High in the tree, a caterpillar was slowly crawling onto a leaf. The caterpillar begins to munch onto the leaf, and after that, crawl right through it, leaving a bunch of bite marks and holes all around the leaf. Isn’t nature awesome? Yes it is! It is definitely awesome!
But… not as awesome as- WHOA! There goes Rainbow Dash flying by, making the caterpillar dizzy over the momentum. Rainbow Dash was flying as fast as she could all around White Tail Woods, causing some leaves to fall in the process, and how ironic because it’s not autumn yet, it’s only spring. Some of the animals cheered on for Rainbow, and some felt disturbed by her fast flying. After she was finished at White Tail Woods, she ended up in Froggy Bottom Bog, dodging the tongues of the frogs as they attempted to catch their lunch. Just then, her flying wakes up a cranky hydra, but that didn’t bother her. She just flew over the hydra, bopping their heads in the process.
When she was done there, she ended up in Ghasty Gorge. She bangs onto the Cliffside and rocks began to fall. Rainbow dodged every single one of them, including the quarry eels up ahead, which one of them didn’t just miss her; it hit its head on the other side of the gorge. When Rainbow was finished at the gorge, she returned to Ponyville, she flew back up to her house where Tank was keeping track of the time. Right when Rainbow comes back, he stops the watch.
“YES!” Rainbow cried out in excitement. “That was SO AWESOME! How did I do, Tank?” She checks the watch. “NICE! I flew through High Tail Woods, Froggy Bottom Bog, AND Ghasty Gorge in just 2 minutes and 10 seconds flat! That was MUCH better than my previous time – 2 minutes and 10.5 seconds!” Tank slowly blinks at Rainbow. “I still think I could do better though! Tomorrow is the big day!” She picks up Tank and spins him around with her. “Tomorrow is the Wonderbolt Trials! It’s the day I get to finally be an official Wonderbolt! All I have to do is pass a couple of lame tests, and I’m in!” She gives Tank a big hug.
“YEAH, RAINBOW DASH!” Bulk Biceps cried out. “WE’RE GOING TO ROCK THESE TESTS! WE’RE GOING TO ROCK THEM SO MUCH THAT… umm… umm… WE’LL ROCK THEM!”
“I know, Bulk Biceps!” Rainbow said excitedly. “I can’t believe we’re going to be Wonderbolts finally!”
“Speak for yourself.” Cloud Chaser said moody, but still smiled. “At least you have a 100% chance of actually being one. I’m not so sure about the rest of us.”
“Yeah, I mean you’ve proven yourself so many times.” Thunderlane said. “What have we done to show for it?”
“Don’t worry, you guys!” Rainbow said. “We’re all going to be Wonderbolts! We all came in together, and we’re all going out together. We’re going to OWN these trials!”
“OWN!” Bulk yelled in Thunderlane’s face.
“Ew! Say it, don’t spray it!” Thunderlane complained as he wiped his face. Bulk smiled in embarrassment.
The next over at the Wonderbolts Academy, the ponies Rainbow trained with at the academy: Bulk Biceps, Thunderlane, Cloud Chaser, Raindrops, Meadow Flower, and Starry Eyes all prepared themselves for the trials. All of the cadets were allowed to bring family over to watch. Rainbow invited Twilight, Pinkie, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, Starlight, Spike, and even the Cutie Mark Crusaders over to watch. Scootaloo was the most excited. Cloud Chaser invited Flitter to watch, Thunderlane invited his brother Rumble, Meadow Flower invited her recolored doubles – Helia and Blossomforth, and Raindrops invited Derpy, Rainbowshine, Merry May, and Parasol.
“Thanks for coming to watch, guys!” Rainbow said to her friends. “Seeing you around makes me feel a lot more confident!”
“Well of course! What else are friends for?” Applejack asked.
“Ooo, ooo, I know!” Pinkie raised her hoof excitedly. “Friends are for hugging with, and playing games with, and eating cake with, and saving Equestria with, and… umm… something else with the word ‘with’ in it...”
“I must say, Rainbow Dash, you’re taking this awfully well.” Rarity said. “Are you sure you’re not nervous?”
“Are you kidding? This is the moment I’ve been waiting for my whole… entire… life!” Rainbow said excitedly. “My dreams are finally becoming a reality! But then again, I am feeling… just a little bit nervous you might say.”
“Well no matter what happens, we’ll be right here, cheering for you.” Fluttershy said.
“And no matter what, I’m pretty sure they’ll accept you.” Twilight said.
“You’ve done so much for the Wonderbolts these past years!” Spike said.
“Yeah, it’s kind of odd though that you haven’t been a Wonderbolt sooner.” Starlight said.
“Yeah I’ve been wondering that too.” Rainbow thought. “I mean, I saved the Wonderbolts from certain doom after attempting to save a falling Rarity.”
“Shhh!” Rarity whispered. “What are you trying to do, Rainbow Dash? Ruin my reputation?” Everypony else laughed.
“And then I proved my leadership skills after that wicket tornado stunt while trying bring water up to Cloudsdale.” Rainbow added.
“You sure gave me a lot of confidence that day.” Fluttershy said.
“And then I finally got accepted into the academy, and proved to Spitfire that strength isn’t everything.” Rainbow added.
“Ah still wonder what happened to that other cadet, Lightning Dust.” Applejack said.
“Oh she got assigned to kitchen duty until she finally learns her lesson.” Rainbow said. “She isn’t going to be participating in these trials though since she’s fallen behind. Also don’t forget about the time I finally made it into the Wonderbolts Reserves, and then finally I sure showed off my wicket skills at the garden opening!”
“You wouldn’ve made it that far if we didn’t stop that fiend, Wind Rider.” Rarity reminded her.
“And now it has finally come to this!” Rainbow said. “But Starlight does have a point. I should’ve been a Wonderbolt already!”
“I agree with you 100%, Rainbow Dash!” Spitfire said as she flies down to her along with Soarin and Fleetfoot. “If it was up to us, we would’ve let you join us already.”
“Really?!” Rainbow asked excitedly.
“Of course!” Spitfire said.
“Absolutely!” Soarin agreed.
“Yep!” Fleetfoot agreed.
“But as you know, I may be captain of the Wonderbolts, but I don’t make the rules. General Fire Strike makes the rules.” Spitfire said.
“I guess he’s never seen me in action before.” Rainbow said.
“I guess not.” Spitfire said.
“So, Rainbow Dash, I hope you’re ready for the finals.” Soarin said.
“I was born ready, Soarin!” Rainbow said. “So are you guys going to be in charge of the trials?”
“Oh no.” Spitfire said. “We just came to wish you and the other cadets the best of luck. General Fire Strike is going to be in charge of the trials.” Just then, a big shadow flies by above them and then lands right in front of Rainbow and the Wonderbolts with a big stomp.
“TEN HUT, MAGGOTS!” General Fire Strike yelled as the cadets all stood up straight in full attention. Fire Strike starts walking back and forth and says, “Alright, cadets, by being here today you think you’re ready to become a Wonderbolt! Well, let me tell you twerps something – YOU DON’T LOOK LIKE WONDERBOLT MATERIAL TO ME!” He yells Starry’s face. “The only way you can prove you’re Wonderbolt material is if you can complete these trials. Try to impress me, and you may prove yourselves worthy of actually getting assigned to a squad.” Fire Strike takes out a clipboard and says, “First up is… Thunderlane!”
Thunderlane gets startled after he calls his name. “Oh lucky you, Thunderlane!” Rainbow said.
“Well, umm…” Thunderlane said nervously.
“Well? We haven’t gotten all day, dirtbag!” Fire Strike yelled. “You either prove you’re worthy now, or move your sorry flank back home and be a disgrace to all of us! Your choice!”
“C’mon, Thunderlane! You can do it!” Rainbow said to him with confidence.
“MAKE US PROUD, BRO!” Bulk yelled as he smacks Thunderlane’s back.
“We have complete confidence in you, Thunderlane!” Cloud Chaser said. Thunderlane won’t let his nerve get the best of him, so he just flew to the starting line and with confidence, he prepared for his trial.
“Nervous, cadet?” Fire Strike asked.
“No, sir!” Thunderlane yelled.
“Because if you fail this, you might bring disgrace to the Wonderbolts, your family, your friends, and maybe even the princesses!” Fire Strike yelled.
“The princesses?” Thunderlane asked curiously. Just then, over at the bleachers where everyone was watching, Princesses Celestia and Luna show up along with some pegasus guards to watch the trials. Thunderlane gasped when he saw them, and started to feel even more nervous. His friends down below were cheering for him, which made him feel a lot better.
“Are you prepared for your final trial, cadet?” Fire Strike asked.
Thunderlane put on his goggles and yelled, “Yes, sir!”
“Give me a good show, boy!” Fire Strike instructed him. He then turns over towards Spitfire and says to her, “Captain, prepare to start up the clock.”
“Yes, sir!” Spitfire yelled as she takes out her stopwatch.
“On your mark…” Fire Strike started as Thunderlane prepares himself. “…get set…” Sweat started to pour down Thunderlane’s head as he gave the course his complete concentration. “GO!” Thunderlane immediately began to fly through the course. Everyone cheered for him as he flew through hoops, around the trees, through stormy clouds, dodged arrows being shot by Wonderbolt archers, and even rescued dolly in distress. Once he was finished, he flew to the finish line immediately before Spitfire stops the watch.
“1 minute and 22 seconds.” Spitfire said.
As Thunderlane was catching his breath, he asked the general, “How did I do?”
“How did you do?” Fire Strike asked. “How did you do?!” He then started to laugh. Thunderlane felt awkward as he flew back to his team.
“Don’t worry, Thunderlane. I thought you did great!” Rainbow said.
“Thanks, Rainbow Dash!” Thunderlane said. “But that was nothing compared to what you’re going to do!”
“NEXT UP...” the general yelled. “…Cloud Chaser!”
“WOO! You go, Cloud Chaser! Woo hoo!” Flitter cheered from the crowd. Cloud Chaser got nervous as she flew up to the starting line.
“You can do this, Cloud Chaser!” Rainbow comforted her.
“I hope so, Rainbow Dash.” Cloud Chaser said.
Under the bleachers, there were two golden eyes glaring down in the shadow. One of them replaces the bottle of water next to Rainbow Dash with another one, and he or she starts to chuckle. One of them shushes the other and whispered, “We wait.” Just then a popcorn gets dropped by Spike under the bleachers. “Ow, my eye!” One of them whispered.
“Woops.” Spike said.
After Cloud Chaser was done, Starry went next, followed by Meadow Flower, Raindrops, and Bulk Biceps. Bulk was currently doing the course as Rainbow Dash awaited her turn. “Nervous, Rainbow Dash?” Spitfire asked.
“Waiting is the worst part!” Rainbow said.
“I know how you feel.” Spitfire said. “I was the same way when I first took my trials. But you really have nothing to worry about. I’ve seen you in action many times, and it would seem these trials might be just a walk in the park for you!”
“Yeah, Rainbow Dash. Don’t let that little nerve get in your way between you and destiny!” Fleetfoot advised her.
“Think of it this way, Rainbow Dash – I did terrible on my trials and I still got accepted in!” Soarin admitted.
“Yeah, he just got lucky.” Fleetfoot said. “We were just short on Wonderbolts during the time.”
“Are you short on Wonderbolts now?” Rainbow asked.
“Oh no way! We have more Wonderbolts now than we ever did these past 20 years.” Spitfire said. Rainbow gulped.
“WOO! GO SON, GO!” Mama Biceps yelled out.
“I AM AWESOME, MOM!” Bulk yelled as he flew through the finish line.
“YEAH!” Mama Biceps yelled.
“YEAH!” Bulk yelled.
“YEAH!” Pinkie yelled.
“Ok keep it down, deary. No need to be so loud.” Mama Biceps advised her.
“I thought we were training Wonderbolts here; are you trying to embarrass me?!” the general yelled at Bulk.
“NO, SIR!” Bulk yelled.
“Get out my sight!” the general ordered Bulk. Bulk flinched as he worryingly flew back to the bleachers.
“I don’t care what he says. You did awesome, Bulky!” Cloud Chaser comforted him.
“Yes you did! I’m confident that you’ll get a part in the squad yet!” Thunderlane said to Bulk.
Bulk started to tear up, and then he squeezes both Cloud Chaser and Thunderlane as he started to cry very loudly. “YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!”
“Rainbow Dash! Get your sorry flank up here NOW!” the general ordered Rainbow.
“This is it, Rainbow Dash. Make us proud!” Spitfire persuaded her.
“Good luck to you, cadet!” Fleetfoot saluted.
“Ah, like she even needs it!” Soarin said as he winks at her. Rainbow smiled as she drinks her bottle of water down and flies up to the starting line. Once she got to the starting line, she stretches her legs, her wings, and her body.
“So… Rainbow Dash, huh?” the general asked.
“The one and only!” Rainbow said.
The general smiled and said, “My granddaughter told me all about you.”
Rainbow smiled along and asked, “Really?”
“Mhm!” the general said. “Spitfire says really good things about you, my dear, and I have to say, I am impressed!”
“Wow! Spitfire is your granddaughter?” Rainbow asked excitedly.
The general nods. “She has high hopes for you!”
“Well… was there any doubt?” Rainbow asked feeling boastful.
“Well don’t think this changes anything, cadet!” the general yells angrily. “You’re still a maggot like the rest of them! Now quit being full of yourself AND GET YOUR FLANK TO GEAR!”
“Uhh, YES, SIR!” Rainbow yelled.
“ON YOUR MARK…” The general starts as Rainbow readies herself. “…get set… GO!” Spitfire starts the stopwatch as Rainbow quickly starts up the course, starting with the hoops. As Rainbow was going through the hoops, she started to feel a little nauseous, but it didn’t stop her. She started to mess up when she got to the trees though. Rainbow’s friends, cadet squad, and the Wonderbolts were all getting a little worried. The general just glared up at her as he writes notes down on a clipboard. Spitfire started to feel very nervous for her.
“What is going on with her, Captain?” Soarin asked.
“I don’t know.” Spitfire said. Rainbow was really feeling nauseous but she did fairly well for the rest of the course, except for the archery, and she cut it pretty close on rescuing the dolly.
Afterwards, Rainbow Dash finally flew to the finish line as Spitfire stopped the stopwatch and said, “2 minutes and 44 seconds.”
Rainbow chuckles embarrassingly at the general as she tried to hold back her breakfast. The general just glares at his clipboard while taking final notes. “That will be all, cadet.” The general said. Rainbow felt very nervous. She felt pretty upset as she flew back down to her friends.
“Wow, Rainbow Dash!” Cloud Chaser tried to comfort Rainbow. “You did… umm… something! That was better than what… umm… Bulk here would’ve done!”
“HEY!” Bulk yelled feeling offended.
“I did terrible! That’s what I did!” Rainbow said upsettingly.
“You did fine, Rainbow Dash. I couldn’t have done better myself!” Fluttershy said.
“We should totally throw a party in your success!” Pinkie said excitedly.
“Success? What success? That was the worst I’ve ever done!” Rainbow said. “Why did I feel sick all the sudden?”
“Did your nerves get the best of you?” Twilight asked.
“I don’t think so.” Rainbow said.
“Look even though you did get a little woozy up there and that it slowed you down, you did do a pretty decent job. No need to doubt yourself.” Twilight said.
“But they expected better of me! Let’s face it. I’m not going to be an actual Wonderbolt. I just wanna go home.” Rainbow started to fly away in defeat as all of her friends, the other cadets, even Spitfire and the others, and even the princesses all felt bad for her. Starlight felt pretty suspicious, so she took the bottle of water Rainbow drank.
“Hmm.” Starlight thought.
“What’s wrong, Starlight?” Twilight asked.
“How could have Rainbow Dash all the sudden get sick?” Starlight asked. “It isn’t like her to have her nerves get the best of her.”
Rainbow Dash returned home and eased her sorrow on her bed, while Tank kept her company. Rainbow gave Tank a hug and said, “Oh Tank, is it true? Could I have been so nervous that I just messed up in the last minute? I guess it was foolish of me to think I’d get that far.” Tank cuddles against Rainbow’s face and Rainbow smiles a little bit. “I know, Tank. I shouldn’t give up. But… the odds are pretty much against me, buddy.” Just then, the doorbell rings. Rainbow groans and says, “Can you get that, Tank? I’m not really feeling up to it.” Tank nods as he begins to walk to the door. The doorbell just kept on ringing as Tank reaches an inch forward. Rainbow couldn’t take it anymore so she angrily flew over to the door and opened it. She then yelled, “WHAT?! Can’t you see I’m drowning in- oh.” At the door, it was Spitfire who looked pretty surprised after she said that.
“Oh my gosh!” Rainbow said worryingly as she stood up straight and saluted. “I am so sorry, Captain!”
“As you were, Rainbow Dash.” Spitfire said. “Mind if I come in?”
“Not at all!” Rainbow said as she moved out of the way and Spitfire flies in. Spitfire takes a seat on Rainbow’s sofa as Rainbow asked, “Would you like me to bring you a beverage?”
“No thanks.” Spitfire said. “I’m only going to be here for a- and you just brought me a beverage.”
“It’s grape juice!” Rainbow said with a glass on her hooves. “I know it’s your favorite.”
“Well, never look a gift horse in the mouth I guess. No pun intended.” Spitfire said as she takes the juice and sips it. “Anyways, I want to speak to you.”
“I know I didn’t pass, so no need to bring out the bad news.” Rainbow said upsettingly.
“Well, actually-“ Spitfire was about to say.
“Because even though I did the best I could, I didn’t push myself to the limit.” Rainbow said.
“Rainbow Dash!” Spitfire tried to get her attention.
“You don’t need to say it, Captain. If you’re going to take me out of the Wonderbolts now, just do it! I don’t need the stress of you telling me it!” Rainbow cried.
“RAINBOW DASH!” Spitfire yelled at the top of her lung. Rainbow immediately stopped talking and got her full attention. Spitfire then started to laugh. Rainbow felt confused.
“What’s so funny?” she asked.
“Corporal Dash, you’re overreacting!” Spitfire said. “You’ve already proven yourself to be Wonderbolt material so many times!”
“I know I have, but I did terrible in the trials, and… wait… did you just call me corporal?” Rainbow asked.
“I didn’t call you private, did I?” Rainbow asked.
“Wait… does that mean…” Rainbow started.
Spitfire shows Rainbow Dash her Wonderbolts certificate with a blue ribbon on it stating that she has passed her trials and is now a corporal of the Wonderbolts. Rainbow smiled real big as her eyes grew. She immediately takes the certificate and flies around yelling, “OH MY GOSH! OH MY GOSH! OH MY GOSH! OH MY GOSH! OH MY GOSH!”
“Heh! Wish I had a bit every time you said that!” Spitfire chuckled.
“THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!” Rainbow cried out in excitement as she hugged Spitfire. “This is a dream come true! I am officially a Wonderbolt! WOO HOO!” As she cried out ‘woo hoo’ she squeezed Spitfire a little too tight. Rainbow noticed so she released her. “Oh, heh, sorry Captain.”
“No- ACK! It’s ok.” Spitfire said as she was adjusting her back. “I was the exact same way when I joined the Wonderbolts. You pretty much remind me of myself.”
So after a while later, Rainbow Dash and Spitfire returned to the academy for the graduation ceremony. All of the cadets’ friends all watched as the cadets all got earned their medals. Each of the cadets were wearing the old style traditional Wonderbolt crew uniforms as they earned their medals. General Fire Strike pins the medals on each of their uniforms and he goes up to the column for his speech.
“Fillies and gentlecolts, we are gathered here today to honor Private Starry Eyes, Private First Class Meadow Flower, Corporal Thunderlane, Private Bulk Biceps, Private Cloud Chaser, Lance-Corporal Raindrops, and Corporal Rainbow Dash and their accomplishment throughout the Wonderbolts Academy. I now say, with a teardrop in my eye, that I am proud to call them Wonderbolts!” Everypony in the audience cheered for them, especially Scootaloo for Rainbow Dash. Everypony was happy. Well, almost everypony. Back stage, the duo of golden eyed ponies glared over at Rainbow.
After the graduation ceremony, the former cadets were talking to their friends, and getting congratulated on a job well done. Rainbow for instance was talking to her friends. After getting hugged by Scootaloo, Twilight says, “Well, Rainbow Dash, you did it! You are now an official Wonderbolt!”
“I know! I can hardly believe it!” Rainbow said excitedly.
“Woo hoo!” Pinkie cried out in excitement. “Colonel Rainbow Dash reporting for duty!”
“Um, it’s corporal, Pinkie, not colonel.” Rainbow corrected her. “I’m… not quite there yet.”
“Meh, to-may-to, to-mah-to.” Pinkie said.
“So ah guess with you a Wonderbolt now, you’re goin’ to be too busy to handle the weather in Ponyville now, huh?” Applejack asked.
“Well only when I’m on tour.” Rainbow said. “But I’m still going to be living in Ponyville and help my friends out in their time of need.”
“Well we’re all proud of you, Rainbow Dash!” Fluttershy said.
“And mind if I say that is a fabulous outfit you have!” Rarity said as she observed her uniform.
“Well, it is a Wonderbolts tradition to wear the old uniforms when receiving medals.” Rainbow said.
“Say, didn’t you learn that on your Wonderbolts Reserve test?” Twilight asked with a smirk.
“I guess I did!” Rainbow said. “So anyways, I’m going to be going on tour soon, if you girls want to watch.” The Mane Six all accepted.
“Hey, Rainbow Dash! Come over here!” Spitfire summoned her.
“Well, I can’t keep the captain waiting. I’ll see you all in my first show you hear?” Rainbow asked. She then goes over to Scootaloo and gives her a noogie. “And I definitely want to see you there, squirt!” Afterwards, Rainbow flies over to Spitfire, Soarin, and Fleetfoot. “You summoned me, Captain?”
“Yes I did. I want to tell you what you’re going to be doing.” Spitfire said.
“I know! I can’t wait to finally fly beside you three as an official Wonderbolt!” Rainbow said excitedly.
“Uhh, actually, Rainbow Dash… you… you’re not going to be flying with us on the tour.” Soarin said.
“Wait, what do you mean?” Rainbow asked.
“Well, you see, we’re not the ones going on the tour.” Fleetfoot said. “You and the other graduates are.”
“Well that sounds ok, but I was really excited to flying alongside you.” Rainbow said.
“But Rainbow Dash, don’t you see? This is going to be YOUR squadron. You’re going to be the leader of this squadron, and it is up to you to make sure they’re ready.” Spitfire said. “Didn’t you tell me it was your dream to show off your skills to a stadium full of ponies?”
“Well, yes, but… the dream had you in it.” Rainbow said.
“Sorry, Rainbow Dash, but we want to make sure all of you are ready.” Spitfire said. “I’m giving you this mission because I know you’re qualified enough for it. Do I make myself clear, Corporal Dash?”
Rainbow sighs and says, “Yes, Captain.”
“Don’t worry, Rainbow Dash.” Soarin said. “You’ll have your chance to fly alongside us as an official Wonderbolt, but just be patient and the time will come.” Rainbow Dash nods in agreement and then she flies off to join her squad.
“Do you think Rainbow Dash is ready to be the leader of her own squad, Spitfire?” Fleetfoot asked.
“I know she is.” Spitfire said. “She is, after all, my star pupil. She’s the best of the best, and that’s what the Wonderbolts need. She’ll be the one to whip those shinnies into shape.”
The next day came, and Rainbow Dash and her team travelled over to the Manehattan stadium for their first show. In the dressing room, Rainbow, Cloud Chaser, Raindrops, and Meadow were putting on their Wonderbolt jumpsuits for the first time. Once Cloud Chaser puts on her jumpsuit, she poses in the mirror and says, “Wow! This is like a dream come true! I’ve always dreamed to wear one of these!”
“So do I!” Rainbow said as she zipped up her jumpsuit and checked herself out in the mirror. “I’ve always dreamed about wearing this thing, but I never thought it would become a reality!” She then scratches herself.
“I think they gave me a too big of a size.” Raindrops said as she checks herself out seeing her uniform sag. Just then, there was a knock on the dressing room door. Raindrops walks over to the door and opens it, and Bulk Biceps was standing outside with a very tight Wonderbolt outfit.
“I THINK OUR UNIFORMS GOT MIXED UP!” Bulk yelled.
Out in the stadium, each of Rainbow Dash’s friends were about to watch the show. Since it’s Manehattan, even Babs and Coco were there. The audience was cheering as the announcer calls out, “Before we begin our match, let us rise for the Equestria National Anthem song, and the Wonderbolts fly-by. Fillies and gentlecolts, please stomp your hooves for the Topaz Twins!”
Two pink female earth ponies with darker pink robes, but with different hairstyles walked up to the microphone as they both started to sing the anthem. “Equestria – the land I love. The land of harmony…”
Meanwhile backstage, Rainbow and her team were quickly finishing getting ready. “Ma’am! The anthem has started!” Starry informed her.
“Alright team, we know the drill! Everypony in position now!” Rainbow ordered her team. Her team immediately aligns themselves in two separate lines. “WINGS… UP!” Rainbow yelled as her teams all lift their wings. “Get in position…” Rainbow orders her team as she scratches herself. “Is everypony ready?”
“YES MA’AM!” her team yelled.
“Ok…” Rainbow said as she continues to scratch herself. “On my mark, we fly through the stadium and we just do a few spins and tricks, just like we practiced. That should be easy for a first show, am I right ‘bolts? Just follow my lead.”
“YES MA’AM!” her team yelled.
“READY… AND… FLY!” Rainbow ordered. Rainbow and her team immediately took off and they began to fly over the stadium as the anthem was ending. Rainbow’s friends in the audience cheered as her team starts flying by over the stadium. Each of Rainbow’s team followed Rainbow’s maneuvers, following her every move; all her spins, twists, and even her scratches. Nopony seemed to notice her scratching though, nopony except Starlight and Twilight.
“Do you see what I see, Twilight?” Starlight asked her.
“I believe I do.” Twilight said. “That doesn’t look like any maneuvers I’m familiar with, except for when she’s itchy.”
“Why is she so itchy though?” Starlight asked.
Backstage, the duo of ponies in the shadows chuckled mischievously as Rainbow’s itching became worse and worse. Some of Rainbow’s team was feeling confused to why she was scratching herself so much, but they thought it was all part of the show and they decided to follow along. It didn’t seem to affect the crowd as they continued to cheer. When Rainbow’s team returned to backstage, her team cheered in excitement, but Rainbow herself immediately started removing her jumpsuit.
“We were AWESOME weren’t we?” Cloud Chaser asked excitedly.
“We sure were!” Meadow said. “I can’t believe we actually pulled that off!”
“Weren’t we great, Corporal Dash?” Cloud Chaser asked. Rainbow didn’t respond. She just continued to remove her jumpsuit.
“Uh, Corporal Dash? Are you ok?” Thunderlane asked. Once Rainbow removed her jumpsuit, her entire body was covered in a red rash. Rainbow’s group suddenly gasped at the sight of her body, and Bulk Biceps faints.
“Corporal Dash, what happened to you?” Meadow asked.
“What do you think is wrong with me?!” Rainbow yelled sarcastically as she continued to scratch herself with both her hooves and some of the objects backstage.
“Please forgive me, Corporal.” Meadow begged.
“Do you require any assistance, ma’am?” Thunderlane asked.
“Something to get rid of this itch would be nice!” Rainbow yelled.
“Somepony get her apple cider vinegar.” Thunderlane instructed his team. Raindrops, Starry, and Meadow all flew off to find some.
“Yes please! I am so thirsty!” Rainbow yelled.
“It’s to stop the itch, Corporal Dash.” Thunderlane corrected her.
“Oh.” Rainbow said as she continued scratching.
As Rainbow’s friends were all leaving the stadium, Rarity says to Coco, “Coco, thank you so much again for the tickets. It probably meant a lot to Rainbow Dash that we saw her.”
“Well my contact here always loves to help those who help him.” Coco said just as she bumps into a pony wearing a jumpsuit and a wrestling mask. The pony drops a box of some sort, and Coco also drops her box of bon bons that she ate during the wrestling.
“Hey! Watch where you’re going!” the golden-eyed wrestler yelled.
“Oh please excuse me, madam.” Coco said.
“Get some glasses or something!” the wrestler complained as she picked up one of the boxes and marches away.
“Wow, rude!” Rarity complained.
“It’s what you can expect from ponies here in Manehattan.” Coco said.
As Spike was eating his peanuts, he checks out the box Coco had on her hooves. “Itching powder?”
“Wait what?” Coco asked as she looks at the box she was carrying. “Oh, I must’ve accidently switched boxes with that other pony.”
“Wait let me see that.” Twilight requested as Coco gives her the box of itching powder. “Wait a second. Wasn’t Rainbow Dash scratching herself throughout the whole show?”
“She was.” Starlight said.
The next day came, and Rainbow’s team was about to start the next part of their tour in Fillydelphia’s stadium, where a hoof race was about to be performed. A lot of different ponies were placing their bets for their favorite racers. All of Rainbow’s friends were there in the audience, waiting for Rainbow and her team to perform.
Twilight inhales, then exhales, and says, “Ah! The sweet smell of Fillydelphia! All the historical landmarks around here! It impresses me!”
“I must say, I do enjoy the fabulous décor around here too.” Rarity said.
“I just enjoy the bakery shops they have here!” Pinkie said as she takes a bite from an éclair. Once she takes the bite, some of the cream inside squirts out right onto Rarity’s eye.
“Ew!” she said.
“Oh relax, Rarity. It matches your coat.” Applejack informed her.
“Yeah! You don’t look any different, Rarity! Even though you do look somewhat like a cyclopes!” Pinkie said.
Rainbow stretches herself out as her team prepares themselves.
“You ready, Corporal Dash?” Thunderlane asked.
“Don’t worry about me, Thunderlane. I should be fine now.” Rainbow said. “I got my suit washed out so there shouldn’t be anything that would make me itch this time. I can’t believe I’ve been overworking myself so much that I forget to wash my suit.”
“Don’t worry, Corporal.” Thunderlane said. “We need to do those training sessions before the big show. We all forget things once in a while.”
“Yeah, I know.” Rainbow nodded. “I’m just hoping this isn’t too much for me.” Rainbow picks up her bottle of water and takes a drink before the big show. “Mmm! This water tastes really good! I should get more of these.”
“Fillies and gentlecolts,” the announcer started, “please rise for the Equestria National Anthem sung by the scouts of Camp Friendship.”
“That’s our que. You all know the drill.” Rainbow said to her team as she puts on her goggles. Her team does so too.
As the Camp Friendship scouts were concluding the Equestria Anthem, “They say true friendship never ends, Equestria my hooooome!”, Rainbow and her team flies by and the crowd cheers on for them. As everything was going well so far for them, things started to go against Rainbow as she started to fly out of proportion. Her eyes kinda blurred as she flew out of line and started flying towards the stands. The ponies gasped as she flew in lightning speed towards them, but then she immediately flies up into the air and misses them.
“WHOA!” Rainbow gasped. “That was a close call!”
“A little too close. Seriously, are you ok?” Thunderlane asked as he flew along side her.
“I’m fine, Thunderlane!” Rainbow said with an attitude as she continued flying, still partially blind. When she gets across the stadium with her team, she accidently crashes into the pole with the loud speakers on it, and then after she rubs her head in pain and she flies backstage. When she finally lands, she grabs a towel, soaks it, and rubs her face with it.
“Uh, permission to speak, ma’am?” Cloud Chaser asked.
“What is it, Cloud Chaser?” Rainbow asked while facing the wall. “Seriously, I’m ok if you all just call me Rainbow Dash. I don’t wish to be too superior to you.”
“Well… first off I’m right here.” Cloud Chaser informed her.
“Yeah I see you there. Don’t worry.” Rainbow said to a cactus.
Cloud Chaser and Meadow both looked at eachother awkwardly, then Meadow said, “Umm… Rainbow Dash, we’re worried about you. Perhaps you’re overworking yourself.”
“Nah, I’m cool, I’m cool!” Rainbow said. “There is nothing wrong with m- OW!” She pats the cactus on the shoulder.
“Are you tired?” Meadow asked.
“What is your major malfunction, ‘bolt? I’m fine! Let’s just get to the next tour location! C’mon, double-time it team! Move! Move! Move!” Rainbow ordered. Her team felt worried for her, but they knew they couldn’t say anything until they knew how to persuade her, so they just went with it for the time being.
As the tour went on, a cowbell starts play, and after some taps on the cowbell, an electric guitar strung. Oh would you listen to that! Rainbow Dash is about to sing! She’s already not flying well, isn’t that going to ruin her concentration some more? So as the tour went on to Vanhoover, Rainbow began to sing. “Back when I was a filly I’ve always had a dream to be high!” The guitar strings string as Rainbow practices with her team at the stadium without any problems on her end. “Now I’m dreaming the dream and I feel my future is bright!” Rainbow was timing herself and her team on speed flights making sure everything was in order for her. “C’mon team! It’s time to get good! Time to get to the top! Oh yeah!” Rainbow suddenly smacks Raindrop’s wings. “Get those wings straight, ‘Bolt!” She then smacks one of Bulk’s flabby muscles. “Make sure your muscles do not flop!”
Rainbow’s team all start doing wing-ups. “Don’t you ladies know that the Wonderbolts are supposed to be the best?” When she said ‘the best’, she tries to hold down Starry to make wing-ups harder for him. “We need to push it! We need to push over the limit!” Rainbow sang as she played the cowbell while sitting on top of Cloud Chaser who was lifting weights with her wings.
“Aren’t you supposed to be the one that needs to do this?” Thunderlane asked her. “You’re the one that’s been messing up.”
“Don’t talk like that to your commanding officer, Thunderlane! We all need to work on our moves!” Rainbow said. “Now drop and give me 50!” Thunderlane sighs as he starts doing wing-ups.
When the Vanhoover Youngster Olympics was about to begin, Rainbow cleans out her goggles with some mysterious spray on her dressing room table, and then she puts it on and rejoins with her team. When the show starts, she and her team begin to fly out, and she continues to sing. “No time to rest, no time to break, the crowd awaits our show!” Rainbow’s goggles suddenly begin to fog up instantly. “We practiced hard, we practiced swift, our strength has really grown.” Rainbow’s goggles fogged up so bad, that she decided to remove them. “No matter what weights us down, we cannot just throw in the towel.” With Rainbow’s goggles off, the wind began to dry up Rainbow’s eyes from the speed, causing her to be temporarily blinded by the lack of eye juice. “We can prove them all we know just what it takes to just… win the battle!” Rainbow was flying during the time she was blind, so she nearly crashed into the judge booth, but Bulk was able to get in the way and block her from them. That was when Rainbow sang angrily to Bulk, “Don’t you ladies know that we don’t ask for help in the middle of a show? We need to push it! We need to push over the limit!” Bulk then turns Rainbow around and tosses her as Rainbow flies over the stadium again and returns backstage. “We need to push it! We need to push over the limit!” The judges that Rainbow nearly crashed into all held up numbers on behalf of the performance. One held up a 6, and the other two held up 8s.
The next part of the tour was the Wonderbolts Derby in Canterlot. Rainbow and her team were getting prepared – just stretching out their legs and wings. “It’s all natural, it’s all from the heart, no added energy boosts acquired. No diseases, no sugar-rush or overeat, and a full night sleep’s required.” Rainbow immediately takes out a protein bar, opens it up, and eats it all in one bite from it. She then crumbles it up and throws it aside, but a garbage pony immediately shows up with a trash bin and the wrapper lands into the bin, and then he runs back off. “To be awesome, you must empty your mind of any angriness or stress!” When the flag is waved, Rainbow and her team immediately start flying, but while her team fly as fast as they could, Rainbow flies slowly and holds her stomach, thinking she was going to lose her lunch. “Remember to keep your eye on the task at hoof, but our tip-top priories are… helping out the ones in distress! Oh yeah!” Her team flies over to the finish line faster than the speed of a bullet (even Bulk has improved dramatically), but Rainbow was probably just as slow as Tank when she flew to the finish line.
When the Baltimare Monster Carriage Stunt Show was about to begin, Rainbow finds wing lotion on her dressing room table, so she decides to put it on before the show. When the show starts, she and her team begin to fly out, and she continues to sing. “If you want to prove you’re truly the best, all you need to do is believe! If you don’t, don’t give up, we know you can truly achieve!” This was about the time when Rainbow lost some of her feeling on her wings. They began to feel numb. “Make use for what you got, before you know it it’ll be gone.” She begins to lose her altitude. “But it won’t ever… come to that, so let’s just let bygones be a bygone!” Before Rainbow was able to crash into the firepit on the track, she spread her wings to the side and regained altitude without flapping them. Raindrops and Meadow flew up to Rainbow to help escort her backstage, and during the time, Rainbow sang angrily to them, “Don’t you ladies know that I ain’t giving up one bit! We need to push it! We need to push over the limit! That’s right we need to push it! We need to push over the limit!” Rainbow decided not to accept their help and just continue on with the show. Continue to entertain the fans. “You know it, we need to push it! We need to push over the limit! We really, really, really, really need to push it! We need to push over the limiiiiiiiiit! The limiiiiiiiiiiit!” The song ends right after Rainbow started to lose her altitude again and she starts to fall. She blacks out once she gets rescued by her team.
When Rainbow finally wakes up on the sofa in the dressing room, she had an ice pack on her head and moaned. “Are you ok, Rainbow Dash?” Raindrops asked.
“I’m fine.” Rainbow said as she sits up a bit. “How did I do?”
“It was pretty good, but it could’ve used a little more cowbell.” Starry said.
“I meant how did I do on the show?” Rainbow asked.
Rainbow’s team all looked at eachother. Thunderlane finally says, “I’m sorry, Corporal Dash, but… we think… we think this show might be a little too much for you.”
“No! I know I have been slacking a bit during the show, but I promise you, I will do better!” Rainbow said.
“Rainbow Dash?” Bulk asked softly. “There are times when you just need to give up.”
“It’s true.” Meadow said. “You’ve been pushing yourself too hard during these past few shows, and we think it’s best for you to return back to base.”
“NO!” Rainbow yelled as she sat up and threw the icepack on the floor. “NO, NO, NO! I will NOT go back to base! What would Captain Spitfire think if I just gave up now?! What would… what would the general think? I’ll be kicked out of the Wonderbolts! And it’ll be all YOUR fault! Some team you are!”
“Rainbow Dash, for all due respect, please calm down! You are not going to get kicked out!” Thunderlane comforted her. “I’ve heard the general say he’s got high hopes for you. He’ll understand if you need to rest for a while.”
“No! I… I can’t!” Rainbow said. “Look… I know it’s been a rough week for me. I’ve been spoiling everything for all of you, but just give me one more show. One final show! If I mess up that one, I promise I’ll just stop.”
Rainbow’s team all looked at eachother and they all nodded as the monster carriage show was playing in the background. “Ok, corporal. We’ll give you one more show.” Thunderlane said.
“Good! I knew I could count on you guys!” Rainbow said happily. “Don’t worry! I won’t let you guys down!” Just then, Rainbow said upsettingly while sipping a chocolate shake at a nearby diner with her friends, “I’m going to let them down. I’m going to let them all down.”
“Wait a minute, how did we all get here?” Pinkie asked as she looked around.
“Rainbow, I’m sure you’ll do fine.” Twilight informed her.
“I told you all, they’re going to take me back to base if I mess up again.” Rainbow said. “I’m going to get kicked out of the Wonderbolts for sure! Maybe… maybe it’s for the best. Perhaps I’m not ready to be a Wonderbolt after all.”
“NO!” Fluttershy said. “This is not the Rainbow Dash we know and love! The real Rainbow Dash would never give up!”
“Wait… that’s not the real Rainbow Dash?!” Pinkie freaked out. “MIRROR POND! CHANGELING! ANIMATION ERROR!”
“It was an expression, darling.” Rarity corrected her.
“Oh.” Pinkie said calmly as she continued to sip her drink.
“But think about it, Rainbow Dash.” Twilight informed her. “What if it’s not you?”
“What do you mean, Twilight?” Rainbow asked.
“I think it might help if Starlight explained it to you. Starlight?” Twilight asked.
“Are you sure, Twilight? You’re better at explaining things than I.” Starlight said.
“I insist.” Twilight said.
“Ok then.” Starlight said as she turned to Rainbow. “Twilight and I have been researching some strange evidence of some of the things you’ve been using before your shows.”
“Yeah, and?” Rainbow asked.
“We think it’s not you doing any of that.” Starlight said. “You haven’t been tired, or crashing over natural causes.”
“Well? Spit it out then, Starlight!” Rainbow instructed her.
“Well if you’re going to talk to me like that, I might not.” Starlight complained.
“No! Ok, I’m sorry.” Rainbow said. “Please… tell me what might be the problem?”
“We think it’s sabotage.” Starlight said as the rest of Rainbow’s friends all gasped.
“BRAIN FREEZE!” Pinkie cried.
Rainbow started laughing. “You’re joking right? Who would want to sabotage me? There is nopony out there in Equestria that has a grudge on me!”
“You sure about that?” Starlight asked.
“I mean yeah I did make ponies angry in the past, but it’s nothing worth them ruining me over!” Rainbow said.
“Rainbow, I really think somepony’s out there to ruin your chances of staying in the Wonderbolts.” Starlight said. “Ever since your Wonderbolts trial somepony has been trying to make sure you don’t get accepted.”
“That’s crazy! My team or I would’ve known if something like that happened!” Rainbow said.
“I know it’s hard to believe, Rainbow, but I’m pretty sure she’s right.” Twilight said.
“Well I don’t believe it.” Rainbow said.
“Well if you don’t believe it, we’ll just have to prove it to you.” Starlight said.
“How?” Rainbow asked.
“Don’t drink any energy drinks, don’t eat anything, don’t even spray yourself with anything.” Starlight informed her. “Don’t touch anything before your show. Just put your Wonderbolt suit in the laundry, and then wear it immediately when it’s clean. That includes your goggles. After that, just wait for your show, and don’t touch anything.”
“But I always need at least a bottle of water before the show.” Rainbow said.
“We’ll supply you with your water, but I insist that you don’t touch anything, and don’t accept anything from anyone! Even from your own team.” Starlight instructed her. Rainbow was feeling a bit confused, but she knew she had to listen to her. Rainbow knew something was up, and she couldn’t believe that those disasters she nearly caused were caused by her on purpose.
The next day came, and the final Wonderbolt show in their tour was about to begin – the Trottingham Gala, which is like the Grand Galloping Gala, but it takes place down in Southern Equestria, in Trottingham, the part of Equestria that isn’t on the map. Several towns like Mustainga, Hoofington, Mareami, Las Haygus, and Saddle Arriba is even nearby. When the gala started, Rainbow and her team were currently just enjoying the gala. Her friends were there too, and eventually Princesses Celestia and Luna came. When the princesses came, Rainbow started to become nervous, but took deep breaths.
“Ok.” She said. “The princesses are here. This is when we’ll really step up our game.”
“Tell yourself that, Corporal.” Starry teased. Rainbow glares at him. “Hey, it’s true!”
“But Rainbow Dash, isn’t it a little too early for you to have your suit on?” Cloud Chaser asked.
“Oh, well… I just thought it would save the time from the dressing room to just have the suit on and be ready.” Rainbow said.
“Makes sense to me.” Thunderlane agreed. “Would you like me to get you some punch?”
“NO!” Rainbow yelled which startled her team a bit. “I mean, no, thank you, Thunderlane. But I’m good. I’ll have the punch when we’re done with our show.”
“Good thinking! Like you need the extra sugar.” Spitfire said.
“SPITFIRE?!” Rainbow yelled startlingly.
“Surprised?” Spitfire asked.
“Not just her though. All of us!” Soarin said.
“We wanted to see you and your team in action, Rainbow Dash.” Fleetfoot said.
“Yeah, there were a lot of ponies that said they enjoyed your show this past week.” Misty Fly said.
“There were?” Rainbow asked.
“Yeah, they said how awesome you were when they thought you were about to crash but you got saved in the last minute – it really caused some suspense!” Misty Fly said.
“Wow, I… thanks… I guess.” Rainbow said with an embarrassing smile. “Yeah it was pretty awesome, wasn’t it?”
“Yep! It sure was, and grandfather thought that too.” Spitfire said.
“G-grandfather?” Rainbow asked nervously.
“Yep! He’s right over there talking to Celestia and Luna.” Spitfire pointed to where the general was, making the princesses laugh.
“H-he’s here too?” Rainbow asked nervously.
“Yeah, we all wanted to see you and your team in action.” Spitfire said.
“We heard you did a really good job training them up.” Soarin said.
“They’ve certainly improved!” Fleetfoot said.
“Heh, thanks guys!” Rainbow said. “I sure can’t wait for the next show!”
Over in the shadows, a pony hoof places a glass of punch on the table nearby, and whoever placed the punch there also placed a piece of paper there that reads ‘To Rainbow Dash. From, Starlight Glimmer’. Bulk Biceps walks up to the glass of the paper and yells out, “HEY RAINBOW DASH! STARLIGHT GLIMMER LEFT YOU A GLASS OF PUNCH HERE!”
“Really now?” Rainbow asked as she walked over to the glass. “Well how nice of her!” She said as she takes the glass. “Thanks for letting me know, Bulk! I should tell Starlight how much of a good friend she is!”
“SHE REALLY IS!” Bulk yelled excitedly as Rainbow flies off to look for her. He then looks down upsettingly and said to himself, “Starlight never gave me anything.”
When Rainbow walked up to Starlight, she thanked her and then she gave her a hug. Whoever left the punch on the table chuckled evilly and said, “If this won’t get her kicked out of the Wonderbolts, I don’t know what would.”
After some time went by, Rainbow and her team got ready for their final show in the tour. Some ponies blew on their trumpets as the everypony took their seats. Rainbow’s friends, the princesses, the other Wonderbolts, and even the general took their seats. Rainbow, and even her team felt a bit nervous. Rainbow was a bit curious as well because Spitfire wasn’t amongst the Wonderbolts in the audience. “Where’s Captain Spitfire?” Rainbow asked.
“Don’t worry about her. Our show is about to begin.” Thunderlane said. “We cannot mess this up! Are you feeling alright today, Corporal?”
“I’m feeling awesome!” Rainbow said excitedly. “Let’s do this!”
“Fillies and gentlecolts,” the announcer started, “the Trottingham Gala proudly presents… the Flight of the Wonderbolts!” Rainbow took a deep breath and then she led her team out in the open, and everypony watched amazingly as they performed.
“So far, so good.” Rainbow said to herself as she continued. Everypony was so impressed on the unique moves Rainbow taught her team.
“Well I’ll be.” The general commented.
As Rainbow was openly doing well on the show, the saboteurs have noticed as well. “What’s going on?” One of them asked. “She’s not messing up.”
“Switch to plan B.” The other one whispered as they split up.
After the show ends, Rainbow removes her goggles and the mask part of her Wonderbolts suit, and she shakes her head, letting loose her mane. During which, Soarin flew up to her worryingly.
“Rainbow Dash!” Soarin called out as she ran over to her.
“Oh hey, Soarin!” Rainbow said excitedly. “Did you enjoy the show?”
“Yeah you were really good, but we have a problem.” Soarin said.
“What? You and me?” Rainbow asked.
“No, Spitfire.” Soarin said. “She went missing.”
“I knew it was weird that she didn’t show up for the show.” Rainbow thought.
“The others are looking for her, but I was talking to your friend Starlight Glimmer.” Soarin said. “She said somepony has been trying to sabotage you, and is now moving to Plan B.”
“Plan B?” Rainbow asked. Just then she realized what Soarin meant. “Oh no!” Rainbow immediately flies off and checks around the convention center for Spitfire. She looks all around for her, but couldn’t find a trace. Some of the gala ponies were a bit startled by her, but they just continued doing what they were doing. Just then, Rainbow hears a ‘HELP’ coming from a half-opened door nearby. So Rainbow quickly flies through the door and down the stairs into the basement. As Spitfire kept on crying out for help, Rainbow flew through one of the store rooms in the basement and saw her tied up. “Captain Spitfire! What happened?!”
“Rainbow Dash, no! It’s a trap!” Spitfire yelled just as the door shuts behind Rainbow.
“HEY!” Rainbow yelled as she immediately turned around. “Who are you?! Why are you doing this?!”
“Revenge, Rainbow Dash.” The saboteur said as she finally reveals herself. “Just a little something I like to call – REVENGE!”
“LIGHTNING DUST?!” Rainbow gasped.
“You didn’t think anypony had a grudge on you?” Lightning Dust asked. “Well you thought wrong!”
“Wha-why are you doing this?” Rainbow asked. “I did NOTHING to you!”
“Did you?” Lightning asked. “Don’t you remember our last meeting? I had my rank stripped by Spitfire! I was living the dream! We made a very good unstoppable team, but you reported me to her, and she never thought I could be Wonderbolt material! So I got expelled from the academy! You ruined my dream, Rainbow Dash! Ever since then, I swore to do the same to you!”
“Wait, you got kicked out?” Rainbow asked. “I thought you got kitchen duty?”
“Kitchen duty? Who told you that?” Lightning asked.
Just then, Rainbow gets a flashback of her and Soarin racing through the academy tracks. “Well, I gotta hand to you, Rainbow Dash! You are an unstoppable flyer!”
“Thanks, Soarin!” Rainbow said. “I know I’m pretty awesome! Hey, by the way, did Spitfire tell you what happened to Lightning Dust?”
“Oh I dunno, she probably got kitchen duty or something.” Soarin said.
Just then, Rainbow’s flashback ends with Rainbow not feeling amused. “Oh… right.”
“Yeah, see what I mean?” Lightning asked. “Your jealousy of not being lead pony got the best of you; and now… I’m no longer a Wonderbolt! And it’s ALL YOUR FAULT!”
“But Lightning Dust! Rainbow never tried to get you kicked out!” Spitfire said. “Rainbow nearly returned her badge and left the academy.”
“QUIET! Once I’m done with Rainbow Dash, you’re next!” Lightning yelled. “Now then, Rainbow Dash. We have a deal for you. If you want your captain back unharmed, you both will turn in your suits and badges, and retire from the Wonderbolts. If you think I’m lying, I’m not. I have nothing against your personal lives outside the Wonderbolts, but a pony’s gotta do what a pony’s gotta do.”
“Don’t listen to her, Dash!” Spitfire instructed her.
“Wait a minute, Lightning. Did you say… we?” Rainbow asked.
“Well I tried to get my revenge on you once before using my grandfather, who greatly obligated.” Lightning pointed. A light lit the other side of the room, and right next to a lever, it was another former Wonderbolt.
“WIND RIDER?!” Rainbow yelled.
“Who else would it be?” Wind Rider asked. “After you had my granddaughter kicked out, I had to return to the Wonderbolts to get to you! Now you got us BOTH kicked out! Now you’re going to pay!”
“I didn’t kick either of you out!” Rainbow yelled. “It was Spitfire! I mean… not that I blame her, but I had no right to kick you out!” Spitfire glares at her.
“That may be so, but you both led her to kick us out!” Wind Rider said.
“Uh, if I may?” Rainbow asked. “It was my friend Rarity that got you caught, Wind Rider.”
“Wow, way to sell out your friend.” Spitfire said sarcastically.
“Woops.” Rainbow said as she chuckled embarrassingly.
“Well whatever! Rainbow Dash is our target!” Wind Rider said. “You know what this lever does?”
“Gets you to shush your mouth?” Rainbow teased. Another light comes on, and on top of Spitfire was a piano hanging on a rope. Rainbow and Spitfire both gasped.
“Wow. How did you get that heavy piano up there?” Spitfire asked.
“I’m sure it’s self-explanatory, Dash.” Lightning said. “But if not, if you don’t do what we say, Spitfire gets crushed!”
“Are you kidding?!” Rainbow yelled. “I don’t think you’d really want to physically harm a pony!” Wind Rider then immediately pulls the lever down and the piano begins to fall. Spitfire flinched as it nearly crushes her, but it stops three-fourths down. Wind immediately pulls the lever back up and the piano starts rising back into place. Rainbow then freaked out and said, “I should’ve kept my big mouth shut! I should’ve kept my big mouth shut! I should’ve kept my big mouth shut!”
“I know, Dash! You should’ve kept your big mouth shut!” Spitfire complained.
“Don’t make me leave you here, Captain.” Rainbow teased.
“So what’s it gonna be, Dash?” Lightning asked.
“Your friend, or your career?” Wind Rider asked.
Rainbow was furious, but she needed to do what she needed to do. She looked over at Spitfire and she said, “Don’t do it, Rainbow Dash! Don’t worry about me! You and the Wonderbolts have a future!”
“I will not leave you here, Captain!” Rainbow said.
“That is an ORDER, ‘BOLT!” Spitfire yelled.
“For all do respect, Captain, I must decline your order.” Rainbow said. “You’re one of my idols, Spitfire, and you’re also one of my friends. If sacrificing my career means saving your life, then so be it.”
“A wise choice, Rainbow Dash.” Wind Rider said. “A wise choice indeed.” Rainbow removes her badge, and places it on the ground.
“You’re throwing away your life, Dash!” Spitfire reminded her.
“It’s a Wonderbolt’s number one priority for other pony’s safety, and that is going to be my final duty as Wonderbolt.” Rainbow said. Spitfire smiles at her.
Lightning Dust picks up Rainbow’s badge and observes it. “Yes… this will definitely do nicely for the general!”
“The general?” Rainbow asked.
“Now I’m afraid this is where we disembark.” Wind Rider said. “Goodbye, Captain Spitfire!”
“Wait, NO!” Rainbow cried as she was about to fly to Spitfire and rescue her, but Lightning Dust flies up to Rainbow and tackles her down. The piano was nearing down to crush Spitfire, but out of the blue, Spitfire gets rescued by a flash.
“Wait, what?” Lightning asked as she looked back and saw Spitfire got rescued by Bulk Biceps.
“PERMISSION TO RESCUE YOU, CAPTAIN!” Bulk yelled and saluted.
Just then, the rest of Rainbow’s team flew into the room and they capture Lightning Dust and Wind Rider, while Thunderlane flies over to Rainbow and helps her up. “Are you alright, Corporal?”
“Much better now.” Rainbow smiled. Bulk unties Spitfire. Spitfire then angrily walks over to Wind Rider and Lightning Dust.
“She took my record, she got my granddaughter kicked out! I have a good reason for this!” Wind Rider said.
“Maybe.” Spitfire said. “But you could’ve squashed me with a piano!”
“In our defense, it was a fake piano. A prop.” Lightning informed her. “You think we could afford an actual piano? It was made out of wood for crying out loud!”
“That maybe so but you could’ve severely injured me!” Spitfire said. “I would have you both arrested for this!”
“Not to mention you two sabotaged our shows trying to get Rainbow Dash kicked out for her poor performances!” Thunderlane said.
“We had dreams!” Lightning Dust said angrily. “We wanted to be the best we could be for the Wonderbolts! We never meant to harm anypony. I just… I just… I just wanted to impress you, Captain Spitfire.”
“Huh?” Spitfire asked.
“And the flight record was all I had.” Wind Rider said. “I mean Rainbow Dash here, she saved Equestria multiple times! Does she need to have everything?”
“Hey, I feel the same way about Twilight sometimes.” Rainbow said as she walks up to them. “But I get what you’re saying. I do what I can to be the best, but I learned that being the best isn’t everything. We have to care for the ponies around too. We all learn from our mistakes, and that’s why I don’t think Spitfire should’ve taken your ranks.” Rainbow turned around and glared at her.
“Wait… what?” Spitfire asked curiously.
“It takes a while for somepony to learn things, but one little mistake shouldn’t make you take away their dreams.” Rainbow said. “We could’ve all just talked this out, but instead, you kicked them out of the Wonderbolts. You took away their dreams!”
“For the sake of the Wonderbolts, I had to.” Spitfire said.
“I agree with Rainbow Dash.” Thunderlane said.
“So do I.” Raindrops said.
“As I do I.” Meadow said.
“We all have these dreams.” Starry said.
“And one mistake shouldn’t take them away.” Cloud Chaser said.
“WONDERBOLTS RULE! YEAH” Bulk yelled.
“Please, Spitfire.” Rainbow begged.
Spitfire thought it over, and then she sighs. “Perhaps I was being a little too hard on you two.” She said to Lightning and Wind. “I was like you once. I strived to be the best and I thought that’s all it would take. I even thought the safety of others didn’t matter, and we were just for show, but then Rainbow Dash here reminded me that we’re not just a bunch of professional athletes that entertain. We’re here to protect Equestria and all that live in it. So… from this day forward… I shall give you both your ranks back.”
Lightning Dust smiled. “R-really? That… that is…”
“We decline.” Wind Rider interrupted.
“Wait, grandfather?” Lightning asked curiously.
“Don’t you remember what these ponies did to us?! They didn’t trust us!” Wind Rider said. “Luckily, we have found somepony who has! You better prepare yourselves, Wonderbolts! Because the shadows are coming!” Wind Rider grabs onto Lightning’s hoof and then they flew towards the back wall, pulled a door knob prop that was leaning against the wall, and then the wall turns around, leading Lightning and Wind to a secret passage out.
Rainbow suddenly flies towards the wall and crashes into it. She then bangs her hooves against it and yells, “NO! NO! NO! I was so close to reforming them!”
“Don’t worry, Rainbow Dash. You’ve done all you could.” Spitfire said as she places her hoof on Rainbow’s shoulder. “But for now, we must regroup with the others.”
So Rainbow, Spitfire, and the rest all went out back to the public and met up with the rest of Rainbow’s friends, the rest of the Wonderbolts, and even the general. “So… it was Wind Rider and Lightning Dust?” Misty Fly asked.
“Hmm… that complicates things.” Fleetfoot said.
“But the shadows are coming?” Soarin asked. “What the hay does that mean?”
“I don’t know, but we must be on our hooves.” Spitfire said.
“Wonderbolts!” General Fire Strike said as he meets up with the others, and they all salute him.
“General, sir!” Spitfire yelled.
“I’m not saluting to him!” Rainbow said.
“Excuse me, Corporal?” the general asked feeling threatened.
“I heard what Lightning Dust said when she took my badge!” Rainbow said angrily at him. “She said something about a general! I have the feeling you might be in on it.”
“CORPORAL DASH!” Spitfire yelled surprisingly. “How dare you speak to our superior officer like that?!”
“I will allow it, Captain.” The general said to her. “Corporal Dash, you seem to be understandably angry, but I assure you I had nothing to do with it.”
“Then… who?” Rainbow asked.
“Back before I became General of the Wonderbolts, there was a previous general, one that had greed for being the best.” The general explained. “Once we saw who he truly was, Princess Celestia has stripped him of his rank, and I became the new general. He swore to avenge the Wonderbolts, and now I believe he may do so. I urge all of you to use caution. The Wonderbolts may now have a rival in their mist. Report to me if you find anything. For now, dismissed.” General Fire Strike walks away, and Soarin, Fleetfoot, and Misty Fly follow him.
“Well, I guess that’s it then.” Spitfire said to Rainbow. “You really saved my flank there! You really are a great Wonderbolt, Rainbow Dash! I do believe now for sure that I made the right choice of recommending you into the Wonderbolts.”
“Hey, being a Wonderbolt has always been my dream, but if it weren’t for my friends, I probably would’ve ended up just like Lightning Dust and Wind Rider.” Rainbow said as she turns around and smiles at her friends who were talking to eachother.
“Which is why I hereby promote you to the rank of Sergeant.” Spitfire added.
Rainbow gasped in shock. “Wh-what?”
“Congratulations, Sergeant Dash!” Spitfire smiled.
Rainbow was so excited that she was about to yell, “Oh my-“ But Spitfire immediately covers her mouth.
“That won’t be necessary.” Spitfire said. “You and your team are relieved of duty for the time being, Rainbow Dash, until the next time we need you.” She then turns around and walks away.
Thunderlane walks over to Rainbow and says, “Rainbow Dash, we all owe you an apology. We should’ve known that it wasn’t you that was messing up.”
“We hope you would forgive us.” Meadow said.
“Hey, you’re my team, and you always will be my team!” Rainbow said. “Now then… as the Captain said, we are being relieved for now, but you ladies better be ready for when we’re needed next! Do you all get me?!”
“YES, SERGEANT DASH!” Her team saluted.
“Mmhm! You better!” Rainbow said. “Dismissed!” Rainbow’s team all headed off to enjoy the gala some more. Rainbow then walked over to Starlight and said, “I hope you didn’t drink that punch I switched with you.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Starlight said. “So… everything worked out, huh?”
“It sure did!” Rainbow said. “I wouldn’ve done it without you! If it haven’t been for you, Starlight, I wouldn’ve known that I was being sabotaged.”
“Meh, I’m sure you would’ve found out.” Starlight shrugged. “After all, even the most awesome flyer in Equestria isn’t stupid.” They both laughed. As they were laughing, Starlight’s cutie mark begins to glow, starting from down the toothpaste things, and then the stars flash.
Meanwhile, a strange shadow figure watches down at Rainbow and the Wonderbolts from the skylight up above. “The shadows are coming.” The voice whispered as the shadow flies off up towards the moon.