Chapter 66
Rainbow Dash awoke to the sound of humming. She wasn't fond of mornings so she ignored the sound and kept her eyes closed. As her brain slowly engaged, she put together where she was and what she had to do. She raised her head and looked around the room. Windyday was in the bathroom and it was her doing the humming. Presently, Windy returned to the room.
“Good morning,” said Windy. “I'm up a little early. You have more than half an hour until breakfast.”
“Ugh, a morning pony,” said Rainbow Dash. She rolled over and closed her eyes. Seeing Windy, clean, perfectly groomed and humming around the room was too much for her first thing in the morning.
Dash was awake now and after a few minutes she stretched and began her own morning ritual. After returning from the bathroom, Rainbow Dash felt more herself and was ready to face the day or at least breakfast.
“You're obviously feeling good this morning,” said Dash to Windy.
“I feel great,” said Windy. “How about you?”
“No worse than usual,” replied Dash. “Let's head to breakfast, I'm hungry.”
“In a minute,” said Windy, “first you need a brushing.”
Dash smiled. “Alright, I probably do. I don't know how you manage to look like you just came out of a beauty parlor all the time. And you do it by yourself too.”
“A lot of practice,” said Windy as she started to brush Dash's mane. “Your mane looks good naturally but it's better when you get the tangles out.”
“I feel better after a brushing,” said Dash. “I don't mean that my mane feels better, I feel better inside.”
“You aren't like me,” said Windy, “you have friends in Ponyville. Couldn't you get one of them to do it?”
“When I moved there I didn't know any pony except for Fluttershy and she's all the way across town,” said Dash. “It took me a while to make some friends and I live alone anyway. I guess I could bug one of them every day but I usually just don't bother.”
“Lay your tail on the bed and I'll show you a grooming trick,” said Windy.
Rainbow Dash did as Windy asked and Windy went to work. “If you spread it out like this it's a little easier to work out the tangles. Of course, if you're doing it alone you'll have to curl up but it still works.”
“Neat,” said Dash, “thanks, Windy.”
Windyday smiled and finished combing out Dash's tail. “There! Now you look presentable. Let's get some breakfast.”
“I'm right with you,” said Dash. “Let's see if Frosty's up.”
They walked into the hallway and started towards Frost's room. They were almost there when the door opened and Frost appeared. She looked much like Rainbow Dash had looked after she first awoke.
“Hi,” mumbled Frost.
“You okay?” asked Dash.
“Yeah,” said Frost, “I just woke up a few minutes ago and realized I was running late.”
“Windy woke me up,” said Dash. “I would have slept an hour or two more myself.”
“It's a good thing that at least one of us gets up with Celestia,” said Windy. “You two seem to be more in tune with Luna.”
Rainbow Dash laughed and Frost managed a grin. The three of them headed down to the dining hall. The courtyard was nearly empty. Two Wonderbolts, Blaze and Fire Streak, were entering the dining hall and one of the support ponies was heading that way.
Food was laid out on a single long table. Apparently there were not a lot of ponies to serve on weekends. The three friends found seats and began eating. They were finishing up their meal when Spitfire entered and joined them.
“You all look ready for a good days training,” Spitfire said. “Glad to see you didn't overdo it last night....and that you managed to stay out of trouble.”
“More or less,” said Dash with a grin. Windy and Frost snickered.
“Should I even ask what you three did last night?” said Spitfire.
“We went out to a club,” said Frost, “Stratos, do you know it?”
“Sure,” said Spitfire, “I've been there a few times. Not a bad place. I've seen it get a little rough sometimes though.”
“It's a club for pegasi,” replied Frost, “of course it can get a little rough. We had a good time. A few drinks, sang a little karaoke, danced and we didn't get in any fights.”
“Almost,” said Rainbow Dash, “but not quite.”
Windyday swallowed a bite of food. “It isn't really worth talking about,” she said.
“What did you do Rainbow Dash?” asked Spitfire. “Or was it you, Frost?”
“Why does everypony think I'm the one that always starts something?” said Dash.
“Past performance,” said Frost slyly.
“You're one to talk,” replied Dash. “All I did was get a guy drunk.”
“So what did you do, Frost?” said Spitfire.
“Nothing,” said Frost.
Spitfire looked at Windyday. “Oh no, not you. I can't believe that you would start trouble.”
“I didn't start any trouble,” replied Windy, “but I did finish it. It didn't come down to fighting though.”
“Ah!” said Spitfire, “that's much different. What happened?”
Windy briefly told Spitfire about the incident outside the club. Spitfire became angry as the story was told. Blaze and Fire Streak stopped eating and listened in. Neither of them looked very pleased either.
“If that had been me, I'd have beaten him until he begged,” said Spitfire. “You acted with a lot of restraint, Windy. All of you did, really. At least I didn't have to go bail you out this morning.”
“We should get going if we're going to get to the practice area by nine,” said Dash.
“You're not going there at nine,” said Spitfire as she helped herself to some fruit. “Immelmane wants to go over your routine first. We'll go over to the big hall as soon as I get a little breakfast.”
The three young Wonderbolts proceeded to give Spitfire a run down on their entire evening. The ponies were all in a good mood after that and Rainbow Dash decided to broach another subject.
“Windy, Frost,” began Dash, “my friend Rarity gave me a little idea the other day. Tell me what you think of it. She wants me to do some advertizing for her and we came up with the idea of selling calendars and posters at the shops that carry her designs. I told her I'd ask you two and Firewing if you wanted to do it. We'd split the profits evenly between us. What do you think?”
“Sounds good to me,” said Frost, “especially if she'll give me a deal on some clothes.”
“Sure,” said Windyday, “if I'm going to do an endorsement I may as well do it for some pony I trust.”
“Are you going to ask the rest of the Wonderbolts or just us three?” asked Frost.
“I don't know what Rarity would say about it,” said Dash. “Originally we just talked about us three and Firewing. I guess she'd be okay with the rest of the team being in on it. I don't see why she wouldn't. It's fine with me.”
Spitfire, Blaze and Fire Streak listened to this conversation and looked at one another. Spitfire decided to step in.
“That's very generous of you, Rainbow Dash,” said Spitfire. “You do realize that your share will be much less if the whole team is involved, don't you?”
“Yeah,” said Dash, “but I'll still be making some bits and it might help Rarity too. After all, you and the rest team are well known and we're not.”
“Excuse me,” said Fire Streak, “are you going to want us guys to do this too or is it just for mares?”
“Rarity mostly does designs for mares,” replied Rainbow Dash, “but she's done some things for guys too. The flight suits she's doing for the Golden Sun team are for mares and stallions.”
“You want to pose for a calendar?” asked Spitfire. “Isn't your thing vitamin supplements and stuff like that?”
“Sure,” said Fire Streak, “but I'm willing to give it a shot. There's plenty of mares out there that want to see a handsome stallion.”
“That's true,” said Spitfire, “do you know any?”
The mares all laughed while Fire Streak planted a hoof on his forehead. “Guess I walked right into that one,” he said.
“Okay, how about this?” said Rainbow Dash. “I'll put a sign up sheet somewhere and any Wonderbolt that wants in can sign up. The shoot will be in Ponyville because Rarity wants to get her shop in some of the pictures.”
“Okay, do that,” said Spitfire, “but put in something about it being tentative until your friend Rarity agrees.”
“Sure, Spitfire,” said Dash, “that sounds like a good idea.”
“I'm going over to the hall now,” said Dash, “I can't wait to get started.”
“I remember being that gung ho,” said Blaze. “I might pop out this afternoon to watch you fly. I was out of town when you did your try out routine. I want to see if you're as good as what I've been hearing.”
“Sure I am,” said Dash, “come on out and see for yourself.”
“You're pretty cocky for a newbie,” said Blaze. “Are you always like this?”
“Yes,” said Spitfire, Windyday and Frost together.
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and got up. “I'll see you at the practice area, unless you want to see me get lectured by Mr. Immelmane.”
“I'm coming with you,” said Spitfire. “I told you that I'd be critiquing your routine. I should have some idea of what to look for.”
“I'll see you at practice,” said Frost. “I need to get into my flight suit anyway.” Frost was not interested in sitting and listening to a lecture, not even if it was by a great instructor and for her friend.
“I think I'll go with you, Dash,” said Windy Day. “I want to see what you've come up with now.”
Spitfire, Windy and Rainbow Dash left and headed for the hall. Upon entering, they found Immelmane diagramming Dash's routine on a chalk board. He glanced at them as they entered and continued to work. He took some time to consult some notes on a table and at last addressed the three mares seated in the front row.
“Good morning,” Immelmane said, “You all look very chipper this morning. I'll admit I was worried that you might have stayed out too late last night. Is Frost up yet?”
“Yes,” replied Spitfire, “she's was going to change into her flight suit when we left the dining hall.”
Immelmane sighed. “Very well, she doesn't have to be here but I thought she might want to listen in,” he said. “She isn't much for class work, is she?”
“Not since I've known her,” said Dash with a laugh, “she's more of a hooves on type of pony.”
“She wasn't one of my students,” said Immelmane, “but I do remember her being in trouble for cutting classes. It got so bad they started having teachers escort her from room to room. Well, let's get started shall we?”
Immelmane went to the chalkboard. “Rainbow Dash, your routine will start after the team does their fly by. It's fairly quick and there are only a few maneuvers. After the initial fly by they will gain altitude and set off some fireworks before returning to near ground level where they will pass in review in front of the Princesses. After the review the team will circle the field and do a trick landing in front of the royal box. They will then bow and take their seats.”
Immelmane pointed to a crude map he had drawn on the chalkboard. “This is a rough idea of what the field looks like. During the fly by you will be on the far side of the field. When you see the team land, you take off. I want you to take your time gaining altitude. It will take some time for the applause to die down and the team to get to their seats so there's no reason to hurry. Slowly circle and work your way towards the Princesses. Try to time it so that you reach optimum altitude a half circle before you would be in front of them. At this point the announcer will introduce you and there will be some drum rolls or something until you near the crowd. Then your real music will start and you'll go into your routine.”
Immelmane looked at Rainbow Dash. “You're not taking notes.”
“You have my notebook,” said Dash.
“Ah, yes, so I do,” said Immelmane. “I'm afraid I shall need it for a bit longer. Here, take some paper and pencil. Just write down the bits that aren't in your notes.”
Rainbow Dash did as Immelmane asked and returned to her seat. Immelmane flipped the chalkboard. The opposite side was covered with squiggly lines and numbers that represented Dash's routine.
“I liked the way you started your show,” said Immelmane, “of course I didn't include the part where you gained altitude. Now, you'll need to gather speed before you go into your first move so I want you to dive first...”
For the next twenty minutes Immelmane reviewed and explained to Rainbow Dash what he wanted from her routine. It contained many minor changes and the insertion of some sky dancing moves that Dash hadn't even done yet. Rainbow Dash had to stop him a few times so she could keep up with her notes. Even with the changes, most of what Immelmane covered was what Rainbow Dash had developed herself. Immelmane's real skill was in giving her places to rest and in putting her into the best position for the audience to view her stunts.
“I took out a few of your harder moves,” continued Immelmane, “there's no way you could keep up your speed for ten minutes and still have it look good.”
Rainbow Dash looked Immelmane in the eye and raised one eyebrow. “Really?”
“Are you saying you can?” asked Immelmane.
“I did that long routine in fifteen minutes at full speed,” said Dash. “I tried it again going slower and stretched it out to about eighteen. Razor and Sunrise watched me and told me I was doing okay except near the end. I'm pretty sure I can do ten minutes.”
“Can I see the routine?” asked Spitfire.
Immelmane got Dash's notebook and passed it to the team leader. Windy Day moved behind Spitfire so she could read over her shoulder. Spitfire looked through the notebook. She was baffled by some of the tricks because Dash had named them herself. Some actually had other names while others were her own creations. As Spitfire and Windy were reading, Immelmane argued with Rainbow Dash.
“I know you think that you can do anything,” said Immelmane, “but you want to look good doing it too.”
“Of course I do,” replied Dash, “and I'm not saying you're wrong in adjusting my routine. Just give me a little credit for knowing what I can do. I want to perform at my very best.”
“Alright,” said Immelmane, “we'll head out to the practice area soon and see how you do. If you can do more than I expect, then I'll learn to expect more from you.” Immelmane smiled.
“Fair enough,” said Dash, “besides, I don't want to give away all my tricks in my first show.”
Immelmane laughed. “I suppose not,” he said, “but considering what I've read from your notebook, I don't think there's any danger of that.”
“What's that one, Spitfire?” asked Windyday.
“I have no idea,” replied Spitfire.
“There's a list of tricks in the front with a description,” said Dash.
Spitfire flipped through the notebook and found the trick. “Triple flip roll... Three end over end flips while performing a roll,” said Spitfire. “Pretty self explanatory but I have no idea how to do it.”
“It's pretty hard,” said Dash, “and even harder to make it look good. It's why I didn't include it in my try out routine. I've been working on it. It's getting good enough to use, and I have some time to practice.”
“Let's get going,” said Immelmane. “We'll head to the practice area and have you dance with Frost first. Then I want to give you another sky dance to work on. After that we'll break for lunch.”
Immelmane led them outside where they found his litter with it's compliment of support ponies waiting. Spitfire, Rainbow Dash and Windy took wing and flew to the training area where they found Frost dozing on a cloud she had hauled down near the ground. Any thoughts of playing a prank on her vanished as she awoke when they landed. She yawned and stretched.
“About time you got here,” Frost said. “I was getting bored.”
“You were getting some sleep,” corrected Spitfire. “You could have been practicing your sky dancing, you know.”
“I've been practicing every day,” replied Frost. “I'm getting better too.”
“Go ahead and get warmed up,” said Spitfire. “Immel will be here soon and you and Dash will start with the sky dance you've been doing.”
Frost and Rainbow Dash hopped into the air and began to slowly circle climb. Every now and then they would do a simple spin or roll to get warmed up. They flew close to one another so that they could talk.
“So you've really been practicing?” said Dash.
“Sure,” said Frost, “I couldn't avoid it. I've been practicing dancing more than the stunts. You were right about one thing; once you do it right the first time it gets easier.”
“Good,” said Dash, “I was lucky to have Fluttershy around. Wait until you fly with her. She is sooo slow but she does it right.”
“Yeah, great,” said Frost, “I'll let you in on a little secret Dashie, I might have to learn this stuff but I'm never going to enjoy it. I'm going to take advantage of this week in Ponyville and really stretch my wings.”
Dash laughed. “We'll have plenty of time for that. I've been really busy with everything but I've been flying every night, well almost every night. I work on my routine and then just cut loose until I can't fly anymore.”
“By yourself?” said Frost. “Doesn't sound like much fun.”
“I'm used to flying alone,” said Dash. “No pony can keep up with me anyway.”
“Oh poor Dashie,” mocked Frost, “it's so lonely at the top.”
Dash laughed again and did a roll over Frost. “I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to this week, Frosty. You had your team with you all the time and after you made the Wonderbolts you had great ponies to fly with. I've hardly had any pegasus friends around since I quit the weather team. Having you and Windy and Firewing around is going to be great. Fluttershy is a great friend and all but she isn't like us.”
Immelmane arrived and Frost and Rainbow Dash landed. It took a few minutes to set up the music equipment so Frost and Dash did a walk through on the sky dance. Immelmane watched them and when they were through Immelmane called Rainbow Dash over and gave her a practice suit to wear. Dash hurriedly donned it and she and Frost stood awaiting instructions.
“I want you to do three verses of dancing to this song,” said Immelmane. “There will be four verses total and you'll use the first one to gain altitude and get lined up. All ready?”
Dash and Frost nodded and prepared to take off. The music started and the two pegasi took to the air. They circled away from each other and slowly gained altitude. Frost pointed to Dash and nodded. Dash nodded back and tapped her chest indicating that she knew Frost planned to guide off of her. As the first verse came to a close, Frost and Dash flew slowly towards one another and began the dance.
Dash and Frost put on a credible performance. There were a few bobbles but they were fairly synchronized and they stayed in time with the music. The returned to stand in front of Immelmane and Spitfire.
Spitfire was the first to speak. “That wasn't completely horrible. Much better than last week anyway. Frost, there might be hope for you yet.”
“It was much better,” agreed Immelmane. “I'm less concerned about you doing a great performance than I am with getting you to learn to fly with the music and slow down. I was looking at how you did in performing the individual moves too. You both did pretty well but they could certainly look better. Let's try it again.”
Frost and Rainbow Dash took to air once more and did the dance again. And again. And again. And again. After the sixth time both Frost and Rainbow Dash were ready for a break but it was not to be. Immelmane and Spitfire both critiqued their dancing after each try. It seemed to the two performers that they barely seemed to solve one problem before they faced a new one. After ten attempts the morning was wearing away and they seemed no nearer to getting the dance right. At last Immelmane allowed them a break.
Frost and Rainbow Dash gratefully drank the water offered to them by the support ponies. They were tired and discouraged. Windyday came over and sat next to them.
“I think I'm beginning to understand why you hate this so much, Frosty,” said Rainbow Dash quietly.
Frost snorted out a grim laugh. “I thought we were doing pretty good up there,” she said. “I guess I was wrong.”
“You're not wrong,” said Windyday, “you both were pretty good. The things that Spitfire and Immelmane were criticizing were minor nuances, not glaring errors. You are real close to looking like sky dancers. I mean that as in high level amateurs.”
“Are you saying we're getting close to your level or Firewing's?” asked Dash.
“Well, no,” said Windy, “but I've been doing this for years and Firewing is professional level, in my opinion. You're not going to get that in a week or two no matter how good of a flier you are.”
“Then why are they pushing so hard?” asked Frost.
“By doing it repeatedly a couple of things happen,” said Windy. “First, it trains your body to react without as much thought on your part. Also, as you get tired you start to loosen up a little bit. I could see it in your last couple of dances. You were starting to flow.”
“I'm not tired,” said Dash, “I'm just getting frustrated. It's good to know we're getting better though.”
“Yeah,” said Frost, “I appreciate that, Windy.”
“Glad to help,” said Windy. She smiled. “Maybe I can help a little more.” Windy got up and walked over to Spitfire.
“Excuse me, Spitfire,” said Windy, “do you think you could do that dance with me? Maybe watching it would help them out.”
Spitfire frowned. “I don't know if it's a good idea. They're coming along well enough, I think. I'm not going to tell them that though.”
“Why not?” asked Windyday.
“Because I want them to work harder,” said Spitfire. “I also don't want to give them a much longer break. Immelmane, could you come here a minute.”
Immelmane joined the two mares. “Yes? What is it?”
“Windy just asked if she could dance with me so that Frost and Dash could watch,” said Spitfire. “What do you think?”
Immelmane thought for a moment. “Go ahead if you want to but make it quick. I want them to do a few more and we still have to get them started on the next dance.”
Spitfire stretched. “Alright Windy,” she said, “get in the air I'll be right with you.”
Windy took off and Spitfire flew over to the pony operating the music and gave him some instructions.
Spitfire then took off. Rainbow Dash and Frost stood and began watching them.
The music started when Spitfire waved to the ground crew and the pair started to dance. They danced the full four verses while Frost and Dash watched. The team Captain and Windy then landed in front of the two watchers.
“What is your opinion of our little dance?” asked Spitfire. “I critiqued you so it's only fair that you do the same on us.”
“It looked great,” said Dash, “I never saw you fly like that, Spitfire. You're as good as Firewing! And Windy, I know you're probably tired of hearing this but I expected you to look perfect and you were.”
Frost just shook her head. “I don't know how you could look that great with no practice. You've never danced with each other, have you? I didn't see anything that I could say was wrong.”
Spitfire and Windy both laughed.
“Thank you,” said Spitfire, “but it wasn't perfect. At least I wasn't. If we were competing we would have had a few points knocked off. We did alright.”
“I don't get tired of hearing that, Dash,” said Windy, “but Spitfire is right, I wasn't perfect. We were off slightly a couple of times. I felt I got the moves down satisfactorily.”
Immelmane had joined the mares. “If you two can show me a performance like that, we'll break early for lunch,” he said. “Back in the air you two.”
It took Frost and Dash two dances to start to look as good as they had previously. The third one, however, was far better than any they had done thus far. When they landed even Immelmane and Spitfire applauded.
“Very nice,” said Immelmane, “You see? You can do this. Spitfire is going to show you the next dance and then we'll break for lunch. Here, take these copies so you can follow along. I'll name the movements as she performs so keep your eyes on her as much as you can.”
“Can I get something to take notes?” asked Dash.
“There's no need,” said Immelmane. “Windy and Firewing both know all the moves, probably the whole dance in order for that matter. This is just a demonstration. You can work on it a bit this week but concentrate on learning the Wonderbolt routine and on your own act. This is just something to work on for the future.”
Spitfire took off and climbed to a low altitude. The music started and she began her dance. As well as being somewhat longer than the dance Frost and Dash had been doing, there were several new moves and it was more complicated. Frost started to smile. This looked a lot more challenging to her and a that meant fun.
The music came to an end and Spitfire landed. Immelmane thanked her and turned to face the others.
“Windyday, are you familiar with this dance?” asked Immelmane.
“Yes,” said Windy, “it's the first movement of Unicorn Dream. I've flown it.”
“The whole thing?” asked Spitfire.
“Yes,” said Windy, wondering what the fuss was about. “I was in a class when I was about twelve or so. We put on a show at the end. I played Distant Thunder.”
Immelmane looked at Spitfire. “I'm going to give up being surprised by these ponies,” he said.
“What are you talking about?” asked Frost.
“Yeah,” said Dash, “that was a really cool dance. It looks like a lot more fun than the other one but I've never heard of Unicorn Dream.”
“Unicorn Dream is a ballet,” answered Spitfire, “a rather long ballet. The part Windy played was one of the principal characters. I can't imagine a group of twelve year old's doing it.”
“The rest of the cast was older,” said Windy. “I was the youngest. Most of the cast were in their late teens. I was tall for my age so I could pull it off. Distant Thunder was one of the younger characters after all.”
Immelmane shook his head. “Well, we can talk about this later. Break for lunch and be back here at one. Frost you're off for the rest of the day. If you want to come back this afternoon, you're welcome of course.”
“That sounds good to me,” said Frost. “I need some time this afternoon though. I have to deliver a flight suit to Razor. They'll be practicing from one until three. I have to find out what time they're doing the try outs for the team tomorrow too. I'm judging. I guess it will be my last act with them.”
“Certainly, Frost,” said Immelmane, “go ahead and enjoy your time off. If you do get back in time you may want to see Rainbow's routine. It should be interesting.”
“Sure,” said Frost, “I probably will. I doubt this will take all afternoon.”
“Come on,” said Dash, “all that flying made me hungry.”
They took off for the dining hall which slowly turned into a race between Dash, Frost and Spitfire. Windyday flew at a brisk pace but didn't try to beat the others. This time Spitfire did manage to win due to the fact that Frost and Rainbow Dash were both about done in from their practice. They landed, out of breath, in front of the dining hall.
“Looks like I finally found a way to beat you,” said Spitfire to Rainbow Dash. “All I have to do is stay fresh and make you work for a few hours.”
“So that's why you and Immelmane were so hard on us this morning,” said Frost.
“No,” said Spitfire, “we were hard on you because you needed the work. You two have the talent, we just had to bring it out.”
“I just hope I have enough left to do my routine this afternoon,” said Dash. “I have to fuel up.”
Rainbow Dash did manage to beat the rest of the ponies into the dining hall. Frost and Rainbow Dash ate ravenously while Spitfire and Windy were more restrained. When she was through, Frost arose.
“I have to go get cleaned up,” she said. “I'll see you later. Have a good practice, Dash.”
“See ya Frosty,” replied Dash. She wasn't really in the mood for her friend's attempt at humor. She had the feeling that the afternoon was going to be brutal.
After lunch Rainbow Dash immediately returned to the practice field. Immelmane was still there, eating a sandwich. She waved to him and flew up onto a cloud in order to get some rest. She still had a hour so she put it to good use by taking a nap.
Windyday roused Rainbow Dash gently. “It's almost time to start,”she said. “No hurry, you still have a few minutes. Feeling better?”
Rainbow Dash yawned and stretched. “I guess so,” she said. “I think I'll fly around a little and get loosened up.”
Rainbow Dash took off and Windyday joined her. Dash flew gently at first but as her muscles got warmed up she started to speed up and did a few simple tricks. Windyday followed in her wake in a game of follow the leader. They flew down and landed in front of Immelmane. Spitfire had yet to return.
“It looks like you're all ready,” said Immelmane. “As soon as Spitfire gets here we'll start. First of all, I want you to do your routine the way you've been practicing it. Do whatever version you'd like. I don't know how you can do that many tricks in that short a time but I'd like to see it. I know I'll still need to trim it down and add some spots where you can rest but perhaps not as much as I thought.”
“Okay,” said Dash, “you shouldn't have to do much. I can get them all in and they'll look good too.”
“I'll reserve judgment,” said Immelmane. “I think I see Spitfire coming.”
Windy looked towards Cloudsdale. “Yes,” said Windy, “that's her. Dash? Can you really keep up that speed for that long? I've read through your routine and I can't see how anypony could do it in under fifteen minutes.”
“Like I said, Windy,” replied Dash, “I was doing the long routine in about eighteen. That's the one that really needs the work. This ten minute one shouldn't be a problem.”
“And you can keep everything as crisp as you did at the tryouts?” asked Windy.
Dash smiled. “I hope so,” she said. “I'm a little tired right now though. I'll give it my best shot.”
Immelmane listened to this exchange but said nothing. He didn't believe for one second that Rainbow Dash could do her routine that fast and still have it look good. He knew that she was fast and that she was capable of doing the maneuvers as well as the best aerialists but to combine the two was just impossible. He smiled. 'Of course Rainbow Dash has already done the impossible twice,' he thought to himself.
Spitfire landed. “Sorry I'm late,” she said, “I had a little unexpected business. That shipment of food that was to be here yesterday just arrived. I flew down and did a count of it and found Soarin. He'll make sure it gets checked in properly.”
“Very well,” said Immelmane. “Rainbow Dash, we await your pleasure. Climb to altitude and we'll start timing you as soon as you do your first trick. We will represent your audience, in this case the royal box at the field in Canterlot.”
Dash nodded. She went to her small bag that she had brought with her that morning and put on her goggles. Once adjusted, she took off. She circled until she got into position and then accelerated rapidly. She made a guess at what would be a good distance to start and went into her routine.
The routine was slightly slower than the much shorter one that she had done in the tryouts but it was still very fast. The routine was mostly a back and forth demonstration in front of the audience but there were a few points where she flew at an angle or towards the the watchers on the ground. Immelmane made a few notes. After five minutes, Spitfire spoke up.
“She's about half way through and very close on the time,” said Spitfire. “Her moves look very good too.”
“Yes,” agreed Immelmane, “but we'll have to see if she can keep it up. There are some things I want to change but this is the core of a very good show.”
“I saw a few minor things that I'd change so the audience can see some moves better but that's all,” said Spitfire. She glanced at the written routine and then at her stop watch. “Still on time, maybe even a little ahead.”
Windyday watched Rainbow Dash with a smile on her face. She was amazed by the show and even her critical eye could see little wrong with it. She half listened to Spitfire and Immelmane but her main focus was on Rainbow Dash. Even so, she was picking up on the choreography that they were talking about. Such information from two ponies like Immelmane and Spitfire was a treat for her.
The routine was nearing the end and Rainbow Dash was showing no sign of slowing down. There was also no drop in the quality of her maneuvers. They were still crisp and precise. At last Rainbow Dash came in for her landing. She did a roll and went into a tall oval loop. As she came back to the bottom of the loop she pulled up, twisted and dropped towards the ground. At the last moment she performed a very tight loop and flared her wings. She dropped gently to the ground and bowed.
“Nine minutes and thirty-eight seconds,” said Spitfire. She shook her head.
Dash trotted over to the little group. She couldn't speak because she was out of breath but she had a smile on her face.
“Very good show,” said Immelmane, “There are a few things we need to change but not much. I am going to slow you down in a few places so a few tricks will be lost. Frost was right when she said you need to slow down so she could see what you're doing. We have to give the audience a chance to catch their breath even if you don't have to.” He gave a chuckle.
“I don't know how you did it but as far as I'm concerned all you need to do is work on some things to allow the audience to see you better,” said Spitfire. “I think I'd change the landing so that you end facing the audience instead of a side view, for instance.”
“Yes,” said Immelmane, “I didn't like it either. I think you're right about having her end facing the audience. She does that landing very well and it's a beautiful move but it just doesn't cap off the show.”
“It would work if she could end it facing the audience even though it doesn't look as good head on,” said Spitfire.
As Immelmane and Spitfire were discussing her show, Rainbow Dash was recovering from her exertions and was also becoming a bit irritated. They seemed to be talking about her as if she wasn't even there. She listened to them discuss the possible adjustments which became more and more complicated as the two leaders moved three and four moves back into her routine in order to get a head on landing. Rainbow Dash ignored them and began to think of a way to do it herself. It didn't take her long to come up with a solution.
“I think I know how to fix it,” said Dash.
Immelmane and Spitfire were concentrating on each other so much that they didn't even hear her. Dash became more agitated. She repeated herself and still failed to get a response. Windyday came over to her.
“What did you come up with?” asked Windy.
“I'm just going to change the ending,” replied Dash. “They're making this way too hard. There's an old move called cutting the cube that I can use to change direction.”
“Huh?” said Windyday. She had no idea what 'cutting the cube' meant.
“You know,” said Dash, “cut across the cube from lower right point to top left. I can show them if I can get them to pay attention to me.”
“I kind of get it,” said Windy, “but I've never heard that term.”
“Excuse me,” said Rainbow Dash in a louder voice.
There was still no reaction as Spitfire and Immelmane were diagramming a move with their hooves in the grass.
Rainbow Dash abruptly lost her patience. Putting hooves to her mouth, she gave a piercing whistle. Spitfire and Immelmane jumped and looked towards her.
“Ah, you wanted to say something, Rainbow Dash?” said Immelmane.
“I said I think I can fix it,” said Dash. “I can fix the ending and I won't have to modify anything else.”
Spitfire and Immelmane looked at one another. They knew that Dash thought in very different terms than most pegasi and were willing to give her idea a try.
“What are you going to do?” asked Spitfire.
“There's a move I learned while I still lived in Cloudsdale,” said Dash. “All I have to do is cut the cube and go into a climbing barrel roll, go inverted, bank around and dive into the smaller loop. I'll land right in front of the audience head on.”
“Care to explain what 'cutting the cube' means?” said Spitfire.
“You don't know either?” said Dash in surprise. “There must be some fancy name for it that I don't know. Anyway, picture your flight space as a cube. Cutting the cube means going from one corner to another across the center of the cube. Lower right front to top left rear for instance.”
“And how is this going to help you change direction?” asked Immelmane.
“I'll show you,” said Dash. She adjusted her goggles and took off.
Dash climbed and positioned herself where the final trick before her landing would leave her. She rose slightly and dove. She neared the point where she would have gone into a loop but instead she banked hard and pulled up into a climbing roll taking a line that climbed diagonally upward and back. She rolled three times and on the apex of the third roll she broke from the roll upside down went into another banking turn. As she turned, she allowed herself to start dropping into a dive. She did a small tight loop just above the ground and landed the same way she had originally. She bowed to finish the show.
“How's that?” asked Dash as she trotted up to Immelmane and Spitfire.
“That,” began Immelmane, “that will do nicely. Another signature move for Rainbow Dash.”
“Er, not really,” said Dash, “I learned that one from Frosty. A few of the ponies from her crowd used to do it. It's fun. The feeling you get in those banks is great. You should try...” Rainbow Dash stopped herself. “Sorry, I wasn't thinking. I'm so used to talking to you about flying that I just forget sometimes.”
Immelmane looked at his protege who was hanging her head. “Good,” he said, “I'm glad that you do.”
Rainbow raised her head and saw that Immelmane was smiling at her. She smiled back.
“I think I'll try that move while you rest,” said Windyday. Without waiting for a reply, she took off and began practicing the maneuver.
“I wonder if we could do that in a formation,” said Spitfire. “I think it could look good.”
“I agree,” said Immelmane. “We'll have to try it out sometime.”
“If Windy gets it down, and she probably will, maybe she could fly with Frost and me this afternoon,” suggested Dash. “We could fly as a group. I'll bet we could do that move as a formation.”
“What about me?” asked Spitfire. “Don't you think I'm good enough?”
“Oh, sure Spitfire,” said Dash, “I just thought you would want to watch.”
“I still like to fly,” replied Spitfire. “I think I'll practice that move while you and Immelmane go over your routine.” With that, Spitfire joined Windyday in the air.
“I think we'll do as Spitfire suggested,” said Immelmane. “Let's sit down over here and discuss your routine.”
Immelmane gave Rainbow Dash her notebook back and they started discussing her show. Immelmane was pleased with the routine as a whole but wanted changes. At first, Rainbow Dash wasn't very happy about this and looked disappointed and irritated but as she listened to Immelmane she realized what he was trying to do. He wanted her routine to be more than just blazing speed and wild tricks. He wanted her to do a real performance, something ponies would pay to see again and again. He removed or shortened five of her stunts and replaced them with slower sky dancing moves.
“Now we come to an issue that I haven't talked to you about yet,” said Immelmane. “It is also something that I can't help you with very much. It has to do with style. Other ponies can tell you various movements that can help you but I'm afraid it's something that you either have or you don't.”
“And I don't have it?” said Rainbow Dash.
“I don't know yet,” replied Immelmane. “Obviously I think you might or I wouldn't have picked you for the solo position. Let me explain. You've seen Windyday and Firewing both perform. Which one has the best style? Which one is the more enjoyable to watch?”
“Nothing against Windyday,” said Dash, “because she's an awesome flier but Firewing looks better and it isn't something that I can really put my hoof on.”
Immelmane chuckled. “Not easy, is it?” he said. “Firewing has style. Windyday has improved dramatically since the she first came here. Before she was doing the movements but they were just another part of her routine to her. It wasn't something she felt inside and that came through when she performed. If she hadn't changed in the days before her solo performance she may not have been our first choice.”
“So who would have been your first choice?” asked Dash.
“I don't know for sure,” said Immelmane. “There would have been quite an argument about that I can assure you. Let's get back to the topic. Windyday is perfect for formation flying but you are up there alone. The audience's eyes will be focused on you. You have to learn to flow with the music. You have to learn the little things that turn a good routine into something memorable, something spectacular. A raised hoof, a swish of your tail, the position of your head, the expression on your face can all help this happen.”
“I didn't even think about that,” admitted Dash. “I thought I just flew the way I flew and that was it. Same with Windy and Firewing. This might be tough.”
“Maybe,” said Immelmane, “but I wouldn't have picked you if I didn't think you could do it. You'll have to find your style. I suspect your style is on the wild side, dynamic, aggressive and out of the ordinary. I want you to practice with it in mind and we'll work on it next week. Today and tomorrow we'll just work on the nuts and bolts of your routine.”
“Alright,” said Rainbow Dash, “at least that's something I know I can do.”
“Good,” said Immelmane, “now let's get started and go over your routine with the changes.”
Immelmane was about to say more when he was distracted by Windyday flying away from the practice area. Rainbow Dash followed his gaze and saw Windy flying towards two ponies approaching in the distance. It was Soarin flying as an escort for Fluttershy. Windy banked around and joined them.
Soarin, Windy and Fluttershy landed in front of Immelmane and Rainbow Dash and Spitfire flew down to join them.
“Good afternoon all,” said Soarin, “I found this pony at the gate when I got back from getting our supplies delivered. I couldn't let such a lovely mare fly out here on her own so I thought I'd keep her company.”
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes as Fluttershy smiled and blushed furiously. Windy laughed and Spitfire took a few steps forward.
“How chivalrous,” said Spitfire sarcastically. “Decided to come see Rainbow's routine instead of stuffing your face and napping?”
“I don't see much practicing,” replied Soarin. “All I saw was you and Windy goofing off while Dash sits on her butt talking to Immel.”
“We weren't goofing off,” said Spitfire. “We were practicing a new move that Dash just showed us.”
“Oh?” said Soarin, “I'm always interested in learning a new move.”
“Even when it doesn't involve a way to pick up a mare?” asked Spitfire.
This got a laugh from all the ponies. Soarin did his best to maintain his dignity.
“I don't need that sort of thing,” said Soarin. “My natural charm and good looks are enough.”
“Oh yes,” replied Spitfire, putting a hoof to her forehead, “we're all just swooning in your presence.”
Immelmane saved Soarin from anymore of Spitfire's banter by ordering everypony back to work. “Spitfire, Windy, have Fluttershy show you how well she dances and, if she's progressed far enough, teach her the new dance I want Frost and Rainbow Dash to learn.”
With the rest of the ponies out of the way, Immelmane and Rainbow Dash returned to their work. After making some adjustments and doing a rewrite of the entire routine Immelmane had Dash do a walk through.
As Dash and Immelmane worked out the kinks in her act, Fluttershy demonstrated her dance to Spitfire. Windyday and Soarin joined her in watching Fluttershy's show.
“She's doing quite well,” said Windy. “It's hard to believe she's only been at this for a couple of weeks.”
“I suppose so,” said Soarin, “strange that she didn't start earlier. I know this dance from when I was little.”
“Why don't you join her for her next try?” suggested Spitfire. “I'd like to see her dance with a partner too.”
“Alright, I will,” said Soarin.
The music ended and Fluttershy landed. Windyday was the first to congratulate her.
“You looked very good up there, Fluttershy,” said Windy. “you've really made progress.”
“Yes,” said Spitfire, “do you think you could dance like that with a partner?”
“Yes,” said Fluttershy, “I've danced with Rainbow Dash and Firewing.”
“Good, Soarin will be your partner,” said Spitfire. “Windyday and I are going to teach you a new dance first and then you can have a dance with him.”
“Oh, that would be great,” said Fluttershy nervously.
Spitfire eyed her curiously for a moment, unable to tell if the nervous tone was due to having to dance with Soarin or about learning a more difficult dance. One thing was for sure, this pony was as unlike Rainbow Dash as possible. Spitfire nodded to Windyday and they took off.
Soarin and Fluttershy watched the two mares demonstrate their dance while Rainbow Dash and Immelmane worked on her routine. After she had seen the dance a few times, Fluttershy joined Windyday in the sky and Spitfire watched from the ground. Soarin walked over to talk to Spitfire.
“She is a pretty good dancer,” said Soarin. “And she'll be helping our new Wonderbolts this week?”
“Yes,” said Spitfire, “she's already helping our new soloist learn sky dancing. Immel's hoping she can work with Frost this week too.”
“That's good,” said Soarin. “Ah, who's paying her?”
“I..I don't know,” said Spitfire. “Maybe she's just doing it because Rainbow is her friend or in exchange for lessons. I know it wasn't discussed with anypony or I would have been invited.”
“Well, if she can get Frost to sky dance, she ought to get something,” said Soarin. “I'll ask Immel later. He seems busy with Rainbow Dash right now.”
Spitfire looked over to see Rainbow Dash doing a walk through while Immelmane read off the moves and offered advice. “Yeah, it can wait,” she said. “I can't wait to see Rainbow fly her routine again. The first time was great but I think the revised routine is going to be excellent. You're in for a treat, Soarin.”
“I'll admit escorting Fluttershy wasn't my only reason for flying out here,” said Soarin. “I was curious to see how Dash was doing. I'm just glad that she seems to be working hard and fitting in with the team.”
“Yes,” said Spitfire, “but we still have to see how things are going to be once she really starts to get famous. I like her but you've seen how she is now. She thinks she's the best pegasus in the sky.. and she'll tell you that to your face. Imagine what she'll be like once she hears the crowd go nuts over her a few times.”
Soarin laughed. “Well somepony has to be the best,” he said, “I suppose it may as well be her.”
Spitfire didn't reply but scowled at Soarin. 'It used to be me,' she thought ruefully.
“What do you think of Fluttershy?” asked Soarin. “She hardly spoke on the way out here and when she did I could barely hear her. Is she always that shy?”
“According to Rainbow Dash, yes,” said Spitfire, “but she can come out of her shell. Why? Don't tell me you're interested in her.”
“Maybe,” said Soarin, “why shouldn't I be? She is lovely and sort of mysterious. She isn't like most mares I've met.”
“No,” said Spitfire, “she isn't. Just watch yourself. If you do ask her out you had better behave yourself. If you hurt her, I would not want to be you.”
“Hey!” said Soarin indignantly, “when have I ever hurt a mare? Is that what you think of me?”
“I didn't mean it like that,” said Spitfire. “I know you well enough to know you wouldn't purposely do anything mean. It's just that you have a reputation of going out with a lot of mares and not sticking around very long with any of them.”
“I just haven't found the right one yet,” said Soarin. “You know how it is, we go into a town, we're there for a few days, a pretty mare bats her eyes at me and the next thing I know I have a new mare friend. Then I'm off to a new town and it happens again.”
“Exactly,” said Spitfire, “that's what I mean. You can't do that with her. That is one of Rainbow's best friends.”
“Yeah,” said Soarin, “I know. That little mare would probably be all over me if I hurt Fluttershy's feelings.”
“She is also another one of those Elements of Harmony,” said Spitfire. “What do you think Celestia or Luna would think about it?”
“I hadn't thought about that,” said Soarin. “Yeah, that could be bad, really bad. Still, if she's going to be hanging around, it wouldn't hurt to ask her out to dinner or something. At least I can get to know her better, even if nothing comes of it.”
Spitfire shook her head. “Like I said, just behave yourself. Don't let this go to your head, Soarin, but mares can tell if a handsome stallion is interested in them and we like it. It wouldn't take much for you to make her think there's more to your little harmless date than you intend. Get it?”
“Yeah, I get it,” said Soarin. “It could get kinda complicated, couldn't it? Hey, did you just say I was handsome?”
“I also said don't let it go to your head,” replied Spitfire.
“You're not trying to keep me all to yourself, are you?” teased Soarin. He bumped his hip into hers.
Spitfire was about to give Soarin a sharp retort but found herself laughing instead. As irritating and silly as Soarin could be at times, he did have a way of relieving tension. It was a trait that endeared him to the rest of the team and was no doubt partially the reason he was the male leader.
Windyday and Fluttershy landed in front of the two leaders, interrupting their conversation.
“How did we do?” asked Windyday.
“Very good, for the first time,” answered Spitfire.
“Can we dance now?” asked Soarin. “I'd like to get warmed up a little first.”
“Let Fluttershy take a little break,” said Immelmane as he walked up. “Rainbow Dash is going to do her revised routine now. Go ahead, Rainbow, go get warmed up and give us a wave when you're ready.”
Rainbow Dash nodded and took off. She climbed swiftly and glided for a while and then practiced a few sky dancing moves. She felt ready. She took a few deep breaths and tried to relax. After readjusting her goggles she waved to the spectators and began her routine.
Rainbow Dash concentrated on doing the routine. She wasn't going for style points this time. She just wanted to get it down mistake free, on time and with precise maneuvers.
Spitfire stood next to Immelmane watching as Rainbow Dash zoomed through her act.
“She's looking good,” said Spitfire. “She may be a little slower than the first time but that's to be expected with the adjustments.”
“Good precision too, very sharp,” said Immelmane. “I'd like to see her try some of the stylistic elements I discussed with her.”
“I think she looks great,” said Soarin, “she is really moving up there.”
“I'll explain it to you later,” said Immelmane. “I'm not displeased. She just needs to make the little things happen that really catch the audience's eyes. This is just her first time doing the revised routine. There will be time for that latter.”
Soarin shrugged and continued to watch Rainbow Dash. He was impressed by the speed and precision just as he had been by her performance on the last day of the tryouts.
Windyday felt much like Soarin, she knew how difficult it was to do the maneuvers Dash was performing and there was little to criticize from the purely technical aspect. It looked beautiful to her but as the routine progressed she started to understand what Immelmane was talking about. She had experienced it herself. There was no flare to the performance. It was cold and sterile. Her instructors had taught her how to do some of the things that Immelmane had talked about. She had been younger then and for a while she still delighted in doing them. Latter, she just did them without thinking and it no longer meant anything to her. She frowned at this and made up her mind to talk to Dash about it.
“She's almost dead on,” said Spitfire to Immelmane. She watched Rainbow Dash with a wistful expression on her face.
“Is something wrong?” asked Immelmane. There was an odd tone in her voice.
“No,” said Spitfire, “she's doing great.”
Immelmane glanced at Spitfire and noticed her expression. He immediately returned to watching his protege. There was something wrong with Spitfire but it could wait until Dash was done.
“Two minutes to go,” said Spitfire. “This is going to definitely be longer than her first time.”
“Good,” said Immelmane. “She can go a little over as far as I'm concerned. Ten minutes is just a target time. Half a minute either way is fine with me. Look there! Did you see that? Did you see what she did with her hooves on that vertical spin? That's what I want to see. Beautiful!” Immelmane laughed.
“Yeah,” said Spitfire, “she's starting to loosen up. I'm jealous of you Immel. I'd love to have her fly with the team.”
“Too bad,” replied the old pegasus, “a deal is a deal.”
“At least I still have the other three,” said Spitfire. “They're going to be the best wing ever, even without Rainbow Dash.”
“Glad you feel that way,” said Immelmane. He smiled. He thought Spitfire was right.
Rainbow Dash performed her finish which caught Soarin completely off guard.
“What the hay was that?” he exclaimed. “Another new maneuver?” He shook his head.
“Not too new, apparently,” said Windyday, “Frost taught it to Dash when she was little. It's what you saw Spitfire and I practicing as you were flying out.”
“How did you do?” asked Soarin.
“It's actually not that hard,” replied Windyday. “I got it after a couple of tries. Staying on line during a climbing barrel roll on a diagonal is a little tough.”
“What was her time?” asked Immelmane.
“Ten minutes and twenty-eight seconds,” said Spitfire.
Immelmane wrote the time on his clipboard and made some notes as Rainbow Dash recovered. Windyday and Fluttershy talked to Rainbow Dash who had difficulty responding. Soarin offered Dash a brief word of encouragement before asking Fluttershy if she'd like to dance.
“Yes, Soarin,” said Fluttershy, “I'd like that.”
Spitfire noticed Soarin and Fluttershy starting the dance and walked over to Rainbow Dash.
“Dash,” said Spitfire, “I want to talk to you for a second.”
Rainbow Dash joined Spitfire a few steps away from the others.
“Rainbow Dash,” began Spitfire in a low voice, “I want you to talk to Fluttershy as a friend about Soarin. He is a generally nice guy but just let her know that he dates a lot of mares and she shouldn't expect too much.”
“Soarin is interested in Fluttershy?” said Rainbow Dash, still panting from her routine. “Wow, that's two guys in two days! Wouldn't have expected Soarin to fall for her though.”
“Excuse me,” said Spitfire, “she's seeing somepony else?”
“Not really,” said Dash, “but she danced with Cruiser at the club last night. You know him?”
“Cruiser,” repeated Spitfire, “the bouncer? Yeah, I know him. That shy little pony has a bouncer and a Wonderbolt chasing after her.” Spitfire started to giggle and Dash joined her.
“I guess maybe she doesn't need a warning from me,” said Spitfire.
“I'll pass it along anyway,” said Dash, “thanks Spitfire.”
It was at this point that Frost arrived. She circled a few times watching Fluttershy and Soarin from the air before landing.
“Is that the new dance?” asked Frost. “Looks more interesting than the first one.”
“Yes,” said Spitfire, “You'll be working on it this week. If you don't mind me asking, did you come up with that 'cutting the cube' maneuver.”
“Wow,” said Frost, “I haven't heard that term in years. It's not really anypony's move. It sort of just happened. I had a hoof in it. It was part tag, part follow the leader and part showing off. Why?”
“Rainbow Dash is using it as part of her landing,” said Spitfire. “We're even thinking about using it as a formation move.”
“Never tried that,” said Frost, “but I've never had enough good fliers to try it. Hey Dash! Want to give it a try?”
“I knew you'd be up for it,” replied Dash, “just let me rest for a minute. I just got done running through my routine.”
“Wish I could have seen it,” said Frost.
“You'll get a chance latter,” said Dash, “I want to run through it a time or two more.”
“Once more for today,” said Immelmane, “You'll have all day tomorrow to work on it. It's all you'll be working on. Spitfire will be with us in the morning but other than that it will be just the two of us and I don't want any interruptions. You and Windy will have plenty of flying time with Rainbow this week. Rainbow Dash, come with me.”
Immelmane seemed to be all business now and Rainbow Dash was worried that she had somehow displeased him. Her fears proved groundless as Immelmane began to speak.
“That was a very good show you put on,” said Immelmane. “Most ponies would be satisfied to watch a show like that. You even started to show some signs of style. Tell me, did you consciously position your hooves that way when you did that vertical spin?”
“No,” said Dash, “I'm not even sure I remember what I did exactly. It felt right though, I remember that much.”
“Then it was a natural move and not planned,” said Immelmane. “I suppose that could be viewed as both good and bad. Good that you have a bit of natural flare and bad that you weren't thinking about trying it on purpose.”
“To be honest I was just trying to get all the moves right,” said Rainbow Dash. “I figured I could work on style after I was confident that I wasn't going to mess up.”
“True,” agreed Immelmane, “this is new to you with the changes we made. I think that after tomorrow you'll have everything memorized and you can start to think about the style we talked about. We'll work on that tomorrow also. Rest a bit and talk to Windy and Frost about demonstrating that maneuver. I think Fluttershy and Soarin are almost done with their dance.”
Rainbow Dash went to talk with her friends. Frost and Windy were already discussing the move.
“I think this could be a bit dangerous,” said Windy. “We'll have to be very precise in our intervals and when we change positions during the banks. We've almost had a collision or two during practice doing a similar turn. If the first pony turns too tight or the trailing pony drifts out it could be bad.”
“That's why we never did it in competition,” said Frost. “As good as Golden Sun was, it was too iffy to be sure of getting a good score and like you said, it's kind of dangerous. I could do it and so could Razor. Sunrise could do it on a good day. Our males were the real problem, they were big boys and just couldn't make the turns.”
Dash heard all this as she walked up. “But we're three Wonderbolts ,” she said. “We can do it.”
“I think we can too,” agreed Windy, “but we must be careful and work this out first.”
“Look,” said Frost, “this isn't a competition or anything. Why don't we just have the trailing pony call break? Since Windy hasn't done this as much, I'll take the one slot, Windy can be two and Dash will be three. Dash will call break twice. Once for me and once for Windy. That will set us up for our climbing roll. As we each come out of our last roll, it's a simple hard bank right into a dive and Dash will end up in the one slot and I'll be in the three. Windy will still be two.”
“Sounds good to me,” said Windy, “I'm used to the two slot anyway. Are we landing in parallel or echelon formation?”
“Parallel would look better,” said Frost. “What do you think Dash?”
“On the landing? Yeah, it would so we should start in an echelon,” said Dash, “that way we should end up parallel after the turns. We shouldn't be afraid to talk to each other while we're flying either. Better to play it safe the first few times.”
“Right,” said Frost, “let's go up and do a practice run. Fly spread out and when I say go, do the move. We'll try to come out together and agree on a speed.”
“Let's fly,” said Dash. She was grinning now, anticipating the thrill of the challenge.
Windy nodded and prepared to take off. To her this was a little disconcerting. She wasn't used to doing something this difficult without a lot more preparation and practice.
The trio took off and practiced the move a few times. They circled and talked to one another until their plan came together. As Soarin, Spitfire, Fluttershy and Immelmane watched, the three new Wonderbolts formed up into an echelon formation and dove into the maneuver.
Frost led. As she neared the ground Rainbow Dash called out “Break!” and almost immediately she called “Break!” again. As Dash called out, first Frost and then Windyday banked hard and went into the climbing roll. Coming out of the third roll, it was Frost who called out “Break!” as she went into another banking turn. Windyday called out the same as she too performed the bank. Rainbow Dash, now trailing but on the inside of the turn, called out as she went into her own bank. They came out nearly parallel to one another and dove into the tight loop and landed. They bowed and the watchers cheered and applauded.
Fluttershy and Soarin ran over to the performers but Spitfire stood for a while with Immelmane. They talked as the other five ponies celebrated with hugs and hoofbumps.
“Very good,” said Immelmane, “and after such a short time to practice. It wasn't perfect but it wouldn't take much for it be show worthy. Good thing they are on the team or the Wonderbolts might be demoted to number two team in Equestria.”
Spitfire gave a short laugh and sighed. “Yes, they are all excellent fliers,” she said.
Immelmane picked up on the odd tone of her voice. “You're doing it again,” he said.
“What?” said Spitfire.
“You just watched a great new maneuver performed by three lovely young fliers and yet you act as if you just lost your best friend,” said Immelmane. “You will tell me what is wrong.”
“I don't know what you mean,” said Spitfire. “I didn't say anything except agree with you.”
“Please, my dear,” said Immelmane, “I know you better than that. You don't have to say something is wrong for me to detect it.”
Spitfire gave it up. “It's just that...it all goes by so fast, doesn't it?” she said. “I see myself in them but I'm not like that anymore. I've lost speed, I can't turn the way I used to. They make me feel old, Immel. Next season will be my tenth. How many more do I have? Four? Maybe Five? It's not enough.”
“Yes,” said Immelmane, “it does go by fast. Only you can say how many years you want to keep doing this but I think you'll know when it's time. Spitfire, you're still one of the best fliers in Equestria and you're the team Captain on top of that. You're still needed here. Those three over there need you. I know how it feels, believe me. Perhaps you'll be able to take over for me when your performing days are done. You may feel old but I am old. I'm not ready to say farewell yet either but that day is coming.”
Spitfire looked at the old pegasus. “You have a way of putting things in perspective, Immel,” she said. “It still hurts a little but you're right. Besides, I can still fly with these youngsters.” She smiled.
Rainbow Dash noticed Immelmane and Spitfire talking and trotted over to them. “Well?” she said, “What did you think?”
“Very pretty move,” said Spitfire, herself once more, “amazingly well done.”
“I think that will be part of our show before the season is over,” said Immelmane. “Is that good enough?”
“Really?” exclaimed Dash. “That's just awesome! Hey Frosty!” She half ran and half flew back to her friend.
Spitfire and Immelmane shared a laugh. “Come,” said Immelmane, “let's join them.”
“They're going to put that in the show, Frosty!” said Dash excitedly, “Can you believe it?”
“You're kidding,” said Frost, “that is awesome!”
“That's what I said,” laughed Rainbow.
Even Windyday was laughing and excited. “Correct me if I'm wrong,” she said, “but weren't we the first to do that in formation?”
“We sure were,” said Frost, “unless Dash knows something I don't.”
“Not me,” said Dash, “I've hardly ever flown in a group.”
“We both enjoyed that very much,” said Immelmane. “That is an excellent move. How does it feel to contribute to a team show?”
“Great!” said Dash. “Even if I can't fly with the team much, at least I can do something.”
“Me too,” said Frost, “I never thought clowning around as a filly would end up as part of a Wonderbolt show.”
“All the credit to these two,” said Windyday, “I was just along for the ride.”
“You flew very well for only a few practice runs,” said Spitfire. “I can see all sorts of possibilities for that move. I kind of wish I had flown it instead of just watching.”
“Let's do it again then,” said Dash. “Pick a couple of us and we'll fly with you.”
“Not just now, Rainbow,” said Immelmane. “I want to see your routine one more time before we wrap up today.”
“You got it!” said Dash. She put her goggles back in place and prepared to take off.
“Wait!” exclaimed Immelmane. “Rest a bit first. Go over your written routine and think about where you can add some style elements. Windyday, lend her a hoof, will you.”
“Of course,” said Windy, “I wish Firewing were here. She could show us all a few tricks. Come on Rainbow.”
“Frost,” said Soarin, “while we're waiting on Rainbow Dash, would you like to show me that move?”
“Sure,” said Frost, “we can do it just like we did before. It's a dive into a hard left bank, a rising barrel roll, a hard right bank and a dive into the loop to land.”
“Alright,” said Soarin, “I've got it. Coming Spitfire?”
“Sure, why not,” she replied.
While Immelmane and Windyday worked with Rainbow Dash and the other three Wonderbolts practiced 'cutting the cube', Fluttershy was left to herself. She wandered about the field smelling the flowers and watching the birds. At last she laid in the grass and gazed at the nearby city of Cloudsdale. The afternoon sun cast shadows and the cloud city glowed golden as Celestia's sun sank in the west. It was an altogether beautiful afternoon. For maybe the first time in her life, Fluttershy felt a swell of pride in being a pegasus. She gave a contented sigh and turned to watch Soarin, Spitfire and Frost practice.
Soarin was able to do the maneuver but it was more difficult for him to turn as tight as his female counterparts due to his greater weight. He was a powerful and talented flier and was able to stay in formation. He was smiling broadly as he practiced.
Immelmane joined Fluttershy as Rainbow Dash again prepared for flight. “Are you tired, my dear?” he asked.
“Oh, no,” said Fluttershy, “I'm just enjoying this beautiful day. Isn't the city lovely at this time of day?”
“Yes,it is,” said Immelmane, as he gazed at Cloudsdale. “It's odd how one forgets such things when you see them every day.”
“I had,” said Fluttershy, “but now I feel like I'm seeing it with new eyes. I never felt like I was a real pegasus when I lived here before. Now I do.”
“What do you mean?” asked Immelmane. “Of course you're a real pegasus. Why would you think otherwise?”
“I was a very weak flier when I was little,” said Fluttershy, “and the other pegasi laughed at me. I..I was sort of excluded from everything. Now I feel like I'm a part of things. I can't do what the Wonderbolts do but I can dance and I'm friends with some of the greatest fliers ever. Rainbow Dash's friends accept me just as I am. They make me feel like I'm just as good as they are, even if I know I'm not.”
Immelmane smiled. “I think you're as good as any other pony,” he said, “even better than some I could mention. I'm glad you feel more a part of things, here in Cloudsdale or elsewhere.”
Fluttershy smiled. “Thank you,” she said.
“Excuse me for a moment,” said Immelmane, “it seems we're to be treated to another demonstration. I need to get things moving or they'll be flying until the sun goes down.”
Immelmane walked away and called to Spitfire. “If you're going to do this, get moving. I want to see Rainbow do her routine again and go over it with her.”
Spitfire waved back and formed up with Frost and Soarin. Soarin led off with Spitfire in the second slot while Frost flew in the third. They repeated the same maneuver as before with Frost calling out to start them off.
All went well until midway through the climbing roll. Soarin found himself widening the diameter of his roll and drifting into Spitfire's path. As he started into his bank he was actually going to cut across Spitfire's line. Frost saw what was happening and called out “Abort!” as loud as she could.
As all Wonderbolts knew, a call to abort meant to break formation in a planned response that was always the same. Soarin pulled up instead of continuing his turn. Spitfire dove sharply which was difficult as she was still in a roll. Frost straightened her path and flew forward. With everypony safe, they landed.
“What happened up there?” asked Spitfire.
“Soarin drifted out during his roll and was cutting across your path,” replied Frost. “It might have been okay but I thought it was cutting it too close.”
“It was a good call, Frost,” said Windy, “Spitfire could probably have turned tighter but if she didn't they could have collided.”
“I could see what was happening,” said Spitfire. “What were you doing Soarin? You did that move fine during practice.”
“Sorry, Spitfire, Frost,” said Soarin, “I got a little wide during my rolls and tried to save it but I couldn't quite make it. I went into that bank in pretty bad shape.”
“I was watching,” said Immelmane, “your rolls were very wide. It happened during the first one. Once that happened, the added speed and centrifugal force made it nearly impossible to recover. It's a good thing Frost was watching so closely. I don't care how good our new recruits are, I don't want to lose both our leaders in a practice session.”
“Want to try it again?” asked Soarin, anxious to redeem himself.
“Not now,” said Immelmane, “I want to view Rainbow's routine again.”
“I'm ready,” said Dash, “should I just go up and do it like before or should I do it like I would at the show? Take off from the ground I mean.”
“Why don't you take off from the ground this time,” said Immelmane. “Go out about seventy-five lengths and start when you're ready.”
Rainbow Dash nodded and took off.
“I want you all to watch this,” said Immelmane. “I think she's really going to do a show this time.”
“I thought the last time was good,” said Spitfire. “What makes you think this one will be better?”
Immelmane smiled. “Call it a hunch, but I don't think Rainbow Dash is ever satisfied with 'good'. She wants to show off this time. Spitfire, keep an eye on her time, please.”
Soon Dash was in position. She waved and took off again, climbing in circles around the field. She kept her speed constant until she was halfway through her last circle when she accelerated. Her performance was as flawless as her first but this one had more of the added flare that Immelmane was hoping for. Having little idea of what she wanted to do as far as style went, Dash relied heavily on the advice that Windyday had given her. She tried to work most of them in during the slower dancing moves but occasionally she added them to her stunts.
As she performed her landing Soarin muttered, “I wish I could turn like that.”
Spitfire overheard him. “You'd better lay off the pie then or you're going to have use an area the size of Cloudsdale to turn at that speed.”
Windyday and Frost stifled their laughter as Soarin gave Spitfire a look of displeasure.
As Rainbow Dash landed, Immelmane hurried over to meet her.
“That's it!” he said, “that's what I was talking about! You're getting it. A couple of weeks of practice and your first show will make headlines all across Equestria!” He hugged Rainbow Dash and she returned it as best she could in her breathless state.
Spitfire and Soarin looked at one another. This was very uncharacteristic for the usually dour old pegasus. Soarin shrugged and grinned.
Immelmane broke away from Dash and went to his litter. “That will be all for today,” said Immelmane. “Frost, Rainbow, Windyday, Fluttershy, here are your tickets for tonight's show. The show starts at seven thirty. I'll meet you there. Go get cleaned up now. Dress is optional but you may want to wear a flight suit.”
The four mares thanked Immelmane and took off for Cloudsdale. Of course it soon became a race with Windyday and Frost leading the way. Dash was still tired from her exertions but followed gamely and even Fluttershy tried her best to keep pace.
The support ponies packed up the gear while Immelmane waited. Spitfire and Soarin took off and flew back to Cloudsdale at a more sedate pace.
“Sorry again for messing up,” said Soarin.
“Forget it,” said Spitfire. “It's happened to all of us. Frost is more of a team player than I realized. It takes some guts to call an abort on the team captain and a wing leader.”
“Yeah,” said Soarin, “I don't regret picking her over Razor anymore. She might even make a good leader someday.”
“They all would,” said Spitfire. “ Three different kinds of leaders though. Windyday would be the ultimate critic and analyst. Frost is the protective type with the don't cross me attitude and Rainbow Dash would try to put on the wildest shows any pony ever saw. It will be interesting.”
“I suppose so,” said Soarin. “I'll never have to worry about being the team captain now, thank Celestia.”
“You don't want the job?” said Spitfire in surprise. “I thought you'd be the one to take over when I retire.”
“You're forgetting that I'm at least as old as you,” replied Soarin. “You have nine years with the team and I have seven but you made the team at a younger age. When you retire, I won't be far behind; if I even make it that long. Besides, I'm happy where I am. I have enough responsibility.”
“I had forgotten that,” admitted Spitfire. “I was talking to Immel a little bit this afternoon about the same thing. These young ones make me feel old. He helped me put it in perspective. Anyway, we still have a few good years left. Let's enjoy them.”
“You're right,” said Soarin, “let the future take a flying f... ah, take care of itself.”
Spitfire laughed. Soarin could raise her spirits at times. She suddenly had a great deal of affection for her teammate, they had been through a lot together.
“Spitfire,” said Soarin, “want to take in that show tonight?”
“I hadn't thought you'd like something like that,” said Spitfire. “Alright, I'm not doing anything. We can probably still get tickets.”
“Great, I'll stop by the dining hall around six thirty?” suggested Soarin.
“Sounds good to me,” said Spitfire. “I need to go get cleaned up. I did a lot more flying than I had planned.”
“See you then,” said Soarin. “I'll go see about getting those tickets.”