The Washout Program (2e)

by AzuraKeres

Rating: everyone
Tags: Other, Smolder, Spitfire, Lightning Dust, Slice of Life, Gallus, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 9507

The Washouts were on an tour across Equestria when Lightning's crew got injured during practice. Now hospitalized for the rest of the tour, Lightning is forced to find replacements. How in Equestria did she end up with a young griffon and dragon?

The Washouts have been a wide sensation across Equestria as Lightning decided to do a tour all across its lands. Things were going smoothly until her crew were caught in an accident during practice, locking them in the hospital for the rest of the tour. Lightning is left to find replacements for their tour and her luck was answered when two creatures offered their help as Washouts, but recruiting them added new complications she failed to consider.

An entry for The Discovery – A Young Six Writing Contest

**Disclaimer** The stunts performed in this story may (if not definitely) appear far too unrealistic if you think about it, so I believe adding realism in those regards may muddle your immersion in the story.

Cover art by ohemo.

Published 2020-02-08 18:20:01 UTC
Last updated 2020-02-08 18:20:01 UTC

Chapter 1

Lightning Dust approached the front desk of a hospital as a yellow mare seated there appeared to be shifting through documents that were scrambled amongst the desk. Lacking any patience, Lightning voiced, "Hey, you see me right here don't ya?"

"Oh," the mare perked from the disordered documents. "I'm so sorry, the pony before my shift mixed up the files here somehow. I can't believe she left it like--"

"Don't care," Lightning Dust raised a hoof. "Look, I'm just looking for my crew. A pony told me they’re here because of some accident."

"An accident? I'm so sorry to hear about that." The yellow mare grabbed a clipboard from the desk. "What are their names?"

"They're Short Fuse and Rolling Thunder," Lightning answered.

"Okay," the mare said as she skimmed through the sheets. "Short Fuse and Rolling Thunder are in room 313. They are currently available for visits."

"Good," Lightning said as she proceeded further into the hospital.

The mare looms her head over the desk and voiced, "Wait, don't you want a guide?"

"Don't need it," was all Lightning said as she disappeared from the corner of a hallway.

Lightning rushed her way through the stairs and halls, indifferent to the ponies she rudely passed by. She had a rude awakening this morning when she found her equipment damaged at the training field she had set up. Most of them were of her own design and now she needs to hurry and fix them before they can proceed with their tour across Equestria. Whatever those idiots did, they've completely postponed their tour and are now making things complicated for her; not that she's surprised. Those two have a habit of screwing up in a pain inducing fashion.

"Room 313," Lightning read the label next to the entrance to a room. Not wasting time, she barged into the room, ready to scold her birdbrained crew. But then she paused when she noticed the bandages and plaster cast that layered them on their bed. "The heck happened to you guys!?"

"Can I guess you are Lightning Dust?" A doctor voiced from between Short Fuse and Rolling Thunder's bed.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, that's me," Lightning said. "Now tell me what happened to them?"

"The two were reported to be performing a very dangerous stunt that has given them fairly unique injuries," the doctor answered as he finished wrapping the bandages on Short Fuse.

The small stallion winced when the doctor tightened the bandage. "Hey! Go easy why don't ya!"

"My apologies," the doctor said as Lightning stepped before Short Fuse's bed.

"Alright," Lightning eyed at the Short Fuse. "What did you do?"

"I was just practicing that Phoenix Cannon stunt you showed me," Short defensively said. "I looked pretty easy, so I thought I had it in the bag."

"That stunt has given you second degree burns all over your body and also fractures in your wing bones," the doctor retorted.

"So, what," Short Fuse said. "It was just a small mistake. I'll get it right next time as soon as this heals up."

“Soon is not enough for your recovery,” the doctor said. “You and your friend, Rolling Thunder will need to stay here to recuperate for roughly three months.”

"What," Lightning and Short loudly voiced in unison.

Lightning then perked at the wincing from her other crewmate, Rolling Thunder, who was lightly shifting in her bed.

"What happened to her," Lightning asked. "It can't be that serious, can it?"

"Rolling Thunder had severe frost bites along with fractured wing bones," the doctor answered. "Neither of them are in no condition to leave this hospital."

"I can't have that," Lightning argued. "If they can get themselves together, then how am I supposed to continue the show? Cause there's no way I'm cancelling the tour!"

"I'm sorry Lightning," the doctor said. "But I'm afraid you'll have to find some pony else to perform at your show. And perhaps more consideration in precaution next time around could help."

"And who do you expect me to ask," Lightning Dust retorted.

"Stunts are not a strong topic of mine, you'll just have to figure this out on your own."

"You can't be serious," Lightning complained.

"Don't listen to him," Short said. "Watch me, I can walk this off." The small stallion attempted to move his body but continuously winced from the pain in his muscles.

"Will you stop that!" Lightning leered at him. "You're just going to make it worse."

"Well what do you want from me!? I am not gonna be the one that messed this up."

"Look, I'll figure something out, okay. To Tartarus I'm gonna let this gig end."

"I don't want to do this," Lightning groaned to herself as she walked the streets of Ponyville.

Before coming to this place, Lightning had reached out to many pegasi that seemed to share her passion for danger. However, literally every single one of them wussed out on her when she mentioned the Washouts. Yeah, they were a fan of her work, but the cowards were complete babies about performing them themselves. Just goes to show that they're all talking.

But now her endless search has led her here and she was far from excited about who she was going to meet.

Lightning stared at the school of friendship that stood afar within the distance. Word has it that Rainbow works there as some sort of P.E. instructor. Heh, what a lame job. Though, she may have to refrain from voicing that if she has a chance of…

Lightning anxiously rubbed her belly and looked at the buildings around her. Her eyes came upon a restaurant called The Hayburgers.

She looked again at the school and then turned back to the restaurant. A small grub wouldn't hurt. Besides, she has plenty of time to get this done.

Lightning shrugged and entered the restaurant. She took a seat on one of the tables as a waiter approached her and asked for her order. Lightning asked for hayburgers, obviously.

When the waiter left, Lightning eventually dunked her head on the table and groaned. "What am I even doing here? There's no way that softy is going to help me."

"Hey," Lightning heard a voice. "Is that Lightning Dust!?"

At the sound of her name, Lightning perked from the table and noticed a blue griffon approaching her. "Uh, can I help you with something?" Lightning asked indifferently, not invested in this creature in the least.

"It really is you," the blue griffon awed. "I…I can't believe you're back here in Ponyville. I thought the Washouts were on a tour?"

"Chill out Gallus," an orange dragon approached Gallus from his side. "You don't want to look like a geek in front of her, don't you?"

"Is there something you want," Lightning voiced. "I kind of got plans for today."

"I'm Gallus," the blue griffon introduced himself as he extended a claw toward her. "I'm a big fan of the Washouts."

"Yeah,” Lightning eyed Gallus oddly without reciprocating a hoof/ claw shake. “I already got that impression. You want an autograph or something?"

"That'd be awesome!" The orange dragon elbowed her excited friend. "I mean, yeah, that would be cool."

"I'm Smolder," the dragon introduced herself. "I'm also kind of a fan of your work. Though I'm not a fanatic as Gallus is."

"Hey," Gallus yelled. "I'm no fanatic. I'm what you call a number one fan. You know, like Scootaloo."

"Why are you bothering me," Lightning voiced their attention.

"Well," Gallus started. "I'm just curious why the leader of Washouts is doing here when you have a tour to go to."

"The tour is on hold," Lightning said as the waiter finally returned with a plate of two hayburgers.

"What," Gallus gasped. "Why!?"

"My crew got in an accident during practice and now they can't perform for three entire months. At this rate, I may have to cancel the whole thing."

"That can't happen," Gallus voiced. "There's gotta be a way we can help?"

"If you can find me two pegasi that don't mind being a Washout, that'd be a start," Lightning plainly said as she took a bite from a hayburger.

"Well," Smolder spoke. "We're not ponies, but I think we could fit the bill."

Lightning quickly downed the hayburger in her mouth and then said, "Seriously? You two think you got what it takes?"

"Why not?" Smolder shrugged. "I'm sure with some practice we could do well, right Gallus?"

"C'mon," Gallus kneeled before the table. "You got to let us in. It would mean so much to be a Washout."

"Well," Lightning tapped her chin. "I guess you guys can do it after some practice." That and it would mean she wouldn't need to look weak before Rainbow.

"Does that mean you'll let us join?"

"Alright," Lightning said. “I'll take you up on your offer.” It's not like she has many options anyways.

The griffon loudly cheered as Lightning and Smolder hushed him to quiet down in front of the surrounding ponies. Getting these two prepared is going to be a hassle, but the show must go on.

Chapter 2

"What do you mean they can't join," Lightning shouted at the Headmare of the school of friendship. Just a day after she recruited Gallus and Smolder, she received a request for a meeting with their principal by a giddy pink bird that startled her awake after barging into her hotel room. She didn't know what to expect from the mare, but she held doubt that it would be anything relevant. If only that were true.

The stuck up Headmare they called Starlight Glimmer sat before her desk as she repeated the words Lightning could really do without. "I'm saying that I don't want my students to be a part of your group. I know you are known for performing all sorts of dazzles and dangers. But I don't see you ever having regards for the safety of others."

"The heck do you mean safety," Lightning retorted. "That's what it means to be a Washout."

"These are kids we're talking about Lightning," Starlight voiced. "Not grown adults. You can't just thrust them into something you know is dangerous without precautions. And I know for a fact that you never consider that based on what my former staff has told me about you."

"I don't care what Rainbow thinks about me! All I need is two creatures to help me with the tour. If you can't help me, then just back off."

"I can't do that Lightning," Starlight raised from her desk. "As Headmare of this school, I have to ensure the safety of my students the best I can. If I can't trust you to keep my students safe, then I won't let you have them for your show."

"I don't have time to be looking for other creatures for this," Lightning stomped her hooves. "I have less than a month to get things going again and any other creature I've asked have wussed out on me."

"Is that right," Starlight tapped her chin. "Then would that mean you're up for a compromise?"

"What? I thought you were against me. What's this switch for? Cause I swear, if you're egging, I'm gonna slug you."

"I'm just going to ignore what you said," Starlight said. "Lightning, I can see that my students really look up to you. But I don't want you to manipulate into doing something they're not ready for like I heard you did with another filly."

"Hey, she could have quit at any time she wanted! I didn't force no pony."

"Not if it had meant disappointing you," Starlight argued. "Look, if you can agree to some conditions of mine, then I will feel comfortable allowing Smolder and Gallus joining you on the tour."

"That's it? Fine, I'll take it."

"Don't you want to hear my conditions first?" Starlight raised a brow.

"Just send me a letter. I don't have all day."

"... Alright then," Starlight sat back down. "But just so you understand. Once you leave this room, there's no changing this."

"Yeah, yeah, I got it. Just tell your students to come to Vanhoover for practice."

Lightning had set up her camp on a wide-open field at Vanhoover that she will be using as practice for her new recruits. She spent the entire night repairing the equipment that her idiot crewmate had damaged during their accident. They are so lucky that Lightning has such an affinity in mechanics, else they already would have been bankrupt because of the constant service for repairs.

Lightning grabbed a wet towel and soaked her sweaty forehead in her tent. When she reemerged back to the open field, she saw her two recruits, Smolder and Gallus, descend to her.

"We're here like you asked," Gallus said. "1 o'clock on the dot."

"We actually got here earlier because he was afraid of being late," Smolder added. "But then he didn't want us to come in early because he thought it'd make him look desperate."

"That's not true," Gallus raised his voice. "I was—"

"As long as you're here," Lightning raised a hoof before Gallus. "Then that's all that matters. C'mon, we got some stunts we need over."

"We're starting the stunts already," Gallus widened. "I thought there were some fundamental segments we had to go over."

"Man," Smolder mumbled. "You're really trying to impress her, aren't you?"

"Look here," Lightning started. "I'm not like any of your teachers from your school, okay? We're here to perform tricks all around Equestria and we don't exactly have a lot of time."

"Wait," Smolder raised her claw. "Shouldn't we wait for the other pony?"

"What other pony?" Lightning asked.

"Headmare Starlight said that she was sending a pony to supervise our internship?"

"Supervisor?” Lightning wondered. “Internship?"

"Also known as the Washout Program," Lightning heard a familiar voice that shook her body.

Lightning quickly turned around and noticed that mare flapping above her tent. "Spitfire!? What in Celestia are you doing here!?"

"I think the dragon already spilled that out for you," Spitfire landed before Lighting as the surprised mare stumbled back. "I'm the supervisor of this program of yours."

"You mean the captain of the wonderbolts is going to be training us as well," Gallus voiced loudly.

"W-why are you here," Lightning pointed at Spitfire.

"I got a letter from the Headmare from Ponyville saying that you were opening a program for this stunt gig you got going on here. She said she needed a supervisor and believes I'm perfect for the job."

"I don't need some pony to keep a reign on me," Lightning Dust said. "So, you can just head on back to the wonderbolts and heckle some other pony."

"Yeah, that's not happening. The contract she sent you clearly stated that the Headmare gets to pick the supervisor of her own volition. You did read that part, didn't you?"

"Uh… Yeah."

Spitfire sighed, "I figured you didn't. Welp, there's no changing it now."

"Aren't you in charge of the wonderbolts," Lightning argued. "I'm pretty sure it's around that time for tryouts, isn't it?"

"I got Rainbow for that," Spitfire said. "It's about that time for her to get used to that since she's going to be the next captain."

"Rainbow's going to be the next captain of the wonderbolts," Smolder voiced. "Heh, she's going to be feeling herself for months."

"Don't tell her I said that," Spitfire said. "It's supposed to be a surprise. Anyways," Spitfire continued. "You said you got some stunts to show, right?"

"Y-yes ma'am," Lightning hurriedly said. "No! I mean, yeah. Just shut up and follow me!"

"Good, then let's get this started then."

"Just watch me," Gallus voiced. "I bet I'll have it figured out on the first try."

"Oh yeah," Smolder grinned. "How much do you want to bet?"

"Oh no," Gallus said. "You can't get me with that."

Lightning let out a sigh at the students' excitement and then towards the mare she never thought she'd be seeing again. Perhaps she bargained for too much when she agreed to this arrangement. "Should've read the stupid paper," she grumbled.

Chapter 3

"So, what are we looking at here," Lightning heard her ex-captain, which would imply Lightning was formerly a wonderbolts if Spitfire weren’t such a stickler for regulations.

"This," Lightning emphasized on that word as she held out a hoof toward five hoops inclined from each other. "Is for the trick Gallus will be doing."

"Me," Gallus pointed at himself. "Alright, I'm ready."

"Not so fast, small beak," Lighting said. "You don't even know what you're doing."

"I just see five hoops," Spitfire said. "You gonna shoot him through them with a cannon or something?"

"Close," Lightning admitted. "But that wouldn't be awesome enough." Lightning withdrew a remote from a small saddlebag she carried. It held two buttons, and when she pressed a green one, all five of the hoops were suddenly inflamed with fire. "What Gallus is going to be doing is a trick I like to call 'The Phoenix Cannon'."

"Sounds cool," Smolder voiced. "But what's he doing exactly?"

"I'm getting to that," Lightning huffed at her impatient audience. She unfastened the saddlebag from herself and pushed a cannon to align in front of the hoops within yards of distance.

"So, you're just going to shoot through flaming hoops," Spitfire wondered. "Not gonna lie, I was kind of expecting more. Also, shouldn't you be wearing a helmet?

"You're always so little of faith," Lightning grumbled. "Just shut up and watch."

Lightning Dust lit the fuse of the cannon with a match and burrowed herself into the cannon. When the fuse was burned out, the cannon blasted her at high speed. Before passing through the first hoop, Lightning immediately began to twirl her body. The flames in each of the hoops latched upon Lightning as she carried them to the sky where she untwirled and flexed her body. Gallus and Smolder were at awe at the flames that coated her, giving her the appearance of a pegasus made of fire.

The flames dissipated almost immediately after she dazzled her students and then descended to the ground. Smolder and Gallus then rushed to her.

"That was so cool," Gallus voiced. "How'd you do that?"

"Yeah," Smolder said. "It looked like you were on fire, literally."

"All you have to do is coat yourself around some wind currents," Lightning explained. "Do that, and you can do whatever you want with the stuff around you. Easy, right?"

"Only if he's able to manipulate the currents that way he can," Spitfire voiced as she joined the group.

"I can totally do that," Gallus said. "I just have to do spins, right?"

“It's not a simple task Gallus,” Spitfire said. “We're going to have to take some steps to help you figure this out.”

"Why can't I do it," Smolder randomly asked.

"Where's the danger of a dragon flying through fire," Lightning asked. "But don't worry, I got something special for you."

"Wait," Gallus voiced. "Can't I try the trick first?"

"Not yet Gallus," Spitfire said. "I need to see this other trick first."

"Don't sound so unimpressed," Lightning voiced. "You have to admit that it was pretty cool."

"It being cool is not my concern right now," Spitfire said.

On another part of the field, Lightning presented her party to a long transparent pool. The group looked befuddled since the only thing they saw besides that was another cannon.

"You really like cannons," Spitfire voiced. "Don't you?"

"Ponies love cannons," Lightning retorted and then turned to Smolder. "Now what you're going to be doing is what I call 'The Crystal Boom'."

"Crystal Boom'?" Smolder raised a brow. "I don't get it. What am I supposed to do?"

"You're going to freeze that pool," Lightning pointed at the pool.

"What?” Smolder widened her eyes. "You do realize I'm a dragon, right? I breathe fire, not ice."

"It's pretty simple," Lightning said as she grabbed a large can from beside the cannon. "You're going to be doused with this and then you're going to speed around the pool. The only thing you should worry about is getting the maneuver right."

"What is that you're going to douse her with," Spitfire said as she examined the can that didn't have a label on it.

"It's just Hiemal," Lightning said. "How else do you expect this to work?".

"Um, what's Hiemal?" Smolder asked.

"It's a freezing liquid," Spitfire answered and then gazed at Lightning. "A really strong one at that."

"You sure this is safe," Smolder asked. "The cold isn't really my thing, you know?"

"It'll be fine," Lightning said. "I've done this plenty of times."

"Well that's because you had time to master it," Spitfire argued. "These stunts obviously have some serious hazards in them."

"Well what do you expect? It wouldn't be a stunt without them."

"They're just kids Lightning," Spitfire argued. "They're not as experienced in this as you are."

"Nice motivation," Lightning rolled her eyes. "I can see why you're the captain of the wonderbolts."

"Do I have to remind you who you're talking to," Spitfire stepped into Lightning's personal space and leered at her. Lightning would have liked to say that she had called on Spitfire's bluff, but that would've been the lie of the ages.

Lightning faltered yet again before the mare and mumbled, "I wasn't asking for a fight."

"Good, because we need to add some changes to these stunts of yours."

"What? No, they're perfect the way they are."

"As supervisor, I have the power to make any changes that I believe are suitable for our cadets. If you read the contract like any pony would, then would have known that."

"But, but…" Lightning gritted her teeth when she couldn't find a good comeback to make. That mare always gets the last words.

"Let's see," Spitfire tapped her chin. "For the 'Phoenix Cannon', I think we should start off with having Gallus wet with some cold water to prevent any possible burns. So, Gallus, go get a bucket of water."

"Yes ma'am," Gallus saluted and then went off.

"What about me," Smolder asked.

"We're going to have to use something to keep you warm if we're going to dunk Hiemal on you. Lightning, you got a thermal suit anywhere?"

"You haven't even seen the trick yet," Lightning voiced.

"I can already guess you're going to mix the wind current and the Hiemal to freeze the pool. That can wait until we have the suit for Smolder."

"Well that's good news," Smolder said in relief. "I'm not all that sure I would live long if you had that stuff on me."

"Is that alright with you," Spitfire glanced at the unhappy Washout pegasus.

"No," Lightning admitted. "But it's not like I have a choice, do I?"

"Nope," Spitfire confirmed and then went off to find Gallus who was taking too long to find water.

"Hey," Smolder approached Lightning. "I can see you're not liking this, but I appreciate that you're going along with it anyways."

"You heard her," Lightning said. "She can do whatever she wants to apparently. She's going to ruin everything I built."

"She's just looking out for us," Smolder said. "I'm actually glad she's doing that too. Cause I know you could convince Gallus to do anything with the way he is around you."

"He has commitment. That's got nothing to do when me."

"Trust me, him being here has everything to do with you. He really looks up to you."

"And why are you telling me this, " Lightning asked with a raised brow.

"I just don't want you to abuse his trust," Smolder said. "There aren't that many creatures he looks up to. And I really don't want him to lose one."

"If you can get the tricks down in less than a month then maybe I'll have no issue."

"Ten bits," Smolder said.

"What? Why are you betting?"

Because I can't pass on easy money."

"Oh, shut it. You haven't even seen the trick yet."

"I can't believe you actually mastered the trick already," Lightning widened at the two students. In only two weeks, Smolder and Gallus had their tricks so down pat that she nearly forgot that they had support on them.

Gallus appeared like a literal phoenix when he sprawled the flames off him. He then descended before Lightning and said, "How was that? Cool, wasn't it?"

"How'd you figured it out so fast?" Lighting asked. "It took me way more than two weeks to get that down."

"What can I say," Gallus grinned. "You gave some good pointers."

Lightning then turned her sights to Smolder, who got launched by a cannon and then performed a wingover maneuver around the long pool. A blue aura that was the wind current shooting surrounding Smolder blew the water in the pool up and then immediately froze. When she descended before Lightning in her white thermal suit, Smolder left behind an iced wave atop the pool.

Smolder then held out her claw and said, "Ten bits."

"Do you know how long it took me to figure out how to move those air currents where it didn't freeze me," Lightning voiced.

"Probably shouldn't have given me all of that advice, huh?" Smolder grinned.

"...You know what, I'm not even mad," Lightning grinned. "You guys have really impressed me."

"Really?" Gallus gleefully said.

"Gallus," Smolder said. "You got that fanboy face again."

"Eh," Lightning shrugged. "Let him have it. He's earned it. You guys go ahead and wash up. We're going out to eat before we get this tour started in a few days. It'll be my treat."

"Sweet," Smolder said. "But I still want my ten bits."

"Alright, alright," Lightning snapped. "You'll get your bits."

The students left the field and headed back to the hotels that Starlight rented for them with the school funds that Lightning is apparently supposed to pay back with the portions of the profit in her tour. But by the growth of her new crewmates, that'll only be a speck in her wallet.

"You really make a good teacher for them," Lightning heard Spitfire, who approached her.

"What do you mean," Lightning said. "They always had the talent in them."

"Woah," Spitfire awed. "Never thought I'd see you be modest."

"Oh, shut up, I'm just stating the obvious."

"Give yourself some credit, there was no way I could teach them all that stuff. I got zero experience with this kind of flying."

"How is that the first compliment I've heard since you've been here."

"Maybe if you were more cautious of the dangers in their stunts, I would be more open to that. Good thing I was here though, right?"

"Whatever," Lightning rolled her eyes. "I got dinner to go to."

"Treating your team to food?"

"Yeah, want to come?"

"Well it's not like I got anything else to do right now."

"Ten bits."

Chapter 4

"Trixie, do you think I made the right choice when I let the two do this?" Starlight asked her friend and employee, Trixie. "I mean, daredevil is a really dangerous profession regardless of the precautions you make, isn't it?"

"Trixie thinks you should relax," Trixie laid a hoof on her friends back. "You've already done your best picking out the right pony to keep that reckless mare in line. It'll be fine."

"You're right. I guess all I can do now is hope that it works out," Starlight sighed as she and Trixie viewed the large field from the bleachers.

A large crowd had assembled in an open field of Vanhoover for the Washouts’ return on their tour. Starlight wasn't the one performing, but she could feel a swarm of butterflies already fluttering in her stomach. She hoped that her students didn't have it as bad.

The show began with Lightning standing before the crowd to welcome the ponies and creatures that came out for them. She briefly mentioned the absence of her regular crewmates and then hinted on the debut of ‘new bloods’ of Washouts. Not exactly the word Starlight would prefer, but then again this isn't her show.

The performance began with the pair of students, who garnered in their personal Washout uniform, that Starlight was anxiously observing. She could only imagine the wild things Lightning would have them do. She felt she had to come down there and save them, but Trixie held her hoof and other her back to her seat.

"Hold on Starlight," Trixie urged. "Just give them a chance. This is their big moment.."

One of the students that Starlight immediately recognized as Gallus began with hurdles around hoops that were set across the field in the oddest fashion. Never had Starlight seen a griffon fly so smoothly across the air and connect through hoops that required flexible maneuvers. It almost looked like he was dancing. But then Starlight's assurance was immediately squandered when she noticed five hoops suddenly cast on fire.

Smolder had pushed a cannon before the hoops and then Gallus descended inside it. Smolder took off a helmet that she and Gallus were wearing and lit the fuse of the cannon with her breath.

"Is he crazy," Starlight voiced. "He's going to catch himself on fire."

"What do you mean," Trixie said. "You see Trixie do this all the time."

The cannon exploded Gallus away and he soared through the flaming hoops swiftly and carried its flame to the sky. The crowd awed at Gallus’s sprawl amongst the sky as the flames coated around him and gave him the appearance of a phoenix.

When the flames dissipated, the crowd applauded the griffon's performance as he took his bow to the ground.

"How did he do that," Starlight wondered.

"Trixie must admit that was a very impressive feat," she commented. "Though Trixie would've gone for more colors."

The show continued with various tricks being performed by Smolder, and gradually Trixie noticed how riled Starlight was becoming. She never thought there was a secret soccer mom in her friend as Starlight began to loudly cheer for her students.

Smolder's last performance involved the setup of a long pool that extended to the end of the performance field as she hopped inside a cannon. When she was shot out by the lit of the fuse, a large blue aura surrounded the dragon as she swerved around the ends of the pool. The aura created a large wave amongst the waters that quickly became frozen solid. The wave extended high above the creature’s bleachers as Smolder left behind a frozen sculpture of wild waves.

Starlight bellowed loudly along with the other creatures as Trixie tapped her chin and gazed analytically at the ice.

The performance ended with banger as the creatures left the field loudly voicing their amazement of the show. Starlight and Trixie diverged themselves from the crowd to enter a tent that was set afar from the performance field.

“You guys were amazing,” Starlight voiced at the four creatures that were in the tent.

“Headmare Starlight,” Smolder and Gallus approached their principal as Trixie joined inside.

“Here to have their autographs,” Lightning voiced.

“I’m just happy that they’re enjoying themselves and are safe,” Starlight responded.

“Yeah,” Lightning sighed. “Well, you guys can go ahead and catch up. I’m gonna get some shut-eye.”

“Right now?” Gallus questioned. “Aren’t we supposed to be selling merch and giving autographs right about now?”

“Spitfire’s the supervisor,” Lightning said. “I’m sure she can do it.”

“Really?” Spitfire voiced and then sighed. “Fine, guess I’ll do my fair share then.”

“I'll give a hand,” Smolder offered as Lightning exited the tent.

Lightning headed into her personal tent and tossed the helmet she was caring off to the ground as she planted her face upon a desk. The show went great. Every creature loved it and now the tour is sure to have a resurging comeback into their tour.

“That was terrible,” Lightning grumbled. “Why the heck do they still have those crutches on? It’s ruining the whole point of the trick.”

Lighting groaned and then picked out a blueprint from a chest. She laid it upon the desk and then said, “Since Spitfire wants to be a pansy about safety, I’m just going to have to do something big to make up for it. Yeah, this’ll definitely work. Just gotta work out the quirks to make it perfect.”

Lightning began the scribble upon the blueprint as Gallus peered through the tent from behind her view. He ducked out and then gritted his teeth. “Not dangerous enough huh?” Gallus mumbled. “But maybe if I do that thing she has there, then she’ll have no choice but to see me as a real Washout.”

Chapter 6

“Thank you for showing me around,” Luster Dawn thanked Headmare Starlight as the two strode through the halls of the friendship school. “I know you must be busy, given your role as Headmare.”

“Not at all,” Starlight assured. “I’m happy to be of help to all of my students. You’ll have a lot to learn about friendship, so I think it’s important that you get your bearings around the school grounds.”

“I promise that I’ll do my very best,” Luster said. “By the end of this semester, I’ll be one of your top students.”

“I do like that motivation in you, but as long as you pace yourself and enjoy yourself, then that’s all that matters to me. I think there's a pony here that can teach you all about that.”

“Like whom?”

Starlight took Luster Dawn to the school field where a group of students had gathered. Luster perked her eyes at individual students that hopped into a cannon that was pointed at hoops that suddenly cast on fire.

“What are they doing?” Luster asked.

“This is our stunt team,” Starlight said. “Creatures get to perform all sorts of feats with guidance from a very renowned performer in the past. Does Lightning Dust ring a bell?”

“You mean the leader of the Washouts? My parents talk a lot about them. Wait, she works here?”

“She sure does,” Starlight confirmed. “As our P.E. instructor and coach of numerous sports we run here. All with the help of her assistant, Smolder.”

“You,” the two heard a voice shout. It was Lightning, who flew before a cannon and confronted a griffon that was inside. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“I’m about to do the stunt coach?” The griffon inside responded.

“I don’t see a soak of water on you. Get out of there.”

“But I can do it, coach,” the griffon argued. “Just watch me.”

“I am not watching nothin. You think I want to see a roasted griffon because he didn’t have the time to get the whole trick down before doing it for real? You want that on my conscience?”

“No ma’am,” the griffon faltered.

Smolder descended behind the cannon and leaned it down for the griffon to fall out. “Don’t tell me you’re trying to show off to your friends.”

“I’m sorry, okay,” the griffon said. “I’ll dunk some water on me.”

“I want you in my office after this,” Lighting told the griffon. “We’re still going to have to talk about this.”

“Oh, come on,” the griffon complained.

“She’s a very serious pony,” Luster commented. “Isn’t she?”

“Only because she cares about her students,” Starlight said. “She has pride in their potential, but she won’t let them go beyond what they are capable of. She wants them to succeed, but she wants them to be as safe as possible while doing so.”

Lightning had entered her office after concluding the practice session with her students. She’s had another to attend to in two hours, but she thinks she may be late after she gives talking to that reckless griffon. Thankfully, she has Smolder to take over for her.

She heard a knock on her office. “You can come in,” Lightning answered.

The door had opened. She had expected to see an anxious griffon that would be scared if he were being dropped from the team, but instead, she was visited by a rare guest. “Rainbow Dash?”

“Hey,” Rainbow said. “Thought I come by to see what you’re up to.”

“Well, take a seat already.”

“Don’t mind if I do,” Rainbow sat before Lightning’s desk. “So, how’s being a coach of a thousand sports treating you?”

“It’s not like I’m doing a lot,” Lightning said. “I got Smolder running like a fraction of them on her own. You know she wants her team to win the big leagues in the Equestria Games?”

“Why wouldn’t she?” Rainbow shrugged. “You've practically had an endless winning streak. I bet she just wants to make you proud.”

“That idiot has nothing to prove to me. I already think she’s one of the best in my book. Still, I’ll cheer her on.”

“Good to see you’re enjoying yourself.”

“Why? Because you thought I would hate it since I’m just a replacement for your old job?”

“What!? N-no…Okay, kinda.”

“Well I did at first if I’m being honest. But I think I’ve made this job my own.”

“I’m sure Spitfire is proud.”

“You say that as if she died,” Lightning said. “Aren’t we meeting up with her at Las Pegasus later this month?”

“Heck yes, we are. It’s about time the Gold Horseshoe Gals reunited.”

“I still don’t like the name,” Lightning commented.

“Eh,” Rainbow shrugged. “Take it with our founders.”

“So,” Lightning said. “How about you? Has being the captain of the Wonderbolt been going nicely?”

“Yeah, about the same as you feel about your job.”

“Heh, it’s weird that we ended up becoming the same in a way, you know. You’d ever figure us to be teaching ponies?”

“Doesn’t really feel unreal anymore? It just feels right to me.”

“I get ya...So, what’s up with you and Applejack?”

“Oh, come on, not you too!”

Chapter 5

“Alright guys,” Spitfire voiced before Smolder and Gallus. “Today is our last performance for this tour. I want you guys to show everything you’ve learned and have a great time out there, alright?”

“Yes ma’am,” the students said with a salute. It was pretty much a habit that developed with their supervisor.

“Since this is the last day,” Lightning entered the tent. “I think it’s about time you really represent the program, don't you agree?” Before Spitfire could ask what Lightning meant by that, Lighting pulled a uniform into the tent and held it before Spitfire.

“Oh no,” Spitfire stepped back. “There’s no way I’m putting that on me.”

“C’mon captain Spitfire,” Smolder voiced. “You’re Washout like us.”

“Yeah,” Gallus joined. “We’re supposed to be a team here.”

“You guys can’t be serious,” Spitfire turned to the students.

“Pleeeaaase,” Gallus and Smolder beseeched their supervisor. Their plea inevitably got the best of Spitfire and she begrudgingly dawned the Washout uniform.

“How does it feel to be a Washout?” Lighting asked with a grin.

“Wrong,” Spitfire answered. “Weird, uncomfortable, and every bad thing I can think of.”

“Don’t be a spoil-sport,” Lightning chuckled. “It’s for the kids, remember? Now how about we take a group picture?”

“Don't push it,” Spitfire said.

Their last performance took place at a stage at Manehattan, where Lightning’s astonishingly talented crewmates performed before the largest crowd of ponies and creatures that the Washouts have ever gathered. Short Fuse and Rolling Thunder are definitely going to be disappointed to miss out on this.

Lightning and Spitfire observed them from the stadium entrance as Spitfire began, “You know, I got to say, I’m kind of impressed you haven’t done anything to screw this up.”

“Not like you were giving me any options,” Lightning said. “You could have ended everything I’ve built if I didn’t do things your way.”

“You're still not getting it, aren’t you?”

“What’s there to get,” Lightning voiced. “All these safety precautions you added to their stunts are messing with the art of the trick. You never understood that. It’s probably why you kicked me out of the Wonderbolts.”

“Lightning, I always knew how great of a flier you were. I’m not blind to the potential you had. I had honestly hoped to have you and Rainbow Dash on the team, but that constant disregard for the safety of others made things complicated. I couldn’t let my own bias hurt the team and you made it impossible for me to consider you when you were so against changing your attitude.”

“That’s because you don’t get me!”

Spitfire sighed and rubbed her temple. “Fine then, then why not enlighten me. Why do you think precaution is a bad thing?”

“All I want is to prove my worth,” Lighting Dust answered. “I trained so hard to be a Wonderbolt because I wanted to feel like I mattered."

"Matter to who? Did your friends and family doubt you or something?"

"Of course not! But it's not their opinion that mattered most to me."

"Then who?"

"Me, okay!" Lightning flared her wings. "I wanted to feel like I mattered to myself."

"Wait, so you didn't have confidence in yourself. That kind sounds hard to believe."

"That's because I didn't want no pony to know. Look, the reason I even wanted to become a Wonderbolt was because ponies kept saying how much of a good flyer I was after I left summer flight camp. So, I figured if I trained hard enough, I could be a Wonderbolt."

"So, you were trying to find where you fit in the world, huh? Most ponies would have that figured out from their cutie mark."

"I got mine randomly on summer flight camp. I don't even remember when and how I got it. But who cares, it's not like it matters now. I'm a Washout now."

"And is this as fulfilling as you hoped?"

"Why wouldn't it? I have no one to hold me back anymore. And all the crowd love it."

"And what about Smolder and Gallus," Spitfire pointed at the two creatures that were performing on the field. "How do you feel about teaching them everything you know?"

"What? I had fun with them, what's that supposed to mean?" Lightning gazed at the two that she had personally prepared for all the tricks and wonders they wowed the crowds with. She couldn't help but smile, knowing that she's the one that readied them for this. It was actually a weird feeling. She had words to truly describe it, but if she could put in a phrase: it felt good.

"Must feel weird to have pride in some creature else, huh?"

"Why? Is that the reason you became a captain?"

"I never had that in mind when I joined the wonderbolts," Spitfire admitted. "But once I started and I realized how much it felt right to me. Maybe we're the same in that regard."

"You think so," Lightning perked.

"I mean, if you can ensure their safety the best you can, I bet it'd be nice for you."

"What can I say,” Lightning shrugged. “I have a knack for going all-in."

"I get that's a bad habit of yours, but maybe don't apply that to your students. The goal is to make sure they're ready."

"Wait," Lightning gazed at the field. "What's Gallus doing?"

'The Vector Rainboom', a stunt that involves a cannon shooting out another cannon high above the clouds and then shoots out its performer to give an unimaginable initial speed to achieve the Sonic Rainboom. Gallus had watched Lightning construct the equipment in between their shows and even offered a helping claw.

Gallus never figured her out for a mechanic. She told him that she learned all the bits from her father who was an engineer for the weather factory at Cloudsdale.

Lightning had shared her secret final stunt for the tour and grandiose it to be the epitome of what meant to be a Washout. That was all he needed to hear to convince him to do it. Because if he can do it, then Lightning is sure to acknowledge him.

"So, what's this you're doing," Gallus's oblivious friend asked as she watched him jump inside a cannon that was inside another cannon. Because I don't really see this ending well."

"Just sit back and watch," Gallus popped his head out of the cannon. "You're about to see a real Washout at work."

"Okay…" Smolder hesitantly backed away from the cannon after she lit the fuse.

"Wait," Lightning shouted as she and Spitfire rushed toward them. "Don't let him do it!"

But it was too late. The cannon had fired Gallus immediately into the sky. The crowd cheered at the spectacle, unaware of the danger that the griffon had put himself in.

"That idiot," Spitfire voiced. "He's going to get himself hurt."

"Wait," Smolder widened. "You mean he wasn't supposed to be doing this?"

Lightning observed where the cannon shot up to and then angled the cannon on the ground toward a different direction to the sky.

"Smolder," Lightning started as she put on her helmet. "I need you to shoot me up there. I'm going to catch him."

"How're you going to pull that off," Spitfire asked.

"He's going to attempt a Rainboom, but I'm positive he doesn't have what it takes to pull himself up to create the boom. So, I'm going to give him a push."

"You sure that's going to work," Smolder voiced.

"It's all we got right now," Lightning jumped into the cannon. "Now shoot me!"

Gallus took a deep breath while he waited for the delayed fire from the cannon, he was hauled in. In a few seconds, he’s got to be shot at a speed that he’s never had any experience in. But that’s okay. Lighting had already explained how she planned out all the maneuvers to get this right. All he needs to do is follow the plan.

As he exhaled, the launch happened. In less than a second, his wings and his entire body were being squashed by unimaginable wind pressure. Thank Celestia he had his helmet on, or else he would worry that his face would have torn off.

Already he can see the stadium below him. Gallus began to angle his wings to begin the loop. However, his sights began to be clouded by rainbow colors and the strong winds kept his wings bound in a single direction. He tried to heave his wings to change direction, but the winds overwhelmed and constricted him. He couldn’t change his course. He was going to crash.

The high winds muffled his screaming as he shut his eyes from the reality of his impending doom. He didn’t think this would happen. All he wanted to do was impress her.

As he waited for his end, he was surprised by a sudden force that shoved him. His eyes opened and he saw Lighting Dust wrapped around his torso. A sudden boom then blared his ears as another force lifted the two higher to the sky.

His wings ached from the countless pressures and gave out as Lightning heaved him up. But the two were descending fast and so Lighting gilded as fast she could to nearby forest that was close to the city.

Their landing was not pleasant. The branches intervened in Lightning's balance and the two ended up being cushioned by the bushes below on the ground.

Lightning immediately threw off the helmet from herself and shouted, “Gallus! Where you at!?”

“Here,” Gallus groaned as he struggled to move his body from a bush. His entire body felt sore after the stunt he pulled. Lightning traced her voice and pulled him up. “Ow, ow, ow.”

“You’ll live,” Lighting said. “But you shouldn’t have done that. I didn’t make that trick for you.”

“I’m sorry,” Gallus said. “I just really wanted to prove to you that I could be a real Washout.”

“What’re you talking about,” Lighting wondered. “You were already one when I decided to take you along for this whole thing.”

“That’s not what you said at your tent.”

“Oh...You heard that.”

“I didn’t want you to think that I was some coward that was too scared to take on risks. I’m a big fan of what you do and you recruiting me was the biggest honor I’ve ever felt. I didn’t want to disappoint you.”

“You never did Gallus,” Lighting sighed. “I was just being stubborn about my ideals, as much I hate to admit.”

“You were?”

“Yeah,” Lighting rubbed the back of her head. “Maybe all the constant danger isn’t the best thing for everything. I mean, you’re still a newbie in all of this. So, I shouldn’t dump all of the risky stuff on you.”

“But I can do it! Just let me--”

“That’s not what I meant,” Lightning snapped. “I’m trying to say that maybe I should have more consideration about the safety of my friends. Sure, being a Washout means to pull off all the cool stunts but making sure you’re safe while doing it can have to be a thing too.”

“Why?” Gallus was confused.

“Well…,” Lightning awkwardly rubbed the back of her head. “When I saw you doing what you did, I got scared. I felt that I was pushing you into something that you weren’t ready for and I didn’t like how that felt. Heh, maybe that’s what Spitfire was trying to knock into my head.”

“Does that mean I failed you,” Gallus anxiously asked.

“What do you mean?” Lightning chuckled. “You never did. You’ve been a good sport through this entire program. You and Smolder made this very fun for me.”

“T-thank you.”

“C’mon, let’s head back. Spitfire and Smolder must be freaking out right about now.”

“I must admit,” Starlight began. “I didn’t expect this program to be this much of a success. Smolder and Gallus learned so much about marketing with the sales of the Washout merch. They also happened to have a fundamental grasp of engineering with the equipment you’ve modified and built for their stunts. But most of all, they made an astonishingly positive review of their entire experience in their essay.”

Lightning sat before Starlight in her the Headmare’s office and responded, “I’m not surprised. Spitfire did say I make a good teacher.”

“Did she now,” Starlight said. “Well, I guess she and I were thinking the same.”

“Really?”

“Lightning Dust,” Starlight continued. “It’s only been half a year since Princess Twilight has elected me as the Headmare of the friendship school. So far, it’s been going well, but that’s mostly because of the ponies I have helping me manage the school. Some of Twilight’s friends had stuck around to help me catch my bearings, but they aren’t planning to stick around forever. They have their own careers to commit, so I’m in need of ponies I trust to take their place.”

“Are you asking what I think you’re asking?”

“If it’s asking you to become a teacher of the friendship school, then yes.”

“I... uh,” Lightning started. “I didn’t think that was a possibility. You really think I would fit in this place?”

“I saw how much the students like you, and it seemed that Spitfire finally got through to you about your issue.”

“Wait, did you hire her for that purpose?”

“Of course not,” Starlight said. “I just figured she would be the best to butt heads with you. So, think it’s cool enough to be a teacher here?”

“I... I can’t,” Lightning turned away. “I mean, I still have the Washouts to manage. Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse are going to be leaving the hospital soon. I can’t just quit on them.”

Starlight sighed. “I understand. You want to be there for your friends. Just know that my offer still stands if you’re interested.”

“Thanks, but I don’t think I’m leaving the Washouts anytime soon.”

“What do you mean you two are quitting the Washouts!” Lighting shouted at her crewmates that she followed out of the hospital.

“It’s exactly what it means,” Rolling Thunder plainly said. “I need to head back home. My mother is at the hospital.”

“Well okay,” Lighting Dust said. “But that doesn’t mean you can’t come back.”

“Look Lightning, I’ve been thinking about this a lot since I got the news. The fishing industry my family runs isn’t what you might call awesome, but it does mean something to me. And with my mother’s health, some pony is going to have to give my pops and brother a hoof.”

“Fine,” Lighting relented. “But what about you Short Fuse? You don’t have any family duties to deal with.”

“Nope,” Short Fuse said. “But I’ve been hearing words about this really good motivational speaker at Southern Equestria. Did you know the pony also happens to be one of the six pillars? Maybe if I talk to her, I could figure some stuff out about myself.”

“You got life issues?”

“Don’t act like you don’t as well,” Short Fuse glared accusingly at Lightning. “I’m just trying to find a way to deal with mines. So why not do something about yours?”

“So... We’re disbanded?” Lightning asked. “Just like that?”

“Hey,” Rolling slapped her hoof on Lighting’s shoulder. “It was fun while it lasted. From what I heard, you ended it with a bang at the last performance of the tour. Who’d thought you had it in you to do a Sonic Rainboom.”

“Well, not really,” Lightning admitted. “I actually had some help with that.”

“We know,” Short Fuse said. “Those creatures you had were not bad. Did you really teach them all that stuff?”

“Well yeah,” Lightning said.

“Shot in the dark,” Rolling Thunder said. “But have you ever thought of being a teacher?”

“Why does every pony keep saying that!?”

“Either way,” Rolling Thunder chuckled as she stepped back from Lightning and held out her hoof. “It was nice working with ya.”

“...Yeah,” Lightning placed her hoof atop Rolling's hoof.

“Don’t act like this is goodbye,” Short Fuse pushed his hoof under theirs. “We’ll still be seeing each other. We’re friends after all.”

“The very best I have,” Lightning confirmed.

Starlight entered the lounge room of the school as she poured a coffee in a mug to start another day at the school. She took a small gulp, but then dropped her hold of it when the door slammed open.

“Hey Starlight,” Lightning voiced as she rushed before the mare. “That offer is still open, right?”

“Fetch me another mug, then maybe I’ll consider it.”

Bonus Chapter

Lightning heard another knock on her door. It must be the griffon that finally gathered the courage to come to her office. “You can come in,” Lightning said.

Lighting was expecting to see an anxious griffon entering the room, but instead, a familiar blue griffon came instead. “Gallus? Why’re you here?”

“What? Do you not want your number one fan here?”

“You can’t just spout that out so proudly,” Lightning complained. “It’s just weird now.”

Lightning hasn’t seen much of Gallus since he became a royal guard of Princess Twilight. It was actually hard to watch him go after so many years of seeing him grow to become a creature she was proud to mentor.

“Every creature knows it,” Gallus chuckled as he took a seat before her. “Why bother hiding it?”

“I swear, every creature is coming from the woodworks today. So, why are you here? Let me guess, you just want to check on me?”

“Well, that and catching up with my friends. It’s really convenient that all of them would stick around here in Ponyville where I can see them all at once.”

“I’d bet.”

“So, how’s Smolder doing as your new number one assistant?”

“Yeesh Gallus, that was never a competition. Get over yourself.”

“Hey, she was in on it as well. But yeah, that kind of doesn’t matter now, does it?”

“Nah, I do kind of miss your awkward banter. You had a knack for making everything so weird.”

“I did?” Gallus perked. “My bad. I didn’t mean to do that.”

“It’s not like I didn’t hate it. I did say I missed it.”

“W-well,” Gallus started. “If you like, you could have again more often.”

“I don’t follow,” Lightning raised her brow.

Gallus took a deep breath and stepped back from the desk. “I...uh, I have another reason for being here actually. I honestly wanted to do this when I became an official royal guard, but I kept having cold claws to do it.”

“Well, spill it out already.” Lightning widened when he saw Gallus take a knee. “A-actually, maybe you should--”

But before she could finish, Gallus pulled out a box that he revealed to have a ring. His eyes peered at her with the most determination she has ever seen from him. “Lightning Dust, will you be my special somepony?”