On her way home from work, Triple Threat saw a billboard that had some important news. “Best Young Flyer Competition! Go to town hall to sign up to compete or volunteer for setup.” The athlete knew right of the bat that she had to enter that contest. With Rainbow Dash in Ponyville, there’s no doubt that the red pegasus would win. Triple knew if the rainbow maned pony entered, she’d win it with her eyes closed. The she rushed to town hall as fast as she could. When she arrived, the excited pony asked where the completion sign ups were. She was directed to the recreation office. Triple ran to the office, only to be meet by a surprise that would dash her hopes.
“Rainbow Dash!” Triple Threat exclaimed at the sight of her old friend which was followed her ears drooping.
“Hey Triple, I was hoping to run into you while I was here.” Dash said.
“Are you here to sign up for the best young flyers competition?” Triple asked.
“Hay ya, you know I’d never miss a chance to show my skill, plus I want to win the prize, the Wonderbolts will hang out with the winner for a day.” Dash answered.
Triple knew that Rainbow wanted to join the Wonderbolts, but often wondered if she can if she’s the element of loyalty. The Wonderbolts do a lot of traveling, they go all across Equestria performing. What if some emergency arose and the element are the only means to dealing with it? Dash could be too far away to alert, and by the time she gets it, it could be too late. Triple never brought it up; she didn't want to crush Dash's dreams.
“What about you TT, you going to be in it too?” the blue asked the red.
“No, I’m going to volunteer to set it up.” the Triple replied.
She was going to enter, but with Rainbow in it, well, as said earlier, she’ll win with her eyes closed, maybe even with one wing tied behind her back.
“Okay then, I’ll see you a week from now.” Dash said.
“Totally.” Triple Threat said as they did a brohoof.
After the red pegasus volunteered to help set up for the competition, she went home with a lot on her mind.
No matter what it was, whether it be racing, football, or stunts, Rainbow could always top Triple. Whatever trick Triple Threat did well, Rainbow Dash did better. She was compared to Rainbow Dash countless times,and Rainbow Dash was always said to be better.
"Why?" was the question she had often asked herself. Why wasn't she as good as Rainbow Dash? What did Dash have that she didn't?
You'd think this would spark jealously in Triple Threat. It did, but with some help from Fluttershy, Triple told Dash how she felt. While Dash couldn't do much to improve Triples mood, she did show some understanding.
To quote RD during that conversation, "I can't help if I'm awesome, and i can't help if I'm more talented, but I'd never want to loose your friendship to that. Why not use the fact to push yourself to do better? It's no fun when you have no one to compete against."
That's exactly what Triple did. Since then, the two held a friendly rivalry. As a result, Triple's flying skills improved with her trying to top RD. Still, knowing she could never beat Rainbow Dash haunted her.
"Maybe it wouldn't be so bad, she's bound to blow away the competition with tricks that'll make their heads spin. Whenever anypony challenges my to a stunt contest, I always win, and 3 times too, because i learned from books and Rainbow." Triple thought to herself.
She would just have to wait and see.
A week later.
The weather factory manager was kind enough to give the rainbow specialist the day off for the competition. Triple spent the morning hanging decorations around the Cloudosseum. She was surprised to learn that Princess Celestia would be here for the competition, and was entrusted to make a place for her.
"Okay, volunteer work has its perks." the Triple thought to herself. When she had finished with it, Triple was allowed to take a break. As the red pegasus walked out the Cloudosseum, she was greeted by five of the elemental six.
“Guys, you remember Triple Threat.” Rainbow Dash said.
“Nice to see….” the Triple started, but then Pinkie came out of nowhere a stuffed her tongue into Triples mouth. Of course Triple kissed back. After a moment, the pink earth pony pulled away.
“We’re even now.” Pinkie said.
“Actually, I have to do something spontaneous for you.” Triple Threat laugh.
“Hey, are you in the competition Triple?” Twilight asked.
“No, I volunteered to help set up for it. But I can tell you I know who will win.” Triple winked nudging her rainbow maned friend.
“Hey don’t embarrass me here.” Rainbow blushed.
“Right okay, say where’s Rarity?” Triple Threat asked.
“Up here Triple daring.” Rarity's voice said.
The purple eyed pegasus looked up to see the white unicorn in all her radiant glory, but this time, she had gained a pair of wings! They weren't feathered wing, but the kind of wings butterflies had.
“Rarity, since when did you become an alicorn?” the blue haired pegasus asked surprise.
“I’m not an alicorn; Twilight cast a spell on me to give me these wings, aren’t they lovely?” Rarity asked.
Triple took a moment to admire her. How she glowed in Celestia’s sun. Then another thought struck her.
"How are you, Applejack, and Pinkie standing on the cloud? Only pegasi and alicorns can do that.” Triple told Twilight.
“It takes too much energy to give one pony wings, so I cast an easier walk on clouds spell on the rest of us so we can cheer Rainbow during the competition.” Twilight said.
“Cool. The competition won’t be on for another thirty minutes. I trust Dash has been showing you around?” the Triple asked.
“Yeah, I want to show them the weather factory but, I don’t know if we can get in.” Rainbow said with a blush.
“Come with me guys, I’ll get you all visitor passes.” the rainbow specialist offered.
She lead the elemental six to the weather factory. Once they got to the door, Triple was able to get them in. If one stops to think about it, they may have been able to do it on their own; but there was no telling with the manager.
As they went in, Triple stopped Dash for a second. “Hey, you’re not nervous about the competition, are you?” the red pegasus asked the blue.
“No, of course not, like you said, I’ll win.” the Rainbow said confidently.
A little too confidently. Triple sighed. She had seen this with Dash before. It happened when the two entered the school talent show when they were fillies; Rainbow got stage fright and choked in the middle of her performance. Triple, seeing this got cocky and mess up on stage. Dumb-Bell and Hoops had a field day with the them.
“Okay, just remember, what counts is you do your best. I know you can show them what you can do.” Triple Threat said encouragingly.
“And win.” Dash added.
“And win, but don’t get cocky.” Triple finished. That was lesson the red pegasus had learned the hard way in front of an audience. Rainbow smiled and went to catch up with the others.
Triple turned to get back to the Cloudosseum, but was blocked by 2 stallions she knew too well.
“Do you two want to taste my dust again?” the mare asked annoyed.
“No, we just want to ask you if you really believe what you said.” Dumb-bell said.
“Yes, and I know you know that too you idiot.” Triple snapped.
“Care to put your money where your mouth is?” Hoops asked.
“Twenty bits says Dash will win the competition.” the red mare said shortly.
Dumb-Bell stuck out a hoof. Triple Threat shook it.
“Good luck to you, Triple Threatened.” Dumb-Bell laughed.
“Shouldn't you stupid jocks get back to work?” the mare asked the stallions.
They went back into the factory. When Triple returned to the stadium, she was called over by the supervisor. He was with one of the Wonderbolts.
“Triple Threat, I’d like you to met Spitfire, the captain of the Wonderbolts.” He said.
“It’s a real honor.” Triple said.
“Likewise, I can only imagine what it’s like to know the elemental six personally.” Spitfire said.
“Yes, it is a real privilege. Actually, I'd to talk about one of them in particular. Do you think Rainbow Dash can be a Wonderbolt?” the red mare asked.
“I certainly think so, I've heard she’s a pretty good flyer.” Spitfire said.
“Did you hear she did the sonic rainboom at five years old?” Triple asked.
“I thought that was myth.” Spitfire said.
“Well, it’s not, I know, I saw her do it one summer during Junior Speedster flight camp. I’m pretty sure she’ll do it as her closing act.” Triple said.
“Well, I know I’ll be keeping an eye on her.” Spitfire said.
“Hey Captain, the princess is on her way, time to take our places.” A voice called.
“Coming! Well I have to go, nice meeting you Triple Threat.” Spitfire said.
“The pleasure was mine.” the athlete called as the captain flew out.
“It’s time for the completion to start, Triple, could you hand out these numbers?” the supervisor asked the Triple. She did as she was told.
Triple flew to the back entrance, where the contestants were to gather. She gave each a number as they entered. Rainbow Dash seem more nervous than before. The Triple Threat gave her smile as she entered the stadium. Rainbow smiled back at her nervously as she took her number. Triple couldn't bring herself to tell Rainbow of her bet, Dash seemed so stressed. Then the Triple was in for a surprise.
“Rarity!? You’re in the competition!?” Triple Threat exclaimed.
“Yes darling, I am, isn't that exciting.” The unicorn asked the pegasus.
Triple didn't think Rarity had much of a chance, knowing her, she'd do something ladylike that wouldn't impress the judges. Then again, maybe the drop dead gorgeous pony could win it all with her good looks and charm, thus making it a beauty pageant.
“Yeah, good luck Rarity.” Triple said in a fake happy tone as she handed Rarity her number.
After all the contestants got their numbers, Triple Threat took her seat reserved for volunteers. The first flyer did some cool trick, but nothing a certain red pegasus in the audience wasn't capable of. Said pony knew Dash was next,she saw her number was 2. When the first contestant finished, Triple looked for Dash to come out. But instead, a stallion flew out. Triple Threat knew at once what was going on. Rainbow Dash was cowardly switching numbers, delaying her turn. Triple wanted to go back and pep talk Rainbow but decided to stay put, she knew Dash have to face it sooner or later, still she could believe her rainbow maned friend stretched it to 15. At last Rainbow and Rarity flew out together. Rarity was heavily made up with a beautiful gown. Rainbow was shaking as if she were cold. Triple had never seen it get to Dash like this. Rainbow Dash started her routine, it was to weave through pillars. Triple Threat knew Rainbow could do it, she has excellent precision. So you can imagine her surprise when Dash messed it up and crash into a wall.
“Nice work Rainbow Crash.” Hoops laughed.
Triple's heart was beginning to pick up speed. Rarity, on the other hoof did a graceful dance routine. The next part of Dash’s routine was to get three clouds to spin together; she messed up again and sent one hurtling toward the Princess! The Triple Threat closed an eye and watched it disintegrate upon contact with the alicorn’s seat’s headboard. Triple Threat looked over at Spitfire. She noticed Triple and shot her a look(at least Triple Threat though so, it was hard to tell with her goggles on). The red pegasus smiled nervously. Said pegasus saw Dumb-Bell and Hoops in the audience. For the first time in her life, Triple Threat was afraid of them when they saw her. Both smiled wickedly at the Triple who swallowed nervously.
Rarity had finished her dancing and started flying up. Rainbow follow her. Surely the sonic rainboom could be both pegasi saving grace. Rarity flew in front of the sun and opened her wings, casting colorful rays of light down on the stadium. The crowd gasped together. Triple Threat was beginning to shake herself. Rarity had a chance to win this(which wouldn't be a bad thing, but it would damage Rainbow’s confidence, and Triple would loss to Dumb-Bell for the first time, and she would never heard the end of it). Suddenly, Rarity screamed loudly. Everyone could see that she had lost her wings and falling fast. The Wonderbolts dived down after her. So did the Rainbow Dash.
“RAINBOW !!!” the red pegasus screamed at the top of her lungs as Dash nosed dived after the element of generosity.
Everypony could see Rarity had knocked the Wonderbolts out in her panic. Rainbow began to pick up speed. Air casing formed around her, then it become cone shaped. Now Triple was sure her heart was going to pop out of my chest, she knew Rainbow was going to do it.
BOOM!
The sound barrier was shattered to smithereens. A disc of color and a downward rainbow could be seen from the stadium.
“SHE DID IT!” Triple Threat was surprised to hear Fluttershy scream so loudly.
As Rainbow came back up with Rarity and the Wonderbolts in tow, she noticed the rainbow she was trailing. Dash painted a 6 colored arch over the Cloudosseum before coming up the bottom entrance. Some pegusi flew over to the hero. Two took Rarity by the arms. The two friends talking for a time, then Rarity was taken to a purple hot air balloon. The Wonderbolts flew up to the red pegasus.
“You know, from what I saw at first, I wasn't convinced Rainbow Dash had what it takes to be a Wonderbolt, but…” Spitfire started.
“I told you she did it, and saved you’re lives while she did it too.” Triple said.
“Yes, but I have to compliment you too, having so much faith in her and all.” Spitfire said.
“Thank you, but I’m not the one you should be talking to right now.” the red motioned toward her rainbow maned friend.
They flew over. Triple Threat turned to see Princess Celestia fly toward the elemental six. Her heart speed up for a second time when the royal mare winked at her on the way.
"OMC, OMC, OMC." Triple was sure she was going to explode with joy.
The alicorn spoke a few words before crowing Rainbow the winner of the best young flyer competition. Triple looked over at Dumb-Bell and smirked at him. He and his friends got down from their seat as went over to Rainbow Dash. Triple Threat followed, but keep a distance. Dumb-Bell and Hoops congratulated Rainbow for winning and apologized for teasing her early. Dumb-Bell even asked Rainbow if she wanted to hang. Rainbow of course had to kindly refuse as she had to claim her prize. After Rainbow fly away with the Wonderbolts, Triple walked up to Dumb-Bell.
”Oh right, here you are.” He said as he presented the mare with a small bag of bits. She took the bag.
“Hey, that offer to hang out still available?” Triple asked.
“Yeah, and your welcome to it.” Dumb-Bell said.
“Great, come on boys, lunch is on me.” the red mare said.
“Hey Triple.” Dumb-Bell said as they walked toward the nearest establishment.
“Yeah?” Triple asked.
“We’re sorry we gave you a hard time too.” Hoops said.
“And we think it’s cool you believed in Rainbow Dash enough to bet on her.” Dumb-Bell added.
Triple Threat looked over to see the hot-air balloon head back for Ponyville. The five elementals on-board waved to her as they left Cloudsdale.
“Yeah, and I wasn't the only one.” the red pegasus said as she waved goodbye back to them.
