After finishing their lunch the four pegasi went their separate ways. Spitfire leading Rainbow Dash towards hightown while Soarin’ and Rapidfire made their way to the stadium. Soarin’ had suggested that they fly to save time but Rapid opted to walk, at least until his hangover was a little more tolerable.
Soarin’ had to give Rapidfire credit when it was due. The former mail pegasus knew his limitations and placed safety above all else. Soarin’s respect for that usually allowed him to ignore most of Rapid’s more irritating antics. Usually.
The wide Manehattan streets were abuzz with activity, which was normal, especially for a Saturday. Carts lined the sides of the road, each with a different pony trying to sell their product to the passing crowd. Everything from food to home crafts could be purchased at a reasonable price.
Soarin’ quite liked the city life, always new ponies to meet and new things to try. Rapidfire was less enthralled, partially due to his hangover, but also because of his more pastoral tastes. When he had worked for the Royal Mail, Rapidfire’s days had been spent flying long distances over open country. From what Spitfire had told Soarin’ during their time in the guard, Rapid had always been fond of taking long flights as a way to clear his head.
Soarin’ recalled Rapid once saying he felt claustrophobic in cities—too many tall buildings and ponies between him and the open air. He could understand that sentiment from a certain perspective. It was the nature of a pegasus to fly, much like it was the nature of an earth pony to run or a unicorn to use magic.
It was hard for a pegasus to stretch his or her wings in a crowded street, and even harder to take off and land at will. Soarin’ wondered if that was why most pegasi that made homes on the ground tended to settle in more rural communities. He noticed the tense look on Rapid’s face: a mixture of pain from the hangover and a general discomfort being on the ground.
“Hey, how you holding up there, LT?” Soarin’ said.
“I’ll live,” Rapid answered with an aggravated grunt.
“Well that’s something I guess,” Soarin’ said with a chuckle.
“Whatever,” Rapidfire said, his eyes squinting from the bright sunlight.
Soarin’ fought back a sigh and silently cursed his soft heart. “Hey, we have to pass that pharmacy on the way. We can stop in and get you something for that headache if you want.”
Rapidfire stared in surprise at Soarin’ for a moment. “Uh, all right. Thanks.”
“Don’t thank me yet. I need you functional when we meet with Arcus,” Soarin’ said.
“You really know how to sweet talk a guy, Mallow,” Rapidfire said, the barest hint of a smile teasing at the corner of his lips.
“Rapid, shut up before I change my mind,” Soarin’ replied.
After making the detour into the pharmacy to get a remedy for Rapid’s headache, the two stallions resumed their walk to the stadium. They arrived nearly half an hour later and trotted into the building after a brief pause to ensure they were presentable.
Neither Soarin’ nor Rapid were surprised to find none of the other Wonderbolts lingering around the locker room and weight room. With no press events planned and no shows in the immediate future, most of the team was essentially on leave. In all likelihood everypony was out enjoying their weekend.
Arcus was a different pony entirely. The aging pegasus didn’t seem to understand the concept of a vacation. If he wasn’t working, he wasn’t happy. Soarin’ couldn’t argue with the results, though; he did a good job keeping everything running smoothly.
Soarin’ led Rapidfire to exactly where Arcus had instructed to meet: the team lounge. True to his word, Arcus was there waiting for them. The old stallion had made himself comfortable on one of the couches where he was reading through a stack of letters. A thin framed pair of reading glasses balanced on his snout.
What they didn’t expect to see was Fleetfoot. The cyan mare was reclined on the couch opposite Arcus. In her hooves was a paperback book she was reading, though neither Soarin’ nor Rapid could see what it was. After a moment she noticed them out of the corner of her eye. Sitting up, she saluted before brushing her pale mane from her eyes.
“Hiya, Cap,” she waved to Soarin’ before shifting her gaze to Rapidfire, “LT.”
“Sergeant,” Soarin’ acknowledged her. “What are you doing here?”
“She is here for the same reason I asked the two of you to be here,” Arcus answered as he set the letters down.
“What’s up, boss?” Rapid asked.
“I’ve been thinking more about this rainboom situation,” Arcus said as he slipped off the couch and onto his hooves. “Fleetfoot and I talked it over yesterday, and she made some compelling points.”
“I’m curious why the Sergeant didn’t feel compelled to bring this to my attention first, sir,” Soarin’ said, aiming an annoyed glare in Fleetfoot’s direction.
“You and the Lieutenant weren’t around yesterday, Captain,” Fleetfoot answered.
“Be that as it may, Fleetfoot did bring up a few good points, and before I make a final decision I wanted to get your input as team captain,” Arcus explained.
“Like what?” Rapidfire asked.
“Training,” Fleetfoot answered. “The Wonderbolts are supposed to be the best flyers alive, and for the most part we are. But none of us has ever gotten close to successfully pulling off a rainboom. Everypony who tries just gets sent tumbling off when the barrier snaps back on us.
“Whatever Rainbow Dash figured out in her training regime is probably revolutionary in terms of flight instruction. If we can harness that training, then we can learn the rainboom, and after that, what else can we achieve?” Feetfoot explained with an ambitious grin.
“What do you mean ‘what else we can achieve’? Just what are you getting at, Fleet?” Rapid asked.
“Think about it, Rapid,” Fleetfoot said, “the rainboom was just an old mare’s tale for centuries. Nopony thought it was possible until it happened. So, what’s beyond the rainboom? If we can do that, what’s the next plateau we can reach?”
“Ooookay,” Rapid said as he shot an uncomfortable look to Soarin.
Soarin’ struggled to keep a neutral look on his face as he processed his situation. He had underestimated Fleetfoot’s tenacity on the matter. He had assumed that she would leave well enough alone until Arcus had made a decision. It was a mistake he intended never to make again.
More importantly, it left him and Rapid in a very precarious position. They were the only two that knew Spitfire and Rainbow were dating. Soarin’ could see quite well just how badly the next few minutes could blow up in his face, should he handle the situation wrong. Not for the first time, he wished Spitfire had never injured her wing.
“May I speak with you in private, sir?” Soarin’ asked.
Arcus regarded Soarin’ thoughtfully for a moment before he nodded. “Alright Captain. Fleetfoot, Rapidfire, please wait in the hall.”
Rapidfire and Fleetfoot gave Arcus a crisp salute before they left the room. Soarin’ waited until the door clicked shut before he allowed himself to breathe again. Arcus circled around the couch, his eyes focused on Soarin’ the whole time. The Wonderbolt felt a nervous sweat start to form on his brow. He found his respect for Spitfire increasing; Arcus could be a very intimidating pony when he wanted to be.
“Speak your mind, Captain,” Arcus quietly stated.
Soarin’ cleared his throat and took a deep breath before he spoke. “Sir, I-I um…I think there’s something you should know.”
“I assume this ‘something’ pertains to the question of the rainboom?” Arcus asked.
“Yes sir.” Soarin’ replied.
“All right, Captain, I’m listening.”
“Sir, I um…I’ve known Rainbow Dash has been in town since Wednesday.”
Arcus’ eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly from the information. “And how did you come across her?”
“Spitfire ran into her, sir,” Soarin’ said.
“And how did Spitfire find her?” Arcus asked.
“I don’t know, sir,” Soarin’ answered.
“Well then what do you…” Arcus’ words died as his eyes widened. “Oh no. Soarin’, please tell me Spitfire isn’t trying to date Rainbow Dash!”
“W-what? N-no, sir. What would give you that idea?” Soarin’ asked, a fit of panic welling up in his chest.
“I know she’s been thinking about dating again,” Arcus said, doing his best keep his voice down, “and with any other mare that would be fine! We can keep that on the down low. But this isn’t any other pony; Rainbow Dash is one of the Elements of Harmony. All six of them are national heroes as well as high-level defense assets. If the media finds out the scandal will bury Spitfire’s career, not to mention the collateral damage to the Wonderbolts and to Rainbow Dash!”
“I—” Soarin’ started, only to be cut off by Arcus.
“Celestia forbid if Red Top gets wind of this. I can see the scandal now, ‘Wonderbolt seduces Element of Harmony!’ In big red letters!” Arcus’ shoulders slumped and his posture slackened. “I can’t protect her from that; I can’t protect any of you from that!”
Arcus took a moment to catch his breath, reaching up with a lightly trembling hoof to remove his glasses, which he then set on the couch. Soarin’ couldn’t recall ever the older pegasus looking so hopeless. It was extremely disconcerting.
“So please, Soarin’,” Arcus began, suddenly feeling his age, “please tell me Spitfire isn’t trying to date Rainbow Dash.”
“N-no, ” Soarin’ lied, “if anything they’re becoming friends.”
Arcus took a moment to process the information, his gaze studying Soarin’s expression. There were far too many unknowns for his liking. Without more information he couldn’t make a judgement call. Without more information he was helpless. Arcus hated being helpless. He needed a plan, and he needed that plan quickly.
“All right,” Arcus began, “Soarin’, I need you to do me a favor.”
“Yes sir?” Soarin’ said, his posture stiffening.
“Keep a close eye on Spitfire when you can. Watch her back. I don’t want to lose the best Wonderbolt I’ve ever seen to a damned tabloid witch hunt.”
“Yes sir, but what about Rainbow Dash?” Soarin’ asked.
Arcus took a deep breath that he slowly breathed out through his mouth. His jaw hung slightly open for several long moments as he chose his words. “The rainboom is a very useful asset that the Wonderbolts would do well to have access to.”
“…But?” Soarin’ asked.
“But I’m concerned about media perception. If it looks like we are taking advantage of Rainbow Dash then the blowback would be catastrophic. Worst-case scenario: Princess Celestia takes direct action. If that happens, we’re all out of a job,” Arcus explained as he rubbed his temple with a hoof.
“So what are we doing with Fleetfoot’s proposal?” Soarin’ asked.
“Fleetfoot has been discussing it with everypony on the team. Last I checked only you, Rapidfire, Misty, and Surprise are still against approaching Rainbow Dash. Everypony else is in favor of looking for her,” Arcus said.
“What about you sir?” Soarin’ asked.
“That depends,” Arcus said with a sigh.
“On what?” Soarin’ wondered, his head tilting curiously.
“On how involved Spitfire has become in the situation,” Arcus answered.
“Sound’s like you’ve got some things in mind.” Soarin’ noted.
Arcus scoffed, “You could say that.”
“Care to enlighten me?” Soarin’ asked.
“You said Spitfire seems to be making friends with Rainbow Dash, correct?” Arcus asked, turning his head to face Soarin’.
“I think so, yes.” Soarin’ answered.
“All right, we might be able to use that,” Arcus said as he rubbed his chin with his foreleg.
“What do you mean?” Soarin’ asked.
“If Spitfire and Rainbow Dash become friends, then it is within reason for her to ask about the rainboom,” Arcus reasoned.
“What if she says ‘no’?” Soarin’ countered.
Arcus hesitated as he thought of an answer. “We’ll cross that bridge if or when we get there. For now at least, I think it may be prudent to test the waters.”
“So you’re on Fleetfoot’s side,” Soarin’ said, the hint of disapproval in his tone did not go unnoticed by Arcus.
“Is there a problem here that I need to be aware of, Captain?” Arcus asked.
“No sir,” Soarin’ answered.
“Soarin’, tell me what the issue is or I will find out the hard way,” Arcus stated.
The implication sent a cold shiver down Soarin’s spine. Still, he maintained the neutral visage perfected from years in the Royal Guard.
“The sergeant is a bit of a hothead, sir, and I don’t like ponies going behind my back with an issue,” Soarin’ explained.
Arcus nodded. “I agree. Fleetfoot is headstrong and tenacious, but you’re the captain now, Soarin’. If there’s an issue it’s your job to resolve it.”
“Yes sir, I understand,” Soarin’ replied.
“Good.” Arcus sighed and rubbed his eyes wearily. “Do you know if you’ll see Spitfire again today?”
“I’m not sure. Rapid might, though,” Soarin’ answered.
“All right. One of you please tell Spitfire that first thing Monday morning she is to report here to meet with the team physician. He wants to take a look at her wing.”
“I’ll make sure she get’s the message,” Soarin’ answered. “Can I make a request though, sir?”
“You may,” Arcus said.
“Could you not mention the Rainbow Dash situation to the rest of the team? I’d like the chance to talk to Spitfire about it in private first,” Soarin’ said.
Arcus thought the request over for a moment before he nodded in agreement. “All right, Soarin’. All right.”
Woo update! No SpitDash progression, but that's okay Getting very interesting now!. Arcus is totally going to freak. Can't wait!
One more chapter to se whether or not I'll have to swallow my pride and accept defeat Rui
You know it's kinda funny. Most completely ignore the mane 6, but yet here if they get found out its a big controversy. Sorry, I'm just having a hard time wrapping my mind around this. Hell, even in Canterlot most just ignored them. Even somepony as well off as Fancy Pants did not even recognize them when they came to Cantelot.
And I too feel like Arcus was a little "ignorant" in not reading Soarin' better. The damn pony looked like he was shaking in his hooves for a moment there, and any experienced leader would pick that up and know he was lying. I know Arcus mentioned his concern, but I feel he just kinda left something SO important like what you're describing off a little too easy. Anyone in his position should have pressed the issue.
I am with Fleetfoot on this one. The rainboom is an asset that should be spread to as many as possible, then they can go beyond it. Is Rainbow Dash dies in accident or something before passing it on, then what good is it?
the thing these guys don't seem to get is that there is no special technique to doing the rainboom. Rainbow pulled it off when she was just a filly, probably younger then 10 years old if I'm estimating correctly. It just takes a level of strength beyond what most ponies seem to be capable of. After all, she took Spitfire along for the ride and even as an experienced wonderbolt she couldn't see any special tricks.
Oh my god this story is so good!@!
I definitely think it would be abusing Dash to have her teach them how to do a Rainboom and still say, "Nope, sorry. You're still not on the team"
Next Monday can't come soon enough
Damn, I'm really worried that this story will have a bad ending. Like Rainbow Dash leaves Spitfire so that the team is protected. They're so good together.
Looking forward to Spitfire's reaction to the focal points of this chapter. Also, wasn't the Rainboom situation already covered some what. Spitfire said it herself that no other Pegasus could accelerate at Rainbow's velocity.
Rainbow Dash got the Rainboom as a cutie mark, because its not something you can just learn. It was legendary and non-existent for a reason. Not just anypony can do it.
Among the country's top fliers? Possibly. There's a small chance it could happen. But I highly doubt it.
~I set fiiiiire, to the rain~
1996680
Okay, that made me laugh, not gonna lie XD
1996211
In hindisght (now that I've had some sleep) it does feel a tad rushed. That said (and I can't say much as I don't want to accidentally give you a spoiler) Arcus is a pony with a plan, it will just take little while.
1996437>>1996621>>1996553
Just remember, only Spitfire, Soarin', and Rapid know that Rainbow earned her cutie mark by performing a rainboom. Soarin' doesn't want to reveal that fact as he doesn't want to reveal that Spitfire and Rainbow are dating.
I can't possibly imagine how this could bite anyone in the ass
This is getting tense. With redtop on the trail, the teams persuit of the rainboom and Dash' lack of subtlety this can go many ways... a lot of them bad
This is so exciting
I can't wait for the next chapter. You good sir have made my day
1996703 sorry, but the tone of the conversation almost had me thinking that it was a flash back. I can see now I was wrong.
"Arcus took a moment to process the information, his gaze studying Soarin’s expression. There were far too many unknowns for his liking. Without more information he couldn’t make a judgement call, without more information he was helpless. Arcus hated being helpless. He needed a plan, and he needed that plan quickly."
You sure he's not related to Twilight?^^ lol^^
1996807
Pretty sure he's a purebred pegasus with an obsessive compulsive streak XD
1996703
Mission accomplished.
1996839 In that case, he should spend some time in Ponyville^^ Im sure he and Twilight would get along just fine^^ I guess they'd be making plans to make plans in case the plans fail^^ lol
1996890
You forgot to preplan for the planning of the plans to be planned after agreeing upon a correspondence plan to begin the planning.
1996900 LOL! And poor Spike gets caught in the middle of it all^^
1996909
Twilight is personally responsible for horrific levels of deforestation to make enough paper for her damn lists XD
1996915 its a wonder that the Everfree and her own library are still standing^^
1996926
Give it time, she'll take an axe to them eventually
1996928 yeah probably^^ lol^^
As if the situation wasn't complicated enough as it is. If they're lucky Red Top won't get wind of this, but luck is fickle isn't she.
Loving everything so far. Can't wait for the next chapter!
Loving everything so far. Can't wait for the next chapter!
how dare they think of using Rainbow just for the Rainboom if they do I will personaly kill them all (except Spitfire of course).
This has so much potential to blow up in the Wonderbolt's face that I can't even accurately measure it... and it's going to be a very sweet read when it gets here
Excellent chapter as always and I"m looking forward to the next one. However, personally, I think Soarin' should have just spilled the beans there rather than try to cover things up even more awkwardly later.
Awwwwwwwwww shiiiiiittt
It's really about to hit the fan soon
Everything goes fine Till somethin' hits the fan it goes from it goes from this fine to oh buck me (not literally)
> " always news ponies"
Always 'new' ponies...? Ahem. *Continues reading*
1998850
You never know, maybe they're secret newsies
~All the pieces on the board
~are moving about, of their own accord
I'm just a sucker for rising action! And knowing Red Top, I wouldn't be all the surprised to learn that a few of the ponies qualify for some variation of "newsie".
1998903
Act one is over, and so we begin act two
1998908
Which means that this is about to get all the better! not content with merely having your basic conflict with a subplot, F&R has become a juggling act of no less than 4 subplots under the banners of as many complications. Or in plain English, When it rains, it pours, and me thinks the skies are turning grey.
1998933
Hold on tight baby, we're gonna set fire to the rain!
1998943
Allons-y!
1996394
But they can't learn it. The characters other than Dash, Spitfire, Soarin' and Rapidfire don't know this, but we readers know from the conversation between those four that the Rainboom apparently isn't something that can be learned. I mean, Dash did it before she hit puberty. Which means she had a better overall physique than the entirety of the Wonderbolts before she even left flight camp, and she attained that physique with no special training. Either the Rainboom is a Dash-specific thing (it is her special talent, after all) or it's something you're born with.
Ohh wow talk about hard decisions... grrr I seem to be in a moral rage fight in my head about this whole developing problem of taking advantage of their relationship to try and learn the rainboom. I mostly feel that this should not be something pressured on Dash by all the wonder-bolts, for this should be her decision to make since it appears to be her trademark talent.
>>>Ruirik>>> act two! woot I do believe that this new chapter puts things in motion that could greatly effect the outcomes and events that im keenly interested in involving the Spitfire and Rainbowdash. Curiosity level reached = maxed out critical love it. encore!
Welp, this can only go in every direction, so I might as well hold on tight!
Great chapter btw
1998943
Bro, how long have you been waiting to use that line? xD
2001836
Way too long
This chapter really sets the tone for act #2 of this story.
I'm sure RD and Spitfire will continue to spend time together; they'll just have to be extra cautious. I'm also curious about the Manehatten weather team since I haven't heard much from them lately.
****'* gonna hit the fan if Red Top and/or his Photographer get wind of what's going on. Until then, I eagerly await the next exciting installment of this story.
Keep up the good work maestro!!
You know, I can't help but read Arcus' dialog in Edward James Olmos' voice.
2013885
hehe, did you catch the Battlestar Galactica reference I slipped into the last chapter?
2014810
It's been a bit since I've finished the show. If there was one, I probably wouldn't have caught it. I'll have to rewatch it again sometime.
But I'm assuming it's when he says "damned tabloid witch-hunt." I think I remember him saying something like that about Baltar or somebody.
Cant wait. SOO GOOOOD
Hiding the truth, eh Soarin?
That'll turn out well.
Not for the first time I note that Arcus' idea of media relations is kinda crap. You don't cover up embarrassing faux pas, you break the stories YOURSELF. Control the spin, don't try to hide. If you try to hide, speculation destroys you.
Spitfire's injury should have been an immediate press release.
The only thing that really aggravates me about the situation is that Rainbow Dash is a person (or pony, rather). She's not just a tool for you to use to better yourself. If she's really one of the most promising fliers in Equestria, and you're almost certain she'll be on the team in a few years, just be patient. Just because she has the ability to perform something you can't doesn't give you the right to use her; you don't automatically deserve anything.
/rant over
So, basically, Fleetfoot can shut her mouth.
2731134
Storywise I'm against Fleetfloot, but she/he has a good point: Public Profit.
Assuming RD can do the sonic rainboom because she has a special training.
If that becomes public knowledge the whole peguskind could be revolutioned.
One thing I'm asking myself: How can one be so dumb? A SRB is just a flight over speed of noise. (Ok, there's the Magic behind that aswell)
Even if RD would tell them, they could'nt do it, unless they got 20% better or do it with Magic.
Example: Rainbow showed Spits the SRB because she wanted to make Spits happy. Doing it just for show wouldn't be possible, although I don't know if that piece of information is considerable as canon.