> Blossomforth's Determination > by Goldenheart > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1: Phase 1- Explanation > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- RE:Hurricane Blossomforth Chapter 1 -Manehattan University of Natural Sciences, Weather Center- Blossomforth is flying back to the university with a bag in her mouth filled with multiple carrot-dogs for her weather team. She's wondering that why she's working on such a beautiful day today. Earlier she was tasked to get lucnh for her team, and this time didn't get distract on the way to the vendor and back. She spots the platform out in the distance and proceeds to land with lunch in hoof. As she lands she says, "Sorry I'm late!" The team looks to her with shocked expressions as one speaks out and says, "Actually, you came right on time, for once." Blossomforth then sighs in relief that she accomplished her task effortlessly. The weather captain then comes up to her and lays a hoof on her and says, "Hey, since you worked so hard today, why don't you take off for the rest of the day?" "Really, are you sure you don't need more help?" asks Blossomforth. "I'm positive. Enjoy this beautiful day we crafted today," he says with a smile. Blossomforth then salutes her captain and says, "Thank you sir!" Before taking off, her captian interrupts her , "Wait, before you go!" Blossomforth then looks back, "We're expecting somepony important from Canterlot to show up anytime now. So be on the lookout." "What do you mean?" asks a confused Blossomforth. "You'll know when it happens. Now get going," says the captian. Blossomforth nods as she then takes off and heads back towards town. Wondering what to do for the rest of the day, she's trying to figure how to take advantage of the sunny outdoors. She maybe wants to ask her friends if maybe they can go for a stroll somewhere. Then she looks down and sees Manehattan's famous Central Park. Then an idea strikes in her head. "Of course! I'll go with my friends to Central Park and relax the day away. Everypony should go to the park on a magnificent day like this," thinks Blossomforth. Then she figures who to bring. Twilight could be studying at this moment. Sherbet maybe busy with her business. Trixie is who knows where. Octavia may be practicing with her cello. So that could only leave, Daring! Blossomforth remembers that her friend came back from a recent expedition from Saddle Arabia a month ago, and this could be the perfect chance to ask for her friend to take a break. Blossomforth makes her final decision and makes a bee-line for the museum. Then the thought of what her captain said before she left is lingering in her mind, "Who's coming to Manehattan that's so important?" -------------------------- My Little Pony, My Little Pony Ahh, ahh, ahh, ahhh… (My Little Pony) I used to wonder what friendship could be (My Little Pony) Until you all shared its magic with me Great discoveries! Tricks galore! A rich slice of life, And a heartfelt score. Budding courage It's an easy feat And magic makes it all complete! You have my little ponies Do you know you're all my very best friends? --------------------------------- -Manehattan Central Park- Blossomforth had made it to the museum and managed to convince her friend to go out and relax. Daring then puts on her tee disguise(since it's too hot for a sweater), and leave for the park. While on the way, Blossomforth asks Daring about her trip to Saddle Arabia. She never got the whole story when Darin got back, so this is the perfect time to waste while walking. As Daring explains her adventure about the ruins, her friend Sandy, and the Soluna Stone, they finally reach the park entrance. When they get into the park, they knew they weren't the only ponies to take advantage of the day. They go past several other ponies either playing or enjoying the scenery, which makes the walk even more relaxing. "This day is just beautiful out. Wouldn't you agree?" asks Daring. "Oh yes Daring, it simply is. Especially since all the flowers are out in full bloom," happily agrees Blossomforth. Blossomforth goes to smell the daisies, lilies, and roses in a assorted bunch near the trotting path. Daring takes in another breath of fresh air and plans on laying on the grass. Blossomforth comes back with a lily in her hoof and plants it on her friends mane. Daring smiles at this gesture and goes over to an open patch of grass not occupied by other ponies so she and Blossomforth can lay down in the grass. "Hey Blossom, want to lay on the grass?" asks Daring. "No thank you, I'm just fine here smelling the flowers," says Blossomforth as she goes over to a nearby flower patch. Daring then goes to lay down in the grass and sunbathe. Daring looks over to see young colts and fillies play on a playground, a family enjoying their picnic in the shade, and two mares who look like twins flying kites. Daring knew this day is the right to enjoy and starts to drift off to sleep in the sunlight. "Ah, what can make this day any better?" says Daring in a relaxed, tired tone. As she says that, she then hears a sound in the distance. Daring looks around to see where the sound is coming from. She looks near the park, from other ponies, even the sky. She then has a double-take toward the sky and sees some pegasi flying over. She squints her eyes to try and focus on what is flying by. They're pegasi, but these aren't any other pegasi, they're the Wonderbolts! "The Wonderbolts? What are they doing all the way in Manehattan?" questions Daring. Blossomforth hears this and goes over to her friend. "What's going on?" asks Blossomforth. Daring points to the direction of the approaching pegasi. Blossomforth also sees the Wonderbolts coming close, and the thought of her captains words finally make sense. "Are these the important ponies that were coming?" thinks Blossomforth. The Wonderbolts are an elite team of fliers from Canterlot and either perform for large crowds or help in any hazardous situation. Everypony in the park looks up and are giving all the same expression as Daring, confusion. The Wonderbolts aren't speeding overhead, but being slow enough to gently fly overhead. They are in a V-shape formation and flying right over Central Park. They appear to be dropping something to the ground in large clusters, and there is a voice coming from the Wonderbolts. As they come closer, the voice becomes more clear to hear, and the objects they are dropping are pieces of paper. The pegasus in the front is the one shouting toward the ground, and also might be assumed to be the leader. "Town meeting tonight, all pegasi are to attend at town hall tonight!" shouts the lead Wonderbolt. Papers come down in the park and all the pegasi go for the papers, some land on pegasi, or land right near them. "Remember to be there at 7 o'clock tonight. Every pegasi must attend!" shouts the leader as they fly away. The Wonderbolts then fly away from the park head off toward another part of the city. Daring has a piece of paper land right next to her as she and Blossomforth go over to read it. Dear fellow pegasus, I, Mayor Tux, am calling all Pegasi to come to Town Hall for a mandatory meeting regarding Manehattan and Cloudsdale. The Wonderbolts will attend to explain the situation at hoof. If no one has gotten a letter, tell other Pegasi to attend. Signed, Mayor Tux Daring doesn't know what to make of this, but maybe it may regard the weather. Since it involves all pegasi and the Wonderbolts, she would think so. She turns to Blossomforth and asks her, "Do you have any idea what this is about?" "No clue. All I was told was that somepony important from Canterlot was coming here to Manehattan," explains Blossomforth. Daring then thinks back to what she saw when the Wonderbolts flew by. Only one of them was wearing a uniform. The others didn't have any type of uniform on them. "Whatever it is, this has to be very important," says a questioning Daring. Blossomforth is concerned on what is going on in her friend's head. She then go over to her and asks, "Is something wrong?" Daring then turns her attention back to Blossomforth and responds back, "Oh sorry, it's nothing really." They both go back to the letter of summons from the mayor and try to put together what could be happening tonight. "Listen, I'll meet you there tonight. I've got a call to make with the Mayor", says Daring as she then then flies off. Blossomforth is getting really lost of what's happening, but maybe all her questions will be answered tonight at Town Hall. ------------------------------------------- -Town Hall, 7:00 p.m.- When nighttime hits, all the available pegasi of Manehattan enter town hall. They all try to find a place to sit down at as the room starts to completely fill up. Some pegasi are even taking the option of staying in the air to make space for everypony else. Blossomforth makes it to town hall and starts looking around for Daring. Still confused on what's happening she still looks around the cramped area, but sees no sight of her anywhere in the building. Blossomforth gets worried that her friend isn't showing up. What was her friend so concerned about that she isn't showing up to a summons specifically to all pegasi. The lights then go dim as the entire hall is filled to the brim with Mayor Tux, The Wonderbolts, and every Pegasi in Manehattan bundled together in the hall. A projector is in the front of the room as a light is shone on the wall from the projector. "Before we begin, please pay attention to the following clip," says Mayor Tux as he points to the screen. A film then begins playing as a voice then starts talking from the film. They were given the basic film about how to produce wing power and the transference of water to Cloudsdale makes the rainwater needed for crops and other needs all over Equestria. This was basic information that pegasi learns in flight school up in Cloudsdale. Blossomforth recalls some of her days back in flight camp, but doesn't recall much of flying that much. She'd rather go down to the flower fields and smell the roses and daisies. After the film ends and the projector stops, one of the Wonderbolts gets in front of the screen as the lights come back on. Blossomforth notices that only one of them is wearing a uniform, and the other are not. Blossomforth is confused at what is going on. "What's going on here? ", thinks Blossomforth. The Wonderbolt takes off her hood and goggles and faces the crowd. The Wonderbolt is a mare with a slick-back mane that looks like she has been through tough winds. The mane looks like it's on fire with a bright and dark orange color. She has yellow skin and she has orange eyes. "Now that the film *ahem*, got interrupted, I'll continue from there. First off, my name is Spitfire, and I'm the leader of the Wonderbolts. Now I'm guessing you all want to know why we're here and only pegasi came for this right?" asks Spitfire. Everypony in the room is murmuring and whispering in response to this. "Well, I'll be happy to tell you all. Manehattan has been selected to provide Cloudsdale with water to create rainclouds," says Spitfire in a serious manner. The crowd is surprised at this fact. Blossomforth is finally going to get an answer for this. She then puts up some still pictures for everypony to see. Each picture is different in description as Spitfire is about to explain. She then points to one of the images with a stick, first of which showing an explanation of the plan. "You see, one town every year is selected to participate in providing Cloudsdale with water to make rain clouds. Last year, I attended the participation in Fillydelphia, and broke the top wing power of 910. Next year will be a rural town outside Canterlot. We chose Manehattan this year for its large population of pegasi," says Spitfire. The next image shows a meter with some pegasi in the image, and showing off something called, 'wing power'. "With all of you pegasi here, you can all make that 800 wing power in no time flat." As some pegasi mummer in agreement to this statement, Spitfire points to the last image. A Picture of Manehattan's Horsepower Park. "We'll be using your town's Horsepower Park to transport all its water to Cloudsdale. That park houses so much water that we'll easily get enought to Cloudsdale. Everypony got that?" asks Spitfire. The whole room then all chatter and nod in agreement. Blossomforth then finally gets her answer to what this is all about. She'll finally be able to participate in a much larger job then simple drills and deliveries for her weather team. Though a question still remains. She raise her hoof and speaks loud enough for Spitfire to answer. "Um, excuse me? I've got a question for you," speaks out Blossomforth. Everypony in the room then turns their attention towards her. Spitfire also has her attention, but actually flies over to Blossomforth. "And what question would that be Miss...." "Blossomforth! Blossomforth ma'm!" Blossomforth then looks over to the pegasi on stage and point to them, "Who are those ponies? Are they also Wonderbolts?" Spitfire then looks over to the ponies on stage and replies, "These newbies? Not a chance!" She flies over back towards the stage and goes to the four ponies all standing at attention. Spitifire then speaks up for everypony to hear, "The ponies standing here now are candidates for this year to enter the Wonderbolt Academy!" Some ponies gasp, others are in awe, and some are just confused. "Wonderbolt Academy is for the best of the best to enter and become possible future Wonderbolt recruits. Personally chosen by me and some other team members, I'll be evaluating these light-weights for this job to see if they're truly worthy of being in MY academy." Spitfire then stands to the side of the small groups and shouts in a military voice, "Alright recruits, roll call!" All four of them stand forward and each introduce themselves. First is a black pegasus mare with a black mane and yellow streaks. Her cutie mark is of a dark cloud and a lightning bolt. "Midnight Strike!" speaks out the mare. Next one is another mare of gold coat, cyan mane, and three Raindrops for a cutie mark. "Raindrops, reporting for duty!" shouts the mare. The next one is a stallion with a dark blue coat, a light-blue mane, and his cutie mark showing the constellation Orion. "Star Hunter ma'm", shouts out the stallion. The final one is another mare, but this one looks more determine than the rest of them. She has a striped mane of brilliant amber and gold, brilliant gamboge eyes, a light turquoise coat, and her cutie mark of a lightning bolt hitting three stars. "Lightning Dust!" she shouts with determination. "At ease!" shouts Spitifire. The four recruits then ease up and step back. "These trusting recruits will act a group leaders for training for the next week before our job. I've gotten volunteers from across town to help us prepare for some training exercises for each individual group. That will be explained tomorrow. Also tomorrow, show up at Central Park so we can record everyone of your wing powers. You'll be matched to a team leader accordingly passed on your primary wing power. Again, more to be explained tomorrow," explains Spitifire. As the whole room explodes with whispering and talking, Blossomforth is still looking around for Daring in the building. With everypony so bunched together, it's still hard to see. So she flies up with the other pegasi in the air to get a better view. Still no luck in finding her. Blossomforth is getting really worried about her friend. As she continues to look, Spitfire continues talking. "Now then, I'll be needing a leader for you all. The Academy recruits may be here to help and oversee the whole event, but the whole town will need to achieve this accomplishment on its own. Now, which one of you will lead the whole town?" asks Spitfire. Nopony wants to step up to that responsibility, so everypony stands silent. The doors of the town hall then slam open as somepony speaks out from the back of the crowd. "I will!" shouts somepony from the entrance. Everypony looks towards the entrance. The pony is Daring Do, but she's not in disguise! The whole room is full of gasps as to see a celebrity in front of them. Mayor Tux is not surprised as he knows her secret, but keeps up with the act. Blossomforth sees this and flies down to the small gap between the entrance and Daring to get to her. She then reaches Daring still in a full panic. "Daring, where were you? What are you doing here not in disguise? Aren't you worried?, whispers Blossomforth. "Calm down Blossom, I'm fine. I was having a talk with the mayor before everypony showed up. He told me the situation before-hoof. I'd figured if Manehattan needs a leader to support them, I'd come out for once as myself to help invigorate everypony," whispers Daring. Blossomforth is surprised to hear this from the same mare that wanted to hide her identity from everypony and avoid the attention. "But you always go out in disguise to be sure your fans don't see you," says a now calm Blossomforth. Daring is still standing with a confident look on her face, not worried about the situation at hoof. "After what happened in Saddle Arabia, I'd figure I need to be myself, and not in disguise. I'll be doing this step by step, until it becomes natural. Plus I want ponies to see Daring Do as a regular pony, not an idol," says Daring "The trip Daring took to Saddle Arabia really changed her," Blossomforth thought. Then she sees that Daring is completely sure in her decision, so Blossomforth trusts her friend. "Well, okay. If you're okay with that," whispers Blossomforth with a trusting smile. Daring gives Blossomforth a hug and proceeds to go up front. As she goes to the stage, she hears whispers from the crowd like, 'Why is she here?', or, 'What's a famous pony doing here?'. Daring is going to get used to this treatment for a while, but still wanted to take things one step at a time until everything seemed okay to tell everypony the whole truth. So for now she'd say she's in town for the moment and go from there. Daring then makes it onto the stage and goes over to Spitfire. "I'll be your leader for one of your groups," says Daring. Spitfire is still in shock, but snaps back to reality. "Holy Celestia, you're Daring Do!, shouts a surprised Spitfire. "Yup, figured you might need some extra help," says Daring. Spitfire then goes over to shake her hoof and says, "What are you doing here of all places in Equestria?" "Well the letter said all pegasi to attend. Since I'm in town for a bit after one of my expeditions, I'd figure I would attend." Without hesitation, Spitfire says, "Well, we'd be honored for you to help us." Spitfire then turns toward the crowd and says, "It's official. With Daring Do to fill in as our fifth group leader, I'd say Operation Rainrise is a go!" Spitfire then cheers in excitement with the rest of her recruits joining in. The whole room is full of applause for having a great Pegasus helping them. Blossomforth knows her friend will be there to help anypony, and so will she. She then looks to the cheering recruits and sees that Lightning Dust isn't cheering with everypony else. She's not sure why, but Blossomforth has a weird feeling coming from her. Either way, the now proclaimed "Operation Rainrise" has officially begun! > Chapter 2: Phase 2- Misunderstandings > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hurricane Blossomforth Chapter 2 -Next Morning: Manehattan Central Park- It's morning in Manehattan as every single pegasus comes for morning practice. Every pegasi shows up in the middle of Central Park, with a running track to help practice. All of the pegasi are training or stretching to start participating in testing their wing power. Some pegasi are either lifting weights with their wings, or doing pushups with them. Spitfire asked Daring last night about anypony with scientific experience. Daring then asked Twilight to help her take notes and record everyponies progress over the course of the week. Twilight and Spike then show up with a miniature windmill with a meter attached to it. They both put the device near the track about a few meters ahead of the starting line. Daring and Spitfire are overseeing all of the pegasi training and seeing their overall progress. The rest of the recruits are spread about and overseeing some training as well. Blossomforth has shown for practice and is about to do her daily exercise stretches, like she normally does for weather duty. As she is about to start, Spitfire blows a whistle to get everypony's attenton. "Alright everypony, line up!" shouts Spitfire. All of the pegasi have gathered in a bunch in front of Spitfire and Daring. The recruits are on the sides of the group. Daring then goes up to speak. "Alright since we're all here, it's time to begin our training," says Daring. Daring looks at the huge turnout with an estimate of 200 pegasi showing up. Daring figured there had to be more pegasi in Manehattan, but thinks that some didn't show cause of other business or are not qualified. "We'll be having all of you fly on the track to test your overall maximum wing power. Since all of us need to total 800 wing power, we'll add everypony's wing power. If you all train for a whole week with your group, you'll bring your maximum wing power up. We'll record your wing power today, then you'll be grouped up with one of the recruits accordingly, with Daring filling as the fifth leager. By next week, we'll record your wing power again and see if you're all ready to begin. We're on a tight schedule here, so I want everypony to bring their maximum wing power to at least two levels above their average, got it?" Daring says with a fierce tone. Spitfire continues talking, "Now, who would like to go first so we can demonstrate how this will all work?" "I'll go ma'am. That is if you think I'm not good enough?" questions Lightning Dust as if asking for a challenge. Some ponies gasp at this rebellion and think that Spitfire may pass a punishment. "Oh, trying to get on my bad side now are we? Well if you really want me to think you're bad, then you be the volunteer for us. Make me a fan of you," says Spitfire with a sly smile. Lightning Dust has her chin held up high feeling proud of herself and walks right up to the track. As she is about to get ready, she says under her breath, "Cakewalk." While setting up, some pegasi go over to Twilight to see the device she brought with her. Confused on what it is, somepony asks her. "So explain to us how this works?" asks a pegasus. Before Twilight could speak up, Spike interfers and says, "I wouldn't ask. If you did, she's go on a lecture of who this will work in a storm for all you know. The ponies turn away and go back to the track. "Spike, why did you do that?" asks an upset Twilight. "We don't have time for long explanations on how your miniature windmill will work. Besides, we can't get distracted," says a rushed Spike. Spike knew Twilight would talk in a manner nopony would understand, but this still upsetted Twilight. Lightning Dust gets ready to take off, and is waiting for a signal as she is inching very close to just taking off without a signal. Spitfire then blows the whistle and Lightning Dust takes off. She flies at her top speed and passes the anemometer and measures her speed. Blossomforth is amazed at this speed at just normal power, "Is this the power of a Wonderbolt?" Twilight sees the power as Spike writes down the wing power. "12.8 wing power. Not bad for an upcoming recruit," says Twilight. "You mean upcoming Wonderbolt?" says a somewhat correcting Lightning Dust. "Oh please, I'll show you how a real Wonderbolt does it," says Spitfire with a smug look. Spitfire gets up to the starting line and gets ready to take off. She then takes off and passes by Twilight in what was like a second. The speed is so fast it created a wind current that almost flew everypony off their hooves. Blossomforth then reassures herself afterward thinking, "Ok, nevermind. That's a Wonderbolt!" "16 even wing power, my goodness!" says Twilight in shock and awe. All of the pegasi cheer, even Daring is caught impressed. Everypony cheers at this amazing strength they all witnessed. "Now that, Lightning Dust, is how fast a Wonderbolt can be. You've got a long way rookie," says a sly Spitfire "Okay then, since we're showing off, let's see what I can do," says Daring, as if accepting a challenge. Daring goes to the starting line and preps herself. Spitfire blows the whistle as Daring then takes off. Daring flies off and passes Twilight with a strong gust passing by. "14.7 wing power! You could join the Wonderbolts if you wanted to!" says Twilight in a shock. "Nah, I'm fine sticking to archaeology. These babies help me get out of any sticky situation when I need them most," says Daring in a chilled manner. Everypony cheers in awe as they have seen the infamous Daring Do at her best flying speed. Blossomforth cheers as her friend is as impressive as they can come. "How can you be faster than me?!" says an angry Lightning Dust. Daring looks over to Lightning Dust and explains, "I'm just a natural fast flier. With all the other weather conditions I've been going in on my expeditions, this is smooth sailing." Lightning Dust then walks up to her, and looks at her straight in the eye with full fury. Some ponies are even seeing this argument and are worried a fight may break out. Blossomforth is watching this is also hoping that her friend doesn't keep provoking her. "No matter how impressive or how famous of a pegasus you are, I'm the one who'll steal the show," says an angry Lightning Dust. "Alright that's enough! Stand down Lightning Dust, that's an order!" commands Spitfire. Lightning Dust then steps away from Daring and goes back with the other recruits. Blossomforth goes by to talk to Daring. "Are you sure that was a good idea to provoke her like that?" asks Blossomforth. "Somepony needs to take her down a few notches. She's too arrogant and proud of herself. I noticed the moment I saw her," explains Daring. "How can you tell that quick?" questions Blossomforth. "I've a knack for reading ponies faces to determine their personality. Hers was easy cause it reminded me of somepony I used to know," says Daring. "Who would that be?" asks Blossomforth "Me. Before I met Sandy," says Daring in a dark tone. Blossomforth stays away from asking anymore questions as to try and not prattle on Daring's personal life. Spitfire then calls out for Daring. "Well anyway Daring, let's make room for everypony else to fly," says Spitfire. Daring agrees to this and motions for more to come and record their wing power. "Got to go. Be sure to get your wing power recorded," says Daring. Over the course of an hour, almost of all of the pegasi went and averaged around 8.5 wing power. So there is still room for improvement for a week. After every pegasi went, and all of the their wing power is recorded, but only one is left to record, Blossomforth. Daring sees this and goes over to Blossomforth. "Okay, now it's your turn," says Daring. Blossomforth nods and goes over to the track and plants herself at the starting line. Spitfire blows the whistle, and Blossomforth takes off. Blossomforth knew she wasn't the best flier in the world, nor the worst. Hopefully though she can still improve like everypony else by the end of the week. She passes the anemometer and record her wing power. Twilight jots down the last wing power and says, "7.5 wing power. We're finished." "7.5, decent. That will be all everypony. Now line up for group assignments!" says Spitfire. Blossomforth then starts to get in the now forming pegasus line to get their group positions. As the line gets smaller and smaller, each pegasus goes over to either Daring or the Wonderbolt Academy recruits. Blossomforth makes it to the end of the line and is handed a piece of paper from Spitfire. Blossomforth gets out of the line and reads who her group leader is, Lightning Dust. Blosomforth is now scared as she is now put into the group she hoping the least to be in. Spitfire then calls out after handing the last piece of paper, "Okay, head on over to your group leader and begin your training. If there are any questions, contact me at the Orange Hotel in town. Until then, dismissed!" Before she takes off, Blossomforth interrupts her, "Wait, before you go, I've got a question." Spitfire turns to her and says, "Shoot away." "Why was I placed in Lightning Dust's group and not Daring's? She is my friend after all," asks Blossomforth. Spitfire then stands to her side and places a wing over her, "Listen kid, I've placed with Lightning Dust, cause of the below average wing power, much like the rest in the same group. Blossomforth is both insulted and confused. "Each group has 40 pegasi spread among the five groups. Lightning Dust is paired with pegasi of wing power under 8.0. Daring's group is for pegasi over 10.0. Even if you're friend's with her, I have to be professional, and trust my instincts. Lightning Dust takes all the risks, and will know how to handle pegasi with low wing power," explains Spitfire. Blossomforth is disturbed by this development, but doesn't want to argue with her. Spitfire is then about to take off as she then says, "Remember, if you have any more questions or complaints, find me at Orange Hotel." She then takes off and heads towards the city. Blossomforth with her head down then replies to herself, "Yes ma'am." She then goes over to Lightning Dust's group and places herself among the rest of the pegasi. Lightning Dust of hovering above them and looking down with cold eyes. "Now, you've all been place with me because of your low power. Now let me just say that I will show no sympathy. As an upcoming Wonderbolt, you need to push yourself to the limit," explains Lightning Dust. Some of the pegasi in the group are getting scared or worried from what she's saying. Even Blossomforth is getting uncomfortable hearing this. Lightining Dust continues her 'intimidating' speech, "You think I will show mercy? Mercy is for the weak. You must do whatever it takes to be the best. Take whatever risk you can to overcome the challenges ahead." Somepony then speaks up, "What will we do for training then, Lightning Dust?" Lightning Dust glares at the pony, and then the pony steps back into the crowd. "From now on, only refer to me as ma'am. Also, I don't want any insubordination. If I hear any complaints from any one of you about being tired or in pain, I'll personally report this to Spitfire myself! Any questions?" explains Lightning Dust. Nopony would dare to speak up to her. Lightning Dust smiles as she's in complete control. "Now, as much as I hate this. Daring has assigned me with four pony friends of hers to do some training over the next couple of days. So no matter what happens, be sure to give 200%. Are we clear?" explains Lightning Dust. Everypony in the group replies, "Yes ma'am."; They aren't saying this out of respect, but out of fear. "Good, now get some rest for tomorrow. We start training at dawn. Dismissed," says a stern Lightning Dust. As Blossomforth is about to leave, Lightning Dust call her over, "Hey, flower pony, I'd like a word with you." Blossomforth is wondering of all the ponies she had to talk with her, it was Lightning Dust. Lightning Dust then lands back onto the ground and goes over to Blossomforth. "I know that you're friends with Daring and wanted to be with her, so I'm sorry you have to be with me," apologizes Lightning Dust. Blossomforth is both shocked and confused to hear this, "Why are you apologizing to me anyway?" "This is the first time I'm leading, and I want to try and keep that feeling among the group. So I'm just putting on the act of the stern leader. I'd figure you'd listen since you look like somepony who's easy to talk when you want to get something off your chest," explains Lightning Dust. "So you want to just express your feelings to me so you don't feel ashamed of yourself?" asks Blossomforth. "Exactly. So I know I can trust you with a little secret, right?" asks Lightning Dust. Blossomforth doesn't know whether to trust her or not given on what Daring had said. Yet Lightning Dust looks innocent now and maybe was just trying to look tough the whole time. So Blossomforth doesn't know what to think. Lightning Dust seeing that she's having trouble trusting her, gets an idea. "Tell you what, I'll tell you a personal story about me if you tell me about a personal story about you?" proposes Lightning Dust. Blossomforth is thinking this offer very carefully, but this may give her reason why she acts like this. Blossomforth nods in agreement, and Lightning Dust smiles as she lies down on the ground. "Now, which story shall I tell? Oh, I've got one!" says Lightning Dust. When I was a young filly, I would always do spectacular tricks and impress everypony with my amazing aerial skills. Then one day, somepony challenged me to an acrobatic competition to see who was better at showing off their flying skills. I accepted the challenge and we both decided to do our best tricks to impress everypony at flight school. So we decided to hold our competition the next day. When that day came, we were told he broke his wings while performing one of his tricks. So he came by afterwards and told me that I was best and no one else could top me. So I was then self proclaimed as the best flier in all of Equestria by my class mates. Blossomforth is impressed with her story. Now she is wondering what story to tell Lightning Dust in return. "I've got one. How about I tell you how I got my cutie mark?, asks Blossomforth. "Shoot away," says a calm Lightning Dust. Blossomforth then begins her story about how she got her cutie mark. When I was in flight school, I've always had a fascination for the ground. So because of that, and my habit of being easily distracted, I almost always fail my flight practices. I was also picked on by the other fillies and colts, and even pulled pranks on me by taking my lunch and filling it up with mulch. I was fed up with that, so I decided to go to the ground and run away. When I came down to the earth, I was fascinated by all of the plants and animals that inhabited the ground. Then, I found the most beautiful meadow of flowers. I never saw so much in all of my life, at that time. Then I heard a filly crying nearby. She must've wandered off from the nearest town. When I got to her, she had a cut on her hoof. I didn't want to leave her alone, so I decided to help her. Since I was learning on many herbs and plants, I went looking for some to heal her cut. I managed to find some basil, which is good for cuts and scrapes. I picked some off and grinded them on the nearest rock. I applied it to her cut and was starting to feel better. She thanked me and wandered back to her town. I never wanted to leave, but it made me realize that I have a place to come to whenever I get sad or lonely. After I decided to go back, I made a vow to always care for those flowers that brought me so much happiness and comfort to other I helped. That's when I got my cutie mark. Lightning Dust gets up and says, "That's an amazing story, I'm impressed. There's more to you than meets the eye." Blossomforth giggles and replies, "Thank you." "Now that we got that out of the way, do you think I appear to be bad now?" asks Lightning Dust. "No you don't. I'll talk to Daring after training to tell her what you really are like," says a happy Blossomforth. "That's good to hear. Don't want to get off on the wrong hoof now do we?" questions Lightning Dust. Blossomforth shakes her head. "Ok, now get some rest. We have a long week to start," says Lightning Dust. "Ok then, see you at dawn tomorrow," says Blossomforth as she then flies off towards home. Blossomforth didn't mean to jump towards conclusions and judge Lightning Dust right away. Now that she got to know her better, she may become a good friend. Lightning Dust is left alone and is about to head back towards the hotel. She then says under her breath, "Now that I've got her wrapped around my hoof, she won't go squealing to Spitfire. As long as I keep up this facade in front of her until the job is done, I'll be a Wonderbolt before I know it! > Chapter 3: Phase 3- No Pain, No Gain > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hurricane Blossomforth Chapter 3 Blossomforth is flying through the skies with her friend Daring, Spitfire, and the rest of the pegasi in the tornado for transporting water to Cloudsdale. Blossomforth looks to her friend for assurance and receives a smile back from her friend. Then a pegasus flies right next to her, and it's Lightning Dust. As Blossomforth tries to wave down Lightning Dust, she gets ignored instead. Then the most unexpected happens. Lightning Dust then back bucks Daring in the face, which then collides her with Spitfire, and then starts a chain reaction as pegasi start flying out of the tornado. Blossomforth starts panicking as to question why Lightning Dust would do this, all the while dodging other pegasi from hitting her. She tries to keep avoiding, but then slams right into her face. All she can see is a blurry mess as the only image she sees last is falling into a deep dark pit with only the laughter of Lightning Dust filling her ringing ears. Then everything goes black. --------------------------------------------- Blossomforth then opens her eyes breathing heavily. She notices that she's back in her own room. Her head full of sweat and her pillows covered as well. She then collects her thoughts and realizes, "It was only a dream. But why did it feel so real?" She then starts to get some hearing again as she then notices her clock still going off with the alarm set. She notices the time at 6:00. It's about time for the sun to rise, which means that it's dawn. She then shuts off the clock and gets out of bed to get ready to meet up with the flying group for their week long training. Without thinking, she skips breakfast and heads out the door to go to the park to meet up with her team. While on the way, she still has the lingering thought of her nightmare. -------------------------------------------- -Manehattan Central Park- Blossomforth is overhead the park, and spots the whole group together. She even sees Lightning Dust giving instructions from above. Blossomforth descends and lands right near the group. This gains Lightning Dust's attention as she then walks over to Blossomforth. Lightning Dust has an upset look on her face and shouts, "You're late! I said dawn, not dawn-ish!" Blossomforth steps back a bit after being taken back by her outburst. Then Lightning Dust winks to her in reassurance that she's only putting on an act. Blossomforth gets the message and winks back. They both then go back to the group. Lightning Dust then goes up to the front to address her group. "Alright light-weights, here's what's going to happen. Since Spitfire put me in charge of you all, we'll begin our trek through rigorous training. There will be sweating, crying, sore muscles, and most importantly...," she pauses for a few seconds then finishes with an evil smile, "Bruises." The group then gasps and even one faints from the thought of the training. Blossomforth is starting to get worried from this, but wants to put her trust into Lightning Dust and hope she know what she's doing. Lightning Dust then whistles towards the trees, and then some rustling can be heard coming from them. Then from out of the trees, come four individual ponies, but Blossomforth knows these ponies. The four ponies are Twilight, Auntie Sherbet, Trixie, and Octavia. Lightning Dust is having this confused look on her face asking why these ponies are here, even though she signaled for them. "These four ponies will help us with our training for the next 5 days. They don't look like the types for working out, but these are under suggestion by Daring Do. I'm not one to deny such generous offers, but I'll follow through with her decision. I'll be overlooking your training though to see your progress, so don't think this will be easy," explains Lightning Dust. Blossomforth is surprised to hear that Daring asked their friends to help out with the training regimen. Either way, she'll give it her all to help out and get ready for the big job to come. "Alright everypony, to the Orange Hotel!" shouts Blossomforth. The whole group cheers and then head off towards the hotel. Twilight and rest then get the thought, "Did she just forget to bring us?" --------------------------------------------- -Orange Hotel- So for the next 5 days, each friend will train the entire group in a different way to help prepare them for the water raising. Blossomforth didn't know how each friend will help her, but she's being prepared for anything to happen. As the group enters the hotel, they follow Auntie Sherbet to her penthouse suite. They all gather into the apartment one by one and seat themselves in the living room. "So what are you going to help me with today?" asks Blossomforth. Auntie goes into the kitchen for a minute or two, and comes back out with a platter of foods. She takes the foods from the plate in her mouth and back, and places them on the living room table. The assortment of foods are from wheat lily sandwiches, to cucumber salads. The other thing she noticed is that all of the foods are in small sizes. Blossomforth is wondering why they're going to eat, but not doing any physical workout. Lightning Dust especially is confused. "Why are we eating? This is supposed to be a workout, not breakfast time," questions Lightning Dust. "I'm not going to eat this, you are," replies Sherbet. Everypony then looks at the food with hunger. The whole room roars with hungry stomachs, supposedly nopony ate breakfast. Blossomforth has a growling tummy as well. She goes for one of the sandwiches and takes a bite out of it, it's delicious. Blossomforth smiles and continues eating, and then goes for the orange juice on the table. "I'm no athlete sweet thing, so the best I can do is make a healthy meal to help energize you all, and improve your diet," says Sherbet. The group starts to drool and everypony starts to go for a sandwich. Then a blur goes over the plate and snatches the sandwiches away. Lightning Dust is holding all of the sandwiches, then goes over to a nearby trashcan and throws them away. Sherbet has a hurtful look on her face. "Why did you do that? I put my whole love into them," says a hurt Sherbet. "Love isn't going to help these ponies fit into shape. If you wanted to make a worthy meal for these light-weights, a protein shake will work," explains Lightning Dust. She then flies off into the kitchen and starts making loud noises in there. What's supposed to be the sound of making food, sounds more like a battlefield going on. The next thing the ponies hear is a whistling sound. Then it starts to get more high pitched until a loud 'BOOM' shakes the whole room. Lightning Dust then comes back from the now smoking kitchen with a tray full of drinks. Instead of drinks though, it is replaced with green bubbling gunk in the glass. "This is my homemade protein shake. You had some missing ingredients, so I improvised," says Lightning Dust. "I normally I don't have much food to make. I usually leave that to the staff to get the food," replies Sherbet. Lightning Dust ignores her and goes over to the group, and giving all 40 members a glass. As one of the glasses is passed to Blossomforth, she happily denies the drink as she is full from eating. Lightning Dust leaves her drink too, betting she ate before coming to practice. "Alright everypony, drink up!" cheers Lightning Dust. The whole group then takes a drink from their glasses. Then in a second, half the group's face then turn green and their faces show signs of disgust. Then, the now green faced ponies make a beeline for the bathroom and shut the door behind them. There's hacking and coughing coming from the bathroom, which signals for the rest of the group to carefully put their glasses down. Lightning Dust then carefully pushes her glass to the side with a worried look on her face. Sherbet goes over to a nearby phone and pushes a button. "Front desk, please call the doctor," then she hears a hurling coming from the bathroom, "And tell him to bring a mop." Blossomforth is lucky to refuse her drink, but at the cost that half her group is now going home with food poisoning. This is going to be a long week. --------------------------------- -Octavia's Apartment- After getting up the next morning with an upset stomach from the sight she endured yesterday, she heads over to Octavia's apartment for her next day of training. The last time she was here is when her friends, herself included, tried to help Sherbet act like an Apply Family member again. Although the Reunion was a while ago, it felt like ages since she was last in Octavia's studio. Blossomforth goes into the apartment complex and heads over to an elevator to go to the top floor. As she rides to the elevator to the top floor, the elevator doors open up into the penthouse level to reveal Octavia's studio. Blossomforth sees that either Octavia is not home yet, or is busy, but the rest of the group is here all attended for; save for the ones that got food poisoning. Blossomforth then takes the opportunity to look at her friend's apartment, even though the place is almost cramped. The furniture in the living room is very basic and well kept clean. In fact, the entire room is clean and organized, but not quite like Twilight's place. There's a table in the center with two couches facing it. She sees the entrance to the kitchen/dining room on the other side of the room, at least she remembers what it looks like. One corner of the room is decorated with musical equipment, especially Cellos. Pictures on the wall decorated the room as well. They have pictures of herself and her friends, as well as Octavia. Octavia is also shown in the pictures with other musicians, nobles, and even with Princess Celestia where it appears to be the Gala. Overall, Blossomforth is impressed with Octavia's decoration and her taste in style. She then hears somepony coming from the kitchen with a wine glass in her mouth. It's Octavia, and she goes over to the table in the middle of the room and puts the glass down. "Good to see you've all come this fine morning," says Octavia. "Yeah, yeah, enough chit chat, let's get moving now," says an annoyed Lightning Dust. Octavia places her wine glass down and goes over to her musical corner to prepare her cello in place. Octavia then looks over to Blossomforth and says, "Help yourself to a drink. One must rejuvenate our mortal coils." "Geez, enough with the brain killer sentences, move it!" say a more annoyed Lightning Dust. Octavia shows a face of disinterest, but begins her lesson. Blossomforth is thinking that Lightning Dust is putting on this act way too seriously. Blossomforth then goes to the fridge and gets out the OJ and pours into her glass. She puts the OJ away and grabs her glass. She then goes over to the rest of the group and listens to Octavia's lesson. "Now, flying is like music. They both follow a need of rhythm. Now some of you come up and dance, we'll begin right away," explains Octavia. Blossomforth volunteers herself to begin her training. Although she has two left hooves, she'll give it her best shot. Octavia readies her instrument, and begins playing. Blossomforth tries to dance, but all she's doing is stomping her hooves. She also crosses her hooves and gets them tangled up. Afterward she trips over herself and lands face first onto the floor. Octavia stops playing and goes over to her, "You need to listen to the music and follow the rhythm of it. Dancing is also more than stomping your hooves, there needs to be some grace to it," she says gracefully. Blossomforth groans with her face still on the floor. "We'll try again, and soon you'll fly high higher than any graceful swan," says Octavia. "I have no time......I mean WE have no time for this. I'll show you all how to dance," declares Lightning Dust. Lightning Dust then starts to wave her legs about, as if she's trying to dance. It looks more like she's trying to swat a fly away. Just like that, she then starts to accidentally hit some ponies in the group. Ponies start going down one by one, and are being left with a hoofprint on their face, or a black eye. Lightning Dust then stops trying to dance, and sees the damage done. She blushes in embarrassment with Octavia making a quick remark, "You on the other hoof, have no grace at all." ------------------------------------------ -Outskirts of Manehattan- The next day, Blossomforth is heading to Trixie's cart that she leaves on the outskirts of the city. Since Trixie originally traveled from town to town, she never really settled in one town to live in. Since nopony wants Trixie to take up space in the city and cause a disturbance, other than the times she performs in town, she decided to live outside of town. Blossomforth doesn't know how Trixie will help with training, since Trixie only performs with her magic when the whole group is composed of pegasi. After taking a taxi past the Brookmare Bridge, she finally makes it to the city border. The city outskirts are very bare compared to the stone and steel of the big city. Past the bridge is grassland and a sandy pathway going for what seemed miles. Other than the various trees scattered about in small patches, nothing is remarkable to Blossomforth. She looks around and sees Trixies wagon hidden in some trees. She goes over to the patch of trees and tries to get to her cart, since the branches make it very hard to get in. After Blossomforth gets in, the other group flies in through the top of the trees. This makes Blossomforth look stupid and wonder why she didn't think of this. She really needs to pay attention other than looking at the scenery. She sees that the wagon is very well shaded in the trees with a little open area to have a campsite to eat and leave other variables around like clothes(even though she only wears her cloak and hat), and kitchenware. With the group in the little area, they try to look for her as she's nowhere to be found. Since she can't see Trixie out here, Blossomforth figures that she is in her wagon. So she goes over to the side of the cart's entrance and knocks on the door. She gets a response back, "Oh, The Great and Powerful Trixie allows entrance to you all!" Blossomforth rolls her eyes at Trixie's boastful response, but goes in either way. Blossomforth goes into the cart with the others following her from behind, with Lightning Dust in front of the group. They all get a very unexpected surprise. When they go in, they didn't expect the place to be very organized and well kept. Twilight mentioned to her friends how the place looked, from her bedroom furniture, to the wall full of Hairy Hoofdini memorabilia. She sees Trixie sitting next to her dining table and sipping on her coffee. Trixie sees her at the doorway and motions her over to sit down. The group goes over to the dining table and stands opposite of Trixie. "So you ready to take some training from 'The Great and Powerful Trixie'?" asks Trixie. Everypony nods as Trixie gets off from her chair and gets ready to go out. Trixie pauses at the doorway as she realizes something, "Oh that reminds me, put these on." Trixie then uses her magic to levitate some clothes and puts them on everypony. Blossomforth notices that the clothes look like Trixie's robe and hat, but is only gray and worn out. "What are these Trixie? I look like Ganhoof the Gray from 'Lord of the Hooves," says a confused Blossomforth. The group looks at her with their robes on giving a weird out look, and Trixie raises her brow as she never hears something like this from her. "Twilight got me to read The Lord of the Mare books," says Blossomforth. Trixie shakes her head and then goes outside with Blossomforth and the rest following her out. As they get outside, Trixie goes to the other side of the wagon and pulls a lever to have her stage come down out. Blossomforth is still confused on what she is still being trained from Trixie. "So what are you training us on exactly again?" questions Lightning Dust. Trixie smiles as she gets the fireworks ready, then responds back, "We're going to train you in some showmanship." Fireworks then go off as Trixie poses at the end. Everypony's jaw drops as they are dumbfounded by this. Lightning Dust slaps her face in sight of this pony's stupidity. "Performing helps with you looking good and to help with stage fright. When you have others look at you, you may get stressed out, so we might as well work on that." , says Trixie. Trixie then uses her magic to pick off some sticks and pick some stones. As she moves them around and twist them, she makes some makeshift manikins that are supposed to look like ponies. Lightning Dust doesn't waste a second and goes over to Trixie. "Look, I don't need any more stupidity like this for the week. Now why don't you try throwing those sticks and stones to actually hurt us?" says an angry Lightning Dust. Trixie gets a worried look on her face and asks, "Why would The Great and Powerful Trixie harm innocent ponies?" "When we start to form the tornado, we may encounter some debris being sucked into the twister. So we need to dodge stuff like this," Then Lightning Dust rips of the outfit she was given, "Now fire!" Trixie starts to hesitate as she levitates the debris in front of her. Blososmforth now knows this is starting to get very dangerous, and this will no doubt hurt the group behind her. So Blossomforth then speaks out to Lightning Dust, "Um Lightning Dust. This doesn't seem to be the best idea." Lightning dust then looks to her, "Nonsense, these ponies will be able to shake this off without any trouble." Lightning Dust then slaps the back of Trixie's head and shouts, "Now FIRE!" As a reaction to this, Trixie unintentionally lets her magic slip and the debris starts to go flying to Blossomforth and the group. Blossomforth ducks in time, but the rest of the groups is not fortunate. The various rocks and sticks hit the group with one shouting in anguish, "My leg! My leg....." Blossomforth looks at the damage, with Trixie looking in discomfort and Lightning Dust having an impressed look on her face. "Uh, Trixie. Do you have a medical book about stick in butt?" questions Blossomforth. ------------------------------------- -Manehattan Library- Finally, Blossomforth is going to see Twilight before getting a required free day, suggested by Daring. After the gruesome exercise from Trixie yesterday, she hopes somepony more understanding like Twilight has a training regimen that doesn't result with Lightning Dust causing harm to the now remaining 5 members, not including her and Lightning Dust. After walking for a couple of minutes, she makes it to the entrance of the Manehattan Library. She sees the group ahead of her then goes into the library with the group sitting in the lounge area. When she gets in, she sees somepony approach her. She then realizes it's Spike, carrying a pile of books in front of him. Spike is appearing to be having some trouble lifting the books, but then puts them down and goes over to Blossomforth. "Hey Blossomforth, here to see Twilight?" asks Spike. Blossomforth nods, then Spike says, "She's on the second floor at her desk." Blossomforth then says, "Thank you." "Lightning Dust, Twilight is upstairs," says Blossomforth. Lightning Dust hears this as she flies to the second floor, with the rest of the group following suit. Spike goes back to the pile of books and brings them to a table in the reading area, clearly still showing strain from lifting a huge pile of books. Blossomforth then goes to the stairs that goes up to the second floor. When she gets up to the second floor, she sees Twilight at her desk writing, with the group behind her. Twilight sees everypony behind her approach and puts down the quill pen with her magic. "Oh, hi everypony," says Twilight. Twilight then looks to the clock on the wall, "Is it that time already?" Twilight goes over to the group and motions then to follow. They all go down to the first floor as Twilight goes over to the reading area. Blossomforth sees some books on one table, in fact, it's the same pile of books Spike was carrying earlier. Also, Spike is on the floor breathing heavily and tired. Twilight smiles and tells everypony, "Okay, now you can start studying on the history of flight." Blossomforth then says, "What do you mean?" "Well, since I can't help you with physical activity, I'd help you with my only way possible, research." , says Twilight. Twilight then goes back to her work on the second floor. But Lightning Dust stops her by getting in her path. "Now hold it! I've had just about enough of this wimpy training regiment. Daring may have suggested you all because you're friends, but this doesn't excuse the training I've received. I may have had to eat healthy food, do a dance routine, and perform for a fake crowd, but THIS, is the worst! There is no hay-flipping way, that I'll read and take directions from a bookworm like you!" shouts an enraged Lightning Dust. Then a displeased Twilight, still on the steps of the stairs calmly says, "Then why don't you leave and abandon your group?" Lightning Dust flies down back to the first floor and says, "Everypony, consider this an extra day off! Go and do whatever training regiment you want." As she is about to leave, Blossomforth then walks right next to her and asks, "You can't seriously think about leaving our group? You're supposed to supervise us." "Outta my way flower girl! I've had enough for this week," says an angry Lightning dust as she shoves Blossomforth away. Blossomforth is then hit with reality, Lightning Dust is not putting on an act, she's really just a big jerk. Lightning Dust then takes off at 'Lightning' speed and heads out the front leaving the library shaking. This causes one of the bookshelves to start wobbling and is about to fall over. Then the bookshelf starts to fall and then lands on the remaining members of the group, save for Blossomforth. Blossomforth then realizes she's the only member left in her group with the rest injured. -------------------------------------- -Manehattan Museum- After four days of what is considered to Blossomforth, a failure, she finally gets her free day and decides to go and speak with Daring. She gets over to the her friend's museum and goes inside to meet her inside. She makes her way to her friend's office, and finally gets herself ready for a talk about Lightning Dust. Maybe the dream she had the day before wasn't a normal nightmare, but maybe a vision of things to come? Blossomforth knocks on the door, and gets a response to come in. After going in, she sees Daring dusting some statue in the corner. She looks around her friends office to see some other statues, tomes, runes, artifacts, and various vases. These things are probably from her friend's various expeditions and travels from around the world. Daring finishes dusting her statue and goes to sit down to her desk. "Take a seat, Blossomforth," says Daring. Blossomforth takes a seat across from her friend. "Now, I'm guessing you're ready to ask about Lightning Dust, right?" asks Daring. Blossomforth didn't even get the chance to explain what happened over the week. "How did you know?" asks Blossomforth. "I had a feeling something related to that girl would happen. Now please explain what happened," asks Daring. Blossomforth then starts from the beginning where she was talking to Lightning Dust before training week, to the end up to the events that happened at the library. As Blososmforth finishes, she sighs and goes over to the window, looking outside. "That pegasus has caused nothing but trouble not only for you, but for your teammates as well. I think it's time I have a chat with Spitfire," says aloud Daring. Blossomforth then speaks up saying, "Are you sure? Is that a good idea?" "Of course it is! Spitfire is her commanding officer, she can't refuse an order from her," says Daring. Daring then is about to leave and gestures Blossomforth to follow. Daring then says to Blossomforth, "It's time for Spitfire to learn the truth about her promising recruit." ---------------------------------- -Orange Hotel, Room 897- Daring and Blossomforth head for Orange Hotel and look for Spitfire's room. They find her room number and head for the 8th floor, the suites. They make their way up and finally get to her room. When they knock on the door and get an answer, Spitfire answers the door and greets them. Wasting no time, they head inside the room and begin to explain their concerns about Lightning Dust. The more and more they explain their story, Spitfire's expression goes from confused, to disappointment. After they finish their story, Spitfire is in a very bad mood. "I can't believe she would endanger and injure her own teammates! I had high hopes for her, but I need to be professional," says an angry Spitfire. "So what are you going to do?" asks Blossomforth. Spitfire sighs in disappointment and says, "Until further notice, she'll have her invitation to the Wonderbolt Academy suspended until further notice. Hopefully she'll change until then. Even so, we'll still have a problem." Daring grows concerned and asks, "What problem would that be?" "With the entire group out of commission, we won't have enough pegasi to even form the tornado. Even if by some miracle we get the team back up if by just a little, I'll still need Lightning Dust to do this even if none of you will agree," says a furious Spitfire. Daring and Blossomforth moan in dismay that not only will this job potentially cancelled, but Lightning Dust will still be attending. How are they going to get their team up by tomorrow morning? Blossomforth then steps up and says, "I won't give up!" Spitfire and Daring look to her in confusion. "Lightning dust may look to her team as a bunch of good-for-nothings you can just throw away, but I won't let that happen!" shouts Blossomforth. Daring then puts her hoof around her friend and says, "Blossom, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but not even modern medicine with their injuries can get them up and full healed by tomorrow." "But I will not give up because of that. I'll help them before you know it! Just be sure that everypony else is at the park tomorrow during their normal routine," says a determined Blossomforth. Blossomforth then bows her head at Spitfire for thanks, then leaves the hotel room. "Your friend has got determination. But can she really do it?" says a concerned Spitfire. "I hope so. Blossom is the most loyal and dependable pony I know," says a gentle Daring. ---------------------------------- -Central Park- Everypony is all attended for after their week of training. All 5 groups, save for Lightning Dust being the only member of her group, are present and are about to record their wing power before the operation starts in the afternoon. Daring is all set and ready to prepare, but is on the lookout for Blossomforth. She looks to the track with Twilight recording the passing pegasi, and Spitfire in attendance supervising. She then looks to the various flower patches, but is seen nowhere. As she is starting to get worried, Spitfire then blows the whistle and calls for everyponies attention. Daring goes over and listens in on what Spitfire is about to explain. "I suppose by now we would be ready to initiate Operation Rainrise. But with a recent incident resulting in an entire group being out of commission, due to the lack of interest for her teammates", She leers at Lightning Dust with the rest of the recruits following suit. Lightning dust is not fazed by this and shrugs it off; "We will not be able to go forward with the rest of the operation." The whole group moans in disappointment and droops their heads. Daring is thinking that Spitfire is not even going to wait for Blossomforth to come. As if everything is going to be over, somepony calls out in the distance. "WAIT! Don't stop without us!" shouts somepony from the sky. Everypony looks up and sees a whole group of pegasi coming towards them. As they get closer, Daring can see the pegasi all bandaged up, but still look very sickly. In the front of the group, is a lone white pegasus, Blossomforth! > Chapter 4: Phase 4- Execution > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hurricane Blossomforth Chapter 4 -Last Night- After Blossomforth left for the hotel, she headed for Manehattan's Mercy General Hospital to see all her injured teammates. Figuring she could do something to convince them to help could prove very difficult as she gets a not too welcome response. "Why don't you want to help us?" says a confused Blossomforth. "Because we don't want to take orders from Lightning Dust, and her enormous ego," says an annoyed pegasus colt all bandaged up. "It better for us to stay here than to be out there with her," says a mad pegasus mare as she pukes in the bucket next to her. "And if you're forgeting one important thing, we're all injured and can't go anywhere for the next few days," mumbles another pegasus through his head bandage. Blossomforth looks around the room and sees the whole room of her injured groupies all agreeing while groaning in pain and/or puking in a bucket. She couldn't just go back without these pegasi. If she doesn't come back with her team, this would prove ponies like Lightning Dust can just abandon others to only take advantage for themselves. She has to do something. Then she gets an idea so crazy, she may be the one injured in the process. Blossomforth speaks up and says, "I've got an idea that could give you all a temporary cure for your injuries." Then everypony in the room turns to her in confusion. "Whatcha mean?" asks the bandaged colt. "I grow many herbs and plants at my greenhouse. I know I have some herbs to help all of your conditions from food poisoning to muscle cramps. Just give me the night to give you all the herbs, and you can go back to the operation," explains Blossomforth. "Why would we go back to the operation where we would just be abandoned again even if you help us?" says the puking mare. Blossomforth then gets on her knees and bows her head saying, "If you won't trust Lightning Dust, trust me. If not for me, then for everypony else that needs the water in Cloudsdale. Even if I'm the only one to not abandon you, don't give up because of your loss in faith. Help me, help you." Hearing her speech gets some ponies in the room rethinking their decision. Then somepony speaks up still questioning Blossomforth, "Even if you can help some of us, there are some that have broken legs." Blossomforth then gets up and responds with a smile, "Then you will support yourselves. Use the actual teamwork that Lightning Dust doesn't know. When we go inside the tornado, make a team of two and help yourselves in the tornado. Even if it's not your full wing power, we just need enough to create the tornado." Then everypony starts to be more optimistic and speak with a more happy attitude. "Now who wants to help everypony!" shouts Blossomforth. Then the whole room cheers in an uproar. Even after giving a positive speech, Blossomforth knows this will cost her strength. ------------------ "So that's what happened to you last night?" asks Daring. "Yup. I've managed to give my whole group a temporary boost in their health so that they can form the tornado. It may not be much, but enough to get water to Cloudsdale," says a happy Blossomforth. Daring smiles back at her friend and responds, "You really are something. Being the Element of Loyalty doesn't mean you rely on us, but how others can rely on you. You remained loyal to them even after Lightning Dust swept them away. That's true dedication. Also, just be sure to not push yourself." Blossomforth blushes at this sign of graditute, but then a pony speaks out. "So all of you light-weights are much tougher than I thought," says Lightning Dust. Lightning Dust walks up to her group with a smug look on her face. Her team isn't that enthusiastic to see. Some may want to return the favor, but don't want to exhaust their energy that Blossomforth gave them. Instead they all give her a cold stare. Lightning Dust then stops in front of Blossomforth. "I thought you were just a sucker to fool, but I guess I was wrong. You really outdid yourself getting these light-weights off their lazy butts," says Lightning Dust. "No thanks to you," interrupts Daring. "Just a little accident, no harm done," says an innocent Lightning Dust. "You abandoned them and only thought of yourself during the training. In the process, you caused all of these ponies so much pain and betrayal. You even tricked me to being your friend so I wouldn't tell Spitfire," explains Blossomforth. "Even if you did, you have no proof I did it. Even if they're injured, they could havve just injured themselves during training. Plus, she hears the story from two ponies she barely knows. Even if she believes you, the nobles in Canterlot that run the document work can't deny my entry into the academy because of my excellent flight records. The most severe punishment they can give me is being suspended entry into Wonderbolt Academy. With Spitfire also having high hopes for me, she still thinks I can be redeemed. Nopony can lose a great pony like me to join the elites. Either way you look at this, I still win," explains a smug Lightning Dust. Daring has never been so angry in all of her life. She really wanted to punch the buck out of her face. "Why you smug, little....," says and angry Daring as she's about to punch her. "STOP. Don't do it!" shouts another pony. Daring stops in her tracks as Spitfire then lands in the middle of the group. "As much as I could grant you that, she's right. I may be the leader of the academy, but the final decision comes from Canterlot, beyond my control," says Spitfire. "But everything you said about her is wrong, right?" asks Blossomforth. "No she's right. I have high hopes for Lightning Dust, even if she's an arrogant jerk. Ponies like her don't come that often. So if the mistake of the injured ponies should come from anypony, I'll take full responsibility," says a dissapointed Spitfire. Everypony in the group feels sorry for the Wonderbolt. "See, even she is aware of the situation. A risky pony like me is perfect for the Wonderbolts," says an even more smug Lightning Dust. Spitfire recollects herself and responds to her recruit, "You may be arrogant and smug, but you are still under my command. Until further notice, you are suspended from entry into the Wonderbolt Academy. This will go your record and will be on daily surveillance from our superiors until you are deemed suitable for re-entry," explains a dry toned Spitfire. "Sheesh, no biggie. I'll still be back before you know it," says a cocky Lightning Dust. "Until then, group leadership will be transferred to, Blossomforth!" says a now glee Spitfire. Lightning Dust's expression then changes to shock as everypony around Spitfire then shouts, "WHAT!" ------------------------ -Manehattan Horsepower Park- 1 hour later.... Every pegasi accounted for has appeared at Manehatten's Horsepower Park, which is located on the outskirts of the city near the Neigh York harbor. Everypony is equipped with a pair of goggles as the wind speed and rising of water being sprayed about doesn't harm the eyes. All of the pegasi are lined up near the lake to get ready for the signal to start the tornado. Twilight and Spike are also preparing for their job. Twilight has a larger anemometer to scale the tornado that was provided by the city, and Spike is manning megaphone to signal the start. As Blossomforth is looking around the area and seeing everypony all set up, she starts to breath faster, sweating, and she's getting weak hooves. The sudden leadership role is really getting to her. That or she's feeling the fatigue of helping her team all night. Also, with Lightning Dust giving her looks for what appeared from Lightning's point of view, stealing her spotlight of fame, she's not in the best position now. As she starts acting out, Daring puts a hoof on her shoulder and gestures her to relax and that she won't be alone. Daring, Spitfire, Blossomforth, and the rest of the group leaders are to take the front of the pack and begin the tornado. As everything is all set, Daring flies up for everypony to see her. "Alright everypony, we may have some injured members, but that doesn't mean we should give up. We'll prove that we can go beyond our expectations and show the hard work we put into this. We'll show all of Equestria and Cloudsdale that Manehatten can be the best city in the world. Now who's ready to do this!?" shouts Daring. As she finishes her speech, everypony cheers with sheer determination. Even the injured ponies utter a weak cheer despite their injuries. Blossomforth readies her goggles along with everypony else as Daring takes point, with Spitfire on her right and Blossomforth taking her left. Blossomforth's injured group starts to prepare themselves with some assisting others by teaming up. For example, one duo has his back legs on his partners back, while his partner from behind is having his front legs on his partners back. Basically a makeshift flying wheelbarrow. Everypony else is getting ready to fly and being fully prepared. As everypony is ready for takeoff with wings at the ready, Spike presses the siren button on the megaphone to signal take off. Daring takes off with Spitfire, Blossomforth, and the other group leaders on her side, then everypony else follows behind her. As all of the pegasi get close to the lake, Daring then goes at her top speed and starts to spin around the edge of the reservoir. Everypony else starts doing the same thing by spinning around the lake. Blossomforth then notices that she's falling behind her friend and every other pegasi starts passing by her. Blossomforth at her full might finally makes it to the now forming tornado and her way in. The tornado is now fully formed and every pegasus is now accounted for in the tornado. Blossomforth is feeling like the tornado is more controlling her then she is. Her strength is starting to fail her from her fatigue and is almost about to fall outside the tornado until...Daring comes by and grabs her! Blossomforth is grabbed by her friend and is frilled at her sight. "You need to take it easy. These ponies depend on you, and you on them! You can do it, we believe in you!" yells Daring from the roar of the tornado. Blossomforth hears her friend and now knows what she must do. Blossomforth loosens her grip from and Daring and now tries to fly with the tornado . Thanks to Twilight's reading on flying, she's learning to fly with the wind currents, in this case, a tornado. As she does this, water starts to spout upwards a bit. This shows they're almost there to 800 wing power. Blossomforth tries even harder to go faster, and in turn isn't getting any more tired in the process. Auntie Oranges healthy meals have given her so much energy to not get tired, she needs to thank Auntie afterwards. She sees all of the pegasi flowing with the current, and even going in a rhythm while working off each other. Blossomforth does this by following Octavia's rhythm lesson and goes with a couple of groups to make a smooth rhythm and flowing formation as to not lose anypony. Blossomforth is then hearing some ponies cheering. Blossomforth looks around her and sees that the ponies cheering are the bandaged and sick ponies from her group. "You can do it!" "You're doing great!" "You're amazing!" Blossomforth, we believe in you!" Blossomforth is feeling very confident and humble thanks to the loyalty she receives from her group, and is feeling confidant as to be sure nothing is going wrong. As she's flowing with every pegasi, Lightning Dust is flying above her. "How do you steal my fame and authority! I thought you were weak! But now it's become personal! You want to be the center of attention, I'll give it to you!" thinks an enraged Lightning Dust. Lightning Dust then dives full thrust into Blossomforth's direction. Blossomforth then sees her charging right at her, but notices she can't get away in time before impact. As she awaits her demise, somepony else gets in the way and is hit instead. "Blossom, watch out!" says the pony before impact. Blossomforth sees the pony who got hit. None other than Daring! "No, Daring!" yells Blossomforth in shock and fear as her friend and Lightning Dust fall out of the tornado. They both fall out and hit onto the ground hard. Twilight and Spike see this and rush to both to them in a panicked state with a first aid kit. Daring gets up but slowly, but her wing is injured. Twilight and Spike get there and see the damage. "Oh my gosh Daring, you sprained your wing!" shouts Spike in shock. "Don't worry, I've had worse than this," as she dusts herself off, but shows a little pain. Twilight then starts to patch her up, but forgets about Lightning Dust. "What about her?" questions Twilight as she gestures to Lightning Dust with her head in the ground. Lightning Dust gets her head unstuck and shakes out of daze. "Are you okay?" questions a concerned, but angry Daring. "Yeah, no biggie. Heheh, it may have not been flower girl, but a famous pony like you is better," says a smug Lightning Dust. Daring then stomps her hoof on the ground, which leaves an imprint, and leans towards Lightning Dust. "I would punch you now for that stunt you pulled," says an angry Daring. "Why, I don't know what you're talking about. I only lost control," says an innocent Lightning Dust. Daring is getting even more angry at her for playing her 'no evidence' card. "What do we do now? Without you and Lightning Dust, they can't form the tornado," Spike then looks toward the machine; "It's not going to 800 wing power. What are we going to do?!" says a worried Spike. Daring and Twilight look towards the tornado and hope everything can work out. Blossomforth, now without Daring to help with her amazing wing power, the tornado formation is at a standstill. What can she do now? "I can do only one thing. Hope this doesn't permanently hurt me", she says as she then prays to Celestia for help. She then flies faster than she ever thought possible while ignoring any other instinct and pain. With the combination of her fatigue and pushing her limits of her flying, she's trying her best not to pass out, but is still pushing forward. Spitifre also sees this and cheers for her as well, "You can do it kid! You've got guts! Spitfire, with renewed determination, signals for the other pegasi to push their limits as well. Other pegasi see Blossomforth's incredible feat and Spitfire's signal to push themselves. So everypony, both healthy and injured, start following Blossomforth's example push to the limit. Back on the ground, Spike sees the anemometer reach 800 wing power at last. Daring and Twilight watch as the tornado then spews water from the top and goes flying into the sky, no doubt going towards Cloudsdale. Lightning Dust sees this and mutters an aggravated groan under her breath. When all of the water is gone from the lake, Spike uses the siren on the megaphone again and all of the pegasi disperse and have a safe landing onto the ground. As the ponies start to the land, the injured group almost collapses from exhaustion, but keep themselves standing. Everypony cheers knowing that this is a big success as everpony worked together. Daring looks and sees Blossomforth in the air about to collapse from lack of air and from exhaustion. Daring goes to try and catch her, but Spitfire grabs her before she falls. Spitfire takes her to the ground where Blossomforth is now unconscious. Her friends are now frantic as their friend is now unconscious. "Pffft, what a wimp. Couldn't even handle a simple tornado," says and unimpressed Lightning Dust. Daring then looks behind her and responds with blinding fury, "My friend is unconsious after pushing her limits and working all night to help her teammates. You've done nothing but caused this city misery." "Yeah, but that wipe out was awes-," but she was interrupted with a back buck to the face. Lightning Dust is now on the ground with Daring snorting afterwards. Daring looks to Spitfire and says, "Sorry, I couldn't hold back." Spitfire responds with, "Don't worry, I'll give you a free pass. I saw her stunt from the top of the tornado. She won't get away from anymore punishment now! I'll see it it'll be years before she's accepted. Then they turn their attention to the unconscious Blossomforth. ----------------------------------------------- -Manehattan General Hospital- Blossomforth wakes and tries to take in her surroundings. Still tired and weak, the thought occurs to her that she's not in the tornado anymore. Did she fail, and Cloudsdale did not get the water? Before she thinks, somepony hugs her almost instantly. She now fully wakes and sees Daring, now Honey Do, having her in a death grip. "Oh thank goodness you're awake, I thought something terrible happened!" cries Honey. Blossomforth also sees all of her friends around her. Now she remembers after the water was delivered to Cloudsdale, she felt very weak from flying and passed out, no doubt from exhaustion and fatigue. Then she hears cheers all around her. She then realizes it's her flight group back in the hospital beds. "Where am I?" questions Blossomforth. "You're in the hospital dearie, and good thing too. You had us all scared half to death!" cries out Sherbet. "The Great and Powerful Trixie agrees, but is impressed by your overall performance," gleefully says Trixie. "The blooming blossom waves gracefully against the wind, and shows everyone her true majestic beauty," recites Octavia. "You saved everypony from failing, and with your additional wing power, helped accomplish the job of delivering the water," says Twilight. "Ya, you were amazing!" happily says Spike. "We owe all our thanks to you," says a still teary eyed Honey. "Thanks girls. I knew that with a little push, there's still somepony there to help out," says Blossmomforth. "You got that right!" "We're in your debt!" "You pushed yourself well out there!' Many more compliments are being thrown at Blossomforth and her need not to give up. Even without Daring and Lightning's extra wing power, Blossomforth pushed herself to the limit. She realizes that Spitfire and Lightning Dust is not in the room with her. "Where's Spitfire and Lightning Dust?" questions Blossomforth. "Spitfire went back to Canterlot, and Lightning Dust is back in Cloudsdale, but Spitfire wanted me to relay a message to you," says Honey. Blossomforth nods her head as her friend begins the message. Honey clears her throat and quotes Spitfire, "Blossomforth, you've got guts, and I like that. Before I go, I need to say I'm sorry for putting you through all of this. Lightning Dust is being ordered to attend anger management and team building classes as additional punishment. I've had my doubts about you getting your team back up, even to the point of cancelling the operation and going to another town, but you proved me wrong in the end. I've never seen anypony like you to risk their life on the line like that, even in your fatigued state! I hope to see you again someday. Try to keep in touch. Your new friend, Spitfire," unquote. Blossomforth is happy to hear that and smiles. She now has another true friend that isn't Lightning Dust. She looks over to Twilight and asks, "Hey Twilight, wouldn't this make a good letter for the princess?" questions Blossomforth. "Oh right, Spike take a letter," says Twilight. Spike gets out a scroll and quill and begins to write down Twilight's letter. Dear Princess Celestia, Today I'm happy to inform you that our job of delivering water to Cloudsdale is a success, but I've also a lesson on friendship. My good friend Blossomforth has learned that somepony so small, can leave a big impact on others. She's worked so hard to prove that nopony should be left behind, and that showing loyalty to others, will show loyalty in return. Your Fateful Student, Twilight Sprkle. Spike rolls up the letter and blows fire on it to send the letter away. "Now how long to I have to be in this hospital?" questions Blossomforth. "You only have to stay for a full week to recover from fatigue. Take it easy for while, you've done enough," says Honey. Blossomforth sighs and relaxes herself for now. "As long as I don't do any exercising here, I think I'll be okay," happily says Blossomforth. Her friends begin laughing around her as she then drifts off into sleep. ---------------------------------- -2 days later, Canterlot- Spitfire finally makes it back to Canterlot and plans to relax for a few days after her hard work in Manehattan. She's also having her recruits, save for Lightning Dust, take a few weeks off to heal and recover from a job well done. As she enters her home in town, she takes off her uniform and hangs it up on a hook near the door. She closes the door and goes down her hall toward her bedroom. As she goes to enter her room to get a night's rest, she hears somepony knock on her door. She doesn't need this at this hour. As she goes back to her door she says, "Whatever you need, can't it wait until tomorrow?" says Spitfire in a tired tone. She opens the door, and is greeted by a large white pony with wings, horn, and a sun cutie mark. "I believe you can make time for a few minutes, Captain Spitfire," gracefully says the alicorn. Spitfire goes wide-eyed and is greeted by the princess! "Princess, my apologies!" says a sorry Spitfire as she bows. "No need to bow before me. I just want to know how the job went in Manehattan," says Celestia. Spitfire gets up and readjusts herself as she clears her throat. "Our mission was a success. Water got to Cloudsdale, but local pegasi got injured due to lack of safety from one of my recruits," reports Spitfire. "I know that, and I got a letter from my student on a particular pegasus that helped you," says Celestia. Spitfire blushes and tries looking away. "Nothing to be ashamed of. It seems even the hothead captain can make a friend outside of Canterlot," chuckles Celestia. "Yeah, she's really something. I hope to see her again," says Spitfire with a smile. Celestia then hands her a letter with the royal insignia on it. Spitfire takes it and opens the letter. She looks inside and then looks to Celestia with a confused look. "Princess, you know our team goes every year. What difference is there for us not attending?" asks Spitfire. "Because those are for my student and her friends," says Celestia. Spitfire is shocked and looks back to the letter. "All of these?" questions Spitfire. "You may see her much sooner than you think, but that night will be the time for you, her, and that unbelievably amazing Daring Do to talk and become very good friends," says Celestia with a smile. Spitfire then thinks of another job they're doing in a few months, and knows she'll see them again. Now she's looking forward more than ever to see Blossomforth again at what could be more than any ordinary night. She can now say it could be her best night ever. She looks back at the envelope and sees six golden tickets.