//------------------------------// // Chapter 12 // Story: The Winning Failure // by marley //------------------------------// Chapter 12 Fluttershy had arrived in Cloudsdale while Rainbow Dash and the other contestants were racing. She checked into a hotel and wandered around Cloudsdale for a bit until she found a small cafe near the Wonderbolts area. It had a view of the open lands north of the city. She found a seat and ordered carrot juice and a sandwich. The waiter brought her meal. “Excuse me,” said Fluttershy to the waiter, “I hear the Wonderbolts are having their tryouts this week. Have you heard anything about it.” “Nothing yet ma'am,” replied the young stallion. “I saw them fly out earlier. Today is the first day and it usually takes a while.” Fluttershy decides to try out her new role of spy on the waiter. “I'm in town on business this week and I'd like to find out how things are going. If you can get me any information I'd be grateful. If it's not too much trouble..” She slid about twice the price of her meal to the waiter. “Yes ma'am!” he replied enthusiastically, “I'll keep my eyes and ears open.” “Thank you,” said Fluttershy with a smile. She sat and waited. Presently she saw three pegasi approaching. She didn’t recognize any of them. Then she saw a medical crew with a litter leave and head back in the same direction. This frightened her and she felt very alone. Her meal was long finished and paid for so she walked to the edge of the clouds and watched the medical team descend to the trees. Far in the distance she could see the specks that were really pegasi ascending to the clouds. In only a few minutes they started to come towards her. As they got closer she could pick out Rainbow Dash's golden flight suit and soon she recognized her friend. “Rainbow Dash, they weren't going for you.” she sighed with relief. Fluttershy was close enough to see Rainbow Dash laugh as she flew by. This made her feel a little better. She decided to take a walk around Cloudsdale and do some work for Rarity. She felt a little guilty about spending her friends money. After visiting shops for a couple of hours, she returned to the cafe. She ordered some lunch and sat waiting to see the contestants. The waiter from her previous visit served her food. “Here's your food ma'am,” said the waiter. “I found out a few things while you were gone. I know one of the security ponies and he told me that one of the contestants was injured this morning and another was kicked out of the compound. Two others were eliminated which leaves six still left in the running. There are two ponies left from Cloudsdale, that Rainbow one from Ponyville, one from Canterlot, one from Fillydelphia and one from Manehatten. Apparently the Manehatten one is a surprise. Not many ponies knew about her. Still, my money is on Frost; she's head of a club here in Cloudsdale.” “What about the one from Ponyville? That's Rainbow Dash, you know,” asked Fluttershy. “I know she's good but I have to stay loyal to Cloudsdale,” said the waiter. “The Canterlot pony has a lot of backers too. There's a rumor that Princess Celestia herself got her invited.” “Oh my! She must be good then,” said Fluttershy, wondering if it was true. “There's something else,” whispered the waiter. “I found out that the next elimination is the day after tomorrow.” “Thank you so much,” said Fluttershy, “um I don't know your name.” “Weathervane,” said the waiter, “I can sense weather changes but what's the point when the weather ponies make it the way they want it? You can call me Weather.” “Well, thank you, Weather,” said Fluttershy. “I'm going back to Ponyville tomorrow but I'll be back late in the day. Keep an eye on them for me, will you?” “Sure thing Ms.?” “Fluttershy.” said Fluttershy. “Ms. Fluttershy,” said Weather, “I can meet you here around sundown if you'd like. I should know something by then.” “That would be great,” said Fluttershy, “I should be back by then.” “That tip was nice,” said Weather, “but you don't have to do that. It's good to talk to a fan from out of town for a change. You're a Rainbow Dash fan huh?” “I guess I am,” said Fluttershy. “Can I tell you something? Promise not to tell?” “Sure,” said Weather, “what's on your mind?” “I'm a friend of hers,” said Fluttershy. “Rainbow Dash?” exclaimed Weather, “that is so cool!” “I don't want her to know I'm here,” added Fluttershy. “I'm sort of spying on her I guess.” “Why the secrecy?” asked Weathervane. “She's close friends with some of us ponies in Ponyville and we want to know what's going on but we don't want her to think about anything but the competition,” explained Fluttershy. “I see,” said Weather, “don't worry, you may rely on my discretion.” “Thanks Weather,” said Fluttershy, “I was hoping you'd understand.” “Hey!” said Weather, “there they go!” Fluttershy looked and saw the six contenders, Soarin, Spitfire and Immelmane, on a platform suspended between four pegasi, flying back to the testing area. Goldmane and Sweet Clover brought up the rear. From what she could see they all looked serious.