//------------------------------// // Headline // Story: Top Speed // by BloodBunny67 //------------------------------// “Do any of you wish to tell me why my face hurts?” Spectrum said, rubbing his nose with a wing as the three friends entered into the rear of the passenger car. “ ... well you did just fall through the roof of a train. You probably hit yourself on the way down.” Wild Fire’s explanation was accompanied by a look of warning directed at Red Line, who just smiled. “I don’t remember hitting my—” “Hey look! These seats are free!” Wild Fire shoved Spectrum into an empty spot at the back of the car. Taking their own seats beside him, Red and Wild Fire finally breathed a collective sigh of relief. It was a long trip to Canterlot and it would have been next to impossible to make it to the derby registration on time if they had to wing it the entire way. Now all they had to do was avoid being noticed by any transit employees. They hadn’t exactly had time to buy tickets when they arrived at the station, and there was also the small matter of property damage caused by their atypical boarding. Luckily, the loud clacking of the metal wheels along the railroad track seems to have muffled the sounds of splintering wood. Not wanting to be ejected from the train at its next stop, the three friends agreed that sending the bits to cover the damages through the mail was their best option. As he gazed around the spartan passenger car, Red noticed that the train seemed to be nearly devoid of other ponies. Besides the three friends, there were only half a dozen passengers peppered throughout the worn seats. From the looks of them they had been traveling for quite some time, most either sleeping or slouched deeply in the threadbare seating. Red Line stretched out as much as he could in the cramped space. The three settled into a companionable silence as they watched the rolling landscape pass by through the filmy windows lining the sides of the car. This lasted all of fifteen minutes before Red started shifting restlessly. “So how long is this ride supposed to be again?” Red asked, trying to make himself more comfortable on the patchy upholstery. “Last time I visited Canterlot on the Friendship Express I think it took five hours, so get cozy,” Wild Fire said, taking her own advice. “Ugh,” Red moaned, not looking forward to the long wait after the excitement of the train chase. “Are you guys sure you don’t wanna fly there now that Spec is awake?” “Pffft, we would probably make better time if he was still unconscious,” Wild Fire elbowed her lavender friend a few times to punctuate her tease. Ignoring the provocation, Spectrum instead stood up from his seat. “Yes well, if it’s all the same to you my friends, I believe I’m going to forgo this delightful conversation and visit the dining car for some refreshments,” he said. Wild Fire buried her head in her hooves, “Seriously Spec? It’s like, ten in the morning.” “And?” He drew the word out, smiling at the mare. “... get me one too.” Wild Fire said, dropping the responsible pretence. “The good stuff though, not that sludge you drink.” Spectrum chuckled, turning to the reclining grey stallion beside him. “And yourself Red? Care for any libations?” Red shook his head and felt his eyelids beginning to grow heavy as he came off the adrenaline rush from earlier. “Nah, thanks pal but I think I’m going to grab some shut eye.” “Very well.” Spectrum exited with a courteous nod. Red wiggled further down in his seat. “Do me a favour Fi, wake me up when we get there,” Red said, closing his eyes as he let out another sigh. He felt himself drift off to sleep before he could hear her answer. “Alright everypony, one more autograph, but then I really have to get back to the race!” “Awwwww come on Mr. Red Line, we came all the way from Trottingham!” “Haha OK then kids, gather around, I guess we have some time.” “Yay! Tell us another story!” “Alright, have I told you the one where I gave Princess Luna some flying lessons so she could beat her sister in a race?” “Wow! You really are the fastest pony ever, aren’t you?” “Sure am kids! Hey, how about a picture to show your friends back home? Say cheese!” “Wow, Thanks!” “Alright, run along now. I think the other racers are starting to catch up; I better go show ‘em how it’s done!” “Don’t worry about finishing the race, Mr. Red Line. We’re almost there” “What do you mean we’re—Ouch! Hey, hitting! Why?” “I said we're almost there! Wake your flank up!” Wild Fire gave Red another smack on the shoulder. “OK OK, I’m up.” Red said, yawning deeply as he stretched out. Looking out the window, he saw the slowly scrolling mountainous landscape of Canterlot as they approached the station. After the train rolled to a stop with a loud rush of vented steam, one of the transit officials entered the car and began ushering ponies out the exit. Red stood up, stretching out his joints from the long ride. As he stood, Red was surprised to see the passenger car was filled to capacity with excitedly chattering ponies. “Wow, when did we pick up all the company?” Red turned to his friends, motioning toward the horde of ponies trickling out the exit. “I’m afraid I don’t know what that’s all about. We’ve taken on larger and larger groups of passengers at every stop.” Spectrum said, standing up with his friend. Red scratched his head as he shuffled behind the host of ponies milling their way towards the front of the car. “Weird. It can’t be for the Canterlot Derby, can it? We have to be there today to register, but the race doesn’t happen for almost a week.” “Nah, there’s probably some other fancy Canterlot junk goin on. Now come on, will you two get movin? I’m tired of being stuck in this tin can!” Butting her friends forward with her head, Wild Fire forced the stallions to push their way through the crowd, garnering no small amount of dirty looks from the other ponies as they were displaced. Red didn’t bother resisting, knowing how antsy Fi got whenever she was in tight spaces. Being as this particular tight space was also filled to the brim with a throng of fellow ponies probably wasn’t helping the matter. She must have been going out of her mind during that ride, train car getting more and more packed at every stop. Red Line rubbed the shoulder she had struck while waking him up, wincing as he felt the bruise forming. He decided that exiting the train as soon as possible was probably best for everypony’s health. It took some time, but eventually the three found themselves outside on a crowded boarding platform. Looking around, they could see for the first time just how many ponies had made this trip alongside them. There were over a dozen passenger cars on the Friendship Express, each of which had a constant flow of passengers escaping onto the platform. The press of nattering ponies was made the area seem uncomfortably warm and loud. Wild Fire nervously took to the air, hovering above the heads of the crowd. Taking notice of her reaction, Spectrum turned to Red and leaned in so he could be heard over the noise on the overcrowded platform. “We have an hour or two before we have to show for registry, perhaps it would be best if we retire to a more tranquil location. There’s a charming little bistro I know of not far from here.” Taking the hint, Red nodded at his friend’s suggestion. Joining Wild Fire in the air, the friends left the noise of their fellow passengers behind them. As they flew above the city streets, the trio noted that the train station wasn’t the only part of the city being flooded with visitors. Every road seemed to be teeming with ponies making their way to hotels and souvenir shops. Spectrum lead them away from the saturated tourist locals near the train station to a small restaurant located on an adjacent street, much to Wild Fire’s thinly-veiled relief. Travel through the cultured, but bohemian, section of Canterlot went quicker and they found themselves at their destination in minutes. “Ah, this is the place. Shall we?” Spectrum said, ushering his friends in through the decorative glass paned door. A bell chimed as they stepped into an elegant but functional interior. Red noted that the flux of visitors seems to have reached past the traditional tourist haunts as many of the tall tables were full of ponies, their maps and cameras at the ready. He worried that Wild Fire’s claustrophobia would flare back up, but was relieved when he saw her visibly relax in the quieter atmosphere. Thoughts moving from his friend back to the crowded restaurant, he caught sight of who he assumed was the owner, judging from his fancy attire, as he noticed the trio. The owner’s eye’s widened and his jaw dropped visibly as some realization hit him. The restauranter proceeded to bulldoze through the patrons in his rush to approach them. Red’s confusion at this behaviour only grew as the well dressed pony reached them and spoke. “Master Spectrum! I had no idea you would be gracing our humble establishment today. I’m afraid I am quite unprepared for your visit!” A rare look of annoyance flashed across the lavender stallion’s face before his usual poise returned. “That’s quite alright mister …” “Oh, it’s Leaf sir, Gold Leaf. I had the pleasure of meeting you some years ago when I had the honour of catering the Grand Galloping Gala.” “Thats quite alright Mister Leaf, any of your available tables will be more than acceptable.” Spectrum said, his tone strained but polite. “Nonsense! Allow me to prepare our VIP table for you and your companions. I won’t be a moment,” the proprietor said, turning as he spoke and rushing off once again. “That really won't be … necessary” Spectrums voice trailed off as Gold Leaf moved beyond earshot toward a table attended by a group of extremely posh socialites. He turned away from the sight and noticed both his friends looking at him with a slack-jawed stare. Shaking her head, Wild Fire spoke up “ ...Spec, what the hay was that all about?” Spectrums answer was interrupted as the group of socialites stomped irritably by them, calling back their dismay to Gold Leaf who was apologetically shooing them out the door, “you’ll never get away with this you uncouth busboy! No one treats Jetset and Upper Crust like this!” Behind him a team of waiters swarmed the table, clearing it off and replacing the finery with a speed that would put the finest pit crew to shame. “If it’s all the same with you two, I would rather not talk about it. Shall we then?” Spectrum said after the group passed by, motioning toward the table. As the trio took their seats, the team of unicorn waiters stood at the ready by their table, pushing their chairs in and floating over glasses of pale wine and fresh bread with a balsamic vinegar dip. The waiters were in the process of magically setting napkins on the pegasi’s laps when Spectrum had a second uncharacteristic flash of annoyance. “That will be all thank you! I’m sure there are many other customers here that require your services. Leave us, please!” Startled, the unicorns practically fled back to the kitchens. Gold Leaf seemed not to notice the behavior and continued to hover over the seated racers. Spectrum rolled his eyes, “Mister Leaf, perhaps you could bring my friends some menus?” “Oh nonsense, Master Spectrum. I shall have the chef personally prepare something fitting for ponies such as yourselves. I shan't be a moment!” Gold Leaf said as he dashed to the kitchen himself. Red Line’s surprise was plain on his face. He turned to the lavender stallion who was absent mindedly nibbling on a piece of bread. “Ok, seriously Spec, whats up? I mean, I always knew you were from Canterlot, but these people are acting like your Prince Blueblood in disguise. What gives?” “As I already said, its not a subject I wish to discuss.” A pair of expectant stares met Spectrum’s eyes. “...Very well. If you must know, my father is … rather well known in this area. Does that satisfy you?” Spectrum’s irritable voice only garnered more stares from his two friends. “We aren’t going to be able to let this go, are we?” Red Line and Wild Fire smiled as they shook their heads. “Fine then, if you absolutely must pry into my private affairs,” Spectrum motioned them closer and continued in a whisper. “My father is the one and only … Hoity Toity.” His friends leaned in closer at the revelation. Red Line and Wild Fire exchanged a look and after a moment nodded in some agreement that was lost on the lavender stallion before turning back to face him. “Spectrum …” Red Line whispered, face a mask of seriousness. “Fi and me have no idea who that is.” The moment of silence that followed was broken as Spectrum burst out in laughter, quickly followed by his friends. After a moment or two, the posh pony wiped a tear from his eye and looked fondly at the other two pegasi. “I must say my friends, and I assure you that this is not the wine talking, I love you guys.” The friends sat in a short companionable silence, smiles worn on their faces when Gold Leaf returned with three plates of the most delicious alfalfa salad that two of the three had ever seen. The racers voiced their thanks before tucking in to the fantastic meal. Seeing his revered guests enjoying themselves so brought a visible wave of satisfaction and relief over the proprietor. Seeing his guests finish their food, Gold Leaf motioned the waiters to clear the table once again. “I trust that your meals were satisfactory?” He asked. His guests each voiced their praise for the food as they slid their chairs back and wiped their mouths. “Splendid! Is there anything else I can do for you during your stay here in Canterlot?” Placing his napkin down, Spectrum turned to the doting pony. “No, Mister Leaf. You have done more than enough. Thank you for your hospitality.” Gold Leaf, undeterred, continued to hover and fuss about the trio. “Oh, but I insist, Master Spectrum! Please let me recommend some activities for you during your stay. Canterlot has changed quite a bit in your absence!” “We would appreciate your help of course, but we aren’t here on vacation I’m afraid. I am here to accompany my friends to the Royal Canterlot Derby, and our time here will likely be spent on preparations.” Spectrum said, mood having noticeably improved after his confession to his friends and a good meal. Gold Leaf’s eyes brightened. “The Royal Canterlot Derby! Oh but of course, it’s supposed to be quite the event this year! Oh my, tell me you already have lodging. It would be next to impossible to arrange something now. You must have seen how many ponies are here to attend, why business has rarely been this good!” Gold Leaf motioned toward the crowded restaurant floor as he spoke. “Yes well, we are not actually here as spectators Mister Leaf, and the Derby supplies all athletes with adequate lodgings—” “—But of course it’s no surprise what with the talk around town. It’s no wonder this is shaping up to be the most spectacular day in the events history, or so I'm told.” Gold Leaf continued as he busied himself cleaning the table, speaking over Spectrum in his excitement as he worked. “I mean, its not every day that one of the racers sets an unprecedented new wing speed record!” “Wait, what?” Red’s attention snapped from his full belly to the conversation at hand, a cocky smile appearing on his face. “Why, haven’t you heard? The new Equestrian wing speed record was set just yesterday, and the racer responsible is going to be attending the Canterlot Derby next week! Exciting isn’t it? Thats why this year’s derby is set to have a record breaking turnout, everypony wants to catch a glimpse of this new phenom.” “Ok, wait a second,” Red’s smile grew from cocky to conceited as he spoke “You're saying all those crowds we saw on the trip over here, all the ponies gathered around the news stands, and all those tourists are all here to see the pony who broke the wing speed record?” “Oh Luna…” Wild Fire smacked her hoof to her face. Gold Leaf eyed the cream coloured mare as he answered Red, unaware of the reason for her reaction. “Why yes, of course. It’s the biggest thing to ever happen in the sport, or so I'm told. I don't know that much about it to be honest. With all these customers today I haven’t been able to find the time to visit a news stand myself.” “Well then it’s your lucky day my good pony,” Red stood up from his chair and thrust his chest out, assuming a prideful stance. “Because you get to meet him in the flesh. Red Line here, new wing speed record holder!” Gold Leaf’s eyes widened and he stumbled over his words before he could properly respond. “Oh … my! S-sir! I had no idea! It is most certainly a h-honour to meet you!” “He heh, It’s ok, Goldie my good man. No need to be nervous. Underneath all this talent and skill, I am just an ordinary stallion like yourself.” Red replied, looking down on the restaurateur from the corner of his eye, smug smile still painted on his face. “Oh, no no no, Its not that I'm nervous sir, we have the privilege of serving a lot of famous clientele” Gold Leaf motioned toward Spectrum, prompting another face-hoof from Wild Fire who then reached out for the wine bottle. “Its just that I heard … that is, I was under the assumption that you were… well, a mare.” Wine sprayed from her mouth as Wild Fire snorted with sudden laughter, completely drenching Spectrum sitting across from her. “What?!” Red’s smile dropped away as he whipped his head around. “They think I’m a girl?!” Riotous laughter erupted from his two friends, doubling them over and causing the soaked lavender stallion to fall from his chair. Gold Leaf cast a disapproving look at the laughing pegasi before remembering himself. “Worry not sir, these types of errors are common in breaking news reports. I shall endeavour to give the correct information to all patrons in this establishment until the newspapers can sort out this mistake. You have my word. Consider the meal complimentary for your trouble.” Recovering from his embarrassment, Red Line shot his snickering friends a dirty look before addressing Gold Leaf again, “Thanks Goldie, I appreciate knowing somepony has my back.” Moving away from the table, Red Line prodded his prone friend with a hoof, “Come on you creeps. We gotta get to the Registry.” Leaving the bistro, the trio were once again forced to make their way through the teeming sea of ponies crowding the Canterlot streets and sky lanes toward the nearby Derby Building. Wild Fire’s agitation began to return as she flitted around overhead. Spectrum busied himself with cleaning off the wine from his coat and mane using some napkins given to him at the bistro. Red walked along, the embarrassment from earlier forgotten as he processed the realization that the horde of ponies milling around Equestria’s capitol were all here to see him. “Can you guys believe this crowd? I don’t remember Fleet Foot getting a reception anything like this!” Red said as they left the crowded street and approached their destination. His friends just rolled their eyes, knowing better than to feed his ego any further. Their conversation came to a sudden stop as the friends broke through the crowd and gazed unobstructed at the derby building. Awe was plain on their faces as they took in the sight. There were larger buildings in Canterlot, just as there were buildings more decorated with finery or steeped in more reverent history; but there was no other building that could instill the same sense of wonderment in a pegasus as the the Royal Canterlot Derby Building. Red Line’s jaw hung open as his eyes took in the sight before him. The spiraled seven story structure was at once an engineering marvel as well as a testament to the grandiose pegasus spirit. Each floor of the building alternated layers of traditional stone construction stacked upon the unique cloudstuff of pegasus architecture. Red Line’s eyes traced the large cloud pillars that ran along the exterior of the structure as if capturing the intermittent stone floors within the beautifully carved cloudstuff skeleton. Sculptures of the legendary speedsters of yore hung over the trio’s heads as they graced the winding buttresses of the whimsical building. Atop the spiraled tower sat the immense half-bowl of the famed cloudstuff arena, impressing the pegasi as the finest and most intricate work of cloud architecture they had ever seen. Banners and flags from towns and cities all across Equestria circled above the arena on their own clouds, forming a colourful halo over the structure. Red shook his head in amazement. “Wow … just …—” “Wow,” Wild Fire finished for him. Time stretched as the three friends continued to stare, glorying in the shadow of this monument to their tribe. After several moments, Spectrum shook his head with a smile and motioned to his friends. “Well, shall we then? It would be inappropriate of me to come all this way to provide my friends with moral support only to see you miss registration,” he said, butting his friends forward. Snapping out of their daze, Red and Wild Fire took the hint, approaching the large double doors into the building. Holding the door open for his friends, Red took one last look up at the hero-studded facade, picturing his face carved alongside them. Stepping through the door, Red joined the others walking through the halls decorated with memorabilia from generations of racers and trick flyers. Red’s excitement grew to a crescendo while Wild Fire was chattering nervously through some kind of checklist on his side and Spectrum followed, silently taking in the spectacle around them. It was hard not to picture photos of himself mounted along with the other pegasi hung on the wall. His daydreams were interrupted by Wild Fire as she paused her muttering to ask him a question. “Ok here we go. Red, you have your medal on you, right?” Wild Fire asked, nervousness and excitement mingling in her voice. An affirmative nod answered her question as he touched the medallion hanging from his neck. “Relax Fi, this is just registration. The race isn’t for a week, you will have plenty of time to freak out later” Red said with a wink. “Yeah, thanks alot. Jerk.” Wild Fire responded, though her demeanor clearly relaxed at the familiar teasing. The trio came to the double doors at the end of the decorated hallway. “This is it,” Red said, chest swelling. Standing for a moment before the doorway, The friends took a deep breath and shared a look of eager anticipation before Red pushed open the doors and took a step inside. Their elation was immediately doused as they saw what lay beyond the portal. “Ah Buck,” Wild Fire’s voice was drowned out by the excited chittering of dozens of fellow racers standing in a line which stretched all the way down another hall, continuing unseen around a bend far ahead. “This is going to take forever.” Red’s enthusiasm refused to waver however, and he turned to his friends with his trademark mischievous smile. “Don’t worry guys, I’m the stallion of the hour, remember! I’m sure these ponies would be honoured to give up their spot in line. Just stick close.” Red said, lifting off in the crowded hallway and zipping away over the heads to the amassed racers. Wild Fire looked warily over to Spectrum, “Great, how long do you think thats going to last?” Spectrum wore a worried smile. “Probably forever. Come, lets make sure he doesn’t get into trouble. We racers can be a rowdy bunch and somehow I’m not entirely convinced that everypony would be so happy to allow him to cut in line.” With that, the pair took off and followed behind their cocksure friend. They turned the corner just in time to see a tan hoof reach up and snag Red Line out of the air, sending him tumbling down to the floor. “Dung,” Wild Fire swore, speeding up to get to her friend before his mouth could make the situation worse. Getting closer, Wild Fire could see Sandstorm standing above Red Line as he sprawled out on the polished floor. The hallway was crowded and it was difficult to find a place to land without crashing into another pony. Wild Fire was forced to set down some distance away and work her way up the line, employing shoves and elbows where necessary. She heard Spectrum as he followed behind her. By the time she reached where Red had set down, the surrounding pegasi had abandoned their place in line and crowded around the two rivals as they faced off. “What the buck was that for Sandstorm? You almost ripped my wing off!” Red exclaimed angrily. “Well, that's what you get for trying to ignore the rest of us.” Sandstorm shrugged calmly, further infuriating the grey stallion. “Jeeze, I was just cutting the line, no reason to get violent about it!” Red said, rubbing his sore limb. “Yeah well, we are sick and tired of you acting like you're better than the rest of us,” Sandstorm said, nodding to the assembled crowd of ponies. A smile grew on her face as she continued, “and since you're just like us now, we aren't going to stand for it.” Shaking his head as he recovered from his fall, Red’s face resumed his cocky grin. Angry at the accusation, he forgot the promise of leniency on Sandstorm he had made to Wild Fire the night before. Red shot back his reply in his usual insufferably casual tone, “hey, I’m sorry to break it to you Stormie, but last I checked, I am better than the rest of you. Im the fastest pony in Equestria, or have you already forgotten? So why don't you just move aside?” He expected Sandstorm’s anger to explode. He expected her to storm off, or throw a fit, or maybe even start a fight. He was confused when he saw not anger, but genuine amusement colour the tan mare’s face. “Oh Celestia, you have no idea do you?” She asked with a laugh. “None of you do,” She motioned to Spectrum and Wild Fire as they arrived at their friends side. Uncomfortable with Sandstorm’s sudden change in mood, the three friends shared a similarly confused look. “What are you talking about?” Red stepped forward and asked, uncertainty clear in his voice. Sandstorm was clearly enjoying their confusion. She took a moment before answering. “Red, Red, Red. I hate to break this to you. Actually no, I love that I get to break this to you. You're not the fastest in Equestria, Red. You're not even close.” This time it was Red Line who broke the silence with laughter. “Good one Stormie, but you must have taken one too many falls during your training while the rest of us were celebrating. I broke the record less than twenty four hours ago. You were there, though you were quite a ways behind me at the time, maybe you missed it?” Red said, tone filled with mockery. Sandstorm’s smile only grew with his response. “Thats absolutely correct Red. Yesterday you edged out Fleet Foot’s record by one single tiny wing power. Good for you, I hope you enjoyed your time in the spotlight. But don’t worry, you still have a record, Red. You officially hold the record for the shortest time spent as Equestria’s fastest pony. You were the fastest pony for one whole hour before someone beat you.” She laughed as she continued,” well, they didn't just beat you, they beat you so bad that you will never ever get even close to getting the record again. I guess you may as well retire, since thats the only thing you’ve ever cared about.” Worry lodged itself in Red’s throat at her words. “You're lying Stormie. Thats impossible. I’m the fastest flyer there has ever been.” Sandstorm said nothing at first, instead grabbing a newspaper from a nearby racer and tossing it to him. Catching it, Red Line broke eye contact as he looked to the front page. Sonic Rainboom! Legendary phenomenon performed by small town pegasus! Red’s jaw dropped as he read the headline. “That’s … impossible.” “Oh, it's possible alright,” Sandstorm looked upon Red’s deflated form with satisfaction as she continued, “just not for you.” Red Line dropped to his knees, the world around him falling away as his focus centered on the story in the paper he held. Red felt himself shaking his head repeatedly in disbelief, trying to will away the reality in his hooves. This isn’t possible. I’m the fastest pony there is. I’ve always known I would be the fastest … Sandstorm stepped toward him, pointing to the newspaper. “What was your best lap again Red? Sixteen wing power? It says here that she broke twenty in five seconds. And that was before the sonic rainboom. Just a small town weather pony, and she set a speed you're never going to be able to beat.” I was never the fastest … “Where’s your bravado now, Red? Where’s that smug attitude we all know you for? Do you still expect everyone to just move out of the way for you?” Triumph was plain in Sandstorm’s voice. I will never be the fastest ... “You will never be the fastest.” Hearing his thoughts echoed by Sandstorm’s mocking voice snapped Red back to reality. Anger, despair, and embarrassment gripped his heart in equal measure, muddying his thoughts and stinging his eyes with tears. He had been walking around with his chest thrust out proudly, thinking he was special.Thinking he could do something no one else could. Thinking that people loved him for it. He felt so stupid. Dropping the newspaper he jumped to the air, flapping his wings furiously. Unable to clear his mind, Red gave into the emotions swirling inside him, ripping the golden medallion from his neck and threw it as hard as he could onto the paper laying on the ground. In a flash he was gone, the red corona traveling in his wake leading back down the hallway to the exit. “Red, wait!” His friends called out to him, but it was too late. He was too far away to hear them, and none of them could ever hope to catch him.