It was the day of the Equestria Games tryouts and Rainbow was super excited. Twilight and I have been doing fine since she confronted me in Canterlot. Actually, more than fine. She seems more open to me now for some strange reason. In the two days since, she's acted like it didn't happen and been nothing but playful smiles. In the morning's Twilight has been helping me with my magic and during the afternoon I work at AJ's to help with my physique. Today, however, is the tryouts and Rainbow was so excited that she woke us all up just before the crack of dawn.

“Come on, get up,” Rainbow's loud voice suddenly brought me out of my sleep with a jerk and a snort. Not to mention the shaking she was giving me at the same time.

“Huh? What?” was the only thing my bleary fog-filled mind could come up with as she literally shook me awake. And then started to lift me up and pull me out of bed. Which, in turn, woke Philomena up as well. She just blinked at me confused at first until she noticed what Rainbow was doing. I was awake enough to get up at her urging. Awake enough to hear Philomena's giggling. And awake enough to let Rainbow lead me from the bed. Where we were going I wasn't sure, but on the way out of the room, the fog had burned away from my mind.

“No time for questions, Fred,” she told me while leading me by the hand out the door and right into the bathroom. “You need to get ready for the day. Today's the tryouts and I need everypony, everyone in your case, at their best.” She shut the door after we got in, went over to the shower, and turned on the water.

“That's all well and good Rainbow,” I chuckled while watching her frantically getting the shower ready, “but I'm not on the team. I'm little more than the cheering squad.”

“Yeah, so?” she questioned while spinning around to face me. Now at this point I fully expected her to leave me to my own devices. I could tell this was going to be an interesting morning because she stepped up to me again and grabbed the waistband of my shorts. Which was the only thing I was wearing, by the way. And yanked them down with, “Applejack, Twilight, and Pinkie are doing the same.” And without even commenting on what she had just done, she leaned up again, spun me around, and shoved me under the water. “And Rarity is making the outfits for the relay team,” she stood there in her skin tight sports bra and shorts. Meanwhile, my mind was stuck between WTF and hell yeah because she had just stripped me naked and shoved me into a hot shower. While my mind was processing what she had just done, she clapped her hands at me. “Well? Come on let's go. Chop chop.”

A wicked grin slowly worked its way onto my face, now that I was fully awake. And with my eyes locked onto hers, my hands slipped down to grip my semi-hard member. “You going to watch, Rainbow? You did pull me out of bed, stripped me naked, and put me into a hot shower.”

Rainbow's brain finally caught up with what she did because her whole face turned red as a beet.

And because I knew where her mind was going, I decided to play with her. “You really are a naughty mare.” My voice took on an aroused quality to it.

Her mouth was opening and closing like a fish out of water. Her wings snapped open with a soft fwip letting me know her mind went right to the gutter. Right before her eyes slowly lowered themselves to what my hands were holding. We stood there for a few seconds before I started to slowly stroke myself in front of her.

Both of us flinched when there came a loud knock on the door. “What's going on in there?” Twilight called out to us.

Which snapped Rainbow from her brain freeze. “Nothing Twilight, just helping Fred get ready for the day. I mean waking him up,” she nearly yelled out in rapid succession while yanking the bathroom door open. On the other side was a confused Twilight. Standing there in her nightgown, bedhead and all, looking between Rainbow and I with a growing blush. “I mean watching him get ready. I...gotta go bye,” Rainbow slipped out sideways, because of her stiff wings, and left.

Twilight watched her friend leave before turning to me. And with a blush still on her face, she just took a long sigh and shook her head. “You know what?” she asked rhetorically. “I'm not even going to ask. Matter of fact, I'm not even going to be bothered by something like this anymore. Not when it seems to happen so often.”

And with the hot water running down my body, I waved to her with a smile. “In that case good morning to you, Twilight.”

“Good morning, Fred,” she told me then turned toward her room. “He's all yours, Philomena,” she said and walked off.

A second later, Philomena stepped into the bathroom. She shut the door behind her and slipped off her nightgown while wearing a nice set of bedroom eyes. Very nice eyes that were locked onto mine.

So, I gave her a bit of a show this morning before we bathed each other.

^_^

“Well, let's go see what Rainbow is up to before we board the train for the tryouts,” Twilight muttered through an exasperated sigh as we approached the train station. “She should be right over here.” Philomena, Spike, and I were following her as we saw Rainbow in the near distance. She was pacing back and forth in front of Fluttershy and a white stallion that looked to be some sort of bodybuilder. And upon closer inspection, he had wings the size of my forearm. He was a Pegasus? With a body like that? Now, this I've got to see.

“Just what was all that this morning?” Spike asked me.

“You'll find out when you get older,” I told him with a smirk and a wink to Philomena.

“Everypony keeps saying that,” he grunted in frustration. “Just what does that mean anyway? And don't-”

“You'll find out when you get older,” I told him again with a chuckle as he gave me another upset groan.

“Alright ponies, listen up,” Rainbow continued pacing in front of them like a drill sergeant.

“We're all ears,” we heard Fluttershy's soft excited voice as she smiled up to the bigger stallion. “Right, Bulk Biceps?”

And in response to her, the bigger stallion turned his head and kissed his own arms. “I'm all muscles,” he said while flexing his overly muscled arms. “Yeah!”

“I like your attitude, Bulk Biceps,” Rainbow praised him, stopping in front of him. “But it's going to take more than muscles and 'yeah's' to get us into the Equestrian Games. We are the aerial relay team, and it's up to the three of us to make sure that we qualify at the tryouts.” Then she started pacing again, “Do I need to remind you how much that I...I mean Ponyville wants to qualify and make it to the games?”

“I do,” Fluttershy raised her hand, as if in class. “I really, really, really want to qualify for you and Ponyville!”

To which, Bulk Biceps leaned over to her and yelled out, “Bring it on!”

And out of nowhere, Pinkie Pie suddenly appeared, “Gimme a Pee for Ponyville!” And decked out in a yellow and purple cheerleader's outfit and garb on. Short skirt, tight shirt, pom-poms, bow in her dun up hair, and all, she waved the pom-poms in their faces.

Philomena giggled at my startled reaction as I cursed under my breath at Pinkie's sudden appearance. I swear she's a jump scare waiting to happen.

Bulk wasn't fazed by it and simply yelled out, “PEE,” before going back to a dopey look on his face.

“Pinkie that was one scary, I mean wonderful cheer,” Fluttershy almost all but squeaked to her friend.

“Just make sure you have one ready for when we qualify for the aerial relay,” Rainbow ran a hand through her hair, looking smug.

“And after that for when we win gold medals at the Equestria Games!” Bulk spoke up flexing his arms again.

“Not so fast!” AJ's voice cut through sharply as she walked up to the group with a large basket of what looked like muffins in her arms. “If you're gonna be good, you're gonna be better with some of my Apple Brown Bettys' in ya. They're perfect.”

Pinkie, and her infinite insanity, suddenly appeared in front of AJ waving both pom-poms in her face. “Pee for perfect!”

Rainbow's face met her hand with a sigh and shake of her head.

“Well, might as well have some brunch before we board the train,” Twilight said with a giggle and roll of her eyes at their antics.

^_^

It was nearly two hours later and it seems most of Ponyville was on the train with us. There were four cars plus the caboose and all four cars were filled with ponies and their supplies and equipment. The bench was wide enough for Twilight, Philomena, and I on one side and Rainbow, Bulk, and Fluttershy on the other side. It so happens that I was sitting between Twilight and Philomena. Bulk was sitting next to the window with Rainbow and Fluttershy next to each other.

“Good luck, Rainbow Dash,” came up a young pretty looking mare also wearing a sports outfit. Light green coat with two-tone yellow hair and tail. “Sorry we couldn't fly with you in the aerial relay, but the sprinters needed us too.”

“Yeah, too bad that we can only compete in one event,” a dark gray Pegasus spoke up next to her with two-tone white short Mohawk hair and tail. “But, rules are rules.”

Rainbow smiled at him, “Thanks Thunderlane.”

Then it clicked for me, “So this is the Thunderlane you spoke of a few times?”

Rainbow looked over at me, confused until it clicked for her too. “Oh yeah, you never met them.” She motioned a hand toward the stallion, “Fred, this is Thunderlane and Helia. They're on the weather team with me. Guys, this is Fred, Celestia's son.”

After Rainbow said that they looked over at me with wide eyes and immediately bowed. “No, no, please stand, it's alright.” I offered my hand to them. “A pleasure to meet you two.”

Thunderlane was first to shake my hand, “I watched you look out for Fluttershy at Sugarcube Corner. Thanks for that.”

“You're welcome,” I said to him with a nod while shaking the mare's hand. “After all, what are friends for right?”

“Yeah, those two have always caused problems and not only to her but to others,” he said while Fluttershy blushing because of the attention.

I shrugged, “There's always one or two in every town.” Then I looked over to the mare, “Nice to meet you, Miss Helia.”

“Pleasure is all mine, Fred,” her voice gave away her nervousness that I tried to ease best I could with a pleasant voice of my own.

“Good luck to you,” I told them as they began to leave to the other car.

“Thank you, you too,” Helia said back to us.

“Nice folks.”

“Yeah, they are, Fred,” Rainbow acknowledged that but looked a little down.

Which Twilight picked up on. “You know, it's nice of you to be part of the team that doesn't have the...,” she paused looking over at both Fluttershy and Bulk, “fastest fliers.”

“I'm not worried,” Rainbow's wide smile betrayed what her eyes were telling m. “I'm fast enough to make up for anypony. With me on the team, we'll qualify.”

“Ponyville's lucky to have you on the team,” Twilight told her.

“Yeah!” Bulk agreed loudly.

“Yeah, I'm pretty awesome,” Rainbow leaned back with her arms behind her head and a smug look on her face. Thanks for stroking her ego there, Twilight.

“And y'all will be better with my Brown Betty's in ya to help ya train,” AJ said as she turned around to face us.

“I for one,” Rarity spoke up as she too turned around to join in, “wonder what the other teams will be wearing. Not that they could match what I made for our teams of course.”

“Of course,” I agreed with a wide smirk over at Rarity. Philomena agreed with me by giving off a soft chirp and leaning into me. My arm was around her and just for fun, I had put my other arm over the back of the seat behind Twilight after she leaned forward. I was curious as to her reaction if and or when she found out.

“I'm happy to just be trying out for the games, it's just an honor,” Fluttershy told us with a happy smile.

“Yeah,” Pinkie suddenly appeared waving her pom-poms in the air. “And when we get back home I can put together a big party for when we win lots of gold metals.” That got the car cheering and out the window, my eyes spotted the town of Rainbow Falls.

^_^

The conductor announced the town as the train pulled into the station. Rainbow Falls was like a human military base in some ways. Part town and part Wonderbolt's training facility, it had enough colors spread around the town to put Ponyville to shame. And it wasn't called “Rainbow Falls” for nothing. Its name was literal in this case because the waterfalls were rainbow-colored. The town was on one side of the big area with the training grounds on the other. A rainbow creek snaked its way between the town and the train station we had just pulled into.

“Whoa,” I had to whisper as my mind took in what my eyes were telling me. The rainbow falls were literally falling from the clouds above the town and into the water below. Most of the ponies from the train were already outside as I looked around at the beautiful sight.

“Hey, snap out of it dude,” Rainbow poked me a couple of times to get my attention. She had wanted me to speak to the town before they were dismissed to their respective sections.

“Oh yeah, sorry,” I shrugged, turning around, “but it's such a beautiful sight.”

“Sightsee later,” she whispered forcefully before flapping her wings to hover above the ground. “Alright, ponies,” she clapped her hands, “I want your attention because I want none other than the prince himself to give you all a pep talk.” She landed and pat me hard on the back, “Go ahead, dude.”

I gave her a 'gee thanks' look before straightening myself up to address them. “Alright, ponies. You're here to qualify for the games,” I started to pace in front of them with my hands clasped behind me, sounding like a general addressing his troops. “But not just for yourself. But for the town. Even though this is only the tryouts, there can't be any slacking off. Train and work as if it were the games themselves. For your own honor, for the honor of your friends and family, and for the honor of the town of Ponyville. What say you?” To my surprise, they responded with a loud cheer.

“Not bad,” Rainbow winked at me before starting to hover again. “Alright ponies, go out there and give it your all.” The crowd cheered again before picking up their equipment, if any, and disbursing.

“Ooo that was inspiring,” Pinkie praised me as she suddenly hugged me from behind.

“Thanks, Pinkie,” chuckling at her antics then looking at the rest of the girls. “I'll see you all later. Mother wanted me to meet up with her as soon as I got here.”

“See you later, sugarcube,” AJ waved at me as she gathered her 'Brown Betty' muffins together.

“Alright, Fred,” Twilight waved as well.

“We'll do our best,” Fluttershy softly said with a wide smile.

“Do say hello to your mother for us.”

“I will, Rarity,” my eyes rolled slightly but agreed with a smile nonetheless.

^_^

With Philomena by my side, we strolled through town, making our way over to the main building on the other side of the training complex. Naturally, while we walked my eyes were taking in the sights. “It really is a beautiful place,” I commented softly while we approached the large building.

The building was three stories tall with balconies on each floor and wide massive steps leading up to the front doors. And who met us at the doors, but my mother.

“My sunshine boy,” she exclaimed, happily wrapping me in a huge hug. “How are you?”

“I’m fine mother,” I said hugging her back. But she didn’t let go.

Philomena giggled at my predicament.

“Really, mother,” I said again. “I’m fine.”

“Just another minute,” she said giving me another big squeeze before letting me go. “There, all done.”

With a roll of my eyes, I gave her a smile anyway, “This is really beautiful. The human world has nothing on this place.”

“But you have Rainbows,” she pointed out to me, giving Philomena a hug.

“Yeah, but not in the water,” I corrected her and pointed outside to the rainbow waterfalls. “Heck, the water is a rainbow. There’s nothing like that there.”

She giggled and pulled me against her with a wing, “Come, I want you to give them a little speech before everything starts.” She led us upstairs.

“So, what’s all in this building anyway?” I asked, looking around, and seeing what looked like locker rooms on the first floor.

“That’s right, you’ve never been here before. Rainbow Falls is where the Wonderbolts training ground is located,” she started explaining while we walked up the stairs. “It’s basically a small town all its own with everything you might need. This building is the main building. The first floor is the locker rooms, the second floor is the clinic rooms, and the third floor is the administrations. If anypony needs to stay overnight then they do so in the town.”

Philomena linked her arm in mine when we reached the top floor. “Well, this place sure is nice. In the human world, this place would only host the most expensive clients.” Glass offices filled out the top floor with a large balcony across from us.

“Well, luckily this isn’t the human world,” mother giggled as we headed across the floor toward the balcony. All offices were empty at the moment and the only other ponies here were three ponies standing out on the balcony. As I got closer, I recognized two of them. Spitfire and Soarin were standing there wearing a similar sports top as before, but this time it was a silver suit with bright reflective accents. Another mare was with them with the same color coat as Rainbow, but with a white spiked hair and tail.

“Captain, Commander,” I nodded to them walking onto the balcony. “I’ve been meaning to ask what’s the Wonderbolts doing here? Not that others aren’t happy to see you. Especially Rainbow.”

“Prince, Fred,” Spitfire bowed, as did the other two.

“Please, stand up,” I told them, thankful that they did.

“The Wonderbolts are flying for the city of Cloudsdale,” mother told me.

That kind of shocked me, “Really? That wouldn’t be allowed in the human world. Too much of an advantage for the military to compete.”

“Human world?” the light blue mare whispered to Soarin.

“Oh yes, sorry for not introducing you,” Spitfire looked over to the mare. “Major Fleetfoot.”

I bowed my head to her with a smile, “Major. A pleasure to meet you.”

“My, prince,” she bowed to me again. “An honor to meet you.”

I rolled my eyes looking at Soarin, “Say, Commander, do they know how to loosen up?” At least this guy knows how to relax.

He chuckled, shaking his head, “Afraid not. These two are a stickler for regulations.”

“Oh well, I tried letting them know just to call me Fred, but none of them seems to listen to me,” I shrugged.

Mother patted my back, “Why don’t we go ahead and get this started?” After I nodded to her she extended her wings and stepped up to the edge of the balcony. Philomena stood next to me as I stood next to my mother with the Wonderbolts on the other side. And she used her amplified voice again to get their attention. “Rainbow Falls, may I have your attention please?”

Below, I watched the ponies below stop what they were doing to face the building. And it wasn’t just ponies, but there appeared to be griffons here as well. That’s cool.

“Today, you try and qualify for the Equestria Games. I wish you luck in the tryouts for games that stand for equality for all nations and creatures. That is why I am dedicating this year’s games to the abolishment of human slavery.” Some murmuring went through the gathered crowd down below as she spoke of that. “I fell in love with a human named John Justice. And we had a son together. Fred Justice.” Mother put her wing around me, pulling her to her happily. “A short time ago he came home from the human world where he was raised by my human counterpart. And on this day, I’d like for him to say a few words for us.”

As she stepped back to let me speak I voiced one question that popped into my mind. “Just how am I supposed to speak that loudly?”

“I’ll do it for you, so don’t worry,” mother smiled, ignited her horn, and touched it to my head. “Go ahead.”

“I am Fred Justice, raised by a human Celestia and human Luna in the human world. It exists and in that world, slavery is outlawed. Up until a relatively short time ago, I didn’t know that this world even existed. But I’m here now and I want what’s best for it. And in the human world, we had a civil war over ending slavery. I want to save this world from that fate. So during these games, I humbly ask that all creatures keep an open mind. Such as I have. My mate is a phoenix and has saved my life already.” I motioned my hand toward the griffons below, “In the human world griffons are nothing but legends. Here, legends live. And so let us all live together in peace. Thank you.” Mother’s touching her horn to my head again dissipated the spell she put on me. Which I had to shake off due to how weird it felt.

“Are you alright?” she giggled at my reaction.

“Yeah, sorry. Just felt strange is all.”

“She really your mate?” Soarin asked with a curious look on his face.

I nodded as Philomena did the same. “He is my mate,” she said and rubbed her cheek against my shoulder.

“Wow,” he whispered, looking at us with an impressed envious expression. “If you don’t mind me saying so, she’s got the griffon chicks beat in the looks department.”

I gave him a knowing smirk, “Yeah she does, doesn’t she?”

“Thank you,” she chirped up at me with loving eyes, “my mate.” She reached to take my head in her talons to rub her cheek against mine.

“Alright, Soarin. Stop gaping at the hot phoenix, we got a relay game to qualify for.” Spitfire lived up to her name when she admonished the commander before taking off with the major in hot pursuit.

“Oh well, see ya,” he gave me a wave before flying off after them.

Philomena took my arm again, leaning against me as Mother put a wing around me. “I’m proud of you my sunshine boy.” She kissed my head. “And I’m so happy that you crossed over for me.”

“So am I, mother,” I gave her a sideways hug. “So, what’s next on your agenda for today?”

She sighed with a sad smile, “Unfortunately, I have to return to Canterlot. Your mother’s work is never done it seems. More nobles and paperwork.”

“Ouch,” my face scrunched up wincing at the idea.

“Yes, not pretty, but necessary,” she kissed my head again before spreading her wings. “Come home soon, my sunshine boy.”

“I will,” my heart was in my smile and in my eyes as they watched her fly off the balcony. “Alright, let’s go see how the team is doing.” After we left the building, I gave the griffons a friendly wave when they looked at me rather intently. It was a relief when they waved back. The griffons were all female if I was correct. And while passing them, Philomena gripped my arm just a little bit tighter. And I think the reason was that they were hardly wearing anything at all. Just nipple and crotch covers. How is that even legal here?

I felt a pinch against my arm and gave her a sheepish look of an apology, “Sorry, but I couldn’t help but wonder if what those griffons were wearing is even legal?”

“Don’t know, don’t care,” she said curtly with a chirpish huff, turning up her head away from them.

And I realized that she’s jealous. With a smile, I stopped, took her by the arms, turned her toward me, and gave her a long kiss on her forehead before rubbing my cheek against hers. Right in front of everyone. She smiled up at me and seemed to relax more. “Better?”

“Yes,” she giggled before we continued on our way.

“Good, because Soarin was right. They’ve got nothing on you.” We finally met up with the group as they were walking up to the Wonderbolts area. There was one large tent that could hold six easy while they were laying down. Spitfire was on a massaging table getting a massage while Fleetfoot was outside of the tent watching Soarin fly through some hoops. All around them were other staffers. Three of them wearing microphone headsets. Coordinators maybe? An elaborate setup.

Our group was near them with our team nearer still with Rainbow between them. “Please, learn something,” I heard Rainbow tell them as she lifted up their heads toward the sky to watch Soarin.

“Come on, Commander,” Fleetfoot yelled at him. “Pick up the pace. You’re a Commander for crying out loud. I’ve seen you do better.”

Wow, never thought a subordinate would get away with talking like that in the military.

“Sure, hope so,” Spitfire muttered from the table.

“PRACTICE, PRACTICE, YAY PRACTICE,” was the sudden, and not to mention beautifully distracting, interruption by two ponies that were cheerleading. They both wore exactly the same uniform that any high school cheerleader would wear. If they were twenty I’d be surprised. Late teens sure, but early twenty I’d doubt it. And eye-catching to be sure.

Soarin thought so as well because he got distracted by their cheers first then took off his goggles to take a better look at them. And it was while he was goggling at them, like a schoolboy with a crush, that he clipped his wing on the inside of the next ring he was flying to. He immediately cried out in shock and pain going into a free fall.

And with most ponies around looking up in shock, and some in embarrassment, Rainbow was the first to react. “Got ‘em,” she reacted, flying up to catch him about halfway down to the ground. She had gripped him under his arms and put him down in front of their tent. As the Captain, Major, and our team surrounded them, Soarin was testing his hurt wing, which didn’t look too good. They cheered for Rainbow as they approached.

I decided to keep in the background about five yards away from them.

“Awesome!” Fleetfoot praise.

“As good as any Wonderbolt!” Spitfire praised as well with a thankful smile.

Fluttershy came up as well with, “Oh Rainbow, we’re so proud of you. You swooped up to catch him before he hit the ground. And now he’s ok, at least I hope so.”

Every eye went to Soarin to wait for just that answer. He flexed his wing again, wincing at the pain. “Thanks, Rainbow Dash,” he shook hands with her. “You’re the best. They’ll have to take a look at my wing to see if I can fly again. It hurts, but I don’t think it’s broken.” And because he could walk, the two paramedic ponies quickly ran up to do their job. Which was to lead him toward the main building not far away.

Rainbow looked downtrodden for her idols as she turned to them after Soarin left. “Tough to lose a teammate right before the tryouts.”

“You know…,” Fleetfoot began saying and surprisingly looking upbeat for a teammate that just lost a flier. “You grew up in Cloudsdale.”

“So that means you could fly with us,” Spitfire finished the idea as they stepped up to her, smiling widely. And with how much Rainbow loves the Wonderbolts, I think it was obvious where this was going.

“Fly?” Rainbow asked, curiously looking between them.

“We mean practice,” Fleetfoot seemed to clarify. “You could practice with us until Soarin gets better.”

“So, what do you say?” Spitfire temptingly offered her. “Want to be our third?”

“I don’t know,” Rainbow said with clear uncertainty in her voice and expression as she turned to look at her team. “They really need me to be my best in order to qualify. Don’t want to be too worn out by the time the race comes around.”

“Oh I wouldn’t worry about that,” Spitfire dismissed her concern with a wave of her hand. “We put you through some intense workouts at the academy and you handled them with no sweat.”

“I did kick some major tail at the academy,” she smugly answered before taking a look back at her team again. “But I don’t know how my teammates will feel about me practicing with the competition.”

Fleetfoot leaned over, whispering conspiratorially, “Who says they need to know. Think about it, Rainbow Dash; this is your chance to fly with the winners.”

Rainbow looked around at his team, which had disbursed around the area at this point because the danger was over. Philomena and I were the only ones there that were paying attention to the conversation at all, though we pretended not to. She seemed unsure at first as she spied her friends. I didn’t think she’d go along with it, but I was wrong. She turned around to face them with her mind made up, “Alright, I’ll do it.”

“Wise decision, Rainbow Dash,” Spitfire bumped Rainbow’s chest happily before motioning for Rainbow to follow. Which she did. While pretending not to look, I was saddened to see her walk away from her friends and her team. But I did see one glimmer of hope in her eyes as she walked off. Because Rainbow looked back with some regret in her eyes.

This wasn’t good.

^_^

An hour later and from Ponyville’s section of the yard, Philomena and I watched as Rainbow went from one team to another. With a long sigh, I brought it up to her, “I thought for sure that she’d pick one or the other.”

She hummed, nodding her head in agreement.

“It’s time to tell Twilight about this,” I muttered softly in despair and stood up to find her. “If she’s with them this long, then they aren’t going to be happy with just her practicing with them. She’s a better flier than Soarin.”

“Let’s go,” she agreed and walked with me to find Twilight.

We found her with Rarity, who was making dresses for the team. Cute dresses, but dresses that would never work with flight. Even I could tell that even before we got close to them. And I could tell that Rarity preferred to be inside while she worked, though that would be only in the main building too far away. So, she was working away in a tent not too far from where we had been, but far enough away to let her work in relative peace and quiet.

“Twilight, could we talk to you?” I asked, walking into the tent.

“Oh hi, Fred,” she greeted me with a smile, which wouldn’t stay long. “She’s making dresses for the team.”

“Oh go on, Twilight,” Rarity waved us off. “I’ll be busy here, you go on.”

“Alright thanks, Rarity.” Twilight turned away and began walking with us, “What’s up?”

With a sigh, I pointed up to Rainbow, “Rainbow is and the team isn’t.”

“What are you-?” she asked while looking around and was only confused for a second until she spotted Rainbow flying with the Wonderbolts and in their uniform. “Why is she flying with the Wonderbolts?”

“Remember when they talked with her after Soarin got hurt?” I asked her. She nodded at me. All I did was raise an eyebrow and motion a hand to the flying Rainbow Dash. It took a second, but then it clicked for her.

“They want her to take Soarin’s place,” she realized.

“Bingo,” but I raised a hand as if stopping wanting to correct her, “Oh but it’s just practice right now.”

She narrowed her eyes at me. “Uh-huh,” she said dryly. “We’ve got to talk to her,” she sighed, looking at Rainbow as she came in to land. We watched her land by a tree not far from us. Then, suddenly, when she passed the tree, she had suddenly changed clothes out of the Wonderbolt uniform. “Looks like she’s going to get some water,” she pointed out and grabbed my arm, “let’s go.”

Rainbow’s back was turned to us, so she didn’t see us approach, but she heard us. And when she turned around to face us, there was a split second of the classic ‘I’m caught’ look on her face before going neutral again. “Hey guys,” she tried smiling it off, “How’s it going? Just getting a drink of water.”

“It’s not easy practicing for two teams is it?” Twilight asked through narrowed eyes, accusation was written all over her face.

Rainbow spit out her water to quickly step up to us, clearly worried, “You all know? Who else knows?”

“No one else, but us,” I told her then shook my head at her, “But it doesn’t take a genius either. All they have to do is look up in the sky and tell what you’re doing.”

“Yeah,” Twilight agreed, “but then again, they're too busy practicing to wonder why you keep disappearing all the time.”

“Well, I’ve seen the other teams practicing, and we’re still going to qualify!” she said in her smug way again. “Besides,” she flapped her wings to hover above the ground, “I can fly fast enough to make up the distance”

Twilight sighed patiently, “Rainbow, it just seems that one of the teams needs a little more help than the other one.”

Rainbow landed again, looking toward us with a pleading expression, “But it’s a lot more fun practicing with the winners instead of the...non-winners. And besides, Ponyville will still qualify.”

“Not if you aren’t on their team they won’t, Rainbow,” I told her firmly. Stepping up to her I looked down at her, “It’s not about the practicing, Rainbow. They’ll ask you to take Soarin’s place on their team, just so that they can get a faster flier.” When Rainbow looked up to me with a hopeful and yet confused expression, I knew what that question would be. “They’ll ask, Rainbow. It’s painfully obvious even I can see it. First, Soarin gets hurt, and next, you start practicing with them. Then they fit you for their uniform, which they are going to use in the races. Put the pieces together.”

“Hey, Rainbow Dash! Got a minute?” Spitfire suddenly interrupted us with a shout as she and Fleetfoot walked up.

“Uh, sure,” Rainbow eyed me with her mind clearly working around what I had said to her. She also dismissed herself to go talk to them.

“You could really be an asset to our team so,” and as I called it Fleetfoot was about to ask her, “we want you to join the Cloudsdale team…permanently.”

I called it. I watched as Rainbow gasped in complete cloud nine delight.

“It seems that Soarin’s wings won’t heal in time for the trials,” Spitfire leaned in to tell her. “We want you to fly with us.” Spitfire put an arm around Rainbow as if buddy-buddy with her.

Fleetfoot did the same on the other side. “Of course, this means you won’t be able to fly for Ponyville.” Fleetfoot turned her head toward our team nearby, “But let’s face it, even with you on their team, the chances of them qualifying is slim at best.”

Rainbow looked over at our team, which was practicing handing off the horseshoe. Badly.

“So...what’s it going to be,” Spitfire asked her.

“Well...uh...I don’t know,” Rainbow was hesitant to answer for good reason.

“Take some time to think about it,” Spitfire advised before she and Fleetfoot took off again. Leaving her to muddle over her decision that she had to make. Once out of sight though, her reaction was immediate. “They want me to fly with them,” her voice couldn’t be more excited if she tried. She literally flew around us twice before slowly lowering herself onto the ground to lay down on her back. “It’s like a dream come true.”

“Rainbow,” Twilight’s somber tone cut through Rainbow’s excitement, “If you fly for Cloudsdale, Pinkie Pie won’t have anypony to cheer for. Rarity’s uniforms will never be seen. And AJ would have slaved over those Brown Bettys for nothing.”

Rainbow’s hands were on her face when she said, “But I really want to fly with the best team! What would you do?”

Twilight sighed, looking down at her friend, “I think this is a decision that you have to make on your own. The race is tomorrow, so you better make it soon.” Then Twilight turned and left, leaving Philomena and I with Rainbow.

“She’s right, Rainbow,” I told her after Twilight left. “This is one decision that you have to decide on for yourself. And you have until the race tomorrow to do it.”

“But I don’t know what to do,” Rainbow stared up at us, pleading with us to tell her the right answer. “It’s so much fun to fly with the winning team.”

“You’re right, Rainbow,” I nodded to her. “It is.”

“You’re not exactly helping me here, Fred,” she said wryly.

“I am, actually. It all comes down to what you want more,” I told her somberly. “Winning with the Wonderbolt’s, or your friends. And that is something only you can make for yourself.” And with that, Philomena and I left her to make her own decision. Come good or come ill.

We met back up with Twilight at Rarity’s tent. “What did she say, Fred?” Twilight asked as Rarity wasn’t in sight, but helping Bulk and Fluttershy try on her creation. Which, although it looked pretty by itself, didn’t work in this setting. However, that didn’t stop them from enjoying the dresses though.

“She didn’t say anything,” I told her with a sigh. “And I just told her the same thing you did. And we both know what the right decision is.”

“Yes, and I hope she makes it by tomorrow,” Twilight’s soft voice echoed our concerns as she watched Rarity walk back to the tent.

“What do you think of the new team uniforms?” Rarity asked us with her eye brimming with accomplishment. It was clear by the look on her face that she liked them.

And when Twilight didn’t say anything, I knew that she wanted me to. Coward. “Those dresses are pretty dresses, I can’t deny that,” I said while leaving it open for her to detect the “but” in my voice.

The happy beaming look left her face as she picked it up. “Why do I detect a ‘but’ in there?”

“That’s because there is.” I tried telling her in the most gentle way I could that, “Rarity, like I said they are beautiful dresses. And they will definitely get the attention of everypony, or everyone, watching.” I paused before saying, “But, they aren’t exactly streamlined for fast flying.” She looked disappointed but turned her head to look back as I stood up to stand beside her. “They are beautiful, but not what they need. So, why don’t you do both here? Provide what they need and make it beautiful, pretty, and eye-catching at the same time? Don’t want to hurt your feelings any...but...”

She turned her head to me with a small understanding smile, “But you still want to be honest. I see your point. And now that I think about it, you’re right that it’s not exactly made for flying. Then again, I wasn’t thinking of it like that either.”

“So, why not make a suit that’s made for flying that represents Ponyville?” I told her before glancing over at Pinkie practicing with the two other cheer ponies. Pinkie still had the smaller Ponyville flag in her hand. When I saw that, my hand patted Rarity’s shoulder. “You see Pinkie over there?”

“Yes,” she replied, now curious.

“Look at Ponyville’s flag in her hand. Why not have the uniform’s designs for the actual games look like the flag?” I suggested. Looking over, I could practically see the gears turning in her head.

She put a hand to her chin, “You know, that’s a good idea. And I could make it for all of Ponyville’s teams, not just the relay. There’s time to make them. And everypony competing would be in Ponyville, so getting the measurements wouldn’t be a problem.” she surprised me by turning her head and kissing me on the cheek. “Thank you, darling. They can wear the dresses after the qualifying rounds. That way they can show it off and not have them hinder their performance.”

“Glad I could help, Rarity,” she was a little surprised when I hugged her, but then she relaxed into it hugging me back. When she walked back over to Fluttershy and Bulk, I walked back over to Twilight, sitting next to Philomena again as she took my arm again leaning on me. Philomena looked up at me with a proud happy smile on her face.

And the rest of the morning went fine, except that I had to give the team some pointers on what to work on. Why? Because Rainbow wasn’t in sight. So, for the rest of the morning, I simply told them to work on the handoff and their flying. For Fluttershy work on her speed. For Bulk, considering speed wasn’t his thing, I suggested that he worked on getting his large body through the relatively small circles with a suggestion on how to do it.

^_^

It was nearing lunch and Rainbow was still not around. That was until we heard her cry out, “Woe is me,” throughout the yard. And with an over-exaggerated voice that begged to be believed, when the opposite was obvious. I rolled my eyes at Rainbow because of how she was rolling herself in a wheelchair and yet, at the same time, had both forearms in medical gauze. And not to mention other signs that she was faking it. Like the oh so convenient timing of her supposed injury.

“What in Equestria?” the look on Twilight's face echoed the shock in her voice as everypony around spotted Rainbow in the wheelchair. As ponies started gathering around her, including the Wonderbolts, I just shook my head. “What happened to her?” she asked.

To which I simply replied, “Absolutely nothing at all.”

“What?! How can you say that? Just look at her, she's got bandages all over her body,” Twilight pointed at Rainbow with both arms.

“And yet, she's still able to roll herself across a field with thick grass all on her own and not complain until she's in the presence of others,” I raised a disbelieving eyebrow at her, trying to make her see the obvious instead at what's face value. “And right after the Wonderbolts asked her to choose between them and Ponyville?” The gears were turning in her head as she gazed over at Rainbow, who was talking with Spitfire and Fleetfoot.

“She's trying to get out of deciding by faking an injury,” she accepted with a nod, understanding what Rainbow is doing. “Let's go talk to her.”

But as she walked away, I grabbed her tail.

“Hey...”

“Hang on,” gently I pulled her back, which she complied then stared at me. I let her tail go. Her gaze softened. “Look,” I patiently told her, “yes, we have to talk with her. But why don't we use a little bit of reverse psychology here?” Twilight raised an eyebrow at me, curious. “She wants to play the injured pony, why don't we go the whole nine yards. Put her in the hospital, get the doctor's opinion, everything.”

Twilight seemed to think about it. “You know, not a bad idea. You go grab her, I'll get the doctor ready.”

I grinned with a nod to her before getting up, heading over to Rainbow. Philomena was with me as we heard Rainbow, “I may never fly again,” just as we were approaching them.

“Well, then it's a good thing that there is a wonderful well-educated doctor, right here, to check you out,” I said to her as my hands gripped the back of her wheelchair.

“There is?” she asked, looking up to me with a look that said she didn't take that into account.

I turned her around toward the main building, “So, let's go get you checked out, Rainbow. We all know how much you enjoy flying, and we can't have something as minor as an injury take that away from you for the rest of your natural life, can we?” As I wheeled her away, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Rarity, and AJ were following us across the field. With the rest of the field looking on in either shock or simple confusion.

“Well...uh...no, you can't,” she spoke hesitantly because she didn't expect this, nor did she know how to handle it from here. Obviously, because it wasn't part of her plan.

“It's a good thing that you have good friends that will look after you and help you when your down,” my voice took on an admonishing tone as we approached the main building. “And to help you make the right decisions in life, or help you get back up if you fall or fail.”

Her whole demeanor changed after she heard that. “You're right, Fred,” she said softly, “I am lucky.”

^_^

The girls, including Twilight, waited in the lobby on the second floor while I quietly spoke to the doctor. I had wheeled Rainbow inside the examiner's room, then spoke to the mare doctor just outside of the room. “She's faking her injury due to a personal problem she's dealing with,” I whispered to her so Rainbow couldn't hear. “So you won't find anything wrong. Could you do me a favor and pretend to find a sprained joint or something?”

“Why would you want me to do that?” she asked, also whispering, and confused.

“Because her problem is making up her mind on what she wants to do. And right now she's using a lie in order to keep from making that decision,” I told her. And as I explained she started understanding where I was going with this. “So by doing this, it could push her into making the right decision.” She nodded at me. “Thanks, doctor,” I told her with a smile and left her. Shortly I was back in the lobby with the others.

All of them stood up when I walked out into the lobby. “The doctor is examining her right now and will let us know when she finds something.”

“What am I going to do with all these pom-poms, if she can't fly?” Pinkie whined while waving her pom-poms in the air.

“What were you going to do with them before?” AJ asked rhetorically, though still curious.

Twilight looked at me with an unspoken question, to which I simply winked at her. She sat back down seemingly happy with that.

“Ponyville won't have a chance to qualify without a third flier,” Fluttershy stated the obvious.

“Fluttershy, why don't you go out and see who's here that's available, and wants, to fly on the relay team? Just in case?” I asked her. Hopefully, the other pony, if found, won't be needed, but you never know.

She nodded, “Alright, Fred.” She agreed and left us in the lobby to go search.

“Oh dear, this is the worst possible thing that could happen.” I fully expected Rarity to suddenly be on her fainting couch. But when I turned to look at her she was almost laying down, pretending to faint, on two chairs.

And when Twilight looked at me again there was only one question in her mind. And that question was echoed in mine as I returned her gaze. What will Rainbow decide?

^_^

It was about thirty, or so give or take, minutes later when Rainbow was transferred into a recovery room. Which so happened to be a room with a double bed and that the other bed contained the Wonderbolt's, Commander Soarin. Twilight, Philomena, and I let AJ, Rarity, and Pinkie go in first. Pinkie still had her cheerleader outfit on with flags in her hands and everything as she bounced in.

“The doctor told us that you have a sprained wing joint,” AJ announced as she walked in holding one of the muffins in her hand. “And there's nothing more able to get you out of that bed than one of my Apple Brown Bettys,” she told her friend before practically shoving it in her face.

“And a little color to brighten your mood,” Rarity levitated a thick piece of her dress fabric over to her. Even wrapped it around Rainbow’s right-wing joint, where the thick bandage was placed. It was there mainly to keep up the appearance of being bandaged to fool the rest of them. This meant that Rainbow’s sports top was a little modified in the back with less material. Making me wonder if it would snap or not because it was more like a strapless bra now than a true sports top.

“And I'll stop by to give you a good laugh to brighten you up with,” Pinkie bounced over and laid one of the small flags into Rainbow's lap.

“Thanks you guys,” Rainbow's voice was soft and even though heartfelt, was also filled with sorrow and regret. I think the doctor had a good talking to her as well.

Right then is when Fluttershy walked in with Bulk and Rainbow’s replacement. It was Derpy, the lazy-eyed mailmare. “Oh, there you are Rainbow. Since there was a chance that you couldn’t fly again, I went out looking for a replacement.” She motioned toward Derpy, which waved with a smile.

I smiled at her giving her a small wave, which she returned happily.

“Now you don’t have anything to worry about Rainbow,” Fluttershy continued as she stepped up to the bed to take her arm in her hand. “We have a full team and if we win a medal then we’ll give it to you.”

“You will?” Rainbow’s eyes looked surprised at that.

“Oh of course,” Fluttershy nodded happily, “because we all know what a medal and winning means to you. And we all want you happy, right girls?” And as the girls acknowledged in agreement, I cleared my throat to remind her that there were two guys present. “And the guys too,” she added sheepishly.

“Thanks, really,” Rainbow said with her heart in her eyes as she looked around at her friends.

“Well, I think it’s time that we let her rest,” I started ushering them out the door and whispering to Philomena for her to wait for me just outside the door.

“You know, Rainbow,” Twilight spoke to her softly before leaving, “Choosing not to choose isn’t really making a decision.” Then she too left with the rest of them.

I stayed for a moment on the side of the bed with the curtain between her and Soarin. Rainbow didn’t really look at me. “I’m only going to say one thing, Rainbow,” I told her quietly. “Whatever you choose to do, you’ll have to live with it. And even if you make a bad decision, we’ll still be your friend.” And when she didn’t say anything but hung her head I turned around and grabbed the curtain. “But at least you won’t be alone,” in one quick movement I whisked the curtain aside letting them see each other, “right Commander?”

“Yeah, don’t worry I’ll keep her company,” Soarin said with a smile, giving me a sharp salute.

“Good, how’s the wing?” I asked him.

“It’s actually feeling pretty good,” he told me while giving it a couple of flaps. “It was just bruised. It’ll be fine by tomorrow morning’s race.”

“Glad to hear it,” I reached my hand out to him which he shook. “Rest up.” And then left them both together. I had hopes that with all this, Rainbow would make her decision soon and make up her mind. Hopefully, the pressure wasn’t too great that she’d back off completely. I didn’t want to push her too hard.

Philomena met up with me just outside of the room and took my arm in her hand once more to meet up with Twilight and the others. Once outside of the main building, Twilight was waiting for us.

“You think she’ll make the right decision?” she wondered and looked up at me.

I gave her an unsure sigh with a shrug of my shoulders to match it. “I don’t know, Twilight. I hope so. I did tell her that no matter what, we’d still be her friend.”

“Of course,” Twilight agreed with a wide smile. “You don’t stop being friends with them just because they make some bad choices in life. And it was clever to have the doctor tell the rest of the girls that she had a sprain, just in case Rainbow decided to stay out of it. On one hand, they wouldn’t know any difference, but then again it would hurt more if they ever found out because it would mean that she lied to them.”

“Exactly, this way no matter what she decides, it’s all on her. She sinks or swims.” And you know, even though that’s true, it wasn’t long before Rainbow had made her decision and was walking out of the main building.

It was maybe fifteen, or so, minutes later from when we left her in the room to when she walked out of the building. No one noticed, but me and Philomena at first because everyone else was either looking at the ground or watching others practice. That was until Rainbow, and Soarin walked past them.

“That’s Rainbow,” Twilight said to get the other's attention.

The others gasped and looked happy at first when they saw Rainbow walk toward them. Only to look saddened when she, and Soarin, walked right by them. To head straight for the Wonderbolt’s tent.

“Where is she goin’?” AJ wondered as she and the rest of the team stood up and started following. Me included.

“Let’s find out,” I said following them from our tent. We all followed her all the way over to the Wonderbolt’s tent.

“Does this mean you’re better?” Fleetfoot asked, shocked when she saw Rainbow walking. Spitfire wasn’t that much better as she did a spit take with her water bottle.

Rainbow took a deep breath, letting it out before she spoke. And her eyes were locked onto the Captain and the Major. “I feel great because I was never hurt, to begin with.” When everypony around started gasping in shock, my eyes rolled at the cliché behavior. “I didn’t want to choose between flying for Cloudsdale or Ponyville, so that’s why I faked the injury. I wanted to fly with you both, but the decision was just too hard.”

Fluttershy walked up to Rainbow giving her a hug, “Oh Rainbow, you don’t have to choose us. We know how you love to win and you should go with the team that surely will.”

Rainbow gave Fluttershy a heartfelt hug in return. “Thanks, Fluttershy. It was all of you, even Fred, that helped me choose.” Rainbow turned to me, “And you’re right, Fred. Whatever I chose to do, I’d have to live with. So, I know now who I should have been loyal to.”

“Good choice, Rainbow Dash,” Spitfire smirked and poked Fleetfoot with her elbow. “Always stick with the winners.”

“Ponyville,” Rainbow turned away from them to face her team with her arms open wide toward them. And for the first time in a while, there was genuine joy in her heart and in her eyes. They seemed to glow. She then walked up to them, “Because it’s not just where I live, but where my friends are, the ponies that really care about me, whether I can help them win a race or not.” Then she turned to look at me again, “And even if I make some bad choices, they never stop being my friends. I know they’ll always stay by my side no matter what. So I want to do the same.”

Her whole demeanor changed when she rounded on Spitfire and Fleetfoot, “Which is more than what I can say for you! You lied to me about Soarin’s wing just so you can get a better flyer.”

Soarin emphasized her point by walking up to stand beside her with his arms crossed over his chest. “Fred and Rainbow’s friends were the only ones to come and visit me in the hospital at all.” There was genuine hurt in that stallion’s eyes too.

“You may be a winning team, but not the team I want to be a part of,” Rainbow finished her little triad with her arms under her chest with Soarin standing beside her with the same look.

“Huh,” Spitfire took off her glasses to look at them both. The look in her eyes was promising. “Rainbow Dash, you are something. Saw it at the academy, and seeing it again here. We can learn a lot from a competitor like you.” Spitfire turned to look at Fleetfoot with a sad expression on her face.

“I think we already have, Captain,” Fleetfoot’s face echoed the same look.

Both of the mares stepped around the table in front of them and walked up to Soarin. “Commander Soarin,” Spitfire began with her captain's voice but was filled with regret. “I’m sorry about lying to you and trying to replace you. Not only is it not right, but it’s also not fitting for a Captain.”

“Nor a Major,” Fleetfoot added with a sad face as she too stepped up.

“So,” Spitfire said again slowly with a sad smile, “still want to fly with us?”

Soarin was silent for all but two seconds before he burst out laughing. And then with a shout of, “Go, Cloudsdale,” shot up into the sky again.

“Alright!” Rainbow jumped up to hover above the ground before turning to her team. “Let’s go, team, we have a relay race to get ready for.”

With Philomena holding my arm and leaning up against me, I watched everypony cheer her on as she, Fluttershy, and Bulk flew off together. Philomena hummed happily as the rest of the girls cheered on their team as Rainbow started working with them again. It did my heart good to see Rainbow, and the girls, so happy right now.

Twilight walked over to sit in the chair next to us, as we had sat down to watch them. “I’m so happy everything worked out in the end.”

Before she could protest, I reached over to give her a sideways hug, “So am I, Twilight. This is much better.” She returned it with a happy giggle.

^_^

Because the race wasn’t until in the morning we had to stay in a hotel overnight. Which wasn’t that big of a deal considering I used my benefit of being a prince to get us better rooms for the night. Two rooms for Philomena, I, and the girls with two large king-sized beds so four can sleep in the same room.

When I went to bed it was only Philomena and I in one bed with Pinkie and Fluttershy in the other. I was wearing my shorts with Philomena naked. Pinkie and Fluttershy in the other bed wearing their nightgowns.

But I got the surprise of my life when I woke up in the middle of the night with Pinkie and Fluttershy also in the bed with us. And both of them were naked as well. So now, it was me laying on my back, Philomena laying on one side of me snuggled up to me, Fluttershy on the other side, and with Pinkie on top of me. Philomena and Fluttershy both had one wing over Pinkie as if like a blanket over her. And all three of them fast asleep.

How the hell did they get over here in the middle of the night? Not that I minded all that much. Having three gorgeous women in bed with you was any man’s dream, but one was left to wonder.

At least I didn’t have to complain about being cold. I couldn’t move my arms either, not with Fluttershy hugging one and Philomena hugging the other. Looked like I was happily stuck here with them. And luckily I didn’t have to go to the bathroom.

^_^

The next morning was interesting. I woke up first. And as Mother’s morning rays shined through the window, I laid there watching the three girls sleep. When the morning rays shined upon us, it was Fluttershy that woke up first. My head turned to watch her yawn cutely before opening her eyes completely. And locking onto mine with a deepening blush on her face.

I smiled at her and mouthed, “Good morning,” to her.

She hid behind her bed head mane but whispered just loudly enough for me to hear her say, “Good morning.”

A smirk crawled up on my face, “Sleep well?” My voice was just enough for her to hear, but hopefully not loud enough to wake up either Pinkie or Philomena.

Fluttershy gave me a wide smile and a cute embarrassed smile. “I did, yes. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, believe me, the pleasure is still all mine,” I wiggled my eyebrows playfully at her. She responded with a huge blush and a soft giggle. “Not that I’m complaining any, because having beautiful women like yourselves is every guy's dream, but why did you join Philomena and I?”

“I was so nervous about this morning’s race that I had trouble sleeping,” her fingers gently scratched the side of my chest as she explained. “So, Pinkie had the idea of sleeping together with you. You were asleep so Pinkie and I asked Philomena which she agreed to.”

I blinked at her in astonishment, “And all while I was asleep, too.” A chuckle escaped from me and gave her a smirk, “Boy I can sleep through anything, can’t I?”

Her giggle was cute and quiet as she nodded to me. Of course, we were being quiet because we didn’t want to wake up either Pinkie or Philomena. But, that was moot when our door suddenly swung open with a loud click. And who came in? Rainbow, already dressed in her sports outfit, strolling over to the bed we were in, and clapping her hands together. “Alright,” her voice shot out in the room like a whip starling awake both Pinkie and Philomena. “Up and at ‘em, we got a race...to...” She paused halfway across the room when her mind finally caught up to what she was looking at.

Pinkie got startled awake, so she lifted her head before turning it to Rainbow, “Is it morning already?”

“Yes, it is Pinkie,” Fluttershy told her before getting out of the bed, “and I think Rainbow wants us to get ready.”

Rainbow’s mouth was working like a fish out of water, clearly shocked, “...the buck?”

Philomena smiled to me, whispering good morning, while my now free arm, that Fluttershy was holding, moved to behind my head. “Morning, skittles. You look ready for the race.”

“I will be too once I get ready,” Fluttershy said to Rainbow as she walked by her and into the bathroom.

“What?” Pinkie asked while looking over at Rainbow as if everything was completely normal.

“W-why are you and Fluttershy sleeping with Fred and Philomena?” Rainbow finally asked the question that’s been burning in her mind.

“Fluttershy was nervous about this morning, sleeping with Fred calmed her down and I didn’t want to sleep alone, so I joined them. Besides, it’s not like Fred hasn’t slept with me before, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that I’m in bed with him,” the way she said all that was almost rapid-fire as she explained herself. She then put her hands to my chest to raise herself up from me, now looking at Rainbow excitedly, “Oh do you want to join us next time?”

“What?!” her wings started rising up quickly behind her as her eyes locked onto us. “I...why would...” Rainbow’s mind was practically shutting down, but her eyes still watched us.

“Yes, join us,” Philomena surprised me by speaking up for it. Which on one hand excited me while on the other hand, I knew that she was joking just to get a reaction out of her.

And when Rainbow just stood there looking shocked and brain-fried, Pinkie decided to follow Philomena’s invitation. The bed creaked softly as she got up, walked over to the shocked mare, and took her by the hand. Rainbow seemed to just accept what was happening and was led by the hand over to the bed. Then laid in the bed where Fluttershy was by Pinkie.

Rainbow’s eyes locked onto mine as she laid down on the bed up against me. I even moved my hand from behind my head to stroke her long hair from her head down her back. And while I was doing that Pinkie got back into bed again, slipping underneath Rainbow’s outstretched stiff wing to lay down again.

And while I was stroking Rainbow’s head and hair Pinkie sighed contently saying, “Now isn’t this peaceful?”

Rainbow’s response was to let out a long and soft, “Uh…,” as her mind sputtered and died. Her hands and fingers knew what to do though because they were rubbing against my chest and arm like they didn’t know whether to snuggle with me or push herself away.

This was just too good and I couldn’t help but play with Rainbow a little by leaning forward to lightly kiss her forehead. “Morning, Skittles.”

Philomena was enjoying this immensely because of the wicked grin she had on her beak. And it even got better when we heard…

“Hey, Rainbow did you get Fluttershy up...this…,” we heard Twilight’s voice before she appeared in the doorway. She stood there in her knee-length v-neck nightgown, which looked very provocative by the way, and simply stared at us.

We all looked back at her, including Rainbow. “Morning, Twilight. How’d you sleep?”

It even got better when the bathroom door opened and Fluttershy stepped out wrapped in towels. “Oh good morning, Twilight,” she said to her with a wide smile before looking over at us. “Rainbow, you decided to join.”

“You know what?” Twilight interrupted, waving her hands dismissively at us. “I’m not even going to ask. I’m going back to my room, getting dressed, and going down to breakfast.” With that, she turned around with the sound of their door opening a second later.

Fluttershy shut the door before walking back over to the bed. “If you’re wondering, Rainbow. I slept better last night than I have in a long while. I was just so nervous about this morning, but then we slept together and now I’m really feeling good about today.” And to further prove her point she took off the towels and put them on the bed. She used one, however, to start drying her hair while flapping her wings to air them out.

As Rainbow turned her head to watch my hand started rubbing the back of her neck.

“I’m really glad that you slept good, Fluttershy!” Pinkie said to her happily without moving her head from my chest or her hands from their place around my neck. “Because we want you at your best for the race today. Right, Rainbow?”

Rainbow looked back to Pinkie and then looked up at me, still with a look of confusion on her face. “Why am I still laying here?” she finally asked.

“Oh, oh, oh, I know,” Pinkie raised a hand from my head as if answering the question of a teacher. “Because you really wanted to in the first place, but was just super embarrassed to ask?”

“Nope,” Rainbow responded instantly and quickly got up heading toward the door. “Meet me outside asap, Fluttershy. We got the Equestria Games to qualify for.” As she walked out it was like nothing happened. Still, I’d thought for sure that she would have gotten up immediately instead of laying there for so long.

Interesting.

“I need to get up too,” Pinkie whined while looking into my eyes with a big smile, “but I don’t want to get up.”

“I do not either,” Philomena echoed Pinkie’s sentiment.

“But we need to,” I told them before looking over at Fluttershy, “because we have a team to cheer for.”

“Okay,” Pinkie actually cheered before getting up off the bed.

This was one of the best mornings of my life.

^_^

“GO PONYVILLE,” Commander Soarin called out with a wave from the finish line slash cloud that he, his Captain, and the Major was standing on.

It was our turn to qualify for the games with Rainbow’s relay team. Rainbow and Fluttershy were hovering in the air while Bulk was on the ground just below them. All of them were at the starting line waiting for the starting gun to fire. The field this morning was filled with other tryouts in various sporting fields. Rainbow mentioned how lucky they were that the wind wasn’t blowing hard at all.

The starting pony waited on a word to start and when he got the signal he raised his arm. And fired.

Bulk immediately started flapping those tiny wings of his. And even though he wasn’t the fastest Pegasus around, he did fly exactly as Superman did. His arms outstretched in front of him with his hand gripping onto the horseshoe for dear life. And only because he was flying like that was he able to maneuver himself through the hoops. And when he came around again, it was Fluttershy’s turn.

I watched her carefully as she took the horseshoe from Bulk, and nearly dropping it, before taking off. She was faster of course, but not lightning speed though. And while she was doing well going around the course, Rainbow had her eyes on her and watching her like a hawk. Ready to take off like a bullet the moment she had the horseshoe in hand. Fluttershy pushed herself hard during the last leg of her lap around the course then handed it off.

I doubt that anypony could follow Rainbow around the course. She was nothing but a blue blur that left a rainbow trail behind her. You could even hear her fly through the air as she got close, whipping through the hoops and making turns in the air that defied physics. And when she flew through the finish line she nearly blew the ponies away with the air displacement she created.

The Pegasus pony at the end stopped the clock and everypony waited with bated breath for his final word.

“PONYVILLE QUALIFIES,” he announced happily to the crowd below. Which then erupted into loud cheers and applause.

I sighed in relief and applauded as well with Rainbow and the Wonderbolts landing on the ground in front of us. All of the girls, some of the team, and the Wonderbolts all hugged and congratulated the team for qualifying. Philomena and I walked over as well.

“You did it,” Philomena praised, hugging Rainbow.

“It was nothing,” Rainbow dismissed with a slight wave of her hand.

“It was great flying with a great team,” I reiterated for her and opened my arms for a hug.

Which surprisingly, she returned. “Yeah, they are a great team, Fred.”

“Yeah!” Bulk agreed, flexing his arms.

Fluttershy came over to hug me, laying her head on my chest. I wrapped my arms around her, “You did great, Fluttershy.”

“And so did you, Rainbow Dash!” Spitfire said as she, Soarin, and Fleetfoot stepped up as a team.

Rainbow turned around snapping a salute, “Thank you, Captain.” And to Rainbow’s astonishment Spitfire took her metal badge wings off of her uniform and put them on Rainbow’s.

“We’ll see you at the games rookie,” Spitfire said with a smirk and saluting before taking off into the air, followed by Soarin and Fleetfoot.

“So what do you think, Rainbow?” I asked with a grin of my own while still hugging Fluttershy. She didn’t want to let go, which was fine with me and Philomena.

She took a look around before her eyes landed on Pinkie, “I think this deserves a party!”

Next Chapter: Chapter Twenty: Visiting my Father Estimated time remaining: 12 Hours, 55 Minutes