The Fast, Dangerous and the Furious

Chapter Twenty Six: Invitation

Not a soul was around the Diesel Fuel household. Not Glider with her tough attitude or even Candle Light’s gentle yet guiding ways. Even Lucky Clover and Vin’s bickering were absent. It was just empty.

I took a look outside, the only place I actually hadn’t checked yet, to find Diesel Fuel sitting out under the cloudy skies above. Just sitting there. Not moving. Not drinking a Pegasus Breed. Lightly tapping my hoof on the windowsill I pushed myself away from the window heading outside.

“Come on I wanna show you something.” Diesel Fuel stood up, his necklace hanging down over his shirt. I took a look over at the driveway only to find that it was completely empty, void of any gliders, even my own. Mine was safely sitting at the store in the garage. We stood out in front of the wooden garage door that I had yet to gaze inside of. Only once had I seen Candle Light come out of there, which was the night before.

With one mighty pull from Diesel Fuel’s muscular fore hoof the door slid all the way open reveling a large dust covered sheet keeping something rather large covered. The air was as thick as the darkness around us.

Diesel Fuel gripped the cloth in one hoof, pulling the sheet right off in one big pull. Underneath it was something I had never seen before. I had heard of it, but this was the first time I had ever seen one. “Is this an autowagon?” I asked staring down at a matte black metal rectangle big enough for two ponies to sit in.

There wasn’t a look of surprise on Diesel Fuel’s face like I had been expecting. He folded up the cloth staring down at the large engine that had previously been inside of the store. This was what Glider had shown me. Not the autowagon, but the large blower. “You really were living under a rock,” he chuckled. “Me and my dad built her. He ran nine seconds flat.” I crouched down near the blower, taking in the sight of everything that went into it. “My dad was running so much torque the chassis twisted coming off the line, he barely kept the nine hundred horses on the track.” A long sigh escaped me. Unbelievable.

“My dad used to run a GTO back where I’m from,” I practically whispered. Diesel Fuel seemed to respect the choice of vehicle.

There were visible marks showing where the glider portion of the Charger had originally been deconstructed and then reconstructed to fit inside of the autowagon’s engine bay. I was utterly speechless in awe of such a beast. This was a beast, which made my former definition of a beast look very puny. And I didn’t feel any shame in it whatsoever. “Do you know why I put you up against Glider,” Diesel asked, his deep voice bringing me back out of my staring contest with the Charger. I looked up at him nodding my head understandingly.

It had taken a bit of thinking. A lot actually. To see what he was doing. I stood up, noticing an R/T symbol attached to the grille. Diesel Fuel tossed the tarp down on top of the Charger’s back. “There’s a saying we used to say when we were growing up. Show me how you ride it’ll show me who you are.” Candle Light was right, we only needed time. “I’ve seen the way you ride, you’ve got heart, passion and a love for all of this.” I smiled a little. It wasn’t possible for me to agree anymore with him. He was right about me. “You’ve got a lot to learn though.”

I couldn’t agree more with him. There was a lot for me to learn, more so than I even knew right now. There were things I needed to learn that I didn’t even know I needed to learn. Of that much I was certain. “I’ve got nothing but time now,” I said to him recalling the debt I still owed. Let the record show I was still enthusiastic about it.

My eyes went down to the Charger’s wheels. They weren’t anything like what I had thought. To be fair I pictured an autowagon being made of wood, which in retrospect was very unfair to them. Instead of being made of wood the wheels where made of rubber surrounding a rim. Low suspension just like a glider. There isn’t too much of a difference between the two, I mean there are differences, but not as much as I would have thought. Diesel Fuel pulled open the door just before climbing inside. His fore hooves traced the steering wheel. “I live my life a quarter mile at a time, for those ten seconds of less, nothing else matters. For those ten seconds or less I’m free.” That. That right there is how Silver Shoe lived her life. That’s how she wanted me to live my life.

That’s my code. To live my life a quarter mile at a time.

“You want to learn how to drive one of these?” My ears perked up right away. Anything that has an engine in it is a friend of mine. I gave him an eager nod. My eyes went back to the pedals stationed behind Diesel Fuel’s back hooves. “The set up for driving an autowagon is the same for flying a glider. Only difference is the steering wheel and gear shifter.” His right hoof tapped the gear stick several times. He explained the different settings, such as how to use the steering, first and so on.

It didn’t take long to decide I wanted to buy an autowagon to. Gliders, autowagons, geez I need to make some serious bits if I want to buy some.

Diesel Fuel got out from the Charger, slamming the door shut without ever having started the engine. I wanted to hear the engine so badly, but I knew that this was a special vehicle for my brother. Yeah, he felt like a brother to me now. Honestly, I felt the same about O’Conner.

*** ***

This son of a bitch is clean.

The previous hour had been spent washing my Eclipse. It was clean as a whistle and shined like a brand spanking new one. All around me Vin, Lucky Clover and Glider were all working on their gliders for the Cannonball Run. I still had no idea where it was located at, but that didn’t matter.

Over in the corner, off by herself was Candle Light, sitting near my Mustang looking over some parts. She got on the ground shortly after, rolling underneath it. Hold on. I narrowed my eyes a bit. The Mustang looks … good! Like it was cleaned and every sense of the word washed.

I trotted over to the mechanic underneath it as she gave it full coverage. “Have you been working on this?” I pressed my hoofs against the hood staring down at Candle Light’s stretched out mane.

It took me a minute to realize she had hummed which didn’t sound like a hum more like a grunt. I got down on my hooves, crawling under the wingspan to see several parts being replaced. Candle Light rolled a few parts over to me. “Slide some of that grease over.” I did as I was told. “Thank you. And yes. I’ve been here supping it up in my free time.” Her hooves juggled several parts around. With my horn aglow I carefully levitated each part into place allowing Candle Light to tighten them up.

“You sure you’re okay with this?” I paused.

With one look at her big brown eyes I knew she deserved better. Candle Light turned to me. “Yeah, it’s not like I do much else around here.”

“That’s what I mean,” I lowered my voice, “all I’ve seen you do is cook and now clean gliders. Are you really okay with that?”

It had taken a while for it to sink in, but I started noticing life became rather predictable around here when I wasn’t being dragged off to fight against zebras or Reapers. Honestly. I loved it. It was nice hanging out earning bits then coming back to eat. Simple.

Candle Light nickered. “It’s not the dream life, but it’s my life.” She spoke with a hint of happiness. That seemed to be the role she had taken, but I knew she could do more than that. Actually, she was doing more than that. She was there for us when we needed her. “I may not be out there risking my life, but I give them something to return to. A home.” That’s what kept me going inside the city and inside the wall. Just the thought of coming back here. There was a hint of a smile on Candle Light’s face. “Diesel Fuel told me he wants you to head over to Sweet Apple Acres. Might want to get going.”

*** ***

So I dragged my flank over to Sweet Apple Acres, Eclipse strapped to my body with a full stomach of Pegasus Breed. The wind swept past me brushing my mane around like it was in front of a fan. This weather might be crazy, but I’ve learned to like this place. My eyes fell on Diesel Fuel who was staring down at his necklace. As I trotted up he took notice of me, holding up a laptop.

To be perfectly honest I have no idea what it was for since mine was working perfectly. Then again the last time I thought I knew what I was doing there was a lot of sparks flying around. So what do I know?

I chuckled to myself. “You called?” Diesel Fuel hummed in response while he climbed on top of my Eclipse. My magic turned the rear view mirror at an angle giving me a view of what he was doing. Pushing down a panel in the hood, Diesel Fuel attached his laptop to several cables which were feeding him all the data I had on my screen.

“We’re doing some test runs near Canterlot. The wind there has been rather harsh, perfect for the tests we need.” I cracked a smile at that. Yeah, that sounded perfect alright. I’ll put myself through that if it means having a glider in tip top shape for a race. “You ready for this?”

Verrruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum!

VERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRUUUUUUUUUMMMMMM!

That answered his question. If it didn’t, my eager gallop across the acre dirt was more than enough answer for the both of us. Over the small hills I went, just galloping, no flying yet but we’d get there. We’d get there eventually. This was a road that would tell me how far I’d come since my first loss as a racer, flier and new member of the family.

The road I was on took me over a bridge overlooking a spillway leading all the way up to a waterfall. Supposedly that very dam was fixed by a superheroine shortly after it came toppling down towards Rainbow Dash. History is so cool!

My hooves slid across the road, taking the jagged piece of cement down into the spillway where a little stream was separating one side from the other. I galloped down the concrete, letting my horseshoes bounce against the ground like tires to an autowagon. It felt like nothing I had experienced before.

Everything was working together in great order, I didn’t need a computer screen telling me that. I could feel it. I felt it as I galloped underneath another towering bridge, which I had counted two of. Ahead it was clear. The path was nothing but cold clean concrete paving the way to the dam should the floodgates ever need to be released.

I took a jagged path up out of the spillway, leaving behind the stream and occasional drunken bums that were too tired to ask for change. The jump my hooves felt from the ground was amazing like gliding across a soft cloud on the ground with nothing but my hooves to guide me.

Above me, a light turned red snapping me right out of my mesmeric trance. My back hoof slammed against the gas pedal allowing me to gently coast to a stop next to a lime green Lamborghini glider. Diesel Fuel had mentioned several glider brands were also autowagon brands, he told me to know the difference. So I know the difference now.

I came to a complete halt right next to the glider, taking a casual look at the beauty. There was a low whistle escaping my mouth by the time the flier knew I was staring at it. Sitting on top of the Lambo acting as a beautiful piece of eye candy was his mare friend. I’ll admit, she was a bit stunning, but the thought of Daring crossed my mind making me chuckle. “Nice glider, hey could you tell me real quick what the retail on one of those is,” I asked curiously. The owner turned, moving his shades down so half of his eyes were showing, he scoffed.

“More than you can offer buddy, Lamborghini.”

Evvvvvvverrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrruuuuuuuuuuuuuummm!

Diesel Fuel stretched his neck out getting close to my ear. It twitched under his breath. “Smoke em.” I didn’t smile. Keep cool and race on. That’s exactly what I intend to do.

Veeeerrruuuuuuuu. Veeeeerrrruuuuuuuuuuummmm. Verrrrrrruuuuuuuuuuumm!

Our engines hummed together, the fancy pants flier letting his hoof rev the engine louder than it really needed to go. He wasn’t humble about his skills. I knew his type. Ricer. The type of ponies who buy gliders and autowagons just to show off. Never pushing them to where a pony has never taken them before. It’s such a shame, sadly.

The mare sitting on top of the glider slid her hoof inside the ‘oh shit’ bar. Diesel Fuel did the same understandably, after all even if I was sitting on top of my glider while I was flying I’d do the same. I did the same with O’Conner to.

The light above us turned green.

We both bolted down the road leading to the outskirts of Ponyville right towards where Canterlot would be. Already now, I could see Canterlot tower looming down on me as if daring me to get there first.

Our hooves bounced against the ground, both of us keeping pace with the other or so we thought. My back hoof kicked the gear shifter, putting me in third, giving me the chance to ride on the gear a bit longer to gain more speed. Flames exploded out both glider’s blocks while the Lambo tried rising up into the air.

And here I thought we were having a fair ground race.

My hoof kicked the gas pedal back sending the needle on the wing speedometer soaring up to seventy wing power. The Eclipse rose up towards the Lambo, its wingspan slowly ejecting out with the gliders steady rise, the mare shouted at the flier to go faster. I shifted into fourth slowly closing the gap that stallion put between us.

Diesel Fuel typed something on his laptop, soon after loud rock music began wailing out the speaker system. My glider shot up past the Lambo, busting a cloud in its elegant wake, showing the Lambo just how outclassed it was in speed. The jolt of another gear shift sent my glider forward along with the speedometer needle now reading one hundred twenty wing power with a steady climb.

We soared past the train station gates to Canterlot, waving at the guards below. My hoof struck the gear shifter down into fourth letting me descend onto the Canterlot road below. The wingspan slowly began retracting back inside, eventually sliding all the way back in while my hooves touched down leaving the Lambo flier behind in the dust.

The street was empty, thank Celestia, I wouldn’t need to pull any crazy stunts trying to get out of the way of oncoming gliders. Diesel Fuel directed me to a refueling station. I stopped, connecting the nozzle from the station to my glider before rolling out from under it. The pump started up after I put in two bits for gas. “You know I always wondered how one of these things works,” I said sliding into my transparency spell. Magic swirled together with water, mixing back and forth until it eventually turned into the fuel that powered the glider.

That’s cool.

“Why don’t you go look around?” Diesel Fuel suggested to me pointing out the dozens of Lamborghinis rolling around. This time they actually were rolling around. Canterlot seems to have taken accustom to autowagons rather than gliders.  “It’s not every day we make a trip up here.” That was more than enough motivation for me. Besides it’s not like I can get into a gun fight here. Malicious ponies seem to be nonexistent here. “I’ll be at a shrimp place down the road in a few. Come join me there.”

I gave him the keys to my glider, galloping off before he changed his mind.

Several boutiques were setup around the block along with fancy restaurants I couldn’t even begin to pay for. As far as I could tell Canterlot had a very diverse population. From ponies to minotaurs with self-help seminars there were all sorts of crazy characters moving around. Even a camel! Holy shit those are supposed to be populating the desert, good for Equestria having all sorts of people to talk to.

An elegantly regal looking red dress inside a display window caught my attention. It looked just like the one Daring had worn. Somehow it seemed to glisten even more than hers had that night. The price tag put the dress at two hundred bits which sounded like a fair price. Next to Daring’s lookalike dress were two ocean blue and forest green dress lined with gem stones near the collar priced at two thousand and three thousand bits respectively. “What kind of a pony would buy these?” I tried comprehending why a pony would even bother paying so many bits for a dress. Then again this is coming from a pony that would spend five times that amount on a glider or parts.

A pony trotted up next to me staring at the price tag. “Five thousand bits for two dresses! That’s a bargain!” He went inside the shop leaving me with my jaw dropped. My brain. Somethings loose, I think. Can’t comprehend this. The other dress sure, but not those.

Another pony had joined me, seemingly interested in my expression at what I had just seen. “Culture shock, am I right?” I blinked, closing my mouth. Standing next to me was Summer Breeze dressed in her uniform. Truth be told it was just an overcoat with a shiny badge attached to it, but it was still impressive to say the least. “You’ll find that Canterlot is a lot different from any District or mock district like Harbor City.” Oh, she knew about that. No. The look on her face said she didn’t but knew I had encountered a place like that in my travels at least once. She nudged her head at a coffee shop. I followed her towards it. “Around here ponies only have to worry about looking good for some boring event like the Grand Galloping Gala.”

“So what brings you by Canterlot?”

We went inside the shop being greeted by the annoying smell of coffee beans. Give me an ice cold Pegasus Breed any day. Summer Breeze ordered a cup before turning back to me. “You want anything?” I shook my head to decline. “Suit yourself. My superiors are briefing my team and I on our next assignment over a fancy dinner. Some race is supposed to be starting, which because of the damage it caused last year to Canterlot we’re putting a stop to it.” I get the feeling I know the race. The worker brought Summer Breeze her order, then we went back outside.

So far the only autowagons I could recognize were the Lambos, which meant I needed to know more. Summer Breeze gave me a coy smile catching on to what I was staring at. “You ever learn about the Dodge brothers?” I’ve heard of them from Diesel Fuel in passing conversation. They sounded like my kind of stallions. “Tell you what, I’ve got something you might want to see back at my office. Want to come with?” I shrugged following her down the street.

*** ***

Dodge and Dodger were one of the biggest known glider and autowagon manufactures in Equestria after the infected had begun to spread. That didn’t stop them though. They were more than just business partners. They were brothers. Pushing each other the way only brothers can. They were competitive, stubborn and most of all innovators.

So why am I watching Scootaloo work on an autowagon? Actually it was the entire Cutie Mark Crusader crew looking a hell of a lot older then when they tested their first glider.

The mare reached out from underneath the autowagon, grabbing for a screwdriver that was then knocked a bit further away. Her head moved out from underneath the machine staring straight at me with her large tired eyes. “Nice autowagon,” I said knowing full well she couldn’t hear me. Scootaloo smiled then reached right through me sending shivers up my spine, by the time she brought the screwdriver through me I was ready to hurl.

Note to self this needs to be my last memory jewel.

We were sitting inside of a barn that was beginning to look awfully small for an autowagon. Then again this one in particular was a bit bulky. I rolled under it joining Scootaloo. A familiar singer’s voice made my ear twitch. “Scoots, how’s it coming along?”

“Mmmmghmgh,” was Scootaloo’s response.

From my guess it was coming along great. In fact it was ready for a test run. Scootaloo tightened one more part before spitting the screwdriver into a haystack. “Alright,” the female mechanic said cracking her wings, “everything’s ready. Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom hop on in.” The mares being spoken to looked at one another with uneasy written all over their faces. They both stepped on the wagon, noticeably missing the hood that Diesel Fuel’s Charger had, but I assumed that was because this was just the first design.

I climbed on board taking note of the pedals being positioned in the back just like the ones in a glider. Scootaloo took the driver’s side, key already being shoved into the ignition slot. The engine started up with a low hum, obviously it wasn’t as loud as the engines I was used to hearing, but it was enough to get one of the first few autowagons rolling. Scootaloo stepped on the gas pedal. The machine lurched forward a bit, knocking open a pair of barn doors before rolling out into the open.

The speedometer was clocking our speed in at around ten miles an hour. With a quick spin from the steering wheel Scootaloo sent the wagon out onto the dirt road leading to Ponyville. From here it looked like it had recovered well from its infectious encounter. Another engine revved loudly next to us with two stallions accompanying it. I had a huge smile on my face. The Dodge Brothers.

Their autowagon sped up just enough to pass Scootaloo. She looked over at them, pushing the gas pedal back further. Her autowagon lurched forward passing the Dodge Brothers. Both drivers started picking up speed trying to out drive the other before reaching Ponyville. All five of these ponies are competitive, stubborn, but at the end of the day these five ponies keeping pushing each other. The way only good friends can.

The world ripped away.

*** ***

Summer Breezes’ last words to me before I left her office were to stay away from street races. Obviously her concerns are dually noted, but irrelevant since I intend to race regardless of the risks it brings.

I found Diesel Fuel sitting outside waiting for me up on a balcony overlooking the Canterlot waterfall. Once I joined him I placed an order for shrimp, received it and started thinking about how to earn more money outside of street races.

Diesel Fuel tossed a shrimp in his mouth. “What’s the matter, Runner?” Was I really that obvious? My face needs to learn how to keep cool better.

Taking a drink from my glass of water I looked out at the rainbow forming at the bottom of the falls. It was a nice place, good food and all, but the location just isn’t for me. I’d prefer a beach with crystal clear water accompanied by nice waves. Diesel Fuel cleared his throat trying to get my attention. “Nothing man, I’ve got my good days and bad days just like anypony else.”

“Don’t lose that cool of yours, Runner, that’s your meal ticket.”

That registered something in me. My bit bag levitated up immediately looking lighter than I remembered. I could not pay for my shrimp. That is how broke I am now. “M-my meal ticket. I can’t even pay for my own shrimp.”

Diesel Fuel put his hoof up casually, putting me at ease a bit more but not as much as I would have liked. “I’ve got your shrimp.” That was something I was beginning to get a little tired of. Handouts. It was nice to start off with, but the more handouts I receive the more I will have to pay back later.

I shook my head irritated. “Nah see that’s one thing I’m getting tired of. I don’t need handouts all the time, I can earn my way every step. If only you guys would give me a job.” I said rather coldly. It was no lie that I was sick of not being able to go on jobs with Glider to earn more money.

“What does that mean, ‘if only you guys would give me a job’?”

“That’s what I mean,” I said taking a shrimp into my mouth. Diesel Fuel was trying to see what I was talking about, but I got the feeling he was just acting like he didn’t know what I meant. “Look, I was part of a job with Glider already. I can work, I can earn money the way she does.” Diesel Fuel leaned back in his seat. “Now if I’m really a part of this family you’ll let me in on this to.” That felt good. It was nice to get the last of my troubles off my chest. Albeit I shouldn’t have said it like that. “Diesel Fuel, I’m sorry that was out of line,” he cut me off by holding up his hoof.

Diesel Fuel wasn’t mad. In fact he was just staring at me mulling something over. It took him a moment of thinking over everything I had said. Everything I had shown him I could do. I had a feeling my time here might even be shortened by my outburst. Diesel Fuel retrieved something from the inside of his shirt. He tossed it down in front of me. “What is this?”

“It’s directions,” he said taking a shrimp into his mouth, “to the Cannonball Run. We’ll see how you do then we’ll talk.”

*** ***

Hip hop music.

Speakers were set up all around the only town in the Smokey Mountains, which was called Mine Town, ironically since there were no mines set up near here. Music blared out in every direction making it nearly impossible to hear the conversations going on in crowds of fliers. Several ponies stood out in the mix, each one looking as if they were ready to stab ponies to death. I kept myself away from them.

My team was sitting over at a picnic table, their gliders all tuned up. I did make sure to mention that for a couple of gear heads that had notable muscle lovers no pony here was using them. Glider had thrown several wadded up napkins at me knowing full well I had been speaking about her. Diesel Fuel got a good laugh out of it though.

I took the time to get acquainted with several racers that had several amazingly built gliders. Some of the ponies here were just looking to race through the mountain for some quick bits before the actual race. Most of those ponies were driving autowagons. There were several bars set up around the area, I picked one and walked in finding a familiar face sitting near at the bar watching a circuit race from Saddle Arabia.

“Pegasus Breed, thanks,” O’Conner said politely. His eyes went straight back to the television after he got his drink.

I trotted over to him, ordering the same drink. Taking a seat next to him I took a glance at the television seeing a super autowagon on screen. “Hey, what’s up?” I took a drink from my Pegasus Breed.

O’Conner gave me his trademark smile giving me the sense that he had a feeling he’d run into me. “Just waiting for the race to start,” he said leaning back slightly to get a look at a pony, “and checking out the murderers.” I mouthed the word ‘murderers’ back to him. O’Conner gave me a serious nod. “Yeah, this race used to be a great way to meet up with other racers, but the years have not been kind.” His hoof pointed out a stallion wrapped in a tight coat that made him look either fat or muscular. I couldn’t really figure out which one it was. That same stallion had a large cigar in his mouth. “That’s Cannonball Joe, he likes to blow holes in the competition. Literally.” With shotguns, cannons and possible turrets that are modern cannons with armor piercing bullets. Okay that last part probably isn’t true since only the military gets armor piercing rounds.

Avoid Cannonball Joe, dually noted. O’Conner pointed me to a window with steam raising up all around it. A stallion’s head popped up only for a brief moment while he adjusted his flight goggles. “That’s Cloud Chaser,” O’Conner said lowering his voice. “He uses cloud coverage to hide from authorities, most recently he’s been using that same tactic to get close to fliers and unlatch them from their gliders.” Noted. Keep away from him. I looked into a mirror attached to the wall behind the bar tender, so far there weren’t any more gruff looking ponies around.

“I’ll have a Wild West bottle.”

My ears shot up a little. That sounded like … I looked over to the other end of the bar spying Daring in her pith helmet. “I’ll be right back,” I uttered to O’Conner who had gone back to staring at the television.

I moved all the way down to the other end of the bar, taking a seat right next to Daring Adventure. There was a long pause before she finally looked at me. We had some issues to work out. “You really need to quit following me I’m pretty sure you’re stalking me now.” Daring mused before taking a drink.

“It’s called persistence.”

“Oh is that what we’re calling it now,” she teased back.

I laughed with her, taking a drink from my Pegasus Breed. This is what I miss. Just being able to hang with Daring, enjoying a drink and joking around. Honestly it’s probably the only good thing that came out of my time with her and the others. “Listen, Daring about what went down. About what I said, I’m sorry. I had no right.” Daring put her wing up, keeping me quiet.

Daring Adventure groaned rolling her eyes. “I don’t want an apology, I know you’re sorry. So am I.” I nodded in agreement. This mare speaks my language. “Now that were on the same page, let’s move on and stop apologizing to each other’s sorry asses.” I laughed and clanked glasses with Daring. This might be the weirdest apology I’ve ever heard or ever given, but buck it we’ve got better things to do with our lives. We looked into each other’s eyes to make sure we were moving on from this at the same time. And, moved on.

“Can I ask you something,” I questioned Daring. She brushed her mane a little humming in response. “I know how to possibly cure the infected, but your own of two X factors I need to know I can depend on.” Daring nodded at me with a smile. There wasn’t a doubt that she wouldn’t say yes to helping me now. That’s one thing I admire about Daring. No matter what it was we could put our feelings and emotions aside to get a job done.

“As long as this doesn’t end in you releasing a beast,” she cooed.

“Please stop bringing up the glider factory.” I tried burying my face in my hooves recalling that entire incident detail by little detail. Daring slowly turned her head to me with the slyest smile. Of course, I was never going to hear the end of this. I gave her a pat on the shoulder thanking her for being available to help me when I need it.

I moved back to the other end of the bar, taking a seat next to O’Conner who had been staring at me during my entire conversation with Daring Adventure. “What’s up, you’ve been staring at me for the past,” he put his hoof up getting me to keep quiet. The chair next to me squeaked making me turn.

Sitting next to me, with a beautiful blue coat and an accompanying killer’s eye, was a ghost from my past. I took in a quick deep breath. “So Queen Firefly is a fan of racing,” I muttered to her keeping an eye on the knife floating next to her head. Brave Day began sharpening her knife slowly against a sharpening stone taking extra care not to let sparks fly.

“Where’s the other one,” she demanded threateningly.

“Dead.” I took a drink from my Pegasus Breed. You know I bet she thinks about that day a lot. After all it’s not every day you lose a ton of workers and a big ass drill at your command.

Brave Day seemed rather calm now for a mare that looked ready to slice me up. I got the feeling I wasn’t going to be getting out of this race without getting knocked around a lot. Especially if it is as dangerous as O’Conner made it sound. Queen Firefly leaned closer to me. “Listen you little runt, you have no idea how much trouble you caused me. I rallied the rest of my Fireflies together, the elites, just to come and hunt you down.” I smiled. In a couple of hours I’ll probably be dead anyway, might as well see how many ponies I can piss of before then.

“Well if they’re anything like the ones back at the mine I should be just fine.”

Brave Day shoved her knife down into the counter top in front of me. The bar tender shot her an evil look, but backed down once it registered who it was she was staring at. O’Conner nickered getting the murderer’s attention. “Something funny.”

“You tell me,” O’Conner muttered back.

Queen Firefly looked back at me, “This supposed to be that mare’s replacement?”

A hoof set itself down firmly on Brave Day’s shoulder, making her tense up like I had never seen before. If I learn anything from this meeting it’s that you don’t touch a murderer ever. “No but he found some better protection,” Daring spat at her taking a seat next to the murderer without a hint of fear. Brave Day looked right into Daring’s eyes with what I knew was her killer’s eye. She looked back at me, then at O’Conner.

“See you in the death race,” she lowered her voice just enough so that only the three of us heard her. Brave Day, the Queen Firefly, got up pulling her knife out with her hoof before leaving the bar.

I let out a breath I wasn’t aware I’d been holding.

My attention went straight to O’Conner. He spent the next couple of minutes explaining to both me and Daring that ‘death race’ was a term used to describe the Cannonball Run as it’s a race designed to allow murder between the start and finish lines. With that being said I thanked O’Conner for the insight knowing full well I better stick with my team to have a chance at making it through the race.

I got up leaving my empty bottle on the counter next to Daring’s Wild West. I mentioned to her that she should trade that bottle in for a real drink. Daring just rolled her eyes at me. We stepped outside leaving behind the tension of our previous conversations. Personally I really enjoy how just a simple change in location can brighten up my mood. O’Conner gave me a pat on the shoulder. “So what the hell was that all about?”

“Long story short, my friend Silver Shoe and I crossed paths with Queen Firefly, took some of her gems. Now she’s pissed.” O’Conner just chuckled. That wasn’t really a joke. “You think this is funny?”

“No, but I learned to smile when you can. Smile and the world will smile with you.” I smiled. O’Conner pointed at me before trotting away saying he’d see me on the road. That was my other X factor. It wasn’t going to be easy convincing the rest of my family to let him in, but I knew that bringing together all of these ponies would get me one step closer to Bolt Action. Wherever he’s hiding.

Turning my attention back to Daring I followed her line of sight to the Veil Side Fortune RX-7 glider that Diesel Fuel had. She wasn’t looking at it. She was looking at it. “You want me to introduce you to my family,” I asked curiously. Daring hesitated. Part of me wanted her to say yes. But instead she shook her head. As I began to ask why, Daring Adventure pointed up at the darkening sky above me.

The wind began picking up, blowing everypony’s mane around like an overgrown manedrayer. A bright ball of blue energy swirled together in the air, slowly descending down, parting the crowd. Once the blue sphere was perfectly set on the ground a puff of smoke rose up inside of it displaying none other than Bolt Action himself.

I gritted my teeth.

Daring nudged me. “Relax it’s just a recording.” Her eyes were staring at the tip of my horn which was glowing. I took in a long deep breath calming down as much as I could.

Ah, that’s for a big race I’m hosting. Whoever wins it will receive something beautiful.

Who would have thought? Son of a bitch was putting all this together. I spat at the ground. Bolt Action’s head took up most of the bubble in front of us. He cleared his throat. “Ladies and gentle colts, welcome to this year’s Cannonball Run. I am your co-host, Bolt Action. As you all know every year the winner of this race receives a large bag of bits fit for Celestia herself, but this year I offer you a choice between two prizes.” The crowd grew quiet. If I dropped a pencil right now every pony would hear it land.

Even Brave Day who was off sitting with a couple of well-armed guards kept quiet to see what this new prize was. From the looks of several ponies, I assumed Reapers, they knew what it was. Bolt Action’s head shrank down, being replaced by a stand with a large tarp covering it. The stallion inside the sphere stepped over to it taking the cloth in his mouth, with one big pull the stallion stepped back letting the tarp hit the ground. On top of the pedestal, with a bright pale blue glow, was the object I was assigned to grab.

I slowly turned to Daring who had the same look on her face. She looked at me fully prepared to do whatever it is I needed her to do. Bolt Action stood next to the Alicorn Sphere letting everyone bask in its pale light. “Ladies and gentle colts, I present to you the Alicorn Sphere, the sphere of legend that supposedly sent Equestria spiraling into where we are today. However, the Alicorn Sphere of my many great grandfathers time was incomplete. I have personally seen through to its completion and I offer you all this,” he paused. His eyes fell on the sphere. “I offer you the chance to become an Alicorn. If you, for whatever reason, do not wish to take my offer then a bag filled with bits will also be waiting for you.”

The crowd rose up cheering more or less for the bits being offered. Brave Day seemed more interested in taking both prizes as compensation for my actions. To be honest, I don’t think any of the others cared about the sphere. Daring tugged at my ear. I pushed her away trying to listen to what else Bolt Action was saying. Daring Adventure bit down on my ear, sending a pleasurable chill up my spine, I moved her away turning my attention to her. “What?”

Daring put both hooves around my muzzle and pointed my eyes straight at the unicorn king that prize was meant for. The crowd slowly separated letting King Sombra step in with his rebuilt unmarked glider. No doubt boasting even more power than it was when we trashed it and his factory. I gave a smile to the fact I was a trouble maker down to the bone no matter where I went. “Looks like all of our enemies are gathered here,” Daring muttered in a low excited voice. I hummed. “There’s a change in our plan.” I looked at her curiously. “I want us to take down Sombra for what Dead Eye did. Then I might consider helping you.”

“Deal,” I said shaking her fore hoof.

“Ladies and gentle colts, may I remind you that this is a three stage race. Once you arrive at the finish line of today’s race you will wait until morning to receive the next map revealing your newest track,” Bolt Action’s voice carried out over everyone still paying attention. Most of the ponies were too busy staring at King Sombra. Whispering, murmuring about his appearance here today.

*** ***

As far as I was concerned I already knew what was going down. The race would be starting soon which meant I had to get my family onboard to what I was attempting to do. I needed to get the Alicorn Sphere, which means I need a team that can help me get there along with a leader that I can put my trust in. I’m no leader. I know a pony that is though.

I called my entire family into the poker room inside the bar where the owner generously let me have the place to myself. Actually, he let Daring Adventure have it after she dropped several hundred bits his way.

“So what exactly do you need to speak to us about,” Lucky questioned with a Pegasus Breed in his hooves.

Glider was sitting in a chair, leaning back towards the wall keeping her eyes on Daring, who I hadn’t properly introduced yet. That would change soon, but for now I needed them all onboard. My mind raced trying to put together a decent pitch for this. I cleared my throat. “Alright, I’m just going to cut to the chase.” Daring pulled the curtains down while my horn lit up. With modifications to my transparency spell I can do a lot of things with the schematic portion of it. Like create a scale model of Princess Twilight’s castle and Discord.

Vin scratched his chin slowly taking in every bit of detail of the castle. They all recognized it. “Recently I had the privilege of talking with Discord, one of the remaining creatures in Equestria that can actually make changes, which means this mission is highly classified.” Diesel Fuel looked at me believing every word of what I was saying. Part of me didn’t even believe what I was saying, because it seemed like an impossible mission or some movie plot gone mad. “Bolt Action has already shown us he’s got his hooves on the Alicorn Sphere and we’re going to take it from him.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa slow up there Runner,” Daring spoke up raising her hoof to get my attention. I looked dead at her. “You expect us to steal this thing without even knowing where it’s located at. That’s a bad pitch.” I politely nodded, but ignored the comment.

The schematic being displayed on the poker table turned into every bit of information and memory jewel I had seen involving the sphere at the time of its detonation. Lucky took a drink from his Pegasus Breed putting the events together with a hoof pretending to draw lines like he was connecting the dots. “Yeah, well I never said this was fully thought out,” I mused honestly. Glider chuckled a little. “Because of Daring Adventure here, say hi Daring,” I pointed a hoof at my friend letting her wave at the rest of the family. She said hi to them. “I was given some schematics of the sphere that could potentially reverse engineer the one Bolt Action has. That said all I need to do is get to the sphere, grab it, then give it to Discord for him to put the finishing touches on it. He uses it and Equestria goes back to the way it was. No infected.” Daring cheered at that making everyone turn to look at her. She cleared her throat, bringing her pith helmet down to cover her eyes.

Lucky Clover knocked the pith helmet back up with the tip of his Pegasus Breed. I cleared my throat getting them both to stop. “If we do this then it means a safe Equestria even if we aren’t being rewarded for it. We’d only be doing this to better Equestria so keep that in mind.” Diesel Fuel hummed. His gaze never once left mine. “I want you all to know that when I met this stallion face to face for the second time he vowed to end Silver Shoe’s bloodline, he’s already killed Glider’s parents, which means I know he’ll come for her if we sit and do nothing.”

My horn stopped glowing, letting the schematic disappear. Everyone just stared at me. Even Diesel Fuel sat around motionless. “Well that’s the pitch,” I said as optimistically as I could with a smile on my face. O’Conner said the world would smile with me if I smiled. Well. I’m smiling. “Now that I’ve told you all what I know, Diesel Fuel, what do you say?”

“I think you already know what I’m going to say,” Diesel Fuel spoke up with his deep voice, “but we’re going to do this my way. With my team.” I kept smiling.

“That’s good, I’m no leader, which is why I took the liberty of gathering your team for you.” I gestured to everypony in the room. In the back of my mind I pictured O’Conner being here with us. Glider chuckled nodding her head once she realized what I had done. “Just get me to the sphere, Diesel Fuel, that’s all I ask.”

I love my family.