[Image ID: A drawing of Daring Do from My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. She now has a taller, lankier body type, a prosthetic back leg, a shorter tail, and a few scars on her muzzle, foreleg, and flank. Her eyes are green instead of pink, and her mane and tail have a green tint as well. She stands with her wings open, one foreleg raised and a scowl on her face. She has a blue outline and is on a transparent background. /End ID]
Happy Pride Month!!
This isn't my pride month upload, I have something else planned for that! But hey...DaringDash. <3
From this wonderful scene in "Stranger Than Fan Fiction"~
I gotta say, rewatching clips of this episode, the DaringDash shipper I've become finds so many little things delightful. Like Dash's sheer nerdiness over A.K. and her series, to Rainbow angrily and fiercely defending and praising A.K. in the face of Quibble's harsh criticism. Daring's visible growing fondness for Rainbow (smiling as Dash zooms about in excitement), to her being frustrated and notably worried as she scolds Rainbow ("...not go on an adventure without me!"). And of course, Rainbow's smug smile and throwing her wing proudly over bae while Daring gives her the side-eye. Amazing.
I just wish they had made the puzzle Quibble solved harder because it just makes Daring look...oblivious and dumb, just to validate Quibble. But whatevs!
Look at these two...God I've come to love them so much thanks to Destinyverse. It's so nice getting to draw Daring as...well, Daring Do! I hope I'll get more chances to draw her during her adventuring days.
This background had so many colors and shapes, but it wasn't as nightmarish as I thought it'd be to redraw. Anyway, no worries if you don't ship DaringDash (no need to state it either, ahaha. Ship what you want)! Enjoy regardless~
The moment Rainbow Dash stepped out of Twilight’s castle, she zipped straight into the air in the direction of Scootaloo’s Aunts Holiday and Lofty’s house. Probably within seconds of leaving at the castle, she’s at the front door. And proceeds to knock on the door, both of Scootaloo’s aunts are there when the door is opened.
Aunt Holiday: Oh! Well, if it isn’t Rainbow Dash! So nice to see you!
Aunt Lofty: I suppose you’re here to see Scootaloo?
Rainbow Dash: Yep! Is she here?
Aunt Holiday: She’s upstairs in the bathtub. She’s actually been taking baths a lot in the past year or so.
Aunt Lofty: Which is weird, because she used to hate bath time!
Both aunts giggle
Rainbow: Heh, I might know a thing or two why she’s changed her mind about baths. But I’ll check to make sure.
Rainbow Dash walks upstairs
Aunt Holiday: Make sure to knock and get Scootaloo’s permission before entering!
Rainbow: I will, don’t worry!
Once Rainbow gets to the bathroom door upstairs. She knocks and calls out to Scootaloo
Rainbow: Hey there, squirt! Is it ok if I come in?
Scootaloo: Rainbow Dash? Of course! Come on in!
Rainbow Dash opens the door, and sees Scootaloo floating in the tub, lying on her back with hooves behind her head, in her sea pony form. A transformation ability that Twilight granted to her about less than 2 years ago.
Rainbow: Ha, I figured that’s why you’re taking more baths now. Even I remember you saying you didn’t like baths years ago
Scootaloo: Yeaaaaaah, I’ll admit the moment I was transformed by the Hippogriff’s necklace stones into a seapony near Mount Aris I’ve had a 180 degree turn on many things water… including baths.
Rainbow: Maybe you should get your name legally changed to Waterloo at this point, haha
Scootaloo: *rolls her eyes* Very funny, Rainbow…
Rainbow: But in all seriousness, I’m glad this ability you got from Twilight has made you so happy. Though I’m not sure why you need to be a sea pony in a bath when you have an entire lake in Ponyville to swim in too
Scootaloo: Eh, I think I’m just trying to really get a good feel for my sea pony tail whenever I’m in a pool of water regardless of size.
Scootaloo bends said tail back and forth as a sort of stretch
Scootaloo: The more I’m in the water in sea pony form the more natural it will come to me, I wasn’t born with it after all. But i’m young enough that years from now it’ll really feel like a true ability.
Rainbow: I gotcha, though I do gotta say I’ve seen you swim in both rivers and lakes and you’re already pretty darn good.
Scootaloo: Awwww thanks, Rainbow Dash. On a side note, is it weird that I’m starting to like my sea pony tail more then my hindlegs? Like sometimes I miss it when I’m walking more then I miss my hindlegs when I’m swimming.
Rainbow: It’s a little weird, but that’s just me. Personally, I prefer the air. But you wished for this and proceeded to use the ability in your spare time to practice swimming in it for almost 2 years now. You’re obviously quite dedicated to it, and I can respect that. I had a dedication of my own when I was your age to improve my flying whenever I could, so one day I could be a wonderbolt.
Scootaloo: And now you are one!
Rainbow: Exactly! I hope your dedication to swimming leads to something similarly grand in your future.
Scootaloo beams a grin
Rainbow: Oh shoot, I nearly forgot. I actually came here to invite you to something.
Scootaloo: What is it?
Rainbow: A Royal Ball is taking place in Saddle Arabia, as well as wedding for Twilight’s friends who are native there. The royal family wants many guests from Equestria. Twilight tasked me and the other elements to find ponies to invite. And you’re my first invitee!
Scootaloo: That sounds awesome! Will Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle also be there?
Rainbow: Most likely, I think AJ and Rarity will get them invited for sure though. So no need to worry about them not showing up.
Scootaloo: Cool! I think I will go, is there a specific date and time?
Rainbow: No solid time and date yet, just depends when we gather everypony and submit the list to the royal family.
Scootaloo: Who else do you plan to invite?
Rainbow: I plan to find Gilda and Gallus in Griffonstone for one, maaaaaybbeeeeee my parents but I’m admittedly a little reluctant. I’ll also be heading to Mount Aris for two reasons, inviting Silverstream. And also the Wonderbolts are scouting out our first non-pony trainees. In accordance with the increase of diversity in Equestria’s populace, Spitfire is letting non-ponies be eligible for the Wonderbolts. They still have to be some of the very best in order to make it, but it’s a solid change that got unanimous support among all the Wonderbolts.
Scootaloo: Nice, mind if I come with you?
Rainbow: Sure, if you won’t miss your sea pony tail too much while you’re walking with me, ha!
Scootaloo: Ha!
Scootaloo pulls the plug in the bathtub to drain the water from the tub, jumps out and then proceeds to transform back into her pony form, her fish tail losing shape while her hindlegs grow back from the sides and her purple fluke turning back into the fur of her purple pony tail. Rainbow Dash gives her a towel to help dry off.
Rainbow: Ready, squirt?
Scootaloo: You bet!
Rainbow and Scootaloo head downstairs and out the door. Scootaloo waves to her Aunts to signal she’s leaving, both Aunts waving back.
((Story continues after the break))
Moments later, they’re in ponyville. They come across a familiar grey and yellow-maned pegasus known for being the town’s mailmare.
Scootaloo: Say, isn’t that the mailmare?
Rainbow: Yeah it is! *Rainbow looks over to her* Hey there, Derpy!
Derpy looks over with her well-known walleyes and beams a grin at Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo.
Derpy: Hi Rainbow Dash & Scootaloo! Whatcha up to?
Rainbow: We’re finding ponies to invite to Saddle Arabia for a Royal Ball, I don’t suppose you’d be interested to go?
Derpy: Sure! I’d love to! *Derpy claps her hooves in excitement for a free trip*
Rainbow: Awesome! I’ll go see you when it’s time to go. A hardworking mailmare like you deserves a good time.
Derpy: Thank you, Rainbow Dash! I’ll seeya later!
Derpy heads off into the air, flying away grinning. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo waving her goodbye.
In a few short moments, the sound of 3 zooming Pegasi can be heard getting closer to where Rainbow and Scootaloo are. It’s Spitfire, Soarin’, and Fleetfoot who have come to see their fellow Wonderbolt in Ponyville. Each landing with a screech in front of the two pegasi.
Rainbow Dash: Hey team, wassup?
Spitfire: Good seeing you, Dash. Just wanted to know if you were still coming to Mount Aris to scout any potential Hippogriff trainees.
Rainbow: I will, there are a few things I’m going to do first. They won’t take too long thanks to this magic gum I got from Twilight. Heck, if you wait long enough. We can just teleport to Mount Aris using them here.
Spitfire: I’m pretty sure we’re all fast enough to get to Mount Aris ourselves, but I guess just going through a portal will at least save our energy. I’m going to need it to do one of my favorite past times: getting new recruits into tip-top shape. *Spitfire grins*.
Rainbow: Thanks Captain, I only need to take 2-3 stops before we head off to Mount Aris.
Scootaloo: Mind if I stay with Spitfire and the others while you’re going? I can keep them company. Besides, I kinda have something I want to talk to them about. *Scootaloo taps her front hooves together while looking off to the side*
Rainbow: No problem, Scoots. I’ll see you when it’s time to head out to Mount Aris as well then.
Rainbow waves to Scootaloo and the Wonderbolts. Then proceeds to blow a bubble from her pack of portal gum.
Rainbow: First stop: Griffonstone!
Rainbow flies into the portal to the home of the Griffons
Ever since Equestria has been reaching out to the other nations, Equestria has been helping out Griffonstone get somewhere closer to it’s former glory that Twilight was impressed by in outdated books about the home of the Griffons. It’s still a bit of a mess at the moment, but ever so slowly the city is being rebuilt into it’s former architectural glory. It’s not going to be grand as it is like it was under King Grover’s rule with the Idol of Boreas. But the Griffins are realizing there’s more one way to build up their city again, even if this is going to go at a much slower rate. The general populace even starting to become a little nicer… well if nicer means they’ve changed their ol’ direct money grubbing tactics into guilt tripping tourists… but baby steps, right? Rainbow Dash flies on over to an old friend’s house, she for a time was pretty much an ex-friend, but after Rainbow was called by the map with Pinkie Pie to Griffonstone they have long since reconciled and connected again.
Rainbow knocks at the door, and Gilda opens up the door.
Gilda: Oh hey, what are you doing here, dweeb?
Rainbow: Takes a dweeb to know one
Gilda: Well, I guess we’re just going to have to be two dweebs mucking around here…
Both lose their composure after a prolonged staredown, and just start laughing at their friendly jabs and Rainbow flies closer to give Gilda a hug.
Rainbow: Nice to see you again, Gilda.
Gilda: You too, Dash! What brings you to Griffonstone, a magic map didn’t make your butt glow again, did it?
Rainbow: I came to invite at least two Griffons I know very well to a Royal Ball in Saddle Arabia that me and many friends are going to. You being one of them.
Gilda: Hm, I guess I could go. But isn’t Saddle Arabia like, totally on the other side of the map from Griffonstone? I often find myself too lazy to even think about going 5 miles from here. Let alone that far on the map…
Rainbow: Hehe, that’s what this pack of gum is for!
Gilda: Have you gone cuckoo? How does gum get you anywhere in the world?
Rainbow: I wasn’t finished, my friend Twilight made this gum to be able to create portals to anywhere in the world after a large bubble pops.
Gilda: I’m sure the travel industry in Equestria is going to loooooooooovvvvvve hearing about this…
Rainbow: Well, we only plan to use it on this occasion and we’re not going to end up selling this.
Gilda: Hey if you’re not going to sell, I could! I bet I could get stinkin’ rich.
Rainbow: Ha, sorry buuuuut, I can’t really let you do that.
Gilda: Can’t blame a money grubbin’ griffon for trying!
Rainbow: Hehe, well I’ll come pick you up when it’s time to go. For now I just need to see Gallus and I’ll be done here.
Gilda: Alright, catch ya on the flipside, Dash!
Rainbow: Same to you!
Rainbow waves as she leaves Gilda’s house and then flies off to who has always been one of her best students in the Loyalty class in the Friendship school. Gallus was very much like Rainbow in that he comes off as abrasive, but once you get to know them you learn they’re truly loyal to their friends. He found that having the friends he had in school helped him feel like had something since he doesn’t have a real family in Griffonstone. He’s currently in Griffonstone helping with the slow improvements to the architecture of the city. Sometime soon, Rainbow finds Gallus walking around the city and flies down. Gallus a little surprised to find one of his teachers here.
Gallus: Professor Dash? What are you doing here? Don’t tell me there’s a pop quiz?!
Rainbow: Nah, chill Gallus. I’m only here to invite you to a Royal Ball as well as a wedding me and the other teachers and staff at school are going to. We’re bringing many of our friends from around the world, I’m sure your friends from school will also be there. I imagine some of my other friends will find them.
Gallus: Sure, why not. Griffonstone is getting better but still kind of far from a fun place to be at the moment.
Rainbow: Awesome! I’ll pick you up when it’s time. seeya!
Gallus: Seeya, Professor!
Rainbow waves as she flies from Gallus
Meanwhile, back in Ponyville. Scootaloo is waiting for Rainbow Dash’s return along with Spitfire, Soarin’, and Fleetfoot. After some time, Scootaloo finally starts up a conversation.
Scootaloo: Sooooo… Spitfire. You’re expanding the wonderbolts?
Spitfire: Yep, a diversifying Equestria should be reflected in our culture. All of our members agreed unanimously to the change. Wonderbolts no longer need to be specific to a species… though I guess as long as they can still fly expertly.
Scootaloo: Well, about that. What if there was another activity that’s sort of like flying, that could be expanded to the Wonderbolts? You’re heading to Mount Aris right, what if we took a look at the strong swimmers in Seaquestria? Call it something like... the Waterbolts?
Spitfire: I’m not sure about that, unless we can bring giant water tanks wherever we go that couldn’t exactly be an option. An audience can watch air shows from just about anywhere. But underwater unless the whole audience agrees to transform via the Hippogriff pearl necklaces, or otherwise get a way to breathe underwater long enough for the show.
Scootaloo: Then the Waterbolts could be like separate shows that give a little more reach? Obviously having something like it in Cloudsdale would be odd but it could boost many seafaring or port cities tourism to occasionally have shows of their own. And as for the audience, don’t forgot construction ponies could perhaps create an underwater tunnel with a large glass screen to watch the show!
Spitfire: Hm, well you do have somewhat of a point. But it’d still have to be something that has to show it has interest. I obviously know why you’re proposing this to me because Rainbow’s told me all about your transformation ability you got from Princess Twilight, but we can’t have a water team if it’s just one pony. I don’t wish to shut your idea down, as even I know what this could do to further diversify the Wonderbolts. As heck, dedicated earth ponies and Unicorns could potentially join if they went and decided to swim in sea pony transformation forms through years of hardwork and training.
Scootaloo: *droops her head sadly* I guess I understand… *Picks her head back up quickly though to remind Spitfire where they’re going* But we are going to Mount Aris after all, where just below it is Seaquestria. If there’s any group that could provide roots for a Water branch, it’s there!
Spitfire: Heh heh, I like your thinking. Well, we’ll have to see when we get there. If you can find the support, I’ll be 100% behind it. It’s a great idea, I just need to see solid numbers of interest before I start another batch of paperwork and marketing to expand the Wonderbolts further *Winks*
Scootaloo smiles, she now couldn’t wait until Rainbow gets back so she can try to find enough interested seaponies.
Back in Griffonstone…
Rainbow: (Alright, that took care of the griffons I wanted to invite. Wonder who I should try next… Hm… Oh, I wonder if A. K. Yearling/Daring Do might want to be there. If I recall correctly, she has a book signing in Fillydelphia)
Rainbow Dash brings out another piece of gum to go see the author of what were once thought to be fictional, but were actual real-life adventures. In Fillydelphia, the book signing hasn’t begun yet but that actually gives Rainbow the perfect chance to see Yearling because she won’t have to annoy ponies by potentially cutting a line or wait in line to ask her. Rainbow finds Yearling in the hall of a hotel her signing is set for.
A.K. Yearling: Rainbow Dash? You’re a little too early for the book signing if that’s what you’re here for
Rainbow: I’m actually not here for that, besides I’m pretty sure I already got the book you’re signing, last time your tour was in Ponyville. I just thought I’d offer if you’d like to go to Saddle Arabia later for a Royal Ball me and my other friends are going to.
A.K. Yearling: I’m sorry Rainbow, but I can’t. But I appreciate the offer. I have always wanted to have some kind of adventure in Saddle Arabia. But there surprisingly hasn’t been any reason to go there yet despite all the places I’ve been.
Rainbow: Aw, that’s a shame. Well then, I’ll be going then. Good luck on your next adventure/book!
A.K. Yearling: Thanks! I’ll say the same to your next Wonderbolt show!
Rainbow Dash leaves the hotel and heads back into the air, she’s quickly running out of options before it’s finally time to get to Mount Aris. Who else did she mention she might invite to Twilight… she then remembers Twilight brought up her parents. She shivers a bit, but I guess it’d be the nice thing to do considering most of the others are bringing their own families.
She blows another portal bubble back to her childhood home in Cloudsdale. Flying slowly to the front door.
Rainbow: (I’m probably going to end up regretting this…) *Rainbow knocks on the door*
Soon, the overexcitable parents open the door to find their daughter they perhaps doted a little too hard on throughout her life
Windy Whistles & Bow Hothoof: RAINBOW DASH!
Rainbow: WHOOOOOOA
Within moments they have grabbed Rainbow Dash and brought her inside, both giving her crushing hugs in the living room. Especially from her Father’s big muscles
Bow Hothoof: Oops, sorry Dashie. It’s just a surprise, it’s literally been years since you actually came to visit us alone!
Rainbow: Your crushing hugs might be one reason why, heh.
Windy Whistles: You know we always miss you so much, sorry if we get a little too overexcited. We understand now maybe our doting over you while you were younger was… a little extreme… but I hope you know that’s just how much we care for you. We’re definitely trying our best to dial it back a little, but sometimes that urge to snuggle you is just too strong!
Rainbow: I know, I know. I still love both of you, but I guess maybe I should start seeing you more often anyway. Perhaps you’ll just be happy to know that I’m actually here to invite you to somewhere I’m going. How does a trip to Saddle Arabia for a Royal Ball with me and my other friends sound?
Windy Whistles: Oh yes! Of course we’ll go! Though say, are the other families of your friends coming?
Rainbow: I believe so, why?
Windy Whistles: Good, perhaps we’ll have another MILF club meeting… Hehe…
Rainbow: MILF club? I’m not sure if I want to know what that stands for…
Windy Whistles: Don’t be silly Rainbow, it just means Mothers In Lovely Families.
Rainbow: Oh well ok, I guess that’s fine then. Buuuuut anyway… I have to get going. I have important Wonderbolt business in Mount Aris to attend to.
Windy Whistles: Of course! Always a pleasure to see you, we can’t wait for the Royal Ball!
Bow Hothoof: Bye Rainbow!
Rainbow Dash waves off to her parents.
Rainbow: (Huh, I guess that wasn’t sooooooooo bad)
Rainbow smiles looking back, and then proceeds to blow a gum to Ponyville. It was time to finally gather up Scootaloo and the Wonderbolts to Mount Aris. Scootaloo and the Wonderbolts quickly stand up as they see Rainbow Dash has finally returned.
Spitfire: Time to finally go to Mount Aris?
Rainbow Dash: Yup, all that’s left on my plans to invite is Silverstream and she’s sure to be there
Rainbow pulls out another piece piece of gum to open a portal straight to Mount Aris, home of the Hippogriffs. Rainbow, Scootaloo, Spitfire, Soarin, and Fleetfoot fly on in. And within seconds, they’re on the beaches of Mount Aris. Waiting for them is General Seaspray, the commander of Queen Novo’s navy.
Seaspray: Welcome, all Wonderbolts! All our potential recruits have been waiting for you. I have listened to your exact directions to find the fastest inhabitants here!
Spitfire: Awesome, thank you General *salutes*
Rainbow: How about the obstacle course we gave you instructions to build?
Seaspray: You mean the hoops to move through? They’re just over there to the right, we did our best to make sure it matched the dimensions of all your trainee courses.
Soarin’: Very good!
Spitfire: Now let’s go see ourselves some recruits!
Seaspray leads all the ponies to 16 Wonderbolt hopefuls. The Wonderbolts take a good look at all of them. Rainbow Dash notices among the 16 is Silverstream. Rainbow Dash goes over to Silverstream to talk.
Rainbow: Hey there Silverstream, you going to try out for Wonderbolts?
Silverstream: Yes of course, Professor Dash! Its… been kind of a dream of mine actually, hahaha, I was ecstatic when I heard the news the Wonderbolts unanimously voted to allow more then just Equestrian ponies!
Rainbow: Awesome, always follow your dreams. I did, and that’s how I got here.
Silverstream beams a grin
Rainbow: Though Silverstream, I also came here to not just help scout out recruits, I’m inviting some of our friends we’ve met across the world to Saddle Arabia where a Royal Ball as well as a wedding is happening between two of Twilight’s friends that live there. Your other friends from the school should be there too, in fact I invited Gallus earlier too.
Silverstream: Oh sure Professor Dash! Though why are we going to Saddle Arabia just to see one ball, just because it happens to be of royalty somehow?
Rainbow: Oh uh, there’s more then one definition to a ball. The ball we’re talking about is basically a big party with a big dance hall and/or floor.
Silverstream: Ooooooooh ok, my mistake. But yeah! I’ll certainly go!
Rainbow: Great! Now get ready to try to speed through the course set up as fast as you can once it’s your turn to try it. I wish you luck, it’s not easy.
Silverstream: Thanks Professor Dash, I’ll try my best!
Each of the Hippogriffs each get Wonderbolt trainee outfits that been custom built for Hippogriff bodies. It was just about time for the tryouts to begin. Before it begins however, Scootaloo goes to talk to Rainbow.
Scootaloo: Hey Rainbow Dash, I’m going to head into Seaquestria if you don’t mind. I’m going to see if I can find some fast swimmers there
Rainbow: Ok, no problem Scoots. I hope you do!
Scootaloo grins and then walks over close to a diving rock. She makes a running charge, jumps as high as she can off the end and then transforms mid-air into her sea pony form. The water rushing through Scootaloo’s mane gives the same sort of rush Rainbow feels when she’s speeding in the air. Scootaloo’s wings that have barely grown since she was born is actually somewhat of an asset as she’s more hydrodynamic, even though Hippogriffs get water wings when they transform they still somewhat slow them down since it detracts from the ideal teardrop shape of the body through water. Her small wings are barely a hindrance for her small body that torpedoes through the water, Scootaloo knows her wings are likely to stay as small as they are even as she gets to Rainbow’s age. Which means she’ll only get more hydrodynamic as she gets older as her seapony tail gets bigger, longer, and able to tread through water better, likely making even her current speeds as a filly seem slow.
Scootaloo quickly gets to the wonder of the world that is the underwater city of Seaquestria. Before looking to find particularly fast Seaponies she decides to visit a new friend she got to know the first time she was here. Terramar is currently with his mother Ocean Flow, in his Seaquestria home. Scootaloo knocks on the door of the underwater home. Answering the door is Ocean Flow.
Ocean Flow: Oh! If it isn’t Scootaloo, back here after enjoying Seaquestria so much the first time, huh? Are you here to visit Terramar?
Scootaloo: I suppose in this case, yes. Though I’m also going to be looking soon for some of the fastest swimmers in Seaquestria! I don’t suppose you and/or Terramar are particularly strong swimmers?
Ocean Flow: I’m afraid we’re both pretty par for the course here, but I wish you luck!
Scootaloo: No worries
Terramar swims down hearing a conversation and sees Scootaloo has come to visit.
Terramar: Oh hello Scootaloo, it’s nice to see you again!
Scootaloo: Nice to see you, too!
Terramar: Are your other friends back here as well?
Scootaloo: No, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom are both currently in Ponyville I think. I came with Rainbow Dash and the Wonderbolts this time!
Terramar: Oh awesome! I did hear they came here to find potential Hippogriff wonderbolts. I’d attempt to try out, but I spend so much time as a hippogriff and a sea pony that while I’m pretty decent at both flying and swimming I’m not particularly strong in either skill.
Scootaloo: A jack-of-all-trades here, I take it?
Terramar: I suppose, yeah
Scootaloo: At least that means you’re pretty versatile, though I did come here looking for the particularly strong swimmers in hopes there’s enough here to make the Wonderbolts consider a swimming team branch. I already asked Spitfire if she was open to the idea and she was, she just needs to see if there’s legit interest from the best swimmers here.
Terramar: That sounds cool! I’m afraid I don’t keep up with who are the fastest swimmers here, but I hope you find some you are looking for.
Scootaloo: Alright, thanks both of you. I’ll head out now on my search.
Terramar: Ok, thanks for visiting Scoots!
Ocean Flow: Hope the rest of your day goes swimmingly!
Scootaloo zooms out the door to search all through Seaquestria.
Meanwhile back on Mount Aris. The tryouts have began, all 16 each getting their own turn to attempt the course.
4 of the 12 manage to pass the course with good timing, those 4 were certainly the best flyers on Mount Aris. All the wonderbolts, smiling at the results. Even if the rest are busts, 4 more trainees for the Academy would be wonderful.
Another 4 go through, and while they’re not as expertly good as the other group of 4, they show potential that with the right approach could potentially just need that slight nudge in the right direction. Spitfire noting down what they could improve on a clipboard she’s holding in her left wing.
However, from there the flying quality steepens. As another four go through, and while not terrible they go at about what happens when an average pegasus tries a Wonderbolt course, pretty slow and sometimes bumping into the sides of the ring as they get far in the exercise. They’re unfortunately likely not to make the cut but the Wonderbolts can respect a good try.
The final group of 4 however unfortunately fail the test spectacularly whether it’s bumping into the rings and/or the posts multiple times, or they move through the air way too slow Unfortunately, one of those 4 is Silverstream.
Rainbow Dash: Dang, I was really hoping Silverstream was at least going to have a chance at this. But it looks like at this rate she’s going to be the first cut…
Spitfire: The cuts are always the hard part Dash, but it’s best we hold up to the ideals of your Apple farmer friend and be honest about where they stand.
Rainbow Dash: I understand…
Back in Seaquestria, unfortunately Scootaloo is having a difficult time finding the fast swimmers. Every sea pony she asks just says they have average speeds, nor do they even really know who are the fastest swimmers. Seaquestria has a much smaller population compared to Mount Aris since most Hippogriffs wanted to get back to the life they had before the Storm King. The ones who stay in Seaquestria are either ones that were born in Seaquestria, or there were the hippogriffs that decided they prefer living underwater for one reason or another, so with the possibilities seemingly dwindling, Scootaloo was losing hope.
Scootaloo: Ugh, darn it. I’ve asked a good portion of the population here and still haven’t got anypony! At this point even if I do find somepony else, I’m not sure 2 is going to be enough to make Spitfire consider a new branch…
Scootaloo looks around Seaquestria, she’s tried many of the neighborhoods but there’s on place she hasn’t tried. Queen Novo’s palace, she doesn’t know if it’s going to be hard to get access but if there’s anypony here who might know some strong swimmers, maybe from within her navy even. It would be the Queen. Just around the Palace, Scootaloo sees a a yellow sea pony, with pink water wings, and blue fins. She hasn’t asked that one yet if they were fast, so she goes to see her.
Scootaloo: Hey! Can you stop swimming for a moment, I want to talk!
Skystar: Ooooo! Hey you’re a little transformed Equestrian pony. *Skystar rubs Scootaloo’s cheek* You’re just about one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen!
Scootaloo looks annoyed as the seapony continuously rubs her cheeks.
Scootaloo: Can you stop that, please?
Skystar: Oh, sorry if you didn’t like that. What’s your name?
Scootaloo: My name’s Scootaloo, I came to Mount Aris with Rainbow Dash and the Wonderbolts.
Skystar: Hey, I remember the name Rainbow Dash! She was one of the ponies who came here looking for allies against the Storm King wasn’t she?
Scootaloo: Yeah, she was
Skystar: Are you perhaps related to her?
Scootaloo: Not by blood, and not by any official means, though we do sort of have a sisterly-like relationship.
Skystar: Awwww, that’s so sweet.
Scootaloo: Who are you, by the way?
Skystar: My name is Skystar! Princess Skystar to be precise, but you can just call me Star for short.
Scootaloo: Well nice to meet you, Sta- wait, did you say Princess?
Skystar: Yep! I’m the Queen’s daughter, after all!
Scootaloo: That’s perfect actually, do you think you can get me to see the Queen?
Skystar: Sure! No problem!
Scootaloo: Though one more question before you take me, are you known as a particularly fast swimmer here?
Skystar: Afraid not, I’ve always been one to swim with grace more then speed.
Scootaloo: Ah, just asking. I guess even if you were the fastest swimmer in Seaquestria it’d be hard to get you to come with me for what I came for, given your royal title
Skystar: What did you come here to do?
Scootaloo: I hope to get the Wonderbolts to have a water branch. So I came looking for the fastest swimmers in Seaquestria, I’m hoping the Queen knows of at least a few.
Skystar: That sounds pretty neat! Ok, I’ll take you to see my mom. Come follow meeeeeeeeeee!
Skystar swims around doing some spins, she’s not a super fast swimmer. But she at least knows some neat tricks. In time, they reach Queen Novo’s throne room.
Skystar: Hi Mom! I’m home!
Novo: Hello, dear. Hope you had a nice swim, who’s the little pony with you though?
Skystar: Her name’s Scootaloo! She wanted to ask you something
Novo: I see, Scootaloo was it? What do you wish to know?
Scootaloo: Hi uh… your majesty. I was just hoping you’d know who your kingdom’s fastest swimmers were if that’s ok.
Novo: Hmmm… I thought I already sent the fastest swimmers from a request by General Seaspray. He asked for just the fastest inhabitants, so I told him who were 8 of the fastest fliers, AND 8 of the fastest swimmers.
Scootaloo’s eyes sparkle at the realization, the sea ponies she were looking for were at the tryouts all along.
Scootaloo: Thank you Queen Novo! I need to get back to Mount Aris right away!
Novo: You’re very welcome, have a nice day!
Scootaloo quickly zooms out of the palace and heads straight up to the surface and the beaches of Mount Aris where the tryouts are being held.
At the tryouts, Rainbow Dash and Wonderbolts are reporting the results. Already telling the best four have passed and they will be accepted to the Wonderbolt Academy in Cloudsdale. Of the next best group they say two of the four has done just well enough to make it, but for the other two that were declined that they’ll certainly be able to try again the next time they come here. Spitfire telling them what they can improve on for next time.
As they get to the other 8, they’re about to say a blanket statement that says unfortunately they’re all likely not Wonderbolt material. When suddenly a voice is heard.
Scootaloo: WWWWWAAAAIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTT
Rainbow Dash: Huh, Scootaloo?
Scootaloo zoomed to the shore and flops onto the beach, she transforms back into her pony form, catching her breath after swimming so fast.
Spitfire: What’s going on, Scootaloo? Did you find the swimmers you were looking for?
Scootaloo: Spitfire! Some of the tryouts here ARE the fastest swimmers here! We need to reassemble the current tryout course underwater!
Spitfire: Huh, what?!
Scootaloo: Remember what General Seaspray said? You specifically instructed him to find the fastest INHABITANTS. Not just fliers!
Rainbow Dash: Is it going to even be possible to move these into the water?
Seaspray: Funny you mention that, as the end of all of the poles with the rings are all embedded deep within the sand on this beach. All we’d need to do is simply pull out the hoops then plant them down in the bottom of an area of the sea where we can make an exact replica of the course we have here.
Soarin’: Well then, what are we waiting for! Let’s assemble the water tryout!
Seaspray, other hippogriffs, and after being given pearl necklaces of their own, the Wonderbolts all transform into seaponies to go underwater and reassemble the course. In time, they have the same exact course they had on the beach. But entirely underwater. While 6 of the 16 already passed to make it to the Wonderbolt Academy, they said they wanted to try to test their swimming skills as well. And who knows if one of them may just be that ambidextrous between both air and water. For the other 10, it was potentially a 2nd chance.
The top four fliers in the beach course… completely mess up through the water. They are entirely slowed down because they’re more used to using their wings rather then trying to tread through in sea pony forms.
The next four that did decently well in the beach course fare a little better but still struggle to really perform the same underwater as they did in the air.
The group of four that struggled with the course but obviously made a good effort were now doing pretty good in the water. Perhaps these ones were Hippogriffs who were normally seaponies that had a little bit of experience in flying.
But the last group of four? They speed through the course, and even with a bonus of utmost grace through the water. Silverstream among them as she found she was within her element and amazed the Wonderbolts watching.
Indeed, it had seemed like the reason there were specifically good and terrible performances in each set of tryout was because these Hippogriffs had differentiating talent and skill level. The best fliers were the worst swimmers. And the best swimmers were the worst fliers.
Everyone transforms back into land forms to get back to the beach for another evaluation. The Top 4 fliers as well as 2 of the next strongest group of fliers felt bad about their water performance though they certainly still had the comfort of knowing they did well in the flying course. Two of each of the next two groups are unfortunately stuck in a little bit of a jack-of-all-trades situation similar to Terramar where they’re quite not good enough in either skill set but perhaps they could improve but at least they know which skill set to work on. The Top 4 swimmers as well as 2 of the next best swimming group are told they have made the cut for something, although the branch hasn’t really been officially created yet.
Spitfire: This was a great group of recruits! We’ll have 6 going to the Academy. For those who did the best in the swimming course, I still need to fill out the proper paperwork and get the group voted on back at the headquarters. But I think much like the vote we took to allow more then just ponies, this should be an unanimous yes.
Rainbow Dash: Haha! Looks like you did it, Scoots! You’ve helped create the Waterbolts!
Scootaloo: YYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSS!
Scootaloo jumps onto Rainbow to hug around her neck.
Scootaloo: Unfortunately, I’m still probably a little too young to join the branch even if I helped create it, heh heh
Spitfire: Maybe, but I think you’ll certainly make it once you’re eligible. Your sea pony tail muscles are only going to get stronger and stronger. Can’t wait to see what speeds you’ll be capable of then, until then it will be up to the six swimmers who passed here including Silverstream to introduce the Waterbolts to the world!
Scootaloo: Thank you so much Spitfire! I’ll be sure to train and swim until the day I am eligible!
Rainbow: You ready to get back to Ponyville, Scoots? I need to get home to get some final preparations for the Royal Ball. We’ve got everything we needed done here.
Scootaloo: Sure thing, Rainbow! I gotta go see Sweetie Belle & Apple Bloom and tell them what happened today anyhow!
Rainbow brings out another piece of gum and makes a portal back to Ponyville. Scootaloo overjoyed with the events of today.
