//------------------------------//
// Chapter 9 
// Story: The Winning Failure 
// by marley 
//------------------------------//

									Chapter 9

As Firewing and Rainbow Dash practiced in Cloudsdale, four conspirators were meeting at Rarity's boutique in Ponyville. Fluttershy was wearing her new flight suit which partially covered her face and nearly all of her body. Rarity finished braiding Fluttershy's forelock, mane and tail.

“This just might work, Fluttershy,” commented Applejack. “I'd pass you on the street and not know it was you.”

“Sure it'll work,” said Pinkie Pie. She laughed.

“I hope so,” said Fluttershy. “I...I feel so sleek in this thing. I might just buy this from you Rarity.”

At that moment the door opened and Twilight Sparkle walked in. 

“Rarity,” she began, “Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't know you had a customer. Fluttershy? Is that you?”

“Yes,” said Fluttershy softly.

“So you decided to get a flight suit too?” asked Twilight Sparkle. “Well, it fits fine but are you sure black is your color?”

“Black is every pony's color,” said Rarity nervously. “You can't go wrong with black. Very slimming don't you think.”

“I suppose,” said Twilight, “but with the face mask and the color she looks like a burglar or a spy.”
Twilight realized what she had said and understood. She closed her eyes and planted her left hoof just below her horn. “Oh you are not sending Fluttershy to Cloudsdale to spy on Rainbow Dash, are you?” The conspirators were silent. “Yes,” she sighed. “you are.”

“Now Twilight,” said Applejack, “don't be mad. We just gotta know what's going on.”

“Well I want to know too, but spying?” replied Twilight.

“This isn't just for us, Twilight,” said Rarity firmly. “It's like I told Fluttershy; we must be prepared for whatever happens at the try outs. If Rainbow Dash wins, we must prepare ourselves to say goodbye. If she loses, then we have to be ready to comfort her.”

“I thought it would be a happy occasion when Rainbow Dash comes back,” said Pinkie Pie sadly. “but I guess it's not. I have to know what to expect.”

Twilight is silent, looking at her friends and thinking it over.

“So, are you in?” said Applejack with a sly smile.

Twilight gave up and smiled too. “Yes, I'm in. So what are you going to do?”

“Lemme tell!” exclaimed Pinkie Pie. “Flutterspy is going to Cloudsdale posing as a fashion agent for Rarity and ask around for information and try to see how Rainbow Dash looks when she comes in from the tryouts.”

“That sounds innocent enough,” said Twilight.

“Maybe even sneak around where the try outs are held and see how she's doing,” continued Pinkie Pie. “That's why she's in black. And if there's a pony that looks like she might beat Dashie she could ponynap her and hide her until the competition is over and..”

“Slow down there Pinkie Pie,” said Applejack. “we ain't ponynappin' any..”

Pinkie Pie was not to be stopped easily. “And we can get some truth serum from Zecora and Fluttershy can slip it into some ponies' food and make 'em talk. And ...”

“Pinkie Pie!” shouted Applejack and Rarity together.

“Sorry,” said Pinkie Pie with a giggle, “I was on a roll there.”

“Really Twilight,” said Rarity, “we don't want Fluttershy doing anything dangerous or wrong. All she has to do is snoop around a little and see what she can dig up.”

“So what can I do to help?” asked Twilight.

Applejack thought for a second and answered. “Well, we done took care of most everything. Fluttershy was just about to leave. If you want to chip in a few bits to pay for Fluttershy's room and board that would help.”

“Alright, here you go,” said Twilight getting some bits from her bag. “Good luck 'spy' and thanks for doing this.”