A bell jingled upon entering. The interior of the tailor’s shop was immaculate and orderly. An ornate, gigantic, wooden mirror stood luxuriously across from the door. The sumptuous object was resplendent and opulent. Multiple flight suits were hung properly, ensuring no creases would occur. Measuring tape and a sketchpad were carefully placed on a small table near the mirror.

Dash studied herself for a moment in the mirror. She took a small respire to calm her nerves. It seemed so long ago that she expressed her earnest yearning to join the elite flying Wonderbolt team to her friends. Now, she had one hoof in the door. Behind her, Cyclone Twist entered, causing the bell to ring again. Rainbow diverted her attention to him.

“Isn’t somepony supposed to be here, Cyclone Twist?’

“Threadcraft is very attentive. I’m certain he just-”

Just then, a burgundy hoof appeared from the double doors of the backroom of the tailor shop. The stallion emerged and greeted Cyclone Twist. The two exchanged pleasantries before he regarded Rainbow Dash.

“A new recruit? Training under the supervision and overseeing of Captain Spitfire? Good luck. She can be auster. Spitfire is a no-nonsense, strict, harsh pony when it comes to The Wonderbolts. She has a great heart, but her severe firm demeanor causes trepidation from new recruits.

“Thanks for the warning, Threadcraft. I’ve previously met Spitfire and we got along just fine.

“Spitfire is a different pony off the runway, cadet.”

“I’m certain she is. But my flying skills will speak for themselves. Captain Spitfire won’t have any reason to single me out.”

“Well, you seem quite confident. If you’re raring to go, let’s get you measured for your flight suit.”

Gesturing to the dozens of duds, the stallion walked forward. Rainbow followed in his hoofsteps until Threadcraft instructed her to stand on the small rostrum. Rainbow obliged the tailor and stood, idly, on the raised platform. She gazed at herself in the mirror again. In the reflection, she noticed the stallion grab the measuring tape.

“The flight suits are a mix of fabrics. Each one is expertly hoof crafted and composed of sixty-five percent spandex, thirty percent cotton, and five percent polyester. The mesh is breathable, comfortable, and ergonomically designed to not hinder any flight or aerodynamics.”

Threadcraft took Rainbow’s chest measurement and shoulder measurement. Recalling the figure, he sauntered to a small notebook by a desk and recorded the numbers. He took Rainbow’s trunk measurement and jotted it down. The wingspan measurement followed.

Rainbow was silent. As Threadcraft worked, the speedster couldn’t help but be reminded of her modiste friend, Rarity. This fashion stuff was a lot of poppycock to Rainbow. Still, the weathermare respected the professionalism of the craft and remained observatory and laconic.

The armlength, armhole, bicep, forearm, and wrist measurements all came in rapid succession. Dash watched the stallion write the numbers down. She was slightly curious about the figures, but didn’t speak.

Less than five minutes later, Rainbow was standing off the rostrum. Threadcraft was looming over the multiple flight suits available. He shifted his gaze repeatedly to the recorded measurements and the unclaimed garments. The stallion hoofed through a few, before stopping. Taking another peek at the written numbers, then back to the flight suit, he smiled.

“Found the perfect one for you, cadet. The measurements of your wingspan, chest, shoulders, and armhole perfectly match this garment. Go ahead and try it on.”

He carefully removed the article of clothing from the hanger and held it up to Rainbow. She put it on and admired herself in the mirror. As she gazed at her reflection, Dash silently admitted that it was cozy and a perfect fit. She grinned with exuberance. With the suit, Rainbow told herself that she was one step closer to her dream.

“Looks like a perfect fit. Are you snug?” Threadcraft asked.

“Definitely. So comfortable and light. Feels like I’m not wearing anything.” Dash replied.

“I get that response often. The suits are designed to maximize a pegasus’s acceleration, speed and aerodynamics while minimizing drag, torque, and friction.”

Dash nodded at the eggheaded explanation. She didn’t fully understand, but it sounded like the suit did a lot of good. That’s all she cared about. The speedster appreciated her image in the mirror another fleeting moment before offering her gratitude to the stallion tailor.

“Thanks, Threadcraft. What do I owe for the suit?”

“Owe? Cadet, these are supplied by the academy. There’s no cost to rent these garments.”

Rainbow grinned sheepishly and released a small low chuckle.

“Oops. That’s embarrassing. Well, thank you for finding the perfect one for me.”

“That’s what I’m here for. Don’t forget these.”

He hoofed Rainbow Dash a pair of goggles and patted her on the shoulder.

“Don’t be nervous. I tell every recruit that I fit for a suit to do their absolute best. Show your fullest capabilities.”

“Appreciate it, Threadcraft. Where am I expected to wait for Spitfire?”

“Exit the facility, and take a right. Follow straight for three minutes and you’ll pass a large and black two story building. That serves as the barracks and mess hall. Turn left at the fork and the airstrip comes into view within two minutes.”

Rainbow nodded gratefully for the instructions and donned her goggles. The mare pushed them upwards and allowed them to remain inert atop her cranium.

“Got it. Thanks for everything.”

“Good luck to you, cadet.”

Rainbow left the tailor shop to embark on her journey. As she closed the door, she heard faint murmurs between Threadcraft and Cyclone Twist while they conversed.

Five of nine o’ clock, the hopeful suited-up Wonderbolt Cadets were lined up on the runway. Rainbow Dash craned her head to stare at the other optimistic ponies. Looking left, she noticed two ponies she didn’t recognize, followed by four she did. Thunderlane, Blossomforth, Cloudchaser, and Bulk Biceps. To her right, stood an unfamiliar mare. The pegasus bore a coat with a light turquoise palette. Her mane had two hues and was separated by alternating striped streaks of harvest gold and brilliant amber. Her irises were a saturation of brilliant gamboge.

The aforementioned pegasus felt like she was being gawked at. Quickly, she turned her head and stared at Rainbow Dash. The speedster hastily looked away. The cadet on her right lingered her gaze a fleeting moment longer before she stared straightforward. Dash furtively keeked again at the cadet and noticed her cutie mark contained a white lightning bolt and three yellow stars.

A tap to her shoulder diverted her attention. Rainbow Dash turned to find Cloudchaser, who had walked past Bulk Biceps to greet her, beaming affably. Rainbow acknowledged her with an amiable expression.

“Hey, Cloudchaser! We’ve worked together on the cloud team in Ponyville for eight months. I never knew you yearned to be a Wonderbolt.”

“Heya, Dash! I hadn’t told anypony because I worry they’d laugh or dismiss my goal. I’m a solid flier, but I know The Wonderbolts want the best. Kept my muzzle shut, and applied secretly.”

Rainbow and Cloudchaser shared a hoofbump at the mutual congenial respect they shared between them. However, as Rainbow opened her muzzle to reply, a booming, authoritative voice bellowed in a commandeering tone.

“Lookie what we got here.”

The throng of optimistic Wonderbolt Academy recruits quickly fell in. They recognized the voice of Spitfire, Captain of The Wonderbolts. Each of them stood at attention, listening quietly, as her hoofsteps approached. There was a tacit, tense, silence in the air. Every cadet immediately understood that Spitfire commanded respect. Flanked by two taciturn stallions, Spitfire moved at a quick pace, marching up to the cadets.

“Bet you all think you’re Wonderbolt material, don’tcha?”

With a confident grin, Rainbow stood, watching Spitfire pass. The brilliant gold coated mare held an enjoining ponysality. The cadets felt the stern, succinct, direct energy of the drill sergeant. Collectively, they shouted out.

“Yes, ma’am!”

Spitfire turned on her hooves and walked past the crowd. She flickered a brief gaze to the mare on Rainbow’s right, then to Rainbow. The Wonderbolts Captain scrutinized each optimistic applicant as she walked with gusto past them.

“Think you have what it takes to be an elite flier?”

In unison, they replied earnestly. “Yes, ma’am!”

Spitfire stood fifteen feet in front of Cloudchaser and gazed at a pair of pegasi doing flight drills. Then, in a booming voice, shouted to the crowd.

“Well then, let me be the first to tell you…”

Spitfire flew forward and pressed an aggressive hoof in Thunderlane’s chest. Her voice was terse and boisterous. Thunderlane swallowed nervously as the drill instructor bellowed.

“You don’t!”

Rainbow peeked around Bulk Biceps’ bulk biceps. The speedster observed the interaction stoically. Spitfire’s eyes immediately shifted to the moderately cerise ones of Rainbow. Dash hastily removed her gaze and stood to attention. The weathermare felt Spitfire’s eyes peruse her but she didn’t return the stare.

“If you had what it took to be an elite flier, you’d already be a Wonderbolt!”

Rainbow allowed herself another peek and saw Spitfire standing in front of Cloudchaser. The Wonderbolts Captain was glaring at the pegasus.

“Still think you’re something special?” Spitfire challenged.

Cloudchaser crumpled immediately. Her knees quivered at the interaction, and, with a dismissive shake of her head, replied.

“No ma’am.”

Spitfire turned her attention to the large, white, stallion to Rainbow’s right. Bulk Biceps stood with confidence. His chest puffed to showcase his muscular form. The brilliant gold coated mare flapped her wings to become aloft. Hovering inches from Bulk Biceps face, she spoke to him.

“You think you’re hot stuff?” Spitfire challenged.

Bulk Biceps lowered himself to the ground in an obsequious manner. Spitfire grinned and turned her attention to Rainbow Dash. She peered into Rainbow’s face to survey the mare’s reaction before giving the speedy pegasus a lookover from hooves to mane. The drill sergeant then gave a provocation.

“You look like you’re the worst flier in the whole academy. You’d probably quit after the first day”

Rainbow glowered while her eyes squinted in defiance. Despite meeting Spitfire before and becoming acquainted, Rainbow felt Spitfire’s gaudy and ostentatious demeanor was how she treated all new cadets. Without hesitation, the sporty, nimble pegasus shot back with a tone of vexation.

“No, ma’am. I’d never quit, ma’am!”

Dash held a determined glare as Spitfire studied her expression. Spitfire, though she scoffed, gave a small smile before walking to the unknown pegasus to Dash’s left.

“What about you? Bet you couldn’t fly past the first flagpole without getting winded.”

“Try me, ma’am.”

Spitfire lowered her shades to peer at the hopeful cadet. The drill sergeant replied with incredulity.

“What’s that?”

Rainbow broke her fixated gaze. Alarmed, she peeked at the turquoise pony. Dash noticed the aforementioned pegasus stepped closer to Spitfire in an eager display to demonstrate her capabilities and defend herself from the Captain’s slander.

“Let me show you what I’ve got, ma’am.”

The two ponies stared at each other for a laconic moment. Rainbow shifted her stare to look forwards at attention. Her ears twitched as the conversation progressed.

“Oh? A chance to prove yourself, huh?”

“Yes, ma’am!”

“Well then, now’s your chance.”

Spitfire turned towards the group of cadets and regarded all of them with a commanding order.

“Give me five-hundred laps.”

She flapped her wings and quickly rose in altitude. The mare screeched out louder, demanding full attention and obedience.

“All of you!”

The throng, aside from Rainbow and the unknown pegasus on her left, groaned in displeasure. The murmuring only exasperated Spitfire’s commanding attitude.

“Now!”

Spitfire blew her whistle and the hopeful cadets took to the skies. Rainbow Dash and the unknown pegasus led the band. The troop flew with purpose and hoped to satiate Spitfire’s demanding tone.

Scootaloo sat in Cheerilee’s class. The filly was bored and missing her marefriend, Rainbow Dash. She found it unimaginable to focus on today’s lesson of fractions. Dully, she stared at her teacher; though her heart kept flicking back to Rainbow Dash. Occasionally, the filly would sneak a peek at the clock. Currently, it was half past eight. Scootaloo wondered what Rainbow was up to.

“Scootaloo?”

The filly felt a sharp painful jab in her ribcage. She released a gasp of surprise and turned to the pony who was responsible. Apple Bloom was giving Scootaloo a sheepish grin.

“What was that for?”

“Well, uhm, ya’ll was bein’ silent, an’ Miss Cheerilee called yer name three times.”

Cheerilee cleared her throat. Scootaloo gazed at the cerise schoolteacher. After a bashful apology, Scootaloo asked what the schoolteacher needed her for.

“You seemed so deep in thought, staring absentmindedly at the blackboard. Can you tell me and the rest of the class the answer, Scootaloo? If you add one-half to one-half, what does it equal?”

Scootaloo was reticent for a moment as she desperately attempted to do the mental calculation. She could feel the eyes of the class on her.

Cheerille stood at the blackboard waiting patiently for the vivacious pegasus to reply.

“I think the answer is one, Miss Cheerilee.”

The cerise mare grinned proudly at the younger pony. Nodding her head, she expressed her praise.

“Correct! Can you tell the class how you reached that answer?”

Scootaloo nervously shuffled her hooves but followed her schoolteacher’s request. Sitting at her desk, she pointed a hoof to the pie charts that Cheerilee had illustrated to help with the lesson.

“Well, I’m imagining the fraction in an actual way. Like if you take a cookie and rip it in two pieces. Each side is half of the original thing. So one half of the cookie, plus the other half equals one whole cookie.”

The class laughed at the image. Even Cheerilee managed a small smile. Grinning at her class, the mare nodded in understanding and stepped forward to elucidate.

“You’re not wrong, Scootaloo. But let me show you the mathematical way of adding fractions instead.”

As Cheerilee picked up the chalk to teach, the recess bell rang. The congregation of schoolponies earnestly ran out to enjoy their free time. Cheerilee wished them a fun time and reminded her class to return in thirty minutes.

Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom huddled on the school grounds. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were glad to have time together to chat as they hadn’t seen each other in several days.

“How’d Manehattan go with Rarity, Sweetie Belle?” Scootaloo asked.

“Awful! I mean, great for my sister and all, but I found it unbearable. Fashion and shopping. Blegh.”

Sweetie Belle gesticulated an exaggerated dry heave. Her cheeks bulged and she stuck her tongue out in disgust. The action caused her two best friends to laugh at the display.

“Aw, c’mon. Ah bet it wasn’ all bad, Sweetie. Ya’ll got time ta spend with yer kin. ‘Sides, ain’t Rarity been a bett’r sis since we all went campin’ a bit ago?”

“Yeah. She doesn’t dismiss the idea of spending time with me anymore. Still, shopping for fabrics and fashion stuff isn’t my idea of sisterly bonding.”

“Guess Ah can’t disagree, Sweetie Belle.”

Wanting to change the subject, Sweetie looked at Scootaloo and playfully poked her friend in the midriff.

“So, you ever find out what that item was that we discovered in the Everfree Forest?”

Scootaloo paused. She trusted Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, but didn’t feel fully comfortable telling her what she had been up to.

“Well, not exactly, Sweetie Belle. But, Rainbow Dash has been helping me study it.”

Scootaloo smiled. It wasn’t a total lie, but not the total truth either.

“Rainbow is helping you? Huh. I would’ve thought Twilight would be the pony to talk to about possible magical items.”

“I’m sure she would help, but Rainbow insists it stays between us. Whatever that object is, Rainbow told me to not tell anypony else.”

Apple Bloom stared at the small orange pegasus. She flattened her own mane with a hoof before speaking to Scootaloo.

“Hey, Scootaloo? Rememb’r how we agreed ta share whatev’r that was?’

Scootaloo, seeing where this conversation was headed, quickly interjected.

“I know, Apple Bloom. I’m not trying to hog it. But, Rainbow and I are certain we’re close to finding out what the item is. Wouldn’t you both want to borrow it when we all know what it does?”

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom shared a look. They nodded concurrently.

“Ah guess that would be bet’r.”

“Yeah. It seemed interesting. When you know what it is, please tell us.”

Scootaloo nodded in agreement and gave a small sigh. She was relieved to hold onto the item as it caused a lot of fun between her and Rainbow Dash.

“I will. Promise. But Rainbow is currently at the Wonderbolts Academy. She’s not returning to Ponyville for a month.”

“Hang on. A month? You want us to let you keep it another month?”

Scootaloo, realizing how unfair it sounded, gave a small sigh. She regarded her two best friends and spoke in a pleading but earnest manner. The ebullient pony told Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle that if they agreed to the terms, Scootaloo would relinquish it permanently once her and Rainbow fully understood the object’s capabilities.

“Well, since you mentioned you’re both close, it’s fine with me, Scootaloo. Besides, I don’t want us to fight over stuff.”

“Ah agree with Sweetie Belle. Bu’ when ya’ll discov’r what it is, do ya reckon Ah could try it out?”

“Ooh! Ooh! Me too!”

Scootaloo flickered her gaze between her two best friends. She was silent for a brief moment to mull over the idea. Then she gave a silent nod, causing the two fillies to cheer excitedly.

At that moment, Cheerilee poked her head outside and instructed the class to head inside. Filles and colts released sad murmurs but obeyed. One by one, the little ponies shuffled inside. Scootaloo sat between Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. The vivacious orange pegasus thought of her marefriend once more as Cheerilee resumed the lesson.

Rainbow Dash and the unknown pegasus flew in perfect synchronization as they performed Spitfire’s order of five-hundred laps. The two ponies soared happily through the skies. As they passed Cloudchaser for the 337th time, Spitfire told Rainbow and the unknown pegasus they had completed lap 499.

“One more lap to go!” Rainbow said cheerfully.

She shifted her eyes to the left and stared at the fellow pegasus. Both ponies shared a look of understanding at the tacit implication. Rainbow’s eyes squinted with excitement as the other pony spoke.

“You’re on!”

They zipped through the skies, each attempting to complete the five-hundredth lap first. Clouds passed in a blur. The wind whipped their manes and tails, but it didn’t deter either pony. At times, Rainbow was in the lead. At others, the unknown pony was ahead. Turning a corner, past a few altocumulus clouds, the pair saw Spitfire and two unidentified officers waiting at the finish line.

Both desperately flapped with as much vigor as they could muster. The 500th lap was nearly completed and each pegasus wanted to emerge victorious in their little impulsive race. Rainbow and the unknown pegasus barreled towards the drill sergeant and her assistants. The speedster won, while the other pegasus finished, barely a second behind.

“Five-hundred!” Spitfire shouted.

The two racing pegasi screeched to a half in the runway. Both looked at the other in a sign of respect. Spitfire walked by them and spoke.

“Not bad. For a couple of newbies.”

Rainbow could hear the jibing in Spitfire’s voice and playfully rolled her eyes. The unknown pegasus spoke to Rainbow.

“Name’s Lightning Dust.”

“Rainbow Dash.”

The two gently smacked wings as a greeting. Lightning asked Rainbow if she wished to get some chow in the mess hall. Rainbow eagerly agreed.

Over the course of the next week, Lightning Dust and Rainbow Dash were constantly at the top of the class. The two cadets were frequently looking to prove themselves to Spitfire. Arriving at the runway one morning, they noticed that Spitfire was standing in front of an unknown object. It was covered by a large purple blanket. Spitfire’s assistants stood on the side of the item.

“The Wonderbolts are the fastest and best precision flyers in the world. Spin outs can still happen. When they do, a Wonderbolt must be able to recover quickly.” Spitfire instructed.

One of Spitfire’s assistants took the blanket in his mouth. He chomped down to hold it steady, then leaned his body in order to remove the covering.

“This is the dizzitron. It’s gonna make you very, I repeat very dizzy.”

Rainbow stood, excitedly gazing at the dizzitron and was anxious to try it. Lightning Dust stood next to her and had an equally shared expression on her muzzle.

“Your task is to try to recover and fly straight again as soon as possible.”

Dash and Dust glared defiantly at the dizzitron. The pair of pegasi were eager to face the challenge as it was another way to showcase their talents. They shared a small stare and a silent nod as Spitfire spoke again.

“Once you have recovered, you must come in for a smooth landing.”

The drill sergeant observed the cadets and ambled towards them.

“Now, who’s first?”

Rainbow and Lightning raised a hoof to the ear. Both bore confident grins and eagerness radiated from them. However, Spitfire paid them no attention and pointed to Blossomforth.

“You! You’re up.”

Blossomforth gaped at the command.

“Me?” She repeated, while looking past Spitfire at the dizzitron.

“Now!” Spitfire barked.

Blossomforth quickly flew to the contraption and slid snugly inside the large metal bar that served as an impromptu holding pad.

“Ready?” Spitfire asked.

Blossomforth looked nervously around before donning her goggles. She gulped nervously and replied with as much bravado that could be mustered.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Go!”

One of Spitfire’s assistants pulled a lever to initiate the contraption. Blossomforth spun repeatedly as the throng of cadets watched. After several seconds, Spitfire shouted her order.

“Release.”

A lever was pushed. It caused the metal bar to retract into the dizzitron and, using centripetal force, launched Blossomforth out of the device. She spiraled towards the sky at a rapid pace. It took several seconds for her to straighten up and fly right back towards the runway.

As Blossomforth slid along the airstrip, Spitfire clocked her timer and announced to the other cadets.

“Huh. Fifteen seconds. Decent. But I wouldn’t go writing home about it. Who’s next?”

Rainbow put her hoof to the sky again. This time, Spitfire called her up.

“Alright, Rainbow Dash. Let’s see what you got.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

Rainbow exuberantly flew to the dizzitron, landing in the space allotted of the metal bar. She donned her goggles then put her fetlocks over the metal. Her eyes squinted in excitement as she waited.

“Okay, go!”

Rainbow spun repeatedly in an elliptical motion. Blurred images of her fellow ponies and the landscape were barely recognized due to the acceleration.

A few silent seconds passed before Spitfire commanded.

“Release!”

The bar retracted and Dash was thrust to the sky. Her reaction time was a big improvement from Blossomforth’s. Despite initial unsteadiness, she easily broke through it and touched down on the airstrip in six seconds.

“Six seconds? That’s an academy record.” Spitfire said incredulously.

Blossomforth told Rainbow that she made the exercise look easy. Dash, in a typical brazen moment, replied that she makes everything look easy.

Spitfire called on Lightning Dust to go next. The pegasus complied and entered the dizzitron. However, before Spitfire could initiate the exercise, Lightning Dust spoke.

“Ma’am? Could you set this to maximum speed? I want to push my limits.”

“You sure you know what you’re asking, newbie?”

“Yes, ma’am!”

Spitfire sighed and instructed her assistant to set the dizzitron to the highest setting. The stallion turned a crank and the gadget moved to the apex option.

“Okay. You asked for it.” Spitfire warned.

Lightning Dust was spun around faster than the other cadets. When Spitfire demanded the release, the turquoise pony reached the airstrip in six-and-a-half seconds. The Wonderbolt Captain commended the pegasus for her time. Rainbow Dash and Lightning Dust shared a hoof bump.

An hour later, the exercise was complete. Dash and Dust facilitated as the other cadets attempted to perform flight exercises. However, the others were deeply enervated and couldn’t properly do so.

“Nopony even came close to six seconds.” Rainbow Dash said.

“They should make us Wonderbolts right now.” Dust replied.

“Yeah they should.” Dash replied with a laugh.

The trod hoofsteps of the Wonderbolt Captain pervaded through their ears. Both cadets turned towards Spitfire. The drill sergeant observed all the cadets and spoke.

“Listen up! For the rest of the camp you’ll be working in pairs. Tomorrow morning, I’ll post the teams. It’ll specify who will be the lead pony and who will be the wing pony. Good luck.”

Lightning Dust turned to Rainbow and scoffed.

“Like we’re even gonna need it.”

The two laughed and shared a hoofbump.

The next day, the charts were posted in the mess hall. Rainbow Dash walked through the area and spotted Blossomforth and Cloudchaser. She couldn’t resist, and, with a teasing tone, spoke.

“So, which of you lucky gals gets to be my wingpony?”

Both pegasi tittered and turned to each other. This caused Dash to stammer in confusion.

“What?”

“You might want to check the wall.” Cloudchaser replied.

Dash sauntered to the chart and pushed a pony aside. Seeing herself listed as a wing pony made her repeat dumbfounded.

“A wing pony?”

As she walked away dejected, Lightning Dust stopped her. The turquoise pony put a comforting hoof on Rainbow’s shoulder.

“They made us a team. Isn’t that awesome?’

Rainbow kept a brave face until Lightning Dust closed her eyes in glee. Then the kaleidoscopic-maned pegasus appeared crestfallen.

Author's Note

Here's a new chapter. The Wonderbolts Academy Arc is progressing well. Don't worry, smut lovers, your yearned filth will be coming soon.