//------------------------------// // 31. Best Young Flyers Competition - Part 2 // Story: Blaze the Pony Tale // by Wolven5 //------------------------------// Thunderlane was hanging out with Rumble and two pegasus sisters, Rumble’s usual foalsitters, Cloudchaser and Flitter. They were having lunch at a café table when… “Thunder, Rumble!” They turned to look down the block and gasped! “Midnight, Mac?!” Thunder couldn’t help smiling, Rumble yelling happily, “Twinken!” The guys laughed as they hoof-bumped, Thunder asking, “How the hay are you guys up here and not plummeting to your doom?” “How about a little lunch and we’ll talk?” Midnight suggested. After the explanation, Thunderlane whistled and said, “It’s pretty awesome you guys are gonna be here. I know I said Rumble’s the only inspiration I need, but it’s great of you guys to be here too.” “Ahem,” Cloudchaser coughed with a raised brow. “And you gals too!” Thunderlane quickly said to save face. “I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have you girls to help with Rumble when I need you.” “Oh Thundy, we’re just pulling your tail,” Flitter giggled. “So Rarity really has wings right now?” Rumble asked. “They’re only temporary,” Midnight confirmed, “but truth be told, I’m actually glad we resorted to the cloud-walking spell, not just cause it’s easier, mind you. If you saw those wings, you’d understand why no stallion with a shred of self-respect would want them on his back... unless he was gay, that is.” “That, and Miss Rarity cain’t help showin’ `em off,” Big Mac added. “I’d like to fly but not looking like that,” Twinken agreed. “Hey, since you guys are up here, let’s tour Cloudsdale together!” Thunderlane suggested and everypony agreed. Before long, they were trotting about, checking out the amazing architectural work of the buildings around them. The non-flying ponies learned from their pegasi friends that all the buildings weren't made just from cloud but from a material called Olympumice - Cloudstuff that became laced with volcanish ash that was then imbued with pegasus magic. The resulting material became solid enough to construct floating structures for the pegasi to build their skyward city and housing. “This place is amazing!” Midnight marveled at it all, Twinken agreeing as he fidgeted on his big brother's back. “Yeah, it’s cool,” Thunderlane agreed, “but I’m a Ponyville pony at heart. In fact, this is only my third visit to Cloudsdale.” “So you didn’t grow up here, Thunderlane?” Twinken asked. “Nuh-uh, born and raised in Ponyville,” Thunderlane explained, “though my dad did come from Cloudsdale. He moved to Ponyville after he met mom.” “But Cloudsdale is the pegasus capitol and has the biggest weather factory in all of Equestria!” Rumble added, “A lot of amazing flyers came from here, including Rainbow Dash.” “LOOK OUT!” Cloudchaser yelled as she held everyone back and they almost found themselves getting hit by what appeared to be a jackhammer that fell from the sky and vanished into the cloud street in front of them. “Where did that come from?” “Now be careful with those wings, Rarity.” They looked behind them and saw the girls, along with Rarity fluttering about with her wings, Twilight saying, “They’re made from gossamer and morning dew, and they’re incredibly delicate.” “Don’t worry, Twilight,” Rarity waved off the warning, too caught up in the praise she was getting from the locals, “I’m sure they can’t get worn out from… too much attention.” “Hey girls!” Midnight called and they met up, the guys saying hello to Rainbow. “Now the gang’s altogether!” “And while wer’ up here,” Applejack spoke up, “any chance we can get a look at where th’ weather’s made?” “Great idea,” Rainbow said, “Come on, everypony! To the weather factory!” The Cloudsdale Weather Factory was unmistakable, what with thunderclouds and rainbows surrounding it, as well as rainbow falls pouring into the lands below. The visitors all got protective work clothes and hard hats as they entered the factory where Rainbow spoke in a hushed voice, “This is where they make the snowflakes, each one hoof-made.” Everypony looked around, seeing dozens of pegasus ponies at different stations, with tiny carving tools, magnifying glasses, and wearing earmuffs from the cold being pumped into the room to keep the snowflakes from melting. All of them totally focused on the task. “As you can see, it’s a very delicate operation,” Rainbow went on. “Ooh! The snowflakes look even better from up here!” They looked up and saw Rarity flapping near some flakes that had been hung. Unfortunately the beat of her wings caused a strong breeze to blow about, sending the flakes floating and the workers into disarray, as they ran about, trying to catch the flakes. Rainbow winced as she said, “We’d better move on before Rarity ruins winter and causes a drought.” They moved to a work area where liquid rainbow was pouring from one container to another below it, Dash saying, “And here’s where they make the rainbows!” Suddenly, they heard a series of odd noises and turned to see Pinkie’s facing going through different colors and expressions before she was back to her normal pink and panting, “Spicyyyy…!” She ran off, everypony laughing a bit as Dash said, “Yeah, rainbows aren’t really known for their flavor.” “Whoa! Where’d you get those amazing wings? I want a pair!” They looked and saw Rarity showing off her wings to three workers, who took notice of the visitors. “Oh look, it’s Rainbow Crash again!” mocked Dumbbell, or Billy, as he preferred to be called. “Heheheyeah, Rainbow… uh,” Hoops dumbly paused for a moment, “uh… Crash!” “Rarity!” Rainbow snapped, “Why’re you talking to these guys?” “Oh they were just admiring my wings,” Rarity replied like it was no big deal. “You know these guys, Rainbow?” Midnight asked. “Oh we only went to flight camp together,” Billy answered, “Oh and Rainbow? You should just forget the sonic rainboom and get yourself wings like those!” The three pegasus jocks all flew off, laughing mockingly, Thunderlane suddenly asking, “Hey Dash! Why… don’t you take us to see how clouds are made, huh?” As they carried on, he whispered, “Don’t listen to those creeps, Dash. You’re gonna do great in the competition!” “Are you kidding, I can’t do the sonic rainboom!” Rainbow Dash despaired, “And just look at these boring feathered wings, I’m doomed!” The others shared sympathetic looks, hating to see Rainbow beat herself up. They soon came to the cloud-making machines, giant purple funnels pumping out clouds of all types, workers making sure there were no blockages so there was smooth flowing, some adding water to the machines to be vaporized and condensed into cloud. But suddenly, a lot of workers dropped what they were doing and went to admire Rarity’s wings. “What, these old things?” Rarity chuckled, soaking it all up while posing. “Go ahead, everypony, photos are encouraged.” The guys and girls however couldn’t help but frown at Rarity’s showboating while Rainbow just couldn’t help feeling more and more down. Noticing that, Midnight hissed, “Rarity! I thought we came up here to help Rainbow Dash relax! Enough with the showing off and put those wings away before I dispel them!” Gasping, Rarity fluttered upwards, saying, “How can you dare to threaten perfection?” With her wings towards the sun, Rarity cast a myriad display of colors as the sunlight shined through her wings, the workers all in awe of such splendor. Thunderlane then noticed Rainbow Dash kneeling down and cringing. “Uh, Dash? You feeling okay?” “Of course!” Rainbow insisted while sweating, “Why wouldn’t I be? Everyone’s so in love with Rarity’s wings they won’t even notice when I totally blow it in the Best Young Flyers competition!” “Hey, there’s an idea!” said a worker as she said to Rarity, “You should enter the competition!” “Yeah, I could watch you fly all day long, “agreed an elderly mare. “There really isn’t anypony who uses their wings quite like me,” Rarity boasted, “Perhaps I should compete!” “WHAT?!” screamed Rainbow as the workers followed Rarity to continue to admire her. The friends gathered around the slumped Rainbow Dash as she worried, “What’m I gonna do? I don’t stand a chance at winning now…” Soon everypony had gathered in the Cloudsdale coliseum. The whole city had had turned out for the event. In the back, where the competitors all awaited, Rainbow Dash was dreading when she felt a hoof tap her shoulder. “Dash?” “Thunder! Hey…” she said, noticing it was him. “Dash, you just have to relax,” Thunderlane said encouragingly, “You’re one of the most confident ponies I know, and one buckin’ awesome flyer! You’re gonna do great!” “Thanks,” Rainbow Dash muttered. “Hey, be glad you’re number two,” Thunder added, pointing the number out on her flank. “I’m dead-last! Luck of the draw, I guess.” “I’m going to be a while!” They looked to the back of the room just in time to see Rarity close the door to the room she was in, Thunderlane frowning. “That pony needs to sort out her priorities. Anyway, chin up and show `em up, Dash!” Rainbow nodded but peered out the curtains, seeing the magnificence of the coliseum, so many ponies there… to watch her wash out! She noticed the girls sitting in one cloud box, Pinkie holding up a #1 foam finger. The boys were all smiling as they sat with Cloudchaser and Flitter in the next box over. But below them were the jocks, Billy, Hoops, and Score, laughing derisively, no doubt there to watch Rainbow crash (and burn). She gulped nervously, as the announcing began. “Fillies & gentlecolts! Please rise and join me in welcoming our beloved Princess Celestia!” Flanked by two Royal Guards, Princess Celestia descended into the Royal Cloud box and began waving while the announcer continued. “Please welcome our celebrity judges for the Best Young Flyer Competition: the Wonderbolts!” At his words did come soaring in six high-flying Wonderbolts, flying in perfect formation. With amazing aerial acrobatics, they lined up, doing a loop de’ loop, before spiraling out into a fireworks effect, everypony cheering, as the Wonderbolts took their seats at the judges’ table. “And now, let’s find out who will take home the prize as this year’s Best Young Flyer!” The competition got underway, and flyer after flyer came out, each displaying their own routine. Some did well, others not so much, and some did amazing enough to impress the judges, given the way they nodded at some of the competitors. But soon the competition was drawing to a close. In their box, the guys and the sisters were discussing the competitors. “Number 8 did really great,” Midnight commented, Twinken nodding while sitting in his brother’s lap. “Yeah! A triple loop de’ loop followed by an axle-spin?! Awesome!” “Eeyup, an' Number 11 was a mighty strong flyer,” Big Mac brought up. “I wonder why we haven’t seen Thunder, Rainbow or Rarity?" worried Rumble as he sat between Big Mac and Flitter, "The competitions gonna end soon, I hope they get to go on!” “Don’t worry, hon,” Flitter giggled, “Knowing those three, they’ll fight to show off their stuff!” At that moment, however, Thunderlane was sitting against a wall, groaning in boredom, when he realized how empty the waiting room was… empty except for a shaking Rainbow Dash. “Dash? What’re you still doing here, weren’t you-” He then noticed her number was now fifteen and it suddenly made sense! “Dash! Have you been switching numbers so you wouldn’t be sent out?” Before Rainbow Dash could explain, the official, Lucky Packard, said, “Number fifteen, come on! Let’s go!” At that moment, a door opened and out walked, “Rarity… is ready!” Rarity was dressed in an outlandish outfit, her face covered in exotic make-up, posing confidently. Thunderlane, Rainbow, and Lucky Packard couldn't help but gawk and then face-hoof at Rarity's garish appearance. “Look, you three, I don’t know what to tell you,” Lucky Packard groaned, “There’s only time for one more performance! If you all wanna compete, ya gotta go out there together!” “Well, darlings, shall we?” Rarity asked Thunderlane and Rainbow Dash. “And now,” declared the announcer, Madden, “for our final performance of the day, please welcome contestant number fifteen! Oh! And… apparently contestants four and sixteen as well.” “Uh, good luck, Dash,” Thunder said before Rarity butted in. “Oh, and darlings I hope you won’t mind that I changed the music – that… rock n’ roll doesn’t really match my wings.” Thunderlane gave her the stink-eye, which Rarity didn’t bother noticing, before he gave Rainbow an encouraging pat on the shoulder. But suddenly, a score of classical music rang out through the arena and they saw Rarity doing what appeared to be an aerial ballet. “Come on, Rainbow Dash,” Rainbow muttered, tapping her head, “You can do this! Just remember the routine!” From their box, the guys and sisters watched as the three simultaneous flyers each did a routine, but Rainbow accidentally bumped into a cloud pillar and crashed against an arena wall, and it just had to be below the jocks. “Nice work, Rainbow Crash!” mocked Hoops, laughing with his friends. “Time for phase two,” Rainbow ordered herself and flew out the arena, not noticing Thunderlane doing as well. The two of them zoomed around clouds but while Rainbow continued onto another, Thunderlane carried on the rotation of the one he’d gone to first. “He’s doing it, the charge-up for the Thunder Flap!” Rumble whispered to his friends and foalsitters. Suddenly, a puff of cloud was sent hurtling down to the arena, and everypony gasped when it almost hit the princess. Rainbow winced at her mess-up but couldn’t help looking towards Rarity. “And now, for my grand finale! To rise up to the sun and beam my beautiful wings over the whole city of Cloudsdale!” She squealed excitably, “They’ll speak of it for years to come!” Rarity and Rainbow Dash flew straight up, Rainbow concentrating for phase three while Rarity flew right up to the sun and faced down to the coliseum, ignoring the sweltering heat as she declared, “Look upon me, Equestria, for… I… am… Rarity!” She spread her wings sending another colorful cascade down upon Cloudsdale, to the marvel of everypony. But unfortunately, the rays of the sun made quick work of the wings composed of gossamer and morning dew, and they promptly burst into flames and were ashes all at once. Rarity noticed and uttered, “UH-OH!” And not a moment later, she started plummeting towards her doom. “Oh no, her wings evaporated into thin air!” Twilight cried out, Rarity screaming as she fell down the floorless coliseum. Three Wonderbolts took the initiative and dove down to rescue her. But as they approached her, Rarity, in her screaming panic, flailed out her hooves, accidentally knocking all three of them unconscious, so then four ponies were then plummeting to their doom. At that some moment, Rainbow gasped when she noticed the four of them falling. “Dash!” She looked and saw Thunderlane, “Get after them and give me the signal when you need a boost!” “Why?!” “Just trust me, and you’ll save them with the Sonic Rainboom!” Seeing the faith her friend had in his eyes, Rainbow nodded. “Hold on, Rarity! I’m coming!” And with that, she dove straight down in a rainbow streak while Thunderlane dove towards the cloud he’d charged with his high-velocity rotation. “What’s Thunderlane doing?!” Midnight was starting to freak out. “I think he’s gonna give Rainbow a boost with the Thunder Flap!” Rumble exclaimed. “I hope it works!” worried Twinken. Thunderlane dove straight through the thundercloud, which followed after him in a stream of cloud and electricity, as he dove after Rainbow Dash. At that moment, Rainbow, increasing her diving velocity, started to push the sound barrier, everypony noticing. “Now, Thunderlane!” “Right!” Thunderlane fanned his wings and faced the stream of electrifying cloud, which pummeled against him, but he held on as the thundercloud built up onto his wings. He faced downwards and fanned them out, the thundercloud now shaped as giant pegasus wings laced with electricity, and gave them a thunderous flap! *KA-FLAMP* The power struck down in flashing tendrils, hitting the sound barrier and Rainbow Dash broke through! In a burst of sound and color, she streaked down, a rainbow shock wave spreading. “A SONIC RAINBOOM!!” Fluttershy screamed while jumping up and down, “SHE DID IT, SHE DID IT! WHOOO!!!” Just before the falling four hit the ground, Rainbow swooped them up, streaking a rainbow trail in her wake as she zoomed across the land before rising up and creating a rainbow right above the coliseum! She rose up from the bottom, some pegasus ponies coming down to take the unconscious Wonderbolts and the now flightless Rarity off her hooves. But as she landed, Rainbow Dash was blown away by the applause, everypony cheering their hearts out, Fluttershy most of all. “I did it…!” she whispered. “You sure did.” She looked to see Thunderlane holding Rarity, who said, “You really did it, Rainbow Dash. And you saved my life! Thank you.” “Heh, I guess so! Best day ever!” Rainbow yelled. After the excitement had died down a little, everypony gathered in front of the hot-air balloon where Rarity was, as she never got the cloud-walking spell cast on her. “I just want to apologize to you all, especially you, Rainbow Dash. When I got my… beautiful wings!” She sighed, “I guess I just lost my head.” They all gave their okays and no-hard-feelings, and Rarity said, “And Rainbow, Thunder? I am especially sorry for jumping into the contest after you two trained so hard for it.” “Ah no sweat it, it all turned out okay, eh Dash?” Thunderlane said with a smile. “Sure, though I wish I could've met the Wonderbolts while they were awake,” Rainbow lamented when she heard somepony clear their throat. She looked and gasped to the three Wonderbolts she saved. “So you’re the little pony who saved our rumps! We just wanted to thank you." “Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!” Rainbow gasped. “Put your eyeballs back in your head, Dash!” laughed Thunderlane. “Princess!” They all turned to see Princess Celestia approach, sided by her guards. “Hello, Twilight Sparkle, and hello to your friends as well.” “Princes, I’m really sorry I ruined the competition,” apologized Rarity, “Rainbow Dash here is truly the Best Flyer in Equestria.” “Ah, I couldn’t have done it if it weren’t for Thunderlane giving me a boost with his Thunder Flap,” Rainbow admitted sheepishly. “Who are you and what have you done with Rainbow Dash?” Thunderlane chuckled, as did the guys. “Well, on both those accounts I agree,” Princess Celestia stated, “which is why for her daring act of bravery, along with her incredible Sonic Rainboom, as well as Thunderlane’s quick-thinking and impressive Thunder Flap, I am presenting the grand prize of Best Young Fliers to this year’s tying winners, Rainbow Dash and Thunderlane!” Everypony cheered as Princess Celestia placed the winner’s crown on Rainbow’s head while the guards presented Thunderlane with the trophy, all the while Rainbow couldn’t stop saying, “Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!” as she and Thunder were carried proudly by their friends. “So Twilight Sparkle,” Princess Celestia said, addressing her student, “Has this experience taught you something about friendship?” “It did, Princess,” replied Twilight, “But I think the pony who truly learned it was Rarity.” “It certainly did,” Rarity admitted, “I learned how important it is to keep your hooves on the ground and be there for your friends.” “A well-learned lesson, Rarity,” complimented Celestia. “Uh, Rainbow Crash-” they heard somepony say before another hissed, “Dash!” It was the jocks, as they approached Rainbow, Billy saying, “Uh, Rainbow Dash. we just wanted to congratulate you on winning the competition. You too, Thunderlane.” “That Sonic Rainboom?! That Thunder Flap?!” Hoops got riled up. “Totally AWESOME!” “Well, thanks guys,” Rainbow smiled appreciatively. “And we’re sorry we gave you such a hard time before,” Billy added. “Ah, don’t sweat it,” Rainbow waved it off, balancing the crown on her head. “Hey! Do y’wanna hang out with us? We’d love to learn how you did that incredible trick!” “Sorry boys,” Rainbow streaked past them and up to two waiting Wonderbolts. “But I've got plans!” As they flew off, the jocks heard somepony laugh and they looked to see Thunderlane approach. “I know I’m no Rainbow Dash, but if you wanna hang out, I’d like to introduce you to my pals!” “That’d be great!” Hoops yelled, and the guys struck out to take Cloudsdale by the storm!