Wonderbolts Academy
Pony's Log Number 307: One of the most difficult decisions anypony can make is having to choose between their lifelong dream and doing what is right...
One day, the mane six were enjoying a little picnic just below Rainbow's cloudominium. Twilight was just enjoying one of the books she had brought with her. Rarity was sipping a drink, Applejack was eating an apple, Fluttershy was just sitting quietly looking cute, Rainbow was looking out into the distance, and Pinkie Pie was bouncing around Rainbow's mailbox, which had been placed on the ground.
"Ooooh," Pinkie groaned frantically, "I wish the mailpony would just come already! I can't wait another minute to find out if Rainbow Dash got in or not!" Pinkie started bouncing about on her hind legs and then squatted down, trembling nervously before the mailbox.
"Pinkie Pie," said Twilight calmly as she looked up from her book, "you're more nervous than Rainbow Dash."
"I'm not nervous at all," said Rainbow in her usual confident demeanor, "When I get into the Wonderbolts Academy..."
"IF you get in!" Pinkie retorted as she stood on Twilight's book, making the purple pony back away from the group, "if you get in! Don't jinx it!" As Pinkie spoke, she got into Rainbow's face and shook her by the shoulders with her fore-legs.
"I'm telling you, it's in the bag," said Rainbow with a calm smile on her face.
"Don't jinx it!" Pinkie protested.
"Maybe Mario put in a good word for you," said Fluttershy, "After all, Spitfire asked him to help her out at the Academy. He said he'd be gone for about six weeks."
"I'm surprised Twilight's been so calm about it," said Rarity, "Mario's been gone four weeks already."
"Of course I'm calm," said Twilight, "Mario loves me with all his heart and I said he should do it. He writes to me every day that he misses me and I write back. Why would I be worried about him being gone for so long? I mean he's only spending his time with Spitfire...who is a girl...and she's been there for him since his accident...they are very close...and any colt would love to be her special somepony. (Heh) I mean Mario is very handsome...and Spitfire is single...and the Pegasi stallions are always getting crushes on her...Spitfire could well say she's better for Mario. But...Mario wouldn't dump me for her, right, right? Right?" The more Twilight spoke, the more unstable her smile became and the hairs from her mane started sticking out one by one. The rest of the group just looked a bit worried and disturbed.
"Umm, of course not," said Applejack, "Besides, Mario has always said his heart is for you, Twilight. He wouldn't get together with Spitfire."
"But Mario is still a stallion," said Twilight frantically, "And Spitfire could easily persuade him into dumping me for her. After all, when he needed me to most after his accident, she was the one there for him! Not me! Don't you get it! I'm losing my Schmoopy to Spitfire! He'll love her more than me!" Twilight then buried her face into the picnic blanket and began to cry loudly.
"Oh, maybe I shouldn't have said anything," Fluttershy said sadly, "I was only saying that with Mario at the academy. He might be able to help Rainbow get accepted."
"Actually, I didn't tell him that I was applying." Rainbow remarked, "I wanna get in by my own merit and not because he's best friends..."
"You mean his new marefriend!" Twilight cried out as he tears continued to fall.
"No, I don't want to get in because he's best friends with Spitfire," Rainbow finished sternly.
"I'm sure you can get in on your own," said Rarity.
"She is the best flyer in Ponyville," said Applejack as she continued munching her apple.
"In Ponyville?" Rainbow exclaimed as she zoomed in front of Applejack and Fluttershy and posed in the air, "I'm probably the best flyer in all of Equestria!" Rainbow then spun around a large white cloud and created a slide, which she went down on laying on her back and sliding head first on it.
"I wouldn't be surprised if they just made me a Wonderbolt on the first day," said Rainbow confidently as she hovered back down the group flying backwards as she reclined in the air. Rainbow was so busy boasting that she ended up bumping right into the messenger pony.
"Got a letter here for Rainbow Dash," the messenger pony. Rainbow quickly snatched the letter and hovered away as she tore it open and read the letter inside. As she continued reading, her excited smile soon turned into a disheartening frown.
"I...didn't get in," said Rainbow sadly. Pinkie gasped as the rest of the group just gave Rainbow sad looks.
"Gotcha!" said Rainbow and laughed as she showed them what was obviously an acceptance letter, making them smile as she gave them all a smug look, "Ha, you guys are so gullible. Like I wasn't gonna get in!" Rainbow was then intercepted by the pink blur, knocking the acceptance letter out her fore-hoof. They spun about a bit before Rainbow found herself caught in one of Pinkie's bone crushing hugs.
"I'm just soooooooooo happy for you!" said Pinkie as she hugged Rainbow tightly.
"Uh...thanks?" Rainbow remarked as Pinkie squealed as she squeezed the blue Pegasus even tighter. Rainbow's eyes looked like they were about to pop out as she cringed painfully.
"Pinkie Pie?" said Rainbow, "I kinda need to get going."
"Okay, I'm done!" said Pinkie as she let the cyan Pegasus go and bounced away. Rainbow then zoomed by Applejack and Rarity, who had prepared her saddle bag, and put it on the blue Pegasus's back.
"The sooner I get there," said Rainbow as she adjusted her saddle bag strap, "the sooner I get to show 'em my stuff! See you guys in a week! Oh, and I'll be sure to say hello to Mario if I see him!"
"Tell Mario I love him!" Twilight called out from below before adding angrily, "and get him as far away from Spitfire as possible!" The others looked at her annoyingly. Twilight just blushed and smiled sheepishly.
"Whatever," said Rainbow with a dismissive eye roll as they all waved goodbye.
"Good luck!" Applejack shouted as she stood a few feet away from the group.
"Won't need it," said Rainbow as she flew off into the sky and out of sight. Pinkie then rushed beside Applejack and pulled out a giant sized megaphone.
"DON'T FORGET TO WRITE!" Pinkie shouted so loudly as they the mountains and trees swayed away from her voice as it echoed into the distance. Even the four friends had to hold their ground as their manes blew from the loud volume of Pinkie's voice.
"Do you think she heard me?" Pinkie asked as the rest of the ponies had frazzled manes, tails, and expressions on their faces. Then Twilight quickly recovered.
"Oh, she'll hear this," said Twilight as she grabbed the megaphone, "SAVE MY SCHMOOPY AND DESTROY SPITFIRE!" While the others covered their ears this time, the same background animation for the mountains and trees was repeated as Twilight's voice echoed in the distance.
"A little loud Twilight?" Pinkie asked in annoyance.
"Listen to her!" said the rest of the ponies as they all gathered around Pinkie and glared.
"What?" Pinkie asked innocently. The others just rolled their eyes at her cluelessness.
(Main Theme)
Rainbow was very excited as she made her way to the top of a very tall plateau that had an airstrip on it and various buildings surrounding it made out of clouds. This was the location of the Wonderbolts Academy. Rainbow smiled as she saw various squads of Pegasi take the skies. Another pegasi group began flying through various cloud rings as another group marched in formation together. Other groups were doing push-ups, one Pegasi was even doing chin ups with one of the Pegasi instructors, and another group maneuvered through some metal rings as they flew past Rainbow.
"Oh yeah!" said Rainbow with a confident and determined smile on her face as she headed toward the airstrip, "This is gonna be sweet!" As Rainbow headed on her way, Mario and Spitfire were just chatting with each other. Both of them were each wearing a military style uniform and a pair of sunglasses with a whistle around their necks. While Spitfire was the Captain of the Wonderbolts, she was also a Sergeant of the Wonderbolts Academy. While she had started Mario as her personal assistant, those above her actually made him a Lieutenant, which was permanent even though his time working with Spitfire was temporary. While most Pegasi knew Mario earned his rank...
"Hey, why don't you two stop goo-goo eyeing each other in sun when there's work to be done!"
"ZIP IT UP THERE!" Spitfire shouted angrily.
There were others who believed it was because of Spitfire's "friendship" that Mario got his rank, especially since the two ponies were always seen together in public. Mario was just as irritated with the remarks as well.
"This is getting old really fast," Mario remarked, "I mean sure, you're a great mare and would totally be really awesome to date. But I already have my marefriend. We're just lifelong friends who helped each other succeed."
"Exactly," said Spitfire, "besides, you're cute, but not my type. I mean you're too emotional, too sensitive, and you have anxiety problems..."
"Gee, thanks," said Mario sarcastically.
"You're welcome," Spitfire continued, "And you are a bit of a hot-head."
"Looks whose talking," Mario remarked as Spitfire jabbed his side with a fore-hoof.
"I just like being tough and you know that," Spitfire told him.
"Maybe a little too tough," Mario replied.
"Not this again..." Spitfire retorted with an eye roll.
"Seriously, I know you like to filter out the strong from the weak," said Mario, "but the way you made that pony cry was a bit much. She was just standing there and you hadn't even given instructions yet!"
"That's tough love, Mario," said Spitfire, "It's worked for me all these years so I ain't gonna change it. It worked on you after all." Mario just rolled his eyes.
"After you made me cry a river and wanna give up," Mario added.
"Not my fault you're soft," Spitfire remarked.
"Takes one to know one, Miss I-Got-Rejected-By-Wonderbolts-Three-Times-And-My-Life-Is-Over-WAHHH!" Mario remarked. Spitfire growled.
"You tell nopony that story or I'll send you back to the ground the hard way!" Spitfire warned.
"If I go, I'm taking you with me!" Mario added with a smirk.
"I can fly you dummy!" Spitfire shot back.
"Not with me holding on you," Mario replied, "because, and I quote, I'm too heavy for you to carry." Spitfire and Mario glared at each other, but they laughed.
"Ah, good times, right buddy?" Spitfire remarked.
"You bet," said Mario, "Oh looks like the next group has arrived! And whaddya know...Rainbow's here."
"Think you can avoid showing her any favoritism?" Spitfire asked.
"Actually, I plan I making her suffer even more then everypony else," said Mario with a sly grin.
"Perfect," said Spitfire, "Get your game face on and let's go give 'em the warm welcome."
"Ready when you are, buddy," Mario replied as he summon two other Pegasi staff cadets, each wearing a light blue dress shirt, caps, and shades, to stand behind the two ponies as they made their way towards the group.
"Well, lookie what we got here," said Spitfire bluntly as the group stopped talking and stood at attention, "Bet y'all think you're Wonderbolt material, don't ya?"
"Yes, ma'am!" All eight Pegasi shouted.
"Think you got what it takes to be an elite flyer?" Spitfire asked firmly as the two staff cadets let Spitfire and Mario pace about on their own.
"Yes, ma'am!"
"Think you've to the guts to make it through a week of training in one piece?" Mario asked.
"Yes ma'am!"
Mario gave them all a death glare.
"Yes sir!"
"That's better!" Mario said sternly.
"I think ma'am was more fitting," Spitfire remarked.
"Oh hush you," said Mario annoyed. Some of the other Pegasi snickered, especially Rainbow. But they quickly stopped when Spitfire started talking again.
"Well then. Let's me be the first to tell you..." said Spitfire with a smirk before she got into the face of one mare, "You don't! If you had what it took to be an elite flyer, you'd already be a Wonderbolt!" The mare looked a little discouraged as Spitfire walked away. Mario then got into Rainbow's face.
"Hear that?" said Mario as he raised a fore-hoof to his ear, "Silence! Nopony saying you should be a Wonderbolt! Guess you're not as good as you think you are!" Rainbow just growled inwardly. If she didn't know Mario was just doing his job, she would have beat him up by now. Spitfire then got into Cloudchaser's face.
"Still think you're something special?" Spitfire asked loudly, making the purple Pegasus's knees quiver.
"No, ma'am!" Cloudchaser squeaked. Spitfire then walked over to Bulk Biceps. She took notice of his rather tiny wings, making the large, muscular stallion very nervous.
"Ya think you're hot stuff?" Spitfire demanded as she hovered up to Bulk's face to make eye contact with him. Bulk just cowered back fearfully.
"You look like you're the worst flyer in the whole academy!" said Spitfire to Rainbow Dash.
"I wonder how much begging she had to do to get in," said Mario, "She looks like she's all talk and no skills!" Rainbow glared.
"You'll probably quit after the first day!" Spitfire added.
"No, ma'am! No, sir! I'd never quiet, ma'am...and sir!" Rainbow answered firmly.
"We will see," said Mario sternly before he and Spitfire headed towards another Pegasus mare with an ocean blue fur and light orange mane and tail.
"Ha. What about you?" Spitfire demanded, "But you couldn't fly past the first flagpole without getting winded."
"Try me, ma'am," said the ocean blue Pegasus. Spitfire was a bit stunned, as was Mario, as the yellow-orange Pegasus lowered her shades. Even Rainbow looked to the side with interest.
"What's that?" Spitfire demanded.
"Let me show you what I've got, ma'am," said the ocean blue Pegasus.
"Ah. You want a chance to prove yourself, huh?" Spitfire asks.
"Yes, ma'am," the ocean blue Pegasus replied. Mario glared at her sternly.
"You are either the bravest or the dumbest Pegasus I've ever met," said Mario as he looked at Spitfire and then Rainbow, "make that the third actually."
"You better not be talking about me, Lieutenant!" Spitfire shot back.
"I wasn't," said Mario but then smirked, "until you opened your big mouth." The others snickered as Spitfire snarled.
"You wanna prove yourselves," said Spitfire, "Well then, now's your chance. Give me five hundred laps! All of you!" All but Rainbow and the ocean blue Pegasus groaned in reply.
"NOW!" Spitfire yelled as she blew her whistle and the eight Pegasi all took off with Rainbow and the ocean blue mare taking the lead. Mario just shook his head.
"As if one bloated ego wasn't bad enough," said Mario, "this troop's got two of 'em!"
"Well, they're either gonna prove themselves or be knocked down a peg or two the hard way," Spitfire remarked.
"Works for me," Mario replied as he grabbed a clip board to mark down the number of laps each Pegasus completed their laps around the track, or air track since they were flying and not running. Six of the eight Pegasi were flying about at a slow but steady pace while Rainbow and the ocean blue mare were literally racing each other and were well ahead of the others. Cloudchaser was about to complete another lap when the two Pegasus zoomed by, leaving a cloud of dust as Cloudchaser spun about and coughed from all the dust. Mario, Spitfire, and the staff cadets remained calm despite all the dust.
"Lap four-hundred and ninety-nine!" Spitfire called out.
"The FINAL LAP!" Mario called out like an announcer.
"Do you always have to do that when somepony is one lap from finishing?" Spitfire asked annoyed.
"Oh come on, we're retired track racers," said Mario, "Like you don't miss hearing that!"
"Whatever," Spitfire answered but still smiled nevertheless. Rainbow and the ocean blue Pegasus smirked as they raced along.
"One more lap to go!" said Rainbow.
"You're on!" said the ocean blue Pegasus as the two Pegasi raced each other. They were evenly matched in terms of speed and were soon skidding to a stop side by side as they finished their last lap.
"Five hundred!" Spitfire called out and then she and Mario approached the group.
"Not bad...for a couple of newbies," said Spitfire.
"We will see if that was pure skill...or pure luck," Mario added as he and Spitfire walked away to continue count for the other Pegasi.
"Name's Lightning Dust," said the ocean blue Pegasus.
"Rainbow Dash!" said the cyan Pegasus as they shared a high-five with their wings.
"Wanna grab some grub in the mess hall?" Lightning Dust asked.
"Definitely," said Rainbow as the two headed into the mess hall.
Back in Ponyville, Pinkie was standing beside her mailbox. It appeared that every few seconds Pinkie would creak open the mailbox door with a smile on her face, but once she found it empty, she'd frown and close it. Then repeat the process over and over again every couple of seconds. It was then Applejack arrived.
"Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash hasn't even been gone twenty-four hours yet," said Applejack, "Give her a chance to settle in first. I don't remember you being this anxious over a letter from Mario when he left."
"Oh, I know when Mario sends his letter to me," said Pinkie, "his letters come in the mail exactly seven days apart. Once I figured out Rainbow Dash's letter schedule, I can then know when to expect it and I won't have to sit in front of the mailbox every second of the day."
"So that's why Pinkie sat by her mail box for seven days when Mario left," Applejack muttered before readdressing the pink pony, "Why don't we just go see what Twilight's up to? I heard Princess Celestia's got her workin' on some new spells! That...and the fact that Spike said Twilight's been crying herself to sleep for weeks and now she's spending her time listing every reason why Mario would dump her over Spitfire. She could really use some of your cheerin' up right about now."
"New spells, huh? Cheering up Twilight too?" Pinkie pondered, "Okay." Pinkie then went to follow Applejack to the Library when she suddenly stopped.
"Wait!" said Pinkie as she went into panic mode, "If I'm not here when Rainbow Dash's letter arrives, I won't be able to read it right away. and if I don't read it right away, I won't be able to write her back right away. And if I don't write her back right away, she might think I didn't get her letter, and then she might worry it got lost. And if she's worrying about her letter, she'll be distracted. And if she's distracted, then she won't do well at the academy! And if she doesn't do well as the academy, then she'll get kicked out! And if she gets kicked out, they'll never let her be a Wonderbolt! And if she doesn't get to be a Wonderbolt, all her dreams will be crushed! And it will be...all...my...fault!" As Pinkie continued to panic, she stood on her hind legs before finally collapsing to the ground on her back. Applejack just gave her a funny look and then cringed when Pinkie raised her voice.
Geez, and I thought Twilight was the only pony who had a problem with over-thinking things.
"So in other words, you're sticking by the mailbox," said Applejack bluntly.
"Yep!" Pinkie answered with a smile on her face.
"Suit yourself," said Applejack as Pinkie went back to peeking inside the mailbox every few seconds. I sure hope I can talk some sense into Twilight. Just the idea of Mario breaking up with her for Spitfire is like planting apple seeds and getting oranges as a crop.
Back at the academy, the eight Pegasi were now wearing their own Wonderbolt cadet uniforms and goggles. They were at full attention as Spitfire addressed them.
"The Wonderbolts are the fastest, best precision flyers in the world," Spitfire told the group as they listened attentively.
"Then how did you get in?" Mario asked with a smirk.
"Look who's talking Mr. Flightless," Spitfire shot back and earning her a raspberry from Mario as she continued, "But spin-outs can still happen. And when they do, a Wonderbolt must be able to recover quickly." It was then the staff cadets pulled off a sheet covering a giant circular machine with a cockpit on it.
"This...is the Dizzitron," said Spitfire as the rest of the Pegasi look at the machine, some looked worried while those like Rainbow and Lighting are excited to try it out, "It's gonna make you very - I repeat - very dizzy. Your task is to try and recover and fly straight again, as soon as possible. Once you have recovered, you must come in for a smooth landing."
"I like to see the flightless Pegasus try it out!" Lightning said aloud.
"Yeah, let's see Mario demonstrate how it's done!" Rainbow added and the others cheered as well. Mario glared.
"Well, Lieutenant? Wanna show the newbies how it's done?" Spitfire asked with a smirk. Mario rolled his eyes and then smirked.
"Game on!" said Mario as he high jumped into the cockpit.
"Need some goggles?" Spitfire called out.
"Nah!" said Mario, "and put it to maximum power!"
"Woah there Lieutenant!" said Spitfire, "This a demonstration, not a showboating stunt!"
"Yes, Mother!" Mario said begrudgingly. The others, including the staff cadets at the controls, snickered as the machine was activated. Mario just smirked, completely unphased by all the spinning.
"Release!" Spitfire shouted as Mario was launched into the air. The instant Mario saw the airstrip in his sight, Mario boosted himself straight for the airstrip and skidded to a stop. The eight Pegasus were shocked and amazed. Spitfire's jaw dropped.
"Three point two seconds?!" said Spitfire amazed.
"And look Mommy, no wings!" Mario added in a sarcastic tone. The group laughed and cheered. Spitfire rolled her eyes before glaring at the cadets to make them stop.
"Well, if a flightless Pegasus can do it so easily, so should the eight of you," said Spitfire, "Now whose first?" Rainbow and Lightning immediately raised their fore-hooves. Spitfire then called out the Pegasus named Meadow Flower instead.
"You. You're up!" Spitfire said loudly.
"Me?" Meadow Flower gulped as she looked at the Dizzitron woozily.
"Now!" Spitfire shouted as Meadow Flower got into the cockpit, "Ready?"
"Yes, ma'am!" said Meadow Flower nervously.
"Go!" said Spitfire as the staff cadet pulled the lever to start the Dizzitron spinning. The rest of the Pegasi actually watched Meadow Flower go around and around. Meadow Flower was getting frazzled by the high speed spinning as her eyes watered and her jaws flapped about by the momentum.
"Release!" said Spitfire as Meadow Flower was sent flying and spinning about. She slowly recovered and came down to the airstrip for a landing, but spun about as she skidded to a stop, clearly dizzy.
"Huh. Fifteen seconds," said Spitfire, "Decent, but I wouldn't go writin' home about it."
"Definitely needs improvement," Mario added.
"Who's next?" Spitfire asked as Rainbow and Lightning raised her fore-hooves to be picked, "Alright, Rainbow Dash. Let's see what you got." Rainbow wasted no time flying over to the machine and getting into the cockpit.
"Okay, go!" Spitfire called out as the Dizzitron began spinning.
"Release!" Spitfire shouted once again, as Rainbow was sent flying and spinning about. Rainbow wasted no time recovering and zoomed back to the landing strip, leaving a trail of dust as she skidded to a stop.
"Six seconds?" said Spitfire, rather impressed, "That's an academy record." Rainbow then hovered between Meadow Flower and Lightning with a smug smile on her face.
"You made it look easy," Meadow Flower remarked.
"I make everything look easy," said Rainbow as Mario rolled his eyes.
"Still a bit slow if you ask me," said Mario, "considering you took twice as long as me..." Rainbow just glared and even Lightning gave him an eye roll.
"Okay, Lightning Dust," said Spitfire, "You're up." Lightning quickly climbed in.
"Ma'am, can you put the Dizzitron at maximum speed?" Lightning asked, "I wanna push my limits." Spitfire, one of the staff cadets, and Mario exchanged looks with each other.
"You sure about that?" said Spitfire.
"Yes Ma'am," Lightning answered as she put her goggles on.
"Okay, you asked for it," said Spitfire as she gave the other support cadet the signal to increase the speed. He then pulled the lever to start the machine and then pulled a secondary lever that changed to speed of the machine. The gauge showed that Dizzitron has three speed levels. Currently, the speed level was one and the gauge moved to level three. He looked worried as the machine made noises and the mechanism began to spin about even faster than ever before. Lightning's lips were flapping and her eyes were watering at the high speed.
"Release!" Spitfire called out as Lightning went flying away so fast that her body left a lightning streak in the sky. She quickly recovered by breaking her spinning momentum, letting herself drop down for a moment, and then zoomed back to the airstrip for the landing.
"Six point five seconds," said Spitfire, "Not bad."
"I could do better," Mario remarked.
"Yeah, you keep telling yourself that," Spitfire remarked as Mario rolled his eyes as Lightning returned to the group with a smug smile on her face.
"Hah!/Oh yeah!" said Rainbow and Lightning as they exchanged high hooves with each other.
"NEXT!" Spitfire called out, getting their attention as the demonstrations continued. As time went on, the other six Pegasi were having a tough time with the Dizzitron. They were all worn out and dizzy. It was then another Pegasus went for a landing and ended up crashing into something off screen.
"He'll be feeling that in the morning," Mario remarked. The other's struggles seem to boost the confidence of two particular Pegasus mares.
"No pony even came close to six seconds," said Rainbow, "and Mario's time certainly doesn't count."
"They should make us Wonderbolts right now," Lightning added.
"Yeah, they should," said Rainbow.
"Oh so you two think just because you've got quick recovery skills that you've got what it takes to be a Wonderbolt," said Mario bluntly.
"Uh, yeah!" said Rainbow.
"Totally," Lightning added. Mario snorted.
"This was the easy stuff!" Mario pointed out, "After today, this is when things get scary."
"Like we're afraid," Rainbow remarked as she and Lightning smirked.
"Oh...you will be," said Mario darkly before turning to walk away. Lightning pointed a fore-hoof at him and mimicked what he said mockingly, earning a snicker from Rainbow until Mario got right into Lightning's face.
"I've court marshaled ponies for less than that, newbie," Mario warned, "so watch it!" Mario then stomped off as Lightning just rolled her eye to herself.
"Listen up!" said Spitfire as she addressed the group and Mario went to stand beside her, "For the rest of the camp, you'll be working in pairs. 'Morrow morning, I'll post the teams, including who'll be lead pony and who'll be wingpony. Good luck."
"You're gonna need it," Mario added before the two ponies turned to leave.
"Like we're going to need it," Lightning remarked.
"Heh, yeah," said Rainbow in agreement as the two shared a hoof-bump.
Later that morning in the Mess Hall, the troop was excitedly checking a poster to see who they had been paired up with when Rainbow arrived before Meadow Flower and Cloudchaser.
"So, which one of you lucky gals gets to be my wing pony?" Rainbow asked her overly-confident demeanor, until the two mares snickered to each other.
"What?" Rainbow asked puzzled.
"Eh, you might want to check the wall," said Cloudchaser as Rainbow headed over to the posted paper, even pushing a pony aside when she saw who she was paired with along with her position.
"A wingpony?" said Rainbow shocked before disappointment became visible on her face. It was then Lighting arrived.
"They made us a team!" said Lightning excitedly, "Isn't that awesome?" Rainbow smiled, but deep down she wasn't completely happy about it.
Later on in the office wing of the Academy, Mario had just arrived to help Spitfire out with some paperwork. Actually, he was there to file the important papers while she was using her fore-hoof to stamp and autograph some Wonderbolt posters.
"Did you post the pairings for the new troop?" Mario asked as he got to work.
"No," Spitfire replied bluntly as Mario glared at her.
"I fell for that once," said Mario, "but not this time. How dumb do you think I am?"
"I wasn't sure," Spitfire replied with a smirk when Mario threw an eraser at her head. The two chuckled to each other as the cadet support ponies just rolled their eyes discreetly at the two. It was then the door to Spitfire's office opened.
"(Sigh) There's always one whiner in every group about their partner or their position," said Mario as he turned to see that it was Rainbow and rolled his eyes, "And I totally expected her to show up."
"Permission to enter, ma'am...and sir," said Rainbow.
"What is it, Rainbow Dash?" Spitfire asked bluntly as she continued stamping her posters.
"I had the best time on the Dizzitron! Only six seconds!" Rainbow pointed out.
"And?" Spitfire asked.
"Your point?" Mario asked in the same tone as he continued filing the papers.
"And you made me a wingpony!" Rainbow replied. Spitfire then stopped stamping and removed her sunglasses. Mario stopped what he was doing to give Rainbow a glare.
"Because I believe you and Lightning Dust will be an unstoppable team," Spitfire replied as she folded her fore-legs on her desk, "Do you not think you'll be an unstoppable team?"
"Yes, ma'am! I mean no, ma'am! I mean..." Rainbow stuttered until she managed to recompose herself, "We'll be an unstoppable team, ma'am!"
"Then what's the problem?" Spitfire asked sternly.
"I think I should be lead pony, ma'am," said Rainbow, finally getting right to the point. Spitfire and Mario exchanged glances with each other before the yellow-orange Pegasus answered.
"And I think Lightning Dust likes to push herself a little harder than you do," said Spitfire before getting into Rainbow's face, "That's why I made her lead pony. Got it?"
"Yes, ma'am," said Rainbow in understanding as Spitfire put her sunglasses back on.
"Good," Spitfire remarked and got back to work. Rainbow felt disappointed before she turned to leave, looked back, and made her exit.
"Hold up!" said Mario, making Rainbow turned to face him, Spitfire looked up discreetly to watch with interest.
"Yes, sir?" Rainbow asked.
"You think you're best flyer in all of Equestria," said Mario, "Well guess what, you're not! No Wonderbolt that has come out of this Academy has never been spoon fed their place on the team. They worked hard for it and pushed themselves to be the best flyer they can possibly be. They did more than just doing well with what they were told to do, they went above and beyond what was asked of them! You wanna be a lead pony? Then you're just gonna have to work a little harder and earn it because nopony is gonna just make you one! Is that understood?" Rainbow listened attentively and then gave Mario a determined smile.
"I understand, sir," Rainbow replied in a more upbeat tone.
"Now get out of here," said Mario as Rainbow saluted and made her exit. Mario then shut the door behind him.
"Nicely handled, Mario," said Spitfire, "Good combination of moral boosting and tough love."
"Thanks," said Mario, "Maybe now Rainbow will start pushing herself a little more."
"You ever gonna tell her that making her a wingpony was your idea?" Spitfire asked.
"Not right away," said Mario, "like I said...I was gonna make Rainbow work harder." Spitfire just smiled before the two ponies got back to work.
Back outside the other six ponies had been paired up. Each one also wore their own special pin to represent their position. Lead ponies wore a gold pin on their uniforms while wingponies wore a silver pin. Rainbow was still feeling down when she arrived and stood with Lightning, who immediately showed off her gold pin to the cyan Pegasus. Rainbow gave her lead pony a supportive smile, but still felt disappointed as Lightning clipped her pin to her uniform. It wasn't much longer before Spitfire arrived.
"Today you will all be participating in a flag hunt," said Spitfire, "We'll divide you into two teams, red...and blue..." When Spitfire announced the teams, each of the staff cadet ponies got between a group of four ponies and raised a color flag to show they were a team. "Whoever finds the most flags of the opposing team's color wins." The eight Pegasi cheered.
"Oh, this is gonna be so much fun!" said Meadow Flower excitedly.
"If you think this is gonna be fun, you're sadly mistaken," said Spitfire as she got into the pink Pegasus's face.
"This isn't your friendly game of capture of the flag my little ponies," Mario added, "You're perception, maneuverability, and speed will be put the test here."
"Mario is correct," Spitfire continued as Rainbow and Lightning put on their goggles, "This is for training purposes. This is not recess. Lead ponies and wingponies must fly together. If any pair splits apart, they will be immediately disqualified. Do you understand?" Bulk Biceps and Cloudchaser, who had been paired together with the former the wingpony and the later the lead pony, quickly huddled closer together after Spitfire mentioned staying together.
"Yes, ma'am!" said all eight Pegasi.
"Then let's go!" said Spitfire as she blew her whistle. The eight Pegasi then took to the skies. Thunderlane then gave a signal and the red team followed after him. Bulk Biceps and Cloudchaser began scouting around on their own for the blue team.
"Ready to rock and roll?" Lightning asked Rainbow.
"Ready," Rainbow replied before they took off at high speed and began to survey the sides of the Wonderbolt Academy cliffs. Then they began to ascend and then descend with Lightning in the lead and Rainbow not far behind her. Then they descended to another spot and then ascended.
"You spotted any flags yet?" Lightning asked.
"Not yet," said Rainbow as she kept looking. Then Rainbow spotted something inside of a crack on the earth below and between two logs that spread across the crack.
"Oh! There's one!" said Rainbow.
"Good eyes!" Lightning remarked as she and Rainbow began to dive at the crack. Rainbow then noticed how tight the space was and grew worried.
"We should slow down," Rainbow told Lightning, "It doesn't look like both of us can make it at this speed!"
"Peh!" Lightning remarked dismissively. Once they were close enough to the hole, Lightning closed her wings and just let herself fall into it. Rainbow flew down head on.
"Ow!" Rainbow yelped as her wing clipped the side of one of the logs. Lightning then reopened her wings, snatched the flag, with Rainbow right behind her. They both then flew out of the hole and landed before Spitfire.
"Lightning Dust and Rainbow Dash found the first flag!" Spitfire announced as Rainbow showed what clearly looked like a slightly battered wing.
"Come on!" said Lightning excitedly, "Let's find some more!"
"Uh, sure," said Rainbow as she tried to stretch her hurt wing, "Just give me a second."
"Oh, you're fine," said Lightning as she took off to the skies. Rainbow then looked back, seeing both Spitfire and Mario giving her stern faces.
"Yeah...totally," said Rainbow as she followed Lightning, groaning a bit as she hovered in the air. Once the two Pegasi were off, Spitfire turned to Mario.
"I know how much you wanted to go over there and check on your friend there," Spitfire said to him quietly, "but good Wonderbolts need to be able to shake off minor injuries like that and keep going."
"I understand that," said Mario, "My concern is with Lightning. She acted way too dismissive over Rainbow's injury. Being a team player also means looking out for each other."
"She was," said Spitfire, "it's tough love in action, Mario. You worry too much."
"Right," said Mario annoyingly.
"Exactly, you know I'm always right," Spitfire retorted as Mario rolled his eyes, but deep down, he really did not like Lightning's attitude at the moment.
Back in Ponyville, Pinkie was now sound asleep in front of her mail box with her mane and tail completely frazzled and un-brushed. She then woke up with a start and went back to peeking inside her mailbox and closing it again. Inside an alley a short distance away, the other four ponies were watching her with sympathetic looks on their faces.
"She's still at it," said Rarity.
"And I thought Twilight crying her eyes out every night and claiming Mario broke up with her was bad," Fluttershy added.
"I'm right over here you know!" said Twilight irritably. Fluttershy just blushed and smiled sheepishly.
"I just wish we could help her," said Fluttershy, getting back on topic. It was then Pinkie rushed over to them as if they hadn't been trying to hide from her.
"Help me?" Pinkie spluttered, "The only thing that could possibly help me right now is a letter from Rainbow Dash! It's been three days already. By now, she probably doesn't even know our names anymore! She probably can't remember our faces! "Pinkie Pie? I never heard of Pinkie Pie! Who is Pinkie Pie?"" The others just looked at Pinkie worried as she spoke, then the pink pony grabbed Twilight by the face before zipping back to the mailbox to open and close it again.
"Well, if you're so worried," said Twilight as she closed the mailbox, "then why don't you send her a letter first?"
"Of course," said Pinkie, as she perked up and bounced on her hooves, "That's a great idea!" The four ponies then all sighed with relief.
"Oh wait!" said Pinkie as she got into their faces, "I got an even better idea! How about we send Rainbow Dash a care package? You know, before she forgets all about us? Although, come on, let's face it. It's probably too late for that. But, uh, maybe it'll jog her memory somehow." Pinkie then popped out from the mail box and then climbed out as she spoke.
"Pinkie Pie, I'm sure Rainbow Dash still remembers our faces and who we are," said Twilight as she placed a fore-hoof on Pinkie's back, "But I think sending her a care package is a great idea."
"A care package it is!" said Pinkie as she headed towards Sugarcube Corner, "We'll send it through the mail!" Twilight breathed a sigh of relief.
"WAIT!" Pinkie shouted as she did a quick 180, "Ah! That won't work at all!"
"Why not?" Applejack asked.
"Because what if the package gets lost in the mail?" Pinkie asked frantically, "What if somepony else gets the package by accident and then she remembers us instead of Rainbow Dash and then she becomes our new friend? Rainbow Dash won't ever know that she used to have friends and she forgot them!" Pinkie then stood on her hind legs and collapsed into her back. Rarity, Twilight, and Fluttershy looked at Pinkie wearily as Applejack just looked very annoyed.
"Is anypony else followin' this?" Applejack asked the others.
"Mmm-mm," said Fluttershy, Twilight, and Rarity at the same time as they shook their heads.
"I've got it!" said Pinkie as she zipped up to the three ponies and startled them, "We'll deliver the care package to Rainbow Dash in person!"
"I wouldn't mind a little trip," said Rarity.
"I'll go! I can see my Schmoopy again!" said Twilight excitedly before her face had a dark and sinister smirk on it, "and I can destroy Spitfire myself to ensure that Mario is mine! All mine!"
"Twilight..." Rarity warned as she and Fluttershy gave the purple pony a glare. Twilight whimpered.
"She's stole my coltfriend away from me!" Twilight whined with puppy dog eyes, "And I want him back!"
"Oh Twilight, you're really letting your fears get the better of you," said Rarity.
"Mario's loved you and you alone since he was foal," said Fluttershy, "There's no way he would just move on from you after you finally confessed that you love him back. Isn't he telling you how much he misses you in his letters?"
"Yes," said Twilight, "But...he's...she...I mean...they..." Twilight then groaned, "...I must sound like an overly jealous marefriend don't I?"
"Pretty much!" Pinkie replied with a smile that made Twilight glare at her.
"Have you even told Mario you feel this way?" Rarity asked her curiously.
"I can't!" Twilight protested, "He'll think I don't trust him! He'll be so hurt if he finds out that I've been having these thoughts of him...not being committed to me. You know how much he champions his integrity..."
"He does," said Applejack, "But he also hopes you'll be honest with him. Keeping this to yourself is only making you hate Spitfire!"
"I know," said Twilight, "I knew that I would miss him when he went to go help her, but...I was never prepared to feel so...incomplete...like there's a hole in my heart...that I'm afraid might never be filled again. Even with all of my friends, I still feel lonely..." Twilight couldn't help but shed a few tears as she sniffled and wiped her eyes dry.
"I know exactly how you feel, Twilight," said Fluttershy as she put a fore-hoof on the purple pony's shoulder, "I feel that way alot because Shenran and I are so far away from each other." Twilight blinked.
"Wait, you and Shenran are together?" she asked surprised.
"Uh-huh," said Fluttershy with a smile on her face, "but it's hard for us because we can't see each other alot. So whenever I feel that loneliness in my heart. I keep his most recent letter with me." Fluttershy then pulled a sheet of paper form her pink mane and read it quietly before she giggled and hugged it to her chest.
"I always feel like he's right beside me when I reread it," said Fluttershy, "it might help if you gave it a try with the letters Mario writes to you."
"Okay," said Twilight quietly as she used her magic to summon Mario's most recent letter to her. She giggled as she read it and sighed contently.
"Thanks, Fluttershy," said Twilight, "I feel better now." Fluttershy smiled.
"Now that Twilight has calmed down," said Pinkie, " we can go take Rainbow her care package."
"Count me in!" said Applejack.
"Me too," Fluttershy added.
"Me five," said Pinkie, "but don't be upset if she doesn't recognize you at first. It may take a while for her to get her memory back." Twilight face-hoofed herself, Fluttershy rolled her eyes, and Rarity and Applejack shared puzzled looks with each other.
Back at the Academy, the eight Pegasi reassembled before Spitfire. It was then one of the Wonderbolt staff cadets blew a loud trumpet...right into Spitfire's ears. She quickly glared at the staff cadet, making him lower the trumpet. Mario snickered until Spitfire grabbed the trumpet and blew it loudly, and off key, at Mario, shocking him to the point he got knocked out.
(Lose a life fanfare)
The other Pegasi laughed, except for Rainbow, who looked rather worried about him.
"Permission to revive him, ma'am," Rainbow asked.
"Permission granted," said Spitfire as Rainbow walked over to the passed out Mario.
"Ready to kiss your prince?" Lightning teased as the other Pegasi cooed. Rainbow gave her a death glare. She was still feeling rather bitter over the incident with her wing and Lightning never apologized for it.
"That's enough!" Spitfire ordered, "here at Wonderbolts Academy, we have a procedure for reviving cadets who pass out. Rainbow, please follow the procedure at once!" Rainbow nodded and gave Mario a green and white mushroom.
(Extra life fanfare)
Mario groaned and sat up as he glared at Spitfire.
"Welcome back to the conscious world, dum-dum," said Spitfire as Mario stuck his tongue out at her as she spoke to the troop, "Today we'll be doing our famous air obstacle course." It was then three other Pegasi cadets dumped some solution into some pipes that spewed out clouds, some other cadets were then jumping and bucking some other clouds that generated lightning. There were also some sideways pipes that blew out strong wind currents.
"The object of this exercise is to work on your precision flying under extreme circumstances," said Spitfire as Rainbow and Lightning looked ready to fly, "And don't worry about winning. It's not a race..." Rainbow couldn't help but glance at Lightning, who just smirked and gave the cyan Pegasus a wink. Rainbow knew Lightning was going to ignore the "not a race" part of Spitfire's instructions, "Now everypony, get on your marks!" Spitfire then blew her whistle and her staff cadets held a baton so each Pegasi pair could take off one by one. The first pair then navigated a nearby cloud ring without any problems, but then one of the pipes below created a large cloud and the pair crash into it. Lightning and Rainbow were flying at a casual pace when Lightning gave Rainbow a wink and picked up her speed as they approached the pipes producing the clouds. Lightning maneuvered around the clouds at ease at high speed. Rainbow did the same to keep up, but was feeling a bit uneasy as she did so. Then the two Pegasi were brought to a stop by the pair of Pegasi in front of them.
"Ugh, Can't they go any faster?" Lightning complained as she tried to find a path around them but there was no way to go around them without the risk of flying out of bounds, "It's no good, I can't get around them!"
"Doesn't matter," said Rainbow, "We can still fly completely in sync and blow Spitfire's mind with our moves!"
"I guess..." said Lightning with a pouty and annoyed tone. Then the pair flew through two clouds rings at a casual pace. Both Rainbow and Lightning did a couple of loop-de-loops between the two cloud rings. Then both pairs of Pegasi entered a large storm cloud. The front pair had a difficult time keeping their pace and struggled against the heavy rain and winds. Rainbow looked worried, but Lightning was just annoyed.
"What are they, a couple of snails?" she complained, "It's just a little weather." It was then some lightning struck around them as the two pairs made it out of the clouds and Rainbow noticed the pipes generating some sideways wind currents.
"Now's our chance to pass these slowpokes!" said Lightning as she and Rainbow surged ahead, bashing right through the front group and sending them into a tailspin. Because of their loss of control, they were send crashing into the other two pairs of Pegasi behind them, which send them all crashing into a nearby cloud. Rainbow and Lightning quickly maneuvered around the strong gusts at high speed and then came for a landing before Spitfire and Mario.
"Not bad! And in record time, too!" said Spitfire, "Definitely made the right decision making you two a team." The two Pegasi smiled as Mario just glared at them. Unlike Spitfire, he had seen everything that had happened, especially when Lightning sent everypony else crashing into the cloud.
"The others seem to have had a little trouble with the precision part of the exercise," said Spitfire as she looked in the other six struggling to get out of the cloud with her telescope, "I'd better go sort them out. Why don't you two go hit the mess hall early?"
"Yes, ma'am!" said Lightning enthusiastically.
"Thank you ma'am," said Rainbow but in a more professional tone. She waited until Spitfire left when she approached Lightning. She wasn't exactly proud of what they had done to get ahead and she hadn't even noticed that Mario was watching them.
"Um, Lightning Dust?" said Rainbow, "Next time, maybe we don't cut the other teams off like that." Mario looked at the two Pegasi discreetly just a short distance away and listened with interest.
"Hey, you snooze, you lose!" said Lightning, "Besides, Wonderbolts are supposed to be able to recover from a spin-out. You saw them on the Dizzitron! They could use the practice. I mean, it's not our fault we're so much better than those other guys! Not everypony is destined to become a Wonderbolt. Only the best of the best right?" As Lightning spoke, she hovered before Rainbow to make her point as the cyan Pegasus hovered up to her uneasily. Rainbow just looked back at the struggling cadets with a concerned look on her face.
"Yeah, I-I guess you're right," said Rainbow reluctantly.
"'Course I'm right!" said Lightning smugly as she bucked the door to the mess hall open, "Now let's go fuel up! Kicking all that tail has made me hungry." Rainbow reluctantly followed.
"Rainbow Dash! I need a word with you!" Mario barked sternly.
"What is it, sir?" Rainbow asked curiously.
"Is something going on between you and your lead pony, cadet?" Mario asked directly.
"No sir," said Rainbow as she looked away.
"Doesn't look like nothing to me," said Mario, "I can see that Lightning only cares about herself. Not exactly the right attitude to have when you're supposed to be working together."
"She's just pushing herself harder than me," Rainbow retorted, "I need to do the same. I have to work a little harder to keep up is all!" Mario just glared and then sighed to himself.
"Very well, Rainbow," said Mario, "Dismissed."
"Yes sir," said Rainbow, but made no eye contact with him and headed into the mess hall. Mario just watched her disappear before sighing to himself. He didn't see a need to bother Spitfire about this issue for now, but if Lightning Dust crossed the line. He was going to take necessary action.
Later that day, the group gathered in a circle with smirks on their faces. Then Spitfire blew her whistle and the ponies took off into their groups to began busting as many clouds as they could. One of the pony support cadets then held a piece of chalk with their fore-hoof and kept score of the number of clouds each Pegasus pair busted. Mario was watching the skies, especially a particular pair of fast flying Pegasi.
"YEAH!" Bulk Biceps chanted as he literally chomped through a cloud. Lightning and Rainbow blasted through the clouds at high speed. Rainbow then sliced three clouds in half as Lightning zipped through five more clouds in quick session. Then they reunited.
"I have an idea about how we can literally blow away our competition," said Lightning. Rainbow looked back to see the other groups were struggling to bust their own share of clouds, even Bulk Biceps was growling as he tried to tear a cloud apart with his teeth.
"But we're already way ahead," said Rainbow. Lightning rolled her eyes at her.
"Are you in or not?" Lightning asked in a snappy tone.
Lightning Dust likes to push herself a little harder than you do. That's why I made her lead pony. Spitfire had told her.
You wanna be a lead pony? Then you're just gonna have to work a little harder and earn it because nopony is gonna just make you one! Rainbow remembered Mario telling her as she narrowed her eyes in determination.
"I'm in!" said Rainbow.
"Then follow my lead," said Lightning as she and Rainbow then created a giant tornado that began to suck up all the clouds in quick session. However, Lightning's idea worked a bit too well.
"I can't control it!" said Lightning as she and Rainbow were sent flying out of the funnel. The tornado then headed toward the support cadets taking score. He quickly jumped out of the way to avoid being sucked up. Mario gasped as he tried to used his ground speed to try and run around the tornado. He was hoping to create enough friction on the ground that would cause the tornado to dissipate, but the tornado's current was too strong.
"Woo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo!" Mario yelped as he got sucked up the current and out of the funnel top, landing beside a dazed Rainbow.
As if things couldn't get any worse, it was then a large purple balloon carrying the rest of their friends was approaching the Academy grounds. Pinkie was excitedly holding the care package in her fore-hooves. It didn't take long for the five ponies to be in trouble as the tornado came right at them.
"It's a twister!" Applejack called out.
"Hold on!" Twilight called out as they crouched inside the balloon's basket as their balloon got sucked into the twister, or tornado. It was then Mario and Rainbow recovered and they saw their friends at the tornado's mercy. Then the ropes to the balloon broke and the five ponies were sent tumbling into the sky as they screamed.
"NOOOOO!" Rainbow cried out. Mario was about to take off.
"I've got 'em, sir!" Rainbow called out, stopping Mario, as she took off as fast as she could go. Mario then rushed to the edge of the landing strip. His fore-head sweating and his eyes watering as he watched his friends and marefriend falling further and further away. The rest of the troop, minus Lightning, were watching with worry.
"You guys gotta help her!" Mario cried out in a panic, tears streaming down his face, "Please! Those are my friends. My marefriend is with them!" The six ponies then gave him a sympathetic smile.
"Right away, sir," said Thunderlane as he and the rest of the group, minus Lightning, got into position to help Rainbow. As the five ponies continued screaming and plummeting to their doom, Rainbow flew downwards as fast as she could and then rushed towards some clouds and spun them around into one dense cloud so the five could land on it softly without the need for a cloud walking spell. Her plan worked as the five friends landed on the cloud.
"Huh?" they said surprised, but then Rainbow made the cloud launch them upwards like a giant spring. The five ponies screamed once again. The rest of the cadets then grabbed one pony each while Bulk Biceps grabbed the now banged up care package. Rarity quickly recovered and hugged Thunderlane appreciatively. Fluttershy then remembered that she had wings and flew out of Cloudchaser's fore-legs. Cloudchaser gave her a glare as Fluttershy smiled sheepishly. Then the cadets set the rest of the ponies on the air strip. Mario then smiled, tears streaming down his eyes as he motioned for Meadow Flower to bring Twilight over to him. Mario raised his fore-legs to accept Twilight, but the purple pony glared at him.
"Could you please put me down somewhere else?" Twilight remarked indignantly, "Somewhere away from him?" Mario felt his heartbreak.
"What did I do?" he croaked as Meadow Flower just held Twilight in mid-air.
"Why don't you ask your new marefriend?!" Twilight snapped.
"What?" said Mario stunned, "why would I betray the perfect mare?"
"Oh, you're referring to me now?" Twilight retorted sarcastically. Mario looked puzzled as he sniffled.
"Who else would I be referring to?" said Mario, "Spitfire's just my friend. Nothing more. Why would you think I would want to replace her with you? I love you, Twilight Sparkle. And I almost lost you..." Mario tears increased as he openly cried and Twilight was soon crying as well.
"Put me down near Mario please?" Twilight asked timidly. Meadow Flower giggled and set Twilight right into Mario's fore-legs so he could hug her tenderly.
"I missed you, too," Twilight whimpered, "I'm sorry I said that. I just got jealous cause you were up here so long with Spitfire..."
"Spitfire may be my friend," said Mario, "But my heart is with you, Twilight. No matter how long we are apart. You're the only girl I want to love." Twilight smiled despite her tears.
"I'll remember that from now on," said Twilight as they shared a kiss, "You look so handsome in your uniform." Mario chuckled as they shared a nose nuzzle. The other cadets nearby awed as Rainbow appeared.
"Are you guys okay?" she asked.
"Uh-huh," said Rarity, Twilight, Applejack, and Fluttershy. Rainbow then turned to Pinkie, who looked rather dazed as she lay on her stomach.
"Pinkie Pie!" said Rainbow. The pink pony then looked up and was on the verge of tears when she saw the cyan Pegasus.
"You...remember me!" said Pinkie happily as she jumped into Rainbow's fore-legs to be held.
"Well...yeah, of course I remember you," said Rainbow, "But...what are you all doing here?"
"We wanted to being you a care package," said Applejack as she approached the cyan Pegasus and the others, including Mario, stood behind the orange pony, "Didn't you realize you'd be in the middle of some crazy tornado stunt."
"There wasn't supposed to be any tornadoes for this exercise," said Mario sternly as he had a fore-leg wrapped securely around Twilight, "Rainbow, explain yourself!"
"Well...I..."
"That...was...awesome!" said Lightning as she shoved her way into the group. The other cadets and Rarity glared at her.
"Awesome?" said Rainbow angrily, "My friends could have been smashed to pieces!"
"Yeah, but they weren't, right?" said Lightning arrogantly as she hovered in the air, "Can't say the same for the clouds. We totally wiped them out with that tornado. The other cadets will have to be up there for days to bust as many as we did." Lightning just smirked and held out her fore-hoof. The other cadets looked at her angrily and even Mario was very angry with her as well. Rainbow was just shocked as well as angry.
"A hoof bump?" Rainbow retorted as she swatted Lightning's fore-leg away, "Seriously? You made me clip my wing. You sent half of our class into serious tailspins on the obstacle course. You unleashed a tornado that nearly demolished my friends and the Lieutenant's marefriend!"
"Yeah, and?" said Lightning, giving Mario a reason to snarl at her.
"And I get that you want to be the best," said Rainbow, "So do I! But you're going about it in the wrong way."
"The Wonderbolts don't seem to think so," said Lightning, "After all, Spitfire did make me the leader and you the wingpony." Rainbow just glared and then sighed.
"You're right," said Rainbow, "She did." Rainbow then turned to walk away.
"Where do you think you're going?" Mario asked as Twilight just held him close and stayed quiet.
"I can't do this anymore," said Rainbow before running off.
"Rainbow? Rainbow!" Mario shouted but Rainbow just kept running.
"Let her go," said Lightning in her arrogant manner, "Guess only the best survive at the Academy." Mario wanted to tell Lightning off, but stayed professional. Somepony needed him more right now.
"Come on!" said Mario as he and Twilight went after Rainbow.
Meanwhile, Rainbow had wasted no time heading directly to Spitfire's office. The cyan Pegasus wasted no time just pushing the door open and didn't bother to knock either.
"This better be important," said Spitfire sternly, not bothering to look up from her desk, "You're supposed to be up there busting clouds with your partner."
"We're done with that, ma'am," said Rainbow bluntly, but gave Spitfire a respectful salute.
"Already?" said Spitfire in surprise as she looked at the clock, "That's an academy record! Explain your methods."
"That's why I'm here, ma'am," said Rainbow, "Lightning Dust decided to use a tornado."
"A bit excessive for cloud-busting," said Spitfire before smiling, "But judging from your time, it was obviously an effective tactic." The fact Spitfire had just implied she supported Lightning's methods made Rainbow very angry.
"Yeah, well that "effective tactic" nearly took out my friends and Mario's marefriend!" Rainbow snapped angrily, "No disrespect, ma'am, but there's a big difference between pushing yourself as hard as you can and just being reckless. And if being reckless is what gets rewarded around here, if that's what it means to be a Wonderbolt, then I don't want any part of it."
"What are you saying, newbie?" Spitfire asked with a glare on her face. Rainbow glared back as she removed her silver pin and placed it on the yellow-orange Pegasus's desk.
"I quit," said Rainbow. Spitfire's jaw dropped as Rainbow left the office and shut the door. Rainbow then realized what she had done.
I just gave up my dream.
Rainbow looked back at the door once more time before slowly walking away. Or at least tried to when she saw Mario and Twilight in front of her.
"Rainbow..."
"Spitfire liked that fact Lightning used that tornado!" Rainbow snapped before her voice cracked, "She does encourage recklessness! I...I can't do that! That's not me! I'm not gonna put anypony in harm's way just for a stupid dream! I quit! I quit..." Rainbow then took off, tears streaming down her face.
"You talk to Spitfire," said Twilight, "I'll go check on Rainbow."
"You sure you trust me with Spitfire?" Mario asked, playfully teasing her.
"Yes, I do," said Twilight, giving him a cheek kiss before running off. Mario then went to open the door when Spitfire opened it herself.
"We need to talk," said Mario sternly.
"No, you're going to tell me what's going around here before we lose our star cadet!" Spitfire retorted angrily, "NOW!" Mario glared before giving her a nod.
"With pleasure," Mario replied. As the two friends shared a rather lengthy discussion with each other, Rainbow had already packed and was with the rest of their group as she finished putting on her saddle bags. To say the news about Rainbow's decision was a shock would be an understatement.
"You did what?!" Applejack explained as Pinkie looked at her sadly.
"Being a Wonderbolt was your dream!" Rarity added.
"Not anymore," said Rainbow bluntly.
"I'm sorry, Rainbow Dash," said Twilight sympathetically as she wrapped a fore-leg around her shoulder, "I know how much this meant to you." For the record, Twilight and Mario were the only ponies who knew why Rainbow had quit. But it didn't really matter. Applejack soon wrapped a fore-leg around Rainbow as well and the group just shared a supportive group hug with Rainbow. It was then two familiar ponies came rushing towards the group.
"Rainbow Dash! Wait!" said Mario.
"Rainbow Dash!" Spitfire called out as the six ponies turned around as the yellow-orange Pegasus yelled, "How dare you storm out of my office without giving me a chance to respond!" Rainbow just glared. Mario did as well.
"Excuse me! What happened to being gentle?" Mario replied since they had discussed how to confront Rainbow before showing up.
"This is me being gentle!" Spitfire yelled as Mario rolled his eyes at her.
"The Wonderbolts are looking for the best flyers in Equestria," Spitfire told Rainbow, "but you were right. Being the best should never come at the expense of our fellow ponies. It's not just about pushing ourselves. It's about pushing ourselves in the right direction. You've shown that you're capable of doing just that." Spitfire then gestured as the two staff cadets appeared with Lightning between them, the latter looking very ashamed. She should be. Mario had reported Lightning's behavior to Spitfire. To say Spitfire was furious was in understatement as she wasted no time stripping off Lightning's gold badge and then gestured at the ocean blue Pegasus that she was expelled from the Academy. Lightning looked at Spitfire sadly before the staff cadets escorted her off the Academy grounds in a different direction. Hopefully Lightning had learned her lesson...
"You're no wingpony, Rainbow Dash," said Spitfire as she put the gold badge on Rainbow's cadet uniform, "You're a leader."
"OhmygoshOhmygoshOhmygoshOhmygoshOhmygosh!" Rainbow said excitedly as she flapped her wings in reply. The rest of her friends just smiled excitedly.
"Now get out there and give me twenty!" Spitfire ordered as she put her sunglasses back on.
"Yes, ma'am!" said Rainbow as she takes to the skies, leaving her saddle bags on the ground. She quickly hovered up the rest of the cadets, who smiled and saluted her. Rainbow then saluted back and then they followed Rainbow as they flew across the sky. Applejack, Twilight and Rarity watched with smiles on their faces.
"Wait!" Pinkie called out as she sat with the damaged package on her fore-legs, "You didn't even get to open your care package!"
"I'll make sure she gets it," said Mario as he used his magic and teleported it to Rainbow's dorm room. Pinkie just smiled as Twilight nervously approached Spitfire.
"Umm...Spitfire..." said Twilight uneasily, "I just wanted to say..."
"You don't have to apologize," Spitfire replied, "Mario told me what you said to him when you arrived." Twilight blushed and looked away insecurely.
"Look, sure I was there for him after his accident," Spitfire replied, "but his heart is with you. I mean he was crying every night over you since he got here. The Cloudsdale Weather Factory said their tanks are full of water thanks to all his tears."
"Ha-ha!" said Mario sarcastically as the rest of their friends snickered. Twilight giggled as well.
"I asked Mario to come help me cause he's my friend and being a Wonderbolt means we don't get to hang out as much anymore," said Spitfire, "not to steal him away from you."
"I get it, but can you blame me for being jealous?" Twilight remarked, "You are captain of the Wonderbolts. You're smart. You're pretty. You get along with Mario so well..."
"Enough, Twilight," said Spitfire, "Mario may be a great friend, but he's a total dweeb and a bit of a drama queen. He's not the type I would call my special somepony." Mario just rolled his eyes as the other laughed. Twilight then gave him a little nuzzle under his chin.
"That's okay, Mario," said Twilight, "You're my dweeb." Mario chuckled as they shared a brief kiss and continued nuzzling noses.
"Geez, if I didn't know better, I'd mind my own business," said Spitfire annoyed.
"You get involved because underneath all that toughness is a caring heart, ya ol' softie," said Mario sweetly. Spitfire just threw her clipboard at his head. Mario just looked annoyed as everypony else laughed.
"Oh the joys of knowing a Wonderbolt," Mario muttered to himself.
Okay, so there wasn't really much of a double plot but rather just Twilight having her usual anxiety. In this case, it was being away from Mario for so long and assuming he had moved on from her. A bit cliché, but...this is Twilight after all and this is the first time they've been apart for a long time as a couple.
Hope you enjoyed seeing Mario show his "tough love" side as well. Thanks to Spitfire, he now has permanent military status. This might not mean much of anything now, but it will be important later.
Okay, so here's the scoop: My playlist for MLP says that "Just for Sidekicks" is the next episode, but I know that according to the original release date list that "Apple Family Reunion" is the next episode. I'm following the original release date order so "Apple Family Reunion" is the next chapter. Not sure just yet how much Mario will appear in it. Let me know in the reviews below...otherwise it might be very little.
Peace Pony Fans!