Rainbow Falls (Rewritten)

by MD Webster

Rating: everyone
Tags: Fluttershy, Bulk Biceps, Slice of Life, Wonderbolts, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Rainbow Dash
Length: 7897

Rainbow Dash is torn between two teams to compete for Equestria Games. (It's the Episode Rewritten)

Rainbow Dash competes for the Equestria Games representing Ponyville with Fluttershy and Bulk Biceps. However when one of Cloudsdale teammate falls in an accident, she been called to represent Cloudsdale in his place. Now her loyalty has been put to the test as she's torn between Cloudsdale and Ponyville.

Based on the Episode written by Corey Powell

(Note: it is the episode rewritten.)

Published 2014-04-29 21:30:03 UTC
Last updated 2014-04-29 21:30:03 UTC

Prologue

Rainbow FallsAdapted and edited By Michael WebsterBased on the Teleplay by Corey Powell

It was a hot blazing day in Ponyville and Rainbow Dash is pacing at the park with two ponies lined up.

“Alright Ponies, Listen Up!” said Rainbow Dash as her eyes laid sharp her teammates. Her magenta eyes fury like a drill sergeant back at the Wonderbolts academy and her rainbow mane showed an experienced wing bound cyan pegasus.

“We’re all ears,” A meek buttercup pedal of a pegasus named Fluttershy stood in attention, “Right, Bulk Biceps?”

A bulked white stallion apparently named Bulk Biceps was kissing on his proud built forelegs then he came to attention as he straighten up, “Yeah, I’m all muscles!”

“I like your attitude, Bulk Biceps," said Rainbow Dash, "but it’s gonna take more than muscles and ‘Yeah’s!’ to get us to Equestria Games!”

Equestria Games, this is the one she dreamed to be part of. She can only imagine to be out in the stadium and race with all her life in front of the cheering crowd. This may be the case, however, the event she chose to compete requires of her to shape up her teammates.

“We are the Aerial Relay team," Rainbow continued on, "and it’s up to the three of us to make sure that we qualify at the tryouts and do I need to remind you how much I...” Rainbow caught herself from showing her ego, “I mean, Ponyville wants to qualify and make it to the games?”

Fluttershy responded, “I remember, I really, really, really want to qualify for you and Ponyville.” Although her confidence showed a small flame.

“BRING IT ON!” shouted Bulk Biceps blowing Fluttershy’s pink lemonade mane.

“Gimmie a ‘P’ for Ponyville!” a hyper pink earth pony named Pinkie Pie appeared out of nowhere wearing a cheerleader outfit. Then, with her usual randomness, she pops out a megaphone and blares through it, “P, PONYVILLE!

Bulk reposes the cheer, “P!”

Fluttershy relieved her ears and smiled sheepishly, “Oh, thanks, Pinkie Pie. That was a great cheer although it startled me.”

“Just make sure you have one ready for when we qualify for the Aerial Relay,” said Rainbow.

Pinkie Pie smiled in her usual bright Pinkie smile and nodded in acknowledgement.

“Hey, Everypony!” A down to earth orange pony, Applejack came into view with her brown cowboy hat shading from the sun rays, pulling a cart filled with some delicious brown treats, “If you’re gonna be good, you’re gonna be better with some of my apple brown betties in ya. They’re perfect.”

Then again out of nowhere, Pinkie popped out of the cart, “P for Perfect!”

Rainbow rolled her eyes and slapped her hoof on her forehead as her teammates rushed to sample themselves of apple brown bettys. She's pretty sure it's pretty good but this is no tea-break time.

“Alright team!” Rainbow called them for attention.

Bulk and Fluttershy dropped their betties and rejoined their team.

Then Rainbow ascended up in the air and said, "Show me what you got."

They stand as they awaited for instructions.

“Put some bend into those knees!” They bended their legs, awaiting the next step.

“Flap those wings!” Fluttershy flaps her wings in a warm-up pace while Bulk’s flaps his tiny wings like a hummingbird.

“And I want to see all four hooves off the ground on the count of three!” said Rainbow as she waited as they are in spirit and then smiled, “One, Two, Three!”

Then they spring off the ground and ascended up to the sky with relatively ease. Rainbow beamed proudly as they met at the same level as her. But that is just the beginning.

“Good,” said Rainbow Dash, “Now line up in straight line!”

As soon they heard these words, Fluttershy and Bulk lined up as Rainbow joined between Bulk on the left and Fluttershy on the right.

"Great," said Rainbow as she's going to give them the final step, "Here's what we do. We'll race to this tree," She pointed at the lone tree on the island lawn, "and back here. But since I'm the fastest I'm gonna give you a head-start."

Both of her teammates nodded in acknowledgement as they eyed on the lone tree as they were sweating already.

Rainbow called the race, "Ready, set, GO!!!"

Both Fluttershy and Bulk took off, leaving Rainbow behind. But Rainbow counted two seconds, then accelerated to catch up with them. It was refreshing to have the wind cooling her face as her teammates were already halfway to the tree when Rainbow caught up with them and went a bit ahead of them. So far, so good.

But then as soon they reached the tree, something did happen that Rainbow didn't anticipate Fluttershy turned at the incredible sharpness around the tree and is now ahead of them. Bedazzled, Rainbow looked at Fluttershy but she didn't payed attention as Bulk, who was flapping as hard as his strength carried him, didn’t stop in time as he crashed into Rainbow Dash.

Fluttershy heard a thud then stops to turn and sees her friends in a sorry state then flies to help them.

Bulk, who was on top of her, got off of Rainbow then he brushed his flatted team captain, wearing an apologetic expression on his face.

Then Pinkie cheers out, “P is for, uhh...” then she smiles unsurely, “pain?”

Rainbow sighs for she knew she’s got a lot of work to do.

Chapter 1

Rainbow Dash sat on the seat as she watched the mountains and trees passed by the Friendship Express. They're on their way to where the qualification rounds are held, Rainbow Falls resort. Rainbow is looking foreword to the moment when they get there.

While her teammates are sitting in from of her, the rest of her friends joined in to root for her. Twilight Sparkle, a book-wormish lavender alicorn is sitting next to her. The fabulous white unicorn named Rarity was priming her stylish purple mane with Pinkie Pie and Applejack sitting on seats behind Bulk and Fluttershy.

“Good luck to you Rainbow Dash!" Rainbow turned to see two Pegasi looking apologetic, "Sorry we couldn’t fly with you on the Aerial Relay, but the Air Sprinters needed us too.”

“Although, we like too,” The other pony said, “But we can only compete in one event. Oh well... Rules are rules,” Then they left to another train car.

Twilight waved her hoof at them and said, “Good luck!” She then turned to Rainbow, “It was nice of you to be part of the team that doesn’t have... uh... the strongest flyers.”

“Nothing nice about it,” Rainbow resented, “I know that I can pick up the slack for anypony. With me on as the last third relay on the team, we’ll qualify. I’m sure of it.”

Truthfully, she is really upset that no other pony could compete more than one event. If the rules are written that one pony can make more than one event, then she wouldn't have to put up with Bulk and Fluttershy.

But then again, Bulk is a pretty good flyer. She had seen him with the other pegasi to create a tornado for community service and even made it in the Wonderbolts academy along with her however, on the other hoof, he still needs to work on his agility. His strength of his wings may get him off the ground but he needed to be quick on stop himself and also flexible turns which is the most crucial part in the relay. She learned that the hard way back at the park. But hopefully this wouldn't be difficult.

Fluttershy who is squished by Bulk making it difficult for her to move, waved her flag and said. “I am so proud to be representing Ponyville.”

The truth is with Fluttershy, Dash knew her very well that she can’t stand crowd of ponies watching her perform. She is concerned for Fluttershy right from the beginning. By the time, when Rainbow signed up to be on the relay, Bulk Biceps was the first to volunteer to be on her team. She waited for any other Pegasi to volunteer to be on her team but nopony came. That is until to her surprise, Fluttershy was the only pony who volunteered to be on Dash’s team. She was about to resent that however she remembered the time when Ponyville is on the community services by creating tornado to send water from the reservoir back to Cloudsdale. When there weren’t many Pegasi to create enough wind power to lift water, It was Fluttershy, the shyest pony of Ponyville, who stepped in to create enough wind power to send water to Cloudsdale. With that impression, why deny her to be on the team?

“Oh, It’s such an honor to even try out for the Games.” Fluttershy continues, “I just hope I don’t let anypony down.”

“We’ll make them proud!” Bulk blurted out as he’s pumped his foreleg.

Pinkie pie cheers on, “P is for proud! We’re gonna be the best fans anypony has ever seen!”

“Ooh, can’t wait to see what everypony else is wearing,” Rarity added on, “even though I am absolutely sure they won’t be better than the Ponyville uniforms I’m designing for the Equestria Games.”

Applejack nodded, “And we will make it to the games once everypony carbo-loads on my apple brown betties.”

Rainbow is happy to have her friends to be with her to watch her and her team to qualify. But she needs work with Bulk of his agility skills and Fluttershy picking up the pace and she’ll do the rest. As the last third relay team, everypony will be ahead of her to beat her and she’ll not have it.

Suddenly, the train whistle blew that they’re arrived at the station. Rainbow Dash looked out the window. The resort is one of the gorgeous sight that Rarity would never take her eyes off. It was a plot of land on the mountainside with arches of rainbows splashed around the sky. Rainbows poured from the clouds floating overhead. Condo’s are built conveniently on a plot of mountain land where the rainbow creek flows.

Pinkie can’t contain her excitement, “I can’t wait!”

Rainbow Dash with the rest of her friends got off the train. A chilly breeze blows through their mane, it is refreshing from the hot summer day from Ponyville. They checked out a condo they’ll be staying for a few days. Rainbow Dash have no time to laze around the condo when she has work to do.

When they first stepped in the grounds, Rainbow witness that there are ponies stretching their wings and legs for the games, some even do wing push-ups while testing their strength of flying. There is no doubt that these ponies, representing their cities and towns, are going to be a lot tougher. Even griffons are taking part of the games, Rainbow saw them stretching their legs and wings.

They stopped at the small space of meadow and they were about to set up a shade tent. Until the sky roared from the distance and Rainbow knows that sound. All the ponies looked up at the sky as three ponies flew over their heads as swift as lightening. Rainbow recognized them by name, Soarin, Fleetfoot and their leader Spitfire and they are known by one name, The Wonderbolts. She heard that they’re flying for Cloudsdale, her former hometown. With the Wonderbolts flying for them, Cloudsdale will defiantly qualify.

But that also means, she’s got some real competition here. With two more days of practice, she’ll see them on the air... if she’s lucky.

There’s no time to fool around. “All right, team!” Rainbow called as Fluttershy and Bulk turned to her with straight attention, “The Wonderbolts may know a winner when they see one and we’ll be winners just as soon as we practice! Right Team?”

Fluttershy smiles, “Right.”

“Yeah!!!” Bulk shouted as Pinkie blew a party hooter.

“And, um I’m with her! Hooray!” said Twilight as Rainbow Dash's eyes fixed on her then Rainbow beamed proudly.

Pinkie turned her attention at the cheerleaders as they’re cheering, “Give us some clouds! Gives us some dale! And what do we got? Cloudsdale! Whoo-hoo!” But she’s not looking at their routine but at the ones that gives Ponyville a miracle to cheer.

“What can I get pompoms like those?!”

“So do I need to remind you of what our goal is here?” Rainbow hovers around her teammates.

Bulk Biceps responds, “Uh... Maybe.”

Rainbow shook her head at Bulk for that response, “We want to qualify. For our qualifying round, we are timed to enter the games. So we have work on our speed and agility.”

Rainbow’s team acknowledged her words while Rainbow called on the buff stallion, “Bulk Biceps, you’re the first flyer, so let me see how you do!”

Bulk sprang off the ground and joined up with Rainbow in the sky. Rainbow smiled and said, “Good, here’s I want you to do. Watch this!”

Rainbow flew to a rainbow ribbon wrapped pole, like a falcon she sharply turned around this pole and flew back to Bulk.

“I want you to fly around this pole as close as possible without touching it,” said Rainbow, “You got it?”

Bulk nodded then with all his strength flapped his wings towards the pole. Rainbow watched his teammate darted towards the pole, her eyes are fixed with hope that he’ll make a turn and then suddenly drained as his bulky marshmallow slammed his face and slid down to the ground.

“Ugh... get up and try again, Bulk Biceps,” Rainbow commanded as Bulk regains his composure and went back to start.

Rainbow moved away from Bulks flight path, Bulk flew to the pole in the same speed as last time but he moves to the side, certainly he’ll make the turn this time. That is until... “Heads up!” Something splattered on his face then he completely missed the pole and crashed into the tree.

“What the...?” Another one flies up and she caught it. She notices on her hooves an apple brown betty.

Applejack is the one who’s tossing those betties up, “Sorry, Got the idea from them but...” Two ponies on the ground stomped their hooves down on the lever tossing the cakes up and their competing teammates caught them with their mouths without a hitch, “It looks like they got better aim.”

Rainbow shook her head in disgust, even though it’s not a bad idea but next time, Applejack should notify her first so she’ll approve that for training.

Then she return to her fallen teammate who regained his composure again, “Okay, Bulk, get up and try again.”

This has been going on for an half an hour. Bulk’s attempt has been no better although he got the turning but he keeps touching the pole also sometimes he keeps missing the pole and crashes into a tree. Rainbow just had enough of it.

“All right stop,” said Rainbow as Bulk wheezed after so many trial and flew up to join with his leader, “Now we’re moving on to the next stuff.”

Rainbow pulled out a rather dull looking horseshoe with a cloud emblem inside it, “Okay, the passing of the baton needs to be seamless. You shouldn’t miss a wing beat or drop a hair in altitude, and whatever you do, don’t let go of it!”

She passed the baton to Bulk while he gripped it tightly.

Fluttershy flew up to Bulk, “Are really, really, really sure you’re ready? I mean, I don’t want to take it if you’re not super sure.”

Bulk breathed in with confidence and shouted, “Ready!”

Fluttershy reached her hoof as Bulk passed the baton. Fluttershy got a good grip then it slipped from her, “Oops.”

With a clink, Rarity picked up the baton from the ground, “Hmm, Ponyville could do so much better. I’ll be back with a freshly painted one in no time!”

Rainbow protested as the fashioner trotted away, “Hey, We were using that!”

“It won’t be a minute!” Rarity responded in a singsong voice.

Rainbow shook her head in disbelief, “Oh, It’s not like anypony else has color-coordinated horseshoes or anything!”

She turns to the attention to the other team and finds that one of competitors passes to her teammate a gold horseshoe with a silver cloud baton. Rainbow heart suddenly sank.

“I guess some ponies do,” Rainbow said as she descends to the ground.

“Some ponies do what?” Twilight noticed her friends dismal.

Rainbow sighed as she realized better than anyone, “Have a better chance of qualifying and going to the Equestria Games than others.”

Chapter 2

But Rainbow is not a type to quit, for she knows that Equestria Games are her life. She helped the Crystal Empire to be represented for the games, she managed the flag carrying team for Ponyville. She is not going to quit for entering the games. So, she has to put forth the effort by learning from the pros.

Rainbow leaded her team to Cloudsdale spot where the Wonderbolts are practicing their flying skills.

“Okay, team, watch and learn,” said Rainbow, “See how they fly with power and control. They are my personal heroes, so maybe you can learn something.”

Fleetfoot is watching her teammate, Soarin flying through the hoops, “C’mon, Soarin, pick up the pace! You can do it better than that.”

“I sure hope so,” Spitfire smiled proudly as she’s relaxing on a cot with a massager patting his hooves on her back.

Rainbow watched Soarin made though the another hoop with ease and grace. Then he accelerated high and prepare to dive through last hoop. Rainbow can see the focus within Soarin’s eyes to be sure there are no accidents happen. Soarin folded his wings and descends down with increasing speed. Then a bird suddenly perched on a hoop, Soarin saw that and then at moment when he’s about to enter, unfolded his wings trying to catch the wind to slow down. Then suddenly an unmistakable gruesome crack when Soarin’s wing impacts the rim of the hoop. Rainbow noticed that Soarin is plummeting towards the ground.

Rainbow with no time to lose, leapt off the ground, ascending through the air then swooped and caught the falling Wonderbolt, “Gotcha!”

As she landed on the ground, both Ponyville and Cloudsdale cheers and applauds for her heroic performance.

The remainder of the Wonderbolts' eyes popped wide open with astonishment of what they witnessed, then Fleetfoot rushed toward Soarin, who got off of Rainbow laid on the ground, as Spitfire got off the cot to join her teammate. Then they turned to Soarin's savior.

“Thanks, Rainbow Dash,” said Fleetfoot, “That was awesome!”

“As good as any Wonderbolt,” Spitfire added on but she turned her attention to Soarin, “Hey, are you all right.”

“I’m okay but...uh... my wing hurts,” Soarin tried to spread his wings but his wing which is crooked as a stick within a kite snapped in two, flinched and then folded, “But I-I’m sure it’ll be okay by the competition.”

Then, a couple ambulant ponies came to the spot. Gently placed Soarin on the cot.

“Thanks, Rainbow Dash,” Soarin smiled in gratitude “You’re the best.”

Rainbow smiled proudly, “It was nothin’. But, if you feel like talking about how great I am, don’t let me stop you!”

Then Soarin groaned in pain as the ambulant ponies takes Soarin away to the medical clinic.

Bulk suddenly shout out in cheer, “P is for Rainbow Dash!”

“Um...” Fluttershy flew up to Bulks ear and whispered, “Rainbow Dash starts with an R.”

“Oh, Never mind!” Bulk sat embarrassingly.

Rainbow suddenly felt sorry for Cloudsdale that they just lost one pony for the relay race, “Tough break to lose a teammate right before the tryouts.”

“Yeah,” Spitfire nodded in disappointment as she watched her teammate disappeared from her sight, “Again, It was awesome the way that you scoop up, Soarin when he’s needed. Just like the way you did with your friends back at the Academy.”

Then suddenly her eyes brightened as Spitfire turned to Rainbow Dash and spoke, “You know, maybe you can do some more favor for us.”

Rainbow turned with at most attention, “What?”

“Since you grew up in Cloudsdale, you could fly with us,” said Spitfire.

Rainbow gasped with surprise, “Fly?”

“I think you mean practice?” Fleetfoot asked her teammate and Spitfire nodded, “Yeah, you could practice with us until Soarin’s better.”

Spitfire smiled and proposed, “What do you say? For Soarin, wanna be our third?”

Rainbow couldn’t believe what she just heard. The Wonderbolts her personal heroes had asked her to fly with them. Rainbow couldn’t help not to contain her excitement that she’s about to squeal. However, her teammates from Ponyville are looking out to her. They really need her to be at her best in order to qualify plus she doesn’t really want to get worn out by the time the qualifying race comes around. But then she had been put through some intense workouts at the Wonderbolt Academy and handled them just fine. Oh yeah, she did kick some major tail at the Academy. But how will her teammates feel about her practicing for Cloudsdale. Would they get infuriated when she turns away from her town and her friends? What would they say about it? Even if she going to say it is for helping Cloudsdale, but then who’s going to know about it? She can sneak away when they’re at break or when they are not looking. They are not going to know about it but she may help them just a bit from the winners.

Rainbow stood up and said, “Alright, I’m in.”

Spitfire smiled, “Great, We’ll see you at practice, Rainbow Dash.”

“See ya,” Fleetfoot waves her hoof as they took off.

Rainbow has now a dream come true to fly with the Wonderbolts as she grinned and squealed in delight.

This training is not really easy as she might’ve predicted. She first started with the hoops moving with Fleetfoot on the other side. Then she smoothly flew through them meeting up with Fleetfoot and pass the golden baton. Without a missing a wingbeat, Fleetfoot smiled and said, “Awesome.”

Then without them looking, She flew back to her original teammate. Passing the Las Pegasus camp and glide over a purple pony to meet with Fluttershy.

“Oh, there you are,” said Fluttershy as Rainbow is taking a breath, “We were wondering where you are. But Bulk Biceps has been going around the pole so many times.”

But Rainbow wasn’t paying attention, “That’s great. Now we’re moving on to the hoops.”

The hoops were set up by a couple of officials of the games.

Bulk Biceps joins up with his captain as she commanded passes the baton, “Okay, Now Bulk get ready.”

Bulk flapped his wings with all the strength then with the baton on his hoof, darted through the hoop. That is if Bulk can fit through it.

Bulk kept flapped his wings trying to budge through, grunting and groaning, he started moving his shoulder trying to get out.

“Oh... hold on, Bulk,” Fluttershy started to pull, “I’ll get you out.”

Rainbow joined in to help as the stunned officials stood and watched them struggle. Then one of the official said, “We’re gonna need a bigger hoop.”

It didn’t take long to get Bulk out of his predicament and informed the officials to find a hoop suited for his size. Then as Bulk and Fluttershy are not looking, Rainbow took off to join Cloudsdale once again.

They were pushing up with their wings with trainers on top of them. They got to fifty-five before they rest and Rainbow once again took off, returning back to Ponyville spot.

Fluttershy was pushing up with her wings, managing to get to twenty. Then Rainbow landed on the spot.

“Um... Rainbow are you sweating?” Fluttershy asks.

Rainbow tapped her hoof over her forehead and the wetness tingles on her hoof, “Oh, yeah... it’s kind of bit hot outside, you know. Are you been doing wing-ups?”

Fluttershy blinked as she felt a cool breeze brushing her mane, “Um, yes.”

“Well keep doing it while I’m gonna get some water,” Rainbow took off once again while Fluttershy resumes her wing-ups.

Rainbow passes the purple pony, over the Las Pegasus camp, meeting with Cloudsdale.

It has been going on almost all day with Rainbow keep switching back and forth. Until she grew tired as Celestia lowering the sun and Luna is rising the moon. The Ponyville went to their condo to sleep for the next day.

It was the next morning as they're not looking, Rainbow immediately went to Cloudsdale spot. Spitfire greeted her as she showed her a majestic silver and white uniforms. Then they fitted themselves and worked wonders. Then Rainbow headed back to Ponyville as Spitfire and Fleetfoot took off to practice. As she made to Ponyville spot Rarity was fitting the Ponyville uniforms on Fluttershy and Bulk.

Rainbow notices that it was the most girlish, with bright baby blue as a base with red and orange artificial flower lining around the uniforms. Her jaws gapped with horror.

“Well what do you think? A bit too much?” Rarity asked for input.

“Uh... can you make it twenty percent cooler by losing the flowers?”

Rarity was to about take aback but then she tapped her lips in thought, “You’re right, I’ll just make more down to the basics but I need to make more stand out.”

As it was throughout the morning, things are not getting better for Rainbow. While she’s with Wonderbolt, it’s more of freedom and a ticket to the games. With Ponyville, she felt limited, with chances to enter are slim.

Then suddenly after Rainbow practiced with the Wonderbolts, Spitfire called in for a break. Then she decided to visit Soarin with his condition that happened yesterday.

Rainbow waved them a goodbye then she landed on the ground in exhaustion. She breathed heavily and then she sipped a hoof of water from the spring.

“It’s not easy practicing with two teams, is it?” Rainbow spat with surprise and turned to find Twilight Sparkle standing next to her.

“You know?” said Rainbow Dash meeting with Twilight’s glaring eye, “Does everypony else?”

Twilight softened her expression as she shook her head, “No, they’re too busy practicing while wondering why you keep disappearing.”

Rainbow sighed in relief and then she said, “Well, I’ve seen the other teams practicing and we’re still gonna qualify. I can fly fast enough to make up the distance.”

But Twilight spoke firmly, “Still, it just one of the teams you’re practicing with, needs a little more help than the other one.”

“I was helping them but even Cloudsdale needed some help as well. I was just getting them into the rhythm. Beside, Ponyville will still qualify.”

Then at the moment landing behind them, Spitfire and Fleetfoot arrived from the medical clinic.

“Hey Rainbow Dash, you got a minute,” said Spitfire.

Rainbow wasn’t sure what is happening right now, “Uh, sure.”

Rainbow joined up with them then Fleetfoot stepped foreword.

“For the past few days, you seem quite an asset to our team," said Fleetfoot as Rainbow turned her ears foreword so she didn't miss a word, "So based on your performance, we want you to join the Cloudsdale team. Permanently.”

Rainbow gapped her mouth open with eyes widened with great astonishment. She didn’t know what to say about it, the Wonderbolts are asking her to fly with them. But then a thought struck to her head.

“Wait, what about Soarin?”

Then it was a moment that Spitfire lips lowered and removed her glasses revealing her saddened eyes, “I’m afraid that Soarin’s wing won’t be able to heal on time for the trials. Even though he’s recovering, I cannot ask him to put himself at much more risk.”

Fleetfoot added in, “Of course, even you’re flying for Ponyville but you cannot fly with two teams at the same time.”

Spitfire replaced her glasses on, “So what’s it gonna be?”

Rainbow stood while she tried to say something, “Uh, well I...”

“We’ll give you some time to think about. When you make your decision come back to us, we’ll be waiting,” said Spitfire as she flew off, followed by Fleetfoot.

“They want me to fly with them! It’s like a dream come true,” Rainbow couldn’t help it she sprang off the ground and looped around as she smiled that the fates are turning for her. That is until Twilight spoke up.

“Rainbow, it sounds great that you fly with Cloudsdale. But think about it for a moment, Fluttershy and Bulk are going along with you, to fly with you. Did you see how much they gave themselves to compete for the games and worked for it?”

Then suddenly it struck her, she has not seen them working for her in fact how would she know that Bulk had exceeded of his agility skill and Fluttershy, how would she know that she is improving her pacing even in front of the crowd? She doesn't but if she does find out that they are not, it's seems better to be with the best team.

Then another thought occurred to her, what about the rest of her friends? Pinkie Pie wouldn’t have anypony to cheer for. Rarity is still working on the uniforms to make Ponyville presentable and what will Applejack do with all these apple brown bettys if she’s slaved on them for nothing. She helped Ponyville for the flag carrying competition and she had assembled a team, who followed her to Rainbow Falls to compete for her.

However, on the another hoof, Cloudsdale are in trouble as well, they do needed three ponies to fly for the race. With Soarin at the clinic unable to heal on time for them, they wouldn’t qualify as well. She didn’t want let her heroes down but she didn't want let her friends down either.

Then Rainbow responds, “I don't know! This is hard to choose. What would you do?”

“That will be the decision you have to make on you own,” said Twilight as she walked away, “The race is tomorrow, so you’d better make it soon.”

Rainbow suddenly felt as the guilt within her bosom dragged her down to the ground. She slumped as she asked herself what is she got herself into. Now she at the fork in the road but whether she choose one the other will lose. She didn’t want to make a wrong one. Then suddenly an idea occurred in her head.

Chapter 3

It was a bright morning for reading for Twilight as the breeze grew chillier but she is actually waiting for Rainbow to have her choice made. If Rainbow is flying for Cloudsdale, Twilight has to find a replacement for Rainbow Dash. Rainbow’s intentions for Cloudsdale might be noble for them but for Ponyville. What can she do?

She looked at Cloudsdale and they seemed to be okay for now with incredible wing-speed. The third pony might be coming at any moment to join with them. Ponyville team seems improving with Bulk managed to get around the pole without a hitch even though it’s not as sharp as Rainbow’s. Fluttershy managed to get up to speed but not as fast as Rainbow’s. If only Rainbow Dash was here to see that.

“OH! Woe is me!”

Twilight lifted up her head as the groaning howls from the pony in wheelchair. But what is on the chair surprised her for a wrong reason.

She’s got to be kidding, Rainbow Dash is wearing bandages on her legs, head and even her wings and she’s attracting the crowd with her moaning and groaning. Twilight couldn’t help but rolled her eyes as the other ponies, including the Wonderbolts, walked up to Rainbow.

Fluttershy spoke in concern, “What happened?”

“I hurt my hoof!” said Rainbow.

Spitfire noticed it wasn’t one hoof but... “All of them?”

“I, uh, tripped on a-a foam hoof and landed on a...” Rainbow babbled on but no matter what the excuse that Rainbow is making, Twilight thought that was the dumbest thing that ‘the fastest flyer of all Equestria’ can do.

Rainbow finished off with, “and then a pokey stick coming out of the ground.”

Pinkie Pie suddenly blows something out of her top, “If I get my hooves on that...” Pinkie corked her mouth and said something that Twilight wouldn’t think that Pinkie Pie would normally say, “it’ll be in big trouble!”

Then Rainbow said, “There is no way I can fly now.”

Fluttershy chimed in, “Do you thing you’ll be better by tryouts?”

Then Rainbow leaned on a dramatic pose, something that makes Rarity proud of, groaning in exaggerating pain, “I’ll be lucky if I ever fly again!”

She cannot be serious. She just did that botched not only both of the teams but herself as well. If they found out she was faking, who knows what will they to do to her.

Rainbow sighed, “I just need a little rest.”

Fluttershy, with her usual kind demeanor, pushed the wheelchair, “Oh don’t worry, Rainbow Dash. We’ll take care of you... or, at least, somepony will. Like a medic or-or a doctor, or a nurse.”

Twilight only shook her head of what she just witnessed. But she just joined with her friends to the hospital.

Rainbow is laying on the hospital bed with her legs supported by the harnesses. Twilight was looking at EKG while the radar are pulsing normally as Rainbow should be.

“So, the medic pony isn’t sure what’s wrong with you,” said Twilight with her eyebrow rose.

“Everything!” groaned Rainbow Dash in the most dramatic poses, “Absolutely everything!”

Applejack come up to Rainbow with a betty on her hoof, “This’ll cure everythin’ that ails ya!” Then she stuffed it into Rainbow’s mouth.

“Thank you,” said Rainbow with her mouth full, “I couldn’t have done that on my own.”

Twilight sighed that Rainbow is not going to reveal her fakery.

Rarity chimes in, “Nothing says ‘get better’ like a little medical pizazz! Silk slings and a glitter bandage.” She pulls a bright purple with glitter silk with her magic.

“That might help,” said Rainbow as Rarity tied around one of her legs.

The door opened and Fluttershy entered the room, following by Bulk who had some trouble fitting through the door frame.

“How is our patient doing?” said Fluttershy as Bulk popped out of the door, landed on his face.

“I’ve been better,” said Rainbow. Although, she is wearing guilt on her face.

“We just wanted to let you know that we’re so sorry you’re hurt,” said Fluttershy, “but you shouldn’t worry a bit about not being able to be in the tryouts. We even have a replacement.”

Fluttershy pointed at the doorway, standing there is a certain grey pony with lemon blonde mane waving a flag. Rainbow recognized her with walled eye and bubbles cutie mark on her flank.

“Derpy Hooves?” Rainbow couldn’t believe that they are replacing her with a pony who wasn’t even practicing with them.

“We are so, so sorry that you can’t compete,” Fluttershy continued, “We all know how much you love to fly, and we promise...”

“Cross our hearts!” Bulk slashed his hoof across his chest.

“Uh... as I was saying, that if we qualify and make it to the Equestria Games and all win gold medals, you can have ours. Because we know how much you love to win.”

Rainbow blinked after what she heard from her kindhearted friend, then she said in more than a whisper, “Thanks.”

Twilight cleared her throat and said, “I think Rainbow Dash might need to rest some more.”

The rest of the gang nodded in an agreement as they head out of the door, while sweated over to get Bulk fit through the door.

Twilight was the only one stayed behind as she turns to her friend and said, “You know, choosing not to choose isn’t a really a decision.”

Rainbow blinked as Twilight’s word stung her heart as Twilight walked out of the door. She thought what she did was brilliant so nopony can have her but she realized that it makes matters worse.

“You sure do have some nice friends,” Rainbow Dash turned with surprise as the curtain drew open by one of the Wonderbolts, Soarin lying on his hospital bed.

“Thanks,” said Rainbow turning away from eye contact as guilt is still wearing on her.

“I know that nopony’s ever visited me,” said Soarin, “I guess they must’ve too busy practicing. Except one time when Spitfire and Fleetfoot came by to check on me, yesterday.”

“Well, how’s your wing?”

“Oh, It’s fine now,” said Soarin showing his wing in a cast, “But the doctor told that I should take it easy.”

“But you still can fly with that?" asked Rainbow, "They told me that they wouldn’t want put you more at risk.”

Soarin responded with saddened eyes, “Even I can fly, I don’t know if I can make it through tryouts with this wing. So they were going with somepony else.”

“That somepony else was me!” said Rainbow, “Until... uh... well, until I got hurt, that is.”

Soarin sighed, “So, I guess we’re all out of luck. Even Cloudsdale wants you to be a third, and Ponyville wouldn’t qualify without you, both of our team wouldn’t qualify this year. Too bad.”

Rainbow realized what she had done, she didn’t want to let down both of those teams but she is now letting them down. Ponyville has a pony who doesn’t even fit for the qualifications and Cloudsdale doesn’t have anypony to volunteer for the third entry.

Then her eyes were on the light, beamed through the water jug. A rainbow flashes on the flag. An emblem shows two ponies face each other, not as a competition but as friends as the heart shone between them. A rainbow touches the heart symbol, each colors stick under one light on the heart. Rainbow Dash eyes shined as she know now what to do.

“Come on, Soarin” said Rainbow as she jumped out of the bed.

Twilight rushed towards Derpy as she made her own landing.

“Are you okay?” said Twilight as she helped her up from the pile of dirt and then Derpy nodded.

“No offense, even without Rainbow, I don’t think we’re gonna qualify.”

This might’ve hurt Derpy’s feelings but instead Derpy smiled and shrugged off. Even she's a clumsy one but she's very understandable.

Twilight looked around with faces of her friends looking somber. Except with Pinkie Pie who slammed her rainbow wig to the ground and said, “Gah, What am I gonna do with all these poms now?!”

Then she noticed that Rarity is piling up her Equestria Games uniforms but she's not alone as Applejack spoke, “So, uh, what  were gonna do with them now?”

Rarity shrugged, “Well it seems that they need a little more work but I’ll just hold on to them for next year.”

It was heart-wrenching for Twilight. If there is something she can cheer them up but nothing can compare with Rainbow Dash could return.

Then as she's brushing the dirt off of Derpy when a bandaged pony walked past by. She levitates the brush, stroking the lemon mane then her eyes met again with a Cyan pony in a bandage.

“Wait... is that Rainbow Dash walking?”

Indeed, it is Rainbow trotted through the field with her magenta eyes fixing on the Cloudsdale spot. With Soarin following behind her, They are headed toward the grounds, where Spitfire and Fleetfoot are surprised to see Rainbow walking without a hitch.

“Does...” Fleetfoot began regaining her composure, “This mean you’re feeling better?”

“I-I feel great, because...” Rainbow knew that the truth has to come, She unraveled the bandages off of her, “I was never hurt in the first place.”

All the other ponies gasped with shock even Spitfire was taking aback that one of the best cadets of the Academy deceived both of the team. She raised her eyebrows and spoke firmly, “Explain this.”

Rainbow exhaled and said, “I faked my injury so that I wouldn’t have to choose between flying for Ponyville or Cloudsdale. I wanted to fly with you both, and the decision was too hard! I don’t want to let you both down.”

Fluttershy came up to her and softly spoke, “Oh, Rainbow Dash, you don’t have to choose us. I know you love to win, and you should go with the team that surely will.”

Rainbow Dash looked at her friend with a blink but she smiled and said, “Thanks Fluttershy, but I am making my own choice, and...”

Everypony’s eyes are on Rainbow. She looked at Twilight. Twilight smiled and nodded affirmably, she will support whatever Rainbow makes, even if going by the winners.

Rainbow smiled, “and... I know now who I should’ve been loyal to.”

Spitfire stood with ridged expression with her ears foreword, “And who is it?”

Rainbow inhaled and letted an answer mark her history, “Ponyville.”

Spitfire and Fleetfoot was taken aback what they heard as Rainbow explains, “Because it’s not just where I live, but it’s where my friends are. The ponies who really care about me, whether I can help them win a race or not.”

Twilight smiled as the rest of the Ponyville including Derpy cheered.

Spitfire took off her sunglasses, “Well Fleetfoot, I guess we wouldn’t be able make it this.”

“Wait,” Soarin called out as he joins back to his team, “Probably, I can still help you qualify.”

“But Soarin, your wing,” Spitfire tried to protest but Soarin raise his hoof.

“I’ll be okay, I’ll do what I can to get you to qualify for the games, not only as the Wonderbolt but as a loyal friend.”

Then at that moment, Spitfire noticed the determination within her comrade then she curled up her lip and said, “Heh, Rainbow must’ve talk you into it.”

Soarin nodded and then Spitfire turned to Rainbow and said, “Well, Rainbow Dash, you are something. Saw it at the Academy, seeing it again here. We could learn a lot from a competitor like you.”

Fleetfoot agreed, “Think we already have.”

Spitfire turned to Soarin again and said, “Ready to fly?”

“I sure am!”

Spitfire beamed proudly, “That’s what I want to hear. Never should’ve lose faith in you and tried to replace you to begin with.”

Then Rainbow watched the Wonderbolts flew off to qualify for the Equestria Games. Then Rainbow Dash knew that they have race to enter.

“Come on, Ponyville relay team! We got a race to get ready for!”

“Yeah!!!” shouted Bulk as he and Fluttershy joined up with their loyal team captain, Rainbow Dash.

Chapter 4

Fleetfoot punched the finishing cloud and the Markspony stopped the cloud with twenty seconds to spare. Then Fleetfoot landed on the cloud and brohoof Spitfire.

Spitfire turned to Soarin, “How’s your wing?”

“It’s a little hurt but I’m okay,” said Soarin through the cheering crowd that made Spitfire more proud of her teammate. Soarin turned to the next team as the Markspony reseted the clock, “Go Ponyville!”

Rainbow Dash made to her position with her wings flapping on her mark. She watched as Bulk Biceps started to fly from the starting line. The crowd cheered on as so far, Bulk is doing good but she’s getting worried about the sharp turn. She eyed on the two hoops with a ninety degree angle as Bulk flew closer. Then he passed the first hoop as Rainbow eyes widened as Bulk angled himself toward the next hoop and then passed the second with no trouble. Rainbow exhaled with relief as he proceeded to pass the baton to Fluttershy as the clock has thirty-six seconds left.

Rainbow Dash is now waiting for her teammate to tag her. Her mind rigid with anticipation as her eyes fixed on Fluttershy. Fluttershy makes a turn proceeding another set of hoops, gripping on the horseshoe. Rainbow hovers around as the wind blew on her calming her nerves even from the noise of the crowd. Then she spotted Fluttershy soaring towards her making a relay tag. The clock winded down as the hand passed the twenty second mark and Fluttershy holds up the horseshoe as Rainbow responded with her hoof. Rainbow holds her breath in tense as the two teammates passed the baton.

Then she took off the second the baton passed on. The arrow on the clock is running fifteen seconds left. Rainbow Dash darted through the rainbow hoops. Ten seconds, Dash made a turn, shooting another set of hoops. Rainbow exhaled her breath then inhaled as seven second ticks. Her excitement aroused as she hit every mark then rockets up towards the finish-line.

She frequently breathed in, her eyes are careful not to lose sight and her trap is shut tight. The clock is ticking three seconds and her rainbow dart aimed at the finish line on a cloud. Dash is near her target; Then as she made true contact and punctured through the cloud, leaving a marked hole. Then she turned to the markspony.

Her ears jerks open as marks-colt stopped the clock, then markspony looked at the clock and said these words, “Ponyville qualifies!”

Her eyes brightened and her lip gapped as she made a loop-de-loop and shouted, “Yeah! We did it!”

The crowd cheered as the rest of Ponyville applauded including Pinkie, who has been cheering with the Cloudsdale cheerleaders held a banner read, “GO RAINBOW DASH!!!”

Applejack putted down her chewed apple betty as she cried out, “Yee-Haw!”

Then a few moments later, Rainbow and the rest of her team standing on the podium awaiting for the medal given to them. The medalpony gave to the team next to them then he gave them three medals and congratulated them.

The Ponyville residence joined with them as the photographer setting up the camera.

Spitfire paused the camera to a hold then she came up to Rainbow Dash and pulled out a golden Wonderbolt Badge. Rainbow couldn't help but have the tears welded up in her eyes. Then the Wonderbolts flew out of sight.

Then as the photographer started to get the photo ready, Twilight smiled at Rainbow for she knew Rainbow made herself a good decision.

Then Twilight said, “Equestria Games, here we come!”

Finally the group was together, even Derpy holding up the flag, smile for the camera as it flashed.

Then back at Ponyville, Rainbow, in the Golden Oaks Library, placed a photo on the friendship journal then she pick up a pencil with her mouth and she wrote down:

Oh, I can’t deny it. I love to make into the games, flying with my heroes and win. But I was torn between my friends and the Wonderbolts and it was so hard to choose what is right to be in one team or the other. Even as much as I love winning, I chose stick with my hard working friends. Who knows, there would be something waaaaay more ahead.

Then dropped her pencil and hanged her medal on the pedestal to join with her friends outside. But as she does, the golden badge, pinned on the medal, shined bright rainbow colors.