Chapter 19
The next day Fluttershy returned to Ponyville as the Wonderbolts contestants practiced their routines. Since she was expected this time, all of her friends were waiting at Twilight Sparkles house.
“Come in!” said Twilight, “I hope you have good news.”
Fluttershy smiled, “Yes, I do. Rainbow Dash is going on to the finals on Friday. According to Weather, she's now the favorite.”
“I knew she'd do it,” said Applejack. “She's gonna win this thing!”
Pinkie Pie was not smiling. “Yeah.”
“Come on Pinkie Pie,” said Twilight, “you still want her to win, don't you?”
“Oh sure!” said Pinkie Pie, trying hard to remain upbeat, “but it's hard to be happy when you know she'll be leaving.”
“Well, at least she's happy and making new friends,” said Fluttershy. “The contestants have been doing little shows when they come back from the training area. You should see them. It's just beautiful to watch.”
“Too bad they won't be around when this is over,” said Rarity.
“Oh, a few will be,” said Fluttershy. “Frost is a friend of Rainbow Dash's from when she was little and she's from Cloudsdale. So are three of the other contestants that have been eliminated.” She sighed. “I think that she'll miss Firewing though. They seem to have been practicing together. They come in together every night. She's another top contender.”
“Well, I reckon things could be worse,” said Applejack. “Rainbow Dash is happy and isn't all alone.”
“You're right!” said Pinkie Pie brightly. “Things aren't that bad! I guess I'd better start on the victory celebration.”
“No, no, no,” said Rarity, “if you make it a victory celebration she's going to ask how we knew.”
“That's right!” said Twilight. “What if we make it a welcome home party but make a banner that says 'Wonderbolt' on it. After she tells us she's made it, we'll unroll it.”
“That's a great idea Twilight!” said Pinkie Pie. “I can do the cake the same way. I'll leave the bottom of the cake blank and then I can put on the Wonderbolt part just before bringing it out.”
“I wonder how long she'll be here before she has to move to Cloudsdale,” mused Rarity. “We should do something for her when she leaves too. Did you hear anything about that, Fluttershy?”
“No, but I'll try to find out,” said Fluttershy. “They're in a hurry to find a replacement, I know that much. She might not be here long at all after she wins.”
“IF she wins,” said Twilight. “Let's not count the other ponies out just yet.”
“That's right,” said Applejack, “and this is Rainbow Dash we're talking about. Remember how nervous she got before the Young Fliers Competition? As good as she is, she can still buck the wrong tree.”
“She didn't look nervous to me,” said Fluttershy. “It was more like she was having the time of her life.”
“I should think so,” said Rarity. “You know how she loves flying. Just being around all those talented pegasi must be thrilling for her. I'm sure she'll miss us but we should be glad she'll be with others that share her passion. And we'll still see her sometimes. I mean its not like she's going away forever.”
“You're right Rarity,” said Twilight. “She'll be happy there. And I think that after...we say goodbye, we'll be okay too. We still have each other.”