Chapter 6
The two partners spent the next hour talking about their homes, the tryouts and different tricks. It was clear that Rainbow Dash had a wider repertoire than Firewing but Rainbow Dash was worried. Training mostly solo, she had little experience in formation flying. They decided to go on a walking tour of the compound before supper. There were only a few ponies around, mostly Wonderbolt support ponies who were happy to direct the contestants to the various buildings.
They met two other contestants as they crossed a wide courtyard. One was a pony named Goldmane, a Canterlot pony, whose coat reminded Rainbow Dash of Fluttershy but her mane and tail were bright yellow with a pale blue highlight. Her cutie mark was a single gold bar on a blue diamond. The other pony was from Fillydelphia. She was named Starshine and had a blue coat, somewhat lighter than Rainbow Dash's, and a white mane with only a small red highlight. She had an eight pointed white star for a cutie mark.
“Nice to meet some other contestants,” said Starshine, “I thought we were the only ones here.”
“We were thinking the same thing,” said Firewing.
“Did you find the dining hall?” asked Goldmane.
“Sure,” said Dash, “it's right over there. Doesn't open for about an hour though.”
“So are you two roommates?” asked Firewing.
“No,” said Goldmane, “I have a smaller room to myself.”
“I'm supposed to be rooming with a pony from Cloudsdale,” said Starshine. “Her name is Sunrise Cloud, but she's not here yet.”
“We're rooming together,” said Rainbow Dash. “Say, want to meet back here for supper?”
“Sure,” said Goldmane, “and you can call me Goldy, everypony does.”
“Fine with me,” said Starshine, “as long as it's as soon as the place opens, I'm starved.”
“Would an apple or a piece of cake hold you over?” asked Dash. “I've got some in our room.”
“That would be great,” said Starshine.
Rainbow Dash lead them back towards their room. In the hallway, they met Spitfire and another pony coming the opposite way. Spitfire introduced the pale purple pony at her side. “Windyday, meet Firewing, Rainbow Dash, Goldmane and Starshine. Girls, this is Windyday, an accomplished flier from Canterlot.”
Windyday looked at her competition, showing no emotion. “Pleased to meet you,” she said. “Goldmane, it's good to see you again.”
“Nice to see you again, Windy,” said Goldmane, though she didn't sound as if it was pleasant at all.
Rainbow Dash was impressed by Windyday's regal bearing which reminded Rainbow Dash of the Princesses. Her deep purple mane was cut somewhat short and she had a flowing tail with a silver ring worn high up. Her cutie mark was a cloud and a pine tree bending in the wind. “We're going to meet up for dinner in about an hour, Windyday. You're welcome to join us.”
“Thank you,” replied Windyday, with a hint of a smile, “I'd like that.”
“Come along, Windy,” said Spitfire, “your room is right over here.”
“Nice meeting you, Windy,” said Firewing.
“See you at dinner,” said Starshine.
The ponies entered Firewing and Dash's room and Rainbow Dash got out the leftover cake and a few apples. Firewing and Rainbow Dash didn't eat anything themselves, not wishing to spoil their dinner.
“Goldy,” said Firewing, “I take it you know Windyday?”
“Oh yes,” replied Goldmane, “we know each other. If I knew she was going to be here I might not have come. She's beaten me in a race and in two aerobatics competitions already.”
“She's good, huh?” said Starshine.
“Very good,” said Goldmane. “Her routines are just perfect. I mean the tricks, the timing, the synchronization to the music are all just dead on. She's fast too.”
“How fast?” asked Rainbow Dash.
“I haven't seen anypony faster,” replied Goldmane bitterly. “Most of the stallions in Canterlot won't race her. The ones that do, lose.”
“Good,” replied Rainbow Dash with a smile, “maybe I can get a race out of her. I can't remember the last time I had a good race.”
“You want to race her?” said Goldmane laughing. “Think you're fast, eh?”
“No,” said Rainbow Dash, “I think I'm the fastest.”
“Wait a minute,” said Starshine, “Rainbow Dash, you're the pony that did the sonic rainboom at the Young Fliers Competition! I remember hearing about that.”
“That's me,” said Rainbow Dash proudly.
“Let me know if you get that race,” said Goldy, “I'd like to see some pony beat her.”
“I guess you're not friends then?” said Firewing.
“No, not really,” said Goldmane. “She's...hard to get close to. She's never done anything mean to me, and she's not a dirty racer or anything, she's just...I don't know..strange. All she does is fly. You never see her doing anything but training or competing. And she's kind of...spooky. She looked at me before a competition once and it was like she was looking right through me. It was like she knew how to beat me before we even started.”
“That is spooky,” said Firewing.
Rainbow Dash laughed. “Okay, so she's good. Is anypony in this thing not good? We'll just have to see if she has what it takes when we get in the air.”
“Does anypony know who the other competitors are?” asked Starshine. “I think there may be another one from Phillydelphia. Her name's Twister. I don't know for sure if she's invited, she doesn't have the best reputation.”
“What do you mean?” asked Firewing.
“It mainly has to do with racing,” said Starshine, “some ponies say she flies dirty. There have been a few investigations and complaints but nothing has ever come of them.”
“We shouldn't have to worry about that,” said Goldmane, “this is an aerobatics tryout.”
“That's true,” agreed Starshine, “I was just wondering if she was invited.”
“I'd think there would be some ponies from Cloudsdale,” said Rainbow Dash, “there are a lot of good fliers here.”
“That might be why they're not here yet,” said Firewing, “we didn't really have to report until tomorrow. They're probably spending one last night at home.”
“Four or five of them?” said Goldmane. “That's a lot from one city.”
“It's possible,” said Rainbow Dash, “I can think of a couple off the top of my head. An old friend of mine, her name's Frost, could be one. She's a big strong mare that knows a lot of tricks. She's fast too.”
“You're not going to warn us about her?” said Firewing, half jokingly.
Rainbow Dash laughed. “Frost? No, she's cool. Very competitive but she's always been a clean player.”
They talked for a bit more and headed down to the dining hall. Windyday was waiting for them in the courtyard.
“Sorry if we made you wait,” said Firewing.
“You didn't,” replied Windyday, “the dining hall isn't open yet. I was just having a look around the compound. It's very impressive.”
“It sure is,” said Rainbow Dash, “they have everything here. That's the gym, there's a pool and sauna in the back. The medical facility is over there. That's the ballroom where the dinner will be at the end of the tryouts.”
“You've been here before?” asked Windyday.
“No,” said Rainbow Dash, “Firewing and I came down here earlier. There were some ponies here that showed us around.”
“I thought the Wonderbolts might have given you a tour after you won the Young Fliers Competition,” said Windyday.
“You know about that?” said Rainbow Dash.
“I was here for it but I didn't compete,” replied Windyday. “I had already flown in the Fillydelphia Twenty Mile Open and a team aerobatic contest in Canterlot that week and after flying here my coach decided I should sit it out.”
“That's a lot of flying,” said Firewing. “How did you do?”
“First in the team aerobatics, second in the race,” replied Windyday in a matter of fact manner. “I might have been able to win the race but I didn't start my kick soon enough.”
“I don't think I'd be able to kick at the end of twenty miles,” said Starshine.
“It's longer than I normally fly,” said Windyday. “I was trying to build up my endurance.”
“It doesn't sound like you have a problem there,” said Firewing.
“Endurance was a weak point in my flying abilities,” said Windyday, “I trained hard to eliminate it. I think that second place in a twenty mile race is fairly good.” Her voice is emotionless, it didn't seem as if she even cared about her accomplishment.
“I'll say,” said Rainbow Dash, “and then to win in a team event the same week. You should be proud of that.”
“Thank you,” said Windyday. “The aerobatics win meant more to me. It was my last time as flight leader. They voted another pony to lead after the competition.”
“Why was that?” asked Firewing. “How can a flight leader do more than win?”
Windyday gave Firewing a slight smile. “I don't think the other ponies liked my way of doing things. I strive to be perfect and they... didn't share my dedication.”
“That shouldn't be a problem here,” said Rainbow Dash, “if you win you'll be with the best fliers in Equestria. By the way, when this is over, how about racing me?”
Windyday looked surprised but quickly regained her composure. “Alright, I know you can do a sonic rainboom so you're faster than me but I wouldn't mind finding out how much faster. Does five miles at altitude sound good to you?”
“Sure!” replied Rainbow Dash, “I haven't had anypony push me to my limits in years.”
A pony came out of the dining hall. “Ladies, the dining hall is now open.”
* * *
The ponies entered the hall and were treated to a very good meal. They sat at a round table while numerous dishes were placed before them. All of them were hungry so there was little talk except to ask another pony to pass a dish. Eventually, their hunger sated, they started to talk again as they nibbled at a dessert of honey oat cakes.
“I wonder why they didn't invite more ponies from Manehatten,” said Starshine. “That's a big place, there have to be some good fliers there.”
“There are a lot of good fliers there,” said Windyday, “there just aren't very many great fliers. I've flown against them in competition. Very clean and precise, they really look good but their tricks are boring, very run of the mill. I always worry more about ponies from Cloudsdale or Fillydelphia; they're more innovative.”
“I wonder what they saw in me?” asked Firewing.
“No idea,” said Windyday, “I've never seen you fly, but it must have been something.” She looked at Rainbow Dash. “You,” she said, pointing at the blue pegasus, “I do understand. Your tricks didn't amount to much at the Young Fliers Competition but that was some incredible flying you did to save three Wonderbolts and that silly friend of yours. I hope you've been practicing, I'd love to see you put that sort of effort into some stunts.”
Rainbow Dash was not sure how to take this. “Um, thanks. I have been practicing and I have some tricks no pony has ever seen.”
Windyday smiled and nodded. “Good, in that case, I look forward to flying against you.”
“What about us?” asked Starshine, “We're in this too you know.”
“Goldy I've beaten before,” replied Windyday evenly, “and I've seen you fly and I've seen your race times. I can beat you.”
“I guess we should just leave now then,” said Starshine indignantly.
“No, of course not,” said Windyday, “you never get better if you don't compete. It's a great honor just to be asked to come here.”
“But you don't think I'm good enough to win?” persisted Starshine.
“No, I don't,” replied Windyday, “but you'll have the chance to prove me wrong. I hope you both perform well. You asked me how I saw your chances and I told you. There's no reason to be upset.”
“So who do you see as a threat?” asked Goldy trying to deflect the attention away from Starshine.
“I'm not sure yet,” replied Windyday, “there's a Cloudsdale pony I expect to see. Very strong, very good. She has experience in formation flying and has quite few of tricks of her own.”
“Frost,” interjected Rainbow Dash.
“Yes,” said Windyday, “I take it you know her?”
“She's an old friend,” said Rainbow Dash, “I learned a lot about flying from her when I was little.”
“I thought you were from Ponyville,” said Windyday.
“I grew up in Cloudsdale but I live in Ponyville now,” replied Rainbow Dash. “I used to hang out with her and some of the older ponies. I hope she does come, it would be good to see her again.”
“Not worried about her beating you?” asked Goldmane.
“I think I'm better,” said Rainbow Dash. “I'm faster and can out maneuver her anyway. We'll see in the tryouts but I'm not worried.”
“If you're not worried about her,” said Windyday, “then I'll be keeping a close eye on you, Rainbow Dash.”
“You should,” said Rainbow Dash, “I think I'm the best, but you're welcome to prove me wrong.”
Windyday smiled and even gave a slight laugh. “That's the spirit! This should be an interesting competition. Well, I should go and finish unpacking. I wish you all good luck and I hope everypony comes out of this in one piece.”
“Same to you Windyday,” replied Rainbow Dash, “see you at breakfast.”
“Goodnight Windyday,” said Firewing, “it's been... enlightening.”
“Goodnight,” said Starshine.
“Goodnight,” said Goldmane, “I suppose I should go get some rest myself. I have some things to do before bed.”
Firewing arose too. “I think I'll go back to my room. I want to do a little studying.”
Rainbow Dash laughed. “Study? I'm going on a little flight and relax. I'll be along soon.”
* * *
The ponies went their separate ways. Rainbow Dash took off from the courtyard. The compound was on the northern edge of the city and she flew out from the city a short way. The setting sun bathed Cloudsdale in a glorious shades of red and orange. She flew lazily for a little while but started to feel lonely and returned to the compound. From the courtyard she could see a pony eating alone in the dining hall. She was a pale orange with brighter orange hair with a streak of some darker color that she couldn't make out. She considered going to introduce herself but decided against it and returned to her room.
Firewing looked up from her book as Rainbow Dash entered. “Enjoy your flight?” she asked.
“Yes,” said Dash, “the city was beautiful in the sunset.”
“What did you think of our newest competitor?” asked Firewing.
“Windyday?” said Rainbow Dash, “I don't know. She's kind of strange. She thinks she's really a great flier but she doesn't boast about it. She talks about winning like she would talk about what she had for lunch. Like it doesn't matter.”
“But it obviously does matter to her,” said Firewing. “It seems as if she is trying to become the perfect flier just for the sake of doing it.”
“And she wants to beat only the best.” said Rainbow Dash. “To her, ponies like Goldy and Starshine aren't worth the trouble. She doesn't seem to care what anypony thinks of her.”
“I noticed,” said Firewing. “She speaks what she sees as the truth and I don't think she understands she's hurting other ponies' feelings with her words. Either that or she doesn't care.”
“Maybe, it's because she doesn't have feelings,” replied Rainbow Dash, “but did you see how calm she is? She just laughed when I used her own words against her. It's like she's just observing, not letting anything get to her.”
“Yeah,” said Firewing, “or anypony. I don't think I could live like that.”
Rainbow Dash didn't know what to say. In a way she was envious of Windyday's calm demeanor but was terrified of the loneliness she must feel or worse, failed to feel.
“Let's be nice to her,” said Firewing suddenly.
“Huh?” said Rainbow Dash, coming back from her thoughts.
“Be nice to her,” said Firewing as she stood up and gazed out the window. “I shall be nice to her, and so should you.”
“Why?” said Rainbow Dash.
“Because it's the right thing to do,” replied Firewing. “I'll be nice to her whether she likes it or not.”
Dash giggled.
Firewing smiled and turned toward her roommate. “She'll either come around or it will drive her crazy.”
Rainbow Dash collapsed on her bed laughing.