Chapter 24
The final day of the contest dawned bright and sunny. Rainbow Dash and Firewing awoke in their room. They quietly got ready for the day. At last Firewing broke the silence.
“I guess this is it,” said Firewing, “the end of our partnership.”
“Yep,” said Dash, “or we could put it off until after breakfast.”
“That's okay with me,” said Firewing with a smile.
“That way I can get a brushing one last time,” said Rainbow Dash.
Firewing laughed. “Deal.” She got her hairbrush and started to brush Dash's mane. “But tomorrow the contest will be over and we'll be staying until the next day. You are staying until then, aren't you?”
“Oh sure,” said Dash, “I don't want to miss the party. I'll be in the mood to relax after today.”
“No matter who wins today?” asked Firewing.
“No matter who wins,” said Rainbow Dash with a nod of her head. “I think maybe Goldy had it right after all; just do your best and enjoy yourself. I feel really good. The Wonderbolts are going to get a great flier and that's the most important thing. Let's get some breakfast, I'm starved.”
“Not until I've got my brushing,” said Firewing.
Rainbow Dash laughed. “Okay, your turn.”
“You've gotten better at this too, not just flying,” said Firewing.
“We made a good team, didn't we?” said Dash.
“We're both still in it aren't we?” replied Firewing.
They both fell silent. Eventually Rainbow Dash stopped brushing her mane.
“All done partner,” said Dash.
“Let's go get that breakfast, partner,” said Firewing.
They hugged and headed to the cafeteria.
* * *
Nearly all the contestants were eating when they arrived. Windy and Frost were eating together and Firewing and Rainbow Dash joined them.
“Good morning everypony,” said Rainbow Dash brightly. “Looks like a great day for a little flying.”
“You seem pretty relaxed,” said Frost. “Good night's sleep?”
“Slept like a rock,” replied Dash as she hoofed some food into her mouth.
“Except rocks don't snore,” teased Firewing.
The others laughed.
“I didn't hear a thing,” said Dash. She concentrated on her breakfast.
“Only five more hours until the big show,” said Windy. “Everypony ready?”
“I think so,” said Firewing. “I need to get airborne, then I can relax.”
“You gonna eat that?” asked Rainbow Dash, eying a piece of melon on Windy's plate.
“All yours,” said Windy.
“Hey Dash, where's your flight suit?” asked Frost.
Rainbow Dash swallowed before she answered. “I'm not putting it on until it's time to do my routine. I might take a dip in the lake later.”
“Not practicing this morning?” asked Windy, surprised.
“Oh sure, but not all morning,” replied Dash. “I figure I'll loosen up, then practice my routine at half speed a few times. After that I'll run through it a few times with the music. I'll take a break and just listen to the music and picture the routine in my head. I'll do that all over again a couple times and practice the ending. Then, if there's time, I'll take a dip in the lake and rest until it's time for the big show.” She gobbled up a plate of wildflowers.
“That's close to what I do,” said Windy. “I think I'll skip the swim until afterward though.”
“I just work on the timing,” said Frost. “I'll fly to the music as many times as I can without tiring myself too much. I've done all these moves in competition before except for a little trick I've been working on for a while now. I think you'll all enjoy it.”
“I hope it's a good one,” said Firewing. Rainbow Dash eyed her over the rim of her tea mug.
Firewing draws her hoof across her mouth.
Frost noticed at once. “Something secret kid?”
“It won't be by this afternoon,” said Dash. “Firewing has seen it. You and Windy can wait until the competition.” She wolfed down more food as the others watched her. She was smiling as if she was savoring every mouthful and couldn't wait to stuff more into her mouth.
“Hungry?” asked Windy as she giggled at the display.
“Not anymore,” replied Dash as she grabbed a few pastries for later. “Well, I'm done. Hey Starshine! Want to help me work on my routine again?”
“Sure Dash,” said Starshine. “I'll be ready in a minute.”
“I'll pack my suit and meet you in the courtyard,” said Rainbow Dash. “See you later girls and be sure to bring you're best stuff, you're gonna need it.” She left the dining hall.
“Did she seem different to you?” asked Windy after Rainbow Dash had left.
“A little. Maybe it's just nerves,” said Firewing.
“I've seen her like that before and I can tell you what it means,” said Frost with a smile. She toyed with some food still remaining on her plate.
“What?” asked Windyday.
“It means that little Dashie is very sure she's going to win,” said Frost. “We are in trouble ladies.”