//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: Day One (Part One) // Story: The Biggest Racetrack // by ConArtistAlpha //------------------------------// “Bee-beep! Bee-beep! Bee-beep! Bee-beep!” That alarm clock annoys me to death, especially when it’s set to wake me up prior to seven o’clock. “Bee-beep! Bee-beep! Be-” I shut the alarm off and crawl out of bed. After a little while of some very relaxing stretching, I go through my daily morning routine of taking a bath, brushing my mane, etcetera. After breakfast, it’s time to start training. I gather my workout gear and neatly pack it all in my duffle bag. I head out the door and start flying towards my destination, the Healthy Hooves Athletic Club, or HHAC. I pass over Sweet Apple Acres on my way there, seeing its almost endless horizon of apple trees. Which reminds me, I didn’t bring a snack for energy! When working out, it’s crucial to have enough energy to last the exercise period, and apples can provide enough quick energy to help me through the day. Swooping down to ground level, my eyes come upon the huge, red, hulk of a barn belonging to Applejack and her family. Trotting up to the door, I notice Big Macintosh heaving a wagon jammed full of golden yellow apples. He must have just harvested them, for they look deliciously fresh. “Hey Big Mac!” I greet him, “Nice day isn’t it?” “Yup,” he responds. It’s strange; the only words I’ve ever heard him say were “yup” and “nope.” Nothing else. On occasion, I've attempted to break his slightly annoying habit, but try as I might, nothing worked. I guess there are some things you just can’t change, and his speech is one of those things. That’s why I try to phrase my questions and statements so they can be answered with a “yes” or “no”. But back to the point… “Those apples sure look tasty. Would it be alright if I purchased a few from you?” “Yyyuup.” “Awesome!” I reach into my bag and pull out four bits, two for each apple. I hand him the currency, and he exchanges it for two mouth-watering, golden delicious apples. “Thanks!” “Yyyuup.” As I turn to fly away, a familiar friendly voice calls from behind me. “Howdy there Rainbow! What brings you here so early in the mornin’?” I turn to see my friend Applejack, grinning in curiosity as to why I’m here. “Hey, AJ! I just came to buy a couple apples to get myself some energy while I work out at the gym.” I’m really hoping she doesn’t ask why I’m going. I have no interest in talking about it at this moment. Extended conversation will just distract me from my work, so I try to skedaddle as quickly as possible. “Big Mac over here helped me out with that so I guess I’ll be on my way.” Before I have the chance to go ANYWHERE, Applejack asks the dreaded question. “Huh, that’s the first time I’ve ever heard you were gunna do that. Why the change?” Well, it’s not like I can lie to my friend. Actually, I could, I’m a fairly good liar. But of course I wouldn’t, I would never do that anypony I cared about. So, I spill the beans. “I’m starting training for space travel.” I seriously wish I can have a camera right now, because AJ’s face is priceless! She’s just standing there, mouth agape, eyes wide in shock. Alright, she looks genuinely scared now; I think I should explain things a little more before she has a stroke or something. “Applejack, you okay?” “Huh? Oh, yeah. Wait, did you say space travel?!?” “Umm…yes.” “I see…and just how r’ ya plannin’ on doin’ that?” Being truthful, I have almost no clue. Twilight is doing most of the construction and scientific planning of our project, so I’m left in the dark for now. “I’m not sure,” I reply, a little unsure of myself, “But Twi’ said she would help me, so things can’t be disastrous. I mean, she’s smarter than all of us. She’ll get it done. I know she will.” And I DO know it. But “worried” is still written all over AJ’s face. “Well, good luck with that, sugar cube. Even though I have my doubts about this, I’m rootn’ for ya. Be careful too, ya hear?” I didn’t expect such a reassuring response, but I’m thankful for it. It’s glad to know she’s on my side for this, which makes my situation a heck of a lot better to deal with. “I will, thanks AJ.” I place the apples into my bag and take off towards the HHAC, looking back to wave goodbye to Big Mac and AJ. ********** “Closed?! What do you mean closed?!?” I wake up at six thirty, I go through all of that packing, I have to explain myself to AJ while picking up perfectly good apples, and now the manager of the HHAC is saying the gym is closed! What else can go wrong?!? “I’m sorry, ma’am, but the HHAC is closed until further notice. Our chemical sensors are picking up strange readings of methane gas. Now, there might actually be gas, or the sensors maybe on the fritz, but either way, every safety precaution must be taken, even if that means shutting down the facility for some time. So please, make this easy on me. I’ve had a long morning, and I really just want to go home, but I can’t do that until you leave the property.” Long morning my left flank! He has no idea! But I guess there’s nothing I can do. Without another word, I take off, flying back to my house. Without warning, a large mass of…something, rams me in my left flank (ironically). Pain shoots up my side, and I start to spiral downward towards the ground, but in an instant I gain control. Looking back to see whoever or whatever struck me, I find a confused Stargazer, whirring his head to try and shake off the massive hit he delivered. He seems to have recovered, and looks up towards the sky, trying to find the person or thing he ran into. From this vantage point, I can clearly see him in his utter glory as the sun’s rays make his luscious white mane glow and turn pure gold. His cutie mark, a silver telescope, shines brightly and almost blinds me. He looks to be about nineteen years old and in great physical condition, except for his clumsiness of course. Wait, what am I doing? He could’ve killed me! “What do you think you’re doing?! You could’ve killed me!” I scream aloud. “I know, I’m so sorry I…wait…it’s you again. Uhh…Rainbow Dash, right?” “Yeah, that’s my name.” “Right…wow what a coincidence. First flying into your house, and then you yourself. But as I said, I’m really sorry. It’s just…I heard there was going to be a full lunar eclipse that can be seen very clearly in Galloper’s Commons approximately thirty miles West from here. I was so excited to catch the train, I guess I wasn’t paying very much attention to where I was going. Again.” “It’s fine, I guess. But you should really try to calm yourself.” “I know. It’s sort of a habit though. I just can’t not be excited about space! Mysterious, dark, and never-ending space! The feeling I get when I observe it…I just can’t describe.” Wow. I never knew Stargazer was so enthusiastic about space. Does he share my dream? Does he also have that fiery feeling I get when I think of exploring it? Does he feel trapped here like I do? Does he? “Wow you really love space, don’t you?” “Oh, more than anything! I love to solve mysteries and explore the unknown, but one thing that has always baffled me is space. It’s like it’s calling me, calling me to solve its riddles, to search its contents, to…to make it my home.” Unbelievable. He’s just as passionate about space as I am! I don’t understand, I thought I was the only one who feels this way. I guess not. Wait…would he want to…no…no I shouldn’t say anything about it. At least…not yet. “You said something about a place called Galloper’s Commons. It’s funny, I’ve never heard of it before, yet it’s so close.” “Galloper’s Commons was named a town only two months ago. I’ve been there only once myself, but I am very impressed with the locals’ friendliness. No crimes have been reported there thus far, no murder, arson, robbery, theft, fights; I don’t even think an argument has ever occurred.” “Wow, sounds like a great place. Perfect, even.” “It certainly is. And now, a lunar eclipse will be in FULL VEIW there? Can it get any better?” “Wait, a lunar eclipse? I’ve never seen one before.” “Really? Never? In that case, you should come with me!” This statement knocks me off guard and I hesitate to find an answer. On one hand, this guy may be a freak or a maniac and will try to kill me when we get there. On the other, he’s just being nice and offering his hand in friendship. And seeing a full lunar eclipse isn’t a bad thing either. That seals the deal. “Really? I mean, I don’t want to impose or slow you down…” “Nonsense! It’s the least I can do for a pony that hasn’t seen one yet. Stick with me, and you will see beauty on an unimaginable scale!” “Thank you! Thank you so much! This is going to be so cool!” I can hardly contain my excitement. One of the great wonders of space is going to unfold right before my eyes! “It is no problem, really. I’ll even pay for the train tickets. As I said, it’s the least I can do.” This had to be the most caring and good-natured stallion in Equestria! First letting me tag along, and now buying my train tickets?! This is great! But I still need to show respect. “Oh, you don’t have to-” “But I want to.” he cuts me off and says, “This is your first lunar eclipse, and I want it to be perfect for you!” There is just no stopping him. He is just one of a kind. “Well, we better get going,” he starts, “The eclipse is supposed to start in a few hours, and we have to get there before all of the good observation spots are occupied.” With that, we fly, our heading being the Ponyville Transit Train Station, and two tickets to an evening of utter beauty.