Dash Challenges Sparkle! A Race for the Ages!

by Fluxxdog

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3 - 29 Days to the Race
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6 - 28 Days to the Race
Chapter 7

Prologue

I'm falling.

Rainbow Dash is below me and falling faster.

This is the end. After all that, to fail by such an almost imperceptible margin. I gave it my all. I tried my hardest.

I let her down.

How did this happen?

Chapter 1

One month earlier...

It was a lovely day, thought Rarity. While she usually didn't see eye-to-eye in fashion with Rainbow Dash, she admitted the pegasus had excellent taste when it came to weather. "Your team did an excellent job today, Rainbow. Bravo."

Her friend looked up from her hayburger, ketchup smeared on her face, which was promptly wiped off on her fetlock. "Thanks Rares. I wanted to clear up the last of that storm." Rarity just looked on in revulsion as Dash finally swallowed. "Plus, there's a race in Cloudsdale this afternoon. I told them if they want to go, they had to clear up the skies quick."

Twilight swallowed her fry. "Are you going?" Fortunately for Rarity, Twilight had MUCH better manners. It was probably the only reason Rarity didn't shout at them for being barbarians. "Or are you one of the racers?"

Dash shook her head. "Nah, I got training I want to get in. You're welcome to join me, Twilight. We haven't had a practice session in a while."

The pony shaped pile of ice cream suddenly licked itself clean in one big slurp revealing Pinkie Pie. "I don't think she needs it anymore." Rarity didn't even bat an eyelash at Pinkie. "When she came from Canterlot the other morning and got me for a party for one of her friends she got there lickety split which sounds like an awesome name for an ice cream dish but she wasn't even tired or anything and it was so much fun and when we got there we ran into Minuette not figuratively but literally and we crashed to the ground and I was like WHEEE! but Twilight just got up like it was nothing!"

Rainbow Dash looked at Twilight. "Wait, you came to Ponyville, grabbed Pinkie, and flew her back to Canterlot?"

"Well, it was her and Spike. Which reminds me, I need more practice on my landings."

Rainbow Dash's jaw just hung there for a moment. "You had two passengers and you weren't even winded?"

Twilight put a hoof to her chin and thought. Huh, I was so focused on getting that party for Moon Dancer put together, I didn't even think about it. "No, I guess not. Wow. You're a better trainer than I thought!"

As if a Pegasus floated a stormcloud over head, Dash's expression got darker. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Twilight flinched. "I just meant I thought it would be a while before I could consider myself a good flier. You've obviously helped me get better than I realized."

"Oh, so you're a good flier now, are you?"

"Uh, well, better than I was giving myself credit. I mean--"

"How good do you think you are?"

"Well, good enough to fly from Canterlot and back without getting tired."

"In one morning."

Twilight felt dreadfully nervous for some reason. "Uh, yes?"

"With two passengers."

"Yes?" Twilight looked to Rarity for help, but she was just watching as if high drama were being performed in front of her. All she needed was popcorn.

"Well then, maybe you don't need any more training from me!"

"What? Why--"

"In fact, I think you need to really test yourself!"

"I don't und--"

"TWILIGHT SPARKLE, I CHALLENGE YOU TO A RACE!"

As if thunder had struck the table they were at, all of Ponyville stopped and stared. Twilight couldn't believe what she was hearing! Rainbow Dash, the only pony fast enough to pull off the Sonic Rainboom, was challenging her to a race. Twilight was the living embodiment of eggheads everywhere. She'd live in a fortress of books if she could get away with it. There was no way--

"As her coach, I ask that you give us one month's time to train for this," said Rarity. Twilight's jaw nearly broke the table with how hard it dropped. "She may be a better flier than when she started, but she'll need to learn how to properly race."

Rainbow Dash looked at two of them with a smirk. "You got one month. Pinkie, you're my coach."

Pinkie sat straight up and saluted. "Okey dokey lokey!" She turned to Rarity and Twilight. "We're gonna leave you in the dust! Oh, and Twilight, I'll bring those cookies for Spike over later. ... I mean, grrr. Bye!" And off she pronked following Rainbow Dash.

"Come on, Twilight, we've got to get to Applejack's. We're going to need her help." Rarity led a brisk trot to Sweet Apple Acres.

"Okay, I think I've recovered enough to ask WHAT THE HAY JUST HAPPENED?" Twilight was clearly frazzled now.

"When we meet up with Applejack, she'll be able to help me explain. Let me just say I saved you from a world of trouble."

"By having me race Rainbow Dash? Have you forgotten who the fastest pony in Equestria... Heck, the world is?! How am I supposed to race her?"

"Well, hopefully, after a month, you'll have an answer. I thought she'd argue for sooner, but thankfully she took one month and went from there. Apple Bloom!" Rarity dashed ahead to the small filly. "Sorry to bother you, but we need to speak with Applejack. It's important."

"Hey Rarity! Hold on a moment, I'll get her for you." She turned towards the house. "APPLEJACK! COMPANY!" She turned back to them. "She shouldn't be long. We just finished up lunch."

As their ears rang, Rarity politely thanked her and was glad Sweetie Belle didn't have the Apple's natural talent for... volume. After a few minutes, Applejack came marching up. "Thanks Apple Bloom, but next time, just bring them up to the house, okay?"

"Sorry, I just wanted to get to mah friends. They're waiting for me!"

Rarity waved her on. "Let us not keep you then. Just remind Sweetie Belle to be home in time for supper, please."

Apple Bloom gave a quick salute and ran off into the orchard. Applejack watched her run off and smiled. "That girl. She's gonna be something someday. Now, what can I do ya for?"

Twilight shook her head. "I have no idea. Rarity brought me here saying you could explain."

"Yes yes. Applejack, you won't believe what happened. Rainbow Dash challenged Twilight to a race!"

Applejack's mouth just hung open for a moment. The she snapped up and said, "Gotcha. Follow me, I know just the place to hide her."

Twilight was a bit startled. "Wait, hide? What for? You think she's going to do something to me?"

Applejack shook her head. "Not think, I know! When she first challenged me, I said no too. But she kept hounding and pestering me until I gave in. Even got some of her weather team to poke fun 'cuz I wouldn't race her. Finally I just gave in and raced. Of course, I've enjoyed it since."

"No no, Applejack. That's not why I brought her here," said Rarity. "I remember what you went through when she challenged you. Rather than put our dear Twilight through that, I accepted on her behalf. She has one month to train."

Applejack looked between Twilight and Rarity for a moment before... "AH HAHAHAHA!! Oh you got me good! You expect me to be.. believe... that Twi... you ain't jokin', are ya?"

Twilight, perhaps a bit flustered at all of this, asked, "Okay then, why DID you bring me here, Rarity?"

With a twinkle in her eye, Rarity stated, "Twilight, meet your personal trainer!"

Chapter 2

"Rarity, I ain't no trainer!" Applejack wasn't mad so much as surprised. "I got a workout that works well for the rodeo, but that won't help in a flying race!"

"Now now, dear, it isn't your rodeo expertise I'm hoping to tap into," Rarity replied, rather casually.

"I have to agree, Rarity. If Applejack was a Pegasus racer, this would make sense but--"

"Ah, but she is!"

Applejack and Twilight looked at her like she was crazy. They both looked at Applejack's back, and sure enough, no wings. "Rarity, you ain't been eating any strange mushrooms, have you?"

Rarity managed to look rather insulted. "Well! It appears you lack the subtleties of my observation. What I mean is you, Applejack, race a Pegasus on a regular basis. Not only that, you race a specific Pegasus on a regular basis. Do you understand now?"

"So you want me to train her because I race against Rainbow Dash?" Applejack scratched her head. "Huh. I never thought of it like that."

Twilight asked, "What do you mean? You can train me to race because you race against Rainbow?"

"No, darling," said Rarity with a knowing smile. "She's going to train you to race against Rainbow Dash. Think of it like a chess tournament. A sanctioned tournament will have ranked players. You practice ahead of time, certainly, but you focus your strategies against your most likely opponents. Say, for example, the top-ranked player. If Ivory Tower is playing, most of your practice would be focused on his playstyle."

"I git what your saying. Train her so she can race against Rainbow Dash, not just any pony. It's smart."

"Why, thank you."

"I don't want to do it."

Rarity looked at her aghast. "But darling! You must! You're the best pony to teach her!"

"I know, but I'm not choosing between friends. I mean, if I help Twilight, I'd have to help Rainbow, and I ain't getting between the two of them."

Rarity looked down. "I see. I guess there's no way around it then."

Applejack shook her head. "I'm sorry girls, but--"

"You leave me no choice! I'm calling in my favor!"

Applejack reared back. "You WHAT? You're gonna use that now?!"

Twilight stepped back. "Girls, please, I don't want to fight over this."

Applejack held out a hoof. "No, Twilight. I honor my word. If Rarity wants to use her favor for this... I... Dang it! Fine! On my honor as an Apple, I'll train Twilight to race against Rainbow Dash."

Twilight just stood there at a loss for words. What just happened?

"It's like this, Miss Rarity, " a younger Applejack explained. "My great aunt wants a picture of all of us for Hearth's Warming. We want to dress nice for this, but we don't have nice clothes like you sell. My little sister Apple Bloom doesn't have a dress, Granny Smith's dress needs mending, and Big Mac and I need ours refitted. The photographer said he's busy, but he could fit us in some time next Monday. But with all the fixin' we have to do at the farm, we don't have time to do it all ourselves."

The likewise younger Rarity replied, "So four outfits in less than a week's time. I should be able to swing that."

"Right, so we just need to talk payment. Uh... well, that's the other problem. During the winter, we don't get much money in. Once we wrap up winter and the trees start giving fruit again, we could pay you back. We just--"

"Don't worry so much, dear. Other than your sister, it sounds like most of the work is patching or refitting. How big is your sister?"

Applejack pointed to a nearby cradle and said, "'Bout the same size as your little filly there."

"My lit... Oh, that's my sister. Sweetie Belle, say hello to the young lady!" The tiny nub of a horn barely peeked over the edge. "My parents are out of town for the week, so I'm watching her."

"Oh, uh, didn't mean--"

"Tut tut! Not important darling! Now if your Apple Bloom is about the same size as my Sweetie Belle... Hmm. I have the last of my fall stock, I could give her a dress that should fit her."

"Oh no, Miss Rarity, I couldn't just take--"

"Again, tut tut! Listen, my shop is doing rather well. This would not be a heavy burden on my workload. I understand your situation. So! Tell you what I'll do. Consider this a favor. Someday, down the road, I'll simply ask you to do one for me."

"Really? You mean it? I'll do anythin' on my honor as an Apple!"

Rarity smiled in a way that said she didn't need Applejack's honor to back up her statement. If she said she'd return the favor, Rarity knew she would. "Now, let's plan to get your family in for fitting."

Rarity recounted the tale as she and Twilight walked down the road back to the castle. "To be honest, I never intended to ask for anything in return from Applejack or her family. I figured if ever I was to use it, it would be something worthwhile. Now, you can be trained by Applejack and Applejack doesn't have to feel like she's coming between friends. Rainbow Dash will get the best race she can get."

Twilight smiled and said, "When the Elements chose their wielders, Generosity really made the right choice. A favor from AJ? That's got to be worth quite a bit. But what I don't get is why are you going through all this trouble? I mean, you and Rainbow... well..."

Rarity nodded. "It's true, we're not the closest. But that doesn't mean I don't know a lot about her. For example, answer me this: How many times has Rainbow Dash challenged another pony?"

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Probably more times than there are ponies in Ponyville."

"Thrice."

Twilight stopped dead in her tracks. "Wait, what? You're kidding me! I see her racing somepony at least every week."

"Yes, but how many of those ponies does she actually challenge? None of them. They challenge her. She has only challenged 3 times in her life."

Twilight dashed a bit to catch up. "Really? Who?"

Rarity stopped and looked at her. "Well, we all know of her first challenge. The ponies who were teasing Fluttershy? Ring a bell?"

"Oh yeah, when she got her Cutie Mark! And Applejack was the second? Or was she the third?"

"Second. Oh, I remember that too. Applejack refused at first. Honestly, Rainbow Dash went a bit far in her bothering Applejack. I am glad it worked out amicably in the end."

"I'm going to ask for details later. So, who's the third?"

"Don't you remember? It happened this afternoon."

"Wait wait wait. The bullies I get. Applejack I understand. Why me?"

"Who knows, darling? Maybe that's why she was training you to begin with. Perhaps she heard about your Canterlot run with Pinkie and thought you had it in you. Maybe she was slightly insulted." Rarity thought for a moment. "She did seem a bit bothered when Pinkie said you didn't need her anymore. But, we can worry about that later. Right now, I have to go to Fluttershy's. I'm going to ask for her help as well."

"Wait, have her train me?"

Rarity chuckled and replied, "No darling. I'm going to have her design your diet regimen. If all goes well, your breakfast will be one ripe for training." And with a quick goodbye, Rarity walked to Fluttershy's cottage.

Twilight headed home. There wasn't much else she could do. However, her walk was one where she noticed ponies looking at her. They were whispering and talking in hushed tones. On some, there was a look of excitement. Others looked surprised. Though she couldn't hear them, she knew what they were talking about.

In one month, there was going to be a race.

Chapter 3 - 29 Days to the Race

Twilight enjoyed waking after sunrise. She appreciated her teacher's work, to be sure, but she enjoyed being woken by the gentle sun. The angle would gently warm her bed, slowly and peacefully waking her. Her bed was positioned in such a way that, when the sun would reach her face, it would be a soft welcome to the day, rather than an abrupt jolt. Mornings like that meant you would have a good day. A day that was peaceful. A day you could be happy. A day where nothing could go wrong.

This was not going to be one of those days.

This morning was filled with the sound of something loud and metallic. It made Twilight jump approximately 7.6 feet in the air if she cared to make a guess. She did not, however, as she was looking for whatever was making that sound. Her eyes finally locked one a large orange-ish blob and something shiny.

Rubbing her eyes, she soon saw it was Applejack, ringing a large triangle. "Well good morning! Hope you got plenty of sleep last night. We got a full day ahead of us."

It took approximately 1.36 seconds (again, she did not care to guess) for Twilight to formulate the most eloquent response she could think of. "Buh?"

"C'mon, sugarcube. We've got to get you up and fed, then we're going to go to the training course. Doc's gonna have a look at ya and make sure you're fit for racin'!"

Ambassadors from all walks of life would have agreed her next statement was the only one appropriate given her situation. "Huh?"

"You didn't forget about your race with Rainbow Dash, did ya? Now come on! Get yourself freshened up and down for breakfast in half an hour. We got a schedule to keep to."

The word 'schedule' had a deep influence on Twilight. Her brain, bleary as it was, latched on to the word and processed information. 30 minutes to get freshened up and downstairs. Gotta keep to the schedule. Time to get moving. It was halfway through her shower when her brain wondered why she was doing this.

"Oh thank you so much! I really appreciate your help in this, Fluttershy. Though, I have to wonder if she'll stick to the regimen."

Fluttershy sat across from her friend at a table laid out with a plate full of select fruits and a bowl of oatmeal. "Oh, I'm glad to help, Rarity. I have to admit though, when you asked me to help with Twilight's diet, I thought you meant you were worried about her eating too many hayburgers. But this should help her train. It's based on the diet program I helped Rainbow Dash develop for her training."

Rarity looked at it. "Really? She eats this for breakfast?"

"Oh, well, no. See, the oatmeal uses extra cream and butter. She's an Earth Pony too. Plus, the fruits are salted a bit. Rainbow Dash wouldn't eat as much either. This is designed around all three races."

Applejack, having walked in towards the middle, asked, "So a bigger breakfast because she's an alicorn? With more variety? You sure?"

Fluttershy nodded. "When Discord got sick, I realized I didn't know much about taking care of a sick draconequus. And then I thought about Twilight and Cadance. They were ponies, but if they got sick, what would need to be done? I got some pointers from Cadance and I asked Princess Celestia as well. The Princess sent me a book with advice. She said an alicorn hasn't gotten sick in over 700 years, but it does pay to be prepared. Alicorns need a wider variety of food because they are all three races. They need fatter foods to support their Earth pony stamina, sugars for energy for their flying, and lots of veggies for their magical ability. Fruits are good in the morning because they're sugary too."

Rarity and Applejack listened to all this. Applejack said, "Hoowee! That's quite a tall order! You really do look out for everypony."

Rarity asked, "Wait, why did you salt the fruits? That seems a curious thing to do."

"Oh, that's for the training. A little bit of salt will help her resist dehydrating. Just makes sure she gets lots of water during her practice."

"I'm sure I'm going to need more than water after today." Everyone looked at the princess who had just come down. "What's with the breakfast?"

Applejack smiled and gestured towards the table. "Apparently, Fluttershy got some advice on building meals for alicorns, plus she came up with Dash's training diet! Put the two together, and you got yourself a breakfast that'll help you break walls!"

Twilight look at the food. She looked at her friends. She looked at the kitchen. "You know what, coffee first, then breakfast. It's way too early for this."

Fluttershy fluttered in front of her. "Um, Twilight? That wouldn't be a good idea. The caffeine could make you sick during training."

It seemed that was the straw that broke the camel's back. "WHAT?! NO COFFEE?! HOW DO YOU EXPECT ME TO FUNCTION IN THE MORNING?! I DIDN'T EVEN WANT TO RACE, BUT RARITY SAID 'OH DAAAAAAHLING YOU HAVE TO!' YOU KNOW WHAT?! I DON'T! FORGET THIS! I'M GOING BACK TO BED, SLEE--"

Rants of that nature are seldom stopped easily. Usually, the best way to stop them is to knock the ranter unconscious. Applejack could have hogtied her and wrapped rope around her mouth. Rarity could have cast a simple Hush Now spell to save their ears. Fluttershy could have used the Stare. In fact, it was Fluttershy who stopped her.

With naught but a simple hug and a "Please?"

For centuries, tacticians could demonstrate this as a perfect example of a sneak attack. There you are, right in front of your enemy (in this case, a ranting alicorn), and completely subdue them using such an unorthodox method. It was quick, effective, and completely out of left field.

Twilight had just one condition before surrendering. "Why?" Fluttershy looked at her. "Why is it so important to race Rainbow Dash? I mean, I get she rarely challenges others, but what makes it so important?"

Fluttershy looked at her almost in tears. "You don't know her like I do. The first time she ever challenged another pony to a race, she wanted to make an example of them. They were mean just because they thought they could get away with it. She wanted everyone to know what they did, and she wanted to heap the humiliation of getting beat on top of it. She doesn't challenge ponies for herself, she does it for others."

"Now hold on a second, I know that isn't true," hollered Applejack. "She kept boasting and bragging how she was going to beat me in that race. Said I didn't have the gumption to face her. You can't tell me she did that for me."

Fluttershy looked at her and shook her head. "You kept to yourself a lot, but Rainbow Dash saw how hard you worked and what you did for the town. In fact, not a lot of ponies knew who you were. But once she starting annoying you about the race, a lot of ponies took notice. She said you deserved some recognition for everything you did."

Twilight looked at her and asked, "Then why do I need to race her? Ponies already know me and they know I'm not a bully or anything. So why me?"

"Ponies know you as the Princess of Friendship, not as Twilight Sparkle. Ponyville knows you pretty well, but she probably wants all of Equestria to know that Twilight Sparkle is someone to know. And out of it, she expects a race that will be talked about for... well, a long time!"

All three of them looked at her shocked by what they heard. Had it come from Rainbow Dash, they wouldn't believe it. Fluttershy, however, spoke from experience and the heart. Twilight knew that, as loyal as she was, Rainbow Dash was not a selfish pony at heart. Sure, she got a good race out of it, and the first time earned her a cutie mark. Now, she's doing this for a friend, to share with the world a new level of, as Dash would put it, 'awesomeness'.

Twilight sighed, not in defeat, but in contentment, knowing this would be worth it. "Fine. No coffee."

Sugarcube Corner was about to hit its breakfast rush when Rainbow Dash walked in. "Morning Pinkie!"

From the kitchen, the ever-bubbly Pinkie shouted, "Rainbow! Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh you're not gonna believe it! You'll never guessed what happened!"

"Pinkie, please, let the twins sleep a little more. Rainbow, you can come back here," came a friendly, soft voice.

"Thanks, Mrs. Cake." Rainbow stepped in slowly, making sure not to bump any of the stacks of muffins, cupcakes, donuts...

"Rainbow! Guess whaaAAaat?" Pinkie asked in a sing-song voice.

...cruellers, bear claws, eclairs...

"Uh, no idea. Hey listen, work should be quick today. We got a lot done yesterday and we got a few drizzles for next week, so I was thinking we could hang out around lunch."

...bagels, buns, croissants...

"That should be OK. But I've got something better for you!"

...rolls, cakes, danishes...

"Well, what is it?"

...pies, loaves, cookies...

"Twilight's finally agreed to race you!"

Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie didn't notice, but everything around them seemed to stop.

"Uh, I challenged her yesterday, remember?"

"Yeah, but she wasn't really wanting to I mean please Queen of the Book Fort against the Sonic Rainboom but she realized that you weren't challenging her just so you could beat her you challenged her because you thought she deserved a shot against the best racer there is and you get a good race at the same time so now she sta..." Pinkie was turning blue.

Mrs. Cake shouted, "Pinkie! BREATHE!"

Pinkie suddenly took a deep breath. "Sorry! This is just so exciting because they're gonna have so much fun and I'm going to get to throw a big party when the race is done!"

Rainbow Dash just smiled. "Oh yeah, this is gonna be fun. I gotta go, Pinkie. See you for lunch."

Mrs. Cake couldn't believe what she heard. On one hoof, Twilight was no athlete. On the other hoof, she was a freaking princess! Just then the milkmare made her delivery.

Oh, Cup Cake had some good gossip for her today!

Chapter 4

Cranky was not one to loiter around. He lived up to his name and then some. Had he seen Twilight, however, he would have steered clear. Twilight was not a princess for early mornings, especially those without coffee. At least she had a good breakfast. She never salted fruit before, but it wasn't bad.

As they walked along, Applejack and Rarity were talking to each other, likely discussing plans. Or conspiring against me, she thought. No, her friends wouldn't do that. Although... every now and then she heard the word 'doc' pop up in their conversation. Applejack had mentioned a doctor visit, but they were heading to the farm.

"APPLE CORE!" Applejack dashed off as they approached the house and hugged a... unicorn, one with a heart-shaped apple for a Cutie Mark. She was speaking rather excitedly with him. As Rarity and Twilight approached, they made out the conversation.

"...from Manehattan. I have a couple days until I leave for Canterlot and had to swing by."

"Shoot, you know you're welcome here anytime. Oh, girls, let me introduce y'all. Twilight, Rarity, this is my cousin, Apple Core." As he turned towards them he went wide-eyed and started bowing.

Twilight really wasn't in the mood. "Uh, please, don't bow. It's nice to meet you. And for the love of Celestia, just call me Twilight."

"Oh, uh, right. Yes, your hi... I mean... Twilight." He looked at Applejack nervously. "You were serious about her."

"Yep, and I told ya not to bow. Anyway, I was hoping you could give her a once over."

Apple Core looked at her. "Right, the physical Big Mac mentioned. I have to admit, I've never been a doctor to an alicorn before. I don't know how different she may be."

"Why exactly do I need a checkup anyway?" Twilight asked. So long as no needles were involved, she MIGHT be okay with this.

"Now now, darling. It's just a safety precaution. Applejack said you were going to get a checkup before you start racing. If the doctor finds that your health may be, shall we say, flagging, we call off the race. We are not going to put your health at risk."

"Darn straight! Any time I plan training for a rodeo, I make sure I'm fit as a fiddle! Oh, that reminds me, Fiddly Faddle says you owe her ten bits still."

"Ugh, I never get the chance to pay her! I swear, that's not the reason I missed the reunion. Several children came down with a case of the Reins and we were doing what we--"

Applejack cut him short. "Don't worry, cuz. We know why you weren't there. You helped a lot of sick foals and ain't nopony gonna fuss over that. Now, let's get this show on the road."

"Right. Big Mac explained what was going on and time is of the essence. Princess Twilight--"

"Please, just Twilight."

"Oh, right. Sorry, it's just I've never met royalty before. *ahem* Anyway, what I'm going to do is have you go through some rudimentary exercises. I'll be monitoring several aspects of your health. Blood flow, muscle reaction, lung efficiency, magical throughput, wing strength, leg strength, and so on."

Rarity was curious enough to ask, "How are you going to do that? It sounds like you'd have to run with her."

"Ah, the reason I'm heading to Canterlot." His horn glowed and up came several crystals. "These unique crystals from the Crystal Empire have been enchanted. They'll monitor a patient and give us feedback on their health."

Twilight looked at them closely. "I've never heard of them before. They sound fantastic!"

"Of course they do! Apple Core here is a genius when it comes to healthy ponies! They're his inventions!"

"Oh my! So you're heading to Canterlot to show them off?" Rarity was entranced by their soft glow.

"Yes ma'am. These here are the result of years of spellcrafting and a bit of luck. These crystals only grow in the Crystal Empire and they have just the right structure to hold the spells. Once I give them to the medical community, we could see advances in medicine we never thought possible."

"And ponies say I'm generous!"

The stones floated around Twilight and suddenly stuck to her. "Hey, what the-- Oh, doesn't even feel like they're there." She shook herself a little. "Alright, now what?"

Applejack pointed towards the grove. "My practice track is right over there."

Twilight was doing some trotting around the track with the doctor monitoring another crystal he had. This gave Applejack and Rarity a chance to talk.

"So, darling, a unicorn in the family? Didn't think it possible."

Applejack gave her the stink eye. "What's that mean?"

"The Apples are renowned for being a large family of Earth Ponies. Truth be told, I've never seen anything to suggest otherwise." Just then, they saw Twilight jump into the sky and start flying as the doctor ordered.

"Well, it's not like we don't like Pegasus or Unicorn Ponies. It's just, Apples tend to be trailblazers. Those settlements, like Appleloosa, are usually just Earth Ponies that found them. Once the towns get established, then they get some weather teams and unicorns in. 'Course, by then, well, families tend to be started by then. More coincidence than anythin'."

"So Apple Core married in?"

"Oh heck no! He's Apple through and through! He's Jonagold's twin truth be told. He just came out with a bit extra on his head. Surprised everyone. Heck, if Jonagold wasn't the spittin' image of her daddy, there might have been some hoofs flying!"

All of a sudden, there was flashing. They looked over and saw Twilight teleporting multiple times. Rarity walked over and asked, "Doctor, I thought we were testing her health."

Not looking up from the clipboard he was writing on, he replied, "I am. She's an alicorn. I need to test her as an Earth Pony, a Pegasus, and a Unicorn. I'm testing her under mild stress."

"OK, that's twenty. Anything more, doctor?" Twilight fluttered down and settled. She wasn't even winded at all.

"Honestly, I think that will do it."

"Ya reckon so? So what's your call? Is she good to race or do we call it off?"

"I... I think she's good to race."

"Uh, cousin, whadya mean, 'I think'?"

"Well, any one of the readings are good enough for any single race. As an Earth Pony, she's healthier than a mountain. As a Pegasus, her wings and magic are top class, like a Wonderbolt. And her magic is... She teleported 20 times and showed no magical fatigue."

"Well that sounds good! So, uh, why the doubt?"

"She's an alicorn. Separately, she'd be the poster foal for health. But as an alicorn... I don't have any frame of reference. These readings are unique combined. I'd have to consult with some ponies when I go to Canterlot, but I'd need your permission. This does make for a unique case study."

At the words 'case study, Twilight perked up. "Case study? Me?"

"I didn't mean any offense."

"Offense? No, I meant this could be an excellent opportunity! I mean, how much is known is known about alicorn health anyway?"

Rarity rubbed her chin. "If I remember correctly, Fluttershy said there hasn't been a sick alicorn for 700 years."

Apple Core waved his hooves. "I'm not going to turn you into a test subject!" He breathed deeply. "All I'm saying is that, when I make my presentation, I can include this as part of the data I've collected. Um, with your permission, of course."

"Of course! Heck, I thought this training would be agonizing, but if this helps your research and studies, I'll be more than happy to provide data!" She had a grin as big as Pinkie Pie.

"Yep, her smile IS about as big as mine." Everyone turned around to see the party pony herself. "Hiya guys!"

"Pinkie! Howdy! What can I do you for?"

"Mrs. Cake sent me to pick up her order of apples. She knows it's a little early, but she got a big order this morning! 3 of her Cherry Berry Apple Dapple cakes!"

Applejack flinched at how much work those cakes take. "Wow, that is a tall order!" Pinkie started giggling. "What's so funny?"

"You are! 'Tall order' for cakes that stack up as high as me! Way to joke, girl!"

Everypony just facehoofed. Apple Core said, "Puns. The one disease I'll never be rid of."

"Alright, Pinkie, follow me, we'll get your apples. Twilight, you rest for today. I want you asleep at a good time, 'cuz I'm waking you up just as early tomorrow! And don't go spoiling your appetite either. Fluttershy has your lunch and dinner planned. You ask her about snacking, but you stick to her plans."

"Applejack, worry not. I shall keep her on the straight and narrow." Rarity was poised and ready to aid her friend however possible.

Twilight huffed a bit. They are conspiring against me.

Chapter 5

To say Rarity had an ear for gossip was an understatement. It was more like an entire intelligence community working for her. Other ponies would collect the juiciest bit of gossip, spread it around, and she would tap in to draw the cream that rose to the top.

Of course, she would deny it as a lady never gossips.

However, this time she knew she was on the opposite end. Ponies were talking about Twilight. Word of the race was spreading around. Lines in the sand were drawn. The teams had been chosen. It was Twilight's team against Rainbow Dash's team. Ponies were fearful that this might cause the Elements to drift apart. Rarity was able to discern all of this from the looks on two faces whispering as they trotted by.

"Twilight, would you mind if we stopped by Sugarcube Corner? I think the Crusaders have a sleepover planned tomorrow and I wanted to get some snacks for them."

"Oh I don't mind, Rarity. In fact, I'll probably get a couple sapphire cupcakes for Spike while I'm there. He's probably going to be off-balance with this... change in my routine."

"Now Twilight, don't be so grumpy about it. Think of the message you're sending! Rise to meet your challenges and give it everything you have. You'll be an inspiration for fillies and colts."

"Yeah, well, I know it's an inspiration for the rumor mill. Ponies keep whispering as we're walking by."

"Oh really?" Rarity looked around as if such a thing was normally impossible. "I hadn't noticed." They walked in through the front door of the bakery and waited for the cheerful explosion that always comes after.

"Welcome to Sugar... You." Pinkie looked at them liked they had kicked Gummy. "You two have some nerve coming here!" Twilight seemed a bit taken aback. "Come to see if you can spy on my racer?"

Rarity just giggled a bit. "Pinkie, please. If we wanted to spy on Dash, we would just need to look for the cloud she's sleeping on." She pointed a hoof out the door.

Pinkie looked outside and saw a cloud with a familiar rainbow tail hanging off it. "Oh, excuse me for a moment." She popped back in and came out with a slingshot and a water balloon. With deadly accuracy, she fired it and heard a distant "gah!" before shouting, "Rainbow Dash, get your flank off that cloud and get back to your training!" A trademark rainbow streak soon followed and went off. "Thanks Rarity! I can't really do much to train her, but I can make sure she sticks to her program. So, what can I do for you girls?"

"I wanted to pick up some snacks for Sweetie Belle and her friends. They have a sleepover tomorrow night."

"And I would like a couple sapphire cupcakes for Spike, please."

Pinkie seemed a little sad. "Rarity, I think you should go to Bon Bon's and get a box of chocolates from there."

"Chocolates? Darling, they're having a sleepover. That would have them climbing the walls all night!"

"Rarity, please, just trust me. Tomorrow, go to Bon Bon and ask her for the Silver Rose Special." The name struck a chord in Rarity, but she couldn't put her hoof on it. Why did she know that name? "Twilight, here. Fresh out of the oven. Oh, and there's extra dust in the frosting too!" Twilight paid for her cupcakes.

As they left, Pinkie walked out with them. "Don't forget, the Silver Rose Special." And then, something happened that they didn't expect.

Rarity hugged Pinkie.

"Thank you so much, darling. You truly are a wonderful friend."

Pinkie smiled widely. "Really? You mean that?"

"But of course! The elements didn't choose us simply because we are fabulous! They chose us because of how close we are to one another. Now, you keep an eye out for Rainbow Dash, alright? We're going to have fun with this race."

"You betcha! I have a whole stockpile of water balloons in case I need to wake up Rainbow! See you later, girls!"

"Thank you so much for helping, Spike," beamed a grateful Fluttershy. "With all the running around I've been doing today, I was worried I wouldn't have time to take care of everything."

"No problem, Fluttershy! At first, I didn't believe you, but apparently the whole town is talking about it! Do you think she'll be good enough to actually race against Rainbow Dash?"

"You know Twilight better than me, and I know Twilight would give it her all. I've never been a strong flier, but apparently Twilight is strong enough to challenge her."

Spike stopped dead in his tracks with a bowl of fruit salad. "Wait a minute. Twilight told me you chased down Rainbow Dash while pulling her in her hot air balloon."

"What? When would I have done something like that?"

"I think it was... um... oh yeah! When Discord had messed with your heads! Rainbow Dash thought some little cloud was Cloudsdale and she needed to protect it."

Fluttershy blushed. "Um... To be fair, Pinkie and Rarity slowed her down."

"Riiight. Anyway, you're better than you give yourself credit for, that's all I'm saying. So when is Twi--" The front doors of the castle opened. "Huh, that's timing! Hey Twilight! ... Hi Rarity." If one looked closely enough, they might have sworn he was floating.

"Hi Spike! Has Flutt-- Fluttershy! Thank you for everything. Oh, and Spike? Would you take these to the kitchen?" She passed the little box to him. "Those are for you. After lunch though."

"Wow, thanks Twili-- Sapphire cupcakes?!" He took a whiff. "Oh ho ho ho, is that extra sapphire dust in the frosting?"

Twilight giggled, "After lunch, Spike. Speaking of which... What is for... Well, looks like my question is answered. Did you make all this, Fluttershy?"

"Oh, no, Spike was a big help. He did a lot of work."

"Yup. AND Fluttershy went over the foods you're supposed to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I, uh... I don't think you're gonna be terribly happy with the menu."

Twilight grabbed Spike and hugged him. "I understand what I'm getting myself into. Don't worry. You go ahead and follow Fluttershy's instructions. Now, I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm hungry."

Twilight found her lunch was smaller than breakfast. It consisted mostly of vegetables, though the fruit salad on the side was very nice as well. As they discussed what her meals were going to be like, she realized nachos were not on the list.

Fluttershy chuckled at the mention of that. "Don't worry, a few now and then won't be bad. You just have to make sure you do things in moderation. A clawful of nachos won't be too bad."

"Right, so all I have to do is make Spike bigger." Everyone started laughing.

... except Twilight. When their laughs died down, they realized she had a serious look on her face. Spike suddenly gulped and asked, "You're not serious, are you?"

She suddenly smiled and said, "Gotcha!"

Rarity headed home. She had quite the day. The cream was rising to the top and she skimmed off enough to know that everypony was aware it was just a friendly race. It was going to be quite an intense race, but just a race between friends. That hug with Pinkie was just what was needed to get people thinking positively about it.

Still, she heard other things. Some of the Pegasi, especially those on the weather team, were wondering how she'd fare. Twilight was born a unicorn after all.

But she's an alicorn now.

But she didn't know anything know about flying or being a pegasus.

But she was being trained by Rainbow Dash.

And so on and so forth. There was something underneath it all that Rarity was worried about. She couldn't put her hoof on it, but it felt familiar. Not the good kind of familiar either.

Cloudkicker was coming in for a fitting tomorrow. Perhaps she could skim some information then.

Chapter 6 - 28 Days to the Race

"What we're gonna do is work on your strength and stamina." Applejack tightened the harness on Twilight. It wasn't heavy, but it was something she was definitely unfamiliar with. She watched as as Applejack tied some rope to a couple large rocks. "This here will cause you to slow down, but I want you to go as quick as you can for as long as you can. Once you've pushed yourself to the limit, we'll take the rocks off and run the rest out of ya!"

"Are you crazy? You want me to run around pulling those? I know I'm a little stronger than when I was an unicorn, but come on!" Twilight was ready to say this was insane and curl up with a book for the rest of the month.

"Darling," interjected Rarity, "she's making you work under stress. Think of it this way: If you were to practice magic in an area that suppressed magic, you would learn how to push through. After that, casting spells would be easier without that suppression."

"Ugh! No kidding! I hated when Celestia made me do that." She was oblivious to Rarity's sudden wide-eyed stare. "It was a valuable lesson though. It taught me how to make use of even minor results."

"Well, this should give you more than 'minor' results. As we train, you'll go faster with them rocks for longer. Depending on how things go, we'll have to get bigger rocks. Come to think of it, there was a land slide about a year ago that blocked off an old passage through the hills." Applejack thought for a moment. "Nobody uses it so nobody cleared it. Mac 'n' I could get some larger ones from there case someone needs that path again!"

"I'm surprised you don't have me just clear it," Twilight said before she realized what she said.

"Twilight, I like the way you think."

Rarity would have stuck around, but she had chocolates (apparently) to buy for the Crusaders. Pinkie isn't usually serious like that, so she took it to heart. As she marched to Bon Bon's shop, she noticed that a couple Pegasi that she normally would see around town were absent. Why that stuck out to her, she wasn't sure. She did know that she didn't like it.

As she walked in the shop, she heard a little bell overhead. "Welcome to Sweetie Drops' Candies! I'll be right with you." Rarity looked at the chocolates on display. She would come in once in a while for some of the truffles she made. They were so good, but today, she was here for Sweetie Belle and her Crusaders. "Sorry to keep you waiting... Um... Oh dear."

Rarity looked at her curiously. "Whatever is the matter, dear? Something wrong?"

"She forgot your name. Again." Lyra was suddenly next to her. "She can remember pretty much every pony who's come in here and their favorite candy. You, for some reason, she keeps forgetting. Bon Bon, this is Rarity. You know, famous fashionista, one of the Elements of Harmony, brought down that bugbear during the wedding? Ring a bell?"

"Thanks, Lyra." Bon Bon was giving Lyra a dirty look like she just offered her to a pack of Diamond Dogs for digging. She put a hoof to her forehead and shook it. "I'm sorry. I don't know why I keep forgetting your name."

"Darling, trust me, you can't remember every pony you meet, no matter how nice they are." Rarity smiled and said, "Now, if I may, to business?"

"Oh, sure! What can I get for you?"

"Well, a friend told me that I should pick up something called the Silver Rose Special."

As soon as she said that, Bon Bon and Lyra both suddenly seemed sad. Lyra hugged her and said, "Oh you poor thing!" Bon Bon went right to work, getting a box and putting chocolates in it.

Rarity, confused by this, asked, "Why am I a poor thing all of a sudden?"

Lyra just looked at her sympathetically. "There's only one reason someone gets a Silver Rose. I remember that day. Silver Rose came in, crying and bawling. It was like she lost a loved one. Close enough, she had lost her best friend. Worst part was, she didn't know why! She just told her she couldn't be her friend anymore."

Rarity put a hoof to her mouth in shock. "Oh dear, I remember that now. It was quite the gossip for a while. Nopony knew what had happened!"

Lyra suddenly gasped. "Oh no! No no no, you didn't have a falling out with one of the other Elements, did you? Oh no, will the Elements still work? Is Equestria without it defenders? What if there's--" She was suddenly silenced as a chocolate, carefully aimed by Bon Bon, landed right in her mouth. "Mmm! Peanut butter!"

"Sorry about that, she tends to get a little excitable at times. Are you going to be okay?" Bon Bon brought over a ribbon-tied box and set it on the counter.

Rarity paid for it and put the box in her saddle bags. "Thank you for your concern, both of you, but these aren't for me. I was going to pick up some cookies for my sister and her friends, but Pinkie said I'd be better off getting this Sil..." Rarity eyes went wide all of a sudden. "Oh dear. These are supposed to be... I have to go!"

Fluttershy was buying vegetables in the market. She thought it was a bit emptier than normal, but that meant she didn't have to worry about the crowds as much. That suited her just fine.

Of course, that meant that when something happened, it would be easier to notice. Which is why she noticed two things she might not have otherwise. First, she noticed Scootlaoo, zipping down at the end of the road. This wouldn't be unusual, but she would usually be with her friends. They were... how did Discord put it? Thick as thieves? It sounded mean, but Discord said it just meant it would take a lot to end their friendship.

She didn't pay much more attention as she noticed Rarity galloping by and heading towards the school. She was in a rush. Ponies in a rush was nothing new, which was one of the reason she was glad the market was emptier. Rarity, however? 'A lady never rushes.' Or at least that sounded like her. Given her worried look, she was clearly upset.

Fluttershy didn't hesitate and flew after Rarity as quickly as she could.

Chapter 7

Diamond Tiara had a perfect prize. For some reason, the little chicken ran off from her friends. She only had two to make an example of, but they were vulnerable. Her usual barbs and jabs had way more effect than normal. This was how you assert dominance over others. The rest of the schoolyard was watching and they knew that only by staying in line were they keeping themselves safe from her.

And then the weather decided not to cooperate. It had suddenly gotten dark. Odd, there was no rain scheduled for today. That was when she noticed the other students were not looking at her, they were looking behind her.

Her first mistake was turning around. Her second was not running immediately. Her third was looking at the angry, yellow pegasus and asking, "W-what are you looking at?"

With a Stare that would break the will of dragons, she shouted, "YOU ROTTEN, LITTLE MEANIE! You see two of your classmates over here crying, and you decide that instead of helping them, you're going to make fun of them? I heard the stories about you but I thought, 'oh no, a little filly couldn't be that mean. There must be some mistake.' Yet here I find you, being nothing but a horrible, VICIOUS MEANIE!!"

Diamond Tiara felt something she never experienced before. Remorse wasn't usually in her repetoire of reactions. Now, all she could do is worry what sort of punishment she would receive. Instead, Fluttershy went over and picked up a crying Apple Bloom and held her. Rarity picked up her sister and hugged her tight. Rarity cast a sideways glance at Diamond and scowling, said, "I suggest you go home. We have more important things to deal with than the uncouth mannerisms of a ruffian." Without thinking twice, she hightailed it.

In the back of her mind, she thought it best not to mention this to her mother.

Big Mac cradled Apple Bloom over his shoulder. "There there, l'il sis, it'll be alright." After a quick word with Cheerilee, they brought her to her closest family as they tried to get what happened out of them. All they could gather was Scootaloo had to leave, something about her wing, and not being friends with them. "Miss Rarity, I hate to impose, but could you watch over Apple Bloom fer a bit? I gotta close up shop before I could take her home."

"Darling, please, you take all the time you need. Finish up for the day. I'll keep an eye on both of them. They were going to spend the night anyway, we're just accelerating the time table a bit. We had to let you know though."

Sweetie Belle just squeaked and sobbed. "I just don't understand why. We di-didn't care about her wings before. Why couldn't we be friends because of her wing?"

Fluttershy thought for a moment. "When she said her wing, did she say anything else?"

Apple Bloom snuffled and nodded her head. "It had something to do wi-with Rarity and Twilight an' my sis. I didn't understand it at all."

Fluttershy's eyes went wide. "Oh. My. Um, Rarity, let's get them to your place. I think I know what's going on."

"Oh? Well then, Bic Mac, we'll get going. I'll take good care of Apple Bloom for you. I think my sister is going to need her best friend." At the word 'friend', they just started sobbing again. As they walked away, Rarity asked, "So, what's is going on?"

"Well, Scootaloo may not have been talking about her wings, but more like... um, what was it you called it? When ponies in high school would keep to themselves in groups?"

"Oh, a clique!"

"Yes. It's like that. And what's more, I think all the Pegasi in Ponyville are siding with Rainbow Dash. That would explain why the market was so empty."

Sweetie Belle said, "Wait, she chose Rainbow Dash over us?"

Fluttershy shook her head. "I don't know if she chose. She might have been seeing what all the other Pegasi are doing and thought that was what she was supposed to do!"

Rarity hurried her along. "Come now, we'll not solve anything at the moment. Let's get these two comfortable and then we'll think about what can be done."

Fluttershy had left, leaving Rarity with two sobbing, little fillies. She did her best to make them comfortable and thought about getting them some ice cream when she remembered the box in her saddlebags. She pulled out the chocolates and offered them. She figured it was as good a remedy as any.

Rather than chowing them down like she expected children to do, they just nibbled on them meekly. They were quiet for a while. She was more than happy to let them just slowly relax and come to terms with things or ask her questions. After a good while, she asked, "How are you girls feeling? I know you're sad, but is there anything I can get you?"

Sweetie Belle nibbled on a chocolate and asked with red, weepy eyes, "I don't understand what happened. Was it something we did? Why would she just leave like that?"

Rarity cuddled up next to her. "If I understood Fluttershy correctly, she felt she had to. You girls are lucky enough to not understand some of the more complex, and frankly inane, social structures that are in our society. A lot of ponies, Pegasi especially, look up to Rainbow Dash. Now that she is competing against Twilight, they think they have to be loyal to Rainbow rather than just cheering her on."

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom just looked at each other, confused. Sweetie Belle asked, "But Rainbow's the Element of Loyalty, right? Wouldn't being... uh, unloyal be unloyal to her?"

"They may not think so. And Scootaloo may not want to do what she did. In fact, I'm sure she feels just as bad as you too do, except she doesn't have a friend to help her feel better."

Apple Bloom sat up and said, "Maybe we should go find her! Maybe she just needs somepony to tell her what she did was wrong!"

Rarity held a hoof out to stop her. "No, darling. I don't think we can just tell her she's wrong. Either somepony she can really listen to tells her to follow her heart, or she realizes it on her own. We would only makes things worse for her." She was feeling upset herself. She swiped one of the chocolates herself. It had a mellow, soft, minty flavor, almost like a tea she would brew when she or Sweetie were having a restless night. Not scrumptious, but certainly a relaxing flavor. "Now, let's see if we can find som--" A knock came from her door. "Oh. You know, I think I'll take a holiday today. You girls need me more than a customer."

Rarity got up and walked over to her door. She opened it and started talking. "I'm sorry, but I'm going to be closed..." There standing before her, was one of her best friends, with rainbow mane and tail.

Under her was a small orange filly who looked liked she had cried enough to water all of Sweet Apple Acres.