//------------------------------//
// Chapter 25 
// Story: The Winning Failure 
// by marley 
//------------------------------//

                                               Chapter 28

At the training area, the four pegasi were widely dispersed and working on their routines. By being first, Rainbow Dash had secured her favorite spot by the lake. She followed her practice plan and about mid-morning she practiced her ending. Starshine watched fearfully as Dash did the dreaded move once again. It was even lower this time and she did touch her tail to the ground. Being in something of a bowl, no pony saw how she managed to pull out of her dive.

“Are you alright?” asked Starshine.

“Felt my tail brush the ground but no damage,” said Dash. “Think I'll do that just a little higher next time.”

“Rainbow Dash, I think Firewing is right,” said Starshine timidly. “This is too dangerous. Don't try it again.”

“Too late. It's in the script,” said Dash as she shook out her tail.

“Do loops or something,” suggested Starshine. “Change the script.”

“Not happening Starshine,” said Dash. “I'm done practicing. How long until the exercise?”

“About two hours,” said Starshine.

“Good, time for a swim, a nap and a light lunch,” said Rainbow Dash as she stepped into the water.

She swam lazily for a while, relaxing. Spitfire flew down and landed on the beach.

“Done practicing?” asked Spitfire. “It's almost time for lunch.”

“All ready Spitfire,” said Dash. “I'm just going to eat a few apples before the exercise. I had a good breakfast.”

“You like this place, don't you?” said Spitfire smiling.

“Yeah, I do,” said Rainbow Dash. “It's funny, I never really came here when I lived in Cloudsdale, just a couple of times. But it's a great place to practice and cool off.”

“The exercise will be held on the top of that hill,” said Spitfire. “You can see the banner from here.”

“Oh yeah, I can,” said Dash. “I'll be flying over familiar terrain. That's always good. I'll take a fly over when I dry off.”

“Starshine, if Rainbow Dash doesn't need you right now, why don't you head to lunch?” said Spitfire.

Starshine took that to mean 'go away' and obeyed. “Sure Spitfire,” she said. She started to walk away.

“Don't forget to wake me about a half hour before the exercise!” called Rainbow Dash.

“Don't worry,” said Starshine.

“You're going to sleep before the biggest exercise you've ever been in,” stated Spitfire shaking her head. 

Rainbow Dash shrugged. “Beats waiting around being bored.”

Spitfire spoke in a concerned voice, “You're okay now, right? You were pretty upset last night.”

“Yeah, I'm okay,” said Dash. She sat down in the water. “I think I was just missing home and feeling sorry for myself. You were right about me trying to make everything come out right for every pony. I felt boxed in, like no matter what I did some pony was going to get hurt. I get a little frustrated when I can't just charge in and save the day.”

“Good,” said Spitfire, smiling, “I look forward to seeing you perform. Still think you're the best?”

“The best flier? Sure! I meant that part,” replied Dash with a smile. “I know there might be a reason that you pick one of the others over me, and that's okay, but it won't be because I'm not the best flier.”  

Spitfire shook her head. “I'm going to have some lunch. I'll see you later.”

Rainbow Dash pointed up. “That cloud up there looks like a good place for a nap, tell Starshine for me.”

“You are a cool one, I'll give you that,” said Spitfire. “I'll tell her to look for you in the clouds.”

Rainbow Dash splashed around a while longer and then dried herself on the beach. She ate the last of Applejack’s parting gift of apples and flew up to the nearby cloud. It was quiet and comfortable and warm. Soon she was asleep.