Chapter 2
Fluttershy flew slowly to Sweet Apple Acres, obviously downcast. Applejack was in the orchard and saw her approach.
“Well, howdy there Fluttershy!” said Applejack, happy to see her friend. “What brings you out here?”
“I have some good news; Rainbow Dash is leaving tomorrow to compete for a spot on the Wonderbolts,” answered Fluttershy.
Fluttershy's tone is lost on Applejack who reacts to the news with joy. “Well don't that beat all! I reckon it's about time. She might brag about being a great flier but I ain't ever seen anypony better. Sure will be somethin' havin' our very own Wonderbolt here in Ponyville.”
“No, it won't,” sniffed Fluttershy.
“What do ya mean?” asked Applejack confused. “Don't you worry none, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash is sure to make it.” She noticed Fluttershy's sad demeanor for the first time. “What's wrong there sugar cube?”
“I know she'll win,” said Fluttershy sadly, “and I'm happy for her, I am, really but....” sniff
“You sure don't sound happy,” said Applejack with concern. “If you're not worried about her losing then what is it?”
“Applejack, the Wonderbolts all live in Cloudsdale,” said the pink maned pony. “They have to so they can practice almost everyday. Don't you see? We won't have our very own Wonderbolt here in Ponyville.”
“Are you saying Rainbow Dash will be ...leaving us?” asked Applejack in shock.
“Yes, she'll have to,” continued Fluttershy, “and if she's not in Cloudsdale she'll be doing shows all over Equestria. We'll hardly ever see her.”
“Oh horse apples!” exclaimed Applejack. “I never thought about that.”
“I came to invite you to a dinner for her tonight,” said Fluttershy. “It was Twilight's idea. So we...so we could show that we support her.”
“We'll have to go Fluttershy,” said Applejack compassionately. “We have to show her that we wish her the best.”
“I don't know if I can,” said Fluttershy.
“Me neither, Fluttershy but we have to be strong for her,” said Applejack. “She doesn't need to be worryin' about us while she's trying to do stunt flyin'. And she's not a Wonderbolt yet. If she does fail, she'll need us when she gets back.”
“I'll try my best,” said Fluttershy in a broken voice. “I feel so selfish but I'm going to miss her so much.”
“You get on home now, Fluttershy,” said Applejack, “and come by here on your way to the dinner and we'll go together.”
“Alright,” said Fluttershy with her head down, “that would be better than going alone.”
“Sure it will,” said Applejack. “I got to get back to work. I'll see you tonight.”
Fluttershy turned and flew slowly away as Applejack watched.
“Thank goodness she left,” said Applejack to herself as she sat down. She sniffed. “Wouldn't do no good fer her ta see me cry.”
* * *
As Fluttershy told Applejack the news of Rainbow Dash's good fortune, Rarity was getting Dash's measurements and discussing fabric. Rainbow Dash gazed at the numerous bolts of cloth on the shelves as Rarity levitated the measuring tape and took notes.
“I'm thinking that something bright like yellow or gold would look good on you,” said the white unicorn. “What do you think?”
Rainbow Dash laughed. “I think I'll leave it up to you. I've learned my lesson when it comes to fashion; trust the expert.”
Rarity laughed too, remembering Rainbow's first foray into fashion. “Alright then, how about this?” She held up a bolt of shimmering gold silk.
“I like it!” said Rainbow Dash as she gazed at the shiny cloth. “That will really show up against the sky or clouds.”
“Now what about style?” asked Rarity, gesturing to a mannequin. “Do you want it like a Wonderbolt suit or maybe just something to cover your torso? I can make it with or without legs and we can go with or without the neck wrap.”
“I hadn't really thought about it,” replied Rainbow Dash. “Hmm I'm not really crazy about stuff around my neck. And it's pretty warm so lets go short sleeve.”
“That's a good idea and it will keep it simple like you want,” said Rarity. “Now I do have one suggestion: what if we made an oval hole on the flank so everyone could see your cutie mark? I could make a replica out of cloth and stitch it on but there's not enough time to do it right.”
“That would be cool! I've never seen a flight suit like that!” said Rainbow Dash. Rarity never failed to surprise her with her artistry.
“Alright then, let's finish getting you measured and I'll get to work,” said Rarity.
“Okay, just make sure you get the wing holes big enough,” said Rainbow Dash. “I can't have anything restricting my movements.”
“I understand,” replied Rarity. “This will be good practice for when I make your Wonderbolt outfit.”
“You won't have to do that,” said Rainbow Dash. “If I make it, the team will provide it and anything else I need. They have everything; uniforms, their own chef, doctors, trainers and even their own homes in Cloudsdale.”
“Cloudsdale?” said Rarity startled. “You'd be moving to Cloudsdale?”
“Well, yeah...I would be,” said Rainbow Dash sadly. “That's the only bad thing about making the team. I'll have to leave Ponyville. Sorry Rarity, I thought you knew.”
“It's alright,” said Rarity bravely, “I should have thought of it. We'll miss you.”
“I'll miss all of you too, but this is something I have to do,” said Rainbow Dash seriously. “All my life I wanted to be the best and that means joining the Wonderbolts. You should understand better than anypony, Rarity. It's like if Princess Celestia asked you to be her personal dressmaker in Canterlot. You'd go, wouldn't you?”
Rarity paused. “Yes Dash, yes, I would go. I understand, and I'll make sure the others understand too.”
Rainbow Dash was relieved. “Thanks Rarity. This is my big chance and I hoped my friends would be happy for me.”
“I know we are all happy for you Rainbow Dash,” said Rarity, “but we'll be sad for us. We don't want to lose you.”
“Aw you won't,” insisted Rainbow Dash, trying to convince herself as much as her friend, “I'll still visit and...listen to me! I'm talking like I'm already on the team. I still have to beat nine ponies. Don't let Pinky Pie plan a victory party until I get back!”
Rarity laughed. “That could be harder than you making the team. Come on, I have a flight suit to make.”
* * *
When Fluttershy left them, Twilight, Spike and Pinky Pie headed to Sugar Cube Corner. Aside from her having to work that day, Pinky Pie wanted to get to work on a cake for the dinner that night. “Even if we can't have a party, I can at least get a cake for desert,” she said.
“I'll let you take care of that, Pinky Pie,” said Twilight Sparkle, “while I go get what I need for dinner.”
“Okey dokie,” said Pinky Pie brightly, “see ya later.”
As she entered the store, Pinky Pie was greeted by Mrs. Cake. “Good morning Pinky Pie, you're here early.”
“Hi Mrs. Cake! I have a special cake to make for tonight,” said Pinky Pie. “Rainbow Dash is leaving tomorrow to try out for the Wonderbolts. We're having a dinner tonight to wish her luck.”
“Oh my! I'll bet she's excited,” said Mrs. Cake. “Wouldn't that be something if a pony from our town got to be a star like them?”
“We're all excited. I'm going to make a cake that says 'Good Luck Rainbow Dash' on it.”
“How nice, I'm sure she appreciates the support,” said Mrs. Cake.
“This is nothing,” said Pinky Pie happily. “wait until she sees the victory party I'm planning for next week!”
“Ah, shouldn't you wait to see if she makes the team first?” suggested Mrs. Cake.
“I can still plan it,” said Pinky Pie. “Even if she doesn't make the team she'll need to know we're still proud of her and I can turn it into a welcome home party.”
Mrs. Cake was unsure of Pinky Pie's plan. “If you think so dear. I wonder who will take over the weather team if she becomes a Wonderbolt.”
“Huh? What do you mean?” asked Pinky Pie.
“Well, she can't do both,” replied Mrs. Cake as she cleaned off the counter. “I don't really know where the Wonderbolts live but they fly all over Equestria. She couldn't do that and run the weather here too.”
“I guess you're right,” admitted Pinky Pie. “I never thought about that before. I wonder if the others know. Oh well, I can find out later. At least I know what to do tonight.”
She started to make the cake but soon slowed down. A worried look covered her normally happy features and remained there for some time.