//------------------------------// // Chapter 6: Two's a Crowd // Story: The Biggest Racetrack // by ConArtistAlpha //------------------------------// The name of Stargazer’s friend is Comet. Like Stargazer and I, he takes a liking to space. Although, he usually only watches and researches it. He doesn’t contain that burning in his heart, the need to solve its mysteries. He’s more of a mystery DISCOVERER than a mystery SOLVER. He looks for things that are unexplained, but when he finds them, he leaves it to somepony else to determine what it really means. Somepony like Stargazer. We returned the camping gear and telescope we used the night before, and went along our way. Stargazer is extremely anxious to get to Twilight’s house. I am too. I have a vital question to ask her. We once again stopped at The Blue Dragon, for breakfast this time, and two clear platters later, we are aboard the train; destination: Ponyville. Stargazer and I are already acting like a true couple. Because we ARE a true couple. We held hooves for almost the entire trip back, and it sent my spirit flying. I have no doubt resonating in my mind that we genuinely love each other. Once the train arrives at our stop, we start towards the library that belongs to the purple, scholarly, unicorn who is currently doing her best to help me reach my ultimate goal. As we near her tree house, I start to hear voices coming from inside. It sounds like an argument of some sort. We put our ears up to the door to attempt to make out their words. I know eavesdropping is wrong, but something tells me that this conversation is about something major. “Have you gone bonkers?!” I hear somepony say. It sounds like Pinkie Pie. “Why are you helping her?! She could get herself killed!” “I must agree with Pinkie. It’s far too dangerous. Who knows what might happen? If a catastrophe occurs…I don’t know what I…what WE would do without her…” That was definitely Rarity. Her prim and proper voice can be recognized in an instant. Are all of my friends in there? And if they are, what are they talking about? WHO are they talking about? Wait…is it…no it couldn’t be. “Listen girls, I know you’re worried and upset, but this is Rainbow’s dream. She wants nothing more than to be in space, even if only for a little while, and I’m not going to deny her. And don’t worry. I’m taking every precaution there is to take concerning this. I assure you, nothing will go wrong.” Twilight’s speaking confirmed my suspicions. They ARE talking about me. They are debating on whether or not they should allow me to go to space. Like it’s their choice anyway. “I…I don’t know…um…well…I just don’t think it’s the best idea is all…” That timid voice belonged to Fluttershy. Applejack was the next one to pipe up. “It ain’t just a bad idea, it’s a horrible one! It’d be great if she could get there, but the risks ‘r too hagh. Yur the only wun who cn’ stop ‘er, Twi’. Please, don’t let ‘er do this.” Alright, I need to set this straight. NOW. I heave the door open, almost breaking it off its hinges, only to see the astonished and startled expressions of my friends’ faces directed at myself and Stargazer. Stargazer stood behind me, a little unsure of what to do. I could tell he was surprised at my action, and didn’t entirely comprehend the situation. “Alright, what’s going on here?” I ask, even though I clearly know the answer. The five ponies just looked about at each other, hesitant to speak up. “Well?” The first one to speak was the one I expected to answer me first, the bearer of the Element of Honesty. “Listen, sugar cube. Ah don’ think that this whole…uhh…space thing…is gonna be safe fur ya. Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie, an’ I are tryin’ to tell Twi’ here to convince ya to stop.” What?!? Did Applejack change her mind or something?! Because she told me yesterday that she wouldn’t get in my way! Some honest pony SHE is! “But yesterday you said-” before I can finish my sentence, AJ cuts me off. “Ah know wut ah said yesturday. But ah wus wrong. Ah nevur shuld ‘ve said it. Ah’m sorry, Rainbow. I don’t understand. Are they really so dead set on blocking me like this? Are they really trying to crush my dreams? Are they? Are they?! A sudden rage overtakes me. Now it’s my turn to speak my mind. And when I do, I don’t hold back. “Listen up, all of you! Going to space is MY decision! MINE! It’s been my dream since I was only a filly, and NOPONY is gonna steal that dream from me! The only one of you who seems to understand me is Twilight, but if you are my friends, you would too! So fine, try to hold me back! Try to crush my dreams! But it’s not going to work! Ya know why?! Because I-Will-Never-Give-Up! So, are you ponies with me? Or are you against me?” I gaze at the other ponies. AJ and Rarity exchange a solemn and guilty glance. Fluttershy is on the verge of tears. Pinkie’s hair has straightened out. Twilight looks unfazed, and is the first to respond. “I’m with you, Rainbow,” she says as she trots over and stands next to me. The others seem to be deep in thought, but Fluttershy seems to have decided. “I’m…I’m with you too…if that’s okay…” She mimics Twilight’s action and appears by my side. I notice Pinkie Pie’s hair returned to its normal, poofy, state, and she seems very confident in herself. “Why do we dream, Rainbow?” she asks me. I didn’t really have an answer, for I was a bit confused as to why she asked that question. So, I let her continue. “We dream to give ourselves hope that someday, that dream will come true. I have lots of dreams! And if some of those dreams aren’t realized, I’ll be devastated. But, we have our friends to help us, and sometimes, we need their help to make them reality. And right now, I can tell you need some help. You’ve been doing everything you could to make your dream come true, and I’m proud. But I’m also ashamed at myself for doubting you, but now I realize what I need to do. I’m with ya!” As she joins Twilight, Fluttershy, and me, I am in awe. That was one of the most inspiring things I have ever heard Pinkie say. Maybe THE most inspiring thing I’ve ever heard her say. And now she’s on my side. That leaves AJ and Rarity. “You know what? Pinkie’s right. If my dream of being a fashionista didn’t come true, I’m not sure where I’d be right now.” And with that, Rarity joins us on our side of the room. Applejack is now the only one who opposes. “AJ?” I say in a soft tone. “You comin’?” “Well…ah…oh all raght.” We all let out hollers of joy (except for Fluttershy who gave a simple “yay”) as AJ trotted into our group. “But ah still got a bad feelin’ ‘bout this,” she proclaims. “Hey, um, girls? Who’s that?” I realize Pinkie is referring to Stargazer. Wow, I almost forgot about him! I guess I was a little too caught up in the moment… The other ponies turn to get a look at the stranger, still standing in Twilight’s doorway. “Everypony, this is Stargazer,” I state to the confused group of onlookers. “Uhh…hey there, girls,” Stargazer greets them shyly. My friends greet him back, also somewhat shyly. “So, Stargazer, how do you know Rainbow?” Twilight asks with great curiosity present in her voice. I answer for him. “He’s my coltfriend,” I state with outright pride. The other ponies are taken aback by this, but quickly regain their composure, and look at us in happiness. Rarity is the first to speak, being the romantic one. “Oh congratulations, you two, that’s simply splendid! Ooh, this is so exciting! How did you meet?” “Well, it’s actually a funny story…” Stargazer’s voice trails off. He seems a little too embarrassed to share the fact that we met when he literally rammed into my house. To be honest, so am I. So, I use the reason Stargazer and I came here in the first place as an excuse to temporarily get us out of this situation. “Listen, girls, I’d be happy to answer any questions about me and Stargazer later, but right now, we REALLY gotta talk to Twi’. Alone. The others look to Twilight, and she nods her head, confirming that whatever needed to be said, needed to be said in privacy. As all but I, Twilight, and Stargazer depart from the tree house, I turn to speak to Twilight. Wait…what was that? I could’ve sworn I just saw an orange figure dart behind a bookcase out of the corner of my eye. Looking back at the bookcase, I don’t see anything abnormal, so I adjust my vision back to my purple unicorn friend, shrugging off whatever I thought I had seen. “So, what did you want to talk about?” Twilight inquires. “I think you know.” “Yeah, I do. Well, I’ve made SOME progress. I was able to draw out a potential blueprint for the suit you will be wearing up there. The suit will be able to counter the strange pressure system, and will also allow you to breathe.” “Sounds like progress to me. And again, I can’t thank you enough for all that you’re doing for me. But…there’s one more thing I’d like to include…” “And that is?” “I want Stargazer to come with me." Twilight was completely surprised by this, and hesitated before continuing. It seems like she's trying to think of a reason to say no, but I know she won't anyway. "Umm...well...does he WANT to go with you?" Suddenly realizing that the question was more directed toward him than me, Stargazer is caught off guard, but answers the question all the same. “Yes, it would be a dream come true! But, of course, I don’t want to intrude. If it can’t be done…well…I understand.” Twilight seemed to be deep in thought. “Well…it might take longer…and the rocket shuttle will definitely be more of a challenge…but yes, I can-” The rest of what she said was inaudible, for her speech was drowned out by me and Stargazer’s shouts of absolute elation.