"Soarin', c'mon. Time to wake up."
With a groan, Soarin’ forced his eyes open. He rubbed them as he stared blankly at the sight of Braeburn next to his bed.
"We gotta get movin'."
"Right... the thing," Soarin' muttered as he sat up. "What are we doing, exactly?"
Braeburn grinned. "We're goin' to the rodeo!"
Soarin' slowly blinked once. "The what now?"
"The rodeo. Well, the arena, more so. It’s out at the south end of town."
"They run those things this early?"
"Well, sometimes yes, but not today."
Soarin' glanced at the clock across the room, which read six o' clock. "Then why are we going this early?"
Braeburn walked towards the stairs, as he explained, "Most ponies aren't gonna wake up yet. Ah figured if we got movin' now, you could get in some flyin' time."
"You want me to fly?" Soarin' asked as he cocked his head to the side.
"When some of us in the apple orchards don't buck for a while, our legs take a bit to get back into the swing o' things. Ah figured the same would work for your wings, right?"
Soarin' flapped his wings a few times and moved them in different positions. He was quiet for a moment before he replied, "And you're sure there won't be anypony around?"
"Sometimes ponies like to practice tricks every once in a while, but not usually this early. We can find out when we get there, but ah'm positive there won't be anypony around."
The Wonderbolt crossed his forelegs and stared at his bed sheets.
Braeburn approached the bed. "If you don't wanna go, then it's okay, but we really gotta get movin' if you do."
Soarin' took one more look at his wings, then turned to Braeburn. "Alright, let's do it."
"Great! Ah'll be downstairs when you're ready."
Braeburn trotted down the stairs, and Soarin' used the time to get out of bed and get on his disguise. After straightening his bedsheets, he met his host near the door, and both stallions headed out.
The town showed minor activity, including ponies heading to orchards, or others setting up shop. Before long, the amount of ponies started to dwindle, and completely disappeared when they reached the arena. After walking under a large awning, Braeburn opened up a chain-link gate and ushered his friend inside.
The dirt path Soarin' walked along led to an open area within. The field was large, and was surrounded by a grandstand that wrapped around the arena. Behind the stands were incredibly large, tan wooden walls, which effectively blocked any sight from the oustide. Above the stadium was an excellent view of the sky, thanks to it being open-dome.
Braeburn walked to Soarin'. "So... whaddya think?"
"Wow... this place looks nice," Soarin' replied as he took in the view. "How big is this area?"
"Forty-five by a hundred yards."
"That's not too bad, actually."
"It's one o' the biggest arenas you'll find 'round these parts." Braeburn looked around and perked his ears up. After a moment, he stated, "Why don't you give flyin' a shot?"
Soarin' quickly turned to Braeburn, then to his clothes. "Did you see or hear anypony around here?"
"Not a soul."
“Know if there are any goggles around? I never packed mine, and I’ll need them for this.”
Braeburn put a hoof to his chin, then remarked, “Lemme go check.” He took off and eventually returned with a pair of goggles hanging from his mouth. He then dropped them in Soarin’s awaiting hooves. “The break room had some, but this was the only decent lookin’ one. Hope it’s your size.”
Soarin’ looked over the goggles and placed them over his head. He stretched them several times, slowly working them towards his eyes. Once firmly placed, he rubbed the lenses and looked around. “It’s a little snug, but it’s better than nothing.” After taking a look around the grandstands, he proceeded to remove his hat and vest, unfurling his wings. "I guess I’ll put on a small show."
Braeburn nodded. "Now just remember not to go too high. Those walls can't hide you if you do." He walked towards the stands as he mentioned, "Ah'll go watch from the side."
Soarin' walked towards the center of the arena. He did a few quick stretches before taking a deep breath. He glanced back at Braeburn, who was sitting with an expectant smile on his face. Here we go...
He got close to the floor before pushing off and into the air. He gritted his teeth as he began takeoff, but he started to relax as he flew faster. Soarin' began twirling in the air and started to fly in a large circle around the stands. Then he flew towards the center of the arena as a smile broke out on his face.
He shot up into the sky, ascending quickly until he was level with the very top of the surrounding walls, and plummeted towards the ground. Soarin' continued to pick up speed, and his eyes narrowed more as he pressed on. Then, with pinpoint precision, he pulled up in time to fly within a hair's breadth of the floor. As he neared the edge of the arena space, he started to turn to his left. Gradually, he began flying in a tight circle, which increased his speed while doing so. Next, he slowly ascended into the sky and expanded his radius, creating a dust devil. When it was at the right size and density, he dipped up and dove directly into the eye of the mini tornado, effectively dispersing it. Finally, he looped three times in the air before being in the center of the stadium space. He lowered himself to the floor, gently touching down.
Soarin' was breathing heavily as he looked at his wings, unable to help the smile that crept onto his face.
"That was amazin'!" Braeburn cried as he ran towards Soarin'. "Ah never knew pegasi could fly like that!"
"If that impressed you... then you haven't seen anything... until you've seen a Wonderbolt's show." Soarin' began licking his lips. "Now, uh... is there water around here?"
"Oh! Yeah! There are a few waterin' troughs 'round here. Lemme take you to one." Braeburn led Soarin' to the entrance of the arena, where one of the troughs was placed. Soarin' immediately pressed the nearby button to activate the flow of water, and stuck his head into the pooling bin, drinking his fill. After a moment, Braeburn asked, "So how long did it take you to fly like that?"
"Years of practice,” Soarin’ responded before pausing to drink more water. “Wasn't until a few years ago that I actually got good."
"You don't say."
Soarin' lifted his head back up and wiped the excess water off his mouth. He shook his head to let his mane spread out his sweat-dampened hair, and suddenly he froze. He patted the top of his head and observed his wings. "My clothes!"
Braeburn's eyes grew wide. "Shoot! They're back in the field!" He looked around before noticing a bathroom a small distance away. "There, wait for me in there while ah get your stuff," he instructed before breaking into a gallop.
Soarin' dashed into the bathroom. He waited within one of the ten stalls inside and sat patiently, keeping any sign of his hooves out of view. After a bit, he took another look at his wings. I haven't flown like that in a while. Felt pretty good. Soarin' gave his wings a tiny flap. Guess a little time off did me some good after all.
"Soarin'?" Braeburn whispered from within the bathroom. "It's me. Come on out. Ah got your stuff."
The stall door creaked as Soarin' gently pushed it open. Sure enough, his coat and hat were safe and sound.
"Thanks," Soarin' sighed as he put his clothes back on.
"Yes, thank you.” Braeburn and Soarin' quickly turned to the bathroom's entrance, where Strawberry Dreams stood with a small smile on her face. "You know, for somepony who hates talking to the press, you don’t make yourself too hard to track down." She leaned against the doorway, tapping her hoof as her eyes alternated between Soarin' and Braeburn.
"What do you want?" Soarin' growled through his teeth.
"No accent?" Strawberry queried with a small pout. "That's a bit of a letdown." She stood straight up. "So you're not denying it? You're Soarin'?"
"Aren't you smart enough to figure that out yourself?"
"My, my, no need to be so bitter."
"'Scuse me, ma'am," Braeburn stated as he walked forward. "My friend and ah would really like it if you would leave us alone."
"Yeah, run along," Soarin' added. "Mosey on down to those friends of yours, I’m sure you’ve gotta make some fake stories for a quick bit."
Strawberry scoffed. "The ponies just want to know about you. What’s one little detail going to matter?"
"Stuff like that, especially when it’s not true, is nopony’s business."
“You say it’s not true, but with a scene like this, I doubt anypony would think otherwise.”
Soarin’ scowled. “Whatever it is you’ve got to say, I don’t have any time to talk about it, nor will I ever have that time for anypony like you.”
"Are you always this difficult?"
"Yeah, actually. I am. Found that out myself not too long ago."
Strawberry groaned. "The more you ignore the press, the worse things will turn out for you."
"I think I’ll take my chances," Soarin' shot back. "Besides, you’d just put words in my mouth and there's your new rumor of the week."
"Do you even remember who I write for?"
"That's enough!" Braeburn stated firmly. "My friend here don't wanna answer any of your questions, so how about you skedaddle?"
Strawberry cocked her head back. "Excuse me? I’ll have you know-"
"Ah said get! Run along before ah bring in the sheriff's buddies!"
After a tense moment, Strawberry looked at Soarin' before looking away and sighing. "Fine. Be that way." She turned around, but then looked over her shoulder and shook her head before walking away.
Neither stallion uttered a word until the sound of her hoofsteps had disappeared.
"You alright?" Braeburn asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks, Braeburn."
"Good. Now let's get outta here before somepony else shows up."
Soarin' nodded and followed Braeburn out of the stadium.
*****
"Do you think she'll tell anypony else 'bout you?" Braeburn asked once they neared the center of Appleloosa.
"Nah, reporters like her only want exclusive scoops," Soarin' explained. "She goes and blabs about me, and there goes most of her paycheck."
Braeburn sighed. "Why are they so darn interested in you anyway?"
Soarin’ briefly paused. "You really don't know, do you?"
"Nope."
He looked towards the sky. "There was a rumor started about me a couple years ago. They think... they think that I'm gay.”
Braeburn raised an eyebrow. "And...?"
"That's it."
Suddenly, Braeburn stopped in his tracks. "That's it? Just 'cause you might be gay?"
Soarin' quickly held up his hooves. "Not so loud!" he whispered. "But yeah, that's it. The rumor wasn't anything big at first, but once the media picked up on it, everything I did was judged." He gritted his teeth and exhaled sharply through his nostrils. “I wish they’d just leave me alone.”
Braeburn's face made a series of confused expressions before he could finally utter any words. "It'd make sense if they thought that you stole money, or that you beat up somepony, but they’d hound you just because of somethin' as dumb as that?"
"Tell me about it," Soarin' added as he shook his head. "Every once in a while there'll be some picture of me leaning against another stallion, or me in some awkward pose for half a second, or even me just hanging out with friends, and there's almost always a caption with the word 'gay' in it."
"Why go to all this trouble over somethin' like that?"
"Because they just want the sort of story that will drive up business for them. They couldn’t care less about who they hurt in the process."
Braeburn shook his head. "It just ain't right. There oughta be some sorta law against ponies doin' that!"
Soarin' shrugged. "There have been attempts before, but nothing really came out of them." Braeburn then stopped Soarin' in place. "What's up?" he asked his guide, who was busy staring elsewhere. Soarin' looked to where he was staring and saw a tan stallion with a blue vest and a black hat enter the sheriff's station down the road.
"It's Sheriff Silverstar!" Braeburn exclaimed. "He's back!"
"That's him?"
"Yep! Now c'mon, let's go talk to him."
Both stallions started quickly walking towards the office, but Soarin' stopped. "The Wonderbolts packet, I need that!"
Braeburn's eyes widened. "Where is it?"
"It's uh... it's on top of the drawer near your bed!"
"You're sure?"
"Yeah."
"Okay, let's see." Braeburn tapped his hoof and looked at the floor before jerking his head back up. "Ah got a plan. C'mon." He took off towards the station, his friend following close behind. As soon as Braeburn pushed past the doors, he called out, "Sheriff!" attracting the attention of that very stallion.
"Well, howdy, Braeburn," Sheriff Silverstar greeted. "Much as ah'd love talkin' to you again, ah'm afraid ah've got a mountain of problems to get to."
"Oh? What’s up?"
Sheriff groaned. "Apparently, somepony in town started throwin' 'round a rumor that some hotshot Wonderbolt strolled into town. Now ah got all these connivin' ponies runnin' all over, makin' a mess of things!"
"Actually, Sheriff," Braeburn began, "my friend here wanted to talk to you 'bout that."
Sheriff quickly glanced over Soarin'. "And who's this?"
"It ain't somethin' y'all can talk about in the open, sir."
Sheriff Silverstar put a hoof to his chin and carefully studied the disguised pegasus. "Well, alright," he replied. "Long as it's quick."
As Sheriff Silverstar walked towards his office, Soarin' stood in front of Braeburn. "So this plan of yours involves putting me on the spot?" he quietly growled.
"It does, ah'm sorry," Braeburn answered, low-key. "Ah'll run on home and get your packet. Just keep talkin' and ah'm sure y'all will hit it off! It's just ‘til ah get back."
"C'mon now. Ah don't got all day," Sheriff called as he stood patiently in front of his office door.
Soarin' bit the inside of his cheek. "Alright, fine. Just make it quick."
Braeburn nodded before running off.
Turning to face the Sheriff's office, Soarin' headed inside. He took note of the many pictures of the Sheriff with other citizens, the plaques for various achievements in the town, and the neatly organized wooden desk the Sheriff sat behind.
“Have a seat,” Sheriff Silverstar offered as he motioned his hoof toward the single chair in front of the desk. Soarin’ quickly complied and sat down.
"Now, what can ah do ya for, Mister…”
"Mul— uh... Soarin', sir."
"Soarin'?" Sheriff Silverstar began looking through a stack of papers on his desk. "That sounds an awful lot like—" He looked up and saw Soarin' remove his vest, revealing the pair of wings beneath. "...Like the Wonderbolt runnin' around town." He leaned back in his seat. "You sure know how to bring in a crowd, y'know that?"
Soarin' slightly grimaced. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disrupt things."
"Hey now," Sheriff replied with a wave of his hoof, "ah wasn’t serious. Think nothin' of it." He sat up straight. "So how are you likin’ our humble town?"
Soarin' leaned back in his seat, looking towards the ceiling as his time in Appleloosa passed through his mind. "Y'know, it's the kind of place you really like when you get used to it."
"Fair 'nough," Sheriff replied with a nod. "Now what brings you out here?"
"That actually has to do with what Braeburn's getting right now. I was sent here by my manager to scout out a venue for future Wonderbolt events."
"Really?"
"Yes. I was given a packet of information that I was supposed to give you, but Braeburn and I weren't aware you were in town, so he's grabbing that information from his place right now."
The Sheriff tilted his head. "Now he didn't have to go and run off. We could've just looked at it when ah'm not so busy."
"That's the thing," Soarin' replied. "I'm on a bit of a time crunch here, and the sooner I get this information to you, the better."
"Ah see," Sheriff Silverstar replied. "'spose gettin' you outta my town quicker would be better for us all." He stared deadpan at Soarin', who shrank back in his seat. "That was a joke," he stated.
"Oh, uh... of course," Soarin' stated before chuckling very badly.
"Seriously though, I don't know if we'd even be able to help you out. We’ve got spaces for rodeos and performances, but air shows? ‘Fraid we don’t have anywhere good ‘nough for that."
Soarin' raised an eyebrow. "What about the arena?"
"Pardon?"
"Braeburn showed me some arena that you have in the south, what about that?"
"Wouldn't all the dirt get in your way?"
"I mean, we could always spruce things up a little, wouldn’t be the first time. Other than that, the place is pretty good for flying. I tried it out earlier today."
The Sheriff put his hooves together. "You know, we do have our city fair comin' up in the fall. The Wonderbolts bein' in town would bring in some nice business..."
Soarin' started to smile. "So... you'll do it?"
"Well, first ah gotta talk to your supervisors or whoever and we gotta reach a deal. But that shouldn’t be too difficult." Sheriff Silverstar then leaned over his desk. "Hopefully Braeburn arrives back soon so we can—”
No sooner than when those words left his lips did Braeburn stumble into the room, drenched in sweat and gasping for breath. "Here's... here's... the stuff," he declared as he held the packet in the air.
"Sweet Celestia, Braeburn! Nopony should be runnin' around in this heat!" Sheriff Silverstar exclaimed as he got up and started to walk towards the door. "You keep him still," he stated, pointing to Soarin', "ah'm gettin' him some water."
Soarin' quickly moved towards Braeburn and gave him his seat. "Why would you do that? You could've been hurt!" he nagged.
"You... needed them, though..."
"I do, but it wouldn't do me any good if you got heat stroke!"
"Ah just wanted... to help."
Soarin's lower lip curled up as he sighed. "I get that, and I appreciate it, but you need to think of what’s going to hurt you instead of rushing in blindly. Help others, yes. But don't be reckless!"
Braeburn's breathing started to normalize as he turned to his friend and said "Is this what you meant yesterday? 'Bout fixin' everypony's problems?"
Soarin' nodded.
"Ah get what you mean, really. Still... it's just how ah am."
"I've noticed," Soarin' replied coolly.
The Sheriff then re-entered the room, along with a cup and a pitcher full of water. He filled the cup to the brim and gave it to Braeburn, who started to drink it greedily. He continued this process several times before leaving Braeburn to finish off the rest of the pitcher. "Now let's take a look at what we've got here." He sat down again and opened up the information packet and started to look over the pages. He took his time to read over everything before reaching the very end. "Well, this is something ah'll have to discuss with the other officials, but this could very well work out."
Soarin's ears perked up. "I'm sure my manager would be glad to hear that."
"They should hear from us in due time. As for now, ah'm afraid ah’m gonna have to ask the both of you to leave now. Got a lot to deal with 'round town."
"Of course. Thank you again, sir!"
Soarin' bumped Sheriff Silverstar's hoof before putting his disguise back on and walking with Braeburn out of the office and onto the street. He sighed. "Thank Celestia that's done."
"So that's all you had to do, huh?" Braeburn inquired.
"Yeah, now I guess I just wait to see what happens next."
"That's good to hear."
Soarin' looked over at his companion for a moment. "Is it alright for you to be walking around?"
Braeburn briefly hesitated. "Oh, ah'm fine now.”
“Are you sure?”
“Honest. This ain’t the hottest it’s been ‘round these parts, and the water sure helped, just gotta take it easy now." Soarin' nodded before focusing his attention onto the trail ahead. Braeburn glanced over at Soarin' a couple times before looking away. "So... ah guess this means you're gonna head back home now, huh?" After no immediate response, and seeing Soarin’ was no longer beside him, he turned around.
Soarin' had stopped in place, and was staring at the floor. He then turned around to look at the hills in the distance.
"Soarin'?"
He looked at Braeburn with a slight grin on his face. "Well... I do have at least another day before I need to return. Would you mind having to deal with me for a bit longer?"
Braeburn started to smile, himself. "Not at all!"
"Great! Thanks, Braeburn."
"Don't mention it! Now let's get back home. Ah've got a real good potato salad recipe you might enjoy."
"Good, 'cause I am starving!" Soarin' commented as he subconsciously moved his wings. He then stopped and looked at where his wings were with a raised eyebrow.
Braeburn took notice of this. "Somethin' wrong?"
"No... it's just my wings are..." he paused and rolled his shoulders, "really light."
"Is that... normal?"
"Sort of, but... I haven't felt like this in a long time. I noticed it earlier today after flying around." Soarin' slightly moved his wings from under the jacket. "It feels really good."
"Well... that’s great news! Sounds like this town did you some good. You might feel even more better after tomorrow."
"Yeah, just try not to keep me here forever, alright?"
Both stallions shared a chuckle before continuing on their way back to stay in Braeburn's house for the rest of the day.