The Mechanic

by Clintr

Flag carriers.

Ponyville Schoolhouse 9:00am

"Today, we have three special guests with a very special announcement! Everypony, welcome the head of the Equestria Games, Ms. Harshwhinny!" exclaimed Mrs. Cheerilee.

Mrs. Harshwinny then walked into the classroom.

"Thank you. Now, I'm sure you all know about the Equestria Games, where ponies from all over the land compete for glory in various athletic pursuits. Well, now you littlest ones will have the chance to compete for a weighty responsibility of your very own."

"Oh, come on! Tell 'em the fun part!" exclaimed Rainbow dash in the distance.

She soon flew in through the window then landed next to Mrs Harshwinny.

"That's right! All you gotta do is show Ms. Harshwhinny the coolest, most spectacular, most rocking routine and you're going to the Games! So who's going to be the lucky ponies?!"

"It's gotta be me!" said Diamond Tiara.

"Maybe it's me!" said Aura.

"Maybe it's us!" said Scootaloo gesturing to Applebloom and Sweetie Belle.

"Maybe it's us!" said Snips and Snails in unison.

"Hey! It could happen!" Snips said.

"So, the winning team gets to carry the Ponyville flag at the Equestria Games! Oh, you are gonna love this!" Rainbow Dash said with excitement.

However Ms. Harshwhinny didn't find Rainbow's enthusiasm very amusing.

"Ms. Dash, will you please curb your over-enthusiastic outbursts? Now then, let me be clear on the rules. You ponies will form teams. Each team will create their own flag carrying routine. Everypony will be judged on grace, style and originality. There's a most complicated scoring system, which I will elaborate upon now. Firstly--"

Rainbow dash soon interrupted Mrs. Harshwinny.

"Aw, get to the nitty-gritty later. Tell 'em the important stuff! Like who's the coach!" Rainbow soon took out a referees cap and blew a whistle "That's right! Me! And you know why I'm qualified to coach you? Guess who carried the Cloudsdale flag in the Games when she was a little filly? Me! I'll never forget it –- I burst into the stadium, spreading my wings, the flag flapping in the breeze. I did tricks with that flag the likes of which nopony saw before and nopony's seen since!"

Rainbow soon started flinging a small flag in circles until Mrs. Harshwinng took it from her and grounded her. She then threw the flag to the floor.

"Professionalism, Ms. Dash. I must insist. If you want to keep your job as coach of these ponies, you must maintain a professional attitude and keep your emotions in check! Am I making myself absolutely, one hundred percent crystal clear?"

Rainbow Dash soon git up then cleared her throat, "Yes, Ms. Harshwhinny. Y'know, "professionalism" is my middle name. Rainbow Professionalism Dash."

"Hmph! Well, in three days time, Ms. Dash will accompany anypony competing to the Crystal Empire, where you will demonstrate your routines for me and the other judges, who will judge you very professionally."

"Ahem. Yes. Quite, quite correct. In the meantime, get ready to train, and train hard, because I know this opening ceremony is the single most important thing that will ever happen in your young lives! But, I know you're up for the challenge. And so am I! Wooho--" Rainbow then almost pulled a back-flip but saw Mrs. Harshwinny giving her a stern look she then reversed back to the floor "Ahem... Meet me after school tomorrow at 1500 hours. Sharp. And show me your flag carrying skills. I am outta here.
Professionally. See how professionally?"

"Ugh. Ponies, the most important thing is this: Your routine needs to show what your town means to you. So, do Ponyville proud. Work hard, be bold, wow me. That is all!"

Mrs. Harshwinny soon walked out other classroom then Mrs. Cheerilee spoke again.

"Now class I'm sure you all know about the human named Torrent by now am I correct?

The class nodded their heads.

"Well, I'm happy to introduce Torrent J. Braddock!"

With that I soon walked into the schoolhouse, then stood in front of the class. Some of the students expressions were a mix of amazement, confused and happiness.

"It's a pleasure to be here Now, as Mrs Harshwinny pointed out the upcoming Equestria Games 'I guess that's their way of saying Olympic Games' flag carrying contest. Be prepared little ones, cause' what Mrs Harshwinny didn't mention to you is that I will be partaking within this event as well."

The filly wearing a bow-tie raised her hand.

"Yes, Uhh... Applebloom?"

"How'd you know my name?"

"Your'e sister Applejack told me about you but that's another story. Right now what is your question?"

"When you said that your going to partake in the event, dose that mean that you'll be entering in the contest too?"

"No, nothing like that. How I'll do my part in this contest, is that I will assistant coach with Rainbow Dash, and I will also stand in as one of the judges who will judging you. And besides, a human entering a contest that will only have ponies wouldn't be a fair advantage."

The purple and pink haired filly soon raised her hand.

"Yes, Sweetie Belle?"

"How'd you-?"

"-Your sister Rarity. What's your question?"

"How is it that your qualified with those responsibilities?"

"To be honest, Mrs. Harshwinny just gave me the job or jobs."

Sweetie Belle then lowered her arm.

"Are their any other questions? No? Well then, I'll be looking forward to the routine you fillies present. See you all later."

Road away from the school 10:00am

"Yeesh. Having to be assistant coach is one thing, but a judge? I don't know why Harshwinny gave me these. But on the bright side, I I get to venture a little father into Equestria."

As I soon as I continued on the thought, I noticed the Cutie Mark Crusaders discussing about something. With new found curiosity I decided to do a little spying.

Scootaloo soon then began speaking.

"Alright, the winning routine needs to show what's important about Ponyville, right?"

"Right!" Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle agreed.

"So... what's special about Ponyville? It's... It's... I got it! It's a place where different kinds of ponies live together as friends!"

"Earth ponies like me!"

"Unicorns like me!"

"And Pegasi like me! So somehow we got to figure out a way to show that in our act."

"We're gonna need a plan."

"And a lot of hard work!"

"And a whole bunch of practice! But take it from me; we may just be little ponies, but we have hearts as strong as horses!"

As soon as Scootaloo said that. I've could of sworn I heard music.

'Something tells me that there will be an act of sabotage' I mentally said then left.

-

Flag Tryouts 10:30am

""Show me what you got, Cutie Mark Crusaders, and make it good!" Rainbow said with excitement.

"You heard the girl. Show us what you got." I added.

"Don't worry, we will!" Scootaloo said as she went back behind the curtains.

"Now, this is just a little something we threw together. It's not perfect yet, not even close." Sweetie Belle said.

I soon heard rustling within the bush. I looked back to see a both Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Even though we were a distant away I was able to comprehend their conversation.

"Let's watch the Cutie Mark "Goof-saders" do their saddle routine." said Diamond Tiara.

"They're gonna be a hot mess!" added Silver Spoon.

Both of them soon started giggling.

'Something tells me that those two are trouble.' I mentally said then turned my attention back to the stage.

Me and Dash soon heard Scootaloo's voice.

"Since the dawn of recorded time, in one town of amazing amazingness, three types of ponies coexist!"

The curtain soon then opened and Applebloom walked out first.

"We are Earth ponies!"

Sweetie Belle hopped out second.

"We are unicorns!"

Scootaloo then appeared last.

"We are Pegasi! And the town where friendship reigns is our home. Now, welcome to the stadium, the flag of the place we love best..."

They soon placed up a hoop then Scootaloo burst through it with her scooter with the flag attached to the back. She soon made a sharp turn to the left then jumped off then landed in the spotlight. The rest of them got on each of her hoof then shouted.

"Ponyville forever! Yay!"

Streamers soon then followed after.

Rainbow's mouth soon then opened in surprise, along with the two fillies, but I kept my cool.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders then ran up to us.

"It's kind of a work in progress. So? What did you think?"

"That was ama--" Rainbow Dash soon stopped herself 'Wait. 'Hold on now. Gotta stay calm, cool and collected.' she began to talk out loud "To give a calm, clear analysis-- Wait. You whipped that act together just yesterday?! That is--" she stopped herself again 'Professionalism, Dash, keep those emotions in check!' the back out loud "Overall, it was... kinda, sorta..."

"Overall, it was okay. Keep working hard. Who knows? You might have a shot. Gotta go!" Rainbow Dash soon then speed off.
They looked at me next awaiting my answer.

"It's great girls. Keep up the good work." I answered then walked off.

"Do y'all think they liked it?" Applebloom asked.

"I'm not really sure." Sweet Belle answered.

"You heard them! If we keep working hard, we might have a shot! So let's keep working! Trot to it, ponies!" Scootaloo exclaimed.

As soon as I continued to walk away, I heard those fillies in the bush again.

"Did you see that?! I can't believe I'm saying this. They could win!" said Diamond Tiara in shock.

"But how do we stop them? We already called them blank flanks!" Silver Spoon added.

"Then we need to find a new way to get under their skin." she then looked back at the Cutie Mark Crusaders "Or maybe... get under their wings."

Judging from the position she was looking, she was staring at Scootaloo's wings.

-

Ponyville schoolhouse 3:30pm

I'd decided to stick around a bit longer to see what those two troublemakers have planed.

As the Cutie Mark Crusaders were setting up their props then Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon soon then appeared then Diamond Tiara said.

"Girls, we just wanted to say your act is quite impressive!"

"Wait... What?" Sweetie Belle questioned.

"Um... Thanks?" said Applebloom questionaly.

"Oh, but of course. As a matter of fact, we think you're very brave." said Silver Spoon.

"Brave? Why?" Scootaloo questioned.

Diamond Tiara then answered "Isn't it obvious? It is to us. In fact, it's obvious to everypony. You're showing all three types of Ponyville ponies, yet you have a Pegasus pony..."

"...who can't even fly!" Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon said at the same time.

"What in tarnation does that have to do with anything?" Applebloom questioned.

"I'd say not even being able to fly has everything to do with everything. Doesn't it?" Silver Spoon questioned.

"I mean, a Pegasus pony at your age? You should've been flying long ago." Diamond Tiara added.

"So what if my wings can't get me off the ground?" Scootaloo questioned.

"Your career as a flag carrier isn't getting off the ground either." Diamond Tiara added.

"Ms. Harshwhinny will never pick a Pegasus pony who can't fly to represent Ponyville in front of all of Equestria." Silver Spoon added.

"Ms. Harshwhinny never said anything about that!" Sweetie Belle objected.

"I would've thought that was obvious." Silver Spoon said back.

"Well, have fun practicing anyway, even if your routine will never—how shall I say—take off!" Diamond Tiara finished as they both walked off.

Sweetie Belle soon then spoke "Don't listen to them, Scootaloo. Scootaloo? You okay?"

"This routine isn't working how it is. We've gotta rethink my part in the whole thing." said Scootaloo.

"What?" Sweetie Belle questioned.

"Why?" Applebloom asked.

"If we wanna win, I'm gonna have to fly!" Scootaloo answered.

"Is that even possible?" Sweetie Belle questioned.

"And by tomorrow?" Applebloom questioned again.

"Maybe I can win if I work twice as hard. See? Oof! Maybe... three times as hard." Scootaloo said as she tried to get aloft.

"Golly, I don't know, Scootaloo, I don't think that's the problem." Applebloom said.

"Well, I know this for sure – flying is the only way we're gonna win, so it's back to practice!" Scootaloo then started flapping her wings once more.

"Is this a good idea?" Sweetie Belle asked Applebloom.

"Whoaaaaa!" Scootaloo wailed as she fell to the ground. "I'll just work four times as hard!"

"Probably not."

As the day went on the Cutie Mark Crusaders tried to rehearse their new version of their flag carrying routine Sweetie Belle and Applebloom were starting to get tired from the continuous practice.

'Something tells me that their final run through won't be so very good.' I mentally said then walked away.

-

Ponyville Schoolhouse (time-skip next day)

"Okay, Cutie Mark Crusaders, this is your final run before you show it at the stadium tomorrow. I know you're gonna absolutely, positively-- have a lot of fun, heheh. Okay, go!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she blew her whistle.

The curtain then opened, we saw the Cutie Mark Crusaders were tired.

"Ponyville! Home of the, um..." Scootaloo stammered.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle then whispered "Friendship!"

"Ah, friendship, right! Uh, there are four-- no, three kinds of ponies."

Apple Bloom then let out a yawn.

"Left, left!" Sweetie Belle whispered to Applebloom.

"I'm sorry! I'm just tired! And then I dip, and then we turn, and-- Sorry!"

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle then struggled to hold up the hoop.

But Scootaloo just bounced off it then it fell over "Ta-da! Oof! So? What'cha think?"

Rainbow Dash paused for a moment then spoke "That's... y'know... good and all, heheh... I just thought... maybe possibly you might wanna go back to, say, the first version of the act, which was, I dunno, what's the word, better? Just do the routine as it was! Don't mess with success, right? Seriously. Now I need to... go coach these other ponies! And don't forget, we've got to catch the early train for the Crystal Empire. See you in the morning!"

"Rainbow Dash is right girls, if also want my opinion, I suggest that you stick with the old routine." I said then walked off.

-

A few hours later

"So your gonna be a little late coming to the Crystal Empire tomorrow?" Rainbow asked me.

"Yep, but I think that I'll be completely finished with it by tomorrow."

"Well, try to get it finished as early as you can. You are acting in as the judge though."

"Don't worry Dash I'll get it finished, Well, I'll see you at the Crystal Empire tomorrow. See ya"

"See ya later Torrent!" Rainbow called back.

-

The next Day Scootaloo's House.

The scene that I saw with the Cutie Mark Crusaders at the train station, I decided to make my way to Scootaloo's House.

As soon as I was making my to her room I heard the sound of paper ripping and the sound of a heavy bang.

I soon then opened the door. Scootaloo soon took notice.

"Oh, hey Torrent." she said.

"I heard that your not going to compete for the flag carrying anymore. Why is that?"

"It's just I can't fly, and I'm honestly the dead weight."

"Well that's not what I think and neither do they."

"Who's they?"

"Throwing away your scooter?!" Rainbow questioned.

Scootaloo look pass me to see Rainbow Dash.

"Rainbow Dash?" she questioned.

"Yup, but not just me." Rainbow kicked the door all the way opened to reveal Applebloom and Sweetie Belle.

They smiled as well as Scootaloo but her smile faded quickly.

"I don't wanna see them. And what are they doing here, anyway? They're supposed to be on the train." Scootaloo said sternly.

"We're not goin'." Apple Bloom answered.

"Not without you, Scootaloo." Sweetie Belle added.

"What's gotten into you, Scootaloo?" Rainbow Dash questioned.

"I didn't want to ruin their chance to win just because I couldn't fly." she answered.

"And who said you had to?"

"But flying's what Pegasus ponies are supposed to do! You flew when you carried the flag in the games!"

"But that was me! You're you! And it just doesn't matter if you can fly or not. Your routine was amazing 'cause it represented exactly what makes Ponyville special."

"Rainbow Dash is right Scootaloo." I said "When you girls showed us the first routine, we can immediately that you guys knew what Ponyville is all about."

"You do still know what that is, right?" Rainbow questioned.

Sweetie Belle soon then answered "Friendship."

Applebloom the spoke next.

"Three kinds of ponies livin' together as friends. Just like us. Earth ponies..."

"...unicorns..."

"...and Pegasi. But Rainbow Dash... what if... what if my wings never grow? What if I never fly?" Scootaloo asked Rainbow.

"Listen, Scootaloo. Maybe you'll fly someday, or maybe you won't. You're all kinds of awesome anyway."

"And besides, who's the toughest little pony in town?" I asked.

"So let's get to the Crystal Empire and let's do the routine as it was! And let's win this thing!"

"What do you say we have a friendly race Scootaloo?" I asked.

"You're on Torrent!"

I got on my project:

Rainbow soon flew open the door . Me and Scootaloo along with the rest of the Crusaders launched out the door.

"Ponyville forever! Yay!" the Crusaders exclaimed.

-

Ms. Harshwhinny soon spoke through microphone "In the Equestria Games, the Ponyville flag will be carried by... 'Cutie Mark Crusaders'!"

The Crusaders along with the crowd started cheering.

However, Diamond Tiara and Sliver Spoon just let out a groan.

Rainbow Dash and myself soon walked up to them.

"Ahem. Look. What you three did was... acceptable." she said.

"Acceptable? Acceptable?! Why, it was totally stupendously the single most amazing thing I've ever seen!" Harshwhinny exclaimed then laughed.

"Contain your excitement, Ms. Harshwhinny." Rainbow started.

"Remember – professionalism." I finished.

Ms. Harshwhinny soon maintained her composure "Ahem. Y-Yes, well, I-" she then laughed nervously, then ran off.

Me, Rainbow Dash and the Crusaders started laughing.

"You know what this means, right?" Scootaloo said.

"What?" Applebloom asked.

"We are totally gonna get cutie marks in flag-carrying!"

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle then exclaimed "Yeah!"

The Crusaders then started laughing.

I soon chuckled. "Fillies, what can ya with em'."