> My idiot
>  by Marshall_Evergreen
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Roll call
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Today was the day.

The best day ever!

The sun was shinning and the brilliant, blue sky was littered with patches of soft, gentle cloud leaving a sight to be admired from any altitude.

Take 150 metres above the ground for example; the wind in your mane and the air so crisp you could just...

"Aahh," Scootaloo exhaled in a blissful sigh, "perfect."

The last few years had flown by quite literally. As she'd gotten older, nature had taken its course and Scootaloo's wings had grown, allowing her to take off into the sky she had longed to be in for so long. True, she was still a bit shaky, being something of a 'late bloomer', but she could hold her own. Best of all were the times she went flying with Rainbow Dash. She had been her idol for so long, the embodiment of everything she'd wanted to be, and now...

Life was certainly perfect.

But today made it ten times more perfect.

Because today was the first day of the Junior Wonderbolt Academy boot camp, the most prestegious and awesome academy for young flyers. Even if you don't intend to become a Wonderbolt, it never hurts to become a better flyer. But just the experience in itself would be one filled with exhilaration every single moment of everyday.

To say she was excited would be an understatement.

Nothing could describe how she felt.

It was like a new chapter of her life; her destiny unfolding before her. Everyday continually getting better and better and better!

She felt confident and ready. Nothing could bring her down! She had waited for ever to prove herself as a pegasus and this was it. The ultimate test.

Okay so maybe she blowing things out of proportion...just a smidge, but there was that part of her that believed every bit of that. Some part of her felt the need to be proven and tested, but to who or why she didn't know...

"Pphhhffff!" Scootaloo breathed out dismissively, "There I go, over thinking things again."

The only thing that mattered was the here and now. The academy, the Wonderbolts, the sky, the now.

Nothing else.

Zip.

Nix.

Nadda.

Scootaloo cruised on absentmindedly for a couple more miuntes before her attention was diverted by the sound of laughing. She diverted her gaze to focus on them.

'They' were a pack of pegasai ahead of her, laughing and joking as they flew up to a majestic building high up in the clouds.

The Junior Wonderbolt Academy.

Her eyes shone with excitement as ahe grinned from ear to ear.

Quickly, she beat her wings, picking up speed and shooting her up towards the academy.



Rumble had woken up early that morning, done a couple push-ups and gone to the mirror. He stroked a hoof along the bottom of his sharp jaw as he examined himself in the mirror. Once he was satisfied he smiled and stood on his hind legs, bobbing back and forth as he punched the air in front of him, a determined look in his eye.

"Aw'righty Champ," Rumble chanted to himself, "time to win. All you do today is win! Every moment, every second is yours; own it!"

He squat low and delivered a frenzy of blows to the space in fornt of his face.

"Attack the day! Defeat the day! Destroy the day!" He shouted out.

"What ya gonna do?" He called out.

"Win!" Came his answer seconds later.

"When?" He yelled again.

"Now!" Came the reply in turn.

"Where?"

"Here, today!"

He got back on all four legs and started running in place.

"Who'da boss?" Came the question.

"You da boss." his voice rang out again in glorious, triumphant victory.

"Who'da boss?"

Faster.

"You da boss!"

Faster!

"WHO'DA BOSS?"

Faster, faster!

"YOU DA BOSS!"

Come on!

"WHO'DABOSS-YOUDABOSS-WHO'DABOSS-YOUDABOSS-WHO'DABOSS-YOUDABOSS!!" he chanted frantically.

He was on fire. Full throtal. He stopped and reared back, containing the energy, before shooting out the window in a flash of grey.

"I'M THE BOSS!" He roared out, smiling widely.

He looped and turned at full speed, laughing in excitement.

Celestia, was he pumped!

To every other pony, he must have appeared to be utterly mad.

Once he'd finished, Rumble steered himself back towards his house. He smirked; time to rock. He narrowed his eyes and folded in his legs and wings. Quickly, he gained phenomenal speed brought on by gravity's natural pull. Speed was everything to Rumble.

5.

The ground started to climb up

4.

The house seemed to come closer and closer, but it was actuall Rumble who was plumeting towards him.

3.

The front door was in sight.

2.

Here we go...

1.

...

PULL UP!

His wings flared out and his legs stretched out before him, ready to brace his landing. But too late, his hooves caught on the front step, sending him hurtling into the solid, wooden door. He crashed through, shattering the wood, sending splinters everywhere. He face planted and slid forward a couple metres before his head knocked against the table.

He was out cold.

Thunderlane, who had been sitting at the table, merely rested his head on his hoof and sighed heavily as he bit into his toast.

"Well," Thunderlane said nonchalantly, "Rumble's awake."

He leaned down and looked under the table cloth to see him lying unconscious...and drooling.

"Or rather, was awake." Thunderlane corrected in the same stoic tone.

He reached across the table and grabbed another piece of toast, which he'd intended for Rumble. He took the toast, popped Rumble's mouth open, and stuffed the toast in.

"Eat up, Champ." He said, as he raised himself up again, allowing the table cloth to drape down again so only Rumble's legs could be seen, sticking out from under the table.

Utterly mad.

Thunderlane breathed another heavy sigh and proceeded eating. His face was expressionless, as if he either didn't notice, didn't care, or didn't really give a darn.

All of the above, really.

This had become regular routine for the brothers. Rumble'd get up at some unsanctioned hour of the morning, yelling his daily pep-talk to his reflection, before shooting off into the atmosphere, only to crash back down to earth minutes later. The guy could seriously hurt himself and of course Thunderlane was worried. He was his brother, of course he worried for Rumble. If anything, he'd tried to stop him making the same flying mistakes as him. But to no avail. Rumble had to experience it to believe, and even after that, he'd have to do it another ten times just to be sure.

So Thunderlane had learned to lay back and let him learn. If he needed help, he'd come. Thunderlane was always willing to help him out with anything. I mean, what are brothers for; they look out for each other.

Thunderlane counted down the seconds until...

"Aah!" Rumble shot up, only to knock his head on the table.

He rolled on the ground, groaning in agony as his brother lifted the table cloth again.

"You're two seconds late." Thunderlane said without emotion, a bemused look on his face.

"So sue me!" Rumble laughed. "Whhoooyyy, let's do that again!"

Thunderlane rolled his eyes and chuckled. "C'mon squirt, you'll be late. That and I've gotta go out and fix the door...again."

Rumble chuckled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head as he blushed out of embaressment.

"Sorry." Rumble said nervously, before his expression straightened out and became more serious, "But I swear, I almost had it that time!"

Thunderlane breathed out loudly through his nostrils, craning his neck into his raised hoof, obviously at conflict.

"Look Rumble, just promise me you don't hurt yourself. A downed pegasus, isn't a pegasus. In fact, it's hell. So...just be careful out there, Champ."

Rumble winked.

"No problem. I'll ace the move, then you'll see. I'm just like you!"

"I know." Thunderlane sighed again, this time speaking more to himself, "But let's hope not, for your sake."

Rumble cocked his head to one side, not completely sure he knew what his brother meant.

Thunderlane saw this and chuckled weakly.

"Hey," he smiled, "don't fret about it. Just go have fun."

Rumble smiled sincerely.

"Thanks, big bro."

He turned and started on his way up the stairs, before Thunderlane called after him.

"Just don't break any doors!"



Scootaloo landed softly at the front gate of the main college hall. This was where they would spend a few of the hours during the week, learning about the theory and physics of flying; something she could appreciate from first-hand experience. 

One might think it's all easy. That all the science was an excuse to stay inside and study. That flying was as easy as up, down, left and right. You just do it.

Well, to some degree, they were right. To fly, you do need to 'do it'.

But she wasn't here to be a casual flyer. She was here to get better. To conquer.

She knew about not being able to fly. She knew there were greater forces at work than will power, which was a knowledge some of the more arrogant flyers would find difficult.

Scootaloo just hoped there weren't too many of them.

If there was one thing she couldn't stand, it was an arrogant snob.

Especially stallions.

Arrogant, proud, immature stallions were the worst!

Scootaloo recalled some of the pegasi she'd seen flying up a few moments ago. They hadn't seemed too bad. A bit rowdy maybe, but not bad.

Anyway. Rant over.

The acadmey certainly looked official, with its large college halls, runways and open cloud fields. Over the various entrances hung blue banners, with the letters 'JWA' and the Wonderbolt ensignia emblazoned on them. Also, blue bunting was draped between the various lamps scattered around campus.

Blue, blue, blue.

Was everything about this place blue?

Blue sky, blue banners, blue bunting.

Well, she certainly couldn't blame them for a lack of enthusiasm.

It was also highly fool-proof.

Scootaloo got the feeling that if anypony should walk past fifty, consecutive Wonderbolt ensignias, they'd have a pretty good idea where they were.

Just a hunch really...

Once she'd finished gazing in wonder at the building, she started walking, stepping ever closer to her destiny and future.

"Hey!"

Scootaloo whirled around to find a stallion running up to her.

'Finally,' thought Scootaloo, 'a familiar face.'

"Featherweight!" she cried out in happy greeting.

Featherweight too had grown over the years. Naturally he was taller, his features more square rather than round and young. However one thing remained the same. He was still scrawny. But a pleasent friendly smile was always welcome. If anything, it might at least prove for engaging conversation.

"So what are you doing here?" Scootaloo began. As if the answer wasn't obvious enough.

"The academy." Featherweight beamed, happy to have a friend there.

"Really?" Scootaloo gasped in mock-disbelief. Then she realised something. yes, he was a pegasus, and yes, saying he couldn't join would slightly contradict the purpose of the academy. But still, Featherweight?

"Really?" Scootaloo asked again, this time in a more sincere tone.

He gave a rather sheepish look. "Well..."

"I'm sorry," she laughed, trying to lighten the mood, "I didn't mean to offend you. You just..."

"...Don't seem like the type." Featherweight finished, "I know. I'm not exactly a part of the flying team. I'm air support."

Scootaloo stared at him blankly, before shaking herself out of it.

"Excuse me?"

"I'm part of the ground team. I'll be making sure you guys are in shape to fly, be giving you tips on your flying, etc. I'm gonna be at HQ mainly, analysing your performance and studying the science behind your flying capabilities. Well, not you inhertly, but which ever team I'm assigned."

Scootaloo's head was spinning.

HQ?

Studying?

Teams?

Featherweight noticed this and chuckled.

"C'mon, you arrived a bit later than me I suppose. Roll call is in a couple minutes."

She nodded, just glad to have a guide and some company.
> Cadets
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Rumble had arrived in the great auditorium ages before anypony else. Blame it on excitement. On the walls were banners, displaying the Wonderbolts in flight or posed heroically, goggles pulled over their eyes, making them look even more cool. Each pony looked equally proud to be wearing the Wonderbolt uniform. Rumble couldn't help but think that in a few minutes, he'd be in one too.

Okay, so it would be the cadet uniform. But hey, ain't no shame in that, right?

After admiring the bold decor, he looked to the back wall where a row of pictures were laid out. Rumble walked along the row, from one end of the room to the other. It was like stepping though time. Every photo showed a different set of cadets, ready to take on the challenges ahead. The colour changed from black and white, to a reddish hue, before become more and more true to the actual colours of life. Each team looked proud, happy and stoked to be part of something as incredible as the Wonderbolts!

Rumble certainly knew he was.

Then, something caught his eye. Maybe it had been the black coat or the silver mane, but Rumble soon found himself looking at one of the more recent photos, taken only a few years ago. There he was. Thunderlane stood in a row of young cadets, all smiling, possibly ignorant of what was to come. His brother stood next to another stallion, who was...

Huge! What in Luna's name was that thing?

He was a white mass of bulging muscle, with a short cut blonde mane. He had searing red eyes, but somehow maintained a pleasant smile. He sure looked sweet enough, but one thing was for sure, Rumble wouldn't want to get on his bad-side. Ever.

There were at least another ten ponies after that. Most recognisable was Rainbow Dash. Everypony knew Rainbow Dash. She was actually one of the cadets who went on to becoming a Wonderbolt reserve, before securing her spot on the team only a year later. His brother had always told Rumble that she'd been the most enthusiastic.

'Looks like it paid off.' Rumble thought, noting that enthusiasm would be something to look into if he wanted to finish this boot camp with flying colours.

Heh.

Flying colours.

Get it?

Flying.

'Shut up, Rumble.' snapped his conscious in protest of his 'punny' humour.

He gazed on for a couple more seconds at the pictures, fully aware of the fact that in only a few moments, that would be him.

"Pretty cool isn't?"

Rumble turned in surprise, he'd thought he was alone!

The owner of the voice was a young stallion, not one of the cadets, but still in his prime. One of the instructors? He had a dark, windswept mane and tired green eyes. He wore a pleasant smile.

Rumble answered back dumbly, not really sure what to say.

"Yeah. Cool."

Lame answer, but there wasn't really much to say.

"I've seen the look on your face before, kiddo. Seen it every time we get new cadets. It's always a good sight to see." The older stallion smiled back before excusing himself to take his seat on the stage of the auditorium. Soon after, ponies started to fill the room.

Rumble took one last look at the photographs and smiled.

"Yeah." He whispered to himself, "Cool." 



Scootaloo couldn't help but think that the auditorium was a bit...empty.

Of course you had all the instructors and supervisors, but the cadet squad only had about 22 ponies. She was sure the room could've actually housed ten times that number.

But it was still awesome. Nothing could detract from that.

Then there was a crackle and hum as the speakers came to life.

"Welcome Junior Wonderbolt Cadets!" Came the voice of the head instructor through the speaker system.

Any extra noise immediately stopped as all attention was diverted to the front of the stage.

"I am Spitfire, your head instructor this boot camp." Came her raspy voice again.

"Let me repeat that cadets. Boot. Camp." She said, pausing occasionally for special emphasis.

"This is not kiddy-camp. This is not for corny cheers and songs around the campfire while toasting marshmallows. This... is Wonderbolt training!"

Spitfire's voice held a weight of authority; it demanded and maintained attention without flaw. It was clear why she was the leader of the Wonderbolts.

"For some of you, this will be your opportunity to fly as a team, in the cadet colours. The opportunity to test your skills, push your limits and excel in your desired field of expertise. For some of you, this will be the start of your Wonderbolt career. For some of you, this will make you a better flyer and help you in your future as a pegasus. Either way, this boot camp is all about opportunity, but more importantly, the seizing of said opportunities. You don't seize the opportunities, you don't learn, you don't succeed."

There was no denying it...

"You all got that?" She finished, eyeing the group menacingly.

"Yes Ma'am!" Rang out their voices in unison.

Spitfire was one tough-cookie.



After a few more introductions from members of staff, the cadets were lead out onto the drill ground, eagerly anticipating the first test of the boot camp. Rumble stood in the midst of them, stretching his muscles before he did anything rigorous. They had been lead out to the main air strip, where they'd been instructed to wait for their drill sergeants.

"Front and centre, cadets!" Came an authoritative voice.

Some eyes widened in shock at the sudden demand for attention, then they scrambled around till they formed a line. Rumble stood snapped-up straight, with his eyes focused ahead of him. He hoped it made him look tough and less like a novice.

Hoof steps could be heard as the voice's owner approached the cadets. Rumble's focus wavered and he shot a look down the line to see who was addressing them. He immediately recognised him as the stallion he'd talked to earlier while he'd been admiring the photographs.

The group waited in silence, but Rumble sensed the tense atmosphere. There was a mix of emotions: fear, excitement, nervousness and eager anticipation. It felt like forever before the stallion came to rest, standing in front of the group, watching them intently, a somewhat grave expression on his face.

Scrutinizing?

Inspecting?

Analysing?

All of them seemed likely.

Rumble tried not to, but he was sweating up a storm, as were the other cadets. Knees buckled, eyes darted left and right restlessly.

Tense silence.

"Give it a rest Soarin."

Everypony turned their head to look at the new arrival.

Soarin's expression faltered before it was cracked wide-open by a laugh, eventually settling into a pleasant smile.

"Aww..." Soarin said, chuckling, "but you should'a seen their faces."

"You don't wanna scare away the newbies do you?" Came the voice in a cocky sneer.

"Oh, now I'm sure you don't need my help with that, Rainbow Dash." Soarin answered back, teasingly.

It was Rainbow Dash!

The mare Rumble had seen in the photographs. The mare who'd gone on to becoming a Wonderbolt was here!

of course she was just like any other pony, but there was still this feeling of honour that came with seeing her here. Once a cadet, now a Wonderbolt. She embodied the success story that Rumble so wanted to be his own.

Some gasps and mutters were heard among the group of cadets; some out of shock, others simply because they didn't know quite how to react. All except one mare. She stood tall, with a smirk on her face, as if nothing about this display was new or surprising. She shared a few friendly marks with Rainbow Dash before returning to her former position. Rumble looked at her more closely, noting the confidence that seemed to radiate from her. She looked kind of familiar...

Rainbow Dash laughed and joined Soaring where he stood.

"Alright, cut the banter, Dork. Remember, professionalism. Who else is gonna beat these foals into shape?"

Soarin nuzzled her.

"I guess you're right, Dashie." He said, smiling.

Rainbow blushed lightly at the simple, yet affectionate term of endearment, before returning attention to the cadets, all of whom had been watching with mixed expressions.

She shifted uncomfortably, then audibly cleared her throat in an attempt to brush aside the awkwardness of the moment.

Darn it, she just couldn't concentrate with that dumb stallion around.

"Alright guys, listen up!" Rainbow called out, regaining her composure. Remember, professionalism. "In case you didn't already get it, this is dweeb is Soarin, and I'm Rainbow Dash. We are gonna be your drill sergeants. While you are here, you will work together and cooperate. You can't work as a team, you won't get through two hours of this academy. in order to do this, you will be split into teams of three depending on your speciality."

"Your speciality will be determined by a series of preliminary tests." Soarin took over. "Once we've assessed your performance in said tests, you'll be given your results, then advised on how to best perform during this boot camp. These results will help us split you into teams, like Rainbow said. Remember, it is vital to work as a team. Consult with them on how you can not only work better as an individual, but as a team member. You each have something to bring to your team, so give your team your all."

Rumble concentrated intently on what was being said. His eyes were stern and focused. This was serious stuff. If he failed, so would his team. Well, his team better make sure they don't fail him...

Whatever.

He was probably taking this too seriously.

Yes, there is such a thing.

This was going to be a breeze.

Just fly and make sure the other guy doesn't fall too far behind.

Nothing to it.

Satisfied with what had been said, Rainbow spoke again.

"Then without further ado, let the games begin!"

Rumble smirked.

Time to win. Time to be the best.

He was so ready.
> Some things never change
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	If it hasn't already been mentioned within the last 3,000 words, Scootaloo was excited.

The atmosphere was electric and she was buzzing with it, ready to just get out there and fly!

Best of all was the opportunity to spend some time with Rainbow Dash. They hadn't seen each other much in the last couple weeks and it was nice just to be in each other's company. Not that Scootaloo idolised her as much as she used to, but she still looked up to her as a mentor and big sister figure.

Everypony grows up and dreams mature in time. Although being able to live now, what she would have given her cutie mark for then, still filled her with a content, peaceful feeling. Nostalgia? Maybe it was just her mind saying she had it good.

And she did indeed, 'have it good'.

She was happy with where she was. Not just here and now, but with life in general.

Sure, she didn't always see Rainbow Dash, but that's life. Ponies grow up, have things to do; doesn't stop you from being friends or looking up to each other. In the end, they were still sisters.

...Well, sorta.

But any time spent with each other was time to be valued, and Rainbow Dash being here just added to Scootaloo's excitement.

She was content.

Everything was A-OK.



"So how ya been, squirt?" Rainbow said, flying alongside Scootaloo.

They were doing a couple warm up laps around a patch of clouds, making for roughly 800 metres per lap. Foals play really, but effective nonetheless.

"Been good." She replied, smiling, "Nothing much to report. Everything I'd have to tell you about is currently happening as we speak, so yeah. I'm good."

Rainbow Dash nodded, content with the brief answer.

"Same-old, same-old then, huh?"

"Basically."

It may have seemed pointless making small talk, but sometimes that was all that needed to be said, just to see how they are and where they are. Nothing more, nothing less. Didn't stop the two from having a treasured and deep relationship.

She began again, hoping to get a bit more in-touch with the present goings down in Ponyville, while discussing a matter that was still relative.

"So what about the rest of the girls?" Rainbow asked, before clarifying, "AB and Sweetie Belle I mean."

Scootaloo fell silent, deep in thought.

"Dunno...I guess they're alright, they would'a swung by if something wasn't." She said after considering the question.

It wasn't that the girls had fallen out or anything, but it's like what was said before; Ponies grow up.

Rainbow looked like she'd just flown into a brick wall.

"Don't get me wrong, we're still friends!" Scootaloo elaborated quickly, hoping to put RD's mind at ease. "Heck, we're still best friends and always will be. But Sweetie's been looking into career options, Apple Bloom has been held up with Apple bucking - yeah, she can do that now - and I've been working for the academy, as one might have guessed. Plus, it hasn't been weeks, but it is true we haven't really done anything together much lately. We just..."

"Grew up." Rainbow Dash finished, a sympathetic and understanding smile on her face. But there was something else too, something like remorse or sadness, but she couldn't be sure.

"But it's all cool!" Scootaloo perked up, showing a broad smile. "We're meeting up soon, once I've found out which group I'm in and feel comfortable with my surroundings, we'll hit Sugarcube Corner or something likewise."

"You'll do great, Scoots. I know you will." Rainbow Dash said proudly, "Just remember to-"

"WATCH OUT!!"

Rainbow Dash shot over to the side. Scootaloo moved in the opposite direction, but was too slow and only narrowly avoided contact. It was close. The flash of black and grey swiftly swerved around her, evading with expert agility. But it was sloppy. It was cocky and brash, just showing off speed.

The pair came back together, flustered and shocked, only to see the culprit, shooting off down the track.

"Jerk." Scootaloo grumbled.

"That colt is gonna break his wing flying like that. All show, no training." Rainbow said sternly, naturally assessing the speedster's performance. "It was sloppy. Kid's got skill, talent and potential, I'll give you that. But it's raw; untamed."

"He's still a jerk."

Rainbow Dash laughed.

"Yeah. Unfortunately he reminds me of me." She said in amusement. "I wasn't that big of a show off, was I?"

"On a scale of 1 to Applejack, how honest do you want me to be?" Answered Scootaloo, playing along.

"Hit me." Rainbow said, wearing her signature smug smirk.

"Definitely."

They both started laughing at that.

Yes. She definitely had it good.

A good laugh with her sister was all she needed. It's always better when Rainbow's around.

Of course Rainbow had always been cocky and brash, but that's why Scootaloo had loved her. She was so confident and fearless, the kind of things Scootaloo had strived to be. To be as strong and as fearless and as loyal as her; her idol and role-model. Plus a good friend is always able to look past defects and shortcomings.

Scootaloo looked around, taking stock of her surroundings, if anything to prevent another run-in with a speeding idiot. Then her eyes settled on Soarin, gliding comfortably, not a care in the world.

"So how's the hunk?" She said with a devilish grin.

Rainbow Dash noticed also noticed Soarin in the distance, lazily floating on his back.

"You mean that dork?"

She watched as the same colt from before whizzed past, spinning Soarin around in the air like a spin-top, his far-off cries of protest caused her to giggle, before he regained his balance and gave chase to the pesky rascal.

Scootaloo watched this all with glee, feeling the need to squeeze something from the cuteness.

It was just too priceless.

"Gosh, didn't know you had it that bad!"

Rainbow whipped around blushing.

"Not that bad!"

"Old habits die hard, I see." Scootaloo said rolling her eyes.

"I don't know...it's just a bit mushy is all, I've only just gotten used to talking about all this stuff. But it's just so... I can't even explain it, Scoots. It's the most amazing thing! It's different talking about girly things, with the girls ya know? The kinda cheesy stuff, it's all so sappy, but that's what makes it sweet!"

"Ew. I think I need to wash out my ears."

"I'm serious! He's a dork and clumsy, but he's adorable. He's relaxed and calm, but still focused and serious. An' you can't tell me that isn't the most manly jaw ever!"

"And such deep and detailed descriptions as well! You haven't been sleeping well lately have you, RD?"

Rainbow Dash laughed. But it wasn't the sort of laugh you give because something is funny, she seemed genuinely happy, more so than Scootaloo had ever seen her.

"You really like him, huh?"

"Yeah." Dash sighed in content, a light blush colouring her cheeks.

She turned back to look ahead of her, admiring the clear, crisp air that surrounded her. She just felt so free up here! It had been well worth the wait, flying was amazing. She noticed a couple other cadets ahead of her, laughing and mingling together. Maybe she should actually start getting to know the other cadets? After all, team work was essential, and how would she be able to 'work to each other's strengths' with ponies she didn't know.

She glanced back at Rainbow Dash who was seemed lost in thought, smiling and giddy, in another world entirely. Since when had she been so...so...girly? Maybe she always had been, but it just wasn't that obvious. Not that there was anything wrong with it; in a way it kind of suited her, this almost teenage giddiness. She had to admit It was cute, seeing Rainbow Dash like this over a guy.

Then she nodded to herself, as if giving her consent; she could ship it.

She was about to fly off to join the other cadets, when Rainbow Dash got her attention.

"Hey Scoots?"

"Yuhuh?"

"I know this may be a bit sappy for you but...do you have your eyes on anypony?" Rainbow gave a sly grin, "You know, somepony special?"

As if that needed clarifying.

"As if!" Scootaloo huffed, "Some things will never change, Rainbow Dash and one of those things are colts. There all so *blleecchh* and immature and..."

"Cute?" Rainbow winked mischievously. "There are some good looking ones in the group, ya know."

Scootaloo blushed slightly, but tried to hide her embarrassment. "Yeah...maybe...well, I'm not here to hook up, I'm here to train. Don't try anything sneaky Rainbow Dash! You may be older, but you’re still a prankster at heart!"

"I make no promises." Rainbow Dash laughed evilly, "Like you said Scoots, some things never change."

She laughed and shot off down the track, leaving Scootaloo to cry out and protest in vain.

> The real deal
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Once the group had completed their somewhat tedious laps, Rumble and the other cadets came in to land, back on the drill ground.

Rumble had been bored-silly doing those pathetic laps around the clouds. Hadn't Spitfire said that this wasn't kiddy-camp? So he'd made it more interesting. He'd raced down the course, lapping all the other cadets. He'd even managed to have a run-in with Soarin, who'd spun out and raced after him in friendly competition. Just showing him who's boss, Rumble supposed.

But now it was time for the real deal. He had to show them he wasn't here to mess around. He was here to win.

They had all lined up on the drill ground, more orderly this time and ready to see some action.

In front of them stood-

"The Dizzitron." Rainbow Dash addressed the group, nodding her head toward the giant machine. "Me an' Dizzy here are already pretty familiar and all of you are about real close to him too."

"The Dizzitron is built to analyse your stability, endurance, recovery time and speed." Soarin continued, "There are a lot of things that can cause even a Wonderbolt to spin out, and it's our job to recover as quickly as possible. This is a hazard that all of you will face at some point in your time as flyers."

"Yeah. Especially if you live in the same town as the danger-prone princess of friendship." Rainbow joked facetiously.

"Anyway," Soarin said, trying to steer the attention back to the task-at-hoof, " The Dizzitron will spin you, then hurl you into the sky. Your job is to recover, regain stability and come in for a smooth landing. Your speed, endurance levels and stability will all be noted and analysed by Ground support."

"Ol' Dizzy is gonna make you very, very dizzy. So if you kids are gonna hurl, point it anywhere but us, please."

Soarin chuckled at Rainbow's antics.

"Okay, let's move out!"

"You..." Rainbow said, addressing a slim, confident, athletic looking pony at the end of the line, "You're up first. Let's see what you can do."

The way that Rainbow Dash spoke made everything sound like a challenge. Not mocking, but still brash and competitive.

Rumble made it a personal issue to ensure that he lived up to that challenge.

After a few ponies had gone with varying results, it was Rumble's turn.

"Alright Cadet," Soarin said, nodding at Rumble, "you're up."

Rumble exhaled and started forward, determined to beat this test.

Not just beat. Utterly destroy it.

"Let's Rumble." He whispered to himself, peeping himself, trying to settle the butterflies in his stomach.

"Hey, don't I know you?" asked Rainbow, "Wait. You're the hot-shot from the track, huh? Soarin, bump it up to max."

'Great', thought Scootaloo, 'give the jerk another opportunity to show-off.'

Rumble just smirked and lowered his goggles over his eyes.

He had no problem with having more bragging rights.

Rumble flew up and strapped himself in. After a nod from Soarin, the machine came to life, buzzing and humming. Rumble could feel the deep vibrations run through his spine as the machine started up. Then it started to, picking up speed with every revolution. The vibrations became more violent, first hitting, now pounding into his spine. His cheeks were flapping around in the extreme force and his eyes were watering, but he kept his teeth gritted.

After that, he lost all sense of direction.

All he knew was that he was spinning.

He felt dizzy and sick.

Where was up?

Where was down?

When will it stop?

Celestia, they were trying to kill him!

Then, without warning, he span out. Way out into the sky!

Crap. Something had broken. Something wasn't right.

He felt the buckle holding him in place pop, as he was wrenched by the rotary forces and flung away.

No, everything was okay. The machine had hurled him out, as it was supposed to.

He was like a rocket going sky-high.

But he felt horrible.

He felt like his innards had been wrenched out, mashed up and flipped upside down.

But now wasn't the time.

Now, he had to use the momentum gained by the Dizzitron to fly back with as much speed as possible.

He stretched his wings out vertically, facing in opposite directions, thus allowing him to make a tight, needle-point turn. Then, with one powerful beat of his wings, he shot forward, hurtling toward the runway. In a hope to become more aerodynamic, he folded both his wings tightly against his body, lowered his head and tucked in his legs.

The runway seemed to rush up towards him.

But something was wrong. Something felt off.

Was the runway...slanted?

The horror of what had happened hit Rumble like a speeding train.

In the confusion, he had flown a couple degrees west of the mark. Now, with only seconds to go, he had to swerve back in line and land smoothly. The one thing that Rumble had always struggled with.

Quickly, turn! That's better.

But he didn't have enough time to concentrate and focus his energy on the landing. He was still going fast and if he didn't land this right, he'd end up breaking vital bones. In short, he'd be spending the next few weeks in hospital. So in a desperate last-minute attempt to land, he stretched out his legs and flared out his wings, hoping to slow himself before an inevitably rough impact.

And it came.

His hooves were wrenched back from behind him and he start running forward, hi legs flailing, trying to keep from tripping.

'STOP RUNNING!'

Rumble threw all his weight backwards and locked his legs in front of him, bringing him screeching to a halt with dust clouds being kicked up all around him.

Rumble stood low with his head bent forward. Hyperventilating, trying to calm himself down; he was experiencing the massive high that came with the speed of a free-fall. He shaking, either with fear or excitement he couldn't tell, he just stood there.

There was silence and Rumble was dreading the response of his fellow Cadets, and worse still, the leaders.

He could feel his heart pounding in the back of his throat. The landing had been sloppy, he knew that much, but he was fast right.

Then, there was a clapping. Then more. And more!

The cadets were cheering and clapping. Even Soarin and Rainbow Ash smiled and congratulated him.

"Well done, Rumble." Soarin said with a friendly smile, "Your landing was sloppy, but you've got a lot of potential."

"Awesome!" Rainbow cried, "The speed. WOW! Honestly, it could have been 20% better, but you are a good addition to this team."

"As are all of you." Soarin said encouragingly, "You've all shown great potential."

Rumble couldn't help but shine with pride. He'd done it.

He'd proven he was a winner. The real deal.

Rumble smirked and strutted back to his place proudly, with his head raised and chest puffed out. He looked like a champion. Better still, he felt like one.

"Alright Scoots, you're up!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, "Show them what'cha got."

'Like that's gonna be worth watching.' Rumble thought, too proud and caught-in-the-moment to consider otherwise.

Scootaloo nodded and smiled, pulling her goggles over her determined eyes.

They passed each other while walking to their stations.

Rumble looked at her.

She was...

Cute.

Scootaloo took no notice of Rumble whatsoever. She'd already decided not to give this showboat the satisfaction of her attention. She'd already decided he was a jerk and not worth the time.

But something caught her attention.

It had only been there for a moment; a few fleeting milliseconds, but she had definitely seen it!

A wink.

And a clicking sound?

Why the...

Did this colt really think that she'd start fawning over him because he'd flown fast?

The very nerve!

He'd shown no skill, only reckless speed.

She stopped and whirled around, just in time to see the colt peering over his shoulder, a cocky smirk on his face.

His eyes...

He was challenging her!

That was it.

The final straw.

No matter what happened here, one thing was for sure.

She was gonna wipe that smug smile clean off that dummy's face!

No pony, especially a smug, over-confident, bratty colt, was gonna flirt and get away with it!

Scootaloo turned back, glaring back over her shoulder, fighting back the heat rising in her cheeks.

Was she... b-b-blushing?

OH PONY FEATHERS, NO!

That was the final, final straw!

This meant war.

Total, all-out WAR!
> There's bad luck... and then there's REALLY BAD LUCK.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Back in line, Rumble relaxed. He had secured his place as the top competitor and in the process, managed to catch the attention of one of the mares. He looked at her now, storming away to the Dizzitron, seemingly fuming and blowing hot air through her flaring nostrils.

Rumble chuckled. How cute.

She was evidently a head-strong little filly.

His eyes continued to follow her as she stomped away, until he felt a tap on his shoulder.

"Hey, Rumble, hey buddy." Came a somewhat squeaky voice from behind him.

He turned his head...

And rolled his eyes.

"Hey Featherweight." Rumble grumbled, turning back.

"Hi." Featherweight began, sounding unsure of himself. "Hey, I just wanted to say, that was awesome! I could never have done that myself. I'm not really built for speed, ya know? Hehehe..."

It was awkward and humiliating. Instead of talking, he was clumsily stumbling over his words, only adding to Rumble's annoyance.

"So, I...uhh, thought I'd come and say hi. So hi."

"You said that already." Rumble said through gritted teeth, not really trying to be polite. At least he had the decency to not completely brush him aside. I mean, he had (somehow) managed to get into the academy programme. But everypony knew it was because of his brain power, not wing power.

"Oh did I? Right! Hehehe..."

Celestia, please shut up!

"Hey, but it's cool to see you here, man! Remember our days as school ponies? Great days right!"

'Kill me now.'

"Of course you never really noticed me much, but I always sorta looked up to you. You were so cool and everypony liked you. So yeah, um, good to see you here. Good luck with whatever you do. I'm always here with ground support if you need me."

Featherweight backed up, wearing a crooked smile, before dashing back to his station, where he would monitor the next cadet on the Dizzitron.

Rumble breathed a sigh of relief.

Finally!

Rumble had never really known Featherweight. Well, he'd known of him, but he and Featherweight had never really hung out. He'd just been another, background colt in the playground; that had been back in his school-pony days. Sure he'd been around, either in class or with the Foal Free Press, but he and Rumble had never been...close. He seemed like a good kid 'n' all but Rumble hadn't ever felt the need to be friends with him. He just...wasn't his type of bro.

Featherweight had always been a bit jittery, bordering on over-excited, but he wasn't lame.

Maybe...

Okay, he could be really, really awkward at times.

But maybe...

Maybe they could've been friends.



Scootaloo had never been a strong flyer.

She tended to go for stability and technique over raw speed due to her weaker wing strength. She hadn't been flying as long as the other pegasi here and she knew it. What she needed to do now was strengthen her wings and her confidence in speed.

Though she would've never admitted it, she was terrified.

If she got cocky and went too fast, she could lose all control and stability, falling prey to strong winds and air currents that could push her way out. Over course, she'd eventually be able to regain her balance, but by then it would have been too late. She would have lost those precious seconds.

Grim faced, she flew up and strapped herself into the Dizzitron.

She looked back at the line of cadets, narrowing her eyes into a glare as she focused on the little braggart.

She quickly took into account what she had learned about him in their few brief encounters.

1. He was confident.

Really confident.

2. He was smug. 

He seemed to put himself on a pedestal, as if he were untouchable. All of this because he could fly fast.

Oh yeah. Which leads onto...

3. He was fast.

Really. Fast.

Though she hated to think about it, he was good and showed incredible potential. It would take a miracle for her to top his time and she knew it.

But that didn't mean she'd lost.

Quite the opposite.

This smarmy colt was certainly fast and gifted, but he wasn't humble. He still made rookie mistakes.

His landing for example; he could have easily broken something.

She would exploit this.

She couldn't top his speed, she knew that much.

But she she could easily best his technique and stability.

Okay, so she'd a few seconds slower, but a graceful recovery and landing would certainly boost her bragging rights against the young stallion.

Content with her plan, she smiled and nodded her head at Soarin, who promptly nodded back in response as he turned on the Dizzitron.

Just as it had with all the previous cadets, the Dizzitron coughed and wheezed into life as it slowly built up speed with every revolution.

Scootaloo felt the rushing air as it hammered into her skull, sending shivers down her spine, which was being battered and jostled mercilessly out of place.

The tension was tangible for her.

She steadied her breathing, hoping to ready herself for the launch when-

There was a pop and a breaking sound.

Scootaloo felt herself being chucked out of the Dizzitron, with no thought or care for her own safety.

She was spinning around, cutting through the air like frisbee, all her limbs stretched out.

She felt sick.

A horrible, dark feeling that she'd only felt once before.

She opened her eyes only to stare wide-eyed at the ground, swirling beneath her, the colours hypnotically merging and twisting together.

At that moment, she felt a familiar emptiness in the pit of her stomach, the dark, haunting whisper from a ghost, come back to haunt her.

At that moment, she relived her days as a filly.

Flightless.

Useless.

Dead.

It silently consumed her.

She wrenched herself away, shaking herself from that pit of thought.

No!

She was in control!

Quickly, she snapped into action.

She strained, putting all her strength into a single, long, powerful beat of her wings, instantly bringing her into balance. She shot upwards and hung, suspended in air as she rolled onto her back.

The moment seemed to hang in time, not moving anywhere.

She looked up at the sky all around her.

It was so blue!

Peace.

Bliss.

This was where she belonged.

Then the moment ended.

She tucked in her wings and used gravity to pull her back down, so that she was now plummeting head-first towards the runway; picking up amazing speed, but still perfectly balanced. Now only metres away from a fatal face-plant, she rolled over onto her stomach and flared out her wings, slowing herself down before impact.

Gravity had played its part beautifully, allowing her to be fast without having to use her wings, but now it was time to retake control of her own speed. She did this by beating her wings once more, bringing them down in one powerful stroke. Now only inches from touching down, she was gracefully elevated, where she then looped-the-loop, slowing herself perfectly, before she set herself down gently on all four hooves.

She stood there in silence for a moment, before raising her head and smirked.

The cadets all gawked at her dumbly, before they erupted in cheers.

"YEAH!" Rainbow Dash rammed into her and hugged her tightly, "That's how you do it!"

The cadets all surged forward, pushing past one stallion who stood there, still gawking.

Rumble couldn't believe it!

So she hadn't beaten his time, but he still felt intimidated.

She was amazing!

Should he feel offended?

Rumble didn't quite know what to feel.

He then chuckled and relaxed, reclining back into his usual smug demeanor.

'Let the filly have her moment of glory.' he thought.

Honestly, she deserved that much.



"Alright, Scootaloo, that was amazing!" Featherweight cried out in praise again, for the twentieth time.

"Yeah," Scootaloo said with pride, "thanks!"

They were currently in the mess hall, taking a break as they anxiously awaited the results of the tests. They had now been through all the tests with varying degrees of success. The skills, balance and endurance tests had been a welcome treat to her, as she got to put all those months of training with Rainbow Dash to good use. However she'd struggled with the agility and speed tests more than she would've liked to admit.

So she had a long way to go, but as far as Scootaloo was concerned, she was on the right track.

"No, I mean really!" Featherweight persisted, "Me and the Ground support cadets monitored everything. You pulled off stunts I've only seen Wonderbolts do!"

"I know, Featherweight, you've told me that more times than I care to mention."

Featherweight and Scootaloo sat together, snacking and conversing casually, as friends do.

Featherweight was a nice guy. A bit bubbly and excitable but that's what made him good company. Plus, though it was a tad repetitive, she really didn't mind all the praise she was getting that much. He and a hoof-full of the other cadets had come to the academy not to fly, but to learn how to be the backbone of the flying team. They were the behind the scenes members; the ponies that gave advice on flying technique and team work. They were like what you'd a call a manager or coach; somepony who may not perform the action themselves, but still be able to coach the flyers into how to improve. Like a mentor.

It was just another reason why the JWA was awesome.

You didn't have to fly to be part of the team. Everypony plays a different role, and they see and promote that.

In the end, Scootaloo appreciated anypony who had goals and aspirations.

Featherweight and Scootaloo were here for very much the same reason: to accomplish their goals.

For that, she respected him.

"Hey," Featherweight said, shaking Scootaloo from her thoughts, "it's the list. They're hanging up the assigned teams."

And so it was.

A brawny stallion in shades and a suit, pinned a list to the far wall of the mess hall.

Instantly, there was a swarm of cadets against the wall, all gazing up at the notice.

Scootaloo turned back and nodded at Featherweight. They both stood and flew over to the notice.

Thereon the notice it read:


After analysing the results taken by Ground support,
we have assembled teams which we believe to be ideal
for the best development of skill and team work.
We encourage all those in the group to work together to achieve maximum capacity as a team.


Blah, blah, blah...

Bingo!


Delta squadron:
Featherweight - Ground support,
Scootaloo - Lead pony,
Rumble - Wing pony.


"Oh my Luna...Scootaloo...we're on the same team! A-a-and you're Lead pony. The. Lead. Pony!" Featherweight cried in excited disbelief.

Scootaloo too was dumbfounded.

Yeah, it was a nice surprise to be on the same team as Featherweight and to be Lead pony, but more than that...

"Wait. Who's Rumble?" She asked.

"You called."

Scootaloo turned and there he was.

The stallion from the laps.

The stallion from the Dizzitron!

"YOU!?"

"Long time no see Scoots." Rumble said, a smug smirk etched across his handsome face.
> Totally not freaking out right now
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I'm freaking out!" Scootaloo screamed, flailing her hooves in air, before groaning and slamming her face onto the table.

Having finished her first day of training, Scootaloo was now sitting at a table at Sugarcube Corner, trying with all her might to enjoy a triple swirl Strawberry milkshake. Finding out that she was now stuck in a team with the idiot Rumble for the rest of boot camp, had been a far less than perfect ending to what could have been a brilliant day. Thus, she needed something strong and high in sugar to drown out her sorrows.

Right now was 'free time', so she'd decided to fly back to Ponyville, hopefully miles away from any more jerks looking to spoil her day. She knew the milkshake alone would never quite compensate for the unholy injustice of being placed in a team with Rumble, but trying never hurt anypony.

But that wasn't the only reason she was here.

"Oh come on, Scoots. It can't be that bad...Can it?" Sweetie Belle said, still somewhat ignorant of the true severity of the situation.

True to her word, Scootaloo was primarily here to meet up with some close friends.

"Ah'm with Sweetie on this one Scootaloo. Yer jus' overreactin'." Apple Bloom said frankly.

"How can you say that? Don't you realise that this jeopardises my success? He'll ruin everything!" Scootaloo panicked, burying her head in her hooves, "I'm doomed. Doomed!"

"Oh my..." Sweetie Belle gasped, her eyes showing genuine concern.

Apple Bloom just rolled her eyes.

"Stop being such a scardy-filly! Fer Pete's sake, Scootaloo. Y'all manage to get into the Juniour Wonderbolt Academy, show off your amazin' skills, and yer tellin' me... you're scared of a colt?" Apple Bloom scoffed, chuckling a little whilst shaking her head at the end.

"I'm not scared!" Scootaloo cried indignantly, trying hide the blush of embarrassment that glowed on her cheeks, "I'm just...highly concerned is all. And I'd certainly appreciate it if my friends started showing a little more as well."

While Sweetie looked genuinely hurt, Apple Bloom simply nodded her head before downing her drink.

"Sorry Scoots, yer right." Apple Bloom said apologetically, "But it's just real puzzelin', how you've got yerself in a tizzy over this. Give it a day or two and Ah'm sure everythin' will be right and dandy."

"Mhm." Sweetie hummed, nodding her head in agreement.

"Yeah...dandy." Scootaloo mumbled, slouching down in her seat.

Though she greatly appreciated the encouragement, she couldn't see any hope. Or maybe she just didn't want to right now.

She raised her head and took a couple more sips of her milkshake, resting her head on her front hooves. She gazed into her drink before looking up at her friends.

Sweetie Belle was looking out the window, lost in thought, as she sung her legs to and fro under her chair. The sun light shone on her through the window, giving her white coat a glow as well as gracefully highlighting the beautiful colours of her mane, which cascaded down over her shoulders. Her eyes were a gleaming, pearly green marked boldly by a perfect application of black eyeliner.

Why did every angle have to bring out the best in her?

Sweetie had grown up to be kind, caring and stunningly gorgeous.

Apple Bloom on the other hand...

AB always had an opinion and she was never afraid to share it, taking her sisters' lessons on 'honesty' a bit too far. She was a bit blunt and outspoken but Scootaloo didn't mind it too much. She was a dear friend and always willing to help. She was also hard working and strong. Though her personality could be a bit overpowering bordering on sassy, Scootaloo knew that she didn't mean it that way, and that her friend always has her best interests had heart.

But she was happy and a joy to be around. Apple Bloom wasn't mean at all, and was quite friendly and chipper at the best of times.

Either way she looked at it, she had the best friends in the world, and there was no reason why she should be so gloomy with them here. They deserved better, and for what it's worth, she did too. Today was going to end 'a good day' no matter what.



Scootaloo raised her head from off the table and smiled, trying to look more attentive and sociable.

Apple Bloom noticed this and was quick to point it out.

"Alright, what are you thinkin'?" She asked, chuckling at her friends quick mood change.

"Nothing I just..." Scootaloo sighed, "Well, I'm just glad to be with you guys, and I shouldn't ruin this just because of some dumb colt."

Sweetie Belle smiled sweetly.

"That's more like it!" She exclaimed clapping her hooves together.

"We are pretty great, aren't we?" Apple Bloom stated smugly.

"Apple Bloom..."

"Oh, I know." AB chuckled, "I'm just teasin' ya."

"But speakin' o' 'dumb colts'..." Apple Bloom trailed off, turning to look at the entrance. "Where is that good fer nothin'-"

She was cut off by the clang of a bell, as the door to Sugarcube Corner opened and a burly stallion walked in, wearing a scarf around his neck, his brown mane, windswept, tousled and untidy. He stood there, briefly scanning the room with his chocolate brown eyes, before they fixed on their gaze on the girls' table. He breathed a sigh of relief and trotted up to the table, smiling.

"Hello girls, sorry I'm late." The white and brown spotted stallion said, breathing heavily as he brushed down his mane and adjusted his scarf, "It's a mite windy out there."

He spoke in a soft, cheery and polite, Trottingham accent, as he smiled sweetly.

Scootaloo's eyes widened and her mouth fell open as she gaped up at the familiar stallion.

"Hey there, Hunk." Apple Bloom said to him, wiggling her eyebrows cheekily. "Take a seat."

He smiled and sat down, draping a hoof over Apple Bloom's shoulder as she leaned into him, sighing quietly in content.

"Hiya Pipsqueak!" Sweeteie Belle gleamed.

Honestly, the name couldn't have been more ironic.

Scootaloo still sat, starring at the colt, amazed at friends' nonchalant behaviour.

To be fair, she hadn't really seen him after they'd left school. In which time, ponies would grow up and mature, but not all of them came like Pipsqueak.

Puberty had hit him like a nuke.

He wasn't as tall as Big Macintosh, but he was fairly burly. He was also very sweet, making him more of a lovable, hug-able giant.

Pip caught her expression and chuckled knowingly.

"It's been a while, Scootaloo." Was his only remark. A short and simple sentence, yet he'd still managed to 'say it all'.

Despite the immediate shock of seeing 'Pipsqueak mark 2', she nodded, content with his remark; taking it as a prompt to further inquire into her friends' current lives.

"So enough about me. How have you guys been?"

"Well, as side from the obvious," Apple Bloom said, glancing towards Pipsqueak momentarily before she proceeded, "Ah've been just fine. And by 'I', Ah mean the family as well. The farm's still holdin' up, AJ's fine last time Ah checked, an' Granny's still got a kick or two left in her. I swear, the only thing that'll kill her is boredom. She's a firecracker, always on the go. But she's old... even if she herself hasn't come to realise that."

Apple Bloom sighed heavily and shook her head.

"That's the way she's always been I suppose."

Scootaloo nodded her head.

"The usual then?"

"Eeyup."

"What about Pip?"

Pipsqueak seemed to become more alert with the mention of his name.

"Who, Hunk-wonder here?" apple Bloom laughed, winking up at her coltfriend while jabbing him playfully in the stomach with her elbow. "He's great! He helps out on the farm, an' Big Mac's been more than obliged to take 'im under his wing...figuratively speaking. He likes hiking an' goin' out on adventures, an' him bein' all 'easy on the eyes' is never a bad thing. He's the whole package really."

She then gave him a light kiss on the cheek, before sitting back down, blushing.

Pipsqueak wore a smile so smug, it could have rivalled Rumble's.

Scootaloo giggled at the couple's antics.

The way that Apple Bloom had spoken about Pipsqueak made him sound like a trophy, and that kiss...

Trust Apple Bloom to turn everything into a bragging competition.

Of course, that hadn't been the real reason for her very blatant show of affection, but there was still that gloating aspect to it.

Apple Bloom always had been mischievous at heart.

"D'awwww!" Sweetie Belle mused, "They're so cute! Aren't they cute?"

Scootaloo suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. Sweetie naturally had a very bubbly personality. She was so gung-ho and happy about...well, everything.

"So what about you, Sweetie?" She asked attentively, hoping to move the conversation along.

"Great!" She squealed excitedly. "I've been helping out at the school recently, holding after-school music clubs, cutie mark clubs that sort of thing. Helping fillies and colts who were just like us! As side from that, I just try and keep busy, look into hobbies and magic studies that sort of thing. Hey, don't gimme that look! I know I'm no Princess Twilight Sparkle, but I still have a horn. And if I'm gonna have magic, I might as well put some time and effort into learning to make good use of it. Also, it's super fun!"

"Awesome. At the very least you guys are actually being productive." Scootaloo commented.

Seeing this as a good moment to join the conversation, Pip spoke up.

"Right, well, now you know about all of us down here, how's life treating you up there? Bloom mentioned something about an academy..." He trailed off, prompting her to 'fill him in'.

"Oh right..." Scootaloo mumbled, her ears falling to the side of her head. "That."

"Crumbs...not going too well then?"

"Not exactly." She replied, her voice dripping with uncertainty.

"How so?" Pip asked, moving the conversation along at a steady pace.

"Well, it started out great! It was going to be an awesome first day; a chance to fly with Rainbow Dash and show off my stuff. I was even made Lead Pony of my squad!"

"I don't see anything wrong with that." Pipsqueak mused, chuckling.

"Just wait it gets better." She scoffed sarcastically. "Next, I find out my technician and Ground support rep. is Featherweight."

"Well, the lad can be a bit awkward at times, but he's a good friend. A nice all-around guy..."

"That's not the problem, Pipsqueak." Scootaloo said, cutting him off before he could continue. "Featherweight knows his stuff and is a brilliant asset to the team. It's my Wing Pony."

"What's wrong with your Wing Pony?"

"He's arrogant, big-headed and a complete idiot! He thinks he can fly fast and that that will solve everything. I'm betting he isn't the type to take orders easily, unless he's trying to make himself look great!"

"Who is he?"

Scootaloo sighed.

"Rumble." She growled the single word out, as if it was venomous and evil, which wouldn't have been too far off the bat in her mind. "I didn't even recognise him! He was flyin' around the course like a complete, know-it-all, hot shot! No consideration for others at all. Like, I remember him being a bit of a dork in school, but I never knew he'd grow up to be like this!"

"Aahh." Pipsqueak chimed. Then he smiled. "Well then, you have nothing to worry about!"

"Excuse me?" Scootaloo huffed indignantly.

"Trust me, he's a good friend...or mate, buddy, pony...anyway, he's got a couple rough edges. He'll take a couple knocks, and once his pride is gone, he'll become humble and teachable, you'll see. Once his arrogance is aside, he'll become great and a real team player. He just has that 'champion syndrome'."

"And what makes you so sure?" She scrutinised dubiously.

"Easy." Pipsqueak said, wearing a cheeky grin. "Because he's just like you."

> Rumble's problem
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Rumble, the Wonderbolt Cadet, was flying high up in the clouds, trying to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the late afternoon sky. He needed a bit of peace and tranquility around now; hopefully it was contagious.

For 'free time' the cadets had split up and gone their separate ways. Some went home, others to the mess hall or a study lounge.

Well, Featherweight did anyway...

So he had decided to do some flying, just to relax and clear his head.

Being completely honest, the first day had been an absolute mess!

Despite having the fastest time, he'd still managed to botch his landing on the tailspin exercise, making him look like an absolute foal! Okay, so maybe it hadn't been that bad, but it was to him and the humiliation was still his. Had it just been nerves? Maybe, but Rumble still felt horrible; guilty almost. Thunderlane would have landed that perfectly, no sweat!

That last thought just made him feel worse.

He'd let himself down, but it was more than that. He'd let his brother down.

Rumble flew on silently. His expression stern and serious; deep in thought. A small tear trailing down his cheek, being pushed back slightly by the rushing wind.

"No." he whispered to himself in quiet defiance of his thoughts.

He was an excellent flyer! How else would he have gotten into the academy? He had been applauded when he landed. So maybe the landing hadn't been a perfect ten, but he'd shown speed and fast reactions. He was aware of his surroundings, and had at least recovered somewhat for a less than perfect landing. But that was okay, everypony has an off day.

And what about the other exercises? So yeah, the Dizzitron thing still bothered him, but he'd done incredibly well on all the other drills, showing expert agility and reaction speed. He should be proud of himself!

...

So why couldn't he feel proud?

Rumble slammed his fore hooves to his temples, shaking his head and yelling out in rage.

Why?

Why!

Why!

Stupid emotions.

Stupid academy.

Stupid, stupid, stupid!

Rumble felt a sickly blend of emotions that he could sworn, should never be stuck together; it was an ugly mix.

Frankly, if he could take anything home from today it was this:

Hormones suck.



Thunderlane was at home, sitting at his dinning room table, sipping a cup of herbal tea. He was starring at nothing particular, lost in his thoughts; or rather, lack of. He was utterly and completely at peace. Nothing was as soothing as good cup of...

The door opened and Rumble walked in.

He stood in the door way as if he were lost, his eyes darting around, trying to spot what was out of place.

"Am I missing something?"

"The door." Thunderlane spoke softly.

Rumble looked behind him, his face expressing his realization.

"Oh yeah," he chuckled weakly, "neat."

He stood there awkwardly, feeling his brother's eyes look him over, up and down, trying to find what was out of place. He straightened and held his head high, puffing out his chest. Rather than making his current mood however, it only made his upset attitude more noticeable. Thunderlane picked this up instantly but said nothing, just stared at him blankly, watching him make a foal of himself.

Didn't he know it was useless hiding his feelings from him?

Thunderlane shuddered.

'This is so wrong.' He thought grimly.

Thunderlane knew what his brother was doing, because he had done the exact same thing as a young colt. It was nothing to be proud of, in his opinion. It meant they were alike.  Two apples that didn't fall far from the tree, nor land far from each other. Rumble was just one of those ponies that didn't get sad, they got angry and arrogant...or at least, that's what they were on the outside. Really it was a defense mechanism, not wanting to give into humiliation and embarrassment. But years of experience had taught Thunderlane that living in denial didn't help anypony, especially not yourself.

"Rumble." He addressed him calmly.

Rumble stiffened and tensed as he turned to meet his brother's blank face. He met his brother's gaze and felt himself being studied and scrutinized, locked in a tense game of masks. Thunderlane showing no emotion. Rumble, trying fiercely to keep himself from looking suspicious. His gaze wavered nervously, as sweat started to form on his brow.

Thunderlane smirked.

"You butchered it didn't you?" He asked with a wry smile.

'Gosh dang it...' Rumble thought glumly as his heart sank to his stomach.

"No!" Rumble huffed indignantly, "I did awesomely."

He wasn't lying; he had done fantastically well. But something still nagged him, something that cast a shadow over what would have been a perfect day, and it wasn't the landing. So why did he feel so...sad? Disappointed? Angry?

"That so?" Thunderlane pressed, sipping his tea in a manner that was intimidating and mocking, keeping his unblinking eyes on Rumble, still wearing that smug grin.

Rumble gave in. He knew his brother was aware of his mood already, and if there was one person in Equestria that could understand him, it was his brother.

He'd always looked up to his brother. He was Rumble's hero, though he never told him. For him, Thunderlane was somepony he had to make proud. He felt good when his brother was proud. He was also very thoughtful and perceiving, just what a big brother should be, but he was also fun and cool. As he'd gotten older, he'd become more reserved and...old.

Well, mature.

So if there was anypony Rumble could talk to now, it was Thunderlane.

He sighed and hung his head, allowing his emotions to get hold of him. Truthfully he never really had been in control of them. Thunderlane smiled. It wasn't mocking or smug, but kind, compassionate, genuine and inviting. He then tapped the seat next to him, prompting Rumble to sit with him.

He sat down as his brother put an arm around him.

"Listen," Thunderlane began in a soft but serious tone, beckoning his brother to listen, learn and take comfort from his words. "You don't have to tell me what happened today. But you need to understand what I'm about to say: self-pity does little to solve this problem. It's okay to feel sad, to fail and feel disappointed because it allows us to want to get better. What matters is that you do get better. You are an amazing flyer! Faster and more agile than I ever was, but you cannot let your pride get the better of you; trust me on that one."

Rumble looked up and nodded silently. He didn't really have much to say.

Thunderlane smiled again.

"You and me are two of a kind, little bro; we gotta stick together."

With that said, the embraced. Rumble felt better after that, not that he need hugging, but...

It was nice.

Thunderlane was right, as always. When he got back to the academy, he'd give one hundred and ten percent! He wasn't going to dream of success, he was gonna work hard at it! Even he was stuck as Wing pony, he'd be the best flying Wing pony Equestria had ever seen!

...

Rumble froze in his brother's arms, the weight of this thought finally setting in as he realised...

He was the Wing pony.



As the sun continued to set over the little town of Ponyville, ponies could be seen finishing their business for the day. This was the busiest time of day. Some were on their way to the stores, some on their way back. The smell of fresh pastry still hung in the air around Sugarcube corner, as it always did.

Scootaloo and her friends could be found outside talking, their laughter and voices blending with the general sound of trotting hooves, bits jangling in bags and the unmistakable sound of a young stallion roaring in rage and fury, somewhere in the no longer quiet town of Ponyville.
> Office job
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Sitting alone in a boring office was Soarin, the Wonderbolt. For years he had trained, anxious to do what he loved: fly! Now, he was second in command of a cracking team of flyers, acrobats and athletes. The best in all of Equestria, possibly even the best in Wonderbolt history. Out there in the sky, he had no worries, no obligations. Out there in the sky, he was free!

And here he was, half asleep in a room full of books and paper work.

What a lie that all was.

In the sky, true you had absolute freedom of space around you, but you also had to be aware and sharp, always ready for the next move and roll. Then there are storms, cyclones, twisters and all sorts of nasty stuff that can happen out there. Get a wing cramp a hundred metres up and that's it. You're dead. So yeah, the sky was totally free, so long as you are willing to pay the price of risk and danger.

But hey, that's what makes fun.

In all seriousness, you are perfectly safe when experience is on your side. Flying is fun if you can stay up. Free falling is fun if you know how to pull up. Training to fly, is what allows to be free in the sky. Otherwise, one would be at the mercy of every gust. Wings aren't just a gift, but a responsibility.

That statement may have caused anypony to keel over in mocking laughter. But what some ponies don't realise is this: just because a Pegasus is born with wings, doesn't make them a natural flyer. Everypony has to work hard to fly; some more than others.

That's why it was a privilege and a great responsibility to be the one of the drill instructors. He was a part of something big, something greater: something that filled him with pride! He had the opportunity to help young mares and stallions, just like he had been years ago, better themselves. It was so nice to see the youth invest in their future.

...

'Sweet Celestia, did that sound old.' He thought to himself.

But one thing was certain for Soarin: he took this job very seriously.

So where in the wretched job description did it mention paper work and office-sitting?

Soarin's expression became even more pitiful as he slumped forward in his chair, allowing his head to knock frustratedly against the table.

Then there was a knock at the door. Grateful for a reason to be distracted from his paper work analysis, Soarin perked up and cleared his throat, before laying his hooves out in front of him on the desk. He hoped he looked professional.

"Come in." He called in a measured tone.

The door opened and Scootaloo stepped in.

"Sir." She saluted before proceeding further.

She stood at attention, tall, with her eyes focused forward. Her expression was serious, mainly out of respect, or maybe the kid was just wound up a bit tight. Soarin chuckled, amused and charmed at how much 'Rainbow Dash' had worn off on the young mare.

Soarin stood and saluted back, noting her presence.

"At ease, cadet. What's up Scoots?" He said smiling. "Don't feel you have to do all that fancy stuff when we aren't in a drill."

"Okay," Scootaloo said, somewhat unsure of herself in this alien situation. How was she supposed to feel relaxed while addressing the sergeant?

"But I don't wanna get too casual. Wouldn't want to undermine your authority." She said chuckling, trying to get relaxed. "Plus, I find the whole 'stand to attention' thing thrilling in a way."

Soarin admired the excitement and energy, that just seemed to emit from the young rookie. She was definitely a great addition, though she wasn't the strongest flyer, making-up for whatever she lacked in the sky with a positive attitude and optimism. She was modest and chill; that, he could handle.

Motioning for her to take a seat, he proceeded to clear a space on his desk, putting the towering stack of ominous paper work aside. Leaning back on the table, he was grateful for this opportunity to stand and stretch his legs; he had been at that desk for what seemed an eternity.

"So," he began with a smile: something he seemed to do a lot. "What brings you here? Wing pain? Ear ache? Autograph? Or boredom...because if it's boredom, you've come to the wrong place to cure it!"

Soarin rolled his head back in a fit of laughter. A good laugh was just what he needed right now.

Scootaloo shifted uncomfortably.

"Yeah, you see, I came to talk about my team, Delta squad..." She said, rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly.

"I see." Soarin said. Though he was still smiling, it had shrunk as he spoke the words in tone that betrayed his cheery nature. His tired eyes seemed grow more heavy and his shoulders went slack.

Scootaloo was amazed at how much she had learned about the stallion just after a few brief encounters. Despite appearing aloof and relaxed, she could tell he was committed and extremely passionate. His warm smile and windswept mane complemented his cool, fun-loving nature. He could have been anypony's uncle, caring personally for each member of the team. Maybe this was why he now looked so dejected. His emotions were so clear and pronounced in his body language and demeanour, that it hurt her to see him upset over her discomfort.

"What's the problem?" he asked in a serious tone, folding his front legs over each other, genuinely interested in the situation. After all, they were his responsibility, he needed to make sure everything worked.

Scootaloo recoiled slightly at Soarin's choice of words.

"I never said it was a problem..." she began with a slight defensive tone to her words.

"You wouldn't have brought it up otherwise." he put bluntly.

Perfectly aware that she was now just stalling and beating around the bush, she averted her gaze from Soarin to wander the room, until she could come up with the courage to continue the somewhat 'touchy' subject. As she was looking around, she began to finally take note of her surroundings.

The office was plain, organised and tidy. There was a poster or two on the wall, but nothing too flashy. Evidently the room was only used now and again, and not as a long term work station. But there were still bits and pieces that spoke of whose office it was; clues that would have been missed unless given close attention.

The most obvious clue was the wonderbolt mug, sitting, steaming on the desk. Then there were the papers that bore Soarin's signature and rank. Then there was the desk itself. It was clean and organised, the pencils and quills laid out perfectly in a row, as if they were standing to attention: each item distanced from the next with exact precision.

This was a guy that evidently took his job seriously.

It's fascinating how much you can learn about a pony just from looking at their body language, listening to their words, and studying their place of work. 

Scootaloo smiled when she spotted a Wonderbolt's scarf with Rainbow's name on it, hanging from a coat hook.

"Well..." she began apprehensively, stroking a hoof on the ground, trying to choose her words carefully, "it isn't the idea of a team, more of who's in the team."

Soarin nodded, waiting for her to finish before he jumped to conclusions, his keen, stoic expression never faltering.

"It's my Wing Pony sir. I fear he will be uncooperative, reckless and unwilling to listen. We were told training would be intense, I can't have him damaging the chances of the team's success, possibly the entire group's success!"

"You mean your success?" Soarin said, his eyes closed as he focused on what Scootaloo had just said.

"Excuse me?" She replied in confusion, a little startled by what seemed to be an accusation. She couldn't help sounding a little indignant.

"Are you telling me this isn't a personal affair?" Soarin pressed.

"No! I-" she stammered. He was supposed to be helping her, not blaming her!

"Calm down." Soarin sighed, his expression softening. "look, I'm sorry if what I said offended you in some way," his words were genuine and his tone sincere, "but I think you know Rumble isn't the only problem, Scootaloo."

She was silent; head bowed as she stared at the ground.

"I notice you two have a bit of tension between you, but I have every bit of faith in you and your team pulling together. You'd be amazed at what can happen under certain circumstance. but you need to be willing to work with him as well, and put differences aside."

'Mixed', was how Scootaloo would have described her current standing. On one hand, she saw Soarin's words as true and logical...

But he was asking too much.

How could she work with a colt, who was so caught up in performing and impressing, to even think about working with others?

"Why me?" Scootaloo grumbled quietly, not able to hide her disappointment in what Soarin had said.

"Because I can't have tensions between the both of you, if you're going to work together efficiently. Both of you need to give everything, not just to yourselves, but to your team; and your team will give everything to you. That's how it works. Bad blood on the ground means bad flying in the air."

She watched the ground quietly.

This was not what she'd wanted to hear. Why didn't he understand?

Maybe Soarin did.

Maybe it was her that's the problem.

...

'Stupid brain.' She thought frustratedly, 'Why do you have to make sense?'

Even she was against herself.

But whatever; she was here to fly, not to be conflicted!

"Okay?" Soarin asked with warm concern.

Shaken from her thoughts, Scootaloo looked up and gave a weak smile.

"Okay." She said meekly, still terribly unsure of the entire debacle. Despite not hearing what she'd wanted to, maybe that was for the best.

Anyway, she was still grateful to Soarin and his advice. He was cool that way.

Soarin smiled and ruffled her hair a bit.

"Attagirl!" He said warmly, "Now go have some fun, break time's almost over."

She also appreciate that he took her success as a personal interest. The fact that it helped Rainbow like him twenty percent more was just a bonus.

A bonus that was more than happily received.

"Thanks." Scootaloo smiled, turning to leave.

She stopped just before she reached the door, hanging on a question that hadn't yet been answered.

"Just one more thing." She called back to Soarin.

Soarin turned back to look at her standing in the doorway, looking somewhat apprehensive.

"Me. Lead Pony. Why?"

This was the one thing that still perplexed her. Hopefully an answer would put her mind at rest.

"Why?" Soarin chuckled. "Because if anypony can teach that colt patience in his capabilities and learning, it's you."

She nodded knowingly, understanding exactly what he meant.

"And Featherweight?"

"Call that artist's insight."

At this they both laughed, as Scootaloo left the room, closing the door behind her.

Soarin continued to smile after she'd left.

Then he turned to see the stacks of paperwork, still on his desk.

Mocking him.

Soarin's expression immediately changed to one of dispair as he buried his muzzle into his hooves, folding his wings over his head.

"I can't see you. You can't see me."

Like a ghost from the past come to haunt him, he could feel the all-too-familiar shadow of boredom loom over him.

He sighed.

"No rest for the weary." He muttered.



A couple minutes later and Soarin was sitting at his desk.

The snores emanating from his nostrills were clear indicators that boredom had ultimately won the battle.

The office was completely silent aside from the occasional grunts and snores, until a stifeled giggle from a Rainbow maned mare broke the stillness.

Rainbow Dash had entered the room to find Soarin, face on desk, snoring up a storm, occasionally blowing a stray piece of paper to the floor. Frankly, it was adorable, and Rainbow found herself just standing and watching, smiling warmly.

But all good things come to an end.

Rainbow's eyes narrowed as a mischievous (bordering on evil) smile crossed her face. Then she closed her eyes, focusing on what she was doing.

Steadying her breathing was the first step.

Next: gulp.

Let it sit...

Then release!

What started as a light grumble in her stomach, grew and rose to the back of her throat.

The belch...was monumental.

It was a deep growl, rising and amplifying into an eruption.

Naturally, Soarin woke up. Jumping slightly, his eyes shot wide open as his arms flailed about, trying to regain his balance on the seat.

Rainbow, of course, found this hilarious and rolled back her head in laughter.

"Great diaphragm control, right?" She bellowed in laughter.

"Rainbow! Wha-?" Soarin yelled in confusion. What the hay was going on?

"Good evening to you too Snore-in." Rainbow teased, laughing even more at her joke.

"Snore? I wasn't...aw, crud." Soarin said in fear and frustration. "I wasn't drooling was I?"

Rainbow giggled even more.

"A little bit."

Soarin let his head fall once more onto the desk.

"Horse apples."

"Don't sweat it too much. It was pretty cute." She admitted blushing.

"That so?" he smirked. "Maybe I should let you catch me sleeping more often then."

"So you finally confess to sleeping on the job, huh?" Rainbow teased further as she nuzzled the crook of his neck.

"Only if you want me to."

Soarin turned his head to look into Rainbow's eyes, giving her a light kiss on the cheek.

"Anything for you."

They both blushed and sighed in content, snuggling up against each other, savouring their little moment.

There was a cough from beside them and both of their eyes shot open, their expressions falling. They turned their heads to the origin of the sound, dreading who might be there.

Sappiness was cute 'n' all...

But not when you have a live, unannounced, audience.

"You two are adorable, you really are." Featherweight said, embarrassed to have caught them during a tender moment. "But Rainbow Dash is needed down on the drill ground now sir. If that's okay...I mean..."

They both starred: flabbergasted.

"Featherweight!" Rainbow gasped, "How-?"

"Oh, yeah...that." Featherweight blushed, bashfully. "Stealth is one of the things I picked up being the ninja photographer of the foal free press. Not that I was trying to catch ninjas, no...I mean, my skills are somewhat ninja. If only I had my camera now, you two just-"

"We get it." Soarin said. "Thank you. Uh…Rainbow?"

"Right, right." Rainbow jumped back off Soarin, blushing deeply, "Drill ground. Now. Got it. Bye."

She rushed out of the room with her face hidden under her mane, trying to hide her burning red cheeks.

Soarin watched her go sadly, before slumping back in her chair.

"Erm...Sir?" Featherweight managed.

Soarin rubbed his temples numbingly.

"What?" He growled, pouting.

"One of the cadets wanted to see you, sir."

'For the love of...Somepony better be dying...'

"Thank you, Featherweight." Soarin sighed in despair, "Send them in on your way out."

Featherweight nodded apologetically, backing out and into the hallway.

"Please don't be moody. Please don't be moody. Please don't be moody..."

Right on que, Rumble barged in.

"Wing Pony?" Rumble yelled "Seriously!"

Soarin let out a heavy groan, the kind you make on your deathbed.

Unfortunately, this seemed very fitting.

Soarin let his head slam onto the desk.

Once again, he sighed.

"No rest for the weary." He muttered.
> Some advice (mini chapter)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"Wing Pony?" Rumble yelled "Seriously!"

He let out his breath, calming himself. He knew he certainly wasn't coming across very well.

"Sorry. With all due respect sir, though I honour your decisions, I cannot understand why she and I were not only put on a team together, but I was made Wing Pony!" Rumble attempted to soften his words, hoping to not come off as even more rude and obnoxious. "I know Scootaloo is a great flyer; her stamina and control are admirable qualities, but the entire set-up of Delta squad is undoubtedly questionable."

He stood still now, waiting for Soarin's response when it came.

Upon first entering the room, the Wonderbolt had looked exhausted and on the verge of colapse. But now he was wide awake, in no small part due to Rumble's sudden inquiries.

"Questionable?" Soarin questioned, trying to ease Rumble and reach a solution, "How so?"

"She hates my guts out!" Rumble exclaimed.

"I'm sure that's not tr-"

"It has to be true. All through the exercises she was glaring at me. Then at the lunch hall, she got angry because I said 'hello'. Are you sure this filly is stable?"

"I agree that Scootaloo seems to have taken this whole situation quite...personally." Soarin said thoughtfully, chuckling slightly.

"Exactly!" Rumble exclaimed again, "The problem is: I don't know what 'this situation' is!"

Nodding, Soarin stood up and walked to where Rumble was standing nervously. he looked panicked; genuinely confused. Taking this in mind Soarin spoke up again, trying to select words that would be of the most comfort, but also provide the quickest temporary solution. Frankly, he was tired and just wanted some piece, but he also knew that this was a matter that Delta squad would have to sort out for themselves.

"Listen Rumble, maybe you're all over-excited by this new experience. For Scootaloo, it's probably her first time having to fly as a team; she feels a lot of responsibility to and for the team, that's why she's the leader." he stated in a factual tone of voice, punctuating his confidence in his words.

"But I-" Rumble chirped before being cut off quickly by Soarin's hoof.

"However..." he emphasised, "you weren't assigned Wing Pony because I and the other leaders don't believe in you, quite the opposite in fact. You already have great confidence and skill. I believe you have an awesome talent for this, but the fact is that Scootaloo needs you to be there for her and to watch out for her. Remember, you guys are a team! She watches out for you and you watch out for her. You fly together and protect each other from harm."

Placing a hoof on Rumble's shoulder, he continued, getting carried away in the moment.

"Trust me, Cadet when I say that a team is only as good as its weakest member, it's the truth. and don't you forget it." He paused for a moment, trying to regain his 'professional' composure. "Do you understand what I'm telling you? scootaloo just as nervously excited as you are. You two have a lot more in common than you may think, and I'm sure that if you guys can work together, you will be one of the greatest teams ever. Because that's what you'll be: a team!"

Feeling finished, soarin stepped back and stood tall in front of rumble, who had his head hung slightly as he contemplated Soarin's earnest advice and guidance.

"Do you understand?" soarin invited in a kind voice, full of his cheery personality.

Standing silently for a while, he took a moment and than rose up and smiled a confident, victorious smirk. It was really weird, but there something about Soarin that inspired enthusiasm, tenacity and energy...even if he looked ready to keel over.

"Right!" Rumble cheered.

Soarin laughed. "Great!" He exclaimed, "then consider yourself dismissed to your quarters, Cadet."

"Roger that, Sir." He saluted before flying over to the door, ready to leave. He paused and turned his head to look at soarin.

"Sir?"

Soarin turned and looked at Rumble expectantly.

"Thanks."

He stood in silence for a bit, then smiled. "Go get some rest, Rumble. And who knows, you may learn something from Scootaloo."

Rumble huffed a little and shook his head, smiling. "let's not get ahead of ourselves."

And with that, he left.

Staring at the door, Soarin stayed put, thinking. He wasn't sure what he'd expected from Rumble, but whatever it had been, he was glad and somewhat surprised at how receptive he was. He was a good kid once he got talking, something he found admirable about both him and Scootaloo. Both had expressed concern in the team, which in the very least meant they cared and were aware. Though it was going to take work, Soarin was content with the steps they'd taken today. Surely, they were steps in the right direction.

And with that...he collapsed to the ground, finally fast asleep.



The night had rolled in quietly while the cadets were getting settled into the barracks. In the main academy building, the muffled sound of beating wings could be heard coming from down the corridor outside Soarin's office office. Next minute, the door to the office squeaked open and a certain Rainbow haired mare walked quietly into the dark room.

"Soarin?" she called quietly, "Where are you? You weren't in your room so..."

As if in answer, she tripped on a something round and fleshy and crashed to the floor. She stayed in place for a while, groaning loudly before slapping her hoof across her mouth, trying to keep quiet. Wincing a little, she rolled over to stare at the grunting and gurgling culprit. Sure enough, there he was, still fast asleep.

"Oh, Soarin." Rainbow Dash chuckled, shaking her head in her hoof.

Getting up, she flew over to fetch her Wonerbolt's scarf from the coat hangers on the wall. Now kneeling down by Soarin, she wrapped it loosely around his warm neck, before backing away to look at him. She felt her cheeks getting warm, and that familiar feeling in her chest whenever she was around him. Soarin let out a loud, gargled snore and kicked a little as he exhaled. Rainbow Dash giggled, and closed the door before snuggling next to him, nuzzling and brushing her head up against the crook in his neck endearingly.

"goodnight, dork." Rainbow whispered in a sly voice as she lay her head down.

"Glarple-blrgh-flwrp..." Soarin gurgled.

"Yeah." she sighed in content. "I love you too."