Chapter 45
The next day dawned bright and clear with only a gentle breeze blowing through Rainbow Dash's window. Firewing was already up as Rainbow Dash reluctantly roused herself and gathered her things for the trip.
“All ready?” asked Firewing.
“Yes and no,” answered Rainbow Dash. “I'm ready to go to Cloudsdale to see Immelmane and start my training. I'm not ready for this inquiry. I might be more annoyed with Twister now than I was right after they kicked her out. She'd better not show up.”
“There's not really any reason for her to come,” said Firewing. “If she does, YOU don't even talk to her. Got it? I'll talk to Windy and we'll make sure we stay between her and you and Frost.”
“What's that supposed to mean?” asked Dash. “I'm not scared of her.”
“I know that,” replied Firewing. “You and Frost both have a temper and if I know you, you'll be looking for a reason to fight and so will Frost. I can handle myself around her without getting into a fight and Windyday is, well you know how she is; she can just hold herself above it all.”
“Oh all right,” said Dash. “Have it your way. I don't have any food here. Let's head down to Sugar Cube Corner and grab a quick breakfast.”
“Yeah, I guess we'd better be going,” said Firewing. Thinking of the inquiry and arguing with Rainbow Dash put the normally happy mare in a bad mood. They silently helped each other don their bags and glided down to Ponyville.
Sugar Cube Corner was just opening and Mr. and Mrs. Cake were happy to serve the new celebrities. They quickly ate their breakfast and drank some tea. Both of the new Wonderbolts felt better after the meal. They took a few muffins along for Fluttershy in case she hadn't eaten yet and headed to her secluded home.
Fluttershy was busy feeding her animals when they arrived. “Good morning Firewing, good morning Rainbow Dash. I'm almost ready,” said Fluttershy. She was as cheery as ever and further improved their moods.
Firewing was fascinated by all the creatures running around the place. While she knew what they were from pictures, she had seldom seen most of them in real life. She thought the nearly flightless chickens particularly amusing.
Angel bunny was there and Firewing lowered her head to get a closer look. Angel bunny didn't like this strange mare poking her nose in his face and whacked her on the nose with a carrot. Brandishing the carrot like a sword he tried to fend her off but Firewing simply bit off most of the carrot and chewed it up. Fluttershy soon finished feeding the animals and the three pegasi entered her house.
“You have a lovely home Fluttershy,” commented Firewing. “Very cozy.”
“Thank you,” said Fluttershy. “Rainbow, can you give some help with my bags?”
“Sure,” replied Dash.
Firewing looked around Fluttershy's home as Rainbow Dash assisted Fluttershy. Suddenly she saw two mice near her hooves.
“Ewww! Mice!” cried Firewing. She reared up, intent on bringing her hard hooves down on the rodents.
“Nooo!” moaned Fluttershy as she realized what was happening.
Rainbow Dash zipped across the room to bump Firewing and throw off her aim. She was successful. Firewing's hooves met only floor and the startled mice beat a retreat to a hole in the wall.
“Whew! That was close,” breathed Rainbow Dash.
Firewing was perplexed. In Manehatten nearly every pony would have reacted as she did.
Rainbow Dash whispered, “they're pets.”
Fluttershy was looking into the mouse hole. “It's alright little mice. She didn't know you. Just stay there until we're gone. You'll be okay.”
“Sorry, I didn't know they were pets,” apologized Firewing.
“I know,” said Fluttershy. “Not many ponies like mice. Poor little things.”
“I guess when Rainbow Dash said you take care of all the animals she really meant all of the animals,” said Firewing. She stuck her head down to the hole. “Sorry!”
“Have you eaten yet?” asked Dash. “We brought you a couple of muffins.”
“Oh, Thank you!” said Fluttershy, “I just had a quick bite and was going to get something on the way to Rarity's.”
They gave Fluttershy the muffins and she began to nibble at them. Firewing wandered back outside and Rainbow Dash followed.
“That was awkward,” said Firewing. “I don't know any pony that cares for mice.”
“I told you she was very kindhearted,” said Dash with a chuckle. “Anyway, no harm done.”
“That's quite a forest over there,” said Firewing. “It looks endless from the air.”
“That's the Everfree Forest,” answered Dash. “It is huge. I'm not even sure how big it is.”
“I've never been in a real forest before,” said Firewing. “There are a few small patches near Manehatten but nothing like that. I'd like to go in there the next time I visit.”
“No, you wouldn't,” said Dash. “The Everfree Forest is weird. It doesn't operate like Equestria. There are dangerous things in there. No ponies live there except Zecora. Well, Zecora is a zebra.”
“A zebra? Here?” said Firewing in surprise.
“Yeah,” said Dash, “we all used to be scared of her but she's cool. She knows a lot about potions and stuff.”
“I had no idea there were any this far inland,” said Firewing. “I see zebras sometimes when their trading boats come to Manehatten but I didn't know that any actually lived in Equestria.”
“Only one I know of,” replied Dash. “We're glad to have her around though.”
Fluttershy walked up to the pair. “All set?”
“Yep, let's get going,” said Dash. “Next stop, Rarity's.”
The trio flew back to Ponyville. The streets were now filling with ponies going about their daily business. Those that noticed the fliers above them cheered and waved.
Firewing laughed. “How long do you think this will last?”
“Not long,” said Dash. “They'll get used to me being another resident of Ponyville soon. The cheering is as much for you as me. You're the 'real' Wonderbolt.”
“Does that bother you?” asked Firewing.
“No, I'm happy with my decision,” said Dash. “And I'll be even happier when I get a few shows behind me and word gets around just how incredible I am.”
“And just how modest you are as well,” said Firewing sarcastically.
“I admit, I've never been accused of that,” said Dash. “The only thing I'm good at is flying but I really am the best there is.”
“You're good at other things too Dash,” said Firewing. “You wouldn't have such good friends otherwise.”
Rainbow Dash thought about that for a few seconds. “Yeah, you're probably right. I must be pretty awesome at most things.”
Firewing just shook her head. She saw no point in explaining that wasn't what she meant.
The three pegasi landed at Rarity's shop and picked up her latest and more finished designs. Rarity looked a bit frazzled and tired. She seemed distracted as she gave Fluttershy some last minute instructions.
“Are you okay Rarity?” asked Rainbow Dash. “You don't seem yourself today.”
“What?” said Rarity. “Oh I'm fine. Just a little tired. I was up all night finishing Fluttershy's new flight suit.”
“Oh you didn't have to do that,” said Fluttershy. “I could have waited.”
“Well, I wanted you to look more yourself in Cloudsdale,” said Rarity. “You need something to show the potential customers.”
Rainbow Dash snickered. “Don't you think you should have her wear it?”
“Yes, of course!” said Rarity. “I'm sorry, I must really be out of it to forget that. I was in my creative zone and when I finished the suit I just fell asleep at my work table. I didn't sleep nearly long enough.”
She drew back a curtain to reveal her latest creation. There was a collective gasp from the three pegasi. It was beautiful. Based loosely on the gown she made Fluttershy for the Grand Galloping Gala, the tight fitting pale yellow suit was decorated with emerald sequins in shapes of ivy around the front hooves and chest. Fluttershy's cutey mark sparkled with tiny pink and blue gems. Clear sequins glittered around the throat and down the back while more mimicked the ivy pattern and flowed down the sides.
“Wow,” said Firewing simply.
“Yeah,” agreed Dash. Both of the aerialists were at a loss for words.
“Oh, Rarity it's beautiful,” said Fluttershy in delight. “I love it!”
“Gorgeous Rarity,” said Firewing. “The sky over Ponyville is going to be filled with pegasi when they see this.”
“It doesn't get any cooler than that,” said Dash. “I can hardly wait to see my new ones.”
“Thank you all,” said Rarity with a tired smile. “I am rather proud of it. Try it on Fluttershy and see if it fits.”
Firewing and Rainbow Dash helped Fluttershy remove her packs and Rarity assisted her in donning the suit. She modeled it front of her friends and admired herself in a mirror.
“It's perfect for you, Fluttershy,” said Dash.
“You only forgot one thing,” said Firewing.
Rarity looked shocked. “What?”
“A club to fend off all the stallions that will be chasing her after they see her in this,” said Firewing.
They all laughed as Fluttershy blushed, plainly embarrassed.
“I don't want to break this up but we really have to get going,” said Dash.
“Of course,” said Rarity, “it wouldn't do to make you late for the inquiry.”
“See you later Rarity,” said Dash. “Okay girls, let's fly!”
“I hope it's all right if I pay you when I get back,” said Fluttershy. “I didn't bring along much money.”
“It's fine dear, fly along now,” said Rarity.
“Good bye Rarity, it was nice meeting you,” said Firewing. “I'll be back in about three weeks. I'll write to Rainbow Dash and let her know the exact date.”
“It was so nice to meet you too, Firewing,” replied Rarity. “I'm looking forward to working on your next outfit. It will be spectacular.”
“I'm sure it will be,” said Firewing. “At least I have the red one to show off when I get home.”
There was a knock on the door and Rarity answered. “Applejack! What are you doing here? You're out of breath.”
“Just thought I'd give Firewing a little going away present,” said Applejack, “seeing as how she liked our apples so much.”
“Why thank you Applejack,” said Firewing, “that's very kind of you.”
“Don't mention it Firewing,” said Applejack. “I've been a step behind y'all this morning. I came into town and couldn't find you so I went out to Fluttershy's place but you were already gone. I got back to Ponyville and stopped by Twilight's and she sent me here.”
“I'm sorry Applejack,” said Dash, “but we really have to go now or we're going to be late.”
“Oh, okay then,” said Applejack, “let's get these loaded up quick.”
* * *
Quickly the ponies transferred the contents of Applejack's saddle bags to Firewing's and at last the three pegasi took to the air.
“I thought we'd never get out of there,” said Dash. “We'll have to fly fast now.”
“We can make it, no problem,” said Firewing. “I'm not as fast as you but I know I can fly to Cloudsdale with time to spare.”
“I know you can but Fluttershy can't,” said Dash. “Hey Fluttershy! If it's okay with you we're going on ahead. We're running a little late.”
“Go ahead, don't worry about me. I'll meet you in front of the Wonderbolt compound,after the inquiry,” said Fluttershy.
“Okay, see you later,” called Dash.
Rainbow Dash and Firewing put on speed and soon pulled far away from Fluttershy who didn't even try to keep up.
“So what did you think of Ponyville?” asked Rainbow Dash.
“Nice little town,” said Firewing, “more friendly than any of the cities I've been to. I could live there if I had a place like yours. I don't think I'd like living on the ground.”
“Yeah, at least I don't have to worry about mice,” said Dash with a laugh.
Firewing laughed. “That was embarrassing. Fluttershy is a very nice pony but I couldn't live like she does with all those...those things running around.”
Rainbow Dash laughed too. “I guess she does go a little too far sometimes but she means well. She can't stand to see any creature come to harm.”
“Your other friends are nice too,” said Firewing. “I can see why you like to be around them. They each have their own special quality but they're all so different. Rarity is the most talented unicorn I've ever met, Pinky Pie is so funny, Applejack is really down to earth and steady and Twilight seems so smart.”
“You have them down pretty good but Twilight is talented too,” said Dash. “I think she can out magic any pony. Too bad you didn't get to see it. If it hadn't been for her we never would have beaten Nightmare Moon.”
Firewing couldn't believe what she heard. “What did you say!?”
“Oops,” said Dash.
“You went up against Nightmare Moon?” said Firewing as she tried to wrap her head around this news. “I heard about that. We didn't know who defeated her though. I thought it was Princess Celestia and her guards or something.”
“You just keep thinking that and forget I said anything,” said Dash. “We've become such good friends that I kinda forgot who I was talking to. It's not really a secret but it's been kept quiet. What we do is important; important for all Equestria. I'd rather not say much more.”
“Are you secret agents or something?” asked Firewing.
Rainbow Dash chuckled. “Something like that. We're a team and when we're together we have special powers. Fortunately we don't get called in too often.”
“I'm surprised that the Princess lets you do stunt flying,” said Firewing. “What would happen if, you know, something bad happened?”
“I don't know,” said Dash thoughtfully. “Replace me somehow. You know how the Princess is, she pretty much lets ponies do what they want and doesn't interfere unless she has to.”
“How did you get the job?” asked Firewing. “Was there a try out or something?”
Rainbow Dash laughed. “No, it doesn't work that way. I really shouldn't say anymore. Just please keep it a secret.”
“You can count on me,” said Firewing.
“I know,” said Dash. They flew on silently for a while. Rainbow Dash was no longer smiling and looked deep in thought.
“I think maybe if something does happen to me, they should pick you as a replacement,” said Rainbow Dash suddenly.
“Me!? Why?” said Firewing in shock.
“Because you've become friends with my friends and I could tell they like you too,” said Dash. “Also, I think you're loyal and both of those things would be real important. Promise me, if something does happen to me, that you'll talk to Twilight. Let her know that I think you would be a good replacement.”
Firewing was getting upset now. “Don't talk like that! I don't want to replace you!”
“But some pony would have to,” said Dash, “and I'd feel better knowing it was you. What if I catch another downdraft? This is too important not to prepare for the worst.”
Firewing was silent. She tried desperately to think of an excuse to say no. Rainbow Dash looked at her friend and saw the conflict in her face.
“I know you don't want to,” said Dash. “I'm sorry I put this on you.”
“I'll promise,” said Firewing at last, “but I don't know anything about magic.”
Rainbow Dash smiled. “Thanks Firewing. You don't have to know magic. All you have to do is be their friend and always be there for them.”
“That doesn't sound so bad.” Firewing smiled and Rainbow Dash smiled back. “Just so you know, this doesn't mean you can feel free to crash doing some crazy stunt.”
“Deal,” said Rainbow Dash. “Just remember it was you that brought up the replacement question. I hadn't thought about that before.”
“Great,” muttered Firewing. “Try to keep yourself in one piece so we don't have to really find out the answer.”