//------------------------------// // Let the games begin // Story: priceless // by Derec mc coy //------------------------------// Rainbow Dash and Applejack sat on the train to Dodge Junction. The competition started tomorrow, and there was still a lot of training left. “Next stop, Dodge Junction.” The conductor yelled. “I can’t believe we’re almost here.” Rainbow Dash said excitedly. “Eeyup. After all these weeks. We’re finally here.” Applejack said. The watched through the window and saw the city appearing at the horizon. “And ah’m still a bit curious of what we will have to do.” “And I’m curious how many ponies are going to compete.” Rainbow Dash said. And she laid back in her chair. “Why’s that?” Applejack asked. “If I know that, means that I also know how many ponies I gonna beat.” And she smiled confident. And she rested her forelegs behind her head. Applejack rolled with her eyes. “Don’t be too sure of that Rainbow. I guess there will be more competitive types around there.” “Yeah… but they’re not us.” Dash smiled. “Rainbow” Applejack slapped herself in the face. “Ah admire your confidence, but you act like we already won. While the game isn’t started yet. Why are you so sure?” “Because I’ve got you.” Rainbow Dash said. “What was that?” Applejack asked, a bit confused. Rainbow realised what she said and quickly turned her head to hide her blush. “Nothing.” She said. She hesitantly moved her eyes to find something to change subject. “We’re here.” Rainbow said. And she pointed at a board with ‘station’ on it. “Well then. Time to get out.” Applejack said. And she took her saddlebag and got off of her seat. “You comin’?” Rainbow Dash sighed in relief and convinced herself that nothing odd happened. “Yeah. I’m coming.” She took her saddlebag and walked with Applejack to the exit. Outside the train, there was a stallion with a moustache and a Stetson hat, similar to Applejack’s. He was looking at everypony who stepped out. “That’s a weird one.” Rainbow Dash whispered. Then, the two noticed that he held a placard with ‘Dodge Competition’ on it. The name of the game. “Ah guess that’s the one who has to welcome every competitor.” Applejack whispered back. “That guy?” Rainbow Dash cocked her eyebrow. “He looks like he hasn’t washed himself for over a week.” “We can always ask.” Applejack asked. “Okay. I’ll do it.” and with that, Rainbow Dash stepped forward to the stallion with the hat. “Excuse me.” Rainbow started when she got close enough to the stallion. The stallion turned his head so he fully faced the rainbow maned pegasus. “How long has it been since you washed yourself?” Rainbow asked. But immediately, Applejack jumped next to Rainbow Dash and stuffed her hoof into Rainbow’s mouth and grabbed her wings in the other front hoof, so Rainbow Dash couldn’t move anymore. Rainbow Dash tried to resist, but failed. “What she wanted to ask…” Applejack made her grip tighter. “We’re here for the competition.” “Ah grrrreat.” The stallion said. “the last duo has arrived.” He said with a Russian accent. (how the hay can they know Russia?) “We’re the last ones?” Applejack asked a bit stunned. “That’s what I said. Are you deaf, mare?” The stallion said. And he threw the placard behind him. Rainbow Dash wrestled herself out of Applejack’s grip. “Told you we should have left earlier.” She said furiously. She stretched her wings and her neck. “so you’re the one who brings us to the our hotel and the administrative pony … stuff… thingy? “Exactly.” He said. “First I’ll bring you to your hotel, so you can ditch your luggage. After that, I’ll bring you to Filthy Rich. The organizer.” “Do we have to see that guy? I don’t like him very much.” Rainbow Dash said. Applejack knew that and smiled a bit. “No exceptions.” He said. “He wants to meet everypony who’s going to compete. And you also have to fulfil some final bit of paperwork.” And he turned around a stepped forward. “Come. Follow me.” And the two mares followed the weird pony and left the train station. “Tell me…” the weird pony began. “Why don’t you like Filthy. He’s well mannered and an honest business pony.” “See, every year, at the Cider season, he buys the first load to sell it elsewhere. Which leaves me to wait a day longer before I get my Cider.” Rainbow Dash said. “And don’t forget that we always run out of cider, just before you get one.” Applejack smiling added. “Don’t remind me.” Rainbow said a bit down. “Well, bad luck. You should try wodkhay. It’s a traditional drink at my hometown, and there is always enough.” The stallion said. “And where are ya come from? If ah may ask.” Applejack asked polite. “I’m from Igloo Sin. A small village in the frozen north. You won’t find it on a map. But I’m here to gain some extra money.” He turned around the corner and stopped by the first door. “Here it is.” Applejack and Rainbow Dash stopped too, when they were standing next to the stallion. “This is a hotel?” Rainbow asked. The building was more like a big house, which could use some paint. The windows were at most places broken, and the balcony was just gone at one side. “It’s bigger from the inside.” The stallion said. “So, I gonna leave now for a little moment. But I’m back in one hour That will be enough time to find your room and unpack.” “Okay. Thanks mister…” Applejack trailed of. She just realised that she doesn’t know his name. “Roban. Is the name” and he bowed a bit. “and you two?” “I’m Rainbow Dash.” Dash said. And she proudly flew a quick loop in the air. “And Ah’m Applejack.” AJ said. “Rainbow Dash? I know you from somewhere…” Roban said and he tapped his chin for some reason. “But from where…” Rainbow Dash stroke her manes backward and smiled. “Well, you might know me as the fastest flier of Equestria. Winner of the Best YOung Flyers Competition. Element of Loyalty. Guest star of a Daring Do book. The only pony who can pull a Sonic Rainboom. VIP at the Grand Galloping Gala. Personal friend of the princesses…” “No, no…” Roban said. Then he stamped his hoof on the ground. “Now I remember.” He said cheerfully “You’re the moron who kicked that dragon on his nose.” And he smiled. “Oh yeah… that…” Rainbow Dash sighed monotone. Applejack couldn’t hold her laugh any longer. And burst into laughter. “Ah… c'mon Rainbow.” She giggled. “let’s look for our room.” “Okay then…” Rainbow said a bit embarrassed.