Chapter 35
Firewing's parents left leaving Rainbow Dash and Firewing to got ready for the party. When the time came, they went to the courtyard with the other ponies. Immelmane was there but the Wonderbolts and most of the guests were already in the hall. When all the contestants were present, Immelmane called them to order.
“Ladies! Your attention please!” said Immelmane. “I'm going to read off your names. When I do, please get in line to enter the hall. Windyday, Rainbow Dash, Firewing, Frost, Razor, Starshine, Sweet Clover, Goldmane and Sunrise Cloud. Now, when your name is called, step forward and an usher will guide you to your seat one at a time. After dinner, there will be an announcement for the dance to start. You each may choose your dance partner in the same order as you are introduced. Most of the eligible colts will line up on the right side of the dance floor. If you have some other pony you wish to dance with in the seating area please feel free to choose them. I'm going inside to check on a few things but I will be right back. Please be ready.”
“This is so exciting,” said Windyday. “I hope I don't trip or anything.”
“You?” said Firewing. “You do the most perfect routine I've ever seen and you're worried about tripping?”
“That was in the air,” replied the purple pony. “I always feel like a klutz when I have to do this sort of thing.”
“Me too,” said Rainbow Dash. “Hey! Lets just fly over to our seats.”
Windyday laughed. “Oh that would be good! My parents are in there. If I did that they'd probably have to dig them out of the ceiling. Might be worth it.”
“You're a bad influence Rainbow Dash,” chided Firewing. “A baaad influence.”
“Who? Me?” asked Rainbow Dash innocently. “I'm just a girl looking for a little fun.”
“Really Dash, corrupting Windyday?” joined in Frost. “You should be ashamed of yourself.”
“It wasn't all Rainbow Dash,” said Windyday looking at Firewing. “But if this is what it feels like to be corrupted, I could do with some more.”
Frost sighed. “Another fallen angel. Way to go you two.”
The ponies were still laughing when Immelmane returned.
“Windyday, it's time,” he said.
Windyday stepped to the doorway where she is met by an usher in a white coat and black tie. As they entered the hall an announcer introduced them.
“Mares and stallions,” began the announcer, “I am pleased to introduce the winner of the competition and the first open position on the Wonderbolts team, Windyday of Canterlot.”
There was a round of applause and when it subsided the announcer continued. “Windyday is an experienced flier and former flight leader of the Wheelwing aerobatic team. She is a winner of numerous awards including the Canterlot Open competition, Manehatten Relay race and Cloudsdale Junior Aerobatics contest.”
“Rainbow Dash,” said Immelmane.
Rainbow Dash stepped forward and was met by another usher who led her forward. The announcer began her introduction. “Rainbow Dash is our second place finisher. She declined the second open position in order to become our first solo aerialist. Raised in Cloudsdale, she is now in charge of the Ponyville weather team. She is a winner of the Best Young Fliers Competition and is the only known pony capable of doing the Sonic Rainboom. She has invented several new tricks of her own and I encourage all of you to welcome her to the Wonderbolt family as she will also be a reserve team member.”
The applause is nearly as great as it was for Windy and Rainbow Dash blushed. She was barely seated when Firewing was introduced.
“Firewing will fill our second open position. She is from Manehatten and is the holder of several aerobatic awards from the city of Manehatten and was once the flight leader for the Eight Stars Aerobatic team. She was also an accomplished sky dancer before concentrating on stunt flying. Though not well known here in Cloudsdale, she surprised the judges with her grace and precision. A big round of applause please for Firewing.”
The applause for Firewing died down and the announcer introduced Frost. “Frost is the first reserve Wonderbolt, another new position that we hope will increase the safety and quality of the Wonderbolt shows. Frost is well known here in Cloudsdale through her work in both team and individual aerobatics competitions. She won the Best Young Flier competition three years ago as well as the Cloudsdale Long Distance race this year. She is Flight Leader for the Golden Sun Flight Team. Cloudsdale's own, Frost.”
The applause for Frost was at least as loud as that for Windyday. She was the local favorite after all.
Frost was seated next to Rainbow Dash and the announcer went on to introduce the rest of the competitors. Frost leaned over to talk to Dash.
“Thanks for stopping me on Monday,” she said. “I wouldn't be sitting here tonight if you hadn't.”
“You'd have done the same for me Frosty,” replied Dash.
“Now I would,” said Frost slyly. “On Monday I'd have helped you catch her.”
Dash laughed and they joined in the applause as Razor was introduced and seated beside Firewing. At last all nine competitors were seated and the announcer continued.
“And now a stallion that needs no introduction, Mr. Immelmane.” There was another round of applause as Immelmane walked to the podium.
“Thank you. I hardly know where to begin when I think of these young ladies you see before you. I'm not just referring to their skills in the air either. They are the most remarkable group of competitors I ever remember seeing, here or anywhere. With the exception of the unfortunate incident on Monday, this has been a most amazing week.
Have any of you ever been in a tight competition and heard a rival cheering for you? Have any of you aided a competitor, showed them new maneuvers, analyzed their technique, showed them a better way to do something? Have any of you ever heard of fliers conceding a contest in order to stop a fellow contender from performing a maneuver that might result in her severe injury or death? These are the things I witnessed this week. I think I can speak for Soarin and Spitfire when I say this; we wanted all nine of these remarkable fliers to stay here in Cloudsdale as Wonderbolts. The spirit that these young ladies showed throughout the competition did us all a great honor. Soarin, Spitfire and I had a wonderful opportunity to watch them grow as fliers and as individuals. It was difficult to decide the winner when they are all winners. Ladies, I salute you.”
The audience applauded. “We did at last come up with a pony to fill each open position. Windyday was our choice for the first position because of her marvelous precision, her daring maneuvers and her experience in formation flying. Rainbow Dash was our choice for the feature soloist position because she's an innovative performer and an amazingly talented pure flier. Wow! You won't believe the things she can do.” There was some general laughter from the audience at Immelmane's comment in the middle of a speech. “Well, does anypony here want to power dive into an inverted flat spin as part of a landing maneuver?” There was some murmuring in the audience and a few laughed. “Unfortunately, you won't get to see her do it because if she tries that move again I'll nail her tail to the floor.” The audience laughed and Immelmane gave an embarrassed Rainbow Dash a wink.
“Firewing, the most graceful of them all, has the precise moves of a veteran performer and took our second position. And for the reserve position, Frost, an experienced formation flier, loyal friend and powerful athlete. Please welcome them all to the Wonderbolt family.”
When the applause died down Immelmane continued. “It was no small feat for these four to win over the rest of these competitors. They are all very good. We could have picked any of them and had them up to Wonderbolt quality in just a few weeks. I hope they will all return when another opening becomes available.”
“I suppose you are all tired of hearing an old pegasus drone on so I'll let you get to the wonderful dinner that the chefs have prepared and afterward you are all invited to stay for the dance. Who knows? Maybe one of these lovely ladies will pick you for their first dance.” The audience applauded as Immelmane made his way to his seat by the Wonderbolt team.
As Immelmane had said, the dinner was excellent and Rainbow Dash thoroughly enjoyed it. She was seated between two good friends and she noticed several pegasus colts eying her. After dinner was over, the announcer asked for everyone's attention and asked the ladies to pick their partners for the first dance. Windy arose and went immediately to the friend she had invited.
Rainbow Dash was next and was still not sure who to pick. She slowly left her seat and looked around the room. Immelmane was standing near the door talking to Soarin and another colt. She made up her mind.
She walked in front of the gathered colts at the edge of the dance floor. Faces brightened as she came near and then turned to frowns as she passed them all. She walked straight to the trio speaking in the corner. She walked up and stood in front of Immelmane.
“What's a girl got to do to get a dance around here?” she said. “Win a contest or something?”
“Ah, Rainbow Dash!” exclaimed Immelmane, “we were just talking about you. Are you here for Soarin or would you like to dance with Light Tail here?”
“Neither,” replied Rainbow Dash.
“Well you should hurry,” said Immelmane, “every pony is waiting.”
“And we shouldn't keep them waiting, should we?” said Dash with a smile.
“No we... oh! You don't mean...” Immelmane stammered.
Rainbow Dash smiled and nodded her head. “Ladies choice. Come on.”
“Get going,” said Soarin. “It's her choice and it's tradition.”
Immelmane walked to the dance floor in a sort of daze. There was a smattering of applause, mostly from Immelmane's friends. Rainbow Dash and Immelmane spoke quietly while Firewing and the others picked their partners.
“I don't think you're trying to butter me up,” whispered Immelmane. “That isn't your style.”
“No, but I do have my reasons,” said Dash quietly. “First, as an apology for scaring you yesterday. And another apology for being afraid of you all these years. I guess you didn't think too much of me either.”
“I must be pretty scarey if I frighten someone that isn't scared to do that flat spins landing,” chuckled Immelmane.
“Are you kidding?” hissed Rainbow Dash. “That trick is terrifying! But if you ever tell any pony I said that, I'll deny it.”
“So, you're not only foolhardy but brave too! Ah! What a combination,” said Immelmane as he shook his head.
Rainbow Dash was serious and drew close to him. “I won't do any tricks without your approval. I promise. I'll still try to develop new ones though.”
“Fair enough,” said Immelmane.
“The last reason I want you to dance with me is that if any pony here deserves to dance with the best flier in Equestria, it's you. Let the others wait.” Rainbow Dash looked him in the eye and smiled.
Immelmane smiled back but said nothing. The music started and they danced. It was a slow dance and when it ended, they bowed to each other. As they rose, Rainbow Dash skipped forward and gave Immelmane a peck on the cheek.
She turned to leave the dance floor but found her way blocked by two stallions who both asked her to dance. She picked the one who was marginally quicker in asking her and danced to another tune. Other dancers joined the original nine pairs. Rainbow Dash saw Spitfire dancing with a stallion she didn't know. Spitfire danced close to Rainbow Dash and leaned over.
“Nice thing you did there with Immelmane,” she said. “He needs a little more fun in his life. If you want to give any of these guys a way to contact you, you can use the Wonderbolt's Cloudsdale address.”
Rainbow Dash thanked her and danced several more times before taking a break but promised the next dance to yet another partner. He walked her to her seat and went to get her a drink.
As she caught her breath, Frost came up to her. “Tired already?” teased her friend.
“I'm not used to using my legs this much,” replied Dash. “Anyway I needed a drink. Having fun?”
“Are you kidding?” laughed Frost. “This is the best party I've ever been to and I've been to the Grand Galloping Gala.”
“I was at one of those too,” said Dash laughing, “it stunk! But this is cool.”
The pony that went to get Dash a drink returned.
“Aren't you going to introduce us?” asked Frost.
Rainbow Dash was taken by surprise. “uh Sure... Frost, this is...who are you?”
“I'm Updraft,” said the stallion, “most ponies just call me Ups.”
“Frost, this is Updraft,” said Dash. “Updraft this is my friend Frost. A most awesome flier from Cloudsdale.”
“Pleased to meet you,” said Frost, stifling her laughter at Dash's introduction.
“It's nice to meet you, Frost,” said Updraft. “I've seen you fly several times.”
“Really?” said Frost. “You like stunt flying?”
“Oh yes!” said Updraft. “I'm just an amateur but I go to a lot of shows and competitions. Mostly as a spectator.”
“We were all amateurs once, in our case before yesterday,” said Frost. “Just get some training and practice, practice, practice.”
“I'd love to be able to do some of the things I saw you do yesterday,” said Updraft. “Who taught you that flat spin move?”
“I made it up,” said Rainbow Dash smugly.
“That was awesome,” said Updraft. “Did you really do that the way Immelmane said?”
Frost answered for her. “She did. Just like you saw it except it ended with a flare wing stall and a beautiful landing.”
“Wow,” said Updraft, “I can hardly wait to see that.” The young stallion exuded admiration.
“Don't hold your breath,” snorted Dash. “Immelmane will never let me do that again. Not like I did it in the try outs anyway. I really don't want my tail nailed to the floor.”
“Really?” said Updraft in surprise. “If you can do it, then why not show it off?”
“Because it's incredibly dangerous,” replied Dash. “Sure I can do it, after a lot of practice. But you have to have the timing just right or you go splat.” She banged her hoof on the table for emphasis.
“Good, I'm glad you've come to your senses,” said Frost. “I guess Immelmane really made an impression on you.”
“Yeah, you could say that,” said the blue mare sadly. “Anyway, I promised I wouldn't do any tricks until I clear them with him first.”
“Good again,” said Frost. “You might actually survive your first performance.”
“When will that be?” asked Updraft. “I'll be sure to go.”
Rainbow Dash shrugged. “When they think I'm ready I guess. We still have to work up a few routines, select music, get some new outfits... there's a lot of work ahead of us.”
“I'd still love to learn that move,” said Updraft.
“No! Don't try it!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash. Her eyes were wide and she spoke with surprising earnestness.
“You know Firewing and Windyday almost conceded the tryouts to stop her from doing that move?” said Frost in a serious tone. “I would have too, if I had known.”
“Immelmane wasn't kidding?” said Updraft as he looked from one mare to the other. “Wow, you aren't kidding! Okay, I won't try it. Ah, Rainbow Dash, can we dance now?”
“Alright, let's do that,” said Dash with a giggle. “You can't get hurt with dance moves.”
At last the evening came to an end and the tired ponies headed back to their rooms. Firewing and Rainbow Dash got ready for bed and packed for the trip to Ponyville.
“That was the best night of my life. I don't know how many dances I danced.” Firewing twirled around and flopped on the bed.
“Me too,” sighed Rainbow Dash. “I wonder if I'll hear from any of those guys again?”
“Some of them at least,” said Firewing. “Any pony catch your eye?”
“A couple. I hope I remember all their names. One was named Updraft. Cute, but I'm not so sure about him. Then there was that big tan guy with the dark brown mane, Golden Arrow. He seemed nice, kinda quiet.”
“I danced with him too,” said Firewing. “I liked him too but he was sort of shy.”
Rainbow Dash laughed. “Nervous around celebrities?”
Firewing giggled. “Could be. Did you see that blue one with white mane? He looked like he could really fly.”
“Blue?” Rainbow Dash sat up.
“Yeah, darker than you though. Very handsome,” said Firewing.
“I think I know who you mean,” nodded Dash. “Didn't get to meet him.”
“Did you see Windy dancing?” asked Firewing. “She really loosened up later in the evening.”
“Oh yeah! And did you see her parents?” said Dash. “They danced once with each other and spent the rest of the evening staring at her. They looked like they where going to lose it.”
“Probably couldn't believe their daughter was actually enjoying herself,” said Firewing grimly. “Well, she'll be on her own now and away from them.”
“Yeah, I hope they don't give her a hard time. I have a feeling she can handle it though.”
“I hope so,” said Firewing. “You know, she only danced with that guy she brought to the party once. I think he spent the rest of the evening bugging Razor. Windy didn't seem to mind either.”
“I need to sleep,” said Dash. “I wonder what colt I'll dream about.”
“To bad you can't control who's in your dreams,” said Firewing as she took off her tail bow. “I'll probably dream about that guy with the pie all over his face.”
“Soarin?” asked Dash.
Firewing laughed. “No! The one that ate like he hadn't had a meal in a week.”
“Oh yeah, I know the one! He wouldn't have looked half bad if he wasn't covered in food,” laughed Dash.
“Eew! If you say so. Didn't you even meet one guy you really liked?” asked Firewing.
“Andy Lusian,” said Dash quickly. “I liked him but I don't think he cared for me very much. And that Golden Arrow guy. I hope I hear from him. How about you?”
“Nothing serious,” said Firewing with a shrug. “Cirrus is one I'll keep in mind. I kinda liked Blue Turf, he was that guy I told you about, but I think he was more interested in Frost. In fact there were a lot of guys interested in her.”
“Maybe because a lot of them already know her,” said the blue pegasus as she hung up her dress. “Most of the ponies here tonight are from Cloudsdale, even the ones that live somewhere else now.”
“Could be,” said Firewing. “Oh well, it's not like I'm in any hurry to get mated up. I've got a career to work on right now.”
“Yeah, I guess.” Dash sighed. “We have a flight in the morning. We should get some sleep.”
“And you are supposed to show that move to my dad too,” reminded Firewing.
“And I have to meet with Immelmane,” added Dash. “We might get to Ponyville before dark if we're lucky.”
The pair said goodnight. The last event of the tryouts was over and the contestants were either taking up their new positions or returning to their homes. None were the same as they were a week previously and all remembered that week for the rest of their lives.