Chapter 54
Rainbow Dash awoke the next day and, after a light breakfast, began packing. It turned out that she had more things than she realized. She took a box of Weather Team stuff and delivered it to the office. Derpy was not there so she flew out to Fluttershy's place. Fluttershy was a little achy from all the flying the day before so Dash decided to give her the day off and went to practice on her own. The next day was much the same except that Dash and Fluttershy did practice more sky dancing.
When Monday finally arrived, Rainbow Dash stopped by the Weather office and finalized all the paperwork with Derpy. She then visited the Mayor to make sure everything was done as far as her land was concerned. There was some confusion as to whether the title should be done through the Ponyville office or through the Princesses. Since neither party knew for sure, Dash then visited Twilight Sparkle to have her send a letter to Canterlot. With business concluded in Ponyville, Rainbow Dash slung her bag over her head and around one shoulder and took off for Cloudsdale.
It was a lovely morning with little wind and Dash made good time. It was nearly ten o'clock when she arrived and decided to go to the Weather Department first. She found that being a Wonderbolt had it's perks. As soon as she was recognized, she was escorted from department to department to deliver Derpy's papers, turn in her resignation and talk to a minor official about something that had been on her mind.
“Tell me, Mr. Cloudy Star,” said Dash, “is it necessary for a Weather Team leader to be an ace flier or can they be more the administrative type?”
“Be a great flier?” said Cloudy. “Oh my, no. Many team leaders are older, less active types who really can't take the daily grind of cloud busting anymore. You were the youngest leader ever and very much the exception. Why do you ask?”
“I have an idea of who should take over for me,” replied Dash. “I have two really good flight leaders, but neither of them is much good with regulations, scheduling and all that. On the other hoof, we have a recent addition to the crew who is just great with the paperwork and detail stuff but you really don't want to be in the air with her, if you know what I mean. I think she could do the job of team leader if the rest of the team will go for it.”
“I don't see a problem with that,” said Cloudy. “Of course, if you would like us to, we could send a new leader to Ponyville. I think we could find a few suitable candidates. You really don't have to worry about it anymore as it isn't your responsibility but I understand that you want to take care of your team.”
“Exactly,” said Dash, “I want to make sure they're happy with the new management. I can't just leave them without knowing they'll be okay. I'll call a meeting and let them know the possibilities.”
“Well, they have a couple of weeks to decide,” said Cloudy, “I'm sure that's enough time for them to figure something out. In the meantime, I'll have everything processed and you can pick up your final pay on Friday.”
“That will be fine, thank you for your help,” said Dash. She rose to leave.
“Ah, Rainbow Dash?” said Cloudy, “just one more thing.”
“Yes?” said Dash.
“Could I get your autograph?” said Cloudy shyly.
Rainbow Dash laughed. “Sure, I'd be glad to.”
After signing an autograph, complete with a personal note about weather ponies being the best, Dash left the office and flew to the Wonderbolts Compound. The guard immediately let her enter and she wandered about the place but found that it was nearly vacant. She went to the administrative office to inquire about her pay. The clerk was very helpful and directed her to the purser who issued her a statement along with a hefty sack of bits. She walked back outside and stopped to read the statement. Her jaw dropped and she stumbled sideways as she read the bottom line. She would have to work three months to make that much as a weather pony and this was for just one week.
“Are you alright?” asked a passing support pony.
“Huh? Oh, yeah!” said Dash, “everything is great.”
Still in a daze, Dash wandered over to a cloud bench and sat down. She was rich. Not Canterlot elite rich but this was more bits than she had ever had in her life. She wanted to fly off right then to the house factory and then back to Ponyville to share the news. She decided to wait and see Mr. Immelmane and the Wonderbolts. They should be coming in for lunch soon. Besides, she was a little light headed at the moment. It wouldn't be very good if she passed out while flying and crashed.
It was actually nearly an hour until the Wonderbolts were due to return for lunch and Rainbow Dash became drowsy. A comfortable cloud in the warm sun was all it took to send her to sleep. She woke to the sound of laughter.
“Huh? Oh, hi every pony,” she said, “I must have dozed off.”
Windy and Frost were standing near her while the rest of the Wonderbolts were a short distance away. They were standing with unzipped flight suits and pulled back hoods, cooling themselves after the morning workout. Dash roused herself and stretched. Several ponies were glancing in her direction and there was a good bit of laughter among the performers and support ponies. Mr. Immelmane was not to be seen and Dash assumed he was on his way back on his litter.
“Have a good workout?” asked Dash.
“Oh, yeah,” replied Windy, “it was great. We're really starting to come together now.”
“What brings you to Cloudsdale?” asked Frost. “I didn't think you were coming until this weekend.”
“Weather Team business,” said Dash, “and I had some paperwork to take care of and go check on getting a house built.”
“You're building a house already?” said Frost. “You're not wasting any time spending your pay.”
“I don't have much choice,” said Dash, “I only have two weeks to move out of my old place. I'm living in the home provided by Ponyville for the Weather Team leader and I just turned in my resignation today. I got lucky and got some land near Whitetail Wood. It's really a beautiful spot.”
“You can tell us about it at lunch,” said Windy, “we have to eat and head back for our second practice.”
“Sounds good to me,” replied Rainbow Dash and they started walking the short distance to the dining hall.
As they walked, Rainbow Dash noticed that she was still getting glances and outright stares from other ponies. At first she thought it was because she was just that awesome but then she felt something on her tail. She looked back and swung her tail towards her and found that some pony had braided her tail and tied each separate color with a white ribbon complete with bow.
“What the...” Dash started to say and then the Wonderbolts and other ponies began to laugh.
“I wondered how long it would take you to notice,” laughed Frost. “It was my idea but Windyday did it. I told them you were a sound sleeper.”
Dash laughed too. “This looks...really bad,” she chuckled. “Those aren't ribbons, what is that?”
“Leg wrap,” said Windyday, “it's all we had handy. I thought you'd just love it.” She laughed again.
“Yeah, right,” said Dash, “no way I'd ever wear my tail like that.”
“Aww, I think it's cute,” said Fleetfoot.
“Okay Windy, help me get this stuff off,” said Dash as she tugged at one of the bows with her teeth.
“Oh alright,” said Windy and started to undo another bow with her teeth.
As the pair worked to undo Windy's tail make-over, there were several flashes. Both ponies looked to see a few of the Wonderbolts snapping pictures.
“We look ridiculous, don't we?” said Windy with teeth still clutching a bow on Dash's tail.
“Yep,” said Dash as she blushed. “May as well finish, it can't get worse.”
“Okay,” giggled Windyday.
They quickly finished getting the bows out of the rainbow tail and continued towards the dining hall. Spitfire came over to Dash and Windy as they walked and Frost moved ahead of them.
“You're not mad about that little joke, are you,” asked the captain.
“No,” said Dash, “I love a good prank. Better watch out though, I'm pretty good at them myself.”
“Good,” said Spitfire, “we always break in rookies with a few harmless jokes. Remember, I said harmless.” She laughed.
“Sure,” laughed Dash, “I get it.”
Spitfire moved forward and lifted off slightly. She pulled a paper from her flight suit and landed just behind Frost. Just as she landed, she lightly slapped Frost on the rump. “You looked pretty good out there this morning. I think we'll work you into the formation this afternoon.”
“Thanks, Spitfire,” said Frost, “ that would be great.”
Spitfire moved ahead to catch up to Soarin.
Windy and Dash began to snicker quietly. Spitfire had placed a paper on Frost's tail that read; 'Caution, Slow Pony, Pass on Left'.
They went into the hall and sat down to eat. Soarin joined the three rookie females at their table. All three were surprised but pleased at the attention but Rainbow Dash was also suspicious, wary of another prank.
“So Rainbow Dash, why are you here today, not that I'm not glad to see you,” said Soarin.
Rainbow Dash informed him of the Weather Team business and her housing problem.
“Really?” said Soarin in surprise, “you have the land already?”
“Just got it Saturday,” replied Dash. “I'm a little worried though. I really have to put up a nice place, not what I originally planned.”
“Why is that?” asked Soarin.
“Because of my neighbors,” said Dash, “they were looking for a place to build away from Canterlot and they'll be right next door.”
“So what?” said Soarin, “It's your land so you should build to suit you. Don't let some Canterlot snobs make you build something you're not going to be happy with.”
“Yeah but this time I think I should make an exception,” said Dash, “since they rule Equestria and all.”
Soarin stared at her. “Yeah, right,” he said. “You'll have to do better than that if you're going to prank me.”
“No prank,” said Dash, “they even took care of my filing fee for the land.”
“Okay,” said Soarin, “let's make a bet. If the princesses are going to be your neighbors, I'll wear my mane in a ponytail for a week and if they aren't you have to let Windy do your tail up like it was but with real ribbons and bows and wear it like that for a week.”
“It's a bet!” said Dash quickly. “Hope you like ponytails.”
“Oh, I do,” said Soarin with a smile. “I'll see you ladies later.” He left the new Wonderbolts and returned to talk to some of the other stallions at a different table.
“I know you Dash,” said Frost, “this is a sure thing, isn't it?”
“Heh, yeah it is,” said Dash. “The Princesses grabbed sixty acres right where I was going to build. They let me have five acres for myself.”
“Pretty cool, kid,” said Frost. “I can't wait to see this.”
“Say Dash,” said Windyday, “have you been to the Wonderbolts museum yet?”
“Sure,” said Dash, “lots of times.”
“Well, you're part of it now,” said Windy.
“No. Way.” said Dash as she broke into a grin.
“You sure are,” said Windy, “we all are. Of course there isn't much there about us yet but our pictures are on the big wall and there's a short bio on each of us.”
“I've gotta go see that before I leave,” said Dash. “I dreamed about being in there my whole life and now it's come true.” She was getting a little misty eyed.
Windyday was a little shocked to see Dash getting emotional. She had always thought that Dash was just too tough to show that sort of sentimentality. In truth, she had felt much the same when she saw her picture on the wall but reflexively bottled it up.
Frost poked Dash on the shoulder. “You're not gonna break down and cry are you? I thought you were too rough and tough for that!” teased Frost.
Dash sniffed and giggled a little.
“Don't worry about it,” said Frost, “I had to wipe my eyes too.”
They ate in silence for a while.
“It's good to know I wasn't the only one,” said Windy at last. She stared at her plate.
“Only what?” asked Frost.
“The only one to feel, to um, to feel like you to did about being in the museum,” Windy stammered out.
Dash was not one to normal show affection in public but maybe, she thought, just this once. She gave Windy a quick hug. “Congratulations, Windy, you're normal.”
Frost and Windy smiled and went back to their meal. Rainbow Dash took a sip of juice and looked up to see Mr. Immelmane enter the hall. His dour face brightened a bit as he saw his new protege.
“Hello, Rainbow Dash,” said Immelmane as he came over to her table, “just can't stay away from us, can you?”
“Just had some business in town so I thought I'd drop by and see how everypony was doing,” replied Dash. “I've been practicing my sky dancing and I've been working on my routine too.”
“Good,” said Immelmane, “and how is that going?”
“Sky dancing is going pretty well, I think,” said Dash. “Trying to fit it into the routine is a little rough though. I can't figure out what kind of music I'll be using that has both fast and slow parts.”
“We'll be able to help with that but if you have any suggestions I'd be glad to hear them,” said Immelmane. “I'd like to see you sky dance. We have a little time after lunch, you can fly with Frost and show me how you're doing.”
“Sure,” said Dash, “I have time. I do need to get to look at some cloud homes though. I have to move from my old home.”
“I can recommend a good architect if you'd like,” said Immelmane. “He's an old friend of mine. His office is near the factory too.”
“Sure,” said Rainbow Dash, “that would be great. It's got to be a really good one too. The Princesses are building a retreat next to it.”
“Really?” said Immelmane. “You may be able to get a good deal from this. Talk to Spitfire, she's a wiz at getting deals in exchange for advertizing.”
“Thanks, I'll do that,” said Dash, “I'm about done here. Give me a few minutes to let lunch settle and I'll be ready for the sky dancing. How about you Frost?”
“Yeah, I'll do it,” said Frost. She sounded as if she'd been asked to eat a bug.
“Frost doesn't think much of sky dancing,” said Immelmane, “but I think she'll come around.”
“It's not so bad, Frosty,” said Dash, “I was burning through my routine and my moves were really starting to look bad. Getting a little break now and then helps a lot.”
“I know,” said Frost, “but practicing a whole dance is so slow and boring. I just hate it.”
“You may like some of the harder dances when you get to them,” said Immelmane. “You can work up a sweat doing them. We use a few of the moves as transitions in our routine. You've actually done them during practice.”
“Let me guess,” said Windyday, “the half flip, dive left, pull up to stall and roll out?”
“Yes!” said Immelmane, “very good Windy. And that comes from what dance?”
“Fleeing Lovers, of course,” said Windy. “I've done it. It's a classic but I like some of the more modern dances better.”
“Why don't you three take in a little performance this Saturday when you're in town?” said Immelmane. “It will give you a view of some good dancers and you're sure to see some of the moves from our routines. I'll get you the tickets.”
“I'd love to,” said Windy.
“Count me in,” said Dash. “I've never seen one. Get me an extra one and I'll bring Fluttershy. I'll pay for it.”
“Sure, it would be something different,” said Frost. “I haven't been to one since I was a filly.”
Immelmane shook his head. “What were you two doing when you were little? I thought all little fillies wanted to dance at one time or another.”
Frost and Rainbow Dash both laughed.
“I was hanging out with a, uh, different crowd, I guess,” said Frost. “Dashie here didn't get along as well with ponies her own age and started flying with us. We spent all our time racing, doing aerobatics and seeing what we could get away with.”
“We didn't get away with everything though,” lamented Dash. “We got in trouble a lot.”
“If I'd have served all the groundings I got, my wings would have shriveled up,” laughed Frost.
“Yeah,” agreed Dash, “me too.”
“So what did you do?” asked Windy.
“We flew anyway,” said Dash and Frost together. They looked at each other and started laughing again.
“Sweet Celestia,” said Immelmane, “and you two became Wonderbolts? It's a wonder you're not cleaning windows or gutters instead... or that you managed to stay out of jail.”
“I guess we were pretty lucky,” said Frost, “but back then we just thought we were so smart.”
“Yeah,” said Dash, “and I was willing to do anything you guys did so you'd think I was all grown up.”
“Like we didn't know that?” said Frost. “If we got bored we'd think of something to challenge you just to watch the mayhem. You don't know how many times I saved your butt by stopping the others when they went too far.”
“That's just mean,” said Windyday. She was even more shocked than Immelmane at how her new friends had acted in their younger days. He, at least, had known them then.
“Just having fun,” said Dash. “It may have helped me a little. At least I learned to do things even if I was scared.”
“Like you needed that,” snorted Frost. “You would do anything. Remember that trip to Canterlot? We got you to fly through the city gate, loop and fly back through.”
“Ha ha, yeah,” said Rainbow, “the gate guards chased me through and I flew past them on the way out. Got away with that one.”
“Yeah, well the gang wanted you to power dive under the draw bridge,” said Frost.
“I don't think I could do that even now,” said Rainbow Dash. She got a serious look on her face as if she was thinking about how she could pull it off.
“Rainbow Dash?” said Immelmane.
“Hm?” mumbled Dash, her thoughts elsewhere.
“No,” said Immelmane, “don't even think about it.”
“Yeah,” said Windyday, “I know the bridge you're talking about and you might not even fit between the bridge and the water unless the water was really low.”
“How deep is the water?” asked Dash.
“About three pony lengths,” said Windy. “Why?”
“If I went under the water,” said Dash, “I could clear the bottom of the bridge. I'd have to be going pretty fast though or I wouldn't have enough speed to get airborne again.”
“The angle would be tricky too,” said Frost, “too shallow and you'd skip off and hit the bridge, too steep and you might hit the bottom.”
Immelmane and Windyday looked at each other in shock as the two daredevils talked about how to do an impossible stunt. This got the attention of Spitfire and Soarin who wandered over.
“What are we missing?” asked Spitfire.
“Oh, just Frost and Rainbow Dash thinking up a new way for Dash to kill herself,” said Windy.
Spitfire raised an eyebrow. “Really?” she said, “what now?”
“They're trying to figure out a way to power dive under the draw bridge at Canterlot,” said Windy. “So far it involves going underwater in order to clear the bridge.”
“If I hit the water at about, oh say, thirty degrees or so with my wings tucked and then open them once I'm under water, I might be able to pull up before I hit bottom,” said Dash.
“They're just trying to prank us,” said Soarin, “Rainbow went so far as to make a bet with me about building a house next to Celestia and Luna.”
“No,” said Windyday, “I think they're serious. They're both completely mad, you know.”
“It would take some really precise timing and you wouldn't be able to see very well,” said Frost. “What about going in a little more shallow so you only go under a little bit? Here, let me show you what I mean.” Frost spilled a little juice on the table and drew in it with a straw.
Dash moved closer and looked at the crude drawing. “Might work,” she said, “but it might cause me to skip. I wouldn't want to smash my head on the bridge.”
“And you want to do this from a power dive?” said Spitfire. “You're both nuts. That's like threading a needle going two hundred miles an hour.”
“Not me,” said Frost, “just Dashie. I'm not going to try it.”
“Neither is Rainbow Dash,” said Immelmane. “Soarin, get me a hammer and some nails.”
All the ponies laughed at this as they remembered Immelmane's threat about Rainbow Dash's dangerous stunts.
“Seriously though, Rainbow Dash,” said Immelmane, “you will not try this.” There was a grimness to his voice.
“Oh, come on Immel,” said Spitfire, “she wouldn't really try...” Spitfire stopped speaking and looked at Rainbow Dash and then at Immelmane. “Okay, so maybe she would.”
“I won't try it,” said Rainbow Dash, “but it's fun to try to figure things like this out. I'm just saying it could be done.”
“You see how these things start?” said Immelmane. “Frost tells a story, Rainbow Dash tries to figure out a way to do it and the next thing you know some pony hits a bridge.”
“Would be cool if some pony could pull it off though,” said Frost.
“Oh, awesome with a capital A,” said Dash.
“We could probably simulate it on a lake or something,” suggested Frost. “Just use buoys and light ropes or break away sticks for the bridge. That wouldn't be extremely dangerous.”
“That's enough you two,” said Spitfire, “we need pegasi that can fly not ones that bust themselves up hitting water at speed.”
“I've never hit the water going as fast as you'd have to go to pull off a trick like this,” said Dash, “but I've hit hard. It stings pretty bad.”
“Well, if Frost and Rainbow Dash can drop this ludicrous proposal,” said Immelmane, “they're going to give us all a little demonstration.”
“Alright,” said Dash. “Are you ready Frost?”
“I guess so,” said Frost without much enthusiasm.
“Good,” said Immelmane. “By the way, Rainbow Dash, I don't care how you wear your mane when you're not performing but don't show up looking like that when you are. In fact, try to look nice when you're in public. We have some standards after all.”
“My mane?” said Dash, “what's wrong with it?”
“Well,” said Immelmane, “it looks silly, sort of ... juvenile.” He looked at the ponytail on the back of her head.
“Windy, what did you do to my mane?” asked Dash with a scowl on her face.
All of the ponies but Immelmane and Dash were laughing now. Spitfire held up a shiny dish lid so Dash could see herself.
“Oh no,” whispered Dash when she saw her mane. “Get it off! Get it off!”
After most of the laughter subsided, Windyday undid the ponytail on Dash's mane.
“We were wondering how long it would take you to catch on,” said Frost. “Windy got you when she did your tail.”
“Ugh,” said Dash as she shook out her mane. “don't worry Mr. Immelmane, you'll never see me wearing my mane like that again.”
“I should have made you bet to wear that for a week instead of the bows in your tail,” said Soarin. “I thought it was kinda cute.”
“I'm not going to wear either,” said Dash with a grin. “It's you that's going to be wearing the ponytail.”
“Sure,” said Soarin, “like you're building a home next to Celestia and Luna.”
“You should really read the papers or something, Soarin,” said Frost. “Don't you know Rainbow Dash is one of the Elements of Harmony? She's been hanging out with the Princesses for a couple of years.”
“I wouldn't exactly say hanging out together,” said Rainbow, “but they know me pretty well and we're friends.”
“I knew that, Soarin,” said Spitfire, “frankly I was worried that Princess Celestia wouldn't let Dash compete because she's so important.”
“I heard she was one of the Elements but I don't know what they are exactly,” said Soarin. “Some kinda weird magic stuff that I don't understand I guess.”
“That's about it,” said Dash. “Talk to Twilight Sparkle if you want an answer... a really long answer.”
“So you really are building next to the them?” said Soarin.
“Yep,” said Dash, “I'm going to look at houses as soon as I'm done here.”
“Nuts,” said Soarin.
“I told Rainbow to talk to you, Spitfire,” said Immelmane. “I thought you could give her a few pointers on how to get a discount.”
“Sure,” said Spitfire, “and her situation is pure gold. She's a new Wonderbolt, the first soloist and is going to be living next to the rulers of Equestria. It doesn't hurt that she's a mare either. All she has to do is pose for a couple of hot pictures and they'll be paying her to build her house.”
“Hot pictures,” said Dash in a shaky voice. She sounded more like Fluttershy than herself. “What do you mean?”
“You know,” said Spitfire, “look sexy. You're young, athletic and have a flashy mane and tail, just use what you have.” She struck a pose. “I made over three thousand bits for this one.”
Immelmane massaged his forehead with one hoof. “That's not what I meant,” he said.
“That might work for you, Spitfire,” said Dash, “but I'm not so sure about me.”
“Don't sell yourself short, Dash,” said Spitfire, “you might not have super model potential like Windy but a lot of guys would just love your look.”
Windyday sat up and blinked. “Super model? I don't think so! I couldn't pose for...pictures like that.”
Most of the ponies snickered at her reaction. Windyday, despite her transformation, still had a strong sense of honor and dignity.
For once Dash was glad to have the attention off of her. “We'll see. I know the Wonderbolts all get a lot of bits for endorsements. I bought some of the products myself. It wasn't why I wanted to be a Wonderbolt but I knew it would be a nice perk.”
“All right,” said Immelmane, “we've been here long enough. If you think you can get out of afternoon practice by standing around talking, you have another think coming. Back to the practice area everypony.”
All the ponies got up and headed for the door. As Frost arose she heard a crackling noise and looked to see what it was. The paper that Spitfire had taped to her tail was sticking up. “Dash, get this paper off my flank will ya,” she said.
Dash did as Frost asked and gave her the paper. She stood back to watch her reaction.
Frost read the paper and growled. “How long was I wearing this?”
“Just before we went in to eat,” laughed Dash.
“Who? Windy?” asked Frost.
“Not me,” said Windyday quickly.
Frost thought back and the answer came to her. “Spitfire!”
She looked over to the captain who gave her a little wave.
“As if I need to look any dumber,” said Frost. “Wait until they watch me goof up this sky dance.”
“Come on Frosty,” said Dash, “you can do it. I'm not that good either.” They took off and started flying to the practice area.
“Razor told me she got into a little trouble when she visited your town,” said Frost, anxious to change the subject.
“Just a little,” said Dash, “it's cool now. Tell her not to do that again though. Fluttershy and I smoothed things over with the Mayor.”
Frost laughed. “She was kinda worried. I told her that it would be no big deal.”
“Yeah, but just remember that Ponyville isn't Cloudsdale,” said Dash. “When you visit next week, no terrorizing the locals, okay?”
“Deal,” said Frost, “I want to see that designer when we get there. I might get a new flight suit for when I enter some pro events. I can live on what the Wonderbolts are paying me but I still like to race and stuff.”
“We can do that?” asked Dash. “I doubt if I'll have time though.”
“Good,” said Frost, “I like to win now and then too you know.”
Dash laughed. “I'll be sure to let you know when I enter something in advance. So did your old team decide on their flight suits yet?”
“I think so,” said Frost, “they invited me to their meeting. I went but it's the last time. It's Razor's job now. I gave them my two bits about the flight suits and agreed to be one of the judges for the try outs. I'm going to miss being their leader but it's time I moved on.”
“I know what you mean,” said Dash. “I'll miss being a Weather Pony but I have to leave the team. There are ponies qualified to move up the ladder and they never will if I stay there. I can't keep going back and checking on them all the time either. It would undermine the new leader and they'll start depending on me all the time.”
“Right!” said Frost, “it's good to know somepony else understands. I just want to hang out with them sometimes. They're still my friends.”
“Sure they are,” said Dash, “just refuse to talk shop. They'll have to stand on their own then. I'm going to make a clean break as soon as the new leader is chosen. Until then I'm sort of an adviser. I hope to make it happen at the end of the week.”
“Sounds like you're staying busy,” said Frost. “Did you get that day off?”
“Most of Thursday,” said Dash, “but you were right, I went flying that afternoon and evening. Know what else? Luna saw me.”
“She was in Ponyville?” said Frost.
“No,” said Dash, “She was in Canterlot. Weird huh?”
“Very,” said Frost. She shook her mane. “How did she see you?”
“I was flying at night and she said that she watches over the night,” said Dash. “She said she saw me flying and can't wait to see me fly with her own eyes.”
“Wow,” said Frost in a hushed voice, “I think I'll stay indoors tonight. That is freaky.”
“I'm not going to let it worry me too much,” said Dash. “I kinda like flying at night sometimes. If she wants a show, she can have one.”
“Speaking of shows, are you ready?” said Frost. “Looks like we're here.”
“Let's do a walk through first,” said Dash, “if they don't mind.”
“Good idea,” said Frost. “I have it memorized but it doesn't hurt.”
The two friends landed next to the rest of the Wonderbolts and waited for Immelmane who arrived shortly thereafter. They did a walk through of the dance and prepared to perform.
The music started and Frost and Rainbow Dash began their dance. It wasn't long before Frost began to get ahead of Dash and the music. She tried to adjust to back to Dash's pace but then began to lose altitude. Dash tried to drop down a little to allow her partner to adjust but it didn't help much. Frost tried to use her strength to regain altitude but then she gained speed and went ahead of the music again. Dash began to see why Frost hated sky dancing. She was terrible at it. Mercifully, the music came to an end and they landed.
“Well,” said Immelmane, “that was... interesting. Rainbow Dash, you did a fair job but you were having trouble adjusting to your partner. What do you think was the problem?”
“I was the problem,” said Frost. “I got ahead and when I slowed down I lost altitude. No pony could adjust to that. I stink at this.”
“I was asking Rainbow Dash,” said Immelmane. “Don't be discouraged, you're learning something new. What is your assessment, Rainbow?”
“What Frost said was true,” said Dash, “but I think she's having trouble because she's using her power to stay up but isn't taking into account the increased speed. I had some trouble with that too. It's tricky balancing the power to stay up with staying on the beat of the music and fly slow. I watched Sunrise Cloud last week and that helped me. I adjusted my wing angle and got better pretty quick.”
“Can you do the dance again?” asked Immelmane.
“Sure,” said Dash, “I'm not even tired.”
“Good, Windyday,” said Immelmane, “you dance with Rainbow this time. Frost, watch Windy and Rainbow and take note of their wing angles and when they use their wings.”
Spitfire was bored with watching and ordered the rest of the Wonderbolts to take off and get warmed up. 'Besides,' she thought, 'no sense in making Frost feel any worse by watching her mess up. Watching her sky dance is like watching an earth pony brush flies off her tail with a hammer.'
The music started again and Rainbow Dash danced with Windy. It was so much easier and she could tell she was matching Windy and the beat of the music. It wasn't perfect but it was much better than with Frost. When it was over they landed.
“You see,” said Immelmane with a smile, “that is how it's done. You're struggling too much, Frost. Just let your flight flow with the music. Rainbow was right about your wing angles. I think that you are so used to propelling yourself forward that you're actually flying in the wrong direction. Forward instead of up, forward instead of hover, forward instead of back. You have a lot of pure power so you try to use it to get into the position you want. That just won't work because you instinctively use it to get lift by increasing your forward speed. Do you understand?”
“I think so,” said Frost, “but I think this is going to take a lot of work. I feel so clumsy when I do this. It's frustrating.”
“You'll get it,” said Immelmane, “try doing some exercises for a while and experiment with your wing angles. I'll have a pony play the music over and over so you can practice staying on the beat. Just work with it and I'll have Windy or Spitfire fly with you later.”
“Okay,” said Frost, “I'll give it a shot. Thanks for trying, Dash.”
“No problem,” said Dash, “just keep working at it. When you get it once it gets easier. Mr. Immelmane? Can I get the name of that architect from you? I really should be going.”
“Certainly,” replied Immelmane, “his name is Cloud Shaper. He has an office on Stratus Street just around the corner from the cloud factory. Good luck with your house and tell him I said hello.”
“Thanks,” said Dash, “I'll fly in Friday evening so I'll be ready to work on Saturday. Guess I'd better get a room reserved at a hotel while I'm here.”
“You can stay with me if you'd like,” said Windyday, “I have room.”
“Sure Windy,” said Dash, “that would be great. I'll see you then.”
Dash took off and returned to Cloudsdale. She decided to visit the Wonderbolts Museum first, anxious to see herself on the Big Wall.
It was in the downtown area and she had been there so many times that she could find it blindfolded. She paid the admittance fee and entered. She went immediately to the Big Wall.
The Big Wall was so called because it took up the entire eastern wall of the building. It was a record of all the ponies who had been or were members of the Wonderbolts. They were arranged in order from the founding members to the most recent inductees. Each pegasus had a picture, the years they were with the team and a short biography. Many had additional information telling of individual accomplishments and honors.
It was easy for Rainbow Dash to find herself on the wall merely by going to the end of the pictures. Beyond her picture and those of the most recent inductees was blank wall reserved for future Wonderbolts. There she was, her picture and write up hung between Windyday and Firewing. Below Firewing was a picture of Frost. Her hoof went to her mouth as she took it all in. She abruptly sat down. Rainbow Dash felt humbled, which was not normally at the top of her favorite feelings list, but this time she didn't mind.
She looked down the wall to the beginning. “Don't worry guys,” she whispered, “I'll make you all proud.”
She looked at her picture and those of her friends and started walking along the wall. It was like going back in time. There was Soarin and just past him was Spitfire. There was Lightning Sky and Night Moon, two of her favorites from when she was a little filly. There was Firewing's father looking very handsome. She found it interesting that his biography continued to the present date. It even mentioned that he was the father of a new Wonderbolt, Firewing. Somepony had been busy. She continued walking.
As Rainbow Dash continued her journey into history, it started to become a little sad. The farther she walked, the more pictures she saw that were trimmed in black indicating that the pony was deceased. A picture caught her eye. It was Mr. Immelmane. He was not scarred and lacked the brace on his wing. Rainbow Dash thought he looked handsome in a rough sort of way. His biography was extensive. Many of the pictures around him were trimmed in black but not all. Just above Immelmane's picture was another picture. It was not trimmed in black and his time as a Wonderbolt was the same as Immelmane's. His biography was nearly as short as Rainbow Dash's. On the last line of his biography were the words, 'Whereabouts unknown'.
Rainbow Dash's heart raced as she realized that this must be Immelmane's missing friend. His name was Blue Comet. She went immediately to the gift shop. She knew from previous visits that photos were available for all of the ponies on the Big Wall. Rainbow Dash went to the counter and addressed the clerk.
“Excuse me,” said Dash, “I'd like to get a few Wall photos please.”
“Certainly, “said the clerk, “which...Oh my gosh! It's you! You're Rainbow Dash!”
“Sure am,” replied Dash, very pleased.
“I saw you perform when you were in the tryouts,” gushed the clerk, “you're great. I'm sorry, I'm probably holding you up. Which pictures did you want?”
Dash giggled. “No problem, I'd like eight of myself, one of Immelmane and a few of Blue Comet.”
“I hope I have eight of you left,” said the clerk. “We got the first lot in on Friday and they've been flying off the shelves. Immelmane shouldn't be a problem. I don't know about the last one. I can't remember ever selling one of those.”
“He was in the Wonderbolt's at the same time as Immelmane,” said Dash, “most ponies have forgotten about him.”
The clerk began searching through the folders that held the photos. She laid Dash's photos on the counter first. “You're lucky,” said the clerk, “there are only two left now. Here's the one of Immelmane. Wow, there is a folder for Blue Comet. Only one left.”
“I'll take it,” said Dash, “what do I owe you?”
“Thirty bits,” said the clerk, “and would you mind signing one for me?”
“Love to,” said Dash, “who should I make it out to?”
“I go by Cee Cee,” said the clerk. “There's only one of you left now. All the new Wonderbolts are selling well but yours is down to only one. There's about a dozen left of Frost and Firewing and maybe a few more of Windyday.” She looked in Windyday's folder. “Nope, I'm wrong. She's sold out.”
“Wow! I guess Spitfire was right when she said Windy had super model potential,” Dash laughed.
Dash paid the clerk and signed a picture for her. She was about to leave when she heard some voices behind her.
“Look mom, it's one of the Wonderbolts,” said a foal. “That's Rainbow Dash!”
Rainbow turned and saw a mare and a young colt looking at her. The colts eyes were as big as saucers. “Hi,”said Rainbow Dash.
“Say hello, Quick Wings,” said the mare.
“H..hello,” said the colt.
“Pleased to meet you, Quick Wings,” said Rainbow Dash. “First time to the museum?”
“Yes,” said Quick Wings. “We're visiting from Trottingham. My dad had to go to a Weather Department meeting so mom and me came too.”
“So what do you think of Cloudsdale?” asked Dash. She sat down to get to the colts level.
“It's really cool,” said Quick Wings. “We were here when you performed last week. How did you learn to fly like that?”
“Lots of practice,” replied Dash proudly, “some natural skill and stuff I learned from other ponies.”
“I wish I could learn to fly like you,” said the little colt. “Dad tries to show me how but he's just a weather pony, not a great flier like you.”
“Hey! Don't talk about weather ponies like that,” said Dash, half teasing. “You know what I did before I became a Wonderbolt?”
“No,” said Quick Wings.
“I was a weather pony,” said Dash. “I ran the Ponyville Weather Team. Being a Weather pony is a great job, an important job. I'm going to miss it.”
“Really?” said Quick Wings, “You were a weather pony, like my dad? Except he's a flight leader, not the team leader.”
“But I'll bet his flight is as big or bigger than my whole team,” said Dash. “Ponyville is small and Trottingham is a lot bigger. Your dad was important enough to get invited to come to Cloudsdale wasn't he?”
“Yeah, I guess he was,” said the colt brightly. “Why are you going to miss being a weather pony though? Isn't being a Wonderbolt better?”
“Being a Wonderbolt is the best thing ever,” said Dash, “but that doesn't mean I didn't like my old job. The other weather ponies are my friends and now I won't get to fly with them everyday. Besides, cloud busting is fun.”
“That's not what my husband says,” laughed Quick Wings mother. “Could you autograph a picture for us? I know Quick Wings would love it.”
“Sure!” said Dash, “Better hurry, there's only one left.”
Dash waited while her new fans bought the last picture. She signed it; 'To Quick Wings, my first fan from Trottingham' and handed it to him.
“Gee, thanks Ms. Dash,” said Quick Wings, “uh, Ms. Dash? What position do you fly on the team?”
“Well, when it comes to the team, I'm a reserve pony,” said Dash. “My real job is featured soloist. I do the opening act and the intermission by myself. I'm the first pony to have the job.”
“How did you get that job? It sounds awesome,” said Quick Wings.
'Finally,' thought Dash, 'a pony who gets it, and he's just a little foal.' Aloud she said, “I won the individual competition in the try outs. I can do some tricks no other pony does and I'm really fast so Mr. Immelmane picked me. I could have taken a spot on the team but I think I'll like doing this better.”
“I hope I can be a Wonderbolt someday,” said Quick Wings.
“Work hard, listen to your instructors and try different things,” said Rainbow Dash, “and you might make it. Try to get into every camp you can and join a good amateur club when you're old enough. And learn to sky dance. Almost all the Wonderbolts can sky dance.”
“Okay, thanks Ms. Dash,” said Quick Wings, “I guess it will still be tough though, won't it?”
“I won't lie to you, kid,” said Dash, “there were only ten ponies in the try outs and they were all really good. It is tough to get into the Wonderbolts but it's worth all the work. Have you seen the Big Wall yet?”
“No, what's that,” asked the colt.
“It's like a history of the Wonderbolts from the first members all the way up to me,” said Dash. “It looks like a lot of ponies but it's all the ponies that made the team ever and that's over a hundred years now. If you think of it like that, it isn't very many ponies. It's more than being a great flier too; you have to be a great pony. Fly great, play fair and always give a hundred percent. You do that and they'll at least give you a look.”
“I will,” said the colt. “Thanks Ms. Dash!” The colt rushed ahead of the two mares to look at a display.
“We should let you go, now,” said Quick Wings' mom. “Thank you so much for your time.”
“Glad to meet you both,” said Dash. “I'm kinda new at this celebrity thing, I hope I did okay.”
“Better than okay,” said Quick Wings' mother, “Quick Wings needs to focus a little more. He's smart but he just wants to goof off a lot. Maybe what you said will get him to work harder.”
“That would be good,” said Dash, “just don't make him work too hard. I know a pony who became so obsessed by working that flying just wasn't fun for her anymore. Don't let him lose that.”
The mare smiled. “I won't. Thank you again.”
Rainbow Dash watched her chase after her son who was already running to another exhibit. 'I can't believe I was talking like that but I guess I couldn't tell the kid to do what I did,' she thought. She giggled as she headed for the door. 'If I did, he might be dead before he gets his cutie mark.'