Sparkle

What was I thinking.

I'm nervous. Very nervous. I can feel the sweat trailing underneath my mane. Of course, that might have something to do with the blazing stage lights.

I look around at my competitors. Trixie is there, of course, Rarity too. I can see Derpy, Zecora, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. Behind them are Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara. When I see Fluttershy, I know I'm screwed.

Ms. Cherilee is on stage welcoming everypony. How can she be so calm! My mane is starting to stick to my forehead. I am so high strung that I jump when Spike leans over to wipe the sweat away.

"Relax, Twilight," he soothes. It doesn't work.

I look at the judges. The Mayor, Lyra and Octavia sit craning their necks and trying to get a peek at the contestants.

Cherilee is almost finished. I look at my number again. Number two. Great.

Spike shoves a cup of water under my mouth. I don't question him, I just drink it. I was feeling better. Maybe I could do this. I hear the stomping of almost every pony in Ponyville and all my new-found confidence evaporates.

Spike abandons me as Rarity goes on. She's sings and she's amazing. Her, normally, annoying, superficial voice was the perfect pitch as she sang a song about dresses. Come to think of it, I've heard her sing it before. Something about the Art of the Dress. I don't know. I don't want to know because she's finished.

I trot miserably onto the stage and all the noise stops. I look up at the hundreds of judgemental eyes staring back. I remember what Spike told me just before we left the library. "Tonight is all about you, Twi." I hate him for that.

I take a deep breath and open my mouth...