open Ponyville Weather Team

[Illiad Easle 3,128]

@Skylight Scintillate

Sandy's eyes went WIDE as Sunshower rattled off a whole bunch of weather jargon, her head was still spinning by the time Rainbow finished demonstrating, so she didn't get much benefit out of it, "Sorry, that was a whole lot all at once. I don't know anything about any of that..." She seemed a bit more shaken in her resolve, questioning whether she did have it in her, if all these concepts were apparently common knowledge to the others, "I just..." she sighed, "All I know is pushing clouds around with my hooves. It's all I needed to know before. It looks like I'm lacking more knowledge and experience than I thought. Could we, maybe, take things a bit slower? One step at a time?"

[Rainbow Dash]

@Illiad Easle

"Oh," Sunshower Raindrops said, kind of disappointed that Sandy Fire didn't exactly understand. She pondered for a minute before speaking up. "How about I create the cloud at a slower pace and Rainbow Dash explains? She can explain it without all the fancy vocabulary."

"What? But I'm not good at explaining things..." Rainbow Dash stammered. However, Sunshower Raindrops had already flown off, starting to gather the clouds.

"Oh well, here goes nothing. So she's gathering all the clouds in one spot. She's also using magic to pull water from the air into the clouds right now. However, if there was a fire, you want to keep the air around the fire humid to slow its spread. Now she is flying around it and using her pegasus magic to squeeze the cloud together. It needs to be dark and dense for firefighting," Rainbow Dash explained as Sunshower Raindrops did it. 

Sunshower Raindrops flew over after she finished. "You see, this is how you create a firefighting cloud in a minute. Does it make sense now?" she asked.

[Illiad Easle 3,128]

@Skylight Scintillate

Sandy looked confused still, but a little less than before, "A little? I guess the bigger issue is that I don't know much about pegasus magic. You mentioned using it to pull water out of the air and compressing the cloud, how do you do that? I mean, you make it sound so intuitive, commonplace, but I've never heard of pegasi doing that before."

[Rainbow Dash]

@Illiad Easle 

"Hmm, you know how in order for all pegasi to fly, they have to push air down with magic from their wings? Like without magic, us pegasi would literally be to heavy to fly just by flapping our wings. And you know how the clouds interact with our pegasi magic so we can push them around and sit on them? So here's what I want you to try and do. Feel the magic flowing out of your wings. Then, try and grab the moisture in the air and condense it into the cloud. Does that make sense?" Sunshower Raindrops said as she did exactly what she was saying.

Rainbow Dash could feel the air around them become slightly drier as the cloud they were sitting on grew a little. Rainbow Dash knew what Sunshower Raindrops was talking about, so she only half paid attention as she glanced around the tops of the Everfree Forest.

[Illiad Easle 3,128]

@Skylight Scintillate

Sandy looked a little embarrassed, "I guess I never really thought about it before, I just kind of took it for granted that we could fly and interact with clouds. Those things just happen passively, so I guess I've never tried using my magic actively before."

She took a deep breath, closing her eyes as she stretched out her wings, trying to feel what Sunshower was describing. She remembered one of the unicorns from Dappleshore describing telekinesis as reaching out without moving moving their hoof, maybe if she tried that with her wings? She envisioned herself using her wings to gather water, like dew on a field, without moving her wings.

Hesitantly she would open her eyes, "Did I do it?"

[Rainbow Dash]

@Illiad Easle 

Sandy Fire would open her eyes to see Rainbow Dash hidden in a cloud. "I don't know, you tell me; I'm stuck in a cloud," Rainbow Dash joked, which caused Sunshower to giggle. Rainbow Dash shock the cloud off of herself while smirking at Sandy. "That was actually pretty decent for your supposed first time of using your pegasus magic for this. Are you sure you aren't faking not knowing?" Sunshower Raindrops joked. "The only thing is to make sure you aim for the cloud we are sitting on and now Rainbow Dash. Now that you know what you are doing, you want to hold the moisture inside the cloud for the second part. Now, do you want to try to create a rain cloud again?" Sunshower Raindrops asked.

[Illiad Easle 3,128]

@Skylight Scintillate

Sandy recoiled in shock at what she saw, "Did, did I do that? No... you guys are foaling with me, that was too easy! I couldn't have done all that, could I?"

Assuming they assured her that she had in fact managed to do that, she would gain a bit of confidence, "Alright, sure, I can try again."

She would take to the sky again and focus like she had before, this time envisioning herself dragging her wings as she circled the sky to collect the moisture, resulting in a cloud forming and dragging along behind her. She gradually brought the spiral in tighter, looping the cloud back in on itself until it ended up being much denser than her first attempt, though not much quicker as she still needed practice. She also found it much more draining than before, a bit out of breath when she stopped to admire her work, "How... how was that?"

[Rainbow Dash]

@Illiad Easle 

"The cloud is definitely dense enough, and you completed it within my arbitrarily required time. Congratulations, you have what it takes to be a firefighting pony," Sunshower Raindrops said congratulating Sandy Fire and brohoofing her. She bucked Sandy Fire's cloud to demonstrate. The cloud immediately dumped a sizeable amount of rain on a small patch of the Everfree Forest below, forming a pretty large muddy puddle.

"Well it's getting late now. We got some weather managing in the morning tomorrow and then the Wonderbolts would be preforming in town in the afternoon," Rainbow Dash summarized as she and Sunshower Raindrops flew back towards town.

"Oh yeah, the Wonderbolts are going to be in town tomorrow! Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh, I'm so excited!" Sunshower Raindrops exclaimed.

[Illiad Easle 3,128]

@Skylight Scintillate

Sandy seemed very happy with the results, as well as with the praise she received from Sunshower.

However, when the Wonderbolts were mentioned, her expression grew more conflicted, concerned, "They're coming here? Tomorrow?" They could see the abandoned shack that Sandy was squatting in from here, and Sandy grimaced as she looked at it. "Is... is Spitfire still in the Wonderbolts? Or did she retire already? Is... is she coming here tomorrow too?"

There was a distinct amount of trepidation in her voice when it came to her question, though depending on just how excited the other two were for the Wonderbolts, they could confuse her hesitation for nervous excitement.

[Rainbow Dash]

@Illiad Easle 

“Of course she’s in the Wonderbolts; She leads the Wonderbolts! And she’s not that old,” Rainbow Dash explained. 

“Gee, you seem to be a fanfilly of Spitfire almost as much as Rainbow Dash is a fanfilly of the Wonderbolts. However, you don’t need to be this nervous. A lot of ponies are like this when they meet their idol for the first time, and they admit that they really didn’t need to be that nervous,” Sunshower Raindrops reassures, completely failing to notice the reason that Sandy Fire was nervous.

[Illiad Easle 3,128]

@Skylight Scintillate

Rubbed the back of her neck with a hoof in embarrassment, "Yeah,  um, I knew that... And I've met her before." She trailed off there as her gaze returned to what she was calling home, muttering under her breath, "She's going to be so disappointed."

She sighed and shook her head, "I should get going, I'll see you tomorrow morning then."

Assuming they didn't stop her she'd head home and spend some time reading the book that Pinkie had lent her before getting ready for bed, looking again at the picture she kept nearby. It was a picture of her as a foal, just a few days old, with her naturally brown mane, held in the hooves of her idol, her aunt, Spitfire.

 

(The idea I had was that Dappleshore, in order to maintain a stable genepool without needing much socializing outside the community was through the guards. They arranged with Canterlot that only unmarried guards would get stationed there such that they could get married to the single ponies in the community. About half of the guards who got married would settled down there, and the rest would move away with their spouse, thus keeping the population of the town fairly consistent over the years. In regards to Sandy, we say that Spitfire has a brother who was a guard stationed in Dappleshore who is Sandy's father, thus making Spitfire her aunt. They've only interacted in person very few times, mostly talking in letters, so Spitfire knows that Sandy has been kicked out of Dappleshore, and was theone who recommended that she go to Ponyville and to interact with Rainbow Dash specifically.)

(We can change this up if you don't like it though.)

[Rainbow Dash]

@Illiad Easle 

"They met each other before?" Sunshower Raindrops asked. Rainbow Dash shrugged a reply, not really sure what to say before the two split off, heading toward each of their cloud mansions respectively.

The next day, the weather team gathered around again on the cloud outside the Ponyville Weather Team office (except for Sprinkle Medley). The Wonderbolts could also be seen setting up for their performance in a field just outside of Ponyville. 

When Sandy Fire would show up, Sunshower Raindrops would spring a question at her. "So, what did you learn from the book about fire magic?" she asked.

(Yeah I think that works. You want to RP Spitfire then?)

[Illiad Easle 3,128]

@Skylight Scintillate

(I can, but only if you don't want to)

Sandy was surprised at being questioned so quickly, "Oh? Um, not much, I mean I only learned how to do basic pegasus magic yesterday, so the fire stuff is still beyond me for now, but we'll see. I've still got a few weeks with it after all."

She would occasionally glance over at where the Wonderbolts were setting up, as if looking for someone, but she didn't seem to spot them. "So, um, what do we need to do today?"

[Rainbow Dash]

@Illiad Easle 

"Oh..." Sunshower Raindrops said, not quite sure what to say.

"Ok everypony, the night team has moved most of the clouds over the orchards and fields to water them. The Cloudsdale Weather Cooperation and the Wonderbolts wants us to scatter a few small clouds throughout Ponyville and the surrounding farms for this morning. Then, we will all head to the Wonderbolts performance in the afternoon," Rainbow Dash announced, reading off of a scroll. 

"Oh, and Sandy Fire was going to show us how Dappleshore does their weather!" One of the members exclaimed. The rest of the team looked to Sandy Fire on what to do next.

It appeared that the Wonderbolts were too busy to look up either, so none of them noticed Sandy Fire.

(I think it would make the most sense if you RP Spitfire.)

[Illiad Easle 3,128]

@Skylight Scintillate

(Alright, I make no promises as to the accuracy of her personality though)

Sandy was a bit shocked at being put on the spot like that, but shook it off, "Alright, we'll have to go over to where the cloud cover is, in Dappleshore most of the weather work is simply moving the clouds off of the town, so that will help here at the start when we clear off the orchards."

She was slowly building confidence as she went, "Let's all go to the far side of the orchard, then we'll get in a large V formation and push the whole blanket off at once, united like that we can push more clouds than all of us individually could."

[Rainbow Dash]

@Illiad Easle 

"Oh, this is like the way we did winter wrap up last year!" Cloud Kicker exclaimed. All the weather team members fell into formation behind Sandy Fire as they flew across the farms, scattering the clouds. Rainbow Dash couldn't help but to notice the large amounts of clouds that they were scattering and the ease at which she was doing this. 

Before Rainbow Dash knew it, they had gotten the weather exactly the way it was ordered from the Cloudsdale Weather Cooperation. And despite the slightly late start, they managed to finish just in time for lunch with the Wonderbolts. 

"Woah, that was fast, You see, don't undersell yourself, you have plenty of valuable things to offer to this group," Rainbowshine said to Sandy Fire.

(Ok, maybe I should have clarified. What I meant was that Spitfire could be a character that we are both involved in because you would know her relation with Sandy Fire best so you would be able to write her reaction to Sandy Fire best. Does that make sense?)

[Illiad Easle 3,128]

@Skylight Scintillate

(Alright, so I would control Spitfire when she's interacting with Sandy, and you would control her the rest of the time? Or how would that work?)

Sandy was feeling pretty proud of herself by the time they finished the work, especially when she was able to teach them how to peel off with a small chunk of cloud to put somewhere and then reinsert themselves at the front of the formation to allow everyone a turn at each position such that everyone had an equal workload throughout the job.

There was a distinct spring in her step as she was praised by the others for her contributions.

[Rainbow Dash]

@Illiad Easle 

(Yeah basically.)

All the weather team members took a minute to step back and admire the work they did. There were just  the right amount of clouds scattered around Ponyville. It appeared that the Wonderbolts had finished setting up at around the same time too, because they could all be seen standing around by the stands. Rainbow Dash noticed Spitfire and flew over to her.

"Hey Spitfire!" Rainbow Dash called out. Spitfire glanced up and noticed Rainbow Dash.

"Hey Rainbow Dash, I see you brought the whole weather team here along with your friends. This weather team has so many Wonderbolts cadets in it," Spitfire said to Rainbow Dash, gesturing to the rest of the Mane six and Scootaloo who had now shown up. Then, she noticed Sandy Fire.

[Illiad Easle 3,128]

@Skylight Scintillate

Sandy froze when Rainbow called out to Spitfire, immediately reminded of what she had been so nervous of.

Frozen as she was she couldn't hide from Spitfire's gaze. Spitfire raised an eyebrow when she saw her, "Sandy? Is that you?"

Sandy remained still as Spitfire flew over, tousling her mane, "There's those sandy roots, you never told me you'd dyed your mane! Though I am flattered you decided to copy me."

Spitfire scooped Sandy into a big hug, which Sandy cautiously reciprocated, "Ooh I missed you Sandy! Now, tell your favorite aunt how you're doing."

(I imagine there will be some reactions here, so I'll let you respond before I continue.)

[Rainbow Dash]

@Illiad Easle 

Rainbow Dash gasped when she saw how Spitfire reacted to seeing Sandy Fire. "They are related!?" she stammered. She glanced between the two and noted the similarities. She also couldn't help but to giggle at seeing Spitfire reveal the more sappy side of herself for all of Ponyville to see.

"Huh, well that certainly is intriguing. I knew Sandy Fire didn't have a reason to be afraid of Spitfire. Or maybe Spitfire's sappiness is exactly what she is afraid of..." Sunshower Raindrops thought out loud.

"Wow, who would have known, drill sergeant Spitfire hugs somepony out in public. Gabby Gums is going to be talking about this for weeks!" Sprinkle Medley whispered to the other weather team members and appearing out of nowhere, which gave all the weather team members a jump scare.

[Illiad Easle 3,128]

@Skylight Scintillate

Spitfire's ear twitched as the others talked about their interaction, her stern demeanor coming back, "If I hear that any of you caused trouble for my niece here by running your mouths, you'll have me to answer to, got it?"

Her expression softened as she turned back to Sandy, "Maybe we should go somewhere more private to talk, back to your place maybe?"

Sandy vigorously shook her head, "No! No... it's fine, I'm sure they won't go spreading rumors. I'm fine, I only got here a few weeks ago just in time to help with Winter Wrap up, I just started with the weather team and Sunshower over there is helping to train me to be a firefighter."

Spitfire nodded, "That's very good, I told you this town would be welcoming. I've got to get going, but we'll talk more after the performance okay? See you later."

Sandy let out a deep breath as Spitfire flew off, visibly relaxing as if she had been tensed the whole time Spitfire was near.

[Rainbow Dash]

@Illiad Easle 

All the weather team members glared at Sprinkle Medley, but it seemed like Spitfire didn't notice. However, now the weather team members didn't know how they should interact with Sandy Fire, so they just backed away silently and went to the stands to watch the upcoming performance. Rainbow Dash immediately got surrounded by the rest of the Mane Six and Scootaloo when she sat down. 

"Wow, this place sure is crowded. I wonder why everypony keeps glaring at me though..." Sprinkle Medley said, talking to Sandy Fire as she sat down next to her. 

"Introducing, the Wonderbolts!" an announcer declared. which got wild cheers from the crowd (Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo in particular).

[Illiad Easle 3,128]

@Skylight Scintillate

Sandy was a bit disappointed that her aunt's overprotectiveness had potentially driven off her new friends, but hoped that watching the show would help them ease their minds.

In regards to Sprinkle's question, Sandy would respond, "Maybe it's because you were missing for work this morning? You weren't there for my demonstration."

Sandy cheered as well, but not as loud as the big fans, she wasn't much for watching sporting events, but she was happy to support her aunt Spitfire.

[Rainbow Dash]

@Illiad Easle 

Despite the fact that Rainbow Dash was a Wonderbolts cadet, watching the Wonderbolts preform never failed to amaze her. Each twist and turn and incredible acrobatic maneuver they did in the air took Rainbow Dash's breath away. She watched in awe at their coordination while her friends made comments about what they found most impressive. Rainbow Dash knew how to do all of the acrobatic maneuvers they did, but the way the Wonderbolts did it always made it seem so effortless as they made their thundercloud contrails across the sky. 

When everypony least expected it, the Wonderbolts abruptly landed back on the makeshift stage. "Would any Wonderbolts reserve members and Wonderbolts cadets please make their way up onto the stage?" The announced asked. As the Ponyville weather team members that were cadets scrambled out of their seats, Spitfire glanced directly at Sandy Fire.

[Illiad Easle 3,128]

@Skylight Scintillate

Sandy shyly waved when Spitfire looked her way, but Sandy was in no way a reserve member nor a cadet of the Wonderbolts, she wasn't a strong flyer by any means, so she did not move towards the stage.

The horrific thought crossed her mind as to what she would do if Spitfire motioned for her to come up, and unbeknownst to her Spitfire considered doing exactly that, but decided against potentially publicly embarrassing her niece. She simply waved back as she would to any crowd: in her general direction. While waiting for all those who had been called up to get to the stage.