After leaving Rainbow’s cloud home, the pair of pegasi returned to the ground. Rainbow had challenged the orange filly to a race. The mare was eager to show off and save face from her previous embarrassments. Scootaloo accepted and both ponies stood on the track and field area of Ponyville School. As it was Sunday, there wasn’t anypony else in the vicinity.

Rainbow Dash flexed her neck and stretched her hooves to prepare for the physical contest ahead. Scootaloo watched her with mild amusement but didn’t participate in any warm ups.

“I figured you’d choose a skill you’re good at, Rainbow. Got humiliated with the first two exercises and want a three-peat?” Scootaloo said teasingly, and stuck her tongue out.

“You’re dreaming, Squirt. While I admit I lost the first two rounds, there’s no way you’ll best me in a race. I’m the fastest flier ever!”

Scootaloo chuckled at Rainbow’s overdeveloped confidence and retorted.

“True. But this is a hooves race. I’m not able to fly yet, so we’ll do a running race. Don’t be too cocky, Dash.”

In response, Rainbow nickered. Scootaloo approached the older mare and tilted her head. The speedster put a hoof on the filly’s shoulder and spoke with a boastful expression.

“Just don’t cry when I defeat you, kid. You’ll see why they don’t call me ‘Rainbow’ and ‘Dash’, for nothing.”

With a playful roll of her eyes, the orange pegasus returned to her position. She stood, fifteen feet away from Rainbow, and cast a confident gaze at the track. Both ponies were determined to taste victory.

“You’re going down, Rainbow Dash.”

“In history, maybe!”

The pair of pegasi lowered their heads and shifted most of their weight to their hind legs. This would allow both to kick off the ground and bolt forward.

“So, how many times around the track, Squirt?”

Scootaloo put a hoof to her chin and became pensive. She had run the track numerous times during recess outings at school and knew it wasn’t lengthy. As she surveyed the area, Scootaloo gazed at the curves of the runway and the turns they’d have to perform. The filly estimated one lap around the area would be six-hundred feet; almost one-hundred eighty three meters.

“Five. Seems like a fair number to me, Dash.”

Rainbow flexed her neck and rotated her head in a circular pattern. She cast a quick glance at the runway before turning her attention back to her fillyfriend.

“Whether it’s five or five thousand, I’m winning this race, kid.”

“Sure, Dash. I’ll see you at the finish line. Next week!”

The weathermare grit her teeth at the teasing and slightly insulting comment that Scootaloo made. The younger pony noticed Dash’s vexed expression and guffawed.

“C’mon, Dash. Trash talk is part of every competition. You do it all the time.”

“Don’t need to lecture me about trash talk, Squirt. I’m just surprised you’re so bold. You do know who your opponent is, yeah?”

Scootaloo raised an eyebrow and grinned. The corners of Scootaloo’s muzzle curved into an expression of joy.

“Duh. The second coolest pony in Equestria. The pegasus who’s about to be beaten in a race by her biggest fan.”

Dash emitted a scoff at the notion. She certainly wasn’t going to let Scootaloo win. Whether filly, colt, mare, or stallion, Rainbow didn’t plan on losing to anypony in a race.

“Big confidence for such a small shrimp, kid.”

The high-spirited filly glanced at Rainbow and huffed. She didn’t give a retort to Dash’s quip. Instead, she started the countdown of the race.

“Three.” Scootaloo began.

“Two.” Rainbow supplied.

“One.” Scootaloo said.

“GO!” they uttered concomitantly.

Both equines pushed with their hind hooves and launched themselves forwards. They galloped down the flat brick runway of the track and field area. Dash wore a confident expression, eager to emerge the winner. Scootaloo was stoic and desultory and only focused on sprinting forward. The ponies silently ran; the only sound was their hoofsteps on brick.

The racers continued their silent race. Both ponies turned at one of the track’s curves and galloped on. While Rainbow didn’t show mercy in a racing competition, she initially held back. There was no reason to go all out at the beginning. Sure, she’d take a commanding lead, but would have her energy sapped. The speedster remembered Twilight’s advice after the running of the leaves. Pacing yourself was the best way to maintain endurance.

Scootaloo eventually broke the silence. Her head remained forward, focused on the task at hoof. With a low voice, her audio reverberated through Rainbow’s ears.

“You’ve made today fun, Rainbow Dash. I know you’re leaving late tonight and will be gone from Ponyville for a long time. But, choosing to spend some of your last day with me is very special and appreciated. Thank you, Dashie.”

Rainbow felt her heartstrings be pulled by the unadulterated words from the filly. She beamed at Scootaloo.

“Hey. Don’t try to get me acting all sappy, squirt.”

Dash replaced her beaming expression with a small scowl and turned her head up at the younger pony. RD bore a snobbish expression.

Scootaloo glanced at her idol and felt poignancy at the display.

Dash peeked an eye open and saw Scootaloo’s crestfallen and dejected demeanor. At this, she couldn’t prevent cracking a grin.

“If that’s the game you want to play, Scoots, then I guess I’ll miss you very much too. All of my Ponyville friends, but especially my fillyfriend.”

The zestful and vibrant filly grinned from the praise and both ponies turned forwards again. They had completed one lap around the track. As they ran, Scootaloo posed a question.

“So, are you nervous? Truthfully? I know you’re awesome and a tremendous flier, but these are your heroes. Trying to impress The Wonderbolts must be nerve wracking.”

Rainbow nodded from the filly’s inquisition. “Yes. I hate to admit it, but I’m a bit anxious and slightly tense. I’ve met Spitfire thrice before, and she’s quite succinct. She’s a no-nonsense, straightforward pony through and through.”

The orange pegasus’s muzzle opened in surprise. She didn’t think her hero, the great Rainbow Dash, could find anypony or anything imposing. The young equine studied the expression of the kaleidoscopic-maned pegasus for a moment.

“Wow. I can tell you look up to her, Dash. You make her sound slightly terrifying. I mean, I’m sure she’s a kind pony, but she’s the Captain of The Wonderbolts and the drill sergeant of the Wonderbolt Academy, yeah? Those are big horseshoes to fill and who knows what her ponysality is on the field?”

Dash grunted as they turned again. Her mind was drifting towards the next morning. While she had full confidence in her innate and trained abilities, her fillyfriend had a point. This was Spitfire. Rainbow couldn’t act brash, cocky, smug, or a showoff. She shuddered at the possible repercussions.

“I wish you didn’t remind me, kid. It’s surreal that I’ll soon be a member of the academy and a possible active reserve Wonderbolt.”

Scootaloo was reticent. The filly burst forward in a display of quick acceleration and took the lead of the race. Rainbow, not expecting the sudden movement, did the same, and took first place. At this, Scootaloo chuckled. Both ponies ran past the starting line, completing a second lap.

“Reserve? So you don’t become a Wonderbolt once you enter the academy?” Scootaloo asked, both out of curiosity and to distract her hero with conversation.

“Well, no. I wish it was that easy! But from the info that is publicized, once a recruit is accepted to the Wonderbolt Academy, they are admitted for one month. In that time, they’re tested on their prowess, aerial maneuvers, cooperative or ergonomic abilities, speed, and endurance. The exact intricate details are classified, as The Wonderbolts are also part of the Equestrian Military.”

The distraction worked and Scootaloo matched speed with Rainbow Dash. Both ponies continued running with matching paces. Hearing this, Scootaloo’s muzzle opened again in genuine shock. She wasn’t aware that The Wonderbolts were categorized as military power.

“But, it’s not the military they teach you in school, kid. They’re not a part of the Royal Guard that protects the Princesses, or a troop to call in if Equestria goes to war with Griffinstone, Yakyakistan, or the Dragon Badlands. The mission of The Wonderbolts is to showcase the teamwork and professionalism of the Equestrian military and adjoining organizations through flight demonstrations and community outreach while inspiring a
culture of excellence and service to the kingdom.”

Glancing over and seeing the flabbergasted face of the filly, Rainbow chortled and explained. “I memorized the mission statement. It’s verbatim and I hope it’ll impress Spitfire. Or, at least, have her view me in a positive way.”

“Heh. And I thought Twilight was a total nerd who made it a habit to memorize everything.”

Dash rolled her eyes playfully at the younger pony’s quip. She knew it was stated in a jocular way and not a direct insult.

“Oh, she is. I could drone for hours about her constant need to organize everything and attain all knowledge she can. Sometimes, it feels like all she enjoys is studying. But forget all that.”

After the third completed lap, Scootaloo stared at her marefriend and grinned. She was elated to spend time with the speedster and savored every moment. Dash briefly locked eyes with her fillyfriend, but quickly resumed staring ahead at the track.

“Anyways, back to what’ll happen starting tomorrow. All cadets meet with the Captain, and introduce themselves. We stay on site and live in barracks while adhering to their training schedule. I fully expect it to be rigorous and arduous. Though, as an athlete and a pegasus who loves flying, exercise, and being active, I doubt it’ll be difficult for me.”

Another turn. Their hoovesteps trod over the brick runway and Scootaloo took a small lead again. She shifted her body and ran perpendicular to Rainbow’s position. The filly angled her gallop and closed some distance between them. Now the ponies were ten feet apart.

“And then what’ll happen, Rainbow Dash?”

“I doubt everypony who got an acceptance letter will become full-fledged Wonderbolts. Aside from those who drop out, some would be turned away by Spitfire, and deemed not Wonderbolt material. I can’t state for certainty, but it’s likely that she has the authority to accept or deny any applicant despite any proven capabilities at the academy.”

Dash keeked surreptitiously at Scootaloo and noticed the filly was now ten feet ahead. With a surprised yelp, the pegasus bolted forward and ran parallel with her fillyfriend. Scoots smirked as she felt Dash’s gaze.

“But, this is just conjecture. There’s definitely classified info that isn't publicized. Since The Wonderbolts are military, there’s definitely information that’s inside only.”

Scootaloo nodded at that, absorbing the words from the older mare. She smiled warmly at her hero.

“You have such passion for them, Rainbow Dash. Despite any apprehension, I know you’ll succeed. Not only are you the best flier in Equestria, an awesome pegasus, and my idol, but you’ve got such suave confidence and deserve your dreams to come true.”

“Thanks, kid!” Rainbow said genuinely. “That was very sweet of you and boosted my resolve. I don’t want to let anypony down.”

They crossed the starting point again and only had one lap left. Each pegasus was determined to win. Though, the conversation distracted Rainbow Dash. She was more engrossed in discussing The Wonderbolts than having her mind in the game. Suddenly, she burst forward and took a thirty foot lead over Scootaloo.

“Hey! Wait!”

Rainbow laughed and kept her speed. Her hooves trod over the brick that composed the runway. She heard the filly shout, but didn’t stop. Instead, she turned her head and blew a raspberry.

That was a mistake.

In her haste to showboat, coupled with not paying attention, RD’s hoof caught a large crack in the runway foundation. She stumbled forward two steps before crashing on the pavement. The impetus, plus her acceleration, caused her body to skid on the track before it became inert.

Scootaloo watched the crash and halted. She stood, alarmed, and called out to her hero.

“Rainbow Dash! Are you alright?”

Dash grunted. Her midriff was in pain. As she looked down, she saw her abdomen had become red and splotchy. Evident of what just occurred, a road burn was visible on Dash’s stomach. Tentatively, she reached a cyan wingtip to gently touch the laceration. She immediately winced.

“Yeah! Well, mostly. Got a pretty gnarly gash from that.”

Rainbow sat up. She peered down at the abrasion on her gut. She pointed a hoof at the large red spot that appeared and looked at Scootaloo with a grin.

“See?”

The filly was perplexed. Her eyes fixated on the injury for a few seconds. Then she looked up to lock irises with Rainbow.

“Yeah. It’s sort of hard not to. Dash, you shouldn’t be proud of that. You need to treat the injury.”

Rainbow waved a dismissive hoof as Scootaloo walked closer.

“Pssh. It’s just a scrape, kid. I’ve had worse. This is nothing.”

“Yeah, but it’s still not something to show off, dingus!”

Rainbow chuckled after Scootaloo called her a dingus. She stood erect on her hooves again while the younger pony ambled up to her.

“Are you sure you’re alright, Rainbow Dash?”

Hearing the question repeated, Dash emitted a snort and gave a pierced glare at the bubbly pegasus.

“I already told you I was, kid. Some measly scrape isn’t gonna stop me.”

Scootaloo frowned but relented. She knew Rainbow was a strong mare, and if she was confident that nothing was amiss, the filly had no reason to press the issue.

“Well, alright.” Scootaloo said dully.

Rainbow looked down the field and gauged the distance to the starting point. Then she looked back at her fillyfriend.

“Anyway, we still have a race, kid. We’re each about two-hundred feet from the finish line. I’d estimate that’s a third of the track.”

Scootaloo turned her attention to the checkered line too and nodded in affirmation. “That’s about right.”

Rainbow eyed the younger pony curiously. “You’re not running?”

“Nothing wrong with a break. Besides, it’d be better to continue once we catch our breath. We’ll begin anew from this point and it’ll be a race to the finish.”

Dash shrugged. She wouldn’t object to a small respite. Additionally, it’d allow her earlier injury’s pain to subside.

“Alright, Squirt. I’m fine with that.”

Scootaloo smiled jovially and gently rubbed Rainbow’s leg. In response, the mare lowered her head to meet Scootaloo’s own. Quickly, Scootaloo placed a gentle kiss on Rainbow’s cheek.

“Heh. You really love showing affection often, eh, Scoots?”

The filly grinned and nodded. “I only kiss the coolest of ponies.”

Rainbow laughed, knowing that Scootaloo was repeating the exact admission that Dash herself said yesterday. Before Rainbow could reciprocate, the lively equine spoke.

"Are there any rules in The Wonderbolts?”

Dash put her hoof softly to her chin and tapped it. A question this simple should’ve garnered an immediate response. However, the older pegasus found it a tad difficult to reply.

“Could you specify? Like, do you mean rules they set forth so every pony that represents them is a perfect embodiment of what they stand for? Rules that apply to cadets at the Wonderbolt Academy? Dictated rules for their flying routine? Your question is a bit vague, Squirt.”

The school-aged equine bashfully rubbed the back of her head for the blunder. After the initial discomfiture wore off, she replied. “Rules for what a Wonderbolt must do and adhere to while being a member.”

With a confident bob of her head, the cyan mare answered the inquisition. “Oh! You’re referring to ‘The Wonderbolt’s Code’ kid.”

“Code?” Scootaloo repeated.

“The code is more what you'd call 'guidelines' than actual rules."

Scootaloo blinked in confusion so Rainbow provided an explanation. “It’s a bit complicated, but I’ll attempt to explain.”

The filly nodded eagerly. Dash flashed her an enthusiastic grin before speaking up.

“There’s most likely rules set forth that you only hear of when you become a member. But, just like the mission statement, the guidelines are publicized. They call it a ‘code’ because it sounds less lame than ‘rules’.”

“I don’t disagree. So, what are these ‘codes’, Rainbow Dash?”

“First, a Wonderbolt must always be readily available at a moment’s notice. No matter the task, each member should be raring to go. Secondly, any order given must be carried out. If Spitfire yells at you to ‘jump’ you answer ‘how high, ma’am?’ Next, Wonderbolts should always carry themselves with poise and dignity. The organization is well renowned and respected in Equestria. All members should keep uniforms clean of debris, pressed, and immaculate at all times. Sometimes, the members have meet and greets, so it’s crucial to be presentable.”

Scootaloo nodded at all of this information. Despite knowing how much of a fanatic her hero was for the organization, the filly was impressed by the amount of knowledge that Dash had for The Wonderbolts.

“Lastly, The Wonderbolts strive for excellence. If a cadet is not performing at a proficient level, they will be dismissed and discharged. It may sound ruthless, but their reputation must be upheld. They’re free to release any member at any time.”

The young pony’s muzzle opened in surprise at that. Knowing The Wonderbolts had the authority to debar a member from participating, and even kicking them from the team was a total shock.

“That’s all of ‘The Code’ that I know, squirt. But, again, there’s definitely others that only become known when somepony officially becomes a Wonderbolt.”

Rainbow and Scootaloo stared at each other for a while before the weatherpony chuckled. Her eyes rolled playfully at Scootaloo’s sudden laconicness.

“Hey, uh, Squirt? We still have a race to finish, y’know?”

The lively orange pegasus snapped to attention. Her eyes blinked and she shook her head to clear the cobwebs. She retrograded a few steps and turned her attention to the finish line. Casting a small gaze towards the older equine, she spoke.

“So you ready to complete our contest, Rainbow?”

“Heck yeah! I’m ready to trounce you, kid!”

Dash took a position next to Scootaloo. Both ponies were fifteen feet apart. Again, they arched their backs and shifted their weight to their hind legs. They didn’t initiate a countdown. Instead they looked at their opponent’s eyes and simultaneously nodded.

“Go!” Both said concurrently.

The ponies galloped again. The finish line was in their clutches, with each pegasus desperate to grasp victory. As they ran, both equines gasped for breath.

“Nothing wrong with second place, Scootaloo.”

“Quite right. It’ll be the third silver medal you earn today, Rainbow Dash.”

Gritting her teeth, Rainbow pushed forward. The horizon was getting closer. Dash could see the checkerboard line and estimated they were only fifty feet away. With determination and overwhelming resolve, she sprinted forward, though Scootaloo matched her pace.

Fifty feet turned into forty. Then thirty. Twenty. Ten.

“This is it!” Both shouted in unison.

The pair of pegasi leapt forward, and extended their hooved appendages in front of them; anxious to touch the goal first. Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash fell to the brick runway and landed on their chests. At the force, they grunted, but weren’t in pain. A dust cloud appeared from the impetus.

Laying there, the ponies gulped greedily for breath. Their eyes fixated on the dust cloud that was starting to slowly break apart. With bated breath, they waited for it to dissolve. A few seconds passed before the dust cloud disappeared.

Rainbow gasped at what she saw. Her hoof had landed on the ground less than two inches from the goal. Scootaloo’s had touched the checkered line and reached the goal. Dash’s muzzle became agape and the speedster slowly turned her head to stare incredulously at the younger pony.

“No way…”

Scootaloo winked teasingly at her marefriend and stuck her tongue out.

“Nyeh! What’d I tell you, Dashie? Third silver medal. Looks like I won, Rainbow Dash.”

The weatherpony blinked rapidly. Neither she nor Scootaloo moved after landing on the ground. She knew the filly wouldn’t cheat and she, herself, had honor.

“I…. lost.”

“Yep! I beat Rainbow Dash in a race!”

As Rainbow stared mystified at the checkered line, Scootaloo stood up and began to zip about excitedly. The vivacious filly was running zestfully in a circle. She cheered as her hooves galloped.

“I won! I won! I beat Rainbow Dash!”

Dash was dejected. To have lost in a competition like wing-ups or planking was one thing. But a race was another. Knowing that she lost a race to a flightless filly made her feel pathetic. She repeated the same baffled quote.

“I…. lost.”

Scootaloo puffed her chest out and replied matter-of-factly. “You did.”

The speedster turned her head towards Scootaloo. Perplexion was plastered all over the cyan mare’s face. Scootaloo giggled.

“Hey now. Don’t be upset, Rainbow Dash. It’s pretty obvious why you lost. I beat you in the first two exercises because I’m stronger than you. And, this one, I won because I’m faster than you.”

Dash shook her head in immediate denial. “No way!”

Scoots shot her an amused glance. “You doubt my words? Rainbow, did you hold back this race? Did you show mercy? Did your laceration on your chest impede your legs from running?”

Crestfallen Rainbow looked down. “Well, no. I’d have to admit I definitely didn’t take it easy on you.”

Scootaloo nodded and replied to her hero. “Then it’s fair to assume you went all out, yeah?”

“Always! I don’t ever let anypony win, kid!”

“Then connect the dots, Rainbow Dash. If you didn’t hold back, went all out, and never let anypony win, then, logically, the conclusion is simple. I beat you at your best. You, factually just lost a race to me.”

Dash stared blankly at Scootaloo. Her muzzle opened as the epiphany was absorbed.

“But… But….”

“But nothing, Dashie. You lost. I am stronger and faster than you. It can’t be debated.”

Realizing Scootaloo’s words carried veracity, Dash stared at the brick track with a fixated forlorn expression. The filly noticed and gently pat the speedster on the head.

“It’s nothing to be shameful about, Rainbow Dash. I still adore you and think you’re cool! Just, I’m twenty percent cooler.”

Flummoxed, Dash stood erect on her hooves and shook her head. She stood next to Scootaloo and peered down at the vivacious pony.

“Kid, I never thought I’d lose a race to anypony but Applejack. Knowing that a filly bested me in the best thing I’m good at causes me embarrassment.”

Scootaloo pouted at the denial, but Rainbow held up a hoof and continued.

“However, I can admit that you won. Fair and square. So, I’d have to agree. Scoots, I don’t know how you did it, but you’re stronger and faster than me. It’s slightly terrifying. Knowing I’ve trained for years to hone my skills and athleticism. Yet, you’ve surpassed me. Not even a week ago, you were a frail little filly. Now you’ve got more strength and speed than I do. That’s insane!”

Scootaloo’s pout turned into a quick smile when Rainbow admitted she was inferior.

“But, just you wait, Squirt! I’ll train hard in The Wonderbolt’s academy and return to Ponyville stronger and faster than ever. So I expect a rematch. Another race. Understood?”

The young pony nodded ecstatically. She’d happily grant her hero a rematch. Walking closer to Dash, Scootaloo pointed at the laceration on Rainbow’s chest.

“I accept. But, let’s focus on that injury. I know you’re fine, but you should still get some cold water and ointment for it.”

Knowing it would ease her fillyfriend’s worries, Rainbow acquiesced. Dash planted a gentle smooch on Scootaloo’s lips and broke it immediately.

“Alright, babe. I’ll fix myself up, okay?”

Hearing her lover agree caused the younger pony to breathe a sigh of relief.

“Glad to hear it! C’mon. Let’s head out of here. I don’t like seeing this place unless it’s Monday through Friday.”

Dash laughed at the sardonic tone. Scootaloo asked Rainbow to lower her head. She obeyed and Scoots hastily placed her hooves on Rainbow’s cheeks. The orange pegasus kissed the cyan mare deeply.

The speedster moaned as she felt the filly’s tongue enter her mouth. Both lovers canoodled ardently. The weathermare wrapped a hoof around her girlfriend’s neck and pulled her close.

The kisses, while luscious and passionate, also served as desperation for Scootaloo. She knew after today, Rainbow would not be around for a month. Every smooch and peck was quickly committed to memory for the young pony. The filly began to gently weep. After Dash felt the warm tears on her muzzle, she pulled back in surprise.

“Babe! What’s the matter?”

“I’m gonna miss you, dingus! I don’t want you to go. It’ll suck without you here in Ponyville and knowing that you’re disappearing for a full month really bites. Of course, I wish you could stay with me, but I understand this is your dream, Rainbow Dash.”

“That’s very mature to say, Squirt. I’m sure it’ll be hard on you for a month. Knowing I’m not around. You’ll miss me, and I’ll definitely be missing you too. You’re right, though. My dream since I was even smaller and younger than you, was to be a Wonderbolt. This isn’t just a dream, but it’s my destiny. Don’t fret, though. One month will pass by quickly. Then I’ll come back, and we can catch up and have lots of fun again.”

“Do you promise, Rainbow Dash?” Scootaloo said, trying to blink tears away.

“I cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.”

Dash replied, gesticulating the mannerisms that come with a Pinkie Promise.

Despite warm tears cascading down her face, the filly wore a brave grin and walked out of the vicinity with Rainbow Dash. As they did, both made simple small talk and confessed their love.

“I love you, Rainbow Dash. From your hooves to the smallest hair in your mane. Every part of you is perfect and I’m so happy that we’re together.”

“I love you too, Scoots. You’ve cemented your name in my heart. There’s nopony else I can imagine myself with. You complete me.”

They kissed again. The deep passionate kiss lasted several minutes, before both lovers broke apart and gasped for breath. Blushing, they walked on.

After a small stop at the pharmacy, and administering the salve on her chest, Rainbow hugged Scootaloo goodbye. There were throngs of ponies bustling in the streets, so the lovers knew they couldn’t display romantic affection.

“I’ll miss you, Squirt! But my words are true. A month will seem like a day or two. Then I’ll return to Ponyville and get to see you again.”

Scootaloo sighed softly. Her emotions were a blend of content and regret. But, she recognized the veracity in Rainbow’s words.

“I’m eagerly anticipating that day, Rainbow Dash. Be safe and do your best out there. Good luck!”

“Thanks, kid! Stay in school and out of trouble, yeah?”

Rainbow broke the hug. Scootaloo nodded. Then, both lovers went separate ways.

Author's Note

Sorry for no updates in five weeks. Things happened. Life isn't always enjoyable. Anyways, enjoy this installment. Expect a chapter for the next three consecutive days too!