//------------------------------// // Chats, Plans & Parties // Story: Friendship's New Flight: Air Rivals // by Masterob //------------------------------// At Babs' place, the crusaders are talking amongst each other. "So tell me, how's things been going?" Babs asked. Apple Bloom responded, "It's been fun, our sisters and their friends expanded their group, twins named Flitter & Cloudchaser, and a stallion named Thunderlane, when they befriended them we got Thunderlane's brother Rumble here to join us" Rumble nodded, "It was Scootaloo's idea, she got me into the group" "Without consulting us first", Sweetie stated. "Oh clam it Sweetie, it was just a rash judgement", Scootaloo said, a little annoyed at being blamed for this.. "One that worked well for us, Rumble's a nice boy, a little timid though", Apple Bloom said. "A little? He doesn't wanna try anything to get our cutie marks unless it's totally safe and non-dangerous, weird coming from a colt that performs with Rainbow Dash" Sweetie complained. "Hush up Sweetie Belle, so he's a little cautious, he'll lighten up, personally I'm flattered, it just means he cares about us", Apple Bloom stated. Rumble blushed, "Yeah, I don't want you getting hurt, pretty fillies need to be careful", that comment caused a little blush from the crusaders, though Sweetie and Scootaloo maintained a serious expression. "Aw, see, he's as sweet as an Apple Family Apple Pie", Apple Bloom said and nuzzled Rumble, causing a blush from him. Babs looked somewhat suspicious at that though. "We don't like being careful, that's boring, and we're not just some 'pretty filies' as you called us", Scootaloo said. "Relax Scoots, he's just a natural flirt like his brother, besides nothing wrong with being pretty, we are pretty, hey Rumble, don't you think Babs is pretty too?" Apple Bloom asked. Rumble looked at Babs, she looked cute, not really his type due to her odd mane style and the fact he thought she looked a little chubby, he wouldn't say this out loud, he didn't want to hurt her feelings, "Uh yeah, she is". Babs could sense the doubt in that, it actually insulted her a bit that he likely didn't really think she was pretty, not that she liked him, she doesn't since she barely knows him but she's still upset that he probably didn't mean what he said. "So you condone him being a flirt?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Yeah, ah find it cute", Apple Bloom said. "That doesn't make any sense, you like being called pretty, even though you know he's just being a flirt, so he likely just says it without meaning it, and you condone that? That makes you seem very shallow and desperate", Sweetie said. Apple Bloom looked very angry now, "Ah thought ah told you to cool it with this bad attitude Sweetie Belle, like it or not, Rumble's a Crusader, ah like him and so does Scootaloo, you need to start liking him too!" Sweetie turned away angrily. "I mean seriously, you like Babs even though she used to pick on us!" Rumble glared at Babs, "You did what!? Why would you do that!?" Babs looked taken aback by that, but Apple Bloom interjected, "Long story, point is if she can get past that, she can get past this nonsense, yah never even did anything to her so I don't get this bad attitude" "When we let Babs in, we at least knew about it first hand, we made the decision before she arrived in Ponyville", Sweetie Belle said. "Scootaloo let us know about Rumble beforehand", Sweetie Belle replied. "She said she'll check him out before we decide, the next time she spoke to us she told us she made him a member shortly after Thunderlane was accepted by our sisters", Sweetie said. Rumble looked uncomfortable, granted it's not as bad as the whole Applejack situation from a while ago but it's still somewhat awkward for him. Apple Bloom noticed his tense nature, "Ah don't want to deal with you on this now, ya got Rumble all nervous, come on Rumble, lets go find your brother", Apple Bloom left with Rumble while Babs spoke with the crusaders. "What's your take on him Babs?" Scootaloo asked. "I don't trust the kid, he's too nice, no colt is that nice with fillies unless he wants somethin' from them, I mean ya heard the way he called you'se all pretty fillies', the kid's just dragging ya's for a ride", Babs said. "Perhaps, we'll keep an eye on him then, I still don't like the kid much, there's just something about him", Sweetie said. "Maybe I did jump the gun on bringing him into the group, but maybe Apple Bloom's right, the kid needs a chance, wait for him to move past his timid nature", Scootaloo said. "And if he doesn't? Sweetie Belle asked. Scootaloo sighed, "Then we'll considering removing him from the group, but like I said, give him a chance". The other girls nodded in agreement. ~Random Moment~ Cheese Sandwich was busy putting some final touches on the party, "I'm gonna make this a SUPER party...well as well as I can, some ponies don't like the hard party style, ah well the world runs on diversity, good to have a challenge" Pinkie barged into the building, "CHEESE!" Cheese looked around, "Pinkie?" Pinkie noticed Cheese, "Cheese!" "Pinkie! It's so good to see...Pinkie wait!" Too late, she had hug tackled him. ~Random Moment Over~ In the hotel room, Trixie started talking business with Lightning Dust, Suri & The Flim Flam Brothers. "So darling, what's the plan?" Suri asked. "The plan is simple, you're all gonna attend a party tomorrow, it's for fashion enthusiasts, since you're trying to push out your product, go there and get the interest of the ponies there, to seal the deal promise them seats to Trixie's show that Trixie will be performing at the theater tomorrow, Trixie will promote your products through her show, and your star sponsor Lightning Dust shall put on a great performance, Trixie guarantees you and the brothers there will rule the world of fashion", Trixie explained. "Fashion is just the start, soon we'll hit other products, I'm sure the brothers want to get back into the Cider Business that the Apple Family were foolish enough to turn down" "Sure we would have made more but we made the machine that would make the job easier, all they had to do was get the apples, not that hard, plus the profits would have added up", Flim stated. "We're gonna rule all retail, we'll dominate and be the richest ponies in ALL of Equestria!" Suri raised her hooves high, "It all starts tomorrow, so long as you pull your weight Trixie" "Trixie has everything under control, just do what Trixie says, and DON'T screw this up", Trixie warned. "I don't screw up okay, I'm a genius, the only reason I failed against Rarity was because of that backstabbing Coco Pommel, after everything I've done for her", Suri stated. Trixie got their attention, "Listen, we need to band together, we all have something in common, we have bad history Twilight Sparkle's friends, Trixie herself dislikes Rainbow Dash, and to some extent Applejack & Rarity for heckling Trixie and taking part in ruining Trixie's career, as well as Pinkie Pie, due to her annoying nature, and her family's stupid rock farm, have you seen Pinkie Pie's sister Maud? All she does is talk about rocks, like seriously, who likes rocks that much!?" Lightning nodded, "Same here, showing up at the academy, they nearly get killed but not because of me, because they never should have even been there in the first place, it's like blaming someone if they go to a weapons testing facility and they get caught in the crossfire, then Rainbow say I'm insensitive, the way I see it, if they got hurt, it was their damn fault, they should have just been happy enough to be alive, but that wasn't enough, they ruined my dream", Lightning Dust stated. "Those girls interfered in a competition me and my brother had against the Apple Family", Flim stated. "Hardly seemed fair, I mean we couldn't turn them away, it would have made us look bad", Flam stated. "Those girls also got involved in my plans, then they manipulated Coco", Suri stated. "So we have that extra motivation, not just the retails, or being the best fliers, or being the greatest showpony, but to get revenge on The Elements of Harmony and right the wrongs done against us", Trixie stated. "So we're all in", Lightning Dust stated. They all nodded and put their hooves in for a pact. This alliance was underway. Later that night, the entire gang were in the hotel, getting settled for bed. Applejack had just dropped off the Crusaders in their room, "Behave yourselves tonight". Apple Bloom nodded, "We will". Once Applejack left, Apple Bloom gave Rumble a seductive stare, "Oh Rumble...". After she left she crossed paths with Rarity. "Applejack, hello darling, how were things today, did Sweetie Belle behave?" Applejack nodded, "Yeah, a little" Rarity looked concerned, "A little? Did it have to do with Rumble?" Applejack did an 'eh' motion with her hooves, "Sorta" Rarity sighed, "I need to deal with her soon, but I was wondering, I know you were supposed to stay in Twilight's room but I wanted to know if you would join me in my room instead, we won't be alone of course but it would be nice to spend a little time with you, we don't speak too much anymore, I'm starting to miss you" Applejack rubbed her head a little, "Aw shucks Rarity, ah guess ah can do that, kinda miss you too, I'll just let Twilight know". Rarity nodded, "Sounds good to me". Applejack left to let Twilight know of the room change. Then soon Thunderlane himself was getting to his room, Rainbow Dash confronted him. "Hey Thunder, got a minute?" Thunderlane nodded, "Totally, what's up?" "Listen, we haven't had a chance to really do much together since arriving here". "Oh, sorry about that, Applejack really wanted me to go to see her cousins". "That's cool, I know Applejack just wants to be nice to you after all the crap she gave you before, but lets try to make time for us", Rainbow suggested, a little hopeful for a moment just for them. Thunderlane chuckled, "Oh, so now there's an 'us'?" Rainbow Dash punched him a little, "Quit getting funny ideas", she warned. "Ow", Thunderlane rubbed his arm, "Sorry Dash" "Yeah whatever, listen lets go grab a drink tomorrow, then see the Manehatten sights, this is a cool place to fly, if you're careful around the skyscrapers" "Sounds awesome...well we should probably get ready, you all ok with me sharing a room with you mares though?" Rainbow scoffed, "Psh, like you'll try anything, you don't have the guts", she taunted. "I...yeah I wouldn't, I'm pretty sure you could all kick my ass", Thunderlane said with a nervous chuckle. "Damn straight we could, be happy you're on our good side", Rainbow said with a reassuring smile. Both chuckled and went to their room, though along the way caught Spike trying to sneak into Rarity's room. "Time to keep Rarity company", Spike muttered. "Spike...what are you doing?" Rainbow asked. Spike stopped, "Oh crap" "Yeah, didn't Twilight tell you not to bunk with Rarity?" Thunderlane asked. "Hey what are you, Twilight's message boy?" Spike asked. "I'm just relaying what she said, you don't wanna get in trouble do you". "I got this, Twilight will never-" "Spike!" Spike grew worried, "Oh no", he turned around and saw an unhappy Twilight. "Spike, room, now" Twilight pointed to the door. "But Twilight!" "No buts! Now" "You should listen to her little buddy, she knows best", Thunderlane added. "Don't be a kiss up Thunder-lame", Spike insulted. "Spike!" "Yeah?" "Do NOT insult Thunderlane, is that understood?" Spike rolled his eyes, "What are you in love with him?" Twilight gave him a glare that shut him up, then he walked off to the room while grumbling that Twilight isn't his babysitter or anything like that. Twilight approached Thunderlane, "Sorry about Spike, he can be a little out of line sometimes, so I gotta play authority". "It's fine, Rumble can be like that on occasion", Thunderlane admitted. "Really? He seems like such a nice boy", Twilight said. The idea of Rumble being a troublemaker seems odd to her. "He is, but he does have his moments, all ponies do, or in this case, dragons", Thunderlane stated. They all chuckled and went to their room, ready for the party the next day. ~Next Day~ The gang approached the sight party, led by Coco Pommel. "We're almost there", Coco stated, leading them into a huge building, all types of ponies were there, many already showing off designs. "I remember this place, fond memories", Pinkie Pie said. "Pinkie you were last here yesterday remember?" Twilight said. "Yeah, I gave Cheese a Super Duper hug! Like I said, fond memories" Everypony chuckled walked around the building, they saw all the ponies socializing amongst each other. "Wow, so many rich ponies", Rainbow said. "Not all of them, some look pretty regular, at least this isn't some snooty stuck up party", Cloudchaser said. They all walked through, though as soon as Pinkie saw Cheese, she ran to him. "Cheese!" Cheese noticed her, "Oh Pinkie, please don't tackle me again, I'm still sore from, oh no!" Pinkie had hug tackled Cheese again. "She's totally into him", Rainbow said with a smug grin. "You can all go mingle with whomever, me and Rarity are gonna go find some higher ups", Coco said. Rainbow went to Thunderlane but Applejack cut her off, "Hey Thunder lets go try some of them fancy snacks" "But Applejack", too late, Applejack pulled Thunderlane away. ainbow Dash growled a bit but took a breath, "Whatever, later we're going for a flight, I won't let Applejack screw that up", she walked off. Rarity and Coco searched around a bit and eventually found Photo Finish and Hoity Toity. There they are, lets go", Rarity said to Coco. Once they approached hem Rarity extended her hoof, "Hello Hoity Toity, Photo Finish, it's nice to see you again" Both had shook her hoof. "Nice to see you again darling, I see you come with zee girl from the Canterlot Talent show", Photo Finish said. "Yes, the one with the great designs if I do say so myself", Hoity Toity said. "I'm sure you're willing to give this nice mare a nice little showing for your next show, I assure you she's well worth the hype and investment", Rarity said, using her smooth talking to help Coco gain the adoration of the judges. "Perhaps she is, but I'd like to see something more from her, she shows potential but she needs that...push", Photo said. "I assure you that she can come up with something to wow you, isn't that right Coco?" Rarity asked. Coco nodded nervously, "Yes, I mean I think so". "Darling, don't think so, know so, show some confidence", Rarity said. "She has no confidence", an approaching voice said. Rarity turned to see Suri arrive with The Flim Flam Brothers. "You! Why are you here?" Rarity asked. "Same as you darling, to get some business", Suri stated. "I doubt either of them want what you have to offer", Rarity said. "Why don't you let them decide little lady", Flam said. Rarity took a threatening step forward, scaring Flam a little bit, causing him to jump back. Rarity grinned a bit, "Exactly". Flim approached Photo Finish & Hoity Toity and went into full salespony mode, "I assure you both that Miss Polomare's designs are something to behold, ponies all over Equestria will line up to get a piece of her line-up, I assure you, you're gonna wanna invest with Suri Polomare, there will be bits as far as the eye can see, posters, billboards, ads everywhere, all we need is a little endorsement". Photo and Hoity glanced at each other a moment, thinking the offer over. Suri stepped in, "My fashionist colleagues, I assure you I will give that push you wanted, if you want to see for yourself, come see a show at the Theater tonight, I'm sure you remember The Great and Powerful Trixie Lulamoon correct?" "I think so, didn't she cause zee Ursa Minor incident?" Photo Finish asked. "That was somepony else", Suri made up, "Trixie Lulamoon a great magician, she's assisting a sponsor of ours, Lightning Dust" "Didn't she cause trouble too?" Hoity Toity asked. "Come on, you gotta admit, she's talented, all we need is the one chance", Suri said. "We assure you that you won't regret it", Flim stated. "Well...I suppose we could come", Hoity said. "Excellent, now to spread the word", Suri said and grabbed a mega phone, "Attention Party goers!" All the ponies turned their attention to Suri, including the mane cast. "Suri Polomare?" Twilight said, a little surprised. "I'm surprised she's here", Fluttershy said. Rainbow also noticed, "Oh great, it's them" "All ponies, meet us tonight at the theater near the center of the city and be wowed by the entertainment of our clients Trixie Lulamoon and Lightning Dust! Hoity Toity and Photo Finish will be attending to watch a great show! Be on the look out for my designs!" All the ponies muttered a bit, then Rainbow Dash approached Suri, "You again? You just don't learn do you?" "Look honey, it's business okay, face it we're gonna be the richest group in Equestria history, soon Lightning won't even need your precious Wonderbolts, she'll be tons better than any of you ever were", Suri taunted. "Alright, that's it, if Lightning wants to upstage me so badly, I'll give her that chance, it will be me and her in a flight battle, with nothing but bragging rights on the line!" Rainbow stated with determination in her eyes. "Alright but just be ready to have your flank handed to you, Lightning means business", Suri retorted. "So do I!" Rainbow flew off to her friends, "Looks like I have a show to get ready for" "Rainbow why are you doing this? I know Suri's a pain but this was suppose to be a time to relax, don't start any fights", Twilight said. "I got this Twilight, I need to shut these punks down!" "Do you need our help Rainbow?" Cloudchaser asked. "No that's fine, this is between me and Lightning Dust" Rainbow saw Thunderlane approach so she went to him, "Sorry Thunder but I don't know if we'll have our little flight time, I need to get ready for this showdown" She then flew off leaving Thunderlane a bit disappointed and leaving Twilight to ponder, "Either she got caught in a bad mood or she's just being wreckless and stubborn, probably both" Rainbow flew off to get ready, "Freaken ponies, gotta deal with them once and for all", then did some laps to prepare.