//------------------------------// // Chapter 61 // Story: The Winning Failure // by marley //------------------------------// Chapter 61 When Rainbow Dash awoke the next morning, she thought at first that it was much earlier than it actually was. She was forced from her bed by an insistent bladder and on her way to the bathroom saw that it was raining. The sky overhead was dark with clouds. She realized that she had not been involved with the weather team in days and had no idea what the weather was supposed to be like today. She continued to the her mission to the bathroom and then returned to bed. Unable to return to sleep, Rainbow Dash eventually got up and after a light breakfast she went to the post office to mail the letters in response to some of the good offers. The trip was uneventful but wet. After the post office she went to the Town Hall to check in with Derpy. As she entered she was stopped by the Mayor who told her that Princess Celestia had sent her a deed to her property and it was now on file in the office. The Mayor herself was in a hurry to see Twilight Sparkle and send a report to the Princess regarding the land grants. Rainbow Dash went to the weather office and found Derpy filling out forms. She looked up as Dash entered. “Hi, Rainbow Dash,” said Derpy, “how's it going?” “That's sort of what I wanted to ask you,” said Dash. “How are Cloudchaser and Thunderlane doing as leaders?” “Thunderlane did good and Cloudchaser is running the team now,” said Derpy. “Both of them have stayed away from the office pretty much the whole time though. It gets a little lonely in here by myself.” “Pretty rough day for Cloudchaser to start,” said Dash, “how long is this supposed to last?” “It's unscheduled,” said Derpy, “it blew in from the Everfree Forest early this morning. I think it should only be a couple more hours until it blows through. Flitter came by about an hour ago and told me the trailing edge is still over Everfree but with the speed it's moving it should be clear by this afternoon. I'm issuing a cancellation for tomorrow's rain since this is covering the whole town.” “Good idea,” said Dash, “I guess you have the rain gauges in place.” “Cloudchaser took care of that herself,” said Derpy. “She was up early and set them up before meeting with the team this morning.” “That was good work,” said Dash. “I guess the team can get along without me now.” She sounded a little sad. “They all miss you, Rainbow Dash,” said Derpy, “but they understand that you have to move on.” “Yeah,” said Dash, “I do. I never thought I'd miss being a weather pony, but I will. I'll miss the team too but I'm glad to see that things are running okay. That's really important to me. Listen, Derpy, I was thinking about who should be the team leader. I was in Cloudsdale and talked to one of the ponies that works in the bureau. He said that you don't have to be a great flier to be a team leader. Maybe you should think about taking the job.” “Me?” said Derpy, “no way! I'm glad you think I'm doing a good job but I'm too new at this. Can't I just stay on as... whatever it is I'm doing? I don't know the title or even if there is one.” “I guess you could,” said Dash, with a smile, “I know that some of the bigger teams have office managers and assistant leaders. Maybe one of those jobs would fit. You know the regulations better than me.” “I'll look into it,” said Derpy. “We have a week yet before we have to take a vote. Thunderlane will be back in charge on Sunday and then Cloudchaser will finish up the week from Wednesday to Friday. We'll vote after work on Friday. The team wants you to vote too.” “No,” said Rainbow Dash, “this will be the teams decision. Besides, I'll be in Cloudsdale this Friday and the next. I'll be back to move out of my … I mean the leader's house on time.” “Sorry you have to move Rainbow Dash,” said Derpy, “I know you loved your home.” “It's okay,” said Dash, “I just wish I could have stayed there until my new one is built. This is really going to be a hassle.” “You'll feel better when you get moved in,” said Derpy. “You've been really busy lately too. I'll bet your new home will be the perfect place to relax.” “I think so,” said Dash, “I'm taking it easy tomorrow. I have to fly to Cloudsdale but then I have the whole day off.” “That would be great,” said Derpy, “I haven't been to Cloudsdale in a long time.” “I'm looking forward to it,” said Dash. “I'm going over to Rarity's now. See ya latter.” “Bye, Rainbow Dash,” said Derpy, “and thanks again for thinking I could be the next leader. It means a lot.” Dash smiled and left the office. It was becoming more clear that her weather team was going to be fine. It would be different but between the two flight leaders and Derpy running the office they would be alright. She made her way to Carousel Boutique. It would be nice to have a flight suit to show off when she got there. She entered the shop and found Rarity working on a flight suit. She realized at once that it wasn't for her. For one thing it was purple and trimmed in gold. There was an outline around the wing holes and cuffs and the neck hole had enough gold braid to outfit a battalion of palace guards. This one also had a hood with a imitation mane also in gold thread. “Looking good Rarity,” said Dash, “who's that one for?” “No pony in particular,” replied Rarity, “It's one I'm sending to a shop in Cloudsdale. Suggesting purple to Razor and Sunrise the other day had me thinking purple and I just had to do one. Fluttershy is taking four suits to Cloudsdale tomorrow. Don't worry, Rainbow Dash, I have yours ready too. Why don't you try it on and I can make any last minute alterations before you leave tomorrow.” “Great idea,” replied Dash, “I was hoping it would be ready.” “You should know me better than that,” replied Rarity. “I've been working on yours since you ordered them. Sometimes I like to break away for a bit and work on something else or I get an idea that I just must try but I always came back to them. Anyway, I'm sure you're just going to love this outfit.” Rarity led Dash to a mannequin covered by a cloth. With a magical flourish she unveiled her creation. Rainbow Dash inhaled sharply as she saw her new outfit. It was a brilliant shining white with a very realistic representation of her cutie mark. Above each cutie mark was the word 'Rainbow' and below the cutie mark was 'Dash' which formed a near circle around the cutie mark. The lettering was in script and made of red sequins. Unlike her gold suit, this one had full length legs and a neck piece that stopped just behind her ears with a slit to expose the mane. Each leg had a rainbow arc highlighted by sequins that started at the back of the hoof, rose to it's highest point on the front of the leg and drop to the opposite side at the back of the hoof. At first, Rainbow Dash thought that the suit was a little plain but then Rarity drew back a curtain and the sun hit the suit. It was as if it were covered in diamond dust. Rarity used her magic to rotate the mannequin and the effect was dazzling. Rainbow Dash had a grin so wide that she couldn't speak for a few seconds. “Rarity, I don't know how you did it but that is one awesome suit. It will be perfect for Luna's party.” “Thank you,” replied Rarity, “I hoped you would love it. It was difficult to get all of those tiny crystals into the fabric but I did it. When you mentioned performing at Luna's party the other day, I thought that perhaps a light color would be the thing to do. It will be good if the sun is still up or if you're in the spotlight at night.” “You're right,it will,” said Rainbow. “Not to seem ungrateful, Rarity but what about the one you were working on the other day? I liked that one too.” “Oh, I finished that,” said Rarity. “I'll go and get it. I ran out of mannequins and had to take it down to make room.” Rarity walked behind a counter and retrieved a box. Rainbow Dash opened the box and Rarity displayed it magically, hanging it in the air and rotating it for Dash to view. It was dark blue, nearly black, with a light blue chest that wrapped around and turned into wavy streams that ended in points near the wings. There were darker highlights which gave the light blue waves the effect of blue flames. Sequins dotted the entire suit with the thickest patterns around the curves of the muscles. Silver thread was sewn into a pattern around each hoof to give the effect of shoes. “Gorgeous,” said Dash. “I mean, that is just, wow. I don't know what to say. I might have to step up my game. When ponies see these suits they're really going to be expecting something special.” “I'm so glad you like them,” said Rarity. “I do so enjoy doing these suits. It's such a refreshing change of pace.” “I'll take them both along tomorrow when I go to Cloudsdale,” said Rainbow Dash. “So what do I owe you for these?” “Well,” said Rarity in a somewhat embarrassed tone, “I was sort of hoping to maybe make a little trade? I'll let you have them cheap if you'll agree to do a little advertizing for me.” Rainbow Dash laughed. “I'll do that for you Rarity but the Wonderbolts gave me money to buy these suits so it's on them. You'll get full price and I'll do a little advertizing too.” “That hardly seems fair,” said Rarity. “I can't ask you to spend your time without any compensation.” “Come on, Rarity,” said Dash, “how many times have you done stuff for me and the others without getting anything for yourself? It's time you got some payback.” “Well, if you insist,” said Rarity, “the white one was a bit more difficult. Let me do some figuring.” Using a quill and paper, Rarity made some calculations and referred to her list of materials. At last she looked up. “Does two-hundred and thirty-five bits sound fair?” Rainbow Dash had no idea if it was fair or not but she assumed that Rarity was still being a bit more than fair. “Sure, Rarity,” she said, “I'll bring it by before I leave tomorrow, if that's okay.” “That will be fine,” said Rarity with a smile. “By the way, do you think some of your friends might be interested in exchanging free clothes for advertizing?” “I think so,” said Dash, “but we'd have to discuss it. At least you're being up front about it. The company that makes the cloud home raw materials would probably give me a discount to pose for their calendar. The thing is they sell the calendars and end up making even more bits than they would if I paid full price.” “That's despicable,” said Rarity, “how did you find out?” “Spitfire told us,” said Dash. “She gave Frost and Windyday and I a little talk yesterday about making deals and stuff.” “You and the other new Wonderbolts should do your own calendar,” said Rarity, “that would show them.” “That's a great idea!” exclaimed Dash. “Listen, tell me what you think of this; you supply us with clothes and flight suits, maybe just loan them if you want, we'll do a calendar or some posters or something and we split the profits five ways.” Rarity was stunned. It was unlike Rainbow Dash to come up with an idea that might actually work, at least one that didn't involve flying. “Do you think we could? I mean, would your friends go for it?” “I think so,” said Dash. “I'll talk to Frost and Windyday tomorrow and Firewing will be here Tuesday. We'll know then.” “We could sell them through the shops that carry my clothing,” said Rarity. “We can give a poster to the shops that sell my designs and then make them available for public sale.” “Yeah, said Dash, “and the calendars too.” “That would really work,” said Rarity. She squealed with laughter. “Oh! This is going to be fun. I'll get advertizing, the stores will get more business and we'll all make bits.” Rarity was so excited that she jumped the counter and hugged a startled Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash returned the hug and laughed. “Okay! Okay! You gave me the idea, you know.” “I was just making a comment about that company,” said Rarity, “you did the rest.” “Hey, I guess I did,” said Dash. She chuckled to herself. 'Just another way to be awesome,' she thought. The door opened and Fluttershy entered the shop. “Oh, hello Rainbow Dash, “said Fluttershy, “Are you coming to the spa with us?” She looked at Rarity. “Yes,” said Rarity, firmly, “she is. Let me close up and we'll be going.” Rainbow Dash shrugged. “I guess I am,” she said. “I may as well. We're not going to be doing any flying for a while.” Together, the three friends scurried through the rain to the spa. Rarity took control as they entered. “The usual for all of today, Aloe,” said Rarity, “I've brought you a new customer. Rainbow, you go ahead while Fluttershy and I hang up our coats. Give me your bag.” Aloe led Rainbow Dash first to a mud bath. She looked at the goo skeptically but got in. As she sat in the warm mud she could see Rarity talking to Lotus Blossom. Fluttershy joined her in the mud and Rarity was not far behind. They relaxed in the warm goo and chatted for a while but Rainbow Dash soon fell silent as she became groggy. She started to slip deeper into the muck and Fluttershy found it necessary to brace her up with a hoof to prevent her from slipping under. Eventually they moved from the mud, which they showered off, and went on to the steam room. Rainbow revived temporarily but the heat of the steam room quickly sent her nearly comatose again. Only Fluttershy and Rarity occasionally asking her questions prevented her from falling asleep. The next item on 'the usual' was the massage. Each pony was led to a table where a masseuse went to work giving each of them a good rub down. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy especially appreciated this due to all the flying they had done recently. By this point Rainbow Dash was extremely relaxed and open to suggestion. When asked to roll onto her back she obediently did so. Rainbow Dash had her eyes closed but felt a few towels cover her. She wasn't sure what this meant but everything else thus far had been wonderful so she just decided to go with it. This proved to be her undoing. The towels suddenly became taut, pinning her to the table. “Sorry, Rainbow Dash,” said Rarity, “but this is for your own good. Those hooves are absolutely horrid.” “Huh? What?” said Rainbow Dash. “Go ahead, Lotus Blossom,” said Rarity. Rainbow Dash felt something touch her right rear hoof and heard a raspy sound. She suddenly became fully awake as she realized what was happening. They were giving her a hoofacure! She started to struggle and get up, instinctively trying to fly but she was held fast to the table by the towels, her powerful wings immobilized. She was able to move her legs a little but Rarity and and Fluttershy quickly threw themselves atop her and held her limbs down. “Sorry Dashie,” said Fluttershy, “it will be over soon. Just try to relax.” “Let me go right now!” cried Rainbow Dash. “I don't want a hoofacure! Let me go!” “Rainbow Dash,” said Rarity, “stop struggling! This is for your own good. You simply must take care of your hooves. You have to get over this silly fear of a simple hoofacure.” At this point Rainbow Dash became even more violent, or would have had she been able to get free. She snapped at the nearest pony to her head, narrowly missing a lock of Rarity's hair. Aloe used her forelegs to hold Dash's head down. Lotus Blossom went back to work. Unable to do anything else Rainbow Dash let loose with a stream of dire threats and profanity intermingled with pleas and squeals of discomfort whenever Lotus Blossom touched a particularly sensitive area of her hoof. Eventually she tired a bit and started paying attention to what was going on around her. She had to admit, while not pleasant, whatever Lotus was doing to her hooves didn't hurt. A few twinges perhaps, especially when she used the hoof pick but she had certainly felt worse pain. Lotus stopped working on her second hoof and went to a nearby table. She returned with a jar of something and a brush. They were going to paint her hooves. “Rarity, I swear, that paint had better be clear,” warned Dash. “It is not paint, Rainbow Dash,” said Lotus, “it is hoof dressing. It is used to seal up all of those nasty cracks in your hooves. You will need to leave it on for a few days. I'm afraid it is not clear, it is black. I will use polish over it to match the natural color as best as I can after it dries.” Lotus Blossom applied the treatment to first one hoof and then the other. “There,” she said, “your rear hooves are done, except for the polish.” “Good,” grumbled Dash, “then let me up.” “Not yet,” said Rarity, “we still have to do your front hooves.” Rainbow Dash gasped and started to struggle again but it was brief. She gave it up and watched as Lotus Blossom began working on her front hooves. She didn't like this any better than she did having her rear hooves filed and picked but at least she could see what was happening. She gritted her teeth and tried to stay still. Lotus knew her job and worked quickly. She couldn't remember a more difficult client. Even young fillies seldom behaved this badly. At last she was done. Now came the most dangerous part of the procedure; letting Rainbow Dash loose. Rarity and Fluttershy got off of Rainbow Dash and stood over her. “Now Rainbow Dash,” said Rarity, “I know you must be upset with us but we did this for your own good. I've been planning this for weeks. You should pay more attention to your hooves, they were in a horrid state. Before we let you go, you must promise us not to run away before Lotus can polish your hooves and you must promise not to become violent with any of us. If it helps, you may consider this trip to the spa on me. Agreed?” Rainbow Dash sighed. “Agreed,” she said, “I won't run away and I won't murder you all. I promise.” “Alright,” said Rarity, “untie the towels.” The ponies undid the towels restraining Rainbow Dash and stepped back. Rainbow Dash rolled over and lifted off using her wings and gingerly landed on the floor. She took a few tentative steps, as if she were unsure of her footing. It didn't hurt and in fact felt very comfortable. She tried trotting. She hated to admit it but her hooves did feel better. “Sorry Dashie,” said Fluttershy, “but Rarity was right. Your hooves really were getting bad. I hope you're not too mad with us.” “I guess I'm not,” said Dash, “I didn't like it but my hooves do feel better. I still can't imagine why you two enjoy hoofacures though.” “Next time try it without being tied up and leave out the cursing and screaming,” suggested Rarity. “It is much nicer if you just relax and and let Lotus Blossom do her job.” Dash ignored Rarity and picked up one hoof and looked at it closely. The hoof treatment was nearly black which bothered her at first but then she viewed it in a mirror. Black, she thought, looked kinda cool. “What other colors do you have?” asked Dash. In the end Rainbow Dash simply had Lotus Blossom match her natural color but after looking at the different colors decided that a change now and then might be fun. Maybe something to match her outfit when she performed would be nice.