literature

MLP: Top Wings - Chapter 4

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Published: Aug 22, 2012

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Wingracer Down

Tired, and damn early too.

Rainbow Dash and sunrises had a strained relationship and this Saturday morning was no different. Blaze had chosen an outside coffee stand within Cloudsdale as the meeting place, allowing the sunrays free rein to torture her tender eyes. She only kept them open a sliver so she could reach for her Frappuccino without tipping the contents onto the small square table. On her left sat Swift, not much better off, as his head had trouble staying level. His headache had nagged him all night long, although the area around his eye had returned to a healthy heather gray color, save for what looked like a paper cut.

The falcon had just returned from the booth with his fourth cup of four-sugar coffee, passing by a few other seated patrons, all wearing hats and t-shirts with the Equestrian Grand Prix logo emblazoned on the front. They were mere spectators getting an early start to their day, perfect for the trio to discuss about the competition out in the open. Then again, Blaze had done most of the talking, and his professional tone only had Twilight as a rival for most boring. Already, he’d gone through most of the non-ponies, the falcon’s analysis matching what Swift observed the day prior.

After sitting down across from the two ponies, he rattled through the pegasi such as Leeroy Wilkins and Thunderlane. With Derpy Hooves, his comments were short and simple.

“She’ll bring out a caution.”

Even in Rainbow’s drowsy state, she got out a meager chuckle. Swift rocked his head, acknowledging his words.

Blaze scrunched his face, peeved at his joke’s lukewarm reception. “At least you’re both still with me. Maybe one of you can tell me about these Wonderbolts.”

Rainbow’s eyes slammed open, the mention of her idols more effective than caffeine. “Oh my gosh! I totally forgot about them!” Accompanied by a fan girl squeal, “I get to be in the same track as them!”

“She’s a walking encyclopedia about them,” joked Swift. He patted his mouth, muffling his yawn. “Go ahead, and tell us what we need to know.”

“With pleasure!”

Out of nowhere, Rainbow pulled out a chart with their pictures, along with detailed racing statistics. Over the next few minutes, she went over the three participating Wonderbolts in excruciating detail, with Blaze asking follow-up questions. For Swift, his tired mind reduced the conversation into a droning, hallucinative noise, adding weight to his eyelids. Soon, he succumbed into a serene darkness, the lights to come on only after what felt like seconds. As his vision grew back into focus, he saw the skies, once devoid of anyone except mail ponies and the elderly, now crowded with not just pegasi, but other flying creatures as well. Many stopped mid-air, gawking or otherwise taking pictures of their immediate surroundings: a fountain spewing sparkling water with a random pegasus wearing armor as the centerpiece, the pristine three-story building with tall archways representing the Cloudsdale Community Center, and further off, a large white screen with fluffy clouds serving as seats in front, all lined up in multiple rows.

Swift pondered what that was. He hadn’t seen it the last time he was in Cloudsdale. However, a tap on his side interrupted his thoughts.

“Nice of you to join us, sleepyhead,” said Rainbow, giving him a smirk.

Spotting the sun much higher than before, he rubbed his mane. “My bad, guys.” He sipped his Frappuccino, still half-full. “Um, I didn’t miss much, did I?”

“It’s quite all right”, replied Blaze. He padded a stack of sheets on front of him, his beak curving upwards. “While you rested, Rainbow provided me valuable information on the Wonderbolts, and a few other racers.” The falcon then dumped a thick book on the table, tipping over the half-dozen empty cups him and Rainbow consumed during the stallion’s slumber. “Last night, I stopped by Twilight Sparkle’s library, and she assisted me in providing me some reference material. With our combined knowledge, I came up with this.”

Blaze pulled out a chart, with drawings of competitor’s faces along with a table filled with individual letters, each denoting how well they are in categories such as speed, acceleration, top speed, and agility.

“These are just preliminary estimates…” Blaze took out a stick, so he could point at the row with his name. “…but it provides a visual aid in how well we compare to all the others. For example, I placed a low grade for my agility, and—”

“Hey!” Rainbow pointed at Gilda’s statistics with narrowing eyes. “What’s the big deal?” She glanced at her own grades. “You’re telling me our top speed’s the same? What about my Sonic Rainboom? Doesn’t’ that count for anything?”

Blaze struck his stick at Rainbow’s A+ mark. “From what you told me, your Rainboom is a vertical maneuver. That won’t help you for this race, so that does not factor into this chart.” He got a face full of a glaring Rainbow Dash.

“Cool your jets, Rainbow”, Swift calmly replied. Spotting a marker, he leaned across the table, and added another plus. “Better?” he mumbled through the utensil.

She backed off, crossing her hooves in smug satisfaction. “Much better.”

“Very well then,” said the conceding falcon. “As I said, this is only an aid. I do believe we should all participate in the practice race today for more accurate information.”

Rainbow agreed with a nod, although Swift’s hoof wanted to go up, doubting his friend’s wisdom. Out of respect, he kept it down.

“However, based on what we gathered so far, the ones most likely to earn pole for qualifying will likely be either Rainbow Dash—”

“Heh, yeah,” she cheered, raising her fourth Frappuccino serving in the air.

“—Fleetfoot, or Gilda.”

“Bummer,” replied Swift. “What about Gecks?”

Blaze shook his head. “Probably near the front, I’m afraid. Therefore, we must all do our best in earning a top starting spot. That way, we can work together early in the race tomorrow, and keep those two apart.”

Swift folded in his ears, a twinge of pain reverberating through his head. “Well, that’s sounds wicked, but I just hope the doc will even let me qualify.”

Between sips, Rainbow gave him a shoulder bump. “Don’t worry about it. I’m sure they’ll clear you.”

Spectators flowed in and out of the Speedway’s entrances, wide openings at regular intervals on the backside of the grandstands. Within, a wide corridor allowed flyers the room to stop by the food and beverage stands, use the facilities, or continue through some arches into the seating areas. With only the two practice races scheduled for the day, attendance was less than half-capacity.

On the track’s platform, all the competitors had gathered, waiting for the track announcer to call their number. When they heard it, the racer went onto the track, ran two complete laps, and then came back in, waiting for the track ponies to place their numbers in the right position on the scoring pylon. As Blaze began his run, Rainbow kicked some of the platform’s surface off.

“I still can’t believe you can’t go out there,” she grumbled.

Standing beside her, Swift paid more attention to his falcon friend accelerating down the track. “I know, it’s a huge bummer, but the doc said he’s not letting me on track today only as a precaution. At least I’m good for the main race.”

“Yeah, yeah,” she muttered, taking little solace. “It’s just that I brought you all the way here, and you haven’t even had ten minutes on the track, and you’ll be starting in the back.”

“I’ll catch up, somehow.”

Rainbow could hear the doubt in his voice, adding to her own. Being at the rear meant an uphill struggle in reaching the front, meaning more chances for getting into racing battles, and the risk that he could get caught up in someone else’s mess. As Blaze roared past, starting his first flying lap, she sensed guilt crawling back in against her will, only for a gray hoof to poke her.

“No worries, alright,” he said, giving her a wink. “Besides, somepony’s gotta save your flank out there. Can’t do that if I get taken out, right?”

Her worries eroded into nothingness. If anything, she found his chivalry somewhat charming, although Rainbow refused admitting that openly, opting for a playful shove. “Hey, what do you mean saving my flank? You saw the chart. You’re weaker than more than half the competition. If anything, I’ll be saving your flank the next time around. No, no. I don’t need your thanks. You’re quite welcome.”

“Whatever,” he said, brushing off the boast.

“But seriously, I still owe you one. Just give me a little more time, okay?”

Swift hoped she would’ve dropped it, or simply forgotten about the favor by now. Refusing delivery was not an option. “Gotcha,” he replied.

Blaze finally exited the last corner, and began the long journey down the front stretch. Their ears twitched in anticipation for Chicane’s calling out the falcon’s time.

“Forty-one point seventy-two. Certainly not what I was expecting, folks. That’s only good enough for tenth right now. He’s going for a second lap, but we haven’t seen many improving on their time.”

“Tenth?” Rainbow stuck out her tongue for a quick raspberry. “Hey, Swift? I thought your friend was fast! What’s the deal?”

He watched enough of the falcon’s races back at Junior Speedsters to know what usually happened. “It’s all good. Just give him time.” Swift paused a few seconds, and then returned to an earlier subject. “By the way, Rainbow, you could’ve paid for my drinks this morning and called it even.”

“Yeah, I could have,” she replied, matching his slyness “,but that wouldn’t quite be enough.” A light bulb came on, making her gasp. “I got it! We should hang out tonight! Whatever you want to do! My treat!”

“That’s—” Within, he checked with his mind for approval. It was instantaneous. “That’s a wicked idea!” They smacked hooves. “I’ll let ya choose where we should go. You know, so it’s still a surprise.”

“Deal!”

Both turned their heads, catching a glimpse of the speedy falcon taking the checkered flag. It took a moment before the PA system crackled alive.

“Forty seventy-one! Move that falcon to P1! That bumps Soarin and Spitfire down to second and third.”

The workers at the pylon placed number seventeen at the top, while bumping the numbers seven and twenty-one down a spot.

“Next up, number thirteen. Rainbow Dash!”

“Oh, that’s pretty good,” said Rainbow while stretching her wings. “But I can do that time in my sleep. Gotta dash!”

Swift told her good luck, as she trotted to the platform’s edge where a track official held a paddle reading Stop. Suddenly, his gray coat grew much colder, and his ears shuddered, picking up an oily sound approaching from behind. There was no need for a shoulder check; he knew exactly who was behind him. Only Royal Guards posted around the perimeter kept him from moving without hesitation.

“Gecks,” he said flatly.

The striped lizard paced around him on all four legs. “I see you still remember me, Swift,” he said with a slither.

“Unfortunately.”

“So, Gilda was right about your name. Such a shame. I suppose I won’t get any more entertainment out of that.”

“What do you want?”

“Why so suspicious?” The black slits in his eyes flickered randomly. “It’s not like I’m still upset that you beat my agility record back in Junior Speedsters.”

Swift focused on the track official flip the paddle around to Go, allowing Rainbow access onto the course. “You know I did that only because you cheated during your run, Gecks.”

The reptile’s frills opened wide, as did his mouth, exposing his dripping fangs. Swift could almost taste the foul venom, making him wretch in disgust. Gecks gave him a reprieve, closing his jaw with a smile that not even a mother would love. “Ancient history, Swift. I just wanted to give my… salutations, and to offer a proposal.

“A proposal?” he said, raising a skeptical eyebrow.

“Yes, the same one that Gilda offered to that mare earlier. It would be—” His tongue wiggled for a few seconds. “—advantageous having a pony with your skills join us. In fact, you would be a great personal asset to me if Gilda, let’s say, makes an unfortunate decision on the track. I can make it worth your while.”

“Forget it, Gecks,” he said with a firm tone. “I won’t be your puppet to whatever plans you have.”

Gecks sat on his haunches. “Now, now. How can you make that assumption about a fellow Junior Speedster? Absolutely, I’ve made my share of mistakes but everyone does from time to time. Allow me to show you that I’ve changed my colors.”

“No way,” Swift answered right away.

He spotted the approaching Blaze, prompting him to extend his delta wings. “I suggest you reconsider, friend. The offer, I will leave it open.”

“Friend?” Swift muttered to himself, as Gecks glided away. With a snort, he rolled his eyes in the direction of the retreating reptile.

Blaze observed Gecks disappearing into the surrounding crowds with great suspicion. “What did that lizard want with you?”

“Wants me to join him. He’s probably just playing mind games or something.”

Burning Chicane came back on, the passion in his voice matched by the cheering spectators. “Thirty nine point ninety-one! And Rainbow Dash’s so confident about that time, she’s slowing down on her second flier to celebrate.”

Blaze’s beak hung open, his belief that skipping the second attempt was a mistake destroyed by her scorching lap time. “It appears I may have underestimated her speed after all.”

“Yeah, you might have,” Swift chuckled back.

Meanwhile, Rainbow basked in the glory, raising both her hooves in the air, spinning around to kick up cloud dust, and signing a few autographs for the younger members in the stands. At the top of the Turn 4 grandstands was her personal cheering section, all her friends from Ponyville, each safe from the ground far below via the cloud walking spell. The caster, Twilight, did not join her companions in their hollering. Rather, she dove right into criticism.

“Why is she celebrating already?” She rolled open a list containing all the qualifiers, and checked off Rainbow’s name with her quill. “There’s still half the field to go.”

However, as qualifying continued, Rainbow’s number remained affixed on the pylon’s top, even as a few collapsed right after taking the checkers, putting every iota of energy in their efforts. Gecks eventually timed in two positions behind the falcon, resulting in hoof fives all around. When a faded yellow goose thundered by Twilight’s section, she rose up, running calculations on her head. That bird was on a pole run, she thought. She readied her lecture about overconfidence, just in case.

“Hermes Goossens’ time is—” Chicane paused intentionally. “—forty eleven! P2! Rainbow Dash still holds first. Blazious Peregrine is third, followed by Wolfmacher, and Gecks Lizaurus!”

On the platform, Rainbow’s teeth ceased their chattering. “Whew! That was too close!”

“Two more competitors left. We’ll see if number six, Gilda, has anything for the pegasus.”

The crowds parted open, allowing the griffon a clear path to the starting point. Nonetheless, she stopped halfway, turning toward Rainbow. “Thirty nine ninety-one? Is that all you got, Crash? Looks like I’ll have to take you back to school on what real speed looks like.”

“Dream on!” she shouted back.

After Gilda took off, Rainbow did a few exercises, bending her back, stretching her hooves, and wriggling her wings. Soon, she transitioned into poses, not even batting an eye when Gilda started her flying lap.

“Uh, what are you doing?” Swift said, tilting his head.

“Just getting ready for the photographers.” She dusted off her shoulder. “And the Wonderbolts.” Rainbow glanced across the platform where Spitfire and Soarin had their horde of reporters around them. “Yep. I just gotta wait a little longer. Then I can waltz right over there, get some pictures taken, talk about my amazing time, maybe get an invitation to join the team—”

“I think we went over that before. That’s not how you get in.”

“And the pole’s not guaranteed yet,” interjected Blaze. “We still have—”

“—Gilda and Fleetfoot. Yeah, yeah. Not that Fleetfoot’s slow, but I have a teensy bit more speed than her. And Gilda? Heh! She’s never been ahead of me in qualifying.” The griffon crossed the line, unbeknownst to the boasting mare. “There’s no way that’s changing now.”

“She’s done it!” announced Chicane. “Thirty nine eighty-eight! Gilda snatches the pole away!”

“It can’t be! That’s impossible!”

Rainbow ran until the platform’s roof no longer obscured the scoring pylon’s top. The stark truth sapped the strength from her hooves, making her fall backwards. For a few seconds, all she could do is babble uncontrollably, her mind having trouble processing what just happened. Broadcasts for Fleetfoot hitting the track went in one ear and right out the other. Finally, she slipped back into sanity.

“Is this some kind of sick joke?” she mumbled. “I–I lost?”

Blaze’s towering shadow covered her. “Just the battle. We have many miles to go.”

Swift stretched out his hoof, hoping she would take it. Instead, she pushed herself upright, and ran her hoof through her disheveled mane. Angry mumbling came out of her mouth, which intensified with Gilda’s arrival. Rainbow shot daggers through her eyes, but they bounced off the griffon’s stout chest.

“Ah, that’s too bad, Crash,” she said with pompous flair. “Maybe you should quit while you’re behind. After all,” She ran her claw through her bangs. “,this is the one and only Gilda we’re talking about.”

Rainbow wanted nothing more than to erase that smug smile from the griffon’s beak, but she had nothing in her arsenal. With a huff, she turned her head away with a weak “Whatever”, prompting cackles from Gilda.

“You should not be so confident,” Blaze calmly replied. “Fleetfoot could still—”

“Yeah, right, Featherbrain,” Gilda interrupted. “Like an awesome griffon such as myself would lose to some lame-o Wonderbolt pony!” She resumed her laughing just as Chicane came back on the air.

“I can’t believe it! Fleetfoot with a thirty-nine eighty-four! A round of applause for the Equestrian Grand Prix’s pole sitter!”

Gilda and Blaze’s beak came unhinged. Rainbow licked her chops, ready with some choice words for the griffon, but Swift, with a cheeky, innocent grin, beat her to the punch.

“Ah, that’s too bad, Gilda. Maybe you should quit while you’re behind. After all, that is the one and only Fleetfoot we’re talking about.”

She hovered in the air, clenching her claws. “You… you…” Rainbow’s and Blaze’s snickers made her tremble. “Ugh! Whatever! This scene’s getting old! None of you will be laughing tomorrow!” She came within an inch of Swift’s muzzle. “Especially you, scrawny!” Gilda stormed off into a corridor alongside Gecks.

He was more confused than upset at his derisive nickname. Scrawny? I’m not that scrawny. Swift then felt a hoof wrapping around his neck, and pulling him right next to plentiful multi-colored mane smelling of rich citrus. He immediately found the aroma relaxing.

“Pretty nice taunt,” said Rainbow, patting his head. She then let him go. “But you came off too nice, so I can only give you a C.” Her mood then soured, catching Fleetfoot joining up with her teammates. “Well, at least it’s a Wonderbolt that won the pole. So much for my icebreaker. Huh?”

Rainbow’s heart fluttered, watching her idols walking in unison toward her. She questioned herself whether this was a dream, but a self-imposed face slap later gave her the answer. The Wonderbolts’ leader, Spitfire, was now standing right in front of her, flanked by Soarin’ and the white-maned Fleetfoot.

The pole sitter reached her hoof out. “I just wanted to introduce myself, Rainbow, and to wish you good luck. I’ve heard you’re a really fast racer.”

Swift gave his friend a small nudge, getting the star-struck Rainbow out of her mind freeze. “Oh!” Light bulbs went crazy as Rainbow gave Fleetfoot a firm hoof shake. “Thanks! Coming from you, that means a lot!”

“Not a bad lap there, Rainbow,” Spitfire chimed in, giving her a friendly chest jab. “Just don’t expect Soarin’ and I to stay behind you for long.”

Feeling more comfortable, Rainbow returned the gesture. “You may be my idols, but I won’t go easy on you guys out there! I came here to win!”

“Pretty gutsy words. I like it. Just keep it clean on the track, kid. So, I’m assuming these two are your teammates?”

“You could say that,” Rainbow beamed.

“Blazious Artemus Peregrine, or Blaze for short,” said the falcon, giving the Wonderbolts a bow.

The gray stallion waved at the group. “Swift Flying, but some call me Fly.”

All this time, Soarin’ had remained silent, rubbing his chin in contemplation. When he heard the young stallion’s name, his wings sprang open in joy. “Cousin Swiffy!” He reached out and squeezed Swift like a rag doll.

“Swiffy?” Spitfire chuckled.

“Cousin?” exclaimed Rainbow, nearly falling over sideways.

Swift panted out nonsensical noise which weakened by the second. When Soarin’ noticed his supposed relative turning pale, he let him drop onto the platform. “Oops. Sorry, cuz.”

“N–no worries,” he wheezed. “J–jog my memory, wontcha?”

Soarin’ helped Swift up. “We only met once, at the big family reunion. You were just a little colt then.”

Swift gave him a blank stare. He did remember a get-together at a cloud mansion with a massive backyard adorned with flowing fountains. Ponies were everywhere; most with faces he could no longer visualize. “Uh, which one were you, exactly?”

After a long pause, Soarin’ face turned beet red. “I was part of the pie eating contest. You sat next to me.”

A ding rang inside Swift’s mind, recalling a larger powder blue colt burying his muzzle into the baked crust, spilling apple chunks all over the contestants. “Oh, you were that pony. You even ate some of my pies.” He snorted a laugh, as did Soarin’s teammates.

“That sounds just like him, all right,” said Spitfire, giving Soarin’ a poke on his gut. “Well, we gotta get going, but it was nice talking to you three.”

The Wonderbolts waved goodbye to the trio as they walked away, with the media following them like dogs on meat.

“Quite amenable ponies,” remarked Blaze.

Swift continued chuckling at his departing cousin, who gave him a dorky grin in return. “Small world, after all.”

Once they disappeared, Rainbow let out a shrill. “Oh my gosh! Swift!” She rattled his friend around. “Why didn’t you tell me Soarin’s your cousin? You know how totally cool that is?” Increasing her pitch, “I know somepony’s that’s a Wonderbolt’s cousin!”

“Well, actually…” Swift had something to reveal, but staring in her jubilant, magenta eyes stung his heart. “…he’s more of a… third cousin.” A family chart then popped up in his head, throwing him in a loop. “…or was it fourth? Third cousin, first removed?”

She released her grip on him, wondering what to make of the new facts. Eventually, Rainbow shrugged off the technicality. “Well, close enough! You gotta tell me more about Soarin’ when we hang out tonight!”

“Huh?” squawked Blaze.

“Oh, yeah. You weren’t here. I’m taking him out tonight, on my bits no less. It’s the least I can do for what he did yesterday.”

He stood quietly for a few seconds, moving his head between the mare and the stallion. Finally, the corners of his beak moved up. “Ah, well, I dare not interfere, then.”

“It’s not you can’t join us, Blaze,” she nonchalantly replied. “You just gotta pay for your stuff, that’s all.”

“That’s quite all right. I prefer resting early for the big race tomorrow” His wing covered his chest. “Besides, something tells me this evening for you two will be quite… memorable.”

The two looked at each other, puzzled at his words. In their minds, hanging out meant just that. There was nothing that memorable about it.

At the Turn 4 grandstand’s top row, Swift had just finished the events that occurred earlier in the day. Without much fanfare, the first practice race field entered the track, ready for forty laps. However, all attention remained on the stallion, fixated on one subject.

“You’re telling me she’s paying?” said Applejack in sheer disbelief, crowding his face.

Swift leaned away. “Well, yeah. Is there a problem with that?”

The cowpony pulled back, her head tilting sideways, enough that she nudged her Stetson to keep it on her head. “Go-lee. I’m not sure she’d ever offered that to anypony before. Well, she better not be fibbin’ to ya, or I’m gonna have a word with her tomorra.”

“Oh, I’m sure she’s telling the truth,” replied Fluttershy. “I think what’s she doing for you is really…” She beamed at Swift, with imaginary sparkles all around her. “…nice.”

“Well, I hope you two have a pleasant evening,” said Rarity. “Now, you be a good gentlecolt, won’t you, dear?” Immediately, she bit her lip, stifling a squeal.

Pinkie removed her head from a nacho plate. “I’m sure you’ll have a totally fun time. I mean, when I hang out with Rainbow Dash…” She slurped up some dripping cheese from the roof of her mouth. “…I always have fun, but since you’re a really good friend, it will only make it uber, super, duber, goober, special fun!”

“Eh?” Swift sensed the mares were hinting at something, only he wasn’t sure what. Twilight was on the same boat.

“Girls? Why are you acting so strangely? Am I missing something?”

Spike gestured the unicorn to come closer. “They’re going on a date,” he whispered in her ear.

“A date?” Twilight said aloud.

“A what?” yelled Swift.

He twirled from his seat to face them, except that was a bad idea for a pony whose mind had gone bonkers. Losing his balance, he fell into the next, empty row of blue bleachers, landing face-up. A few touches of his forehead gave him relief, as did wriggling his body for any injuries, finding none. With his face hotter than the sun, Swift moved his head up at a snail’s pace, catching everypony staring down Twilight like a parent glaring at a child who broke something expensive. The unicorn muttered a genuine sorry before they all detected his presence. He hovered to their level, moving his hooves around in a swiping motion.

“How in Equestria d–do all of you think that… I mean, she, she doesn’t like mushy stuff, and, and I don’t either. So, so, that’s why w–we get along!” He swiped some sweat off his brow. “It’s just two friends hanging out! How is that a d–d–d that?”

Everypony turned to Rarity, the group’s official spokespony, at least in this matter. Given what she heard, plus being a distant witness of Rainbow’s reaction last night, she now believed they’ve all overplayed their hoof, badly. The white unicorn cleared her throat. “Well, we do apologize if we were being overly presumptuous, but it’s not customary for Rainbow to be quite generous toward anypony. We can only speculate based on what we know, and unfortunately, that’s not a whole lot. If you two claim you are only friends, then we should respect that.”

The nods from everypony soothed his nerves, although that did nothing in getting the word date of out his head. Still, he laughed off the moment, albeit weakly, as he took a seat beside the small dragon. “Well, no worries. It’s not like I’ve haven’t had that confusion come up before.”

“Before?” said Spike, puzzled.

“My friends at Brayside.” He then mumbled, “They did the same thing when I brought up Rainbow over there.”

Sensing the stallion’s trepidation, Twilight changed the subject. “Hey, about your friends? You couldn’t get any of them to come?”

He looked off in the distance at the hazy, brown mountains. “One’s sick, another’s afraid of heights, and my pegasus friend—” He winced with a sheepish grin. “—she’s helping others fight off a pesky Leviathan. She ragged on me for leaving that up to her, but—”

“A Leviathan?” exclaimed Twilight, her eyes glittering with fascination. “Really?”

Rarity shoved the bookworm aside. “She?” With a deep breath, she calmed herself down for her impromptu test. “Pardon me if I embarrass you again, Swift, but about that pegasus you’ve just mentioned? Well, how should I put this delicately?”

“She’s just a friend, Rarity,” he said with a confident nod. “Actually, she’s the closest pony I have to a sister.” With a mutter, “A pesky sister.”

“Oh. I see.” She settled back in her seat, taking out a pair of furry earmuffs from a white saddlebag, sharing one with Fluttershy. As Twilight badgered the grey stallion about the sea monster, she made her assessment within her head. Well, that was quite a different reaction.

Nearby megaphones vibrated, broadcasting Burning Chicane’s lively voice. “Welcome, race fans, to practice race number one of two! We’ve split the field by starting order, with the odd numbered qualifiers going first!”

Chicane jabbered about racing rules, the starting lineup, and how the Wonderbolts decided in playing it safe by skipping the day’s events altogether. That explained Rainbow and Blaze being in row one, with many more lined up behind them in two columns. Swift felt a lump in his throat, spotting Gecks in row two beside another griffon. He recalled his name from Blaze’s chart, Sir Lionheart, a flier a notch below Gilda’s skills, but according to his falcon friend, he was a clean racer. Further behind, according to his count, was at least half a dozen winged wolves having a supposed civil conversation amongst them, with a few looking in Gecks’ direction.

That doesn’t look right, does it?

With a shrug, he joined the others in cheering the pegasus-falcon duo. Spike already was playing photographer, snapping shots with a sleek, black camera. From the viewfinder, he aimed at the flagpony, waiting until he waved the green flag. With a click, Spike captured the start, and with a few more presses, the fliers increasingly became a mere blur until they disappeared around the Cloudiseum. Only the announcer could weave together a picture for the audience.

“Rainbow and Blaze quickly line up, and Gecks falls behind Lionheart to fourth. It appears that… yes! Incredibly, the wolves are lining up single-file behind the flying lizard, leaving Lionheart in the dust! He finally pairs up with the pelican, Steve McPecks, but they have some catching up to do!”

Using his hoof to shield his eyes from the noon sun, Swift glinted slightly left. From his vantage point, the pillars marking the inside track boundary were just short enough for a clear view of the backstretch tunnel’s exit. To his dismay, Gecks came out first with his supposed new partners on his friends’ outside. Yet, as the pack reached the mid-corner cloud hoop, Rainbow and Blaze hit another gear, taking the fight back to their challengers. The crowds cheered on their favorites, except for poor Fluttershy, the shrill sound of raw wingpower spooking her into hiding below the bleachers. Rarity had a different take on the sound.

“Such a loud, dreadful noise!” she whined. “I can’t even hear myself talk!”

Applejack had a different problem, as she fanned herself with her hat. “Consarn it! Why did they have to schedule such warm days for this weekend?” Spotting a pegasus carrying a lemonade tray a few rows down, she flailed her hooves for attention. “Hey! How much for one of ‘em drinks?”

“That’ll be nine bits!” replied the approaching concessioner.

“Nine bits?” A huff came from her muzzle. I knew I should’ve set up an apple juice stand! It might’ve been highway robbery, but with her parched tongue begging for a drink, she departed with her money in exchange for a cup she found too small. She took small, judicious sips while grumbling about all the excessive ice. Pinkie, however, had no reservations, buying her own drink, opening up the lid, and dumping all the contents into her gaping mouth.

Meanwhile, Fluttershy had finally mustered the courage to slink out of her hiding place. She caught a glimpse of the pack’s rear entering Turn 1.

“How’s Rainbow and Blaze doing?” she asked Swift. “Are they safe?”

The stallion was already hovering a few feet above the stands, although the Cloudiseum blocked his view between the first turn and the tunnel’s exit. If Royal Guards weren’t posted in every other aisle enforcing a maximum flying level, he’d gone even higher. Resigned, he sat back down, giving Fluttershy a wink. “All good so far.”

Within, however, something continually badgered him, enough that after the field flew by three more times, he poked Twilight, who was busy fidgeting with camera settings for Spike. “Hey, what do you know about winged wolves? Is it unusual to see them flying together? I didn’t see that yesterday.”

“Not really,” she replied, levitating the device back to the dragon, who resumed his newfound hobby. “They usually work in a pack, just like we’re seeing now. However, they’re also quite aggressive, and without a strong leader, they sometimes will fight amongst each other to establish dominance.”

His head turned toward Turn 3, spotting that Gecks had gotten nearly all the wolves in front of Rainbow and Blaze. They might’ve been going at incredible speeds, but not fast enough for him to miss a few signs of bumping between them. A hornet’s nest was brewing, he thought. When the group came around again, his worries amplified. Behind Gecks was now a scattered mess, with two wolves scraping wings while others of their kind keeping watch. Rainbow was weaving between them with great difficulty, while Blaze lagged a few feet behind. All of Rainbow’s friends egged her on to continue the fight forward, but Swift’s cheer fell far short. At that point, Twilight finally understood why he asked the question. When the field entered the first corner, she faced him with a reassuring smile.

“I’m sure everything will be fine. What’s the worst that could happen?”

Chicane’s voice blared, “Big crash, Turn Two! Several racers involved!”

An audible gasp echoed through the whole complex. Immediately, yellow flags waved across the tracks.

“A big plume of dust! I can’t see a thing, but apparently, a few wolves up front got together, and they went flying all over the place, destroying a cloud hoop!”

Rainbow’s friends galloped across the grandstands, avoiding rows with seated patrons, until they could see around the Cloudiseum. Their efforts were in vain, the tunnel obscuring the track before it, so they could only wait for the fortunate that made it through. First came out Gecks, his head nodding in a sinister fashion. A few seconds later, a few wolves emerged, having a growling war. Then, a larger group exited, mainly bats, owls, and flying squirrels.

“Weren’t those racers near the back?” Spike asked.

“Great Galloping Galoshes!” Applejack placed a gentle hoof on her shuddering jaw. “Does that mean Rainbow and that falcon fella got caught up in that accident?”

The gossip spread like wildfire, and Chicane only fanned it further with some updates.

“Now I can see about four or five still at the site. It’s hard seeing from a distance, but I believe there’s… two wolves, one of the falcons, a griffon, and a pegasus. Don’t worry, folks. We got medical ponies on the way.”

An unsettling chill crawled down everypony’s spine, with whatever optimism was left evaporating into the warm, spring air. Swift’s wings pleaded to take him onto the track, but his mind said no, knowing such an action would get him kicked out. All he could do is wait alongside the others, staring into the black abyss that was the tunnel, holding their breaths for whatever came out.

Pinkie was the first to spot a colorful mane emerging from the darkness. She bounced in the air, proclaiming, “She’s okay!”, only to stop when she saw Rainbow holding up Blaze on one end, and a griffon supporting the falcon on the other side. Bruises were clear as day along his right wing, the pain associated with it written all over his disheartened, violet eyes.

Without a word, Swift blasted off toward the competitor’s entrance to the Cloudiseum near the backstretch tunnel, hoping he’d reach the medical room to see his injured friend. All of Rainbow’s friends could do nothing but sit tight, and cross their hooves.

Learning something new, it was Twilight Sparkle’s favorite activity, other than spending time with Princess Celestia. She was sitting beside Blaze in the Turn Four grandstands with everypony else. The second practice race was already underway, but rather than watch, the unicorn was more interested about the sheer strength of a falcon’s feathered appendage.

“That is amazing!” she remarked. “I don’t think a pegasus wing could take even half that level of stress!”

“I am glad I was able to convince somepony of that,” Blaze beamed. He shook his head, squawking, “The same cannot be said with the race doctors.” He wriggled his bandaged wing. “This would be adequately mended by tomorrow morning, and yet, they said it was too unsafe for me to race. Humph! If they were so concerned about safety, they should’ve addressed those pillars.”

He thought back to an hour ago when he was between the first and second turn. One wolf slammed the other hard enough to send him spinning right into his path. He veered upwards, but it was too late. The impact spun him around, and into the columns, compressing his wing like an accordion. With all he could muster, Blaze nudged himself off, only to find himself right in the middle of race traffic. Fortunately, they all flew around him without incident, but with only one working wing, he wobbled downwards toward the track’s bottom cloud layer. Blaze skimmed the surface before finally stopping a few feet short of the tunnel. From then on, he waited for medical attention, but to his surprise, Rainbow Dash landed in front of him, followed by Sir Lionheart. Their bodies, other than the typical grime collected while flying down a congested track, were pristine. Both not only surrendered their positions, but also took him all the way into the medical room inside the Cloudiseum. Lionheart stepped outside to reporters; giving him the soapbox to point out that the tall, white columns had no padding, causing unnecessary injuries.

Blaze already gave thanks to both of them, but did so again with Rainbow, sitting on his right.

“No problem,” she said, raising her muzzle proudly. “You might be somewhat of a stiff—”

The falcon let out an annoyed screech.

“—but I don’t leave my friends hanging.” She winked at Swift, who was next to her. “Right?”

“Yeah,” he responded weakly. “Hey, Blaze? I wish I could’ve—”

He silenced him with a headshake. “Earlier, you barely saved your friend, and not without consequence. Even if you had been on track, you lacked the strength to alter my course. Besides, I may have erred by participating in this practice race.” His memory flashed back Gecks’ sinister grin as he entered the tunnel, making his eyes close halfway. “That lizard knew something like this could happen.”

*** Start Flashback***

Rainbow, Swift, and Blaze had just left the medical room when they heard an authoritative voice accompanied by some weak whimpers. They soon found a stout, orange wolf posturing over two, cowering mutts. When the dominant wolf noticed the trio, he took a wide defensive stance.

“If you’ve come for retribution, do not waste your time,” the wolf snarled. “I will punish them myself.” He growled at his underlyings who scurried down the hallway with tails between their legs.

“That is not our intention,” the falcon answered calmly. “We just wanted to inquire what exactly transpired on the track, mister—”

He thumped his chest once. “Fangs Wolfmacher, leader of the Flying Wolf Squadron, but you shall call me Wolfmacher if you want to leave here uninjured.”

“Duly noted,” said Blaze.

“I must apologize for my squadron’s behavior. Discipline has been an issue ever since my home country tasked me in leading the squadron to victory. With Gecks and Gilda interfering in my affairs, and the fact I had an even starting position—”

Rainbow stomped her hooves. “That sneaky lizard must have swayed them somehow!”

Sharp teeth protruded from Wolfmacher’s mouth. “Yes. Trying to develop a little sub-group but with my kind, the struggle for dominance can be fierce. With enough time—”

“—it spills out in the open,” finished Swift.

Wolfmacher snarled even louder, his blood red eyes narrowing. With a huff, he extinguished his raging fire within. “Ja, young stallion. Those that started it, I assure you their days in the squadron are over.” He turned to Blaze. “I hope this incident does not hurt falcon-wolf relations.” He extended a firm paw.

Blaze accepted with his good wing. “Of course not. Will you be taking part in the practice race?”

“Nein,” he responded. “I must work in getting the squad into shape by tomorrow. I shall warn you, though. My wolves will be in top form by then, and we will race you the way you race us. That is all.”

Wolfmacher gave a final chest bump before marching down the hallway.

*** End Flashback ***

“Damn right,” exclaimed Rainbow, pounding her hooves together. “That lizard’s nothing but a no good coward! Well, too bad for him I made it through.”

Twilight frowned. “Yes, but now with Blaze out, and Swift starting in the rear, your odds of winning aren’t looking too good.”

“Especially with Gilda’s leading every lap,” said Applejack, pointing at the approaching field. “She’s been slamming into anyone trying to take the lead! That ain’t fair at all!”

Pinkie stood on her hind hooves. “You meany pants!” After a big inhale, she ripped out a long, drawn-out boo. Other spectators joined in, catching the announcer’s attention.

“Sounds like Gilda has earned some detractors out there, but that’s not slowing her down, though. She’s pulling away from Hermes Goossens in second! White flag is out!”

With a grumble, Rainbow stared downward with pouty lips, unwilling to watch the final lap unfold. However, she didn’t need Burning Chicane to tell her who won. The long jeering gave it away, although her mouth curled up slightly at the sheer length of it. Winning was important, of course, but so was getting the fan’s adoration, she thought. When she moved her head back up, however, Rainbow could tell Gilda didn’t share that mantra. In fact, she bathed in her villain status, raising her claws in victory, and shouting what Rainbow could only assume to be heaps of self-praise. The griffon failed in noticing her, but Rainbow delivered a long, wet raspberry anyways.

“Hey! Don’t get so confident, Gilda!” she bellowed. “I’ll be the one taking the checkers,” She then got side slammed by uncertainty, “somehow.” Rainbow turned to Swift. “Got any ideas?”

Blaze sat up from his seat, and began pacing back and forth. “Rainbow? Fly? I may be out of the race, but I’d still like to see either of you take the victory. However, with what I’ve seen, I believe that will require some,” He stopped, narrowing his eyes, “specialized training.”

“Specialized training?” Rainbow sat up, and did a hoof pump. “That sounds awesome! We’ll do it!”

Swift bit his lip, the words specialized making it sound like as though he’d be undergoing a regimen more befitting for a Royal Guard. “Um, I don’t like the sound of that,” he said, shaking his head.

“Relax, Swift. What’s the worst that could happen?”

He gingerly tapped his forehead, causing mild soreness. “A lot,” he sputtered.