//------------------------------// // Chapter 10 // Story: The Winning Failure // by marley //------------------------------// Chapter 10 All the contestants were at the Wonderbolts orientation and luncheon except for Firewing and Rainbow Dash. Also present were the two Wonderbolt leaders, Soarin and Spitfire and Mr. Immelmane. Rainbow Dash and Firewing entered the hall sweaty but talking and laughing. “I wonder what those two were up to?” said Windyday. “Looks like they were racing.” “Goldmane and I saw them practicing from a distance,” said Starshine. “Yeah, that Rainbow Dash is fast,” said Goldmane. “Firewing looked like she was flying as fast as I can fly and Rainbow flew with her for a while and then just pulled away.” “Trust me, you do not want to race that one,” said Starshine. “I've never seen any pony move like that.” “Windy said she wasn't that good a flier though,” said Twister. “I said I wasn't impressed by her tricks at the Young Fliers Competition,” corrected Windyday, “that's not quite the same thing.” Twister ignored her. “Did they do any stunts? How did they look?” “We were pretty far away and below some hills part of the time,” said Goldmane, “but I saw them do a few basic things. Nothing fancy.” “It looked like they were taking turns doing moves and then they'd race for a bit,” said Starshine. “I didn't really watch too much because we were busy practicing too.” “I might want to keep an eye on those two,” said Twister. “Rainbow Dash had to learn her moves from some pony. She might know more than she is letting on.” “Could be,” said Windyday, “on the other hoof they might have just been horsing around. I'm not ready to take either of them seriously yet. I'm more worried about her.” She nodded towards a dark blue pony with white on her mane and tail. “You mean Frost?” asked Starshine. “She's good. She won Best Young Flier a couple years ago. She's fast and has a lot of experience. She lives here in Cloudsdale so she's had good instruction too.” “Those other three are Cloudsdale ponies too,” said Goldmane. “They're all good. I don't know why I even bothered to come to this.” “You'll have to do better than you've ever done,” said Windyday. “I've beaten you the last three times we've competed. Now you have to beat eight other ponies that I'm not sure that I can beat, well, some of them anyway.” “Don't listen to her Goldy,” said Starshine. “it's any ponies' to win. You wouldn't be here if the Wonderbolts didn't think you at least had a chance.” “Sure Starshine, even you might have a chance...if everypony else crashes.” laughed Twister. Rainbow Dash and Firewing blunder into this discussion. “What were you two doing?” asked Twister. “You look a mess!” “Practicing,” replied Rainbow Dash. “Some things I heard this morning made me think I'd better work on my skills.” “No need to take things personally,” said Twister, “we're all here to win. If you can't handle the wind, stay out of the storm.” “I can handle it,” said Rainbow Dash. “I kind of like challenges; they make me better.” Frost walked up followed by three other ponies. “Hi Frosty, long time no see,” said Rainbow Dash happily. “Hey, kid,” said Frost with a smile, “still the fastest around?” “You know it!” said Rainbow Dash, “Frost, this is my roomie Firewing, and these ponies are Starshine, Goldmane, Twister and Windyday.” “You know each other?” said Twister. “Sure,” said Frost. “Rainbow grew up in Cloudsdale. I'm probably one of the few ponies that can say they beat her in a fair race. Of course I'm four years older than her and she hadn't even got her cutie mark yet.” “I remember that,” said Rainbow Dash. “That was a good race. Firewing, this is one of the ponies I told you about. I learned a lot about flying from her.” “Great,” said Twister under her breath. “This looks like it'll be a great competition,” said Frost. “These are my friends; Razor, Sunrise Cloud and Sweet Clover. I guess we represent Cloudsdale.” Immelmane went to the lectern and addressed the contestants. “Ladies, please find your seats. We'll get started now.” The ponies went to seats labeled with their names and Immelmane continued. “Though I've met all of you already, I'd like to officially welcome you to the Wonderbolt tryouts. You were chosen because of your flying skills and the proven ability to work in a team environment. All of you are holders of various prestigious awards and have held positions of responsibility either in the flying community or in the work place. I have no doubt that with dedication and hard work all of you would make excellent Wonderbolts. Unfortunately, only one position is available at this time but a good performance could earn you an invitation back the next time a tryout is held. Another unfortunate item is that we are more limited in time than we would like. Due to an injury and unforeseen retirement we have only a week to select our new member so that she can begin training for our next show. I apologize for this but it cannot be helped. The show must go on. I will now turn the meeting over to Spitfire, the mare team leader and Captain.” Spitfire changed places with Immelmane and looked over the ponies in front of her. “On behalf of the Wonderbolts, I too would like to welcome you to the tryout competition. As you should all know from the schedules posted in your rooms, this is a three phase competition. Tomorrow is the physical phase where you will be tested to gauge your speed and endurance. Next is the precision phase where you will be tested on your ability to fly in formation doing the basic maneuvers of our show. The final phase is on Friday when the remaining ponies will compete in individual aerial displays. This is graded both on precision and originality. New stunts are encouraged since many of what are now standard moves where invented by previous members. In fact, Mr. Immelmane here invented the loop that now bears his name. Ah, Rainbow Dash? No Sonic Rainboom in your routine, please. Since you're the only one that can do it, it's not something we can use in the show.” Some of the contestants laughed including Rainbow Dash. Spitfire went on. “Something less tangible that we will be looking at is your personality and attitude. There is more to being a Wonderbolt than just flying. We are also ambassadors and we have fans that we strive to serve. We try to be not only the best fliers in Equestria but also the best ponies. When you don the Wonderbolt uniform you'll be representing not only the team but also Equestria and all pegasi. If you don't think you can live up to those standards, then you should leave now. On a happier note, those of you that do get eliminated are still welcome to attend the training and watch the remaining competitors continue until the end. Also, on Saturday there will be a dinner and dance held in the winners honor. This is a seldom held event and many former Wonderbolts are sure to attend as well as many instructors and top members of flying schools and clubs. Traditionally, for a ladies competition, the competitors are allowed to chose the lucky colt they dance with first. The winner chooses first, runner-up chooses second and so forth.” A few of the mares brightened at this announcement. “That's all for now,” said Spitfire. “Enjoy your meal and I wish you all good luck in the competition. We will be around after lunch if any of you want to talk or have any questions. You're free to enjoy the training facilities here, practice or just rest. This is your day. Tomorrow you start a journey.” All the ponies are quiet at first but as the meal is served they start to talk amongst themselves. “That was some speech,” said Firewing. “I never thought about the responsibilities of being on the team.” “Me neither,” said Rainbow Dash. “Eh, if I make it I'll just follow Spitfire's example. She's cool.” “You still want to practice after lunch?” asked Firewing. “More than ever,” replied Rainbow Dash. “We don't have to go right away though. May as well let lunch settle anyway.” “This is going to be the best week ever,” said Starshine. “I don't even care if I win now. Being here is enough, winning would just be icing on the cake.” “You're right Starshine,” agreed Goldmane. “I'm just going to relax, do my best and see what happens. This is going to be great!” Twister muttered quietly to no pony in particular; “Nice to see two competitors take themselves out already. This competition is going to be fierce. 'Relax and do my best' Please! That is not going to get you to the finals.” “No, it won't,” said Windyday aloud. But she thought to herself, “And neither is your personality. That's three down.”