//------------------------------// // The Party, The Goodbyes, The Tears Part 1 (edited) // Story: To be a Wonderbolt // by Diablomuerte2 //------------------------------// The Party, The Goodbyes, The Tears When a world as magical as Equestria has trouble with major disasters or grand evil enemies they usually rely on Princess Celestia to aid them. After all, she is the sun-moving Goddess who rules the land with just and dignity. So then why is it when five of her most loyal and dearest subjects are having such a hard time with a tragedy does she turn a blind eye? She didn't know how to help them. Their pain was steadily growing as the world spun. She sat on her throne, preparing for a day like no other. Today was going to be the day that one of her loyal subjects ascended the depths of being a filly with a dream to a mare living it. Rainbow’s future will change once this day ends. No longer will she have to think about not making her dream come true, because she already has. The dreams of many never lived, and sometimes it is a good thing. Celestia, deep in thought, was taken out of her reverie by her dear sister. "Tia, are you ok?" Asked the younger alicorn as she approached her older sister. "You seem deep in thought my dear sister, are you worried about something?" She asked before Celestia could respond. She knew that today her sister would be excused from the throne and that she would take over for a bit, which she hated since she was more fond of being up at night and would have to sneak naps in between being a royal, temporary ruler. "I am fine my dear Luna, I am just being a silly pony. Now remember, I will be gone for the show and will return once it ends. I shall not be attending the party, as I feel you may want to socialize yourself, isn't that right dear sister?" She rhetorically asked, knowing full well Luna wanted to, at least somehow, be part of the grand event taking place. "Yes I do sister, I am so happy I get to party. I haven't enjoyed myself for quite a while and all this royal business is quite boring," she said while rolling on her back, playfully pawing at her sister in sheer boredom. The castle guards started to chuckle before receiving a death glare from the princess of the night. "Well then, do enjoy yourself, but don't do anything too crazy. After all, you are still my sister, and as such, you need to maintain a certain presence," she said half kidding. She wasn't sure what she was more afraid of, the issue at hoof or her sister going wild at a party. After the nightmare night festivities ended and she was told of what went down, she wasn't so sure that Luna understood how to behave at social gatherings, but all the while it would be funny to hear of the shenanigans, maybe it will be something useful to distract every pony from the impending wave of sadness that is slowly hitting her five most cherished subjects. ____________________________________________________________ Everyone in Ponyville was excited. The market, local businesses, and even households were bustling with excitement, all getting ready to attend the grand "Rainbow Dash is a Wonderbolt, now we are sending her off with all our love Extravaganza," as a certain party pony named it. The event would have two main parts, the first of which was the performance that the Wonderbolts would be performing, with Rainbow Dash being the main attraction of the group. The second part of the event is a party that would run the entire night, with everyone planning on going. It wasn't going to be hosted at Sugar Cube Corner, instead, it was going to be held in the park. Everyone in town was ready to rock the night away as it seemed, all except for a few ponies that had their own agendas. Pinkamena Diane Pie, the party pony general of Equestria; her goal tonight was to ensure that the party went off without any shenanigans taking place. She was alert, popping up all over town, moving around as if physics could suck it. Logic isn't something that mattered when it came to Pinkie, it was better that all logic be ignored or else the brain would explode trying to understand the concept that is Pinkie. Rarity, the fashionista and drama queen extraordinaire, had been secretly planning her own little party for two ponies. She used an excuse to get on the base, a lie that she hopes doesn't come back to bite her, but she needed to see how the Wonderbolts made that costume and how it would fit on Rainbow Dash. The process they used to get the fitting right was never mentioned, and now that she knew the secret, she already had the measurements of her intended 'customer,' so all she had to do was set everything up and she will make some pony happy. Twilight Sparkle, princess alicorn and studious magician, was going to try and convince Rainbow Dash to quit the Wonderbolts before her career takes off. She wanted Rainbow to understand how the Elements of Harmony need to be maintained in order to keep Equestria safe. She knew it would be a daunting task, all she needed was time alone with Rainbow, and she vowed she would get that time at the party. Applejack and her family had been baking goods and all kinds of treats for the party, she even made a special zap apple pie for Rainbow Dash. She just hoped a certain male Wonderbolt member wasn't itching to take that pie. It was a special pie made just for her best friend. She also had something else planned, and just needed some time alone with Rainbow... something that might change the fate of a certain cyan pegasus. Fluttershy was preparing for tonight, all she knew was that she was going to meet Rarity before the party to talk about something, and then she would be happy? She wasn't sure what that meant, but Rarity has never steered her wrong before, Unless you count that time I had to model... I hated it. She was carefully tending to the animals to make sure they had all they needed before she was free to enjoy the night, she too also wanted to be alone with Rainbow Dash for a bit. She wanted some last minute snuggling before she would lose the chance to have them. She felt like Rainbow Dash would find new friends, Better friends... friends who aren't always needing protection... I have to tell her tonight... it's my last chance. Among the crowd and in the background; was one lonely filly pegasus. She had dark orange fur with a purple frizzy mane. Her idol had become her big sister of sorts and was supposed to teach her to fly, but why then would she just leave? What about her? Did she forget her? It was nice of Rainbow to bring Scootaloo to see her practice with the team and get a first view of a sample of the show. Even though they had that moment, it wasn't fair. Scootaloo wanted to fly, and Rainbow promised she would teach her to. They made that promise under the moon of Luna. All Scootaloo knew was that she had to find some way to spend time with Rainbow tonight. After all, she had to remind her of what her promise means. Hopefully it will be enough. I need her in my life more than she knows. If she leaves, I just don't know what I am going to do... The show was going to be on in just hours and yet already the town was preparing, ponies were getting dressed in fancy clothing, some getting their coats brushed, manes styled, it was chaos in the small town. Luckily it wasn't the kind of chaos created by Discord, even though he is now the "tame" version and isn't an evil being. Still, the town was rich full of rumors, whispers, and conspiracies. They all wanted be touched by the grace that was fame and adulation. Some ponies even started pretending to know Rainbow Dash just to get ooh's and aah's from tourists who came to see the show. ____________________________________________________________ Rainbow Dash was ready, she had this day all set up, almost scheduled to a tee, it was so precise that even Twilight would be impressed. "I am not letting anything go to chance Tank," she said while looking at her pet tortoise. She wasn't going to leave him hanging, and Fluttershy didn't deserve having to take care of Rainbow's pet, so she got permission to keep Tank. Originally the Wonderbolts were sort of against the idea, seeing as it was a tortoise that looked aged, and usually old pets die and then ... anyways, the decision to let her keep it came at an ultimatum; I told them guys that if I can't keep tank they can suck it. Spitfire had no intention of sucking it, whatever it was. So she allowed Rainbow Dash to bring the pet along with them for the tour that they would be heading off to start tomorrow. The tortoise wasn't annoying or making noises, it just looked as if it was at death's door. Maybe it just looks that way... I am hoping it only looks that way. She didn't want to deal with a dead pet during tour. "So Dash, you ready for the exciting conclusion of your old life and the thrilling start of something new?" She asked with as much enthusiasm as she could muster while maintaining her confidant leader demeanor. The rainbow maned pegasus looked at her with as much false bravado as she could muster and puffed her chest out. "You’re darn right I am ready, I can't wait to start living the dream." She was not going to let anything stop her. She had steeled herself for tonight. She knew her friends were keen on plotting things, after all, they all conspired to chase her while using Fluttershy as the main attacker during the battle with Discord. She could still remember that moment, all Fluttershy had to do was grab her, but she was too cu- kind to do so. She was ready for whatever last minute, underhanded tactics they would use to stop her from becoming a legend. She didn't want to think that way of her friends, but she knows they think she will just disappear. Soarin was all groomed and ready, his feathers preened by the spa assistants at the Wonderbolt’s base. "So ladies, ready to rock Ponyville tonight?" His coat shining and his pose gallant. He was ready to rock the world and eat some delicious pie. "So, your friend is making them pies right?" He asked while admiring himself in the mirror. I might just get lucky tonight. He was almost so full of himself he didn't hear Rainbow. "Hey Soar, I said she is still making the food, but don't try to be all too happy about it alright? She might just stop you from grabbing one if you go straight for it. Try to sneak around and when no one is looking, grab the biggest pie there, and go for it." She was instructing as if it was a top secret mission. Rainbow Dash wasn't into spa's or anything, and her feathers were too awesome for any pony besides Fluttershy to preen. She usually preened herself, but enjoyed it when Fluttershy did it because she was more thorough than her. Spitfire's coat was shiny as well, being pampered lavishly before a show helps with flight and mood. Tonight was a special show, and she noticed Rainbow's appearance. "Dash," she started, instead of calling her newbie or rookie. "You aren't even ready and the show starts in two hours." She wasn't sure if Rainbow was going to just be 'awesome' and wing it, or if she was going to wait last minute to try and save face. You can never tell with that girl. "Chill Spits, I got that taken care of." She was about to continue when a meek pegasus started to speak. "Um, excuse me... but I was told to come here." The voice belonged to the timid yellow pegasus. Rainbow Dash smiled a bit, not trying to look over-excited as her friend came in. "I am here Shy, just... um, let’s go to my room, and look who is with me; it's Tank," she said with actual happiness. She wasn't trying to sound too enthused, but sometimes emotions slip and happiness gets pushed in front of the suppression of mushy feelings and the awesome armor. The awesome armor isn't actually anything tangible, it's just the invisible armor that suppresses anything emotional that could be seen as weak or mushy or sappy. Rainbow doesn't do feelings. Spitfire watched them head to Rainbow's room in the apartment-esque living quarters the Wonderbolts shared during off season. It wasn't usually occupied, just sometimes they needed to unwind between shows, and without any stable place to live or the need to get more practice together; they shared a living space to get used to each other. That is what concerned Spitfire the most. Would Rainbow Dash really be able to leave behind a world that she made her own? She wasn't going to ponder on it and just finish getting herself ready, after all, Princess Celestia was going to attend, so she had to put in extra work to make sure the princess was pleased. ____________________________________________________________ "Um, Rainbow... " Started the timid, butter colored pegasus. "Are you sure I am allowed to be here?" She asked softly as she began setting up the pillows on the floor. Shy was a natural at preening, and since Rainbow didn't trust any other pegasus to preen her wings besides herself, she would sometimes get to spend some time with Rainbow, even if it was to make sure she was ready for strenuous flight. Rainbow started relaxing on the pillows. "Yeah, because I am part of the team and I can make some decisions too. Don't worry, I will let you get ready at your house so people don't see me arrive with you and start crying about me not spending time with them," she said, almost as if she was annoyed. She was almost annoyed, but when it came to preening time, annoyance fades rather quickly. Fluttershy just eyed Rainbow softly, she wasn't going to ruin this moment by worrying, it wasn't time for that. "Ok.. though I don't mind showing up with you... if you wanted me to show up with you I mean." She started pawing at the floor, waiting for a response that never came. She slowly made her way unto the 'bed' of pillows and instructed her rainbow maned friend as usual. "Ok, now spread out those wings," she said in the softest of voices, almost motherly, but even as she said it she blushed at how it would have sounded to anyone hearing in. Rainbow chuckled. "Geez Shy, I never knew you were so assertive in the bed," she joked lightly before feeling something gently touch her wings. She was now blushing a bit, her face leaning down trying to hide any sense of elation. She wasn't going to let anything break her resolve today. If it wasn't part of the pre show regiment and for her feathers being far off, she would have just preened herself or just forgot it altogether. Fluttershy gently worked on the wings of her oldest friend, she slowly rubbed her hooves across the feathers, the primary and secondary feathers being worked on as her teeth started moving feathers into place, gently using her tongue to lick the feathers after. Preening wasn't something two ordinary pegasi would just do, it was rather intimate, and only professionals would be able to just help with preening or close friends. If done wrong it could injure the person being preened, and thus it's important for trust to play a role. Fluttershy would sometimes let Rainbow preen her wings, though she hardly needed to be preened since she didn't fly as much. She kept up with using her teeth and tongue while gently running her hooves across the wings. She knew that Rainbow was poker faced and trying not to give her any sign of joy. It was okay though, she was just trying to keep it from getting uncomfortable. Rainbow was thankful her mind was not as empty, as it would be causing the pleasure to shoot up and her wings would end up shooting out and embarrassing herself and her friend. She couldn't have that happen. Luckily for her, the preening didn't last that long and she was able to make it through somewhat dignified, though she could swear she was starting to make the room reek of herself, but she played it off as just sweat. "So Shy, I am going to shower, and then you can brush my coat if you want." Fluttershy's face was a bit red as she knew it wasn't sweat and decided to just play along for her friend's sake. She must be unable to enjoy herself if she was reacting this strongly to preening, or maybe she hasn't been preened in a while and it just felt better. Anyways, Fluttershy you idiot, answer her. "Umm’ sure, and while you wash up I will start getting ready myself... if you don't mind that is," she said before pulling anything from her bag, making sure she was allowed to stay and get changed into her outfit for the event. Rainbow Dash just nonchalantly replied with, "Knock yourself out, Shy," before rushing into the shower and getting herself all freshened up. She wasn't a bath user, she just enjoyed showers. She wasn't into frou frou things, and neither was one of her best friends. She liked that most about Applejack. While all her other friends were girly and mushy, Applejack was just awesome like her. Though now, seeing how awesome Soarin and Spitfire are, she could see why Applejack was overreacting. But I could never replace my friends, never... ____________________________________________________________ The event was starting and last minute guests and attendants were taking their places. The princess was arriving majestic as buck as she descended in front of the crowd. She had a smile on her face as she announced, "Mare's and gentlecolts , I am proud to announce that tonight, for the very first time, the newest Wonderbolt, Miss Rainbow Dash will be performing, and for the town she gave her all to. Please, everypony give it up for the Wonderbolts," she said the last party loudly as the skies started emitting sounds as three waves of blurs whooshed past. The two on either side were leaving a black charged trail while the one in the middle left a familiar Rainbow trail. Celestia had just timed her arrival correctly and was glad the Wonderbolts weren't even a second late, as that would have caused an embarrassing scene. The roars and cheers echoed the city of Ponyville as the three blurs whooshed around, leaving their trails behind, before they descended in the middle of an open field. The ponies were all excited to see them perform and were waiting for the show to start. The three ponies were talking among themselves, giving last minute pep talks and psyching themselves up. It was all quiet until they started moving, and rushed into the air to start performing. ____________________________________________________________ Fluttershy was a tiny bit late and was looking at her friends as if she did something she wasn't supposed to do. They all had their eyes glued to the sky, but Rarity suddenly found herself staring at Fluttershy, wanting to know more about where she was and why she arrived as soon as the Wonderbolts did. But she would just wait until after the show when she had time. Her gaze returned to the sky as they started moving in tandem with each other. Applejack was looking up with intent, she hadn't notice Fluttershy arrive, she was eying the sky with mixed emotions. That was her friend up there enjoying herself as a happy mare and living her dream. The dream that was going to take her away and leave her alone. Sure, she had other friends and her family, but none of the other ponies really spent as much time with the farm girl than the reckless, annoying pegasus who napped on her trees and caused messes. It's just that bucking them apples get's mighty boring when you ain't with someone. Twilight was looking around for Princess Celestia, she was supposed to be joining her for the show. She heard a "boo" and almost jumped from her spot. Then she heard a playful chuckle with an all familiar voiced attached to it. "Princess Celestia," she said with joy watching her mentor and dearest teacher. Celestia enjoyed messing with her subjects, and she wasn't above having harmless fun. She noticed Twilight lean closer to her before her eyes started getting glued to the sky. Celestia watched in peace as all her sudden fears were quelled by just enjoying a nice show surrounded by her subjects. Pinkie Pie was wearing an army outfit while she patrolled the area for offenders. Though in this event no one was attempting anything, she was making sure. Anything suspicious or seemingly suspicious was quelled by Pinkie chasing off them off. Though it was merely her imagination at play because no one was doing anything other than watching the fantastic aerial show. She started watching it with glee herself. She smiled like the day she got her cutie mark. Scootaloo was watching, sitting next to Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom, Spike opted to sit near the cutie mark crusaders because all the 'adults' were acting weird. He was looking up at the sky with the rest of them and felt like it was the Summer Sun Celebration all over again. Whoa, she is awesome. Scootaloo wasn't as enthused or impressed. It was her who should be happier than anyone that her honorary big sister was now living her dream, but what good is it to be happy on the outside when she was miserable on the inside. She wanted to be the one cheering the loudest, but Fluttershy was screaming like a banshee. She wanted to be the closest, but the princess had dibs on that. She was out of touch with the pony she wanted most to love her, to care for her, to teach her to ascend to the heavens and own the sky. Her mind was too young to even comprehend the words that so poetically bound her heart to the waves of emotion that she was slowly riding out. Anger for being left behind, sorrow for not being able to keep up. She wanted to fly, she wanted to live her own dream. She wanted to be loved by Rainbow Dash. Just as everyone was wondering what the big finale was going to be, it happened. Rainbow Dash soared higher and higher, her body burning from the aerial stunts and coordinated 'dances.' It was now time for her patented Sonic Rainboom, but this time it was going to be performed with two side pony's breaking off when they couldn't keep up as a way of showing Rainbow's ascendance from dreamer to legend. Soarin and Spitfire were neck and neck with Rainbow Dash until the descent got steeper. Soarin, who wasn't as built for speed, arced off to the left, feeling his body get swept, he recovered and did a pose. Spitfire, still keeping pace until the mach cones appeared, swiveled off to the right and she too made a pose. Rainbow Dash had no time for poses, she was gunning for it. Her drop was escalating with speed and power, she felt like the world was bending to her will. The air was not her master, but her slave. She was breaking reality, and she loved every millisecond of it. Finally, when the world couldn't take it anymore, reality broke and the sky illuminated with the spectrum of colors that lit the world as the sun had finally set. A Sonic Rainboom at sunset was majestic as buck. Rainbow Dash could hear the crowd’s cheer as if they saw the second coming or something. This was it, she was living it. Nothing could ever take this moment away. At least for now it seems that everything would be okay. Until she landed and realized this was only the beginning. She would be performing like this on a schedule, and she would have to continue pushing her body to its limit. She was lucky that was a thrill for her. She was ready for anything, except what would follow as the night progressed. It seems that once fantasy and reality meet. the world doesn't tend to favor the idealism of it all. Soon, Rainbow Dash will endure a night of turmoil and, hopefully, she can leave this night a star and continue her dream. Hopefully this is only the beginning, because I don't want it to end.