Chapter 42
The next morning Firewing and Rainbow Dash met Rarity and Twilight for breakfast. Applejack had to do her chores early so she can come to the celebration and Pinky Pie was working at Sugarcube Corner helping to prepare the food. Somewhat to every pony's surprise, Rarity had Firewing's first flight suit ready.
“Wow, you're fast,” said Firewing. “I'd have to wait at least a week to get a new suit in Manehatten.”
“Well, it wasn't as hard as Rainbow Dash's suit since yours is a lot like hers,” said Rarity. “Once you figure out how to do something, it's a lot easier the second time. I won't have the other one done by the time you leave tomorrow but I wanted you to be able to take something back with you.”
“Thank you so much,” said Firewing. “I'll wear it when I perform today.”
“Too bad Fluttershy's isn't done,” said Rainbow Dash. “I guess that black one won't look too bad though.”
“Fluttershy's going to perform today?” said Rarity in surprise. “You're not serious are you?”
“Yep, she's going to do a little sky dance with Firewing,” said Dash. “If she does as well today as in practice, no pony is going to question her flying again.”
Twilight was dubious. “But she gets so nervous, are you sure this is a good idea?”
“I think she can do it,” said Firewing. “It's an easy little dance that only lasts a few minutes. She had it down yesterday.”
“We should go over there after breakfast and check on her,” said Dash. “Maybe even run through the dance a time or two.”
“Yeah, if she is getting cold hooves there's no sense in having her go out and embarrass herself,” said Firewing.
“Don't look now but here she is!” said Rarity.
Fluttershy walked up wearing her flight suit. “Good morning every pony.”
“Looks like you're all ready,” said Dash.
“Oh yes! I'm really looking forward to sky dancing again,” said Fluttershy.
“Great, we were just going to come over and run through it with you a few times,” said Firewing.
“Wow Fluttershy, it doesn't bother you to perform in front of every pony?” asked Twilight.
“No, as long as I get to sky dance I don't care where it is,” replied Fluttershy.
“It's good to see you doing something you like dear,” said Rarity. “You can count on me to cheer you on.”
“Thank you,” said Fluttershy. “I hope you like it.”
“I wish I could have had your suit ready today. I'm sorry I only had time to do Firewing's but since she's leaving tomorrow I wanted her to have something to take along,” said Rarity.
“Oh that's alright,” said Fluttershy, “I can wait. This will be fine for today.”
“I promise I'll do yours next,” said Rarity. “Let's go over to my boutique and let Firewing try hers on. There's still time to do any last minute alterations but I think it will be fine.”
“Alright but it's only a few hours until the celebration starts,” said Firewing.
“Let's go now.” said Rainbow Dash suddenly. “Here comes Mayor Mare! If she catches us we won't have a chance to do anything this morning. We'll meet you a your place Rarity. Let's fly!”
“Here's some bits to cover our meal,” said Firewing. “Later Twilight.”
The three pegasi took off and swiftly climbed upwards and away from Ponyville. The Mayor ran after them but soon gave up.
“Wings certainly are convenient at times,” said Rarity. “I guess I should be going. As fast as those three are they're probably there by now.”
Twilight laughed. “I'll see you latter. I have some things to do this morning.”
* * *
The three pegasi flew around the outskirts of Ponyville and landed behind Rarity's boutique. Rainbow Dash peeked around some bushes and saw Rarity in the distance. There was no sign of the mayor. Rainbow Dash smiled as she got an idea.
“Firewing,” said Dash, “Rarity did a great job on your suit. I don't even have to see it to know that. When you see it, ask to try it on. Don't let on how much you like it. Check yourself out in the mirror and then tell her it needs to be about twenty percent cooler.”
Firewing was perplexed. “I don't get it, 'twenty percent cooler' ?”
“It's an inside joke,” explained Dash. “Just say that and Rarity will totally lose it.”
Fluttershy snickered. “If you really want to see her lose it, tell her it looks nice.”
Rainbow Dash laughed. “Yeah, good one Fluttershy.”
“You two are weird, but I'll go along with it,” said Firewing.
“Great!” said Dash. “Fluttershy, take a look around the corner and see if the coast is clear.”
Fluttershy looked. “Rarity is getting closer. I'll go around front when she gets here and tell you if it's okay to come out.”
“Why are we sneaking around to avoid the mayor?” asked Firewing.
“Because if she catches us we'll be tied up listening to her boring preparations until the celebration starts,” explained Dash. “You'll be lucky if you get a chance to get into your flight suit. I just want to show up, do my speech and get in the air. And eat.”
“You wrote a speech?” asked Firewing.
“Nah, I'll just wing it,” said Dash. “Tell them what an honor it is to be selected as the first soloist, thank them for the party and introduce you. I'll tell them about how you helped me out during the try outs too. You deserve that.”
“How we helped each other you mean,” corrected Firewing. “I guess I'll have to say something too.”
“Knowing the mayor, she'll insist,” said Dash.
Fluttershy walked around to the front of the boutique. She and Rarity entered and Rarity went to the back door and let Rainbow Dash and Firewing in.
“Come in!” said Rarity. “You should have seen the mayor chasing after you. Heehee Come Firewing, let me show you your outfit.”
They entered the display area of the shop and there was Firewing's flight suit on a mannequin. Firewing smiled when she saw it and found it difficult to contain herself. She walked around, viewing it from different angles.
“Well, what do you think?” asked Rarity proudly.
Firewing tried to play her part. “Oooh, it's nice! Can I try it on?”
Rarity twitched slightly at 'nice' but maintained her composure. “Certainly! Let me help you.” Rarity said and proceeded to assist Firewing into her suit.
Firewing admired herself in the mirror, finding it harder not to express her delight in her new purchase. “Very nice indeed.” She looked at herself silently for a few seconds.
“Yes?” prompted Rarity.
“Well, could you make it cooler?” asked Firewing.
“What?!” said Rarity loudly.
“ You know, cooler,” said Firewing. “I think it should be about twenty percent cooler.”
“Cooler! COOLER!” screamed the dressmaker.
Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash are trying to stifle their laughter with limited success. Firewing backed away from the agitated unicorn.
“What is with you winged ponies?” asked Rarity hotly, “Don't you like it?”
“Yes I...”
“Don't you LOVE it?” said Rarity taking another step closer.
“I do really..” Firewing said as she backed up to the wall.
“Is it not perfect?!” said Rarity.
Firewing was becoming worried now. “Yes! It is! Really.”
“But it should be cooler?” hissed Rarity.
“No! No it's fine! I love it!” said Firewing desperately.
Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash are laughing now and Rarity finally noticed.
“And what are you two laughing at?” said Rarity, as she turned towards her friends.
Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash are holding one another up as they laugh raucously.
“Um Rarity?” said Firewing with some hesitation, “I really do love the suit. Those two told me to say those things.”
“Oh really?” Rarity stared at her two friends sternly for a moment then began to laugh herself. “Alright, I get it.”
“I don't,” said Firewing. “What was that all about anyway?”
Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were not much help in telling the tale of the Grand Galloping Gala so Rarity told it from her point of view.
“I understand,” laughed Firewing. “I should know Rainbow Dash's sense of humor by now.”
“I should have caught on sooner myself,” admitted Rarity. “but you do really like the flight suit?”
“I love it and it fits perfectly,” said Firewing as she stretched her wings. “I can't wait to show it off this afternoon.”
With only a half hour to go, at Firewing's insistence and against Rainbow Dash's objections, headed to the town hall to meet with the Mayor. Twilight, Pinkie Pie and Applejack were already there as well as many other Ponyville residents.