Life had been good for little Fluttershy ever since she had earned her cutie mark. She had discovered the ground and all its wonders,Rainbow Dash had kept her safe from the bullies and she was a 'big filly' now. But there was just one tiny little problem.

  Flight exams.

Everypony knew Fluttershy was a bad flyer and she admitted it.The only reason she was still in the same class as Rainbow was that Fluttershy always just scraped through by a few points. But this year she wouldn't stand for that. This was her last year in elementary flight school and she was determined to do well. So off she went to Rainbow for advice and support.

Fluttershy sat under a clump of apple trees on the morning dew covered grass,waiting for Rainbow to arrive. Rainbow knew Fluttershy hated ponies being late to anything, especially important events. She was just about to leave when a gust of wind and a sparkling rainbow flew right past her face. Rainbow appeared,sprawled on the grass.

"So,what did you want Flutters?" she asked,brushing wet grass blades off her messy mane and coat.

"Oh,um,I was wondering about the flight exams. This year I really want to do well. They aren't hard...are they?"

"Hard?" Rainbow exploded into a fit of laughter. "These exams are even easier than summer camp! You'll do fine,just like very year."

"B-but I really want to do well. My very best. You could train me! That is,if you wanted.."

"Me? Train you? Of course Flutters! It would be awesome being trained by the best flyer in school! After school maybe?"

"Oh yes Rainbow! Thank you ever so much!" Fluttershy squealed. "I'll meet you near the track."

Training

The training went pretty well,with Fluttershy brushing up on the basics of flying and Rainbow trying not to lose her already small amount of patience for other ponies slower to catch on.The weeks went by,until there was only one left. Rainbow called a special training session on the Monday.

"So Fluttershy,I've called you here so you can make a routine and practice it for the exam." Rainbow marched backwards and forwards,taking complete control of the situation.

"Have you done your routine yet Rainbow? I don't really want to trouble you."

"Of course! I'll show you!"

Rainbow began her impressive routine,using all her best moves. Fluttershy watched in awe,hoping her routine would at least be half as good. The routine went on,until Rainbow announced,

"And now for the finale!"

She began to do a triple loop and twist,a move which no filly of her age had done. If she can do the Sonic Rainboom,she can do this,Fluttershy thought. All went well until the final loop. Rainbow lost her balance and fell from a great height, flailing her limbs desperately,eventually falling onto the cloud bleachers and passing out. Fluttershy knew she couldn't fly fast enough to rescue Rainbow, and could only stand back and watch.