//------------------------------// // Chapter 67 // Story: The Winning Failure // by marley //------------------------------// Chapter 67 Windyday and Frost landed in the courtyard of the Wonderbolts Compound. Both were in high spirits and a little out of breath from their race. There was no sign of Rainbow Dash or Fluttershy. “I finally got you Windy,” said Frost, “not by much but I finally won a race.” “I guess so,” admitted Windy, “I'll have to start training harder. We both got by Dashie too.” “Yeah,” said Frost, “where is she anyway?” Windyday hopped back into the air and flew high enough to peer over the wall. She drifted back down. “She's talking to Fluttershy,” said Windy, “probably making arrangements for latter.” “So, what are you wearing tonight?” asked Frost. “I have that suit I used in the try outs. I thought I'd wear that.” “I have a black one that I haven't worn in a while,” said Windy. “It's a little more formal than what I usually wear.” At that moment they were interrupted by one of the guards. “Windyday?” he said, “A package just arrived for you, special delivery.” “Thank you,” said Windyday, as she took the small package from him. Windy and Frost walked over to a bench and Windy sat the package down and read the address. “It's from my parents,” she said. “I wonder what it is?” “Well open it,” said Frost, looking over her shoulder. Rainbow Dash swooped down and landed by them. “Hey girls,” she said, “I gave up on trying to catch you and just flew with Fluttershy. I told her we'd stop by at seven. That should give us plenty of time. What do you have there? More fan mail?” “No,” said Windy, “something from my parents.” She began to open the package. Windy opened the box and pulled out a bit of packing material. Atop another layer of packing lay a silver tail cuff. This one was slightly larger than the one she usually wore and was engraved with intertwining roses inlaid with gold. There was also a note which Windy read to herself: 'Dear Windy, this is just a little gift for being such a great daughter. We didn't tell you that as often as we should have or how proud we are of you but it seems you have grown into a fine mare anyway. You were right when you said that you were grown up. Forgive us for not seeing that and for not knowing it was time to let you go. We received an invitation to Princess Luna's party and look forward to seeing you in your first performance as a Wonderbolt. We can't wait to talk with you then. Love, Mom and Dad' Windy teared up and hung her head. Rainbow Dash and Frost looked at one another wondering what was wrong. “It's beautiful, Windy,” said Rainbow Dash. “Why don't you try it on?” Windy tried to manage a smile and bent around to remove her old tail cuff. She replaced it with the new one. Turning to face her friends she bravely kept a smile on her face but it only lasted a few seconds. “Windy,” said Frost, “what's wrong? That's a beautiful gift.” “It's not the gift,” said Windy. “Who wouldn't want a gift like this? It's the note they sent with it. They never call me just Windy. They never said they thought I was a great daughter. It was always 'Windyday' and always getting me to focus on the next task. I don't...” She fell silent. Dash picked up the note and read it. “Sounds like that dip in the lake worked,” she said. Windy sniffed and laughed. “Yeah, maybe it did.” Frost looked at the two of them with a confused look on her face. “What in Equestria are you talking about?” “Long story,” said Windy. “It's okay. I'm fine. Come on, let's hit the showers and go eat.” Frost shrugged and followed Windy towards the training room. They all felt better after a shower and a rubdown though Rainbow Dash seemed to be getting sleepy by the time they left. They returned to their rooms and got into the flight suits they wanted to wear to the show. It was still some time before dinner so Rainbow Dash used the opportunity to take a nap. Windyday decided to stay awake and went in search of Frost who, she discovered, was also fast asleep. Alone again, Windy wandered into the courtyard, hoping to find some of her teammates. With the exception of two support ponies moving some boxes of unknown contents into a storage building, the courtyard was also empty. With at least an hour to kill before dinner, Windy decided to take a walk through town. There was a shopping district not far from the compound so Windy started there. She browsed the various goods on display in the windows. At a candy store, she saw some of her favorites and was going to buy some but realized that she had left her bag in her room. She sighed as she looked at the treats on the other side of the glass. Looking up she caught sight of her reflection in the window. She also saw several ponies looking at her behind her back. Windy was not oblivious to the effect that she had on stallions, though she didn't think she was 'super model' material as Spitfire had said. Still, the stallions on the other side of the street seemed to like what they were looking at. She slowly turned to face her admirers. All looked away except one who stood open mouthed, staring at her. She favored him with a slight smile and continued her window shopping. A flash got her attention and she turned towards it. There was another flash which caused spots before her eyes and she raised one hoof as a shield. More photographers appeared as well as some ponies bearing press credentials around their necks. She backed away, looking for way back to the compound. “Hey! Windyday!” came a call from her other side. Anticipating another photographer, she turned towards the sound. A short distance away was a familiar looking pony. Weathervane! “Follow me!” said Weathervane. Windyday galloped and flew after him down a side street, easily outdistancing the photographers. Weathervane stopped by a shop and held the door for Windy. She dashed in and Weathervane followed. “Thanks Weather,” she said. “What was all that? I'm not usually hounded by photographers.” “I'm not sure,” replied Weather, “but there were certainly quite a lot of them. Maybe it's your outfit. If you don't mind me saying so, it's, um, very flattering.” Windyday looked around and saw that she was standing in a noodle shop. An elderly pony stood behind a counter. “Hello, Mr. Weather,” said the pony, “what would you like today? And who is your new friend? Miss Clover will not be happy if she sees you two together.” “It's not like that, Mrs. Noma,” said Weather, “I'm just helping Windyday here avoid some photographers.” “Oh, I know you,” said Mrs. Noma, “you one of the new Wonderbolts. Why you wearing that? Did somepony die?” “What?” exclaimed Windy, “no, of course not. I'm going to a sky dancing show and thought this would look a little more formal.” “Oh,” said Mrs. Noma, “that make sense. So, you want some noodles?” “I was hoping you'd let us use the back door,” said Weathervane. “If we can sneak out, maybe Windy can get back to the Wonderbolts compound unnoticed.” “So, no noodles?” asked Mrs. Noma. She sounded very disappointed and Windyday was starting to get hungry. “Actually, I'd like to try some,” she said. “Let me have a large vegetable medley to go, please. Oh wait, I'm sorry, I left my bag at home. I hadn't really planned on buying anything. Weather, if you can cover this, I'll pay you back when we get to the compound.” “Sure,” said Weathervane, “You should try the apple and carrot sometime, it's my favorite.” “I'll do that,” said Windy. “If the noodles taste as good as this place smells it should be great.” “I make the best noodles,” said Mrs. Noma. “I'll be right back.” She disappeared into the kitchen. “Stand over here away from the windows,” suggested Weather. “I'll take a look around.” Weather stood near the window and looked up and down the street. Some of the more persistent photographers were looking around the other shops. Two more flew past down the street. “The coast is not clear,” said Weather. “Mrs. Noma? Can we come into the kitchen?” “Alright,” said Mrs. Noma, “food almost ready.” Weathervane and Windyday hurried into the kitchen. Several pots of noodles and other food sat simmering on a stove. The blend of smells were incredible. “Here your food,” said Mrs. Noma. “that will be seven bits please.” Windy stared at the basket which had a large and a small container in it. It was a lot of food for the price. Weather paid Mrs. Noma and went to the back door. He stuck his head out and looked around. The alley behind the shop was empty except for a few birds. “Okay,” said Weather, “we can go. Follow me. Thanks Mrs. Noma!” The old pony laughed. “It's okay. Most fun I've had in a while. You always make things exciting Mr. Weather. Enjoy your noodles young lady. And wear brighter colors, you don't look happy in black.” Windy giggled and picked up the basket. She followed Weather out the door and into a dimly lit alley. Left would take them back to the street where Windy had been beset by the photographers while right went to another busy street further down. Straight ahead was a narrow gap between buildings that would barely qualify as a sidewalk. It was so narrow that they couldn't fly through it. It was this path that Weather chose. Windy followed her guide between the buildings and dashed across another side street on the other side. They had to go down the street a couple of buildings before slipping out of sight once more into another gap that took them to another alley. This alley was curved and the pair raced down it until they came to another major street. Looking out, Windy at last recognized where they were. They were only about twenty lengths from the gate of the compound. Weather looked out too. “There's a couple of those guys down there but the way to the compound looks open,” said Weather. “Do you want to make a dash for it?” Windyday nodded. “You go first then,” said Weather, “I'll try to slow them down.” Windy grinned. “Ready?” It was difficult to say with the basket handle in her mouth. Weather nodded. Windy took one last look and took off running. They were almost half way to the compound before they were spotted. The photographers instantly took wing and swooped in to intercept them. Windy and Weather had no choice but to take flight themselves. Another pegasus with a camera was on the other side of the street ahead of them and tried to cut them off. It was a foolish move. Windyday easily accelerated past him and he had to pull up hard to avoid hitting a building. Weather tried futilely to keep up. Windy landed in front of the gate and waited for Weather. She ushered him quickly through the gate and went behind the wall. The guards jumped to their hooves and one hovered above the gate while the other blocked the entrance. Soarin was just about to enter his quarters when he saw the commotion at the gate. He quickly flew over. “Having trouble Windy?” he asked. “I guess I'm safe now,” said Windyday. “I got mobbed by photographers. I don't know why.” “It happens sometimes,” said Soarin. “Probably some reporter got a bad lead and the photographers are trying to get pictures of you for the story. I'll go see if I can get some more information.” Soarin went to the gate. Weather got his breathing under control. Windyday looked at him and they shared a laugh. “Thanks, Weather,” said Windy, “as soon as Soarin gets back we'll go get the bits I owe you.” “There's no hurry,” said Weathervane, “it's only seven bits. I have to get going. I'm meeting Sweet Clover for dinner.” “Alright,” said Windyday, “thanks again.” “Anytime,” said Weather, “enjoy your noodles.” Windyday laughed. She dipped her head down and sniffed the basket. They did smell good. She was interrupted by the return of Soarin. “It seems there was a reporter at a club last night called Stratos,” said Soarin. “He said that three Wonderbolts and a former model were seen drinking and singing there. One pony was hauled away in a cab and another had the wits scared out of him by said Wonderbolts. Do you know anything about that?” Windyday swallowed hard. “Yes,” she said. She drew herself up and tried to be stoic but avoided Soarin's eyes. “Care to elaborate?” asked Soarin, trying hard to keep a straight face. Windyday wanted to say 'no' but told Soarin of the previous night. Looking back, it seemed pretty innocent. She grew angry again when she told Soarin of the incident with the stallion as they were leaving the club. She spoke in the same icy tone Soarin had already learned to associate with her being upset. “I see,” said Soarin. “It could have been much worse. Don't worry about it. If that little punk tries anything, he won't dare show his face in Cloudsdale again.” “What do you mean?” asked Windyday. “If the full story comes out, which it would,” said Soarin, “somepony would go after him. Probably several someponies. You've seen the amount of fan mail we get. Can you imagine what those fans would do to that guy if he besmirched the reputation of the Wonderbolts or insulted one of us? Everypony would know who he was. No pony would ever give him a job. He wouldn't be able to get a date. His life would be messed up for years.” “I hadn't thought about that,” said Windy. “He might have been better off if I had just smacked him and walked away.” Soarin laughed. “That would depend on how hard you smacked him,” he said. “Does Spitfire and Immelmane know about this?” “Spitfire does, I'm not sure about Mr. Immelmane,” said Windy. “Spitfire said she'd have beat him till he begged.” “I'll bet she would have too,” said Soarin. “Be careful when you go out and don't get too messed up drinking. As far as I can tell you didn't really do anything wrong, well, maybe the threats but like I said don't worry about it. I've gotten into a few scrapes myself and so has Spitfire.” “Good,” said Windy, “even Fluttershy said I had a right to be mad about it. As long as he keeps his distance, he doesn't have anything to fear from me.” “If you run into any trouble like that again,” said Soarin, “my door is always open. You can pass that along to Frost and Rainbow Dash too. Say, what do you have in the basket?” “Noodles,” said Windyday. “Weather led me into a noodle shop to escape the photographers. I felt grateful so I bought some. They smell really good. I can't wait to try them.” “Well, enjoy,” said Soarin, “I have to get going. See you later.” “Thanks, Soarin,” said Windyday, “that's a load off of my mind.” Soarin turned and smiled as he walked away. Windy picked up her basket and went back to her room. She went in and found Dash still asleep. Windyday had few household items of her own but she had a some dishes and utensils. She got out a bowl and ladled half of the noodles from the large container into it. It was still warm and the smell was distinct since it wasn't mixed with the aroma of many different dishes. Windy took a bite and slurped a few stray noodles into her mouth. It was delicious. It didn't take her long to finish the bowl. Windy took out the small container and sniffed it. It smelled of carrots and apples. Apparently Mrs. Noma had given her a little extra bonus. Windy eagerly opened the container and emptied the contents into her bowl. These noodles were sweeter and were even better than the first. They were almost like a dessert. These also disappeared all too quickly. Windyday sat with a now full belly and was eying the rest of her prize greedily when Rainbow Dash awoke. “Hey, Windy,” said Rainbow, “is it time for dinner yet?” Windy looked at the clock. “Almost,” she said, “about ten more minutes. I don't think I'll be going to the dining hall tonight, I'm almost full.” “I smell something good,” said Dash, now fully awake, “what is it?” “The best noodles I've ever tasted,” said Windy. She could contain herself no longer and ladled more noodles into her bowl. Rainbow Dash giggled. “Noodles?” she said, “where did you get those? That's like the cheapest meal in Equestria. Good though, if they're made right.” “These are,” said Windy, “some old pony named Mrs. Noma makes them. Her shop isn't far from here.” She paused to eat some of the noodles. “Not familiar with that one,” said Dash, “can I try some?” Windy slurped some more noodles. “There's some left. I guess you can have some.” She sounded reluctant. Rainbow Dash laughed. “Must be good. I'll try a mouthful.” Windy pointed to the basket and continued eating. One hoof curled protectively around her bowl. Rainbow Dash found this amusing but her curiosity about the food was foremost in her mind. She scooped up some noodles with the ladle and took a huge bite. Windy was right, they were good. Rainbow Dash glanced at Windy and dipped the ladle back into the noodles. She quickly took another scoop and shoved it into her mouth. Windy gasped. Rainbow Dash began to laugh hard. Between peals of laughter she tried to apologize. “I'm ...ssorry Windy, I just had to do that. Ha ha ha, the look on your face was just too much. Ha ha ha ha.” Windy still had a mouthful of noodles but started to laugh anyway. Eventually she was able to get enough control to swallow. “I guess I got a little greedy,” said Windy. “Go ahead and finish them if you want I ate the rest and that small container already. That one was apple and carrot flavored. Mmm.” “That's enough for two or three ponies,” said Dash. “They are really good though. You'll have to show me where this shop is.” “It's not far from here,” said Windyday, “it's on a side street. I got mobbed by photographers and Weather sort of rescued me. We ended up in the noodle shop. He seemed to know the owner.” “Wow,” said Dash, “I hope that doesn't happen tonight. What happened?” “Soarin went and talked to them after we got inside the compound,” said Windy. “There was a reporter at Stratos last night. It seems he witnessed some of our evening and the little mishap outside.” “Uh oh,” commented Dash worriedly. “What did Soarin have to say about it?” “He said not to worry,” said Windyday. She shrugged. “I guess it's not a big deal.” “Yeah,” said Dash, “Spitfire didn't seem upset with us either. I guess we'd better watch what we do when we're out on the town from now on.” “Good idea,” said Windy. “I think I might have done the worst thing by threatening that guy.” “Maybe,” said Dash, “but Frost and I said some things to him too. So did Flutters. If he was going to make trouble I guess he would have last night.” “I hope that's all there is to it,” said Windy. “We'll have to talk to Frost about it.” “We'd better,” said Dash, “she just might take things into her own hooves if we don't. She has a lot of friends in Cloudsdale and some of them are pretty tough customers, if you know what I mean.” “I don't know,” replied Windy, “and I'd rather not know. The less I know the better in this case.” Dash shrugged. “You may be right. I should go see her and head to dinner.” “I'll go along,” said Windy, “I could go for a cup of tea.”