Thunder and Lightning

Chapters

Chapter 1: New Students
Lightning strikes part 1
Lightning Strikes part 2

Chapter 1: New Students

It was always their dream to be like the wonder-bolts; or just any famous flyer for that matter. Yes, Thunder and Lightning had always wanted to fly professionally. Thunder and Lightning were Pegasus twins: Thunder was pitch black in colour and had a black and white striped mane. He was very tall, strong and assertive. Lightning on the other hand was rather different: He was pale white in colour, but shared the same black and white striped mane. Lightning was small, quite weak and very shy. Both were extremely gifted flyers, but lightning showed a little more skill than Thunder; this however didn’t affect their relationship. Ever since Thunder had noticed Lightning’s extra skill, he had accepted that Lightning was better than him and decided to help him. Lightning, who had always thought of other pony’s feelings before his own, was reluctant at first; he wanted Thunder to stay focused on his own flying. Thunder wouldn’t take no for an answer and swore to help Lightning achieve his dream; knowing that he himself would never have Lightning’s skill.

“Right, what have I told you to do, Lightning?” asked Thunder as they approached Clouds-Dale.

“Um... train harder than ever before?” he asked nervously as they landed nearby the training grounds.

“No!” shouted Thunder; like his name suggested, he could shout alright. “I told you to be more assertive. Have more confidence in yourself.”

“Oh... I’m sorry.” whimpered Lightning. He could never handle ponies shouting; especially when his brother shouted.

“No, I’m sorry Lightning. I shouldn’t be so hard on you. You have the skills; you just need to have more self-confidence, that’s all.”

“Thanks Thunder. I’ll try.”

They proceeded to walk in silence towards the training grounds. Lightning had always wished he wasn’t better than Thunder when it came to flying. He felt he was stealing Thunder’s dreams; but Thunder always reassured him that he wasn’t. Thunder was still a fantastic flyer and when Thunder and Lightning flew together, the sight was exceptional. They both had perfected their own signature moves and when they performed these moves together, the spectacle was unbelievable. They would both fly around in circles and when they were flying fast enough, Lightning would produce amazing bolts of golden lightning, while Thunder would generate a roaring chorus of thunder to accompany the lightning. Thanks to these moves, the twins earned their cutie-marks and their names “Thunder and Lightning”. Thunder’s cutie-mark was a group of three grey clouds with music symbols around them. Lightning’s was a magnificent, golden bolt of lightning. Although Thunder and Lightning’s signature move was spectacular, there was one Pegasus who could top it.

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy walked across the majestic clouds of Clouds-Dale towards the training grounds.
“Man, it’s great to be back at Clouds-Dale.” said Rainbow Dash as the training grounds emerged into view.

“Yeah, I suppose.” muttered Fluttershy. “So long as I don’t have to partake in any events.” Fluttershy was never a strong flyer, thought Rainbow Dash, and she never really wanted to be a great flyer. It was her confidence that let her down; she didn’t have a lot of self-confidence. As they entered the training grounds, Rainbow Dash heard Fluttershy whimper.

“Come on Fluttershy, it won’t be that bad.” she said.

“It’s just the other ponies, they’re... they’re so mean to Me.” replied Fluttershy as she began to cry.

“Aw, come here.” Rainbow held out her arms and Fluttershy fell into them with such unsuspected force that Rainbow Dash was nearly knocked over.

“Thanks Rainbow. You always make me feel better.”

“Any time Fluttershy, pal. Come on lets go.”

“Wow, look at this place Thunder.” said Lightning as they entered the training grounds. It was a huge stadium filled with Pegasus ponies stretching and warming up.

“Yeah, it’s a sight alright. I know we’ll fit right in.” replied Thunder.

“Hey look over there, bro. Is that who I think it is?” said Lightning, excitedly pointing in the direction of two pegasi. One was bright yellow in colour with a pink, flowing mane; but it was the other pony that caught Thunder’s attention: Pale blue in colour and a mane like nothing he had ever seen before. It was all the colours of a Rainbow! He had never seen anything so dazzling before in all his life.
“It’s her! It’s her!” shouted Lightning uncontrollably. “It’s Rainbow Dash!”

“Hey Fluttershy!” yelled a rough looking Pegasus. “I hope your flying today. I want a good laugh!” All the pegasi around him began to laugh and shout jeers over at Fluttershy.

“Hey!” shouted Rainbow Dash. “Leave her alone, chump!”

“What are you going to do, Rainbow CRASH!” retorted the rough Pegasus. He and his gang began to round on her.

“I suggest you leave her alone.” said an unfamiliar voice. “If you know what’s good for you.”

The Pegasus turned to face the voice, “And what are you going to...“ He stopped talking when he saw who was standing in front of him. A huge, pitch black Pegasus loomed over him. The colossal pony snorted and dug at the clouds with his
massive hooves.

“Yes sir, I mean... yes... um... come on guys let’s get out of here.” he spluttered. He and his gang of pegasi ran off with their tails between their legs.

“Phew!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash. “That was close. If you didn’t come when you did I don’t know what would have happened.”

“That’s alright. You should be more careful next time.” replied Thunder.

“I’m sorry, have we met?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“Oh dear, where are my manners, I’m Thunder and this...” he pointed to the pony cowering behind him. “This is Lightning. We are new here.”

“Hi” whispered Lightning.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Rainbow Dash and this...” she pointed to the Pegasus cowering behind her. “This is Fluttershy.”

“Hi” whispered Fluttershy.

“We have heard a lot about you, Rainbow. Lightning here is actually a huge fan of yours. Isn’t that right Lightning?” asked Thunder. Lightning came out from behind his brother, avoiding eye contact with the two fillies.

“Yes, that’s right” he said nervously, digging at the clouds.

“Well it was nice to meet you both” said Rainbow Dash. “Hope to see you up in the sky.”

“Oh you will” replied Thunder.

“Come on Fluttershy.” Thanks again Thunder!”

“Any time Rainbow. Bye.”

“See you later” she replied.

Thunder and Lightning watched the two pegasi walk off. They kept glancing over their shoulders at the pair of them and giggling.
“You’re never going to impress Rainbow Dash if you can’t even look at her Lightning” said Thunder.

“Oh don’t you worry, Thunder, I’ll impress her alright” replied Lightning. “On the race track!”

Lightning strikes part 1

As the day progressed, Lightning found it harder and harder to get Rainbow Dash’s attention. Everywhere the pony went huge crowds followed; after all, she was the best flyer in all of Clouds-Dales. Supposedly. Lightning soon give up hope and tried to focus on his flying; yet he couldn’t. Something, or somepony, was on his mind. He couldn’t stop thinking about Rainbow Dash’s friend, Fluttershy; he thought that’s what her name was. He remembered how beautiful she was, he never really noticed that sort thing before; but she was an exception. Of course, with this filly playing at his mind all day, he wasn’t flying very well; and Thunder noticed this. Lightning was crashing, falling and not flying in straight lines. Thunder began to worry about him.

“Look Lightning, I know you’re a big fan of Rainbow Dash, but please just focus on your own flying. I know she’s very good, but she’s more for show; attention. Why don’t you practice on making a show that even she can’t ignore.” pleaded Thunder.

“You’re right, as usual. I’m sorry. I just don’t know what’s wrong with Me.”, replied Lightning. That was a lie though; he knew exactly what was wrong with him.
***
Later that day, a race was being organised; something to kick the new term off. All those who wished to partake simply had to put their names forward and then would be placed into heats; a maximum of fifty students could put their names down. There were five places to play for, so that meant five heats; ten per heat. Once Lightning had heard about this, he
raced over to where the organisers were.

“Name?” asked a rather old looking Pegasus.

“Lightning” replied the nervous young pony.

“Ah, our new student” she said with a hint of excitement. “How has your first day been? How’s your brother keeping?”

“Oh, my day has been fine. Um... Thunder, he’s alright I suppose.”

“Well, keep up the good work; I’ve heard promising stories about you two. Good luck for the race!”

“Thank you” said Lightning, heading back to his brother. As he was walking past the queue to sign up for the race, a pony beckoned to him.

“Hey Lightning! Lightning!” somepony shouted. Lightning decided to see who it was; he recognized the voice. When he walked past a pony that was blocking his view, he gasped in horror; it was Rainbow Dash. But that wasn’t what scared him, it was the beautiful, cream-coloured Pegasus standing beside her that made him nervous; Fluttershy.

“Signing up for the race Lightning?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“Um... um... what?” spluttered Lightning, unable to keep his gaze off Fluttershy.

“I said, are you signing up for the race? Silly” she replied. Fluttershy glanced over at him and noticed him staring; Lightning broke off immediately.

“Yes, just... signed up there now... Rainbow.” Lightning said her name nervously; he didn’t know her after all.

“Well good luck!” Hope you make it to the final five!” she said.

“Um... thanks. You too” replied Lightning. He turned and began to walk away.

“Good luck Lightning” came another, softer voice. Lightning stopped dead in his tracks and turned to face the voice. Fluttershy was looking at him with a smile upon her face. Lightning felt his knees trembling.

“Thanks Fluttershy” he said eventually. The queue began to move forward and so did the two Pegasi.

“Oh, gotta go here Lightning. See ya” said Rainbow Dash.

“Bye Lightning” said Fluttershy.

“Yeah see you later. Bye Fluttershy.” Without another word Lightning galloped off back to the training fields.

“You know Fluttershy.” said Rainbow. “I think he likes you.” Fluttershy blushed and giggled.

“Oh don’t be silly Rainbow. He’s just shy because it’s his first day.”

“Do you think I’m blind? He was staring at you the whole time.”

“No he wasn’t, he was talking to you.” Fluttershy blushed even more.

“I’m telling ya Fluttershy, he likes you.” said Rainbow Dash.

“Just write your name down” retorted Fluttershy.
***
Lightning’s heat was a gruelling race; all the Pegasi in his race group were huge. Lightning was terrified.

“Listen Lightning” his brother had said. “Just because they’re big, doesn’t mean they’re better. You are quicker than them, ok?”

“Right ok, I can do this.” Lightning had replied. But he didn’t feel like he could do it; especially with all those ponies watching.

“Do your best; that’s all you can do. Good luck.” Thunder had said before retreating to the stands. Lightning thought his best wasn’t good enough. What if he lost? Everypony would laugh at him. Clouds-Dale would think they made a mistake and kick him and his brother out. These were the thoughts going through his head when he was at the starting line. But the worst thought he had been: What if Fluttershy sees me? She’ll never like me if I lose. When the flag came crashing down to start the race, Lightning was left behind by the other Pegasi. He knew it was coming. What did he expect? He was small, weak and useless; while these Pegasi were all strong, big and amazing flyers. He managed to pull himself up to fourth place by the third and final lap; but he knew he would never make first. Then on the final straight, Lightning spotted Thunder in the stands; cheering him on. In that moment, something came over Lightning, some force that he had never felt before and he shot forward like a bullet; leaving all the other ponies behind in a cloud of smoke. When Lightning crossed the finish line, his body was covered in bolts of electricity and his mane was spiked right up. Sparks were erupting from the end of his tail and everypony looked upon the tiny Pegasus with awe. Never before had any Pegasus flew so fast that they conducted electricity! And so, Lightning was awarded a place in the final five.
***
The final race was scheduled two days after the heats; giving each contender a day’s training. This was a miracle for Lightning for he did not expect to win this race; or even finish it for that matter. Five laps of intense racing and obstacles just to top it off. Lightning didn’t waste any time and straight away began training; once Thunder had managed to get the last bolt of electricity off of him.

“What in equestria happened up there? I mean, I know you can create Lightning after flying around in circles at great speed; but how did you do that?” he asked.

“I don’t know. I just... I... just... um. I don’t know” he replied. He genuinely had no clue what had happened: One minute he caught sight of Thunder, next minute he had crossed the finish line. Still he wasn’t complaining, he won, and he got through to the final five; on his first day! His confidence was slowly getting stronger.
***
“You should have seen him, Rainbow, it was amazing” exclaimed Fluttershy as the two of them headed towards that training grounds. Unsurprisingly, Rainbow Dash had won her heat; so she was also in the final five.

“I doubt it was that amazing” replied Rainbow Dash.

“I think somepony’s jealous” said Fluttershy with a grin.

“Oh yeah! Well I think SOMEPONY fancies Lightning!” retorted Rainbow. Fluttershy’s grin faded straight away and was replaced with A Slight frown. She began to blush uncontrollably and lost her recent confidence.

“And... who would that be?” The question was stupid; she had given the game away long ago.

“YOU!” shouted Rainbow Dash, attracting some unwanted attention.

“Rainbow, ponies are looking at us” said Fluttershy, recoiling from her friend.

“Just admit it Fluttershy, you like Lightning don’t you?” she demanded, moving closer to Fluttershy; while Fluttershy backed away.

“Um... well... you know... I mean...” stammered Fluttershy nervously.

“DON’T YOU!” shouted Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy looked away from Rainbow Dash and cowered before her.

“Yes” she whispered. Rainbow Dash definitely heard her; she just liked to push the boat out.

“What was that Fluttershy? I didn’t hear that” she said in a sarcastic tone.

“I said, yes, yes I do” she sighed.

“Aha!” said Rainbow Das. “I knew it. You have a crush on Lightning.” Fluttershy guessed what was coming next; she knew Rainbow Dash too well.

“You have a crush on Lightning! You have a crush on Lightning!” she said in a sing-song voice; she was clearly enjoying
herself.

“Ok, Rainbow Dash, I get the point” said Fluttershy rather sternly, as they entered the training grounds. They just had to be there, didn’t they? Off in the distance were Thunder and Lightning.

“Hey look shy, there he is. Come on let’s say hello” said Rainbow Dash with a huge grin across her face.

“Sure... ok” replied Fluttershy. Just play along, she thought to herself, it won’t be as bad if you just play along. But could she play along, or would her feelings get the better of her?
***
“Ready!” shouted Thunder. Lightning braced his body and tightening what few muscles he had; for about the hundredth time today!

“Set!” shouted Thunder. Lightning fluttered his wings into a good position to get the best possible start; every second counted.

“Go!” roared Thunder. Lightning kicked off with all his strength; flapping his wings as fast as he could. He zoomed past Thunder and he had to stable himself encase he fell due to the force of Lightning’s passing. Lightning’s eyes began to water, his mane was right back and his wings were flapping like a fish caught on a line; but he loved it. The feeling was sensational. The air through his mane, the speed, and, until recently, the bolts of lightning that seemed to appear around him. Ever since the qualifying heats he had started producing lightning without having to fly around in circles like he used to. Instead, he merely flapped his wings and there it was, lightning! He crossed the finishing line and skidded to a halt. He
flicked his tail and sparks came off the end; he thought it looked awesome!

“Yes! That was two seconds faster that last time!” shouted Thunder as Lightning made his way back to Thunder, he landed beside his brother and high-fived him; electrocuting him in the process.

“Waaay tooo gooo” said Thunder.

“Oh... sorry Thunder” said Lightning, recoiling from the high-five. Thunder shook off the last spark.

“You have to be careful with this whole lightning thing.”

“I will” said Lightning. “But it looks so cool.”

“Well even I can’t argue with” that replied Thunder. Just promise me you’ll be careful and keep it under control.”

“I promise.”

“Wow, that was amazing!” said a soft and delicate voice. Lightning froze in horror, not wanting to face the owner of the voice; he knew who it belonged to.

“Oh hello Fluttershy” said Thunder. “Hi Rainbow Dash.”

“Hey Thunder” said Rainbow Dash. “That’s some fancy flying there Lightning. Where did you learn to fly like that?” she asked. Lightning turned on the spot and immediately looked at Fluttershy. She met his gaze and blushed; Lightning had
never seen anything so cute.

“Um... Thunder taught me most of what I know today” he said to Rainbow Dash, keeping his eyes on Fluttershy. She give him a smile and his heart skipped a beat.

“I saw you racing in your heat, you were amazing” said Fluttershy sweetly. Lightning walked closer to her.

“It wasn’t that good Fluttershy” he said. Thunder looked over at Rainbow Dash and shot her a confused look, she giggled and flew over to Thunder; neither Fluttershy nor Lightning noticed her.

“What’s up with those two?” he whispered to her.

“I think they like each other” she whispered back. The pair of them watched the other two just looking and smiling at each other.

“Hey Fluttershy. We gotta go; I’ve got training to do!” Rainbow shouted over at her. Lightning and Fluttershy nervously broke off, looking away from each other.

“It was nice to see you Lightning” said Fluttershy as she walked past him. Lightning caught her heavenly scent and forgot where he was.

“Oh... yeah... you too Fluttershy. Bye” he eventually said, trying to shake the intoxicating aroma off.

“Bye-Bye” she replied, joining Rainbow Dash at her side. Lightning waved his hoof at the Pegasi.

“Good luck for tomorrow Lightning!” shouted Rainbow Dash.

“You too!” he replied. He couldn’t stop watching Fluttershy as she walked off.

“Do you have a thing for Fluttershy, Lightning?” asked Thunder.

“What! No!” retorted Lightning.

“Oh come on Lightning, do you think I’m blind? Look I don’t mind if you do. Just make sure she doesn’t come in the way of your flying, ok? I mean, great things could happen if you do well in this race.”

“Don’t worry bro. I won’t.”

“Keep practising. I need to speak to a few teachers.” As Lightning watched Thunder fly off, he couldn’t keep Fluttershy off his mind. Everything about her was amazing: Her sweet voice, her beautiful smile and her heavenly smell. Lightning began to smile just thinking about her. Lightning just knew that she was going to come in the way of his flying; but he wanted her to.

Lightning Strikes part 2

That night, Lightning had the strangest – and in some cases – the most disturbing dreams ever. He had been woken by his brother, who was just as shaken as Lightning was. He went to the bathroom to try and calm; but couldn’t get the images out of his mind. The dreams seem pointless, strange, but pointless. In the first dream, he was in an abandoned warehouse of some kind and was facing a wall covered with mirrors; but he had no reflection. He could see mosquitoes in the mirrors, but when he turned around to look at them, they weren’t there. As soon as it had come, it disappeared, and was replaced with another pointless episode; this one was more disturbing though. He was standing on a deserted beach that he did not recognise. As he looked around, he spotted a young coat just standing still. Suddenly, the coat raced towards the sea and began to swim out. He got quite far out before he began to slow down. He stopped and began thrashing in the water; screaming for help. Lightning went after him but the coat went under and the scene faded. The third and final dream was on a bridge; quite a huge one at that. Lightning stood in the middle of the bridge and on either side of him emerged two figures. One of the ponies was shining with an intense bright light; so bright that Lightning couldn’t actually see his face. The other was shroud in shadow; again, so dark that Lightning couldn’t see his face. The two ponies began to move towards him. When they reached him, they began to whisper in his ear; although, he couldn’t understand what they were saying. Then the dream ended.
Lightning wasn’t the same that morning; those dreams were like nothing he had ever seen before. He didn’t even dream at that, but when he did, they were never anything like that. It was probably just nerves, he told himself.

“It’s probably just nerves” said Thunder. They were in the canteen, having breakfast. Thunder, as usual, was stuffing his face with everything and anything; Lightning however had lost his appetite. “You’d better eat something” advised Thunder. “Can’t race without fuel; if you know what I mean.”

“Why are you always right?” asked Lightning as he reached for a bowl of oatmeal.

“Just my character, you know” replied Thunder. Something snapped inside Lightning’s mind.

“What did you say?”

“Um... eat something?” guessed Thunder.

“No that thing about your character.”

“Look Lightning, stop worrying about stupid things, okay. Put those weird dreams behind you.”

“Oh alright” said Lightning as he gave up and began to eat.

“Morning Lightning.” Lightning smashed the table with his hooves.

“What now!” he roared, spinning round. He regretted what he did immediately.

“Oh... bad time?” said Fluttershy, who had jumped at Lightning’s shouting.

“Flutter... Flutershy. What... what... um... morning” spluttered Lightning, spraying oatmeal in all directions. Fluttershy
began to recoil.

“I can see you’re anxious about the race. I’ll leave you to your breakfast.” Without another word the Pegasus galloped off.

“Damn it!” yelled Lightning, hitting the table with his head; sending a bolt of lightning across its surface and frying a piece of bread. Thunder began to snigger, but he wasn’t very good at hiding that sort of thing; as subtle as a brick he was.

“What are you laughing at?!”

“You! You’ve gone and got yourself worked up over nothing. You worried about the race, causing bad dreams and your
recent bad attitude. Don’t worry, it doesn’t matter if you win or lose; it’s just a race!” Lightning let out a long and loud exhale.

“I hate the way you’re always right.”

“Well one of us has to have brains.”

“Oh, ha ha! Very funny.”

“I’m just pulling your tail. Why don’t you go and apologize to Fluttershy? That way, you can get it off your chest, she will
still think you like her and I won’t have to hear you moan about it for the next week.”

“Anything to get away from your lectures” retorted Lightning.

“That’s the spirit!” beamed Thunder, sinking his face into another bowl of oatmeal. “Happy hunting.”
Lightning had searched high and low for Fluttershy after breakfast, but could not find her anywhere. Great, he thought, that’s all he needed. When out searching, he did find the next best thing, Rainbow Dash. She, of course, was in the training grounds, getting some last minute practice.

“Rainbow Dash! Rainbow Dash!” he shouted.

“Oh, hey Lightning, what’s up?” she asked.

“Have you seen Fluttershy, per chance?” he replied.

“Funny you should ask that...” Lightning’s eyes beamed with hope. “No, I haven’t.”

“Damn” muttered Lightning under his breath.

“What?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“Nothing. Say, you wouldn’t know where she would be?”

“Try the edges of clouds-dale. She really doesn’t like it here and when she can, she goes to the very edge and just stares
down at the ground.”

“Really?”

“Yep!”

“Thanks a lot Rainbow Dash! Good luck for the race today!”

“You too; although, you’ll be needing plenty of it if you want to beat me” she relied.

“We’ll see about that” muttered Lightning.

Lightning wasted no time and at once made for the edges of Clouds-Dale. He had to hurry though - the race was starting in one hour. He quickly flew north; nothing there. He changed course and headed east, again, not finding what he was looking for. He repeated this and headed south; to his disappointment, she was not here either. Feeling defeated and down-hearted he headed west, expecting what he would find. Knowing me, he thought, she probably walked right into the training grounds once I left. As he approached the west side however, his heart lightened; he spotted one pony sitting on its’ own. Please, he thought, please be her. The pony became clearer and clearer with every flap of his wings. YES! It was her; the pony was yellow and had pink-flowing hair. He touched down near her; but she had not noticed him. He walked closer to her.

“Fluttershy?” he asked gently.

“Ahhh!” she screamed, nearly falling over.

“Sorry! Sorry!” cried Lightning frantically. “I didn’t mean to scare you.” When Fluttershy calmed down, she did not look at
one bit impressed.

“Oh, hello Lightning” she said in a very different voice, as she returned to her sitting position.

“Please Fluttershy, I didn’t mean to shout back there. I’m just nervous about this race; I didn’t know it was you” he
pleaded. She looked up at him and he smiled back at her. Next thing Lightning knew, she had thrown herself at him; catching him unawares. He didn’t notice at first, but then it dawned on him: He was hugging her!

“And I’m sorry too; I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions.” In a bid not to look nervous, Lightning gripped her tighter. Time seemed to fade out of existence while the two Pegasi held each other. It was like they had both entered Nirvana. They both finally let go, smiling at one another.

“Can I sit with you for a while?” Lightning asked her.

“Of course” she replied, returning to her original position. Lightning lay beside her, looking down at what she was obviously looking at.

“Rainbow Dash said you would be here. She said you hate it here.”

“Yeah, I do. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’m a weak flyer.”

“I’m sure you’re not that bad. Why do you look down at the ground though?”

“It reminds me of all my friends back in Ponyville, where I live. I hate these summer flight camps.”

“It’s my first year, so I have yet to make up my mind up.”

“Where do you live Lightning?” asked Fluttershy.

“My brother and I live in Manehatten.”

“Do you like it there?”

“No. It’s too snobby for me.”

“Why don’t you move?”

“Thunder and I are thinking about it; but we haven’t come to a conclusion yet. CRAP! The race! Sorry Fluttershy, I’ve got to go.”

“Lightning?” she asked.

“Yes?” said Lightning, turning around. Fluttershy gently placed her lips on the side of his face. Lightning stood, spellbound, staring at her. Did that just happen?

“Good luck” she said with a smile. Lightning didn’t respond; he was still taken a back from the kiss. “You had better hurry” she said. Lightning snapped out of his trance.

“Your right... um... yes... right.” Fluttershy covered his mouth with her hoof. “Go” she said simply. With that Lightning took off towards the arena. Fluttershy watched him go and then returned to her sitting position.

“Lightning, there you are” said Thunder as Lightning entered the competitors longue. “What took you so long?”

“Oh nothing” he replied.

“Whatever just put this on...” He handed Lightning a vest with a belt around it; it also had a number four on it. “Your
number; if you haven’t already guessed.”

“Have you ever considered a career as a comedian?” asked Lightning sarcastically.

“No, but you should: You would get laughs jut by looks.”

“Oh ha ha.”

“I’m only joking. I think I had better be on my way. Good luck bro. He raised his hoof and Lightning did the same. “Bro hoof” said Thunder. Lightning and Thunder smashed their hooves together.

“Bro hoof” responded Lightning. With that, Thunder headed for the stands. Lightning looked around the longue and observed his opponents. There were two coats, including himself, and three mares. He looked at the other coat: He was of medium height, rather skinny and had a fair-coloured mane. He was red in colour and had the strangest cutie-mark Lightning had ever seen. It was a golden badge of some kind which was shaped a little bit like an oval with a sharp edge at the bottom. He saw Rainbow Dash talking to the other two mares and decided to approach the strange coat. He was standing on his own, adjusting his number vest; he was number three.

“Er... hello” said Lightning as he walked towards the coat. At Lightning’s greeting he looked up.

“Well hello. Say, are you that Pegasus who created Lightning during his heat?” he asked.

“Um... yes that was me.” The coat took Lightning’s hoof and shook it vigorously.

“Well you must be Lightning then; it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“And you are...” said Lightning, recovering from the intense hoof-shake.

“Oh, please forgive me; where are my manners. I’m Spectrum.” Their conversation was cut short by the announcer:

“All competitors: Please make your way to the start line.”

“Well best of luck. Oh, one more thing: You’re definitely a better flyer than most of us here; so try and beat that Rainbow Dash one. She’ll brag for weeks if she wins” said Spectrum.

“I’ll try” replied Lightning. He walked with Spectrum through a large double-door and was greeted by cheers of an arena full of eager spectators.

“Oh shi-“