The morning sun barely peeked over the Canterlot skyline, covering the streets and buildings with light and long shadows. People were awake, or still rising out of bed. However, a rainbow haired girl driving a deep blue '96 Nissan 300ZX was already flying down the street.
"Why did Pinkie have to call me this early?" She asked herself, shifting gears and pressing the gas, "And why so urgently?"
As she raced passed another street, she saw movement in her rear view mirror. Glancing to look, she saw a large grey '86 Chevy 3500 Dually pickup racing to catch up to her. As it got closer, Rainbow could make out the driver and grinned. The truck flashed its headlights and honked twice.
"You might have a 454 in that, AJ..." Rainbow smiled, letting the pickup pull alongside, "But, I'm still faster!"
Honking three times, both Rainbow and AJ stomped the pedals, pushing their vehicles harder. Pinkie's place was still a ways to go and the streets were still fairly empty of other cars, so a short race wouldn't hurt. However, to Rainbow's surprise, AJ's truck was keeping pace with her. Looking over and making eye-contact with the cowgirl, she was met with a smug grin. Turning back to the windshield, she shifted gears and started to pull ahead. But, in the corner of her eye, Rainbow saw the truck veer to the side of the street and barrel down a dirt road that passed through a grove of trees.
"That cheating..." Rainbow hissed, downshifting as her turn came closer.
Throwing the wheel in the direction she needed to go, the 300ZX went into a drift, leaving smoke and skid marks behind it. Rainbow turned the wheel back, straightening out and shifting up again. Just ahead of her, she saw AJ emerge from the treeline and charge back onto the asphalt, kicking up dust and smoke, fishtailing slightly. Quickly, Rainbow caught up to her, using the fishtail to her advantage. She gave a quick taunting honk as she raced by and pulled away, leaving AJ behind and struggling to catch up. But, Pinkie's street was in view and Rainbow threw one more drift, before skidding to a stop in front of a brightly colored house with other vehicles parked out front.
AJ rounded the corner and pulled up behind Rainbow, before both girls parallel parked on the street.
"A dirt trail?" Rainbow chuckled, stepping out of her car, "You really thought that would work, Applejack?"
"It did work..." The cowgirl replied, opening and leaning on her door, "I just gave it too much comin' out."
"So I saw. Even if you didn't cheat, I could've left you way back at the starting point."
"Are ya kiddin'? I could've still whooped ya."
"Then why'd you take a shortcut?"
As they argued, the other four girls of their group exited from the house, Pinkie leading them
"Oh, they're at it again." Rarity sighed, adjusting her sunglasses.
"Why do they argue about who's a better driver?" Fluttershy asked, taking the keys to her green '92 Jeep Wrangler out of her pocket, "They're both very good."
"I think it's a dominance thing." Twilight commented, removing her glasses and checking for smudges.
"Like two alphas? I guess that makes sense."
The two arguing girls barely noticed their friends approaching, until Pinkie slammed her hand against the hood of Applejack's truck, causing both of them to jolt in surprise.
"Hey, guess what!" Pinkie smiled, holding out her other hand and showing the tickets in her hand, "I won the sweepstakes for Sapphire Shores tickets!"
Rainbow and Applejack exchanged looks, before groaning and looking back at their friend.
"You couldn't tell us over the phone?" Rainbow groaned, rubbing her eyes, "I was on my way here thinking your house was on fire or something."
"I was just so excited," Pinkie explained quickly, bouncing in place, "I had to tell you in person, because I thought if I told you over the phone, then the message wouldn't be clear. Because, you know, sometimes phone signals cut off or get interference."
As Pinkie let her mouth runaway, Applejack just chuckled and shook her head.
"We're in our twenties," she remarked, looking back at the pink-haired girl, "but ya still act the same as ya did when we were in high school."
"Who said I had to change?" Pinkie asked with a wide smile, "I'm having way too much fun being me. Hehe! Last one to the Stampede Diner, buys breakfast!"
"Uh, Pinkie, it's eight o'clock." Twilight said, checking her watch, "It's not safe to race now. Plus, don't you have to be there for work soon, anyway?"
"I meant it jokingly, Twi. Come on, at least cruise with me until we get there. It's been ages since we did."
Not waiting for a response, Pinkie fished out her keys and entered her red '05 Jetta, starting the engine and waiting for the others to do the same.
Even though most of them owned older vehicles, Rarity and Twilight were the only ones with newer cars. Twilight's car was a purple '16 Lexus RC F with a modified engine and lowered suspension. Rarity, however, drove a white and black '18 BMW M850i coupe with a turbo. Their career choices allowed them to own such vehicles. But, what set them apart for the rest, other than age, was their cars were gifts. The others had bought and repaired or modified their vehicles.
As the sun rose higher, the six vehicles cruised in a single line with Pinkie Pie leading them. The drive only lasted a few minutes, before the diner came into view. However, rather than break off into different directions, they followed their friend and parked.
"On second thought," Twilight said, stepping out of her Lexus, "I did leave home in a rush, missing breakfast. I could have a quick bite. Anyone else?"
She was met with several positive replies, before walking toward the front door. Pinkie, however, went around to the back. Inside, they found the little diner quite busy, but there was still one empty booth in the corner. They walked over and sat down as Pinkie approached them with a stack of menus, wearing her uniform.
"Anything to drink, for starters?" She asked, placing the menus down.
"Pinkie," Rainbow grinned, "I think you already know the answer."
"Right! Two coffees, one root beer float, one apple juice, and one tea. Pancakes? They're chocolate chip today."
"Yes, please."
With that, Pinkie sauntered away, disappearing into the kitchen, before coming back to serve other customers.
"It's like seeing two different people." Fluttershy said, looking up from her menu and watching the pink waitress, "She was all bubbly earlier, but now she's so calm and mature at work."
"It's professionalism, darling." Rarity said, scanning the options, "I'm sure you're different when you're working at the zoo."
There was silence for a moment, before Pinkie returned with their drinks and left again.
"Just out of curiosity," Twilight said, stirring her coffee, "when was the last time anyone heard from Sunset?"
She glanced up from her drink and was met by a group of inquisitive and concerned expressions.
"Ya know when, Twi." Applejack stated, gripping her glass of juice, "Five months after graduation, she got on her bike and left, never lookin' back. That was over six years ago. Ain't nobody heard anythin' since."
"Yes, but why?" Rarity asked, sipping her tea, "She left in the middle of the night for no reason."
"Maybe there was a reason." Fluttershy commented, looking around at her friends, "But, she was probably too afraid to tell us."
"Why would Sunset Shimmer, of all people, be too afraid to tell her friends about anything?" Rainbow asked, stabbing the float with a straw, "Back in CHS, sure, I can see how that was difficult in the beginning. But, over time, she trusted us and we trusted her. She could've told us where she was going, at least."
At that moment, Pinkie returned with the pancakes and leaned in closer.
"I heard she got into some trouble in Miami about three years ago." Pinkie whispered, causing her friends to look at her curiously, "Or, at least, someone who looked like her."
"How'd ya hear that?" Applejack whispered back, leaning closer.
"You'd be surprised by what I hear in this diner."
The five girls eyed the their waitress friend, before she turned and left. But, her information left them with more questions about Sunset.
After eating their breakfast, paying, and tipping, the five girls said their goodbyes to Pinkie and went to their vehicles. Rarity and Twilight headed further into the city, while Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rainbow went toward the outskirts. Upon reaching an intersection, the trio split up. Now on her own again, Rainbow cruised to her father's automotive shop and parked.
"There you are." Her dad said, checking a clock on the wall, "Ten after ten, you should've been here over an hour ago."
"Yeah, sorry." Rainbow said, grabbing her coveralls and punching in, "My friends invited me out to breakfast and I lost track of time."
Her father just grinned and shook his head.
"You're forgiven." He said, gesturing toward a car, "Filthy Rich dropped off his wife's Mercedes earlier. Nothing major, just brakes, oil, and tires. He should be back shortly for it. You can start there."
"Okay." Rainbow replied, grabbing her tool kit and approaching the car.
It wasn't the most paying job in the world, but Rainbow loved it regardless. For her, it was the cars that made it worthwhile, even though most of them were pretty plain. But, there were times when something sporty, unique, fast, or random came through her father's shop. However, the only exciting one was Spoiled Rich's Mercedes CLS 450. For the rest of the day, it was just average middle-class vehicles. Then the last buzzer of the day signaled for everyone to go home.
"Hey, kiddo." Her father said, placing a hand on her shoulder, "You want to come over and have dinner with your mother and I? We could have a barbecue, it looks like a nice night for it."
"Sure, Dad." Rainbow replied, putting her tools and coveralls away, "I'll follow you there."
With that, both father and daughter left and cruised to her childhood home. Once there, they were greeted by the lady of the house with open arms.
"Rainbow!" Her mother exclaimed, pulling the younger woman into an embrace, "Oh, it's so good to see you, honey."
"Hi, Mom." Rainbow replied, returning the hug, "Dad said there might be a barbecue, so I had to come over."
"What a great idea. I'll start the grill."
They followed her into the house, before gathering what they needed from the kitchen. But, as Rainbow was reaching for some plates, she glanced out the window and saw a glint of light coming from the small garage beside the house.
"How's the work on the Monster, Dad?" Rainbow asked, returning to the plates.
"Why not go check it out?" Her father chuckled, approaching the window and looking out, "It won't bite."
Rainbow turned and smiled, before leaving the kitchen and exiting the house. She almost jogged to the little structure, before reaching the door and opening it. Inside, it was dark, except for a streetlight's glow pouring in from a window. But, even in the darkness and faded light, something stuck out. Flipping the light switch, the room brightened, revealing an orange and black '70 Plymouth Roadrunner with chrome trimmings.
"Wow!" Rainbow said, awed by what sat in front of her, "She looks amazing."
"Yeah." Her dad said, approaching from behind her and following the young woman into the garage, "To me, your mother and you hold the top spot in my heart. But, this takes second place."
"How much do you have left to do on it, Dad?"
"Just the gauges and lights. But, it runs. You wanna hear it sing?"
Rainbow nodded her head excitedly as her dad took out his keys. She watched as he opened the door and fell into the seat. But, once he turned the key, starting the engine and letting it idle, Rainbow's grin grew into a wide smile. Seeing her expression, her father watched her as he pressed the gas pedal, revving the Hemi V8. Rainbow could only clap in excitement as he turned off the car.
"How much power?" Rainbow asked, gently tapping the hood.
"Six hundred and ten ponies." He replied opening the hood and revealing the engine, "I put a small supercharger in, redid the valves, better fuel injection, and a new exhaust setup. There's a few other things I did, but she'll haul."
They were so interested in the car, neither of them noticed as Windy entered the garage with a guest.
"Now, Bo," She grinned, catching the man's attention, "am I going to have to fight with a car to be married to you?"
"No, hun." He said, kissing her, "You win every time."
As her parents had their moment, Rainbow approached the young girl behind them.
"Hey, Scoots." She said, giving the girl a small hug, "What brings you around?"
"I smelled barbecue while passing by and got hungry." Scootaloo replied, returning the hug, "Your mom said I could join you."
With that, the four of them left the garage to eat. For the better part of the evening, they enjoyed the grilled food and swapped words. Often, their conversations were revolved around cars, racing, or Rainbow's accomplishments. But, like most things, the time had come to depart.
"Thanks for letting me stop by, you guys." Scootaloo said, grabbing her helmet and mounting her scooter, "It was really nice."
"Anytime, Scoots." Bo said, waving as she started the motor and rode away.
As Rainbow approached her car, Windy rested her hand on her daughter's shoulder, getting her attention.
"Have I ever told you how proud I am of you?" She asked, pulling Rainbow into a hug.
"Only a thousand times." Rainbow chuckled, returning the hug, "But, it never gets old."
Then, both mother and daughter released each other, allowing Rainbow to enter her car and leave. It was now nearly midnight and the streets were almost empty, except for a few vehicles. Pulling up to a red light, Rainbow noticed two other cars launch off the line as their light turned green. Part of her wanted to join in, but chose not to as she felt the strain of the day on her body. Soon after, she reached her apartment building and parked behind a sporty motorcycle.
"Kawasaki Ninja." Rainbow said to herself, checking out the bike as she exited her car, "Nice. I guess one of my neighbors bought a new toy."
Walking inside and taking the elevator to her floor, Rainbow approached her door. But, when she grabbed the knob to unlock the door, it opened before she could insert her key.
"I thought I locked it this morning." Rainbow said under her breath, "But, then again, I did leave in a rush."
Opening the door further, she stepped inside the dark apartment. She knew her way around the place, so she left the lights off as she walked down the small hallway. But, as she entered the living area, Rainbow felt something cold press against her head and froze.
"Make a move and I blow your head off!" A feminine voice hissed.
"E-easy." Rainbow stammered, staying where she was, "I-if it's money you want, there's a jar under my bed."
Suddenly, the lights came on, causing Rainbow to be blinded slightly. At the same time, she felt the gun pull away from her head. This caused Rainbow to turn and face her intruder, once her eyes adjusted to the light.
"Sunset?" Rainbow gasped, looking at the redhead dressed in black.
"Hi, Rainbow." Sunset replied sheepishly, hiding her face in embarrassment as she tucked her gun behind her back.