//------------------------------// // Chapter 29 // Story: The Winning Failure // by marley //------------------------------// Chapter 29 Fluttershy sat at her usual table at the cafe eating breakfast. The three judges and several pegasi headed out to the training area. Not long after, Rainbow Dash and Starshine followed. Over the next hour she watched the rest of the contestants fly to the training area. Weathervane was there but kept his distance until he went on break. “Hi Ms. Fluttershy,” said Weather. “I have your papers.” “What happened after I left last night?” asked Fluttershy. “I gathered up your papers and left right after you did,” said Weather. “I didn't want to answer any questions either.” “I hope Rainbow Dash didn't find out about me,” said Fluttershy. “I'm sorry I blurted out your name,” said Weather. “I wasn't thinking. Sweet Clover kind of uh..unsettled me.” “It's alright,” said Fluttershy, “it's not your fault. I knew this wasn't going to work. I just hope my being here doesn't distract Rainbow Dash.” “Well, I think you did real good,” said Weather. “You made it almost to the last day.” “Thanks, Weathervane, for everything,” said Fluttershy smiling. “How long do you think we have to wait?” “They have time to practice this morning,” replied Weather. “The four remaining contestants will start their routines about an hour after lunch. The routines won't take long. The whole thing should be over in less than a hour.” “I'm going to go by some of the shops again,” said Fluttershy. “It will give me something to do. I'll see you for lunch.” “I'll try to get you one of my tables,” said Weather. Fluttershy looked toward the training area. “Good luck Rainbow Dash.” Fluttershy ate her lunch at the cafe and watched the pegasi flying in the distance, mere dots in the sky. She wished she could have used Twilight's telescope. Time passed and for a short time only one dot was in the sky at a time. She knew that these were the individual contestants performing their routines. For a while there was nothing to be seen and then there was a flurry of activity. A couple of ponies returned and then Soarin and Immelmane on his platform. All was quiet and a few ponies drifted in and more pegasi could be seen landing on clouds or circling above, looking for a place to watch the expected show. At last a string of dots rose from the ground and started towards Cloudsdale. As they leveled out they looked like a large dot that grew as it approached. Spitfire was leading the group and as they neared the city three pairs split off from the column while the trailing four pegasi climbed high and began to circle. Music began to play, soft at first and then building, coming from the Wonderbolt compound. For several minutes the three pairs of pegasi flew gracefully to the tune. These were not the fast, daring stunts of the Wonderbolts but rather a dance in the sky. Loops, spins, twists and rolls took on a new life as elements of harmonious beauty. It was not what the audience was expecting. They were mesmerized by the display and when the music stopped they broke into cheers and applause. The three pairs waved to the crowd as they climbed to join the four circling pegasi above. When they were formed in a single circle a different music began. It was the music that Frost had used. She dove out of the sky and began her routine. At the end of the three minutes the crowd cheered her solo display. It had been a long time since any of them had seen one that good. As Frost was a local favorite, they clamored for more. Frost wheeled back into the circle and fell in behind Rainbow Dash. Another tune began and the crowd waited to see what was next. It was Firewing's song and she too dove into her routine. The crowd of pegasi appreciated her skill and were amazed by her performance. She waved to the crowd as she regained her place in the circle. Windyday was next, flying to her own music. She flew with even more exuberance than she had before and the crowd loved it. She added a little twist at the end that had not been in her routine; a tumble that flipped her around in front of the crowd. She gave a mid air bow and flew up to the circle. Rainbow Dash's music started and she began her display. The audience was amazed by this performance and believed that they were watching the newest Wonderbolt perform. When Rainbow Dash performed her ending trick there was a collective gasp even though she was high above the ground and in no real danger. As she performed her orbit move she could hear the cheering and knew this was where she belonged. She flew up and regained her place in the formation. The Wonderbolt’s theme music began and Spitfire began the exit maneuver. Firewing called out: “Hey Frosty! You do a move and we'll follow you.” Frost waggled her wings in acknowledgment. As the group headed towards the compound, the first six performers did simple tricks as a farewell to the crowd but the last four did the same maneuvers that Frost did, one after the other. They headed into the compound as the music faded. Fluttershy watched the final show with the rest of the crowd. When it was over she was certain that Rainbow Dash was now a Wonderbolt. While happy for her friend, she thought that Rainbow Dash would now be leaving Ponyville to start her new life. She dreaded having to tell the others and the victory celebration that they were sure to have. Weather came up to her as she walked back to the cafe. “It looks like your friend won,” said Weather. “That was an awesome display she put on. I've never even seen some of those moves, not even from the Wonderbolts.” “I know!” said Fluttershy. “All of them were so good but I think you're right; Rainbow Dash won. Is there anyway to be sure? Do you think you can find out?” “I can try,” replied Weather. “I think she won though. For one thing, she went last. That's the position of honor in something like this. When are you going back to Ponyville?” “First thing in the morning,” said Fluttershy. “I need to get back and tell the others.” “Okay,” said Weather, “I'm going to miss you Fluttershy. It's been a fun little adventure for me this week.” “I'll miss you too,” said Fluttershy. “Thanks for helping me. I couldn't have done it without you.” “Do you think you'll be coming back to Cloudsdale soon?” asked Weather hopefully. “I don't know,” said Fluttershy. “I might. Rarity might want me to help her sell her designs. I'd like to; it would give me a chance to visit with Rainbow Dash.” “Well, stop by and see me if you do,” said Weather. “Of course I will,” said Fluttershy. “I'm going back to my room for a bit. Can you meet with me for supper, my treat?” “Sure!” said Weather happily. “But let's go somewhere else, in case your friends come back.” “Good idea,” said Fluttershy. “Any suggestions?” “I know a place not far from here,” said Weather. “How about I meet you at your hotel and we'll fly over from there? About 6:30?” “That would be fine,” said Fluttershy, “I'll see you then.” Fluttershy left and returned to her hotel. Weather watched her leave. He stamped his hoof and went to see if he could find out more about the contest.