Equestria's capital city was bustling with activity, since the day of the Best Young Fliers competition had finally arrived. A cyan pegasus was flying overhead as her friends headed to the big stadium where the Wonderbolts' derbies were normally held. Fluttershy was watching her marefriend as she flew about in the sky while staying close to her and the others. She really hoped Rainbow Dash wouldn't wear herself out so much she didn't have energy to compete today. Still, it seemed that her rainbow-maned friend could fly forever.
Rarity on the other hoof was getting rather annoyed. Rainbow Dash was wearing a suit she had made just for her and at her request. And there she was, flying around in that suit and getting it dirty before the competition even started. Rarity couldn't stand the thought of somepony ruining an outfit she had worked so hard on. Even if it was Rainbow Dash, the one pony who she expected to do so.
"Rainbow Dash! Get down right now before you ruin that suit! I don't want you all sweaty and exhausted while in that suit before the competition, so please take it easy," Rarity scolded her winged friend.
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and landed lightly on the ground. "I was only stretching my muscles out Rarity. I don't want to get a wing cramp in mid air," she said.
Fluttershy, who had been lagging behind the group, picked up her pace to walk alongside Rainbow Dash. She nuzzled her marefriend's side lovingly and said, "I think you'll do great, but Rarity's right. She worked hard on that outfit, and even I don't want to see it ruined before you go out into the arena."
"All right, but only because you asked, Shy," Rainbow Dash said. "I'm just so excited. You know how I reacted when I got the letter telling me I could re-enter this year!"
Fluttershy giggled and nodded, "I remember very well, Rainbow Dash."
"I'm going to win for you, Fluttershy. You just watch me, I'll be leaving all those other pegasi in the dust, as well as Gilda! No way am I going to let her show me up," she said, a glimmer of determination in her eyes.
"I know you will, Dashie," said Fluttershy. She gave her another kiss on the cheek and Rainbow Dash returned the kiss on the Fluttershy's lips.
"You're the best, Flutters!" said Rainbow Dash. She stroked Fluttershy's wing lovingly with her own before running on ahead.
Fluttershy smiled and the six ponies continued making their way to the stadium. She knew her rainbow maned friend was excited to win, but she also didn't want her to wear herself out. She had coaxed Rainbow Dash into going to bed early last night so she would be well rested for today. Fluttershy could see now that Rainbow Dash had an extra spring in her step. It was obvious that the speedy pegasus was ready to fly and win the competition. Fluttershy knew she would win, because she had a lot of faith in her childhood friend.
Everything was already prepared when they arrived. Many ponies were pouring in from all over Equestria and filling the seats in the stadium. Tier after tier was being filled, and some of the Wonderbolts were helping keep the crowd organized. Princess Celestia had already assigned special seats for the six of them, or rather the five of them in this case, since Rainbow Dash would be participating in the competition. Fluttershy gave Rainbow Dash a good luck kiss before she joined her friends at their seats. Rainbow Dash went to the contestants' area to prep up.
This time, there was no Rarity with a pair of fancy wings to show her up. This time, she was contestant number 2, and she was going to stay as contestant number 2. She was confidant because not too many nights ago, she had gained a beautiful marefriend who was now waiting to see her win the competition. Rainbow Dash was ready to win this competition, and not just for herself, but for Fluttershy too, as well as all of her friends. She was looking around for contestant number one when she spotted Gilda standing nearby.
The Griffin noticed her as well, and the two rivals approached each other.
"Dash," said Gilda cooly.
"Gilda," Rainbow Dash replied evenly. "Ready to lose?"
Gilda snorted and shook her head. "I'm ready to win, and I'm also ready to watch you crash and burn," she said snidely. "Nice outfit by the way. Who made it? Wait no let me guess, it was that dressmaker friend of yours. Clarity or something?"
"Her name is Rarity, and she made it for the competition," said Rainbow Dash defensively.
"Yeah yeah, whatever. I could care less," Gilda said coldly. "I'm the first to go. I doubt you and these other lame ponies will be able to top my moves," she bragged.
"Oh yeah? Well I'm contestant number 2!" said Rainbow Dash. "I'll gladly take the honor of beating you."
Gilda narrowed her eyes at Rainbow Dash. "Is that a challenge?"
"Maybe it is," said Rainbow Dash.
"Oh well then. It is on!" Gilda declared.
"Bring it!" Rainbow Dash shouted back.
"Contestant number one!" the announcer called suddenly.
Gilda grinned and said, "That's me! Good luck, Rainbow Crash."
She laughed and walked out to the arena, leaving a very angry Rainbow Dash in the room. She wasn't about to let the Griffin show her up now. Fluttershy and her friends were counting on her to win. She wasn't about to let them down. She was the element of Loyalty after all, and she would never ignore her friends' support for her while she focused on outdoing whatever moves Gilda was going to come up with for her performance. She was going to do her best, and she was definitely going to beat Gilda. Rainbow Dash was certain of that.
She went to the curtains and peeked outside to see what Gilda was doing. The Griffin was already in the air. Rainbow Dash watched as Gilda began her routine. The griffin zoomed forward, starting off with a few loops and spins in the air. Rainbow Dash snorted, knowing that was similar to what she had done the first time. Then she realized Gilda was stealing the routine she had performed that first time. Her blood boiled in anger as she watched Gilda continue. This must have meant she was there at that first competition. She must have seen Rainbow Dash perform, and she must have seen everything she did. Then could that mean...?
Her eyes widened as she saw Gilda do a nosedive towards her friends. The griffin sped towards them and scooped up Fluttershy in her talons. The shy mare screamed as the griffin flew back upwards. Then to Rainbow Dash's dismay, Gilda threw Fluttershy down, sending her flying towards the ground. Fluttershy's scream reached her ears as she fell straight through the clouds. Gilda waited a few long seconds before she finally started flying after her. The crowd roared in outrage, not liking what they saw. Rainbow Dash was about to fly forward when the Wonderbolts leaped into action.
Still, Rainbow Dash couldn't stand the thought of her love falling to her potential death. She flew out of the contestant's area and down below the cloud line. She watched the Wonderbolts zoom past Gilda, obviously much faster than the cocky Griffin. Her heart jumped forward in her chest as she saw Fluttershy falling while the Wonderbolts tried to reach her. Then Gilda turned on the Wonderbolts, forgetting about her charge to fight off the ace fliers. Fluttershy was left falling to her death.
Rainbow Dash's scream echoed through out the arena, and through the sky. It even reached Fluttershy's ears. Fluttershy opened her eyes and saw a rainbow colored streak soaring down towards her. It came so fast, creating a Sonic Rainboom. Rainbow Dash could feel the wind tearing at her face, causing tears to form in her eyes. She blinked them away as she focused on the yellow dot that was quickly growing larger.
No less than 10 seconds had she created a sonic rainboom, And only a mere few seconds later did she reach her love. Rainbow Dash caught her and held her tightly against her chest as she fly back up and away from the ground. At this point, the Wonderbolts had managed to capture Gilda, who was still writhing in their grip. Fluttershy buried her face in her love's chest as Rainbow Dash carried her back up to the arena. When they came into view, the crowd roared in joy and relief. Rainbow Dash carried Fluttershy back to where their friends were seated. Everypony came rushing to them, surrounding them and giving them hugs. Rainbow Dash gave her love a quick kiss before flying away and to the Wonderbolts who were now in the center of the arena with Gilda.
"How dare you!" Rainbow Dash growled. "It's one thing to hate me. It's one thing to hate my friends. But to attack one of them and almost kill them? That's a whole other situation!"
She bristled with unbridled rage, going towards Gilda so fast before the Griffin could defend herself. One of the Wonderbolts however moved in front of Rainbow Dash before she could reach Gilda in her rage. Rainbow Dash saw herself looking into the eyes of Soarin', one of the Wonderbolts she knew personally.
Then a regal voice spoke behind her, "Rainbow Dash! I will handle this, thank you!"
Rainbow Dash turned around and saw Princess Celestia standing there. "Princess Celestia!" she exclaimed, bowing her head in respect. "I'm sorry, I had forgotten you were still here. But Gilda almost-"
"I know," said Celestia calmly. "And like I said, I will handle it. Now please do step aside."
Rainbow Dash did as she was told and let the Princess approach Gilda. The Wonderbolts had ceased holding the Griffin down, and Gilda just sat with a scowl on her face. She refused to meet Princess Celestia's eyes.
"Young lady," said Princess Celestia cooly. "You have acted dishonorably towards my subjects. I understand you are not a native of this land, and you hail from the Gryphon Kingdom. Still, you should be able to show respect to my subjects, being a guest in Equestria. Today's actions have shown that you lack the ability to do so, and I have no choice but to disqualify you from this competition. I will not banish you from Equestria, since all are welcome here. However, I will be putting you under close watch by my Royal Guard. Your rights will be limited and I will send you to my sister for further punishment. Leave now."
She nodded to her own guards, who in turn escorted the Griffin out of the arena. Rainbow Dash watched her angrily until she was out of sight. Then she turned her attention back to the princess.
"Now, Miss Rainbow Dash, I do believe you have a routine to perform for us," she said.
"Yes, I do," said Rainbow Dash in a polite tone. "And thank you."
"You are very welcome, Rainbow Dash. Now, without further ado, let the games continue!" She declared to the entire stadium.
The Princess turned and flew back to her seat, followed by what remained of her royal guard. Rainbow Dash took to the skies. She went to her place in the arena and looked down to where her friends were. Fluttershy had already recovered from her initial shock. She was grateful that Rainbow Dash had come to save her, and not that bully. Now she was looking up at her hero, love, and friend, who was ready to perform a routine she had been practicing for weeks now. She gave Rainbow Dash a big smile, a smile she intended to show her love that she wished her the best of luck. Rainbow Dash got the message and grinned, giving her love a wink.
Rainbow Dash turned her focus on the arena before her. There were 19, no 18 opponents coming after her now. She had to do her best and make the judges remember her routine. She had to make it unforgettable. Rainbow Dash imagined rock music playing in her head, just to give her a feel for the routine she was about to do. Then she flew into action.
She flew with ease. Rainbow Dash flapped her wings, feeling the wind in her face. She felt the thrill of flying surge through her veins and the adrenaline kicked in. She went from 50 MPH to 80, and then to 90. Soon she was going 120 MPH. At this speed, she began doing her tricks. She used her rainbow trail to create shapes in the sky, first making a heart and then an arrow striking right through it. That one was intended for Fluttershy.
Then she showed off her cloud clearing skills. The Wonderbolts had set up a part of the arena with a feature for pegasi like Rainbow Dash who worked to control the weather. The section was made up of clouds each thinned out into rings. There were at least 200 rings total, and Rainbow Dash knew she had a good chance of winning the competition if she could clear those clouds under a certain amount of time.
Rainbow Dash sped over to the cloud clearing section. She flew high above the section, going at about 100 feet. Then she aimed her nose downwards, and shot forward. She sped through every ring, turning around to go through the next tower of rings, and the next. She was at about 7 seconds through, 9 seconds, and done! She had cleared every single ring in ten seconds flat, just like she had promised her friends she would do. She could hear them cheering her on, and that drove her to do even better.
Rainbow Dash had planned to finish off her routine with a sonic rainboom. It was going to be the move that would win her the competition. She wanted to be able to complete it without knowing that somepony's life was at risk, and this routine was the perfect opportunity for doing so.Besides, she had a feeling the judges weren't going to let her win again just for saving somepony while performing a sonic rainboom. She wanted to win with the sonic rainboom alone. The first two parts of the routine were just back up. This was the real show.
Rainbow Dash flew up high. She flew until the arena was only a tiny speck below her. She grinned, and started flapping her wings furiously. She dived down, increasing her speed as she went. She was at 40 MPH, then 80 MPH, then 90 MPH, 120 MPH, 200 MPH, and by the time she was at 380 MPH her speed was reaching its peak. Then there was a loud boom. She had done it! She looked over her shoulder and saw a huge prism of light, the sun shining through and making it glow even brighter. Rainbow Dash cried out in happiness and continued, feinting before she hit the ground and flying back up towards the arena. The crowd roared in excitement. Rainbow Dash laughed in delight. She had actually done it, and on her own without anypony forcing her to do so!
Rainbow Dash had an elated feeling of happiness in her heart. She knew she had the competition in her hooves now. It was evident. She could still see remnants of her sonic rainboom in the sky. She smiled proudly as she alit on the cloud surface in the center of the stadium. The crowd cheered her on, and then she was escorted out of the arena so the other contestants could perform.
Rainbow Dash waited patiently while she watched the contestants ahead of her perform their routines. She had to admit many of them were quite talented. Of course none of them performed a sonic rainboom like she had. She was sure that would help her win the competition. She hadn't just done one sonic rainboom, she had done two. The first one while saving Fluttershy, and the second one as part of her routine. Soon the last pegasi had finished his routine, and it was time for all the contestants to go out and stand in the arena. Rainbow Dash led the rest of them into the arena, since she had been number 2 and Gilda had been disqualified.
The judges reported their final decisions to the announcer, and Rainbow Dash bit her lip to keep herself from screaming in delight. The announcer read the card that Rainbow Dash was so sure had her name on it. She watched the announcer open her mouth and begin to speak. It looked like she was about to say Rainbow Dash, and the cyan pegasus squealed suddenly.
"Rushing Wind!" the announcer called out.
Rainbow Dash's eyes widened. She saw a small white pegasus with a black mane step forward. The Pegasus had blue swirls on his flank for his cutie mark. Rainbow Dash sighed. She had actually lost. Even after she had saved Fluttershy, and had made two sonic rainbooms, she had still lost. Rainbow Dash did realize it made sense though. The last time she had won was because she had rescued somepony and created a sonic rainboom. She did technically do the same thing again. So it wasn't surprising. Still, Fluttershy and her friends had been counting on her. She had a feeling they would be disappointed, but when she looked in their direction, she realized she was wrong.
Her friends were cheering her on, and she could hear them calling her name. Rainbow Dash grinned. She had lost the competition, but she had won in her friends' eyes. She saw Fluttershy rise and fly over to her. Fluttershy fluttered over to Rainbow Dash and nuzzled her cheek. Rainbow Dash smiled and kissed her on the lips. Then the two of them watched as the winner was given his award. The contestants dispersed and Rainbow Dash headed back to where their friends were with Fluttershy.
"You were amazing, Rainbow Dash!" she whispered.
"Thanks Shy, I know I was. And you know what: It's okay if I lost. I don't mind, as long as you guys are happy for me," said Rainbow Dash. "Honestly that wouldn't have been so easy for me to admit if it hadn't been for you."
Fluttershy blushed and said, "Well now that it's over, we're going back to the castle and have a party. Pinkie Pie still wants to throw you a party." She giggled as she continued, "Her exact words were, 'You can't let a good party go to waste!'"
Rainbow Dash laughed in response to that and nodded. "Well that sounds like Pinkie Pie all right. I'm in!"
"Great!" Fluttershy said happily. "Come on then."
Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy followed their friends back to the palace. Pinkie Pie took them to the party room where tables and fun and games were already set up. The party got started and the six friends began having fun and kicking loose. Later on, the Princesses joined in on the fun, as well some of the guards. This only made Pinkie Pie happier and she started playing the music up a little louder. Twilight Sparkle helped Pinkie Pie with the music while Rarity and Applejack started dancing together. Rainbow Dash pulled Fluttershy over to the side so they could have some alone time.
Fluttershy smiled as she drank some of her fruit punch. "You know, I never thanked you for saving me today. So thank you, Rainbow Dash."
"Of course Flutters, anything for you!" said Rainbow Dash. "I still can't believe she actually tried to copy my routine from a couple years back! I mean, you could have been seriously hurt or worse!"
"I know..." Fluttershy murmured. "Oh Rainbow Dash, when she was coming towards us I was so afraid. I didn't know what to do, and I couldn't even try to save myself from falling. I'm sorry I'm so weak..." Tears started coming to her eyes.
"Hey Fluttershy, don't cry now!" Rainbow Dash protested.
She pulled her marefriend into a tight hug and wiped the tears off of her face. "Hey, Fluttershy. You are one of the kindest and most amazing ponies I know! You are anything but weak. Don't let me hear you saying that about yourself, okay?" She looked at her firmly.
"O-okay...I'm sorry..."
"You don't have to keep apologizing either, Flutters," Rainbow Dash said gently. "It's okay, really. Do I look mad at you?"
"Well no..." Fluttershy knew Rainbow had a good point. She always did. And she was grateful Rainbow Dash was trying to cheer her up. She had always been there for her, and Fluttershy always appreciated it. "T-thank you...I know I shouldn't be so hard on myself. That's why I have you. Thank you Rainbow Dash." She smiled, her bright blue eyes all watery from tears.
"You're so beautiful, even when you cry," said Rainbow Dash. "You don't have to cry anymore though, I'm going to be here to protect you forever and always." With that she gave her a kiss on the lips.
Fluttershy closed her eyes and let herself sink into the kiss. Rainbow Dash's lips tasted so sweet, and she loved the warmth of her lips. Rainbow Dash tilted the shy mare's muzzle up a little so she could kiss her properly, and they both kissed one another intensely. The kisses became hungrier and hungrier, but then slowly faded into gentler kisses. Fluttershy's lips were so blissful, and Rainbow Dash was glad that they were only for her and her alone. Nopony else would be allowed to taste Fluttershy's lips. Rainbow Dash would make sure of that.
"I love you so much Dashie," Fluttershy murmured.
"And I love you, Fluttershy," said Rainbow Dash with a smile.
The two mares hung out with the rest of their friends at the party. They had a grand time and around midnight Twilight Sparkle forced the party to cease. They had a Gala to take care of tomorrow and they would need their rest. The ponies reluctantly agreed and went to their respective rooms. The next day, the six friends finished their final preparations for the Grand Galloping Gala. Then around evening they got in their new dresses Rarity had made just for them.
Rainbow Dash thought Fluttershy looked stunning in her new dress. It consisted of a long pale pink train with red flowers stitched into the fabric. The front was white lace with red trim. Rainbow Dash felt plain compared to her. Her dress of course had a rainbow colored design with a cloud crown that fit perfectly on her head. Her shoes were white and her outfit made her look like she really was walking on clouds. Still, Rainbow Dash thought it looked like nothing compared to what Fluttershy was wearing.
"Fluttershy...wow, you look amazing!" Rainbow Dash said in an awe filled voice.
Fluttershy blushed a deep scarlet. "T-thank you," she said shyly.
Rainbow Dash chuckled and gave her a gentle kiss. "Now, do you want to dance with me?"
"I'd love to!" Fluttershy exclaimed.
The two marefriends went to the dance floor and joined each other in dancing. Each matched the other's hoofsteps, and the other ponies paused to observe the two mares. Fluttershy realized everypony was watching and her face went red.
"Um...Rainbow Dash...everypony's watching us," she said nervously.
"Relax Shy, just focus on me," said Rainbow Dash, looking at her intently.
"Okay..." Fluttershy kept her focus on Rainbow Dash.
She did calm a little with Rainbow Dash at her side, acting as both her lover and protector. The two danced gracefully together. Pinkie Pie changed the music to a slow dance, and Rainbow Dash smirked at that. She was glad, because now she could become more intimate with her marefriend. She stepped closer to Fluttershy, hooking a hoof over her back. Fluttershy did the same, and the two held onto each other while dancing with their hind hooves. They moved back and forth along the dance floor, staying in sync all the while.
"Not bad at all," Rainbow Dash whispered in her ear.
"Thank you..." Fluttershy's cheeks turned red.
Rainbow Dash smiled and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. She continued to dance with her marefriend, keeping her steady on her hooves. Fluttershy felt more confident with her lover's assistance, and danced more easily. The two continued their gait for what felt like hours. Soon the music stopped because Pinkie Pie wanted a break from controlling the music so she could start playing games with her friends. Her five best friends joined into the fun, and even some of the other ponies at the party decided to get involved too.
This of course made Pinkie Pie super happy. Now she felt that her entertainment had truly turned out to be a success. All the ponies having a good time, and they were all happy, and not only that, it was all because of her! Pinkie Pie gave herself a pat on the back and continued playing games with everypony.
Rarity and Applejack were having the time of their lives as well. After good sales with Applejack's stand, the two had retired to dancing. They did get a little drunk after drinking too much of the wine, and the last anypony saw of them was when they were stumbling off into the garden. Twilight Sparkle saw this of course and made a note to herself to find them once the Gala was over. She didn't want her two friends endangering themselves, which would result in the Princess having to send out a search party for the two mares. That was the last thing Twilight Sparkle wanted.
Twilight Sparkle was having a great time herself. She had been able to get as much alone time as possible with Princess Celestia during the week. Not only that, but the greetings to all the guests went by pretty quickly. So Twilight had enough time to talk to her mentor after all. This made her extra happy because she finally got what she had wanted, which she hadn't gotten at the first Gala.
Princess Luna was there as well, not having been to a Gala in years. She stood on the Princess's other side, and actually took on the main role of greeting the guests so Celestia could spend time with her star student. Twilight Sparkle was grateful for this and made another note to thank Princess Luna later. For now she would just spend time with Princess Celestia while Luna did her job.