//------------------------------//
// Prelude 
// Story: Eyes on the Road 
// by Art Inspired 
//------------------------------//

The area was almost black with fog for a good couple of minutes. The crowds watched in anticipation, waiting to see who would emerge from the smoke that surrounded the finish line. It’d all lead up to this; the finale in which only one pegasus would earn the right to be officially initiated into the Wonderbolts as an honored, fully fledged member.

Thick dust drawn up by the sheer speed subsided into the relatively close distance, giving way to the two mares that stood side by side, panting vigorously, and eyeing each other. The scorn was so intensive that some members of the audience could see tiny lightning bolts battling with one another between their foreheads. 

But, which pony won the match? Who would be standing among the ranks of their idols after such a gripping race? It was no such surprise that this was a photo finish. Several moments that turned into minutes wandered by. The whole stadium, stands leading along the track and cloud sitters up above remained utterly silent, waiting for the officials to announce the winner.

This was the moment of truth, when all this training would either pay off for one of the two, or prove seemingly pointless. Rainbow Dash, the spectrum division’s lead pony, and Lightning Dust of the rain section. These two had kick-started their rivalry early on in the most basic of training days, but after the freak accident that befell and nearly killed Rainbow Dash’s very own friends, Lightning was removed from the Wonderbolt recruits.

She was back at square one, having no choice but to beg Spitfire for atonement. Her deeds were foolish, she knew this by then, and swore to never let herself go down that route ever again. And even though Spitfire knew Rainbow wouldn't like it, the Wonderbolts had an unwritten policy. So long as a pegasus is willing to put forth her best to achieve greatness, they would be given a second chance.

Lightning Dust was once again among familiar wings, though unwelcome by some. Spitfire made well sure of keeping her eyes open, seeking for trouble this mare might potentially cause. One might say, along with giving Lightning Dust extra tedious assignments and tests, Spitfire intentionally kept her within visual distance. If there was a problem spawned on by Dust’s erratic behavior, Spitfire would know about it.

That was almost three years ago. three contests had gone by, and for all those years, Rainbow Dash and Lightning Dust trained at a distance for when their scheduled time would come. It wasn't so much of Lightning Dust trying to keep well enough away, but Rainbow refusing to even speak with this pony who she still considered a threat to not only herself, but friends, too.

It was at the height of their preparations that they would cross paths again, and share some words with one another before heading out into that wide stage, being cheered on by the masses from all over Equestria. This is where the story starts, with a small conversation, followed by the yearly race neither could afford to lose.