Dawn's new day.

“I still can’t believe we’re stuck in the foals category.” I huffed. Applejack was standing at my side and was just as disappointed.

“I know.” She threw up her hooves. “We might be small but we’re faster than most those grown ponies.”

“Hey at least I’ll have have some competition with you two around.” Rainbow dash was stretching nearby and fluttered her wings. She was only just hitting her own growth spurt so it would take even longer than AJ and I before she would be able to compete with the adults.

“You know you’re not allowed to fly right?” Lyra and Bon Bon walked up. Lyra came over and gave me a friendly nuzzle. She wasn’t joining in either race and Bon Bon just qualified in height for the adult’s race so wasn’t joining us. As we all said our greetings I could feel Bon Bon give me a once over and her eyes settled on my back.

“See something you like Sweetie?” Her eyes went wide at my comment then narrowed. Now I know, she knows and she knows, I know. Ya know? I shook my head after almost giving myself a headache.

The others just giggled thinking I was only making a joke to tease her.

“Just disappointed you all can’t run the main race. Mac will probably be the only real competitor.” Bon Bon recovered quickly enough but I could tell she was thinking about something.

“I think you forgot about us Sugar.” Pear Butter and Forest Breeze were both sporting numbers for the race on their sides. “We’re not going to take it easy on anypony.”

“Woah dam, you’re racing?” Applejack looked at mother excitedly. Pear was very fit for an earth pony and it was easy to see where Applejack got it from. I also almost laughed when I momentarily forgot dam isn’t a curse word on Equis.

“Of course, I love this race. The fall leaves are just so beautiful, only reason you haven’t haven’t seen me join was because you were too young or I was pregnant with Bloom. Now that she’s grown a bit and we have extra hooves around to watch her.” Pear puffed out her chest. “I get to race this year.”

“Your momma always did really well in the race.” Granny Smith had even shown up, as a spectator. “It’s partially how she won over your pa.” Granny gave Pear a friendly pat on the back while laughing. “My son was always stuck watching her backside trying to keep up.”

“Wait was pa out of shape back then?” Applejack looked surprised.

“Nah nothing like that. Your Pa was strong like Mac but not the fastest. He always ran his hardest but couldn’t keep up with your momma.” Granny chuckled at the memory. I was glad to be hearing another story about the Apple family.More like he probably hung back on purpose.

“So your flank is how you won him over?” Rainbow suddenly asked what I was thinking about with a completely serious tone.

“Among other things I bet.” Forest joked earning a swat to the flank from Pear’s tail. Rainbow glanced at her own backside the blushed when she caught me watching her with a tilted head. Funny pegasus.

“So is dam not racing?” I asked, looking around for her as the others giggled at Dash. Now wasn’t the time for talking about flanks.

Granny answered with a joke, “She’s running… the family snack stall today with me. Hehe. In fact I should be joining her since she’s alone with little Bloom.” She then quickly galloped off leaving a dust trail.

We all watched the older mare gallop away surprisingly quickly.

“She’s moving a lot better after her hip got looked at.” Pear commented. All necessary medical treatment in Equestria was free, but things like optional hip replacements for retired ponies weren’t fully covered as it was a symptom of age not a life threatening medical condition. The farm has been doing really well so I’m glad things are being maintained much better than the original timeline of the show, including the ponies living on it.

As we all sat around chatting an announcement from Pinkie could suddenly be heard around the open field near the racetrack. “Fillies and colts it’s almost time for Ponyville’s Young runners race. So get your tails over to the starting area.”

Rainbow, AJ, and I all trotted off as the others wished us luck.

The sound of hooves was all I could hear as myself and a couple dozen other foals or shorter young adults ran through the Whitetail Woods. It felt incredibly liberating to run with my fellow ponies through the woods with leaves falling all around us. Most of the foals were laughing which only added to the intense euphoria I felt from magic swirling around us. And everyone thinks Earthpony magic is weak.

I was currently sticking with the herd, pacing myself after watching Dash and Applejack rush ahead. I bet those two will compete like this every year.

A moment of anger sparked inside when I realized just what I had missed out on last year because of my grandparents but it passed as I remembered that Sires hollow didn’t have such an event and finally getting to attend this year made it special.

Slowly but surely the other racers slowed down or took breaks along the path as the race progressed.
The race wasn’t any shorter than the one for adults just passed through a different area that was a bit less hilly that still needed to be cleared.

“And it looks like Rainbow is in the lead. No it’s Applejack. Oh it’s anypony’s race still.” Pinkie’s voice racing out from the balloon above the race. She wasn’t alone though as another mare was piloting it for her. I don’t have my license yet.

As I tuned Pinkie back out I smiled at the scenery rushing by around me. It’s just about time to put on a burst of speed to overtake the fillies. Taking a deep breath I filled my lungs with air and pushed my aching legs harder than I ever had before. Thanks to my training at school and my innate alicorn magic my speed almost doubled for a few moments. The leaves that had fallen were dragged along in my wake and it felt like the wind was at my beck and call.

“Oh what’s this? Balanced Dawn is really catching up fast. The two in the lead better get moving.”

Moments after Pinkie spoke I passed Applejack and Rainbow who both went slack jawed. I didn’t see them grit their teeth but knew they had when they caught back up and flanked me, hooves pounding just as hard as mine. I kept ahead by a nose until the three of us passed the finish line. It wasn’t until I heard Pinkie’s announcement did I know the results.

“And what a race!” Pinkie cheered along with all the spectators waiting at the finish line. “Rainbow won by a nose while Dawn came in second and Applejack in at a very close third!”

My legs gave out as I let out a big breath of air after trotting out of the way. “Second?” I buried my muzzle into the grass and took an angry bite then chewed idly as my snack. Grass wasn’t bad, as long as it was in the maintained areas near towns and not the wild stuff.

“Heh, it was a good race.” A sweaty Rainbow dash loafed next to me and leaned against my side. “Mr. second place.” She stuck her tongue out at me.

“Now Dash my brother did really good. He even beat me.” Applejack came over as the other racers were finishing up.

“Ok Ms. Third.” Rainbow was still idly rubbing her side against me in a manner of ‘marking’ only herd mates would use.

“Also would ya get off my…” Applejack went silent as I kissed Rainbow’s cheek to shut her up. Dashe’s wings flared and she began blushing as soon as it registered in her brain what just happened.

“Congratulations on winning but shut it Dashie.” I laughed at her reaction and winked at my mom Forest who was just walking up. She gave me a sly smile of approval before trotting back off to join the rest of the family.

Dash didn’t say another word as I nuzzled under her wing and promptly closed my eyes for a short nap after all that running.

“What just happened?” Rainbow asked Applejack after she recovered.

“Looks like he accepted ya. You’re going to have to talk with his herd about that though.” Applejack laughed and the two began talking for a bit as I tuned out.

I tuned back in a few minutes later when Rainbow gulped. “Rarity’s going to be so mad I got kissed by Dawn before her.”

Despite trying to nap I was glad I had listened in and just laid there to rest instead of actually sleeping. Rarity wouldn’t make a bad addition and I know she could get along with the others. Growing the party?.

“And Shy?” Applejack asked and I could practically hear her tilting her head.

I could feel Rainbow shift a bit and wave her off. “She won’t be mad but I don’t know if Dawn will like her.”

“Fluttershy?” I spoke without opening my eyes, surprising the two. “She’s nice. I didn’t think she would be interested in me though since we don’t have much in common.”

“You were awake the whole time?” I opened my eyes and could See Applejack frowning at me. I had to stop from laughing though as in the background most of the other foals were napping or laying around chatting like we were after the race. The cuteness of it contradicted Appljack’s mood perfectly.

I spoke while yawning. “Halfway. I only started listening in again when Dash mentioned Rarity.” I then nuzzled up under her wing a bit more which was difficult since I was the larger of us. The fall air was fairly chilly with sweat soaked fur and she was warm. I’m just glad fillies, even sweaty ones, smell so good. Or maybe that’s the pheromones?

“What about me Darling?” Rarity walked over to us and then spotted the position Dash and I were in before gasping. Rainbow was halfway on top of my back at this point. “Rainbow Dash did you make a move without us?”

“Rarity wait, I can explain.” Rainbow got a bit flustered then looked at me for support. I shrugged as these things were best worked out amongst fillies. I would only interject if it involved another colt/stallion.

Rarity made an ‘I’m waiting’ motion.

“Dawn kissed me first after the race and we just kinda got comfortable since it’s chilly.” She awkwardly rubbed the back of her head while not moving off me.

Rarity shook her head. “Honestly darling. Blaming the colt while you mark him.”

“Well she isn’t lying Rares, my brother did kiss her first.” Applejack spoke up.

“Who’s side are you on sis?” I huffed.

“The truth’s.” She flicked my ear with her hoof.

“Fine.” I turned towards Rarity. “Rarity don’t blame Dash. I had no idea she was in a trial herd with you and Fluttershy when I started flirting with her. I’m also in one with two fillies from school so you’d have to talk with them about anything official but I personally wouldn’t mind having more members.”

I gave her a polite nod.

“Yes, well, we can talk about all that at some point. Dash sorry for jumping to conclusions dear.” Rarity came over and gave her a loving nuzzle though scrunched her nose up at the smell of sweat.

After everypony had a good rest and I hit everyone with a cleansing spell after recovering my stamina, we joined back up with the adults for lunch. Their race was in the afternoon so for now it was just time for the fall festival activities. One thing not shown in the show was that the day of and after the races there was a local fair containing games and food. It was a good time for farmers to show off some products and for ponies to mingle before winter set in since going out became less common.

I had learned that not everypony who came to these festivals lived close to town. Quite a few of the herds that would show up on days like today were technically only part of the town in name. This was due to their farms being too far away to travel on the regular and they would homeschool their foals.

The festivals would provide places for those herds to mingle and the younger generations to find mates. Rodeos and other such festivals were put on in farming communities for similar reasons.

“Hey Dawn what you doing?” I was broken from my thoughts by Lyra. She was floating a couple of our families apples in her magic.

“Just waiting.” I leaned against her as she sat on the table’s bench next to me. Pushing myself in that race took more out of me than I thought.

“Waiting for what?” She took a bite of one of the apples.

“The girls offered to go pick up some snacks for us. Something about proper mare behavior.” I wasn’t going to complain about it since they offered.

“That’s nice of them.” Lyra hummed.

“So Lyra. How have you been? Nice not being captured this year right?” I laughed.

“Yeah…” she looked up at the sky and watched a cloud. “I much prefer being here with you and Bonnie.”

“And how is your Sweetie?” I joked but she took it in stride.

“As lovable as ever. It will be exciting to watch her race later.” Lyra practically purred. Yes I had found out ponies could purr but it was a bit different than a cat’s. “Her shop is doing really well too. She offered to buy me my own bed but I much prefer sharing with her when I’m in town.”

“I bet.” I bumped her as the girls came back.

“Oh hello Lyra.” Rarity looked between us with intrigue. “You’re not in Dawn’s trial herd as well are you?”

“Hey no, we’re practically siblings at this point considering his moms are my legal guardians even though I live with Bon Bon.” She idly answered.

“They are?” Rarity looked interested.

“Wait our moms are what now?” Applejack looked at me for answers.

“Wait you didn’t know Aj? After that whole mess last year Lyra needed a legal guardian to stay in school but still make Ponyville her official residence. The princess couldn’t do it so our moms offered.” I replied.

“Woah hold up the princess? It sounds like there’s an epic story to go with this.” Rainbow sat on my other side looking excited as she wagged her tail.

“Wait did you not hear the rumors?” Lyra looked at Dash then at me before I shrugged. “I guess I don’t mind telling the story.” She shrugged back.

For the rest of lunch Lyra sat telling the group about our adventures last year. I added my own perspective on it now and then but let her tell most of it. Her cutie mark helped make her the better story teller anyway.

“Oh darlings that sounds dreadful.” Rarity dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief.

“It sounds awesome.” Everypony shot Rainbow a look as she jumped from the bench and hovered . “What? They’re both safe.” She slowly slunk back into her seat. “Sorry.”

“So was that our son cuddling up with Rainbow Dash after the morning race?” Morning Dew asked as she happily watched her partners stretch out. The adult race started in about a half hour so they still had some time together.

“Yep. Colt will definitely be growing our family in the future.” Forest Breeze happily replied. She was glad he may have finally found a flying partner and not just magical ones.

“Oh I just hope Applejack doesn’t feel left out with both of her brothers already finding trial herds. My little filly shouldn’t be left without love.” Pear leaned against Forest as she balanced on just her right hooves.

“Well our colts did find some good fillies fairly early and it doesn’t hurt we raised them properly.” Morning Dew buffed a hoof on her chest. “Mac is strong and smart while Dawn is smart and magically gifted.”

“Doesn’t hurt they’re both so cute.” Forest gushed like any typical mother about her son. All three mares agreed that their boys were quite the mare magnets. They then grew a bit worried they might both get into future trouble because of it.

While they loved to tease their sons about finding good herd members they were still protective mothers towards their boys.

“Why don’t you just go?” Imago sat on the castle balcony with Celestia. They were on the side of the castle facing Ponyville and could see the distant forest slowly changing as the leaves, aided by Earth Pony magic, fell upon the land.

“My presence is a distraction to my little ponies. They wouldn’t be able to enjoy the festivities if I went.” Celestia lamented.

Imago rolled her eyes. She was never under any illusion her Princess was perfect but that just made Tia even better in her opinion. “Just go in disguise you dingbat.”

“Dingbat?” Celestia looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

“Changeling insult.” Imago looked away with red cheeks. Alicia just giggled while basking in her mother’s mutual love while resting between them.

“Runners it’s finally time for the Adult’s race to start.” Pinkie cheered. I along with my friends and family were waiting near the finish line to see who would win.

Is that Celestia? I spotted ’Sunny Skies’ along with a couple other ponies with familiar feeling magic sitting close by. Guess I’ll say hi later.

“And they’re off. Oh wow look at those leaves fall.” Pinkie wasn’t wrong. The adult racers shook a much larger area and the thundering of hooves could be felt even from where we were.

“It’s almost like an earthquake.” I idly commented and the others nodded in agreement.

The race proceeded faster than the foals race and soon Pinkie was announcing the end. “And it’s Pear Butter in the lead followed closely by her partner Forest Breeze and then their colt Big Mac. Bon Bon is in a close fourth with the rest of the runners not far behind.”

We all held our breath to see who would win. We could now see them all getting closer and unlike the foals, the adults were much more serious considering the bit prizes and better bragging rights involved with their race.

“And… and…” Pinkie took a deep breath. “It’s Pear Butter of the Apple family for the win!” Our section cheered while a few others groaned.

I ran over right away with Applejack. “That was incredible.” AJ gushed.

“You did great too mom. Don’t feel bad I also got second.” I smiled and earned myself a wing noogie.

“Thanks for the pep talk, colt.” She continued ruffling my mane as the others laughed.

“I think you’re both winners. I didn’t even race.” Dew came over and gave both her wives a kiss on the cheek.

With the race completed we all went back to enjoying the rest of the festival.