The Wonderbolts Spectacular
It was a warm, sunny day in Ponyville, providing a welcome relief from the recent thunderstorm that had kept the ponies indoors for the whole weekend. Much of the ground was still muddy, and puddles were only just beginning to dry up, but everypony with some time on their hooves took the opportunity to come outdoors and enjoy the sunshine. Now only a few high, scattered clouds remained, and a stunning after-storm rainbow was just beginning to fade away.
"Wow" said Twilight Sparkle "Rainbow Dash sure has outdone herself this time!"
"This day is simply divine" confirmed Rarity. The two unicorns were trotting along in the park, with Twilight's young dragon assistant Spike following along behind.
"It's a pity I have another load of books to catch up on" sighed Twilight "I won't be able to spend much time outside to enjoy the weather while it lasts."
Rarity also sighed. "And I have another big order to fill" she lamented "I'll be stuck in the Boutique for the next two days."
"But Rarity" said Twilight "I thought your order was only due next week?"
"Come now, dear, I always like to finish my work ahead of schedule" explained Rarity "The last time I put off work I left you looking distinctly un-fabulous at your birthday party."
Twilight laughed. "Don't worry" she giggled "And besides - I'm the same. I don't have to finish my reading until the end of the month, but I figure that if I read more now, then I can read even more later! Besides, that way I can be prepared for anything unexpected that happens."
Just then, Spike let out green flames, causing Twilight to squeal and narrowly dodge the burst. Rarity's tail elegantly swerved out of the way of the magical fire, but a magically floating scroll hit her square in the face instead.
"Ow!" exclaimed Rarity. Spike laughed.
"What's so funny?" asked Twilight, getting up.
"Ready for anything, eh?" laughed Spike.
"Not funny" said Twilight sternly "That's no way to treat somepony you care about."
Spike held in the laugh as best he could. "I'm sorry" he managed to get out.
"Well, at least my tail is alright" said Rarity "Just try to be more careful next time."
"Of course, oh beautiful one" agreed Spike.
Twilight had already opened the scroll with her magic and was reading it with a smile on her face. "It's a flier" she announced "It says the Wonderbolts are giving a free performance in Ponyville as part of their upcoming tour!"
"Really?" asked Rarity "Well, I do like a good show. When is it?"
"It says it's next weekend" answered Twilight, sounding excited "I can't wait to let Rainbow Dash know. She does deserve a break like this with all the weather work she's been doing."
"Definitely" confirmed Rarity "I'll head off and make sure Fluttershy and Applejack have heard the news. I'm sure they'd just love to come. You tell Rainbow and Pinky Pie."
"Wow Rarity" noted Twilight "You're getting really good at organising things."
"Why, thank you dear" said Rarity "And now I really must get going, if I am to start work on my order and find Fluttershy and Applejack. Farewell!"
"See you later!" Twilight called after her while waving her hoof.
"Do you think she noticed me?" asked Spike hopefully.
Twilight groaned, and was just about to answer him, when suddenly a splash of muddy water crashed over her face.
Spike cried out in laughter. "Ready for anything" he giggled.
"He he he he he!" interjected Pinky Pie "Wait - what are we laughing about?"
"Never mind" laughed Spike.
"Oh, sorry Twilight" said Pinky Pie, noticing Twilight standing there with a wet, mud-filled mane "Jumping in these puddles is just too much super-awesome amazing fun! I just got a bit carried away. What are you doing here? Jumping in puddles too?"
"No, Pinky" said Twilight patiently, her annoyance gradually fading "Actually, I'm here looking for you."
"Oooh, great! Don't worry Twilight, you've come to the right place!" noted Pinky.
"I know" said Twilight with a hint of sarcasm. She couldn't believe none of them had noticed Pinky jumping around the place before. "I was just going to tell you about the Wonderbolts show this weekend."
Pinky Pie read the magically floating letter and looked overjoyed. "Great!" she exclaimed "That sounds like even more super-awesome amazing fun. No, more than that - mind-blowingly tremendous fun! No, more than that - mega ultra-supercalifragilisticexpialidocious fun! No, even more - it's like the Grand Galloping Gala is coming Ponyville! So much fun - in fact, I think the fun from this show will never end!"
"It says the show only goes for two hours" noted Twilight.
"Hey - I said the fun will never end, not that the show will never end" countered Pinky.
Twilight sighed. She had a point.
"Hey Pinky, you wouldn't happen to know where we might find Rainbow Dash, would you?" asked Spike "We need to tell her about this too"
"Great idea!" said Pinky "Rainbow Dash loves the Wonderbolts! She's right over there!"
As she spoke, she pointed a forehoof in the direction of a nearby tree in the park, atop which lay a curled-up exhausted-looking Rainbow Dash.
"RAINBOW DASH!" shouted Pinky very loudly to wake her up.
Rainbow stirred, yawned and stretched her hooves.
"Rainbow! The Wonderbolts are performing in Ponyville!" continued Pinky.
"What?" said Rainbow, suddenly sitting to attention and turning her head around "But - where?"
"Sorry to disturb you - I know you're tired from all that cloud-busting - but we just had to tell you" said Twilight, galloping over with the others "The Wonderbolts are giving a free performance this weekend!"
"Yes! Sweet!" said Rainbow triumphantly, before suddenly breaking out in laughter "Hey Twilight, what happened to your mane?"
Twilight frowned. "Very funny, Rainbow" she said.
"Let me fix that up for you" said Rainbow, cruising over to a nearby shed.
"What's in that?" asked Spike.
"This is where we keep the emergency clouds" said Rainbow, opening it up and choosing a cloud from the selection inside.
With a powerful kick, the cloud sent out a jet of rainwater at Twilight, showering the mud off her. Then, Rainbow flew around Twilight quickly to dry her off, leaving her mane looking exactly as it had been before.
"You've really improved that rain-blow dry" said Spike.
"Urgh, it's nothing" said Rainbow, putting the cloud back and closing the shed. She looked a little sad.
"What's wrong?" asked Twilight.
"Yeah" said Pinky "I thought you loved the Wonderbolt's shows!"
"Of course I do" replied Rainbow "It's just ... it's just that I've tried so hard to get into the Wonderbolts. I've done everything from saving their lives, to trying to talk to them at big events, to going to their training camp - but here I am, still not a Wonderbolt! I've tried everything, and all I can do is watch them. I'm probably the biggest Wonderbolt fan in all of Equestria. I mean - I'm grateful you all appreciate my awesome moves, but - this is the first time the Wonderbolts are performing in Ponyville! There must be some way for me to impress them."
"Oh Rainbow, I'm sure anypony with your kind of dedication is sure to make the Wonderbolts someday" said Twilight sympathetically "Although I guess it couldn't hurt to try something at every opportunity to get yourself noticed."
"I've got it!" exclaimed Pinky Pie "It's my most genius plan ever."
"What?" asked Rainbow.
"A PARTY!" Pinky Pie shouted loudly, her voice full of excitement.
"A party?" clarified Rainbow.
"When the Wonderbolts come to town, you throw a welcoming party!" said Pinky, happily bouncing around "That way you can show the Wonderbolts how much they mean to you."
"I think that's a great idea Pinky" remarked Twilight "And if the Wonderbolts are impressed with what Ponyville has to offer, they might come back next time they go on tour, giving you even more chances."
Rainbow smiled. "I like it" she said "Throwing parties may not be my best trick, but hey - if it will impress the Wonderbolts, then I'm in!"
"Don't worry" replied Twilight "I'm sure all of us can help you out and throw a great party."
"No!" said Rainbow "I mean - thanks Twilight - I appreciate the offer - but I really want to do this on my own."
"But... why?" asked Twilight, confused.
"Because" explained Rainbow "Joining the Wonderbolts is my thing! Imagine how impressed they'll all be when they see me organise a super-cool party for them all by myself! It'll be totally awesome."
"But will you have enough time?" asked Pinky.
"Obviously" replied Rainbow, rolling her eyes "Since I cleared up that storm, I've got the whole week off."
"That's great!" said Twilight "Just remember we're always here if you need any help."
"Don't worry!" said Rainbow, flying back to her tree-bed "It's in the bag! Thanks Pinky - I owe you one. Anyway, I've got some Zees to catch."
"And I have some books to study" added Twilight.
"And I have some puddles to splash before they all dry up" added Pinky.
With that, Pinky, Spike and Twilight said their goodbyes to Rainbow, before going their separate ways.
Two warm sunny days passed. Precisely as she had planned, Twilight finished her reading on time. After tasking Spike with sorting the books to their rightful shelves, Twilight set off for the Carousel Boutique to check on how Rarity was doing with her order.
"Oh Twilight, do come in" greeted Rarity as Twilight came in "I'm almost done - just a few final finishing touches. How do you do?"
"I'm ... fine" said Twilight "Just like I planned, I got through all my books on time. Great to hear you're almost finished."
"So" said Rarity curiously as she carefully added some diamonds to a dress "What did Rainbow Dash say when you told her about the show?"
"I don't remember exactly" Twilight answered honestly "But she was very happy. Pinky too. In fact, Pinky suggested that Rainbow throws a welcoming party for the Wonderbolts."
"Oh, what a marvellous suggestion" noted Rarity "I do have a few extra fabrics that would look simply gorgeous around town!"
Twilight paused. "I think Rainbow Dash said she wanted to try to do it by herself" said Twilight "She has the whole week off and she really wants to make a big impression."
"Oh, really?" asked Rarity "Well, I'm not sure Rainbow can match fabrics quite the way I can, but if she has a whole week to organise it..."
"I've told her that we're here to help if she needs us" interjected Twilight "So it should be fine. I was going to go check up on her after you're done if you'd like to come along."
"Of course, I'd love to" said Rarity "By the way, Applejack and Fluttershy are both excited for the show as well."
Twilight was a little surprised. "Fluttershy? Wouldn't she be just a little scared of the Wonderbolts' daring tricks?"
"Oh, she'll probably just close her eyes or something for the scary parts of the tricks" replied Rarity "But her critters are ever-so-excited about seeing a real flying show. Ah - there we are dear - look at that!"
Rarity proudly displayed the finished dresses on a fine array of pony mannequins. Twilight was suitably impressed.
"I think they all look terrific" said Twilight.
"Aren't they just" said Rarity "A new personal best."
"Especially considering you finished them all in just two days" noted Twilight "These don't look rushed at all."
"Why thank you, Twilight, that's very kind of you" stated Rarity "Now let's go check on Rainbow."
"Great" said Twilight "Where do you think she'd be?"
"Sweetie Belle came by earlier today and said she saw her in the park" answered Rarity "I suppose she must have some kind of outdoor theme in mind."
And so, Rarity and Twilight set off for the park, chatting to each other as they went.
On the way, they crossed paths with Applejack.
"Howdy, partners!" Applejack said to them "Don't suppose y'all would know where that Rainbow Dash has got to?"
"My oh my" said Rarity "We were just looking for her too - I wanted to ask whether she needed any help decorating her party for this weekend."
"Well" remarked Applejack "I just wanted to know if she needed any apples for her party this weekend."
"Great!" said Twilight "Come along! I'm sure Rainbow could use all the help she could get."
It was not long before the three ponies arrived at the park. There they found Rainbow sleeping on the same tree much as she had been two days earlier, except that the tree now had a sign in front of it. The sign read "Party planning in progress - do not disturb".
"What in the hay is this?" asked Applejack "Where's all the party preparations?"
"Rainbow Dash!" called up Twilight "Rainbow!"
Rainbow stirred and stretched her hooves again, slowly waking up from her nap.
"Rainbow, dear, what are you up to?" asked Rarity.
"Oh - hey girls" responded Rainbow "What does it look like I'm doing? Planning of course!"
"Rainbow" said Twilight skeptically "Were you sleeping in that tree the whole time?"
"No" answered Rainbow defensively "I also put up a sign."
"Well, you're going to have to do a lot more than put up one sign every two days if you want this party to be a success" countered Twilight.
"Hey - I've done a ton of planning!" replied Rainbow "I've been visualising the party in my dreams. It's going to be sweet!"
"Rainbow, that ain't no planning, that's jus' fantasizing!" said Applejack.
"Yes" added Rarity "Real planning is not just thinking about what you're going to do or how sweet it will be, but about how you're actually going to do it."
"And besides, at some point you're actually going to have to start doing something" noted Twilight "Even I would hate to list all the things you still need to prepare."
Rainbow sighed "I'm sorry. Throwing parties really is not my thing. Tell you what - I'll start with the actual set-up tomorrow."
"Wonderful" said Rarity "Would you like Ponyville's finest to help you with the decorating?"
"No thanks" replied Rainbow "I want to show the Wonderbolts what I can do."
"Ya know Rainbow, asking for help ain't exactly my thing either" said Applejack earnestly "Honestly - I know how ya feel."
"Thanks AJ" said Rainbow Dash.
"But" interjected Applejack "I really do think the Wonderbolts would be more impressed if ya mustered up the courage to ask for help when ya need it. We're your friends, Rainbow. We're here for you."
"I think that might be a good idea" said Twilight "We've put together parties together before, but doing it on your own is probably a bit much for you - especially since you haven't really finished much so far."
Rainbow didn't know how to reply at first. After thinking about it for a moment, she eventually answered "Well, OK. I guess you can give me a little bit of help. AJ, could you get me some apples by tomorrow? I'll use them in the cupcakes I'm making."
"No problem, partner" said Applejack "Want me to help with the cupcakes too?"
"No thanks" replied Rainbow Dash "Just plain apples will be fine. That way I can tell the Wonderbolts that I made them. And, Rarity, could you bring me some of your great looking fabric? I'll lay it out of course, but it would save me a lot of work finding decorations."
"Why, yes of course" said Rarity "But are you sure you don't want me to..."
"No, no, it's fine, really" said Rainbow "I can do some decorating. How hard can it be? And, um, Twilight, you can... you can..."
Twilight smiled.
"You can..." continued Rainbow, thinking hard "You can... ah ha, I've got it! You can write me a list of all the things I still need to prepare!"
Twilight frowned. "Oh well, I'd better get to work then" she said.
With that, the four ponies farewelled each other - Applejack going back to her farm to find some apples for the party, Rarity back to her Boutique to find appropriate decorating fabric, Twilight back to her library to begin writing her list, and Rainbow going back to her nap.
At dawn the following day, Rainbow Dash was awoken by Applejack, who had just arrived with several cartloads of apples in tow.
"Found ya these apples" stated Applejack "But are ya sure about them cupcakes?"
"Thanks AJ" said Rainbow thankfully "Really - but I think I can manage it. Pinky Pie came by yesterday and gave me her cupcake recipe"
"Ya know sugarcube, I think it's great an' all that you're asking for help with the planning and organization" mentioned Applejack "I just don't think actually setting up the party is ya strong point either."
"Trust me" replied Rainbow "If this is what it takes to join the Wonderbolts, then I'm going to give it my all!"
"That's splendid, my dear" said Rarity, who had just arrived with a large quantity of fine fabric and assorted decorations "But really, you must be realistic. There's only two more sleeps until the Wonderbolts arrived, and you've just been sleeping in that tree all week."
"Hey, I put up a sign!" protested Rainbow.
She would have explained more, but was interrupted by a sudden heaving noise that caused all the ponies to turn. There was Twilight, slowly trotting towards them, carrying on her back an extremely long list. Neatly folded, the list was more than three times as high as Twilight was, although Twilight had clearly used extra-small lettering to fit it all on her very long sheet of parchment.
"That's not for me, is it?" asked Rainbow, her jaw almost dropping.
"Afraid... so..." struggled Twilight. Slowly Twilight tried to put down the list, but her balance was not great, causing the list to topple over sideways. As it fell, the list partially unfolded, revealing a long, neatly bullet-pointed array of millions of things to do before a party. The list went so far that the end of it splashed into the nearby park lake. As the ponies looked on in shock, a purple octopus came up out of the lack and used a tentacle to throw the end of the list back to them, before sinking back into the depths. The end of the list now stood at Applejack's forehooves.
"Wow, am I glad I thought to use waterproof ink" noted Twilight.
"Sugarcube, are you sure this ain't just a little too much?" asked Applejack "I'm sure Rainbow here could have a mighty fine party without obsessing over every last detail."
"Actually, I think this list is pretty good" said Rarity.
"Well, you did ask for everything else you needed to do to throw the best party ever" responded Twilight "But Applejack's right. You should just focus on doing what you can. I'm sure the Wonderbolts will appreciate your effort even if it's not the best party in all eternity."
"Thanks Twi, and Rarity" said Rainbow "But I'm still going to do my best."
Having delivered their party supplies, the three ponies farewelled Rainbow Dash and left her alone in the tree again.
"Huh. Oh well. Better make a start" Rainbow Dash said to herself.
"Hey, Rainbow!" said a voice behind her. It was one of the weather ponies.
"Oh, hey. What's up?" asked Rainbow.
"The pony on duty today has called in sick. Apparently she's got altitude sickness or something. Could you cover for her?"
"Well, I guess so" said Rainbow. How long could it take? After all, it was a nice and sunny day as it had been all week.
"Great" said the weather pony "We need the sky to start getting overcast, ready for the rain on Saturday."
"Rain on Saturday?" asked Rainbow, alarmed. "But that's when I'm throwing my party!"
"Hmmm" mused the weather pony "I guess the rain could come on Friday instead."
"Great!" said Rainbow "That'll save my party."
"So long as you put up all the clouds today" said the weather pony.
"No problem" said Rainbow, already rapidly flying up to the sky to begin her difficult job.
It was dusk when Rainbow Dash was finally finished. There were a lot of clouds to put up, and it had been exhausting doing it all. Rainbow Dash was, now quite understandably, absolutely exhausted. She yawned and snuggled up in her tree that she had been napping in all the rest of the week.
"Oh, Rainbow Dash" said Fluttershy, fluttering up the tree "You look really tired."
"Hey Fluttershy" said Rainbow "What's going on?"
"Well, I was going to ask whether I or my critters could help you with anything" said Fluttershy quietly "Although the sign in front of the tree looks lovely."
Rainbow looked around. It was her penultimate sleep before the party, and yet all she had prepared was for her friends to bring her some decorations and apples. The long list Twilight had written still lay menacingly, sprawled out across the ground.
"Actually..." said Rainbow "OK. Your critters can help me for a bit."
"But Rainbow" said Fluttershy "With all of these clouds, isn't it going to rain?"
"I thought of that" replied Rainbow "But I had them move the rain to tomorrow instead."
"Oh no" said Fluttershy "How will you set up anything out here tomorrow while it's raining?"
Rainbow whinced. She hadn't thought of that. "Maybe I can go around to Sugarcube Corner and bake some cupcakes" she said.
Fluttershy flew back down to the apple carts. "We need to move these to a dry place" she said "And the decorations too. Oh, and you should find someplace to sleep where you won't be hit by lightning tomorrow - oh, if that's alright with you, of course."
Rainbow Dash was deeply disappointed as she was very tired, but she still flew down to help Fluttershy move the carts.
The next day, Rainbow woke from her sleep in her cloud home. Below, she could see Ponyville being rained on. Flying quickly, she made her way to the tree that was sheltering the apples that Applejack had delivered for the party, and drove them through the streets of Ponyville to Sugarcube Corner. Thankfully, the streets were mostly empty as the rain was quite heavy. When she arrived at her destination, Rainbow was surprised to see Pinky Pie outside, merrily jumping about.
"Hey Pinky" said Rainbow "Just coming in to make some cupcakes"
"Oh, don't you want to jump around in these puddles with me?" asked Pinky Pie "Puddles are always the most fun when they're fresh!"
"No thanks Pinky" laughed Rainbow, taking a batch of apples inside "I need to get these muffins finished - the party is tomorrow and I've barely even started."
"Great! Have fun!" said Pinky Pie loudly "Ask if you need any help."
"Maybe just one thing..." began Rainbow "What was that secret cupcake recipe again?"
By the end of the day, Rainbow Dash had finally finished baking all of the necessary cupcakes, and even a few muffins just in case the Wonderbolts preferred those. They weren't nearly as good as Pinky Pie's muffins, or even Applejack's, but they were an honest effort. She also asked Pinky if she could use some of her party balloons, which Pinky was more than happy to give. Then Rainbow carefully covered the food to prevent it from getting wet, and drove her carts back to the park, saying goodbye to Pinky Pie on her way.
When she arrived back at the park, Rainbow saw that Fluttershy had sent over a little team of critters, who had been waiting there with cute little umbrellas. "Alright critters!" announced Rainbow Dash "We’ve got a job to do!"
The next day was sunny, exactly as the weather pony had promised Rainbow. The ponies awoke and saw that Rainbow had erected a huge screen in front of the park using some of Rarity's fabric. Outside was a sign reading "Party set up in progress - party starts at noon".
It was not long before Mayor Mare came down to the park. "Rainbow Dash" she called "Let me in! I need to inspect the ground to make sure the puddles dry up. I don't want anypony to get hurt by slipping on them."
Rainbow Dash flew out. She looked like she hadn't had any sleep all night. "Don't worry, Mayor" she said sleepily "All taken care of. It was on Twilight's list."
"Twilight's ... list?" asked the Mayor.
"That's right" said Rainbow "She made a big list of everything I needed to do, and I've almost done it all. Anything for the Wonderbolts, he he."
"My my" replied the Mayor "You are dedicated"
"Thank you" answered Rainbow "It's gonna be great. Got it looking just like in my dreams."
Mayor Mare didn't understand what Rainbow was on about, but she trusted Rainbow Dash enough that she didn't question her any further. She thus farewelled Rainbow and set off on making sure the rest of the town was ready for the arrival of the Wonderbolts.
Noon struck the Ponyville bell tower, and soon all the ponies that had been outside enjoying the sunshine - and, in fact, many of the other ponies as well – made their way to Rainbow’s party in the park. Rainbow looked somewhat more refreshed, having clearly had a recent power-nap to prepare for seeing the Wonderbolts again, but she was still tired as she stood outside the grand entrance to welcome the ponies as they came in. Now she had put up a new large sign - "RAINBOW DASH presents the Wonderbolts pre-show party spectacular."
Among the first of the ponies to enter was Fluttershy. "Hey Fluttershy" Rainbow Dash greeted her "Glad you could come!"
"Thank you Rainbow" said Fluttershy quietly "I wouldn't miss it for the world. I just hope my critters will have a good time too."
Applejack followed soon after. "Wow there, Rainbow Dash" she said "I didn't think ya would be able to make it."
"Well" said Rainbow, with perhaps the worst attempt ever at modesty "I am the one and only Rainbow Dash!"
Applejack laughed to herself as she went inside.
"Wow!" said Scootaloo, impressed, as she walked through the entrance "Best party ever!"
"Yeah... totally" said Apple Bloom as she followed Scootaloo with Sweetie Belle.
"Iron Will's my name, training ponies is my game!" Iron Will reminded everypony as he entered on the back of a goat and a blue pony.
"Trixie?" asked Rainbow Dash "Since when have you had a job carrying Iron Will around?"
"Huh, the great and powerful Trixie has had worse" noted Trixie.
Suddenly, Lightning Dust zapped down from the skies and landed in front of the entrance.
"Lightning dust?" said Rainbow, surprised.
"Hey Rainbow" said Lightning "I figured you'd be behind this party."
"But how did you know there'd be a party?" asked Rainbow.
"Dragon named Spike sent out a flier to practically all of Equestria" explained Lightning "It said the pre-show party was going to be the most fun and cool party ever."
"Really?" asked Rainbow.
"That's right" confirmed Lightning "I'll bet the only ponies that won't be here, are those that are going to the other Wonderbolt shows instead. Except me, of course. I'm going to all of them. I've heard that even Princess Celestia is going to be here."
"Princess Celestia?" said Rainbow, shocked.
"Yeah" said Lightning "Don't worry - I know meeting royalty is a big thing, but I've met her before in person, and she's really quite nice."
"Oh - I've met her too" said Rainbow "It's just - I didn't expect it to be this big."
"Would you like me to help?" asked Lightning Dust.
"Nah, I'm cool" replied Rainbow. Even if she did want help, she couldn't bring herself to admit to Lightning Dust that the whole party was merely staged to impress the Wonderbolts. However, Lightning Dust looked like she had already guessed what was happening.
"Oh well, see you around the party!" said Lightning, and with that she went inside.
"Princess Celestia's coming?" asked Twilight, who was entering at around the same time and had overheard Lightning Dust.
"I know" replied Rainbow "I mean - I tried my best, but I'm not sure this party's exactly fit for royalty."
"I'm sure that if it's good enough for the Wonderbolts, it'll be good enough for her" noted Twilight.
"Thanks Twi" said Rainbow "I mean, what's the worst that could happen?"
Twilight was honestly stumped by this question. What would be the worst thing Celestia would do if she went to a really appauling party? She couldn't imagine Celestia doing anything but enjoy the fact her subjects had thrown a party at all.
"She'd - errrrm - turn you into a frog" said Rarity, who was just now entering, thinking quickly to cover the fact Twilight was lost for things to say. "But don't worry dear" she continued "I'm sure your party will be something very special. Oh, wait a minute - Princess Celestia will be here? Oh no, this outfit simply will not do - please do excuse me while I slip into something a little more glamorous." And with that, she departed.
"Ooooh, can I be a frog?" asked Pinky, appearing seemingly out of nowhere.
"Pinky..." began Twilight.
"Weee, sounds like fun!" exclaimed Pinky "Oh, better practice my hops!"
Immediately Pinky Pie hopped into the party and began jumping around like a frog.
"Anyway" said Twilight "I don't think Celestia would turn anypony into a frog. And besides, this party is going to be great!"
"Thanks Twilight" said Rainbow Dash, and Twilight entered the party.
The next thing anypony knew, a mighty horn blared and electric guitars played. Up in the sky, coming down from distant Canterlot, flew a great troop of flying ponies, their blue uniforms glistening in the sun and amazing all of the ponies who marvelled below. In a flash, there they were, right in front of Rainbow Dash, ready to be welcomed to the party.
"Oh, uh ... hello, Wonderbolts" said Rainbow. Inside she felt like squealing like a fan-girl, although she was keeping it together – or as she liked to say, playing it cool, well enough.
"Hey Rainbow Dash" said Spitfire "This your party here?"
Rainbow laughed weakly. "Sure is" she said.
Spitfire smiled. "Why don't you show us around?" she asked.
Rainbow Dash's face lit up. "My pleasure" she said, ushering the Wonderbolts inside.
The interior of the park was quite different from before.
"This here is my statue" said Rainbow Dash, pointing to a larger-than-life wooden beaver-carved statue of herself, engraved with the words "Rainbow Dash, Sonic Rainboom Champion, Best Pony Ever." "Over here" she continued "is the food stands" - she pointed to some piles of food with a banner above it saying "Rainbow Dash's awesome food (Pinky Pie and Applejack helped a little bit)". "Over there is the music" said Rainbow, pointing to an area with many balloons which had Rainbow Dash faces drawn on them. "And there is a stand from the official Rainbow Dash fan club" finished Rainbow, pointing to a small stand with Snips waving from behind it, "I hear it's the coolest club in Equestria."
The Wonderbolts looked like they didn't know what to say. Many of the other guests were confused as well.
"You should all totally join" explained Rainbow Dash.
Suddenly, Rainbow Dash was pulled aside by Twilight Sparkle. "Rainbow!" said Twilight "What are you doing!? Didn't you read item number 8716 on my list - lose the ego?"
"Oh, sorry Twilight" said Rainbow "I guess I didn't read that far."
"I can see that. What's up with those pin the tail on Rainbow Dash games over there? And did you really have to add some of the rainbow from the factory in Cloudsdale to the lake?"
As if to illustrate her point, the octopus came up from the depths to reveal that he was no longer purple, but all the colours of the rainbow mixed together. Several young ponies near the lakeside gasped in fear.
"I guess I see what you mean" said Rainbow sadly.
"I know you tried hard to impress them" noted Twilight "But this was supposed to be a party to celebrate the Wonderbolts coming to Ponyville."
"I thought we were celebrating my awesomeness" replied Rainbow, a little sadly.
"No" corrected Twilight "Pinky's plan was for you to show your awesomeness by celebrating the awesomeness of the Wonderbolts."
"Wow, I really am no good at this!" lamented Rainbow "What can I do?"
Suddenly, a flash of inspiration crossed Rainbow. "I've got it!" she said. Immediately she got up on top of her massive statue and began to speak.
"Fillies and Genticolts" Rainbow Dash began "Welcome to this party I organised. Although apparently - despite what it might look like - it isn't really about me at all. Sure, I made those awesome cupcakes over there, or drew those faces on those balloons. But my real passion is flying, and so I think it's important that we honour the Wonderbolts performing in Ponyville!"
A loud cheer erupted from the crowd, followed by several chants of "Wonderbolts! Wonderbolts!"
"And that's why I'm cancelling this party at once" said Rainbow Dash.
The crowd fell silent. Twilight's jaw dropped audibly.
"That's right" continued Rainbow Dash "I wanted this party to be about me, so that the Wonderbolts could see how awesome I am. Only - it really isn't about me. I'm sorry that I had to ruin this for everypony. I’ve learned my lesson, and I won’t do it again. But now we can go out on the streets of Ponyville and have a real celebration for the Wonderbolts! Who's with me?!"
The crowd was silent. Somepony coughed. The Wonderbolts still were confused.
Rainbow groaned. "Fluttershy!" she said in an annoyed voice "What did I teach you about cheering?"
"Oh - um - yay?" said Fluttershy quietly.
Rainbow Dash made an annoyed sound. Then, quite unexpectedly, the statue beneath her disintegrated into a million tiny splinters. "What the!?" said Rainbow Dash as she was flung backwards into the pool. When she came out, her entire coat was rainbow-colored, which looked very odd to say the least.
There, in the crowd, were three Shadowbolts, laughing their heads off.
"Spike, what did you invite them for?" asked Rainbow Dash.
"Sorry" said Spike in a small voice from amongst the large crowd "I just didn't want anypony to feel left out."
Rainbow sighed. All eyes were on her as she slowly made her way out of the pool and towards the emergency raincloud shed to shower off her coat. Still it had been somewhat amusing, and certainly broke any tension that had existed before.
"Ya know, sugarcube, none of this would have been a problem if you had just let us help you a bit more" noted Applejack.
"Or if you had started earlier so you wouldn't miss things in a big rush at the end" pointed out Twilight.
"But" said Fluttershy quietly "What I think we're all thinking is ... we really appreciate the effort."
"You got that right" added Applejack "It might not have been the best party I ever been too, but boy did you put a lot of effort into this one! I gotta admit, I was really enjoying myself over there on the dance floor before all this kerfuffle."
"You were?" asked Twilight, surprised.
"Well" said Soarin "I was about to say that I think this is one of the best parties I've been to all year."
"Really?" asked Twilight, even more surprised.
"Of course" answered Soarin "Sure, the theme may be a bit inappropriate, but everything's still here to make a great party."
"I've got to agree" agreed Spitfire "Lots of people ask to join the Wonderbolts, but I don't think we've had a party put together for us quite like this before."
Rainbow Dash looked much happier, even as an emergency raincloud was still showering her off. "So - I haven't ruined your visit to Ponyville?" she asked.
Spitfire could only laugh. "Ruined?" she clarified "This party has made our visit worthwhile. Why, I don't think we'll be forgetting this any time soon. Just next time - we won't think any less of you if throwing a party isn't your strong point."
"You won't?" asked Rainbow.
"Hey, everypony has weaknesses" noted Spitfire "Even me. But the bravery you have shown here in trying new things, the courage to always do your best - and some of those party games over there do look really fun. I probably couldn't have done a better job myself."
"Very well said" noted Princess Celestia, coming in through the door. All the other ponies bowed, except of course for Pinky Pie who was jumping around beside the lake in a frog-like manner. "It sounds like you've all learned some very valuable lessons... but enough of that. By the way - Pinkie Pie, what are you doing?"
"Gribbit!" announced Pinky Pie.
Twilight Sparkle smiled "She's ... just being Pinky Pie."
"No, silly, I'm being a frog!" said Pinky Pie.
"Oh" said Princess Celestia, chuckling to herself. The ponies all laughed to themselves as well.
At this very juncture, Rarity returned from the Boutique wearing a somewhat more beautiful dress. "What did I miss?" she asked.
It was not long before Rainbow Dash's party cancellation from earlier was almost entirely forgotten, and all the ponies were able to enjoy themselves after all. Ponies played the games, turned the Rainbow Dash balloons into pinatas, and ate the food that wasn't actually half-bad. Because so many ponies were there, many old friends reunited. Princess Celestia herself even took to the dance floor at one point, much to the delight of her subjects. Some of the best musicians in Equestria gave epic impromptu performances.
As night fell, Princess Celestia went back to Canterlot, and soon after, Princess Luna came to take her place. The fun indeed did not end, and many of the younger ponies in particular were very happy to see Luna again.
"Thanks for helping me out when I got sick from the clouds, Dash!"
"No worries Derpy. Anytime."
"Hey Rainbow!" Rapidfire called out to Rainbow.
"Hey" said Rainbow, flying over.
"I hope you don't still think you ruined anything for us" said Rapidfire.
"Nah, I got over it"
"Rainbow, I want to give you something as a token of our appreciation"
Before she knew what was happening, a ticket was thrust into Rainbow Dash's hoof. "Rainbow, would you like to come on tour with us?" asked Rapidfire.
"What?" asked Rainbow Dash.
"Not as a performer, of course. Just as a roadie. But I thought you might like to experience the Wonderbolt life for a while."
Rainbow's face lit up for a moment. Then she suddenly realised that Lightning Dust was standing right next to them both.
"Meh, you deserve it" said Lightning Dust indifferently "Besides, I am the better flier, and that's all that counts."
"Might give you some motivation for training, huh?" tempted Rapidfire "Help you get over that napping habit."
"You know about that?" asked Rainbow surprised.
"I'm sure we've indicated at some point that we'll be keeping our eyes on you"
At first Rainbow didn't know what to say. She was somewhat embarrassed, but immensely thankful.
"Well - touring with you would be my honour."
"Come on!" called Soarin "Let's show these ponies what a real performance looks like!"
And with that, the Wonderbolts took to the skies once more. The ponies looked on bedazzled as the Wonderbolts did amazing maneuvers while Twilight made some magical fireworks in the background.
"Best party ever!" said Rainbow Dash.
Pinky Pie glared at her.
"Fine." said Rainbow "MY best party ever."
Pinky grinned and hugged her friend, absolutely proud of her.
