The air show was quite a good spectacle for James, as for the Crusaders, they were loving every second that passed, every jet that flew by. James couldn’t help laughing every time the Crusaders got surprised by a jet that shot over the beach. A whole air force worth of planes and helicopters flew over the beach and across the boardwalk, Scootaloo had no trouble identifying each plane that showed up. James was just mentioning to Seth how he met the Native Americans in South Dakota when all of a sudden, the sky went quiet.
“Hey,” Scootaloo said, “Where are all the jets?”
“Maybe they got lost,” said Sweetie Bell.
“Nah, I bet they’re refueling,” said Apple Bloom.
“Wrong,” said James, “It’s the surprise demonstration.”
“How do you know?” Scootaloo asked.
“I read the schedule,” said James.
The schedule paper was sitting in the cup holder, Seth looked a little confused.
“A surprise demonstration?” he said, “What do you think it is?”
“Could be anything,” James said, “Remember the F-35 from last year?”
“Oh yeah, the one that could hover and stuff,” Seth said.
“That was here last year?” Sweetie Bell asked.
“The best aircraft so far,” said Seth.
“I still think the B-2 was the best,” said James.
“Was that the stealth bomber?” asked Scootaloo.
“Yes it was,” said James.
“I think I see something!” Jenson shouted, pointing to one end of the beach.
James stood up and looked toward the speck on the horizon. Something was coming, but he couldn’t tell what it was. It looked like an F-16 or an M-5. James was about to take out his binoculars for a better look when the jet roared down the beach and ascended into the sky.
“What was that?” James said.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen that jet before,” said Seth.
“Did anyone see how fast that was going?” Apple Bloom asked.
“That plane was loud,” said Sweetie Bell.
James looked into the sky and saw the jet dive down and make another flyover of the beach. The jet was flying at a slower speed but was still making the parasols flap in the wind.
“It’s a Eurofighter Typhoon,” said James.
“Is that what it is?” Scootaloo asked.
“Did they bring that from Europe?” Seth asked.
“Must of because there aren’t any Eurofighters around here,” said James.
“Look at it fly,” said Sweetie Bell.
“This is the coolest plane ever,” said Apple Bloom.
James, Seth and the Crusaders watched as the Eurofighter dove and rolled over the beach. It truly was an amazing sight, James was rather pleased about the Typhoon being in the air show. Aside from the Supermarine Spitfire, the Eurofighter Typhoon was one of James’ favorite military planes. James knew he would never be in one, but just seeing one here in action satisfied him enough.
“What a sight,” he said.
The fighter barreled over the beach and glided out of sight. The Crusaders were all standing up, trying to get sight of it again. James knew that it was gone but he knew that his parents had taken several pictures of it.
“It’s gone,” James said as he rummaged in the cooler.
“That was so cool!” said Scootaloo.
“That was only the surprise demonstration,” James said, “There’s still the Thunderbirds to look forward to.”
“When are they coming?” asked Apple Bloom.
“Soon, just you wait,” James said as he tossed a soda to each of the Crusaders.
Almost a half hour passed before anything showed up. James was wondering if the show’s final act was going to make an appearance.
“Are the Thunderbirds going to show up?” James asked.
“Doesn’t look like they will,” said Seth.
James looked over to Diane and Jenson, they had already packed up their beach chairs and parasol. Dave and Katherine had done the same as well.
“Such a shame,” Katherine said.
“I know,” said Jenson, “Good thing this is free or I’d want my money back.”
“Come on you lot, we’re leaving,” said Dave.
The Crusaders were reluctant to go but they went to follow James’ parents and Seth, James however was having trouble starting the buggy.
“Work you piece of scrap,” he said.
Just before James figured out what was making the buggy not start he heard a distinct rumbling coming from behind the tall buildings. James span around and saw six jets flying toward the ocean. James hoped that it was the legendary Thunderbirds. James waved at his parents to get their attention, luckily his dad saw him and stopped everyone from leaving. The roar of the Thunderbirds made them look into the sky. The Crusaders ran back over to James.
“It it them?” Sweetie Bell asked.
“It sure is,” replied James.
“I really like their planes,” said Scootaloo.
“Where can we sit to watch this?” asked Apple Bloom.
The Crusaders ended up sitting on the buggy with James. As for James’ parents and Seth’s parents, they decided to stay where they were. Seth and James sat on the front of the buggy while the Crusaders sat on the roof and side. The five of them watched the jets shoot around over the beach. Nearly ten minutes passed before anyone said anything.
“Almost gave up waiting,” said Seth.
“Good thing my buggy stalled,” James replied as he tapped the front bumper.
“Look at them go,” said Scootaloo.
“They can do a lot more,” James said. He turned around to talk a little more directly to the Crusaders, then caught sight of one of the jets creeping up on them.
“Hey!” Apple Bloom shouted over the roar of the jets, “Why are there only five?”
“You’ll see,” replied James.
The Crusaders had no idea what James was talking about until the sixth jet screamed overhead startling the Crusaders. Out of instinct, the Crusaders dove behind James and looked up into the sky, hoping another jet wouldn’t scare them. James could only laugh and assure the Crusaders that it was okay. Soon, the Thunderbirds finished their flyby and vanished into the distance. Once the jets were gone James started the buggy and drove it to the ramp. The Crusaders got off and after brushing the sand off their feet, pulled their shoes on and followed James and his parents to the SUV. Dave and James hoisted the buggy up onto the roof and James got into the SUV with the Crusaders.
“So how was it?” James asked.
“I loved it!” said Scootaloo.
“It was fun,” said Apple Bloom.
“When is the next one?” asked Sweetie Bell.
“Next year,” said James. The Crusaders moaned but James said that if he can, he might be able to see if he can bring them and their families over next time.
“How does that sound?” James said, “You might be able to bring your families next time.”
“That sounds great!” said Sweetie Bell.
“My sister would think it’s cool,” said Apple Bloom.
“Yeah, uh, my brother might like this as well,” Scootaloo said, James sensed uneasiness in her voice. Ever since the start he had the feeling that Scootaloo was hiding something from him. James decided to not look into it until she brought it up, he might say something that could upset Scootaloo.
On the way home James noticed Apple Bloom was trying to scratch her back, but was having no luck.
“Are you okay?” James asked.
“It’s nothing,” said Apple Bloom, “I’m just itchy is all.”
“Same here, but it’s my arms,” said Sweetie Bell.
“My feet kind of itch as well,” said Scootaloo.
“It might be the sand,” said James, “Don’t worry, we can all take showers when we get back.”
“Me first!” said Apple Bloom.