//------------------------------// // Chapter 1: Shadowbolts? // Story: Bolts: Equestria's Elite // by krdragon //------------------------------// Bolts: Equestria's Elite Chapter One: Dreams in the Dust An opal and amber form streaked through the clouds, creating a misty sheen in the sky around Cloudsdale. It was afternoon, and the sky needed to be cleaned up for an event at Aero Hall, and Lightning Dust was leading the team. Her winding trail led through the eastern banks, dissipating the mists from Neighagra Falls, while those of her team covered the other sides of Cloudsdale. It was short work, and they finished well within time. After they reported on a job well done, the day was over and home was on her mind. Her friends, however, had other plans. “So how do you think the show will be?” Misty May was practically giggling. Stormy Sea let a frown cross his muzzle. “I have no idea, my dear. I haven't seen their work as of yet. I'm looking forward to the performance as much as you are.” Dust wasn't interested in any shows, so she waved with a halfhearted hoof and began to fly for home. “Dust? You don't want to go? I thought you loved flight shows.” Dust hovered as she turned with a hoof behind her head. “I don't know Breeze, I'm just not feeling it today. Maybe I'll go watch the Wonderbolts the next time-” “You haven't heard? My dear Lightning Dust, these aren't the Wonderbolts at all,” Stormy pulled out a flier, waving the paper at Dust. “Yeah, they're a new team for Princess Luna. They're called the Shadowbolts; doesn't that sound cool?” Misty flew up to Dust and pulled the half resisting mare back to the group. “Don't you worry about those Wonderbolts, you can join the Shadowbolts and get your revenge!” Her attempt at an evil face only made her seem comical. “I'm not trying to get... Oh, let's just get this show over with.” Two pegasi flew to the Cloudsdale Aero Hall, dragging behind a downtrodden Lightning Dust. >>>====<<< Three pairs pegasi in dark, lightning emblazoned suits spiraled around a growing storm cloud, cackling with electricity. Lightning struck metal poles around the Aero Hall as the Shadowbolts flew by them, before the groups all hit the storm cloud, blasting the cloud apart. Spreading evenly across the sky, the team came in for a gentle landing as the audience gave a generous applause. Lightning Dust wasn't impressed. She would give points for creativity, but the flying wasn't anything special, though she would admit their coordination was good. Altogether, not as good as the Wonderbolts. The loudspeaker squawked as the announcer started his speech. “And that's the Shadowbolts. Mare and stallions, give it up for Luna and her aerial performance team.” At her cue, Princess Luna gently glided down to stand behind the squad of six ponies. The announcer continued, “Very well, folks, we thank you for coming to the first Cloudsdale Shadowbolt Exhibition. We look forward to seeing you at their next performance. As always, souvenirs will be sold in the concession stands. An extra for today will be the Shadowbolts and our Princess Luna will be standing by in the Aero Hall stadium floor to give out hoofgraphs and, as a big prize for our guests today, they have a signup list for you star fliers out there who might be interested in joining up with the Shadowbolts! Give it up for the Shadowbolts and, once again, thank you.” Lightning Dust, who had been making her way out of the Aero Hall, was pounced by two exuberant pegasi. “What- guys, let me go- hey, where are you taking me-” Despite her complaints, the two set her on the opposite side of a table from a mare in a purple and black costume with lightning bolts encircling the legs and the neck. The Shadowbolt, quite amused, held out a clipboard and a pencil. With a smooth and almost alluring voice, she said, “I take it your friends convinced you to sign up?” “I think it's more like I was dragged here kicking and screaming.” She looked at the pair around her and received impatient glares in return. “It doesn't look like they're going to let you leave, but I don't want you signing this if you're not interested. I'm Nightingale, and as you can see we are a few feathers short of a wing. We could use some good fliers on our team. If you think that's you, then I look forward to getting your name on this list.” “Well...” Being a Wonderbolt had been her dream, but that was lost to the winds. Still, she didn't have anything to lose by signing up. Maybe this time she could show her stuff without screwing up. “I'm in.” “Woohoo!” Three cheers from behind her and the smile of Nightingale were enough to get a grin from Dust while she signed her name. “Now just follow the instructions and fill out the sheet, and we'll see you later.” The Shadowbolt hoofed her a small package. Lightning took it, then flew away with her friends, at least until they dragged her out to their favorite restaurant. >>>====<<< Lightning Dust sat in a lounge, not so patiently waiting for her turn in the interview office. She had seen the other ponies who wanted to sign up; some seemed decent, but none had that spark of ambition and skill. Not like herself... Or Rainbow Dash. Thinking of that pony made Dust stomp her hoof. Not caring for the idle looks from the other ponies around her, Dust couldn't help but feel some remorse. She had screwed up and blew her chances for the Wonderbolts. Too bold, they had said. Too reckless. It wasn't her fault. She only knew flank speed. “Lightning Dust, please come in.” “Finally,” Dust said to herself. She marches with her head high into the office and stood before the desk of a Shadowbolt. The stallion wore the dark uniform and had a wavy gray-blue mane with light blue eyes. He was seated and reading some sort of paper. As Dust stood, waiting for him to speak, she stole a glace at the envelope on the desk; it held the Wonderbolt logo. Her stomach dropped to the floor. “So, Lightning Dust, I see you received top marks in Flight School. Held a secure job at Cloudsdale Weather. How did that work for you?” “I did well, sir. It was an easy job.” She did her best to hide her fear, even if he seemed to be very casual. “I suppose weather isn't that hard. I myself was a weather pony. Worked at the Canterlot storm branch.” “I focused on clear skies, sir. Never had much talent for making storms.” It was true, but then, she never cared for that sort of thing. The stallion stood up and walked around his desk, revealing a dark cloud with a lightning bolt on his flank. “That's my special talent. Anyway, what sort of experience do you have in performance flying?” “I have competed in several races in Cloudsdale, and one in Las Pegasus. I also won a Best Young Flying competition. I... I also tried out for the Wonderbolt academy, sir.” “I see. That must be why you keep calling me sir. I suppose that since we are part of Equestria's military, that's correct, but I'll never get used to it. I prefer Storm Cloud. Anyway, you seem to be exactly what we're looking for, so here's my invitation to the Shadowbolt academy's first class.” Shock crossed her face, but a few blinks later Dust managed a few words. “Thank you. I won't let you down, sir.” She turned to leave, but the stallion spoke again. “Before you go, I wanted to let you know something. Normally, this interview lasts a little longer. In your case, I got this letter from Spitfire. It was a report of your time at her academy. Do you want to know what it said?” “That I was reckless and dangerous.” “That you are a superb flier with a need to challenge yourself to ever higher limits. She said, and I'm quoting here, 'All she needs is the right hoof to guide her.' She also says something about not giving second chances because of the bad message to other dropouts, but she sounds to me like she thinks you're quite the flier.” “If you say so, sir.” Did Spitfire really think so highly of her? Dust really doubted it, but what else would have gotten her accepted so quickly? “I do. Anyway, I hope to see you at the camp.”