//------------------------------// // The Royal Canterlot Derby // Story: Top Speed // by BloodBunny67 //------------------------------// Red Line squinted against the rushing wind as he looked toward the sun. Already having past its zenith, it started its slow crawl toward the horizon. Red tightened his lips in a determined line. I can’t believe I was so selfish. Wild Fire and Spectrum have always been there for me. The biggest event in our careers’ and I took off like a colt instead of standing by my friend. There is no way I can let Fi race without letting her know I’m ok and that I’m in her corner. She would do the same for me. Taking another look at the sun, Red gritted his teeth. There is no way anypony could make it in time. He shook the thoughts from his head and slowly the thin line of his mouth pulled back into the familiar smirk that had been absent for the last week. Good thing I’m not just anypony. Pouring on all the speed he could manage, Red Line became a crimson blur shooting overhead, busting any clouds unfortunate enough to float in his path with a brilliant red flash as he streaked toward the Derby Building. Red Line whooped as he saw the stadium rise up on the horizon through his tear-streaked vision. He felt his heart lighten at the sight and dug deep, pushing himself to his physical limits and beyond. His breath came steady and deep. The rhythmic beats of his wings feeling more natural and powerful than ever before. The breeze was with him as he sliced through the air, mane and tail whipping behind in a bright crimson contrail. The smirk that rested on his lips grew wider as it traded grim determination for a giddy elation at the sheer speed at which he was rocketing through the air. He didn’t need any equipment to tell him that he was flying faster than he ever had before. He flew faster even than he had during his last derby in Fillydelphia. He flew faster than he had ever dreamed he could fly. He flew faster than he could ever fly for himself, because today, he flew for his friends. Red Line whooped again at the sheer thrill coursing through him. I’m coming guys! I’m on my-“Woah!” A brilliant rainbow suddenly flashed into existence a few meters from Red’s flightpath, touching down near the bowl of the derby stadium in the distance. Shocked by its sudden appearance, Red Line slowed slightly as he watched the brightly shining prismatic arc fade a moment after its appearance. “What in the hay was that?!” “Spec, I have no idea what that was, now please, as interesting as sudden and unplanned rainbows are, will you stop gawking and help me out with this?!” Wild Fire snapped irritably as she struggled to fit the derby tabard around her pinions. “Oh, yes of course, my dear” Spectrum said, moving through the crowd of fellow racers to help. Pulling the tabard into place with his teeth, Spectrum fastened it securely around her barrel and took a step back. “I must say, Wild Fire, you look every bit a grand champion.” Spectrum said, a small smile worn on his face. “Heh, thanks,” Wild Fire said, continuing to fidget and adjust the clothing. “I just hope this isn’t a sign from the Princesses,” she said, motioning toward the large ‘67’ blazoned across the sides of the garment. “Hmph, somehow I doubt that the princesses use that amount of subtlety when foretelling the future. Although, I suppose you could ask them yourself if you're curious,” Spectrum said, motioning over his friends shoulder. Wild Fire turned and looked past the racer’s pit near the track’s starting line, her gaze sweeping over the entirety of the arena. The massive cloudstuff bowl of the stadium seemed to stretch on forever, with row upon row of bench seating stacked higher and higher until she had to crane her neck back to see the top. Any decor or finery amidst the seating area was lost beneath the cram of ponies who filled every bench within her view. Above it all, centered on the opposite end of the arena and directly above the finish line, hung the royal box. From this distance, Wild Fire could just make out the light and dark forms of the Princesses. Sitting in the seats directly beneath them were five smaller forms. Pink, white, purple, orange, and yellow; whoever they were they certainly must be important ponies to have the honour of being guests of the Diarchs of Equestria. Wild Fire whistled at the sight, stomach clenching as the enormity of the scene hit her. She looked back down at her tabard, tracing the number with her hoof. “Wow… This really is the big leagues, eh Spec?” she said, voice wavering slightly as she bit her lip. Spectrum smiled and stepped closer to his friend, throwing a leg around her neck in support. “It certainly is my dear, and if I may say so without being too forward,” Spectrum took Wild Fire’s hoof in his own and pulled her around till she stood to face him before continuing, the crowded pit forcing them to stand almost nose to nose. “the big leagues suit you Wild Fire. You have never looked more formidable, nor more beautiful, in all the years I’ve known you.” Habit caused Wild Fire’s eyes to narrow threateningly for a moment before they softened. The tension pent up in her shoulders and wings melted under the lavender stallions even gaze and a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “Spec, I … thanks,” she said. Spectrum released the cream mare’s shoulders and adopted the aloof smile that was never far out of his reach. “Never a problem for you, my dear. Think nothing of it, I insist,” he said, his tone all theatrics and poise. Wild Fire returned the smile for a moment before it fell away. “I just wish Red was here. This is so important, for all of us. I still can’t believe he went and bucked everything up like that,” she said, the crestfallen tone creeping back into her words. Spectrum’s smile only grew as he spoke, “oh, I wouldn't worry about Red Line, my dear. I’m sure he is just fine.” Wild Fire looked up, speaking with a snarl, “how can you say that, Spec? He just took off and left us! We haven't had any word from him in days; who knows what shape he’s in?” Wild Fire’s head drooped low on her shoulders, voice trading its angry edge for a doleful whisper. “Even if he wanted to give up on his dreams, I can't believe he would abandon me while I try and live mine. Thats not what friends do.” Spectrum reached out and lifted Wild Fire’s chin with a hoof. “Wild Fire, you mustn't worry yourself. Red Line has never let us down before, and I don’t believe he intends to start now.” Spectrum said, voice full of warmth and reassurance. Wild Fire couldn't help but feel her spirits lift at her friends words as she looking up into his eyes. “How can you be so sure, Spec?” she asked, the shadows of her doubt refusing to be shaken completely free. Spectrum raised an eyebrow in amusement before he spoke. “Why, because he is right behind you, my dear,” he said theatrically. Wild Fire’s eyes shot open in surprise as she whipped around and saw Red Line coming in for a landing directly in front of her. Wiping the sweat from his brow with a wing, he walked over to his friends, eye’s bright and trademark smirk tugging at his mouth. “Hey guys, lookin good! Wow, the place sure is crowded. Did I miss anythin—Youch!” Red yelped as Wild Fire stepped forward and delivered a strike that was faster than lightning to back of his head. Red Line pulled away and covered himself before Wild Fire could wind up to take another swing. “What the hay did you think you were doing, worrying us like that, Red!” Wild Fire yelled angrily, drawing surprised stares from the mass of surrounding racers in the pit. “You disappear for five days without a word, and then walk back in like nothing happened!” Spectrum lept between them and caught the smaller pegasus in his hooves as she made another lunge toward the injured stallion. “Now … now, Wild Fire, I’m ... sure that Red has had ... quite enough.” Spectrum grunted as he struggled to hold on to the stronger mare. “What's important … is that he is ok and that he … came back, right?” Feeling the tension leave her body, Spectrum sighed with relief and stepped out from between the two friends. “Geez, I see that your left hook hasn’t gotten any worse over the last week, ouch.” Red said, rubbing the back of his head with a wing. “Where the hay were you? When you left we rushed after you but you were long gone. We barely made it back to registry in time! We went out and looked for you every day, you jerk!” Wild Fire said, her words still filled with fire, though she made no further attempts to attack. Red Line lost the smirk and looked earnestly at the mare. “I know, I know. I’m really sorry, Wild Fire, Spectrum.” Red stepped back toward his friends, placing a hoof on each of their shoulders. “I just got so caught up in my own disappointment and my own dreams that I lost sight of what really mattered to me; you guys. I’m sorry.” Spectrum placed a reassuring hoof on top of Red’s. Wild Fire was silent for a moment as her angry scowl fell away and she adopted a look of relief. “Fine, I forgive you, but your still a jerk.” Wild Fire said with a hint of teasing. “At least you're here now.” “I know, I had to bust my flank to get here! you should have seen me fly guys, it was like nothing else I’ve ever done in my life! It’s too bad I missed registration, because I feel like I could take on everypony here!” he said, stretching his wings and enjoying the warmth within them after his flight, “but I knew I couldn't miss the chance to let you know I was here rooting for you Fi.” A moment of silence followed as Wild Fire and Spectrum exchanged a knowing look and turned back to their friend with matching mischievous grins on their faces. “What? Am I missing something?” Red asked, confused. Spectrum cleared his throat. “Hrm yes, well then. I hope you don’t mind terribly, Red Line. I’m afraid that after your frantic escape from the Derby Building, I went and did something rather roguish. Seems in your fit, you threw away your Fillydelphia Derby medal; striking a perfectly innocent and defenseless newspaper if I recall correctly. Terrible business that,” Spectrum paused dramatically, raising an eyebrow and adopting a comically supercilious look. Red furrowed his brow for a moment, not understanding. “Uhhh, Ok?” Spectrum shook his head in amusement as Wild Fire snickered at his side. Spectrum continued, “well now, I couldn't just let this symbol of the noble sport of Pegasus Racing lie there on the floor now could I? Unfortunately, when I attempted to return it to the registration desk, those poor overworked officials somehow confused me for you. Laughable really, considering my stately manner and your rather uncouth … ness.” Spectrum trailed off, smile growing even wider. Red Line’s Eyes grew wide. “Wow now, wait. Spec, are you saying what I think you're saying?!” “What I’m saying, my friend, is that I believe it is time for the racers to take their place at the starting line,” Spectrum said as he reached into his saddlebag and pulled out a pair of brass flight goggles and a derby tabard. “Perhaps you should do the same, unless you plan on running away again?” Spectrum asked, holding the tabard out toward his friend. “Spectrum, you crazy old horse!” Red Line leapt into a hover for a moment so great was his excitement. Gathering the lavender stallion and a smiling Wild Fire both up into a crushing hug, Red laughed with happiness and relief. “I LOVE you guys!” “Mares and Stallions, Colts and Fillies, Princesses and honoured guests! Welcome, one and all, to theeee greatest event in sports entertainment in all of Equestria! The Royal Canterlot Derby!” Red Line could barely hear loudspeaker over the roar of the crowd that enveloped the massive stadium. Standing tall, he cast an appraising eye on the masses filling the arena seating. This is it. The big time. “My name is Instant Replay, and I will be guiding everypony here in attendance and all those listening at home through today's action! Let me take this time to thank our gracious and benevolent rulers for sponsoring this event! Let's hear it for Princess Celestia and Princess Nightma… Luna! Dung, I hope she didn’t hear that!” If Red Line thought he had ever heard a loud audience before, the response from the spectators in the stands at the mention of the Princesses proved just how wrong he was. Red actually had to cover his ears with his hooves until the cheers died down. “Ok everypony, listen up! Make your trips to the concession stands now, because we are about to experience fifty laps of puuuuure adrenaline. With the talented athletes assembled here below, you can be sure that if you so much as blink you’re gonna miss it! Before we get started, allow me to introduce the amazing ponies who will be competing for you fine folks today!” As the announcer went through the names of the racers, Red Line took a moment to look down the line at his competition. He whistled to himself, noting the poise and determined glare of his fellow racers. He really was standing here with the best of the best in Equestria. Well, I may not be able to live my dream of being the fastest pegasus of all time, but standing here in the Canterlot Stadium alongside the greatest racers in the business, I at least feel like I’m dreaming. Red Line’s chest swelled and he stood a little straighter. Catching Wild Fire’s gaze in the long line of pegasi, Red nodded to her with a smile. Her name was called over the loud speaker, followed by his own and he saw her stiffen with a pride that he shared. Red Line’s eyes traced the row of pegasi further down, skipping a fierce looking Sandstorm out of embarrassment lest she notice his gaze. Scanning the line all the way to the end, he was surprised to see the cyan mare with the brilliant prismatic mane standing apart from the other racers on a small cloud platform by the starting horn. She stood there without a derby tabard, scanning the arena, eyes filled with excitement and a touch of nervousness. Red Line shook his head in confusion, Better get dressed and in place filly, or your gonna get disqualified. Hearing the announcer finish the list of competitors, Red shrugged and turned back to face the track in front of him. “Alright everypony! Are you ready?” Thunderous applause rung throughout the stadium. “I said Are. You. Ready?!” The noise from the cheering spectators grew so loud Red Line almost covered his ears again. “Good! Because as you may have heard, we have a treat for all you lovely ponies here today! We have a very special guest here with us who is gonna help kick this race off with a BOOM! The winner of this year’s Cloudsdale Young Flyer Competition, the one, the only, Rainbooooow Dash!” Catching movement out of the corner of his eye, Red Line looked back over to the end of the row to see the cyan mare waving to the crowd, who responded with deafening cheers. Rainbow Dash huh. Well I guess that explains why she’s not dressed to race. She’s just here to kick us off. Probably for the best, she didn’t get a lot of practice in while sittng at Joe’s, Red Line gave a little laugh at the thought before remembering that he was in the same position, except he will be racing. Smirking at himself, Red again faced forward and forced a deep breath. Instant Replay continued on, whipping the attending crowd up into a slavering frenzy but Red Line was no longer listening, his mind having turned inward and focused on the task ahead. This was it. All his life had lead up to this. Here, amongst his friends, the best racers in all of Equestria, and the Princesses themselves, was his moment. He could feel it deep inside; this was his moment of destiny. The moment that would define him forever. Red Line set his shoulders and pulled his mouth back into a look of grim determination. He was determined to make the most of it. The ponies in the stands, his fellow racers, and the voice over the loudspeaker all began to drop away as he focused his eyes on the track. He was conscious of nothing other than his wings, his goal, and the air that lay between them. His mind sharpened as he ran through his mental checklist. “Thats right folks, you have all heard of her, and now here she is to help get this event started! Hey, what the? Give me that—” Stretch out; Red Line extended his muscular wings one at a time, feeling satisfaction as the already warm muscles glided smoothly through the motions. “—I know right! How Amazing is Rainbow Dash! Isn't she the most daring devil? I mean, the most devilish darer? I mean—” Loosen up; Red Line tested each joint, creating a cascading wave of inaudible pops from his fetlocks to his neck. Red smiled at the feeling, body simultaneously at ease and at the ready. “—That’s mine! Hey, where do you think you’re going?! Raven, call security, tell them to keep that tartarus-spawned pink pony away from the announcer booth!” Get your footing; Red Line widened his stance, feeling as his hooves took firm hold on the downy softness of the cloud track. “Sorry everypony, technical difficulties!” Ritual complete, Red Line’s cherry-red eyes narrowed in determination as he slid the brass flight goggles down into position. “Now, As I was saying. Racers get ready! In lieu of the starting horn, the race will begin on Miss Dash’s signal. And we all know what signal will be, don't we Canterlot!” “Rainboom!Rainboom!Rainboom!Rainboom!Rainboom!Rainboom!Rainboom!Rainboom!Rainboom!” Red Line’s concentration wavered for a moment as he took his eyes off the track and looked around at the chanting crowd. Wait, did he just say something about the starting horn? “That’s right, my little ponies! The race begins on the Sonic Rainboom! Take it Dash!” Before Red Line understood what was happening, he saw the cyan mare out of the corner of his eye as she took off. What the hay? was all Red had time to think as the cyan mare accelerated faster than any racer in history, leaving behind a familiar and vivid rainbow contrail in her wake. In less than a second, the full-spectrum blur was moving faster than anything Red had ever seen. A mach cone formed in front of the mare’s path, sharpening quicker than should be possible. Red Line’s mouth opened in shock. “You have got to be bucking with m—” ~< BOOOOM >~ The fantastic explosion rang out as the hypersonic pegasus shattered the light/sound barrier. Canterlot Stadium shook violently and Red Line felt the shockwave pressing down on him even as he was blinded by the cascade of colour that burst forth from the epicenter in a blinding flash. Every shade and hue that could be imagined spiraled out in a brilliant prismatic wave that washed over the landscape. Red Line’s jaw hung open. He felt wind whip erratically by his body for a moment as he stood, his mind desperately trying to understand what had just happened but his eyes allowing only that he look upwards at the expanding wave as it spread out to touch each corner of the horizon. The cyan mare was now moving so fast that she was effectively invisible to his gaze, evidence of her path only shown by the dazzling rainbow which traveled in her wake, its vivid streak completing a perfect arc from the center of the explosion all the way to the Royal Box. “Reeeeeeeeeeeeed” He was again buffeted by blasts of wind as he shook his head at the sky in disbelief. The mare … the mare from the coffee shop. She asked what was bothering me. Every day. Every day I sat beside her. Every day I sat beside the pony who shattered my record. Every day I avoided talking to her. “Reeeeeeeeeeeeed” Red laughed at himself before another gust of wind blew his mane in front of his eyes. He brushed it aside with a hoof as he swept his gaze over the stands, seeing the crowd going out of its mind in excitement at the kaleidoscopic light show. Her story makes a lot more sense now at least. I guess I should have known. She did say she was awesome, Red thought with a smile. “Reeeeeeeeeeeeed” Blasts of air again blew at him, mussing his fur and ruffling his feathers. Noticing it consciously for the first time, Red finally forced himself to take his eyes away from the sky as the spectacular display of colour began to die down, looking around in confusion for the source of the wind. “Reeeeeeeeeeeeed” a speeding cream-coloured blur called out as it jetted past him. “Wild Fire? …. Buck!” Red Line swore to himself as his attention returned to the track. The rest of the racers rocketed by him again, the wind kicked up in their wake swirling around him. He was missing the race! “Buck!” He yelled again in frustration, lifting off in a flash and giving chase, his crimson contrail shooting around the first bend. “That’s it, mares and gentlecolts! Its all over! What an amazing race! Why, In all of my career as an announcer, and all the decades I have spent as a diehard fan of this sport, never before have I witnessed such an astounding, electrifying, jaw dropping—” “—I know right! Wasn’t it just super-ultra-extreme-awesomazing?!” “What the?! Raven! Where are those guards?!” Not the blaring loudspeaker, riotous fanfare, nor even the tumultuous roar of the crowd registered in his mind as Red Line stood in place back in the racers pit. Breathing heavily with sweat dripping down his coat and into his eyes, he stood looking out upon the clamouring stadium. The teeming masses swirled around him, a vortex of buzz and activity; and for the first time Red could remember, he wasn't at its center. I … I lost. I lost a race. Red Line was jostled aside as a tidal wave of reporters, photographers and journalists bullied past him and invaded the pit, swarming around the winners’ block. I lost THE race. Feelings Red thought he had already defeated began to resurface in his mind, threatening to take hold over him once again. But just as the old despair wrapped its icy hooves around his heart and the world grew gray and cruel before his eyes, he caught sight of something glinting through the mob. As if by will of Celestia herself, the mass of ponies in front of him parted slightly, giving Red a full view of the podium just as the gleaming golden medallion was slipped past a chestnut mane and placed around the neck of a very familiar cream coloured mare. “Come on folks! Lets hear it for our Grand Champion! Number 67, WILD FIRE!” “Hey, Thats my job! Give me that bucking micrapho—” And just like that, the shroud of doubt and depression that had again crept over his eyes fell away at last. Looking upon the pride and exhausted satisfaction of his friend as her picture was taken by the legion of photographers, Red Line felt his heart lighten and face ache from the massive smile which grew there. Red’s excitement was complete as he hurriedly wormed his way through the crowd toward his friend, calling out her name, “Fi! Fi! You Did it! Oh Celestia, Luna; You did it!” Reaching the mare, he swept her up in his legs and delivered another crushing hug, whooping all the while, regardless of the spectacle he was causing. Their shared laughter was interrupted as Spectrum arrived, ploughing through the mass of news ponies and tackling the pair, causing the three of them to fall to the ground in a giddy, giggling mess of feathers and fur. “We did it! We won!” Spectrum yelled, all the usual decorum of his Canterlot accent lost in his excitement as he joined in on the embrace, tightening it even further till they all had to separate and gasp for air. Seeing that the Grand Champion’s attentions were completely fixed on her friends, the milling news ponies shunned away and began to gather in search of the other medal winners. Goofy smile worn large on his face, Spectrum threw a leg around Wild Fire’s shoulders. “Wild Fire, my dear. You did it! You accomplished your dream!.” Spectrum said, pausing for a moment and gently lifting the chin of a blushing Wild Fire with a hoof. “Just like I always knew you would.” Wild Fire returned his gaze without speaking for a heartbeat before her smile grew again and she grabbed both her friends by the shoulders. “Not just my dream Spec. This was our dream. I could never have done this without you two. For real” She said, squeezing them both in for another quick hug. A touched silence followed before Red Line laughed and threw a playful punch at Wild Fire’s shoulder. “Ah you're full of dung Fi! Spec and me couldn’t have stopped you from winning this race if we had tried.” he said teasingly. “Indeed! Now I propose we immediately escape before this unruly mob returns their attention our way. You both know how much I enjoy the spotlight,” Spectrum Rolled his eyes dramatically in emphasis. “Perhaps we should go celebrate? I know a quaint little pub not to far away who have an excellent selection of grogs.” Catching sight of the look shared between the cream mare and lavender stallion before they directed their eyes to him for his input, Red Line smiled widely and shook his head. “Why don’t you two go on ahead? I just want to check on a few of the other racers here before I leave.” Nodding with bright smiles of their own, his two friends walked away from the crowded pit, talking together and sharing easy laughter as they went. Well, it’s about time, Red thought with a smirk. Turning as they stepped out of view, Red Line walked by the silver medalist, Jetstream? From Manehatten I think they said, as she spoke enthusiastically with a large group of reporters. “ … is just the beginning! Canterlot Derby was just the first stop. You're looking at the first pony who will fly nonstop across all of Equestria!” Red Line chuckled as he stepped away, smiling at the boast, silently wishing his colleague luck. As he walked further through the pit, he saw the pony he was looking for as she tried sneaking away from her own set of journalists seeking an interview. Red smiled as the skulking tan pegasus noticed his approach and threw her head back in fierce pride, swishing her dusty pink mane and boldly displaying the sparkling bronze medallion which hung around her neck. “Red Line. I thought I saw you standing still like some lost colt on the race track. I'm surprised you had the guts to show up at all,” Sandstorm spoke with the same fire she always had, though this time her words bore the unmistakable mark of triumph. “Although I’m glad you did, even just so I could show you what a real winner looks like,” she said, tapping her medal to punctuate her point. Red took a moment before speaking to look at his long-time nemesis as she stood, shoulders squared, a fierce look of success and satisfaction on her face. Red shook his slowly head in thought, Sandstorm never really cared about being the best, did she? All she ever cared about was working hard and doing the best she possibly could. That's why she’s always hated me. Because I kept winning despite not working near as hard as she does. A sad smile stole over his face as Red Line considered the effect his actions had on the proud mare in front of him. She deserves better than how I’ve treated her… A playful smirk spread slowly on his face, still… “Wow Stormie, that is one impressive hunk of tin you’ve got there. I think I want one too! How many tickets did you have to trade in for it?” Red teased in his insufferably casual tone. Sandstorms cheeks began to redden as her face twisted in anger … and then to confusion as the infuriating grey stallion began lightly chuckling at her reaction. “I’m sorry Stormie, I’m sorry. I just think you're cute when you're mad,” Red said with a conspiratorial wink. Confused by the lack of malice that usually followed their exchanges, Sandstorm shook her mane in frustration at his easy tone. She eyed him with suspicion for a moment before responding. “What the buck Red? What game are you playing?” she asked. After a short silence, the light smile dropped away from Red Line’s face as he adopted an uncharacteristically earnest expression. When he spoke, his usual confidence was replaced with an hesitancy and nervousness that was so out of place in the grey stallion that it gave Sandstorm pause. “Listen, Stormie … whats say we get out of here and grab a drink, on me? I know this great little coffee shop … and I feel like I have a lot of making up to do …” After a long moment of silence, the suspicion in Sandstorm's eyes began to soften…