//------------------------------//
// Book II Chapter VI “Hurricane Winter” 
// Story: Guardians of the beyond VOL I 
// by Red24 
//------------------------------//

As the day seemed like normal ponies working, shopping strolling along a green pony was whistling then a flyer hit her face! Then flyers started to fall all over the place she took a read.

“All flying creatures to the town hall!!! Emergency meeting!!” Summer called below as she let the fliers out of her bag fall. Winter picked one up, biting her lip. Eclipse stood with her and looked over to see what it was. 

Then Minty looked annoyed, “at least aim these at creatures who can fly!” She shouts as she trotted off.

“Great…” Winter says discouraged looking at the paper. Letting Eclipse read it too.

“Oh cool! That’s different….so will you contribute?” He said finding it interesting. Nullah already putting on his pilot cap.
.
“I don’t know, I’m not as fast or strong as the others,” she rubbed her arm.

“Hey, it’s not about who’s the fastest everyone counts….at least that's what I get from this... I’d love to join but I’m stuck as a unicorn,” he chuckles.

She did too, “might as well join and support them,” with that they headed to the town hall. Nullah looked inquisitive and followed, into the hall with lots of ponies where there they talked ponies they all talked to each other

They were mostly pegasi knowing of the program, but other winged creatures came to see what the commotion was about. Someone zoomed into the hall. They all gasped and cheered seeing the great Rainbow Dash!

She came in fast and cool as she always is. “Sup Everone!!” She greets excitedly! Even with her more advanced age, she was full of energy, Eclipse cheers finding this rather fun. The room went dark as a projector turned on and someone was being shown on the screen pulled down. Explaining the process of how Cloudesdale provides Equestria rain and clouds! But since Equestria made allies with other creatures, it's dedicated itself to providing them water for their vegetation as well. Nullah took doodle notes along with Eclipse who was taking actual notes.

“Ok, we have done this drill a lot but times have changed! I will update you," Rainbow Dash says, pulling down a new screen to show a chart, "This! Is a chart of wing power needed before when it was only needed for Equestria. A minimum of 800 wing power was needed, and now!!" she pulls down a new chart.
"Now! With more nations needing water, that minimum has gone up to 1020! This year, Ponyville has been chosen to have the water taken to Cloudsdale from its own reservoir! Decades ago, we failed to break the speed record, but were still able to deliver the water! This time though, thanks to Summers' amazing helping skills, I believe we will achieve it this year!”

Everybody cheered excitedly then. Determined to break the record this year!! Winter was still nervous about it, every pony here was such good at flying!
Summer came to the stage, “ok Everyone I studied hard on how to get this exact so I’ll be training you all so we can break the record! So I want Everybody to be at their best!” 
Everyone cheered, flying up and hyping each other for the event. Summer saw Eclipse there and asked him to help with notes and keeping track of every creature since he was so organized from their time during Winter wrap-up.

Later outside by the reservoir, the line was big and enthusiastic! Signing each creature up, Winter gulped as she wanted to do her best but having Summer organize the whole thing was annoying. She came up to the desk, “ok! next!……Winter? Oh, you're looking much better now that you can see! ….. Do you want to participate in this?” Summer says, raising an eyebrow.

“Of course!! Every little bit counts!!” Winter replies, taking the pen in her mouth to sign her name. 

Summer sighed, “well take it seriously please,” she pleaded to Winter as she went to join the others. Everyone was stretching by the race track, getting ready to practice.  

Eclipse came back from the palace with the anemometer, looking fascinated by it! 

“I don’t get it? It’s just a piece of measuring equipment, why are you so interested?” Notus asked feeling this was the dullest part of it all. He'd rather be trying to break the machine with his 'amazing' speed.

“I’ve seen so much tech that is infinitely more complex than this...BUT ITS SIMPLICITY IS BEAUTIFUL!” Eclipse marvels at the anemometer. His eyes lit up in awe as he spun it while watching the dial move. 

Notus was still a bit confused. But Summer decided to step up and show every pony how it worked. Starting at the starting line, warming up before bolting forward past the Anemometer. The fan spun and the meter on it went up, stopping at 13.6. Nullah sat in front of the little fan on a beach chair wearing sunnies, a hat, and a classic floral shirt with a coconut drink in his tail. 
“SEE WHAT I MEAN!! IT'S SO EFFICIENT YET USES NOTHING BUT WIND POWER” Eclipse gushes. 

Notus only nods, “right…” 

“Yes, that's true Eclipse! I’m happy you're enthusiastic, unlike some ponies….but anyway see how fast I was! That’s the aim everybody here should reach!” Summer says to the crowd, "Our minimum is 1020 wing power and I know that's asking a lot, but if everyone at least gets up to ten then I have no doubt we can accomplish our goal!!" 

Some were a little nervous but others were excited. Summer took the clipboard and used it to call one creature after another to take their turn. As they went, their wing power was listed by their name.
Eclipse would shout out the measurements and write them down; he seemed to love this. Winter on the other hoof dreaded the judging eyes of Summer who seemed as well as enthusiastic, a little touchy as if she was trying to prove something. As flyers would go by; some were great, others not so much and the worse the flyer was, the more Winter could tell Summer got more nervous.

“Phew, haven’t seen so many girls working out in a while,” Summer giggles, using her wing to fan herself, “ok next…….sigh Winter,” 

Winter gulped walking up to the line and stretching. The others silently encouraged her to do her best. Winter sighed, getting started and flying as fast as she could. She passed by Eclipse and Summer, the meter coming up to 4.5. “How’d I do?” Winter asked.

“You got 4.5! Hehe, this is so fun,” Eclipse chuckles, not paying much attention to anything else as the anemometer to him was like a toy compared to what he had seen, and found it was so cool they were using it for something so important.

Summer did not look pleased on the other hoof. “Didn’t I tell you to take this seriously?!! Winter, this is important and that flying was rubbish! Especially for a pony whose parents are Wonderbolts!” Summer exclaims firmly in frustration, “Gosh, maybe it was a good thing you didn’t go to Wonderbolt training... or maybe you should’ve, then at least your score wouldn’t be so mediocre!!”  

Winter froze as she yelled that. The other creatures were surprised at that! Daughter of a Wonderbolt? Yeahhhh Winter may or may not have told any pony who her parents were. They all started whispering and talking amongst themselves. Nightmares of flight camp coming back.

“Huh? She’s a what?..” Notus was surprised as he came up. 

“Well, obviously our parents know each other and……wait, Winter, you never told anypony? What the heck’s wrong with you?! You can’t even take pride in your family?” Summer genuinely looks ashamed of Winter.

“Of course I do!!!” Winter retorted. But of course, there was more to her family history that she didn’t want others to know about. Eclipse looked up then with all the commotion going on.

“Hey indoor voices,” he then remembered they were outside, “whatever just chill you two! What’s going on?..”

“Nothing. Everything’s just all bright and sunshine for you right Summer?” Winter mocked sarcastically.

“Pfff of course! I’m totally fine!” she said, sweating a little, “I’m just saying you better put some actual effort into this,” she said then went to focus on the next pony-up, but it was clear she was stressed about something. 

“I’ll talk to her, '' Eclipse says as he goes over to her. Winter felt a little bad that Eclipse seemed to not pay her as much attention. She saw him talk to Summer but she didn’t hear what they said, just Summer looking distressed. Then to her shock, the two hugged each other! She felt a little hurt at that. 

"Take things seriously? Fine!" Winter left to go train somewhere else away from the other flyers who were whispering amongst themselves about her. She didn’t need this kind of attention!!

Notus looked concerned once everybody got back to what they were doing. He left and looked for Winter, it took a while but found her alone training, “umm hey,” he said as he approached.

“Hey,” she says, stretching. Some of the animals from the sanctuary came to watch her. One of them was a recovering falcon. Its wing was healed up so it gave Winter the chance to not only rehabilitate it but also work on her speed.

“So, I’m sorry miss ‘thinks she’s too bright’, was rude to you,” he apologizes as he approached.

“No no, it’s fine really!” Winter kept insisting.

“I’ll help you train if you want? And don’t worry, I won’t ask about your family, that's your business,” he assures.

Winter smiled, “thank you, Notus...” she replies thankful. Soon she started training, racing against the falcon and Notus helping with her flying technique. He had a decent relationship with the animals, so it was a help to her and made Winter more focused on her goal. She started by gliding alongside the falcon as a warm-up for them both before working their way up to get faster. 

Eclipse had talked to Summer and found out how nervous she was and how he comforted her. Though he told her she needed to apologize to Winter for what she said since that was a step too far.
She said she would do so later. For now, they had to focus on the task at hoof and get ready for the water transfer. If they don't accomplish their goal then no one will have rain.

As the day went on and everyone was right into the training at the reservoir, Eclipse was up monitoring the anemometer, “if only I could participate...” he sighs thoughtfully but smiles. 
Winter and Notus came back, she trotted past Summer without a second glance, ignoring the whispers from the other creatures, and approaching her friend. “Hey, Eclipse?”

“Hmm? Oh hey, Winter!” He replies seeing her, Summer took no notice.

“Hey…” she greets again, still a little hurt from before. “I have a small favor to ask of you?...”

Eclipse nodded, “sure ask away! Anything for a friend!” He said, happy to help in any way he could.

“Could you...bring the anemometer with you tonight right here?..if you're free too of course! You don't have to,”

His expression beamed, “Yes! I can!” He cheered like a filly on Hearts Warming, anything to use the anemometer! Then, stopped to compose himself, clearing his throat, “I mean... yes dear lady, I can do such a task! May I ask why?”

“Extra training…away from judgmental eyes.” She muttered to herself.

“Oh I see, sure thing,” he whispers in realization, “I’ll bring it tonight at 10 okay?” he asks, Summer was too busy to focus the two since there was still so much to do.

“Thank you!!” She hugged him quickly. Giving a way better hug than Summer did.
The hug felt great and Eclipse now felt a little bad, "oh I hope I haven’t been neglecting her," Eclipse thought, but his heart raced and with the hug, he smiled. Notus was glad that things seemed to be going well for the two of them even after he tried to help.

After the hug, Winter said she was going to rest and would see him tonight, flying off to get something to eat at Sugar Cube Corner.
The day went on as normal though, creatures trying, again and again, to raise their wing power higher. Eclipse did ask Notus how things were with Winter when they wandered off. He decided to not say much, feeling he didn’t want to intrude on Eclipse and Winter and only helped where he could. 

As the day finished everyone was packing up and leaving, Summer checking every creature off. “Okay, and... Wait! where’s Winter?" she yelled looking around but didn't see the pegasus, "Ahhh!! Of course, she didn’t do it the whole day! Just like her to Quit…she doesn’t care about bettering herself,” 

Eclipsed couldn’t say what they were doing but didn't like what Summer was saying about Winter, so he decided to stand up for her. “Hey, Summer? She honestly does believe in this! Winter just got her own stuff to deal with, and she’s doing it in her own way,” 

Summer sighs, “I’m Sorry Eclipse maybe so…I just don’t want to be ashamed when mum comes, she’ll kill me if we aren’t perfect!” 

He put a hoof on her side and reassured her, “don’t worry we got this just believe in her,” Eclipse reminds, Nullah nodded in agreement and gave Summer a boop to calm her. 


Later that night…

 
Eclipse took the anemometer with him to the field. When he came over, he saw Winter was already doing a couple of practice laps around the track and she seemed faster than before.
He had taken it using his extra powerful magic from the palace, thankfully as it was nighttime, no pony would notice it missing.

He saw Winter flying swiftly going for it! To give her all! He thought she looked amazing with how hard she was working, “Wow! You’re improving, though you were already great,” he compliments. Nullah was there too though not happy to be up this late, he held a cup of tea with his tail and had a nightcap on.

“Thanks, but if we’re going to get that water up, I need to give everything I’ve got!!” Winter explains determined, then looking at Nullah. “Aww, come here sweet thing,” she took him in her hooves. Using her cloak on the side to make a makeshift bed for him to rest on. Nullah smiled feeling snuggly, he boops her nose and then curls up to rest.
Eclipse understood and nodded, “ok let’s do this!” He says wanting to help her and Summer, knowing this was very important to them both! 

Winter started at the starting line and flew past him. It went from 4.5 to 5.5. “A one-point difference?…that’s it?! All my training this morning for one point difference?!”

“Well that’s still an improvement and any is good!… Winter, what matters is that you put your all in. When I’ve had to run from monsters knowing my life was threatened, that made me go faster than I could now.” He said thinking at the same time. “I mean ask yourself what’s your motivation to do this?” he asks putting a hoof on her.

She sat down to think but also to rest. Her wings were sore from all the flying that day. “To improve I guess, prove I’m not some quitter!” 

He sat next to her, it was a nice night, crickets could be heard and the stars were bright. Eclipse sighed and then spoke 
“Winter I’m so sorry for what Summer said earlier but more importantly, I’m sorry for not being with you, I was too caught up with this dimension's simplicity that well….if anypony wasn’t taking it seriously it was me,” he said, “you are no quitter! You are the most determined mare I’ve ever met! You have so much perseverance I know this because you can put up with me” he smiles and winks

She snickered at that last comment, “yeah I guess…it’s just…since I was a filly, everypony at flight camp called me Winter the Quitter,” she shuddered, the foal chanting the name over and over in her head. “Just because I haven’t found my talent yet DOESN'T mean I’m a quitter!!!” She yelled suddenly. 

Eclipse could see why she felt so personally about this, now he felt so bad for her but he looked determined. “Those foals were stupid, bullies hunt the different because it’s easy just to make themselves better. The thing is you are no quitter, even after all these years you keep trying to find your talent while other ponies would give up and become depressed! They have no power over you if you believe! Winter, if it helps I’ll tell you this but don’t tell any other pony…."

"Alright," Winter relented as he leaned in close to whisper.

"Spitfire is going to judge, and as I’m sure you know that’s Summers's mother, so the thing is, Summer is actually terrified and is not sleeping well because of this…we are all in this together...” he hugs her. Nullah was now snoring asleep and comfortable.

“I figured she was stressed with it all, who wouldn’t be?.. Honestly, I’m glad it’s not my mom coming down to judge…” she confessed before hugging back. “Thanks, Eclipse…”

“No problem I’ll support you no matter what,” he said smiling, "now want to keep trying!”

“Yeah. I want to make it to at least six if I’m halfway there. Maybe seven,” she pulls away standing up.

“Great! That’s it! Just try to reach a little more, then more, then again! It’s taking these small steps to reach a big leap” he continued to encourage.

Winter nods, stretching to go again before stopping. "Actually...since no one is here, why don't you give it a go?" she suggests, "I know how badly you wanted to try for yourself, now's your chance!"

"Really?! Ohhh thank you, thank you!!" he hugs her tightly again while changing into his true form. Flying to the far side of the track, Winter sat by the anemometer and waved to give him the all-clear. He did a bit of stretching like he saw the others do. 
Before taking off, flying as fast as he could pass her, skidding to a stop. "So...how did I do?.."

"8.4 wing power!" Winter calls amazed, "That's really good Eclipse!!" 

Eclipse let out a cheer, doing some loops in the air, "I'm glad!!..." he sighs, landing close to her, "Then...is it alright if I train with you? I want to keep getting faster in case we run into trouble in our future adventures,"

"Of course!! We can take turns so we don't overwork ourselves!" Winter agrees. So through the night, they continued to train and got better over time. Encouraging one another and refueling with hot chocolate. They got a little higher as they kept trying. Winter had a bit more stamina than Eclipse so she kept going, pushing herself to get faster. Her wing power was getting higher! Only to go down again with how tired she became.
After a while, she had improved but Eclipse insisted that they get rest if Winter was to be her best, she needed to sleep and recharge.

“No….just a…few more…laps…” she shrugged, stretching to take off again. But was more sluggish now. 

“Winter you have done over 100! You are doing amazing already” he pleaded

“I’m only at 7.3… I need to get to 8-point wing power,” she insisted.

“I know but you’ll start getting slower if you don’t rest Muscles I’d been time to grow” it was about 3 in the morning by then.
Winter got ready to take off again. She barely made it past the tiny fan before flopping face-first onto the ground exhausted.

“7.4!” He then ran to her and picked her up, “come on time to rest...” he whispers as she felt dizzy and exhausted.
She moaned as he used his magic to pick her up and onto his back. He also picked up the anemometer and her cloak with Nullah still asleep in it.
They would go to her place and sleep for the rest of the night.

Summer in her room was wide awake and she had wiped away some tears “ok I can do this…”
She walked over to a photo of her mom. She looked so cool but so serious at the same time. Summer wanted to be just like her, strong and independent, a great leader! She wanted to show her mother how good she was by succeeding tomorrow! 

"You'll see mother. I'll prove to you that I'm worthy of being a Wonderbolt like you and father. I can be a great leader just like you!"

~~~

The next day started and everypony was nervous yet excited! Summer did get some sleep and she felt half-confident at least.

She was doing a roll count to make sure every pony was there. Thankfully no one caught the feather flu or any other sickness like before. She almost checked everyone off but saw Winter wasn’t there.

“Ok, where is Winter?” Summer questioned getting a little worried again. Eclipse was making sure everything was working well he hoped she would appear and wasn’t too tired. Nullah was providing everyone water to stay hydrated and massages to help their muscles relax before the flight.

“I’m here! I’m here!!!” Winter called flying over. Some of the sanctuary animals came too.

Summer sighed, “that’s good,” she looks relieved, “ok Everybody! I’ll say you have all done great, I appreciate what you’ve put into it now let’s all go above and beyond!” The crowd cheered excitedly. 

They were getting ready, stretching their wings, and Nullah started passing out goggles for everyone to wear for safety. Eclipse double-checked the giant anemometer to make sure it was working. Winter was stretching when summer pulled her aside.

“Winter hey I need to talk with you,” She said as they went aside.

"What is it Summer?" Winter asks.

“So I shouldn’t have to explain to you, that Since my mum is coming this means a lot to me, so Winter you must know..." Summer looked to Eclipse who gave her an encouraging gesture, "I’m…..sorry about yesterday, I thought you would have kept the word about your family open but I guess not. I have no clue why you don’t but I shouldn’t have done that in public...” Summer lets out, clearly not wanting to but doing so. 

“I have my reasons for keeping most of my life private. I’m not an attention seeker. And I suppose I’ll forgive you,” Winter shrugs slightly.

“Good, now Eclipse will be happy,” she mutters under her breath
“Anyway! So how is your speed?”

“I topped at 7.4 or something along that, last time I checked,” Winter said honestly.

“Right…..” Summer tried not to get too annoyed, “that’s... well, it’s something, probably... not enough though. But hey, every little bit counts…” she puts on a forced smile. "We're doomed,” she thinks in her head.

Winter could tell the smile was fake. “I better go warm up with the others,” she says walking away from her and putting her goggles on. As Everyone was getting ready, Notus walks up to Summer. 

“Well, I’ve trained them as much as I can. They really care about this, we'll do it!” he informs and reassures her, “If I had an army In ancient times I’d have you as my top commander!” he winks, Summer chuckles rolling her eyes. 

“Thanks, Notus. I bet though you just love a mare in uniform~” 

Notus blushes awkwardly, “umm maybe…” wiping his brow. 

She laughs again, “don’t worry I can’t blame you,” she winks.

“Hehe, well, either way since we got only five minutes to go until Spitfire arrives, we should be good!” Notus says checking the watch Nullah held up to them.

If Summer was drinking something, she would have spat it out!!! “5 minutes??!!!?!?” Summer started freaking out more. Telling everybody to get ready for her arrival and to stop messing about. This was the real deal. 

Winter was talking with Eclipse and helped him make sure everything was working, while also giving attention to Nullah. All the other creatures were getting their goggles and last-minute stretches, Discord could feel the tension as he watched them, eating popcorn. Turning up the volume.

“Ok Winter, you think you got this?” Eclipse asks trying to be as supportive as possible, “remember you just channel your emotions and all your energy,”

“Yeah. I’m ready. I’ve trained for this!! Even if my numbers aren’t as big as the others, it’s still something!!”

“Exactly and the fact you're doing this shows you are the most determined pony of all!” He praised and hugs her.

Just then Spitfire arrives looking rather good for her more advanced age. She wore old retro but cool shades, her jacket, and had a very serious military expression. Everyone got ready to take off including Winter. When Notus blew the horn they took off.

Summer was in front and led the group “things are about to get dizzy,” she smirked and zoomed. It was the biggest turnout that Ponyville ever had. For a long time, the noise and power could be felt all over. Eclipse held onto the side of the giant fan watching the meter go up bit by bit. They were doing better than the last time they did it!!

The wind blew so strongly, Notus was in awe of the speed and techniques! But held firm to not get pushed by the incredible force. Eclipse clung to the anemometer, watching the dial go up and up calling the numbers. Nullah just sat looking chill, wearing shades but also waving a flag that said, 'GO TEAM!' 

The tornado was being formed, growing stronger and firmer. Inside, Summer was so focused and the other flyers were too, Winter struggled a little but kept pushing. The winds inside were getting stronger. She looked down seeing that the water was starting to rise, they were doing it!!! They were really doing it!! But something went wrong. The water started to flop and it was going uneven! 

“If they don’t keep going smoothly they won’t break the record, they’re so close!!” Eclipse shouted seeing the dial just passing 1020! 

“Forget the record!! Someone could get hurt!!!” Notus yelled. As one pony lost their balance and bumped into another. Others crashed against one another breaking the tornado and the water falling. Everyone crashes around the reservoir. Winter flew right into Eclipse, knocking them over.

The two groaned as they tried sitting up, but blushed only to realize how close they were!! "Sorry!!" Winter apologized getting off him and using her wings to hide her red face.

"N-No I-I'm fine..." Eclipse stutters also very red. Nullah taking a photo with his camera for the photo album. 

"Why does this seem familiar?" Spitfire said in her head, not impressed, Summer was furious. Having gotten flung into a tree.

“What the heck happened!!!” Summer yelled angrily. 

“Is everyone okay?” Winter yelled looking around and helping Eclipse stand up.

A few groaned there, and others cried in pain. A few ended up with sprained or broken wings and legs. So their numbers went down. Nurse Nullah treated the injured and provided lollipops. 

Eclipse was helping, trying to figure out exactly what caused the problem. It turned out one of the Pegasi’s wings cramped and they couldn’t fly causing them to crash into others. Summer grew furious.

“You should have angled your wing properly, obviously!! Now others got hurt because of you Firefly!!” Summer scolded the pinky pony who tried to get the branched out of their blue mane. 

“Well, it’s hard with so much adrenaline!” She replied but Summer didn't have it.

“You should have practiced so you could angle your wings!” Summer napped, Notus hurried and went over to her. 

“Hey! Look, it’s okay, we can still get the water up with one pony down.” Notus intruded.

Summer felt like she was going to faint, “But the record!”

“Forget the record Summer!!” Winter exclaimed. “Look, other ponies got hurt with fractured wings and other sprained parts. We might not even have enough wing power to get the water up to Cloudsdale!! We shouldn’t be pushing ourselves for some dumb record, but pushing ourselves for the good of Equestria!!!”

“But if we never try to strive to improve, we’ll be stuck forever! What’s the point of doing anything if we never use the opportunity to better ourselves” 

Eclipse came up to Winter's side, “Summer we already have….so many of the flyers here are fitter and more active than they were before, some have even used this to deal with past traumas,” he looks at Winter and nodded in acknowledgment, “even if something doesn’t go exactly how you expect or achieve; what you originally wanted, it doesn’t mean that nobody has grown from it as we all have,” he smiled. Summer sighed 

Summer looked around seeing every creature come together to aid the injured but also being reminded of how hard they worked to get better for today. 
“You know this is why your amazing Eclipse,” Summer said and hugged him “I guess haven’t been looking hard enough...thank you for showing me that,”  

Winter was touched by her friend's words. But her jealousy was quick to return so she brushed it off, turning to the others. “Alright, I know most of you are probably hurting. And maybe despise Summer... But those of you who still have some energy left. Let’s take the skies!! Cloudsdale still needs its water to supply the summer rains!! To grow all our crops and cool the warm days!!! But also prepare for the snowy winters!! To help the land rest for the coming season! So come on every creature!!” She encouraged them.

The flyers who still could nod with determination! Whilst the once’s who could not fly were moved to a safer spot to be tended to but still watch and cheered for the others to keep going. Everyone got ready, Summer wiped some tears away and got on the game, she knew they just needed to get this done that was all! Eclipse was ready and Notus blow the horn again!

They took off and started circling around. Staying tight in formation as the water began to rise as Eclipse called out the numbers from outside.

“209 wing-power!……..400 wing-power!” He shouted. 

“Wow, they are speeding up fast!” Notus shouted. 

“That’s because they are just doing the job it’s actually making them more focused! …706 wing power....800 wing power...900 wing power!!!!” He yelled as the water was rising.

They just needed to get to 1020! Some ponies were starting to struggle again, doing their best to stay in formation. Summer flew around to keep them up, then down close to Winter.

She saw Winter and saw how good she was actually doing, she was channeling her emotions and the bullying of the past to turn herself into a monster of determination, they mean nothing! She flew faster and faster, using the points Notus and Eclipse gave her to improve. Riding the strong winds when she tired out while helping strengthen the tornado. Winter flew lower, closer to the water. She saw her reflection in it and smiled, flying with it as it went higher!

Summer was impressed but still wanted to be better so she flew faster, clearly so Winter could see it.

“1010!!” Eclipse shouted, "they're so close!!!" 
 
Slowly everyone picked up the pace flying fast as well. Not wanting to be left behind, they gave it their all too, as the dial reached and passed 1020. The water shot up, and Winter followed it out momentarily, cheering as it was sent to Cloudsdale. The droplets that fell behind left a rainbow. Eclipse looked up in awe seeing her fly around after the water was delivered. Nullah taking another photo of this memorable moment.

It was a massive wave of energy. The water went right up to the sky! The power the flyers created, Eclipse thought was incredible; the dial actually reached past 1020!
But Notus blew the horn once all the water was transported. Everyone leaving the formation cheered as they landed.

The wind went calm and the ponies celebrated! Summer was so tired but she felt proud, “No record-breaking but you actually did better than lady fine for Ponyville!” Eclipse says, he then goes to Winter and puts a hoof on her, “good job, you were amazing!!” he praised blushing. 

Estelle was there too, sketching the event and catching the majesty and scale of it all.

She was out of breath, smiling at him before collapsing. “I’m so tired…and my wings are sore…” she moaned, "I could go for some ice cream too...".

He grabs her in his arms “you deserve a nice long rest, I promise when we get home I'll get you all the ice cream you want,” he smiles and Nullah slithers on Winter and boops her nose. Even giving her a ribbon as a prize! 'Nullah's proud of you!' it read at the center, sticking it on her head.

Spitfire went up to Summer and talked with her, no one knew exactly what was said but Summer looked happy afterward. Summer gave everyone a big thank you for participating, now they would have rain and snow! Summer thanked Eclipse, too for helping record everyone's wing power and improvement.

"Maybe we can hang out again without having to train for something," she joked laughing. Winter glared a bit and clung to Eclipse tightly.

"Maybe, but for now I just want to relax with my friend," he replies in thanks while looking back at Winter. Summer understood and bid them goodbye before turning to help the others.  

The injured creatures were taken to the hospital while Eclipse took Winter to the spa, she deserved it after all her training and hard work today! She got a nice muscle-relaxing massage to help with her soreness. Even a nice soak in the hot tub for maximum relaxation. 
Nullah also joined in, though the spa ponies were nervous to treat a rainbow snake, Winter helped them to warm up to the little boop. Showing them he was not scary at all! in the end he got a good facial! He was even able to shed his scales to a new healthy coat. The two would relax together.

Eclipse didn't like the idea of spas much so he skipped and waitied for Winter and Nullah, sitting outside in the waiting room reading some Dragonformers comic books to keep busy.

After their time in the Spa, Winter and Eclipse spent the rest of the day together just loving being in each other’s company and being proud of what they accomplished.
Nullah was happy after his facial and still relaxed with Winter and Eclipse while letting his photos develop in his photo room.

“I couldn’t have done any of that without you,” she says honestly, "You're amazing Eclipse, I can't thank you enough..."

“It’s my pleasure! I will do anything for you Winter, no matter what!” he smiles and blushes.

“Could you…magic me some chocolate mint ice cream?” She asks since they were alone at her place.

He smirks cunningly, “well, I’m not meant to technically but I have known to break rules from time to time,” he winks as he flung his hoof into the air and three ice cream tubs appear! He gives one to her and the second to Nullah who happily dived into the tub. 

It was the exact flavor she wanted and even better as Eclipse had been to the ice cream dimension before! So he knew how to get it right.

“Thank you!” She grinned as she helped herself. Smiling contently and simply melting inside. "This is the best ice cream I've ever had..."

"I provide the best! For only the best my dear lady," Eclipse replied bowing a bit as he took a bite of his ice cream. They enjoyed it and would remember this day for a long time afterward. 

To be Continued…