//------------------------------//
// Intro 
// Story: Pardon My Dust 
// by Piccolo Sky 
//------------------------------//

Within the gem-formed, multi-story confines of the Castle of Friendship's library, Princess Twilight Sparkle was just finishing levitating her personal tea set to the side table of her favorite reading chair. She clambered in a moment later, letting out a satisfied exhale of relaxation, before she used her magic again to lift the pot, pour herself a cup, add two cubes of sugar, and stirred. At the same time, she levitated her latest book in front of her and opened it to her marked page. After making sure that she was alone and everything was quiet, she smiled to herself and began to read; lifting her teacup to take her first sip...

With a loud smack, the doors to the library suddenly flew open as a rainbow-maned, blue-coated pegasus flew inside. "Twilight!"

The shock made the alicorn sputter, spitting her mouthful of tea all over her book. She recovered only to recoil in horror of what she had done.

The pegasus didn't seem to notice as she quickly flew over. "I just got a letter in the mail from Spitfire about an official Wonderbolt assignment!"

Twilight seemed to only half-hear her as she grimaced at her book, before she quickly levitated a napkin from the tea tray to start dabbing it while putting it to one side. "Oh, uh...that's great news, Rainbow Dash!" Her voice was hesitant as she kept glancing between her and the tome. "What did it say?"

"She asked me to be the representative for the 100th Atacanter Crossing!"

The alicorn almost forgot the book as looked up. "Wow! That's amazing, Rainbow! You actually get to represent the Wonderbolts at the race's centennial?"

Dash smiled a little and shrugged. "Well, it's not like I'll be competing, but I will be there to help officiate the whole thing. Normally Spitfire would do it but this year it's falling too close to Wonderbolt Academy, and she'll have to miss out on a couple days if she goes. So she asked if I'd like to take over for this year." She kicked her head back, looking just a tad smug. "Well, normally I'm not for sitting out on a race, but if the Wonderbolts need somepony to represent their spirit and honor at a big event like the Atacanter Crossing, then I think I can manage just this once."

"That's wonderful news! You must be so proud!"

"Heh, well...maybe just a little. I stopped by because there's just one little thing I need to do before I head out there."

"What's that?"

Her face became confused. "Can you tell me what the hay is the Atacanter Crossing?"

Twilight's own smile sank as she groaned.

To be continued...