//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 // Story: Colfire // by solsticebrony888 //------------------------------// Colfire Standing in front a big blue wooden door, which was adorned with a Wonderbolts logo, a blue-coated mare felt a mixture of excitement and angst. Her horn glowed as she contemplated when she should open the decorated door before her. Colgate was nervous, but excited at a chance not only to meet a Wonderbolt; but somepony she owed a lot of gratitude. She was finally fulfilling a goal that she vowed to fulfill back when she graduated school. Colgate was at the practice gym and track where the Wonderbolts regularly hold mini-races. It was free for most to attend and those who get V.I.P passes are typically invited by the Wonderbolt’s themselves. Colgate had her own V.I.P ticket in her light blue saddlebag, ready to show to whomever would authorize her access to the show. The memories of a certain day were still very vivid in her mind. It wasn't a particularly good day for her. She wasn't a popular filly; she had the stereotypical braces causing her to talk with a slight lisp, she had freckles and a mane that would stick out in places no matter how much she brushed it. As a filly, she wasn't particularly amazing at school, but she steadily kept decent grades and was a good student. Socially, Colgate never had any true friends. She never had the best friend she could grow up with, she never had somepony to tell all her secrets to. It was just her and her parents, and occasional friends and coltfriends here and there. The bullying started quickly when she was a filly; in her second year, she had already been labeled brace-face. She had been sent to detention for letting other ponies copy off of her work, which she had done because they threatened to spread a rumor that she kissed a teacher. everypony in the school soon thought that she kissed the teacher. Colgate tried her hardest to be confident and strong. She tried to ignore the bullies, but realized that it only made them try harder. Adults would tell her to ignore them and they’ll go away. That was simply not true. At risk of her parents sending her to a different school, Colgate, despite being a tinier than average filly, had every intention of standing up to the older bullies, each at least 2 two years older and much taller. It was at a school lunch when they approached her, intentionally knocking her juice box to the ground. Harmless? Yes, but when three colts were standing above Colgate, laughing at her as she looked down in sadness, it took its toll on the filly. Despite having prepared the whole morning, telling herself that she was going to stick up for herself, she instead started to cry, avoiding eye contact with the three colts standing in front of her. Buster, Rapid Runner and Sky High were their names, each with a dark colored coat. Buster, the tallest, had a dark orange coat and a short, spiky yellow mane. He had a scar near his eye from a fight he had gotten into the previous year. Rapid Runner was the shortest and thinnest, having a dark red coat and light grey mane and tail. Despite being the quietest of the bullies, he had no qualms watching his friends pick on the tinier ponies in their school. Sky High was the only Pegasus, the other two being earth ponies. He had a dark blue coat and mane, and did most of the provoking. This being the first time they reduced the filly to tears, he was the first to obnoxiously laugh at Colgate. “Pleh, look at her! Her drink spilled, now she’s crying. She’s crying guys, should we help her?” He taunted, heavy on the sarcasm, shaking his hoof as he spoke, “Brace-face shouldn’t even be drinking juice, it’d be bad for her teeth.” Though being an odd insult, it still bothered Colgate, thoughtshe stayed silent as the three colts stood over her. “What are you waiting for? A-Are you going to tell us to leave you alone? What are you going to, brace-face?” Buster contributed to the taunting, though still not getting her to acknowledge their taunts. Sky High considered shoving the filly, just to get her attention. However, when he walked over to do it, another voice, a voice he recognized, got him to avert his attention. “Don’t you lay a hoof on her!” An adolescent Spitfire called with a voice crack, even getting Colgate to wipe her tears and look up, “You guys are disgusting, Face to face with his crush, Sky High changed his tune, “Oh, hey there, Spitfire, there’s nothing to worry about here,” “Don’t even act as if I didn’t see you.” Spitfire said sharply, aggressive as always. She stood by the sad filly, “Don’t tell me you you’re going to defend this little nerd, you’re too cool for that, Spitfire! Now let’s just change the topic to something better. There’s a dance coming up, and you might be pleasantly surprised to know that I want you to go with me,” He said, lowering his face closer to Spitfire’s with an arched eyebrow. His friends, a few feet to his side grimaced at his awkwardness. “Just because I’m on the flight team doesn’t mean I’d let you treat her like this. Forget the dance, I’d never go with you. I’d rather go with Colgate as friends. You’re literally the typical school bully right now, I should have known better to not talk to you in the first place.” Sky High craned his neck back, perplexed, “I’m the star on the male flight team, you’d get even more popular by dating me! I’ll forget about messing with little brace-face here if you go with me, deal?” Spitfire looked down at the much smaller Colgate, who was amazed that somepony was even sticking up for her, “Would you like to go to the dance with me, Colgate? My new friend.” Colgate was in shock. Spitfire being one of the most popular ponies in the school, just called her her friend. “Shove off, colts. Sky High, no matter what I do, you’re going to stop. Grow up.” Without a word, Sky High awkwardly walked back to his friend, then left with his two friends in the opposite direction. Spitfire smiled and then sat next to the filly. She ignored her friend’s calls for her to meet them at their table. “You okay, kid?” She asked Colgate, who was wiping away tears. “T-thank you,” “Oh, it’s nothing. All three of them are full of it. I really hope they hadn’t done this for long,” “Since the-the beginning of the year,” Colgate said, “Y-you stood up for me though…that’s so nice of you. You’re so popular.” The blue unicorn stared at the Pegasus as if she was meeting a celebrity, “No one ever stuck up for me before.” “Well that’s a shame, kid. I wish I’d have known of it earlier, they pick on everypony that’s smaller than them. I just didn’t know they picked on more than just colts…” Colgate was silent for a minute, looking at her hooves which were on the table she was sitting at. She then turned her head to face the popular pony beside her, “Am I really your…your friend?” “Of course you are,” Spitfire responded with a smile. It was a smile that Colgate never forgot. It was also a day that she never forgot; a day where somepony stood up for her and whether Spitfire knew it or not, improve her life drastically. Soon after the incident, the bullies left her alone. Her confidence soared, she had a new friend and started to gain more. Spitfire always made time out of her busy schedule just to talk to Colgate. She kept her word about being Colgate’s friend. However, she was quickly ascending in the world of Pegasi sports. After middle school, she had no need to stay in the regular school system; she was headed off to flight camp where she was trained to be one of the best fliers out there. With that, she was unable to see her friends as often, and Colgate understood this. As she did with most of her young childhood friends, she and Spitfire eventually stopped talking. Spitfire went on quickly to be a Wonderbolt, while Colgate went into higher education and after years of hard work, became a dentist. It’s a modest profession but she took great pride in it. And now, she was at the door of the Wonderbolt’s locker room, ready to talk to her old friend Spitfire for the first time in many years. Though she really had nothing to worry about, she felt oddly nervous. It was a part of her nature to be nervous despite there being nothing to be nervous about. To Colgate, she wasn’t meeting a Wonderbolt, she was meeting an old friend. The unicorn sighed for confidence, then nudged the door open slowly. Unfortunately it revealed an empty room, one that Spitfire may have just left. She was too late. Colgate’s heart sank. I think I wasted my time here. Why would she even want to see me? She’s famous now, with the all the friends and coltfriends and fans she could ever want. She wouldn’t want to meet somepony as bland as I am… Colgate tended to lose hope fairly quickly when things seemed to be going downhill. However; when she turned around to walk down the hallway to the exit, she saw a janitor. “Can, I…do you know where the Wonderbolts went? I was supposed to meet Spitfire here before the show, but I guess, I was late,” She spoke in her usual soft voice. As a dentist, having a comforting voice was important when you deal with nervous fillies and colts on a daily basis. “I reckon’ I just saw them leave not ten minutes ago, little lady. You can catch them at the show if ya wish, do you have your V.I.P. pass to meet Spitfire and the crew?” It’s weird that a janitor would have the ability to help me. But I won’t complain. “Of course!” She said, using her magic to get the purple ticket out of her saddlebag. Colgate had received the V.I.P pass in the mail just a week before; she had sent a letter to the Wonderbolt’s requesting a chance to meet Spitfire. Though she never spoke directly with Spitfire herself in the letters, she received a letter back with the V.I.P. pass; legitimately surprised it had been accepted. She had sent the request because her roommate Carrot Top had pestered her about it. At some point, they must have asked Spitfire if it was okay, and she said yes. At least that’s what Colgate presumed. Carrot Top told the blue unicorn that it was extremely rare that any pony ever got a free V.I.P. pass, so Colgate counted her blessings and took the opportunity. She handed the pass over, and after the light-blue coated stallion squinted at the pass, he nodded, then waved his hoof signaling for her to follow him. They walked down a hallway towards the back exit in the building. Okay, so maybe I can see her after all. I really hope she isn’t bothered by me meeting her, she must be so busy being such an idol. I can just thank her for what she did, and then be on my way. No need to be obtrusive. The older stallion led the blue mare down another hallway after turning right, which was decorated in a huge amount of Wonderbolt’s memorabilia. Colgate couldn’t help but notice that about half of it was for Spitfire. I can’t tell whether the Wonderbolt’s weren’t all the great until Spitfire joined, or if she is really that spectacular at flying. “Y’seem to be pretty interested in Spitfire; there’s a good reason she’s the youngest team captain in the group’s his’try.” “I knew her back when we were really young; I’m trying to connect with an old friend. I feel nervous knowing how great she’s done, I’m just a dentist.” “Oh now, don’t talk to yourself like that. I’m sure when you’re done with them fillies teeth they’re happy most of the time, and I think that’s makin’ a difference, even if small.” This stallion is the wisest pony I have ever met. “Well, thank you, that does mean a lot.” “No problem, little lady! Now, since the Wonderbolt’s are about to perform, you’re going to sit in the front row since you’re V.I.P. You’ll be able to see Spitfire, Fleetfoot and a…I forget the last one’s name, he doesn’t come ‘round here, he’s usually off with the other Wonderbolt’s.” “There’s more Wonderbolts?” Colgate questioned, looking towards the older stallion as they walked. “There are multiple groups of three, if I remember correctly. Spitfire is captain of them all, they all go n’ perform in different towns, then meet up for their practice in Canterlot. Hope ya’ have fun meeting your old friend, there!” “Oh, I know I will. Thank you, my name’s Colgate, what’s yours?” “Oh, my name’s Dusty. I think it’s because I enjoy makin’ the world clean. Not exactly the biggest aspiration in life, but if someone notices how clean some place is, and I’m the one that cleaned it, it makes it worth it.” “Well, you have done a great job here, certainly,” Colgate said with a smile, as she faced towards the exit door, “Thanks again!” I wish he was my grandpa. Colgate opened the door with her magic, immediately feeling a cool breeze. Her eyes adjusting to the bright lights and the large crowd; she panned to the left and right to see if she would see Spitfire or any other Wonderbolt. Directly in front of her was a racing track. It obviously was used by both Pegasi and earth-bound ponies, with lines dividing each lane. It sent a chill down her spine to know she would be just feet from the Wonderbolts. The crowd was large despite it not being a full airshow. The day was cloudless, and windless, so it seemed like a perfect scenario for some Wonderbolt races. Since she couldn’t see any Wonderbolts just yet, she took a left and walked towards a front row of seats, that were all empty except for a large white stallion in front. She walked up to and used her magic to present to him her V.I.P. pass. “Alright, just take a seat in any of these seats. I doubt there are any others coming. Enjoy.” He said in an oddly high pitched voice, surprising Colgate. “Thanks.” She said with a smile. The blue unicorn walked towards the front, ignoring a few younger ponies glancing at her as if she were special for being a V.I.P. She was only lucky, but the young fillies and colts didn’t know that. There was about a ten foot gap between her seats and the ponies behind her, which is where the ascending seats began. Wow, for Ponyville, this place is quite large. She sat down all the way at the end on a comfortable sitting pad, then put her front hooves on the wall between her and the track. Colgate took it all in, this was quite the experience for a pony that doesn’t really go out and experience new things like most ponies do. Colgate wasn’t necessarily introverted, but she does tend to enjoy continuity and a predictable lifestyle. The start track was about twenty feet in front of her, marked with thick white chalk. The track itself was orange and made out of some combination of rock that was good for the hooves of the earth-bound athletes. between her and the track. Colgate enjoyed this experience thoroughly , this was quite the event for a pony that doesn’t really go out and experience new things like most ponies do. Colgate settled in as she enjoyed being out for once. She couldn’t escape the anxiousness of meeting her friend again, knowing she’s accomplished so much. The blue mare scanned the crowd and any entrance ways she could spot. However, it was not until a quick crescendo from the crowd got her to look up; right as three blazing fast Wonderbolts flew over, leaving a trail of smoke behind them. Colgate couldn’t help but cheer along with the crowd. “And here they are, ladies and gentlecolts! The Wonderbolts!” The enthusiastic announcer exclaimed. Within thirty seconds, the three Wonderbolt’s entered the arena from the back entrance that Colgate herself had just gone through. She looked over towards them as they glided outside, seeing Spitfire behind two other Wonderbolts. They took their places just meters from Colgate. The blue unicorn was smiling non stop, as the three Wonderbolts enjoyed the applause from the crowd. Spitfire then turned her head and saw Colgate. The unicorn had no clue what to do, so she shrugged and mouthed ‘hey ’ with quite an awkward smile. The fire-maned Wonderbolt grinned, then focused her attention at the race that was about to start. I’m just as awkward as when we first met... Typically, races don’t last too long. Nopony would enjoy watching three ponies go in circles at high speeds for hours upon hours, so there’s a one hundred lap limit. In just one minute, the three Wonderbolts could complete up to twenty laps, so it was quite a short race, but a quick burst of adrenaline for the Wonderbolts as the crowd cheered them on. “Go Spitfire!” Colgate found herself cheering instinctively, “Wooo!” Every Time they passed Colgate, there was a quick burst of wind, which the unicorn found herself enjoying a lot. The race was tight, no pony held the lead for more than a few fast seconds, and they all seemed to be trying very hard, despite it just be a quick race, and not a full-fledged airshow. As quick as the race began, it was over, Spitfire taking second place to the stallion whose name Colgate didn’t know. They all stopped at the start/finish line where they began, waving towards the crowd. Don’t be nervous, I’m sure she’s nice. Just because she’s famous doesn’t mean she’s mean now. That’s a stereotype, no need to assume things, Colgate. The Wonderbolts each split up, meeting sections of the crowd. The crowd was a select group of ponies, those who were invited by ponies who knew the Wonderbolts. Colgate didn’t know this, she was under the assumption that she was going to see a regular air show, not a race. After giving out a few autographs and conversing with some fans, Colgate watched as they all flew back to where they had entered the stadium, just meters away from Colgate once more. They all were given water to drink, and towels to wipe their faces with, the little that actually shown though their uniforms. “I’ll be right back, Colgate.” Spitfire said suddenly, causing the blue pony to jump. Oh my Celestia, she’s awesome. It wasn’t hard for Colgate to separate the fact that she was meeting both a Wonderbolt and an old friend. It still made it much more exciting, but also nerve racking. However, she waited calmly and patiently for the Wonderbolts to return. I have to clear my throat, I hope my voice doesn’t crack. Don’t be awkward. Just say thank you, small talk, thank her again, go home and be happy. Carrot Top will be so jealous. Just be calm. The crowd slowly started to dwindle, ponies going to get drinks and go to the restroom before three new Wonderbolts showed up to have their race. Colgate found herself studying the sky, the smoke that Spitfire and the other two Wonderbolts left now dissipating in the air. I can hear somepony coming. Stay calm, Colgate, it’s just an old friend. After setting her goggles onto a table; the now suitless Spitfire made her way towards the anxious Colgate with a smile. “Hey,” Spitfire said simply. “Hey, it’s been- it’s been quite a long time.” Colgate said, returning the smile. “Heck yeah it has. How have you been, Colgate? I see your braces are gone now!” Spitfire said with a chuckle. She flipped her mane to the said side, her Wonderbolt’s uniform not there to hold it back. Good Celestia, Spitfire must constantly work out. “Ironically, I am a dentist now, which kind of makes sense.” Colgate stated, rubbing the back of her neck, “I really just wanted to come here and say thank you.” “A dentist? BAHA! That’s actually pretty awesome considering that you have first-hoof experience on how braces are. Also, thank me for what?” The Pegasus questioned. “For bailing me out when I was being picked on - I don’t know if you remember. It was still grade school, I was being picked on by those jocks. You came and told them off,” Colgate blushed a little out of embarrassment, “You were my first real friend, Spitfire.” “Oh I remember that. It’s nothin’. Ever since I joined the flight team, I always knew I would have influence. My mom was the one that told me to be nice, I’m glad I listened to her. She was such a nice pony, I’m glad I followed in her hoofsteps.” “You don’t understand how much that really helped me. You’re the reason I have any confidence at all. Jeez, if the bullying had continued, I’d have moved to a different school and everything.: “You give me too much credit. A lot of it was definitely because of you.” Colgate smiled , “Well, thank you, I guess I’ll be going no-“ “Wait, really? Like, now?” “Well I thought that V.I.P pass said I’d have a few minutes to talk with you and the other Wonderbolts, then I could go. I really only care about talking to you though.” The Pegasus scoffed, “Forget the V.I.P. It’s nice just having somepony normal to talk to for once,” Colgate sat down again, Spitfire sitting next to her, “Normal? What do you mean? You could have anypony in Equestria as a friend.” Spitfire sighed, “It’s different though. Ponies only know me from my performances. They’re fans because I fly fast, they don’t really know me,” Spitfire turned to Colgate, “But you know me.” Oh my Celestia, we’re friends again. “I’m certain plenty of ponies know you’re nice, just from your public appearances. I mean, you’ve been to every corner of Equestria, you have to have a lot of friends.” Spitfire turned away, “No, I wouldn’t say that.” “Well at least you have the rest of the Wonderbolts, right?” The Pegasus nodded emphatically, “Of course, I have them. Me and Soarin’ even dated for a while, but being famous, it didn’t really quite work out. He’s a lady’s stallion, I’m more…I don’t even know. But, when it comes to friends, it’s a lot harder to make friends when you’re famous like I am. I-I, guess it’s because they want my autograph to brag to their friends, not spend time at a bar, or play frisbee or something.” “Well, that’s a shame.” “Wait,” Spitfire said, “You didn’t even ask for an autograph. I’ll give you one if want, I mean, the first thing I had expected was for you to ask for one, everypony does.” Spitfire seems a bit burnt out on the famous lifestyle. Maybe this isn’t just a onetime thing… Thinking about what Spitfire had said previously, Colgate said, “No thanks, Spitfire. I, uh, can you tell me the last time you actually spent time away from being famous, just, you know, hung out with somepony?” The Pegasus spaced out while she looked at a cloud, thinking about the question, “Hmmm. I’d have to say my graduation party from flight school. I hung with my coltfriend at the time, we went to a bar and drank way too much cider. A week later he broke up with me because I was so busy getting used to being a Wonderbolt.” There was a silence between them despite the crowd roaring as three different Wonderbolts flew across the sky as they prepared for their own race. “Spitfire, I don’t really know how to say this…” “What is it?” The Pegasus asked, turning her head towards Colgate. “I’ll…I’ll be your friend if you’d like.”