enormous size after he unknowingly sat in her seat before moving to free her head and a hoof holding the Ponyville flag. "I am so proud to be representing Ponyville." She said while still struggling to herself. “Here, let me help you…” Beshte offered before moving to give Bulk Biceps a little nudge on the back. “Sorry to have to do this, but your teammate needs to get out of there.” “Sorry!” He shouted when the two ended up flying backwards and onto the floor. “You okay?” Beshte asked while helping up Fluttershy. “Yes, I’m okay.” She replied. “And it’s a real honor to even try out for the Games. And I just hope I don’t let any pony down.” “I’m sure you’ll do great, Fluttershy.” Beshte gently encouraged. "We'll make them proud!" Bulk Biceps added while shouting once more with a gentle smile. Just then, he was suddenly flying out of his seat when Pinkie Pie came out cheering and waving her pom poms once again. "'P' is for 'proud'! We're gonna be the best fans anypony has ever seen!" In addition, Rarity popped her head up from behind. “Ooh. Can't wait to see what everypony else is wearing, 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 betties." Applejack added. "I can't wait!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed once more when their ride neared their destination. “Well hold you excitement because we are already here!” Ono announced upon seeing their stop just ahead. “Whoa.” “Poa!” “Hevi Kabisa!” “Un-Bunga-veilable! So that’s why they call it Rainbow Falls.” The Lion Guard all expressed upon seeing the amazing bright colors the streams of water there produced in the town from the top of the highest mountain in Equestria. It was a beautiful little area where there are houses and buildings all with rainbow bolt colored decorations, every area of the town was surrounded by rainbow-colored water. Once their train came to a complete stop at its station, the Guard all got out and immediately headed on over to where the tryouts are being held where they wasted no time in getting started in preparing for their qualifying performances. There were ponies, griffons, and a handful of Pride Landers (elephants, rhinos, antelope, and even the crocodiles) all training, from stretching, lifting weights, sprinting, and flying in preparation for the opportunity in the biggest event in Equestrian history. “Huh?” Bunga remarked looking confused upon seeing the griffons there while looking around the training grounds. “I don’t see that griffon Gilda around here. I wonder if she bothered to show up.” “Probably not.” Rainbow frowned at the mention of her former childhood friend before moving forward not wanting to dwell over it. “And I’d greatly appreciate it if you don’t mention her name again.” “Why?” Bunga pressed for a reason oblivious to his friends shaking their heads, paws, and hooves against it. “What’s wrong with mentioning the name of the griffon that came to Ponyville and acted like a big jerk to me, Pinkie, Fluttershy, and…” He then stopped in his tracks. “…Ooh, right. Oops.” He then scratched the back of his head upon realizing his mistake. “Never mind.” Moving aside from the moment of awkwardness, the Lion and Pony Guard all made their way just when two ponies turned their full attention to them. “That’s Fuli!” “That’s Rainbow Dash!” Two ponies, a male Pegasus with a grayish-brown coat, brown hair, blue eyes and a crescentic moon cutie mark. And a female Pegasus with a cream orange colored coat and a purplish-pink mane and tail with swirled candy as her cutie mark. “She’s an awesome flyer!” “And she’s an awesome runner!” The two shared. “I heard that they’re flying and running the last third of the relay." The female Pegasus said. "Which means everypony and everyone else is gonna have to be way ahead to beat them!" Kion having heard the recognition and praise his fastest friends are getting smiled in response. Just then the sound of ponies flying by at a very fast speed on par with jet planes hovering nearby, and of course since there are no runway’s nearby that meant only one thing… "Oh, the Wonderbolts!" The male Pegasus happily announced upon their fly in and as Rainbow had said about them like before they fast, agile, and of course, 120%, so, so, very, awesome. “Wow!” Fuli voiced with her jaw dropped with awe and smiling excitement. “Un-Bunga-veilable!” Bunga voiced sharing the same jaw-dropped excitement. “They’re so awesome!” He moved backwards and fainted. “Oh, brother.” Ono grumbled with a roll of his eyes before returning his attention to them with full focus on them. “And yet, a very impressive entrance. They usually fly in with the synchronized low altitude descent with a side tilt descent in a synchronized descent.” The two Pegasus ponies blankly stare at him having not understood a word he said until he then explained. “Their standard fly-in entrance for when they land on the ground.” “Ooh!” They both said upon realizing it. “That makes sense!” Ono frowned while understanding how Twilight felt when she tried to explain it to some of the ponies when it came to wing anemometer yet they didn’t get the idea after she made it clear to them. “Glad that helps.” Ono sarcastically returned to them before turning his attention back to the Wonderbolts making their landing. “And I suppose they are flying for Cloudsdale?” “Of course!” The female Pegasus answered. “Cloudsdale will definitely qualify. They're the best flyers ever." Even though Ono was clearly irritated by them missing his sarcasm he shrugged it aside in favor of focusing on the three ponies landing in front of him and Rainbow before they approached the trio. "And the game is on!" Spitfire, the leader of the team declared before eyeing her two cadets from training camp. “And it’s good to see you two again." “I can definitely say the same likewise.” Ono responded with a salute. “At ease, Ono.” Spitfire assured with a friendly smile. “That won’t be necessary when you’re not training with us.” “Oh, right, sorry.” Ono blushed with a nervous chuckle to which Soarin chuckled lightly finding the egret’s greeting entertaining. "Hah, nice to see there's some real competition here!" Soarin said before seeing the Lion Guard’s Fastest approaching them. “Along with seeing some additional speed on the ground provided you qualify later this week.” He added. “Oh, you better count on it Soarin, because we definitely have the speed for the job.” Fuli confidently returned while turning to her teammates who both share the same supporting and confident smiles. "Two more days of practice, then we'll see you in the air, Rainbow Dash! If you're lucky." Fleetfoot said to her Pegasus friend with a hoof on her shoulder before walking off with the others so they can continue with their training. After seeing them leave, Rainbow sighed with satisfaction just when Kion approaches him. "The Wonderbolts know a winner when they see one, and we'll be winners just as soon as we practice! Right team?" "Right." Fluttershy soft said. "Yeah!" Bulk Biceps exclaimed loudly in contrast to her teammate. "Hooray!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed while blowing on her party hooter and tossed confetti in the air. “Go Ponyville!” Bunga shouted while wearing a cheerleader outfit too. Kion quirked his brow at the two especially his honey badger friend for his outfit of choice. “Bunga…?” Kion began just when Fuli eyes at him weirdly. “That’s a girl’s outfit.” Fuli finished. “I know.” Bunga said not caring about his feminine choice of clothing. “Go Pride Lands!” “But…” Kyoga tried to say in order to argue of why he shouldn’t before remembering who he was talking to. “Never mind.” Kion still didn’t smile until Rainbow looked at her, leaving him to be reminded that he’s a friend who’s got to show support for her. “And, I'm with them! Hooray!" “Hooray!” “Oh, boy!” Fuli cheered with Kyoga slightly forced than the former. Before Rainbow could say anything, they turned their attention to the Cloudsdale team practicing a cheer for when their flying relay team takes their turn in qualifying. "Give us some clouds! Give us some dale! And what do you get? Cloudsdale! Woo-hoo!" Pinkie Pie gasped upon seeing them with her eyes sparkling with joy. "Where can I get pompoms like those?!" While Pinkie moved to question the three cheerleaders, both Twilight and Lightning arrived while both watching from a distance just outside of the training campsite, where they both see all three relay teams preparing for their qualifying trail runs. Twilight looked on with in the Wonderbolts with a calculated expression while Lightning looked on at Rainbow Dash with eyes of pure hatred. “There she is!” Lightning spoke up with her eyes burning with fury at the Pegasus. “Let’s get her!” She moved to advance on her before being quickly frozen in place by the alicorn’s magic. “Not so fast, Lightning McQueen. With an attitude like that you’re bound to blow your wings out before you can even get to the finish line first.” She sternly addressed the rash and hot-headed pony. “But come on!” Lightning angrily protested with her arms directed at the serious pony at work. “She’s right there! Just grab the key and get on out of here!” “Not happening because if we do that, then the Wonderbolts and every pony in Equestria will be after us. By arising suspicion they’ll clue in onto the plan sooner than we are ready to enact our endgame.” Twilight sharply explained. “And if that were to happen…” She looked at Lightning in the eyes. “…then the royal family along with the Lion and Pony Guard will be provided means with a way to defeat us. So if you want to be able to keep your suit and your desire to get your revenge, then you straighten up and fly right because Scar has no tolerance for those who don’t play things his way!” Lightning wanted to further speak her mind, but deep down knew that she and Scar have provided her this opportunity in life. The suit, her pursuit towards being the best, and not to mention Twilight was the one who spoke up in her defense in order to get her keep her position in the Wonderbolts, even if it meant she was under close scrutiny and suspended from competing in the games for her reckless attitude. Since the two gave her this gift, they can take it away in an instant the second she strays against them. So she had no choice but to swallow her pride for the moment and obey her. After seeing that Lightning visibly gets the memo, Twilight releases her before turning back to the ponies in front of them. “For now, we keep an eye on them while we wait for the perfect opportunity to set up Rainbow’s test. And when we do, be ready to act, because this is where we find out where her true loyalties lie. Ponyville or Cloudsdale?” “Yes sir.” She grumbled with her eyes looked towards the side and a lack of respect. “What was that?!” Twilight barked back due to the tone she addressed her in. “Yes, sir, ma’am, sir!” Lightning repeated once more with an obedient salute looking at the crossly looking mare in the eyes. “Good! Now get to it!” With Lightning quickly dashing out to monitor from high in the sky, Twilight moved to monitor from down on the ground for a more closer observation of the Lion and Pony Guard watching over their friends training specifically Rainbow Dash pacing in front of the two ponies waiting for his command. “For a pony with a strong impulse of charging ahead into battle without thinking, you sure have that burning drive to succeed.” She then pondered while eyeing Fuli pacing in front of both Kion and Kyoga while doing running drills. “Question is, do you like Fuli have what it takes to stay up to speed with the current events around you in making the right choice in life?” With her eyes locked towards both the fastest members of the Guard, she can tell Fuli has it deep down in regards to her choice in teammates, but as for Rainbow Dash, well, that’s what she really wants to know for certain especially in regards to his choices. Does she? Does she really? While this is going on, Ono is watching the trainees in action with Rainbow continuing to give instructions to her flyers. "So, do I need to remind you of what our goal is here?" "Uh, maybe?" Bulk Biceps replied with a tone of uncertainty. "We want to qualify!” She corrected. “We need to be one of the first four teams to cross the finish line! Bulk Biceps, you're the first flyer, so let me see you flap it!" Bulk Biceps did as he was told, although of course, not without a struggle which was put to an end when one of Applejack's brown betties struck him in the face. "What the?" Rainbow Dash questioned before looking down and saw that it was Applejack who kicked it up, by accident. "Sorry! Got the idea from them, but…" She turned her head towards two Pegasus ponies, wearing chefs hats, and launching cupcakes from a catapult. "Hooves down! Cakes up!" Both Fleetfoot and Spitfire flew down from the sky and managed to catch the two cupcakes into their mouths before resuming their flight. "…It looks like they got better aim." Rainbow Dash shrugged it off before turning back to her team, with a horseshoe in her right forehoof, "Okay, the passing of the baton needs to be seamless. You shouldn't miss a wing beat or drop a hair in altitude! And whatever you do, don't let go of it!" She reminded her muscular friend while placing the horseshoe in his hoof to remind him of how crucial it is to carry this out flawlessly since they have strict rules in regards to that before Fluttershy flies up ready for the transfer. "Are you really, really, really sure you're ready? I mean, I don't want to take it if you're not super sure." She said trying to make this as easy as possible while Rainbow watches closely. "Ready!" Biceps shouted before handing Fluttershy the baton successfully… …before the latter suddenly lost control of her hooves before accidentally dropping it to the ground, to which Rarity was quick to pick up and took with her while walking by. "Ponyville could do so much better. I'll be back with a freshly painted one in no time!" "We were using that!" Rainbow angrily exclaimed, "And it's not like anypony else has color-coordinated horseshoes or anything!" And yet she suddenly finds herself proved wrong when she saw Spitfire hand to her teammate Fleetfoot a color coordinated horseshoe baton before flying off. She then turned her head over to the track where the lions and cheetah are all practicing their hand-offs. Between Kion and Kyoga the two were able to make the pass successfully without much difficulty and were able to run really fast. And when it came to Fuli’s turn, the two had to be with a raised hoof and a timed launch because when she goes, she goes super quick to the point she easily covers the track in less than ten seconds. With a sigh, she knows that Fuli had the right idea, sure they are all friends, but Fuli knew deep down they had the speed and skills to pull it off in near-perfect sync together and that’s why she picked them for her team. "I guess some ponies do." She said in saddened dismay before floating down just when the Pride Lander trio walk by to check up on her team. "Some ponies do what?" Kion asked. "Have a better chance of qualifying and going to the Equestria Games than others." She answered feeling she made a mistake in her choice. “Well…” Fuli spoke up trying to find the right words to say it in an encouraging tone. “…it depends of what team we’re talking about. I mean, it might not help coming from me given how well we work together…” She said before quickly getting to the point. “…but that’s not to say the same can’t be said for you and your teammates.” She eyed both the shy Pegasus and the tiny winged muscle pony. “You picked them because you saw potential in them. Remember how Fluttershy managed to catch up to you when you were Discorded and how she helped you provide your team enough wingpower to meet the quota to carry water from Ponyville to Clousdale?” “Yeah. It was pretty awesome of her.” “And as I recall from what Ono told me, Bulk Biceps can get going once he can properly balance himself and get himself up off of the ground during the training at the Wonderbolts Academy.” She added. “That’s true, I did.” Ono nodded while eyeing his tiny wings. “He does have that speed in him, which is considerably impressive when you look at the size of his wings.” “He did do a really great job, even though he wasn’t the fastest of the other flyers when I was there.” Rainbow said in smiling agreement while facing her best friend. “But he does have what it takes to keep up with me and Fluttershy.” “He does.” Fuli said liking her newly restored confidence. “So I think together you three have a solid chance at making the top four.” “You really this I can do this?” “No kidding.” She asserted in a friendly tone. “All you need is to give your team the proper motivation.” She advised while turning her attention to the Wonderbolts where Spitfire was receiving a massage and resting while Soarin was practicing his aerial movements in the sky. “Perhaps a little close observation from your future dream team might be in order.” She suggested. “Good idea!” Rainbow immediately liked the idea before guiding both Fluttershy and Bulk Biceps on over there with something she’d like them to see. “Watch and learn. The Cloudsdales are Wonderbolts, and Wonderbolts are the best flyers there are. And my personal heroes. So, maybe you can learn something." Taking Fuli’s advice, Rainbow already felt motivated. If only Fluttershy and Bulk Biceps could do the same since their eyes were shifted downwards due to their thoughts of not being able to measure up to their speed flowing through their heads. So in order for them to get the message, Rainbow Dash lifted their chins up to make them watch and observe. "Please learn something?" While Soarin was practicing in the air, both Twilight and Lightning eyed each other with a knowing look before splitting up. "C'mon, Soarin, pick up the pace! You can do better than that!" Fleetfoot called from down on the ground just when the two appear on parallel sides of the skies. "I sure hope so." Spitfire voiced in agreement. Sure, he has the speed, but deep down they feel he could do more than want he was giving, and considering their reputation of having the best of the best at their disposal, they have to have it for when it counts. The Cloudsdale cheerleaders danced and cheered to help motivate said Wonderbolt. "Practice, practice, yay, practice!" Soarin briefly turned back to smile at the encouragement… …before realizing too late that he was flying in too close to the hoop and ended up clipping his wing while flying through the ring thanks to a bright flash of white blinding light that got in his face. "Whoa!" Both Spitfire and Fleetfoot watched in horror upon seeing their teammate plummeting to the ground. Kion and Fuli both turned their heads towards the source and gasped when they witnessed Soarin falling down. "Aaaaah! Help!" “Hevi Kabisa!” Acting quick, Fuli sprinted ahead while Rainbow follows suit in flight, where the former leaps up and catches the Pegasus on her back with Rainbow following up by and catches the two with her front hooves before Soarin can hit the ground. “Huwezi!” "Gotcha!" Rainbow flew down and landed both Fuli and Soarin safely on the ground. "Thanks. You saved me." Soarin gratefully said to her rescuers. "It was nothing." “More like a team effort.” The two humbly returned just when everypony along with the Lion and Pony Guard, applauded the two for their heroic act. "Awe-some!" Fleetfoot strongly commended. "As good as any Wonderbolt! Both of you!" Spitfire added with a proud smile directed at both Rainbow and Fuli. “Way to go, Fuli!” Kion said proudly with a friendly jab on the shoulder to which she returned back with a teasing smile. "Oh, Rainbow Dash, Fuli I am just so proud of you botj." Fluttershy complimented. "You leaped up and caught Soarin and you scooped both Soarin and Fuli out of the sky and brought him down to the ground and now, now he's okay. At least, I hope he's okay. Are you okay?" She asked the Pegasus just to make sure. Soarin lifted his sprained wing and ended struggling to move it. "Uh, my wing hurts, but I-I'm sure it'll be okay by the competition." “Hmm…” Ono voiced while flying over to inspect it before gently holding it up much to the pony’s discomfort. “…sorry Soarin, but you’re not okay. Doesn’t take much keen sight to tell you that it’s a mild sprain. “ Immediately, the sound of a siren wailing was heard with a pony medic arriving with a gurney for Soarin to get on. “Here let me help.” Beshte quickly assisted him by scooping him up and placing him on the gurney using his snout to do so. The pony nodded to thank the hippo before turning to his savior once more. "You're the best, Rainbow Dash. You too, Fuli." "Ah, it was nothin'.” Fuli returned while trying hard to sound too flattered. “I’m sure you would have done the same thing if you were in my paws.” “And just so you know…if you like talking about how great I am, don't let me stop you!" Rainbow added before the pony medic took Soarin away to get his injuries treated. "'P' is for Rainbow Dash!" Bulk Biceps shouted while suddenly surprising everyone close by. "Um, 'Rainbow Dash' actually starts with an 'R'." Fluttershy flew up corrected her friend in a whisper to his ear. "Never mind!" He shouted while visibly embarrassed by his mistake. "Tough break to lose a teammate right before the tryouts." Fuli apologetically said to the Wonderbolts, "Unless you have another Wonderbolt ready to go or if Soarin can get better in time you’re pretty much down a flyer." The two instead of thinking of who else they can get from the Wonderbolts, they both grinned and came up with an immediate solution eyeing the cyan colored pony. “You know, you grew up in Cloudsdale." Fleetfoot started. "So that means you could fly with us." Spitfire added. "Fly?" “What do you mean?” Both asked wondering where they are going with this. "Uh, we mean practice." Fleetfoot quickly corrected in clarification. "You could practice with us until Soarin's better." "What do you say? Wanna be our third?" Spitfire offered. “What?” Fuli questioned while highly surprised of what they are doing. “But what about Soarin? Or any other Wonderbolt you have?” “Relax, he’ll be fine.” The captain assured. “We’re just playing it safe with him and keeping him from further injuring himself. Nothing personal, and all we’re asking of Rainbow is a third member on our team so we can qualify for the games.” “Well, true…” Fuli nodded while tilting her head understanding of her reasons. “But still, Rainbow’s already got a team. A team that needs her help more in order to qualify.” “That’s true.” Rainbow agreed. “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 pointed out. "Heh, I did kick some major tail at the Academy." Rainbow chuckled upon the memory before being nudged by the cheetah to remind her of where her true loyalties lie, her Ponyville team. “Mmm-hmm.” Fuli cleared her throat while glaring at her to get her to choose wisely. “But I don’t know how my teammates are going to feel about me practicing with the other team.” Rainbow brought up while still hesitating to completely decline the offer. “Who says you have to know.” Fleetfoot insisted otherwise while grabbing and pressing her cheeks together. “Think about it, Rainbow Dash…” She gestured her to the finish line on a rainbow ring from above. “…this is your chance to fly with the winners.” It was a tense few seconds of pondering between looking at that, Fuli’s glare, along with Fluttershy and Bulk Biceps, the former playing with a butterfly, and the latter flexing his pecs, before Rainbow made her decision. "Alright, I'll do it." "Wise decision, Rainbow Dash." Spitfire smiled before leading her to their campsite while Fuli watches on looking with disappointment directed at the Pegasus’s direction to which she fully noticed and lowered her ears knowing why she is giving it to her. In her head, she can only hope that she’ll come around when it truly counts… “Very wise.” Twilight quietly agreed while watching the scene unnoticed from the skies just when Lightning Dust flies by her side. “And well done.” “Thanks.” Lightning said with arrogant pride. “Blinding that slow flying Soarin into crashing out was really nothing. About time somepony gave a wing in helping her get grounded.” She added with a mean chuckle while Twilight looks on unamused. “Oh, come on! You have to admit that was funny!” She implored of her. “Maybe to you.” Twilight blankly returned still not cracking a smile leading to the light blue coated flyer to press forward with the next step to the alicorn’s plan. “Anyways, Soarin is injured, so now what?” “Now, we keep watching over them and find out where exactly do Rainbow Dash’s true loyalties lie deep down.” She replied before turning to see Rainbow get starting with training with her idols. “And if I’m right and the plan works, then the next key will be ours.” “And if the plan doesn’t work?” Lightning felt the need to ask. “Well, then we can just say that’s one key still out and about and keep the Elements from ever be a threat to us.” She calmly explained before turning back to her. “But knowing her, I’m counting on what I know will happen.” She then finished with a strong sense of confidence it’ll work out in her favor. “Because I know of what she’ll do now.” “So do I.” Scar secretly commented from watching the conversation back at Pride Rock while overseeing Chrysalis, Zira, Janja, and Reirei training the Outsiders in preparation for the upcoming battles ahead of them. “Because like me, I can read others minds very well.” He said while observing his follower’s progress from up high. While both Zira and Chrysalis were ruthlessly vicious and effective in training their subordinates and followers, Janja and Reirei well were quite the opposite, mainly because of Cheezi, Chunga, and Goigoi’s usual bumbling antics. “Ready boys…” “Ready!” “Ready Goigoi!” “Ready when you are!” “Attack!” Both leaders yelled before sparing each other. At the same time both Cheezi and Chungu charged at Goigoi who likewise charged too… …before getting distracted by a butterfly fluttering nearby which led to the hyenas ended up colliding into him by accident. “Oooh…hot wings.” Goigoi murmured before passing out. “Really…because I see stars.” Cheezi stupidly questioned and gazed before passing out to. “Really, really, big stars.” Chungu added before dropping to the ground after blacking out to which had Scar rubbing his temples with his fingers after finding this rather frustrating incompetence embarrassing. “I’m surrounded by idiots!” He muttered to himself quietly. “Ugh, furbrains!” Janja grumbled before moving to defend himself against Reirei’s attacks who likewise pressed forward yet embarrassed by her husband’s behavior. “And you married him, why?” “I don’t have to explain things to you hyena!” Reirei responded still steadfast on trying to take her rival down. “Now let’s dance and get this over with!” “Bring it!” The hyena boldly challenged before duking it out with their claws. “And that’s what I like to see.” Scar commented up observed with an approving and sinister smile upon seeing their work in progress. Well at between the semi-competent leaders. In the following days leading up to qualifying, Rainbow Dash had been training with both teams with the hopes she can keep this under wraps. Even though Fuli is fully aware of what she is doing, she finds it’s best to let her learn it the hard way just like Kyoga would do in this situation. It was frustrating for sure but it’s not her call to decide who’s team she should be on so she’s not going to get involved and managed to keep her cool and thoughts to herself while overseeing both Kion and Kyoga running through an obstacle course together in opposite sides of the field. At the same time, Rainbow managed to fly through the moving rings with ease and handed Fleetfoot the baton. "Awesome!" She complimented while taking off just when the Cloudsdale cheerleaders came flying around Rainbow Dash with another cheer. "Whinny, ponies, whinny! Fly on, fly on, fly on!" Rainbow quickly flew away, right by Twilight who still was watching her every movement closely, while eyeing the double-timing pony moving to train her Ponyville team the same routine. "Come on, Bulk Biceps, you can do it!" Rainbow encouraged the large pony trying to make his way through the hoop. Unfortunately like last time, he got stuck again because of his size. "Um... I'm ready to take the horseshoe, if you want me to." Fluttershy offered while flying up to him. Bulk did so, but due to his weight, he ended up bending the ring back and sent the both of them flying backwards like a slingshot, screaming. They flew by Ono who narrowly dodged them. “Whoa!” He exclaimed before covering his wings when the two crashed into a nearby rock behind them. “Ouch! That’s gotta hurt!” Bulk Biceps emerged fine, and Fluttershy was wedged onto his back. Rainbow Dash groaned while face-palming herself at this display. Back with Spitfire and Fleetfoot, Rainbow Dash they all did some wing ups together …with each having a pony on their back while doing them. Rainbow attempted to get her team to do wing ups, but of course wing strength isn’t in their favor since Fluttershy can’t get herself to one on her soft wings while Bulk is unable to due to his tiny wings. "You, uh, keep doing your wing-ups. I'm just gonna get some, uh, water." Rainbow instructed of them before flying away once again with Twilight still watching back and forth between the three teams. Kion having taken notice of Rainbow’s flying back and forth along with Fuli scoff of disgust in her direction started to wonder what’s going on and why her fast friend is acting like this towards her. “Everything okay?” He tried to ask of her. “Yep.” She quickly and sharply replied. “Just keep up with the push-ups.” Kion obliged without another word but could tell something was wrong here. So he felt the need to ask once more. “Are you sure?” He said with a raised eyebrow because it doesn’t take much to know that you’re upset with someone.” “Kion…?” She attempted to protest against talking about it. “…I’m fine, really.” But then she sees Kion’s look on his face is practically imploring of her for a good reason. “Ugh…” She face palmed before relenting. “All right! Rainbow is splitting her time between practicing with her team and the Wonderbolts and is now considering joining them for their upcoming qualifying run.” "Huh? Really?” “Yes, really?” Kion had to take this in for a second before responding. “Well, that does explain a lot.” “Yep, and you can tell why I’m frustrated.” Fuli said with her anger still felt in her voice. “Understandably, yes, but…” Kion honestly answered “…didn’t you try to talk to her about it.” “I did, but clearly she’s too caught up in pursuing her own dream rather than her own team.” Fuli argued. “And truthfully, I feel this is something she needs to understand on her own because she clearly listening to reason isn’t enough to get through to her.” “Then maybe we should try again.” Kion suggested. “Because I think she just needs to be reminded of what she is doing and who she should be sticking up for. Her true friends.” Fuli sighed before relenting. “Very well, if you really want to, then feel free to give it a try.” She replied before she and Kion moved to confront Rainbow Dash for her conflicting loyalty. Elsewhere, Rainbow Dash has once more snuck away from both teams so she can take a drink of water from the nearby stream. "It's not easy practicing with two teams, is it?" A voice told her to which had Rainbow spitting out her water in shock before turning to the one addressing her, Twilight Sparkle looking at her unimpressed and not fooled with whatever lie she tries to give her. “What the…Twilight?! You know?!” Rainbow questioned in frightened and baffled shock. “What are you doing here?! What’s with you interrogating me all the time?! Who told you?!” “For starters, yes. Second, being able to watch over other ponies gives me that ability. Third, I came to see the athletes training for the upcoming qualifying rounds for the Games. Fourth and most importantly, you did. Just now. And if this was an interrogation then why I am not threatening you?” She answered every asked question in detailed fashion. With all of those questions answered in the face of the still stunned mare, Rainbow had only one thing left to say. "Does anypony else know?" Rainbow asked once more. "No. They're too busy practicing to wonder why you keep disappearing." She replied just when Fuli and Kion appear behind her while startled once more by her appearance. “Oh, and for the record, I didn’t find out from neither Fuli or Kion.” She added while gesturing to them while making it clear she knows they are right behind her leaving Rainbow further stunned upon seeing that she’s not the only one who knows. Seeing that the cat is out of the bag, Rainbow had no choice but to explain herself. “Well…I've seen the other team practicing and we're still gonna qualify. I can fly fast enough to make up the distance." "Well, it just seems like one of the teams you're practicing with needs a little more help than the other one." Twilight countered without a hint of hostility in her tone while both Kion and Fuli watch very wary of what her approach is. "But it's so much more fun working out with the winners than... um...” She hesitated to say the right words next. “…the non-winners. Besides, Ponyville will still qualify." “Are you sure about that?” Twilight inquired while eyeing her to look at both Kion and Fuli who both have nothing to say at the moment due to the validness of her argument just when Spitfire and Fleetfoot find her. "Rainbow Dash, you got a minute?" Spitfire asked of Rainbow. "Uh, sure." Rainbow obliged before flying over to the two. "You could really be an asset to our team, so...” Fleetfoot began before laying it down. “…we want you to join the Cloudsdale team. Permanently." Rainbow Dash gasped in excitement hearing this, ignoring both Kion’s shocked gasp and Fuli’s groan of disgust as she rolls her eyes. "It looks like Soarin's wing won't heal in time for the trials." Spitfire explained while wrapping her hoof around Rainbow Dash’s back. "We want you to fly with us." "Of course, this means you won't be able to fly for Ponyville," Fleetfoot added in a reminding tone. "But let's face it. Even with you on their team, their chances of qualifying for the Games are pretty slim." At that moment, they saw Fluttershy attempting to hand Bulk the horseshoe, only to accidentally hit his cheek with the latter running off crying to which had Kion feeling silent sympathy for them before narrowing his eyes at the Wonderbolts. "So, what's it gonna be?" Spitfire asked with a smile. "Well, I…" Rainbow hesitated. "Take some time to think about it." Spitfire said to give her some allowance before she and Fleetfoot flew off leaving Rainbow excited with the opportunity she has been presented. "They want me to fly with them! It's like a dream come true!" She happily exclaimed while flying around before landing on her back, resting on the grass with her hooves behind the back of her head. “Expect, at the expense of your own team representing Ponyville.” Kion spoke up with a serious expression. “If you do this, Ponyville won’t qualify and they can’t fly without a third pony.” “Especially since we know which two ponies are already on the team you’re supposed be leading to do the job.” Fuli added. “And the fact that 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." Twilight added. “But I really want to fly with the fast team!” Rainbow protested before floating over to the cheetah. “Like the team you have, Fuli.” “Understandable, but shallow.” Fuli firmly responded. As much as she wanted to feel sympathy for her and her desires, but what she is doing is ultimately putting herself before the rest of her friends. “I might have a fast team and fast friends on it. But even I don’t toss away all my hard work and loyalty in leading my team for the sake of something that was in my interest, no matter what.” “But…” Rainbow’s self-esteem was now shot down. Sure she has the offer to fly with her dream team, but she could not deny that Kion, Fuli, and Twilight all have a point. She’s not thinking about her friends and by doing so she is letting them down and rendering all of their hard work for nothing. So she ends up flying over to the three. “What should I do?" Just before Kion could say anything, Twilight placed a hoof on his chest while shaking her head to silence him before turning back to answer her question. “I think this is a decision you have to make on your own.” She said before flying off in the opposite direction while looking back at Rainbow. "The race is tomorrow, so you'd better make it soon." Rainbow lowered down onto the ground in defeat with the only thing she can muster is a pleading look towards Kion and an apologetic look to Fuli. “As much I hate saying this, but I’m afraid Twilight’s right. You’re going to have choose. Your friends, or yourself.” Was all Fuli could say with nothing but sympathy and disappointment in her before turning and walking away. “Sorry, Rainbow.” Kion also apologized with the same sympathetic tone and disappointment in her friend. “But there are some things than even the leader of the Lion Guard can’t help with.” And with that, Kion followed suit leaving Rainbow torn with what to do now. The next day, both Kion and Fuli were both silently hoping that Rainbow would make the right decision just when Kyoga approaches them taking note of their visible concern. “Do you think maybe Rainbow has come to her senses by now?” Fuli asked the prince while having slight regret for not doing more to help her get her through her internal struggle. “I hope so.” Was all Kion could answer in response before sighing. “But then again, for all we know is Twilight could be convincing her otherwise.” Kyoga just by looking at Kion’s expression could tell that he is really begging in vain that Rainbow would come through. Much like, the growing pain that he feels every day in regards to wanting to get Twilight back is getting more painful with each and every passing day. And it was starting to become an increasingly hard sight to see knowing that their chances of saving their friend from giving in to her own anger and hatred. “It’ll be okay.” Kyoga said in a comforting tone. “We’ll get her back, and Rainbow will make the right decision.” "Woe is me! Oooh!" Rainbow cried out loud. "Of course, I could be wrong." She said before looking on with a “Are you kidding me?” expression written on her face with what she is seeing just when Twilight was arriving in flight. Rainbow Dash, on a wheelchair, covered in bandages, all over her body, all while moaning and crying dramatically. “What has she been doing? Taking up Rarity’s drama classes?” Fuli asked in exasperation with what she is seeing. “What's happened?" Fluttershy asked while approaching her along with everyone else. "Urgh, I've hurt my hoof…" Pinkie Pie, Bunga, and Rarity gasped, while Twilight, Kion, Fuli, and Kyoga looked on very unimpressed, not buying her “injuries.” for a second. "All of them?" Spitfire asked while inspecting all of her bandaged hooves. "I, uh, tripped on a-a foam hoof and landed on a…pokey stick coming out of the ground." She explained before speaking the last part bordering on unintelligible and hard to make out as a clear indicator to those who know the truth that she is lying about her injuries. "If I get my hooves on that 'pokey stick coming out of the ground' Pinkie angrily growled while repeating the gibberish Rainbow had just said. "It'll be in big trouble!" “Yeah!” Bunga angrily declared before eyeing everyone around him. ”So I better not find out it was one of you or you’re in big trouble!” "There is no way I can fly now." Rainbow said in fake sorrow. "Do you think you'll be better by tryouts?" Fluttershy hopefully asked and Rainbow groaned in exaggeration while leaning against the chair, placing her hoof on her forehead like a drama queen. "I'll be lucky if I ever fly again!" “You’ve got to be kidding me.” Fuli growled while Kyoga face-palmed herself finding it embarrassing. Both Kion and Twilight rolled their eyes in annoyance, knowing that she is being phony in faking her injuries. “I just need a little rest." Rainbow said with a sigh. "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 assured before wheeling her chair on over to the medic. At the hospital, the heart rate monitor beeped while hooked up to Rainbow Dash who had all four of her hooves elevated as she laid down on a hospital bed, surrounded by her concerned friends. Twilight having walked inside, examined the machine, before speaking to the ‘injured’ pony in question. "So, the medic pony isn't sure what's wrong with you." “Anything specific that’s hurting?” Beshte asked. "Everything! Absolutely everything!" Rainbow exclaimed dramatically. “Yep! That pony has definitely been taking up Rarity’s drama lessons.” Kyoga whispered to Fuli who nodded. Applejack moved to place one of her Apple Betties into Rainbow's mouth. "This'll cure everythin' that ails ya!" "Thank you. I couldn't have done that on my own." Rainbow expressed gratitude while Fuli sighed in annoyance. “Seriously?” Rarity was next to offer something for her friend to help make her feel better, a lovely sparkling purple fabric she levitated out of her bag. "Nothing says 'get better' like a little medical pizazz! Silk slings and a glitter bandage?" "That might help." Rainbow said as Rarity gently wrapped the fabric around the pony’s hoof. Bunga was next by appearing behind her bed and gave her a massage. “Nothing like a massage to help ease that tension you’re feeling.” "Thanks, Bunga. AAAHHH…" Rainbow cringed a little when Bunga unknowingly hit a sore spot in her lower back that really needed healing. “Oops. Sorry. Guess you should look into a massage expert to get that checked out.” “Good idea.” The doors opened once again when Fluttershy and Bulk Biceps entered the room. "And how is our patient doing?" Fluttershy asked as Bulk had a brief struggle entering the room due to his size, but managed after a little squeezing. "I've been better." "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. We'll be alright. We even have a replacement." Fluttershy assured when said pony appeared in the room waving the Ponyville flag. “Derpy?!” Fuli exclaimed upon seeing her. “Of all ponies it had to be her.” She muttered to herself. "We're so, so sorry that you can't compete." Fluttershy said with sympathy. "We all know how much you love to fly. And we promise-" "Cross our hearts!" Bulk added mid-sentence. "…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." Rainbow was left touched by her kindness. Even though their flying skills are up to her and the Wonderbolts level, they all have a common factor with each other, Loyalty. "Thanks…" She said felt very touched just when Twilight clears her throat. “Okay everyone, I think Rainbow Dash might need to rest some more. And not to worry…" She was quick to assure everyone wary of her in the room. “…I’m not out to kill anyone you right now, so can trust me for once.” “Okay…” Kion accepted while still very hesitant to take her word for it before the rest of the Guard proceeded to exit the room, with Kion the only one who remained, along with Twilight. Rainbow didn't need to say anything to know that they know the truth. But even so, neither of them were mad at her. Instead they both each had one thing to say. “You know, choosing not to choose isn't really a decision.” “And by doing so, you’re showing to everyone that you’re on nobody’s side. So where exactly do your loyalties lie, Rainbow Dash? Loyalty or fame?” The two exited the room, leaving Rainbow alone, or at least she thought until… "You sure have nice friends." Soarin’s voice spoke to her to catch her attention when he removed the curtain which hid him from view before. His wing was now wrapped in a bandage and on a bed next to her. "Nopony's been by to visit me. They’re too busy practicing, I guess." "Well, hopefully your wing will be better soon." Rainbow assured. "Oh, it's fine. I-I'm just keeping it warm in case my team wants me back." "What do you mean, 'wants you back'?" Rainbow asked finding something off here. "Spitfire and Fleetfoot told me that you were still too injured to fly!" "And they told me that they were worried I wouldn't be one hundred percent by the tryouts, so they were going with the pony who's been practicing with them lately!” Soarin answered in realization. "That pony else was me!" Rainbow also realized the truth. "Until, uh, well, until I got hurt, that is." Soarin sighed sadly while lying his back onto his bed. "So, I guess we're all out of luck. Cloudsdale won't qualify without three fliers, and Ponyville won't qualify without you. Too bad…" The blue Pegasus turned his head to the side while wrapping his body in a blanket in defeat. It was there Rainbow realized the consequences of her actions. She wanted to win so badly that she ended up forgetting where her true loyalties lie deep down. And by doing so, she ended up alienating herself from Kion and Fuli, and worse of all, lied to her friends and lied to everyone. Even though Twilight is currently her enemy, she was right, and she ended up making things worse when she choose not to decide which team she was going to commit to. Just then, a ray of sunshine entered the room, hitting a jug of water, creating a reflection of rainbow colors that hit the Ponyville flag on the floor. The very flag that represented her home team, the team of where her friends lived. "Choosing not to choose isn't really a decision." “And by doing so, you’re showing to everyone that you’re on nobody’s side. So where exactly do your loyalties lie, Rainbow Dash? Loyalty or fame?” Both Kion and Twilight’s last words to her echoed through her mind along with another voice she never expected to hear from. “So very true, Rainbow Dash…” Scar’s voice spoke to her with his head appearing to her in a fiery cloud of smoke with the blue Pegasus gasping in fear of him. “…and if you keep this up, you’re going to end up just like me. Someone’s who’s only out for herself and saving his own fur, or at least what I used to be for a while when I was without the Roar.” Rainbow didn’t know what to say while eyeing the villain that corrupted her friend in his fiery-colored glory, mainly out of terror. “If you really want to prove yourself as a better mare, then it’s time to accept your destiny. There is no other choice.” “But…no…you’re wrong, Scar!” She stammered back. “Am I?” Scar meant what he said with a smirk. “Sisi Ni Sawa, Rainbow Dash!” With an evil cackling laugh, he disappeared in a puff of smoke while clearing up the nearby window and rainbow glow shimmering on the Ponyville flag. As her eyes shinned with a Rainbow glow while processing every past word of wisdom, Rainbow Dash knew what she had to do now before getting herself out of bed. Outside, the group of Ponyville friends and Pride Landers were all down on their butts without the will to feel motivated into preparing for the upcoming qualifiers. Without Rainbow Dash, Ponyville doesn’t have a shot at it. "Even with Rainbow Dash's replacement, I don't think we're gonna qualify. " Ono said before quickly turning to Derpy, "No offense." He quickly added. Thankfully, she just shrugged it off as she is used to it by now. "Gah!” Pinkie angrily said while throwing down the wig before turning to her pile of colorful pom poms. “What am I gonna do with all these now?!" "Uh, what were you gonna do with them before?" Applejack asked. “To cheer on Ponyville and the Pride Lands, of course!” Bunga answered while tossing aside his cheerleader uniform. “But it’ll just the Pride Lands, since Rainbow has injured herself.” Rarity sighed before tossing aside the sky blue dress she made earlier. "Maybe my Equestria Games uniforms will still be in style next year. I mean, I am pretty fashion-forward." “What in the Pride Lands?!” Kion gasped upon seeing something that caught his eye. "Is that Rainbow Dash… walking?" Ono questioned while being highly surprised to see this. “Apparently.” Kyoga answered before smiling along with Kion and Fuli upon seeing the pony own up to her mistakes with Soarin accompanying her. The two approached Spitfire and Fleetfoot, who both dropped their bottles of water from their mouths upon seeing them. "Does… this mean you're feeling better?" Fleetfoot asked, unsure of how to respond with what she and Spitfire are seeing. "I-I feel great, because... I was never hurt in the first place." Rainbow confessed while ripping off the bandages from her body leaving everyone stunned upon this revelation. “He was faking?!” Bunga gasped. “What?!” Ono gasped with his jaw dropping before having it closed by Kyoga so Rainbow can explain why she did it in the first place. "I faked my injury so that I wouldn't have to choose between flying for Ponyville or Cloudsdale. At first I was only training with the Wonderbolts so I could get inspired and help out my own team, but I got so wrapped up in the winner circle that I lost track of what I was really working for. In the end, I wanted to fly with you both, but the decision was too hard! And worse, I made my friend keep a secret that wasn't hers to keep." Fuli proudly smiled in the Pegasus’s direction for what she did, especially considering doing so is not an easy thing to do. "Oh, Rainbow Dash, you don't have to choose us." Fluttershy assured. "I know you love to win, and you should go with the team that surely will." Rainbow Dash smiled in return before responding. "I know now who I should've been loyal to." "Good choice." Spitfire smiled thinking she chose to fly with Cloudsdale. "Always stick with the winners." "Ponyville." Rainbow answered much to their surprise. “Huh?” The two reacted with wide eyes in response to which Fuli sports a smug grin right at them that says in her mind “That’s right, Ponyville!” "Because it's not just where I live, but it's where my friends are. The ponies who really care about me, whether I can help them win a race or not." Rainbow continued while walking over to her true team. Everyone of her close friends were proud of her, especially Kion and Fuli before they all happily cheered for her making the right decision. "Are you sure that's the right decision?" Spitfire asked before finding herself looked in the eyes crossly by Rainbow Dash. "You lied to me about Soarin's wing just so you could get a better flyer!" Soarin crossed his hooves while frowning at the two for doing so "You may be a winning team, but you're still not the kind of team I wanna be a part of." “Got that right!” Fuli couldn’t resist but indulge in a little gloating before quickly turning her head and whistling to herself while still smiling even her friends giving her the knowing eye her knowing she said that. Spitfire removed her shades, and was actually humbled by what Rainbow Dash had said. "Huh. Rainbow Dash, you are something. Saw it at the Academy, seeing it again here. We could learn a lot from a competitor like you." "Think we already have." Fleetfoot agreed with Spitfire approached Soarin with much needed words to say to him. "And we’ll start by giving you an apology, Soarin.” Spitfire said to him with an apologetic look. “We never should have lied to you and to tried to replace you to begin with. Much like Rainbow Dash, we too ended up having ambition that had us overlooking of what was really important, our friendship with you. So…wanna fly with us again?" She offered with a smile. Initially, Soarin wasn’t sure, but thought to herself. “Oh, I can’t stay mad at you.” before answering. “Of course! Go, Cloudsdale!" He cheered while flying upwards with his teammates following after him. "Come on, Ponyville relay team! We've got a race to get ready for!" Rainbow confidently declared to her team before racing ahead. "Yeah!" Bulk Biceps cheered as he and Fluttershy flew after her. “So do we!” Fuli added before running off ahead. “Fuli!” “Wait for us!” Both Kyoga and Kion smiled while quickly following after. A scene that Twilight watched on from the skies feeling very pleased with the great display of loyalty shown between friends, yet still has one matter of business to take care of here… …watching over the two teams qualifying runs along with fetching Rainbow’s special key of Loyalty. Later that day, it was time of the qualifying trails. The Wonderbolts, had all three of its fliers flying up to the rainbow circle in the sky. A unicorn pony official hit the timer when Fleetfoot crossed the finish line last before nodding to the group to let them know they qualified for the games. At the same time on the ground, the Pride Landers relay team was running their qualifying run. Much like the flying relay course, it’s on an oval track with obstacles the runners must clear at a fast pace. A steeplechase event where there are hurdles along with puddles of water on the track laid out throughout the track with the sole exception of one straightaway where it is obstacle free for it’s runners. Each runner was responsible for covering 3,000 meters, and every runner had to clear every hurdle on the track. Kyoga went first, where she managed to jump over the hurdles and barriers without too much trouble, and she did touch the water a bit a few times, but was able to keep up the momentum before handing her horseshoe to Kion who went next. Kion, managed very well on his turn, he managed to clear through the hurdles no problem aside from touching the water a few times too while keeping the momentum going at a slightly faster pace before handing the reigns to his friend Fuli who ran last. And with her running, she managed to cover the distance much faster than both of them combined. Aside from a few close calls on some of the jumping hurdles, she managed to clear and avoid touching the water every time she had to jump over it. After all, she wasn’t getting her paws wet no matter what even during a trail run while managing to cross the finish line with one fast sprint that everyone had only a few seconds to mentally prepare for her to cover whenever she hit the clear straightaways. Thanks to Fuli, the Pride Lander team was able to qualify like it was an easy feat, even though everyone was left panting and catching their breath from having to cover such a long distance along with clearing so many leaps over hurdles and water puddles. "Come on, Ponyville! You can do it!" Soarin cheered for the pony team down below ready to make bring their A-game to the course, especially Rainbow Dash as they all take their positions. Bulk Biceps went first and managed to fly thought the rings without getting stuck. He then handed the horseshoe to Fluttershy who like Bulk with the rings earlier managed to grab it without having it fall to the ground before taking off. Twilight, appearing in a cheerleader outfit and rainbow wig much like Pinkie’s, waved her front hooves that had pom poms on them while cheering the team on. "Go, Fluttershy! Woo-hoo!" “Interesting…” Fuli whispered to Kion who both found it amusingly adorable yet still puzzled of why she would get in on the cheering action. The yellow Pegasus, now flying with confidence, managed to fly though the rings with speed in them. She flapped her wings as fast as she can before handing Rainbow Dash the horseshoe. Bunga wearing his cheerleader outfit while having the pom poms and rainbow wig too, joinied in when the Cloudsdale cheerleaders cheered their support for Ponyville. He climbed up on top of the pyramid formation with Pinkie to lift him up there while tossing up confetti. "Qualify, Ponyville! Qualify, Ponyville!" “Yeah!” "Woo-hoo! Go, Rainbow Dash!" With it all down to her run, Rainbow Dash was giving everything she had to ensure that they make the mark on time by flying at top speed. “Oh my…Oh my…” Ono nervously sweated by biting his feathers. “Please make it on time…please make it on time…” “Come on you got it.” Beshte quietly and calmly said with his legs firm on the ground certain they’ll make it on time. If he had fingers he would have them crossed right now. “Let’s go, Rainbow Dash! Fly as fast you as can!” Fuli shouted after her hoping her coaching on in this situation has helped her out big time here just when Applejack chewed on one of her Apple Bettys greatly hoping Rainbow has the speed to pull this off. She cleared through all of the hoops with ease with her incredible speed even with the clock ticking, and she ended up crossing the finish line with one final sprint. "Ponyville qualifies.” The official proudly declared. With that announcement, every one of their friends cheered for them for managing to beat out the clock by just a fraction of a second. “Woohoo! They did it! They did it!” “All right, Ponyville!” “Way to go, Rainbow Dash!” “Way to go, Fluttershy!” “Way to go, team!” The Lion Guard all congratulated the three Pegasus ponies for their achievement while they all smiled and absorbed the applause and praise they were getting from the crowd. The qualifying teams lined up as the official levitated medals for each of the teams. Just when Rainbow was accepting her’s, Spitfire walked up to her and gave her friend her gold Wonderbolts badge, and placed it on her medal to commend her for her loyalty to her friends. The rest of the Guard all gathered around the two victorious teams, Twilight wrapped her hoof around Rainbow’s shoulder while giving her a smile to let her know that she is very happy for her. With all things considered, Rainbow felt a slight chill in her spine, yet like Kion and Fuli who both noticed it, came to a silent realization that maybe, just maybe, there’s some redeeming qualities deep down Twilight’s darken heart before everyone all smiled for the camera. "Equestria Games, here we come!" Twilight declared while the camera pony takes their photo. When Rainbow was fully focused on the camera, Twilight stealthily swapped Rainbow’s new badge with a near identical one she hid in her rainbow wig which was quickly whisked away in a flash with Lightning flying by at a super-fast pace so no pony could make her out and spot her out. Lightning quickly dashed over to the distant bushes while making out hoof signals to inform Twilight that Rainbow’s key is secure in their hooves leaving Twilight having a very pleased smile for the group photo. With their business done at Rainbow Falls, the two teams all went home feeling proud with what they accomplished today. And the lessons learned proved invaluable to everyone these last few days. “Hey Fuli, Kion…” Rainbow said as she flew up to her who was sitting next to Kion on the train ride home. “Yes, Rainbow?” “What is it?” “I just wanted to say I’m sorry for the way I acted back there.” Rainbow apologized. “Like I said before, I ended up putting my own ambition of wanting to fly with the best flyers so much I ended up losing sight of what was really important. My friendship with them, and especially you and Kion.” "It's okay, Rainbow.” Fuli was quick to forgive her. “The desire of winning sure can drive us into doing something that we eventually regret." But she wasn’t done there while her smile turned into an apologetic look having regretted her past behavior. “And having said I owe you an apology too…” Rainbow looked on attentively wondering what for. “…for being too hard on you when I should tried to advise you into doing the right thing.” “Aww, shucks.” Rainbow playfully shrugged it off. “You didn’t need to apologize. You were right. Having to make a difficult decision like that is something I needed to make on my own and I shouldn’t have let my desire in wanting to do both cloud my judgement.” “It is hard making decisions like that.” Kion agreed. “But one thing that’s important to remember is that when it comes to that, is doing of what you think is best for everyone and what you think is right.” “That’s true.” Fuli nodded in reply. “Although…” She then thought of something concerning, specifically when Twilight was around them at Rainbow Falls. “…I do wonder what Twilight’s motive for being here was. Why did she show up to get Rainbow into learning her lesson about loyalty?” “I don’t know.” Kion replied while shifting his eyes downward still trying to process it. “But it was strange of the fact that she could have exposed Rainbow at any time and she could have made another attempt on her life if she wanted to but didn’t.” “That’s right…” Rainbow agreed the more she thought about it. “…She could have but didn’t. That was weird that she actually wanted me to learn my lesson back there.” “But what did she have to gain from that?” Fuli asked Kion if he had an idea of what her angle is. Although, Kion didn’t have a clear answer for what she is planning. “I don’t know. But it seems like whatever she’s planning, it’s something very big. Something that will throw us off guard for whatever empire she and Scar have their sights on.” Said empire in sights is the Crystal Empire, where Princess Cadance is currently on her throne reading her mail before setting her eyes on a specific letter from someone she knows. “Twilight…” She gasped at the sight of her own sister-in-law taking the time to write to her of something important. And judging from the contents of her letter, it must be something worth coming over to see her in person over. At the same time, both Twilight and Lightning have both arrived back at Ponyville with Spitfire’s gift to Rainbow Dash accompanied with the same rainbow glimmering glow in the alicorn’s hooves for Scar to see himself when he calls them with his magic in order to make sure that the mission was succuessful. “Thank you, Rainbow Dash.” Scar said with satisfaction upon seeing Twilight hold up Rainbow's Wonderbolt badge before the two mares went their separate ways after ending the brief magical transmission signalling that their work for the day has been finished. Once Twilight returned to her library she pulled out the other four keys she has secretly stowed away behind her wall safe. With Rainbow’s key now in her hooves, she has almost half of the keys to the very powerful magic contained from within the magical chest containing the power of the Elements of Harmony.