Tales of Apple Scratch: Roseluck & Fleetfoot

by RoyalRainbow


Chapter 5 – Leaving Lightning in the Dust

Chapter 5 – Leaving Lightning in the Dust
 
On Sunday, the fifth day of the Equestria Games, Ponyville Stadium was getting ready for the final hurdle races.  For Roseluck, she wouldn’t miss this for anything as this was the day that Fleetfoot promised to kick Lightning Dust’s ass for her.  Unfortunately, the rest of her team couldn’t share in Rose’s personal enthusiasm; mostly it’s because they were overly concerned for Applejack’s well-being as she hadn’t woke up from her coma-inducing slumber yet.  While the red-haired Eponian was just as concerned for AJ as her team was, she didn’t want to miss out on the hurdle events, and she wanted to be there to show as much of her support for Fleetfoot as she did for her in the Rhythmic Gymnastics.
 
However, much to Roseluck, Fleetfoot, and some of their respective teams’ dismay, they have to endure the smug appearance of Cloudsdale’s Lightning Dust as she and the other hurdlers took their marks in Sunday’s next event: the 100-Meter Hurdle Finals, the race that Roseluck should have participated if it weren’t for Lightning’s dastardly cheating during the qualification rounds.  With the sound of a gun, the eight racers madly dashed toward the finish, but Lightning had a good overall lead, and as expected, she secured her first gold medal once she jumped over the last hurdle and crossed the finish line.
 
As the crowd cheered loudly for Lightning, who was conceitedly soaking up all of the attention for herself, Cloud Kicker continuously glared at the smug cheater while she commented in a dark yet casual tone, “You know, if I were AJ… I’d probably murder her right about now.”
 
“Guess it’s a good thing she isn’t awake to see this, huh?” Vinyl Scratch added in a devious chuckle while looking back at her ever-sleeping sister.
 
“Hey, CK…” Roseluck asked softly.
 
“Hmm?”

“Since you know the Wonderbolts better than all of us, how good is Fleetfoot?”
 
Cloud took a moment to think about this, but before she could share her opinion, she broke into a very mischievous grin with a raised eyebrow as she inquired deviously, “You mean in bed, or…?”
 
“RACING!  I meant racing!” Rose flustered greatly as an intense, red blush consumed her snow-white face.
 
“Ooh, well that’s easy!” Cloud answered with a smile after getting a kick from her recent teasing.  “When it comes to speed, Fleetfoot is definitely one of the best!”
 
“Really?” Vinyl responded in surprise.  “Because, not wanting to put a damper on this, but when I saw Fleetfoot in the 200 and 400-meter qualifications, she was almost on par with Lightning Dust before that scoundrel took first place in both of them.  So the next two races could be a close call, to say the least.”  But once she saw and heard how downhearted Roseluck was, Vinyl quickly restated with a reassuring smile, “Not that I think Fleetfoot doesn’t have a chance against that cheater!  I wouldn’t expect anything less from a Wonderbolt like her!”
 
“Actually, Vi…” Cloud Kicker added in a more serious tone.  “…you’re mistaken on one thing when Fleetfoot was competing last time.”
 
“What’s that, CK?” asked Vinyl.

“She was holding back… on purpose.
 
Roseluck and Vinyl were shocked by this revelation before the latter gasped out loud, “What?!”
 
“But why would she do that?!” Roseluck asked in great surprise and confusion.
 
“I’ve seen each of the Wonderbolt’s attributes… and I’m not just talk about their physical ones mind you.” the grinning Cloud Kicker joked mildly before resuming her insightful explanation to them.  “For Fleetfoot’s case, she’s just like Applejack.  When she competes in longer races, she can build up her incredible speed and easily outrun the others, same thing goes for her flying.  That’s why she’s one of the top picked racers in their famed Wonderbolt Derbies.”
 
Then, the Lieutenant of Ponyville’s Royal Guards wrapped an arm around Roseluck’s shoulders to pull her closely before she pointed a finger to Fleetfoot far away in the pit she was residing.  “So keep a close eye on your girl over there, Rose.” she teased lightly, which caused the florist to blush from that claim.  “Because if I’m right on what your sexy Wonderbolt has in store for us, I’d say she’s gonna give Lightning Dust the shock of her life!”
 
Meanwhile, in Team Canterlot’s pit, Fleetfoot was getting herself ready for next race with her usual stretches.  As for her teammates, they were watching Lightning’s victory over the first race.  While some of them were amazed by the Cloudsdalian’s prowess, but Spitfire wasn’t impressed based off of that impassive, vigilant gaze of hers.  After the first race was over, Spitfire turned her head and saw the intense, silent concentration on Fleetfoot’s face in the middle of her stretches.  As the leader of the Wonderbolts overlooked her teammate, she recalled on how she first found out about Fleetfoot’s resolve over her upcoming grudge match.
 

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Four Days Ago, in Team Canterlot’s Locker Room…

After Fleetfoot finished her qualification rounds in the 200 and 400-Meter Hurdles, she went back to her locker room to take a quick shower before changing into some clothes. Once she was fully dressed, she closed her door to her locker and is almost startled by the sudden appearance of Spitfire, who was standing right behind the locker’s door before Fleetfoot shut it.

"Mind telling me on what kind of stunt you were pulling off back there?” Spitfire asked sternly with an inquisitive frown and her arms folded underneath each other.

A bit hesitant at first, Fleetfoot answered nonchalantly, “I don’t know what you are talking about.”

“Don’t you dare lie to me, Sergeant Stormwind!” Lieutenant Maverick snapped with ferocious authority as she got up close and personal in front of Fleetfoot’s face. “The others may not have noticed it, but I know full well that you were holding back on purpose when you were competing in the 200 and 400! You know better than to act so arrogantly like that, so you better have a good explanation for that little stunt of yours out there!”

As the two female Wonderbolts engaged in their brief staring contest, Fleetfoot gradually looked down and away from Spitfire’s fierce gaze before she slowly lost her composure. But it wasn’t fear of her commander that was causing her hesitation; it was an assortment of anger and grief that made her tremble before she could mutter out her response.

“It was Lightning Dust…”

“What…?” Spitfire eased up a bit.

“It was Lightning Dust. She was the one who caused Roseluck to slip up in the qualification rounds.”

Her aggressive demeanor vanished from hearing Fleetfoot’s trembling answer as she shifted to one out of concern and puzzlement. “How can you be so sure about that?”

"When I had to put on the air brakes in front of Roseluck, I saw how the bottom of her left shoe was covered in a thin layer of ice. And trust me, it wasn’t natural on a sunny day like that.”

"Hmm… Jupitarian Magic is pretty tricky to track down compared to Titanian Magic.” Spitfire concurred while placing a forefinger on her cheek. “I’m guessing we don’t have any real proof to report this to the Games’ officials, huh?”

Despite on how Fleetfoot wasn’t looking Spitfire in the eye, the orange-haired Wonderbolt noticed a tear streaming out of the lowered head of her white-haired comrade. With the emotionally torn athlete shaking from dealing with her own conflicting feelings, she turned around to hide her grief-stricken face away from Spitfire as she carried on with her openness.

“It’s… it’s not fair for Roseluck. This was her first competition, and she didn’t even get the chance to cross the finish line. You weren’t there to see it yourself, but it really torn my heart to see that sweet girl… crying and feeling so ashamed for an accident that wasn’t her fault in the first place. She was doing so well for herself in her very first race… and that BITCH STOLE IT FROM HER!”

As she emphasize that in a rare display of anger, she channeling all of that negative energy into her right fist and punched a nearby locker with a very loud bang. Spitfire barely flinched from that as she could sympathize on how helpless Fleetfoot felt from all that had happened today. After getting most of that anger out of her systems, the white-haired Wonderbolt wiped away her soft tears and faced her sympathetic friend once more before stating it gently.

“I don’t mind the fact that I had to give up my chance for victory, especially if it’s for someone’s safety.” However, her initial gentleness is swept away by heated determination as she clutched her right fist tightly. “But for what Lightning did to her… to completely humiliate her like that… it’s simply unforgivable! That’s why I swore to myself… to Roseluck… that I will make it into the last two Hurdle Finals! And when I do… I’m going to CRUSH HER.

As Spitfire stared at the serious glare on Fleetfoot’s face, the lead Wonderbolt let out a heavy sigh before she stated in a calm yet stern tone, “Fleetfoot… I know that I can trust you to not sink at her level when it comes to competitions like this. After all, we’ve got a reputation to uphold here. So when you race in the Hurdle Finals, here are my only orders: DON’T. HOLD. BACK.

Upon receiving the commands from her superior, Fleetfoot broke in a small smile of satisfaction and followed it up with a salute. “Yes, ma’am!”
 

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As Spitfire finished her recollection, the Games’ announcer, Pinkie Pie, called for all the racers to take their positions for the Final 200-Meter Hurdle.  Once she heard that announcement, Fleetfoot got up from her latest stretching and walked over to Shining Armor and Spitfire while bearing a very stern expression on her face.
 
“Captain… Lieutenant… I’m heading out now.” she said simply.
 
With a small grin of approval, Spitfire responded, “Go for it, Sergeant.”
 
“Good luck, Fleetfoot.” said the Team Captain.
 
With a subtle nod, Fleetfoot walked passed her teammates and headed toward the race tracks.  As she left the team’s pit, Shining grew quite concern over his teammate’s unusual personality.
 
“You know… it’s strange, Spitfire.  I know this is her first opportunity to earn herself a medal, but usually, she would still be lighthearted about this.  I haven’t seen her being this serious in a long time.”
 
“That’s because for this race, it’s personal.” she stated knowingly.
 
Unaware of why Fleetfoot was taking this race personally, he asked with slight hint of worry, “You don’t think she’s going to let that go through her head, do you?”
 
With a sly, confident smirk, she answered, “Have a little faith in her, Captain.  When she’s this serious, they better watch out for her.”
 
At the lane she was assigned in, Fleetfoot took one last look around the sidelines until her violet eyes met the green, attentive ones of Roseluck.  Once their eyes met with each other, the hurdler with the fluffy, white locks took a short break from her stern demeanor as she bore a tender smile to her favorite spectator.  Then, the grinning Wonderbolt used her index and midder fingers together from her right hand and offered a small salute to Rose as the smiling florist enthusiastically waved back at her.
 
“Well well… nice of you to join us at last.” Lightning Dust said from behind.
 
Just hearing the latest gold medalist talking so arrogantly like that had caused Fleetfoot’s brief, warm smile to drastically shift into a small yet cold frown before she reluctantly turned around and faced the proud cheater.

“You know, it’s kind of a shame for that flower girl to slip up like that.” Lightning pointed out with an all-knowing smirk.  “Without you two, I barely had any competition to face in the last race.”
 
Yeah… lucky you.
 
Without losing her cool, Fleetfoot reacted with a clever smirk of her own, “Yes, well… if it weren’t for that accident, I sure you wouldn’t have earned that gold medal so easily.”
 
A bit surprised by that sharp remark, Lightning hid her inner aggravation with sneer as she retorted with faint chuckle, “Ha, maybe if was I racing against you, I can believe that.  But for that mere flower girl over there, I doubt she would even come close compared to our league.”
 
Don’t you dare put me in the same category as you!
 
“Anyway, good luck.” Lightning smiled as she extended her right hand.
 
Fleetfoot coldly stared at that mocking hand of her oblivious rival.  She was certain that it was the same hand that casted that treacherous ice spell, which caused Roseluck’s initial downfall in the first place.  The Wonderbolt was so disgusted by the deceitful sign of sportsmanship that she just wanted to smack it out of her sight for what Lightning had done to Rose.  Despite how tempting that idea sounded, she couldn’t let her anger get the best of her as there were more important things to consider.
 
“Sorry, I’m not in the mood to shake hands right now.” she frigidly dismissed the handshake as she turned away from the perplexed Cloudsdalian.
 
Especially with scum like you!
 
While she ignored that “whatever” scowl from Lightning Dust, Fleetfoot reverted back to her coolheaded sense of determination as she fixated her stern gaze on the track she was on.  For the 200-meter race she would take part in, it consisted of 16 hurdles in total before the racers could cross the finish line.  Compared to what she had to go through with her intense training as a Wonderbolt, this race should be a breeze to her.
 
“Runners, take your marks!”
 
On cue, the runners got into position with their feet against the starting blocks and their fingers pressed on the ground.
 
“Get set!”
 
Next, they arched their backs and raised their heads up as they prepared to spring into action.  Following on the same advice she gave to Roseluck when she first competed, Fleetfoot smiled softly to her recollection from all of the times she used to practice.  Without paying any mind to Lightning’s annoying presence and focusing solely on her objection, Fleetfoot was in a perfect state of composure and was more ready to do this… for Roseluck.
 
BANG!
 
With the loud sound of Pinkie’s mini party cannon, the next racers launched in full force as the second hurdles match began!  Lightning Dust was having a good lead initially, but her cockiness swiftly switched to complete disbelief when the renowned Wonderbolt passed her only after the first few hurdles.  The gold-haired Cloudsdalian couldn’t believe this.  From their qualification matches, their speed should be on the same level even though Lightning managed get first place in both of them.  But in the Final 200-Meter Hurdle, Fleetfoot wasn’t just taking the lead; she was practically leaving everyone in the dust.
 
Over halfway through the race, Lightning Dust almost didn’t see two more racers passing her.  Her bewilderment over Fleetfoot’s unbelievable prowess had somehow caused her to involuntarily slow down with her hurdling.  From noticing this huge error from her own distraction, she tried to desperately pick up the pace after completing the sixteenth and final hurdle.  But as she was catching up to the third racer, it was already too late.  Fleetfoot earned her first gold medal while Lightning Dust only received a simple fourth place instead.
 
The crowd roared with thunderous cheers at the awesome display of Fleetfoot’s athleticism as the latest gold medalist waved modestly to them.  But once her soft gaze fell onto Team Ponyville, the white-haired athlete smiled brightly over Roseluck’s constant cheering as she bounced up and down like a hyperactive kid while she screeched with excitement and grabbed hold of her one of her friends nearby, who shared in her ecstatic enthusiasm.
 
As the helpers of the Equestria Games prepped the tracks for the 400-Meter Hurdle Finals, the racers went back to the starting line to get ready for the final hurdle event.  As they waited it out, Fleetfoot glance at her nearby competitor while doing some quick pre-routine stretches like everyone else.  Just as the Wonderbolt had anticipated, Lightning Dust was staring at the laid-back rival with a mixture of shock, confusion, and anger.
 
“What’s the matter, Lightning?” she asked casually with a tiny, sly smile. “Don’t tell me you’re getting cold feet already.”
 
Thanks to her sharp eyes, Fleetfoot saw Lightning shivering slightly and her pupil-shrunken eyes growing widely when she heard those two little words from her subtle teasing.  Without anything to retort, the shook-up Lightning Dust turned away from Fleetfoot, as the latter gave herself a mental pat on the back for getting the Cloudsdalian all riled up.  As for Lightning Dust, she started to crack up from within while trying to contemplate over the Canterlotian’s double meaning.
 
She couldn’t possibly know anything about that, could she?  No, she’s just trying to get under my skin, that’s all!  Well, I’m not gonna let her psyche me out this time!  I’ll show her… I’ll show them all!
 
At last, the final hurdle was all set, making the 400-meter race consisted of 32 hurdles in total, and the finish line was repositioned in its proper place.  With an “all-clear” signal from the committee, the perky announcer called the racers to take their marks once again.  And once they were all set, another loud bang of Pinkie’s mini party cannon was heard, and they were off.
 
Like in the previous race, the deeply steadfast Fleetfoot once again took the strong lead ahead of everyone else as her long legs jumped over one hurdle after another.  However, through her own determination and inner frustration, Lightning Dust pushed to her limits and surprisingly managed to catch up with the Wonderbolt.  As the two hurdlers were on par, Lightning smirked on the inside for her efforts as it looked like that all she needed was a push, and she could win this race in the bag.
 
Halfway through the extensive race however, Fleetfoot regain the lead once again, and she gained a lot more velocity than before.  But to Lightning Fast’s horrifying realization, it wasn’t the Wonderbolt’s speed that was increasing; it was her own speed that was decreasing.  From overexerting herself in order to best Fleetfoot in the final race, Lightning’s endurance was fading fast as she was falling behind from the unstoppable Canterlotian.  Panic and stress filled her mind as her inner thoughts scream out in hysteria.
 
No… no!  This can’t be happening!  I can’t be this far out of league from Fleetfoot!  I just can’t be!
 
As doubt continuously filled her mind, she was distracted once more by not paying any attention to her irregular pace or her surroundings.  It wasn’t until the twenty-seventh marker that finally snapped her out of her distraction… when she tripped over her own hurdle.
 
Everything literally came crashing down for her when her foot snagged the upright frame she attempted to leap over, and she slammed into the clay-paved ground.  The audience gasped loudly over the Cloudsdalian’s stumble, but that was completely overlooked when Fleetfoot passed the finish line, two times in a row.  All of the other hurdlers finished their races while the pitiful Lightning Dust was still lying on the lane and ended up in dead last.
 
Lightning was a complete mess with herself.  While she didn’t receive any serious injuries from that fall, the same cannot be said for her egocentric pride.  Never had she felt this humiliated before in all of her life.  With tears threatening to break through, Lightning covered her shame by her planting her face to the track she was on, and she repeatedly cursed to herself while constantly slamming her clenched fist on the hard ground.
 
As the fans and spectators continued their immense cheer, so too was Team Ponyville as Rose screamed in overwhelming joy over Fleetfoot’s victory while she hugged the blue-haired DJ and the grinning Swordswoman.
 
“SHE DID IT!  SHE REALLY DID IT!” the red-haired Eponian squealed in never-ending delight as she constantly bounced in place.

“Heh, was there any doubt?” said Cloud with an all-knowing grin.
 
“You know, I almost feel bad for Lightning Dust over there.” Vinyl emphasized slyly.  “…Almost.”
 
Then, Roseluck stopped her bouncing as she asked her friends while displaying a nervous, rosy blush on her cheeks, “Umm… girls.  Would it be alright if I…?”
 
With a huge smirk, Cloud Kicker was one step ahead of the bashful florist as the blonde woman answered with a playful wink, “Go ahead, Rose.  I’m certain that she would really appreciate the admiration if it came from you, of course.”
 
Vinyl and the others nodded along in agreement with Cloud Kicker. Smiling with gratitude for her understanding friends, Rose wasted no more time when she turned around and sprinted forward to offer her congrats to the most recent gold medalist.
 
Meanwhile, in regards with Fleetfoot’s case, her teammates were overly ecstatic on her worthwhile performance as they congratulated the white-haired Wonderbolt for her first two gold medals.  However, what was a really nice surprise for her was when Roseluck rushed over and practically tackled her to the ground.  As Fleetfoot was pinned down, she looked up and met with the emotional, green eyes and joyous smile of her biggest supporter for her recent races.
 
“Sorry!  I’m just… so happy for you right now!” she beamed ecstatically in a shaky voice as she firmly hugged her friend.  “You not only got one, but two gold medals!  I knew you were talented to begin with, but... wow! You were incredible out there!”

“Well… would you expect any less from a Wonderbolt?” Fleetfoot playfully smirked in response.

“No, I guess not.” she answered in a hearty chuckle as her excitement and nervous began to die down.
 
“And besides, I did promise that I would win these races for you, didn’t I?  And I intended to deliver on that promise no matter what.” she added with a wink, who received a blushing smile from Roseluck in return.

“Anyway, not wanting to complain here, but do you mind if I get up for a minute?” the latest champion asked with an awkward yet playful grin.  “I can’t collect my medals if I’m stuck like this.”

“Oh r-right… of course.” Roseluck replied bashfully as she got up from the floor and helped Fleetfoot up.  “Sorry about that.  And uhh… congratulations on your first gold medals, Fleetfoot.”
 
With a tender smile, she responded simply, “Thanks, Rose.”  And after that, they went their separate ways: Roseluck went back to her team’s pit, while Fleetfoot went over to the winner’s circle.
 
At the podium, Princess Celestia was given the honor to present the medals to the winners of the hurdle races.  The Princess of the Sun would first start off with the 400-meter event.  After distributing the bronze and silver medals to their respective winners, Celestia presented the final medal to Fleetfoot, who smiled with pride from receiving her first gold medal.  As for the 200-meter event, not much of the results had changed as Celestia went through the same motions where Fleetfoot earned her second gold medal as well.
 
Finally, there was the 100-Meter Hurdle as Lightning Dust was the one on the top step of the podium instead of Fleetfoot that time.  After being given her medal, Lightning blankly stared at its shiny, gold reflection.  She should be happy to finally receive one for herself, but behind that fake smile that was staring right back at her, she wasn’t.  To the rest of the winners, they received great praise from the audience.  But through her ears, those praises felt empty and all she could make out was nothing but pity for her inexcusable stumble earlier.  Ignoring the mocking applause from the crowd around her, all she could think about was the very person responsible for her disgrace.
 

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In one of the stadium’s hallways, Fleetfoot was on her way to her locker room to earn herself a nice, hot shower.  Unfortunately, that would have to wait as there was someone behind her who had some unfinished business with her.
 
“Fleetfoot!”
 
Grudgingly, the Wonderbolt turned around and faced the severely aggravated Lightning Dust, who was letting a heavy stomp with each stride she was taking toward the disinterested athlete.
 
“You held back on purpose during the qualification rounds, didn’t you?!” she screeched in front of Fleetfoot’s deadpan face.
 
“So, you finally figured it out, did you?” she mockingly praised the agitated athlete.
 
“Why?” she asked in a low growl.
 
“For what you did back when we first competed.”

“H-hey, I had nothing to do with that!” Lightning retorted with slight hesitation.  “It was that stupid flower girl’s fault--!”
 
“Don’t give me that crap!” Fleetfoot interrupted with an accusing forefinger pointed at Lightning.  “I’ve been trained to know the vast usages of Jupitarian Magic!  From the moment I saw ice on Roseluck’s left shoe, I knew it was you since your lane was right next to hers!”
 
How do they keep on knowing about this?! the Cloudsdalian dreadfully scold herself.
 
Not ready to confess her sin in sportsmanship, Lightning masked her quivering with a twisted grin as she pointed something out, “Oh, if that were true, wouldn't you have reported that to the committee beforehand?  How can prove your wild accusations on me when you don’t have any proof to begin with, hmm?”
 
Fleetfoot was not impressed with how Lightning was trying to weasel her way with that pathetic turnabout, so she shrugged casually and responded with an all-knowing grin, “Maybe not, but I did the next best thing by knocking you down a peg or two in the finals.  Of course, I couldn’t take all of the credit for myself.  After all, you were the one who made a complete fool of yourself out there, not me.”
 
Seeing how the flabbergasted Lightning Dust could do nothing except grit her own teeth, Fleetfoot turned around and resumed her steady walk toward her locker room.  With her teeth grinning harshly, Lightning didn’t want to end their confrontation like this if it would make the Wonderbolt look like a better person in the end.
 
“Don’t think this is over between us!” she ranted out loud to Fleetfoot which did little to diminish her march.  “You and that little slut of yours!”
 
From hearing that unpleasant slur, Fleetfoot stopped all of a sudden.  But she didn’t turn around to face that smirking coward just yet.  Instead, she swiftly swung her right clenched fist back, and a sudden, strong gust of wind projected out of that backhand before it slammed Lightning Dust into a wall!  Before Lightning could even touch the floor, the silent soldier grabbed the Cloudsdalian by one of the uniform’s shoulder straps and re-pinned her to the wall.  From the moment Lightning made eye contact with Fleetfoot, she was immediately paralyzed by the Wonderbolt’s severely cold, fuschia eyes.
 
“Don’t you ever refer to Roseluck like that ever again.  You got that?” Fleetfoot demanded in a seriously pissed-off tone.  Lightning Dust was shivering not just from staring at Fleetfoot’s war face, but from feeling the unnaturally cold hand that was gripping her uniform as the crackling ice slowly crept downward while the white-haired aggressor continued.
 
“Because from now on, I’m keeping a very close eye on you, Lightning.  So you better watch yourself for the rest of the competitions because If you even attempt to cheat, harass, or cause harm to her like last time, then the committee will have to get in line before I’m done with you first.”
 
Throughout that grave threat, Lightning’s petrified eyes kept switching between Fleetfoot’s cold, sharp eyes and the creeping ice that was getting close to the bare skin of her shoulder.  With nothing more to add, Fleetfoot’s freezing hand let go of the uniform before the terrified athlete landed harshly on her ass as the cold shoulder strap made a sickly smack against her skin.  After Lightning frantically shook off the excessive ice off of her shoulder, she sharply looked back and saw Fleetfoot walking away again.
 
“You think you can act all tough just because you’re a Wonderbolt?!” she angrily called out to her while she got up from the floor.  “I’m not some newb you can look down on!  I’m just as good as anyone of you stuck-ups out there!  And I’ve got this to prove it!” Lightning said with shaky conviction as she pulled out her only gold medal.
 
With a turn of her head, Fleetfoot looked back and responded with cold disinterest, "How?  By cheating and eliminating the two best racers who might rob you of your 'precious victory?'  Yeah, I'm sure your friends and family will be so proud of you once you explain it to them!  You may have gotten yourself a gold medal in the end, but I earned these two with honor!” she pointed out as she dangled her two shiny, gold medals.  “Something in which you surely lack at this point!  But hey, why should that matter to you?  The ends justified the means, right?”
 
As Fleetfoot was about to resume her walk once again, she added one last thing to Lightning while displaying a sly smile on her face, “Oh, I almost forgot!  Congratulations on your first gold medal by the way!  You definitely earned it!"
 
Once again, the Canterlotian left the conflicted Lightning Dust to her own bitter thoughts as she continued her leisurely walk toward the locker room.  Other than her own casual footsteps, all Fleetfoot could hear in the vacant hallway behind her is the clanging sound of a piece of metal being dropped on the floor harshly and a short, aggravating cry that echoed for a brief period of time.  Those two little sounds are enough to put a huge smile on her self-satisfied face.