//------------------------------// // The Pursuit of Victory (Fluttershy draft) // Story: Unimpressive Scraps // by An Unimpressive //------------------------------// A/N: This is the original draft of the story "The Pursuit of Victory" Rainbow Dash stood confidently upon the cloud floor, looking over all the other pegasi with cocksure determination. Aw yeah, she thought, none of these ponies have half my skills, I'll bet! Her body quivered with anticipation as she gazed out at the interior of the Cloudsdale arena. The sun shone down brightly on all the ponies eagerly waiting for something to happen. The air felt thick with anticipation. Rainbow wanted to start flying right away, just to stand out a little, but thought better of it. I'll have plenty of time to show how awesome I am later. She couldn't help but feel a slight twinge of nervousness as she looked at the crowd. A large crowd of pegasi had packed the arena in a pastel prism, all with their eyes on the same prize: a chance to become a Wonderbolt! Rainbow Dash licked her lips in anticipation. This is it. A voice next to Rainbow Dash spoke up timidly. “U-um... Rainbow Dash, there's a lot of ponies here... I'm a little uncomfortable.” Rainbow Dash turned, smiling, to see Fluttershy crouched behind her, her eyes darting to and fro, clearly uncomfortable in such a crowd. “Aw, relax. Besides, you're just here to witness how awesome I am! This is my big chance! ...And, not that I need it, but, um... I'm really glad you're here, Fluttershy,” she added, scratching her forelegs together unconsciously. Fluttershy just nodded and glanced at the arena exit. “R-right. I'll just... wait over here, then.” Rainbow Dash opened her mouth to answer, but a swift movement out of the corner of her eye immediately focused her attention on the bare cloud stage that had been set up. The crowd around her settled as Fluttershy crept out of the arena with a small “Eep!” Three Wonderbolts had alighted on the stage, in costume and smiling down at the crowd. Okay, Rainbow... stay cool. The Wonderbolts are RIGHT THERE OHMYGOSH but I don't wanna seem like some crazy fanfilly. Despite her attempt at self-discipline, her eyes widened as her idols trotted to the front of the stage. Spitfire lifted a hoof and removed her goggles, gazing over the crowd with a friendly, yet appraising look. “Hey there, all you hopefuls. We all know what we're here for: a few of you lucky ponies are going to have the chance to become one of us! Now, as you know, the Wonderbolts have been in Equestria for years, stretching back to the era of...” Rainbow Dash felt her attention wander as Spitfire continued her welcome speech. Come onnn, this is taking forever! Can't we just skip to the part where I get accepted as team super captain or something? Seriously... how can the buildup to something so awesome be so boring? She scratched her forelegs together unconsciously. I wonder how everypony else can handle all this waiting? “...and so, trying to join the Wonderbolts is a pursuit that should not be taken lightly.” For a brief, horrifying moment, Rainbow Dash was sure that Spitfire was staring right at her with a disapproving look. The Wonderbolt's eyes narrowed, and Rainbow felt as though all her failings were being laid bare before that intense stare. Spitfire soon directed her gaze elsewhere, but Rainbow was left sweating profusely and shaking, her famous confidence shattered by that one glare. Oh, horseapples! Is that going to come back to bite me in the flank? Does she think I'm not serious about the Wonderbolts? Did I blow it already? Maybe I should pay more attention. Battling her boredom, Rainbow Dash stifled a yawn and stared at Spitfire intensely. Sptifire continued, “...In any case, we're glad to see so many of you came out to give it your all.” A few other costumed Wonderbolts flew down and started distributing numbers to the excited crowd. “You've all been selected as some of the most promising fliers in Equestria, but now you've got to prove you can soar above the herd. We'll be seeing each of you fly individually first. If you pass this round of auditions, then you'll fly with a few of us; see how you handle flying in formation. There's no I in team... or Wonderbolts.” Rainbow Dash thought her heart would beat right out of her. I'll get to fly with the Wonderbolts before I'm even in?! This is so AWESOME! Best day ever already! She eagerly shoved her way through the crowd, trying to grab a high number. “Come on, outta the way, Best Young Flier coming through!” she shouted as she pressed through the mass of ponies and swiped a number from a bemused-looking Wonderbolt. Her heart sank. Twelve? That's like... right away! Her pupils narrowed in panic as she tried to estimate how many other hopefuls were present. “Oh, man, there's gotta be, like, two hundred ponies here...” she moaned. “Actually, there are two hundred and forty-one,” a voice commented. Rainbow turned to see a different Wonderbolt grinning at her. “Say, you're the one who saved us at the Young Flier's Competition... you nervous?” She chuckled, praying none of her nervousness at talking to a Wonderbolt showed. C'mon, play it cool. “Heh heh... m-me? N-no way! You're lookin' at the next Wonderbolt right here!” The Wonderbolt chuckled. “Well, I know a few of the others are looking forward to seeing your routine. Got another Sonic Rainboom in store for us? Spitfire really seemed disappointed she was unconscious when you pulled it off.” A few heads turned and gaped as more ponies recognized Rainbow Dash. A wide grin spread over Rainbow Dash's face as she noticed the other ponies' reactions out of the corner of her eye. That's right, foals, you ain't got a chance! “Oh, well, you know... I was thinking I might try something a little cooler. The Sonic Rainboom's just getting a little old, you know?” she remarked, trying to sound casual. A low murmur spread through the crowd near the rainbow-maned pegasus at her words. “Better than a Sonic Rainboom?” “Who the hay does she think she is?” “What's a Sonic Rainboom?” “Oh Celestia damn it, she's here? I don't have a chance...” The Wonderbolt's grin faded and he gave her a serious look. “That's quite a claim, Rainbow Dash. Here's hoping you can back it up.” Rainbow felt her grin fade a bit as he flew over to the unoccupied Wonderbolts. The group started murmuring, a few goggled eyes occasionally glancing at the blue pegasus. Maybe I said a little too much? I am sorta banking on the Rainboom to impress them, now that they won't be unconscious when I do it... still, the fact that I saved the lives of Spitfire, Soarin, and... the... uh... other one... crap, why can't I think of his name? Seriously, I could probably rattle off all their flying stats in ten seconds flat, but what was his name?! Argh! ...What was I thinking about? Still trying to rack her brain for the Wonderbolt's name, Rainbow Dash leisurely trotted into the contestant waiting room, joining a herd of others who were waiting anxiously. The minutes flew by as Rainbow Dash paced back and forth, stretching out her wings in anticipation. Applicants came and went, and number eleven had just trotted off. Quite a few minutes passed as everypony began to gossip about what was taking this particular pony so long. “Most of them were only in there for a couple of minutes! “D'ya think one got accepted?” “How many members are they even going to add?” “Oh no, what if we're all out already?” A slight panic came over the crowd as the whispers grew louder. Rainbow Dash swallowed, trying to ignore anything that might break her concentration. She plopped on a nearby cloud, stuffing a few fragments of it in her ears, but the murmurs were only muffled for the moment. This is taking way too long! Oh no. What if one of the first few was so awesome, they just decided to not see anypony else try? No no no no no; they'd wait for me. A grin spread over her face. I'm the best flier in Equestria. I just need to prove it. She gulped, suddenly noticing some members of teams less prestigious than the Wonderbolts present. Oh man, Sprint of the Wonder Wings is here?! Isn't she their captain? Oh wow- that's Surprise from the Aerobatic Aces! And... isn't that Hairpin from the Sky Dancers?! She's, like, a legend! ...I guess everypony really does want to be a Wonderbolt... Do I even have a chance? Rainbow gulped and shook her head to clear her treasonous thoughts. No. I can do this. I have to do this. So what if you're up against ponies who've been doing aerial shows for years? She began to sweat and shake slightly. So what if you aren't famous like the other pros that are here? She bit on the cloud to muffle a scream of frustration at her mutinous musings. It's not like they've got a massive advantage or anything, right? A Wonderbolt stepped in, and the low murmurs that had been running through the tightly packed ponies were immediately silenced. I can do this. Fluttershy's here to support me, and all my other friends are here in spirit. Rainbow Dash quickly got to her hooves and removed her makeshift earplugs, a grin spreading over her face. It's not just me flyin': all my friends are cheering for me! Her grin widened. And when I've got those five ponies with me, nothing can stand in my way! Even if only Fluttershy is here, I know I can count on them all! A warm feeling stirred within her. With those ladies backin' me up, I'm unstoppable! Nothing is above my reach. A blubbering, hysterical red pegasus with a thundercloud cutie mark stumbled past the door, mumbling. “No! I am good enough... I'm... it's my... destiny...” The despondent pony exited the arena, eyes still brimming with tears. You'll get no sympathy from me, Rainbow thought to herself, grinning. 'Cuz I'm a winner. “Rainbow Dash,” the Wonderbolt said simply. Rainbow shot to the air, hovering over the other waiting fliers. Oh man, he called me by name, not number! That's a good sign! ...Right? “Yep, right here!” she called cheerfully. A small smile crept over the Wonderbolt's face. “You're up.” Fluttershy anxiously trotted to and fro outside the stadium. She knew that she shouldn't worry for Rainbow Dash, but vague worries kept cropping up in her mind. What if she doesn't make it? What if somepony gets hurt? Oh my goodness, what if somepony falls like Rarity did? She shook her head, resolute. No. I need to believe in Rainbow Dash. She'd said that she might be a while before she goes on, but maybe I should just wait here... just in case, so I don't miss it. She laid down, put her head on her forehooves, and thought, Maybe I should sit on clouds more often. I'm always on the ground, but this is nice. I can see why Rainbow's always... napping... all day... The yellow pony's thoughts drifted off as she fell asleep on the soft cloud, exhausted by the flight to Cloudsdale the two had made that morning. Rainbow Dash insisted they do it on the same day “for a warm-up”, and Fluttershy, too passive to protest, had acquiesced. However, the yellow pony wasn't used to flying such long distances, and her body had ached from the strain of trying to match Rainbow's rapid pace. All the hurt from her body was swept away as she dozed in the afternoon sun. Rainbow Dash gulped. Oh man. It's just me. Her eyes narrowed as she gazed out at the now nearly empty arena, devoid of ponies save herself, Spitfire, and Soarin. This is good. She inhaled sharply, willing herself to taste everything in the air. No distractions. I'm sure... I'm sure something is just holding Fluttershy up. A small twinge of panic ran through her body. She wouldn't miss this. I know her too well to suspect that... but where is she? Frantically, she scanned the arena again. She's not here... why is she not here? “Rainbow Dash!” a voice called out. “Uh, I, yes?” Rainbow whirled to face the small stand the two Wonderbolts were sitting at. “Begin.” Rainbow Dash gulped, then, mustering all the bravado she had, called out, “All right! Now prepare to witness a grand encore of history being made... uh... again!” Beads of sweat rolled down her forehead. FOCUS. She shook her head and took off into the sky, weaving between columns of clouds. Phase one. She passed between the columns without a hitch, gaining speed the whole time. She could've swore she heard a low whistle from the stands. Grinning, she wasted no time in gaining altitude and rounding some clouds in quick succession, making them spin. Phase... two. She grinned, remembering last time and kept her distance as she circled the clouds, but remained close enough that the clouds spun. And now, for the twist! Flying near her normal top speed, she bucked each cloud towards the center, making them combine into one cloud. Flying underneath it, she bucked it at an angle that sent it soaring skywards. Time for the grand finale! A mad grin spread over her face as she soared high into the sky, zooming above the spinning cloud mass and gaining speed. Turning sharply, she felt her eyes water and cheeks flap as the sound barrier form up around her. The cloud mass loomed beneath her, the other final obstacle for her to overcome. With a wild cry, she soared downwards with all her might, extending a forehoof before her and closing her eyes... Only to find herself straining against the sound barrier, which refused to yield. No! No no no no! Her mind screamed at her as the barrier stubbornly refused to shatter. She felt it start to crack, and opened her eyes with a grin, only to see her giant cloudball almost in her face, the timing of her trick thrown off. Oh fu- The cloud slammed into Rainbow Dash, halting her advance as the sound barrier simultaneously snapped back, catapaulting the pegasus skyward with surprising speed. Dazed, she attempted to regain control, only to smash into an errant cloud. She screamed with pain as a few feathers tore off her left wing. Is this how it ends? Me, a failure? “No!” she shouted, throwing herself towards the arena below with newfound energy. The barrier began to form up around her. “Not this time! You hear me...? I am the sky! I... am... Rainbow Dash!” Just as she roared her name in challenge at the new barrier, she smashed through it, zooming downwards as a massive “boom” from behind her let her know that she'd done a Sonic Rainboom. Looking around quickly, she spotted another cloud near the arena that she'd have to incorporate into her plan, to make up for her earlier failure. She flew around it a few times, setting it spinning at an unbelievable speed, then sliced through it while mid-Rainboom, creating a dazzling pattern in the sky accented by a few tufts of cloud left in her wake. She stopped, panting, staring at the shape she'd painted in the sky: her cutie mark, made entirely of clouds and her own rainbow trail. The stunt had taken countless hours of practice, but now, seeing the fruits of her labor, the blue pony had never felt better. How was that, Wonderbolts? The two lead Wonderbolts remained impassive as they stared at Rainbow. Geez... after all that? She took a midair bow. “And there you have it! Pulling off a move most thought was a legend? All in a day's work!” She could've sworn she saw Spitfire crack a smile. That's a good sign. That's a good sign... isn't it? “Nice to see that while I'm conscious,” Spitfire remarked as an escastic smile spread over Rainbow's face. “Alright, we'll let you know when the group tests happen next.” As Rainbow whooped and flew energetically back to the waiting area in the building, the two Wonderbolts exchanged a look. “Well?” “Definitely.” “Really? Because I th-” “Nope. Definitely,” Spitfire emphasized, her eyes following the blue pony as she returned, tired but elated, to the other applicants. A loud roar jolted Fluttershy awake. Looking around in panic, she noted that the sun had sunk far lower in the sky. Oh no, did I miss her tryout?! A huge mass of balloons were floating away from the arena. Fluttershy stared at that for a moment, then thought, There's no time! I need to hurry. Breaking into a brisk canter, Fluttershy headed for the arena. The roar of pony voices only intensified as Fluttershy neared the entrance. Oh my. They're all worked up. Nearing the doorway, Fluttershy poked her head in and saw three proud pegasi standing on the cloud stage, Wonderbolt costumes folded in front of them. All three were beaming with pride. Rainbow Dash was not one of them. Oh no. Fluttershy quickly scanned the crowd, looking for her friend, but couldn't spot her distinctive mane amongst the sheer mass of ponies. “Where could she be?” Fluttershy mused aloud, scratching her chin with a hoof. Meanwhile, the crowd continued to roar for the three new Wonderbolts, though some sour looks were plastered on some ponies' faces. “Where would she go?” Fluttershy tried to really concentrate, shutting out the noise from the arena. It was only then that she noticed a small sound she hadn't noticed before: a small sniffling coming from an adjacent room. Oh no... Rainbow Dash... is that you? Her matronly instincts kicking in, Fluttershy slowly walked over to the small side room and poked her head in, trying to not disturb the crier. Rainbow Dash was lying on her back, staring up at the ceiling, tears in her eyes and a miserable look on her face. She didn't even seem to react as Fluttershy slowly moved into the room. Rainbow Dash sniffled quietly. “U-um... Rainbow Dash? Are you okay? How... how did your tryout go?” Rainbow Dash didn't reply immediately, instead just staring at the clouds above her, an empty look in her eyes. Her voice was laced with scorn. “You know how it went... Oh, that's right. You wouldn't know how my audition went because you weren't there.” Rainbow Dash shot an accusatory look at Fluttershy, who shrank back under the gaze's wrath. “O-oh. I'm sorry, Rainbow Dash. I should have been there for you... but I do want to hear about it. How did it go?” Rainbow Dash muttered something in a low tone that Fluttershy couldn't quite hear. Fluttershy frowned. “Um, sorry? I didn't hear you, Rainbow.” Rainbow continued staring upwards dully, as though searching for something she knew she wouldn't find. “I said... I blew it.” “Oh, my. You blew them away? Even if you didn't make it in, that's great, Rainbow Dash!” She inhaled sharply, then leaned down near the crestfallen pony's face, summoning all her vocal energy to cheer Rainbow up. “Yay~!” “NO! Don't cheer for failure!” Rainbow Dash screamed, zooming upwards into a hover, anger flashing across her face as Fluttershy retreated, terrified. Tears began to stream down Rainbow's face. “Don't you get it, Fluttershy? I blew it! I... I had my one chance to join the Wonderbolts! I was going to live my dream! And they... they rejected me! It's not fair! I'm a great flier! I deserve to be a Wonderbolt! It's... I...” She sunk down to the cloud floor again, pouting, her emotional energies spent. “It's my destiny...” Fluttershy swallowed, concern for her friend overcoming her terror at Rainbow's outburst. “Now, now, Rainbow Dash,” she admonished, slipping into the motherly tone she often used with her animal patients, “you should be proud. To get here, you needed an invitation, right? Most ponies couldn't even dream of that. The fact that you were invited to audition means that the Wonderbolts thought enough of you to let you try.” Rainbow looked up, tears still rolling down her face, though the flow of new ones had stopped for the moment. “Y-yeah! You're right.” She jumped to her hooves, some of her proud posture returning, though she still looked a little wobbly. “But... I still didn't make it.” Fluttershy smiled. “That's okay, Rainbow Dash. And remember... this isn't necessarily the end of your dream.” Rainbow Dash collapsed again. “Yes it is! I... I'm a failure. I wasn't good enough for the Wonderbolts... and that's all that matters.” The determined light in her eyes faded. Fluttershy's heart almost broke to see her friend so disappointed. Fluttershy gave Rainbow Dash a sympathetic look. “I heard a saying from a pony once: 'If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.' I think that you'll have more chances to impress the Wonderbolts. After all, I noticed some ponies from other aerobatics teams there, and some ponies were talking about 'last year' and 'the year before that'. From the sound of it, this happens pretty regularly. I'm sure they'll want to see you again.” Rainbow Dash didn't move. Fluttershy flew over to her, laid down next to her, and nuzzled her friend. “Let it all out, Rainbow Dash. It's okay...” They remained there, unmoving, for some time. Eventually, the roar of the crowd died and Rainbow Dash had no more tears to shed. Fluttershy waited, ever patient, for her friend to calm down. Rainbow Dash continued to stare with a downcast look in her eyes at nothing in particular. “Rainbow Dash... what about other teams? You could try for the Aerial Aces, or th-” “They don't matter,” she muttered, shaking her head slightly. “The Wonderbolts are... they're the only ones that have ever mattered. If I can't be the best, what's the point? I want to be remembered as a legend, not some... some second-rate hack,” she spat, her emotionless whimper gaining some of the heat of anger. “But... you're not the only one, Rainbow Dash. Think about everypony else who didn't manage to get in to the Wonderbolts today.” “That doesn't make it any easier,” the blue pegasus whined. “I know this is hard, but you're Rainbow Dash. Some day, you'll make it. I know it. Come on, Rainbow Dash. Let's just go home.” “Yeah... okay.” Rainbow Dash rose, still looking miserable, but followed Fluttershy out. The two pegasi exited the arena, merging into a crowd of ponies who were walking and talking with moods ranging from depression to determination. Rainbow Dash looked around, thoughtful. The two friends reached the edge of Cloudsdale. Fluttershy coiled herself up, ready to launch, but Rainbow Dash put a hoof on her shoulder. “Wait.” Fluttershy turned, confused. “I... I just wanted to thank you, Fluttershy. You... even if you weren't there for me right in the moment, I'm sure you meant to be. You tried to support me when I was... down... and I didn't appreciate that. So... sorry.” “No. It's okay.” “B-besides,” she continued, her voice cracking slightly, “Lots of ponies in there were a lot older than I, and some had been doing this stuff for a lot longer than I have!” She set her jaw in determination, and a slow, shaky grin spread over her face. “Rainbow Dash doesn't let something like this stop her!” She inhaled, gave the stadium a gaze that was meant to be steely, and started to shout. “You hear me, Wonderbolts!? I'll be back, and next time, you will give me a uniform!” Several ponies passing nearby scoffed, and Rainbow Dash deflated slightly. She panted slightly and looked to Fluttershy for support, looking a little wobbly on her hooves. The yellow pegasus, with her gift for empathy, could tell that her blue friend was one wrong word away from breaking down again, so she just trotted over to her, smiling warmly, and put a hoof on her friend's shoulder. “Come on, Rainbow Dash. Let's go home. Next time... you'll make it. I know it.” She chuckled uneasily. “Y-yeah. Next time... I'll probably leave the extra clouds and painting out of my act,” she remarked sheepishly. Fluttershy looked confused. “W-wait. Rainbow Dash, what did you do in there?” Rainbow Dash grinned mischievously, gaining some of her confidence back. “Eh, words can't cover it. Next time, you'll actually have to watch me.” “O-oh. I'm sorry...” Fluttershy looked away, ashamed. Rainbow Dash put a hoof to her face and groaned. “Oh, never mind. It's okay. C'mon, let's go home.” Fluttershy smiled, closing her eyes as she looked at her friend again, trying to radiate a calm feeling. “I bet a party from Pinkie would be a nice consolation prize...” At the mention of “prize”, Rainbow Dash took off into the air, dragging a shocked Fluttershy behind her. “Yeah! W-who needs the Wonderbolts for now when I've got my friends to hang with? Let's go!” Rainbow Dash turned her head to see Fluttershy clinging to her own multi-colored tail, her entire body frozen in fear. “Oh... heh. Sorry, Fluttershy.” Rainbow Dash landed on a cloud and waited a few minutes for Fluttershy to unfreeze. Eventually, Fluttershy let out a quiet, yet shrill “Eep!” and came to her senses. The two friends smiled at each other, leapt from the cloud, and leisurely glided back to Ponyville, where both knew their good friends would be waiting. Rainbow Dash turned and gave the retreating figure of Cloudsdale one more look. Next time, Wonderbolts. Next time. She turned back to stare at Ponyville, which grew closer and closer as she and Fluttershy continued to fly. A small voice in the back of Rainbow's mind began to whisper, softly at first, but with rising strength. Rainbow Dash tried to shut it out and focus on her flying, but allowing Fluttershy to keep up meant flying at a pace that bored the blue flier. The voice droned on, gathering in power. ...That's if there is a next time. Who would want to let a failure try again? You'd only make the same mistakes. “...You're wrong,” Rainbow Dash muttered. Fluttershy gave her an extremely worried look. “Who?” Rainbow Dash gave Fluttershy a pleading look as they continued to glide. “...It is, right? I'm... I'm not a failure... Right?” “Oh, Rainbow Dash...” Fluttershy whispered. You'll never wear the uniform. You'll never wear the goggles. Ponies will never pay attention to you, and you'll remain a nobody. Get used to those clouds you nap on, because you'll always be stuck there staring up at the Wonderbolts. They're above you. Rainbow Dash whimpered. Unless, that is, you really want to just fail, fail again. “Next time, I'll make it,” Rainbow Dash whispered fiercely.