Rainbow Dash is a pony who faces every challenge head on, but now she's about to face the greatest challenge of her life.
"Everypony has something they wanna prove they're the best at." -Rainbow Dash
Everypony has dreams. The only question is how far they will go to achieve those dreams.
When Rainbow Dash is called on by Spitfire to carry out an important mission, one that could decide the fate of the Wonderbolts as well as Equestria, she may end up losing the ones she cares about the most to get what she's always wished for.
It was a warm and sunny day just like any other. Five friends were sitting in an open grassy field. Well, three were sitting, but two others, Pinkie Pie and Scootaloo, were bouncing around in excitement. Rarity the unicorn was using her magic to phial the tips of her hooves, Applejack was enjoying an apple and Fluttershy was just being her usual worried self.
In the middle of the field, suspended by ropes between two trees, was a pair of curtains ready to be unveiled for a grand show.
"Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! I'm so excited! I can't wait to see Rainbow Dash's new flying moves!" the cheerful pink pony exclaimed.
"Me neither! I just know they're gonna be so awesome! I'd never miss a chance to watch Rainbow Dash perform!" said the little orange pegasus.
Fluttershy couldn't help but be nervous for her friend. "I just hope she doesn't hurt herself."
Rarity tried to calm her nerves. "Oh, Fluttershy, relax. Rainbow Dash says she's been practicing these tricks for over a month. I'm sure she'll be just fine."
"Yeah, and if anything goes wrong, Ponyville Hospital's just around the corner." Applejack added. Fluttershy took a deep breath to calm herself down.
"Okay. I do feel a little better." she said. Applejack looked around at the sky looking for a certain pony princess and her little dragon friend who apparently couldn't be bothered to show up on time.
"What in tarnation's takin' Twilight and Spike so long? Thought they'd be here by now."
"Hi girls!" shouted a voice from up in the air. It was none other than Princess Twilight Sparkle (though she much preferred just Twilight) and Spike the dragon. They were arriving in a shiny yellow chariot being drawn by two pegasus royal guards. 'Mighty humble.' Applejack thought to herself.
As the chariot landed, Twilight and Spike climbed out. "Thank you, gentlecolts. You're dismissed." Twilight said to her guards.
"Yes, your highness." They took a bow and flew off with the chariot in tow.
"Sorry we're late, girls. The meeting of the royal council ran a little longer than I expected." said Twilight.
"Is Rainbow Dash ready yet?" Spike asked in anticipation.
"Shucks! I think she's been ready for about fifteen minutes." the country pony stated.
"Hmm, I'd say more like 17.35 minutes." Pinkie chimed in, earning several confused looks from her friends. "Roughly speaking." she said awkwardly.
From behind the curtains, Rainbow Dash stuck out her head. "Everypony here?" she asked. The others all nodded. "Great." she exclaimed before popping her head back in.
Rainbow Dash projected her voice from behind the curtains. "Alright! Fillies and gentlecolts! Put your hooves together for the spectacular feats of the incredible, the amazing, the fully awesome... RAINBOW DASH!" The others all applauded and cheered as the curtains flew open and she struck a pose.
As quickly as Rainbow Dash took off into the sky, she began herding every cloud in the sky into one place, merging them all into one giant storm cloud which loomed over the crowd. She flew straight into the right side of the cloud and messed around with it from the inside. Soon, rain started pouring out of just the right half, leaving her friends very impressed.
Then she flew out and then back in on the left side, doing the same thing she did to the right. Only this time, snow began falling to the ground and onto the ponies below. Pinkie caught a flake on her tongue and tasted it.
"Eh, needs some fruity flavoring." The others giggled at such a comment.
Rainbow Dash then circled around around the unique weather pattern until it formed a perfect spiral, which she made follow her path. She lead the spiraling precipitation around a tree and headed towards her friends, causing them to cringe, but then pulled up at the last second, leading it back up into the cloud. Rain and snow began falling evenly from the entire cloud. The ponies below all cheered.
Now, for the grand finale, the rainbow-maned daredevil flew straight to the center of the cloud and spun around rapidly, causing it to expand. The others watched in suspense until suddenly, it burst just like a balloon, revealing the rainbow superstar with a full-spectrum rainbow light flashing around her. She struck a triumphant pose as her friends all applauded.
Scootaloo was simply blown away after watching her hero pull off such stunts. "Wow, Rainbow Dash! I've never seen anypony do that with weather clouds. That was totally sweet!"
"Yeah, I know, Scoots." Dash agreed as she floated down to the ground.
"Rainbow. Will you ever cease to amaze us?" the white unicorn mare asked generously.
"Heh! Not likely." Fluttershy rushed up to Rainbow Dash to check on her.
"How do you feel? You're not hurt, are you? Do you have a concussion? Any broken bones?" she asked frantically.
"Fluttershy, calm down. This is your pal Rainbow Dash you're talking to. The greatest flyer ever to come out of Cloudsdale."
"Rainbow Dash. Remember to watch that ego." Twilight reminded her sternly. Scootaloo quickly came to her idol's defense.
"Hey! She deserves to be proud of herself. She just combined every cloud in the sky into one giant super cloud and then made it rain and snow at the same time. Rainbow Dash is the most amazing, stupendous and powerfullest flyer in all Equestria!"
All this praise she was getting from her little fan made Rainbow Dash's face turn really red.
Scootaloo continued. "I mean, seriously. They should've made her a Wonderbolt a long time ago."
"Well, y'know how picky the Wonderbolts are about who they accept." Applejack chimed in.
"Well, of course. They're the most awesome flyers in all of Equestria. They need to be picky." Rainbow Dash said. "But, man. What I wouldn't give to be one of them."
Her train of thought was interrupted when the mailpony tapped her on the shoulder and she turned around to face him.
"'Scuse me. Is your name Rainbow Dash?"
"Yep. That's me." she answered.
He pulled a letter out of his bag and handed it to her. "Got a letter here for you." Rainbow thanked the mailpony and he went off. She ripped open the later and, upon reading it, she let out a gasp.
"What is it Rainbow?" AJ asked, followed by Spike's followup "Who's it from?"
"It's a letter from Spitfire! The captain of the Wonderbolts herself!" Rainbow exclaimed excitedly. "She wants me to meet her at the Wonderbolts headquarters ASAP."
"Well I'll be hog-tied." AJ said happily. "I wonder what she wants."
"Probably to finally make me an official Wonderbolt." She showed off a few areal flips just for the heck of it and then continued. "Wouldn't surprise me in the least."
"Well you won't know for sure until you get there." declared Twilight.
"Right. I'll be back in no time to fill you guys in. Gotta dash!" And with that, she took off to meet with her hero Spitfire, unaware of the adventure she was about to get herself into, as she waved goodbye to her best friends.
Spitfire was beside herself. She had always dreaded that something like this would happen someday. She stared out her office window, taking a deep sigh of remorse. Then the voice over the intercom on her desk announced that Rainbow Dash had arrived.
She pushed the button on the mic and spoke. "Great. Send her in."
Rainbow Dash entered the office as calmly as she could after having been summoned by one of her idols. "You wanted to see me, Spitfire? I mean Ma'am! I mean Spitfire, Ma'am?! I mean-" Spitfire raised a hoof signaling her to stop.
She removed her sunglasses and placed them on the desk, revealing the troubled look in her eyes, which Rainbow caught almost immediately.
"Rainbow Dash, I'm gonna be straight with you." She said. "We need your help."
Rainbow hadn't expected to hear that. "My help? With what?" She asked.
Spitfire walked over to a picture hanging on the wall. The picture depicted a magenta-colored pegasus mare with a black mane, which pointed straight back in three long spikes as if it had been in a hurricane. Her tail was shaped in a zigzag and she was proudly wearing a Wonderbolt uniform.
Rainbow Dash examined the picture trying to place the name of this pony. And then it hit her. "Oh yeah. That's Zoom Blade." She exclaimed. "She used to be a Wonderbolt before she got kicked out."
"Right, but I'm about to tell you the stuff they don't tell you in Junior Flight School." Spitfire stated. "You see..."
*Flashback*
The sky was crystal clear. Perfect weather for having a friendly little race. Spitfire and Zoom Blade were soaring all around just having a blast.
'Zoom Blade and I were best friends in the academy.'
The two of them decided to take a break and land. They congratulated each other with a hoof-bump. Then the Wonderbolts' captain, a big brawny pegasus stallion, came up to them and handed them each their very own official Wonderbolt badges.
'And we were both recruited into the Wonderbolts around the same time.' Overcome with pride and excitement, they both flew straight up into the air and cheered and they hoof-bumped each other again.
-----
Spitfire and Zoom Blade were in the middle of a training exercise with all the other new recruits. They were all flying through an obstacle course as fast as they could. Zoom Blade was simply rushed with adrenaline.
'She was an amazing flyer. But pretty soon, that wasn't enough for her.' The magenta pegasus, fueled by determination, shot straight out ahead, knocking every other pegasus in her path clear out of the sky.
'She became the most reckless, self-centered pony the Wonderbolts ever had. Even worse than Lightning Dust. No discipline, no restraint, no sense of duty. All she cared about was being the best and she would've taken down anyone who got in her way.'
Having completed the course in record time, Zoom Blade landed on a cloud from which the captain had seen the whole thing. Disappointed and angry, he glared at her right the eye and swiped her badge clean off her chest, much to her surprise. 'That's why she was kicked out.'
Zoom Blade was stunned, but then her shock was replaced with fury as she tried to attack the captain. Fortunately, a group of guards jumped in and grabbed her, after which they dragged her away kicking and screaming.
'Needless to say, she wasn't too happy about it. And neither was I.'
Spitfire could only watch on in sorrow. She didn't even recognize her best friend anymore. All she saw now was a monster.
Rainbow Dash was in awe after hearing such a story. "Whoa!" she exclaimed. "So what does all this have to do with anything now?"
"I was getting to that." Spitfire responded.
Rainbow Dash apologized meekly. "Sorry."
"Anyway," Spitfire continued "a few days ago, we got some intel that Zoom Blade had broken into a weapons workshop and stolen a high tech piece of equipment."
-----
Zoom Blade jetted through the sky at top speed with Spitfire, Soarin and Fleet Foot in hot pursuit. She lead them right up to a large rocky mountain side right next to a large cave. She just hovered there, feeling pretty lucky.
'We were hot on her tail and we had her cornered until suddenly...'
"Hold on." Zoom Blade raised her hooves in the air almost defensively. "Before anything else happens, I just gotta say, Spitty, you turned out really well for yourself." The sarcasm in her voice was pretty clear. "I mean, captain of the Wonderbolts? Pretty impressive. For a pigeon." She chuckled.
"Stow it, Zoom Blade!" Spitfire barked. "We've got you surrounded. It's all over."
The fugitive didn't seem fazed. "Sorry, Spitty, but the fun's just getting started."
She pulled out a remote control and hit a big red button. Just then, a pair of bright red lights pierced through the darkness of the cave as something big and powerful looking emerged. None of the three Wonderbolts could believe their eyes.
"What is that?!" Soarin shouted in fear. Nopony was really sure.
'She came at us with some kind of giant machine.'
"We thought we could take it, but that thing was tough. We didn't have a chance."
"Oh man." Rainbow Dash exclaimed with intrigue.
Spitfire continued. "The scientists who built it said it was made for defense, but as long as it's in Zoom Blade's hooves, that thing won't be defending anypony."
"So what do you need me for?" Rainbow inquired.
"To help us stop that machine and bring Zoom Blade to justice."
"Really?"
"I know this is a lot to ask and I'll understand if you say no, but we could really use your help. I've seen you in action and I know you've got the skills, talent and spirit to do this."
Rainbow Dash was happy that the Wonderbolts' captain herself was praising her so much. "You do?"
"Yep. Which is also why, if you do pull this off, I will personally make you an official Wonderbolt."
That last sentence finally did it. Rainbow Dash became so excited she could hardly believe it. All she could do was stand there with a shocked look on her face until she finally had to say something. "An... official... Wonderbolt?!" Was what came out.
Spitfire nodded. "I promise."
Rainbow couldn't keep her wings from flapping in a crazed frenzy powered by all her exhilarated energy. "Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!" She flew up into the air, as she could no longer contain her excitement.
"So do we have a deal?" Spitfire asked.
"Spitfire, you can count on me." Rainbow stated confidently as she floated back down to the floor. "I'll catch Zoom Blade in no time and kick that hunk of metal to the curb."
"Good luck, Rainbow Dash." Spitfire saluted her. Rainbow gave a salute back and trotted out the door, feeling confident as ever. Once the door closed, however, she thought about what she had just gotten into and suddenly, she wasn't feeling quite so good about it.
-----
"WHAT?!"
Everypony was in Rainbow Dash's house as she packed a saddlebag for her mission. Having just informed them of what Spitfire had asked of her, they all thought she was crazy to take on such a favor.
Rarity spoke up. "Wait a minute! You mean she actually wants you to..."
"Go after a crazy ex-Wonderbolt with a stolen super weapon?" Rainbow interrupted, fully aware of how nuts it sounded. "Pretty much."
"Have you lost your ever-lovin' marbles?" Applejack demanded.
"I know it sounds nuts," the blue pegasus responded "but Spitfire promised that if I could bring Zoom Blade in, she'd make me an official Wonderbolt."
She went all around the room gathering items that she figure she might need for her trip. Fluttershy followed her around to make sure she had her attention. "Really?" she asked. "Well that's wonderful and all, Rainbow Dash, but there must be a less dangerous way to get in. Why your flying skills alone should be more than enough."
"My flying skills are exactly why she asked me to do this." Rainbow declared. "Besides, this could be my last chance to become a real Wonderbolt. I have a chance to realize my life-long dream and I'm gonna take it." She finished packing her saddlebag, through it on her back and headed for the front door.
"The Wonderbolts have faith in me and I'm not gonna let them down."
As she started to open the door, a purple hoof stopped it from opening all the way. Rainbow Dash was a little surprised at Twilight's gesture. "Well then, you're not going alone." the purple pony princess insisted.
"That's right." Applejack interjected. "You're one hay of an athlete and all, Rainbow, but you can't handle this all on your own."
"We're best friends and we stick together through thick and thin." Pinkie added.
"We've defeated the most dangerous villains in all of Equestria and we did it together. And that's exactly how we're gonna do this." Twilight declared.
Rainbow Dash looked around at her friends, all of whom clearly felt the same way. She gave a reassured smile, proud to have such devoted ponies to call her friends.
"I was hoping you'd all say that." she said. "I have no idea how, but together, I know we can stop Zoom Blade and save Equestria once again."
All the ponies (and Spike of course) cheered, ready for yet another world-saving adventure. Scootaloo was especially excited.
"Alright! Let's do this!" she declared, but as she started to run out the door, she was stopped by her idol.
"I don't think so, Scoots." Rainbow ordered. "This is way too dangerous for you. You're too young."
Scootaloo was not too happy about hearing that. "What? No I'm not. I wanna help."
"Sorry, kid. I just can't let you come." Rainbow Dash insisted. "But if you wanna help, you can take care of Tank for me while I'm gone." The rudder-propelled tortoise hovered into the room and licked his owner's face happily.
Scootaloo sighed in annoyance. "Okay." she groaned.
"Great." Pinkie Pie proclaimed. "Now that that's settled, let's get this show on the road. For justice!" With that the adult ponies and Spike all headed out the door on their grande mission, leaving the little pegasus filly alone with Tank the flying tortoise. She shifted her gaze towards him as he gave out a silent grunt.
The sun was very close to setting as the gang of seven trudged on through a rocky mountain path. They had been wandering aimlessly on a trail heading nowhere for hours. Then they all realized that not one of them had any clue where they were going. Rarity was whining about her hooves hurting while Twilight read the map.
"How in tarnation are we supposed to find this Zoom Blade if we don't even know where to start looking?" Applejack asked.
"Let's just stop and see where we are so we can get our bearings." Twilight announced folding up the map. Everypony stopped where they were and observed their surroundings, but all that could be seen were rocks, rocks and more rocks.
Spike was the first to ask about the elephant in the room. "Uh, does anyone know where we are?"
"Somewhere you're not supposed to be." A voice came from up overhead. It belonged to a dark red pegasus mare with a yellow mane and tail who spoke with a British cockney accent. She was accompanied by two scruffy looking pegasus stallions, Dumb-Bell and Hoops. They were all wearing purple uniforms that were similar to those of the Wonderbolts, except these ones had black lightning streaks, red goggles and bat-winged demon faces on the flanks.
The seven friends saw them all floating there, but didn't quite know what to make of them.
"What do we got here, guys?" Hoops asked with a sinister tone.
"Looks like a bunch of trespassers to me." Dumb-Bell responded.
"Yeah and look who's with 'em." Hoops acknowledged Rainbow Dash standing there. The two boys flew right up to her.
"Well if it isn't old Rainbow Crash." Dumb-Bell taunted. Of course, Rainbow Dash hadn't expected to run into these clowns again.
"What are you guys doing here?" she demanded.
"And what are you wearing?" Rarity added.
"That's none of your business." Dumb-Bell snapped. "The better question is what are you doing here?"
"Who cares?" The red mare stated, getting impatient. "They're trespassers. We gotta call the captain so she can-"
She was cut off when another voice proclaimed "That won't be necessary, Leatherwing." This voice belonged to none other than the ponies' pre-determined target herself, Zoom Blade. She flew in wearing the same uniform as her lackeys. She raised up her goggles her goggles to address her visitors.
"So who do we have here?" she inquired "A group of lost hikers taking a short-cut through the mountains?"
Rainbow Dash was a little intimidated by the supposedly dangerous ex-Wonderbolt, but she definitely wasn't scared. She picked up her courage and spoke right up.
"No. We're here to take you down, Zoom Blade."
Zoom Blade was surprised to here somepony she'd never met call her by name. She looked her straight in the eye and said "How do you know my name?" And then it hit her.
"Wait! Don't tell me. Spitfire sent you to try and stop me, didn't she?" she mocked "And you brought all your friends along to help."
She burst out laughing, but Rainbow was far from being amused.
"Oh, that is rich." Zoom Blade said wiping the tears from her eyes. "How much is she paying you?" she asked. "No wait! Even better. She's offered to make you a Wonderbolt. Am I right?"
"Uh..." was all Rainbow Dash could utter.
"Ha! I knew it!" Zoom Blade roared with laughter again and this time, her three lackeys joined in on it. All this mocking laughter made Rainbow's teeth clench as she grew really aggravated.
"Shut up!" she exploded. "My name is Rainbow Dash and I am gonna stop you and become a Wonderbolt!"
Pinkie Pie jumped in. "Yeah, 'cause Rainbow Dash here is the fastest and best flyer in all of Equestria."
Zoom Blade flew right up into Rainbow's face. "You think so, huh?" she said. "Well, Rainbow Dash, you must be off to a good start since you've just found not only me, but three more of the Wingstrikers to boot."
The three punk flyers landed on the ground behind their leader, standing proudly.
"The Wingstrikers?" Twilight asked.
"That's right, princess. Equestria's newest and greatest flight team." Zoom Blade boasted. "Outstanding flyers, every one of them, and all brutally rejected by the Wonderbolts, but that doesn't matter because now, we have each other." She wrapped her forelegs around her teammates as if she was really buddies with them all.
"But captain. Isn't the whole point of the plan to-" Zoom Blade bopped Hoops in the face, queuing him to shut up.
"You know, Rainbow Dash," she continued. "I like you're attitude, so if you think you're such a big shot, let's see what you've got." With that, she flew up into the air and challenged "Catch me if you can." Rainbow Dash accepted the challenge and took off after Zoom Blade through the open sky, determined not to let this creep escape.
"You three." Zoom Blade addressed her minions on the ground. "Make sure those others don't go anywhere."
The three Wingstrikers surrounded the six friends still on the ground.
It was a high-speed chase all across the open sky. Zoom Blade was fast alright, but so was Rainbow Dash. She stayed hot on her tail until Zoom Blade flew straight into a large cloud. Rainbow followed her inside, but when she got in there, it was as if Zoom Blade had disappeared. The fog was really thick and almost eerie as Rainbow looked all around and listened for the enemy. She felt like a sitting duck.
Suddenly, a silhouette flew right passed her and she kicked in that direction, but all she hit was fog. Rainbow Dash was starting to get really annoyed.
"Come on out and face me like a mare." she demanded.
"Yoo-hoo! Up here!" Zoom Blade taunted from overhead before flying straight up and out of the cloud. Rainbow Dash followed her and saw that Zoom Blade was waiting for her when she emerged. "I thought you said you were a fast flyer." she teased before taking off again with Rainbow in hot pursuit.
Rainbow Dash realized that she was still wearing her saddlebag, which was slowing her down a bit. She wondered why it felt so much heavier than usual, but she took it off and tossed it away regardless.
Suddenly, what should fall out of the bag but a little orange stow-away named Scootaloo. She was free-falling right out of the sky, much to the shock of everypony on the ground below. Rainbow Dash could hear Scootaloo screaming for help. She couldn't believe it, but she dove in to save her. Scootaloo buzzed her wings trying desperately to fly and save herself.
"Come on, you stupid wings. Fly!" she cried. Scootaloo was only a few feet from the ground before Rainbow Dash swooped in a caught her, giving her a dirty look. She giggled awkwardly, knowing that she was in big trouble now.
"Hi Rainbow Dash." she said nervously. "Uh, I can explain."
Rainbow Dash set Scootaloo down on the ground when she heard Zoom Blade say "Better luck next time, Rainbow Dash." from way up in the air. "Let's go, guys." The three minion pegasi took off, following their leader as they all flew out of sight.
Everypony shot a nasty glare at Scootaloo, who chuckled awkwardly. Rainbow was, of course, especially mad.
"Scootaloo, where did you come from?" she said angrily.
"Uh, sorry. I haven't had that talk with my parents yet." the little filly joked trying to ease the tension. But the angry adult pegasus didn't go for it. "Okay. I'm sorry." she pleaded. "I just really wanted to help you catch Zoom Blade so I snuck out and followed you. And then I hid in your saddlebag."
"I told you to stay home." Rainbow Dash shouted. "Why didn't you just listen to me? I've already got enough responsibility without worrying about your safety on this mission. And now, thanks to you, Zoom Blade just got away."
Scootaloo laid down defensively, a little scared by her hero yelling at her. "I'm sorry, Rainbow Dash."
The blue pony only groaned, turned around and started continuing down the path. "Come on. We gotta find out where they went." she ordered.
Applejack spoke up. "Rainbow Dash, we can't bring Scootaloo with us. We gotta take her back to Ponyville."
"We don't have time to head all the way back home." Rainbow declared. "We gotta find out what Zoom Blade and her gang are up to."
"But Rainbow." Fluttershy chirped.
"She's just gonna have to tag along and try not to cause anymore trouble." The blue pegasus said. "Now, are you guys with me or not?"
The other ponies and Spike all exchanged a glance with each other, clearly starting to worry about their friend. But they decided to follow her anyway wherever they were going.
Scootaloo was still stunned by Rainbow's yelling. She could hardly believe what had just happened. Twilight called back to her to come on and she snapped out of it and trotted to catch up to the others.
Luna's moon shone brightly in the sky as the ponies marched drowsily along the stoney path with Rainbow Dash standing strong at the front of the pack. She was determined to catch up to her prey as soon as possible. Scootaloo trailed in the back, watching her idol with concern as well as a touch of guilt. She could feel her scorn over disobeying her direct orders.
"Twilight." the young filly whispered. "Can I tell you something?"
"What is it, Scootaloo?" Twilight responded.
"Well, I know what happened was kinda my fault, but I'm a little scared. I've never seen Rainbow Dash so mad before."
"I'm sure she didn't mean it." the violet alicorn said trying to comfort her, though she didn't entirely believe it herself.
"I don't know." Spike commented. "She looked pretty angry to me."
Twilight shot him a glare, indicating that he wasn't helping. "Sorry." he said sheepishly. Twilight turned her attention back to Scootaloo.
"I'm sure she's just a little stressed out about this whole mission. Don't worry. She still cares about you and she always will."
"Yeah. You're right." she said reassured before letting out a yawn. "Thanks, Twilight."
Pinkie Pie let out a great big yawn of her own. "Oh boy! When did it get so late? I'm getting super sleepy." she exclaimed in a fashion that didn't quite match her statement.
"We should really stop somewhere and get some shut-eye." the country pony agreed.
"Are you kidding?" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "We can't stop while Zoom Blade is still out there somewhere. We gotta keep moving."
"Rainbow Dash, we've been walking all afternoon." Twilight retorted. "We're all exhausted."
"And I need my beauty sleep." Rarity complained. "I can feel the bags forming under my eyes."
Rainbow Dash gave a sigh and submitted. She really didn't want to waste any time, but her friends weren't giving her much of a choice. "Alright." She looked around until she spotted a nice big cave for them to sleep in. "There. We'll sleep in that cave for tonight. But we have to leave first thing in the morning."
The others all followed their bossy friend into the cave, where they each designated their own sleeping area. Rarity unpacked gigantic fancy tent, which just barely kept from touching the ceiling. Applejack was a little annoyed, but Pinkie marveled at it.
"Whoa! Is that a tent or a portable castle? Either way it's super cool and super pretty." she exclaimed.
"Thank you, Pinkie. It's got all the finest comforts." the white unicorn stated.
Spike snuggled into a sleeping bag with Twilight while Scootaloo went to lie down next to Rainbow Dash. "Hey Rainbow Dash." she greeted. "Mind if I share a spot here?"
"Sorry kid, but it's been a long and difficult day and I just need my space."
"Oh. Okay." Rainbow Dash was obviously still upset about the saddlebag incident, so Scootaloo decided to just pull up a rock and lay her head down on it all alone.
However, since she was facing away from the wall and she was so distracted, she didn't notice the big black rat with yellow slit eyes and a long scaly tail that crawled out of the hole where that rock had been. It snuck up right behind her, baring its four sharp fangs and got ready to bite her right on the neck.
"Look out!" Fluttershy shouted, pulling the young filly out of the way just in time. The rat ended up biting the ground, where its fangs got stuck.
"What is it, Fluttershy?" Scootaloo asked as the large rodent yanked its teeth out of the ground.
"It's a viper rat. The only rodent with a venomous bite." the yellow pegasus said in a panic. "You must've disturbed its nest."
"Its nest?" Applejack asked worriedly. Just then, dozens and dozens of rats started crawling out of the hole and filling up the entire cave.
"Viper rats can have colonies of up to a hundred." Fluttershy informed them. "And they're especially known for their aggression." Pretty soon, the ponies were entirely surrounded by a swarm of angry viper rats.
"What do we do now?" Pinkie asked.
"Run for your liiiiives!" Rarity screamed as she bolted for the exit, jumping over the rats all the way there. The others followed soon after with Twilight flying Spike out on her back. Scootaloo, having been left behind, called to Rainbow Dash for help, who quickly turned around, snatched her up and flew her safely out of the cave.
Just when they all thought they were safe, the rats all piled out of the cave themselves and encircled the group of ponies, making them trapped yet again.
"Now what?" questioned Applejack. Rainbow Dash thought for a moment, then she spotted a large boulder sitting on a ledge on the side of the mountain. She got an idea that, with proper timing and precision, might just work. Just then, the rats started to attack and everypony started fighting them off as best they could.
"Guys. I've got an idea." Rainbow Dash announced. "You guys try to corral all these rats back into the cave and then, Applejack, you and I will push that boulder up there down and we'll trap them inside their own cave. Got it?"
"Got it!" They all exclaimed in unison.
"Good. Now come on, AJ."
"Right behind ya." The country pony kicked a rat away and followed RD up to the ledge where the boulder was perched. The two strongest ponies of the group got ready to push as the others down below did everything they could to force the rats back into the cave with little progress.
"This isn't working." Twilight shouted. "We need to try something else!"
"Wait! I know!" Pinkie reached into her bag and pulled out creamy, delicious-looking cupcake. Almost instantly, the rats all stopped what they were doing and stared at the tempting pastry. Pinkie threw it into the cave with great finesse, causing every single rat to charge in after it.
Once they were all inside, the silly pink pony signaled Dash and AJ. "Now!" Dash queued as she and the strong cowpony pushed the boulder with all their might, sending it tumbling down until it finally landed in front of the cave, sealing off the entrance and trapping the viper rats inside. The ponies all cheered in victory.
"How did you know that would work?" Spike asked Pinkie.
"There's not a pony or beast alive that can resist one of Mrs. Cake's delicious homemade cupcakes." Pinkie answered matter-of-factly.
"Well that's great and all," Applejack stated. "'cept now we gotta find a new place to sleep."
"Yeah." Rainbow said accusingly, looking at Scootaloo out of the corner of her eye. "There's that." This only made Scootaloo feel worse as she hung her head in guilt and everypony walked on to find a new sleeping ground.
----
It was several minutes before the tired gang finally found a nice clear, smooth spot to lie down and get some rest.
"Can't... take... another... step." Rarity gasped. "Must... stop!" She collapsed right on the ground from exhaustion. All the others walked over to their own soft spots and just lied down, too tired to unpack. Spike flopped down face first on the ground and fell right to sleep, snoring loudly.
Rainbow Dash lied down and closed her eyes as Scootaloo walked up to her carefully, hoping to apologize.
"Rainbow Dash. I... I'm really sorry about..."
"Don't." the tired pegasus raised a hoof and interrupted her. "Just... let me get some sleep." She stuck a pair of earplugs in her ears. Scootaloo was deeply hurt as she walked away and turned a corner, lying down in a spot away from the others. Tears began to form in her purple eyes as she feared she had totally lost the respect of her hero after working so hard to acquire it.
"Wow. That was harsh." Scootaloo heard a voice that seemed to come from nowhere, until she looked up and saw none other than Zoom Blade herself coming in for a landing.
"What?" she questioned nervously.
"The way she just shunned you like that." Zoom Blade responded.
The young pegasus was surprised and a little afraid. She crawled up against the wall defensively. "You stay away from me!" she demanded, trying to be tough.
"Relax, kid." Zoom Blade said calmly. "I'm not gonna hurt you. I just wanna talk."
"Go away!" Scootaloo snapped. "I'm not talking to you."
"Fine. Don't talk. Just listen to me." The spiky-haired mare kept her distance, trying to respect the kid's wishes.
"What do you want?" Scootaloo asked reluctantly.
"I just wanted to say that I think it's really unfair the way Rainbow Dash has been treating you lately. So you made a mistake. Big whoop. Who hasn't, right?"
"What do you care?!" Scootaloo shouted before covering her mouth. She peaked around the corner to make sure she hadn't woken anyone up. Fortunately everyone was still fast asleep, so she turned her attention back to Zoom Blade.
"I care because I like you, kid." Zoom Blade continued. "You've got spunk, but it looks like Rainbow Dash just can't see that anymore."
"That's not true." the filly exclaimed in defense. "She can see it and she does still care about me."
"Oh please. She never even wanted you to come along on this mission. You're just a burden to her. All she cares about now is getting to be a Wonderbolt."
Scootaloo thought for a moment, looking back at RD who was still sleeping like a foal. She didn't want to admit it, but maybe Zoom Blade was right. "What's your point?" she asked.
"My point is that I think you should come train with me." Zoom Blade flew up into the sky and did a few impressive aerial flips. "Let me take you under my wing and I'll show things Rainbow Dash would never dream of teaching you."
"What?" Scootaloo could hardly believe her ears. "But I..."
"Look." Zoom Blade cut her off in mid-sentence. "Honestly, Rainbow Dash would never have gotten you very far anyway and quite frankly, she probably wouldn't even wanna teach you anymore. But train with me and in a few years, you'll be able to fly all the way to the stars."
The two of them glanced up at the stars twinkling brightly in the night sky. The filly pondered the adult flier's offer for a moment. Was what she was saying true? Did Rainbow Dash really just not care anymore? Could she really forsake her own hero for somepony who was potentially even more skilled and could teach her so much more?
"I don't know." she said unsurely.
"You'll get an official Wingstrikers uniform." Zoom Blade offered in a sing-song tone. She pulled out a small Wingstrikers uniform that was just the right size for a young filly. With one final glance back at the sleeping Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo's mind was made up.
"Deal."
She extended her hoof out to seal the bargain, which Zoom Blade immediately shook. "You won't regret it." she remarked with a sinister look in her eyes. The deal had been made and there was no turning back now.
Rainbow Dash awoke to the rising sun, a little stiff from having to sleep on the rocky hard ground. She gave a big yawn and stretched a few times to loosen herself up. When she pulled out her earplugs, she turned around and was shocked to see her friends tied up and gagged and squirming to get free. Their cries for help were almost inaudible.
"What the hay is go-" she was cut off when a gag was pulled over her mouth, followed by two other Wingstrikers holding her down against her will as they tied up her legs and wings. The strong pegasus fought back as hard as she could, but she was too weak from having just woken up, so she was forced to submit.
Then Rainbow noticed a familiar little filly walking up to her wearing a bizarre new fashion statement.
"Sorry it had to be like this, Rainbow Dash." Scootaloo said apathetically. Rainbow Dash couldn't believe her eyes. She shook her head hard enough for the gag to fall out of her mouth.
"Scootaloo?! What are you doing wearing that uniform?"
"I see you've met my new protege." Zoom Blade came up and joined the side of the disgruntled filly.
"Say what?!" Rainbow Dash blurted out.
"That's right." Scootaloo continued. "Zoom Blade says she's gonna be my flying teacher now."
Rainbow Dash was struck dumbfounded and unable to speak. She could only stare in horror at the idea that her own little apprentice had betrayed her to her enemy.
Meanwhile, Spike, who was tied up behind the other ponies, decided to use his fire breath to burn his gag and ropes off and free himself. He was about to do the same for the others, but then the a bunch of Wingstrikers, including the familiar trio, came down and picked them up off the ground and he rushed to hind behind a nearby rock.
"What should we do with 'em, Captain?" Leatherwing asked eagerly.
"Put them someplace where they won't get in our way." The dastardly leader ordered.
The ponies didn't like the sound of that, of course, and Spike new he had to think fast in order to save them. He followed them as they were flown away to Celestia knows where.
-----
Soon, our heroes found themselves trapped behind metal bars inside a dormant volcano. small pools of magma could be seen all over the floor. Dozens upon dozens of pegasi, all wearing those wicked uniforms, filled up the whole place, staring at them and chuckling at their misfortune.
Their leader spoke to the prisoners on the other side of the cell with the new junior member by her side. "I hope you're comfortable." she taunted. "This whole place used to be a remote dungeon. Now it's where we cook up our plans."
She turned to face her enormous squadron, raising her clenched hoof in the air for emphasis. "Plans that are ready to be set into motion!" she declared loudly. "By this time tomorrow, the Wonderbolts will be history and Equestria will welcome the age of the Wingstrikers!"
A thunderous applause arose from all her followers, but Rainbow Dash could only focus on the angry filly standing right in front of her.
"Scootaloo, how could you just turn against us like this?" she pleaded. "Turn against me?"
"I'll tell you how." Scootaloo snapped. "Because you've been pushing me away ever since we left Ponyville. You've been treating me more like a pest than a sister and I'm sick of it."
That last remark cut the rainbow-maned pony pretty deep and she didn't know what to make of it.
"So she decided to train with me instead." Zoom Blade interrupted. "Now come on, Scootaloo. We've got some Blunderbolts to crush."
She turned her attention back to her followers. "Wingstrikers!" Every one of them braced for takeoff and then she gave the command. "Lift off!" She took off for the mouth of the volcano with all the others immediately following her, charging off to battle. All except for Scootaloo who was once again failing to fly on her own, no matter how hard she buzzed her wings.
She called out to Zoom Blade for help, who rolled her eyes and quickly swooped back down, picking up the flightless pony and carrying her off. "Dasvidaniya, losers!" Zoom Blade gloated one last time, laughing as she flew off with her team.
The six heroes could only watch helplessly from behind bars. Rainbow Dash was still trying to process what Scoots had said to her.
"Pushing her away?" she questioned out loud. "What's she talking about?"
"Well, Rainbow." Applejack responded "In all honesty, she's kinda right."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean you've been actin' more sour than a green apple towards Scootaloo this whole time. You're supposed to be her teacher. She looks up to you, but all you've been doin' is yellin' at her and givin' her dirty looks." the farm pony accused.
"Hey!" Rainbow snapped. "She was never supposed to come along in the first place. It wasn't safe."
"Then you should've done the responsible thing and taken her back to Ponyville when you had the chance." Twilight added.
"I told you, there was no time. Zoom Blade could've struck at any moment. She just flew off with an entire air force to attack the Wonderbolts." She frantically began ramming herself into the bars, desperate to break free as she spoke. "And I have to stop her!"
All of her banging was making her really sore, but she kept at it anyway until Twilight spoke again. "What do you really care more about, Rainbow Dash?" she asked. "Stopping Zoom Blade... or becoming a Wonderbolt?"
The blue pegasus was stunned. She had never really considered her true priorities up until this point. Suddenly, it all became clear. She realized now what a complete horse's butt she had been to her friends, especially Scootaloo and she had never felt more ashamed in her life. She breathed a sorrowful sigh as she hung her head low in shame.
"I'm sorry." she said softly. "You guys are right. I wanted to be a Wonderbolt so badly, I forgot what was really important. I forgot that we're a team. Me, Scootaloo, all of us." She stopped, waiting for a response from her friends. Rarity spoke.
"We're not the ones you need to apologize to." She and the others all glanced at each other. Smiled formed on all their faces as they all agreed. "But we're so glad you did." They all rushed up and gave their wizened friend a huge group hug, which she was grateful to receive and even more grateful to have such forgiving friends. Dash only hoped that her littlest friend of all would be just as forgiving.
"I know." She said. "And I promise as soon as we get out of here, I'm gonna find Scootaloo and make things right and then we'll all defeat Zoom Blade and the Wingstrikers together just like we planned." Her proclamation earned a hearty cheer in support from the others. "Even you, Spike."
But, just then, they all realized that something was missing. Something small, purple and scaly. "Spike?"
"Hey, where is Spike?" Everypony looked around all over, but there was no sign of the little dragon boy anywhere. Then there came a bubbling from one of the magma pools outside the cell. They all watched with anticipation and out popped Spike gasping for air. He clinged to the edge before throwing up a bunch of lava, grossing the ponies out a little bit.
"Spike!" Twilight exclaimed, delighted to see him.
"Did you miss me?" he boasted proudly as he climbed out of the magma. "Don't worry. I'll have you guys out in no time."
He walked up to the cell and began picking the lock with his tail very carefully.
-----
Inside a watchtower at the Wonderbolts HQ, a guard sat in his chair drowsily looking out the window and seeing... nothing. This had to be the most boring job ever. Nothing ever happened. There was never anything to do. All the guy could do was sit back and take a sip of his coffee. When he looked out the window again, he saw... an enormous flock of flying ponies coming right at him!
The watchpony spat out his hot coffee all over the window. He tried to remain cool and remember his training for this situation, but he only panicked and smacked a button on his panel.
"Watchtower to Captain Spitfire." he said urgently over the intercom. Luckily, Spitfire was sitting right at her desk and was able to answer.
"Captain here. What is it?" she responded.
"We got company. It looks like a small army of pegasi headed right for us." the watchpony tried to answer calmly.
"Holy Hay Bales." Spitfire gasped. She knew what was about to happen and it wasn't gonna be pretty. "Understood. Spitfire out." She then proceeded to quickly flip the glass lid on her desk open and push the big red button underneath. A loud siren rang out throughout the whole place as she sent out a station-wide alert.
"Calling all Wonderbolts. This is not a drill. We are about to be under attack. All ponies to defensive positions now!"
Every available Wonderbolt in the headquarters heard the alarm and prepared themselves for battle as fast as they could. They all fastened their goggles, got in the zone and rushed outside ready to defend themselves from the oncoming threat.
That threat began closing in fast as the Wingstrikers themselves were poised and ready to strike on Zoom Blade's command. The ruthless captain flew at the front of the pack with her own little protege Scootaloo riding on her back. Scootaloo wasn't entirely thrilled with the idea of wiping out so many ponies, but seeing as Zoom Blade was her mentor now, she just sat back and went along with it anyway.
"Alright. Show time, everypony." Zoom Blade addressed her squadron. "Alpha team, take the right flank. Beta team, take the left. On my signal, we unleash Tartarus."
"Hiya, Zoom Blade." Rainbow Dash came right out of nowhere from behind and rushed right ahead of her carrying Applejack underneath, taking the aerial captain completely by surprise.
"What the?" She questioned. Dash was soon followed by Twilight hauling Spike and Pinkie, and lastly Fluttershy holding onto Rarity as hard as she could. Zoom Blade noticed her trio of knuckleheads holding their jaws open in shock.
"Hey!" she barked. "Don't just dangle your jaws. Get them!"
And then the full-scale assault was on. The Wingstrikers charged right at the base while the Wonderbolts counter attacked with everything they had. It was the kind of complete and utter chaos that Discord would've been proud of had he been there to see it.
Four of the Wingstrikers attacked Rainbow Dash, but she fought them all off using a few special punches, kicks and head-butts. She was so proud of herself she couldn't help but chuckle.
Two others came up and cornered Fluttershy, who fearfully flew up right next to a large hole and bumped into it, causing it to shake slightly. Just then, a bunch of angry viper rats sprung out of the hole and latched onto the two Wingstrikers, who flew away screaming and shouting things like 'Get 'em off!' Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief.
After swiftly bucking a few Wingstrikers away, Applejack presented her trusty lasso. She twirled it around a few times and flung it out, catching three more in her rope. She spun them around a few times before throwing them out of sight with incredible swift force. "Yeehaw!" she cheered.
Dumbbell, Leatherwing and Hoops crept up to Spike to try and catch him, but Spike stood his ground very bravely. "Come here, you little salamander." Dumbbell insulted.
"Salamander?" Spike wasn't about to let the likes of these clowns insult him. He took a deep breath and released the biggest burst of green fire he could muster, making his attackers scream and fly away.
"Ha! That's what I thought." The little hot-head licked his finger and touched his hip making sizzling sound with his teeth. He felt so hot and so cool at the same time.
Twilight fought off a bunch more Wingstrikers with her magic blasts. Then they started dog piling on top of her, which turned out to be big mistake. They could feel her trembling underneath them and didn't even have time to say 'Uh-oh' before they were all dispersed by a huge burst of magic.
Rarity stood her ground agains five Wingstrikers, only slightly afraid. Suddenly, one more dropped down on her back and pushed her into the dirt. Seeing how filthy she was, she grew furious.
"IT! IS! ON!"
Somehow, the knew they were in for it now. Rarity pushed the one pegasus off her back and levitated a lot of rocks off the ground, which she furiously shot at the ones in the ones in front of her, beating them all back.
Two Wingstrikers floated closely back to back as Pinkie Pie appeared right between them and tied their tails together in a nice tight knot, giggling mischievously. The two pegasi tried to fly off in opposite directions, but got pulled back and smacked right into each other before falling to the ground.
Zoom Blade smacked her hoof against her face. She was so frustrated at having to watch this embarrassing display. "Uuugggh! You featherheads!" she shouted at them. She decided it was time to initiate the personal phase of her plan.
"Come on kid. I got business to take care of." With that, she bolted off towards the HQ building, eager to see an old friend again.
Spitfire watched from insider her office as the battle raged on outside. She knew she couldn't just stand around and do nothing while her fellow Wonderbolts put their lives on the line. She had to get out there and help. But just as she started making her way outside, the door flew open with a crash, practically flying off its hinges and pushing Spitfire back a bit. When the dust cleared, there stood Zoom Blade with the little orange filly in an identical uniform right by her side. Zoom Blade started walking right up to Spitfire in the most intimidating way she could.
"Zoom Blade." Spitfire uttered. She was hardly phased at seeing her old wingpony confront her face to face.
"You thought you could deny me my destiny, eh, Spitty?" The terrorist pegasus proclaimed bitterly.
"What are you talking about?" Spitfire questioned.
"I was, and still am, the best flyer Equestria has ever known. You knew it. And you were all jealous of me!" Zoom Blade gave the fiery maned pony a solid swift back hoof across the face, making her hit the floor. Scootaloo cringed in fear. Spitfire managed to pick herself up.
"It wasn't my fault you got kicked out. I hated seeing that happen." She explained in her defense.
"Then you should've done something!" Zoom Blade smacked her even harder, giving her a second bruise to match her first one and making Scootaloo cringe again. She wasn't at all interested in petty excuses. This time, Spitfire was in too much pain to get back up, so she just laid there on the floor helplessly.
"And now you and the rest of those pathetic pigeons out there," Zoom Blade continued, "will learn what it truly takes to be a champion." She loomed over the weakened commander in a sense of assured satisfying victory. Spitfire looked her painfully in the eyes as Zoom Blade lifted a hoof over her face ready to crush her skull with all her might. Little Scootaloo covered her eyes as she couldn't stand to watch what was about to happen.
"Zoom Blade! Stop!" A voice suddenly echoed, taking everyone by surprise. There was Rainbow Dash standing in the doorway.
"Rainbow Dash." Scootaloo uttered in disbelief.
"This doesn't concern you, Rainbow Dash." Zoom Blade insisted. "I suggest you just turn around and go home now."
"Not a chance. I've got something to say." Rainbow exclaimed before turning to address the little orange pegasus standing in front of her. "Scootaloo. I'm really sorry for the way I treated you. You were right. We are supposed to be like sisters and I let myself completely forget that." Rainbow Dash spoke in the most sincere way possible. "If you can find it in your heart to forgive me, I promise I'll never turn my back on you again."
It didn't take long for Scootaloo to process her idol's words. She was extremely touched and overjoyed and couldn't help but give a giant smile. She quickly discarded her Wingstriker uniform and embraced Dash's leg. Rainbow Dash was so happy and relieved that she immediately returned the hug.
"Aww, that's so sweet." Zoom Blade interrupted. "You guys are gonna make me PUKE. Fine. Go back to her. Who wants to train a puny little chicken like you anyway?" That last remark struck Scooaloo hard and earned a serious scolding from Rainbow.
"Listen, Zoom Blade." She declared. "There are lots of ponies who wanna prove they're the best at something, whether it's flying or whatever. But if you keep up this crazy scheme of yours, the only thing you're gonna prove is that you're a complete psycho. Is that really how you wanna be seen?" Zoom Blade paused in her train of thought before Rainbow Dash continued. "I'm giving you one last chance. Call off this attack. It's not too late."
Zoom Blade actually gave Rainbow Dash's speech some thought. Was it really worth becoming a monster just to settle something that happened so many years ago. After all, she and Spitfire did have some great times together in the academy. Maybe there was still a chance to make amends and be friends again. But then she thought about everything she'd worked for to get where she was now. Everything she'd been planning for so long, all her preparation, all her building and ambition, was finally about to come to fruition on this day. And she wasn't going to let anything ruin it for her.
"Actually, it is too late." She muttered, turning back to approach the cyan pegasus. "I've worked too long and too hard to give up now." She was about to force Rainbow up against the wall. "I've got a score to settle and you're not gonna stop me."
Just as the vengeful mare was about to deliver painful blow to Dash's face, Dumb-Bell came crashing through the window and slammed into the wall before landing on the floor with a loud thud.
"Oh, forget this. I'm out of here." He decided he had taken enough of a beating for one day and took off out the window. Everyone else looked outside and, to Zoom Blade's sheer disbelief, saw every last one of the Wingstikers retreating in defeat. All the Wonderbolts and the other ponies cheered and celebrated their victory. Angry and annoyed, Zoom Blade flew outside and called out to them.
"Hey! Where do you think you're going?! Get your flanks back here you chickens!" She demanded. Rainbow Dash flew right up next to her and gave a smug grin.
"Well, looks like your entire fearless flying force just flew the coop." Rainbow Dash teased. "Are you ready to quit now?"
"Not so fast, Dash." Zoom Blade exclaimed. "You haven't seen what'd behind door number two." Just then, she pulled out the remote control and pushed the big red button. Then the ground started rumbling beneath everypony's hooves.
"W-W-What's happening?" Fluttershy asked in terror.
Over on a nearby mountain, something big and nasty began to break through the rocky surface. What emerged was a gigantic, metal, mechanical pegasus about the size of an Ursa Minor. It long powerful legs, angry looking soulless glass eyes, and rocket boosters under its enormous wings. It puffed out clouds of smoke from its nostrils and made loud mechanical creaking noises when it moved.
The machine flew right up and toward over everyone. All of the little ponies watched in awe and terror as Zoom Blade flew right up next to its face.
"Say hello to the Pegatron." She announced proudly. "A super high-tech machine fully equipped with all the latest gear. Designed for mass and total annihilation." The Pegatron puffed out a big cloud of smoke, making everybody cough. "This baby will wipe out everything in its path, including you." Zoom Blade then pushed another button on the remote and ordered the giant robot to "Sic 'em!" right before leaving them behind. It kicked up its massive legs, ready to attack.
"You guys take care of that hunk of metal." Rainbow Dash declared to her friends. "Zoom Blade is mine." With that, she took off after Zoom Blade, leaving everyone else to figure out what to about the giant metal monstrosity before them.
The Pegatron armed six rockets on its wings, three on each one, and fired them all at the mountain. One rocket came right at the group of ponies and they all scattered out of the way. The rockets destroyed large chunks of the HQ mountain, causing several small explosions and avalanches.
Meanwhile, up in the air, Rainbow Dash caught up to Zoom Blade and tackled her. The two wrestled with each other as they struggled to stay airborne, until Zoom Blade finally managed to push her off. They stared each other down like ninjas in an old kung fu movie and charged full force at each other head on.
Meanwhile (again), the others all regrouped on the mountainside to decide what to do.
"How are we supposed to stop that thing?" Pinkie inquired. Twilight took some time to think of a plan. And then it hit her.
"I have an idea, but we need to get that remote control." Twilight assumed control of the situation. "Fluttershy, go tell Rainbow Dash." Fluttershy looked up at Rainbow Dash and Zoom Blade going at each other with full power. She hated the idea of having to get in the middle of that. Nevertheless, she complied with a nervous "Okay" and flew cautiously towards the two brawling pegasi.
"Um, Rainbow Dash?" She tried to get Rainbow Dash's attention, but she didn't hear her. "Rainbow?" She tried again, but still nothing. "Rainbow D-WAH!" Rainbow whooshed right past her after being kicked by Zoom Blade and crashed straight into a cloud. Fluttershy hurried over to her friend to inform her of Twilight's plan. "Rainbow Dash. Try and get the remote. Twilight has a plan."
"You got it." Rainbow Dash confirmed, charging head first at Zoom Blade again. Their fighting continued as Rainbow tried to grab the remote.
"Come on, Rainbow Dash! Get her! Show her who's boss! Yeah!" Scootaloo cheered. She was enjoying watching her hero go head to head with a real bad pony. Finally, Rainbow managed to get the remote away from Zoom Blade.
"I got it!" She declared, holding up the remote proudly. "Guys! Catch!" She tossed it down to them and Twilight caught it with her magic. However, Zoom Blade swooped in and snatched it right back.
"Whoops! Too slow." She taunted with a smug chuckle. She was cut off when Applejack lassoed the remote right out of her hoof and into Twilight's. She dive-bombed in to take it back again, but Rainbow Dash tackled her and the two of them continued their mid-air wrestling match.
The Pegatron armed six more rockets and got ready to fire again. Twilight nervously pushed a button on the remote and the rockets instantly disarmed. Feeling much more confident, wiggled the little joystick around, making the Pegatron move around with it.
"It works." She exclaimed. "I can make the Pegatron do whatever I want it to."
"Oh boy!" Pinkie shouted in excitement. "Quick. Make it dance like a pretty ballerina."
"Uh, I think I've got a better idea, Pinkie." Twilight moved the joystick, making the Pegatron turn around and fly away fast. It pumped its legs and bobbed its head as if it were running.
Rainbow Dash fought the good fight against Zoom Blade, but eventually, her growing exhaustion started to show. She wasn't sure how much longer she could go for.
"Getting a little winded, Rainbow Dash?" Zoom Blade taunted her, taking notice. "Well, why don't you just lie down!?" She quickly tackled Rainbow Dash and pinned her down on a cloud, pushing it backwards at a fast pace and standing over her in glory.
"You thought you could beat me?" She declared. "Don't you know who I am? I'm Zoom Blade. The greatest flyer ever. And I'm not about to let you or those pathetic Blunderbolts take it away from me!" Rainbow looked behind her and saw a mountain coming up fast. "Say your prayers, Dashie!" Zoom Blade proclaimed. The insane pony laughed maniacally as Rainbow cringed in fright, knowing that this psychopath intended to splatter her against the mountain. But just then, she got an idea and looked back up at Zoom Blade.
"I don't think so, Zoom Lame." Rainbow Dash said with a smirk. She reached up, grabbed Zoom Blade by the neck and held onto her tightly. Then she steered the the cloud to go lower, sending the both of them flying straight into a cave with a loud crash.
The cave started to rumble as both ponies picked themselves up. They bolted for the exit as fast as they could just as giant rocks began to fall and seal it off. Miraculously, they both seemed to come out without a scratch. Just then, they noticed the Pegatron charging right at them full steam. Rainbow Dash took off and flew out of the way, but when Zoom Blade tried to do the same, she found that both of her wings had been crushed under two giant boulders. She struggled to get free, but to no avail. As the Pegatron got ever closer to her with its accelerated speed, Zoom Blade screamed in terror, so sure that this was the end for her.
Lucky for her, Rainbow Dash came back and yanked Zoom Blade out of the way just in time. The Pegatron smashed right into the mountain, going up in a huge, spectacular fiery explosion. Zoom Blade could hardly believe it. She turned to Rainbow Dash in confusion, who was holding her up in her her hooves.
"You need to stand trial." Rainbow explained. When the spiky-black-maned pegasus flapped her wings to try to make a break for it, she shrieked in pain. Both of her wings were now crippled and useless. "Looks like you've been grounded." Rainbow Dash said, assured that she had finally won. At that moment, the Wonderbolt guards showed up and surrounded them, ready to take Zoom Blade into custody. Great. Not only would she never fly again, but now she was gonna rot in some prison.
Everypony was gathered in Spitfire's office as Zoom Blade had finally been put in her place. Even though her crippled wings prevented her from flying away, they guards had still taken extra precaution to make sure she didn't go anywhere. She had been wrapped up in a straight jacket with a mask over her muzzle, as though she were some kind of cannibal, and strapped to gurney. Everyone, especially Spitfire, could see the look of raging vengeance in her eyes.
"I'm sorry things had to turn out this way, Zoom Blade." Spitfire said with all honesty. "But maybe your time in prison will do you some good."
"Ha!" Zoom Blade scoffed. "The only good it'll do me is give me time to come up with something better. You all better watch your tails, 'cause someday, I will come back." She made herself sound as threatening as possible, giving a maniacal laugh as the guards wheeled her out the door. "So long, Spitty! So long, Dashie!"
The door was closed and just like that, Zoom Blade was gone. "So long, old friend." Spitfire said almost under her breath with just a hint of remorse. Rainbow Dash, however, could not say the same for herself.
"Man, if I never see that slime ball again, it'll be way too soon." Rainbow exclaimed.
"You said it." Applejack agreed.
Spitfire turned to Rainbow Dash with a proud smile on her face. "Congratulations, Rainbow Dash. You took down a maniac and saved the Wonderbolts and all of Equestria."
Rainbow Dash smiled proudly as she tried to restrain from fangirling over a congratulations from her hero. "Thanks," she said, "but I could never have done it without the help of my awesome friends here." Her friends all gave a big flattered smile. Rainbow turned her attention to a certain special little friend standing right next to her. "Especially this tough little fireball right here." She tussled Scootaloo's mane, which gave Scootaloo the warmest feeling in the world. "Keep an eye on this one. She's gonna be Wonderbolt material herself someday." Scratch that. Now she felt so warm she was absolutely beaming!
"Good to know." Spitfire said. She glanced down at the little orange filly before turning her attention back to Rainbow Dash. "And now," she continued, "being a mare of my word, I have something to give you."
The runway at the Academy was completely crowded as just about every Wonderbolt was gathered around to congratulate their rainbow-maned champion. Rainbow Dash walked down the runway, smiling and waving to her friends in the crowd as they cheered for her. Waiting for her at the end were Spitfire as well as Soarin, Fleet Foot and everyone else in her squadron standing right behind her. Rainbow Dash reached the end of the long strip and stopped right in front of Spitfire.
"Rainbow Dash." Spitfire announced for all to hear. "For demonstrating not only superior flying skills, but also a tremendous amount of courage, discipline and a strong heart, as well as saving us all from a terrible menace, it gives me great pleasure to reward you by finally declaring you... an official Wonderbolt!"
As the ponies in the crowd all cheered, Soarin handed Spitfire an official uniform and gold badge, which she then passed on to Rainbow Dash. Rainbow was so excited that she wasted no time in putting on her new uniform. In one fell swoop, she was finally wearing the suit and badge just like she had always dreamed. Cheers from the crowd erupted even louder and Rainbow could hardly contain herself.
"Welcome to the team!" Spitfire declared, raising a salute to their newest member. All the others followed along and Rainbow returned the gesture. Now she was officially beyond excited. She flew right up into the air, doing several aerial flips and cheering for herself.
She was brought back down to Earth as she spotted her friends running out on the runway to personally congratulate her. She quickly hovered down to embrace them all in a big group hug.
"Congratulations, Rainbow Dash." Applejack said.
"Yeah. You totally earned it." Scootaloo added.
"Thanks, you guys." said Rainbow, trying to hide her slightly red cheeks.
"So how does it feel to finally get what you've always wanted, Dash?" Spike asked.
Rainbow Dash thought for a second. "You know, it feels pretty great. But not as great as having all of you guys as my friends." That only made the hug grow even tighter for a couple seconds before they were all finally released.
"We're all very proud of you, Rainbow Dash." Twilight stated.
"Thanks, Twilight." Rainbow said. "I used to think being a Wonderbolt would be the greatest thing in the world." She paused before looking down at Scootaloo with a warm smile. "But it turns out the real greatest thing was standing right here beside me all along." Scootaloo's mile widened even more. Then Dash bent down to look her directly in the eye. "Scootaloo," she said "I have something to give you now."
Rainbow Dash reached into her back and presented a pair of goggles. The same pair she had used to train with since she was a little filly herself. "It's my old pair from Junior Flight Camp and now I want you to have them."
"For me? Really?" Scootaloo practically beamed with excitement as Rainbow Dash stretched out the elastic herself and placed the goggles gently on the filly's head.
"Only the best for my best little sister." The sentiment was overwhelming as Scootaloo's eyes soon started tear up. She quickly latched onto her idol in another great big hug, which was immediately returned.
The hug was cut off, however, when Spitfire shouted "Wonderbolts to position!" All of the Wonderbolts lined up in perfect formation, including the newest one, who gestured for her little friend to climb up on her back for a ride. She enthusiastically obliged.
At the sound of the whistle, Rainbow Dash took off to the sky with all the others, feeling like the luckiest pony in the world. After all, her life-long dream had been at last been realized and she had the greatest friends in the whole world, as well as the most awesome little sister she could ever ask for.
