//------------------------------// // Ready or Not // Story: The Final Beat // by rainbowspirals //------------------------------// "Awww YEAH!" Rainbow Dash performed a back-flip in the centre of her room. "Tank, do you KNOW what this means?!" The tortoise blinked slowly, but happily. He knew exactly what it means. "I'm performing in the Equestria Olympics! This is the best moment of my LIFE! Not only do I get to perform in front of EVERYPONY, but I'll get them all to know my name, I mean, I'm already the news in Ponyville, but what about CANTERLOT! Or Fillydelophia, eee! Oh my gosh Oh my gosh Oh my gosh! This is gonna be so awesome!" The blue mare smiled a bright smile and dashed out of her home with Tank in her hooves. She flew gracefully to Ponyville, where she gathered all five of her other pony friends and told them the great news. "Congratulations, sugarcube! Ah just knew ya'd get in! Ah'll definitely be there to see ya win Dash!" The farmer hugged the flyer close. Dash knew she could always count on her one and only. She had always been so supportive of her in every success or failure. She never left, like some other friends Rainbow had when she was a filly did, or made fun of her like some also did, when something didn't work out or she disappointed them. "Congratulations darling! Will I see you perform the DAZZLING Sonic Rainboom?" The fashionista was so excited for Rainbow Dash. The ponies laughed at how dramatically amused the glamorous pony was. "Also, this is simply the PERFECT occasion to make a glamorous dress for you dear! I SHOULD GET TO IT RIGHT NOW! See you later darlings, I have some business to attend to!" Rarity galloped away from the group of friends, and disappeared into her boutique, not even hearing the replies from all the other ponies. She was incredibly enthusiastic, filled with inspiration to make a remarkable and eye-widening dress for Dash. "That's great Rainbow! I just knew you would get in. After all, you are the best flyer in Equestria, why wouldn't you," congratulated Twilight. The scientist expressed her enthusiasm well. "I'm just SO happy for you! I will be there for SURE! I can't wait to see you perform. I know you're pretty secretive about your routine at the moment, but I'm sure it will leave the entire audience with their mouths open," she smiled brightly. "I'll be sitting with Celestia and Luna, at the back with a great view of the arena. Make me proud!" "Thanks, Twi. I'm gonna try my best, so wish me luck, not that I need it though," said Rainbow Dash. She flicked her rainbow mane like Rarity would do. "I'm never doing that again. Now hair's in my mouth," she sighed. The remaining ponies laughed. "I'm just so happy for you, Rainbow Dash," Fluttershy, a buttercup mare smiled. "I'm going to be around the arena too, by the way, isn't that fun?" she said. "Wait, what?!" Rainbow Dash was shocked. "What do you mean? First of all, did you get in for FLYING? No offence, of course, but... That's not really your strong point," Rainbow Dash threw a flashing smile. "And second, I thought you hate performing on a stage or in front of other ponies?" Dash was concerned and worried. She wanted the best for the pony she had as a friend since she was a little filly. "Oh, well I didn't get in for flying. And also, I am not going to be performing in front of everypony. I just volunteered to shelter the animals for the animal contest at the back," Fluttershy said. Rainbow Dash relaxed. "That's good," she said. "I was worried there for a second, few," Rainbow Dash smiled at Fluttershy, before taking off into the bright sky. "See ya later guys, gotta practice!" She dashed away. "Good luck!" Screamed Applejack. "Won't need it!" The blue Pegasus yelled back. One Week Later The Day of The Equestria Olympics Everypony was gathered in plastic rows of seats and stages, getting ready for the flight competition. They cheered loudly for the past competitors. Rainbow Dash's eyes dazzled in pure excitement as she stood on a waiting stage, number 23 on her hip, surrounded by all other competitors. "What are you gonna pull for your show, Dash?" Asked a familiar voice. Rainbow Dash turned around, to uncover a sunset-coloured pony, Spitfire. She smiled. "You'll see," she beamed. She turned back around, and waited for the numbers to be called, her amazing rainbow-themed dress resting on her blue body. Rarity did an amazing job, the dress was workable, elastic and gorgeous at that. All of the competitors would drop at her design, that was Rarity's goal. "I'm sure you'll be proud," "I better be. Don't forget about the Wonderbolts show either, we need you there," mentioned Spitfire. "Oh, for sure. I would never forget about it, it's my dream team, after all!" cried Dash. Spitfire winked at her. In the distance, a familiar voice was heard. "Spitfire, come on over here! We need to tell you something," Soarin yelled. "Well, gotta dash. I also need to let Celestia know of a little thing," remarked Spitfire, before flying away. She waved goodbye, and Dash did the same her way. She noticed Spitfire talking to Celestia, and a while into the conversation she pointed at Dash, with Celestia beaming a smile and finishing up the talk. I wonder what she told her, Dash thought. "Alright everypony, I think it is time to start with our final competition, the best flyers!" The schedule for the Olympics were as follows; firstly, design. Rarity was really focused on that one, as some of her favourite designers were participating, showing off their creative ideas with the crows. Squealing from Rarity is all you heard at that point, as she made eye contact with one. Next, singing performances. Further along, farm activities, like hay stacking, apple bucking, you call it. Applejack didn't manage to get in, mainly because she didn't have enough time as her family of cousins visited and she had to focus on minding them. Next along the line, theatre, animal show, magic tricks, agility, and finally, flying. Celestia continued. "We have 8 competitors ready to show their remarkable routines in the stadium and sky. At the end we will also have another wonderful show by the one and only team of the Wonderbolts, before voting begins and the winners for all competitions will be announced. So, without further ado, let's begin!" Announced Princess Celestia, and at that speech, everypony in the stadium cheered, and cheered, and cheered. "This is truly the best moment in my life, how could it get better?" whispered Rainbow Dash quietly, but very excitedly to herself. It was time the numbers were called, and ponies began their performances. --- Number 7 performed a stunning turn and dive filled with confetti, sparkles and fire. They did astonishing tricks putting others at edge. "That's pretty cool, just wait until I will be called!" Beamed Dash. She knew she was going to top anything on the table. She has in past contests, competitions, shows and routines. She excites the Wonderbolts in their every performance as she is always given a lead at one point in every one of them. Dash was aware she was a little bit full of herself, but she decided to remain that way as she had the right to. All her friends fully supported her with every performance there was to show. They were already super pumped due to the agility performances previously. All of the ponies in the stadium were filled with adrenaline as they watched their team win and perform crazy stunts in front of the whole audience. Number 11 was also pretty cool in her presentation. Although some other pegasi were much better in Dash's eyes, she still seemed to hold quite of an element with her as she glided through the sky to some classical music. The audience seemed to be very much hypnotised in her act, and didn't dare to say a word. When she completed everything, however, the crowd went crazy, screaming happily and clapping. And as time passed, more pegasi continued their personal shows... --- Thunderlane's routine ended with a lighting strike behind him, it was a spectacular routine. It was simple yet had many effects that made the audience roar with support and shift away from their seats paying attention to every sneaky detail. "I think I can top that," said Rainbow Dash. She debated the situation in her head. It was truly a fantastic show... "Oh darling, you're fabulous! I can see you winning these Olympics by a mile," cried Rarity happily. The other ponies nodded gracefully in agreement. "I sure hope so. He was pretty cool, but he isn't radical and awesome like the one and only Rainbow Dash!" Dash winked at the small crowd in front of her. The ponies giggled and nodded once again. "Do your best, Rainbow. I know you can win this, and so do we all here! The audience is waiting for you," said Twilight. She pointed at the entire audience in the stadium. Dash silently gulped at the thought, that they expect the best and if they don't get it, it will be the worst. Although she practiced endlessly, trying to get her stunts and flips just right, she still felt like she was lacking. It was only then that she realised she wasn't ready. Looking at the number 23 on her hip, she desperately wanted to find the other contestant and switch the numbers. However, her competition was all the way across the stadium, and she had to fly, and fly fast, to get to her. No biggie, however, she would be easily spotted and might even be disqualified taking into account the super strict rules the Olympics has to offer. "Oh no," she whispered silently to herself. "Is something the matter?" Asked Fluttershy. She worried for her childhood friend, undertaking such a big opportunity. Dash wanted to tell her everything, in fact, she wanted to share her thoughts with her other five friends right there. She wanted to get it out, but she didn't want to seem weak. Dang it, she thought, feeling her head ache with her worries. They all flushed her brain immediately, making her feel terribly spellbound and dizzy. She wasn't ready, and silently begged her competition would be called first. "No, I'm awesome. I was just thinking about Tank for a moment. Nothing's the matter though, so don't worry about it," lied Dash. I can't do this, I'm not ready one bit. I just need the other contestant to go first, she thought. Celestia's voice echoed throughout the stadium. "Apologies for the wait, everypony, an issue had to be resolved. We're back into game! Two more contestants. Now, we call...Number 23!"