- CHAPTER 10 -
THE QUALIFIERS - PART 2
"Man, I really wish we could see how they’re doing right now…” Heath Burns says.
”Indeed…” Sunset Shimmer says before noticing that her smartphone has started to ring, ”huh, Twilight’s calling me?”
”Hey Twilight, what’s up?” Sunset Shimmers answers the call and her eyes go wide from the big surprise Twilight just gave her, ”really? You did what? That's incredible!”
You really want to know why Sunset’s so surprised.
”Sure! Everyone’s here with me. Lemme turn the speaker on.”
(“Hey everyone!”) Twilight’s voice is heard coming from Sunset’s phone.
”Hey Twi, what’s going on?” Rainbow Dash asks.
(“I can tell you how everyone’s doing right now! I’m tracking them right now with my drone!”)
"Awesome!" Rainbow Dash pumps her fist in the air, "how are our girls doing?"
(“Uh huh! So far…Croix Bleue has the lead, Lyra and Sweetie Drops are close behind some of Pleasantview High students. Trixie is almost in last place.”)
”Great and powerful? Yeah right…” Rainbow Dash says, you can see she has quite a big regretful face right now.
“She’s doing better than Derpy, she’s in last place!”
”WHAT?! I-I can’t believe this!” Rainbow Dash freaks out.
“Perhaps she took your advice a little bit too seriously Rainbow Dash…stamina over speed,” Flash Sentry says, raising an eyebrow, Rainbow Dash groans.
“Tennis Match is about to take the lead…wow, those Croix Bleue guys don’t let her through.”
Everyone in your team starts complaining, and the other teams' players notice all of your reactions. Sandy arches an eyebrow.
”What’s the matter Rainbow Dash? Your team is losing already?” Pearl Blossom mockingly says.
“Wait! A Croix Bleue player just tripped and caused some members of Pleasantview High to collide with him! Lyra and Sweetie jumped over them!”
Pearl Blossom can’t believe what she heard; you all have to huddle to prevent the other teams from eavesdrop on the phone conversation; Sunset Shimmer even lowers the volume of the call.
“Haha…classic Croix Bleue,” Rainbow Dash mutters.
”Tennis Match and Trixie jumped over the guy as well…wow, he looks angry!” Twilight says over the phone.
“Derpy stopped on her tracks, it looks like she’s gonna help up the Croix Bleue player…OH MY GOODNESS!”
“What happened Twilight?!” You ask.
“The Croix Bleue player swatted her hand away and pushed her! Derpy fell on her…posterior and Trixie went back to get her up!”
”What the heck?!” Rainbow Dash loudly protests.
“Derpy’s crying…and rubbing her posterior as well. Trixie is doing her best to cheer her up.”
"I can’t believe this! That meanie is so gonna be in trouble for that!" Sonata says.
“Oh no…Crystal Prep still has the lead. The five members are in the first five positions.”
“Twi? Where’s Derpy?” Sandalwood asks.
“…She’s still in last place, but at least she’s picking up the pace.”
"This is not good," you say.
”I know! This wasn’t supposed to happen! Trixie has started to run faster, just like Tennis Match!” Twilight says.
”LOOK! Here they come!” Applejack yells as she spots some players getting past the last checkpoint. And finally as always, the five Crystal Prep Students cross the finish line first, followed by some Pleasantview High and Croix Bleue students. Lyra and Sweetie get past the finish line followed by the remaining Pleasantview High students, then Tennis Match; then the jerk who pushed Derpy, then Trixie; and lastly…Derpy.
“Well…that settles the score doesn’t it?” Superintendent Discord announces on the speakers, your team run towards your girls! Trixie looks mad.
”I’m so sorry…I shouldn’t have-“ Derpy tries to apologize, wiping some tears away with the back of her hand.
”It’s okay Derpy…” Rainbow Dash says in a reassuring tone, “Twilight saw everything, it’s not your fault. You were just being you.”
“The results are here!” Superintendent Discord announces, you all look at the rankings.
"FOURTH PLACE?!" Rainbow Dash yells, everyone in your team can't believe the score.
”Hah…look at those losers, they are already losing their minds…” Artic Thunder from Pleasantview High says.
”Well done guys!” Pearl Blossom from Croix Bleue High says, “third is better than fourth!”
”We still can do this…swimmers! It’s up to you now!” Rainbow Dash clenches her fists.
The crowd, officials, teachers and principals all walk towards Crystal Prep’s swimming pool.
”Man…what a bummer,” Rainbow Dash says, “look! Even Principal Celestia looks like she’s already regretting this.”
You can already see the disappointment in her face.
"Ouch…she probably thinks we’re already done for,” you state, feeling somewhat bad for her and her sister.
”Well, we’re in fourth place after all, should we call it quits?” Sonata asks.
”Yeah…that way we can avoid the shame,” Trixie says.
“You’re not seriously considering this, right…?” you say as you notice that your team already feels like they have already lost, Applejack looks quite down, Sunset Shimmer as well,"of course not Sonata, we’re not done yet!”
”Huh?” Rainbow Dash notices your sudden outburst.
“Why would you want to quit right now? We’re far from done! We’ve trained so hard this week, what for? Only to give our best!” You loudly say while your teammates looks at each other.
”Sonata! Both you and Aria are the best swimmers in our school,” you say to a very down Sonata, “what? Are you gonna let this chance to humiliate Crystal Prep and the others go to waste?”
”A-Anon…” Sonata barely manages to say while Aria raises an eyebrow, perhaps she felt flattered by your comment. Rainbow Dash catches on your pep talk.
”Anon’s right!” Rainbow Dash says, “I will not tolerate failure in my team! Why am I saying this? Because I just KNOW that there isn’t a little bit of failure amongst us!”
”You really think we can do this?” Tennis Match says.
”Of course! I mean, we’ve already showed Croix Bleue who’s the boss at the upcoming events, the rest of the teams are going to witness their defeat as well!” Rainbow Dash happily says as everyone starts to feel motivated once again.
”Come on! We’re supposed to give it all! Who’s with me?!” Rainbow Dash yells.
”YEEEEEEAH!” Bulk Biceps yells.
Everyone but you and Rainbow runs towards Crystal Prep Academy’s swimming pool, for both teams to get ready for the upcoming events.
”Hey…thanks a lot for that dude,” Rainbow Dash says before lightly punching your arm, “I was starting to feel down as well.”
You only let out a dumb chuckle.
”Come on Anon! They are waiting for us!” Rainbow Dash says before running towards the pool.
“W-wait for me Dash!” You say before you start running after her. Unbeknownst to you, Zephyr Breeze was watching you talk to Rainbow Dash and he grits his teeth.
(”Anon…I’ve warned you about her already,”) he says under his breath before he cracks his knuckles, (“if you keep going with this…you’re gonna be sorry.”)
Some time later, you and your team sit on the designated bench that reads “Canterlot High School,” next to Crystal Prep Academy’s bench, you hear plenty of jeers directed at your team coming from Crystal Prep Academy fans. Both Pleasantview High and Croix Bleue High’s fans join the jeering as well.
”Wha-what’s gotten into them?” Trixie asks feeling somewhat dumbfounded.
”Just ignore them…” Rainbow Dash says to Trixie.
(”Or you could just follow their advice instead and run back home to your mommies,”) a voice calls from behind.
Who was that? Rainbow Dash turns her head and squints.
“Sour Sweet…” Rainbow Dash says with a frown.
Wow…all of a sudden you feel a strong energy coming from both of them.
“Uh, Sunset?” You ask.
”That’s Sour Sweet…Crystal Prep’s Top Athlete and CPA’s captain,” Sunset explains to you, “she’s also Rainbow’s Rival.”
”Hey Sour Sweet, I think you’re in the wrong event…the anger management seminar is gonna take place next week.” Rainbow puts on a smug grin, Sour Sweet just flinches at Rainbow’s comment.
”Oh yeah?! Weren’t you the mad one after our team beat your lousy team in soccer’s semifinals last term?” Sour Sweet replies.
“They both look like they are gonna get into a catfight soon…we should stop them!” You say before gulping.
”What was so good about winning anyways if Seacrest County High completely destroyed you?” Rainbow Dash replies, Sour Sweet just cracks her knuckles and approaches Rainbow Dash…menacingly! In response, Rainbow Dash takes her jacket off and walks towards Sour Sweet.
“Is no one going to stop them?!”
”Relax pardner…” Applejack says with a giggle.
“Relax?! Are you serious Jackie? I’m not gonna sit here and watch!” You reply and hastily go after your captain, “Dash! Don’t!”
”Good to see you girl!” Sour Sweet says with a smile.
”Same!” Rainbow Dash says before greeting Sour Sweet with a high five, “I’ve been looking forward to this to finally face off against you once again Sour Sweet!”
“H-huh?!” You stop on your tracks, “w-what’s going on?”
Your team just laughs.
”Relax Anon…” Sunset Shimmer says, “they might be our closest rivals but…they are our friends as well," Sunset stands up and so does the rest of the team, Fluttershy, Applejack…heck, every member of Rainbow’s group of friends stands up to greet some members of the Shadowbolts. They…look kinda similar to Rainbow’s friends.
”Hey Twilight! How’s Canterlot treatin’ ya?” A girl with blue hair asks while ruffling Twilight’s hair.
”F-fine! Just fine!” Twilight replies before adjusting her glasses from the intense shake the blue haired girl gave to her.
“So…you’re not going to fight?” You ask, looking dumbfounded.
”Like, why would we do that?” Sour Sweet says, you really thought Rainbow and Sour Sweet were gonna tear each other apart.
”Excuse the green boy, he’s new…” Rainbow Dash says to Sour Sweet.
”What were you thinking dude? You wanted to be a hero or something?” Sour Sweet laughs at you, "haw haw…his face turned red already, how cute."
How embarrassing…
”What happened to your team Rainbow Dash? Fourth place?! Don’t tell me you don’t want to advance to the Round of sixteen?” Sour Sweet asks.
”Of course we want that, we just had a bad start…that’s all!” Rainbow Dash says.
”You better have an ace under your sleeve Dash, otherwise you'll need a miracle,” Sour Sweet says with a smug grin.
” 'course I do…” Rainbow Dash says before giving you a brief look.
”Look! The event’s going to start!” A Shadowbolt girl says.
“Very well then, may the best team win Sour Sweet!” Rainbow Dash says.
”We’re gonna wait for you in the final right?” Sour Sweet asks.
”Not if we get there first!” Rainbow Dash assures.
You turn your head to your left and find Sandy from Pleasantview High giving instructions to her elder sister Mirage.
“I still think you should wear another swimsuit sis…if dad sees you wearing that he won’t like it at all.”
“Relax sis…you worry too much,” the blondie confidently says before walking towards the pool covering her body with a large towel, Sandy sighs and sits next to her boyfriend Bell, who looks like he’s just there to support his girlfriend. You spot Nelly as well, sitting next to Bell; she’s looking just as cute as the first time you saw her. As soon as she notices you were staring at her she quickly averts her eyes from your gaze.
“Hey Nelly!” You wave at her once again.
“Look sis! It’s that kid you couldn’t stop talking about…aren’t you gonna talk to him?” Sandy teases.
“S-sis! Don’t say that out loud!” Nelly begs her sister Sandy, Bell tries his best to stifle a laugh.
“Come on sis…don’t be shy, just say hi to him.”
How cute, Nelly’s gaze finally meets yours and she shyly waves at you.
”H-hi Anon...” she replies.
”Focus on the match Nelly!” Artic Thunder yells at Nelly, “why are you giving googly eyes to that Canterlot High jerk in the first place?”
“Leave her be Artic!” Sandy stands up for her sister, “you shouldn’t be here anyways, get going!“
“Pssh…” Artic Thunder scoffs befure heading to the pool.
Sheesh…What’s that guy’s problem? He’s just like Zephyr Breeze.
Flash Sentry and the rest of the players representing each team stand up on the steps by the swimming pool and await for the official to blow her whistle; when the referee blows the whistle, all hell breaks loose.
Croix Bleue takes the first place, however it looks like Flash is struggling.
”Go Flash! GO!” Twilight cheers for him, “you can do it!”
Somehow, Twilight’s words really inspired Flash Sentry to swim faster, Flash Sentry quickly overtakes the Croix Bleue swimmer and takes first place. As soon as he arrives to the end of the pool he does an amazing flip and uses his legs to push himself as farthest as possible, Artic Thunder from Pleasantview High quickly catches up to him by doing the same maneuver and overtakes him.
”Dang…” Rainbow Dash says.
The times are registered and then shown on the big flat screen Crystal Prep often brags about according to Rarity. Flash touched the panel one second after Artic Thunder; Heath Burns’ turn. He swims as quickly as possible, then returns when he reaches the end of the pool.
”Good! Keep going guys!” Rainbow Dash yells.
It’s now Bulk Biceps turn.
”YEAAAAAAAAH!” He lets out his characteristic war cry and jumps right into the pool with his ‘uncouth’ way like Rarity would say, the water splashes the other swimmers as well and makes them lose focus.
”Good job big guy!” Applejack yells.
Man, that guy moves with so little grace, but…seeing how he’s splashing so much water thus making it harder for the rivals to swim is certainly quite the advantage.
“You think that’s great? Just you wait guys, Sonata and Aria will blow away the competition…” you say, however there’s no response coming from your teammates.
“Uh, guys?”
”M-Mirage’s swimming suit…” Sandalwood barely manages to say.
“Huh?” You're confused by your teammates' reaction, but as soon as you turn your head to see Mirage…Holy smokes! Ringo quickly places a towel on his lap, Brawly Beats can’t stop himself from taking pictures. You look at Sandy’s sister wearing quite the patriotic…yet skimpy swimsuit.
”That must be against the rules!” Rarity says, “this is outrageous! Isn’t that right dearie?” Rarity asks you.
“…uhh-”
”Anon? Darling?” Rarity asks again.
“Wha-? Oh! Y-yeah! It…must be I think.”
Rarity pulls on your right ear with her left hand.
“Oww! Rarity?!”
”I can’t believe you Anonymous!” Rarity scolds, “is that all you think about?!”
Mirage enters the pool as soon as Bulk Biceps reaches the end of the pool, as soon as Bulk Biceps steps out of the swimming pool, he asks Sonata to do her best.
”I know big guy,” Sonata says and teases Bulk Biceps by patting his cheek.
Sonata drops her towel to stretch her body quickly before diving head first into the pool.
“WOW! Did everyone see that?!” You say with an excited tone, however Rarity misinterprets your reaction and pulls on your ear again.
“OWW! Rarity!”
”What? Sonata or Mirage’s skimpy swimsuit?” Rarity angrily says.
“Sonata’s…technique!” You say, Rarity lets go of your ear.
”Why yes darling…she’s quite the fast swimmer,” Rarity says, "and her technique is quite skilled."
Sonata passes Mirage and saves Canterlot valuable seconds, as soon as she emerges from the pool she raises her hand to receive a high five from Aria.
”Don’t leave me hangin’ Ari!” Sonata happily says, however that cute grump known as Aria rolls her eyes and dives straight into the swimming pool, Sonata crosses her arms and lets out a cute ‘hmph!’
Moments later. Aria emerges from the swimming pool and the swimming event has ended; the officials are comparing the times. The scores show up on the big screen.
Canterlot High is now in…SECOND PLACE! Your team celebrates, hugging each other and cheering for your teammates.
”YEAH! WE DID IT!” Pinkie Pie yells, “GOOOOOOO WONDERCOLTS!”
“What did I tell you Sonata? Both you and Aria are great! And you actually wanted to quit…” you say with a laugh.
”Aww Nonny…” Sonata says, “you truly believed that we could win…thank you!” Sonata happily says before giving you a hug, leaving you all soaked.
”Yeah, thanks for the support newbie!” Aria grabs your head and gives you a noogie, “you better win in relay race as well! Or else…”
”HA HA HA; ow...OW! O-Ok Aria…t-that's enough. Could you please let go of me?” You ask.
This is great! If you keep up the results, you might actually qualify.
”Your team’s good Rainbow Dash…” Sour Sweet says to your team’s captain, “but ours is better!”
”In your dreams maybe,” Rainbow replies to Sour Sweet with a smug grin on her face, “maybe we will be the ones who win this competition after all!”