> Equestria Girls: Racers
>  by Gapeagle
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1: Start Your...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Thank you for visiting today, Sunset. It's been nice having you back in Equestria."

"Yeah, but I'm still nervous here. I know this is my true home, it just doesn't feel that way anymore."

Sunset Shimmer levitated a cup of warm tea to her lips. As she sipped it, her thoughts went back to the lunches she had with Celestia when she was still a student. Before she ran off through the portal. It felt like ages ago to her. However, she was on the road to recovery from her mistakes. One day she would confront her mentor again, but not today. She still did not know how to meet Celestia after all she had done. She did not know what she would say or do. It would have to wait for another time.

"Did you have a nice time?" Twilight asked her from the other side of the table.

"Yeah. You weren't kiddin' when you said they were just like our friends at CHS. The Pinkie here may be crazier though."

Most of the visit had been spent on a tour through the Hall of Friendship. Most of it was a library, which Sunset could tell was Twilight's favorite part. the new princess's giggles and general 'fangirling' over the amount of books she had was fun and cute, but a little irritating after a while. Sunset spent most of the time just nodding and smiling. It was the polite thing to do, even if it didn't show her true feelings on the subject. After the tour, the pony version of Twilight's friends met her all at once. She could hold a conversation with any of them since they were the same as the ones back at CHS. Although, Rainbow Dash did not know what 'soccer' was and explaining such a sport was a waste of time. They then walked around Ponyville for an hour and returned to the castle for a snack and tea.

"How is the tea? I made it myself. No magic this time." Twilight beamed proudly.

"Uhh....It's nice. I think you could use more honey though." She said as she swirled the remaining liquid around in the china cup.

Twilight summoned a small note pad and scribbled on it with a small floating pencil. "I'll remember that for next time."

Sunset raised a brow. "Next time?"

Twilight nodded excitedly. "Yup. How about next week? We can make this a weekly visit and then you can get more reacquainted with Equestria and finally see Princess Celestia again! Oh, you've never seen Princess Luna or Cadance! You can meet them and my brother and..."

"Alright! Alright!" Sunset interrupted her. "How about this: I visit weekly and so do you. You know, at CHS. We can show you more of the human world and stuff. I could show you my new car. You also would get to see Flash..."

"I can't do that! If I keep crossing over, the dimensions could converge. There is another Twilight in that world remember? We don't want that, trust me. It would be a catastrophe!" Twilight pushed her cheeks up with her hooves in panic.

"OK, how about this one time?" Sunset suggested and gestured at the rigged portal.

"We could do that...I guess. One time couldn't hurt..."

"Good! Can we go now? I kinda want my thumbs back." Sunset inspected her digit-less hooves.

"I'll have to pack." Twilight said as she stood up.

"No you don't. It'll only be a night and the portal gives ya clothes anyway." 

"You're right. It's just...I need to inform my friends of the sudden change in plans."

Sunset rolled her eyes and summoned a purple sticky note. She then wrote "WENT THROUGH PORTAL. BE BACK TOMORROW" on it and slammed it into the crystal table. She summoned more and repeated her actions, sticking them on the thrones, walls, shelves, and even on the sinks and mirrors of the bathrooms. Twilight grimaced at the amount of purple squares that dotted the Hall. 

Sunset gave the princess a smug look. "Well, they're informed. Now can we go?"

"Yeah....I guess we can go now."

Twilight walked over to the portal. Sunset pumped the air with her front leg before joining Twilight. The red and yellow maned pony smiled in her small triumph. It was a smile Twilight did not return.

"Ready to go?" She asked Twilight with the smile still on her face.

"Yeah yeah." Twilight muttered.

"Well, royalty first."

"Oh, don't you do that."

"WAAAIIT!"

Both ponies looked in the direction of the scream. Spike was running to them madly with a paper bag in his grasp. He stopped in front of them, panting and dramatically gasping for air.

"I....Can I go...with you?" He asked through his pants.

"Uhh...Sure..." Sunset blinked.

"Spike, didn't Rarity ask for help at the boutique tonight?" Twilight questioned.

"Well....Sweetie took my job for that. I got nothing to do tonight now. So I guess I could hang out with human Rarity? Maybe? Oh, I packed some snacks already see?"

He showed them the paper bag. Twilight and Sunset blinked in confusion before nodding their approval simultaneously. He clinched his clawed fists with a satisfied "yes!" 

"Well, we should be going then." Twilight remarked.

Twilight placed a hoof through the portal. The odd tingling sensation went through her leg and made her thin fur stand up on end. She never liked the feeling. She then threw herself through the portal, whisking her away in a colorful whirlwind as she sailed through dimensions. The colors were different however. It was more heavily blue and green than the rainbow color they usually were. The end was drawing near. A dark hole at the bottom of the whirlwind. Before she knew it, she had fallen face first into asphalt.

"AHH!"

Sunset Shimmer and dog Spike fell on her back, making her groan in pain. Twilight pushed both of them off by getting getting up on her knees. Hands? Check? Feet? Check? Odd round things on my chest? Check. School uniform? Not check!

She gasped as she inspected the leather jacket she was wearing. It was much like Sunset's, only without the spikes on the collar. Underneath that was a purple shirt with her cutie mark. Well, at least that's right. Her skirt was the same purple, but shorter and without the cutie mark. To finish it off, her long boots were black and heeled. It reminded Twilight of Adagio.

Sunset appeared exactly the same. Same jacket, shirt, boots, hair, everything. She rubbed her head from the pain of being tossed off of Twilight and apparently hitting a nearby trashcan. Trashcan? Sunset thought. There isn't a trashcan by the statue. Wait! Where are we?

Twilight, Spike, and Sunset gazed at their surroundings. This was certainly not CHS. They were in some city of black skyscrapers and bright green and blue neon signs. It was also night, so they could only see that which was lit. On the sides of the buildings were massive TVs displaying a street race and commentators speaking over the colorful and bright racing cars. Other TVs had a large man named "Torque" on them and speaking to viewers about special racing events. One TV had the promotion of a race between team "Wonderbolt" and team "Shadowbolt." Highways and streets soared above the ground, looping and crossing over each other. Zeppelins with strobe spotlights gently floated by the tips of the skyscrapers. The entire place was loud with music, voices, lights and car engines. 

"Where are we?" Spike asked worriedly.

"Not CHS, that's for sure." Sunset answered.

Suddenly, a car with neon lights on it flew by them on the street in front of them leaving a pale orange streak in its wake. The speed of the car was tremendous and left the girls' hair waving in the wind. Several other cars of neon, music and lights followed the first. Drones with cameras chased after the cars from above. Just as fast and loud as the cars came, they left. Twilight and Sunset stood stunned by the previous moment.

"We should back away from the streets." Twilight said meekly.

"Agreed."

The two backed away slowly to an alley behind them. Spike followed with his bag in his mouth. The two girls then sat down and stared at each other. Both knowing what the other was thinking.

"Do you know where we entered?" Sunset spoke with a twitch in her eye.

"No." Twilight answered in the same fashion.

Spike opened the bag and looked inside. He quickly withdrew his head in disgust and gagged on the smell. 

"Ugh, the portal changed my snacks too!"




(~~~*~~~)

> Chapter 2: Engines!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"We shouldn't keep walking like this. We're going to get lost."

Sunset shivered as the trio walked aimlessly through the dark and quiet streets. Twilight carried a very tired Spike in her arms. They had been walking for some time. Sunset's phone could not tell the right time as it was still stuck on their normal human world's settings. They did not know the time, place, or even what year they were in.

"We're already lost, Sunset. What we need is a place to sta..."

A massive TV on a building across the street turned on. A bright image of the Torque guy was on it. Having the closer look at him, they could see his features perfectly. The man was middle-aged, clean shaven, and well-groomed. From the bulges in his shirt, they could tell he was burly and well-built. His hair was black which contradicted his white smile. He wore large sunglasses and messy red collared shirt with rolled up sleeves. His hands were black leather gloves with holes for his fingers. This was all they could see as the image cut off at his waist. Torque pointed at the viewers boldly and started to speak enthusiastically.

"After the crushing 5-2 win over the Shadowbolts, the Wonderbolts send out their newest star, Rainbow Dash, against the three-time Platinum League champ, Adagio Dazzle and the Sirens! Other racers like Ocelot Rims and Norman Ways will be there also! The race will take place next week at the Spoilers Track! Engines start at 7:15, race starts at 7:30! Bets begin now!"

The flashes of this world's Rainbow Dash and Adagio left the trio stunned. Spike was not surprised by the fact there were versions of their friends here, but that Rainbow was not only a Wonderbolt, but also an accomplished racer. The human Rainbow did not take interest in racing or cars, but here it was the opposite.

"Remember, the race is March 8th at 7:30. Tickets are now up and so are bets. Cheer and get money folks!"

"Rainbow..." Sunset and Twilight mouthed.

"Hey, she probably knows what's going on! We should go see her." Spike suggested.

"Yeah, we should." Sunset agreed. "But...We don't even know where she is."

"Or we could even talk to her. I mean, they probably don't know us in this universe." Twilight said.

"Wait! That means Rarity is a racer!" Spike gasped. "Oh, man, Rarity with a smoking hot rod, wearing a matching racing outfit..."

"Spike!" Twilight yelled as he began to drool on her arm. The action made Spike stop immediately.

"Sorry..."

"Well, wherever she is, she ain't here. We should stop looking like hookers on a street corner and go find someone who knows anything about this place."

Twilight raised a brow at Sunset. "What's a hooker?"

Sunset slapped her forehead. "Never mind, let's just go."

Sunset nudged past Twilight and walked down the street. Twilight and Spike looked at each other before following. The clicks of their boots could be heard easily with the quiet darkness of the empty streets. There would be the occasional man or woman smoking and leaning on the brick walls. They would ask the people for directions, but the people either ignored them or walked away. The trio passed a colorful club with strobe lights and loud dance music. They thought about going in, but were too young to by pass the bouncer at the entrance. They also concluded that the place was not suitable to learn directions and the such. So they moved on. 

The sounds of cars met their ears again. These engines, however, did not sound as clean and smooth as the ones that passed them earlier. They sounded dirty, rusty, and much more in tune with an old muscle car. Sunset quickened her pace. She was becoming impatient with the lack of people willing to speak with them.

"My feet are hurting in this shoes. I hope there is someone to help us here." Twilight complained as she ran to catch up with her friend.

"It will be. I'll make certain of that." Sunset muttered through her teeth.

They rounded the corner. They were met with the sounds of cheering and yelling. They had walked in on a race. There were four cars lined up on the street, none of them as flashy as the ones earlier. Their engines roared voraciously above the cheers of the crowd of 50 or so. The people jumped up and down, waving their phones up like one would at a concert. The other side of the street had people too, but they were mostly men who looked like mechanics. A scantly dressed blonde woman stood in front of the cars, holding a microphone in one hand and a checkered flag in another. She faced the crowd and they applauded some more.

"Are you ready!" Her voice shouted through the speakers that were around the event.

The crowd gave a loud "yeah" in response. This made her smile and she continued.

"Then I give you, the 3AM One Lap Challenge! Our four racers, all from local parts, are competing to get the $25,000 dollar reward. Your bets have been placed; it's now time to get this show going!"

The woman turned to the cars. She gave a quick bow before standing up and dropping the flag on the ground. That instant, the racers slammed on the pedals and lunged forward, their tires screeching on the pavement and large flames emitted from their exhaust pipes. The woman stood still as the cars zoomed by her. Everyone watched the racers leave them in literal and figurative dust. It was not hard to keep them in sight, as their flames were the only lights on the streets. Like metal beasts they charged away with wild and untamed roars. The cars reached a turn and went behind a building. Their engines could still be heard in the distance.

Spike whimpered in Twilight's arms. "That was too loud. My ears..."

Twilight soothed Spike by petting his head. Sunset was unfazed by the cars and walked over to the crowd. They were watching the race on their phones, seemingly through security cameras. They paid no heed to her when she looked over their shoulders to see the race. The flag woman walked off the street casually, twirling her flag in her hand. 

"I see some new faces here." She said when she saw Sunset. "So who ya think's gonna win girl?"

"Uhh..." Sunset broke off from the crowd. "I don't even know who's racing."

"Ah, got here a little late eh? That's fine. The blue car is Rob McDrive, the green is Jacky, the black one is Pits, and the white one is Charlie Mean."

"So no one I know."

The woman paused. "You're not from around here are ya?"

"Nope." Sunset said as Twilight walked over with Spike. "This is my friend by the way."

"Nice to meet ya two girls." The woman looked at Spike. "Cute puppy."

"Now." Sunset began. "If ya don't mind, could you tell us about these guys."

"Of course." The woman began. "Oh by the way, I'm Helia. Well, McDrive is on a 4-race losing streak. Tough luck for him since he got up to Bronze League racing. Something these other guys can't say. The newbie, Jacky, well she hasn't lost a race yet. A perfect 3 and 0. She's a nice girl, very friendly. Also the favorite for this race. Pits is the oldest of them, been racing for 20 years and still down in the Dirt League. He's got determination, gotta admit that. And he's good bet in my eye. Charlie is a hot-head. He gets on win streaks and then losing streaks. Very inconsistent, not a good bet."

"Umm." Twilight cut in. "Could we get information on a racer named Rainbow Dash. We saw her on a TV tonight."

The small crowd turned to them in unison. All of them with confused or disgusted faces. Helia herself had the same expression. Sunset moaned, she knew this would happen. It happened to her in the normal human world when she asked who Joe Montana was. It's better to make them think you know something of what you're talking about, she thought. Don't make yourself an idiot Twi!

"Rainbow Dash?" Helia in her confusion. "You don't know Rainbow Dash? The Flying Spectrum? She's like the second best racer on the Wonderbolts. The first being Spitfire. She's won over a 100 races in her first three years. No one's ever done that. Just three years ago she was down in the low leagues like us. She never looked back. She's gone through the leagues as fast as she drives. Lots think she's gonna be a challenger to Torque in a few years. That itself makes her amazing even among the best."

The sound of the engines was returning, only in the opposite direction from which they left. The crowd and Helia took their eyes off the girls. The headlights of the cars led the way as sped down the street toward them. The green one, Jacky, was in the lead. This made the crowd erupt in cheers and some to curse loudly. Helia walked to the edge of the sidewalk, waving her flag. Jacky zoomed by to the delight of many, followed by Pits, then McDrive, and lastly Charlie. 

"She's done it again folks!" Helia spoke in her mic. "Jacky has won the 3AM One Lap Challenge!"

The crowd cheered as Jacky gave a fist pump out of her window. All the racers slammed on the breaks and slowed down. Two had to swerve to the side to stop completely, creating loud screeches in the process. The crowd started to settle down. Lots turned to other and received money in their palm. It was easy to tell the winners from the losers in the bets by their joyful or grumpy moods. 

"The $25,000 reward goes to Jacky and her team!" Helia pointed at two guys on the other side of the street. They high-fived excitedly. 

"Thanks for joining us tonight! Shows over!" Helia waved at the crowd who began to disperse.

Sunset and Twilight remained while the people left. They mainly wanted to talk with the racers. They were the most likely to know where the Wonderbolts were and the directions to get there. Helia was busy with a shady man who was counting the money reward. So the girls slowly walked across the street to where the racers were parking their cars.

Jacky was doing donuts on the street, large puffs of white smoke surrounded her spinning car. The other racers slowly crept up to their respected teams of one or two. When they parked their cars, their teammates came to their windows in mutual dissatisfaction.

"It's alright Pits. Young gunners like her always come up. We'll win next time."

"Don't worry Charlie, we'll get lots of beer. It'll make the night good again."

"Rob don't look at me like that. Hey!"

McDrive stormed out of his car. His helmet in hand and his dark face red with anger. His teammate backed away from him in fright. McDrive then threw his helmet at his teammate, barely missing him. 

"This is your fault!" McDrive yelled angrily. "If you had some competence, this car would go faster than a drowning snail!"

"Hey man! We can get this car into shape. Trust me." His teammate reassured him. "Cars like ours needs some extra love."

"No they don't! It's a great car, but you don't have the skill to make it work! You're a terrible mechanic. You're fired!"

His mechanic got up in McDrive's face. "Ya can't fire me. I took ya in Robby. That makes me ya boss."

"Then I quit! I'll go find a mechanic that's at least decent!"

The racer went back into his car and drove off with an obscene hand gesture out of the window. The mechanic cursed and kicked the wall. Sunset and Twilight blinked at each other. The scene confused them. However, they could easily pick up on the problem the two teammates had. Helia had mention that McDrive was on a losing streak, his frustration finally snapped. 

"Should we...?" Twilight asked hestitantly.

"Yeah." Sunset nodded.

The girls walked over to the mad mechanic. The man was young and a bit on the chubby side. He had light brown greasy hair and a thick goatee. His denim jacket had ripped sleeves, showing his thick arms and tribal tattoos. His large hands were filthy and calloused. His jeans were baggy and touched the ground behind his leather work boots. He leaned over and began placing his small tools into a backpack, mumbling under his breath all the while.

"Uhh...Mister..." Twilight spoke up.

"Yeah, what ya want?" The mechanic asked coldly as he turned around. Once he saw Sunset and Twilight his expression softened. "Oh, sorry about that gals. Just been hittin' a streak of bad luck, that's all. So, what ya need?"

"What was that all about?" Sunset asked, already knowing the answer.

"Rob just mad that's all. This ain't the first time he's been angry at me. Though it is the first time he drove off without me. I guess he ain't comin' back. We've been on losing streak, ya see. Money hits the bottom and we broke now. Well....I'm broke now. Can't earn money without a racer, ya know. So I'm off to find some green to take his place.....and a new car too. He took my car..."

"What are you going to do now?" Twilight asked.

"I jus' told ya sweetie. Get a new racer and a new car. Gonna have to get back to the garage to see what I need. Talking about gettin' back...I need to haul all this junk three blocks to my place. And got no car."

He gestured at the bags of parts and tools before him. There was quite a bit, probably enough to fit in a trunk. Sunset silently walked over to a bag and swung it over her shoulder. The mechanic was taken aback by the sudden act of kindness.

"We'll help you haul it back." She said with a smile.

Twilight gently dropped Spike on the ground. "Yeah, we'll help."

"That's mighty kind of you two." He said. "Name's Billy. Billy Grease."

"Sunset Shimmer."

"Twilight. The dog is Spike."

"Well, nice to meet ya girls and canine fella. It's late, ya can stay at my place tonight. Don't worry, I got coffee."

"Thank goodness." Sunset sighed in relief.

Billy carried most of the load in his arms, but Sunset and Twilight's load was not miniscule. Spike followed at Twilight's heels. They trailed the mechanic, not knowing where he would lead them. He started to whistle a tune as they walked in the dark streets. The only lights being the huge neon signs above them. There was the odd street light here and there, but not enough to illuminate their path completely. 

Twilight leaned over to Sunset and whispered in her ear. "I've never had coffee. What does it taste like?"



(~~~*~~~)

> Chapter 3: Grease
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"This coffee, I like it."

"I thought you would."

"It's so refined. Brewed to delicate perfection and delightful warmness. The creamy texture..."

"It's just coffee, Twi. Not the gods' ambrosia. Well, some may disagree with that."

"But it makes me feel so alive! Does it have magical properties?"

"What? Yeah...Yeah it does. Caffeine is a magical herb that gives you energy. Humans couldn't leave without it."

"Fascinating. I didn't read about that in the library at CHS."

"That's because it's so natural and built into humans' brains that it doesn't need to be there. You know, like you wouldn't find a "how to trot" book in an Equestrian library."

"That makes sense."

Sunset and Twilight sipped their hot coffee from their mugs while they sat on Billy's old couch. The ancient springs moaned with their weight. The cushions themselves were of no use since most of the stuffing had fallen out through the large holes in their fabric. They were glad that Billy slept on the couch and not them. It would have been a long night then. The girls slept on his bed. It was surprisingly small for such a big man and so they fought for pillows and sheets. This ended with Twilight on the floor and an apology from Sunset. After that, they tried to even the bed out until sunrise.

Spike was still asleep. Billy had a dog bed that he kept around for any stray dogs that came into his garage. So Spike spent the short night on that without a complaint. His little whimpers and snores could be heard from the other room. Billy was walking around, looking for stuff the girls did not know. He would stop and mumble and then continue on his search. The girls watched him with quiet curiosity.

"You have lots of trophies. You seem to be good at what you do." Twilight said as she inspected the numerous shelves of small gold and silver trophies.

"What?" Billy looked at her. "Oh yeah. I've made many winning cars, but none stayed that way. So I got these trophies now, but they're pretty useless. Past success is well, in the past. It won't help ya in the present. God knows I need help now."

"You've been in these situations before right?" Sunset asked.

"Yeah. This is my fourth time to be exact. It's rough being a mechanic. The racers' names are the ones that get famous and the mechanics go unknown. Since ya got no fame, ya got nothing to work with. It's hard to get going again."

"Talking about famous racers." Twilight began. "Is there anyway we could meet Rainbow Dash? She's our friend."

Billy blinked at them in confusion. "You? You a friend of Rainbow Dash? Bwahaha!" He started chuckling out of control. "Ya can't be serious. That girl will never be seen with the likes of you. No offense, but did really ya think I'll fall for that?"

"Why can't we be her friends?" Twilight persisted.

"You from some other dimension? Of course ya cant' be her friends. She's a Wonderbolt, a top racer. Only top racers can hang out with her. You being her friends wouldn't be right. Ya can't jump the social ladder, as they say. To be her friend, ya gotta earn it."

"Let me guess, to earn her respect, we gotta get money and trophies." Sunset sighed.

"Yup. If you wanna be RD's friend, or even speak to her, ya gotta win and win big. There ain't no other way. Unless ya wanna gamble and gamble until you're a millionaire or be a business owner. Otherwise, ya stuck in the Dirt League like me."

"There's no way for you to get her attention?" Twilight questioned while rubbing her chin.

"Not without a racer. I got no car and no driver. Racing is a team sport. Ya can't win while being undermanned."

The three fell silent. Twilight was thinking of ways to bypass the social system while Sunset was thinking of what they must do. There had been nothing in the world except racing. The likelihood for them to find a way out of racing was next to zero with their knowledge of the place. And we don't even know about the other four, she thought.

"Where will you find a car?" Sunset asked after the short silence.

"The junkyard. I was gonna bring my semi over there in a little bit and hunt for a car. Worst thing is that I only find parts. It's what I always do. When I leave, ya two can head out the back. It..."

"We'll go with you." Sunset interrupted him.

he hesitated. "Alright. I could use some more eyes I guess. Wait, you two are young, don't ya have a home of your own?"

"Not really." Twilight said. "No home for us."

"Hmph." Billy grunted. "That better be true. I don't need some chumps staying with me and taki....Never mind. If you stay, ya gotta help got it?"

The girls nodded. He then walked away and began putting some tools into his backpack. Spike came yawning out of the back room. Billy passed him without a word and through the backdoor. He then lazily walked over to the girls.

"So, what's the plan?" He asked.

"We're going to go with Billy to the junkyard. And you're coming with." Twilight told him.

"Why? Sounds boring."

"I'm not going to leave you here. The guy may be friendly, but that doesn't mean his neighbors are. We should just keep close alright?"

He sighed. "Fine."

Billy walked back inside. His backpack was gone. He placed his thick hands on his hips and faced the girls, giving them a long somber look. He then shrugged and gestured for them to follow.

"Come on gals. Let's go find ourselves a racer."





It took them about 30 minutes to reach the junkyard. Billy's massive semi truck moaned as they went along. Billy had taken them through parts of the massive city. It was much different in the day time. The neon signs were all off and the TV's advertisements were less intense and wild. The only one that was similar to the night was a commercial with Iron Will yelling an advertisement of boom boxes for ones car. The people seemed more laid back as well. Though plenty were snoozing on the sidewalks, they mostly seemed a quiet and tame crowd, hustling and bustling from one destination to another. Billy took no notice of the people as he drove out of the city and to the country.

The junkyard was on a hill that overlooked the city. It was a drastic and sudden change from skyscrapers to grass. Even looking back at the city was strange. The buildings simply ended with no indication. Like an invisible wall prevented the grand city from advancing anymore.

"We're here." Billy grumbled.

The junkyard was just as impressive as the city. Heaps of metal stretching hundreds of feet in the air gave the place its own skyline. Cranes loomed over the yard, carrying, pulling, withdrawing, and ordering the piles of junk. Billy drove by some workers with a wave which they happily returned. Some even called out his name when he passed. He eventually stopped his truck in a back area and exited without a word.

The girls and Spike followed him out. The place where he stopped had several cars jumbled about in disarray. Some were on on top of others and others were in such disrepair that their original color could not be told. Billy rubbed his hands and gestured at the poor vehicles.

"This is the Graveyard. These cars have raced and either been crashed or just plain forgotten. This ain't just shopping though. Since this place is open to the public, anyone can just take anything. Most of these cars don't even got an engine under their hoods. I need a car that is functional now. I got parts to improve, but not to fix or replace. But, anything here is treasure. Don't worry about picking up nothing. A good mechanic knows how to use things. Find anything interestin' just holler."

With that, he walked away with a whistle. Twilight ans Sunset looked at each other before deciding which way to go first. Spike barked and went off on his own to explore the seemingly endless place of junk and metal. The girls walked over to a rusty car in mild disappointment.

"You know what to look for?" Twilight asked the other hopefully.

"Pfft. Not really. I mean, I know some things about cars, but not a lot." She paused. "You know we're gonna have to race to get RD's attention right?"

"No we don't. There has to be some other way than getting involved in..." Twilight tapped the rusty car's hood. "In this."

"Until you find it, it's the only way. With RD being a racer, the others gotta be too. Or something with racing. Spike was right. Rarity's going to be some great racer that drives a Bugatti or something along those lines. Racing here is like magic back in Equestria. Everyone wants to be in it. Heck, it even took you the "magic of friendship" to find your friends there. It's gonna be the same here."

"I see your point. I guess I'll become a racer." She concluded reluctantly.

"You?" Sunset glared at Twilight incredulously. "You don't even know how to drive. If anyone is the racer, it'll be me. I know how to drive and be a jerk. Jerks get attention. Especially famous ones. I can get RD's attention. I made a high school make me their prom queen every year. I know how to get what I want. It's a trait you don't have." She grinned mischievously. "You nerd." 

"Hey! Don't get personal. Fine, you can be a racer. So I guess we'll look for a car like yours back at CHS?"

"No. My car wasn't the best. I mean, it was nice, but it won't compete with those cars you saw last night. We need something smaller, faster, and stronger."

"You mean like human Pinkie's car?"

"NO! She has a minivan! Unless you find one of those with rockets on the back, I wouldn't even touch it. Ugh. Just go find something shiny."

"I'm trying, Sunset. Give me a break."

Sunset calmed down. "I know, I know. Sorry. We really need to find a computer for you and do some research." She paused. "You can follow me. I'm going to search over here."

The two started to look about the place randomly. Billy was still gone and so they were left to their own judgement on what was valuable and what wasn't. Twilight sorted through pipes and small tankards. If only I knew what a car is comprised of, she thought. I could reverse engineer it. Making something be able to move can't be that hard.

Sunset threw off a sheet of metal from a large pile. To her surprise, there was something bright red underneath it. It was not shiny in the slightest, but she could tell it was a part of something much larger. She grabbed another scrap of metal and yanked it off forcibly. More of the red metal was revealed.

"There's a car under this." She thought aloud.

A strong hope gripped her instantly. This could be what they were looking for. A car hidden so well that it still contained its vitals. She called Twilight over. Together they tore the rusty and sharp parts off the car, revealing more and more of its dirty frame. It was a small and stubby car as far as they could tell. It had been repainted several times as scratches in the red paint showed different colors below it. Blue, green, silver, and white could be seen. 

They heaved on a large pile of junk wrapped in a tarp off from the top of the car. The pile smashed into the ground with a violent crack and a dust cloud emitted from the landing. The girls gagged from the thick dust and waited for it to settle before inspecting what they had uncovered. The car was two-passenger, long in the front and short in the back. It used to have a spoil, but it was long gone. The windows and windshield were severely cracked or broken. The side mirrors had fallen off and the tires were slashed. The rims were missing on each wheel. A large dent was in the center of its hood, seemingly put there by a hammer and not a wreck. 

"Does it work?" Twilight asked.

"Probably not. Check the inside. I'll check the front."

Twilight did as Sunset said. She looked through the broken window on the driver's side. The steering wheel was there in one piece. The passenger seat had been removed and replaced by what looked like a makeshift roll-cage. Steel bars looped around the inside and around the driver's seat. The gear lever possessed a grinning skull on its head. Twilight was uncomfortable with its unpolished deathly smile. She took her head out of the car and looked over at Sunset, who was crouched in front of the car.

"It's a Mazda." Sunset stated.

"It's a what?"

"That's the company who made it. How does it look in there?" She nodded her head at the windshield.

"Good, I guess? It's got everything that I saw in Pinkie's car. Except a passenger seat and it has a skull..."

Sunset pumped a fist. "Yes! That means this had to be a racer. Nobody would just remove a chair for no reason. A skull? I like this guy's style."

"Should we tell Billy?"

"Yeah. You go on. I'll check what's under the hood."

Twilight gave a short salute and ran off. Sunset placed her hands on the edge of the hood and tried to lift it up. The hood would not budge an inch for her. She tried again with similar results. It has a button, duh. She walked over to the side and leaned in over the driver's seat. She inspected each button on the car door before finding the right one. She then clicked it and heard nothing in response. My car makes a click noise when I do it. Is it broke? She pressed the button again and returned to the front of the car. The hood had not popped up at all. She ran her fingers along it but found no place to grip. In her building frustration, she took a metal pole that was on the ground and began to pry the hood open with it. However, the pole was no crowbar and only made dents in the dark red metal. 

"Woah! What are ya doin' Sunny?" She heard Billy call out to her.

"Trying to get this open." She answered and jabbed the pole into the hood again.

"That's only gonna make it worse. If it's stuck, we'll need something more powerful."

Sunset paused. "What ya got in mind?"

Billy smiled. "Heh, a truck."





"Isn't this a little much?" Twilight asked as she watched Billy.

"Nope. I've done things like this with cranes. That was fun." He laughed.

Billy hammered a thick hook into the hood. A chain connected the hook to his semi, which was facing the opposite way as the small Mazda. He placed another hook a foot away from the other. Satisfied with his work, Billy dusted his hands off with a confident smirk. He then gave a thumbs up in the general direction of the semi.

"Remember to take it easy Sunny. Don't wanna damage what's inside."

The semi began to crawl slowly away from the car. The chains rattled as they became taunt. Spike and Twilight watched with anxious anticipation. The semi did not stop once the chains were taunt. The hooks dug into the hood and it began to slowly peel back. Billy signaled for Sunset to stop and he then walked over to the car.

"Woah Nelly." He exclaimed.

"The hood looks ruined, Billy. I think you..."

"I can replace the hood, Twi. You can find those anywhere here. What I can't replace is this." He pointed at the engine.

Twilight looked over his shoulder at the engine. She blinked in confusion. Was it different? Was it powerful? She had never seen a car engine before. However, the grin on Billy's face told her that he was loving what he was seeing.

"This is a gold find. That there is a pretty nice and strong engine. Solid amount of horsepower ya know? It makes it a good contender, I'll say. But pretty fast and a hard car to be your first car. Hmph, I'll make it work though."

"Horsepower? I'll have to ask Sunset about that..." Twilight made a mental note.

"Does it run? We haven't tried it." Twilight said.

"I'm sure she does. Probably sound like a grandma after sleeping so long. I'll test her right now."

Billy opened the door and bent down. Twilight peeked over the side to see what he was doing. she knew cars were started by keys, but she did not remember seeing one in there. She could only hear Billy hitting something and then whistling. 

"There we go." He mumbled. "One...Two...Three!"

The engine roared into action with black smoke coming from seemingly everywhere. It stuttered a couple of times before steadying itself. Twilight jumped back as all the parts under the hood started to move about. Billy stood up and lifted his pants.

"We're gonna have to clean her up. Inside and out. She's a keeper though. No doubt about that."

"It needs a paint job, that's for sure." Twilight said.

"Yup. You girls can do that. Women always have the better art side anyway."

"Now all you need is a driver right?" Sunset asked as she walked to them from the truck.

"Heck yeah. That'll take a while though. Hardest part in my eyes."

"Well..." Sunset began,not making eye contact. "I could be a driver..."

Billy paused. "You? Have you even raced before?"

"No..."

He crossed his arms. "Have ya gone over 80?"

"No....I do have three speeding tickets though." Sunset said proudly. Which I still need to pay...

"Yeah no. I'm tired of losing. You can help, but you ain't driving. Not everyone can just get behind a wheel and be successful."

"Come on! I mean...I'm a young gun, right? Racers gotta start somewhere. I could be a champ and not even realize it."

"This is because of RD isn't it?" Billy muttered.

"Well...Yes." Twilight and Sunset said in unison.

"I...Let's just wait. If no racers turn up, I'll train ya. But only then. C'mon, let's get this baby to my garage."

Billy walked over to the Mazda and began to push it to the semi's trailer. The girls joined him and they all pushed the car. It was not easy as the tires were out. Once they brought it in motion, they made it eventually. Billy closed the trailer's door and silently went over to the semi. Sunset and Twilight panted as they recovered from the exhausting chore.

"Do you think we can convince him?" Twilight asked.

Sunsets shrugged. "Sure. There was a movie like this that I watched. The mentor came around and taught the student. But only after being harassed through the first quarter. Billy will see that we can win."

"And if we lose?"

"That's what I'm counting on you to do Twi. You know how to get out of tight situations. You took on Tirek remember? This is cake compared to him."

Sunset patted Twilight on the shoulder before following the mechanic. The princess watched her go before sighing.

"But I had magic then. Oh I feel so useless right now." She muttered sadly before following her friend.


(~~~*~~~)

> Chapter 4: Racers
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"Wow, she's coming along nicely. Hard to believe this is the same car we found out there."

"Yup. It's somethin' special to bring this baby back to her original glory. If only I had a driver."

"You do. She's standing right next to you."

"You still wanna be a racer? Ya a stubborn one, I'll give you that."

Billy shook his head and returned to the car. It had been two days since they found the Mazda RX-7 in the junkyard. Billy had been working hard to restore it, putting on new tires, rims, windshield, and windows. The car was still not in prime condition as the paint was peeling and the inside was still as trashy as before. Sunset did not mind that though and she ran a hand along the new hood while she leaned over the mechanic.

"What makes you think I can't race?" She asked sincerely.

"You got no experience. Besides that, you don't even seem to know the first thing about racing. I've met younger kids that knew more!" Billy huffed.

He does have a point, Sunset agreed. But that shouldn't stop me. This wouldn't be the first time I started at level zero. She leaned closer to Billy who noticed and gave her a both confused and annoyed look. 

"Maybe I could use a teacher? Someone who knows the game well?"

She was going to continue when Billy stood up, his large muscles flexed in frustration. He pointed a rude finger at her chest and pressed it hard enough to make her take a step back.

"You even know what you're saying? Huh? Girl, you get into racing, ya ain't get out. Some die on the track or die on their last drink in the bar after losing it all. It ain't safe for a girl like you. Ya better get on with your life as something else than risk it all for RD. She isn't worth the trouble."

Twilight, who had been listening from the couch, stood up at Billy's words and stomped over to him.

"Rainbow Dash is worth it! Sunset and I are her friends. We'll race for her. Unless there is another way to meet her."

Billy sighed and rubbed his face with his greasy towel. "I'm not gonna change your minds on this, am I? Well, if my words won't work, maybe your eyes will."

He continued. "There is a race going on tonight at the Dazzle Club. High ranking racing mind you, kinda racing that Rainbow deals with. I'll take ya two there to watch what you're up against. You won't like it." He paused. "And not a word of this until we go, alright?"





"Impressed yet?"

Sunset replied to the mechanic with only a scared gulp as she and Twilight took their seats in the bleachers that overlooked the high track that rivaled some of the buildings in height above the concrete ground far below. The track was hardly more than a road built along the walls of the skyscrapers with tall concrete barriers which were suppose to keep the racers from flying off to their deaths. The darkness of the night had no effect on the track as it was illuminated by dark emerald green lights and appeared above the track every 50 feet or so. 

On the other side of the track was a large station where the racers prepped for the event. There were eight cars in the station, each one elegant and superior in its own way. Sunset could not tell what kind of car some of them were as they appeared much more advanced than anything she had scene before. Images flashed on the inside of the windshields when the drivers or mechanics touched them. Each car glowed with its own color of neon lights that went fashionably well with the main color schemes.

The whole place was lively and energetic. People around the trio chatted as they placed bets or innocently predicted who the winner was going to be. The air was filled with the constant electronic house music that blared from massive speakers. Nothing was calm or quiet except the princess that simply listened to it all. Twilight heard the words "Dazzlings" and "Sirens" among the fans. She rubbed her chin at this.

"Why would the Dazzlings be here? They were sent to CHS by Starswirl..."

"What was that?" Sunset yelled back.

"I asked why are the Dazzlings here."

"You're frazzled?" Sunset raised a brow. "C'mon, it ain't that intimidating."

"What? No. I said-"

"Ladies and gentlemen! Are you ready for a race?!"

The two stopped and looked at the burly man who screamed at them through a microphone. They recognized him instantly. It was Bulk Biceps, the coach of every team at CHS and the whatever he was in Equestria. He flexed his massive muscles at the crowd who cheered him on in return. 

"We are gathered here tonight for only one reason: to get pumped up about this race! We got the best here at the Dazzle Club where all shots are half-priced 'til checker! Aren't ya excited fo' that?!"

"Sounds like he could use one for his throat." Sunset commented.

The crowed cheered even louder. Bulk grinned and flashed his hideously yellow teeth before continuing his screaming into the mic. 

"The racers tonight are as follows. First, we got the Pride of the North, the Rock and the Pie, the Sisters of the Cheer. Give it up for the Alligator Squad! Give it up for Pinkie and Maud Pie!"

"What?" Sunset and Twilight gasped in unison.

There was no doubt who the two were. Pinkie, in a bright blue and pink race outfit, jumped up and down joyfully while Maud simply waved at the crowd in her usual manner. The car next to Pinkie was just as pink as her. Sunset had seen a car like it before. It was a Dodge Viper, the dream car of Flash Sentry back at CHS. With all of its bright neon green lights and dark green windshield, she knew this was no ordinary Viper.

"Next up, we got the Terror of the Catacombs, the One Who Never Dies, give it up for The Legend!"

"What a creep." Twilight uttered.

"Hey, he's a giant around here. Ya don't disrespect a guy like him." Billy told her.

The Legend was received with as many cheers as there were boos. The man was in a bulky suit and had a Greek play mask over his face. Both Twilight and Sunset were taken aback by his unusual appearance. His car was just as mismatched as him.

"Next we got the lightning fast, two-time winner of the Torque Circuit, and voted for Sexiest Man in the World. Let's hear it for Thunderlane and his girls!"

The women in the crowd gave a deafening cheer for the racer in a blue and black race suit. it was hard for him to wave as he had a giggling girl with matching hair under each arm. The girls looked familiar to Twilight but she shook her head and did not want to think about it any further. Thunderlane's car was no doubt a sleek black Corvette with blue lights.

Bulk went through four more racers which were both unknown to Twilight and uninteresting. It was not until Bulk introduced the final team that the two girls paid attention.

"And finally, the moment you've been waiting for. I am proud to introduce to you, the hosts of this race, the three-time winner of the Torque Challenge, the two-time winner of the Torque Circuit, the five-time winner of the Celestia Fund Race, the Champion of the South Tracks, the owners of the Dazzle Club, the Dazzlings, the mighty Sirens!"

The crowd roared with the introduction. Three girls waved at the crowd as camera drones flew around them, projecting their smirking faces on a jumbo tron that looked down upon the track. Only Adagio was in a race suit as the other two were in less-elaborate fireproof suits. They each had a headset on that the other racers lacked. Sonata and Aria were holding large tablets. It was clear that they were the most advanced of the competition.

"Ya see them?" Billy asked. "They the ones I'm talking about. If ya want to be there with RD and the Wonderbolts, ya gotta beat teams like the Sirens and on their own tracks. High ranking teams that get enough money can buy themselves race tracks, with Torque's permission of course. Just owning a track gives ya recognition. Owning one like this is also profitable."

The racers climbed into their cars for final checkups. Adagio typed on the windshield and messed with a HUD that appeared on it. She then paused with her finger right under a bright green circle on the HUD. With her other hand, she placed her helmet on which glowed with the same technology.

"Most of that stuff is just for show." Billy whispered to the girls.

"Ladies and gentlemen." Bulk paused dramatically. "Start your [redacted] engines!!!"

Adagio tapped the green button and the engine of her sleek car roared into life. Sonata clapped her hands enthusiastically  while Aria rolled her eyes. The Sirens' engine sounded much cleaner than the rest of the growling cars. Pinkie's engine sounded the strangest by far.

Each car crawled to its starting position on the track right,  behind the black and white checkered line that appeared as a pale green in the lights. The cars were placed in two-by-two rows, having Adagio in the front row. As the cars sat there, vibrating hysterically from the raw power within their hoods, the crowd grew eerily quiet.

A single drone flew around the racers before hovering in front of them. The drone had a large screen on its front and it projected a big green "5" to the racers. This image was followed by a "bing" sound that was much louder with the silence. The sound emitted again as the "5" went down to "4" and then to "3," "2," and finally "1."

Adagio's car jumped ahead almost instantaneously. The other racers' tires screeched before chasing after the host. The crowd stood up on their feet as the racers flew over the track like it was nothing. The trackway was much longer than the one the girls had watched previously, and these cars went much faster. 

"And there they go! We already have the Sirens in the lead! But don't give them the bucks yet! We got plenty of laps still to come!"

The jumbo-tron on the other side of the track displayed the drones' footage of the racers as they swerved and sped through the surprisingly winding track. All eyes were upon this hulking television screen. Twilight had to forcibly separate her eyes from its mesmerizing grasp. 

"Sunset, do you think Pinkie can win?"

"I have no idea, I mean, she's Pinkie. I just hope she doesn't drive like my Pinkie." Sunset muttered back.

"What, you know Pinkie too huh?" Billy asked in clear sarcasm.

"Yes, we do." Twilight replied quickly. "I bet you she knows us as well."

"Hmph." Was his only remark.

"Here they come for the first lap!" Bulk yelled. "Get ready to stand up folks!"

Billy reluctantly forced his large body up with the rising crowd. The bright green headlights of Adagio's car came into view after rounding a skyscraper. Pinkie's bright pink headlights followed immediately followed with Thunderlane's dark blue right behind. They were far away from the crowd and in mere seconds flew by them with pitch changing screams of metal fury. The rowdy crowd cheered their racer on and sat down after they left them.

"That didn't even take them a minute to complete one lap!" Twilight exclaimed. "This is a 3-mile track right? That means they're going 200 miles per hour!"

"Yeah, they are." Billy chuckled. "Each one of these racers is rigged to perfection. The stock versions can't keep up with them. With today's tech, all high-ranking drivers really care about is looks now. That or some fancy new stuff that will edge 1% off of air resistance or something."

"Adagio is extending her lead! She ain't gonna let no freakin' challengers come in and wreck her club! She's protecting home!"

"Heh, I kinda like Bulk as a commentator. I should tell Principal Celestia that he should commentate over the soccer games." Sunset giggled at the thought.

"Now let's go into the com of the Sirens!"

"Adagio, you came too close to the wall that last turn." A mellow and dry voice rang through the speakers.

"Be quiet Aria, I'm trying to drive here! Tell me something useful next time." Adagio replied angrily. 

Another chirpy voice chimed in. "You know they'll having a sale at the bakery tomorrow? It's like, half off or something. We should all go and-"

"Ugh, you always think with your stomach, Sonata. Can't you see we're racing? Let me talk with Adagio. You go and....stay over there."

"Oh yeah, sorry I said anything. I'll be going...over there." The cute voice grumbled in defeat.

Sunset blinked in confusion. "Well, they haven't changed at all."

The jumbo-tron showed Adagio leaving the pack. However, it did not take an expert to see Pinkie's Viper creeping up to the leader with every turn. Some of the crowd hollered in excitement at the knowledge that their favorite racer could win, or simply wanted Pinkie to win so that they themselves win money. Twilight wanted her friend to win and clapped her hands ecstatically. 

"You can do it Pinkie!"

"What's this? Pinkie Pie has caught up to Adagio! This may be a close one in the next few laps!"

"Huh, didn't expect that." Billy nodded, obviously impressed.

The cars were side-by-side as they raced on. The six other racers were soon forgotten as Pinkie and Adagio left them far behind. The pink Viper was dangerously close the black and greenish Jaguar XJ220-C. They went faster and faster as they left the rest.

"O. M. G! Could this be any [redacted] closer?!"

Another lap was done with neither car separating from the other. There were still battles for third, but no one cared about that. Bulk only focused on the two leaders. 

Pinkie started to edge in front of Adagio, but at the next turn the Siren cut her off and regained the lead. Half of the crowd cheered at this while the other cursed or moaned. The camera drones chased after the racers to keep them in sight.

"This is anyone's race folks! It's so [redacted] close! I can't even handle this [redacted]!"

"Why does he bleep whenever he cusses?" Sunset asked when she noticed the commentator's words.

"Cause these broadcasted races are all family-friendly and they wired his mic to do that when he cusses like a stubbed-toed sailor." Billy informed her casually.

"Can you believe this [redacted]?"

Pinkie and Adagio flew by again with the intensity of the previous laps. Twilight was biting her nails in anticipation to the final lap. The two mechanical beasts soared around the last corner as if they were chasing lightning. With half a mile left, the crowd stood up and cheered loudly. The pink and green lights of the racers approached quickly, but time seemed to slow down. Every second became a minute for everyone there. 

Adagio kept the lead as they rounded the last turn. Pinkie started to shift from side to side in a desperate attempt to pass the Siren. The green racer expertly denied every opportunity. With only a quarter mile left, many fans sank to their seats in aggravation or disappointment.

"And the Sirens win!"

Adagio sailed over the finish line with Pinkie at her bumper. Thunderlane flew across 1.5 seconds later for third place. Twilight reeled back with both hands over her face in shear frustration. Sunset shrugged nonchalantly.

"Well, she did her best." Sunset told Twilight.

"The Sirens are hard to beat." Billy nodded. "So ya two now know what ya need to face if ya want to hang with RD?"

"Yes. Yes." Twilight grunted before pausing. "Uh, do you think we could go and see the racers?"

"Not the Sirens cause they won. Maybe the losers. Ya usually need a pass to go down there." Billy told her. "But it doesn't hurt to try. The worst they can do is just deny ya entrance."





"Sorry girls, authorized personnel only." A guard pushed the two girls away from the entrance.

Twilight and Sunset sighed in disappointment. The drivers were not 100 feet away from them as they packed up their cars. Pinkie was talking to Maud with such a cheerful voice that it seemed she had won the race. The Sirens were off in Victory Lane celebrated the win with booze and money. Thunderlane was talking with his girls quietly in a dark corner.

"But we know Pinkie." Twilight told the guard.

"That's what they all say." He chuckled.

"Told ya girls." Billy huffed. "We should get back to my place."

"Is that Twilight I hear?!" A high-pitched voice screamed in joy.

Suddenly the guard was pushed aside and Pinkie tackled both Twilight and Sunset in a big sweeping hug. The girls fell to the concrete with the pink racer on top of them. Billy jumped back in shock by the chaotic moment.

"Oh my gosh!" Pinkie squealed. "It's you Twilight! You and Sunset! Eep! I'm so happy to see you!"

"It's nice to see you two." Twilight croaked as Pinkie accidentally kneed her lungs.

"Where have you been?" Pinkie questioned in a more serious tone and her face darkened. "It's been years! Years! You haven't said anything. Nothing at all."

"Uhh...Can we talk later?" Twilight asked innocently.

"I want to talk now..." The racer growled menacingly.

"Later. I promise."

"Pinkie promise?"

"Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!" Both girls exclaimed.

"Good enough for me." Pinkie jumped off them. 

The two then sighed in relief as Pinkie helped them up. Billy grumbled as they did so. Twilight dusted herself off and then grinned at the mechanic.

"See? We do know Pinkie." She boasted playfully.

"Yeah, whatever..." He waved at her dismissively.



(~~~*~~~)

> Chapter 5: Pink n' Gray
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"It's "later" Twilight."

"We just got here."

"It's later."

Twilight sighed as the pink girl harassed her. They were not at Billy's garage but at Pinkie's highrise apartment. The driver would not let them go back there and insisted (or better put, forced) that they would spend the night at her place with her sister. So Sunset, Billy, and Twilight were dragged all the way from the track to the apartment.

"Pinkie, look, it's hard to explain," Sunset commented as she peered out of the large window that overlooked the curious city.

"How's it so hard to explain why you left us all?" Pinkie grumbled.

"Because I didn't." Twilight defended herself. "I thought you would already know this."

"That you're from an alternate universe where you are all horses?" Pinkie asked monotonously. "I know that part, who do ya think I am?"

"Then what's left to explain?" Twilight shrugged.

Everyone ignored Billy's confusion entirely. The mechanic had his mouth open as wide as his tired eyes. His finger often drifted from Sunset to Twilight while he muttered softly. 

"Why you left us for Torque!" Pinkie demanded. "That's what needs to be explained."

"So my counterpart left you guys?" Twilight asked already knowing the answer.

"Heck yeah! We all were trying to beat Torque and get the grand prize, but no, your twin had to abandon us! She made all the nice gear for us! After she left, we kinda just....drifted apart." Pinkie looked at floor when she finished her sentence.

"That's terrible. Why did my counterpart leave?" Twilight asked.

"No idea! It was so sudden and she was all like "I gotta go, bye.""Pinkie imitated a Twilight by pressing an invisible pair of glasses up her nose. "It was so weird."

"Guess that's a mystery to solve." Sunset nodded.

Maud entered the room sipping water from a straw. Her usual expression of disinterest was the only emotion she showed. She then cocked her head at Billy and slowly lifted a finger at him. Billy was still gawking at the girls.

"What's wrong with him?" She asked.

"I told him that Twilight and Sunset are from a pony-world." Pinkie explained.

"Hm, alright." Maud took another sip.

Billy mumbled louder and he stood up from his chair. His fat finger made a full circle around the room. His eyes displayed all of his confusion. Sunset shrugged at him. She was used to the reaction by now. She had seen the same shocked expression from some police officers when she had to explain the Fall Formal Incident to them. She was planning on to plea insanity for her actions, but luckily they were so confused that they gave up on the case. 

"I...I don't.....I don't understand..." Billy mumbled.

"You don't need to, Billy." Twilight told him gently. "It's actually not that big of a deal."

"Big deal?" He stuttered. "Big deal? Oh what a bunch of nonsense! Ya'll can't be serious 'bout this! I won't believe it!"

"And that's fine." Sunset nodded. "As long as you keep helping us and being a friend, I'm game."

"I ain't ya girls' 'friends.' I just gonna help ya, that's all. That's all." He stressed.

Pinkie looked a little upset about the response from the disgruntled mechanic. She eyed him rather aggressively before crossing her arms in silence. Not a moment later her hair puffed a little and a large smile engulfed her pink face.

"Huh!" She gasped. "I totally forgot! Rarity is in this section of the city this week! She has to race against some guys and all. You know, the usual. But! I think we can go see her before her race tomorrow night. She may not be all that happy to see you, Twilight, but I can't see her rejecting you. Since you're the other Twilight, I'll tell you that she has a reeeeaaaaalllly expensive club atop the Gala's Tower. You have to wear these fancy dresses and act all fancy to enter. It'll be fun!"

"Like we could get in there." Sunset huffed. "With how Billy talks, we have to race her first it seems."

"Oh.....Yeah...." Pinkie blew her hair out of her face. "That makes sense. I mean, I've been to Rare's parties before....They are a little stuck-up anyway. Well! You can start racing and maybe get her attention. Usually having a high ranking racer as your friend will do the work, but not for Rarity. So...Yeah, she can reject you. Well, not her, but her massive bouncer named Robbie Punchhard. Yup, his name fits."

Sunset and Twilight looked at each other thoughtfully. They both wanted to see this Rarity. But they also did not want to be shut down by their "friend" either. It was a risk or reward situation. Twilight had made many of these choices before. Being denied wouldn't be THAT bad, right? Besides, she thought, Spike wouldn't mind seeing Rarity...

"Spike!" Twilight cried. "He's still at the garage! We've been gone for hours!"

Sunset lifted her arms in panic as well. "Gah! We can't leave him alone for a night in this world."

Pinkie made one of her classic shocked gasps. Maud was....Maud. Billy sighed in relief, obviously glad an excuse to leave the apartment was discovered. Twilight jumped out of her, almost stumbling awkwardly onto the floor. All her thoughts worried about poor Spike, being there alone far longer than what they told him. 

"We have to go!" Twilight panicked.

"I'll drive you there!" Pinkie offered.

"I think Billy can drive us back..." Sunset suggested meekly.

"Naw, she dragged us here remember? My truck is at the track still. Well, hopefully it ain't stolen..."

"Then we can all ride the Party Cannon and we'll bring Gummy!"

"The alligator?" Twilight inquired incredously.

"Yup!"

"How do we ride a party cannon?" Sunset asked.

"She means the Viper." Maud answered.

"You want to put us all in that racer?" Billy was shocked. "We can't fit in there."

"That's what you think." Pinkie chuckled. "It's pretty big on the inside."

"How....It's two passenger..."

"Billy, don't ask." Twilight told him. "She's Pinkie. Get used to it."

"Eep!" Pinkie squealed. "Let's go! We can have the party at your place. Then, then we shall discover the mysterious of this world! Hahaha!"

The others looked concerned about their pink friend who laughed maniacally. Then, in less than a flash, they were all gathered in Pinkie's arms and carried down the stairs at a tremendous speed. Billy was scrambling to get free, but the others just accepted the antics and let the girl carry on.

Before they knew it, Pinkie had carried them all the way to the high-lift garage where the residents of the higher levels' cars were parked. The pink Dodge Viper. Without any real explanation, she stuffed the three of them into the back, with Maud sitting in the usual passenger seat. Billy was still greatly confused by the bench in the car. 

"Vipers don't have these..."

"Well, mine does! It ain't a ride unless it holds a company or more. Guess what? Three is a company, not two!" Pinkie told him.

It was still rather right, especially since Billy was such a large man. He sat in the middle, so both Sunset and Twilight were squashed against the sides. Twilight felt something crawling around her legs and she started to be concerned.

"Gah!" She cried. "Something's touching my leg!"

"Oh! That's just Gummy." Pinkie replied.

The driver reached back and pulled the baby gator into sight. He was as absent-minded looking as Twilight remembered him. Pinkie transferred him a rather large cupholder. He simply sat there and licked his own eyes.

"Now let's get to Spike! Onward!"

"You don't even know where it is....."

Pinkie put it in reverse and swung the car out of its parking spot. Without a half second passing, she put it in drive and stomped on the gas. The few people in the massive parking garage had to flee for their lives as she drove the racer at high speeds through the place. Twilight had a great view of Pinkie's feet. Slamming on the gas and brakes every few seconds. But it did stay on the gas most of the time.

"Pinkie! Slow down please! You're going to fast." Sunset panicked.

"I don't believe in that, sister!" Pinkie cackled.

"Wait? Which one?" Twilight asked.

"Yes!" Was the answer.

They drifted around a corner as the ramp they were on headed downwards. The garage's walls were made of glass, so Twilight could get a good view of the city they were now residents of. They were high up, almost equal with most of the roofs from the shorter, but not short, buildings. Crisscrossing highways went over the roofs and each other like passing water currents, each of them full of headlights. 

However, she could not keep her focus on the outside as Pinkie made sure the view was ever-changing. Like the racer she was, her speeds were far beyond what had to be the limit in the garage. Pinkie's tongue hung out like she was wild animal and she leaned forward as if to pounce. Maud remained emotionless as the chaotic driver drove chaotically.

"Weeeeeeh!" Pinkie squealed.

They hit a highway far above the ground and raced down the road. The slower cars were merely obstacles for Pinkie as she swirled around them.The engine roared with passion and the gears shifted accordingly. The three in the back could be barely thrown about since they were so tightly crammed in the back. Gummy started to growl like an engine. His eyes wandered and had no focus at all. 

"Vrrrrrr....." He hummed.

The street lights flew by, creating a strobe-effect with the speed at which they were passed. The neon signs and lights were almost a blur to the passengers. The massive billboards, due to their largeness, could still be read entirely before they were gone in the rearview mirror. But, because of their size, they took far too much room in the city than what was their worth.

Torque, smiling in all of the flat screen TVs that lined the sides of skyscrapers, was sending the same message through everyone one. It was like watching a hundred clones all performing the same actions at the same time.

"How did Torque get so...rich?" Sunset asked.

"Torque did the impossible." Billy answered. "He beat the former Grandchampions: Luna and Celestia. After that, no one could question that he was the best ever. So all the money swarmed to him, making him the ruler of the city and of racing entirely. Now all he wants is some racer to beat him, but so far, none have come close to beating him and far less are even able to challenge him."

"Why?"

"Well, you have to beat all the leagues first. Then ya gotta beat the Sisters. That's pretty hard to do. They have the best cars I've ever seen. Only until you beat the Sisters can you qualify as a racer to challenge Torque."

"That's we race." Pinkie said. "So that we can be champions! So we can leave our mark on the city."

"You all start from the bottom." Maud continued for her sister. "Everyone starts at the bottom."

"And that's where we are..." Sunset groaned.

"Yup." Billy nodded.

"Well, I'm not!" Pinkie stated. "Of course I started there, but I'm in the high Platinum League with some great racers. Maud and I got here by ourselves, right?"

"Yes, Pinkie." Maud smiled subtly.

Pinkie exited the highway and stormed down a ramp. She did not slow down as the Viper raced down the one-lane ramp. At the bottom she made a tight right on a red light, not yielding at all to oncoming traffic. 

"This gal is crazy!" Billy uttered.

"You just now noticed?" Sunset shook her head.

"How do you know where Billy's place is?" Twilight questioned.

"I have a GPS." Pinkie answered as she patted Gummy's head.

"Oh Lord help me..." Billy groaned.

The Viper swerved through an intersection on a hard left. The amount of cars and people dwindled as they went lower and lower to the ground. The lights became infrequent and the signs were in disrepair. Stray dogs scrambled out of the car's way. Pinkie took another turn through a tight alley and swerved out of it on the other side.

"Is it bad that I just now noticed we aren't wearing seatbelts?" Susnet gulped.

"Pfft! At these speeds, it wouldn't even matter." Pinkie laughed.

Twilight blinked in confusion. "Actually Pinkie, that statement is wro-"

"We're here!" The driver squealed.

All of them looked at Billy's vacant garage as the car made a sudden halt. Pinkie jumped out of the car excitedly and ran for the filthy white backdoor. Maud silently exited the car after slowly unbuckling herself. The three in the back watched them leave as they struggled to move at all.

Their only way out of the car was through the doors upfront, but they squirmed about uselessly. All their eyes darted around as the awkward situation became evident. A frown was on all their faces.

"So...Who gets out first?" Sunset asked worriedly.


(~~~*~~~)

> Chapter 6: How to Money
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"Pinkie?"

"The one and only!"

Pinkie picked the confused dog up in her arms, squeezing him tightly, making his green eyes bulge out. Twilight and Sunset entered the garage while rubbing their now sore backs. The world swirled and it did not seem like it wanted to stop. Maud simply sipped some soda through a straw in a glass bottle she retrieved from somewhere and Billy scowled at all of them from a corner.

"Pinkie, please!" Spike pleaded.

"Naw, you're just tooooo cute!" Her eyes widened, "No offense, Gummy."

The alligator simply licked its eye in response. This somehow told the driver that everything was peachy and she smiled even brighter. Spike whimpered some more before she finally put him down on the old couch. 

"Pinkie, since we are here, can we start on planning?" Twilight asked.

"Oh yeah! You guys still have to meet the others." Pinkie gasped.

The driver then threw herself on the couch, sending Spike into the air. Twilight was quick to snatch him out of the air safely. Sunset shuffled over to a puffy chair and slumped into it. Her head still swirled with the insane car ride. 

"Sooooo," Pinkie began, "in this world you gotta make lots of money fast! Main way is to race or help racers. Drivers like me are like the big celebrities here and we need to make you guys into celebrities so that you can meet Rarity and Rainbow and Applejack and Fluttershy."

"I'll be the driver." Sunset raised her hand slowly. "I at least know how to drive, unlike Twilight."

"She's right." Twilight agreed. "I'm better off being a mechanic anyway."

"Do you have a car?" Maud asked in her usual careless tone.

"Yeah. We got her from the junkyards." Billy grumbled from the dark corner.

Pinkie's eyes darted to the red Mazda that took up a quarter of the garage they were in. Like a lazy snake, she scooted to the edge of the couch and looked at it with her head upside down. After a couple of skeptical blinks, she shrugged.

"Needs some touch up." She paused and quickly lifted her head to see Sunset. "But it fits you perfectly!"

"Heh, thanks."

"Rarity was the best at making our racers look great for the grand events." Pinkie continued. "Twilight was the best at making them work. Too bad we have neither to help you now....But Maud and I can help you aaallll the way. We can even sponsor you while you're in the dirt leagues."

"Sponsor?" Twilight inquired curiously.

"Eeyup! We'll provide you guys with some of the money we earn from our winnings. Usually high-ranking racers who do this make the sponsored advertise them through their car or their social media. I don't need that from you guys. We'll sponsor you and you won't have to worry about the money!"

"That's mighty generous." Billy huffed. "What's the catch?"

"Huh? I haven't gone fishing in a while, so I got no catch." Pinkie giggled. 

"You know what I mean."

"And you know what I mean." Pinkie winked.

Billy crossed his massive arms. "Fine. I do doubt that Sunset has the natural talent to race though. It's much harder than it looks, and we'll startin' from the very, very bottom."

"I'll teach her!" Pinkie sat up. "I didn't know how to drive when I started racing, did I, Maud?"

"Nope. And that's when you wrecked my '66 Impala." Maud slowly took another sip of her soda.

"It was junk anyway..." Pinkie rolled her eyes.

"No...It wasn't..." Maud actually snarled, though the rest of her stone face remained the same.

"Uh huh!"

Maud sighed. "Whatever..."

Pinkie dashed over to Sunset. "See? We can get you into shape and have you doing donuts by the end of the week. Then we'll sign you up for the Audition Challenge!"

"Audition Challenge?" Twilight raised a brow.

"It's a showcase of young talent." Billy explained. "If you do well enough, you can skip by some of the lowest leagues. If we do poorly, we'll start from the lowest league there is and the earnings will be little. Winning such a challenge could take months, heck even years off of grinding in hell."

"You also have to take it for me to sponsor you legally." Pinkie added. "Not that we could do it illegally, but that would be called boosting and I could be imprisoned for cheating."

"Why would that be illegal?" Sunset asked as Pinkie crept closer to her face.

"Let's say that I'm a reeaally good pastry chef." Pinkie started. "I only compete with chefs of my own caliber. Now, there's a young chef and she is competing against chefs of her own caliber. Now, I meet up with her and give her my pastries for her to be her submissions in her competitions. It's not her own pastries, but mine, so they're reaaallly good and she wins all her competitions. Doesn't seem fair, does it? That's what boosting is. It's letting me give you all my stuff to you on a silver platter and letting you beat all the folks who don't booster. If I boosted you, you'd win every race until you got to my league. Racing isn't about the car, it's about the team behind it. You wouldn't be winning, my car would be. So, to eliminate this, they made it illegal. Now I can sponsor you if do well in this challenge. Well, I can sponsor you even if you don't do well, but that'd be suspicious. Good karma isn't really given to those who show favor to one racer because they're family or friends. So, you do well, and I'll sign a contract to sponsor you legally by giving you a percentage of my own earnings. Use my money to improve your car and gear and to get into more races."

"I see." Sunset slowly nodded. "Now give me some space."

Sunset put a hand on Pinkie's surprised face and pushed her away. Twilight was taking notes on a small notepad she had in her pocket. Spike was snoozing on the arm of a half-destroyed sofa. This made Sunset reach in the pocket of her jacket and pull out her phone. Her eyes felt tired when she saw it was passed midnight. 

"Maybe we should get some sleep. I'm worn out."

"I don't care if I have guest, I still get my bed." Billy muttered and hobbled over to his room.

With him gone, Pinkie slithered over to Twilight and read the notes over her shoulder. The driver then gave the princess an incredulous look.

"Don't you, like have a laptop or tablet to do that with?" Pinkie seemed disgusted by the pencil.

"Not here. There is Billy's, but I rather not mess with his." Twilight paused. "Seen some odd things on there." She added with a whisper.

"You can the business tracking to Maud. She's been doing my budget for years now!" Pinkie grinned.

"Making budgets for Pinkie is calming for me." Maud nodded absently.

"I'll never get used to her." Sunset sighed.

"Oh, I'm not doing that sort of thing, Pinkie. I'm taking notes about this place. It isn't anything like the other human world I went to."

"Ever wonder why the mirror took us here?" Sunset slumped in her chair.

"Of course I do." Twilight gripped her pencil tighter. "I haven't found any evidence of its malfunction though. Though I do have a feeling this world is a pocket dimension."

"Pocket dimension? Seems pretty big to me." Sunset threw her phone up and caught it on its way back down.

"Well....Pinkie, what is there outside of the city?"

"Oh, the junkyards and the fields." Pinkie answered cheerfully.

"Besides that?"

Pinkie made a confused face. "What do you mean?"

"What's beyond the fields?" Twilight insisted.

"Fields."

"And anything else?"

"Fields." Pinkie repeated.

Twilight blinked in astonishment and was about to say something when Maud turned on the radio. The sound of Torque's voice filled their ears. 

"That's right! Rarity's party is going to be where it's at! All the top racers and teams will be there. I will be there too! Your Grand Champion, people of the city. Lay off the bets for the night and drink up instead! The party will be at the Gala Tower! Be there. If you got the money. I truly hope that all can come....even our new guests."

Sunset and Twilight's eyes met in understanding. "Do you think that he knows something about this?" Sunset asked first.

"Sounded like it." Twilight gulped.

Pinkie stood erect. "If Torque wants you there, then by Celestia you go there!" Her eyes sparkled. "Maybe Rarity will let you in anyway! That'd be fantastic!"

"I'm not sure if I want to go there now..." Sunset moaned.

"We should all sleep on it." Twilight suggested quietly. "I'd rather not think about all this at the moment."

"Sleep?" Pinkie perked up. "Woohoo!"

With that, the driver fell over as if she had fainted and was snoring on the floor in a deep sleep. Maud did not seem to have any will to sleep as she simply stood there and stared at the remaining two. Sunset furrowed her brows at the Pie sister.

"Are you going to watch us sleep?" She asked grumpily.

"Maybe." Maud shrugged one shoulder.

"This sucks..." Sunset shook her head.

Twilight walked over to the couch, picking up the sleeping Spike gently on the way. The dog stirred a little in her arms but never awoke. The two of them reached the couch and Twilight slowly laid herself out on it while Spike snuggling in her arms. She then closed her eyes and tiredness took her to rest.

Sunset sighed through her nostrils. One glance back proved to her that Maud was still watching with her unrelenting stare. She ruffled her hair in frustration and tried to get comfortable in her chair.

"Goodbye sleep." She uttered. "Why did I have to be the last one up with her watching me!"


(~~~*~~~)

> Chapter 7: The Hood's Reflection
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Welcome back all! The Gala Tower greets you!"

The automated voice rung through the halls again for the eighth time.  The female voice was becoming annoying to Sunset, who was standing with her friends (minus Billy and Spike since they remained at the garage) in a line of supposed guests trying to enter the Gala Tower. Her black dress made her feel uncomfortable. They all were wearing dresses that Pinkie had brought to them that morning. Wherever the clothes store was, Sunset had no idea. 

"Oh this is so exciting!" Pinkie jumped. "Can't wait to see Rares again."

"I only hope she acts like Rarity," Twilight said nervously. 

Pinkie appeared right next to Twilight. "Of course she will! I mean, Rarity not acting like Rarity would be.....well...it wouldn't be Rarity-like."

They moved up some spaces as the line slowly progressed. Twilight was still getting used to the layout of the city. The entrance they were at was still thirty stories above the streets. The walkway that brought them here was winding and exhausting. She had already concluded the reason for this: the top half of the Tower was for the high league racers and the bottom half for the low leagues. Now that she thought about it, the whole city seemed like a visual hierarchy.

"Next," the guard at the door drawled.

Pinkie skipped over to him happily and leaned on the small podium where he had his list. The guard slowly looked at her without a hint of emotion. She pointed at the list with unlimited enthusiasm, making the guard lift a brow.

"Name?" he droned.

"Pinkamena Diane Pie!" she giggled. "Or Pinkie Pie for short."

"Ah, the racer," he nodded. 

"And these are my friends, Twilight, Sunset, and Maud!" Pinkie gestured happily at the three.

"Have a nice night, ladies. You check out," he said. "Next."

Pinkie gave a smug look as she left the guard to his job. Twilight was astounding by how easy it was to access entry to the party. Sunset too seemed a but shocked by it, but they had no time to comment on it because Pinkie shoved them all inside. Upon entry, they were drowned out by loud classical music. The music seemed out of place for the lights and the bars, and the everything else about the tower room. It seemed even too fancy for those attending.

Cars were set on displays throughout the grand room. Women in short dresses that fit tightly at the waist walked about in groups of two or three. Men in handsome suits paraded about with smiles and laughs. It was still much more lively than any Grand Galloping Gala. It was still fancy and elaborate, but in a modern way.

"Where would Rarity be?" Twilight had to whisper loudly to make Pinkie hear.

"Who knows?" the girl shrugged. "She could be here, there, or even over there!"

"Guess we'll have to look..." Sunset sighed.

"Or she's right there," Maud dully said and pointed at one woman.

All eyes fell upon this woman. It was no doubt Rarity. Her long royal purple curls were draped on elegant shoulders. She wore a short dress like the other women, but this one was sparkling with gems and jewels of a clear color. Her bright red lips and piercing sapphire eyes displayed perfection. Her long legs dangled over the hood of a white racing car that every chrome finish and every unneeded accessory seemed to project its ridiculous price. The purple windows, the blue headlights, the high spoiler, and the cleanliness that was so well done that one could see the fingerprints that defiled it. The elegance and smoothness of the vehicle almost rivaled the womanly perfection that sat on it.  The heels of her glossy black stilettos bounced off the tire playfully. Her full attention was on a man of greasy blonde hair beside the car.

"Yeah..." Twilight blinked. "That's Rarity."

"Rarity!" Pinkie called out and sprinted over to her.

"Augh!" Rarity gasped when the driver approached her so suddenly. Her shocked face eased when she recognized who it was. "Pinkie? It's unlike you to attend parties like this. You usually are downstairs where those ruffians have clubs."

"Well, yeah," Pinkie snorted a giggle. "I would be, but I want you to meet my new friends!"

Rarity looked beyond Pinkie to see Twilight. Her face instantly changed to a disgusted expression that ruined her beauty. She did not stand up, but remained sitting on the hood of the expensive racing car. 

"Why is she here?" Rarity almost growled the question.

"Come on, Rares, this isn't Twilight, this is Twilight," Pinkie explained.

Rarity blinked her blue eyes. "By the Stars! what are you talking about?"

Pinkie shrugged. "We'll explain later."

"Nice to meet you, Rarity," Twilight came forward. "This is my friend, Sunset Shimmer."

"Huh. Well met, darling," Rarity simply nodded her head at them like she was avoiding their breath. 

"I'm guessing this is your racer?" Sunset reached out to touch the car.

"Don't you dare touch him!" Rarity hissed quickly, making Sunset retract her hand immediately. "Yes, he is mine." She stroked the white hood gently. "He is a Mercedes Benz SLR Volcano. He's a very specific and modified version of the regular SLR. Very few own one of his kind. He has been with me for four years now and we are absolutely inseparable."

"Let me guess, his name is Tom," Twilight chuckled.

Rarity raised a brow. "Why would I name him that?"

"Oh...never mind."

"His name is White Diamond, for any lady's best friend is the diamond."

"Ah fine, Miss Rarity," said the greasy man beside her. "I apologize for interrupting, but who are these drivers? We must outrank all of them."

"We do," Rarity spoke to him. "Pinkie is one of my past companions before I rose to such leagues. She's in the higher ranks of Platinum. These are her friends."

"Miss Rarity, this may seem harsh, but aren't they below your standard?" he asked again.

"Oh?" Sunset furrowed her brows. "What makes you talk like that, huh?"

"He is Blueblood, leader of the Master's League," Rarity introduced him. "Excuse him if he seems a bit rude, but he has earned his spot."

"Miss Rarity," Blueblood continued. "You are Crystal League, higher above this Platinum garbage," he said and gestured to Pinkie. "You should stick with people at or above your rank."

Rarity then hesitated. It was obvious she was weighing the pros and cons of her actions. Both Twilight and Sunset were appalled by Rarity even having to think about this, but they soon realized, this was not the Rarity from their world. After some time of silence, Rarity slid off the hood and stood upright, not looking at Pinkie or her friends.

"Blueblood is right," Rarity said. "If you wish to attend parties like this or speak with me, prove that you are capable of winning. I do apologize for this, but I must retain a reputation. I am one of the best racers, so my presence must be earned."

"Rarity!" Twilight scolded. "How could you?"

"And you dare ask me that? The audacity!" Rarity hissed. "After what you did to us? I'm surprised Pinkie even talks to you." She cleared her throat and waved to a large man. "Oh, Mr. Punchhard!" she sang, "I require your muscle for a moment."

"Oh no!" Pinkie gasped. "She's gettin' the bouncer for us."

"Ya can't do that, Rarity," Sunset interjected. "Torque said everyone was invited here. Well, if we had the money. Pinkie does have the money."

"It's still my party," Rarity huffed. "I retain the right to include and exclude what guests I want."

Punchhard stomped over to them, giving them a stink-eye that was truly frightening. He simply stood there being intimidating, but it was enough for the girls to slowly back away. He would take one large step the farther they went and they exited the party this way.

When they were out of the tower, he stood in the entrance with his massive arms folded and simply stared at them. The girls sighed in defeat. Rejection was not a total surprise, but the disappointment was still heavy on them. So they turned and decided to sit on a bench nearby some small trees to think it over.

"Well this sucks," Sunset said with a hand over her face. 

"Don't be sad guys!" Pinkie cheerfully said. "Rarity did say that we have to earn her presence. So that isn't a total rejection right?"

"Doesn't make it a good rejection either..." Twilight sighed. "This was a waste of time."

"I wouldn't say that!"

They all looked up to see the man they weren't expecting at all. It was Torque in living form, just as flashy and picturesque as he was on television. He gave them all a one-sided grin that could be interpreted for  both malice or politeness at the same time. He held a bottle of expensive craft beer in his hand and the other was halfway in his suit jacket's pocket. For some reason, he had a pair of aviator sunglasses on, yet it was nighttime. He's pearly whites glistened in the artificial light that came from the lamps and the neon signs.

"Grand Champion Torque!" Pinkie gasped loudly. "Ohhhh myyyy gossshhhh!"

"Nice to see you ladies," he said in his accent. 

The girls stood up from their bench in respect. They were quite nervous by the Grand Champion's sudden appearance, but his warm smile calmed them down. Twilight, not knowing how to respond simply half-bowed and rubbed the back of her neck.

"Wow, it's, it's an honor," Twilight stammered.

"No need for that, honey," he chuckled. "I'll get to the point. I know why you two are here with this driver and her mechanic."

"You do? But how?" Sunset was astonished.

"This may surprise you, but we have security cameras on every street corner, even at the bottoms of the city. I saw you two come in through that portal. Never thought I would see somethin' so strange. Took me a while to actually believe it. So Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle, I know you're not from this world. I know you want to get back to your world. So I'll help with that."

"You will?" Twilight gleamed.

"How?" Sunset asked skeptically.

"I'm more than what's on the surface, kid," he chuckled and removed his hand from his pocket, showcasing several large rings. "I know how to send you back. However, before you get excited, it's not gonna be free. You see, I really, really like entertainment. I like to see racing and racing is all I see. You girls are in my city. It would be a shame and boring to just let you leave. So, here's the deal."

"You want us to race you?" Twilight asked already knowing the answer.

"Yes," he smiled deviously, "race and beat me. Show that you are worthy of my aid. And you have to go through the system as well. I won't give you anything for free. With Pinkie and Maud here, I see you two are already on the right track. Keep at it. I'll be watching you ascend from the bottom to the top. Celestia and Luna will be waiting for your challenge."

"Jerk!" Sunset growled. "It's possible we could never leave here then! We have friends in the other worlds. Will you be so selfish to keep us from them?"

"Don't worry, sunny babe, beating me is not as hard as it sounds, hehe," he laughed.

"Torque, please just help us!" Twilight begged.

"Nope. What said is said. The deal has been made. You beat me, you get to go home. Of course, no cheating allowed. If you cheat, you'll be imprisoned with the rest of those scum and never leave here. I believe in you kids," he clapped his hand against the beer bottle. "Make me proud!"

He kept laughing to himself and went back inside the Gala Tower. The two out-of-world girls watched him leave with clinched fists. There was no escaping racing now. They had to win, for their friends in both worlds. Sunset turned around and gestured at Pinkie.

"Let's get started."


(~~~*~~~)

> Chapter 8: Plans
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I can't believe ya talked with Torque himself," Billy said, flabbergasted.

"Can't you get over it?" Sunset told him harshly. "We need to start practicing! I need to become a racer now!"

"Fine, fine. Guess this Mazda will be yours," Billy shrugged at the car they found in the Graveyard. 

Sunset walked over to the red Mazda. Her long fingers stoked her chin thoughtfully. It was time to start taking this world seriously and she knew it. They all knew it. 

Twilight looked up at Sunset with her morning coffee in hand. Pinkie was still sleeping on the floor and Maud was looking at a muffin with her usual emotionless stare. The older Pie sister then pulled a small rock from her pocket and stuffed it into the muffin in the slowest manner possible.

"Don't mind me," she said to them when they stared at her, "Boulder just needs breakfast."

"Yup, nothing different in any world we're in," Twilight shuddered. 

"Guys!" Sunset got their attention. "We need to focus! I want out of this world, pronto! We're gonna get this car ready and kick Torque's rich butt."

Billy sighed and then nodded his head. "Seems to be that way. Listen here, gals, this Mazda probably needs some more clean up before we can drive her about. A car is like a person and needs to be warmed up before competing like an athlete needs training camp before he gets into the season. We ain't gonna be able to just get into a race by tomorrow. Why join a race if we're unable to win it?"

Sunset folded her arms and sat on the hood of the Mazda. Her eyes glanced down at the vehicle, seeing it as an opportunity for their escape from this dimension. The car seemed depressed and worn from its horrible neglect for the past years. Sunset pitied it and ran a loving hand on the side above the front tire.

"Then how do we start training?" Sunset asked with a sigh.

"Well, there's a place I know on the west side of the city where hardly anyone goes. It's a poor area, but that's because hardly any businesses set up there. We could drive around there, letting ya feel how she steers."

"Sounds like a plan," Sunset nodded. "Let's get to it."

Billy stopped her. "Not so fast, this car is a beast. It's too much for ya to handle. I'll give it touch ups, remove some of its power. Give me some time with her. Racing isn't about going 200 miles per hour. It's about handling your car to perfection. This car was probably left to rot cause it was too much for its job, but I know how to fix that. Ya can be patient?"

Sunset nodded. "Yeah, I can be. Do whatever you think is necessary."

"And some advice for when ya get behind the wheel," he added, "take it very easy. Very. Easy."





"You were right about this place being a dump," Twilight said when she got out of Billy's truck.

The girls and the mechanic inspected their surroundings. In the dark shadows of the skyscrapers, almost no direct sunlight reached them. Bottles, wrappers, and other trash littered the lonely streets. There were some people around them, sitting on the street corners or leaning on the graffiti-ed walls, but all were quiet and hardly noticeable.

"I was expecting we would train on some dirt track or something, you know, like they do in the movies," Sunset sighed. 

"Pfft, dirt racing is for...dirt racers," Billy spat. "We're street racers. If ya can't handle the pavement or the blacktop, then ya have no business driving in this city. Trust me, this is the best place. You'll jus' drive three blocks and make a big rectangle. Even though most tracks aren't this darn simple, it'll get you feeling the speed and acceleration of ya new baby."

As he said this, Pinkie and Maud were already unloading the Mazda from the truck's trailer. After all the touch ups, the car was practically sparkling. There was no doubt the vehicle was happy to be back on the road and out of the its grave. 

Sunset walked over to it. She had no fire suit like all the racers she had seen, but she did have a helmet that Billy had given her. With her red and yellow hair up in a bun, she put the helmet on and opened the car's door. When she slipped inside, her heart started to beat harder. It had been awhile since she had last driven and now she was behind the wheel of a supposed mechanical beast.

Billy grumbled something under his breath when he made his over to her. He leaned on the rolled down window and spat on the pavement before pointing a knowing finger her direction.

"Since this is ya first time, take it easy. Feel this car's shifts and balance. A car is an extension of yaself, so ya better get used to how it feels when ya near things. In these races, you're not only gonna be goin' fast, but fast with crazy drivers goin' fast right next to ya. This is racing, not some demolition derby nonsense. I rather have ya come in last than get paint scratches, ya hear? Actually no, if ya win with scratches, that's fine, just don't damage the car! Ya so keen on taking on Torque and talking with RD, this little car of yours is your only ticket. Take care of her like she is ya kid. Got that?"

Sunset nodded after his speech. "Um, yes sir!"

"Alright then. Give her gas and get out of here."

"Nothing else? No preparation or anything?" Sunset asked.

"Put ya seat belt on, how 'bout that?" Billy snickered.


"Oh yeah, thanks!" Sunset smiled at him as she put the seat belt on. "Um? Now I go?"

"Go for it."

Sunset started the engine, letting the Mazda come to life. Turning the wheel, she guided it to the right lane and started giving it some gas. She was careful as the vehicle start to zoom and reach high speeds easily. Before she knew it, she was going 60 and flying across the empty street. It was so smooth and the wheel felt right in her gloved hands. She touched the brake when she arrived at the first turn. 

"Gotta take it easy..." she said to herself. 

She slowed down and turned hard to the right. The car responded immediately and the sensitive turn was almost too tight and Sunset barely avoided hitting the street corner's street light. The car bumped into the air as the tires hit the curb. Sunset's heart leaped in her chest and sweat starting to go down her brows. This was not some minivan or old sedan she controlled, but a racing car with power she had never felt before. 

The engine roared once more as she accelerated at the next straightaway. Plastic bags and over light trash flew into the air behind her. The few people that dotted the sidewalks watched her with keen eyes, seeing if this was the making of a new champion. 

Another turn approached. With her ounce of experience acquired from the previous turn, she went out  to the left before easing to the right, making an easier turn. However, she lost her momentum and the car began to slow considerably. Too much off the gas, got it.  She hit the accelerator once more and regained the speed, but she knew that in a race, she would have been passed by more experienced drivers. 

With the long stretch of road, she decided to see how fast she could go before reaching the next turn. She pressed harder on the pedal. The speedometer's hand went up and up, going over 100 without effort. Her hands began to shake and her heart beat as fast. She felt herself sinking into the car seat. This machine in her hands was hardly breaking a sweat and it felt terrifying to the young driver. She had reached 105, 110, and then to 120 before she decided to start slowing down. And when she had done so, her body relaxed.

She turned the third turn patiently. Remembering the past two times, she corrected herself and the turn felt smooth. With the final turn coming up, she simply cruised down the street, holding the speed at 85. It was a long stretch still, but she reached the final turn quickly and slowed down greatly, knowing that her friends were just around the corner.

Once this turn was completed, she slowed down as Twilight and Billy watched her. Twilight clapped her hands excitedly. Billy just stood there with his arms cross, trying to decide to give praise or criticize. Sunset smiled back at them until she made her stop at where she began.

"Good job, Sunset! Woo!" Twilight cheered. "That looked so amazing. Now I wish I knew how to drive."

"Thanks Twi, but I'm sure you'd be terrified if you were behind this thing," Sunset laughed.

Billy walked over and stroked his large chin. "Ya got a lot of work to do, but ya did good. Maybe there's somethin' in ya yet, heh. So, how was the rollercoaster ride?"

"It was awesome!" Sunset answered him enthusiastically. "This car is something else. It felt alive. I felt alive! I wouldn't have it better."

"Sure, sure," Billy chuckled. "Ya pretty lucky to have a beauty like that as ya first racer. If we keep practicing, we'll have a chance against them Dirt Leaguers. But I'll leave the schedule details to Pinkie and Maud since they basically own our new team."

"You really want to leave Pinkie with that kind of thing?" Twilight asked, concerned.

"It'll be fine!" Pinkie called to them from afar. "I know how to bake; I'm used to lots of details."

"She'll be fine, sweetie," Billy reassured them both. "As long as we get the sponsor money and the promotions, we'll be alright. You two just focus on being a team. Sunset is the racer, I'm the mechanic, and Twilgiht here will be our....I don't know, secretary?"

"Well, I am good with all forms of logistics. I can do accounting. I did it for my family when I was little," Twilight said. "You can leave all the finances to me. I'll make sure every piece of money is never wasted!"

Billy nodded. "Like the sound of that. Money'll be tight, even with Pinkie's help. Even one big loss can hurt us big time. If we enter a race, we enter to win. Every single time."

"And we will!" Sunset pointed at him. "Twilight and I have never been ones to accept losing. We make plans and we achieve goals. Torque and the rest of them have no idea who they are dealing with. Twilight became an alicorn princess and I could have been one if I actually cared. Racing cars? Heck yeah we can do it!"

Billy simply blinked at her. "I ain't got no clue what you meant, but I'll take your word for it."


 (~~~*~~~)