Chapter 13: Demonstration
"One week."
Shadow marched forwards and backwards in front of the six trainees.
"One week," Storm repeated, "and your dog fighting skills have improved by a factor of two. Your reaction times are better, your unpredictability has risen and you all fly better."
The six grinned with joy and pride as Shadow paused, stopping at the end of their line.
"It's not good enough," he continued with a hint of anger, "The Wonderbolts need to be the best. Only two of you have shown dog fighting prowess, and I still can take you down in seconds. Dog fighting isn't everything, however. Aerobatics are also needed. Grace, agility, and skill are also required of a Wonderbolt. Tomorrow, we test your grace, agility and skill. I've arranged a military demo over Sweet Apple Acres. You six are the main act. You'll each have a ten minute solo to show off your flying capabilities."
Although their happiness was slightly sullied, the idea of performing in front of a crowd filled the airponies with a different kind of happiness, mixed with apprehension.
"As a result, training is cancelled today. You're all cleared for active flight for the remainder of the day. Figure out what you're doing, and practice flying a standard chevron pattern together. Other than that, no further orders. Dismissed."
As the six ponies began to walk over to the runway, Shadow smiled slightly. They weren't the greatest flyers in Equestria, but they weren't the worst either.
'I can make a squadron out of them yet...'
"Captain!"
Shadow turned to see Stravor approaching rapidly. His face showed great urgency as he saluted Shadow.
"We got two messages this morning, both fairly important," he stated, straightening himself.
"At ease," Shadow commanded, raising an eyebrow, "And?"
"Spitfire is going to be arriving in four days, earlier than expected," Stravor continued, glancing to the side to watch the first few airponies taking flight.
"Well, that's important but not necessarily bad," Storm remarked, "She's fairly agreeable."
Stravor nodded and stated, "Yes sir, but there is also a message from Captain Armor of the Legion. He requests your presence in Canterlot as soon as possible."
Storm's eyes widened with curiosity and confusion.
"Did he mention why?" the shadowy Pegasus questioned slowly.
Stravor nodded and answered, "Yes. They need you to testify against Colonel Gallop."
Shadow growled slightly at that name. The whole ordeal with Gallant and the assassination conspiracy seemed so far in the past, yet so close it was almost as if it had occurred yesterday.
"Sir?" Stravor asked, lowering his head slightly.
Shadow nodded and quietly responded, "Alright, thank you Sergeant. Dismissed."
Stravor nodded and turned to head back to the command centre. Shadow continued musing on this newfound information for a few minutes. After his period of thought, Storm returned to the Command Centre and spent the remainder of the day drinking coffee and filing reports and paperwork.
The day came to a close as most other days had. Shadow trotted home alongside Dash, talking as they had since his arrival in Ponyville so long ago. As the sun disappeared beyond the horizon, Storm settled down in his bed and quickly fell into a swift, deep sleep.
Morning came early the next day, as the sun trickled gracefully through the window. Storm awoke quickly, and set off to the base after having a hasty meal. He arrived to find his squadron of trainees waiting on him. As they lined up at attention, Shadow began his usual pacing in front of them as he briefed them.
"Today you represent three things. The RAF, the Wonderbolts, and my skill as an instructor," Shadow stated, his face dead serious, "So don't buck it up! It is currently 0700 hours, and the demo starts at 1200. Applejack, owner of Sweet Apple Acres has kindly allowed us to perform over her fields, and has even allowed us to practice for the demo any time today. Once we get there, I'll brief you on what we are doing, and we'll do a few dry runs. But first, I need to do a bit of training today."
The trainees tightened up, expecting more rigorous dog fighting or exercise of some kind.
Shadow noted their posture and clarified, "I'm just going to instruct you today, no actual flight. As a Wonderbolt, there are three key traits you must have; agility, aerobatics, and awesomeness. You all are agile and are fairly good at aerobatics. You are all sadly lacking in awesomeness, however. You all need a signature move. Each Wonderbolt has one. If you know any of the moves, raise your hoof."
Instantly, Rainbow Dash launched her hoof into the air.
Stifling a grin, Shadow asked, "Anyone aside from Dash? Berry? Chaser?"
The others remained motionless and silent.
Shadow shook his head and sighed, saying, "Alrighty then. Dash, go ahead."
"Your signature move is the Verti-reversal. You fly straight up at full speed, increase your drag, and reverse your direction in a flop-like maneuver, gaining a massive amount of speed while sacrificing altitude."
Shadow nodded as Dash beamed brightly.
"So figure out your signature move, your routine, and meet me at Sweet Apple Acres at 0900. That's two hours. Dismissed."
Shadow quickly turned and began a swift trot toward the command centre. After checking his agenda, he dashed back to the air strip, and took off. Within minutes he arrived at Sweet Apple Acres, finding the Apple family busily setting up various stalls and a large stage in anticipation of the military demonstration. As Shadow glided to a stop, landing softly on the emerald grass below him, Applejack noted his arrival and waved.
"Howdy there Shadow!" she yelled, before returning to her work.
Shadow waved back, and quickly began inspecting the work that was going on all around him. Finding it more than suitable, he trotted over to Applejack.
"Keep up the good work," Shadow noted with a grin, "Everything looks awesome."
Storm remained at the farm for the remainder of the two hours in between the show and rendezvous time, idly chatting to Applejack from time to time. As the two hours came to a close, Shadow spotted the Trainee Wing, flying in a raggedy formation, in the distance. Storm watched as they slowly came closer, eventually landing in front of him.
"Here's the deal," Shadow started, pacing in front of the six airponies, "I'll remain aground for the majority of the demo. I'll be doing an intro for you over the microphone. You'll fly at low altitude in a 200 metre radius around the demo, waiting for the cue, "two hundred and third". At this time, veer left and fly in at top speed, over the stage. If the timing is right, you'll soar by just as I'm finishing. You'll do a wide delta formation turn, and then retake your place at 200 metres. As I call your names, come in and do your routine. Once you've done it, return to formation. At the end, I'll do a rapid solo, and join the formation for one last, low altitude high speed pass. Any questions?"
Silence was the only answer.
"Good," Shadow ordered, "Get flying. We'll run the entire thing over a couple of times."
"Welcome fillies and gentlecolts!"
Shadow swallowed, slightly anxious. He never had trouble with public speaking, but the fact that the rookies had no time to prepare or plan made him nervous. He watched as his rather odd co-hosts, Pinkie Pie and Spike, continued their opening words.
"Today we have a special event!" cried Spike, his purple tail wagging slightly.
"I know right? It's so super duper special!" added Pinkie happily.
Spike frowned slightly, and continued, "Everyday, Equestria is protected by an elite military named the Imperial Legion. The Imperial Legion you may know very well, however one of the lesser known divisions is the Royal Air Force. The RAF specializes in air combat and general flight."
"That's right! And that rhymes too. So does plight... and kite!" Pinkie added again, beaming with excitement.
Spike turned and glanced at Pinkie in confusion. He sighed slightly and turned back to the massive crowd sitting in front of the stage. Almost all of Ponyville was in attendance.
"Right... anyway, the RAF has long been famous for its top squadron, the Wonderbolts!"
A loud cheer erupted from the audience.
"With the recent declaration of war, the Wonderbolts have been torn between their military duties and duty to keeping everyone happy by performing their daring stunts. As a result, a second Wonderbolts squadron has been created. We now go to Captain Hotshot, leader of the squadron," Spike stated.
Shadow shuffled closer to the microphone stand in front of him, and began, "Thank you Spike. The second Wonderbolt squadron was created just as he said, due to the rapid increase in demand for the original squadron. It was also created due to the recent promotion of several key members. The squadron is not full, and still has room for several Pegasi. For the past month and a half, we have been training airponies heavily, weeding out the lesser flyers from the great ones. What we are left with is the elite flyers, whose skills are unmatched in the skies."
Shadow took a deep breath and shouted loudly, "Without further ado, I present to you the two hundred and third Royal Air Force Squadron, THE WONDERBOLTS!"
He drew out the last word, and within seconds his voice was lost in the din of Pegasi racing by at top speed.
'Their timing was perfect...' Shadow noted, 'Let's hope it stays that way.'
Storm watched as the formation veered up and out again, taking its former position in the skies.
"Now, we'll highlight each airpony, allowing them to show their style and grace in the skies. First we have Aircolt Berry..."
Storm watched as a single figure soared overhead, and began a series of barrel rolls. Shadow sighed slightly, relieved.
'Keep it up guys, make me proud...'