//------------------------------//
// Event Two 
// Story: Better than the Best 
// by BronyDad 
//------------------------------//


Chapter 9


Event Two


Slowly opening her eyes, Twilight lay on her back in the cool, dimly lit cave and stared up at the sunlight splaying across the stalactites far above.  After a moment, she became aware of the voices of her friends drifting in through the thick curtain that draped the doorway.  With a yawn, she climbed to her hooves as Pinkie's laughter echoed off the rock walls.   

With a great stretch, she smiled as she scanned the empty beds around her.  Recalling Fluttershy's words, Twilight pushed through the curtain and emerged from the bedroom, prepared and determined to face whatever challenges the day may bring.

"Good mornin', sugar cube," Applejack greeted as she flipped several pancakes in their pan.  "I sure am glad to see ya lookin' so chipper."

"It's hard to stay miserable when I'm in the company of such great friends," Twilight replied as she joined the others at the table.  As she neared Fluttershy, she reared up and nuzzled her affectionately.  "I love you, too," she whispered.

Fluttershy beamed at the acknowledgment of her message, and Twilight had to stifle a laugh when she noticed the quizzical look Rainbow gave the two of them.  

Applejack grinned as she carried a plate stacked high with pancakes to their table.  "Well, our friendships may have done a bang up job, but I guarantee that these here apple cinnamon stuffed pancakes are gonna seal the deal."   

"They certainly sound delicious," Twilight commented as she gazed at them hungrily.

"And smell delicious," Fluttershy added.

"And taste delicious!"  Pinkie's voice was muffled as she shoved an entire pancake into her mouth.

"Pinkie!" Applejack exclaimed.  "You'll taste them more proper like if ya slow down."  She shook her head and adjusted her hat.  "I tells ya, sometimes it amazes me how fast that pony can scarf down food.  Once at the farm, she literally shoveled down an entire barrel of apples in less than a minute."

Rarity rolled her eyes at Twilight.  "Oh, I do hate it when ponies use the word 'literally' incorrectly."

"No," Applejack retorted.  "I meant literally.  I had to go buy me a new shovel after she was done."

Rainbow burst out laughing.  "That's our Pinkie!"

Pinkie grinned with pride as she snatched another pancake from the stack.

Twilight giggled.  "We'd better get started before Pinkie finishes." 

As the six friends shared their breakfast, Twilight periodically stole quick glances at Rainbow.  She was relieved to see her friend smiling and joining in the laughter, but it soon became apparent that Rainbow was intentionally avoiding her gaze.

Twilight sighed.  She figured that Rainbow would still be angry with her, but she had been hoping that Fluttershy might have helped ease the tension a little.  She wasn't looking forward to competing in Event Two while Rainbow was still sullen.  

After they were finished, and Pinkie was done with the leftovers, Twilight offered to help Applejack with the dishes.

"I clean, you dry?" Applejack asked as Twilight levitated the cups and plates into the sink.

"Sounds good."  Twilight smiled.

The two of them worked for several moments in silence before Twilight said, "I'm sorry I got so overemotional on you yesterday."

"Don't ya worry your pretty little head bout it," Applejack replied with a wink.  "I know that Rainbow hasn't been makin' things easy on ya."

Twilight shook her head.  "It really isn't her fault."

Applejack set the cloth down and watched Twilight concentrate on wiping a cup for a long moment.  Finally, she asked, "What happened between the two of ya, exactly?"

For just a second, Twilight hesitated, but upon seeing the concern etched on her friend's face, she told her about the trust fall.

"Hmm..."  Applejack resumed her scrubbing.  "What Rainbow don't understand is that you ain't got the Pegasus mentality.  You're used to walkin' on solid ground, not zippin' round them clouds."  She shrugged.  "Honestly, y'all take me up that high and tell me to jump, and I don't care if Rainbow is there to catch me or not, there had better be somethin' mighty scary behind me or I ain't jumpin'.  I got my hooves square on the ground, and that's where I'm gonna keep them."

"Yeah...I guess..."

Applejack nudged her flank with a hind leg.  "You're bein' too hard on yourself, sugar cube.  Fallin' is a right scary thing for us wingless ponies, and it's somethin' that you're gonna have to get used to, wings or no."

Twilight frowned.  What Applejack said made sense; maybe she was being too hard on herself.  Falling certainly was scary, and she was sure that Rainbow understood that.  Perhaps Rainbow just needed more time before warming back up to her.        

"So Pinkie and I were talkin' last night," Applejack said as she passed Twilight the last dish.  "And I just wanted to say that it was a mighty fine thing ya did, befriendin' Gilda like that."

"That's really kind of you, A.J., but I didn't do anything special," Twilight replied.  "Gilda was the one who approached me."

"But you listened," Applejack insisted.  "You made a conscious effort to get through her defenses and learn who she really was.  Don't discredit what ya did last night, there ain't too many ponies who would've tried as hard as you did."  She tipped her hat.  "It's times like these that I'm honored to be your friend.  And the best thing bout it is, you do this sorta thing so darn often."

Twilight found that she was at a loss for words as her cheeks began to glow.  She knew that her friends were proud of her, but it felt great to be reminded.  

Her heart swelling with joy, Twilight beamed at her friend.  "Thanks, Applejack.  You always seem to know just what to say."

"Shoot, I don't know bout all that."  Applejack drained the sink and wiped her hooves dry.  "But I sure am glad to help."		

As the two of them passed through the curtain and entered the living area, Rainbow quickly climbed to her hooves.  "You guys ready to head out?"

"Eeyup," Applejack answered.

"Great!"  Rainbow lifted the curtain and stepped aside as the others exited.  "They should be pairing the teams for Event Two pretty soon, and I can't wait to see who we're gonna be up against."

"Oh, I hope you don't have to compete against Krystle," Fluttershy said as they entered The Den.  "I would hate to cheer against her."

Rainbow took to the air and did a flip.  "I hope we get paired with Lightning Dust!  I'd love to put that arrogant jerk in her place once and for all!"

Twilight swallowed hard at Rainbow's words.  She harbored no doubt that they would lose if they were paired with Lightning Dust and Gilda; she would be completely outclassed, and Rainbow would have to face them on her own.	  	

As they reached the small group of lifts that would take them to the entrance of the city, the crowd of Griffons and ponies slowly parted for them.  Twilight kept her eyes forward on the awaiting guards as everyone around her lowered to a bow.

Once Applejack, Pinkie, and Rarity were on the lift, Twilight took to the air with Rainbow and Fluttershy, and followed from above.

"Are you doing all right, Fluttershy?" Twilight asked.

Fluttershy smiled.  "I'm getting more comfortable with flying up here."

"Ya'll shoulda seen her the other day," Applejack hollered from the lift.  "She was soarin' all around with them falcons without a care in the world."

Fluttershy blushed profusely.  "They were so much fun to fly with that I forgot I was high up on a mountain."

"I knew you could do it, Fluttershy!" Rainbow exclaimed.

"Princess Twilight!" someone suddenly shouted from behind.  

Turning, she found Krystle rocketing toward her, an enormous grin on her face and her eyes sparkling with delight.  Behind her came Nasir, who already looked harried as he struggled to keep up.

"Krystle, you can't always rush around.  There are other Griffons and ponies flying here."  Nasir bowed to Twilight.  "Good morning, Princess."

"Good morning, Nasir."  Twilight grinned.  "And good morning to you as well, Krystle."  

"Aren't you excited about Event Two?" Krystle asked breathlessly.  "Wouldn't it be awesome if we got paired with you?  I think that would be so much fun!"

Twilight couldn't help but smile.  "That would be kinda fun, wouldn't it?"

"Then we'd see what you're really made of," Rainbow agreed.

A devilish grin suddenly spread across Krystle's face.  "How about I show you right now?  You wanna race?"

Rainbow's ears flattened at the challenge.  "Oh, you are so on!" 

"Hold on, Krystle," Nasir began.  "What did I just say about rushing..."

"Onetwothreego!" Krystle shouted all in one breath, and then she raced off with Rainbow in tow.

"...around," Nasir finished with a sigh.

Twilight laughed.  "It's okay, Nasir.  Rainbow will keep her out of trouble."	    

"I just wish she'd calm down," he said with a shake of his head.

"I know it's frustrating when she doesn't listen," Fluttershy spoke sweetly.  "But it's plain to everypony that she is a very well-mannered and disciplined child."

"Thank you."  Nasir beamed with pride.  "Yes, she is typically very well behaved.  She's just overly excited about this competition."  He glanced at Twilight, "And meeting a princess."          

"Meeting you two has been a delight for me as well," Twilight said with a bright smile.

"Would you like to head down to the competition grounds together?" Nasir asked.  "I'm sure that's where Krystle will lead your friend."

"Um..."  Twilight cast a glance at Fluttershy, and seeing her smile and wave her on, nodded.  "Sure."

She watched as Fluttershy swooped down and joined the others as they were getting off the lift.  A moment later, they began to wave, and she heard Rarity call, "Good luck to the both of you!"

The two of them waved in return, and then started an easy downward spiral toward the base of the mountain.  

As they soared over the treetops, Twilight asked, "Is this the first time that Krystle and you have come to Equestria?"

"It's Krystle's first time, yes," Nasir answered.  "But I've come here twice before, although I admit that I've never been beyond Mt. Aerie.  Still, I always enjoy my visits here.  It really isn't that much different than home, and I've met several interesting Ponies, such as Ambassador Overwatch."

Twilight grinned.  "I'm glad to hear that."

Nasir turned his gaze toward the mountain behind them.  "It was very kind of your Princess Celestia to allow the Griffons here to keep their customs and traditions."  He returned her smile.  "I was so shocked the first time I visited Gideon's home and saw that statue of Prince Zephyr.  I couldn't believe that she allowed them to build it."

"Yes, Princess Celestia has always been a very benevolent ruler.  She's also the most kind and giving pony you will ever meet."

"It's very difficult for me to believe that she could be any more affable and charming than yourself," Nasir said with a wink.

Twilight's eyes widened.  "I...um...wow."  She rubbed a foreleg with her hoof as she tried to find an adequate response.  "T-thank you, Nasir.  I'm flattered."

"You seem surprised," he stated.  "Do you not see yourself an amiable pony?"

She shook her head.  "It's not that.  It's just...well..."  

Twilight hesitated.  Should she really be revealing how unfit she felt as a princess to Nasir?  He was from the Griffon Nation; would Equestria appear weak if one of the princess were unhappy with their role?  

But after gazing into his kind eyes for several moments, she decided that she could trust him.  "I just don't think I deserve my title.  I mean, I would never have earned it if not for the help of my friends."  She hung her head.  "I'm not comfortable with wearing the crown and having ponies bow to me while my friends get nothing."

"And your friends?  How do they feel about this?"

"Oh, they're ecstatic for me, especially Rarity."  Twilight smiled at the thought of Rarity's obvious reverence of her crown.  "And they constant tell me how proud they are of me."

"I see."  Nasir tapped his beak with a claw for a moment.  "The thing is, nobody can get very far without the help of another.  I know my father gave you his spiel about how long and hard he worked to get where he is, but the truth is, he wouldn't have made it nearly as far without the help of a couple close friends of his."  He cocked an eyebrow.  "And since you were just recently crowned princess, I'd wager that there have been times when your Princess Celestia has needed to call upon you for help?"

"Well...yeah.  Several times, in fact."

"So, myself, my father, and even your Princess Celestia have all needed help from their friends from time to time.  What makes us so different from you?  If we've accepted help from our friends, then why shouldn't you?"

"I don't know..."

"Well, think about it," Nasir advised.  Suddenly he grinned and began to wave.  "There they are."

Twilight turned to see Krystle and Rainbow on the ground.  As they drew near, Krystle began hopping up and down.

"Guess what, guess what!" Krystle cried.  "I beat Rainbow!  I won!"

"You did?!" Nasir replied with exaggerated enthusiasm.  "But she's so fast!  That's amazing!"

Without warning, Krystle jetted into the air and began to zigzag wildly as she recounted the intense race.  As Nasir oohed and aahed at the most thrilling parts of her tale, Twilight trotted over to Rainbow.       

"You definitely made her day."  Twilight smiled.  "It was nice of you to let her win."

Rainbow scratched her head and turned away.  "Yeah, well, the kid is fast, and she had such a look of determination on her face, you know?  It kinda reminded me of Scoots when she attempts one of her jumps, and I didn't want to see her lose."

"Yo, Dash," cried a voice from directly above.  Glancing up, they found Lightning Dust smirking down at them.  "Did I hear that Griffon right?  Did you seriously lose to that little pipsqueak?"  She snickered.  "I knew you weren't anything special."

Rainbow's ears flattened.  "No.  I didn't—"  Hastily, Twilight smacked Rainbow in the back of the head with her wing.  "Ow, Twilight, what the hay?"   

Wordlessly, Twilight gestured with her head at Krystle, who was still hovering above and staring at them.     

"Um...I mean...yeah, Krystle beat me," Rainbow said.  "She's an incredible flier."

"Whatever."  Lightning rolled her eyes.  "You're pathetic."

Just as Rainbow was opening her mouth to speak, Gilda swooped in beside Lightning.  Looking at the two of them, she asked, "What's up?"

Lightning snorted.  "Rainbow here just lost a race to that little Griffon."

"Really?" Gilda said with obvious surprise.  She glanced down at Rainbow and saw her grinding her teeth.  "Uh, Light?  Don't you think that maybe Rainbow didn't..." 

Twilight caught Gilda's eye and quickly shook her head, then pointed at Krystle while pretending to scratch her ear.

"Uh, she...didn't expect her to be such a great flier," Gilda quickly corrected.  "It's easy to underestimate someone so small, you know?"

A dark look passed over Lightning's face.  "Why are you suddenly making up excuses for her?"

"She's not, Lightning," Rainbow retorted.  "She's just pointing out the obvious.  That's plain to everypony here, except for you."  Her eyes narrowed.  "That's why you'd never make a good Wonderbolt."

"And you would?"  Lightning clenched her jaw.  "At least I didn't lose to a six year old!"

"Hey!" Krystle interjected indignantly.  "I'm eight!"

"Krystle has awesome skills," Rainbow said, "and I'd bet every bit I've got that she's gonna kick your tail in this competition."

Lightning laughed.  "You're kidding, right?  There's no way I'd ever lose to that stinking little brat!"

Twilight stepped forward and glared at Lightning.  "You need to stop this.  Now."  She indicated Krystle, who had landed and was hugging her father's foreleg.  "You're upsetting her."

"So?"

"Light, quit being an idiot," Gilda suddenly interrupted.  "She's a princess, and you're belittling a kid right in front of her."

This seemed to give Lightning pause.  She gazed at Twilight, and then Krystle before returning her attention to Gilda.  Finally, she turned away and mumbled, "Let's go."

As Lightning flew away, Gilda cast a quick glance at all of them.  "Sorry," she said, rubbing the back of her neck and smiling sheepishly before hastily following Lightning to the other side of the field.    

Twilight trotted over to Krystle and knelt down.  "Are you okay?"

Krystle nodded, but then turned her eyes to the ground.  "Why is she so mean?"

Twilight frowned as she tried to find the best way to explain it.  "She's an angry pony, and it makes her do things that she regrets later."

"Oh!"  Krystle's eyes lit up.  "I get it!  Like when Daddy put me in the corner because I yelled at Mommy, and I got mad and threw my stuffed bear at his head."  She cast a quick glance up at Nasir.  "I regretted that later."

With a laugh, Twilight ruffled the feathers on her head.  "Yes, that is exactly what Lightning Dust is doing."

She watched for a moment as Krystle hugged Nasir, then made her way back to Rainbow.

"Can you believe those two?" Rainbow asked as she returned.  "What a couple of jerks."

"Gilda didn't seem all that bad," Twilight pointed out.  "I think she may be warming back up to you."

"What are you talking about, Twilight?" Rainbow demanded.  "Didn't you hear her yesterday?  She straight up insulted you."

"She was just lashing out," Twilight explained.  "You made her feel insecure when you said that she couldn't keep up with Lightning Dust, and she attacked because that's the only way she knows to hide her emotions."

Rainbow blinked.  "How in the hay could you possibly know that?"

"Uh...I..."  Twilight hesitated.  She didn't want to keep her dinner with Gilda a secret, but she knew that revealing it right now would start a nasty fight.  Still, she had never kept anything from Rainbow before, and wasn't too keen about doing so now.  

"Hello?"  Rainbow rapped her on the head with a hoof.  "Equestria to Twilight.  Are ya there?"

Using her wing to knock Rainbow's hoof away, Twilight rubbed her head.  "Sorry, I'm just a little distracted."

"Really?"  Rainbow sat back on her haunches and crossed her forelegs.  "I hadn't noticed."

Just then, Twilight noticed Clasko and Emma emerge from the trees and soar over the field.  Grateful to change the subject, she said, "Look, it must be time to pair the teams."

"Everyone, please gather around," Clasko called out as the two of them landed in the center of the field.  As the teams moved closer, he waved a piece of parchment in the air.  "Emma and I will be calling team names.  Names I call will head to the right side of the field, and teams Emma call will go to the left side.  Any questions?"

Twilight began to fidget as Clasko and Emma started calling out team names.  She dreaded being paired with Lightning Dust; dreaded seeing the look on Rainbow's face when they lost to her, and having to watch her endure her rival's jeers.  Her anxiety grew as she witnessed Lightning sneer at Rainbow as she and Gilda made their way to the right side of the field.

"Team Twidash," Emma announced.

Twilight's ear flicked at the sound of their name, but then she breathed a sigh of relief as she realized that she was heading to the opposite side than Lightning.

She followed Rainbow to the left and came to a stop beside Nasir.  Watching as the final teams were sorted, she said, "Perhaps we will be paired together."

"If so, I hope you'll go easy on me."  Nasir smiled.  "I saw how you navigated those air geysers, and I honestly don't think I could keep up."

Twilight chuckled.  "I'd be more worried about Krystle embarrassing me."

Glancing around Nasir, she found Krystle standing on Rainbow's back, giggling at something the Pegasus had just said.  The two of them seemed to have forged a special bond at some point.  She wasn't sure if it was the race, or if Rainbow was finally forgetting her worries over her reputation, but it brought a sense of serenity to Twilight seeing her friend like this.  

Without warning, the shrill of a whistle cut through the silence.  Turning toward the sound, Twilight found the officiating Griffon standing in the center of the field, a small wooden box in his talons.  	  

Facing them, he said, "All of your team names have been placed in this box."  He indicated the teams on the right.  "The other teams will take turns drawing the names.  Once your name has been drawn, you are to meet with your rival team in the center of the field."

Twilight's breath caught in her throat as her eyes snapped over to Lightning Dust and Gilda.  A knot of dread tightened in her stomach as she realized that they were only fifth in line to draw a name.

As each team drew a name, Twilight silently prayed that they would draw team Twidash, but each time she was disappointed as the official moved down the line at an alarming speed.  When he stopped in front of the team right before Lightning and Gilda, Twilight closed her eyes and bit her lip, and when she heard the official call another name, she exhaled heavily and hung her head. 

"Everything all right, Twi?" Rainbow asked with a cocked eyebrow.

Twilight didn't answer as she saw the official hold the box up for Lightning.  She watched Lightning reach into the box and pull out a small piece of parchment, and swallowed hard when she saw her smirk and pass it to Gilda.  

Gilda showed no emotion as she looked at the small paper, and then she passed it to the official.

Unable to handle the suspense any longer, it was all Twilight could do to prevent herself from teleporting the parchment to her so she could read it.  As the official turned the paper in his talon, her body tensed up and her wings fully extended without her even noticing.

"Be us.  Be us," she heard Rainbow whisper from beside her.

"Team Lightning Dust will face team..." he trailed off as a breeze snatched the parchment from his grip.  He hastily bent and scooped the paper from the ground and unfolded it.

"Team...Pony Princesses Are Pretty."