//------------------------------// // Chapter 30 // Story: The Winning Failure // by marley //------------------------------// Chapter 30 The nine contestants landed in the courtyard of the Wonderbolt's compound. They were talking and joking around until Immelmane got their attention. “You all looked lovely up there,” he said. “I wish you could all stay and train with us. There are two remaining events left. Tomorrow morning at eleven o'clock there will be a photo session for all the contestants. Some of the pictures are for the paper, we'll release the names of the winners to the press by the way, and the others are for our own use. The four who made the team should wear their flight suits but the rest of you are free to dress as you please. After lunch, the four new Wonderbolts will be measured for their new suits. Rainbow Dash, you will get one in case we need you to fill in but you'll be expected to purchase a few different outfits for your individual performances. We'll get you sufficient bits to purchase them before you leave. For the rest of the day you ladies will be able to prepare for the dinner and dance tomorrow night. There will be hairdressers and groomers at your disposal. You will each get two tickets that you can give to whomever you want. You won't need one for yourselves. The party tomorrow will open at six o'clock and food will be served at six-thirty. We'll meet in the courtyard at five-thirty and you will be introduced to the guests. Now then, the dining hall is open so I don't know about you but I'm going to dinner.” The ponies were all hungry after their long day and followed Immelmane into the dining hall. They ate and talked and decided to go into town again. Back in their room, Rainbow Dash and Firewing removed their flight suits and turned them over to a pony to have them washed. “Hey Dash,” said Firewing, “if you need an extra ticket, you can have one of mine. I know my dad is coming but I doubt that my mom will.” “I was going to ask you the same thing,” replied Dash. “If we run into Fluttershy tonight I'll give her one, but I don't really know who to give the other one to.” “I'm sure some of the Cloudsdale ponies have friends they'd like to invite,” said Firewing. “Kind of surprised that you don't.” “I used to,” said Dash sadly, “but I've been living in Ponyville for a long time now. I guess we kind of lost touch. A lot of them are like me; they live in other towns now. That's why I was so glad to see Frost again. I'm so lucky! I'll get to keep my friends in Ponyville and still see you and Frost and Windy and most of the others too.” “Yeah, you are lucky.” Firewing sounded sad. “I'll miss my friends in Manehatten but I'll see them when we perform there, so it won't be too bad.” “Maybe you should hang onto that extra ticket until you're sure your mom isn’t coming,” suggested Dash. “You never know.” Firewing ignored Rainbow Dash's comment. “Ready to go?” “Yeah,” said Dash, “let's see if anypony else is ready.” The girls left the compound and headed into town. They hadn't walked long before a small entourage, mostly male, began following them. Rainbow Dash thought it might be fun to tease Fluttershy a bit so they went to the cafe in search of Fluttershy and Weather. She found an unexpected ally in Sweet Clover who wanted to see Weather again. When they didn't find either of them, they decided to go with Frost to some of the other night spots in Cloudsdale. * * * While the contestants wandered Cloudsdale, Weather and Fluttershy were having dinner at a restaurant on a different cloud. They finished their meal and were getting ready to leave. “So what now?” asked Weather. “We could go to a few places I know if you'd like. It might help cheer you up.” “No thanks, Weather,” said Fluttershy. “I'm not in the mood for it. Your news that Rainbow Dash is on the team for sure kind of brought me down. Thanks anyway though.” “That's okay,” said Weather. “I understand. I was just sort of hoping we might turn this into a ..date, y' know?” Fluttershy is surprised, and embarrassed. “Oh, I didn't know...um sorry Weather. I like you but I'm going to be leaving tomorrow. You ought to find a girl who's going to be around, don't you think?” Weather tried to mask his disappointment. “I suppose so. I guess I haven't met the right one yet.” “Maybe you have,” said Fluttershy. “Sweet Clover seemed to like you. She was flirting with you last night. And I could tell you liked her too.” “You think she likes me?” asked Weather. “But she's so... I don't know, like a star. And I'm just a waiter.” “She didn't seem to care,” pointed out Fluttershy. “I'll bet she's out on the town tonight with the others. I'm going back to my room and get some rest. Why don't you see if you can find her? It probably won't be hard, just follow the crowd of fans.” She giggled. “Maybe I will,” said Weather. “Thanks again Fluttershy. I know this week hasn't been as much fun for you as it has for me but I'm glad you decided to include me in your spy mission.” They started to walk out of the restaurant. “If I ever need inside information on Cloudsdale again,” said Fluttershy. “I'll be sure to look you up. Maybe you should take up reporting, or being a private eye.” Weather laughed. “Maybe so. Good night Fluttershy, and if I don't see you tomorrow, goodbye.” Outside the restaurant, Fluttershy gave Weather a peck on the cheek. “Goodnight Weather, I'll be sure to stay in touch. Now go find that girl.” She walked off leaving a surprised but happy Weather standing in the street. He walked in the opposite direction to where he heard music playing.