I hate losing
Chapter 1
By MixA4
It's a cold, blustery morning and you're trying to keep warm in your lightweight track outfit. Today's the day of the annual All-School Track meetup, being held by Canterlot High School. Despite the cloudy, overcast weather, the grounds are alive with activity from five different schools participating in the event. Parents hurried to get pictures of their children, track teams met up and discussed plans for the event, students in various stretching poses littered the courtyard.
And yet, you're off doing almost nothing, but for what you believe are good reasons.
Today, there's only two events you're participating in; the 400 meter sprint, and the mile run; Events in which you reign supreme. You're easily the fastest runner at Crystal Prep, with a 5'02" mile time and a sprint equivalent of an Olympic runner. You're naturally expected to bring home 1st place for Crystal Prep, and it shouldn't be difficult.
"Hey Chaser!" A voice calls. You turn to see Indigo Zapp, a confident smile spread across her face. "Why aren't you stretching? Your event starts soon, and we need you in tip-top condition!"
"I already stretched out, besides I don't think stretching will matter that much." You say, eyeing the competition. "We've faced most of these schools before, I know what I'm getting into." Indigo grins.
"You haven't faced Canterlot yet. That's where the real competition comes in." You look at Indigo.
"What do you mean?"
"Canterlot might not have as much as we do, but they do have Rainbow Dash."
"Rainbow Dash? What's so special about her?" You ask.
"Rainbow Dash is Canterlot's most athletic student," Indigo folds her arms. "She's the captain of all sports teams, track included." You turn your attention back to the track.
"I'm not worried." You say. "You know and I both know I'm the fastest runner at Crystal Prep, this shouldn't be too hard."
"Maybe." Indigo starts to walk away. "But Rainbow Dash claims to be the fastest ever, and some say she has the speed to back that claim up."
You glance at Indigo, then back to the track. The fastest ever? That's a hell of a reputation, especially for someone coming from Canterlot. Even still though, you're sure you can handle this race.
Although admittedly, you're considerably less sure than before.
"All participants in the 400 meter sprint, please report to the starting line." A voice blares through the speakers. On command, you and five other students line up at the starting point on the track. Around you, the screams of enthusiastic students and parents fill the cool air.
"Just a simple sprint," You whisper to no one. "A short four hundred meter sprint, and I take home the award."
"So you're from Crystal Prep?" The girl next to you asks. You turn to see a rainbow haired girl giving you a determined smile.
"Oh, uh, yeah," You reply. "How'd you guess?"
"Well, the uniform you're wearing kind of gives it away." You instinctively look down, and sure enough, 'CPA Shadowbolts Running Team' is written in large, purple lettering across your shirt.
Goddammit.
"Oh, right." You say, feeling a blush spread across your face. Not ten words have been said, and you already look like an idiot. The girl giggles, and you can spot "Canterlot Wondercolts" displayed proudly on her shirt.
"Is your name 'Rainbow Dash'?" You ask. The girl smiles a bit wider.
"Looks like my reputation proceeds me!" She says rather arrogantly. "Yes, my name is Rainbow Dash. I'm the head of every sports team at Canterlot, and I'm the fastest runner out here. Don't worry though, I'll try to go easy on you." You frown.
"Yeah, well, I hope you like the taste of dust," You reply. "Because you're going to be eating mine at the end of this race." Rainbow Dash takes a step forward.
"A bit cocky, huh?" She looks you dead in the eyes, her smile unwavering. "That's good, I was hoping for a decent challenge."
You say nothing, instead opting to take your place at the starting line.
The race is about to begin. The other racers, Rainbow Dash included, are in position. Adrenaline begins coursing through your body as you think of the 1st place ribbon waiting for you at the end of the race. Your hands and legs begin trembling from anticipation as you see one of the teachers readying a starting pistol.
"Just a heads up," Rainbow Dash whispers to you. "I don't lose."
Yeah, we'll see about that.
The teacher raises the pistol into the air. Your heart is racing, your breathing is very shallow and rapid, knots form in your stomach. You focus on the track ahead of you, waiting for the crack of the gun.
I hate losing
Chapter 2
By MixA4
Crack!
The sound of the starting pistol rings out across the campus, and you're sprinting at top speed before you can even process the sound of the pistol. Within seconds, you're already leaving the competition behind you with a great lead between you and them.
Most of them, anyways.
Out of the corner of your eye, you can see Rainbow Dash running neck-in-neck with you! You can hardly believe it! Your legs move as fast as they possibly can, each step swiftly carrying you closer to the finish, but she's right there with you! You force every bit of strength out into your legs, trying desperately to pull ahead. The finish line is in sight, and your vision starts to tunnel from exertion. Just a little more, a little closer! Rainbow Dash is still holding active pursuit, her speed unwavering. You fly over the finish line, still neck-in-neck with Rainbow Dash.
Your heart slams in your chest, your breathing is very audible. It was too close to tell who won, so a photo finish was required.
"Alright," Rainbow Dash says between gasps. "You're pretty fast. I'll give you that, but I still won."
"In your dreams." You reply, still panting. A moment passes before one of the teachers steps forward.
"The winner is," she pauses for dramatic effect. Rainbow Dash shoots you a smug grin. "Dust Chaser from Crystal Prep!"
"Hell yeah!" You yell victoriously. The look on Dash's face changes from smug to shock in a split second.
"W-what?!" She glances at you. "No! I won that! I crossed first!" The teacher, sensing Dash's denial, approaches and shows a shot from the finish line. You won by a literal inch.
"No! No I don't lose!" She yells. She walks up to you, anger ablaze in her eyes. You want so badly to rub it in her face, but your instinct tells you to do something completely different.
"Dash," You stick your hand out to her. "Great race. I've never met someone as fast as you." Dash freezes, her jaw hangs open. She has no idea how to react.
"Uh..." She cautiously reaches out and meets your grip. "Yeah, th-that was a good race. I... You really are... fast." You shake hands, and your eyes lock. You can't help but notice how pretty her eyes are.
"Will I see you in any other events?" She asks.
"I'm doing the mile run a bit later." A smile spreads across her face.
"The mile, huh? Looks like we will be racing again." She pauses. "Just, erb, don't expect to win so easily."
Right. Because she just gave you the sprint. You nod, and she wanders off, glancing back over her shoulder. Indigo Zapp appears next to you.
"She's got a thing for you, Chaser." You glance at Indigo.
"Who, Dash? I'd doubt it, she just hasn't been beaten like that before. I think that just threw her off." Indigo looks at you.
"Uh huh." She replies sarcastically. "That's why she's happy you're going to the mile run." She walks off without saying anything more, but flashes you a grin.
Rainbow Dash is just happy you're going to the run for the competition.
Right?
