Click.

“…and so we see, the city of Canterlot owes its peace to Sonic the Hedge—”

Click.

“What we should really be considering is what exactly this Sonic the Hedgehog means for the future of Eques—”

Click.

“He was just so fast! We all would have been toast if it weren’t for Sonic—”

“Ugh!” Rainbow Dash loosed a loud, frustrated groan as she once again jabbed the remote with her hoof, this time to turn the TV off. The foyer of her cloudominium fell into silence.

The Element of Loyalty was not a happy mare. She heard the gossip everywhere she went, heard his name on every channel. Sonic this, Sonic that. She couldn’t get away from that hedgehog!

“Some hero,” Rainbow grumbled. “Shows up out of nowhere, turns Equestria upside-down, and now everypony’s acting like he’s the greatest thing since cider season.” Her wings twitched with irritation. “What’s so great about that spiky show-off anyway? He’s all,” she swept her mane to imitate the hedgehog’s quills and made her voice into a crude mimicry of his voice, “‘Ooh, look at me! I’m a big blue pincushion with tacky shoes that looks like something out of a Stepony Queen novel!’”

Shaking her mane back to normal, Rainbow snorted and folded her forelegs, sinking into the couch with a frown. It baffled her how quickly everypony had changed their minds about the alien. One minute, the hedgehog was an invading monster. The next, he was a celebrated hero. How could they all have just given him a pass like that?

Applejack’s words from days prior, about the hedgehog saving their lives—and her own more than once—sprang unbidden to her mind, further souring her expression. It wasn’t like he’d done that much. They could have handled that Egg-face creep and his metal monsters, and she certainly didn’t need his help. If anything, the whole mess was probably his fault to begin with. Rainbow gave a huff. Ponies could be so fickle. Had they all forgotten everything he did to Canterlot? To the guards? To the Wonderbolts?

Rainbow bristled at her last thought, an uncomfortable heat forming in her chest. Somehow, even her idols had been caught off guard by that spiky pest during his first chaotic appearance. How could the most amazing flyers in all of Equestria fail to keep up with one weird-looking alien? “Probably just got lucky,” she muttered.

And to make matters worse, Celestia, in all her boundless wisdom, had decided to stick him right in the middle of Ponyville for them all to babysit. She couldn’t even go about her home without the constant reminder that she shared it with that cocky freak. And now he had all her friends wrapped around his gloved little paws with that flimsy nice guy routine. Well, she wasn’t buying it. No matter how many ponies he won over, she wasn’t going to be fooled. He’d slip up eventually, and when he did…

“Bah!” Rainbow shook her head vigorously, trying to dislodge the bothersome thoughts about Sonic. “Forget that lame-o.” She pushed herself up from the couch and to her hooves. She needed to clear her mind, and for her, there was only one way to do it: flying.

Rainbow trotted across the floor to her front door, pushing through to the outside and shutting it behind her. She took a deep breath of air, turning her gaze up. The sky was a brilliant blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds, just waiting to be soared through. She stretched her wings wide, feeling the breeze against her feathers.

A grin crept across Rainbow’s face as she skipped on her hooves, excitement bubbling up inside her. “Time to show the sky who’s boss!”

With that declaration, Rainbow launched herself into the air. She flew up and up, the wind wrapping its familiar embrace around her. Each wingbeat carried her higher, the trees and objects on the ground below shrinking into little dots. Once she hit her stride, Rainbow Dash let her instincts take over. She twisted and spun through the open sky, performing loops and barrel rolls with effortless grace. Adrenaline pumped through her veins, matching the beat of her wings. She weaved between clouds, kicking off them like springboards, and raced with the sunbeams that peeked through the gaps.

She loved the feeling of freedom that flying brought her, the wind rushing past her and the sun warming her back. It was better than breathing. As she zipped through the air, the worries and stresses clouding her mind faded away. The little issues of the day, especially from the hedgehog, felt like specks of dust far beneath her. Up here, she was untouchable. A master of her domain.

With a burst of energy, Rainbow Dash ascended higher, pushing herself to fly faster than she ever had before. She felt alive, every muscle in her body working in perfect harmony. The world below was a blur, and for a brief moment, she felt invincible. It was just her, the sky, and the thrill of the flight.

After a series of dizzying spins, she pulled up into a sharp dive, the ground rushing toward her. At the last moment, she spread her wings wide, catching the air and pulling up with a triumphant shout. “Aw, yeah! That’s what I’m talking about!” She climbed back up, feeling lighter than air, and allowed herself a moment of laughter. In this precious moment, she couldn’t be bothered by thoughts of that annoying hedgehog. Up here, she was Rainbow Dash. The fastest flier in Equestria. A daring adventurer who could conquer anything life threw at her. And that was all that mattered.

Hearty laughter carried over the cozy, book-filled interior of the Golden Oaks Library. The blue hedgehog that was its source lounged comfortably on the center desk, a hand over his stomach. Spike stood in front of him, his story pausing amid the laughs.

“She…” Sonic gasped, searching for the air to speak. “She brainwashed half the town into fighting over her childhood doll ‘cause she didn’t have a friendship lesson to write about?”

“I know, right?” Spike sniggered. “I tried to tell her it wasn’t a big deal, that Celestia would understand, but nope!”

The subject of their discussion was the only one not sharing in the merriment. Twilight stood by one of the shelves across from the dragon and hedgehog, nose in a book in a vain attempt to ignore the pair. Her pink-tinged cheeks and scrunched face betrayed that the memory still stung.

“Oh, don’t look like that, Twi,” Sonic grinned. “It’s funny!”

The unicorn snapped her book shut and whipped around with a sharp look. “It is not!” she whined, stomping her hoof. “It’s embarrassing!”

Spike laughed again. “Yeah, Twilight can be a pretty poor sport about her mess-ups.”

Twilight’s gaze narrowed further as she focused on Spike. “Oh, you’re one to talk about mess-ups, mister big and greedy.”

The little drake winced, rubbing the back of his head. “Hey, that was an accident! Sort of.”

Sonic leaned back against the desk’s raised center with a chuckle, putting his hands behind his head. “Sounds like you guys get into a lot of crazy and silly stuff around here.”

Twilight gave a small grumble, flicking her tail. “I guess you could say that.”

“Speaking of crazy and silly,” Spike went on, “you should have seen this other time Apple Bloom gave herself Cutie Pox!”

Sonic’s brow arched. “You’ll have to fill me in a little. I’ve heard of marks, but not the pox.”

Twilight gave a knowing sigh. Once her scaly assistant got into a groove, there was little stopping him. “It’s a rare and very contagious disease,” she chimed in, her tone taking on an educational air. “It makes a pony break out in random cutie marks, forcing them to perform the talents that come with them.”

“You should have seen her,” said Spike, spreading his arms. “She was tap-dancing, sculpting, fencing. One after the other, nonstop.”

Sonic gave a hum of displeasure. “Sounds unpleasant.”

“That’s putting it lightly,” said Twilight. “The poor thing was exhausted.”

“I’m surprised she didn’t instantly pass out when it finally wore off,” Spike added.

Sonic shifted in his seat. “Glad everything worked out in the end. How’d she even end up with something like that?”

“There’s this magical flower called the Heart’s Desire,” Twilight elaborated. “It’s supposed to make your greatest wish come true. She made a potion out of it to try and give herself a cutie mark.”

“Guess that’s why they say be careful what you wish for,” Spike commented.

Sonic couldn’t help another laugh. “I saw AB and her two little friends yesterday. They were pretty fired up about getting those marks of theirs, but I wouldn’t have guessed she’d go that far. I mean, an enchanted flower? Giving herself an ancient disease? Talk about desperate.”

“The CMC would do just about anything to get their marks at this point,” Spike chuckled. “They’ve been trying pretty much since we’ve known them.”

“Finding your purpose is like a blessing here in Equestria,” said Twilight, smiling softly with memory. “I still remember how happy I was when I got mine.”

A warm look came over Sonic’s features, his mind going back to the energetic trio. Finding one’s calling in life was a special thing. Doubly so, it seemed, for a society of ponies who had it granted by magic and wore its symbol for all to see. “Sounds like a pretty big deal for you guys,” Sonic said. “So her cutie pox wore off all on its own?”

“It can, but there’s no telling how long it would take,” Twilight clarified. “Fortunately, we had Zecora around to make a cure.”

Sonic’s head cocked sideways. “Zecora?”

“She’s our zebra friend that Apple Bloom took the Heart’s Desire from,” Twilight told him. “She knows just about everything when it comes to herbs, plants and magical ailments.”

“And she likes to talk in rhyme,” added Spike.

Amusement prickled Sonic, the corner of his lip turning up. “That so? She sounds like a real character.”

“She’s certainly unique,” Twilight smiled, “but her remedies never fail, and she’s very pleasant. Who knows what we’d do without her.” She paused, suddenly looking self-conscious. “Though, we didn’t always think so.”

The change in demeanor caught Sonic’s attention. “Whadda ya mean by that?”

“Everypony in town used to think she was some kind of evil enchantress,” said Spike. “There were all these rumors that she’d curse you and gobble you up in a stew and stuff.” The little dragon snorted. “Pinkie Pie even threw together a whole song about it.”

“And it wasn’t a very good one, either,” Twilight frowned, shaking her head as if to keep the horrible earworm from filling her brain again.

Sonic’s expression turned wry. “Seriously? Even the brave, bold saviors of Equestria were scared of one little zebra?”

Twilight’s cheeks went pink as her confidence stumbled. “I guess the girls’ opinions got to me after a while,” she stammered. “Nopony’s perfect, right?”

Sonic looked at Spike. “So what exactly had everyone so spooked?”

Spike thought for a moment, then shrugged. “Honestly, it was kind of arbitrary. No one knew what she was about, and they’d never see her except for when she came around once a month to shop.”

“Zebras aren’t native to Equestria,” said Twilight. “They come from a land far beyond our borders. She’s the only one we’ve ever seen. And I think everypony was especially put off by how she lives in Everfree Forest.”

“Everfree Forest?” Sonic echoed. “Do you mean the woods right next to Ponyville?”

“That’s the place,” Spike confirmed. “It’s a real hike just to get to Zecora’s hut.”

“It’s practically off-limits to the townsfolk,” said Twilight. “Everfree is full of dangerous plant and animal life. More than that, it doesn’t function like the rest of Equestria. Animals care for themselves, and the plants grow and clouds move all on their own without any intervention.”

Sonic stared at Twilight until she was finished. After a few beats, his smirk returned. “You ponies seem to live in your own little bubble. ‘Cause in every other place I’ve been to, that’s just how things work.”

Twilight paused, considering his words with a curious look. “Really? How fascinating. Equestrian ponies typically tend to the land and help it thrive, and even help maintain a lot of the animals, but the creatures of Everfree seem to have their own way of doing things. I’m not sure how Zecora manages to live so easily there. It’s such a strange thing for the rest of us.”

Sonic’s brow wrinkled. “And you’re telling me everyone treated her like a black sheep just ‘cause she looked and acted a little different?” He snorted. “So much for the friendliest town in Equestria.”

Spike suddenly looked a little guilty. “I mean, when you say it like that…”

Twilight’s face fell a bit, her ears flattening. “I admit, not our best moment,” she sighed. “But we’re all on good terms now. It was a lesson for everypony about judging a book by its cover.” She sheepishly pawed her hoof on the ground. “Maybe some of us can be quick to startle when odd new things come around.”

A sardonic look crossed Sonic’s face as he gestured to himself. “Case in point.”

Twilight felt her face heat again. She glanced away, ignoring Spike’s stifled laugh. “Hey, you can’t blame us for being on edge, considering how you arrived in Equestria. Breaking through a whole dimension, the lightning and a giant vortex right over the castle? Who wouldn’t be shaken up?”

“Eh, fair enough,” Sonic conceded, adjusting in his seat and gazing thoughtfully at the ceiling. “So you guys have an untamed forest that runs on normal-world logic?” He smirked. “Sounds like a fun place.”

Spike and Twilight stared at him. “You call that fun?” Spike said incredulously.

“Sonic, don’t be foolish!” Twilight scolded. “Ponies avoid the Everfree Forest for a reason. It’s full of timberwolves, parasprites—”

“Cockatrices, manticores, Ursa Minors and Majors,” Spike continued.

“The point is it’s no laughing matter!” Twilight said sharply. “Least of all somewhere to go for a relaxing walk through the woods!”

“I’m sure I’ve seen worse,” Sonic said flippantly, waving off their concern.

“You’re not taking this seriously,” Twilight groused, her brows bunching.

“Where’s the fun in that?” Sonic smirked, already imagining a breakneck-speed stroll through the enchanted forest. “And hey, if your zebra pal can make it work, I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

The nonchalant bravery earned a laugh from Spike. “You like to live dangerously, don’t you, Sonic?”

“What’s life without a little thrill?” Sonic replied, flashing his pearly whites.

“Boys,” Twilight muttered, shaking her head. “Alright, go ahead and go out there if you want. But don’t blame me if something happens to you.”

“I’ll put it on the list.” Hopping down from the table, Sonic rolled his shoulders and stretched out his arms. “Hey, what time is it?”

Checking the clock, Spike responded, “It’s almost three. What, got somewhere to go?”

“Not right now, but Apple Bloom said something about a talent show later today.”

“Oh, yes!” Twilight said, her demeanor brightening. “The Ponyville school is having its biannual event. All the foals always put on the most adorable shows.”

“The three mark-eteers did look pumped,” said Sonic. “I’m just gonna hit the road, kill a few hours until it’s show time.”

“Alright, have fun,” Twilight called. “And don’t be late! You’ll be in for a real treat.”

“Try not to go too fast and miss all the cool stuff!” Spike waved.

“I’ll make sure to enjoy the view,” Sonic called back, waving over his shoulder. He pushed the library door open, bent his knees, and zoomed off in a blue streak.

For a moment, the Equestrian pair watched the door swing back and forth off the wind force of the hedgehog’s exit. “That guy never stops, does he?” Spike observed.

“He’s certainly energetic,” Twilight giggled. “I think he’s just someone who loves to explore. Someone who tackles each new day with a bundle of energy. Like the world is his playground.”

As they stood there together, Spike couldn’t help but admire Sonic more. The way he dashed through life with such exuberance and confidence resonated with him. He was adventurous, passionate and fearless; the qualities of a hero. All the things he aspired to be. “He’s a pretty good guy,” Spike decided, his smile broadening.

“Yes, he is,” Twilight nodded. “I think the girls are really coming around to him.”

Spike was about to agree when a thought rose in his mind. One very stark exception. “Well… not all of them.” He looked at Twilight with a frown. “Have you noticed the way Rainbow Dash is with him? She’s been kinda…” Spike paused, pondering the right word, before eventually deciding on, “standoffish.”

“I’m sure it’s just Rainbow being Rainbow,” Twilight shrugged, heading over to one of the bookshelves. “She’ll warm up to him eventually.”

Spike’s lips pinched together. Twilight could be a little unaware and unassuming when it came to relationships, but he wasn’t convinced. There’d been a new tension about the brash pegasus, a sourness that reared its head whenever Sonic was involved, but he wasn’t sure what it stemmed from. In the end, he only shrugged, hoping that it didn’t end badly for them all. “I hope you’re right, Twilight.”

There was a soft, pink glow over Ponyville by the time its residents gathered on the road outside the quaint little school house. Excitement buzzed through the crowd. The school talent show was about to begin. On stage, a colorful curtain hid the hustle and bustle of last-minute preparations.

Behind it, Scootaloo paced nervously, her wings fluttering with anticipation. “C’mon, you’ve got this,” she whispered to herself, trying to shake off the jitters. The Cutie Mark Crusaders had practiced and practiced. Now it was time to shine. But what if something went wrong, like last time?

“Hey, Scootaloo!” Sweetie Belle’s voice called as she and Apple Bloom appeared behind their friend. “You look a little tense.

“And you ain’t even dressed yet!” Apple Bloom pointed out. “Everything okay?”

Scootaloo turned to her fellow crusaders and sighed. “I just don’t wanna mess up. What if we don’t get our cutie marks?”

“You’ve got nothing to worry about,” Sweetie Belle said reassuringly. “Remember all those amazing tricks you did on your scooter? You’re incredible at that! Just think of this as another way to show everyone what you can do.”

Scootaloo shifted on her hooves, letting the other’s words sink in. If there was one thing she knew well, it was her wings and her wheels. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

“‘Course she’s right!” Apple Bloom beamed. “We’ve got all Ponyville waiting to see what we can do, and we’re gonna give ‘em a show they won’t forget!”

“And even if we don’t get our cutie marks tonight,” Sweetie Belle added, “we’ll have the best time trying!”

A smile made its way back to Scootaloo’s face. “You guys are the best. Okay, let’s do this.”

The three friends shared a determined look and bumped hooves, a promise of camaraderie and shared dreams. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were ready to dazzle the crowd and maybe, just maybe, discover their true talents.

Scootaloo took a deep breath, steadying her racing heart. It would all work out. But there was still one thing unaccounted for. Edging closer to the curtain, she poked her head out to scan the crowd. Her eyes darted around, searching for a familiar rainbow mane.

“Heya, squirt!” a sporty voice called from the side.

Scootaloo pulled back behind the curtain and whipped right. When she saw the speaker, her heart leaped. “Rainbow Dash!” she squeaked. “You came! You really came!”

Said Element of Loyalty glided in gracefully, landing softly on the stage. Her presence seemed to light up the area. “Yeah, I made sure to clear my schedule,” Rainbow chuckled.

“I’m so glad,” Scootaloo gushed. “We’ve been planning this for so long. Another chance to finally earn our cutie marks.” She fidgeted in place. “Honestly, I’m still a little nervous.”

“No need to be,” said Rainbow, giving the filly a playful nudge, “I know how much you and the girls have been practicing. You’re totally gonna rock this!”

Feeling her tension ease at her hero’s words, Scootaloo stood a little taller, her worries melting away like snow under the spring sun. “Thanks, Rainbow Dash. That means so much coming from you.”

“Just give it your best,” Rainbow smirked. “I’ll be right out there cheering you on. And don’t forget to have fun out there.”

The younger pegasus nodded vigorously, her spirits soaring even higher. “I will! We’re gonna give it our all!”

As Rainbow lifted off to head back to her spot, Scootaloo felt a rush of determination. With her idol rooting for her, she knew she could face anything.

“Two minutes to curtain time!” Cheerilee’s voice announced.

The orange filly turned back to the stage at the call where Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom waited. “Ready?” Sweetie Belle asked.

Scootaloo grinned, her eyes brimming with renewed confidence. “Ready!”

Rainbow Dash settled into a spot at the front of the crowd, a warm wave of excitement washing over her. The wide road outside the Ponyville Schoolhouse was alive with the chatter of the townsfolk, each as eager as she was to see the performances.

As Rainbow let her eyes sweep over the other ponies in attendance, her gaze landed on familiar faces across the way. Rarity, Twilight and Applejack were making their way through the audience to find spots. Her wings fluttered, but just as she prepared to lift off and join them, the warmth went cold.

Sonic was here. The blue hedgehog strode alongside her friends, coming to stand between Applejack and Rarity and chatting with both.

“Ugh, why does he have to be here?” Rainbow muttered, her features tightening. Just what she needed. Why couldn’t that blue pest just leave her alone? With some effort, she pushed thoughts of the Mobian out of her mind. “Come on, Dash, don’t let him ruin this,” she whispered to herself. “This is about Scootaloo and her friends, not that spiky-headed showoff.” She settled in, focusing on the stage as Cheerilee’s voice echoed over the square, calling for the first act to take the stage.

It was finally show time.

Kicking things off was a pair of unicorns performing a dazzling light display. They twirled their horns, sending colorful beams of magic swirling into the sky, creating shapes of stars and hearts that sparkled against the sunset backdrop. The audience gasped and cheered. Even Rainbow clapped her hooves at the display.

Next up was the group of Lickety Split, Sugar Stix, Mango Dash and Tornado Bolt forming a dance troupe. They galloped and flew in perfect sync, a lively tune filling the air as the audience clapped along.

The performances continued, each more impressive than the last. A young filly named Dinky Doo amazed everyone with her ventriloquist skills, making her stuffed dragon seem to come to life, cracking jokes that had the audience rolling with laughter. After that, shy little Featherweight took the stage with a surprise juggling routine. He started off wobbly, tossing a few colorful balls into the air with trembling hooves, but soon found his rhythm. The crowd cheered him on and with each successful toss, Featherweight grew more confident. Rainbow watched, smiling as he soaked up the applause and finished his act with a bow.

Then Cheerilee’s voice filled the air again. “And now, for our final act of the evening, please welcome the Cutie Mark Crusaders!”

Rainbow felt a rush of anticipation. The air crackled with energy. Everypony was eager to see what the three fillies had in store.

As the curtain lifted, the stage was transformed into a vibrant paradise filled with bright greenery and palm trees. Short mountains rose in the background while blue paper simulating lakes sparkled under the stage lights. A waterfall set piece stood off to the right. Most thrilling of all was a loop-de-loop that took center stage.

Seated at the left corner was Sweetie Belle, her hooves poised over the keys of a piano. She glanced back over her shoulder and nodded.

Suddenly, a blue and orange shape whizzed out onto stage. Spinning dramatically, it stopped in the center to reveal Scootaloo, striking a pose. She wore a costume with limbs that ended just above her hooves. It was blue with a peace underside, with curved points on the back and hood imitating quills.

Surprised murmurs rose from the crowd. Rainbow Dash’s mouth dropped open.

With a determined look in her eye, Scootaloo vibrated her wings and took off around the stage, her scooter gliding effortlessly over the wooden floor. As she went into the long-practiced motions, Sweetie Belle started playing a lively, catchy tune on the piano. After a couple of stanzas, the little unicorn started to sing.

♪ “Blue streak speeds by
♪ Sonic the Hedgehog
♪ Too fast for the naked eye
♪ Sonic the Hedgehog

♪ Sonic! He can really move! Sonic! He’s got an attitude! Sonic! He’s the fastest thing alive!”

Sweetie Belle’s voice rang out over the melody, her singing harmonizing beautifully with the vibrant piano accompaniment. Scootaloo executed a series of tricks as Sweetie Belle’s voice rang out; flips and spins that showcased her agility and speed. The crowd cheered, their excitement building with each daring move, everybody joining in the exuberance.

Everybody but one.

♪ “Look out when he storms through
♪ Sonic the Hedgehog
♪ Don’t doubt what he can do
♪ Sonic the Hedgehog

♪ Sonic! He can really move! Sonic! He’s got an attitude! Sonic! He’s the fastest thing alive!”

Scootaloo zoomed and circled through the makeshift obstacle course. She zipped through the loop-de-loop, expertly navigating the curve and shooting out the other side with a triumphant shout. The audience was eating it up, the young pegasus’ glee soaring higher with every cheer.

As the song continued, the Cutie Mark Crusaders worked in perfect harmony. Sweetie Belle played with passion while Apple Bloom joined in as backup, clapping her hooves rhythmically to the beat. Scootaloo flipped and spun on her scooter to the gasps and whoops of their elated audience. The stage radiated joy, the energy infectious.

♪ “Sonic! He can really move! Sonic! He’s got an attitude! Sonic! He’s the fastest thing alive! He’s the fastest thing alive! He’s the fastest thing aliiiiiiive!”

As Sweetie Belle hit the final high note, Scootaloo executed one last trick—a daring somersault midway through the loop-de-loop. Landing perfectly on her scooter as it completed the ramp’s curve, she spun to stop for one last pose. The audience erupted into a deafening roar, wings flapping and hooves pounding.

Amid the adulation, one pony stayed stock still. Rainbow Dash stared at the stage, as speechless as she’d been throughout. Of all the possible things, the girls had to do a song about him? Even the Cutie Mark Crusaders, even Scootaloo was a fan of that hedgehog now? And the rest of the ponies drank it up like freshly squeezed cider. She slowly turned right, catching sight of her friends and Sonic again. Applejack was smirking at the blue alien, who sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. Just the sight of him made that heat in Rainbow’s chest start to simmer again.

As the applause settled, Cheerilee and Spike stepped out onto the stage, the former’s smile wide and proud. “Fillies and gentlecolts, let’s give another big round of applause to all our participants!” The audience stomped in approval again as the foals came out to gather on the left of the stage. “I’m so proud of all our young ponies tonight. Now, it’s time for the awards!”

The anxious school ponies shifted in place. The Crusaders exchanged looks with each other. This was it.

“Our first award,” Cheerilee announced, “goes to Dinky Doo for Best Comedy Act!”

“Yay, Dinky!” a gray-coated, blonde-haired pegasus whooped.

Dinky shyly came forward, lowering her head to accept a jester-hat-shaped medal from Spike. She smiled sincerely out at the crowd and her most supportive figure, then returned behind the curtain.

“Next, we have the award for Best Magic Act,” Cheerilee continued. “And this one goes to our very own dynamic duo, Rainberry and Ruby Pinch!”

The two unicorn fillies bounced up to their teacher as the audience cheered, grinning from ear to ear as they accepted the medals. “Thanks, everypony!” they exclaimed in unison. “We love magic!”

“And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for,” Cheerilee said, building up the suspense. “Our last award for Best Musical performance goes to… the Cutie Mark Crusaders!”

The crowd went wild. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom jumped up and down, squealing with joy. The trio rushed to the front of the stage, their hearts racing as Spike presented all three of them with their gold medals in the shape of musical notes.

“We did it, we did it!” Scootaloo burst, hopping in place as her wings buzzed.

“I knew it would work!” Sweetie Belle beamed, her chest swelling. They’d worked hard, supported each other, and finally earned a well-deserved recognition.

“And you know the only way this could be better?” Apple Bloom prompted.

Sweetie Belle’s glee mirrored her friend’s. They both looked down expectantly at their flanks. Triumph faded into disappointment. “No cutie mark,” Sweetie Belle said gloomily.

“Again?” Apple Bloom lamented.

Scootaloo tugged off her costume. Her eyes held a spark of hope, or denial, that she would be different. It blew out when she also found a blank flank under the cloth.

“You all did an incredible job tonight,” Cheerilee told the trio. “I’m so proud of each of you. Remember, the real prize is the fun and friendship you’ve built together.”

The words were of limited comfort to the Crusaders. After all their practice and high hopes, despite telling themselves much the same before the show’s start, failing to earn their cutie marks threw a damper on the celebration. They walked down the stage ramp and into the mingling crowd of ponies. Applejack, Rarity, Twilight and Sonic came to meet them.

“My word, darlings!” Rarity piped. “That was a wonderful show you put on.”

“Not to mention topical,” added Twilight.

“Y’all really brought the house down,” Applejack grinned.

The three fillies’ smiles returned, if faintly. “Thanks, everypony,” said Scootaloo. “We put a lot into it, and we tried our best.”

“But still no cutie marks,” Sweetie Belle groaned.

“Everything was going right,” Apple Bloom grumbled, kicking her hoof in the dirt. “I thought for sure we had it this time.”

“Hey, don’t sweat it, girls,” said Sonic, his voice as warm and encouraging as his expression. “Nobody wins everything every time. It’s not just where you’re going, it’s how you enjoy the trip getting there. Keep your chins up and keep trying. You’ll get it one day.”

The three fillies perked up as they listened to the hedgehog. Their dulled spirits lightened, finding comfort in his words. “I guess you’re right,” said Scootaloo. “It is kind of a bummer… but it was still fun.”

And we’ve still got plenty of chances left,” Sweetie Belle piped up.

“Yeah!” Applebloom chirped. “We won’t give up until we finally earn our cutie marks!”

Rarity stepped over to Sweetie Belle, wrapping one foreleg around her sister’s shoulders. “That’s the spirit, girls. You should be very proud of yourselves. That was a show I don’t think anypony will forget.”

“I know I won’t!” The voice of Spike came from the right as the small dragon finally made it over to join them. “It was totally awesome! That had to be the best act all night!”

The Crusaders blushed and giggled, basking in the praise. “It was a pretty big hit, wasn’t it?” said Scootaloo.

“I knew it would be,” Sweetie Belle beamed triumphantly.

“Speakin’ o’ which,” Applejack said, looking slyly at Sonic, “I’m guessing someone gave ‘em a few ideas?”

Sonic innocently lifted both palms. “Hey, don’t look at me. All I did was tell them to change up the rolls a little. Get Sweetie on the singing, AB on the props, and Scoot on the action. Wasn’t hard to see who was good with what.”

“That’s fair,” Twilight agreed. “I thought the same thing last time they performed.”

“It was my idea!” Sweetie Belle squeaked, hopping in place.

Sonic looked at the little unicorn, his lips crinkling beneath a raised eyebrow. “So that’s why you wanted to hear about my adventures?”

“Uh-huh!” Apple Bloom jumped in. “With all that awesome stuff you can do, we knew it’d be just what we needed to win the big prize!”

Scootaloo shifted in place and swished her mane, trying to suppress her growing appreciation for the Blue Blur. “Yeah, it turned out pretty okay.”

“Just okay, huh?” Sweetie Belle smirked, bumping up into her friend’s side. “Come on, admit it. You were having the time of your life out there.”

The orange pegasus blushed, her tail flicking. “C-Cut it out, don’t be weird!” Her bashfulness only made the others laugh.

“It was a surprise, to be sure,” Rarity tittered. “It seems you’re gaining new admirers by the day, Sonic.”

Sonic rubbed his nose and gave a closed-eye smile. “What can I say? I’ve got that magnetic personality.” The group chuckled again at the remark.

“That was very creative of you, Sweetie Belle,” said Twilight. “You came up with all that, the design, costume and song just from Sonic’s stories?”

“Well,” Sonic’s voice weighed in before Sweetie could answer, “actually, that last part’s on me. Back on Mobius, I’m kind of known as the Fastest Thing Alive.”

“That’s it!”

The merriment was abruptly broken up by a loud shout. By the time the hedgehog, ponies, and dragon turned, a flash of color moved across the field. Sonic flinched backward as Rainbow Dash suddenly got right in his face. “…Huh?” was all the Blue Blur could manage.

Rainbow’s cerise eyes were like daggers, her expression fierce as she bore down on the hedgehog. She could feel the eyes of the whole venue on her, but she hardly cared. “I could put up with the popularity,” she said, her lips twisting into a scowl. “I could put up with everypony magically forgetting all the chaos you caused and thinking you’re some kind of bigshot. I can even deal with that smug attitude most of the time.”

Sonic’s expression cooled, surprise fading into something unreadable. The surrounding were ponies bewildered. Applejack’s expression sharpened, the farm pony trying futilely to intervene. “Rainbow Dash—!”

“But ‘Fastest Thing Alive’?!” Rainbow ground out through clenched teeth. “No. No way! That’s where I draw the line!”

The air was thick with tension. The Cutie Mark Crusaders huddled together, their worried eyes darting between Sonic and Rainbow. Twilight and Rarity exchanged nervous glances, their flying friend’s face resembling a brewing storm.

“You think you’re such hot stuff,” Rainbow ranted, her voice rising with passion. “You come in, scare everypony half to death, then go strutting around like you own the place. This isn’t even your world and you act like you’re the best thing since sliced bread!” She dropped down to the ground right in front of him, her wings splaying out and her tail lifting aggressively. “Well, it’s about time you got the ego check you’ve deserved since you got here! And I’m just the pony to do it!”

An uncomfortable silence fell over the scene. The onlookers seemed scared to move, to speak, to even breathe as their weather manager glared up at the town’s newest guest. After several long seconds, Sonic finally broke the stillness. “What did you have in mind?”

Rainbow’s hoof pawed the ground, a sharp glint flickering in her eyes. “A race. You and me. Winner takes all. The undisputed Fastest Thing Alive!”

One of Sonic’s eyebrows lifted. A few gasps were heard, whispers spreading among the ponies. The only pegasus in history to perform the legendary Sonic Rainboom, arguably the fastest pony in Equestria, going head-to-head with the elusive, interdimensional alien? A new buzz hummed through the air as the Element of Loyalty squared off with the Blue Blur.

“So what’ll it be?” Rainbow challenged, her gaze burning into Sonic’s. “You got the guts, or not?”

Author's Note

You knew it was coming at some point. Now, the gauntlet is thrown. The next obstacle clear. Sonic vs Rainbow Dash is headed our way. Leave your thoughts and thanks for following.

–SSD