Chapter 64

Rainbow Dash was awakened by a knock at the door. Still groggy from her nap, she answered it. It was one of the guards from the gate who informed her that a Ms. Cloud Charm was waiting at the gate. Rainbow Dash gathered up the brochures and followed the guard down to the gate where Charm waited.

“Hi, Charm,” said Dash, “I have a little news for you.”

“Good afternoon, Rainbow,” said Charm, “I have a some for you too. You go first.”

“I think the Las Pegasus factory is going to be a go,” said Dash. “I have a few brochures for you to look at too. I circled the stuff I liked but feel free to make suggestions. The manager, Long Flight, wants to see you about my house. He said he'd be in his office tomorrow until two but you might be able to catch him now. Oh, yeah, how much trouble would it be to add a fireplace?”

“A fireplace?” said Charm, “are you serious?”

“Yep, Long Flight said they can do it,” said Dash. “If it's possible, I want one.”

“Hey, me too,” replied Charm. “I wonder how they did it.”

Rainbow Dash shrugged. “I dunno. I didn't ask. Okay, your turn.”

“Stacker was furious,” said Charm, “he said you'd have to beg for a discount and he was going to increase the price but dad held him to the figures he gave you. You were right about the amount of the discount, it was pretty low. I'm no expert on advertizing but they would have to be making a lot more than the measly thousand bits Stacker was talking about. They sell four or five thousand of those pin up calendars a year.”

“That settles it,” said Rainbow Dash, “I'm going with Las Pegasus even if I pay full price and haul those clouds to Ponyville by myself. Don't tell Long Flight I said that though.”

Charm laughed. “Don't worry, I won't. I'm going over to see Long Flight now. I can't wait to see how they solved the evaporation problem with the fireplace. Just one thing, dad wants to know when you are planning to start paying us. That offer you made to Stacker made him think you might be having trouble paying.”

“Will a thousand next Friday satisfy him?” asked Dash.

“Sure,” said Charm, “even half that would be fine.”

“Tell him a thousand,” said Dash, “I'll drop it off when I fly in to practice.”

“Great!” said Charm, “I'll see you then. Here's another drawing and I made two sets of floor plans. I'll give one to Long Flight and you can have the other.”

“Give him the drawing too,” said Dash, “I'll keep the one you gave me this morning.”

“Alright,” said Charm, “I'll see you next Friday.”

Charm hurried off and Rainbow Dash started to return to Windy's room but remembered that she had a weeks pay to pick up as well as her mail. She was pleased to find that her mail had decreased slightly and that her pay had not. She took the mail back to Windy's room and started to read it.

The mail was mostly legitimate fan mail with only a couple of creepy letters. There were four more possible endorsement offers which she answered at once. Only two packages where in her mail bag. One contained a bottle of perfume which she sniffed but did not use. The other contained a bottle of sparkling hoof polish. She thought the latter was ironic considering her recent experience at the spa.

The fan mail reminded her that she had to pick up her photos. She put some bits into her smaller bag and went to the administration office to pick them up. The pictures were ready and she took them back to Windy's room. She stacked each one as she signed the pictures with the request they went with and then realized that she had no envelopes to mail them to the fans. She sighed and prepared to go back into town to get envelopes but at that moment Windy entered the room.

“Resting huh?” said Windy with a smile.

“I took a nap earlier,” said Dash, “but then I got called to the gate. I figured I may as well get some of this stuff done but then I realized that I didn't have any envelopes. At least I have the photos signed and matched with the requests. All I have to do is stuff them in envelopes and put stamps on them. This little batch was easy but I have a pile of them at home to do.”

“I know what you mean,” said Windy. “I guess I was lucky because I could do a few at a time. It felt like it took forever the time I skipped a day.”

“I got a few new offers too,” said Dash, “I wrote some letters back to them. Hey, smell this and tell me what you think.”

Rainbow Dash slid the perfume bottle across the desk. Windy sniffed it.

“Not bad,” said Windy, “but nothing special either. I ...I ahh ahchoo!” Windy went into a fit of sneezing that lasted nearly a minute.

Rainbow Dash recapped the perfume. “I guess I'll pass on this one,” she said.

Windy sniffed. “Try it on another pony. Maybe it's just me.”

Rainbow Dash went to the door and checked the hallway. Spitfire was coming towards her.

“Hey, Spitfire,” said Dash, “could you come here a second?”

“I was coming to see you,” replied Spitfire. “I wanted to see those new suits you brought. Immelmane does too.”

“Sure,” said Dash, “I'll get them. I got something in the mail I'd like you to check out.”

Spitfire entered the room. “Alright, what is it?”

“Smell this perfume,” said Dash.

Spitfire sniffed the bottle as Windy retreated to the far side of the room. “Not bad. Not great either. What is it? Another endorsement offer?”

“Yeah,” said Dash. “It sent Windy into a sneezing fit. It doesn't bother me either.”

“Get your suits and bring it along,” said Spitfire, with a grin. “We can test it on some other ponies.”

They walked down to the hall where the banquet had been held. The interior had changed once more. There were a few rows of seats and tables in front of the stage. All the other furnishings had been moved to the edges of the hall. The stage was nearly bare except for a large chalkboard and a single seat. A few of the Wonderbolts were watching as Immelmane diagrammed a maneuver on the board.

“Now,” explained Immelmane, “it's important to carry a lot of speed through the loop preceding this. If you don't, it will be very difficult to do the twisting bank when you climb out.”

“That's what I was saying,” said Soarin, “the dive into the loop is pretty shallow. We have to put on a lot of power there to gain speed. Spitfire's section was moving a little faster than mine when we practiced this and that's why it didn't look right when we completed the maneuver. It's going to be real hard to coordinate our speed since I can't see her after we pull up into the loop.”

“That's why you get paid the big bits,” said Spitfire as she walked up.

Both Soarin and Immelmane glared at her.

“Well, what's your solution?” asked Soarin.

“I don't have one,” said Spitfire. “We'll just have to practice it until we get it right.”

Soarin rolled his eyes. “Back to the mental count then, I suppose.”

“It's the only way,” said Immelmane, “at least without changing the maneuver. We could change the direction of the twist so you could see but that would make it even harder for you to maintain your speed through the loop.”

“We can do it, Soarin,” said Spitfire, “it's just a tough one. Remember when when we tried that alternate mesh barrel roll? We had a collision almost every time we tried it but we got it down.”

“Yeah,” said Soarin, “we'll get it. I was just hoping that we could figure out a better way to coordinate ourselves.”

“Excuse me,” said Windyday, “maybe this isn't a perfect solution but what if you practiced flying together? Soarin, you fly the number two slot with the mare section and Spitfire could fly number two with the stallions. It would give you an idea of what the other section is doing.”

“That's not a bad idea, Windy,” said Immelmane. “We'll give it a try on Monday. While you're flying together you two can count out loud until you get in sync.”

“Okay by me,” said Soarin, “it sounds like it might work.”

“Good thing you picked the smart pony,” commented Dash.

Spitfire laughed and was joined by a few of the others. Windyday blushed.

“It was on our minds,” said Immelmane, “but it was the last day that really decided things. You wouldn't have come up with an idea like that?”

“I doubt it,” said Dash. “I know how to fly and come up with tricks. I'd just do it like Spitfire: practice until I got it right. I'm just smart enough to listen to the ponies that think about stuff before they do them. Sometimes anyway.”

“That's good,” said Spitfire, “I've met a lot who aren't.”

“I see you've brought some new flight suits,” said Fleetfoot, “how about modeling them for us.”

“Yes,” said Immelmane, “let's end this meeting on a high note.”

“Alright,” said Rainbow Dash, “let me get changed.”

Rainbow Dash flew up to the stage and then off into the wings. She quickly changed into the dark blue suit first. She strutted back on stage and some pony turned on a spotlight. The mares applauded and the stallions whistled, yelled and generally acted like stallions. Rainbow Dash was embarrassed at first but decided to really show off and started striking poses. She even went so far as to fly up a bit and do a few midair poses.

“Okay, okay,” said Spitfire, “let's see the other one.”

“Sure,” replied Dash, “I want to wear this next one at Luna's party.”

Rainbow Dash quickly changed and returned to the stage. She purposely dodged the light and flew to the center of the stage before the pony working the spotlight could catch up with her. When the light finally hit her, the other ponies gasped. The effect of the spotlight on the suit was dazzling. The suit glittered and the effect was even more dramatic by the comparative darkness of the room.

Rainbow Dash again went into some various poses and movements. The effect on the small audience was like before if not even more enthusiastic. Immelmane stopped her to examine the material.

“Look at this,” said Immelmane, “the gems are actually in the material. Amazing.”

Spitfire flew up beside them. “That is really something. This must have cost a fortune.”

“I paid two-hundred and thirty-five bits for the pair of them,” said Dash.

“This Rarity pony must be very generous,” said Spitfire.

“Element of Generosity!” exclaimed Fleetfoot, “I'm getting good at this!”

“You're right, Fleetfoot,” said Dash, “She's the Element. Three down and three to go.”

“This is an excellent choice for Luna's party,” said Immelmane. “I hope you've got a good routine we can work on tomorrow.”

“I think so,” said Rainbow Dash. “Hey, why don't you take a look at what I have written down? Maybe you could see some of the problems before I even do it.”

“I'd like to,” said Immelmane. “I'll stop by after supper and pick it up.”

“Sure,” said Dash, “I'm meeting Fluttershy later at her hotel. I thought we might go out on the town a little tonight.”

“Certainly,” said Immelmane, “just don't stay out too late. Breakfast is at eight and practice starts at nine. I'll have a practice suit ready for you when we get out to the field. Frost! You'll be practicing a little tomorrow too. Just a little sky dancing so you know what to practice next week and then you can have the rest of the weekend off.”

“What about me?” asked Windy.

“Oh, you're coming along fine,” said Immelmane. “you're welcome to come out, of course, or just take the day off. You do have a keen eye and are excellent at analysis so we'd love to have you.”

“Mr. Immelmane? Did you get that extra ticket for the show tomorrow night?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“Yes,” said Immelmane, “thank you for reminding me. I'll bring them along to practice.”

“Great,” said Dash, “I haven't told her about it yet, I wanted it to be a surprise. What do I owe you?”

“My treat,” said Immelmane, “I'm happy to do it.”

“Thanks, Mr. Immelmane, Fluttershy is going to love it,” said Dash.

“I'm looking forward to seeing you fly, Dashie,” said Frost. “A longer routine means you might be slow enough to see what you're doing.”

Dash laughed. “Maybe but don't count on it. I take a few rests with the sky dancing moves but I'm still pretty fast for the rest.”

“Are you putting in any of that flat spin move?” asked Spitfire.

“Yeah,” replied Dash, “in two spots. It's the same move I used in the landing except at altitude. There are a few other things you haven't seen too.”

“This should be fun,” said Spitfire. “Maybe it won't be a bad way to spend the weekend. Hey, before everypony runs off, Rainbow Dash has a little test she'd like everypony to take.”

“What is it?” asked Soarin.

“I got some perfume in the mail,” said Dash, “and it makes Windy sneeze but Spitfire and I are okay. I want to see if it affects anypony else. Line up and take a sniff.”

“That just sounds wrong,” said Frost, with a laugh.

The other ponies laughed too but they lined up to test the perfume. Frost tried first. At first there was no reaction but as she walked away she started to sneeze. Immelmane sniffed the bottle but had no reaction. Soarin tried it and immediately started to sneeze violently.

“Hey girls!” said Fleetfoot, “looks like we found an effective Soarin repellant.”

This got a laugh from everypony but Soarin who was still sneezing. Fleetfoot tried it but had no reaction. They convinced two of the support ponies present to try. One had a reaction and one did not.”

“I guess that settles it,” said Rainbow Dash, “this one is a no go for endorsement.”

“I think I'll go get cleaned up for supper,” said Windyday.

“Me too,” said Frost, “I could eat a bale of hay.”

The gathering broke up and the ponies headed for their rooms. Frost, Windy and Rainbow Dash were walking down the hallway to their rooms.

“Hey Frost,” said Dash, “come in for a second and I'll give you that flight suit for the Golden Sun team.”

“Sure,” said Frost, “I'll bet it's another winner.”

They entered Windy's room and Dash got the suit for Frost. They all agreed that it was a great outfit for a team. Frost was going to leave when Rainbow Dash stopped her.

“I want you girls to do something for me,” said Dash. “I'll understand if you don't want to but I feel it's kind of important.”

“Sure, Dashie,” said Frost, “just name it.”

“Sounds serious,” said Windyday, “you can count on me to help.”

“I'm going to tell you about what happened to Mr. Immelmane,” said Dash. “This is what he told me after I did that trick at the try outs.” With that Rainbow Dash told Immelmane's story leaving nothing out. She then told Windy and Frost of her discovery at the museum and her plan to find Blue Comet. By the end of the story all three had tears on their faces.

Rainbow Dash sniffed. “That's it,” she said. “That's why I want to find this guy. This has been going on for too long. They have to find each other again and make up.”

“Wow, Dash,” said Frost, as she fought to steady her voice, “I wasn't expecting this. If you want to do it, I'll help but are you sure it's a good idea?”

“I think so,” said Dash, “better that than letting them go on with all that guilt and regret on their minds.”

“Y..Yes,” said Windy. She lay on her bed with both hooves over her eyes. “You're right, Rainbow, they need to resolve this. I don't know how either of them has borne this burden for so long.” She began to sob.

Rainbow Dash and Frost both walked over to Windy. Rainbow sat on the floor, extended a wing over Windy and nuzzled the back of her head. Frost knelt by the side of the bed and placed her hoof atop Windy's forelegs and laid her head next to hers. They stayed like that for some time.

“Now I understand why you were crying after the competition, Dashie,” mumbled Frost, at last. “So what's the plan?”

“For now we just try to find him,” said Dash. “Be real discreet about it so we don't scare him off. Once we find him, we'll have to think of a way to get them together.”

“Why not just snatch him?” said Frost. “There are enough of us to grab one old stallion.”

Dash snickered. “I thought of that but Twilight pointed out that it's illegal. Seriously illegal. I don't really want to see the inside of Canterlot Prison.”

“Good point,” said Frost. “It isn't like we could wear disguises or something. Everypony would know it was us.”

“I was thinking that if we could find out where he lives, we could surround the place and just have Immelmane knock on his door,” said Dash. “Once he figured out that he couldn't escape, he'd have to open the door. You two have friends and contacts all over Equestria, just have them keep an eye out for him.”

The three pegasi fell silent once more. Windy had stopped crying. They remained positioned as they were, comfortable but uncommonly tired after their emotional ride. The mood was finally broken when Frost's stomach gurgled. Rainbow Dash giggled and was soon joined by Windy and Frost.

“Hey, I'm hungry,” said Frost. “Come on, let's head to supper. I'll take this suit back to my room. I'll be right back.”

Frost rose and left. Windy and Rainbow stayed where they were for a time but at last Rainbow stood up and stretched.

“Are you okay,” she asked Windy.

Windy slid off the bed onto her hooves and stood up. “Yeah, I am, thanks. I'm not used to things like that. Sorry I broke down.”

“Nothing to apologize for, Windy,” said Dash. “I did the same thing. I was crying like a foal and leaning on Immelmane after he was done.”

“I have to clean up a little and get out of this practice suit,” said Windy. “Be right back.” She hurried off to the bathroom.

Rainbow Dash dried her own eyes on her foreleg and looked at herself in the mirror. She smiled at the reflection. She was a mess. Hair mussed, eyes red and tear stains on her cheeks, she had definitely looked better. She got out her brush and tried as best as she could to groom herself. Her tail was fairly easy but her mane was impossible.

“I'm ready,” said Windy, as she walked into the room and saw Dash struggling. “Here, let me help you.”

“Thanks, Windy,” said Dash, “but let me wash my face first.” She went to the bathroom and ran some water. She quickly washed and dried her face and returned to have her mane combed.

“Okay,” said Rainbow Dash, “I feel better now. Go ahead.”

Windy smiled and began to comb out Dash's tangles. “You really needed this, it looks like you haven't had a good brushing in a while.”

“It's been a couple of days,” admitted Dash. “Rarity gave my mane a brushing but that was the last time.”

“I see you finally got a hoofacure,” said Windy, “did Rarity do that too?”

“No,” said Dash, “she just arranged it.”

“Well, you certainly needed it,” said Windy. “I know you're like most pegasi; we don't think about our hooves because we're always flying. I have a schedule I keep or I'd forget about it myself.”

“I used to do it myself but you can guess how that worked out,” said Dash. “The truth is I just don't like having them done. It feels better afterward though so I guess I'll keep doing it.”

Windyday giggled. “There, all done. Let's go eat.”

They went into the hall and found Frost walking towards them. Together they headed to the dining hall.

“After supper I'm going to meet my friend Fluttershy,” said Rainbow Dash. “We're going out on the town for a while tonight. You're both welcome to join us.”

“I'd love to,” said Windy. “I don't go out very often.”

“Sure,” said Frost, “I'll tag along. I'm hoping to bump into some of the team but I don't have any plans.”

“Great,” said Rainbow Dash, “you'll really like Fluttershy. I know you've seen her but you'll get to know her better this week.”

“I understand she's not much of a flier,” said Frost, “I wouldn't have thought you'd spend much time with her.”

“She'll never be a Wonderbolt but she's gotten better,” said Dash. “She has a lot more in her than she thinks she does. She faced down an angry dragon once after the rest of us struck out.”

“I've got to hear that story,” said Frost, “unless you're just yanking my chain.”

“No, it's true,” said Dash, “I'll tell you about it over supper.”

They proceeded to the dining hall. Over dinner they listened to the tale of the sleeping dragon. They also talked of flying and Dash's new routine. After a little dessert they headed back to Windy's room. They hadn't been there long when there was a knock at the door. Windyday answered and found Mr. Immelmane waiting in the hall.

“Hi, Mr. Immelmane,” said Rainbow Dash, “here's my notebook. Let me show you the routines I'm working on.”

“You have more than one?” said Immelmane. “I admire your dedication but let's focus on getting one good one down first.”

“Well, they really are the same routine,” said Dash. “There are only a few moves that are different. I also moved them around a little. Most of it is the same though. There's an extended version too for a full opening or intermission performance. I really need some help on the music. I want something that really rocks but has some slow points so I can rest.”

“I think that you're worrying needlessly,” replied Immelmane. “You've seen the Wonderbolts perform. Have you ever heard the music slow down except when the routine changes?”

“Well, now that you mention it, no,” said Dash, a little perplexed.

“Right,” said Immelmane, “the music tempo rarely changes. It would be jarring to both the audience and the performers. We won't be working with any music until next time anyway. I'll find something appropriate if you can't select something.”

“I have to talk to a pony back in Ponyville,” said Dash, “I think she may be able to help me.”

“Good,” said Immelmane, “I'll get out of your mane's now and let you enjoy your evening. Tomorrow you start to work.”

“I'll be ready,” replied Rainbow Dash.

Immelmane smiled and turned to leave. He stopped at the door and turned his head. “Tell Fluttershy that she can come by for the afternoon practice if she would like. I wouldn't mind seeing her sky dance. If she's good enough, maybe she could join you in your practice sessions this week.”

“Sure,” said Rainbow Dash, “I was sort of counting on her to help after Firewing shows up. I thought maybe she could dance with one of us while the other three do formation flying.”

“Alright,” said Mr. Immelmane, “I'll see you tomorrow. Have fun.”

Author's Notes:

Did you know that you can paste an entire chapter into the little chapter title block? Oops! Rainbow Dash's plan to find Immelmane's friend goes forward. Her house plans become more solid and Fluttershy is about to get to know two of Dash's Wonderbolt friends. Next up, a night on the town.