Best In Air Show
Sofia and Madeline were riding on Minimus as he flew through the sky.
"You're getting so fast, Minimus!" Sofia smiled.
"And I haven't even hit a tree yet!" Minimus cheered.
An orange flying carriage swooped past them.
"Who's that?" Minimus asked.
"It's Grand Mum!" Madeline declared.
Minimus dodged a tree.
"Grand-who?" He asked.
"Our grandmother." Sofia smiled. "We didn't know she was visiting today. Come on!"
Minimus turned, carrying them back to the castle.
Inside, Roland was rushing around the foyer, his servants carrying his cape.
"Oh, come on!" Roland forced on a shoe. "I can't believe she sent a messenger only five minutes ahead! We have no time to get ready!"
"It'll be fine, Roland." Miranda declared, as she, James and Amber followed him down the stairs. "Don't worry."
"My mother is very prim and proper, Miranda." Roland declared, as his servants finished the job. "Everything needs to be perfect! Roll out the red carpet!"
The servants obeyed, only for the carpets to flatten Roland.
"Whoa!" He yelped.
A servant put on Roland's remaining shoe, while Amber and James chuckled.
"Sorry, your majesty." Another servant yelped Roland up.
"Let's go, let's go!" Roland urged, rushing off.
Minimus landed just by the outside stairs.
"Wait here." Madeline told him, as she and Sofia got off.
"We'll be right back." Sofia added.
The girls joined their family.
"Sofia, Madeline!" Amber smiled. "Grandmother is coming!"
"We know!" Madeline smiled.
"We just saw her carriage!" Sofia grinned.
"Be alert, everyone." Roland declared as he donned his crown. "And mind your manners. Remember, your grandmother is very traditional!" He turned to the servants. "Trumpets! Don't forget the trumpets!"
The servants played their trumpets as the carriage landed.
"All hail the grandqueen!" One declared.
"Mother, may I help you?" Roland offered.
"Thank you, Roland dear." Grand Mum leapt out of the carriage, then adjusted Roland's crown. "Children. Come give your grandmother a hug!"
The children gladly complied.
"What brings you to the castle, your majesty?" Miranda asked.
"Oh, call me 'mum'!" Grand Mum kissed Miranda on both cheeks. "I've come to see my wonderful family. And also, Count Barnstorm's Flying Starwing horse show! They're coming to Enchancia!"
Minimus frowned.
"A flying horse show?" James smiled. "Brilliant!"
"Brilliant indeed." Grand Mum nodded. "I've seen every stop on ther world tour."
"I didn't know you liked traveling horse shows, mother." Roland frowned.
"Well then, I guess there must be a few things you don't know about me." Grand Mum smiled.
"Hmm." Roland mused.
"Girls. Girls!" Minimus called.
"Um, we'll be right back." Madeline declared.
They rushed over to Minimus.
"Minimus, are you okay?" Sofia asked.
"The Starwings are coming! The Starwings are coming! The Starwings are coming!" Minimus chanted.
"You've heard of them?" Madeline inquired.
"Yes, I've heard of them!" Minimus grinned. "They're my parents!"
"What?!" Sofia and Madeline gasped.
"My mom and dad are the stars of the show." Minimus declared.
"We had no idea your parents were stunthorses." Sofia admitted.
"Well, they weren't always stunthorses." Minimus shrugged."After my brother Mazzimo left home, mom and dad took up stunt flying as a hobby!"
"Really?" Madeline asked.
"Yep." Minimus nodded. "They were so good, our stable manager, Count Barnstorm, started a whole show around them."
"You must be so excited to see them!" Sofia beamed. "And we're excited to meet them! Right, Maddie?"
"You bet!" Madeline nodded.
"I think you're about to." Minimus grinned, as fanfare rang out. "Here they come!"
A group of flying horses flew over the castle in formation. The lead horse's rider blew his trumpet.
"Behold, one and all." The rider announced. "Count Barnstorm's Fantastic Flying Starwing Horse Show has arrived!"
"That's my mom, Gemina, right there!" Minimus pointed out a dark purple horse.
"I think I see her!" Sofia looked up.
"And my dad Argus is the one in the back there!" Minimus pointed out a dark blue horse.
"I see him!" Madeline smiled.
"Brace yourselves, Enchancia. Because we are going to put on the greatest show you've ever seen!" Count Barnstorm continued. "But that's not all! After our show, we're going to hold out very first amateur course for would-be stunt flyers. The winner will get their very own Starwing pin!" He held up the pin.
"Ooh!" Grand Mum gasped.
"You heard me right there." Count Barnstorm declared. "There will be two shows in one this coming Saturday!"
"Let's go up, girls!" Minimus smiled. "I wanna show my mom how high and fast I can fly now!"
"You got it, Minimus!" Sofia grinned, as she and Madeline got on the saddle.
"Here we go!" Madeline smiled, as they took off.
"Mom, dad, wait up!" Minimus called, as he flew up to catch his parents.
"Minnykins!" Gemina turned.
"Mom! Hey, hi!" Minimus beamed. "Did you see how fast I was going?"
"Yes I did, and it almost made me keel over in mid-air!" Gemina frowned. "You're going to hurt yourself flying like that, my little puppy!"
"How's my boy?" Argus smiled, joining them.
"Worrying his poor mother, that's how!" Gemina declared. She turned to look at Sofia and Madeline. "Now, are these the Princesses we've heard so much about?"
"Mom, dad, this is Sofia and Madeline." Minimus introduced them.
"Oh, it's so nice to finally meet you both." Gemina smiled.
"It's good to meet you too." Sofia grinned.
"Really good." Madeline added.
"Thank you for taking such good care of my Minnykins." Gemina declared. "But please girls, you can't let him fly so recklessly. Minny, you're not built for speed, or heights! Tell him, Argus."
"Yes, dear." Argus looked at Minimus. "What your mother said."
"All this hovering must be difficult for you, Minny." Gemina fretted. "Let's get you down."
Minimus frowned as they descended.
"Mom, you don't have to make such a fuss over me anymore." He pouted. "I've grown up a lot since I left home." He added, as they landed "I'm a Flying Derby horse now."
"Minimus, you know you shouldn't talk and land at the same time." Gemina declared.
"Hrr..." Minimus groaned.
"He's a great Derby horse, Gemina." Sofia smiled.
"Yeah, we've won a dozen races together." Madeline added.
"It's true!" Minimus beamed. "We've even won the Flying Derby Championship!"
"Flying Derby? I haven't heard of it." Gemina admitted. "But I hope it's a nice, safe sport."
Minimus sighed, just before another fanfare rang out.
"There's our call." Gemina smiled. "We have to practice for the big show." She nuzzled Minimus. "But we'll find you soon, Minnykins."
"Yes, mom." Minimus sighed.
"Your father and I have been looking forward to seeing you this whole tour." Gemina declared. "Come along, Argus."
"Yes, dear." Argus followed.
"Bye, Minnykins!" Gemina called, before taking off.
"Bye, mom." Minimus sighed.
Gemina and Argus flew away.
"Ugh!" Minimus groaned, as Sofia and Madeline dismounted. "I really hoped she'd finally start treating me differently. I'm a grown horse now! But nope, she's still treating me like a timid little foal!"
"She does seem a little... concerned that you might hurt yourself." Sofia admitted.
"She's more than concerned, she's convinced!" Minimus huffed.
"Why?" Madeline asked.
"It all started back when I tried out for their stunt show." Minimus recalled.
Minimus: One morning, I followed my folks out on the course
Hoping I could be a great daredevil horse
I got up some speed and I tried to triple roll
But I lost control and conked into a flag pole
"Ugh!" Minimus groaned. "Oh boy, that hurt!"
Minimus: Ever since that day no one has ever thought of me as stunt horse material
No siree and mom said
"Better pick a safe barn life, my son"
Now she just thinks of me as the stable one
Minimus flew over the area.
Minimus: But lately I've been daring
I've been bold
Even braved a blizzard with a cold
Yeah, I'm a new horse now
I'm feeling braver every day
I just wish mom could see me that way
Yeah, I'm a new horse now
"Well, then I have an idea." Sofia smiled. "Count Barnstorm said there's going to be an amateur stunt contest after the big show, right? Well, let's enter it!"
"You and me, stunt flying?" Minimus asked.
"You and us." Madeline grinned. "We'll come up with a great routine!"
"Well, I-I can be daring and fast..." Minimus smiled.
"The most daring." Sofia nodded.
"And the fastest." Madeline nodded.
Minimus flew back into the air, soaring and diving.
Minimus: Oh, I'm not still that little foal
Who tumbled straight into a flagpole
Oh no
I'm a new horse now
And now my mom will finally see
What a flying horse I can be
'Oh yeah oh yeah
I'm a new horse now
"So you'll do it?" Sofia asked.
Minimus: Yeah
I'm a new horse now
Cause I'm a new horse now
Whoa
Minimus landed.
"Well, I'm still a little nervous." Minimus admitted. "But not as nervous as I used to be! So..." He took a deep breath. "Let's do it!"
"You'll be amazing!" Madeline assured him.
Later, at the royal stables, Grand Mum was sneaking around.
"Tip-toeing, tip-toeing, tip-toeing..." She whispered, unknowingly walking past Amber.
"Grandmother?" Amber asked.
"Oh, hello there, children!" Grand Mum turned. "I was just taking a stroll!"
"Into the stable?" Amber frowned.
"This is the stable?" Gran Mum feigned ignorance. "Really? I thought it was the, er... the guest house!" She laughed awkwardly. "Well, I must have gotten lost!"
"Lost?" Amber repeated. "You grew up in this castle."
"And you're acting really strange." James walked over.
"What's going on?" Amber asked. "You can tell us."
"Well, it would be a relief to share my little secret." Grand Mum admitted. "You're right, I wasn't lost. I was looking for a flying horse!"
"Why?" Amber asked.
"Because I want to enter the amateur Starwing contest!" Grand Mum declared.
"You do?" Amber smiled.
"But you're our grandmother!" James frowned.
"So true, my dear." Grand Mum nodded. "But I have also wanted to be a stunt flyer since I was your age. Ever since I saw my first air show. And now I have my chance."
"Oh, I think it's really exciting!" Amber hugged her. "And I'm so glad you told us! We'll help, right James?"
"Sure!" James nodded.
"Oh, wonderful!" Grand Mum hugged Amber. "And perhaps first you could help me chose a suitable horse? Whom might you recommend?"
"Windfall." James stroked the nose of a brown horse. "He's really fast, and will jump over anything!"
"Oh, you'll do nicely." Grand Mum nuzzled Windfall. "Yes you will! Now children, there's one more thing. I need some sort of disguise."
"A disguise?" James asked. "Why?"
"Well, most people see me only way." Grand Mum confessed. "Especially your father. He'd like to think of me as his proper, traditional, boring mother. But I'm much more than that." She sat on a saddle, waving her hat. "I like a little fun! I love a new thrill!"
Amber gasped approvingly.
"Perhaps though, it's best your father doesn't see that." Grand Mum admitted. "You know what I mean?"
"Oh, I do." Amber nodded. "And I can do better than a disguise, grandmother. How about a whole stunt flying costume?"
"Oh, sounds divine!" Grand Mum beamed, as they left the stable.
A short while later, the Starwing horses returned to their tent. Minimus and the girls walked over, Minimus wearing goggles.
"Okay, I think the Starwings are done practicing for today." Minimus declared. "So we should have the arena all to ourselves."
"Hey-hey, whatchya doin', bro?" A familiar voice asked.
"Mazzimo?!" Minimus turned to see his brother. "What are you doing here?"
"Hi, Mazz!" Sofia smiled.
"Hey, girls." Mazzimo grinned.
"Are you here to see your parents' show?" Madeline asked.
"Yep." Mazzimo nodded. "It's the only thing I ever leave the valley for."
"Well, you might see me do that." Minimus revealed. "The girls and I were just about to practice our routine for the Starwing amateur contest. Maybe you've heard of it?"
"Whoa, come on!" Mazzimo urged. "Show me what you've got!"
"Alright, well, any good stunt routine has to start with a barrel roll." Minimus declared, as Sofia and Madeline donned their goggles.
"Whoa, starting with a tough one." Mazzimo grinned.
"Here you go." Sofia lowered Minimus' goggles over his eyes.
"Here we goooo!" Minimus lifted them up into the air.
"Nice takeoff!" Mazzimo declared.
Minimus performed a barrel roll, then a loop-de-loop. Sofia and Madeline squealed with joy.
"Whoa-hoa, sweet spin!" Mazzimo called, as Minimus flew over him.
"Thanks!" Minimus smiled. "Now hold on tight, girls. We're gonna do the hoops!"
"Okay, Minimus!" Madeline nodded.
Minimus flew through each of the stunt hoops in rapid succession.
"Wow, baby bro got good!" Mazzimo smiled. "Try some vertical! Do a firecracker!"
Minimus flew straight up, higher and higher.
"Wow!" Sofia gasped.
"This is incredible!" Madeline added.
"I'm a firecracker!" Minimus cheered.
"Minimus!"
They looked back to see Gemina flying after them.
"You were flying so high, I could see you from our tent!" She declared.
"Whoa!" The trio yelped as she flew in front, blocking their ascent.
"Mom, what are you doing?" Minimus asked.
"Bringing you back down to earth, where it's safe!" Gemina answered.
As they descended, Minimus accidentally landed in a hay cart.
"Minny, what were you doing up there?" Gemina frowned.
"Mom, go easy on him." Mazzimo urged.
"Mazzimo!" Gemina smiled. "You came to see our show!" She then frowned. "But how could you just sit there and let your brother do a dangerous stunt like that? Minimus, what in the world were you doing, flying so high?"
"The girls and I are practicing... for the amateur contest." Minimus confessed.
"Mrs Gemina, he's really good at this!" Sofia declared.
"Good? He's amazing!" Madeline added.
"Girls, you're adorable." Gemina declared. "But this is a family matter." She turned to Mazzimo. "Did you know about this?"
"Yes, I did." Mazzimo smiled. "And I'm proud of him for tryin'!"
"No, it is too dangerous!" Gemina glared at Minimus. "I forbid you to enter that contest!"
"Mom!" Minimus groaned.
"Remember what happened last time you tried a flying stunt?" Gemina declared.
"Yes, mother." Minimus sighed.
"I don't want you to ever get hurt like that again." Gemina told him. "I want what's best for you, Minny; The easy life of a stable horse."
"I know." Minimus smiled weakly.
"So, you agree you're done with this foolishness?" Gemina asked.
"Yes, mother." Minimus nodded.
"That's my baby boy." Gemina cooed. "So good to your mother."
Gemina trotted away. Mazzimo opened the cart, allowing Minimus to leave.
"Oh boy, still lettin' her treat you like a foal?" He asked.
"Maybe I am better off just being a stable horse." Minimus frowned.
"Hey, don't let anyone tell you what you can or cannot be." Mazzimo declared. "If you wanna fly stunts, fly stunts."
"Mazz is right, Minimus." Sofia agreed.
"You're a new horse now, remember?" Madeline urged.
"You know what? You're right!" Minimus smiled. "Let's get back to practice!"
"Yes!" Sofia and Madeline cheered, donning their goggles again.
Meanwhile, Amber and James were finishing Grand Mum's disguise.
"Oh Grand Mum, you look fabulous!" Amber smiled.
Grand Mum was dressed in a red rider's uniform, a mask over her eyes.
"Now, let's get to the show." Grand Mum declared.
A short while later, teh show was underway. As a fanfare played, the hoops were lit on fire, and the firefighter filled their cart with water, just in case things got out of hand.
"I can't believe my mother enjoys watching this kind of thing." Roland told Miranda.
Count Barnstorm rode out on his horse.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is time!" He announced, as the horses flew overhead. "Count Barnstorm's Flying Starwing Horse Show is about to begin!"
The riders dropped confetti over the crowd.
"Hi! Sorry we're late!" Amber declared, as she and James joined their parents.
"Is Grand Mum with you?" Miranda asked.
"Who?" Amber adjusted her tiara.
"Your grandmother." Roland frowned.
"Oh, grandmother, right." Amber nodded. "No, she's not."
"We have no idea where she is." James fibbed.
"But she was looking forward to the show more than anyone." Miranda pointed out.
"Hello, my lovely family." Grand Mum joined.
"Your riding gloves!" Amber hissed.
Grand Mum quicklytook off her gloves and threw them aside.
"What were those?" Roland asked.
"What were what? I didn't see anything." Grand Mum shrugged, pulling out binoculars. "Did I miss much?"
The horses began flying through the flaming hoops. Minimus, the girls, and Mazzimo watched from beside the tent.
"Wow, they are really good." Minimus declared.
"You're really good too." Sofia stroked his neck.
"And everyone will see it soon." Madeline added.
The riders held up flaming torches, creating patterns as their horses flew around. The crowd cheered as more horses flew through the flaming hoops, then circled around the royal viewing tower.
"What a show!" Grand Mum applauded. "What a show!"
"And now, if anyone out there is daring enough to fly in the very same arena as the Fantastic Flying Starwings, come line up!" Count Barnstorm declared. "Time for our amateur countest!"
"Excuse me a moment." Grand Mum stood up.
"Where are you going?" Roland asked.
"I'm going to, er... change!" Grand Mum declared, leaving the box.
"Change?" Roland frowned. "Into what?"
James and Amber smiled at each other.
At the same time, Minimus prepared to go.
"Here we go." Mazzimo declared. "It's now or never, bro."
"Minimus, remember: In every Derby race, and one every adventure we've been on, you always end up doing so much more than you think you can." Sofia declared.
"And you'll do the same today. I'm sure of it." Madeline added.
"I know." Minimus nodded. "Okay. I-I-I can do this! Let's go!"
As they trotted forward, they passed the other horses.
"Hi, sweet boys!" Gemina smiled at her sons. "Did you see the show?"
"You were great, mom." Minimus declared. "Like always. And I'm gonna be great, too!"
"What did you say?" Gemina gasped.
"I know you're against it, but I really, really wanna enter the amateur contest." Minimus revealed.
"D-did you put him up to this?" Gemina glared at Mazzimo.
"He's his own horse, mom." Mazzimo declared.
"And I'm not the same horse I used to be." Minimus added. "Please, let me show you that."
"It's that important to you, Minny?" Gemina asked.
"It is." Minimus nodded.
"Then... you have my support." Gemina smiled. "On one condition..."
Moments later, Minimus was wearing a helmet, boots, and a padded suit.
"This is ridiculous!" He groaned. "I feel like a balloon animal!"
"It's only some padding." Sofia told him. "You'll be fine."
"We know the routine inside and out." Madeline added. "We can still do this."
Sofia snapped the reins, and Minimus took off.
"I'm not sure I can do this!" Minimus yelped, off-balance due to the extra weight. He made a wide turn, only hitting the stands. "My fault, my fault! I can do this!"
"Over here, Minimus!" Sofia urged.
"I can't fly straight! I can't see very much!" Minimus cried, as they dived.
"Don't give up! Go for the hoops!" Madeline declared.
"Wait a second, amateurs aren't allowed to fly through the rings of fire!" The head firefighter declared. "Come on boys, let's put them out!"
The carriage rolled over, putting out the hoops before Minimus flew through them.
"We believe in you!" Sofia declared. "Steady, Minimus!"
"You've got this!" Madeline added. "Just keep going! we're almost there!"
"Look out!" Sofia yelped.
Minimus clipped one of the hoops, causing it to spin around, and the rope attaching it to the pole to begin to unwind.
"This is a disaster!" He groaned.
"We've still got one more move." Madeline declared. "The firecracker!"
"Here we go!" Minimus flew upwards, only to falter. "Padding... too heavy..." He groaned, as they dropped back down.
"Whoaaa!" Sofia and Madeline yelped, as Minimus crashed into a pole, before finally landing.
"I'm so sorry, Minimus." Sofia declared.
"Me too." Madeline added.
"It's not your fault, girls." Minimus sighed.
"It wasn't yours, either." Sofia returned. "It was the padding."
Minimus shook off his helmet, just as Gemina landed by him.
"Minny!" She called. "Are you okay, my little puppy?"
"I'm fine, mom." Minimus said quietly. "I just, er... I wanna be alone."
Minimus walked away sadly.
"As always, our show delivers uncommon surprises." Lord Barnstorm told the crowd. "But let's move on. Next up, we have a Mysterious masked rider!"
Grand Mum and Windfall flew up, Windfall kicking up his hooves in midair.
"She's amazing, isn't she?" Amber declared.
"Quite amazing!" Roland agreed.
"Oh, it's a shame your grandmother's missing this." Miranda mused.
Amber and James smiled at each other.
Minimus watched the show.
"Wish I could've flown like that." He sighed.
As Windfall flew through the hoops, the rope on the one Minimus had knocked broke, and the hoop dropped onto Windfall's neck.
"Ooh!" Grand Mum yelped, as Windfall came unbalanced.
"Oh no!" Minimus gasped.
"The crowd reacted in shock as Windfall flew around awkwardly.
Minimus flew over, his padding still weighing him down. He burst through a cart of flour being heading upwards.
"Oh, dear!" Grand Mum gasped.
"Here I come!" Minimus headed to them, the flour streaming off his wings.
"Whoa!" Grand Mum screamed as she fell off Windfall.
Minimus flew done and caught her.
"Gotcha!" He declared.
"Go, Minimus!" Sofia and Madeline cheered.
Minimus stopped right in front of the royal box, Grand Mum's hat and mask flying off.
"Mother?!" Roland gasped, before Minimus landed.
"Minimus, you saved our grandmother!" Madeline beamed as she and Sofia raced over and pulled off the padding.
"You were amazing!" Sofia added.
"My Minnykins!" Gemina raced over. "Oh, you were so daring!"
"My boy, you are one wild horse!" Argus smiled as he and Mazzimo joined them.
"Minny, I'm sorry for the, er... padding." Gemina apologised. "You're not a little foal anymore. I know that, and I can't make your choices for you. So if you want to fly stunts, then I'll support you."
"In fact, your mother and I would like it very much if you, Sofia and Madeline would join us for the Starwing encore." Argus added.
"You really mean it?" Minimus smiled. "Wait, are there conditions, mom?"
"No conditions." Gemina nodded.
"Then I'd love to." Minimus declared.
"And how about you, Mazzy?" Gemina wrapped her wings around both sons in a hug. "So I can have both my boys together."
"Eh, why not?" Mazzimo grinned.
"Wait, there's someone else who should get a chance to fly too." Sofia declared.
"Our grandmother." Madeline beamed.
Meanwhile, Grand Mum was trying to sneak away.
"Tip-toeing, tip-toeing, tip-toeing..." She whispered, before running into Roland. "Oh, er..."
"Why didn't you tell me the truth, mother?" Roland crossed his arms.
"Oh, I was afraid you couldn't handle the truth, Roland." Grand Mum sighed.
"Well, I must admit, I was a little shocked." Roland declared. "You fell off your horse!"
"Yes, it's true." Grand Mum chuckled. "That was not my intention, however... But it was quite exciting, don't you agree?"
"We have yet another surprise for you, Enchancia!" Count Barnstorm declared. "It has come to my attention that the masked rider, the Grand Queen only fell because a rope tore during the previous contestant's routine. Therefore, she will get a second chance to show off her stunt flying... by joining the Starwings in our encore!"
The crowd cheered.
"Oh, how wonderful!" Grand Mum beamed.
A short while later, the encore ensued. Grand Mum carried a torch as she and Windfall flew.
"Go, grandmother!" Amber cheered.
"Go, go, go!" James whooped.
The Starwings flew in formation, the smoke from their torches forming their emblem, which Grand Mum flew in front of.
"My mother the stunt flyer..." Roland mused. "Hmm, I guess it is kind of exciting." He started applauding. "Brava, mother! Brava!"
Minimus flew beside his family proudly.
"Minimus, you're a stunt horse now." Sofia smiled.
"No, I'm not." Minimus countered. "I'm not just a stunt horse. I'm a stunt horse, and a stable horse! And a Derby champ! And an adventurer! And a firecracker!"
"And a great horse." Madeline added, as he flew upwards. "The best..."