//------------------------------// // Chapter 34 // Story: The Winning Failure // by marley //------------------------------// Chapter 34 The contestants in Cloudsdale spent a busy day having pictures taken, grooming and preparing for the big dinner party that night. Rainbow Dash and Firewing were in their room when there was a knock on the door. Firewing answered and saw Windy and Spitfire in the hall. “Hi, what's up?” she said. “I just have a few things to go over with you and I bumped into Windy here in the hall,” said Spitfire. “May we come in?” “Of course,” said Firewing. “Hi Spitfire, hi Windy,” said Rainbow Dash. “I thought I may as well get this out of the way so you all can enjoy your evening,” said Spitfire. “The official inquiry into the Twister incident will be on Wednesday afternoon. You can stay here if you'd like, or you can leave and come back then.” “I'd like to go home,” said Rainbow Dash. “I have to talk to my friends there. It's kinda important.” “I'd just as soon stay here,” said Firewing. “I guess I'll be starting my training soon anyway.” “Not for three weeks,” said Spitfire. “We need to work with Windyday first and then Frost so we have a backup flier. Windy, your training starts on Monday.” “Yeah, I guess I'll stay here until after the inquiry,” said Firewing, “and then go home for a while.” “Hey Firewing,” said Rainbow Dash, “why don't you come home with me until the inquiry? You can meet some of my friends, I'm sure they're planning a welcome home party or something for me. You can stay at my place.” “That would be cool,” said Firewing. “I've never been to Ponyville before.” “I'm ready to start,” said Windy. “This is going to be so much fun!” Spitfire laughed. “Let me know how you feel about that after a six hour practice. About the inquiry, all you really have to do is corroborate the statements you gave us and maybe answer a few questions. There shouldn't be anything to worry about.” “What do you think will happen to her?” asked Firewing. “Probably just a ban on future competition for a year or two,” said Spitfire. “Sunrise Cloud isn't going to press charges since she wasn't badly hurt. She's writing it off to the stress of the competition.” “That's very generous of her,” said Firewing. “I'm not so sure I would be.” “I hope she learns from it but I think it will just make her madder,” said Rainbow Dash. “Where is she now?” “She went back to Fillydelphia,” said Spitfire. “She knows about the inquiry and is entitled to come and defend herself. I don't think that she will since she has no witnesses in her favor.” “Good,” said Firewing, “I don't need to see her again.” “It's too bad about Twister,” said Windy, “but she brought it on herself. Missing out on what we had this week is almost punishment enough.” “You feel sorry for her?” said Rainbow Dash in surprise. Yes,” said Windy, “not as much as for Sunrise Cloud or Frost, but yes I do. She missed out on a great week, she embarrassed herself in front of everypony here, was run out of Cloudsdale with her reputation in ruins and now she faces being banned from future competition. That's a pretty high price to pay.” “Yes,” said Spitfire grimly, “but as you said; she brought it on herself. Anyway, just make sure you're here Wednesday morning.” “When am I going to start training?” asked Rainbow Dash. “We were thinking about starting you on your team training after Firewing and Frost are ready to start,” said Spitfire. “Your individual training will be up to Mr. Immelmane but I know it will be soon. He wants to see you before you leave.” “I'll ask him tonight at the party,” said Dash. “He doesn't usually stay very long,” said Spitfire, “so be sure to ask him early on if you want to talk to him.” “I will, thanks,” said Dash. “So what are you ladies doing until the party starts?” asked Spitfire. “I was going to try the pool,” said Rainbow Dash, “but since I had my hair done, I don't know. I'll just take a nap I guess.” “I was going to get a massage,” said Windy. “Why don't you join me?” “Okay,” said Dash, “I've never had a massage before.” “Me, neither,” said Firewing. “Really?” said Spitfire and Windy together. “Windy,” said Spitfire, smiling, “take these two poor, deprived ponies down to the spa and show them what they've been missing.” “Come on girls,” said Windy, “you are going to love this.” Windy lead them down to the spa. “You two didn't take advantage of the facilities all week, did you?” asked Windy. “Not really,” said Firewing. “We were kind of busy,” said Dash with a laugh. “Don't worry,” said Windy, “I'll show you how to train like a pro. While you two were practicing and playing in the lake, I was hitting the weight room, followed by a nice bath in the hot tub and then a rub down.” “Any other ponies join you?,” asked Firewing. “A few the first day,” said Windy. “After the eliminations started only Frost and Razor were regulars. Sunrise was there quite a bit. Doctors orders.” “How is she?” said Rainbow Dash. “Tougher than she looks,” said Windy. “She'll be back to a hundred percent by next week. Her coat looks a little funny since they shaved the hair from around her wounds.” “Now that would make me mad,” said Rainbow Dash. “I might not be all that great on my appearance but that shaving really gets to me.” “You had it done before?” asked Firewing. “Twice,” said Rainbow Dash. “Once behind my right ear and another time on both forelegs. Caught a hoof in the neck during a race when two other ponies got tangled up in front of me. Clipped a tree with my legs just fooling around doing loops too near the ground.” “I had it done too,” said Windy, “but my injury happened on the ground. It was the day I got my cutie mark. I was just walking through the park and a branch fell on me and put a gash right where my cutie mark is now.” “A branch fell on you?” said Firewing. “That's a weird accident.” “Well, it was a windy day,” said Windyday with a smile. Rainbow Dash and Firewing groaned. “Hey, true story,” said Windy. “When we got to the doctor I had my cutie mark and he clipped the hair off right down to the skin. If you care to know; cutie marks are on your skin too.” They arrived at the spa and entered. Soon they are laying on cloud beds and with a masseuse attending to each of them. “mm You're right Windy, this is the way to train,” said Firewing. Rainbow Dash was over her initial nervousness and was limp with half closed eyes and a smile on her face. “I wonder if it's too late to change my mind and join the team instead. I could get used to this.” “Oh no you don't!” said Firewing. “You wanted the spotlight to yourself and now you're stuck with it.” “I told you you'd love it,” said Windy. “Cheer up Dash, you'll be able to come here a few times a months.” Rainbow Dash sighed. “Yeah.” The massage came to an end and three very relaxed ponies went back to their rooms. They rested for a bit and then prepared for the dinner party. With only an hour to go before the party, another knock was heard. Rainbow Dash answered and saw two ponies she had never seen before. “Hello, may I help you?” she said. “I'm looking for Ms. Firewing,” answered an unknown male. “Is this the right room?” Firewing heard his voice and reacted immediately. “Daddy!” She ran to the door and stopped short when she saw that her mother had also made the trip. “Mom, you came!” The tone of her voice was a strange mix of joy and fear. “Yes, your father convinced me,” said Firewing's mother. “I might not like what you're doing but he's right; it's your life and you should do what makes you happy.” “Would you like to come in?” suggested Rainbow Dash. Firewing laughed and nuzzled her parents as they entered. “Mom, Dad, this is Rainbow Dash. We roomed together this week. Without her I wouldn't have made the second selection.” “Thank you for being such a good friend to our daughter,” said Firewing's father. “You're welcome but Firewing helped me too,” said Rainbow Dash. “We made a pretty good team.” “Thank you just the same,” said Firewing's mom. “I was so worried when we heard about the accident on the first day.” “You heard about that already?” said Firewing. “Being a former Wonderbolt has it's advantages,” said her dad. “A lot of pegasi made excuses to visit Cloudsdale this week.” “Looks like you weren't the only one being spied on,” said Firewing to Rainbow Dash. “What do you mean?” asked her mom. “It's a long story,” said Firewing. “I'll tell you all about it later.” Rainbow Dash felt she should leave the family alone to talk. “I need to go see Frost for a minute, I won't be long.” She went into the hallway but Firewing stopped her. Firewing whispered. “Dash! Do you still have that other ticket?” “Sure Firewing,” said Rainbow Dash. “I was going to ask Frost if she wanted it for one her friends.” “I didn't expect my mom to come,” said Firewing, “so I gave Cirrus one of mine. Can I have it?” “Sure Firewing,” said Dash, “here you go.” “Thanks Dash, you're a lifesaver,” said Firewing. “No problem,” said Dash. “Don't be gone too long,” said Firewing. “I don't think my mom will be too anxious to argue in front of a stranger.” “Okay, I'll be back soon,” Dash assured her. With nothing left to do, Rainbow Dash walked out into the courtyard. She saw Frost and Sunrise and went over to them. “Hi Dash, you can look pretty if you try,” said Frost. “Nice dress.” “Thanks Frosty, you look like you're expecting to dance with someone special tonight,” said Dash. “You never know,” said Frost. “Who did you invite?” “No pony,” said Dash. “I gave one ticket to Sweet Clover so she could invite a guy she likes and the other to Firewing. Her mom just decided to show up.” “That's generous of you,” said Frost. “It's okay,” said Dash. “I don't really have any pony to invite anyway.” “Who are you going to pick to dance with then?” asked Sunrise Cloud. “I don't know,” said Dash. “I guess I'll just look for some cute pony who looks like he might be interested in me.” “You should have plenty to choose from then,” said Frost. “There are a lot of sons of former Wonderbolts at the party.” “I was wondering about that,” said Rainbow Dash. “I mean this is a big party but who are all the other guests? I thought it might be only former Wonderbolts and their families. Who else is coming?” “You've been away from Cloudsdale for too long,” said Frost. “Sure, there's a lot of alumni and their families but there are flying clubs in Cloudsdale and elsewhere that get some tickets. Some of the politicians and management types get a few and the Wonderbolts themselves have more than two tickets to hand out.” “There will be some ponies flying in from Canterlot too,” said Sunrise Cloud. “Goldmane told me.” “That's right,” said Frost, “I'm sure some will have dates or might not be to your liking but you should have no trouble finding a dance partner.” “Good, even if I don't meet some special pony,” said Rainbow Dash. “I'll at least have a good time.” “It should be fun,” said Sunrise. “I'm not used to the formal stuff but I'm looking forward to this.” “I should head back and rescue Firewing from her mom,” said Dash. “See you later.” “Later Dash,” said Frost. “Bye for now,” said Sunrise. Rainbow Dash returned to her room. She listened briefly from the hallway and didn't hear any yelling so she went in. “Hi, I'm back,” she said brightly. The family was sitting around the room talking. They seemed to be happy and Dash was relieved. “Did you find Frost?” asked Firewing. “Yeah,” said Dash. “She was in the courtyard with Sunrise Cloud.” “Wasn't she the one that was injured?” asked Firewing's mother. “Sunrise?” said Firewing. “Yes, she was lucky it wasn't worse.” “She's fine now,” said Dash, trying to reassure Firewing's parents. “All dressed up and ready to go dancing.” “That's the sort of thing I was always afraid of; mid-air collisions,” Firewing's mother shuddered. “You don't have to worry about Firewing, she's with the pros now,” said Rainbow Dash. “No more flying with ponies like Twister.” “Besides, what happened to Sunrise wasn't so much a collision as it was an attack,” said Firewing bitterly. “Firewing told us you turned down a spot on the team to become the first featured soloist,” said Firelight. “I find that remarkable.” “So do I,” said Dash with a laugh. “It was the best choice for every pony. Firewing will make a great team performer and I get the spotlight to myself at every show. I don't have to move either.” “But soloists don't seem to get much attention,” replied Firelight. Firewing snorted. “That's because they haven't seen her yet.” “That good, eh?” said Firelight with a smile. “What's your special move?” “Which one?” said his daughter laughing. “She does things no other pony would dare to try.” “Like what?” asked Firelight. Rainbow Dash smiled. “Should I tell them?” “She made me swear not to tell any pony before she'd tell me what it was,” said Firewing. “Okay, we swear not to reveal your trick,” said Firelight. “It's my landing maneuver,” said Rainbow Dash, obviously enjoying herself. She told Firelight about her flat spin maneuver. Firelight stared at Rainbow Dash not believing what he just heard. “And you've done this?” “Yep, used it in my individual routine at the try outs,” Rainbow Dash said proudly. “And scared us all half to death,” added Firewing. “How high up were you when you pulled out of the flat spins?” asked Firelight. “My tail almost touched the ground,” beamed Dash. “I'm not familiar with that maneuver, is it dangerous?” asked Firewing's mom. “Yeah. Yeah, you could say that,” said Firelight, who looked at Rainbow Dash with a mixture of respect and disbelief. “I doubt if I'll be doing it anymore, at least not in it's present form. Mr. Immelmane thinks it's too dangerous.” Rainbow Dash sighed. “Sure is spectacular though.” Firelight chuckled. “I'll just bet he does! Who taught you that move anyway?” “I made it up myself. I live out in Ponyville and don't really have any trainers or any pony to practice with so I make up a lot of tricks.” “That's incredible. I really will make it a point to watch you fly,” said Firelight. “What's incredible is that she figured out a way to keep control during a flat spin,” said Firewing. “I want to learn it just so I'll be able to use it in an emergency.” “What do you mean?” asked Firewing's mom. “You know how to get out of a flat spin. Even I know how to do that.” “Of course, but if I could get control of it the way Dash can, it would be a lot safer,” said Firewing. “The way they teach us now, when we recover from the spin we're just hurled back into flight in a pretty random way.” “I never thought about that,” admitted Dash. “I just thought it looked cool.” Firewing crossed the room and hugged Dash. “You are one of a kind, ya nut.” “You may be right, honey,” said Firelight. “I'd like to see you demonstrate those spins if it isn't too much trouble.” “Sure, I can show you before we leave tomorrow,” said Dash. “Where are you going?” asked Firewing's mom. “Back to Ponyville for a few days. I'll be back for the inquiry on Wednesday,” said Rainbow Dash. “I'm going along for a visit,” said Firewing. “It's too far to fly all the way home and I need a break after the competition. I'll fly home the day after the inquiry since I won't start training for nearly a month.” “I did a show in Ponyville once,” said Firelight. “Nice little town.” “I like it,” said Dash. “I'd have moved back to Cloudsdale if I would have had to but I'd rather live there.” “They also have a shop I want to visit,” said Firewing. “Rainbow Dash has a friend that made her the most beautiful flight suit.” “The one thing I do love about the aerial shows are the lovely outfits...and the sky dancing,” said Firewing's mom. “Oh mom, you missed a great little show yesterday. When the competition was over, all of us put on a display just outside Cloudsdale. Frost, Rainbow Dash, Windyday and I did our routines and the other five did sky dancing with Spitfire. It was really wonderful.” “I would have loved to have seen it. I know how you love to fly dear, and I hope you'll be happy flying with the Wonderbolts. I do wish you'd have gone into dancing instead.” Firewing's mother sounded disappointed. “Maybe if I get tired of doing stunts I will, but that won't be for a while,” said Firewing. “Enjoy it honey, these will be the best years of your life,” said her father as he gave her a hug. “I will dad. Mom, I know how you feel, I'll be careful. I promise,” said Firewing. “She'll be flying with the best, she'll be alright,” said Dash. “She's not like me. I'll be going out to thrill the crowd every show.” “So why didn't they pick you first?” asked Firewing's mom. She thought this brash, blue pony with the outrageous mane was a bad influence for her daughter. “Probably afraid they couldn't keep up,” said Rainbow Dash laughing. Firelight laughed too. “Oh sure! That must be it.” “It might be,” said Firewing. “Rainbow Dash is fast. Remember, she's the one that can do the sonic rainboom.” “I heard that you could do that,” said Firelight, “never met any pony else that could.” “What about this Windyday?” asked Firewing's mom. “She must be good if she beat our Firewing.” “Awesome,” said Rainbow Dash and Firewing together. “You've never seen a more precise flier,” said Firewing, “and she got better all week long.” “I would have picked Firewing,” said Rainbow Dash, “but they said they picked Windy first because she had more experience with group flying. She is just excellent though, perfect.” “To be honest, any of us in the last four would have been a good pick,” said Firewing. “Frost was fourth and she's a great flier. Even Razor and Starshine were real good too.” “Well,” said Firelight, “we should go and get ready for the party too. We'll see you there. It was nice to meet you Rainbow Dash.” “Nice meeting you too sir,” replied Dash. “Thank you again for helping Firewing,” said Mrs. Firelight. “She told us how you helped each other. I'm glad she got you as a room mate and not some other pony.” “Thank you,” said Dash, “I'm glad too.”