//------------------------------//
// 6 - The Race 
// Story: Humans, Rainbows and Diamonds 
// by RariDashFan 
//------------------------------//

He approached the makeshift turnstiles that had been put up for the event, and handed over his ticket. He didn’t have the best seats, but they were so damn expensive. The pony in the turnstile then looked at the ticket, then at Martin before speaking.


“You’re Martin, aren’t you?” The pony asked. Martin nodded. “You’ve been moved to the box lounge, says you’re a friend of one of the competitors. Follow these guys, they’ll show you how to get there.”


Two large stallions then escorted Martin into the stadium, and ascended many flights of stairs before entering a large bar area. Sat at the bar were Rarity, Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Applejack and Fluttershy. They immediately noticed Martin, and welcomed him over.


“I’m glad you managed to make it, Martin.” Twilight was the first to welcome Martin, and walked him over to the balcony area, where the ponies in the lounge could watch. “Much better than being down there, don’t you think?” Twilight pointed to where Martin would’ve been sitting, an area with barely enough room to breathe. She then laughed and headed back inside. Martin stayed peering over the balcony, looking at the fans and the ground below. The atmosphere was incredible, these ponies really were passionate about racing. Martin’s thoughts were interrupted by a presence by his side, Rarity.


“Enjoying the view?” She asked, inquisitively. “You’ll have to thank Rainbow for these seats. She managed to pull a few strings. You’ll have to thank her later, if you can...face...her…” Rarity trailed off.


“No need, I already spoke to her.” Martin replied. “She knows about Ace Thunder, and what a crook he is, but it’s too late. He knows enough to shut Rainbow out of the race.”


“That’s awful! Did she say anything else?” Rarity inquired.


“She didn’t seem too bothered by it. I think she might have a few surprises in store.” Martin responded, rather upbeat.


“I don’t suppose you’ve cleared your head about...what happened?” Rarity softly asked.


“No, I’m more confused than I was.” Martin replied. “I don’t think I’m going to be able to reach a conclusion soon.”


“I see.” Rarity simply responded. “That’s understandable. I hope you can sort this situation, and once again, I can only apologise.” Rarity then turned and walked back inside. There was still a good half hour until the race started, so Martin passed the time talking to his friends, taking a few drinks (non-alcoholic, of course) and just thinking things over. However, the race was now about to start as the pegasi took their place on the starting point, and the announcers began to speak.


“Welcome to the 32nd Annual Grand Equestrian Race! The race typically lasts 10 minutes, and starts and finishes right here. The ponies must first complete one lap of the stadium on hoof, before taking to the skies and flying through pre-planned routes. The ponies look like they’re ready to go, so let’s get underway!”


The pegasi readied themselves for the ground lap. Rainbow was near the front, with Ace Thunder ahead of her, first.
“Three, two, one, go!!” The starter pony shouted as the ponies sprinted from the line. Rainbow made up good ground, going from 5th to 3rd, but couldn’t push past Ace Thunder, who managed to cut her off at every attempt she made to overtake. The lap of the stadium didn’t take long, as the pegasi spread their wings and took off into the air. Within minutes, they were out of view of the stadium, the results unknown.


Rainbow was determined to win this. This could be her big break. All these thoughts were racing through her head just about as fast as he was flying, across the lush scenery of Equestria. She was currently in 4th place, having lost some ground due to Ace blocking her. She was at the halfway point, flying over the griffon kingdom. She dug deep and pushed forward, managing to push past two ponies into 2nd place. She knew who lay ahead. Ace Thunder.


He eventually came into view, with Rainbow picking up speed. Ace could read Rainbow like a book though, knowing exactly when she’d decelerate to steady herself, and picking up his pace when she did. It was hopeless for Rainbow. As soon as she got close to Ace, he’d just pull away. He just knew what to do and when to do it, and it was all her fault. She should’ve listened to Martin, she shouldn’t have been so stupid. Rainbow’s lapse of concentration cost her dear, as pegasi zoomed past her, putting her in 12th place. Rainbow then knew there was only one thing that could win her this. A sonic rainboom.


She began to accelerate rapidly, passing the ponies who hadn’t long passed her. She could feel the pressure building up in front of her as more ponies were left in the dust. 5th, then up to 4th and 3rd, then 2nd. The stadium came into view, the home stretch Ace was beginning to descend, going for the finish. She had to do it now.


“For Martin…” Rainbow burst forward, leaving a multi-coloured trail behind her. He speed was incalculable. She managed to control her rapid pace to manoeuvre herself downwards. She was just about to catch Ace, who was just about to cross the finish line. Then suddenly, she hit the ground. Hard. She couldn’t see if she had finished or not, whether she had won or lost. It went black.