Season: Z

Episode: E

The Wonderbolts VS The Feathered Five

(By: Flame Runner)

“The Wonderbolts are coming to Ponyville!” shouted Rainbow Dash as she flew across the bright blue sky. She flew with unmatched speed and enthusiasm toward Sugar Cube Corner where her friends were waiting. As the Pegasus neared the bakery, she took a moment to slow down so she wouldn’t blow the doors off in her excitement.

“Hey, everypony! I just found out that the Wonderbolts are holding a race in Ponyville next week! It turns out that this year’s mystery location is right here!”

“Well, how ‘bout them apples?” said Applejack happily.

“That’s wonderful Rainbow Dash!” replied Twilight.

“I know, I can’t believe it! The Wonderbolts racing here!” Rainbow Dash looked like she was about to burst from excitement.

“Ooo! Ooo!” Pinkie Pie jumped up and down while shouting. “I have some news too!” The pink colored pony dashed over to Rainbow Dash. “I know you entered into that Wonderbolts contest, Rainbow, so I decided to enter all of us into the contest, and guess what?” Pinkie paused for a dramatic effect, or because she was just Pinkie Pie, “Fluttershy, you won!”

“What?” shouted Rainbow Dash.

“What?” Fluttershy whispered in shock.

(Insert Theme Music Here)

* * * * * * * * *

“Pinkie, why did you enter everypony into the Wonderbolts Super Sweepstakes?” asked Rainbow a little annoyed. “You knew I wanted to win that.”

“Well sure! But I thought that having six entries instead of just one would make it easier to win. Then you could just go as the contest winner.”

“Pinkie, Rainbow Dash can’t just pose as Fluttershy,” said Twilight.

“Why not?” asked Pinkie happily.

“Because they’ve already met Rainbow before and they know her.”

“Oops! Well, Fluttershy can still go.”

Fluttershy was fidgeting in her seat, looking quite nervous.

“That’s great for Fluttershy, but I still want to meet the Wonderbolts again,” said Rainbow Dash.

“If they know you Rainbow Dash, why don’t you just see if they will invite you to talk with them,” offered Rarity.

“I don’t think it works like that,” replied Twilight.

“Well then what can I do?” questioned Rainbow Dash.

“I know! I know!” Pinkie jumped up and down while shouting. “Fluttershy could distract by them dancing and singing while we all sneak into the VIP tent disguised as food servers. Of course some of us would have to hide under food carts or in those huge-mongous apple barrels…”

“Settle down Pinkie,” urged Applejack. “Jus’ look at poor Fluttershy, I don’t think she’s very fond of that plan.”

Twilight and Rarity went over to comfort Fluttershy, who was really getting scared.

“Fluttershy, why don’t you just introduce us as your friends to the Wonderbolts?” asked Twilight.

Fluttershy started to calm down and nodded her head. “Ok,” she whispered.

“Sorry Fluttershy, I didn’t mean to scare you,” apologized Pinkie.

“That’s alright,” replied Fluttershy.

“Well, now that that’s taken care of, what exactly is this race of yours Rainbow?” asked Applejack.

“The Wonderbolts are going head to head against the Feathered Five, a griffon flying squad, in a relay race around the Whitetail Wood,” replied Rainbow enthusiastically, “This race is going to bring ponies and griffons from all over Equestria to Ponyville for a few days.”

“Ponies from all over Equestria?...Even Canterlot?” asked Rarity.

“Yeah, I guess,” replied Rainbow nonchalantly.

“I shall have to make my boutique ready at once! Just think of all the customers who will need to look fabulous. I shall start on some race themed clothes right away! Good-bye! I’ll see you all later!” Rarity walked out the door in a burst of excitement.

“Bye Rarity!” shouted Pinkie, “See you at the race!”

“You girls have been here a while. Is there anything I can get you?” Mrs. Cake asked as she walked over to the table that the five remaining ponies were standing around.

“No thank you Mrs. Cake. I need to get somewhere myself. See you all on race day!” Twilight said her good-bye and left the Sugar Cube Corner.

Soon all the ponies had gone home where they awaited the upcoming race.

* * * * * * * * *

Race day had finally arrived in Ponyville and the town was bustling with activity. Rarity had put her creative talent to good use, creating fashionable racing clothes, while the Apple family had worked hard to prepare delicious treats for the spectators. Over the past week many new ponies and griffons had come into Ponyville for this special one day event. Even Princess Luna was coming as the guest of honor to start the race. Whitetail Wood had been cleaned and prepared for the race. The mayor was all abuzz because more and more responsibilities came upon her as the race neared. Fluttershy, as the sweepstakes winner, was allowed into the Wonderbolts’ VIP tent to meet the racing teams. She walked up to the tent with all of her friends behind her.

“Hold up! Only one pony won the contest and only one gets to enter,” a large guard pony said.

“Please sir, these are my friends,” Fluttershy replied.

“I’m sorry, no exceptions. We can’t just let anypony in here,” responded the guard.

“But sir, one of my friends knows the Wonderbolts.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard that story before. I’m sorry, but only you can enter.”

Just then the Wonderbolt’s captain, Spitfire, came out.

“What’s going on out here?” she asked.

“This is the sweepstake winner, but she wants to bring her friends in. I told her that she can’t,” said the guard.

“Hey! Spitfire!” Rainbow Dash shouted and waved.

Spitfire looked over and recognition showed on her face. The captain looked at Fluttershy, “Are those your friends?”

“Yes,” Fluttershy replied timidly.

“I know them,” Spitfire said to the guard, “let them all come in.”

The guard looked a little surprised but let Fluttershy and all her friends into the tent. Spitfire turned toward Rainbow Dash. “I know I’ve seen you before. It’s uh…Dash right?”

“Rainbow Dash, that’s me,” said Rainbow happily.

“Well, what a coincidence that you’re friends with the contest winner. Anyway, feel free to eat anything or talk with any of the racers. There’s only five of us here today, but you could also talk with the griffons if you want to.”

Rainbow Dash immediately started to look around to see which of the Wonderbolts had come for the race. She spotted Fleetfoot by the food table along with Soarin’. Fire Streak was talking to a news reporter and Spitfire had just started a conversation with Twilight. That left just one more Wonderbolt. Rainbow Dash spotted her talking with Rarity in the far left corner, it was Misty. The griffon team, the Feathered Five, were also hanging around and talking to reporters, grabbing food, and even chatting with Pinkie Pie. Rainbow walked over to Pinkie just as the pink pony was finishing a conversation.

“Pinkie, what are you doing?”

“I’m talking! You should try it, it’s fun.”

“No, I mean why are you talking with one of the griffons, don’t you know that they’re racing against the Wonderbolts?”

“Sure, but it turns out that they like food and talking just as much as I do!”

The tent flap opened and a dark grey colored pony walked into the VIP tent. “Hey Thunderlane! What are you doing here?” asked Rainbow.

“Rainbow Dash? Did you win a contest too?

“Wait. There was only supposed to be one contest winner.”

“Well for the Wonderbolts Super Sweepstakes yes, but I entered the Feathered Five Jackpot.”

“Smart! That way you would double your chances to meet the Wonderbolts. I should have thought of that.”

“Actually Rainbow Dash I’m a fan of the Feathered Five.”

“What?”

“Yeah, so’s my brother and Silverspeed. They’re both over there talking with Amber.”

Sure enough, Thunderlane’s brother, Rumble, and Silverspeed had been admitted into the VIP tent. They were talking with Amber Pace, one of the griffon flyers.

“You’re a Pegasus! How could you be a fan of a griffon team over the Wonderbolts?”

“What does being a Pegasus have to do with it? I like the Feathered Five and they’re going to beat the Wonderbolts at today’s race.”

“In your dreams! The Wonderbolts are going to wipe the floor with your Feathered Five.”

“What are ya’ll gettin’ so uppity about?” asked Applejack who walked over to the two loud Pegasus.

“Nothing, I was just about to go and hang out with the winning team,” said Thunderlane as he walked away to join his friends and talk to his favorite flyers.

“Can you believe him? He said the Feathered Five is going to beat the Wonderbolts!” said Rainbow Dash.

“Well, it is a race. Anythin’ could happen,” replied Applejack.

“Not to the Wonderbolts! They’re going to win for sure.” Rainbow spoke just loud enough for Thunderlane to hear, but Thunderlane ignored her and kept talking with Amber.

“Hey, we’re about to start our warm-ups if you want to watch,” Soarin’ interrupted Rainbow Dash.

“Sounds like fun! Come on Rainbow let’s grab an apple tart and watch ‘em fly.”

Rainbow agreed and the group of ponies went to watch the two teams warm up for their big race.

* * * * * * * * *

“Fire Streak, you’re up first,” said Captain Spitfire.

Fire Streak hurried over to the starting line of the small practice circuit that had been set up.

“3…2…1…Go!” counted Spitfire.

Fire Streak was off like a flash of lightning. He zipped around the small course using his powerful wings to propel him through the air. The turf below him blazed by as he neared the finish. Fire Streak slowed to a stop and listened to hear his time.

“50.28, not bad Fire Streak. Ok, Misty, you’re up!”

Misty stepped up to the starting line and flew off. She seemed to be taking it easy and it showed.

“1.02.11, you’re going to have to pick up the pace Misty. Alright, Soarin’ your turn.”

As Soarin’ started his lap Thunderlane joined the other ponies on the practice course.

“Looks like Misty’s not feeling it today,” said Thunderlane, “Too bad for the Wonderbolts.”

“Hey, she’s just taking it easy. This is only a warm-up run you know,” replied Rainbow.

“Sure, but the Five are still going to win today, especially if the Wonderbolts are putting up times like that.”

“Oh yeah? Well let’s see how well your Five do in their warm-ups first.”

“Sure, stick around if you want to see what real speed is.”

Rainbow Dash started to get visibly upset as Soarin’ finished his lap.

“Good pace Soarin’! Fleetfoot let’s see some speed,” Rainbow heard Spitfire say somewhere in the background.

“The Feathered Five are going down and there’s nothing you can do about it Thunderlane!” Rainbow lost her cool.

“Settle down Rainbow,” said Silverspeed who had just walked over with Rumble.

“Settle down? Why? So you can tell me how much better the Five are than the Wonderbolts? How could you Silverspeed?”

“What did I do?” asked Silverspeed.

“I’ll tell you what. You’re rooting against the Wonderbolts. How could any Pegasus be against the Wonderbolts?”

“Rainbow, I think you’re taking this too far,” interrupted Applejack.

“Oh, are you on their side now?”

“Sides? What sides? It’s just a race…” Applejack began to say.

“It’s not just a race. The Wonderbolts can’t lose and whoever is against them is against me,” Rainbow Dash butted in.

Spitfire walked over to the ponies, “Well Dash, what do think of those times?”

“What? Huh?” Rainbow Dash looked around confusedly. “Umm…I think those are great times…You’re totally going to win today,” she recovered quickly.

“Well, it’s nice to hear some support. I’ll let the rest of the team know.”

Spitfire walked toward the other Wonderbolts with Rainbow’s encouraging words.

“Now look you made me do! I totally missed the last times thanks to you all,” said Rainbow angrily.

“Rainbow, jus’ hold on a moment, you missed those runs because you’ve been to busy arguin’,” chided Applejack.

“Hey! The Five are getting ready for their warm-up. Come on Silverspeed, let’s watch,” said Thunderlane.

The griffon team was preparing for their warm-up run. First up was Amber Pace. She shot off the starting line and used her strong wings to blaze across the race track. “52.20” said Gale, the griffon team captain. The next racer was Gulliver; the largest griffon on the whole team. Gulliver got off to a slow start, but as each second ticked by, his top speed began to increase without showing any signs of slowing. “53.41. Keep that up and we’ve got a good chance out there guys. Gavin! You’re up!” Gavin walked over to the starting line, he didn’t look nearly as tough as Gulliver, but he had a fire in his eyes. He roared through the course with blinding speed. “49.89. Excellent job, but don’t push yourself too hard Gavin. Alright, sis, you’re up.” Gage Winds, Gale’s sister, went over to the starting line. Her wings beat against the air with speed and agility, each flap hit with more power than the last. “51.02” Rainbow Dash stood mesmerized at the speed of the griffons. Gage, the captain hadn’t even gone yet, and these griffons were easily keeping up with the Wonderbolts.

“So, what do you think about the Feathered Five now Rainbow Dash?” asked Thunderlane smugly.

“I’ll admit it, they’re good…but they’re still going to lose,” Rainbow replied smartly.

“I’m going to get something to eat,” Rumble piped up.

“Ok, I’ll join you,” replied Thunderlane, “See you at the race Rainbow Dash!”

Thunderlane, Rumble, and Silverspeed left the other ponies alone as they went back into the VIP tent.

“Wow! Those griffons are fast!” said Twilight as she walked over to Rainbow Dash and Applejack.

“Yeah, yeah, but the Wonderbolts are still going to win,” said Rainbow.

“I hope so, but it’s going to be one close race,” responded Twilight.

* * * * * * * * *

The rest of the afternoon building up to the race was stressful for Rainbow Dash. She was constantly trying to defend the Wonderbolts against Thunderlane, who kept arguing in favor of the Feathered Five. They both became irate at points and their friends would have to intervene from time to time. Everypony seemed to be having a good time, except for Rainbow Dash. She was with the Wonderbolts, but couldn’t seem to enjoy any of her time with them. She was actually worried about their chances of winning, but she wouldn’t let anypony know that. Eventually, the afternoon came to an end and the race was just about to start.

“Fillies and gentlecolts!” opened the Mayor, “Welcome to the first ever Wonderbolts Relay Race held in Ponyville!” The Mayor took a brief moment to pause before continuing over the roar of the crowd. “Today we have a highly esteemed guest to start off our race…Princess Luna!” The crowd roared again as Luna took the center stage.

“Wonderbolts and Feathered Five,” began Luna in her loud, commanding voice, “I give you each royal blessings as you begin your race and I wish you each the best of luck! Now…let the race begin!”

An air horn sounded and the teams started off. The first racers were Fleetfoot for the Wonderbolts and Gavin for the Feathered Five. “Now for all of you ponies out there who don’t know how a relay race works, here’s the low down,” began an announcer, “Each team has five racers but only one races at a time. Each member of the team is spread out over the entire race track. Whoever is racing has to hold a baton and whenever they meet another member on their team, they pass the baton to the next racer. It continues like this until the final racer crosses the finish line to claim victory.” Gavin and Fleetfoot were neck and neck as they soared through Whitetail Woods on that beautiful spring day. “Oh! And it looks like Gavin may be pulling ahead of Fleetfoot!” the announcer stated. The two racers flew at tremendous speed, but sure enough, Gavin was starting to gain an advantage. They both rounded a bend in the woods with Fleetfoot trailing and saw their teammates. “Now, when passing the baton to the next team member they’re going to need to be careful. If the baton ever hits the ground, that team is disqualified and will lose the race,” reported the announcer. Gavin gave a clean pass-off to Amber as Fleetfoot passed her baton to Soarin’.

Rainbow Dash was on the edge of her seat. She was screaming and shouting for the Wonderbolts with the rest of her friends. Thunderlane, Silverspeed, and Rumble were also cheering, but for the Feathered Five. The excitement was palpable in the air as the teams whizzed by in a blur of light and motion. “Come on Soarin’! Pick up the pace!” Rainbow Dash shouted. “Amber! Amber!” Thunderlane screamed.

Soarin’ and Amber reached their teammates and passed along the batons. The next racers were Misty and Gulliver. Misty was at a slight disadvantage as the Wonderbolt’s team was running a little behind. Gulliver opened his large wings and flew further into the lead. Misty gave it her all, but just wasn’t at top performance that day. “Folks, it looks like the Feathered Five is gaining an even larger lead as Gulliver Giles pulls further ahead of Misty!” the announcer proclaimed. “Come on Misty! You can catch him! Don’t fall behind!” shouted Rainbow from the side lines. Misty, unfortunately, fell further behind the large griffon as Gulliver passed along the baton to Gage Winds. Gage was off like a flash of lightning as Misty gave her baton to Fire Streak. Fire Streak blazed away in hot pursuit of Gage. He started to recover some ground for the Wonderbolts, but Gage somehow picked her pace up to match Fire Streak’s. The two racers were perfectly matched, Fire Streak couldn’t gain on Gage, but Gage couldn’t pull any further ahead of Fire Streak. “Well, it looks like Gage Winds somehow put out a sudden burst of speed to keep up with Fire Streak, but can she sustain until the hand-off?” the announcer shouted over the crowd. Just as it seemed that Gage couldn’t keep up her speed any longer, the last racers came into view. The exhausted Gage gave the baton to her brother, and Gale was off. Fire Streak was right on Gage’s tail, however, and she soon passed her baton over to Spitfire. The final stretch would be decided by the two team’s captains. The sheer speed of the Pegasus and griffon were off the charts. It was like watching two speeding bullets. “What do I see here? Is Spitfire actually gaining on Gale?” the announcer roared. Spitfire was making up for the ground lost previously. Soon she was just a body length away, but the finish line was coming up. Spitfire was only half a body length away, then a hoof-length, then just a nose. “Spitfire! Spitfire! Spitfire!” “Gale! Gale! Gale!” the crowd was roaring like if somepony gave the ocean a microphone. It all came down to the last second as the two blurs of unstoppable speed flashed over the finish. “Folks, what a race! What a finish!” the announcer was on the edge of his seat and screaming just as loud as the crowd. The two teams moved over to the winner’s pedestal where Princess Luna was waiting with the mayor to award the victors with their trophy. “Congratulations Feathered Five,” said Princess Luna, “it was a well flown race and you have proven your speed. Here is your medal.”

Rainbow Dash looked on in disbelief, the Wonderbolts had lost.

“What a super fantabulous race!” said Pinkie as she jumped up and down with excitement.

“After the Wonderbolts fell so far behind, I thought they couldn’t make up for it, but then Spitfire came out of nowhere to almost win,” shared Twilight.

“I’m not much for sports myself, but that last portion sure was exciting,” said Rarity.

“Hoo boy! What a race!” declared Applejack.

“My head feels a little dizzy from watching them move so fast,” said Fluttershy.

“That was a great race!” said Silverspeed as she walked over to the other ponies, “You know…we’re still VIPs until the end of the day so I’m going to talk with the racers, want to come?”

“Absolutely positively!” Pinkie declared happily.

* * * * * * * * *

The ponies entered the VIP tent where Thunderlane and Rumble were talking with Gulliver. “Great race everypony!” shouted Pinkie. Rainbow Dash was still caught in disbelief when she saw Spitfire talking with Gale. Rainbow walked toward the two captains to hear them laughing and chatting.

“That was some finish Spitfire,” said Gale. “I’ve never seen speed like that before.”

“I guess racing a friend can sometimes push you to new limits.”

“Wait, you two know each other?” interrupted Rainbow Dash.

“Sure, me and Gale have known each other since flight school.”

“It’s true; we were the fastest flyers in the academy.”

“Wow, I didn’t know that. So, even though you’re on separate teams…you’re still friends?” asked Rainbow.

“Of course, it’s always fun when we get to race; just like old times,” responded Spirtfire.

“Yeah, and that was some race. You would have had me if we didn’t have the lead…”

The two captains resumed their conversation with plenty of laughter while Rainbow Dash quietly moved away. Rainbow now understood how two ponies could still be friends, even if they didn’t quite always agree. She walked over to Thunderlane who was grabbing a bite to eat.

“Hey Thunderlane,” started Rainbow Dash.

“Hi Rainbow! Some race, huh? Told you the Five would win,” prodded Thunderlane.

“Yeah, it sure was. Hey, I just wanted to apologize for my behavior earlier. I got really upset and I know we can both have different favorite teams. Still friends?”

“Of course, what made you think we couldn’t still be friends? It’s just a little friendly competition after all.”

“Friendly competition, huh? Well if that’s the case, then the Wonderbolts are going to crush the Feathered Five next time.”

“In your dreams!”

Rainbow Dash and Thunderlane started laughing and talking about their favorite part of the race that afternoon. They both got to hang out with their favorite racers together, as friends.

* * * * * * * * *

The night came and the racers left for their next competition while the crowds who had flocked to Ponyville left for home. The ponies went to Twilight’s house where they told Spike all about their day at the races.

“Sounds like a great race!” said Spike.

“It sure was,” replied Twilight

“Hey, Spike…” started Rainbow Dash.

“Yes, Rainbow?”

“Umm…Could you write a letter to Celestia for me?”

“Uh, sure? What for?”

“Well, you know how she said if anypony learns a lesson about friendship they should write her? Well, I did.”

“Ok. Let me grab a quill,” said Spike as he ambled off to grab a writing utensil, “There we go. Alright, begin when you’re ready.”

“Dear Princess Celestia, Today I learned about how two ponies with totally different views can still be friends. Just because someone doesn’t agree with your opinion doesn’t mean you can’t get along. It just means that you have to have an open mind and work with them anyways. Signed, Rainbow Dash.”