Chapter 1: Introductions
A crowd of female ponies gathered in a group around a notice board in Ponyville, all chatting in an excited way about the new racing team tryouts in Ponyville happening tomorrow. When Rainbow dash casually flies by and Scootaloo summons her over to the board. “Rainbow Dash, Rainbow Dash, Rainbow Dash, you have see this.” Scootaloo shouts over to her as rainbow dash adjusts her current course to the young fillies’ location by the board. “What is it Scoots?” she questions scootaloo. “You mean you haven’t heard?” Scootaloo replied “About what Scootaloo?” Rainbow Dash replied. “About the tryouts for the race team?” Scootaloo informed her “Race team?” Rainbow asked flying towards the notice board and starting to read the notice as Scootaloo read it word for word, “Ponyville Pulse Racing Team are looking for a new member of their racing team, and it could be YOU!” Rainbow Dash phased out to a day dream where she was crossing the finish line to win a race. “Are you going to enter Rainbow Dash?”
Rainbow dash emerged from her daydream to Scootaloo staring at her when Rainbow Dash realised what Scootaloo said she smirked and said “Scoots, I’m gonna win that championship.” “Good luck to you but you’ll have to beat 7 times Individual Champion and 5 times Team Champion Concorde on Ponyville Pulse.” a voice came from behind catching them both off guard. They both turned round to see a white male Pegasus with brown and blue hair wearing mirrored sunglasses. Scootaloo obviously protecting her hero Rainbow Dash jumped forward “And who says she can’t beat this Concorde?” The male pony smiled and said “You’re not familiar with Pegasus GP Racing are you?” Rainbow Dash assessed the male pony looking for clues to his identity when she saw the embodied name on his suit flank saying ‘Concorde’ then she realised he was the 7 time individual champion and 5 time team champion. “You’re Concorde? You’re the current Champion?” Rainbow asked.
“Yes I am and to be perfectly honest I was hoping to meet you before the tryouts Rainbow Dash. I’ve been watching you since I heard you performed a sonic rainboom. You’ve got the potential I’m looking for Rainbow Dash, but you’re going to have to be much more than fast in a straight line if you want to win a race or Championship in GP. Good luck tomorrow, I know you’ll give it your best.” Concorde said to her and flew off. “So who is Concorde then Rainbow Dash?” Scootaloo asked a Rainbow Dash who was still staring in the distance Concorde went. “Well scoots Concorde is considered the best flyer in GP flying in the world, 7 Individual titles, 5 Team Titles for the team Ponyville Pulse making them the most successful team in history. He’s the team captain and his team mate Thunder cloud crashed out last race last season injuring her wing and forcing her to retire from competitive flying. GP flying isn’t as well known as running type racing but it’s my kind of racing.”
Night falls on Ponyville with most of the young pegasi dreaming of becoming the number 2 flyer for Concorde, one Pegasus however lies awake in her bed thinking to herself. Concorde’s voice keeps repeating in her mind “You’re going to have to be much more if you want to win a race or Championship.” She then flies out of her house in the clouds to Ponyville library and knocks on the door where after a while a window opened from above her and Twilight sparkle looked down. “Rainbow Dash? Do you have any idea what time this is?” Princess Twilight asked her. “Yeah I know but I have to get my egghead on for the tryouts tomorrow.” She sighs and continues “I need a study session on Concorde the flyer in GP flying.” Twilight immediately sparks up hearing the words ‘study session’ coming from Rainbow Dash and runs downstairs, opens the door and whisks Rainbow Dash inside to one of her book shelves and using her magic selects a large book that lands on the ground with a big thud in front of Rainbow Dash and smirked saying “Let our lesson begin.”
A few highlights from the night include the pair looking at various styles of cornering from Concorde and overtakes as well as Crashes that can happen during races and then a Pace Pony comes out while that is being taken care of and finally Concorde almost breaking the sonic barrier where it finally dawned on Rainbow Dash that she might not be fast enough for this kind of sport, a thought that had never crossed her mind before and then Concorde’s voice came into her head again “You’re going to have to be much more if you want to win a race or Championship.” after a bit more reading up on styles the two ponies fell asleep in the books they were reading.
Chapter 2: The First Trial
Morning arose to a track in the skies with tight turns, steep rises, even steeper falls and a small building in the middle all marked out by various coloured flags and on the ground below next to the building was a start/finish line. Inside the building were all the hopefuls sat down looking at 3 ponies in suits at the front one was Concorde with his mirrored sunglasses the other two were obviously part of the team as they were in the same suits. One of them was a unicorn with a headset on and the other was another unicorn.
Concorde took to the small stand at the front “I am so pleased to see so many hopefuls for the tryouts this morning, today will be full of many challenges ahead of you not just how quick you can fly but seeing how you perform with our team. This is a dangerous sport I must warn you, ponies have been injured in competing in these events that is why we wear the safety gear and are in communication with our team at all times. Good luck to all.” All the hopeful ponies clopped their hooves on the floor in applause when they were interrupted by the pony wearing the headset “I can already see that some of you will not make it past the first test, so now is your chance to surprise me. The first test is one of speed, each of you will undertake a time trial of the flight strip outside one mile down, turn around and back. Only those within 3 seconds of Concorde will advance to the second stage. Also you must not be using anything that enhances your natural performance like magic. Each of you have been assigned numbers when you came in that we will call out when it is your turn to set a time, you will get one try, am I understood?” he asked them all as they all nodded still in shock from his volume.
“All hopefuls please follow me, you will get relevant safety equipment issued to you before you’re run.” The other unicorn said leading them out “When do we get to see Concorde?” a voice yelled from the back “He’s so dreamy.” Another Pegasus could be heard saying. Then the unicorn stopped and turned around “Those of you just wanting to see Concorde should go home now. You’re a waste of his and the team’s time.” five of the thirty or so hopefuls left. “Right then hopefuls, your numbers will be called and you will get your run, when finished come back into the rest lane for the next ponies go. You will be told your time when you come back in if you are slower than the our ideal 3 second window go to the red zone on the left, if you are inside the 3 second window then go to the blue zone. Those waiting to go please get into the white lane ready to take off we will be going in numeric order so please get into line after you have received your gear.” The unicorn stated as a miniature chaos emerged amongst the remaining ponies about their take off order. Once they had settled down in the correct order the unicorn told them the remaining information. “the target time is 59 seconds the window you are to get under in this session is 1 minute 2 seconds you will receive your safety equipment now, first flyer to the track.
Rainbow Dash was lined up last in the queue she thought it typical how she always seemed to end up last out in these type of things she also thought how could she lose in these skies she flew in daily as her job, she grinned as she grew with confidence as the line got smaller over time with only a small amount of ponies sat in the blue zone all looking exhausted as though they gave it their all just to get within 3 seconds of Concorde’s lap time which she was convinced he was taking it relatively easy. She then saw the rest lane wall where there was a team of suited ponies with stop watches writing down all the times amongst them there was one whom she recognised as Concorde with his mirrored sunglasses looking in great detail as each pony flew past as if to see their wing positioning as they flew past, little did she know that was exactly what he doing. Concorde was a racer she thought, was it that he was trying to improve his own speed in a straight-line from other’s techniques? He could almost break the sonic barrier that could be why he is trying to learn from other’s techniques? Then maybe she thought she should be on that wall too. She thought it best that she didn’t in case she got in trouble, she then realised that there were only a few ponies left until it was her turn and moved up the line.
Rainbow Dash looked at the 6 ponies sat in the blue zone, she thought to herself only 6 made it within 3 seconds? Then looked at the remained of the ponies sat in the red zone some crying, others disappointed with themselves, others comforting those that were crying. Some of these she knew were fast flyers and before she knew it her number was called so she took to the sky.
As she exited the turn and flew past the rest lane wall she noticed that Concorde was not watching her. He’s not even bothering to watch me? How could I be that slow? She thought to herself as she then realised she should be slowing down. She thought her run was flawless and when she entered the rest lane and came to a halt she looked behind her to see Concorde following her, he flew to the wall seemingly not even having broken a sweat even in his suit. He then started talking to the other in suits. Then she heard one of the unicorns with stop watches, “Rainbow Dash, 1 minute dead. Go to the blue zone. That concludes the first round those in the red zone you have not made the cut and will not be going into the second round, sorry.” The unicorn informed those ponies. As those unsuccessful parted, Concorde flew up to the observer platform above the building where Rainbow Dash felt her friends would certainly be, She was right.
Chapter 3: The Second Test
“Princess, this is an unexpected pleasure. Are you a fan or cheering on somepony you know?” Concorde asked Twilight who replied “I am cheering on all of the ponies although I have to admit cheering on one in particular.” and before Concorde asked who it was a pink pony used a confetti cannon which startled both of them even Twilight who knew her friend Pinkie Pie so well looked back at Concorde who straightened up his sunglasses and tie then said “Hope you enjoy the rest of the day.” And after a bow he turned and flew back down to where Rainbow Dash and the other successfuls from round one were waiting “Right then Successfuls, in the door to your right will be the next round, how you deal with different situations during racing these tests will test your reaction times and instincts amongst other things, if you can now take off your safety gear and make your way to the next room.” Concorde addressed them all. “Rainbow Dash, come here for a second.” Concorde Asked her as she trotted over to him. “I was impressed by your flight skills not many can do a time like that but your line into the corner was poor. If or in your case when you make it to the final round, these others gave it their all but aren’t in your league I’ll give you some training and I personally expect you’ll be faster than me round here. Now go on, round 2 is interesting.” As Rainbow dash was about to reply a press officer from the Ponyville Express ran up to Concorde who sighed and gave an apology look at Rainbow Dash before walking over and answering the press officer’s questions and posing for a photo.
Rainbow dash emerged into the next room where she was met with 3 unicorns in suits, one addressed all the remaining hopefuls. “Congratulations on getting into the time window this is a simulation exercise, we will put you in situations where your own reactions will determine the outcome you will not have time to think only react the magic will be harmless but don’t let that relax you. Let’s start with you 3 on the left.” He pointed to rainbow dash and 2 others who were strapped into harnesses to prevent them from moving. “Let’s begin with start line simulation. You are each starting from the back of the grid, anything in the unicorn that’s controlling your simulation can and probably will happen.
Concorde is starting from second on the grid, something could happen to him. Good Luck.” Rainbow Dash focused on just getting to the front of the grid but when the other racers appeared in front of her and the starting flag waved at the front she was left behind by most of the field until a collision happened involving Concorde, her reaction was to help Concorde get back into the race whereas the other 2 just avoided the incident. “Next is a first corner incident. Something usually happens during the first corner when everyone is squeezed into a bunch, your task is to make it through, simple. GO!” The unicorn informed them as he and the other 2 unicorns began promptly where rainbow dash kept a tight line in the corner compromising her exit but getting through cleanly one of the other’s took a wide line, while the final Pegasus went for the middle and got involved in a collision. “Task over.” The unicorn said. “You in the middle, you are through, the other two are out.” The unicorn said bluntly as the other two Pegasus sighed in disappointment as rainbow dash left the room through a door the unicorn pointed to. She waited there for what seemed like ages on her own until one other Pegasus joined her smiled at her and sat down in the opposite corner of the room.
Chapter 4: The Race
Concorde entered the room and both of the two remaining hopefuls perked up. “The team has been impressed with both of you but we can only field one of you, so the final challenge is a straight out 3 lap race between you both, understood?” they both nodded. Concorde continued “There will be strictly NO contact, feather pulling, pushing, shoving, or cheating in ANY way understood?” they both looked at each other wondering if he meant the other in particular then looked back and nodded. “Ok then. Let’s go racing.” Concorde concluded before leading them back onto the start finish line where he then flew up to the observation area with all of Rainbow Dash’s friends who watched on in anticipation as a unicorn walked onto the track up to the two racers and levitated two pieces of paper on them. “Choose a piece of paper they have your starting positions on them.” He said as rainbow dash picked one and the other Pegasus picked the other, Rainbow Dash’s piece had ‘2’ on it meaning the other Pegasus had ‘1’ meaning Rainbow Dash would be starting behind her new rival.
Rainbow Dash and her rival took up their places on the grid for their 3 lap race, both focused on getting to the finish line first knowing the Ponyville pulse were watching on. Concorde walked onto the start line between the two competitors raised a green flag and dropped it to start the race. Both took off towards the first corner Rainbow Dash not even a nose behind her competitor just following her to test where she was quick and slow in and out of each corner for the first lap. Coming out of the second corner on the second lap Rainbow Dash pulled alongside her rival, they both looked at each other as Rainbow gave a smirk and a wink as she flew by quite easily to take the lead into turn 1.
Rainbow Dash didn’t look back after that going as fast as she felt she could through the next few corners and then out of nowhere, she got overtaken. She thought to herself “How could this happen? I was so quick through those corners.” She then realised that she was getting left behind through the corners. She took a breath and gave it her all for the rest of the lap, closing in on the other Pegasus then she realised they were on the last lap.
Flying up to turn 1 the Pegasus in front was being very clever and placing herself exactly where Rainbow Dash wanted to be for the overtake, this was happening time and time again Rainbow Dash realised her one chance would be to go sonic down the back straight and hope she could slow down enough for the corner that followed. She beat her wings as fast as she could, accelerating to the same speed as the Pegasus she was racing.
She pulled alongside her rival still going faster and faster, she could feel the sonic Rainboom was not far away as she noticed the corner was coming up. She immediately altered her wings to act as an air brake increasing the drag so much she slowed down and made the corner and the one after that. She only had one more corner to go, she took a glance behind her and caught a glimpse of her rival behind her, she couldn’t stop pushing now, and she had to give it her all down the final run to the line, and that is exactly what she did to take the chequered flag and win the race. Both glided to their own cruising speed as Rainbow Dash’s rival congratulated her, they returned to the pits, both with smiles on their faces.
They were greeted by a small crowd including Concorde, the team ponies from the wall and support ponies from their challenges as well as the press officer from the Ponyville express, Princess Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, AppleJack, Spike, and Pinkie pie who was dressed head to hoof in rattles, flags, horns and a bunch of other things which made Rainbow Dash smile even more.
Concorde stepped out from the group as both the Pegasus landed he smiled and removed his mirrored sunglasses. “Fantastic! Both of you. Great race, if I could take you both on the team I would but the place is for the winner. Rainbow Dash! Welcome to the team.” He said. “Come back here tomorrow and we will kit you out with our official team wear. But for now, enjoy the rest of the day with your friends, talking to them during that race, they never stopped believing in you.” He received a nod from Rainbow Dash who was still gathering her breath put on his mirrored sunglasses and walked back into the building with the team in follow as Rainbow Dash’s friends celebrated with her.
Chapter 5: Training begins
The following morning Rainbow Dash waited outside the building that she had been at the previous day remembering her victory. When Concorde arrived behind her in a suit. “Rainbow Dash, today we begin training to make you faster.” He said. “Faster? But I’m already the fastest flyer in Ponyville.” Rainbow Responded to a Concorde who giggled in response “Your speed is very, very good, you’ll be in at the back of the midfield flyers at your current pace but the team needs you up front with me. Today is just you and me and we will work on your cornering, yesterday you lost a lot of time during high and medium speed corners. You have a lot of potential, personally I think you can be quicker than me. The team disagrees.” Concorde explained to Rainbow Dash who could be seen getting annoyed by Concorde’s little speech who grinned and proceeded to say “So then ‘fastest flyer in Ponyville’ How about a little race then? Same course as yesterday, you and me, 3 laps? I’ll show you how much time you’re losing in these corners.” Rainbow immediately perked up and grinned at her own thought of humiliating Concorde a 7 times Champion. “You’re on!” she said Concorde readied himself on the grid in second place leaving Rainbow Dash on pole position.
“When you’re ready Rainbow.” Concorde seemingly cocky said. “Rainbow almost immediately said “GO!” and was immediately passed by Concorde off the start line who proceeded to open up the gap through the first corner and by the time Rainbow Dash had started on the back straight, halfway round the course. Concorde had finished the lap. Rainbow blasted down the back straight and as fast as she felt she could go round the rest of the lap, crossing the line and up to the first corner she looked at the rest of the track to see Concorde entering the complex after the back straight. She thought to herself “He’s going to lap me by the time I get to the back straight.”
She had underestimated Concorde massively. Then the realisation hit her, “He’s not a 7 time champion for nothing you know Rainbow.” She continued to think as her prediction was correct as she entered the turn leading up to the back straight to glance up and see Concorde passing her, while flying upside down smirking. “This must be the first time you’ve been outpaced in a race huh?” He said still smirking this gave Rainbow Dash a new motivation for the back straight. As they matched each other’s speed as they approached the sonic barrier, Concorde pulled in behind her using her slipstream to gain more speed. As Rainbow looked behind at Concorde smugly that he was able to keep up only using her slipstream, at that moment she saw his wings stick up slowing him drastically as she looked forward she saw the corner go past and did the same with her wings slowing her but not in time to make the corner.
Concorde went past her onto the complex section of the lap while Rainbow Dash slowly flew back to the marked out course knowing it was now over and completing the complex section on cruising speed, to find Concorde waiting at the finish with Fluttershy and Rarity on the wall. Concorde smirked and said, “Brilliant speed down the straight but now do you see how much time you lost through the corners?” Rainbow sighed and nodded.
Chapter 6: How to become Faster
“You’re probably wondering why your friends here, yes?” Again Rainbow Dash nodded still annoyed from the race. “Rarity was taking pictures during that race looking at the turn angles while Fluttershy was marking out the lines we both took during the race, we are going to compare them.” Rainbow Dash looked to her friends and she could tell from their body language that she was quite a bit from Concorde’s perfect line. “Let’s get to work then.” She said and after Concorde smiled at her enthusiasm the 3 followed Concorde inside to a classroom.
“Rarity could I have the photos please.” Rarity gave the photos to Concorde and then Rarity and Fluttershy sat either side of Rainbow Dash for Concorde to start training her. “Turn 1. Do you see my wing angle and how wide I enter the corner? Let’s compare that to how high your wing angle is and how shallow you enter the corner.” The three ponies sat at the front looked in amazement at how much difference there was between them. “Now, there is an imaginary line that your wing angle should be making, completely straight that allows your wings to do most of your turning for you. That is the key to carrying the corner speed. Think you can do that?” Concorde asked Rainbow Dash who nodded. “Now step 2 is the finding the fastest line to take your corner thanks to Fluttershy you can compare both of our average laps note how smooth and wide mine is, and in comparison yours is tight and seems to follow no particular route at all.” He continued to lecture. “Master those and you’re going to be right up there with me and the top Pegasus.”
Chapter 7: History
“Oh and before I forget, the team have a little treat for you in your dressing room.” Concorde said as he opened the door to the hallway. “Opposite my dressing room which is the last room on the right.” He said and followed them out to Rainbow Dash’s dressing room which had ‘RD’ in gold on the door. As Rainbow Dash entered she saw 3 dress horses all with identical uniforms on them, all white with red and blue highlights. Rainbow Dash squee’d and flew to the closest dress horse with Fluttershy not far behind in the doorway stood Concorde and Rarity. “Thanks for making our flight suits this season, they look brilliant, and thanks for doing these and the other designs overnight.” Concorde quietly said to Rarity. “You’re welcome darling, how could I not do this for my friend?” Rarity replied.
“If you need anything don’t hesitate to contact me.” Concorde offered to Rarity who immediately took him up on that offer. “Well Charming, you remember my sister Sweetie Belle? Could you perhaps take her and her friends to some of the races and if you don’t mind could you watch them tomorrow while I catch up with some beauty sleep from last night?” Concorde nodded and replied “Sure thing First race is here in 2 weeks I’ll make sure you and they are on the VIP guest list.”
“Well, I’ll let you make it feel like home Rainbow, we just need to practice those turns and you’ll be the quickest racer on the scene.” Concorde said and left to his own dressing room as Rarity joined the other two. Fluttershy asked the her “Why did you call him Charming, Rarity?” Rarity responded with “Oh his name’s not really Concorde, that’s just a racing name. His name is Charming Charmer we’ve known each other for a long time, one of my best customers in fact. My first suit I ever made was for him. He’s been coming back ever since and most recently last night to make your flight suits.” Rainbow Dash then hugged her unicorn friend as words of thanks escaped her.
Night fell upon the building where Rainbow and Concorde were staying. Rainbow knocked on Concorde’s door, he opened it showing her in and that’s when Rainbow Dash saw Concorde’s display. All 7 of his Championship trophies and other 1st place trophies he treasured but providing the background of the display was a collage of photos ranging from when Concorde was a young to his 7th Championship celebrating with the team. But Rainbow wasn’t bothered with those, she was fixated on two photo’s amongst them all, one where Concorde was in a Wonderbolt uniform flying alongside Spitfire, and another photo of him in customised royal guard armour alongside Princess Luna, she was so fixated on these photo’s she couldn’t hear Concorde talking to her.
“You ok Rainbow?” Concorde asked as Rainbow Dash finally came round but instead of answering his question simply cornered him by staring at him and saying “You were a Wonderbolt?!” obviously shocked and forced into the corner of his room, Concorde just slumped in the corner he was just backed into and as Rainbow Dash read his body language she knew something was wrong and gave him some room, he then walked past her to the display and in a draw underneath the display he took out a newspaper clipping. Walked back over to Rainbow Dash and handed to her in his hoof as Rainbow read the newspaper clipping, her ears dropped.
The Newspaper clipping read “Wonderbolt Rookies crash in mid air collision. Two top Wonderbolt hopefuls collide in mid air during visit from Princess Celestia both narrowly avoiding her. Spitfire, tipped for future Wonderbolt Captain and another hopeful Wonderbolt Charming Charmer were performing a complex routine where it demanded a close cross over but misjudgement on some scale made the routine turn sour. They clipped each other’s wings which sent them on a crash course heading toward the crowd when Charming Charmer altered his wing angle turning toward the ground which Spitfire landed on top of him preventing any further chaos. Spitfire is back in Wonderbolt training whereas Charming’s whereabouts is unknown, it is understood he received treatment for a broken wing in a local hospital.” Rainbow Dash looked back to Concorde who sighed and continued the story. “Me and Spitfire, we didn’t get along well, it was just a matter of time before one of us left although i didn’t imagine in those circumstances. That was the last time I used Charming officially, after I left the hospital Princess Celestia summoned me, she offered me a job in the royal guard which with no idea about my future in the Wonderbolts I took in that moment, I quickly rose through the ranks becoming friends with Shining Armour when Princess Luna returned, I requested to lead her guard and we grew close, she needed a friend after all and I wanted to lead my own regiment. She turned up to some of my junior races i did when i wasn’t on guard duty but I didn’t have enough time to spend leading her guard, racing and being a good friend to her. So I put my passion first to go professional racer, resigning from my post as Commander of the night guard. Had I known that would effectively end our friendship over time I would still be there. I haven’t seen her in what must be over a year now.”
Rainbow Dash stared at Concorde ears still dropped “You were more than friends then?” Concorde smiled and replied “I was so close to asking her to be my special somepony, she talked about wanting one. I thought maybe I could be that somepony, but I could never gain enough courage to ask her.” Concorde then realising Rainbow was close friends with Princess Twilight then asked her “You won’t tell her about this will you? I know you and your friends are very close to her.” Rainbow Dash responded by asking him “How the hay couldn’t you muster up the courage to ask her? You’ve been her friend since she came back. How hard could it be?” Concorde gave her a glance and gazed out the window towards Canterlot “That’s just it, we were too gooder friends. Imagine if she said no, how would that affect my performance as commander of the night guard? It’s best it stays away from her knowledge.”
Rainbow left Concorde’s room and settled down in her own for the night as Concorde’s light remained on. He opened the same draw he opened to get the newspaper clipping from to put it back when he did he looked up to see the photo of him and Princess Luna then sighed.
Concorde turned off his light and lay down to sleep. Just one problem, he couldn’t get to sleep, his only thoughts were about the times he shared with the princess, his friend, who’d he left behind in Canterlot without anypony to be her friend other than her sister. He got up from his bed, opened his window, and flew out in the direction of Canterlot.
Princess Luna stood out on her balcony, seemingly mesmerized by the moonlight just staring at it, until she heard a wing flap behind her and smiled. “You’re getting sloppy Charming.” She said and turned around but nopony was there, she sighed heavily and turned around to face the moonlight only to be greeted with the sight of Charming stood where he was smiling, holding a bunch of flowers for her. “Sloppy huh? Still got round your night guards didn’t I?” He replied as they both smiled and hugged each other, forgetting about the flowers he had brought crushing them in the process. “It’s great to see you your highness.” Charming said while hugging her “You know I don’t like it when you call me that.” Princess Luna replied to him. “Forgot about that.” He finished as they stopped their long hug and went back inside Luna’s room.
Chapter 8: Getting better.
The sun rose on a deep sleeping Rainbow Dash who was awoken by the split in her curtains allowing the sun through. After Rainbow had woken up a bit she went into the lounge area to find Concorde cooking breakfast and humming a tune. “Morning Rainbow, Hope you had a good sleep, today if you like we can work on your cornering.” He said when he saw Rainbow Dash and placed a big cooked breakfast on the table in front of her. “You’re on Concorde, I just need to practise now right?” She replied. “Basically yes, the more experience you get the better you become. But I need to teach you about our main rival. Nasty piece of work she is.” He told Rainbow as she tucked into her breakfast with minimal table manners.
A knock came from the front door interrupting Concorde and as he opened the door he was immediately jumped on by 3 young fillies; Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Applebloom. “Hi girls.” He said with a smile as they proceeded to enter the building with a worn out looking Rarity behind them “Long night Rarity?” Concorde then asked still lying on the floor. “It’s so tiring watching all three of them. Thanks so much for looking after them today.” Rarity answered him sitting at the table and pouring herself a cup of tea as Rainbow Dash finished her plate and let out a big burp to the disapproving look of Rarity.
“Sorry.” She apologised immediately after to which rarity replied “I’ve heard worse Rainbow dear.” Then a “Sorry.” Came from Concorde behind Rarity as she huffed in agreement. “Anything in particular you want them to do Rarity?” Concorde then asked. “Just make sure they do their homework. Then they can play.” She stated while giving a look at the three fillies who nodded all together in agreement with the intimidating Rarity who went on to say “Rainbow dear, you make sure Charming gets them to do their homework. I don’t want a repeat of last time.” To which Charming went red and sank while the Crusaders giggled.
As Rarity left to catch up on her beauty sleep Concorde looked at the crusaders and said “Right, homework you three, I’m serious this time. Rainbow Dash, You can keep practising round the test track if you like, remember the races are either 50 laps, 2 hours or 100 miles, whichever comes first. A real test of endurance not some sprint race like the relay. It’s necessary that you find a good pace you can keep up.” As Rainbow Dash winked at Scootaloo she left to find her pace as Charming and the crusaders sat down at the table to do the crusaders homework.
As Rainbow Dash continued to go round the layout each lap getting faster and faster as she got the hang of where her wings had to be angled for each corner, she was unaware that she was being watched by Charming and the three crusaders from the wall until Charming waved her in. When she came in she was greeted by a smiling Charming and a bouncing Scootaloo. “Rainbow Dash, you were awesome!” Scootaloo shouted to her to which Rainbow Dash smirked, then Charming walked up to her as she landed and said “I can’t believe it, just a few days practice and you’re within half a second of my best lap. Brilliant! Just brilliant! First race will be fun.”
Chapter 9: The First Race: Day 1 Of 4
As Concorde, Rainbow Dash and the support team for Ponyville Pulse arrived at their home track on the first day it was different that Rainbow Dash had remembered with massive grandstands that would hold thousands of ponies of all races to watch. “Rainbow, Today is used to set up the track and for the flyers to give a majority of their events interviews, to be honest it’s the day i like least. All our interviews are together to give you a glimpse of what it’s like when you’re not a rookie.” Concorde explained to Rainbow Dash.
“How many interviews do we do Concorde?” Rainbow asked him but before he could answer a light orange female unicorn in team wear with a flowing light blue mane and tail interrupted. “You two have ten joint interviews lasting thirty minutes each, five 10 minute Signing sessions, 15 minutes for lunch and finally a photo session where all teams in this year’s championship are required to appear lasting 20 minutes then we have VIP question session which lasts an hour.” She said. “Thank you Starlight. Rainbow this is Starlight Wishes, she will be keeping us on schedule this season, telling us when we have to get to the next appointment and other things.” Concorde introduced her. “Nice to meet you Starlight.” Rainbow said offering a hoof bump which was met with starlight saying “We are now behind schedule your first interview is in 3 minutes.” Concorde lent into Rainbow Dash as whispered “Get used to that Rainbow. She may be blunt but with her, I’ve never missed a session.”
As the team went to set up their stations for the event Rainbow Dash, Concorde and Starlight continued to their first interview which Starlight informed them “This interview is for the local Ponyville Express newspaper. Remember this interviewer, they will be following this team every race.” As the three entered the Ponyville Express tent the two flyers were met with a small crowd of all the Ponyville express staff looking to get a support message in to their local flyers. Concorde and Rainbow Dash responded to as many as they could while being lead through by Starlight to the interview room, where Concorde and Rainbow Dash sat down with their interviewer to answer some questions.
“Well welcome Seven times Champion Concorde and his new rookie team mate known well to us here in Ponyville as our own Weather Pony Rainbow Dash.” The interviewer started off with to which Concorde replied “Thank you Silver, It’s always good to answer our local papers questions.” Silver then went on to ask “Rainbow Dash, how much are you looking forward to competing here in Ponyville on your debut in the series? And Concorde, Why did you choose Rainbow Dash when there are other ponies waiting in the junior categories?” Rainbow Dash looked to Concorde who nodded for her to answer “Well Ponyville knows how much i like to go fast and how many times I’ve raced but to do it for an actual championship will be something completely new and i look forward to learn more from my very experienced team mate.” Concorde smiled before adding “Rainbow Dash has the exact qualities we were looking for, somepony who is fast but more importantly a team player, that’s what we at Ponyville Pulse have always aimed for the Team’s Championship and with our pre-season pace i feel that we will be adding team’s title number 6 to our ever growing cabinet.”
After more questions Silver rounded off the interview by asking both the flyers “Will it be title number 8 for Concorde?” to which Rainbow Dash and Concorde both looked at each other and Concorde said “We’re not saying anything until we’ve seen the pace of our competition and how our first event goes. But i have a feeling Rainbow Dash will be one to watch for all the teams.” They bump hooves with Silver and Starlight guides them to the second interview with The Crystal Empire Racing news to which the questions are pretty much the same. On their way to the first signing session Concorde says to Rainbow Dash “I should have said that most of the questions are the same in all these sessions, I’ve been pushing for one general interview session with all newspapers so they can get their answers but had no luck, signings are pretty fun though. You never know what you’re gonna see.”
During their first team signing session both signed numerous team memorabilia posed for photos with fillies and colts of all ages and races. Some asking them to sign personal objects like schoolbooks and saddlebags, bedroom posters and more some fans even giving the flyers gifts they’d made.
More interviews and signing sessions went past the same questions being asked in every interview signing sessions becoming the obvious highlight for Day 1 of an event. It was no time for the annual photo of competitors at the start of the season. Photo finish was arranging the teams how she wanted putting the current Team’s Champions being Ponyville Pulse in the middle when Rainbow Dash recognised the Cloudsdale team made up of Spitfire and Soarin.”Concorde, aren’t they the Wonderbolts?” Rainbow Dash whispered to Concorde who immediately looked in their direction and whispered back “Seems the Wonderbolts are representing Cloudsdale now, this is interesting. Cloudsdale were always a midfield pack who could sometimes race up front but looks like they are going all out to win this year.”
After the photos of each team had been taken and the big photo with all entrants had been taken, the full entry list was available for all teams to see along with the colour that would represent them;
Team Name Number Flyers
Ponyville Pulse 1 Concorde
2 Rainbow Dash
Canterlot Cavalry 3 Starfire Flash
4 Lightning Streak
Crystal Empire Racing 5 Star sparks
6 Nimbus
Cloudsdale WonderBolts 7 Spitfire
8 Soarin
Manehatten Manticores 9 Ruby Wing
10 Emerald Wing
Trottingham Toucans 11 Bolt
12 Skipper
Saddle Arabia Swifts 13 Firefly
14 Bluebird
Winsome Falls Wasps 15 Nismo
16 Rochelle
Team Las Pegasus 17 Fives
18 Echo
Fillydelphia Flyers 19 Free Breeze
20 Rex
Horseshoe Bay Hummingbirds 21 Wave Rider
22 Ishani
Appleloosa Aviators 23 Waxer
24 Mayday
“Time for the VIP session Rainbow. Don’t worry, it’s not like the other interviews, and your friends will be there to talk to after the short question session.” Concorde said as he and Rainbow Dash flew to the newly constructed Ponyville Pulse team tent to mingle with their VIP’s and have a casual question session from some of the high society ponies who had paid for a more exclusive race experience. After the questions and socialising everypony returned to their own beds to get some rest for the first practice day of the weekend, Flyers dreaming of winning or getting a good result to start the season with their team.
Chapter 10: The First Race: Day 2 of 4
Morning rose on the first day of track action at the Ponyville track where spectators were already coming through the gates, the merchandise stalls were up and selling, and all the teams were setting up for the first practice session and the first opportunity to see what the other flyers were like and more importantly how fast they were going. In the Ponyville Pulse slot as Concorde and Rainbow Dash entered they were met with the whole team giving them a warm welcome clopping their hooves on the floor as the two flyers then went round and spoke to each member as they got themselves ready for the first practice session.
As the crowd continued cheering for their favourite flyers a voice from the announcer quickly quieted them down. He read the entry list in reverse order starting with the Appleloosa Aviators of Waxer and Mayday which was met with a quiet cheer. Following that the Horseshoe Bay Hummingbirds which was met with a cheer slightly louder. And so on until The Cloudsdale Wonderbolts in which the entire crowd erupted for two of the best known flyers in Equestria Spitfire and Soarin. The Crystal empire team received a cheer that was noticeably lower in volume as was the Canterlot team. Then the local team of Ponyville Pulse was announced and the local crowd roared and matched the cheer for the Wonderbolts.
After the introduction of all the teams they flew out in numerical order, Ponyville Pulse of Concorde and Rainbow Dash accelerated quickly to leave some space between them and the Canterlot team for their local fans to cheer for them. After they completed their parade lap they all returned to their team’s pit where the hour long practice session started some of the lower teams went straight back out while the top teams waited for a bit after their spotters could see all the wind directions for each corner to let them know what they faced. While waiting for this information Rainbow Dash went over to Concorde. “Did you see the banners? So awesome!” She squealed. “It never gets old Rainbow, each time I go out there it’s always brought a smile to my face.” Concorde responded.
“Wind coming from south east, be careful down the back straight guys. GO! GO! GO!” The unicorn shouted at them both. As Concorde and Rainbow Dash flew out of their pits Concord Said “Don’t worry about setting a time, just get into a quick rhythm you’re comfortable with. And watch out for flyers behind you on a lap.” Rainbow Dash nodded as Concorde took off from the pits and was met with a roar from the local crowd which seemed to start again as Rainbow Dash left the pits boosting her confidence as she followed in Concorde’s tow around the first lap to get her up to speed and then for the next hour in stints of 10 laps or so the times began to come down as each flyer registered their best time over the hour getting used to the fastest line around the circuit. At the end of the session the order was as follows with Ponyville Pulse leading the way with Concorde and Rainbow Dash coming in the top 5 on her first official outing.
Pos Flyer Time Time Behind Time Behind Leader
1 Concorde 1:31.349 +0.000 +0.000
2 Spitfire 1:31.487 +0.138 +0.138
3 Soarin 1:31.699 +0.212 +0.350
4 Star Sparks 1:31.982 +0.283 +0.633
5 Rainbow Dash 1:32.038 +0.056 +0.689
6 Nimbus 1:32.364 +0.326 +1.015
7 Starfire Flash 1:32.390 +0.026 +1.041
8 Lightning streak 1:32.809 +0.419 +1.460
9 Echo 1:33.723 +0.914 +2.374
10 Free Breeze 1:33.879 +0.156 +2.530
11 Nismo 1:33.975 +0.094 +2.624
12 Rex 1:34.012 +0.038 +2.662
13 Wave Rider 1:34.341 +0.329 +2.991
14 Firefly 1:34.348 +0.007 +2.998
15 Emerald Wing 1:34.414 +0.066 +3.064
16 Bolt 1:35.003 +0.589 +3.653
17 Ishani 1:35.109 +0.106 +3.759
18 Ruby Wing 1:35.306 +0.197 +3.956
19 Mayday 1:35.421 +0.115 +4.071
20 Skipper 1:35.732 +0.311 +4.382
21 Rochelle 1:35.819 +0.087 +4.469
22 Fives 1:36.387 +0.568 +5.037
23 Bluebird 1:36.412 +0.025 +5.062
24 Waxer 1:37.921 +1.509 +6.571
To be added to at some point in the future.
