Big Mac and Applejack stood on the train platform, seeing off Granny Smith and Apple Bloom before the race began.
“Alright you two,” Granny Smith said, looking to the brother and sister, “Apple Bloom and I will be waiting for you at the finish line. Kick their flanks.”
“Rainbow Dash will cross the finish line long before anypony else even gets close.” Scootaloo said as she and Lofty joined them on the platform.
Apple Bloom smirked as she turned to her friend. “Oh yeah? Everypony came out here to watch Big Mac race, and Applejack's at least as fast as Rainbow Dash.”
“We'll just see who's faster.” Scootaloo said smugly.
“Come along Scootaloo,” Holiday said as she approached the group with several tickets. “We don't want to miss out on a good spot to see the end of the race.”
Scootaloo looked back a moment before turning back to Apple Bloom. “Come on, let's get on the train.” She said excitedly before running off with her friend.
Once alone on the platform Applejack and Big Mac began walking back to the farm for the last couple things they had to do before racing.
“Alright Big Mac: I'm rootin' for ya, but I'm still gonna beat ya.” Applejack said as they walked.
Big Mac smiled as he shook his head, “Nope.”
***
“Come on,” Rainbow Dash moaned as she and James sat across each other at the diner. “You said you could run marathons easily, why not join this one.”
James smiled and shook his head, “One: it's the middle of the night. Two: I now have several trade agreements to cancel in person, and I have to explain how their delegate is responsible.”
“What about your time machine?”
“I'm already using it to be here, but that also brings me to point three. It wouldn't be fair for me to run this marathon as I am now. I'm not out of shape anymore and even though you're mostly faster than I am I could keep an unbreakable pace that I honestly doubt even Big Mac could hold for that long.”
“But you don't know that. I could probably beat you.” Rainbow Dash insisted.
James leaned over and kissed her quickly. “Enjoy your race, I'll be waiting for you at the finish line.”
Rainbow Dash sighed. “Okay, but I expect to hear you cheering the loudest for me, alright?”
James smiled and nodded, “Alright. Now I gotta get to work. I'll see you at the finish line.”
Rainbow Dash turned to leave before coming back. “Hey, James?”
“Yeah?”
“After the race, do you think we could do something fun? We're not in Canterlot often.”
“I'll find a fun date for us.”
Rainbow Dash blushed and smiled as she left, wondering when these intoxicating feelings would settle down. Or if she even wanted them to.
Minutes later she landed at Sweet Apple Acres and casually walked into the home of her friend. “Hey AJ.”
“Yer beamin today. James racin?”
Rainbow Dash shook her head. “He's got a list of reasons, but he's waiting for me at the finish line.”
Applejack chuckled a moment. “Giving you motivation?” She asked with a smirk.
Rainbow Dash blushed. “No, this race was my idea after all. Now hurry and tie my wings.”
“I still don't get why you're insistin on this now.”
“Because I don't want anypony accusing me of cheating and flying when I win.”
Big Mac scoffed at the comment.
Rainbow Dash smirked as she turned to the pony standing just in the doorway. “We'll see who's got the last laugh at the finish line.” As she spoke Applejack fastened the rope tightly around her waist.
“Eeyup.”
“Okay, Rainbow Dash, that rope ain't comin loose like last time. You want to run this with tied wings, you got 'em.”
Sugar Belle walked down the stairs and approached her husband as Applejack spoke. “Okay sweetie, we should get you to that race.”
Big Mac gave her a warm smile and kissed her cheek, “Eeyup.”
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and shook her head as they started to leave the farm.
“Yer actin like you aren't the same way with James.” Applejack commented.
“No way. We're much cooler … I mean, I guess James can get a little goofy, but I'm definitely way cooler than that.” Rainbow Dash was the only one to not chuckle as they walked.
***
In the center of Ponyville a large herd had gathered for the Marathon. Many were stretching and limbering up for the long run. With whispers and welcomes greeting Big Mac as he took his place in the group.
Rainbow Dash and Applejack couldn't help but notice the attention her brother was getting.
“He really was a big deal.” Rainbow Dash whispered to her friend.
“Yeah, but it's been so long I'm surprised his races are still so well known.”
“I didn't even know Big Mac raced until it came up the other day.” Sugar Belle commented.
“Wow, I wasn't expecting so many ponies.” Twilight added as she walked up with Starlight and Spike.
“Are you racing in this too?” Rainbow Dash asked.
Starlight chuckled a moment. “Oh no. I, uh, I don't do marathons. Or … races, really.”
“I just wanted to see everypony off.” Twilight added with a smile.
“Then a quick teleport to Canterlot to see the end.” Starlight finished for Twilight after a pause. “… Right?”
“Oh … I have so much work to do with the school I'll just stay behind.” Twilight answered uncomfortably.
“No you don…” Spike started to argue when Twilight shoved her hoof in his mouth.
“Hey Spike.” Twilight said quickly. “Since I'm busy you should go with Starlight and Sugar Belle.”
“Uhm … Okay. I guess it's just us then.” Starlight said as she turned to the nearby unicorn. “We should probably get out of the way now.”
“Good luck everypony.” Twilight happily said as they walked away.
Once they were far enough from the group Starlight turned on Twilight. “You're hiding something.” She bluntly said.
“What? No, I'm not hiding anything.” Twilight awkwardly replied, here eye twitching slightly.
“You're eye's doing that thing again.” Spike pointed out.
“What's wrong Twilight?”
“Nothing. I just have work to do.”
“Come on Twilight, if you can't trust your friends, who can you trust?” Spike insisted.
“You're just imagining things.”
***
Applejack and Rainbow Dash gave each other a grin as they readied themselves for their race. Cheerilee tried to engage Big Mac in a silent challenge only to see him blowing his wife a kiss before focusing on the track ahead of them and striking his hoof against the ground. Cheerilee shook her head, choosing to focus on the race herself.
Many of the ponies heard nothing of Mayor Mare's short talk, only paying attention to the word “Go.” Several front runners quickly broke away from the herd as the race began, Rainbow Dash and Applejack among them.
“Okay,” Starlight said as she turned away from the racers now fading into the distance. “ You're absolutely sure you don't want to come to Canterlot with us?”
“I would,” Twilight said with false ease, “but I have to get this work done.”
Starlight sighed. “Okay … do your “work” and we'll see you later.”
***
Not for the first time this week Twilight buried herself in studies she no longer needed. At least here, buried in information, she could lose herself. Hours would slip by and she only had to think about what she was learning.
Celestia had never given her a definite answer as to her ascension to the Equestrian throne, but by now it was obvious to her that because of what she had done that day would never come.
Even still, she felt compelled to study everything Celestia had sent her. As if through knowledge alone she could change the mind of her longtime mentor.
She looked away from her book to a picture of her and her friends, it was from a time long ago in Sugar Cube Corner. Rainbow Dash was rolling on the floor laughing, Pinkie Pie's face was covered in frosting, Applejack still held the cake that Pinkie had just taken a bite of. Fluttershy looked surprised by the whole thing as Rarity rolled her eyes. Twilight turned her attention to herself in the photo, caught mid step backing away from the mess that was Pinkie Pie, her violet eyes wide.
Her face faintly reflected in the glass of the picture frame, and once again she saw them. Her “new,” golden eyes.
Her focus shifted from the picture to her eyes. Despite hating the change, she couldn't deny that the Lord of Nightmares had saved them twice.
With a sigh she closed the book, a report of population statistics assembled for Princess Celestia.
Normally she would study to relax, but right now it felt like a chore. Not that she could focus enough to study anyway. This wasn't even her first time reading this report, but she never managed to retain anything from it.
It was as she was putting the report away to once again read later that her library door opened.
“Spike, it's okay. I just want to be alone right now.”
“I'll leave you alone then.” James answered.
Twilight turned quickly around to see the tall man poking his head through the doorway. Even from her distance Twilight could see that his eyelids drooped. Wondering if there was anything particularly wrong, she got up and walked over to the man. As she got closer she could see that his eyes were also bloodshot and he looked more than a little disheveled.
“Haven't you slept?” Twilight asked as she examined him.
“Nope. I just got a break from canceling those contracts as they work on a counter offer. I mean, I don't have to let them make one, but they might come up with something good.” James groaned as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “I hate politics.” His fingers spread out and soon were rubbing his closed eyes. “I guess it's off to Canterlot. You want to come along?”
“Oh, uhm, not really.” Twilight uncomfortably said. “But since you have time, maybe you should get some sleep while you're here … No offense, but you look terrible.”
Twilight could almost swear she saw James' mind working through the offer. Doing some unknown mathematics to determine just how much time he had until Rainbow Dash would cross the finish line.
“Thanks, but no,” he eventually said. “I know you worry, but I just don't know if I've got the time.”
Twilight couldn't help but chuckle. “Isn't this why you've got a time machine?”
“Yes and no. Despite everything, the family doesn't like that I'm aging so much faster than everyone else. So I've made an agreement that I have to limit my trips back. Lucca made a good point when she said that neither of us even know how much of our marriage she's missed out on just because I was living the same day multiple times.”
“Yeah, she's mentioned that. And maybe it's not such a bad thing to leave a day “unfinished,” you don't exactly take care of yourself.” Twilight sighed and shook her head.
“Really?” James asked, cocking his eyebrow as he looked to Twilight.
“Come on.” Without any further warning her horn lit up, it's violet luminescence flecked with sparks of gold. James was quickly surrounded by a similar luminescent aura and dragged behind Twilight as she walked past him and down the hall.
“Uhm, Twilight? What's going on.”
“You've got enough time for a nap at least.” Twilight said, her magic lifting James off the ground so he would stop resisting. “I'll wake you up so you can get to Canterlot in a little bit.”
“You just want to get me in bed.” James joked with a halfhearted chuckle.
Twilight stopped a moment and turned her head to glare at him.
“Wow.” James said after a few seconds. “I must be tired if that's the best I can come up with.”
“You've certainly done better.” Twilight sighed before she started walking again.
“Hey, Twilight?” James calmly asked.
“Yes?”
“What's wrong?”
Twilight stopped mid stride and gave an awkward laugh. “Nothing's wrong. Why would you think anything's wrong?”
“You're not hard to read, I can see it in your eyes. Not to mention you only laugh like that when you're trying to hide something.”
Twilight groaned and let James down. “It's … You didn't know me before I became a princess. I thought I was just going to study my whole life, I never expected something like this would ever happen.” She said as she spread her wings. “And when it did, I got all of these new responsibilities. But I didn't know where I fit in anymore. I did all of the same stuff, but I wanted to make a difference. Then Tirek came along, and after we beat him I knew what I was the Princess of. That came with so much more, but I finally knew where I belonged … at the time. I started my school, and I knew where I belonged there. And then Celestia mentioned retiring, and that I would take her place. I didn't know what to do, it was terrifying, how could I live up to her and Luna. But as I learned more, I knew I could do it, it was less scary. I let myself expect it …” Twilight paused as she took time to collect her thoughts.
“And then Xellos came.” James quietly finished.
Twilight shook her head, “And then L took over my body. And now I just don't know where I fit in anymore. There was a plan, a goal, everything was going to be fine for once. And now …”
“I'm sorry this happened to you.” James quietly said.
Twilight had known James long enough to understand what this apology meant. “This isn't your fault. It was my idea to use L's magic to open the doors of Tartarus. And it was our students that saved the day … we didn't even do anything.”
James gave a weak laugh, “What do you think Starlight would say to hear us both trying to take the blame for each other.”
Twilight gave James a questioning look for a moment before smiling, “She'd probably sigh first, then go into detail as to how we did what was right at that time.”
“And demand we tell ourselves that the world's problems aren't our fault,” James added.
“Of course you'd make some joke that kind of says that, but also says that they definately are your fault.”
“Or just a simple, “You can't prove that.””
Twilight chuckled and nodded. “She's here even when she's all the way in Canterlot.” Somehow James had managed to lift her spirits, moments after taking them both down a depressing path. “Alright, enough stalling. You need to get some sleep before you get to Canterlot.”
James shook his head and looked Twilight in the eyes. “Not yet.”
“Uhm, okay. Why not?”
“I need to hear something from you.”
“What?”
“What would Starlight want to hear you say?”
Twilight was taken back, she knew they had just talked about her, but was this just to get her to give herself some help?
She mulled the idea over a moment as James kept his unbroken, and tired, stare. “I wouldn't have done anything different,” She eventually conceded. “And I did the right thing. No matter what it means now.”
James finally blinked as Twilight finished her statement. “Don't get too caught up in the past. I learned the hard way that obsessing over choices made can only make them worse.”
Twilight knew there was something haunting his past, something he had done and wouldn't forgive himself for. She'd come close to learning about it before, but was still in the dark. “Maybe it's time you start telling yourself that.”
James grinned and shook his head. “I no longer try to change those choices. I think that's progress.”
Twilight sighed before looking down the hall. “Anyway, I said it so you should go get some sleep now. I'll make sure you're up in enough time to get to Canterlot.” She said as she gently let him down.
Twilight turned to go back to the library and began to walk away. As she did James calmly spoke to her, “Don't be hard on yourself for this. No matter how things may change, you'll always have a place where you fit in.”
“I'll just use the enertron.” He mumbled to himself as he began walking to the doorway to his home. “I'm sure Rainbow Dash will want something after the race anyway.”
***
Starlight and Sugar Belle's conversation was interrupted by a familiar voice. “Hey Starlight,” James called as he approached.
Starlight couldn't help but chuckle as she watched the large bearded man approach with Scootaloo and Apple Bloom sitting on his broad shoulders, his arms held up to ensure they had all the room they needed as they clung to his head, nearly blinding him with their hooves.
“Picked up a couple hitchhikers there?” Starlight asked.
“Hey, they jumped me.” James joked.
“Isn't Sweetie Belle here too?” Sugar Belle asked the two crusaders.
“Oh, we're back here.” Rarity answered as she and Sweetie Belle walked around from behind James. “James does a wonderful job cutting a path through crowds.”
“Any other surprises behind you?” Starlight chuckled.
“Just one,” he answered, turning to the side and showing Twilight close behind him.
“I didn't think you were coming.” Starlight said, happy to see her friend there.
“I wasn't planning on it, but it's better that I support my friends. Even if I'm uncomfortable being here.”
“Uncomfortable” was an understatement for Twilight. She felt as if the eye of every royal guard were on her, waiting for … what exactly? For Celestia to demand her capture and exile to the moon? For L to once again take over her body?
For something, anything, to go wrong.
“What convinced you to come out?”
“I found the friendship journal …”
“Twilight, dear, what's wrong.” Rarity asked, taking a seat by Sugar Belle.
James slowly crouched and let the small ponies down from his shoulders. With a kind smile he reached into his bag and pulled out a pile of bits. “Here girls, why don't you run over to Doughnut Joe's and get yourselves a treat.”
A pale green luminescence covered the coins and floated from his hands as the CMCs ran off excitedly talking about what doughnuts they were going to get.
“Don't make yourselves sick.” James called to the trio, who had almost forgotten about him already. As the three vanished into the shop James sat and looked to the ponies.
“Her eyes again.” Starlight answered.
James put his hand on Twilight's back. “It's okay to feel lost, Twilight. You spent a lot of time preparing for ascension. That's not something someone can just let go easily.”
“We don't have to talk about it right now.” Twilight quietly said.
“Alright, but we should talk about it. All of us.” Starlight insisted.
Before long the conversation had settled into more comfortable topics with the CMCs returning with quite a few doughnuts. They were just getting into a new topic when Lofty came flying over to the group.
“Heads up everypony.” Lofty said with a grin. “The winner's coming in soon.”
Sugar Belle quickly excused herself so she could get a good place near the finish, standing and leaving before even finishing her excuse.
With an “Eep,” Scootaloo climbed back on James' shoulders, her wings fluttering quickly as she did.
Without moving his head, James did his best to look at the young filly. “Uhm … Hi.”
“You're super tall, you'll have the best view of Rainbow Dash as she crosses the finish line.” Scootaloo offered by way of explanation.
Apple Bloom didn't have to hear any more than that to quickly scramble up to James' shoulders as well. “Yeah, let's go watch Applejack win this race.”
James sighed, but those at the table clearly saw his smile. “Looks like I've got a job to do.” He said with as much resignation as he could muster. If pressed he would readily admit that he enjoyed these moments. He and Lucca had practically adopted Scootaloo despite her parents still being alive (though constantly traveling,) and gladly extended this affection to the other CMCs.
Twilight watched as James walked away, Sweetie Belle close behind until James' tail snaked from behind his haori and lifted the filly off the ground. “He spent so long trying to hide, and now he's walking around freely.” Twilight chuckled briefly before she continued, “Even carrying a couple fillies on his shoulders.”
Rarity joined in the chuckle. “But it wasn't without it's share of hard work.”
“I'm not going to try to get everything out here,” Starlight said seriously, breaking the happy mood. “But why was Canterlot specifically such a problem?”
Twilight looked between Starlight and Rarity, both openly showing their concern for her, before looking down at the table. “Because Celestia doesn't trust me anymore.”
“Dear, what in Equestria makes you believe that?” Rarity gasped.
“Really, Rarity? You don't know?” Twilight deadpanned.
“Twilight, darling, it's not that she doesn't trust you …”
“Then what is it Rarity? …” Twilight sighed and shook her head. “I understand why she doesn't trust me: I was taken over by The Lord of Nightmares, and it's not like it was forced on me. I invited her into my body! If those are the decisions I make, how can I be trusted with Equestria?”
“Twilight, we've known you for years,” Rarity patiently said. “If there's one thing you're not, it's impulsive.”
“She's right, you make plans for making plans.” Starlight added with a grin. “You did what you could with only what was available to you. Everything will be alright.”
Twilight started to smile at her friends when cheers began to roar in the background. “I guess the race is almost over.” She said as she stood from the table, glad for a reason to change the subject.
With Rarity and Starlight close behind, they made their way to where James was standing.
“Can you see anything yet?” Rarity asked as they got close.
“Yeah, not well enough to say who it is, but I do see them.” James said, one eye peaking out from under Scootaloo's hoof.
“I bet it's Applejack.” Apple Bloom happily said.
“No way,” Scootaloo countered, “It's gotta be Rainbow Dash.”
It wasn't long before the two racers were close enough to determine who they were. Apple Bloom laughed and cheered as Scootaloo sat slack jawed. Jockeying back and forth for the first position were Big Mac and Cheerilee.
Once the finish line was finally in sight, with a smile and a determined snort, Big Mac lowered his head and charged forward. Cheerilee followed suit, undaunted by the ground Big Mac was slowly placing between them.
“Go, Big Mac!” Apple Bloom shouted.
“Where's Rainbow Dash?” Scootaloo asked, trying to climb on James' head to get a better vantage.
“Scoot, you can't sit on my head.” James said, with a practiced calm. “I'm sure Rainbow Dash will be here soon.”
Scootaloo settled down and sat back on James' shoulder. “But she should be the one winning!”
“We'll find out what happened later. Maybe she decided to take a nap somewhere along the way.” James suggested as Apple Bloom blew a sharp whistle while Big Mac passed them.
“But even Ms. Cheerilee is ahead.”
“It'll be okay Scoot.” James said, hoping to calm the young girl.
Apple Bloom burst out in cheers as Big Mac crossed the line, barely edging out Cheerilee.
“See, there she is now.” James said, as in the distance two shapes began to come into focus.
As they got closer, it became clear that Rainbow Dash and Applejack were more limping than even walking. Propping each other up as they slowly made their way towards the finish line.
“You've gotta be kidding me.” Rainbow Dash huffed as they watched the race end.
“Told ya he was good,” Applejack puffed, trying her best to smile but only managing a weak grin.
“But he hasn't raced in years!”
“Yeah … I rightly don't know just how he managed it.”
“Come on, girls.” James said as they got close. “You're almost there.”
Rainbow Dash smiled at the encouragement. “Come on AJ, just a little more.” She said as she started to move faster.
“Not so fast now. Yer leanin' on me as much as I am you. Let's just finish this thing and not drop right at the end.” Applejack argued.
“Come on AJ, everypony else is almost here.”
Applejack rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Y'all really think we can make one last sprint?”
Rainbow Dash laughed uncomfortably. “I guess not.”
“Well, I guess we can pick up the pace a bit. Maybe we can still trot if we stick together.”
“Alright.” Rainbow Dash eagerly said as she started trotting only to stop when she and Applejack almost fell.
“Rainbow Dash!” Applejack scolded, “We gotta work together if you wanna do this.”
Slowly, with Applejack counting and Rainbow Dash keeping pace with her count, the two picked up speed until they were at a steady walk. Behind them, the pounding of hooves could be heard getting louder and the first of the runner ups could be seen making their way towards the finish.
“Come on, AJ. Come on!” Rainbow Dash urged as she heard the approach.
“Okay, on three.”
“We don't have that long!”
“Three!” Applejack said suddenly. She grit her teeth and pushed herself to get to the end, Rainbow Dash trotting right beside her.
The other racers were right on their tails as both Applejack and Rainbow Dash crossed the finish line and promptly collapsed on the other side.
“Hey AJ?” Rainbow Dash panted.
“Yeah, Rainbow?”
“I don't think I can get up.” Rainbow Dash chuckled.
“Me neither.” Applejack laughed along.
“Alright you two,” James calmly said as he crouched near the ponies, the fillies jumping off as he got closer to the ground, “let's get you somewhere nicer.”
Rainbow Dash grinned as she looked up at him. “I'm not moving from this spot.”
James smiled as he looked down at her, moving closer and giving her a quick kiss. “Better?”
“Told ya.” Applejack said with a smirk.
“Okay, okay,” Rainbow Dash said, “but I need help here. I don't know what's worse, that I can't feel my legs, or that I can feel my hooves.”
James reached out and gently gripped the forelegs of both fallen racers. “Okay, I'll help you. Just fall onto me and I'll take you to the nice quiet spot we picked out.”
With the offered help, Rainbow Dash managed to stand before promptly collapsing onto James' shoulder.
Applejack followed suit and James moved his arms for them each to sit. Scootaloo running up to them as they did.
“Rainbow Dash, what happened? You … you lost?!” She asked as she looked to her mentor.
“That's because a marathon is a very different kind of race than what Rainbow Dash is used to, Scootaloo.” Cheerilee answered, walking up to the group. Even as she stopped advancing, she kept walking in place as she addressed the group. “You don't just jump into a marathon without training and expect to win.”
“But Rainbow Dash always wins.” Scootaloo insisted.
“Not every time squirt.” Rainbow Dash admitted, much to the disappointment of Scootaloo.
“This was a great race. I think I may actually be ready for the Trojathon this year.” Cheerilee said with a smile.
“You're racing in the Trojathon?” Rainbow Dash asked as Cheerilee smiled and nodded. “The three day race from Trojan to Turley? That's awesome.”
“Thank you, Rainbow Dash. I was hoping to go after finally beating Big Mac, but I guess he still hasn't lost his edge.”
As if on cue, they heard a pained groan from Big Mac. Without wasting a moment the group soon converged around the large stallion.
“Oh, what's wrong dear?” Sugar Belle asked, trying her best to examine him.
“Nothin'.” He insisted.
“We can all hear ya, Big Mac. Now what's wrong?” Applejack insisted, turning her head to try to face her brother.
“It's nothin'.” Big Mac insisted, moments before Sugar Belle prodded his flank making him yelp in pain.
“Big Mac.” Applejack's tone was clearly chastising. “Y'all're lucky we got all the Zap Apple harvestin' done, or you'd be in big trouble.”
Big Mac couldn't help but shoot his sister an irritated glare as she rested on James' shoulder, unable to even walk on her own at the moment.
“James,” Rainbow Dash said as she rested her head against his, “I don't think we'll be getting to that date today.”