//------------------------------//
// Chapter 18 
// Story: The Winning Failure 
// by marley 
//------------------------------//

Chapter 18

Fluttershy watched the show by the three contestants and made her way back through the crowd to the cafe. It was a little crowded but Weathervane made sure she got seated. He took her order and when he brought her food talked quickly about what he had heard.

“I can't talk long,” he said, “we're too busy, but I found out a few things. See those two ponies at the table by the entrance? The one on the left is Razor, one of the Cloudsdale contestants. She got cut today. So did that other pony, Starshine, one of the Fillydelphia contestants. The rest are going on to the individual exercise on Friday.” 

“Thanks, Weather,” said Fluttershy, “anything else?”

“Just about that pony that got kicked out,” said Weather. “Her name is Twister and she caused an accident by being reckless. Apparently she was mad at your friend for beating her in a race and at another pony too for some reason. The injured pony, Sunrise Cloud, is going to be okay but when she went down, Frost went after Twister. Spitfire and Rainbow Dash stopped her. I gotta go now.” He rushed off.

Fluttershy slowly ate and drank. She was a little tired and worried. This competition was more dangerous than she had thought. At Razor's table she saw Weather hovering around, he gave them excellent service but was also listening to anything they said. She finished her meal and Weather presented her bill which she payed. She added a good tip but not as much as the first time, not wanting to insult him.

“Thanks Ms. Fluttershy,” said Weather, “I'm off in a few minutes. Let's go for a walk and talk.”

“Sure, I'll meet you by the edge of the cloud,” replied Fluttershy.

Weather nodded and returned to work. Fluttershy left and returned to where she had watched Rainbow Dash and her friends earlier. Soon, Weather arrived.

“Hi, I heard a little more from Razor,” said Weather, “I told her how I was following the tryouts and she really opened up.”

“Oh good,” said Fluttershy, “what did you find out?”

“Well, it turns out that according to her, Twister insulted your friend and she stood up to her.”

“That sounds like Rainbow Dash alright,” said Fluttershy.

“Then, during the race, Twister was so determined to catch Rainbow Dash that she burned out and came in last. That's when she got into it with Windyday and a little bit with Frost. They divided the ponies into two groups and played a game of follow the leader with Spitfire. Twister was trying all kinds of crazy maneuvers and passes that just messed up everypony except Razor who was first in line behind Spitfire. She finally hit Sunrise Cloud hard enough to hurt her and make her land. The ponies from the other group came down to help and Frost tried to get at Twister. Rainbow Dash is a friend of Frost's and she and Spitfire were able to stop her or there would have been two injured ponies if you know what I mean.”

“That Twister sounds awful,” said Fluttershy. “I hope no pony is blaming Rainbow Dash for this.”

“Doesn't look that way,” said Weather. “The contestants don't anyway. There's going to be an official inquiry next week.”

“Oh my,” said Fluttershy, “you don't think any pony else will get in trouble do you?”

“Probably not,” said Weather, “but it is breaking Frost's concentration. She hasn't been flying like herself since it happened.”

“That's too bad,” said Fluttershy. “It isn't fair either.”

“I guess not,” said Weather. “So the way things stand right now it looks like Rainbow Dash is the favorite with Firewing or Windyday next, depending on who you ask. Frost flew well enough to not get cut but she really has to do something special to catch the leaders.”

“Well, that's good news,” said Fluttershy. “At least she has a chance. Don't feel bad for Cloudsdale if Rainbow Dash does win. She grew up here you know.”

“I didn't think of it that way.” said Weather. “I guess that would be good if Frost doesn't make it. Hey, they really put on a show tonight didn't they?”

“It was beautiful, agreed Fluttershy. “I hope I get back in time to see another one tomorrow.”

“I'll bet it will be a good one. Maybe the other contestants will join in too,” said Weather.

“I hope so,” said Fluttershy. “I guess I should be going now. I have to meet with a boutique owner after she closes. I think Rarity is going to be happy when she hears the responses I've been getting on her designs. So, I'll see you tomorrow then?”

“Sure, that would be great. I'll have your table ready.”

Fluttershy left to meet the shop owner. Weather looked after her for a moment wondering what she looked like without that flight suit covering her face.