//------------------------------// // Rivalries in Phase 2 // Story: In the Silver Lining // by Tower of 0 //------------------------------// Swift started to unravel the memory of the second phase of the Equestria National Circuit, or ENC at this point. "So, we were at the starting line on Applewood's Mane Street. Wings ready and the glares flying." Swift started, recalling his memories again. The Silver Streak himself was nervous this time around, sure, just a few nights ago, he got friendly with a Wonderbolt, but that didn't stop his suspicions of the scarred Griffon trying to throw him off course again. Not something Swift took to lightly. Good thing he also was standing next to his Wonderbolt friend too, he knew she would have his back, he would have hers. An announcer pony appeared, this one being of Earth decent, walked briskly out with a green flag clenched with his teeth. "On your marks!" He spoke through his teeth, all wings shot out from the sides. "Get set!" Every racer lowered their heads to the ground, eyes fixed on ahead and the skies above. "FLY!" The announcer waved the flag and they were off the ground in an instant. The Wonderbolt and good ol' Swifty were leading the pack by a longshot, few pegasi and griffons dotted the space between. All racers were told that they'd be flying from Applewood to Manehattan. Some groaned at that knowledge, but Swifty and his Wonderbolt friend bumped hooves, knowing they'd have some more air time. Of course, air time also meant more time to become friends with eachother too. "So..." A female voice broke the silence that lasted a little over an hour "... THE Silver Streak finally got himself into the most prestigious race of flyers in Equestria?" "The one and only, apparently." Swift replied back, "But I never thought that I'd be racing alongside a Wonderbolt." "Well, it's not the first time an amateur made their way into this sort of race before." The Wonderbolt nodded her head. "Well, I would expect that it'd take some years to earn a reputation large enough to race in the ENC." Swift looked over at the Wonderbolt, whom of which was looking ahead. "Yes, but, you seem to be a unique sort of rookie. How long have you been racing exactly?" "I dunno... since I was five, maybe six. Although, most races during flight school took place after the school let out. I'd race some of my friends most of the time, sometimes it would be the arrogant slow-poke who was just looking for a fight afterwards." Swift led on. The Wonderbolt opened her mouth to say something only to get cut off by a form. Apparently, Swift was also thrown into a massive barrel roll that was harder to get out of than usual. Mostly his instincts were yelling "Flap your wings like a mad pony," even though his experiences made him know better. Swift folded his wings to his sides and outstretching his ligs to stabilize himself. Once stable, Swift's wings immediately shot out from his sides and a silver streak left in his wake as he bolted back after the form. The griffon was laughing heartily to himself since he not only took the lead, but quite possibly sent his rival to a certain doom. Not that anyone would miss him anyway. Well, several ponies might, one of which taking an initiative after Swift's assailant. If the griffon could count as one. The Wonderbolt finally reached her mark and bumped the griffon into side with a force behind a knee. Yes, she did just hit him for those of you who want to get technical. The griffon just scowled and put knee right where she hit him, sending her spiraling out of control too. Of course, his smile of victory didn't last too long. A streak of magnificent silver caught the Wonderbolt and whizzed by the griffon. The griffon could only stare in awe at the feat Swift had just pull. Fast, but not fast enough to cause a sonic rainboom. That Wonderbolt was hanging on to Swift's back for dear life, or until he slowed down atleast. Swift, on the other hoof, had no intentions of slowing down. "Uhh... Mr. Storm... I think to can slow down now...." The Wonderbolt piped up, poking at his shoulders. Swift forced his eyes open and looked back, seeing that nopony was in sight. Especially that no good griffon. "Yes... yes I could..." Swift comment hesitantly. Letting himself slow down to a more mane friendly speed. "So.. uhm... thanks for saving me n' all." The Wonderbolt fluttered off his back and shook hooves with him. "Ahh... it's no problem, really. What are friends for?" Swift replied back with a grin. The Wonderbolt just chuckled back. "Speaking of which.... it's been a while since I've seen a good friend of mine. Last I heard, he got himself a nice mare in Ponyville.." Swift brought a hoof to his chin. The Wonderbolt's ears snapped to attention. "P-Ponyville you say?" "Yeah, ever heard of it? I've only go to the ground several, maybe more, just to go see my good friend, he used to live in... Manehattan. Met him one winter while my family was on vacation, ever since, we've been two best peas in a pod." "Although, she reacted kinda funny when I mentioned Ponyville though." Swift pondered at the thought. Ivory snapped to attention, "Why would a Wonderbolt react to saying Ponyville, it doesn't seem like something one of them would do." Swift just shrugged, "How should I know?" "Well, can you describe her atleast?" Ivory was sitting up straighter than usual.' "Let's see..... All I could see was her muzzle, ears, mane, and tail." Swift was still pondering. "You obviously forget that everypony knows everypony here, that's good enough for me." Ivory gestured around the bar. Swift sat tthere for a moment, then shifted his gaze over to Ivory. "Her coat was a light light purple.... lilac maybe? Her mane color looked to be a light blue with highlights." "What about the style of her mane?" Ivory was pretty sure who it was by now, but needed confirmation. "Spiked up in the back save for her bangs." Swift jumped after Ivory smacked the bar counter, laughing to himself. "I think you should crash here tonight, I'm pretty sure that there's somepony you might want to meet tomorrow." "Can I get back to my story?" "Sure." Swift and the Wonderbolt have been flying for hours now. Just have passing the half-way point to Manehattan, evening was also starting to set in. Swift was getting exhausted, and so was the Wonderbolt, but she showed it more than he did. Determination was visible in both ponies, but they atleast had a few more hours of flight left. About two hours have passed and the two, the other fliers still behind, made it to Manehattan, finally. The two hoof-bumped and continued into the hotel. Once their rooms were found, Swift spent not time closing the door behind him and falling to the floor of his suite. Low murmurs were escaping his lips as he slept, something on his mind.