My Little Investigations: Wonderbolts Under Fire

by Metool Bard

Fine Feathered Friends

In hindsight, sleeping outside wasn't such a good idea. Not because of the assassin or anything, but because I spent the whole night freezing my flank off. Yeah, yeah. I can just hear the smart alecks now: "Oh, the irony! Spitfire is cold!" Ha ha ha. Seriously, you try sleeping on a cloud at a high altitude. Unless they're special insular clouds used to build cloud houses, they don't provide much warmth.

Oh, well. At least I didn't have to deal with Surprise's follow-wake-up...

Okay, how did she get access to the intercom?! Bucking how?! And furthermore, why?!

"Ugh, Celestia dammit. I thought I would get away from her this time."

A familiar voice coming from a cloud a few feet below me gave me an answer to one of my questions. I peeked over my own cloud to see Soarin' grumbling to himself as he slowly stretched himself out. You may not know this, but Soarin' is probably the heaviest sleepers in the Wonderbolts. He's one of the reasons Surprise started the follow-wake-up call in the first place.

"Honestly, Soarin'. I thought you'd know by now that one doesn't simply pull a fast one on Surprise," I said with a sleepy giggle.

Soarin' looked up at me, and almost fell off of his cloud. "Spit? What are you doing up here?" he asked.

"Same thing you are," I said. "I haven't been able to get much sleep lately."

"Really?" said Soarin'. "Why not?"

I gave Soarin' a look. "Please tell me you aren't asking me that after what's been happening the past few days."

"Oh, right," said Soarin', casting his eyes downward. "Sorry."

"It's fine," I said with a yawn. "Well, hopefully things will be looking up. We have the festival in Ponyville, after all."

"Heh, yeah," said Soarin', licking his lips. "I wonder what they'll have to eat. Maybe a nice warm apple pie, or maybe cherry pie. Ooh, or maybe they'll have some of those pumpkin pies that I like so much!"

I snickered and shook my head. I might've mentioned this before, but I can tell you from personal experience that pie isn't all that Soarin' thinks about. However, you wouldn't know that if you just met him for the first time. Once you get him started on pie, it's hard for him to stop.

"Settle down there, Soarin'. You're making me hungry," I said. "C'mon, let's get back to the barracks and freshen up. We've got a big day today."

"Mmm? Oh, yeah. Sure thing, Spit. Right behind you," said Soarin'. With that, we flew down back to the Academy.

After a rather uneventful morning (not sure whether that's a good thing or a bad thing, considering that the assassin could strike at the festival), we made our way to Ponyville. Everypony on the team was excited. Soarin' was fantasizing about the food, High Winds was eager to talk to the Proud Pride, and Surprise was just ready to have a good time. I suppose I could relate. After all, this was a great chance to meet my fans.

Speaking of fans, I noticed several ponies waiting on the outskirts of town as we made our final approach. They were all holding banners of different shapes and sizes. I smiled.

"Alright, Wonderbolts! Just like we rehearsed!" I shouted. "Ponyville is giving us a great welcome, and we should return the favor!"

"Yes, ma'am!" came a chorus of acknowledgments.

With that, we broke off into groups of five and ascended towards each other. When we met in the middle, we broke off and spread out in different directions, creating a small burst of energy as we did so. The ponies below cheered as we made our final descent and touched down.

For those who are curious, we call that one the Weeping Willow. It's named after the firework pattern of the same name.

As soon as we landed, I was immediately approached by a small procession of pegasi. I recognized them all right away and smiled. They were all Wonderbolt Cadets; students at the Academy.

"Welcome to Ponyville, ma'am," said one of the cadets with a salute. I had to stifle a laugh.

"At ease, Raindrops," I said. "There's no need for that today."

"There isn't?" said Raindrops, appearing confused. "But I thought..."

"I told you that you were worrying over nothing, Rainy," said Cloudchaser, rolling her eyes. "We aren't at the Academy, y'know."

"Maybe not," I said with a smirk. "But I hope you aren't using that as an excuse to shirk your training."

"Eep! N-no, ma'am!" Cloudchaser whimpered. I chuckled.

"It's good to see you all, cadets," I said. "We're all looking forward to a wonderful festival."

"Well, of course!" said Thunderlane. "Everypony knows that Pinkie Pie throws the best parties in all of Equestria! Isn't that right, Bulk?"

"YEAH!" Bulk Biceps bellowed.

"Wait, did somepony mention pie?" asked Soarin'. An audible growl could be heard from his stomach.

"Ugh, do you think about anything else, Soarin'?" groaned Silver Zoom.

I had to snigger again as I turned to address the last of the cadets. She was trying to look all calm and collected, but she was failing miserably. In all honesty, I was expecting that. She has a tendency to get overexcited about the Wonderbolts.

Remember when I mentioned that there was a pony in Ponyville with a lot of potential? Well, this is her: The one and only Rainbow Dash. You probably know her as the winner of the Best Young Flyer competition a while back. But that isn't the only reason I think she has potential. She also has a lot of guts, and she's pretty sharp to boot. Heck, she even taught me a few things about clear communication, and she also once saved my life. But, those are stories for another time.

"It's, great to see you, ma'am," said Rainbow Dash. "And may I just say that this Ghastly Gorge Gauntlet is sure to be the most awesome thing ever!"

"I know we're looking forward to it," I said. "Actually from what I hear, you've flown through Ghastly Gorge plenty of times yourself."

"Sure have, ma'am," Rainbow Dash gushed. "I know it so well, I could fly through it blindfolded, no problem."

I had a feeling she was exaggerating to make herself look cool. Honestly, I don't know why she bothered. I've already seen her in action. She doesn't need to impress me.

"So, ma'am. I was just curious," said Raindrops meekly. "Who exactly are these Proud Pride griffons you're gonna be racing? None of us have ever heard of them."

"Join the club," I muttered under my breath.

"What?"

"Nothing," I said. "Anyway, they're a new team from the Griffon Kingdom. They claim to be the best fliers from over there."

"Heh, I bet those guys have got nothing on the Wonderbolts, ma'am," said Rainbow Dash with a sneer.

"I wouldn't be so quick to jump to conclusions, Rainbow Dash," I said. "After all, we have yet to see them perform."

"Hey, look up there!"

I turned to where Cloudchaser was pointing and smirked. Speak of the draconequus.

Twelve griffons came in from the sky, flying in wing trios and performing their own stunts. Honestly, I was impressed. These guys moved with great coordination and precision. And just like Kierra told me, they all brought a unique flying style to the table. Some of them glided through the air gently, while others were able to dart around with the randomness of a hummingbird. Honor Bound wasn't joking; these guys were good. They were the best griffon fliers I've ever seen, to say the least.

The Proud Pride concluded their show and touched down. Pierre le Grand walked over to me and smirked.

"So? What do you think, Capitaine Spitfire?" asked he.

"Not bad," I said. "You certainly live up to your name as the best fliers of the Griffon Kingdom."

"But of course," said Pierre haughtily. "I told you, the Proud Pride are not to be trifled with."

"I never said they were," I countered.

Pierre chuckled. "Touché, Capitaine Spitfire."

"Hey, Cap. Are we gonna just stand here all day?" asked Surprise. "I thought we came here to par-tay!"

The other Wonderbolts snickered. Rainbow Dash looked a tad confused.

"Inside joke. You'll understand once you become a Wonderbolt," I told her. "Alright, Wonderbolts! Go and enjoy yourselves! That's an order!"

"Yes, ma'am!" the Wonderbolts proclaimed.

With that, the Wonderbolts dispersed and made their way into town, along with the Proud Pride and the other ponies. I lagged behind a bit to walk next to Rainbow Dash. I could see that she was blushing.

"You, really think I'll become a Wonderbolt someday?" she asked.

"This shouldn't be news to you, Rainbow Dash," I said with a chuckle. "I know potential when I see it, and you've got it in spades."

"Th-thank you, ma'am," said Rainbow Dash sheepishly. "I-I hope you enjoy the festival."

"I'm sure I will," said I. "Hey, why don't you show me around town?"

Rainbow Dash's eyes went wide. "Wh-what? Y-you want me to...?"

"Well, sure. I performed here plenty of times, and I've monitored the rainwater collection. But I've never really been in the town itself," I said with a shrug. "Besides, I feel like I kinda owe you for brushing you off at the Grand Galloping Gala."

"What, that?" said Rainbow Dash. "O-oh, you don't owe me for that, ma'am. I-I understand."

"Even so, my request still stands," I said with a playful smirk. "Don't make me make it an order."

Rainbow Dash grinned from ear-to-ear. "Yeah, sure. I-I mean, yes ma'am! I-I'd be more than happy to show you around. C'mon, follow me!"

With that, she zoomed ahead in a streak of myriad color. I chuckled a bit and quickly followed after her. With all the excitement and good cheer in the air, it almost made me forget about the mysteries that had been piling up around me the past few days. Key word there is 'almost.' Yeah, even if I'm planning to enjoy myself, no way in Tartarus am I letting my guard down. Especially not here.