Dash Challenges Sparkle! A Race for the Ages!

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!"