//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 // Story: The Winning Failure // by marley //------------------------------// The Winning Failure Chapter 1 Rainbow Dash flew low through Ponyville shouting. “Yes! Yes! Yes! I did it! Whooohooo! I did it!” Ponies dove for cover as she flew low over the ground doing all sorts of aerobatics. Rainbow Dash landed in front of Twilight Sparkle, Spike and Pinkie Pie who were talking in front of Twilight's home. “I did it!” she cried. “I've been invited to tryout for the Wonderbolts!” Pinkie Pie cheered. “Yay! I always knew you'd do it!” “That's great Rainbow Dash!” said Twilight Sparkle, “it looks like your dream is finally coming true.” “Way to go!” added Spike enthusiastically. “I still have to try out and beat nine other ponies but I get to try out!” said Rainbow Dash. “Wow,” said Twilight, “being one of ten ponies chosen from all of Equestria is a great honor.” “It sure is,” said Rainbow Dash, “I have to see Rarity about getting a flight suit. I hope she can get it done by tomorrow.” “Tomorrow! There will hardly be time to have a good luck party!” said Pinkie Pie. “Sorry, Pinkie Pie,” replied Rainbow Dash, “I just got the letter today and I have to report in two days. That means I'll have to fly out to Cloudsdale tomorrow so I can have a days rest and be fresh for the tryouts.” “How long will you be gone?” asked Twilight. “I'll be there a week,” said Rainbow Dash. “The tryouts take five days, then the next day there's a dinner for all the candidates where the official announcement is made. I'll fly back the next day.” “A week is plenty of time to plan the best victory party ever!” said Pinkie Pie, her enthusiasm returning. “I'm not a Wonderbolt yet Pinkie Pie,” said Rainbow Dash. “I have to beat nine of the best fliers in Equestria.” Pinkie Pie was unfazed. “Aw you can do it Rainbow Dash. Has anypony ever out flown you?” “And who else can do a Sonic Rainboom?” added Twilight Sparkle. “Thanks girls,” said Rainbow Dash. “I wish you could all be there but the tryouts are closed to all but competitors” “Come on! Let's go see Rarity,” said Pinkie Pie. “We can at least help you get ready.” * * * They headed to Rarity's shop where they found her arranging clothes on a display rack. “Good morning ladies,” said Rarity brightly, “how are you this morning?” “Super Duper! Rainbow Dash needs some new clothes,” said Pinkie Pie. “Really?” said Rarity in a surprised voice. “What's the occasion?” “I'm trying out for the Wonderbolts and I need a new flight suit,” answered Rainbow Dash. “Oh Rainbow, that's wonderful!” said Rarity. “Wonderboltful!” corrected Pinkie Pie. “Ah... yes,” said Rarity. “What did you have in mind?” “Keep it simple and sleek...and it should show up against the sky,” said Rainbow Dash. “You don't have much time either, I leave tomorrow afternoon.” “Tomorrow!” exclaimed Rarity. “We'd better get to work then! Do you need anything else?” “Well, there is a dinner and dance after the tryouts,” said Rainbow Dash slowly, realizing the work she was piling on her friend, “I guess I should have something for that.” “I have just the thing,” said Rarity, “a dark red dress that's simple and elegant. I'll hardly have to make any alterations and it's perfect for you. The flight suit is the tough one. I've never made one before. Hmm Let me see...” “There is one thing more about the flight suit, if it's not too much trouble,” said Rainbow Dash, “I'd like a replica of my Element of Harmony on the chest.” “Of course, I can do that,” replied Rarity, “and I think it's a splendid idea. We'll need something tough for material. Silk should do.” “Say, let's all have dinner at my place tonight,” said Twilight. “A good luck dinner.” “Great idea,” said Rarity, “I'll be there.” “I'd really like that,” Rainbow Dash, “ but just dinner though, then I have to get ready to leave. I can't believe they didn't give me more notice.” “Yeah,” said Pinkie Pie sadly, “we could have had a party.” “There's too much to do,” said Rainbow Dash. “I still have to pack, and go over the weather schedule with the team and get with Fluttershy and have her pick up my mail while I'm gone and...” “And get your new clothes,” interrupted Rarity. “I can take a hint,” said Twilight. “We'll let you two get to work. Come on Pinkie Pie.” “See ya later Wonderbolt!” said Pinkie Pie. “Bye Rarity.” “Until tonight, girls,” said Rarity. “See ya later,” said Rainbow Dash. * * * As Twilight, Pinkie and Spike walked through Ponyville, they saw Fluttershy leaving a street vendor ahead of them. Pinkie ran ahead to greet her. “Hey Fluttershy! Wait until you hear this!” gushed Pinkie Pie. “Hi girls, hi Spike,” replied Fluttershy quietly. “Hear what?” “Rainbow Dash is trying out for the Wonderbolts!” said Pinkie Pie excitedly. Fluttershy reacted in happy amazement. “Really? Oh that's really some news alright! How did she manage that?” “She was invited,” answered Twilight. “She's one of ten selected to try out.” “She's sure to win,” said Pinkie Pie, “don't you think?” Though still smiling, Fluttershy's voice changed tone. It was as if she remembered something sad. “Oh yes, I'm sure she will,” replied Fluttershy. “She's the best flier around. Do you think I should fly out to Cloudsdale and cheer for her?” “I'm afraid you can't,” replied Twilight, “only contestants are allowed. We're getting together for dinner tonight to give her some encouragement.” “Sure Twilight, that would be nice,” said Fluttershy in an even quieter voice than usual. “I'll tell Applejack on my way home.” “Too bad it won't be a party,” said Pinkie Pie. “Oh well, it'll be almost as good.” “Yes, well, I should get going,” replied Fluttershy. “I'll see you tonight.” Twilight and Pinkie Pie bid Fluttershy farewell but Spike looked after her with a confused look on his face. “She didn't seem very excited about it,” he said at last. “Of course she is Spike,” said Twilight. “She was probably just in a hurry to tell Applejack.” “If you say so,” said Spike, “but I thought she sounded almost ...sad.” “Oh Spike!” laughed Pinkie Pie, “you know how quiet she is.” “I guess you're right,” said Spike, but he didn't sound convinced.