10 - Race For First Place

"That's it," Applejack muttered in fiery determination. "It's on now..." She upped the pace, fighting the vice-like grip that fatigue had on her heart. "I've gotta do it for him," she growled to herself.

The line was in sight. The last hurdle stood there, strong as a Royal Guard, and beyond it was paradise. Paradise, victory, a blue ribbon...and, more important than all of that, Game Changer's open arms. Applejack licked her lips. "Let's go..." Adjusting her hat with a flick of the neck, she raced on, preparing her hind legs for the last jump.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the other contestants behind her. She knew she couldn't let them win. Closing her eyes, she threw every last inch of her power into the last leap. She soared like a pegasus over the striped fence, landing on the finish line – before everyone else.

"Phew-ee...That was tough!" Applejack sighed, collapsing to the ground. The crowd went wild, praising the eleventh victory of their champion. She got up slowly, taking the praise.  Game struggled around a few ponies, with a few uneasy "Excuse me"s, and rose into the air, calling out to Applejack hopelessly. He sighed, zooming into the arena to greet her.

"Applejack!" he cried again. He fluttered down beside her. "You were...awesome! I mean, I was just lost for words through the whole thing..."

"I know you were excited, Game, but..." Silencing him with a kiss, she said quietly, "I love you."

Game couldn't hide a smile. "I love you too, Applejack."