Part 1: Prologue: The Start Of A New Adventure

This takes place a little after the finale of season 5.

Over the hills, through the valleys, and past the Everfree Forest, there resides a moderately small town appropriately named, Ponyville. This town is inhabited by, fittingly, ponies. Unicorns, pegasi, and earth ponies going about the early morning of a new day. Within the rows of tan and white houses stood a large structure, a structure made completely of blue and purple crystals, this was known as the Castle of Friendship. Within this castle lived a young alicorn princess who had purple fur along with a deep purple mane and tail with a pink stripe. On her flanks was a cutie mark; a pink star-like shape with sparkling white and purple spots peppered around it.

Her name was Twilight Sparkle. Once a unicorn who became Princess Celestia’s student and subsequent protege. She learned about friendship, learned to make friends, and became one of the Elements of Harmony. She and her friends had conquered many foes that sought to take over Equestria; Nightmare Moon, Discord, Queen Chrysalis, and Lord Tirek had all fallen to the Elements of Harmony. Receiving wings and a castle, she was to become the new ruler of Equestria in the future.

Now, however, she stood silently with a look of confusion on her face as she stared at the Friendship Map, or Cutie Map as they preferred to call it, with her life-long friend, Spike, a baby dragon with purple scales with a green underbelly and fins on his head, who looked equally confused. Both Twilight’s cutie mark and Spikes scales were glowing brightly as the entire map was also brightly glowing and emanating.

“Twilight, what’s going on?” Spike asked.

“I…don’t…know Spike.” Twilight answered, still staring at the Cutie Map. Normally, if there was a friendship problem, the intended cutie mark would hover over the location where the problem was located. This time, the whole table was glowing a bright light.

As they continued to stare in awe and confusion, the doors to the room burst open followed by a blur of blue with a rainbow streak.

“AW YEAH, another friendship. Where’s it at this time?” The new pony asked excitedly. The pony, in-question, was a pegasus with bright blue fur, a rainbow-colored mane and tail, and a cutie mark which was a cloud with a rainbow lightning bolt coming out of it. Her name was Rainbow Dash.

She was soon followed by an earth pony who had bright pink fur, a darker shade of pink for her poofy mane and tail, and a cutie mark which consisted of three blue and yellow balloons. Her name was Pinkie Pie.

“Yeah-where-is-it-I-want-to-know-where-it-is-so-I-can-be-the-first-one-to-say-hello-to-our-new-friends.” She said in a hyperactive tone without even taking a moment to breath.

“A’ight settle down you two, we’ve done this before.” Another pony said. She was also an earth pony, she had orange fur with a blonde mane and tail. She also wore a brown Stetson hat. Her cutie mark was three red apples in a triangular formation. Her name was Applejack.

Following that was a unicorn who had snow-white fur along with a deep purple mane and tail fashioned to look like ribbons and her cutie mark was three perfectly cut diamonds also in a triangular formation. Her name was Rarity.

“Honestly a friendship problem happening today of all days. I had a full day of completing dress orders ahead of me.” She complained.

“C’mon Rarity, your work may be important to you but nothing is more important than actual friendship.” Rainbow Dash said confidently.

“Oh, I suppose your right Dash.” Rarity sighed.

“Um…e-excuse me, did I miss anything?” A meek voice asked quietly. The voice came from a pegasus who had bright yellow fur, a long, pink mane and tail, and a cutie mark which was three pink butterflies in a triangular formation. Her name was Fluttershy.

“I’m glad you all could make it, girls.” Twilight said happily.

“No problem Twilight, when there’s a friendship problem, the Cutie Map knows who to call.” Pinkie said gleefully.

“Now where are we needed this time?” Applejack asked.

“Well, that’s the thing girls. The entire map is glowing.” Twilight turned back to the map.

Her other friends gathered around with looks of confusion.

“Wut exactly does’it mean?” Applejack asked.

“That’s what I’m been trying to figure out. The entire map is glowing so maybe the friendship problems…are……everywhere?” Twilight said, not believing what she was actually saying. The others looked just as unconvinced.

“No Twilight, it’s something much more.” Another, more regal, voice came. The others looked in surprise to the entrance to see a tall alicorn with bright white fur and a mane and tail that were flowing of blue, green, and purple. She was also wearing gold regalia on her chest and hooves as well as a crown. She was Princess Celestia, the current ruler of Equestria.

All the ponies and dragon bowed out of respect as the Princess of the Sun walked in.

“There’s no need for formalities, my little ponies.” Celestia giggled. “You are a princess after all, Twilight.”

“Right. Sorry, force of habit.” Twilight with a little embarrassment. Celestia chuckled.

“So Princess, what exactly do you mean “something much more?” Rainbow asked.

Celestia cleared her throat.

“As you all know the Cutie Map has helped in finding friendship problems all over Equestria.” She started, the others nodded.

“However, it is much more capable than finding friendship problems just in Equestria. It is capable of finding problems far more complicated than friendship. Other problems from different worlds.” She finished.

The others gasped.

“Other worlds!? There are other worlds!?” Twilight said in shock and excitement.

“Yes, Twilight there are countless worlds out there. More than even I could ever comprehend. And it seems the Cutie Map has found a friendship problem in one particular world.” Celestia announced. Twilight’s excitement had increased ten-fold at this point.

“Eeeeee, I need to get more notebooks, there are so many things we can learn from these new worlds. SO MANY POSSIBILITIES!” She squealed while beginning to flap her wings excitedly.

“Twilight, remember you and your friends are brought here for a friendship mission, not to gain information. I understand your excited by this new prospect, but solving friendship is more important.” Celestia said sternly.

“The Princess has a point, Twilight. We must help the other ponies before we can do anything else.” Rarity chimed in. Twilight slowly landed as shame began to take hold of her.

“Your right, friendship is more important than research. Thank you, Princess.” Twilight said, Celestia nodded with a smile.

“But how exactly did we get to a, uh, new world?” Fluttershy asked.

“Not to worry, my little ponies. There is a way.” Celestia answered.

“How?” Pinkie asked.

“An old spell I learned back in my youth. It will allow you to travel swiftly to where the map needs you.” Celestia answered.

Her horn began to glow as she concentrated her magic. Then, a bright gold beam shot from it and made contact with the table.

Suddenly everything began to rumble. Everyone, minus Celestia, thought an earthquake was happening but then a bright gold and pink portal began to form in the center of the Cutie Map. The others looked on in wonder as the portal began to grow, enveloping the map in its entirety. Soon the portal reached max size. The table was now completely replaced with the portal.

The Main 6 and Spike walked cautiously up to the portal, eyeing it with awe. Twilight carefully stuck her front left hoof into the mesmerizing mix of pink and gold, she quickly reeled it back when a buzzing sensation began to envelop it.

“Don’t worry, Twilight it’s perfectly safe.” Celestia said trying to comfort their understandable fear.

“Are ye sure Princess. Ah don’t mean to doubt’chya but this new for all of us.” Applejack spoke still keeping her eye on the portal.

“I can assure dear Applejack, would never do anything intentional that would bring harm to my ponies.” Celestia assured.

Applejack was still a bit on the fence about this but decided not to press on with her concerns. After all, Celestia was one of the most trustworthy ponies in Equestria.

“So this is how we get to the new world? The one to solve the friendship problem?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, my little ponies, this portal will allow you to travel to the world that map has selected.” Celestia answered.

“Well what are we waiting for? A friendship problem needs to be solved. C’mon!” Rainbow shouted before jumping into the air, spreading her wings. She eyed her position into the portal and dived right into it.

“Dashie, wait for meeeee!” Pinkie shouted before leaping into the portal after Rainbow Dash.

Fluttershy was shaking at this point and began to back away from the portal, not feeling safe near it. Rarity approached her from the side.

“It’s alright darling, you’ll be okay. Here, take my hoof we’ll go in together.” Rarity said holding up her hoof.

Fluttershy looked at Rarity, then to the portal, then back to Rarity, she had a warm smile on her face that seemed to calm Fluttershy’s nerves. She gulped, but stowing her fear, she grabbed Rarity’s hoof.

“O-okay.” She whispered.

They both slowly walked up to the portal, then together, they both leaped inside.

“Welp, guess ah’m next, Hope this goes well. And Princess, tell mah family ah’ll miss em.” Applejack said, Celestia nodded.

Then, without saying much else, Applejack jumped into the portal as well. Celestia then walked up to Twilight.

“Ready to go Spike?” Twilight asked her dragon friend.

“Yeah, I suppose.” He answered.

“I wish best of luck to you Twilight and be safe wherever you may go.” Celestia said.

“Thank you Celestia, I promise to make you proud.” Twilight hugged her mentor.

Celestia hugged her back. Once they separated, Twilight and Spike jumped into the portal after their friends.

“You already have, Twilight.” Celestia spoke softly.

Just then, another pony came running in. She was unicorn with pale lavender fur and a royal purple mane and tail with an aquamarine stripe along both. Her cutie mark was a purple and white star with two glimmering blue streams. Her name was Starlight Glimmer.

“What happened!? Did some pony get hurt!? I felt rumbling. What’s going on!?” Starlight cried in a full-fledged panic.

“Calm down Starlight, nothing bad has happened. I have simply opened a portal to another world.” Celestia said calmly.

“WHAT!?!?!? WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT!?!?” Starlight shouted in utter horror.

“At ease, Starlight. Twilight and her friends have been summoned by the Cutie Map to travel to another world to solve a friendship problem.” Celestia answered calmly.

“A friendship problem? In a different world? Why couldn’t why come along?” Starlight pouted.

“Was you cutie mark glowing?” Celestia asked in concern.

“Well, no, it didn’t glow at all.” Starlight answered. “But, it gets boring around here when Twilight and her friends are gone.”

“I’m sure the map will call for you in time. From what Twilight has said, you have been making some progress. There’s no doubt in my mind that you’ll be just as good at solving friendship problems as Twilight.” Celestia said.

Starlight was still saddened that she didn’t come along with, but, Celestia’s nurturing words made her feel a little better. Then a thought hit her.

“Wait, how did you know the Cutie Map found a problem from a different world.” She asked quizzically. Celestia began to walk out the door.

“Come, I shall explain it to you elsewhere.” She said.

“Uhh, Okay, I guess I can make some tea while we’re at it.” Starlight said.

“Splendid.” Celestia commented.

(Meanwhile in the portal)

Twilight and her friends flew there the dimensional space. Some having the time of their lives, others…not so much.

“This. Is. Awesome.” Rainbow shouted thrillingly. Meanwhile Fluttershy and Rarity were holding each other screaming their lungs out.

“Ohhh, I wonder if the narrator is having just as much fun as we are.” Pinkie squealed.

Everypony turned to the party pony in confusion.

“Uhh, Pinkie. What narrator?” Applejack asked, completely puzzled.

“The one narrating this story, silly.” Pinkie giggled.

Applejack just looked at her, completely lost at what crazy statement her friend had just said. Pinkie Pie turned to the…narrator.

“Are you having fun, mister narrator?” She asked.

*Ahem*

Anyways. Twilight could only look into the bright horizon of the portal they were quickly coming upon. She closed eyes waiting for the new adventure she and her friends were about to have.

To be continued

Part 2: Propwash Junction / New Friends

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The day was bright and well into the afternoon. Suddenly two F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jets tore through the air. They began to ascend into the clouds, spinning and turning through the sky.

“What’s taking this guy so long?” Is he really as good as they say he is?” One of them asked.

“No. Better.” The other answered ominously.

“OH, YEAH!!!”

They were interrupted as an orange and white blur rocketed right passed them. Both were taken aback.

“Who was that?” The first one asked, still aghast from the fly-by.

His question would soon be answered as an orange Air Tractor AT-502 descended in-between them looking all smug.

“Why, hello, ladies. Are you ready to lose.” He asked complacently.

“Last one to the water tower buys a round of fuel.” The second jet challenged.

“Tell you what, I’ll give you guys a head start. You’re gonna need it!” The crop duster announced.

“Later loser.” The first jet yelled before both jets dived into the clouds.

“One one-thousand, two one-thousand- ah, that’s enough.” The crop duster said to himself before diving after the fighter jets.

He managed to catch up right behind them as the all plummeted toward the earth. They all began to pull level as they neared the ground. The were just feet from the rows of corn below them. They whipped around huge rock mountain before continuing to race through the corn fields. The crop duster loop-de-looped around the fighter jets and began to pull ahead.

“See ya, suckers! Eat my d-“

“Dusty!” Another voice called out. Dusty just groaned as his fantasy was brought back to reality; dusting crops right next to a PT-17 Sterman Biplane

*cough *cough “Pay attention. You’re daydreaming again” The biplane next to him said.

“Me? No, no, no! No…Okay yes. But y’know, come on, Leadbottom. Really. How hard is this. Fly straight, turn around. Fly straight, turn around.” Dusty said.

“Oh-ho, are you disrespecting the sweet science of aerial application?” Leadbottom asked incredulously.

“Look, I am more than just a crop duster.” Dusty said confidently.

“Oh, don’t go flap-jawing about that ‘Flings Around The Planet’ air racing nonsense again.” Leadbottom said as they both turned to a new field, ready to be dusted.

“Excuse me. It’s called the ‘Wings Around The Globe’ Rally.” Dusty corrected.

“Ugh, for the love of Peterbilt.” Leadbottom groaned.

“And it’s not nonsense. I’ve got a tight turn radius and a high power-to-weight ratio.” Dusty said swinging from side to side.

“You know what else you got?” Leadbottom inquired.

“What?” Dusty asked.

“A screw loose! I mean why would you want to give up crop dusting? Blue skies, no air traffic, and that tangy scent of Vita-minamulch.” Leadbottom said.

The old biplane released the pesticides, humming in content.

“Mmm, just like momma used to spray. Delicious.” Leadbottom said in a dreamy tone. Dusty, on the other hand, couldn’t stand the smell.

“Augh. They say the sense of smell is the first thing to go.” Dusty said thoroughly disgusted. A whistle began to blow in the distance, which meant only one thing.

“Ooo, quittin’ time!” He said excitedly. Dusty then flew off, leaving Leadbottom to himself.

“Hmph, a crop duster wanting to be a racer. If ya ask me, more racers should want to be crop dusters.” He said, deciding to start singing a tune.

I got some minamulch, yeah! Minamulch…

A familiar portal began to form on a small hill not far from cornfields. One by one, Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Spike all popped out and landed on top of each other.

“Ow, that could’ve been a softer landing.” Spike groaned as stars circled around his head.

“Is everypony alright?” Twilight asked. Her friends gave her varying grades of confirmation.

“Oh, my mane is ruined! This is The WORST. POSSIBLE. THING!” Rarity cried.

“Cheer up, Rarity, it could be worse.” Pinkie Pie said.

“But, where are we?” Rainbow Dash asked. The six ponies and dragon looked around them. Nothing but corn fields and distant mountains as far as the eye could see.

“Look, there’s some buildings over there.” Twilight said

Sure enough, there was. However, they also noticed numerous creatures amongst the town. Some had large wings and propellers. Others moved around on wheels.

“What’n tarnation are those things?” Applejack asked uneasily.

“Oooo, let’s go say hi!” Pinkie said before hopping towards the town.

“Pinkie, wait!” Twilight shouted as she and her friends began running after her.

Before Pinkie could begin her extravagant greetings, Rainbow immediately grabbed the pink mare.

The Main 6 and Spike all hid behind one of the buildings.

“Are you crazy, Pinkie!? What if they’re dangerous?” Rarity whispered harshly.

“Don’t be silly Rarity.” *giggle “nobody is dangerous if you give them a big enough hug.” Pinkie’s optimism didn’t falter.

“We’re not here to give out hugs Pinkie, were here to solve a friendship problem.” Twilight stated.

“Or a problem in general.” Applejack said. “The Princess did say the map could sense more than problems concernin’ friendship.”

“Umm, maybe Pinkie has a point. Kinda.”Fluttershy spoke behind her mane

“Why do you think that?” Twilight asked.

“W-well, we won’t know if those things are friendly or not if we don’t talk to them.” Fluttershy said. The others took in what she said.

“I suppose that’s true.” Rainbow said.

Twilight looked over to two unsuspecting creatures conversing with each other. One was large and green, with a weird looking nozzle on its side. The other was much smaller, grey, and with some sort of carrying device attached to it.

“Let’s try talking to those two over there.” She said. “They look the friendliest to me.”

“Ya sure ‘bout this, Twi?” Applejack eyed the large, green machine.

“Not really, but, we won’t make any progress with just sitting here.” Twilight admitted.

not much else to go on, they slowly and cautiously made their way towards the two creatures. As the ponies and dragon got closer, they began to make out what the two were talking about.

“Nowadays, they got soybean fuel, switchgrass fuel, algae fuel. Come on!” The green one said.

“Healthy! No tank you.” The other replied sarcastically.

“Tell me about it. What’s next, pistachio propane?” The green one asked rhetorically.

“What in Equestria are they talking about?” The alicorn wondered.

“What are you nuts?” The grey asked jokingly.

“For my money, there’s nothing like good old-fashioned corn fuel.” The green one said.

“Yeah, ya betcha.” The grey one responded.

“I even made up a slogan.” The green one added.

“Oh, slogans are good.” The grey one encouraged.

*ahem “Corn. It gives ya gas.” He said.

The grey one pondered for a bit.

“Catchy. I like that.” He finally said.

“Me too, it’s funny.” Pinkie giggled.

“PINKIE!” Rainbow yelled, but it was too late.

The two creatures heard them both and immediately looked in their direction. The Mane 6 and Spike froze in place. There was a stagnant silence.

“Uhm, Thornhill. The animals got out again.” The green one shouted.

*Gasp “Animals?! Who are you calling animals!?” Rarity asked angrily.

“I never knew they could talk.” The grey one stated.

“Well….that’s because we’re not from here. We’re……new here.” Twilight said breaking a sweat. She couldn’t say they were from a different world, that would lead a into a possible panic.

“Oh, well, let me be the first to say welcome to Propwash Junction.” The green one said.

“Uhhh………Thank…you.” Rainbow said.

“Wait, Propwash Junction?” Twilight asked.

“Yep, quite the small place, I mean we’re not even on the map.” The green one said. “Anyways, there ya go, Sparky, you’re all set.”

“Catch you later Chug and nice meeting you girls.” Sparky called out before leaving.

“Um, see ya…later…ah guess.” Applejack said.

“Same thing.” Chug called. Suddenly a new voice came in from a radio from a garage nearby.

“This is Dusty Crophopper to Chug. Over.” The voice said.

Chug immediately reversed into the garage, causing the Main 7 to jump. Chug pressed the communication button.

“Uh, Chug isn’t here. Come on, use the new call sign.” The fuel truck said aggressively.

“Right, right, right. This is Strut jetstream calling Turbo Coach Truck-zilla.” Dusty said while Chug was mouthing the words to himself.

Twilight and the others looked on in confusion.

“Who is he talking to?” Spike asked.

“I think I heard the name Dusty.” Fluttershy answered.

“Ready for practice?” Dusty asked through the radio.

“You betcha Strut.” Chug yelled excitedly.

He put a cap and headphones on, burned rubber and practically flew out of the garage. The Mane 6 and Spike frantically moved out of the way to avoid the charging fuel truck.

“Where is he going?” Twilight asked.

“Let’s go find out.” Rainbow flew off after Chug. The others in hot pursuit.

Meanwhile, Dusty was making his way to the unofficial training grounds. It was only a small part of the numerous cornfields that surrounded the podunk town, but, it was enough for him.

“Ha-ha! Whoo!” Dusty laughed to himself as he passed over a very particular hangar.

“Young punk.” The resident growled.

Dusty swung into the open fields for better leeway. Chug was heard through his radio.

“All right buddy, I got you in sight.” Chug said.

“Um, Chug, was it? What exactly are you doing? And what’s that flying over there?” Rarity asked.

“Oh, I’m just training Dusty for the ‘Wing Around The Globe’ qualifier. Chug answered.

“Wings….Around…..The Globe?” Twilight asked in utter confusion.

“If a lady may ask, what may that be?” Rarity asked.

“It’s this huge race where the best racers from around the world compete in.” Chug said excitedly.

“A race you say?” Rainbow asked smugly.

“Wut exactly are ya thinkin RD?” Applejack asked.

“Oh, nothing.” Rainbow brushed off Applejack’s question.

Chug turned back to Dusty

“Now let’s start with some corn row sprints. Drop and give me twenty!” Chug commanded to Dusty.

Dusty weaved within the fields of corn, making tight turns. The resident from earlier peeked through his window watching Dusty critically.

“Well ah’ll be, he’s doin’ pretty good.” Applejack said.

“How would you know?” Rainbow asked brashly.

“Well, ah don’t. But, whatever it is, it’s impressive.” Applejack said simply.

“Come on, buddy, keep it going. Nice turn.” Chug encouraged.

“What else you got?” Dusty challenged.

“Okay. Now, let’s try some tree line moguls.” Chug read off a book he had in his nozzle arm. Dusty cheered out and began flying up and down the rows of trees.

“All the way up and down. Don’t be dogging it. That’s how you do it.” Chug continued to encourage.

“Ha, I could do that no sweat.” Rainbow boasted.

“This ain’t the time for braggin Rainbow.” Applejack said sternly. Rainbow just crossed her hooves with disdain.

Looking good. Okay, adjust your angle of bank with your ‘alien irons’.” Chug said.

“You mean ailerons.” Dusty asked.

“Oh, yeah.”

Suddenly there was a loud pop and smoke began funneling out of Dusty’s left exhaust pipe.

“Ugh, great.” Dusty grunted before flying back

“What happened? Why is he smoking?” Twilight asked.

“Oh, something must’ve happened. Come on he’s probably heading over to Dottie’s right now.” Chug replied.

“Uhh, who’s Dottie?” Spike asked.

(Later at Chug and Dottie’s fill n’ fly)

“Oil lines and oil cooler check out. AN-8 fittings look fine.” Dottie stated as she looked over Dusty’s engine.

“Nice.” Dusty said.

“Wait a minute. You’ve worn out your main oil-seal.” Dottie said.

“Really?” Dusty asked trying to sound surprised.

“That kind of damage comes from extremely high speeds…”Dottie explained slamming Dusty’s hood shut.

“Hey.” Dusty grunted.

“Pushing the engine to the red line for prolonged periods of time.” Dottie continued.

“That would be unwise.” Dusty said still trying to keep up the facade.

“But that’s not you. You’re a crop duster and all you do is just dust crops at very…low speeds.” Dottie finished.

“Yep, low and slow.” Dusty said as calmly as he could.

“Unless you’ve been RACING AGAIN!” Dottie shouted in accusation.

“No! W-w-what, me? No.” Dusty tried to defend.

Out of nowhere, Chug raced into the garage honking his horn with the Mane 6 and Spike following as quickly behind as they could.

“Oh man, Duster, you were in the zone, where a saturn rocket couldn’t catch you! Ballistic!” Chug complimented Dusty, who was trying in vain to get him to shut up.

“We’re talking light speed. Light speed, here! You’re going to tear it up at the qualifier this weekend.” Chug continued.

“I could’ve done much better than that, but even I admit that wasn’t half bad.” Rainbow added coolly. It was then Chug realized Dottie’s unamused look.

“Ohh, Shelby.” He wheezed. Dottie turned to Dusty who had a completely lost look on his face.

“Uhhh, I don’t know.” He said plainly.

“Okay, before we get into this. Chug, who are your new friends?” Dottie asked.

“Uhh, oh, these are…uh. Who are all again?” Chug asked. Twilight rolled her eyes amusingly.

“My name is Twilight Sparkle.” She said.

“Howdy ya’ll, the names Applejack.”

“I’m Rainbow Dash, fastest flier in Equestria!”

“And my name is Rarity.”

“Hiya! I’m Pinkie Pie and I like parties, cake, muffins, donuts, making friends, cake-“ before she could continue, Twilight shut her mouth with her magic.

“I-I’m, Fluttershy.”

“And I’m Spike.”

“Nice to meet you all. I’m Dusty Crophopper.” Dusty said.

“Dottie.” Dottie said bluntly.

“Now. Dusty, you’re not built to race. You’re built to dust crops. Do you know what will happen if you push it too far?” Dottie asked.

“What could happen?” Twilight asked back.

“Wing flutter, metal fatigue, turbine failure.” Dottie answered.

“Turbine failure?” Chug, Mane 6, and Spike all asked in unison. Then Dottie began to put on an act.

“Oh no, I’m going down!” She cried.

Everyone except Dusty and Dottie gasped.

“Why didn’t I listen to Dottie?” She continued.

“Yeah, why didn’t you listen to Dottie?” Chug asked.

“She’s the smartest mechanic in the world! Oh my gosh!” She lamented.

“What?” Chug asked.

“The orphanage.” Dottie cried.

“No! Not the orphanage.” Fluttershy cried on the verge of tears.

“Kids, out of the way! KABOOM!” She yelled throwing her wrench against the floor and ricocheting into a work light, shattering it.

“The kids!” Chug and Fluttershy cried out. Dottie flopped onto her side pretending to be dead. Chug and Fluttershy gasped once again.

“Wow, that was vivid and specific. And exactly why I need you to come with us to the qualifier.” Dusty said.

“You’re unbelievable.” Dottie deadpanned.

“Did you hear that? I’m unbelievable.” Dusty boasted, but Chug and Fluttershy were too busy crying too listen.

“The orphans.” Chug sniffled.

“They don’t deserve this.” Fluttershy whimpered.

Dottie sighed and drove off.

(Later that night)

Tune in, in two weeks for the start of the “Wings Around The Globe.” Brent Mustangburger announced on the TV.

“Thanks for letting us all stay in your home for the time being Dusty. We all really appreciate it.” Twilight thanked Dusty.

“No problem, Twilight.” Dusty said. “You know, I think we’ve got a really good shot at this, buddy.” He said to chug.

“Oh yeah, especially if I finish this book by then.” Chug said.

“Wait, let me see that.” Twilight said looking at the book. “Air Racing For Dummies? This seem like a very impractical book.”

“Well, it got us this far.” Chug responded.

Now it’s time for the 10 best air crashes of all time.

“Oh, I love this show.” Chug said excitingly.

At number ten, was a racer nose-diving straight onto the tarmac, unable to takeoff.

“Ooo, that looks painful.” Spike cringed.

“Not good.” Dusty said.

“How does that even happen?” Chug asked.

Fluttershy wasn’t enjoying watching the racers getting hurt so she scooted behind Twilight to avoid having to watch it. But every so often, she would peek over Twilight’s head to catch a glimpse of the TV.

Number nine was a plane nailing a pylon before pile-driving into the grass. This got a reaction out of everybody.

“Yikes.” Pinkie said.

“Sweet Celestia.” Rarity.

“That is not going to buff out.” Dusty said.

“You know, this might not cover everything you could run into out there.” The fuel truck stated, eyeing the book.

“What are you getting at?” Dusty asked.

“I don’t know. I’m just wondering if maybe we need…Uhh…some help.” Chug said.

“Help? From who?” Rainbow asked.

“Well, like……the Skipper.” Chug answered.

“That old Corsair down at the end of the runway?” Dusty asked incredulously.

“Sure he’s a war hero.” Chug stated.

“A war hero?” Spike asked with wonder.

“Oh, he’s an old crankshaft.” Dusty said flatly.

“Well, my buddy, Sparky, says the Skipper was a legendary flight instructor in the navy.” Chug said.

The Mane 6 and Spike listened on.

“Oooo.” Pinkie was mesmerized.

“That’s right. He knows stuff.” Chug added.

“He’s been grounded for decades. Why would I want to be coached by a plane who doesn’t even fly?” Dusty asked, still on the fence on the idea.

“At least he’s a plane.” Chug stated.

And the number one crash of all time.

Crunch

Everyone gasped at that one.

“Oh, man.” Chug said quietly. Fluttershy began to cry a little.

“Oh, don’t worry Fluttershy. I’m sure the guy is just fine.” Rainbow comforted her friend.

“I’m okay.” Was all the racer said before he erupted into flames

Oh! That’s got to hurt.

Everyone had their mouths open from the jarring crash, except Fluttershy, who promptly burst into tear and began to cry. Rainbow immediately hugged her pegasus friend to comfort her again.

“Still think you’re better off without the Skipper?” Twilight asked Dusty

The crop-duster gulped and silently relented.

(Later at the Skipper’s hangar.)

Dusty, Twilight, and the gang rolled up to the door of the hangar. The place itself was intimidating.

“So, what else can you tell us about the Skipper, Chug?” Twilight asked.

“They say he shot down 50 planes. I heard stories about his squadron. The Jolly Wrenches.” Chug explained

“Mh-hm.” Dusty was getting uncomfortable. Fluttershy and Spike were shaking with fear.

“They were the roughest, toughest, meanest flyers in the navy. Ruthless killers who showed no mercy.”

“Wait so-“ Dusty stammered.

“No mercy!” Chug said.

“Eep.” Fluttershy squeaked.

“They would shoot you as soon as they look at ya.” Chug stated.

“I hope you’re right about this.” Dusty said pushing the door bell. However he received no answer.

“Chug! Twilight?” Dusty turned to find them hiding behind a stack of oil drums.

“We’ll wait here.” Chug said quietly.

“He’s probably a nice guy, but we’ll just stay here just to be safe.” Rarity added.

Before Dusty could say anything, the doors to the hangar slowly slid open to reveal a dark blue F4U Corsair with a serious look on his face, and the grey forklift from earlier.

“He looks like a grump.” Spike silently commented.

“Spike.” Twilight hissed.

“What? You’re hiding behind the barrels, too.” Spike said smartly.

“That’s Sparky right?” Fluttershy whispered, pointing at the forklift.

“Yup.” Chug replied.

“Ain’t that the guy you were talkin to earlier?” Applejack asked.

“Yep.” Chug answered.

“Uhh. Hey, there, Skipper. Say, I’m trying out of the ‘Wings Around The Globe’ Rally. And…uh…I know you can’t fly anymore, but…uh…you know, they say, “those who can’t do, teach.” Dusty said.

Skipper hardened his look.

“So…Okay, what I mean to say is, you’re not a truck. So I was wondering if you would…train me? Dusty finished.

The silence that followed was so deafening, you could hear a pin drop. After which, the Skipper slammed the door shut in Dusty’s face.

“Go on, he’s warming up to you.” Chug encouraged who was now hiding inside a shed farther away from the hangar.

“Ya sure, Chug. Seems to me like he just wants to be left alone.” Applejack said.

“C’mon, just give it another shot.” Chug said.

Dusty hesitated before pushing the door bell again. Once again the door opened again.

“So, I heard you shot down 50 planes.” Dusty said.

“You looking to be number 51?” Skipper asked menacingly.

“Uh, no.” Dusty squeaked. The doors began to close again.

“No, no, no! Wait, wait. I-I just…I figured with my guts and your glory-“ Dusty tried to say.

“Your guts would be a grease spot on a runway somewhere.” Skipper said darkly.

Dusty was taken aback.

“Go home. You’re in over your head, kid.” Skipper finished.

“Look, you flew all those-“ Dusty started but was swiftly shut down when the hangar doors slammed shut for a final time.

The lights went out, leaving Dusty all alone. He sighed in defeat.

“Let’s try the back door.” Chug shouted from behind a trailer even farther away from the hangar.

“Hey girls, I need to tell you something.” Rainbow said.

“What is it Dashie?” Pinkie asked.

“I going to participate in the Wings Around The Globe Rally.” She announced.

“What!?” The others shouted in surprised.

“But, Rainbow, this race is for airplanes. Y’know, the machine Dusty is.” Twilight said.

“Yeah, and besides, they may not allow you to compete since your…Y’know…a pony.” Rarity added.

“Perhaps. But this is a race we’re talking about and you know me, I never back down from a race.” Rainbow replied.

“Oh, think of the news; a horse with wings is crowned champion of the Wings Around The Globe Rally.” Chug said ecstatically.

“Hey! I’m right here y’know.” Dusty called out.

“And I’m not a horse, I’m a pony! And FYI, calling a pony a horse, is very offensive.” Rainbow said angrily.

“Oh, sorry. But, like I said, let’s try getting to Skipper again. Chug said.

“Somethin tells me he doesn’t want to help us.” Applejack said.

“I agree. I think it’s best we leave him alone.” Rarity suggested.

Everybody agreed and headed back toward Duster’s hangar. Rainbow, however, was stopped by a hoof on her back. Fluttershy’s hoof.

“Is something wrong Fluttershy?” Rainbow asked.

“W-well, it’s just that, you wanting to compete came so much out of left field. And after watching those horrible accidents on the TV…I…I just don’t want to lose you!” Fluttershy said with tears welling up in her eyes.

“Hey, come on, Fluttershy, you know I’ll be alright. I’ve done riskier things before. And besides, somepony has to be with Dusty when he inevitably makes it in.” Rainbow said. Fluttershy still wasn’t sure.

“You won’t lose me Fluttershy. I promise.” Rainbow said before hugging her friend, who returned the hug.

Once it was broken, they both, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, followed behind their friends, side by side.

(To Be Continued)

Part 3: The Qualifier and Some Truth

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“Hello, Lincoln!” Honk Honk “Hey, Dusty!”

After their failed attempt of getting Skipper to train Dusty, it was all up to Chug, the Main 6, and Spike to help Dusty out. It was at this point that Twilight and her friends concluded that their mission, made by the Friendship Map, was to help Dusty in winning the Wings Around The Globe Rally. Since Rainbow Dash insisted that she participate in the race, much to Dusty’s dismay for unneeded competition, both were subjected to training for the remaining days before the qualifier. Today was the day Dusty and Rainbow would put there training and experience to the test. The qualifier was located in a secluded area called Lincoln, Nebraska, Chug hauled Dottie, the Main 6, and Spike via trailer to the qualifying spot. Dusty, well, flew there.

“I don’t know how you talked me into coming to this.” Dottie said annoyingly.

“Yeah, how did you talk her into doing this Chug? I thought she was dead-set against it.” Twilight asked the green fuel truck.

“Oh, I have my ways.” Chug winked at Twilight.

Many thoughts hovered in Twilight’s head at that statement, but she decided not to question it considering there were more important matters at-hoof.

“Now, come on, Dottie.” Dusty said coolly.

As they neared the starting area, Chug and Dusty couldn’t help but admire the other planes readying themselves for the qualifier.

“Wow! I don’t believe it. A Red Tail P-51!” Chug exclaimed.

“Oh, man! A Sea Fury!” Dusty added.

Even though the whole concept and visualization of airplanes were still a little foreign to our Equestrian citizens, they also couldn’t help but look at the other competitors in awe and amazement.

“They sure look tough.” Spike said.

“I will say darlings, they might be partaking in something disdainful, but they sure know how to “dress.” Rarity stated.

“You’re saying I’m disdainful?” Dusty inquired.

“Oh, no, no, no! Not at all Dusty. It’s just that racing isn’t really my cup of tea. That’s all.” Rarity defended.

“Check it out!” Chug said excitedly as another airplane swooped down just feet from the ground.

“Whoa.” The ponies and dragon said in unison.

Just then, there was an announcement.

“Ladies and gentleplanes. May we have you attention, please? Kindly direct your windscreens to the heavens above and give a warm welcome to our special guest. The Prince of Propellers. When he’s speeding, he’s leading.”

“Get my good side, fellas.”

“When he’s grinning, he’s winning. The one and only…”

“RIPSLINGER!” The P-51D Mustang shouted as he screeched to a halt on the runway. Green smoke and fireworks shot everywhere for a dramatic effect.

“You’re caught in the riptide! chuckle Thanks for coming out. Who wants a picture? All right, one at a time.” He said rolling off.

The others coughed from the green smoke.

“Well, with all the self-promotion at least he’s modest.” Dottie said still coughing.

“Ah’ll say, ah bet he’s more self-centered then a bull during matin’ season.” Applejack added.

“Dottie, Applejack, that’s Ripslinger.” Dusty said.

“He’s captain of Team RTX. They call him…”

“The Green Tornado!” Dusty and Chug said together.

“He definitely sounds like a big name.” Twilight stated.

“Oh, he’s so good, he’s prequalified. Oh, and those two, Ned and Zed.” Dusty said pointing to green and white EA-300s

“The Twin Turbos!” Chug and Dusty said together again.

“They’re world class racers.” Dusty finished.

“You know, I hear they used to be one plane and were separated at birth.” Dottie commented.

“Wait, How would that even work?” Twilight asked.

She, and her friends were understandably confused. Conjoined foals were a thing in their world, but just by looking at an airplane’s visual biology, it just didn’t make sense to any of them.

“Don’t ask me, I’m not physiologist.” Dottie said.

“Wow, I wish I was separated at both.” Chug whimpered.

The others just looked at him weirdly. Dottie just rolled her eyes.

Now it was time for main event to begin. The race pitty, cleared the microphone to speak.

“Okay, people. This is the last of four time trials being held worldwide. Today’s qualifying round is one lap around the pylons. The top five finishers will qualify for the Wings Around The Globe Rally! Oh, yeah!” He said.

The spectators cheered and whistled in excitement.

“Oh, I hope nothing bad happens.” Fluttershy said

“Don’t worry Fluttershy, I’m sure they know what they’re doing.” Spike comforted.

“Fonzareli, you’re up, my man.” The race pitty started.

The yellow EA-300 spat on the tarmac and readied himself at the starting line.

“Oh, man! That’s nasty.” The race pitty said, fervently disgusted.

“Auh, How uncouth!” Rarity hissed.

The Main 6 and Spike giggled out of amusement.

Fonzareli takes off and passes through two yellow pylons.

“And he’s through the start gate! The racers must pass through the blue pylon on the horizontal and around the red pylons on the knife-edge. Now he’s coming back to Gate Three! Nicely done, my man. Setting himself up a little high through the blue pylons there, lining up for the quadro. He’s taking a hard right with a 270-degree high G-turn! Yeah! Back all the way around. Wooo! Cleanly through. Look at you, man!

“That guys good.” Dusty commented.

The others looked on in amazement. Twilight couldn’t help but want to document what she was seeing, but without a notebook or pen, she couldn’t do that.

“Oh, I wish I had something to take notes on.” She groaned.

“Don’t’cha worry Twilight, I got you covered like icing on a cake.” Pinkie said.

She reached into her poofy mane and pulled out Twilight’s notebook and pen. Twilight gasped.

“Pinkie, What was this doing in your mane?” Twilight asked.

“Oh, that’s easy, I found it on the ground next to the bakery. I was going to return it to you, but I guess I forgot.” Pinkie giggled.

Twilight was about to take the notebook, but then a thought came over her.

“Wait, Princess Celestia told me not to take any notes during these missions. I can’t use this right now.” Twilight lowered her head in disappointment when Rainbow Dash chimed in.

“Well, she didn’t say that you CAN’T take notes, just that there are my important things than taking notes. Besides, I’m sure she won’t mind if you take just a few.” Rainbow said.

Twilight thought for a second, Rainbow was right, but she couldn’t help but feel like she would be disobeying Celestia if she did start taking notes. However, her need for knowledge got the better of her and she immediately started writing down notes and information from Fonzareli’s trial.

“Thanks, Pinkie.” Twilight said.

“No problem, Twilight.” Pinkie said pulling a chocolate cupcake from her mane, eating it as the first trial continued.

“It doesn’t get much better than that. All right. Good speed. Lining up for the three-pylon chicane, amazing pitch control. Smooth! Fast! Clean! He’s going into the final turn into the half-Cuban 8, pulling an aggressive 9.2 Gs. Attacking the climb! Now that’s some speed. Coming out of the Cuban 8 at the end of a fantastic first run, people. A 1:24.16. A very good time for the other racers to try and beat.” The race pitty announced.

And so, plane after plane took their trials with varying time results. Twilight was furiously scribbling notes, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Spike all watched the trials, and Rainbow Dash was busy doing stretches and warmups to loosen herself up for her trial.

“Uhh, shouldn’t you be studying the other planes and seeing how they actually complete the trial?” Spike asked the blue pegasus.

“And what, and turn myself into a certain egghead? No thanks.” Rainbow laughed

“No, I mean, they’re all doing this a very specific way. Don’t you think that you should see how they do it so you can understand what you need to do?” Spike asked.

“Spike is right Rainbow, these kinds of sport require certain actions and technique. If you don’t follow the rules, you could be disqualified.” Twilight stated looking up from her notebook.

“What?! But, how ca-…that’s not fair!” Rainbow shouted.

“Relax, Rainbow. Here, I’ll teach what you need to do.” Twilight said.

Rainbow Dash didn’t like the idea of having to study and memorize things, she never enjoyed it, but since this was a matter between participating and not participating, she supposed she had little to no choice. Rainbow grumbled and forced herself listen to Twilight. Meanwhile, the other trials continued.

“Fast, tight through the pylons. Oh, oh, he’s got a great pace going here. He’s just a half a second behind.”

BOOM

“Oh! Engine failure! Out of the race. Bye-bye.”

“Great performance. Watch the clock here. I can’t wait.

“Lining up for the Blue Gate. Oh, no, he did not! That’s a major penalty.”

“Sorry dude. Eighth place.”

“Talk about fast. Coming out the Cuban 8. Woo!”

It was now late afternoon, everyone had been watching trials all day.

“Ugh! When is it gonna be my turn?” Rainbow whined impatiently

“Rainbow, you’ve been askin that question for the past hour. Have some patience, girl.” Applejack said.

“Your next!” The organizer called to Rainbow.

“Finally!” She exclaimed.

“Don’t hurt yourself out there.” Twilight said.

“I’ll be fine girls, trust me.” Rainbow huffed. However, before she could get to the starting line…

“Hey, who left their pet here. We’re racing here.” The race pitty shouted.

“Hey, I’m racing too, you know.” Rainbow yelled angrily.

“Wait, you’re…Rainbow Dash?” The race pitty asked in surprise.

“That’s right, the one and only.” She boasted. The was a few seconds of stunned silence before a torrent of laughter crashed through.

“Man, for real, we’re letting talking horses compete now?” The race pitty laughed.

“I’m a pony! And for your information, I have wings too.” Rainbow yelled crossly.

“You really think you can fly at the same speed as a racing plane?” The race pitty asked stifling a laugh.

“Oh, I’ll prove it, I’ll prove it to you all.” Rainbow shouted. Ignoring the laughs and insults she opened her wings, bent her body down just a little bit and took off in the blink of an eye. She crossed the starting gate and her time was set

“Man, this really ought to be interesting, no joke, this should be one for the ages. Sharp turn, through the blue pylons. Man that was tight! She is one persistent contender. Okay, two seconds behind Fonzareli, now taking the chicane.

“Come on, Rainbow, go!” Twilight shouted.

“Now she’s on the half-Cuban 8 climbing quickly. Now she’s dropping at mad speed.

Rainbow tore through the finish line at breakneck speed.

“And that’s, that.” The race pitty said.

Rainbow came for a landing and almost as soon as her hooves touched the ground, her friends came rushing in for a group hug.

“That was absolutely marvelous Rainbow Dash.” Rarity stated.

“Heh, I know. And, uh, I guess I owe you some thanks for the notes, Twilight.” Rainbow said lightly blushing.

“Your welcome, Rainbow.” Twilight said, smiling.

“Rainbow Dash, your time, 1 minute 24.35 seconds. Sixth place.” The race pitty announced.

Suddenly, the mood changed from happy to devestated. Rainbow was just about a full second short of qualifying. She looked down and stomped her hoof against the ground.

“Oh, no, I’m so sorry Rainbow.” Fluttershy said.

“You were so close.” Spike said.

Rainbow lifted up her head, exhaled sharply, and then let out a long breath.

“I-It’s okay, Dusty deserves the spot more than me.” Rainbow said calmly.

“But, Rainbow, darling you said you wanted to be in the race.” Rarity said sadly.

“I know, Rarity, but this has been Dusty’s dream forever. He’s deserves the chance over me.” She said.

Even though she sounded alright, the others could tell it still hurt. They came in for another hug, Rainbow Dash gladly accepting it. Now it was Dusty’s turn.

“Fueled and ready, man.” Chug said to Dusty

“Okay, bud, you’re up.” One of the organizers said to Dusty.

“Good and tight. All set.” Dottie said.

It was a time for Dusty’s trial. Dusty couldn’t help but feel nervous.

“Go on, Dusty, you can do it.” Pinkie cheered.

“It’s been a wonderful day here, and we’re down to our last two competitors.” The race pitty announced.

Dusty gulped.

“This is it.” He said plainly.

“Now, from Propwash Junction, Strut Jetstream.” The race pitty said.

“Strut Jetstream?” Dottie asked incredulously.

“Isn’t that the nickname you gave to Dusty, Chug?” Fluttershy asked.

“Yep. Awesomest call sign ever. It was my idea.” Chug bubbled with excitement.

“Ah, that explains it.” Dottie groaned.

“Awesomest isn’t a word, Chug.” Twilight stated.

“It is now. Strut Jetstream, the awesomest name ever!” Chug shouted. Twilight sighed, putting a hoof over her face.

“Hey ag-plane! Landscaping was yesterday, man. Get off the runway. We’re racing, here.” The race pitty yelled at Dusty.

“Wait, hey.” Dusty called.

“Second call for Strut Jetstream.”

“No, no, no!”

“Looking for…”

“Yo! I’m Strut Jetstream.” Dusty called.

“…you’re Strut Jetstream?” The race pitty asked incredulously.

“Yep.” Dusty answered.

“A crop duster? Man, what’s going on here? Is everybody getting to fly today? Man your momma must have had high hopes for you. Now, you know you are built for seed, not speed.” The race pitty mocked.

Everybody else started getting in on the fun.

“You’ve got to be kidding me. That farmer’s going to race.” Ripslinger said.

“Seriously, with a prop that small?” Zed laughed.

“Maybe he races that leaky, old fuel truck and those weird-looking farm animals next to him.”Ned said. This got laugh out of everyone.

“Who are you calling leaky? I’ll leak on you, if you don’t check your intake.” Chug bellowed angrily.

“Farm animals!? Why, I never! I ought to rip you to pieces for that!” Rarity shouted furiously.

“Oh, they talk too.” Ned laughed.

“Did you not hear the blue one earlier? Wait, why would they talk anyway?” Zed asked.

“I don’t know, maybe to sing Old McDonald had a farm.” Ned exclaimed. There was an uproar of laughter, as the Main 6’s anger increased tenfold.

“Why you little-“ Rainbow was about to threaten them before Dottie stepped in.

“Don’t lower yourselves to their level. Go on, D-…go on, Strut.” Dottie said.

Dusty continued to move to the starting line as the other spectators continued to mock and laugh at him.

“Who’s that guy?”

“You’re going to try out?”

“A crop duster?”

“Cornfield is over that way.”

“Nice of you to take the day off just to lose!”

Laughter

His friends, on the other hand gave him encouragement.

“Go Duster.” Chug encouraged.

“You can do it Du- I mean Strut.” Twilight followed.

“Show’em what you can do sugarcube.” Applejack said.

“Go, Go, Strutty. If he can’t do it nopony can!” Pinkie exclaimed holding a hoof-crafted banner of Dusty on it.

“Go on, Strut.” Fluttershy said quietly.

“Teach those brutes a lesson.” Rarity said.

“You can win this.” Spike shouted.

“Come on Strut.” Rainbow said.

Encouraged by their words, Dusty left the tarmac and crossed the starting gate

“It’s going to be a tall order for him to knock Fonzareli out of fifth place. And he’s off! Well, he’s starting a little conservative.” The race pitty announced.

“This ought to be rich.” Ripslinger said smugly. The Main 6 glared at him.

“Just you wait, he’ll beat you out of the water!” Rainbow exclaimed. Ripslinger just laughed.

“Sure, when tractors fly.” He laughed.

“193 miles per hour. He’s into Gate Two. Clean through the horizontal. Man, what!? He’s practically mowing the lawn. Come to my house, man. Okay. At the first split, he’s a full second behind Fonzareli. Yo, that’s a lot of time to make up, but this guy’s aggressive. Now he’s making that hard 270-degree high G-turn!”

“That’s it!” Chug shouted happily.

“Ah, Yeah.” Rainbow exclaimed.

“Setting himself up. Left vertical turn. Lining up for the three-pylon chicane. He’s gaining speed. Now, he’s only half a second behind Fonzareli. And he is closing rapidly. Now he’s back on that stick. Up he goes! Up and away! Now only two-tenths of a second behind Fonzareli.”

“He’s so close!” Twilight shouted.

“Come on, Duster!” Chug encouraged loudly.

“It’s going to be close.” The race pitty said.

“He’s gonna do it. He’s gonna do it!” Chug shouted ecstatically. The Main 6 and Spike cheered and hollered.

Dusty crossed the finish line as fast as he could.

“Oh, yes! What a finish! Now, that’s what you call flying.” The race pitty said.

“Way to go, Dustmeister. That’s what I’m talking about!” Chug yelled viciously.

“That was awesome, almost as awesome as me.” Rainbow added.

“Jetstream, the official time is. 1 minute 24.26 seconds. Sixth place, but what a close one, people.” The race pitty started.

Once again the mood plummeted. First Rainbow, now Dusty were left empty-handed with no qualifying spot. The Main 6 and Spike looked sadly to Dusty who just gave a depressed sigh.

“Well, folks, that wraps up the trials for the Wings Around The Globe Rally.”

“Ah can’t believe this, all that practice for nothin.” Applejack shouted.

“M-Maybe there was a miscalculation?” Fluttershy asked.

“Something tells me that’s not the case. “ Twilight said sadly. “Dusty are you going to be okay?”

She put a hoof on Dusty’s left wing in attempt to comfort him

“I suppose.” He said quietly.

Just then, a yellow and blue airplane strolled up to them. It was Fonzareli.

“Hey, pal, sixth place ain’t nothing to be ashamed of. That was a heck of a run.” He said to Dusty.

“…thanks.” Dusty said, though it did little to make him feel better.

For the next few days, Dusty continued to dust crops, but he did so with a downcast look. No one could blame him, he was so close to his dream, yet so far. Skipper watched him through his window, he couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for the crop duster. He looked over to Sparky who gave him a sympathetic look. Just a few miles away down the road, a delivery truck was traveling towards Propwash Junction.

“Ow, dangnabbit! Let me drive!” A voice yelled from inside the truck.

Meanwhile, Chug was busy with a refuel for the town’s fire engine.

“There you go, topped off and all set, Mayday.” Chug said. Twilight and her friends came from around the fuel station.

“I don’t understand, if our mission isn’t to help Dusty win the race then what could it possibly be?” Twilight lamented.

“Cheer up, Twi, there’s got to be reason why we’re here.” Applejack comforted her alicorn friend.

“You not here just to visit?” Chug asked.

Twilight froze, she knew she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. She struggled to come up with some sort of lie, but Applejack came forward.

“Twilight, I think it’s time you told’em the truth.” She said calmly.

Twilight gave a defeated sigh.

“Listen, Chug, we’re not…from here.” Twilight said. She squeezed her eyes closed expecting the worst.

“Well, I know that, you said you from Evansville the first time we met.” Chug chuckled.

“Evansvi- no! We’re from Equestria.” Twilight said in a disgruntled tone. Chug took in her words.

“Ohhh……where’s that?” He asked.

“Its……………on a different…planet.” Twilight finally said.

“I don’t get it.” Chug said.

“We ain’t from this dimension is what she tryin to say. We’re inter-dimensional you could say.” Applejack said.

“So……aliens?” Chug asked.

“No, not…well technically, yes, but we’re not here to cause harm.” Twilight said quickly.

“You see, friendship is very important to us at home and we have this thing called the Friendship Map. It allows us to locate friendship problems that need to be solved. However, with this case, the map lets us travel to different worlds to solve bigger problems. We all thought that the problem to fix was to help Dusty win the Wings Around The Globe thing, but, he didn’t qualify and now we’re all trying to wonder what we’re doing here anymore.” Twilight said.

Chug listened to her words and thought it over, then came to a conclusion.

“So you’re like super heroes, for friendship?” He asked.

“Wha-“

“Oh, yeah, heroes of friendship, like in comic books.” Spike said pumping his fists, his friends turned their heads to him. Realizing this, he silently calmed down and twiddled his fingers.

“Cool, but if you want to solve a problem, perhaps the corn festival could do some pre-planning.” He said.

“The what festival?” Rainbow asked.

Before any more words could be exchanged a delivery truck screeched to halt right in front of them. The cargo lifted open and out from the back was the race pitty from the qualifier.

“Will you stop! Unbelievable! Why don’t you just go back! I mean, I think you actually missed a pothole! Cough cough Man, you have got to be the worst, I mean the worst delivery truck that has ever delivered a delivery!” He shouted angrily.

“Can we help you?” Chug asked patiently.

“Please tell me this is Propwash Junction.” The pitty begged.

“Sure is.” Chug confirmed.

“Oh, finally. You know, you’re not even on the map.” The race pitty said.

“Yeah, pretty drive though, ain’t it.” Chug replied.

“Oh, yeah, yeah. Especially if you like looking at dirt and corn.” The race pitty said sarcastically.

“How would you?” Twilight asked “There aren’t any windows in that thing”

“Whatever, anyway, I’m looking for Strut Jetstream and Rainbow Dash.” The race pitty said.

“Well, I’m Rainbow Dash.” She said pointing a hoof to her chest.

“Okay. Well then, where’s Strut Jetstream?” The race pitty asked.

“Who?” Chug asked.

“Jetstream. Strut Jetstream.” The pitty said

“Uhm, Chug?” Fluttershy tried to speak up.

“Ummm, nope, doesn’t ring a bell. Do you have a photo?” Chug asked.

“Oh, yeah, I got one right here- no, I don’t have a photo. I have documentation that says Strut Jetstream lives in Propwash Junction.” The race pitty said impatiently.

“Chug-“ twilight tried to speak.

“Oh, woah, woah, woah! Wait a minute! Okay! O-o-oh…No, gosh I…

“Isn’t Strut Jetstream the name you gave to Dusty-“ Fluttershy said.

“Oh, hey, I’m Strut jetstream.” Dusty rolled in.

“Oh, yeah. That’s right. I knew I’d remember. There he is, strutting on over here.” Chug said coolly trying to play off his short term memory.

Twilight and her friends just rolled their eyes.

“Yeah. But, you’re mispronouncing it slightly.” Dusty said.

“I am?” The race pitty asked.

“Yeah, it’s actually pronounced…Dusty…Crophopper” Dusty said. There was pregnant silence before the race pitty spoke.

“Dusty…Crophopper.” He said with an unamused look.

“Yeah, it’s…Scandinavian.” Dusty said uneasily.

“Right, and I’m Egyptian.” The race pitty said sarcastically. He, for some reason, took a whiff of Dusty.

“Googly moogly! What is that smell?” He asked disgustingly.

“It’s Vita-minamulch.” Dusty said dejectedly.

“Vita-Mina-what?” The race pitty asked.

“The finest-smelling compost this side of the Mississippi. Original, creamy, and chunky style.” Leadbottom hummed, he took a big whiff.

“Yeah smell that? It’s like daffodils and like Sunday dinner.I just love it. I love it. I got some minamulch, yeah! I got some minamulch, yeah!” He sang before rolling away. Everyone gave him looks vary from disdain to disgust.

“Uh, that old airplane needs seem help. Y’all know that, right?” The race pitty asked.

“Yeah.” Dusty and Chug said together.

“Is it really that bad?” Rainbow asked.

She took a whiff from Dusty, almost immediately she clamped her hooves over her mouth as her face turned green. She took off and rocketed for the closest bathroom she could find.

“I hope she comes back soon.” Spike said.

“Are any of you familiar with the racing fuel additive, nitromethane?” The race pitty asked.

“Oh, yeah! Zip juice! Go-go punch! That stuff will blur your vision and slur your speech…” Chug said excitedly.

“It’s illegal.” The race pitty added.

“I mean totally illegal. Wouldn’t know what it looks like. Yeah, you were saying.” Chug quickly said.

Applejack squinted her eyes at the fuel truck who did everything in his power to avoid eye contact.

“That substance was found in the tank of the fifth-place qualifier, Fonzareli and first-place qualifier, Yellowbird. Illegal fuel intake is an automatic DQ.” The race pitty said.

“W-w-wait, So you’re saying…” Dusty started saying.

“They’re both out, you and Rainbow Dash are in. Congratulation.” The race pitty said.

“You’re both in?” Chug asked.

Dusty nodded. The Main 6 and Spike couldn’t handle their excitement.

“Dashie, come quick!” Pinkie yelled.

Rainbow soared back to them.

“Sorry, girls, but that smell is terrible. No offense Dus-“ She was suddenly embraced by her friends.

“Uhh, what’s the occasion girls?” Rainbow asked.

“Your in Dash, your qualified.” Applejack said happily.

“Wait, what? But I thought-“

“Some of the qualified racers was disqualified. You and Dusty are now qualified.” Spike said enthusiastically.

As the realization sunk in, Rainbow began to smile wider and wider until she leaped into the air.

“Yes! We’re in!” Rainbow yelled happily

“They’re in! Whistle you’re never going to believe this. They’re in! Dusty and Rainbow are in the race! Dottie, they’re in!

“What? Are you serious?” Dottie asked in disbelieve.

Soon, the citizen of Propwash Junction came congratulating Dusty and Rainbow.

“Don’t do anything crazy. Fly save.” Dottie said.

“This is gonna be so cool.” Spike said exitedly.

“You’re going to cross oceans thousands of miles wide. Freezing your rudder and tail off one day…” chug said.

“Burning them off the next.” Sparky added.

“Wait, what?” Rainbow asked.

“Freak hurricanes.”

“Cyclones.”

“Typhoons.”

“Monsoons.”

“Tornadoes.”

“Sandstorms.”

“Gale force winds.”

“Yeah!” Sparky cheered.

“It’s going to be a wild ride.” Applejack said.

“Please be safe Dash.” Fluttershy said.

Whilst this was all going on Dusty was gradually starting to regret ever qualifying. Rainbow was beginning to feel the same, but she would never admit it. Later on Dusty was looking over a map. It marked the route all the racers were to take for the race.

“I’m sure we can do it.” Rainbow said though it wasn’t very convincing.

Dusty didn’t answer, but it was someone else.

“Bad idea.”

Both turned to see the Skipper had rolled into Dusty’s hangar.

“You’ll both end up a smoking hole on the side of a mountain with your parts spread over five countries.” He said.

“What makes you say that?” Rainbow challenged.

“You’re going up against the best racers in the world. And some don’t even finish.” Skipper stated.

“Yeah, well we-“

“You’re sloppy on your rolls, wide on your turns, slow on your straightaway.” Skipper pointed out.

“You’ve been watching us?” Dusty asked.

“Yeah, watching you make fools of yourselves. You need to be tighter getting in and out of you knife-edge.” Skipper said.

“Okay.” Dusty said.

“Wait, knife-edge?” Rainbow asked.

“Any extra control input costs you speed and seconds.” Skipper continued.

“So, you think we’re overcorrecting?” Dusty asked.

“Absolutely. Rookie mistake.” Skipper replied.

“Hey, I’m not overcorrecting anything. I fly just fine.” Rainbow stomped her hoof.

“Now hold on Rainbow.” Dusty calmed the irate pony down. “Are you giving us pointers?” He looked over to Skipper with a knowing smirk.

“Eh-no! I’m telling you to forget all this racing malarkey. You just ain’t built for it. You’re a crop duster and a pegasus!” Skipper said.

“You don’t think I know that? You don’t think I know that. I’m the one who’s been flying back and forth. Across the same fields day after day, month after month, for years! I’ve flown thousands of miles and I’ve never been anywhere. Not like you. You were built to fight, and look what you did? You’re a hero.” Dusty said to Skipper.

“I’m all about racing and speed. Don’t you dare say I’m not built for this, I’ve been doing this since I was a filly. Racing other pegasi and showing them what I’m capable of. My biggest dream is to join the wonderbolts and this is a huge step to that, to say that I competed in a race full of these “airplanes” built for speed it would almost guarantee me earning a spot in the wonderbolts.” Rainbow said.

“I’m just trying to prove that maybe, just maybe, I can do more than what I was built for.” Dusty said.

“And I’m trying to prove to the wonderbolts that I’m worthy of becoming one of them, they’ve always had doubts about me. If I do this and succeed, then I could have a better chance.” Rainbow said.

“You know what? Just forget it. You’ll never understand.” Dusty said grimly.

Rainbow put a hoof against his side. There was a few seconds of silence before the Skipper spoke again.

“0500, tomorrow. Don’t be late.” He stated strictly.

Sparky began to tow Skipper back to his hangar.

“Wait, 0500?” Dusty asked.

“Yeah, five A.M.” Sparky chuckled.

“Five in the morning!? That’s too early for me.” Rainbow complained.

“Just be glad he’s willing to train us at all, Rainbow.” Dusty said.

Rainbow Dash groaned.

”So much for sleeping in tomorrow.”

(To Be Continued)

Part 4: Practice Makes Perfect

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The morning was bright and fresh. The sun’s rays glazed over the countryside, reflecting off the dewdrops within the grass. Dusty and Rainbow Dash were flying across the fields side by side. It had taken a bit of effort from Twilight and the others to wake Rainbow up completely, and even then, she was in a grumpy mood from the early wake up, but nobody paid too much attention to that. What was important, was Skipper training Dusty and Rainbow for the race. In order to hear Skipper, Rainbow was given a set of headphones. She complained that they were too tight, but Twilight told her it was supposed to be like that. Skipper, Chug, Sparky, The Mane 5, and Spike all watched Dusty and Rainbow fly through the air.

“Sparky, binoculars.” Skipper commanded.

Sparky finished cleaning the lens before putting them on Skipper’s holder.

“Those are some mighty clean optics there. What do you use? Some kind of shammy?” Chug asked.

“No, it’s a type of microfiber cloth.” Sparky answered.

“Ah, microfiber.” Chug said whimsically.

“Yeah, lint-free, scratch-free. I’ll get you some.” Sparky said.

Unbeknownst to them, their conversation was being picked up by the radio, which meant that Dusty and Rainbow could hear everything they were saying.

“Could you please stop, you’re making me lose my focus.” Rainbow said sharply. However, this proved to not be effective.

“Really?” Chug asked to Sparky.

“I got an ex-Navy buddy who sells them to me wholesale.” Sparky said. “I helped him set up his web…”

“Knock it off.” Skipper snarled.

Chug and Sparky quickly stood at attention, dropping all conversation. Sparky caught his cloth in the air.

“We have a lot of work to do.” Skipper said.

“Indeed.” Rarity agreed.

“I’ll hook you up.” Sparky whispered.

“Thanks.” Chug whispered back.

“Shhhhh!” Twilight shushed them both.

“All right, Dusty and Rainbow, remember this. It ain’t how fast you fly, it’s how you fly fast.” Skipper said.

“Roger that.” Dusty replied.

“Yeah, what he said.” Rainbow added.

“Show me what you got.” Skipper said.

“Watch this! Yeah.” Dusty said defiantly.

He climbed up and down tree lines. Rainbow followed suite.

“Great, you can go up and down.” Skipper said sarcastically.

“What else? Show me your turns.” He said.

Dusty and Rainbow started doing turns around the field.

“Here we go.” Dusty said

“You think that was good? That stunk! Knife-edge those elm trees” Skipper said.

“What!? I’m giving you the best I got!” Rainbow said angrily

“Just do what he says, Rainbow.” Applejack said through the radio.

Rainbow grumbled started doing zig-zags around the trees.

“Come on. Keep your nose up.” Skipper called out.

“Is she really doing that bad?” Spike defended.

“They both are.” Skipper snarled.

Spike moved back a bit behind Twilight.

“Hey, Skip.” Sparky pointed to the sky.

“You want speed right?” Skipper asked.

“Yeah.” Dusty said.

“Heck, yeah!” Rainbow said excitedly.

“Serious, bolt-rattling speed?” He asked again.

“Oh, yeah!” They both said.

“Then look up. Do you see those clouds? The highway in the sky. Tailwinds like nothing you’ve ever flown.” Skipper said cryptically.

They both looked up. They eyed the rows of cirrus clouds. It was so high up there.

“We can do this. Come on, Dusty.” Rainbow called.

Dusty, meanwhile, had an uncomfortable look on his face. He didn’t like the idea one bit.

“What are you waiting for?” Skipper asked impatiently.

Rainbow was already making her way up to the clouds. Dusty hesitantly followed after her going higher and higher up.

“Come on, power up. Firewall thrust. Max torque, max torque!” Skipper said.

“What are you even saying?” Rainbow asked

“I’m talking to Dusty.” Skipper said in irritation. “All right, looking good.”

Dusty and Rainbow climbed higher and higher.

“Hold V-Y Dusty. Max rate, now.” Skipper said. “Your nose is too high. Get you nose down.”

At this point, Dusty looked down and gasped as the ground shrunk rapidly. The clouds began to look as if they were spiraling around him.

“You doing okay, Dusty?” Rainbow asked.

Dusty was too busy hyperventilating to hear the blue pegasus. He was panicking, he couldn’t handle being so high up. He couldn’t hear Skipper practically yelling at him to level out.

“You’re going to stall. Ease off the pitch. Nose down!” Skipper shouted.

Dusty couldn’t take it. He gave in, flipped over and descended back to the ground.

“Hey, wait. Where are you going?” Rainbow called, flying after her friend.

“Hey, what are you doing!?” Skipper asked angrily.

“Did something happen?” Fluttershy asked.

Skipper didn’t answer, he just glared up into the sky.

(Later)

Dusty landed on the runway. He was still breathing heavily, trying to calm his nerves.

“Dusty, is something wrong?” Rainbow asked with concern.

“I…uh…um.” Dusty tried to say something.

“What just happened up there?” A new voice came.

It was Skipper’s.

Dusty was frozen for a second before he came up with an answer.

“I’m…uh……I’m low on fuel.” He tried to sound convincing.

“Do I look like I was built yesterday?” Skipper asked menacingly.

“No, no. It’s a long story.” Dusty said.

“I got time.” Skipper said flatly.

Dusty remained silent.

“Dusty, we’re your friends. You can tell us anything.” Twilight assured.

“Yeah, we won’t judge you for something personal.” Rainbow added.

Dusty was still a bit anxious.

“Uh…uh……okay, you know, I feel like I was having some problems with my axial compressor so-“

“The Jolly Wrenches have a motto: Volo Pro Veritas. It means “I fly for truth.” Skipper interrupted, stopping Dusty right it his tracks

“Clearly you don’t.” He hissed.

“Sparky, push me back to the hangar.” He said angrily.

Sparky hooked up to him and starting towing him back to his hangar. Skipper glared at Dusty as he was being turned.

“Just spit it out, sugarcube.” Applejack encouraged.

“Uh…uh…I’m afraid of heights!” Dusty finally admitted.

There was sudden screech as Sparky and Skipper came to a halt. Sparky turned Skipper back around to face Dusty. The war veteran glared at the smaller plane, except this time it was out of disbelief. The others just look at him in shock.

“But, your a plane.” Chug said.

“Don’cha usually fly high, Dusty?” Applejack asked incredulously.

“I’m a crop duster, Applejack. I’ve never flown over a thousand feet.” Dusty replied.

“Never?” Rarity asked.

“Once, that’s when I discovered my fear.” Dusty confirmed.

“Are you kidding? Scared of heights and you want to race around the world?” Skipper asked incredulously.

“Uh, Skip, during the attack of Tujunga Harbor, why, even the P-38s had trouble at high altitude.” Sparky pointed out.

“Well, they didn’t have to fly over the Himalayans, did they?” Skipper asked.

“The Hima-what?” Twilight asked.

“It’s a mountain range, one of the largest in the world.” Chug whispered to her.

Twilight wrote that down in her notebook.

“Well, I-I’ll still be low to the ground, just high up.” Dusty defended.

“Huh, never thought of it like that.” Rainbow said to herself.

“Oh, and after the war, those 38s went on to win races.” Sparky said excitedly.

“Really? Is that true?” Chug asked.

“Yeah, true. Like in the Cleveland race of ‘46.” Sparky said.

“For real?” Chug asked in surprise.

“Uh, guys. I think we are getting a bit off topic.” Rarity said.

“Oh, wait, it gets better. In ‘49, the P-38 Sky Ranger averaged 337 miles per hour.” Sparky continued.

“Wow! That fast?” Twilight asked.

“Wait, 337?” Chug asked.

“Well, actually 337.4, but they round it down in the record books.” Sparkly specified.

“Why would you do that?” Chug asked.

“Some people just have no respect for decimal points.” Sparky said.

“Right!? Like it’s ridiculous. That’s crucial information.” Twilight agreed.

“Yeah, I know. Tell me about it.” Chug said.

“Uhh, Twilight?” Spike tried to get his friend’s attention, but it was no use.

“Why couldn’t they round it up?” Sparky asked.

“Why couldn’t they just keep the decimal in? I mean, come on.” Twilight whined.

“Seriously he-“

“All right, all right!” Skipper loudly interrupted.

The three stopped. Twilight lowered her a little out of embarrassment.

“Sorry.” She said quietly.

Skipper didn’t pay any mind.

“So you’re a flat-hatter. We’ll work on that. But for now let’s see if we can turn low and sloppy into low and fast.” He said calmly to Dusty and Rainbow.

“Roger that.” Dusty said confidently.

“I’m not sloppy.” Rainbow grumbled under her breath.

(Later)

“It’ll go like this. The flag marks the start line. Across the cornfield, three silos are waiting for you. Slalom them with a radial-G pass.” Skipper said.

“Wait, “A radial” what pass?” Dusty asked confused.

“Dusty, pay attention.” Twilight said.

“Once you get to the trees, go to your optimal rate of climb to about 500 feet. Roll inverted and extend, trading altitude for airspeed and dive toward the finish line.” Skipper finished.

“Okay.” Dusty said.

“Sounds easy enough.” Rainbow gloated, leaning on Dusty’s right wing.

“Don’t get cocky Rainbow. You need to take this seriously.” Applejack said firmly.

“You string all that together, you might have a chance to beat him.” Skipper said.

“Who are we racing?” Dusty asked.

“Here he comes. He’s a twin commuter pushing about 1500 horsepower.” Skipper said eyeing the plane through his binoculars.

“Uhh, he’s pretty high up.” Dusty said uneasily.

“I mean, how are we supposed to do the course if he’s all the way up there?” Rainbow added.

“You’re not racing him, you’re racing his shadow. Beat it to the water tower.” Skipper said.

Both crop duster and pegasus saw the large shadow casted over them and began the trial.

“Let’s do this! Thread the silos! Tighter! Lean into your turns more.” Skipper shouted.

Dusty and Rainbow weaved around the silos. However, there was too much space between them and the silos during their turns.

“Their turns are terrible.” Skipper commented.

“Yeah.” Sparky agreed.

“What? What’s wrong with them?” Fluttershy asked.

“They're too wide and lazy. They need to be more precise and exact. They’re sacrificing speed and time with those kind of turns.” Skipper answered.

“Well, that’s not good.” Spike said.

“Let’s go, you two. Faster!” Skipper encouraged.

Dusty and Rainbow did their best to catch up. They passed a field full of tractors who didn’t seem bothered at all.

“You’re falling behind. Begin your climb and catch him in the dive.” He added.

Once again, Dusty and Rainbow’s execution was slow, broad, and lazy.

“Start your dives now. Never mind, you already lost.” Skipper said.

Dusty groaned frustratingly. Rainbow was more angry than upset.

“Come on! What am I doing wrong!?” She shouted.

“It’s why we practice, darling. It’s how we get better at things.” Rarity said comforting her friend.

“So, we can increase power or we can decrease drag.” Dottie said.

She ripped the sprayer off of the Dusty drawing she made to emphasize her point. Dusty yelped and clutched his wheels against his sprayer.

“Definitely increase power.” He said.

“How are we going to do that?” Pinkie asked excitingly.

“I’m glad you asked.” Dottie said.

At her garage, Dottie got to work. She shone a laser over Dusty’s engine and starting screwing a screw in his engine tighter and tighter.

“What exactly are you doing to him?” Twilight asked Dottie.

“Changing his propeller pitch, which increases his torque, and more torque means more speed.” Dottie said.

“Fascinating.” Twilight said scribbling notes down.

“Oooo, it’s montage time!” Pinkie cheered.

“Wait, what?” Dusty said.

(Attempt 2)

Dusty and Rainbow zoomed past the finish line, but we’re unable to pass the shadow again. Chug was measuring their speed with a speed gun.

“215 miles per hour.” He said.

“That’s pretty fast.” Spike said.

“Lousy.” Skipper said simply.

Everyone just groaned.

“Way to bring down the mood.” Pinkie whined.

Attempt after attempt, however, the two flyers were getting better and better.

“Come on, let’s work that radial-G turn.”

“Do it again. One more time. Again!”

“Come on, push it, you two.”

“Better!”

“Remember now, altitude for airspeed.”

“Gravity is your ally.”

“The laws of physics govern speed.”

The final attempt had come. Dusty and Rainbow were ready to put there training to the test.

“All right, you two. Give this run all you’ve got. Skipper said.

“Let’s do this!” Rainbow said.

“Use your radial-G. Let gravity work for you.” Skipper said.

Their turns were now tight and precise.

“Looking good. That’s what I’m talking about. Firewall the throttle! Go! Go! Go!” Skipper encouraged.

Dusty and Rainbow zoomed past the field, startling the tractors so much they flipped onto their backs.

“You got it, Duster!” Chug encouraged.

“Come on, Rainbow. Give it everything you got!” Twilight cheered.

“Begin your climb! All right, altitude for airspeed. Catch him in the dive! Dive now!” Skipper shouted.

Dusty and Rainbow started descending, their speed increasing quickly. They rocketed past the shadow and tore through the finish line.

“Ballistic!” Chug shouted.

The Mane 6 and Spike cheered victoriously for their friends accomplishment. Dusty and Rainbow couldn’t be anymore happy.

“Yes! We did it!” Rainbow shouted with joy.

“They kicked Aston Martins out there!” Sparky said.

“Yeah, whatever that means!” Twilight said excitedly.

“Yay.” Fluttershy said softly.

“Dusterino!” Chug said.

“They’re ready.” Skipper said.

(Later)

Dottie spray-painted the symbol onto Dusty’s side. She removed the paper to reveal the insignia.

“Woah.” Dusty said in awe.

“That’s cool.” Chug said.

“The piston and cross-wrenches. Your squadron insignia.” Dusty said to Skipper.

“You earned it.” Skipper said.

“That’s so awesome. I wish I had that.” Rainbow whined

“Sorry, Rainbow, can’t exactly do that when your covered in fur.” Dottie said.

“It fits you. It fits you, Dusty.” Chug sniffled.

“Now, listen. When the race starts and all those planes take off, it’ll stir up a bunch of swirlies. Just like the Wrenches ran into in the Battle of Airway.” Skipper warned.

“Roger that.” Dusty and Rainbow said together.

“Sure wish you were coming with us, Skip.” Dusty said.

“Just radio back when you get to the check points. I’ll be your wing man from here.” Skipper said.

“Thanks, Skip.” Rainbow said sincerely.

“Volo Pro Veritas, Right?” Dusty asked.

“Volo Pro Veritas.” Skipper said softly.

“Kick some tail, buddy.” Chug said ecstatically.

“We’re all proud of you.” Dottie said.

“We sure are.” Applejack said.

She brought Rainbow in for a hug as their other friends joined in. Rainbow accepted it happily.

“Woo-hoo, Dustmeister.” Sparky called.

It was time for Dusty and Rainbow Dash to have their big moment.

(To be continued.)

Part 5: Stiff Competition

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(New York City, New York)

"Check it out!" Rainbow called out, her tone full of excitement.

It was late into the evening when the plane and Pegasus entered New York airspace. Dusty and Rainbow Dash were flying across the Hudson Bay as they neared their intended destination. Both were taking in the sights and sounds of the giant city; admiring the large skyscrapers, glowing amidst the dark, night sky and rows of parked boats along the harbor. Suddenly, there was voice coming from Dusty's radio. Rainbow could hear it from her headphones.

"Break, break. Air racer number 7, air racer number 7. Do you read? Kennedy approach, over." The voice said.

"Uhh, this is Dusty Crophopper and Rainbow Dash, we're looking for JFK airport." Dusty replied.

"Who is this?" Rainbow asked in total confusion.

"This is JFK Air Traffic Control. Crophopper 7 and Dash 20, you are supposed to be on the Carnice visual. Turn further left, heading 1-9-5. Maintain 1,000 feet. Intercept the 22 right localizer. You are both clear for the ILS 22, right approach." The controller directed.

"Roger." Dusty affirmed.

"What the heck did he even say?" Rainbow asked, not only confused, but also frustrated.

"Heavy is sectored in behind you." The controller added.

Rainbow gave Dusty a lost look, the kind of look that visually said "Are you serious?" Dusty, however, was just as confused.

"Uhhhh, run that by us one more time." Dusty said.

"Turn further left, heading 1-9-5. Maintain 1,000..."

"Never mind. I got it. C'mon Rainbow." He said as he descended down toward the runway.

"Hey! Wait for me." Rainbow said, quickly following after the crop duster.

Meanwhile, Air Traffic Control was trying to get visuals on the plane and pegasus.

"Do you see them?" The first controller asked.

"Well, radar does, but I don't see diddly." The second one replied.

Dusty and Rainbow came to soft landing on the runway.

"Check out this pavement! Nice! It's so smooth." Dusty said, doing a quick spin on the tarmac.

"Yeah. It is pretty nice." Rainbow said.

There were runways where she trained to be a wonderbolt, but those lanes were incredibly smooth, considering that they were designed for ponies and not large aircraft.

"Crophopper 7 and Dash 20, you passed foxtrot. Turn left onto Charlie. Hold short of 22." The controller quickly instructed.

Rainbow and Dusty were completely unaware of the giant passenger jet barring down on them for landing.

"Wait, I thought foxes-" Dusty began.

"For Celestia sake! What are you trying to say?" Rainbow yelled angrily.

"GET OFF THE RUNWAY!" The controller yelled desperately.

At the last possible second, Dusty and Rainbow turned to see the blinding lights of the jumbo jet about to land right on top of them.

"Woah!" Dusty cried.

Both plane and pegasus tore out of there just before the massive wheels of the jet slammed onto the tarmac.

"Sweet Celestia, that was way to close." Rainbow announced.

Their problems weren't over yet. Now they had found where the other racers were meeting at. That was easier said than done in a busy airport. Rainbow dodged a fuel truck while Dusty avoided a pushback tractor.

"Oh, sorry." Dusty said.

"Go back to Jersey, you bum." The tractor said angrily.

Hey, we're just trying to find the other racers." Rainbow snapped.

"Please, let's not start any fights, Rainbow." Dusty pleaded.

He narrowly ran into a baggage trolley.

"Hey-oh, do you mind? I'm working here." He said angrily.

"Sorry." Dusty said.

Rainbow found some flight attendants having a chat.

"A nice enough guy, but way too much baggage, if you know what I mean." One of them said, while the other giggled.

Rainbow chose not to mess with them, instead following Dusty to another pushback tractor towing a passenger jet.

"Hey, there. We're looking for pit row." Dusty said.

"The pits? Yeah, that's easy. You want to go down this way toward the fire station. Then taxiway alpha forks off to the left. But, don't go that way. You want to veer right. And if you get to the orange barrels, you went to far. so..." The tractor overly explained.

"Just go straight ahead and to the right." The jet interrupted.

"Thanks." Rainbow said before zipping away.

"Great, thanks. Hey, nice paint job." Dusty commented before leaving.

"Well, thank you! I'm kind of proud of it." The tractor said smugly.

"I think he was talking to me." The jet said.

"Oh." The tractor said realizing his air-headed mistake.

Rainbow and Dusty found the pits in no time.

"Finally." Rainbow sighed.

"Well, looky who's here. The Scandinavian and his furry friend." The race pitty said in a fake adventurous tone.

"Hey." Dusty greeted.

"Miss your hometown?" The pitty asked.

"I kinda miss my friends." Rainbow admitted.

"Uhhhhh..." Was all Dusty had to say.

"I don't. Just about blocked that memory out of my mind.” The pitty laughed. “But you're bringing it right back with that...sniff sniff. Oh, man, that nasty Vita-mina-stink-a-bunch.”

"Can definitely agree with you on that." Rainbow mumbled to herself.

"Your tent's the last one on the left. Go!" The pitty coughed.

"Okay." Dusty replied.

He headed for the tent with Rainbow following close behind.

"Power wash is on the right. Just saying." The pitty called out.

His call fell on deaf ears. Dusty and Rainbow both made their way through the competitor’s tents. Rainbow soon realize that a lot of the other machines were staring at her.

“What is that thing?” A forklift asked.

“It looks like a plush toy.” A biplane commented.

“Is it here for the race?” One of the racers questioned.

“Heh. I seriously doubt. Might be a sponsor mascot or something.” Another scoffed.

The bright blue Pegasus was starting to get fed up with all the talking behind her back. Dusty didn’t take notice because he was too busy admiring...

"Wow! Bulldog? From the European Cup? The Big Dog!" Dusty said excitedly.

"Uhh, is he famous?" Rainbow asked. Her anger soon dissipating. She walked over to the de Havilland DH.88 Comet airplane.

Very! Hey, I saw you do this unbelievable high-G vertical turn. How did you do that?" Dusty asked.

Well, let me tell you. In fact, why don't I tell you all my racing secrets." The British plane said.

"Really?" Rainbow asked surprised.

"No. Look, I don't know how things work in the backwater from which you two hail, Matey, but this is a competition. Every plane for himself! Goodbye." Bulldog said dismissively.

"Yeah, sure." Dusty said with a look of disdain.

Rainbow growled, her anger coming back in full force, but she was led away by Dusty. That was, until he almost bumped into another racing, causing him to backup into a pile of fuel can. Dusty chuckled, trying to play it off smoothly.

"Heh, heh, wait a second. This is AeroShell 100. I thought I ordered DT-2380." He said awkwardly.

"Dude." Rainbow said in a dead-serious tone.

The female AeroCanard FG kit aircraft giggled a bit at Dusty's antics

"Well, I am sorry you had to see that." Dusty said to the majestic plane.

"Are you all right?" She asked softly.

"Sure, why wouldn't I be? And you are Pan-Asian champion and Mumbai Cup record holder, Ishani." Dusty observed.

"Way to be subtle, buddy." Rainbow whispered to the flirting crop duster.

"Most people call me just 'Ishani.'" Ishani chuckled.

"I'm Dusty. I mean, my name is Dusty. I'm not actually dusty, I'm quite clean." Dusty replied.

"And, I'm Rainbow Dash, fastest flyer of all Equestria." Rainbow said boastfully.

"It's very nice to meet you "quite clean" Dusty and Rainbow Dash, "fastest flyer of all Equestria." Ishani said warmly.

She left with a warm smile and her face. Her crewmates giggling a bit at the exchange.

"Nice to meet you too." Dusty said.

He couldn't take his eyes off her.

"Look at that propeller." He said with an admirable look in his eyes.

"Hey, Dustmeister. Focus!" Rainbow called waving her hoof in front of Dusty's eyes.

Dusty shook out of his trance. They both turned to see Ripslinger on-stage getting a polishing massage.

"A little over there. Not so much pressure, okay?" Ripslinger said.

"Excuse us, guys. Pardon me." Dusty said trying to get closer.

"Dusty, don't talk to him, he's a jerk." Rainbow warned.

"C'mon, Rainbow, maybe he'll actually talk to us." Dusty pushed on.

"Hey, look who made it! It's the crop duster and his pet." Ripslinger said.

"Hey." Dusty said.

Hey! I am not a pet! I am his friend!" Rainbow shouted furiously.

"Oh, sorry for the mislabel. You know, having you here is a nice vehicle-interest story. Small town farmer and his "friend" make it to the big time." Ripslinger stated.

"Yes, sir" Dusty said excitedly.

Rainbow said nothing, only glaring at Ripslinger.

"But, tragically crashes on takeoff." Ripslinger finished.

"What?" Dusty asked.

"I knew it." Rainbow grumbled.

"Wings Around The Globe winner, Ripslinger, eulogizes the unknown hayseed and scatters their debris over a cornfield. Ratings will be through the roof." Ripslinger said.

"........Okay." Dusty said before leaving.

"Good luck. Farm boy and gal." Ripslinger murmured.

"What?" Dusty turned around.

"Why I oughta-" Dusty was about to go off on the green airplane when a new challenger approached.

"Hola, sénior y sénioritas The hero of the people has arrived." A Gee Bee Model R plane announced.

Silence washed over the pits as everyone just stared at the new arrival.

"You have never heard of the great El Chupacabra?" The plane asked.

Again, more silence, apart from the distant giggling from Rainbow Dash.

"Hey, isn't that that monster that siphons fuel from small vehicles?" One racer spoke up.

"No, no, no, it's just a stage name designed to strike fear into the hearts of my opponents." El Chupacabra said.

"Yeah, he's the indoor racing champion of all Mexico." Dusty confirmed.

"Indoor racing?" Bulldog and Rainbow asked simultaneously.

El Chupacabra let out a grito whilst spinning in place rapidly.

"And numero uno recording artist, telenovela star, and romance novelist." He said proudly.

"Did you say El Chupacabra or El Cuckoo-cabra." Bulldog joked to his colleagues who began laughing.

"You make joke? You make joke?!" El Chupacabra yelled getting face-to-face with Bulldog.

"Very well. You leave me no choice! I...swish my cape at you." El Chupacabra said.

Rainbow and Dusty just looked at each other with confused looks.

"You have been shamed." El Chupacabra sneered before leaving.

"I hope I can get over it. Oh, I just did." Bulldog said, his colleagues laughing again.

Hey, I saw you race on Telemoto last year. Of course, it was in Spanish, so I didn't understand everything." Dusty said to El Chupacabra.

"I am flattered, avión pequeño. You have done many of these long-distance rallies yes?" The Mexican plane asked.

"No, this is our first one." Dusty answered dodging a forklift with a stack of tires.

"Sure is.” Rainbow confirmed confidently.

"It is my first time, as well! We will have many adventures, all three of us. We will laugh, we will cry, we will dance!" El Chupacabra said enthusiastically.

"Um, wow." Dusty muttered.

"Probably not with each other." El Chupacabra said awkwardly.

"Of course." Dusty said.

Both turned to Rainbow Dash.

"Woah, hold on you two. Dancing is not my thing and, no offense, I'm certainly not interested with dancing with either of you. I mean, dancing? Me? No way" Rainbow said sheepishly, lightly blushing as she did so.

"Oh, well, I will see you two in the skies, amigos." El Chupacabra said.

he gritoed once again and spun away.

Dusty and Rainbow just chuckled.

"I like this guy." Rainbow said.

"Same here." Dusty agreed.

The both plane and pegasus made their way to their tent. While the two got situated, Rainbow began thinking to herself.

If only my friends were here in-pony. At least they would support me instead of ridiculing me.

Rainbow shook away those negative thoughts. She and Dusty had a big day tomorrow and she wanted to go in it with the best mindset.

(To be continued)

Part 6: Starting From the Bottom

View Online

The next day

"Race fans, it's that time of the year again. Welcome to the Wings Around The Globe." The sports anchor announced.

"Hello, I'm Brent Mustangburger, and this is the flagship event of the world's fastest sport where only the best of the best compete. Each leg brings a new challenge, testing agility, navigation, and endurance. But when it's all said and done, speed is the name of the game." Mustangburger explained.

"OHHH, I get it. Ha, ha, ha." Pinkie giggled.

What th- PINKIE what are you doing here?!

"To watch the show of course, gotta cheer Dashie and Dusty somehow." She said pulling a bag of popcorn out of nowhere.

You're not supposed to be here Pinkie, you're breaking the fourth wall. Get back to your friends and watch the race from there.

"Oh, fine, you party pooper." Pinkie then raspberried the narrator before vanishing.

...

Moving on!

"Our very own Colin Cowling is standing by live from JFK airport with the best seat in the house. How's the view, big guy?" Brent asked the blimp standing by near the airport.

"Brent, the scene below me is absolutely electric. As you know, we have racers from all over the world, here. But the real story should be who's coming in second to three-time defender champ, Ripslinger, who is seeking to become the four-time winner in the Wings Around The Globe." Cowling said.

Meanwhile, Dusty’s and Rainbow's friends gathered around the television to see the race. They could make two, all too familiar, racers from the crowd.

"It's Dusty and Rainbow" Dottie said.

"Yeah, Rainbow. WOOHOO!" Pinkie shouted excitedly.

"All right, everybody, get your Dusty and Rainbow bobbleheads. Your oven mitts, hats, bumper stickers, and I also ordered a thousand commemorative whistles." Chug said pulling a cart full of Dusty and Rainbow Dash merchandise.

"Where did you get all that? If I may ask, darling." Rarity asked.

"From our sponsor. We're gonna be selling these things like there's no tomorrow! Hey, you think you can help me set up a website." Chug asked Sparky.

"Does a giga bite?" Sparky joked.

"Well, not if you pet him nicely." Chug winked following the joke.

They both laughed. Pinkie laughed with them.

"Oh, brother." Twilight rolled her eyes.

Back at JFK airport, Dusty and Rainbow made their way to the runway to begin the race.

"One hundred and thirty-six nations compete. Twenty-one planes selected. Folks, a step onto this field, is a step into history."

The blinding brightness subsided, Dusty and Rainbow were met with two ginormous bleachers filled to the brim with spectators on either side of the runway, almost as if it was a stadium. Both were in awe at the sheer amount of publicity.

"Holy smokes." Dusty gawked.

"That's a lot of spectators." Rainbow said in shock.

"So this is what it must be like to be a Wonderbolt." She thought to herself.

"And for the first time ever, folks, we have a crop duster and a pegasus in the race." Cowling announced.

In a bar located in Britain, the costumers had their jaws hanging open at the information.

"A crop duster and a pegasus?!" One of the costumers asked baffled.

"Aren't pegasi a myth?" Another one asked.

"Well, their gonna die." Another said.

The spectators began chanting Ripslinger’s name as he was the predicted champion of the race.

"Yeah. You're caught in the riptide!" Ripslinger yelled proudly.

Dusty and Rainbow were towed up alongside El Chupacabra, who was also taking in the cheering.

"Muchas gracias. Mío machu, no?" He said.

"Wow, look at this crowd." Dusty said.

"Stay focused, amigo. Don't let anything distract you- Yai Yai!"

El Chupacabra's advice was interrupted when his eyes fell on a pink and white V-tail Model 35 Beechcraft Bonanza airplane. You could almost feel the romantic feelings radiating from the Mexican plane. Dusty and Rainbow took notice.

"You were saying something about focus, Chu-y?" Rainbow said sarcastically.

"Who is that vision?" El Chupacabra asked still entranced in love.

"That's Rochelle, the Canadian rally champ." Dusty replied.

"She's like an angel, sent from heaven. Like a sunrise after a lifetime of darkness." El Chupacabra said.

Rainbow rolled her eyes.

"Like fresh fertilizer on a field of dying grass." Dusty tried to mimic.

Rainbow and El Chupacabra gave him weird looks.

"This is not your thing, amigo." El Chupacabra said.

"All say." Rainbow agreed.

"All right, racers. Start your engines." The announcer shouted.

Each and every racer's engines roared to life, readying themselves for takeoff. Rainbow Dash got herself into launching position, unfurling her wings, and steadying her body. She could hear the roaring engines and spinning propellers around her.

"Seven legs, over 31,000 kilometers, the world's highest mountains and the deepest oceans all stand before them just waiting to be conquered by the right competitor."

"This is it everypony." Spike said excitedly.

"Here we go. Oh, boy." Chug said.

All the preparation. It all comes down to this moment. One of these planes is about to fly off into the pages of sports history and become a champion.

Rainbow Dash looked at Dusty, who looked back at her. They both took a deep breath and locked their eyes down the runway.

”GO!”

Just like that, the racers starting down the runway and began picking up speed.

"And we are under way!" Mustangburger announced.

The crowd went ballistic. The racers tore down the tarmac, picking up speed as they neared the end. Soon they reached enough speed to take off. Each began lifting off into the sky. And just in time, too as the runway was replaced by the deep blue of the ocean. Rainbow and Dusty were already falling behind thanks to the wild winds left behind from the other racers.

"Woah, swirlies." Dusty said.

"Right, the things Skipper warned us about." Rainbow remembered.

She tried to muscle her way through to catch up, but it was no use. The winds were to strong. With no other choice, Dusty descended toward the ocean to avoid being tossed around. Rainbow followed close behind.

"Our first stage is a whopper. A dead sprint across the North Atlantic.

"That's right, Brent. This is how it works, folks. The winner of the leg today is the first to take off tomorrow"

While most of the racers were flying high through the clouds. Dusty and Rainbow stuck to flying only a couple dozen feet above the salty waters. However, the further the flew, the more frigid it got. The temperature dropped lower and lower, making flying more strenuous. Icebergs started appearing and heavy fog rolled in which made visual navigation almost impossible.

"How much further?" Rainbow groaned.

Never in her life had she needed to fly such a long distance. She felt that her wings were about the pop out of their sockets.

"It shouldn't be much farther, right?" Dusty said unsure of himself.

It only got worse. Hail began bombarding them like artillery and the icebergs became much bigger and formidable, becoming obstacles for their path. It was miserable and both were wishing it would end soon.

Eventually

The racers were enjoying the warm hangar. Protected from the Icelandic blizzard going on outside. All were enjoying oil and refreshments when the doors flew open revealing a shivering and ice-covered crop duster and pegasus. They briskly made their way inside.

"N-N-Never...a-a-a-again." Rainbow stammered.

"Ha! Hey, look who's finally here! It's that low-flying farmer boy and his pet!" Zed said mockingly.

"You do know this is a race, right?" Ripslinger asked jokingly.

This was joined with laughter from Ned and Zed.

"That's a good one boss." Zed said.

Dusty laughed half-heartedly at the half-joke, half-insult. Rainbow didn't really care at the moment. All she was focused on was getting warmed up and getting food in her stomach. Both left Ripslinger to laugh. Meanwhile, El Chupacabra was making his move on Rochelle.

"Excuse me, how much does a snow plow weigh?" He asked her.

"Je ne sais pas. I do not know." Rochelle responded.

"Enough to break the ice. I am El Chupacabra." He introduced.

"Ah, you are the snow plow, oui?" Rochelle asked playfully.

"You could say that, yes." El Chupacabra answered playing along.

"And I am the ice?" Rochelle asked.

"Yes." He simply said.

"Cold, frozen, and lifeless?" She asked sounding offended.

"No! I...It sounded better in Spanish." El Chupacabra tried to defend.

"Why don't you plow yourself, El-chu-toy." she hissed.

She smacking his propeller with her wing and then left. El Chupacabra's propeller immediately stiffened up with his face conveying a shocked look.

"She is like an angel." He said to himself.

Rainbow and Dusty were surrounded by industrial heaters. Dusty was gulping down an oil can and Rainbow was making the best out of the refreshment table, finding anything that looked good to her. She settled with the cupcakes.

"This is Propwash Junction to Dusty Crophopper and Rainbow Dash." Chug's voice sounded over the radio.

"We read you Chug." Dusty acknowledged.

"So what's it like racing with the big dogs, Duster?" Chug asked.

"Yeah, is it fun? Did you get any autographs? Are they serving cupcakes?!" Pinkie asked excitedly.

"Well, my wings froze solid." Dusty started.

"Oh, man." Chug responded.

"I had icicles hanging from my face." Rainbow complained.

"Oh, my." Fluttershy whispered.

"And we nearly smashed into a 10-story iceberg." Dusty said.

There was an audible set of gasps from the radio, presumably from the rest of the Main 6 and Spike.

"Awesome!" Chug shouted.

"Yeah, "awesome" is not quite the word I would use to describe a gruesome near-death experience." Dusty said annoyedly.

"Eh, I beg to differ." Rainbow said to herself.

"You were complaining the whole time, Rainbow." Dusty shot back.

“It wasn’t the whole time.” The pegasus countered.

"You hang in there, buddy. There's nothing better than dying while doing what you love most." Chug encouraged.

"What?!" Twilight shouted in horror.

"That's gonna make them feel a lot better." Dottie said sarcastically.

"Dusty, Rainbow, just like when the Jolly Wrenches were up in the Aleutians, the air down close to the sea has more moisture, which is why you took on ice. You gotta try to fly higher." Skipper explained.

"Great." Dusty groaned.

"Hey, you gotta get over your fears eventually, Dusty." Rainbow said.

"The good new is tomorrow's leg goes through the Bavarian obstacle course. It's all about agility, so it's your guy's chance to move up." Skipper said.

A smile began to form on Dusty's face. Finally, something more up his alley.

"Ah, yeah! Finally, I can show them what I can really do!" Rainbow said enthusiastically.

"Umm, Skipper. What is the Bavarian obstacle course?" Twilight asked.

"It's a course of large pylons that are meant to maneuver through." Skipper replied.

"Like the ones Dusty and Rainbow had to fly through back at the qualifier, except it’s located in Germany." Chug added.

The ponies and dragon looked through the map to pinpoint the country.

"There." Rarity said pointing a hoof at the small country sandwiches between two others.

"Woah, nelly. That's ah'n the other side of the ocean." Applejack said.

"And remember you two, it's not speed that wins races, it's skill.” Skipper said.

Germany

Skipper was right, it was all agility and technique for this part of the race. Dusty and Rainbow were passing planes left and right as the raced through the obstacle course. However, things were about to take a turn for the worst. Up ahead, Bulldog was holding his position when, without warning, his left engine suffered a catastrophic failure. Sparks flew everywhere and oil gushed all over his eyes. Bulldog was losing control.

"Mayday! Mayday! Mayday! I'm blinded! I can't see!" He yelled.

Bulldog began to plummet down to the earth.

"We're receiving breaking news of an incident in the skies over Germany involving one of the racers. Let's check in with skycam 1 for more information." Mustangburger said.

"Bulldog, the legendary flyer from the U.K. is in tremendous danger. It looks like he's flying blind, losing speed, losing altitude..." Skycam 1 explained.

The gang watched the television with horror as the British plane continued nose-diving toward the ground. Fluttershy hid behind her mane, not wishing to see the aftermath.

"I can't look." Rarity said looking away.

"Wait! It's Racer Number 7, Cropphopper, pulling up beside him with Racer Number 20 following." Skycam 1 said.

"What are they doing?" Dottie asked.

"I think their trying to save him." Spike said.

Back with Dusty, he began giving Bulldog orders.

"Bulldog, apply you left aileron." Dusty commanded.

"Okay!" Bulldog did exactly that.

"Stop roll." Dusty said.

"Dusty, what do you think you're doing?!" Rainbow yelled.

"I'm helping him, Rainbow. Now, quick, pull up." Dusty order Bulldog

"Got it." Bulldog said.

"Harder, harder! Slight roll right." Dusty said.

The three racers flew under a bridge.

"Dusty, watch out!" Rainbow shouted.

"Woah! Big castle! Pull up! Hard roll right!" Dusty shouted to Bulldog

Dusty and Rainbow scrambled to avoid the huge spires.

"Stop roll." Dusty said.

He was met with a flag to the face. Thankfully, his propeller tore it to shreds.

"Dusty, are you okay?" Rainbow asked genuinely concerned for her friend.

"I'm okay, Rainbow, don't worry." Dusty said.

"Are you still there?" Bulldog asked.

"We're right here. We'll fly right alongside you." Dusty said.

"Yeah, you're in good hooves, buddy." Rainbow said.

"Hooves?" Bulldog asked himself.

Meanwhile, at the second stage finish line, the racers came in for landing as the announcer ordered them to clear the runway.

"Achtung! We have a mayday! Clear the runway! Achtung! Clear the runway!"

Medical personnel came rushing onto the scene for the emergency landing.

"Add power."

"Okay."

"Easy now."

"Yes."

"Dusty, we're nearing the runway." Rainbow called out.

"Good, flaps down, lock them." Dusty said to Bulldog.

The other racers looked on.

"Careful." El Chupacabra murmured.

"Landing gear down." Dusty commanded.

"Yeah, and locked." Bulldog confirmed.

They inched toward the tarmac.

"Begin your flare. Power back a little." Dusty said.

Finally, Bulldog's wheels made contact with the runway.

"Touchdown!” Dusty shout victoriously.

"Nicely done.” Rainbow said.

Bulldog come to stop. He was breathing heavily as paramedics surrounded him. One of the, began washing off the oil from his eyes.

"Thanks for your help, matey. I couldn't have done it without..." Bulldog was sayin.

As the oil was washed from his eyes, he could get a clear looked at his saviors. His eyes settled on Dusty and Rainbow.

"You? You saved me?! What did I tell you two? Every plane for himself, right?" Bulldog asked.

"Where I come from, if you see someone falling from the sky-" Dusty was explaining.

"Yes, but this is a competition. Now, you're dead last." Bulldog said.

"Well, I'm only second-to-last." Rainbow said.

"That's hardly an improvement. You sacrificed your position in the race to save me." Bulldog answered back.

But then he started to tear up.

"And I owe you me life." Bulldog chocked.

"Are you crying?" Dusty asked.

"I don't cry, I'm British! *sniffle* Thanks matey." Bulldog said.

"Sure thing, Bulldog." Dusty said.

"Good luck out there." Rainbow added.

News casters came up to Bulldog and started asking questions. Ripslinger came up behind Dusty and Rainbow.

"Well, I have to say, you two, you are nice people." Ripslinger said.

Rainbow squinted her eyes at the racer, as if to try to find the catch in his statement. Dusty wasn't as suspicious.

"Hey, thanks, Rip." He said.

"And we all know where nice people finish." Ripslinger added.

Ned and Zed laughed as the followed after their boss.

"I knew it." Rainbow growled.

She looked over to Dusty, who was looking down sadly.

"Hey, It's okay, buddy. It's not like you're stuck in last place forever." Rainbow tried to comfort her plane friend.

It didn't help much.

Later on, all the racers were at a pub talking, eating, or having fun. Dusty just sat in depression with Rainbow, who was equally put off.

"Dead...last." He sighed.

A bartender came up to them.

"You sad, you drink." She said slamming some drinking onto the table.

"Thanks, great advice." Rainbow said sarcastically.

"At least you are not last in the race for love." El Chupacabra sniffled.

"Rochelle?" Rainbow asked.

"Her passion is, sadly, not for me." The Mexican racer whimpered.

"Well, that sucks. Sorry to hear that.” Rainbow said slurping up her drink.

"Tough break, El Chu." Dusty said softly.

Suddenly, a beeping car hauling a trailer came up to them.

"Excuse me. My name is Franz, and I am a huge fan." The car said.

"We have fans?" Dusty asked.

"Well, why not? Who wouldn't want to be a fan of the Rainbow Dash...and Dusty Crophopper?” Dusty yelled enthusiastically.

"No, no, no. It's just me." Franz said.

"What?! are you kidding me." Rainbow asked angrily.

"Nope, and I would like to say danke for representing all us little planes." Franz replied.

awkward silence.

"Um, you're a car." Dusty pointed out.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. But, I am what you call a flugzeugauto, one of only six flying cars ever built!" Franz said.

To prove his point, the trailer he was carrying transformed into wings, a tail, and a propeller. All attaching to him.

"Woah." The two racers said in surprise.

"Guten tag, Herr Dusty and Rainbow. I am Von Fliegenhozen." The car said in a much deeper voice.

"Hold on, you just said your name was Franz." Rainbow said.

"Nì, nì, nì. Franz is a guy with no spine who is in charge when we putter about the cobblestones. In the air, I am in charge." Fliegenhozen said.

"Oh, so it's like an alter ego. I get it." Rainbow said.

"Hmm, you could say that." Von replied.

"This guy needs to get his head gasket checked. Serious identity issues." El Chupacabra said to Dusty.

"This from the one wearing a mask?" Von challenged.

El Chupacabra stared at Von intently.

"...Touché.” El Chupacabra said.

Von transformed back into his car form.

"We are both pulling for you, Herr Dusty and Rainbow."

"Thanks for the support. We need all the help we can get." Dusty said.

"I have a humble suggestion. Would you not be much faster without the pipes and tank and whatnot weighing you down?" Franz said.

"My sprayer. Again?" Dusty said sounding uneasy.

"Yeah. Why carry around the extra weight?" Franz asked.

"The little crazy car is right. Perhaps you need to start thinking like a racer." El Chupacabra said.

"They have a point, Dusty. I'm sure removing all that junk will help a lot." Rainbow added pointing at the sprayer.

Dusty was still unsure, but a part of him knew they were right. Finally, he relented.

The next morning

"This is reversible, right?" Dusty asked.

The maintenance personnel were hard at work removing Dusty's sprayer.

"Hey, you're being careful down there, right?" Dusty asked.

Rainbow, Franz, and El Chupacabra came up to the hangar to check up on Dusty.

"Oh, ahh, yep, that's cold." The crop-duster shuddered.

The hangar doors slid open with Dusty, no longer having his sprayer, rolling out.

"So *ahem. So, what do you think?" Dusty asked.

"Wunderbar, Dusty." Franz said.

"Absolutely awesome." Rainbow said.

"Fantastico. It is free, yes?" El Chupacabra.

"Yeah, you took the words right out of my mouth." Dusty said thrilligly.

Dusty tested the no-spraying flying, with impactful results.

"Oh, yeah! Bye-bye, sprayer! Thanks for everything Franz...Von Fliegenhozen." Dusty thanked.

"Guten luck, Herr Dusty and Rainbow."

"Now, let's show the other what WE can really do!" Rainbow encouraged.

"Oh, yeah! With you on that one." Dusty replied.

(To Be Continued)

Part 7: Mountain of Emotions

View Online

With Dusty's sprayer no longer being a detriment, he and Rainbow Dash could finally start making real progress. Much to the surprise of the spectators and other racers.

"It's our third leg and we've already lost several competitors to equipment failure."

"But the real story here, Brent, is Dusty Crophopper and Rainbow Dash."

"Absolutely."

"They're passing one flier after another."

"That's right. Dusty was built to dust crops and Rainbow....well....is a joy-flyer, but now they are dusting the competition."

Dusty and Rainbow's friends gathered around the television, ready to view the next leg of the race.

"What's next, Colin?"

"Brent this could be both Crophopper's and Dash's leg all the way. The racers will have to fly under a hard ceiling of 1,000 feet. Stay under the clouds and into the hills."

You would think the racers would understand the consequences for ignoring such a crucial rule, but some took there chances and learned the hard way.

"Number 21 is disqualified." The pitty said eyeing an unsuspecting racer attempting to fly over the clouds.

Slowly, but surely, Dusty and Rainbow began climbing up the placings. And, as a bonus, showed the spectators what they could do. They swung around a racer in the blink of an eye.

"What a move!"

"Incredible!"

"Look at that radial-G pass."

The gang celebrated.

"They're finally making progress." Spike said happily.

"Was there really any doubt?" Applejack said rhetorically.

"I would hope not." Chug exclaimed.

"Yay." Fluttershy squeaked.

"From last place, all the way up to eighth and nineth respectively."

interviews were held for some of the racers.

"Mr. Ripslinger, you were built for racing."

"Yeah! You know it!"

"So how can a crop duster and flying pony out-fly you?"

"Wait, what?"

"There they are!"

The reporters gathered around the pegasus and plane, asking them questions.

"Dusty, Rainbow, how do you keep up with the pros?"

"Did working on the farm make you stronger?"

"What was your profession before you started racing?"

"Ha! That's easy. It's all about being faster than them." Rainbow boasted.

Dusty glared at her.

"...Okay, maybe a bit of strategy, too. Rainbow huffed.

As the reporters kept bombarding them with questions, an incensed Ripslinger stared at the forming crowd.

"Why are they wasting their time with them? He's a tractor with wings and she's some worthless creature that shouldn't even exist." Ripslinger said angrily.

"Actually, it's a pretty compelling underdog story. It's like Rocky." Zed responded.

"It's more like David and Goliath." Ned chimed in.

"Or Old Yeller..." Zed added.

"That's not an underdog story." Ned stated.

"Well, there's a dog in it." Zed argued.

"Enough!" Ripslinger yelled angrily. He had grown tired of his henchmen's antics.

"Yeah, enough!" Ned bashed his brother in the head.

"You know, they shot Old Yeller at the end, you twits." Ripslinger said heartlessly.

"Ah, spoiler alert!" Ned whined.

"Soon, we'll be overrun by every banner-tower, skywriter, and air freighter who thinks they can be one of us." Ripslinger said angrily.

"That farm boy and feather brain forgot who they are and where they came from. They're not about to stop me from making history." Ripslinger said darkly.

"Dusty, Rainbow, where did you learn to race?"

"Well, I was born with it." Rainbow said smugly.

"But are real training came from our coach, Skipper. He's the reason we're even here. He's an amazing instructor." Dusty answered.

"And a great friend." Rainbow added.

"He flew dozens of missions all around the world. And I'm sure, if he could, he'd be with us right now." Dusty finished.

Sparky looked over at Skipper, giving him a joyful look

"Only respectable for ah student to give credit to the teacher." Applejack said.

"I bet you're really proud for them." Twilight said looking at skipper.'

"Heh, yeah." Skipper said with an awkward smile.

Twilight could tell something was bothering Skipper.

"Is everything alright?" Twilight asked the veteran plane.

"Huh? Oh, yeah, I'm okay. Don't worry." Skipper brushed off her concern.

Twilight continued to give Skipper a concern looked. Sparky saw this.

"He's just a bit awkward with taking credit is all." He said to the alicorn princess.

"Oh. Okay. I guess." Twilight spoke softly.

The alicorn wasn't entirely satisfied with that answered, but decided to continue watching her racing friends instead of pressing on information that wasn't really any of her business.

(Later that night)

The night was cool and crisp. Not a sound was heard from Propwash Junction, until now. Skipper sat at the beginning of the runway. He looked around as he lowered his wings, preparing for flight.

Sparky watched at a distance. His eyes wide with excitement and anticipation. Skipper's engine sputtered to life, propeller spinning faster and faster. Skipper had a determined look in his eyes as he glared into the starry night sky. He slowly began to move forward. Then, as if a switch had been turned off, he halted and shut down his engine. His faced went from determined to dejected.

Sparky shared a saddened expression as he looked at his conflicted friend. The veteran's wings slowly closed back up, signaling to the forklift that he just couldn't do it. Sparky rolled up and hooked Skipper back up.

"Your engine sounds kind of rough. Must be a mag misfire. It's probably not a good night for flying anyway." Sparky comforted Skipper as he towed him back to his hangar.

(The next morning)

It was a foggy morning, but that didn't stop Chug from selling as much Dusty and Rainbow merchandise as he could.

"Okay. Come back soon." He said as he finished putting a Dusty antenna bobble on a car.

Just then, two forklifts pulled up. One was wearing a Rainbow Dash themed hat.

"Hey, you got anything new?" One of them asked.

"I'm glad you asked. I'm now selling these one-of-a-kind Dusty and Rainbow commemorative mugs." Chug said.

To demonstrate, he poured hot oil into each mug. The Dusty mug's propeller spun and the Rainbow mug's wings moved up and down. The forklifts were awestruck and excited with the new merch.

"This is Dusty Crophopper calling..." Dusty spoke through the radio.

Chug pulled a 'will return' clock onto the stand.

"I'll be back in ten." Chug reassured before driving into the hangar.

"Dusty, eighth place and Rainbow, nineth place." Dottie exclaimed.

"Way to go, Dustmeister." Chug shouted excitedly.

"Absolutely marvelous, darlings. We all knew you could do it." Rarity said happily.

"Yeah, I'm gonna make a big "Dashie and Dusty in eighth and nineth place" party!" Pinkie said ecstatically.

"Uhh, Pinkie, don't you think a party is more appropriate if they end up getting first and second?" Twilight asked.

Pinkie gasped.

"You're right, Twilight! It'll have to be extra big for that!" Pinkie said excitedly, getting right into her friend's face.

"Hey! You finally removed your M5000." Dottie said to Dusty.

"His wut, now?" Applejack asked confused.

"His Micro-Air-5000-D-L Aerial Applicator." Dottie said.

Dead silence.

"Again, ah say what now?" Applejack asked.

"Use your words." Chug said.

"…His sprayer." Dottie said annoyed.

"Ohhhhhhh." The rest of Main 6 and Spike said in unison.

"Right. Sprayer." Chug said simply.

"Dusty, Rainbow, you got a big leg tomorrow." Skipper said.

"Yeah." Dusty responded.

"How you feeling?" Chug asked.

"Absolutely pumped up! No mountain can stop 'The Rainbow Dash!'" Rainbow said thrillingly.

"Uhhhh..." Was all Dusty could say.

"I can't believe it. The mighty Himalayas." Chug said barely containing his excitement.

"Dusty, that vertical wind shear is going to be wicked over those mountains." Dottie warned.

"Umm, that's a bad thing, right?" Fluttershy asked.

"Sure is." Dottie answered.

"Well, the good thing about being that high up, you see, there's not a lot of oxygen. So, if you crash, no explosion." Chug explained.

"Great, chug." Dusty said in an unenthusiastic tone.

"Getting in a crash still wouldn't be a good thing, Chug." Spike said.

"Oh, please. That'll never happen with us." Rainbow said.

"Besides, I doubt explosions are the least of Dusty's worries, Chug." Twilight said.

"You're right. They both could die of hypothermia or an avalanche could get them. Then, of course, there's pneumonia or even frostbite." Chug continued on.

Fluttershy turned pale at all the horrible things that could happen to her friends.

"Chug, I think we get it now!" Rainbow said annoyed.

"Skip, what if a guy wanted to fly through the mountains instead of over them?" Dusty inquired, looking at a map in the hangar they were staying in.

"Bad idea. The Wrenches flew through terrain like that in the Assault of Kunming. And Dottie is right. Wind coming over the peaks can stir up rotors that'll drag you right down. If you ask me, it's time you lug-nut up. You can fly a whole lot higher than you think." Skipper explained.

Dusty was still unsure. As much as he knew that high-flying was the safest and most practical way through the next leg, it still didn't quell his massive fear of heights.

"Skipper is right, Dusty. It's okay to have fears, but, you'll have to overcome them eventually. And remember, Rainbow is there for you, too." Twilight encouraged.

"Yeah, I got your back, Dusty. We both got this." Rainbow confirmed.

"Roger that." Dusty said.

With that, the call ended. But then, Rainbow and Dusty overheard another interaction.

"Hola, corazón." El Chupacabra called out to Rochelle. "Are you tired?"

"What?" Rochelle was confused.

"Because you have been flying through my mind, nonstop." The Mexican racer flirted.

"Is he still trying to flirt with Rochelle?" Rainbow asked flatly.

"Seems so." Dusty said.

"Hmph. And why would I be tired flying through such a teeny, tiny space." Rochelle huffed before rolling away.

Rainbow had a hard time holding her laughter from such a nasty roast.

"You can only pretend for so long." El Chupacabra cried out.

"Hey, El Chu, what's the problem?" Dusty asked.

El Chu sighed in defeat.

"I am Icarus and she is the sun. I fly too close and I melt." He said sadly.

"Dude, your analogies don't make any sense." Rainbow said.

“I would appreciate a bit more sympathy.” El Chu rolled his eyes.

“Maybe you should try just talking to her instead of being overly flirtatious.” The colorful pegasus suggested.

"Rainbow may have a point.” Dusty said. “Maybe you're trying too hard. Look, all you got to do is go over, open you mouth and say..."

"Hello." A different voice came.

They all turned to see it was Ishani with a warm smile on her face. Dusty gulped a bit which was quickly notice by El Chupacabra.

"El Chupacabra." He said in a fake voice. "I think someone is calling me. I have to go. Rainbow, come with me too."

"What? Why me?" Rainbow asked.

"Just come with me." El Chupacabra hissed.

"Oh, fine." Rainbow grumbled before trotting off after El Chupacabra.

This left Dusty all alone with Ishani.

"I wanted to compliment you on your success, Dusty. You're doing very well for your first race. Rainbow, too." She said.

If Dusty could blush, he would blushing madly right now.

"That means a lot, coming from you. I mean, come on, you were named most aerodynamic racer by Air Sports Illustrated. And let me just say, you are so aerodynamic." Dusty said.

Meanwhile, Rainbow and El Chupacabra were secretly watching Dusty's conversation with Ishani from behind the hangar.

"Dusty." El Chupacabra said knowingly.

"Great, another blooming relationship." Rainbow groaned.

"Oh, zip it." El Chupacabra hissed.

Ishani giggled. just then a tractor lumbered between her and Dusty. Disrupting their conversation.

"What's with all the tractors around here?" Dusty asked.

"They're sacred. Many believe that we will be recycled as tractors." Ishani explained.

"Oh, well, I believe in recycling." Dusty said.

There was a couple seconds of silence until Ishani got an idea.

"Have you ever been to the Taj Mahal?" Ishani asked.

"No. No, I haven't." Dusty responded, knowing where this was going.

"Come on, let's go." Ishani encouraged.

Ishani and Dusty left the premises leaving El Chupacabra and Rainbow Dash by themselves.

"It's like they were made for each other." El Chupacabra said sweetly.

"Yeah, sure." Rainbow grumbled. "Hey, fifty bit they share a first kiss." She challenged.

"What's a bit?" El Chupacabra asked confused.

“Never mind.” The pegasus sighed.

Back with Dusty and Ishani, They were flying over the Indian countryside. Dusty was admiring all the views.

"Must be nice to be back home." Dusty said.

"Well, it's complicated. I have a billion fans. And they're all expecting me to win." Ishani explained.

"Maybe this time, you will." Dusty responded.

Ishani giggled again.

They continued flying across the rivers and fields until, finally, They reach the Taj Mahal in all its ancient beauty.

"Wow! This place is amazing." Dusty exclaimed.

"It really is. And tomorrow, you'll fly over the magnificent Himalayas." Ishani said.

"Oh. Those little hills? Yeah, well...no big deal." Dusty said confidently.

"You like to fly low, don't you?" Ishani asked.

"Oh, that? That's strategic. Air density and combustion." Dusty half-explained.

Ishani smiled.

"You know, you could follow the Iron Compass, instead." Ishani said.

"Iron Compass?" He asked in confusion.

"Yeah, railroad tracks. Through a valley in the mountains, so you can still fly low." Ishani explained.

"Really?" Dusty was left mesmerized.

They began their journey back to the airport.

"Thanks, Ishani." Dusty said.

"Anytime." Ishani responded.

(The next day)

"Every racer's nightmare is scaling the Himalayas. It's a short leg ahead, but extremely treacherous." Brent explained.

whilst every racer began their climb over the monstrous mountains. Dusty and Rainbow kept low, following the railroad tracks that scaled the mountain.

"I'm surprised Ishani even told you about this. I would've kept this to herself. Maybe even use this route herself." Rainbow said.

"Come on, Rainbow. just because we're all competitors, doesn't mean we can't give advice to each other." Dusty explained. "Wouldn't you give advice to your teammates when you joined the Thunderbolts?"

"It's the Wonderbolts, but yeah, I get your point." Rainbow answered.

They continued following the tracks. The weather became more frigid. The snow became heavier and the winds became stronger. Suddenly, there was another problem. The tracks led into a tunnel. Dusty gasped knowing that he couldn't go into a tunnel. However, there was where else to go, but up.

"We got no choice, Dusty." Rainbow said.

Dusty knew this too. He put on a determined look and began a rapid climb up the cliff face. Rainbow followed after. Try as he might, however, Dusty looked down and the familiar, spiraling sensation came back. He choked on his breath and immediately starting descending back down to the ground.

"Dusty, wait! You can still do this!" Rainbow called after her friend.

Dusty wasn't listening. He leveled down, flying away from the tunnel. Rainbow caught up to her.

"Well, now what do we do?" Rainbow asked, annoyed. “We can't just give up, now."

Dusty weighed his option. Either try again and climb the cliff face or do what was even more dangerous. He came to a decision, a look of determination on his face once again.

"No." He said angrily.

He turned back around and raced back toward the tunnel.

"Dusty, what are you doing?" Rainbow asked bewildered.

Dusty didn't answer, instead he titled sideways and flew right into the tunnel, much to his friend's shock. It was dark inside the tunnel, so Dusty turned on his headlights to see better.

"Are you crazy?! You can barely fit. Rainbow said still in shock.

And she was right. Dusty's wing occasionally scraped against the tunnel walls, no matter how hard he tried to stay stable. Suddenly, they both heard a very distinct and, given the situation, terrifying sound. The sound of a steam whistle.

"Oh, no." Rainbow said fearfully.

"Woah!" Dusty shouted.

"Dusty! Move faster!" Rainbow said as the sound of a train came closer and closer.

On the other side of the tunnel, a fully-loaded passenger train chugged along the tracks. The train spotted Dusty and Rainbow desperately trying to escape the dark passage. He gasped and slammed on his brakes, but it did almost nothing. The two machines and pegasus were on a collision course.

The train shut his eyes and Dusty and Rainbow screamed in horror at their inevitable fate.

Then.

Nothing.

Dusty and Rainbow were still flying as they looked around seeing only white.

"What the hay happened? Last thing I remember is flying inside a tunnel and trying to beat a train." Rainbow said.

"I...don't....know." Dusty said.

Slowly, the sight of an mystic-looking airport came into view through the clouds. Dusty and Rainbow landed on the runway.

"Uhhh, hello?" Dusty called out.

"Anypony here?" Rainbow called out.

Suddenly, three three-wheelers showed up from an alter.

"Is this where we're supposed to be?" Dusty asked.

The first two three-wheelers resonated.

"That is one of life's great question." The third one said.

"*Gasp* We're dead!" Dusty exclaimed in shock.

"Dead?! No, we can't be dead! We still have a race to finish! I still have my full life ahead of me! I haven't joined the Wonderbolts! How are my friends gonna handle this?! Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie." Rainbow panicked.

Then, three more three-wheeler monks came up to them.

"Mr. Crophopper, Ms. Dash. Welcome to Nepal." One of the Nepalese monks said to them.

"I don't understand. Have the others left already?" Dusty asked.

"Actually, no one else is here yet. You're in first place and your friend is in second." The monk answered.

"Really?" Dusty asked in disbelief.

"Wait, so were not dead AND we're the first ones here?" Rainbow asked also in disbelief.

The monk nodded.

"WOO-HOO. Finally, we're in first. Well, technically, you're in first and I'm in second, but that doesn't matter. We're both at the top." Rainbow leaped for joy.

(Later)

"He flew through a WHAT?!" Ripslinger asked furiously.

"A tunnel?!" Bulldog was in disbelief.

"That is crazy." Rochelle said.

"Sí, crazy like a firefox." El Chupacabra added.

Nepalese reporters swarmed Dusty and Rainbow.

"Dusty, how does it feel to be in first place?" One reporter asked.

"It feels great. But, more than anything, I'm just happy I fit through that tunnel." Dusty said.

"Don't forget about the train." Rainbow added.

"Heh, guys, I gotta tell you, if you're ever in a tight squeeze just..." Dusty stopped mid-sentence.

He spotted Ishani, but something was different about her.

"Excuse me, guys." Dusty said pushing through the reporters.

"Wait up, Dusty." Rainbow said following him.

They both caught up to Ishani.

"Crazy day today, huh?" Dusty said.

Ishani gasped in surprise.

"Oh, yeah, a very exciting win for you today. Quite a risk you took." Ishani said uneasily.

"Tch, risk-taking, is my middle name." Rainbow said smugly.

"Yeah, yeah. Hey, your propeller, is it new?" Dusty asked.

"Oh, I didn't notice that." Rainbow said.

"Oh. I suppose it is." Ishani said still uneasy.

"Sky Slicer Mark Five, right?" Dusty asked.

Ishani was slowly getting more nervous

"Aren't those made exclusively for Ripslinger's race team?" Dusty continued to question.

"Ripslinger?!" Rainbow said in appalment.

"Are they?" Ishani asked.

"Yeah. Yeah, they are." Dusty answered.

"Dusty..." Ishani tried to say something.

The pieces fell into place and, suddenly, the horrible truth came crashing down

"Don't tell me." Rainbow growled.

"You set me up." Dusty said angrily.

"Look, I didn't ever want to hurt you." Ishani said.

"You were against us the whole time! You intentionally led us down the wrong path! And for what? So you can just outplace us again?!" Rainbow asked angrily.

"Why?" Dusty asked.

"It's complicated, okay?" Ishani said desperately.

"You could have gotten us killed out there today." Dusty said angrily.

"And you didn't seem to have a problem following through with that green jerk's offer. That's a whole new low." Rainbow added.

"I really thought that you'd just turn around." Ishani tried to explain.

"Well, you were wrong. And I was wrong about you." Dusty said coldly before turning away.

"I hope it was worth it." Rainbow growled before following after Dusty, leaving Ishani alone and full of regret.

Then they saw Ripslinger who was fuming at his failed plan.

"Oh, hey, Rip. Thanks for first place." Dusty mocked.

"And second. Bet you feel extra proud of yourself." Rainbow said sarcastically.

They past by they third placer. Ripslinger eyed them angrily, growling to himself with his left eye twitching.

(To Be Continued)

Part 8: Love Machine / Pacific Peril

View Online

After their near-death experience in the Himalayas, Dusty and Rainbow had finally claimed the two top spots in the race. From that point on, they held onto their lead as they raced for their next checkpoint; China.

"Flying low and quick, Dusty Crophopper and Rainbow Dash are managing to hold on to the top spots. But, current reigning champ, Ripslinger, is just seconds behind them."

"This surprise battle for first place has made Dusty Crophopper and Rainbow Dash the ones to watch. They have become working-class heroes around the globe."

That was no exaggeration from Brent. Spectators from all over the world were were completely focused on our favorite crop duster and pegasus as they lead the pack. Even the regulars in the bar from earlier.

"I told you they could it." One customer said triumphantly. No one paid any mind, though.

Videos began popping up on the internet of the racing duo dominating the competition. Almost every tablet in exists was playing such videos. Well, except one that was currently being crushed by an infuriated Ripslinger.

"That's it." Ripslinger growled.

"Ah, that was my Skypad, man." Zed whined.

"Ugh. A new one is coming out in two weeks." Ripslinger said.

Zed continued to whimper.

Shanghai, China

Dusty and Rainbow were, once again, talking with their friends on the radio.

"You're really showing them big-time racers a thing or two, huh?" Skipper asked.

"You bet! We're making them look like amateurs out there." Rainbow boasted.

"Yeah, we head out across the Pacific tomorrow, Skip. You were stationed there for a while, right?" Dusty asked.

"...Yeah." Skipper replied warily.

"Got any advice?" Dusty asked.

"We don't need advice, Dusty. We got this in the bag like we always do." Rainbow said confidently.

"Even so, it doesn't hurt to ask." Dusty replied.

Skipper chuckled at their antics.

"Back in '41, during the Battle over Wake Island the Wrenches ran into serious monsoons with embedded CBs that could tear your wings right off." Skipper said.

The Main 7 all gasped at the graphic information. Then, Rainbow did a double-take.

"Hold on, what's a monsoon?" She asked in confusion.

"It's a seasonal prevailing wind in the South and Southeast regions of Asia. They can be really dangerous if you're not careful." Skipper explained.

"That sounds...really bad." Fluttershy said worriedly.

Dusty gulped.

"Like I said, they can be, but they aren't impossible to get through." Skipper said.

"I'm sure we can get through a...monsoon. I mean, we literally flew through a tunnel in a mountain. A monsoon shouldn't be that much difficult." Rainbow said coolly.

"Famous last words." Spike whispered to himself.

"And one more thing...I'm proud of you, Dusty and Rainbow.” Skipper added.

"We're all proud of you both." Twilight added.

"Thanks, everypony...or everycreature." Rainbow said.

"Thanks, wingman." Dusty said.

"Hey, Dusty, Rainbow, we have a surprise for you." Dottie said.

"Oh, that's right." Rarity remembered their little announcement. "We were go-"

"Oh, oh, oh! You have to let me tell them." Chug said excitedly.

"Oh, well, by me guest, darling." Rarity said.

"Um. I know it. It's...it's on the tip of my tongue. I'll remember." Chug was struggling to remember.

"We're going..." Dottie started off.

"We're going..." Chug followed.

"-to..."

"Malay-"

"Mexico." Dottie finished.

"Mexico! That's it! We're gonna meet you two in Mexico." Chug exclaimed happily.

"That's right. We've all been wanting to see you two again. I now we're finally getting the chance." Twilight added happily.

"I've missed you so much, Rainbow." Fluttershy said.

"We've all missed ya, Dash. You too, Dusty." Applejack said.

"YEAH! Once we get there, I'm going to throw the biggest Dusty-and-Rainbow-Dash-are-in-first-place party ever!" Pinkie squealed.

"Really!?" The two racers exclaimed in surprise.

"Yup, tickets are on Sparky and me." Chug explained. "We sold 326 Dusty and Rainbow bobbleheads, 143 antenna balls, 203 spinner mugs..."

"And 1,000 whistles. Go, team Dusterino and Dasherino! Yeah!" Sparkly exclaimed.

"That's awesome, you guys." Rainbow said excitedly. "Wait, you made merchandise of us?"

"Sure did. Gotta get the sponsorship somehow." Sparky replied.

“We’re sponsored?” Rainbow muttered to herself.

"You sure you're up for it, Skipper?" Dusty asked.

"You bet. Somebody else is doing the flying." Skipper said enthusiastically.

"That's great guys. I'll see you in Mexico." Dusty said.

"Can't wait to see you all again. I've missed you all, too." Rainbow said.

"You're softness is showing, Rainbow." Spike teased.

"Oh, shut it, Spike." Rainbow said annoyed.

"I'll bring the salsa." Sparky said.

(Later that evening)

Dusty and Rainbow were strolling through the airport when they heard a commotion going on in one of the hangars. The doors swung open and out came a determined El Chupacabra.

"Woah there, buddy." Rainbow quickly hopped out of the racer’s way.

"Hey, El Chu, where's the fire?" Dusty asked.

"It is in my soul. Tonight, I shall win the heart of Miss Rochelle." El Chupacabra said romantically.

He zipped towards Rochelle's temporary living quarters. Once there, spotlights shined down on the Mexican racer. El Chupacabra turned on his radio, which began playing a rowdy, Mexican beat.

(All rights go to Disney)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0L_mHSG65w4

El Chupucabra sang away with his "romantic" song. Rochelle heard the loud music and was having none of it.

"No, no, no. A thousand no's." She said irritably.

All the other planes in the vicinity had their hangars closed to deafen the cacophony of Mexican lyrics. Including Rochelle.

"He doesn't know anything about romantic music." Rainbow said.

"Something tells me that neither would you. But, I have an idea." Dusty said.

El Chu continued to sing until the lights and radio cut off leaving him just singing to himself.

(Pause at 0:22)

"I'm just a love...machine? Que Paso?" The Mexican racer was left wondering where the romantic atmosphere had gone.

He looked along the cord of the radio to see Dusty had pulled the plug.

"Dusty, what are you doing?" El Chupacabra asked in disbelief.

Just then a group of Mexican instrument players arrived and started playing the exact same song El Chupacabra was singing earlier. However, this rhythm was slower, calmer, and romantic. They surrounded El Chupacabra. He looked over to Dusty for an explanation.

"Low and slow." Dusty said simply.

A forklift wrote on a board that said "How low can you go?" before changing it to "Mas Suave."

"Just roll with it, dude." Rainbow said.

El Chupacabra got the memo and started from the beginning.

(Continue onwards)

As the song continued, Rochelle opened the doors, taking in the new tune. A warm smile began to form on her face. Dusty and the forklift were lightly swaying from side to side to the beat. Rainbow rolled her eyes.

After the song had come to a close, El Chupacabra made a final statement.

"Buenos noches, gathita." He said.

"Monsieur, El chu...From a rogue to tres romantique." She giggled, then closed the doors a final time.

El Chupacabra was left a little confused.

"What does that mean?" He asked to Dusty.

"No idea. But, French Canadian is the language of love...in Quebec. So, it's got to be good." Dusty said.

"How do you even know that?" Rainbow ask incredulously.

"I think I heard it from someone else." Dusty replied bluntly.

"I'm in your debt, compadres. If ever you need me, I shall be there." El Chupacabra said.

"Compadres. I like that." Dusty said.

"Oddly, so do I." Rainbow said.

(The next day)

"You are looking live at Pudong Shanghai International Airport." Brent Mustangburger announced.

While announcements were going on, Ripslinger was angrily looking at the placement board, eyeing the two racers ahead of him.

"Yep, first and second place. Not too bad for a farm boy." Dusty taunted

"Or a farm animal." Rainbow added mockingly.

They both zipped away. Rainbow blew a raspberry at the seething airplane.

"Oh, yeah? Well, first place is for losers." Zed yelled in defiance.

"Can it, moron." Ripslinger said angrily.

He kicked an oil can right onto Zed's head.

"Ow!" Zed grunted, while Ned laughed in amusement.

"Now, listen up. It's time to make yourselves useful." Ripslinger said.

The twins looked at each other. They knew where this was going.

Meanwhile, at the starting line, Dusty and Rainbow were readying themselves for takeoff when El Chupacabra rolled along side them breathing heavily and with kiss marks all over his body.

"What happened to you?" Dusty asked with concern.

"Do we really want to know?" Rainbow asked obviously uncomfortable.

"That song. It flipped a switch." El Chupacabra croaked.

As if the prove his point, Rochelle caught him by the cape and dragged him towards her.

"My little monster. Come here." She said.

The poor Mexican racer was like a prey animal to the Rochelle as she covered him with more kisses.

"Yeah, to much information." Rainbow groaned.

She looked over at the spectators on the other side of the fence. It was clear that they were having a ball with this. El Chupacabra crawled back over to Dusty and Rainbow.

"She is like a jaguar now." He wheezed.

"Ah, ah, ah, my little burrito." She said dragging him back again.

"Be gentle with me!" El Chupacabra squeaked.

"Start your engines!" The announcer called.

Dusty and Rainbow got into position.

Once the green flag lowered, the racers were on their way to Mexico. It wasn't long for them to reach the blue vastness of the Pacific ocean.

"This is our sixth and longest leg. There racers will need to follow their GPS antennas because there's a big ocean between here and Mexico."

Dusty and Rainbow were holding there own out there. It was nothing but blue as far as the eye can see. They didn't see, however, were Ned and Zed back behind them. The twins looked at each other with devious smirks on their faces. Zed descended down towards the two. He lined up for what he was about to do.

Rainbow had an uneasy feeling growing in her core. It felt like something bad was about to happen. She turned her head to see that one of Ripslinger's hench-planes was bearing down on Dusty.

"Dusty, look out!" Rainbow warned, but it was too late.

Zed struck Dusty in the back. The force of the impact snapped Dusty's antenna clean off. There was no time Rainbow or Dusty as the antenna plunged into the waters below.

"My antenna!" Dusty cried.

they needed that antenna, otherwise, they were pretty much lost in the middle of the largest ocean in the world. Zed made his getaway.

"You flying snot! You'll pay for that!" Rainbow said in fury

Every fiber in her being told her to chase after Zed to enact revenge. But, she knew that she couldn't leave Dusty behind. Speaking of who, Dusty was too busy panicking to even notice Zed flying away.

"Oh, no! No! No! What am I going to do?" He said to himself.

"It's alright, Dusty. All we need to do is try and look for some land." Rainbow reassured.

"How are we supposed to do that if we have no idea where we are. We can't fly forever and we now don't have the one thing that allows us to communicate to other people." Dusty said exasperated.

"Let's try making contact anyway." Rainbow said.

For the next several hours, Dusty and Rainbow made call after call trying to re-establish contact with anyone.

"Last known coordinates, 26 degrees, 31 minutes, Hawaii, are you there?" Dusty asked.

Static

"Do you read? I'm low on fuel." He tried again.

Static.

"Can anypony hear us?" Rainbow tried.

Static.

"Gawh, this isn't working." Rainbow yelled in frustration.

To make matters worse, Dusty was running out of fuel, fast. Rainbow, herself, was getting more and more tired from the constant flying.

"Oh, no! Oh, boy." Dusty gulped.

The warning light on his fuel gauge was blaring like crazy.

"We'll think we something, Dusty. Don't worry." Rainbow said trying to comfort her friend.

It was hard not to be worried at the moment. Dusty and Rainbow were pretty much just minutes away from becoming lifeboats for themselves in the salty waters below. Then, without warning, a large F-18F Super Hornet fighter jet descended right behind Dusty and Rainbow, startling them both.

"Unknown rider, unknown rider. You have entered restricted airspace. Why haven't you responded to radio contact?" The fighter jet asked authoritatively.

"What in Equestria?!" Rainbow yelled, her tone implying that she was scared.

"Somebody cut off my antenna." Dusty said panicked.

"Identify yourselves." The jet demanded.

"I'm Dusty Crophopper." Dusty answered.

"I'm Rainbow Dash." Rainbow followed.

"Roger that. Bogies have been identified as Crophopper seven and Dash twenty." The jet responded.

"I'm running on vapors. We need to land." Dusty said desperately.

"What are you doing out here with an empty tank?" A second fighter jet asked, pulling alongside them.

Both Dusty and Rainbow were startled yet again.

"We got lost. That Zed jerk broke Dusty's antenna." Rainbow explained.

"And I thought I'd refuel in Hawaii but..." Dusty added.

"What? Hawaii is 375 miles southwest of here." The first jet pointed out.

"What!? Seriously?" Rainbow shouted in disbelief.

"Listen, Crophopper, Dash. You better follow us to the boat. No bingo fields around here." The second jet said.

"We don't have time for bingo. That's for older creatures anyway." Rainbow said frustrated.

"No, bingo fields. Places to land." The second jet clarified.

"The boat?" Dusty asked.

"The USS Dwight D. Flysenhower." The first jet said.

"Bravo, checking in as frag plus two. Check two." Bravo communicated with a controller as they neared the carrier.

"Go ahead, Bravo." The controller responded

"Bogies are civilians. One in need of emergency fuel." Bravo explained.

"Copy that." The controller affirmed.

"For flying out loud! That's all I need, a civilian exploding on my deck." The captain vented.

"We could rig the barricade, sir." The controller offered.

The captain seemed to be in agreement.

"All engines, ahead flank." The captain commanded.

"Aye, Captain. All engines ahead flank. Rig the barricade." The controller communicated to the sergeant.

"Copy that. Rig the barricade! Chop-chop. Hubba-hubba." The sergeant barked.

"Let's line you up for the barricade. All you have to do is throttle on back and call the ball and hopefully end up in the spaghetti?" Bravo explained.

"Why must you guys use nonsensical terms." Exclaimed Rainbow in frustration.

Then she remembered she didn't really need a runway or anything. She could literally just plant her hooves onto the ground. Dusty, on the other had...

"What? Wait, no wait! Wait a second! Guys I'm not sure I can do this." Dusty said uneasily.

"I don't see how you have a choice." Echo pointed out.

"Okay, but that runway is moving." Dusty said.

"We'll set you up on the glide path." Bravo reassured.

"Runways are not supposed to move!" Dusty shouted in fear.

"Stop being such a baby, Dusty. I know you can do it." Rainbow said.

They circled the carrier until Dusty was in position for landing.

"Okay. I'm okay. I'm going to be fine." Dusty tried to calm himself.

"Calm down, man" Rainbow said.

"Take it easy." Echo said.

"Moving runway, moving runway. There it is. Here we go." Dusty was practically hyperventilating at this point.

They got closer and closer.

"Throttle on back." Bravo said.

"Maybe if I just came around again." Dusty wailed.

"It's now or never, Dusty." Rainbow shouted.

"Level your wings." Bravo said.

"Easy with it." Echo assured.

Just as everyone thought that Dusty was about to slam into the carrier's back. He pulled up at the last second. His tires slammed onto the tarmac, his back landing gear caught onto the tailhook. Dusty closed his eyes, preparing for the impact into the net. But, then he came to a sudden halt just inches from the barricade.

Dusty opened his eyes to see he was perfectly fine. There was a still silence before the deck erupted into celebration. Dusty was still breathing heavily as Rainbow landed right next to him. Just in time for it to start raining.

"See I told ya you could do it." Rainbow said resting her front left hoof on Dusty's wing.

"We got you Crophopper. You too, Dash." The sergeant said.

After everything was situated, Dusty, Rainbow, Bravo, and Echo were lowered into the carrier's hull.

"Come on, let's get you guys fixed up, refueled, and back in the race. You two are way behind." Echo said.

"Aw, man. So much for are first and second place leads." Rainbow pouted.

"Just be happy we're still alive, Rainbow." Dusty said. "Thanks guys. You saved our tails out there."

"I admit it, we owe you guys." Rainbow.

"You don't owe us anything. Just doing our jobs is all." Echo said.

"Victory!" Bravo said.

"Victory!" Dusty said.

"Victory!" Rainbow said.

As the elevator came to a stop, Dusty and Rainbow noticed a large board with pictures of other fighter planes on them.

"Hey, what's that?" Dusty asked in curiosity.

"That's the Jolly Wrenches Wall of Fame." Bravo said.

"Every flyer, every mission." Echo added.

"Ohhh, like how the Wonderbolts have pictures of their top flyers?" Rainbow asked in excitement.

"Wonderbolts?” Bravo asked confused.

"Ugh, never mind. I'll explain later." Rainbow groaned.

Dusty was busy looking for one particular plane.

"Oh. Ha, ha, there he is." Dusty said as his eyes set upon Skipper's picture.

Both he and Rainbow looked under the picture to find that there was only one mission he did; Glendal Canal.

"Only one mission?" Rainbow said confused.

"Wait. I don't understand. Why is there only one mission?" Dusty was equally confused.

(Propwash Junction)

"Chug, what's all that?" Dottie asked, eye the two whole trollies of luggage Chug was carrying.

"Well, I've never been out of the country. You know, I brought the Commodiom. Whatever you do, don't drink the pertol." Chug said.

"We'll only be gone fer two days, sugarcube." Applejack said.

"Gotta be prepared, right? Got beachwear, dinner wear, underwear..." He droned on.

"Seems like overkill to me." Spike said.

Twilight nodded in agreement.

Just then, there was call from the radio. Skipper and Sparky were the only ones in the hangar.

"Skipper? Come in, Skipper." Dusty called.

"Dusty! We're heading off to Mexico right now. Glad you and Rainbow got their safely. Weather report says a major storm is brewing out there." Skipper answered.

On the other side, Dusty and Rainbow were preparing themselves to head out from the carrier.

"Yeah, about that second part." Rainbow said.

"We're not in Mexico. We're with the Jolly Wrenches." Dusty said.

A sense of dread overcame Skipper at that moment. Sparky was equally worried.

"You're on the Flysenhower?" Skipper asked almost not wanting to believe it.

"To make a long story short, one of Ripslinger's goons broke Dusty's antenna. We got lost and Dusty was running out of fuel. It was just are luck Bravo and Echo found us and led us to the boat." Rainbow explained.

"Hey, I saw the Wall of Fame. They only list one mission for you." Dusty said.

"Yeah, what's up with that? You said you went on tons of missions." Rainbow said.

Skipper was getting more anxious. He made an effort to reroute the current situation.

"Dusty, Rainbow, if you're not past that storm yet, you need-" He tried to say.

"That can't be right. It must be a mistake." Dusty said.

"Look, you two have to get out of there. You're going to have to fly high." Skipper tried to advise.

"The fact that you're dodging our questions means that you are hiding something, Skips." Rainbow said eerily.

"Listen to me, get above the storm!" Skipper yelled.

"Skipper, is it true?" Dusty asked, getting more frustrated.

"It's true!"

That simple statement sent shockwaves throughout Dusty and Rainbow. It was almost as if they found out their lives were nothing but lies, which wasn't too far from the truth.

"It's true. I only flew one mission." Skipper said dejectedly.

“I can't believe this. You lied to us!" Rainbow accused.

"But...But, all those stories." Dusty said.

"Crophopper, Dash, we got weather moving in fast. You've got to take off before it's too late." The captain warned.

"I just need one second." Dusty complained,

"Dusty. What's going on-"

The captain cut the call short.

"That's a negative, son. You don't go now, you don't go at all." The captain warned.

"We'll have to deal with this later. Come on, Dusty." Rainbow said as they headed for the elevator.

Just then, the PA system went off.

"Be advised, the JTWC has issued a tropical cyclone formation alert for the northeast Pacific ocean. Area of convection is located 500 nautical miles east-northeast of Hawaii."

They reached top deck to discover it had already become a torrential downpour.

"Just our luck." Rainbow groaned.

She did not like her feathers getting wet.

"Report to catapult two." A rigger ordered them.

Dusty and Rainbow made their way over the the catapult.

"The cat will take you from zero to 160 knots in two seconds." The rigger explained.

"Two seconds." Dusty slack-jawed.

"That's so awesome." Rainbow said with excitement.

"We're going to check your weight and set up the steam pressure. Remember, climb straight ahead once you get airborne." The rigger continued.

"Got it." Rainbow affirmed.

"Get above the storm." He emphasized the point.

"Okay, engine full throttle. Nod to the shooter when you're ready." Echo said.

Dusty did as he was told and pushed his engine to the max.

"Go win it for the Wrenches, Dusty and Rainbow. Volo Pro Vertias!" Bravo encouraged.

That motto. "Volo Pro Vertias." "I fly for truth." It was Skipper that first told them that saying. At that point, it felt poetic and defined who Skipper was. But, now, it felt meaningless. Every story Skipper told was a lie. It felt insulting, offensive, almost as if the veteran stabbed them in the back. Dusty and Rainbow were left conflicted on the motto now. However, now wasn't the time for questioning poetic statements. They needed to get back into the race.

"Head wind's good. Pressure's good." The shooter said.

Dusty nodded to the shooter.

"Go on cat two." The shooter.

The rigger signaled for the go-ahead. With the push of a button, Dusty was catapulted down the runway like a rocket. And just like that, he was already in the air and climbing. Rainbow galloped down the runway and took off after Dusty. Her mind, however, was not in the best place.

"I got a bad feeling about this."

(To Be Continued)

Part 9: Volo Pro Veritas

View Online

Mexico City, Mexico

"Señor Ripslinger, any comment on the disappearance of Dusty Crophopper and Rainbow Dash?" A reporter asked to the lead racer.

"Dusty and Rainbow were nice guys who flew the challenge and pierced the clouds of mediocrity. We're all gonna miss them." Ripslinger said, pretending to sob.

"Excuse me." He said before rolling away from the crowd.

Ned and Zed followed after him.

"Let's just hope they make better boats than a plane or pegasus." Ripslinger said blatantly.

"That's a good one, boss." Zed laughed.

"Yeah, that was pretty good." Ripslinger said.

El Chupacabra was in earshot of their heartless statements and was not having any of it. He growled something in Spanish before racing right up to the arrogant airplane.

"Señor Dusty and and señorita Rainbow have ten times the engine you do." El Chu fumed.

"And ten times the integrity." Another voice added.

The other two racers turned to see Ishani, who was just as upset as El Chupacabra. Ripslinger just scoffed.

"Said the plane with the shiny new propeller.” He called out. “How much integrity did that cost you, sweetheart?"

Ishani was taken aback by the question, but her demeanor didn't falter.

"Too much." She hissed coldly. "You used to be a great champion. How the mighty have fallen."

Ishani rolled away without so much as giving a second glance. Ripslinger looked back at the, still furious, Mexican plane.

"Hmph. You are not even worthy of a cape swish." El Chupacabra sneered before he, silently and angrily, turned away.

"Really?" Ripslinger asked rhetorically.

He wasn't even fazed.

Lightning struck, thunder bellowed, and rain poured down as Dusty and Rainbow maneuvered their way through the storm and the bubbling waves. The ocean was churning just feet underneath them. However, neither of them were focusing on the storm or even the race. They were both thinking the same thing.

How can it be only one mission?

They were still reeling over Skipper's confession. The stories he told played in their heads.

The Battle of Airway

The raid in Tujunga Harbor

The Aleutians

The Battle of Wake Island

The Assualt on Kunming

A monstrous lightning strike jostled them out of their thoughts. They realized the storm was getting more viscous as time progressed.

"We got to get out of this storm, Dusty!" Rainbow called wiping her drenched mane out of her eyes.

"Right." Dusty answered.

Dusty was still not comfortable at the prospect of having to fly over the clouds. Unfortunately, before either he or Rainbow could begin their climb, another powerful bolt of lightning struck down. The flash of light blinded both racers. Rainbow was able to keep her composure, but Dusty was so frightened his wing smacked a wave and almost hit another, but he regained control. But, it wouldn't be for long.

"Dusty! Watch out!" Rainbow cried.

Dusty looked to see a giant wave of water pillaring over him. He couldn't get out of the way in time, so he screamed and braced for impact. Dusty shot through the mountain of water, breathing heavily.

"Are you okay?" Rainbow asked.

Her question would be answered when Dusty's engine sputtered and coughed before stalling completely. He began plummeting toward the choppy waters.

"DUSTY!" Rainbow cried out to her friend.

She rocketed down after him.

"Mayday! Mayday! I'm going down!" Dusty yelled into his antenna as he nosed-dived toward the Pacific Ocean.

"18 degrees north, six minutes, 119-" Dusty couldn't finished as he crashed into the waves.

He opened his eyes underwater, not daring to breathe. He began to resurface. Once his face was above the ocean, he saw another wave about to crash on top of him. He took in a deep breath before the stormy waters pushed him underwater again.

He spun underwater, then began to slowly float back up. He resurfaced again. This time, Rainbow was right there.

"Hold on, Dusty, I'm coming." The rainbow-colored pegsus said.

She didn't want to sound panicked, so she grabbed Dusty's propeller and pulled with all her might. She used all the strength she could muster. She just had to pull her friend out of the raging waters, but Dusty was too heavy. He began to sink.

"Help." He wheezed.

Rainbow's hooves failed her and they slipped from Dusty's propeller blades. All she could do was watch her friend slowly sink to the bottom of the ocean.

"Dusty! Dusty!" Rainbow cried, tears threatening to spill from her eyes.

She wanted to dive after him, but she would run the risk of drowning if she did that. Rainbow looked all around her for anything that could help the dire situation she was in, but there was nothing. For once in her life, she felt helpless. Rainbow began hyperventilating as she flew back to the Jolly Wrenches ship. Or, at least, tried to.

The rescue forklift dove into the waters with a rescue net to retrieve the downed racer.

Crash!

Another forklift carefully guided the net from a helicopter.

Crash!

Also in the helicopter was a emotionally distraught pegasus. The helicopter slowly lowered a banged up and unconscious Dusty onto the ground of Mexico City International Airport. Reporters shot photos of the operation. Dusty and Rainbow's friends looked on with horrified and devastated expressions. The Main 7 even had tears in their eyes.

Once Dusty was on the ground, they gathered around him.

"Dusty!" Dottie said.

"Mí amigo" El Chupacabra said sadly.

"Oh, no" Twilight whimpered.

Then their eyes fell on Rainbow as she climbed from the helicopter.

"RAINBOW!" The ponies and dragon shouted.

They all hugged her, with fresh tears flooding their eyes. Rainbow was shivering and weeping.

"Rainbow, thank Celestia you're okay." Rarity cried.

"What happened out there, Dash?" Applejack asked wiping tears away.

Rainbow said nothing, instead show held onto her friends as she began to cry. She watched her friend almost die and she couldn't do anything about it.

Meanwhile, the others were surveying Dusty's damages.

"Quick, to the hangar." Skipper commanded.

Later

"Broken wing ribs, twisted gear, bent prop, and your main spar is cracked bad." Dottie said.

"What does that mean?" Spike asked cautiously.

Dottie inhaled then exhaled slowly.

"It's over." She said sadly.

The Main 7 all gasped.

"You mean, he can't race anymore?" Pinkie Pie asked, her mane deflated.

Dottie nodded.

"But, what about Rainbow?" Fluttershy asked.

"All I got is a cold, but, I don't think I want to go back out there again." Rainbow said.

Her friends gasped again.

"But, Rainbow, what about winning the race?" Twilight asked.

"I know, but, Dusty was the main reason I wanted to join the race in the first place. Without him it just wouldn't be fair." Rainbow answered.

Her friends looked sadly at her, but they respected her loyalty. I mean, she is the element of loyalty.

"I'm sorry, Dusty." Twilight said.

Dusty depressed demeanor changed to that of anger. He turned towards Skipper.

"One mission? So much for Volo Pro Veritas." He said angrily.

The others, besides rainbow, were confused.

"Uh, wut is he talkin' about, Rainbow?" Applejack asked her friend.

Rainbow was about to respond, when Skipper acted first.

"Can we get a minute alone, please?" Skipper asked.

Dottie, Chug, and El Chupacabra left. Rainbow's friends were all hesitant, but left as well.

"You, too, Sparky." Skipper said.

Sparky obeyed and left. That left only Dusty, Rainbow, and Skipper alone in the hangar. Dusty and Rainbow continued glaring at Skipper. The veteran looked down solemnly and told his only true story.

"My first patrol as a Jolly Wrench was at Glendale Canal. My squadron was all rookies. All razor sharp.

"I should know. I trained every single one of them."

"It was supposed to be a routine patrol. A milk run."

"Look, Skipper, enemy ship two o'clock, two miles." One fighter plane said.

"Easy pickings. What do you say?" He asked.

"Negative, Jigsaw Two. Our orders are to recon and report back." Skipper replied

"Come on, Skip, it will be a turkey shoot." The first plane said.

"Let's do it, Skipper."

"Yeah, come on!"

"All right, Let's go in for a closer look. But keep your distance" Skipper relented.

They began to descend toward the ship in question, single file. But, just as they broke through the clouds, they were bombarded with rounds and rounds of ammunition. That's when the realized.

"Holy Cow! It's the whole enemy fleet!" The first plane shrieked."

"It was too late to pull up"

Skipper began firing at the ships. But his comrades were getting shot down left and right.

"Get out of there, Lucas." Skipper radioed, but it was no use.

Thousands of anti-aircraft bullets tore through his comrades. As Skipper desperately tried to take down at least one battleship a bullet struck him and he dived helplessly into the ocean.

Hours later, he was lifted back up onto an ally ship. Sparky was waiting for him, but Skipper's pained expression told the whole story. Sparky looked down, deeply saddened.

"My whole squadron."

"Under my commanded." Skipper finished.

Dusty and Rainbow were, for a lack of a better term, saddened. They were still upset with Skipper, but after hearing the terrible tragedy, they couldn't entirely blame him.

"After that, I just couldn't bring myself to fly again." Skipper said sadly.

"Let me ask you something, Dusty, Rainbow. If you knew the truth about my past, would you have asked me to train you?" Skipper asked.

Both were a bit taken aback with the question. Silence reigned for a few seconds, but they both gave the same answer.

"No." The both murmured.

Rainbow flew at of the hangar in search of her friends. Dusty and Skipper looked at each other sadly, not saying a word. Dusty limped away out of the hangar.

"I'm sorry, Dusty. I'm sorry, Rainbow." Skipper said depressed.

Back with Rainbow Dash, she found her friends near a hotel entrance they were currently staying at."

"Rainbow, what was that all about?" Twilight asked.

"Why did Skipper only want to talk to you and Dusty?" Rarity asked.

Rainbow was tempted not to answer, but, her friends deserved to know.

"Skipper lied, okay. All the war stories he told. None of them were true." Rainbow confessed.

"WHAT?!" Her friends shouted in disbelief.

"He wasn't speakin the truth at all!?" Applejack asked, almost offended.

"Yes, he only one single mission." Rainbow responded.

"How could he lie like that?" Spike asked angrily.

"Girls, Spike, please. The reason why he kept the truth from us is..." Rainbow told Skipper's story.

Once she was done, her friends were back to crying their hearts out.

"T-That's horrible." Fluttershy sobbed.

"I can't imagine losing my friends like that." Pinkie whimpered.

"Ah know, but, that doesn't give Skipper the right ta lie ta us." Applejack commented.

"I know, AJ, I know. But I can't really blame him either." Rainbow said sadly.

"Wait. Why weren't you able to know Skipper was lying, Applejack?" Spike asked.

"Ah'm only able to really someone is lyin' if ah know 'em really well. Skipper may be a friend, but ah don't know 'em like ah know you girls." Applejack explained.

"Even then, should we really call him a friend if he lied to us?" Rarity asked disdainfully.

"What!? Of course we do, Rarity. Just because Skipper lied about his past doesn't mean we should cut all ties with him. Friends make mistakes." Twilight said.

"Maybe we should talk to him. Just to show we still care about him." Fluttershy offered.

"Ah suppose we could try." Applejack said.

"Yeah, let's do that." Rainbow Dash said.

"Well. If you insist." Rarity gave in.

It took a bit of time, but they eventually found Skipper standing aways from the hospital. His face showed nothing but guilt and shame.

"Skipper." Twilight said softly. "I know you feel awful for lying to us, but understand that you're still our friend. Nothing will change that and I'm sure Dusty will find it in his heart to forgive, too."

The veteran plane gave a slight sniffle.

"I appreciate the comfort, princess. But, Dusty looked up to me and I let him down. Our friendship is ruined." Skipper said shamefully.

"No! Skipper, please don't think like that. Your friendship with Dusty isn't ruined. Forgiveness takes time, but eventually, he'll warm back up to you. It just takes time." Twilight explained.

"Your friendship with me isn't ruined either. I may be still upset with you, but I get angry with others a lot, but I don't just stop being their friend. I mean, if that were the case, I would stop being friends with the girls ages ago. Rainbow said.

"Yeah, and that's saying something coming from Dashie." Pinkie added.

Rainbow gave her pink friend a skeptical glare.

"We'll stick by you no matter what." Fluttershy said confidently.

For a second, the Main 7 swore they saw a small smile on Skipper's face before it quickly changed back to melancholy.

"Your kind words mean a lot, guys. But, I can't forgive myself if Dusty can't." The veteran fighter said.

"Skip." Spike whispered sadly.

"Would you mind leaving me by myself tonight?" Skipper asked.

The Main 7 wanted to argue against him, but the least they could do was oblige his wishes. So, they left, heading back to the hotel. Sleep, however, would not come to them easily that night.

Next Morning

Chug, Dottie, and the Main 7 returned back to the hospital hangar. They all looked sadly at Dusty who was currently staring at a corner. Dottie and Twilight made their way over to him.

"Dusty?" Dottie asked.

"Are you okay?" Twilight asked.

"Can you believe it? He hasn't been straight with me or Rainbow this whole time." Dusty lamented. "At least you were honest, Dottie. You said I wasn't built for this. I guess I should have listened to you."

"Dusty, if you had listened to me I would never ever forgive myself." Dottie said sadly.

"Skipper may have been lying to you all this time, Dusty. But, look at how much you've accomplished. Everypony goes through times where they feel they should give up, I mean, there were times where I thought I wasn't good enough to be Celestia's student, but I pushed through those times and look at me now. The Princess of Friendship." Twilight said, opening her wings.

"Twilight is right, Dusty. The Skipper may have been wrong for what he did, but he was right about you. You're not a crop duster. You're a racer. And now the whole world knows it." Dottie said.

Dusty looked over at his other friends. Chug gave a passionate smile.

"Y'ere still a racer, sugarcube. Nothin will ever change that." Applejack said.

"Yeah, you're still the most awesome flyer in all of...this world." Rainbow said confidently.

"And you're a wonderful friend, too, darling." Rarity added.

"We're still here for you, Dusty. No matter what happens to you." Fluttershy said softly.

"Go, Dusty!" Pinkie shouted happily.

"You can still show them what you got." Spike said.

A smile began to form on Dusty's face.

"Thanks, Dottie. Thanks, Twilight." Dusty said.

"Your welcome." Twilight said.

"Thanks, everyone. That means a lot." Dusty said, but his expression dropped.

"I've gone as far as I can go. I'm busted up, look at me." He said.

The others’ expressions dropped, too. Dusty was right, he was too heavily damaged to compete any longer.

"Yes, look at you." A familiar voice said.

"El Chupacabra!" Rainbow said happily.

She galloped over to him.

“Boy, it’s glad to see you again.” She said

“Gracias, Rainbow Dash. However, I’m here for more than just a sight for sore eyes.” El Chupacabra said.

Dottie slowly towed Dusty over to his friend.

"Dusty, I cannot bear the thought of competing without you." The Mexican racer said.

His crew member pushed a trolley with a pair of new wings on them over.

"Hey, that's the wing of a T-33 Shooting Star." Dusty exclaimed.

"When the great Mexican Air Force needed help, American T-33s came. They did not asked questions. They did not hesitate. They were there. Because that is what compadres do." El Chupacabra explained.

"Wait, what's in the red box?" Spike asked.

"That is my lunch, Don't touch." El Chupacabra said. "But the wings are yours."

"El Chu, I really appreciate..."Dusty said before his friend shushed him.

"Silencio. After all, you helped me with my pursuits of the heart. Now we are here to help you." El Chupacabra said.

"We?" Dusty asked.

"Oui. Good luck tomorrow, Dusty. I am so proud to compete with you. Same to you, Rainbow." Rochelle said pushing another trolley of parts with her.

"Thanks, Rochelle." Rainbow said.

"You're a good egg, Dusty. Look, here's a sat-nav device. Just in case...in case you ever find yourself lost, you know, without a *sniffle* without a friend to help you through it." Bulldog said.

"Thank you, Bulldog." Dusty thanked.

"Here's a flow control valve for you."

"How about a starter generator."

"It is honor to fly beside you."

"This is incredible." Twilight said.

"Thanks, everyone. Really." Dusty said.

"This is fantastic." Dottie giggle. "Looks like all you need now is a-"

"A new propeller? How about a Sky Slicer Mark Five." Ishani said.

"Wait, hold on. I thought you were using that." Rainbow said skeptically.

"Yeah, that's your propeller. You could still win the race." Dusty said out of genuine confusion.

Ishani chuckled.

"I intend to, but with my old propeller. This one didn't really suit me. But I think you will have a lot better luck with it." She said.

"You tricked us before. Why should we trust you now?" Rainbow sneered.

"And I'm sorry for that. This is the least I can do to make it up to you." Ishani answered.

"Thanks, Ishani." Dusty said.

"Are you seriously going to trust her like that?" Rainbow asked in disbelief.

"I believe her, because I know she means it this time. I doubt she would ever listen to Ripslinger now." Dusty said to Rainbow.

Rainbow sighed.

"Alright. I trust your judgment, Dusty.” She said.

"Dottie, can you fix me?" Dusty asked.

"Does a PT6A have a multi-stage compressor?" She asked.

Silence.

"Yes! Yes it does." Dottie said.

Everyone began to cheer.

"Guess ya'll be in the race after all." Applejack said.

"Yeah. I guess we are." Rainbow admitted.

"All right, you guys, let's get him ready to race." Dottie said.

Later into the night. The forklifts were hard at work fixing Dusty up. Meanwhile, Chug was studying Ripslinger's finish from last year's rally. He noticed something and rewind-ed several times to understand what he was seeing.

"What is it, Chug?" Twilight asked the fuel truck.

Chug moved over to Dusty and began explaining what he saw.

The next morning

"We are live from Mexico, And here they come. This is it, race fans. The final leg back to New York.

As some workers were busy fixing other planes the noticed the new and improved Dusty with Rainbow walking beside him.

"Whoa, dude!" One of them said.

They watched them moved by. One forklift lowered his wielding gun a bit too close to his friend's hat and accidently ignited it. Panicked, he quickly patted the flame out. His friend turn to him feeling the patting. He just gave him an innocent smile.

"We'll see you in New York." Dottie said.

"Thanks, guys." Dusty said.

"Be careful out there, both of you." Twilight.

"We know, Twi. We'll be fine." Rainbow said rolling her eyes.

The others cheered.

"It's dustin' time." Chug said.

"Dusty la vista, baby!" Sparky said.

"I'm going to throw the biggest party EVER!" Pinkie squealed.

"Wait until after they win, Pinkie." Rarity said.

"You have to hand it to them. They never give up." Chug said.

"Agreed." Spike said.

"Come on, everybody, we have a jet to catch." Dottie said.

Sparky strolled into the hangar where Skipper was in.

"Hey. So are you ready to go, Skip?" Sparky asked.

"Probably best if I don't." Skipper said depressed.

"What...okay." Sparky was a bit confused. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah." Skipper said simply.

Sparky left with a sad expression.

Back with Dusty and Rainbow, they were making their way to the runway.

"Dusty and Rainbow."

"They're back."

The crowd moved out of the way. There the two saw an all too familiar face. Ripslinger.

"It's him again." Rainbow grimaced.

A crew member was giving Ripslinger an oil can, then the racer's eyes fell on Dusty and Rainbow.

"You got to be kidding me." Ripslinger said in disbelief.

"Who's that guy?" Zed asked.

"It's the crop duster and pegasus." Ned said.

"Another one?" Zed asked obliviously.

"They're the same ones, knucklehead." Ned bashed his brother in the head.

"Move aside, idiots." Ripslinger said menacingly.

He got right up to Dusty and Rainbow. Both glared at the P-51.

"Bolting on a few parts doesn't change who you are. *Sniff* I can still smell the farm on you." Ripslinger growled.

A smirk formed on Rainbow's lips.

"Hey, guys. Why does Ripslinger have two propellers? Because he can't fly fast enough with just one." She joked.

Ned and Zed burst out laughing.

"And how I about I show you why they are called Sky Slicers." Ripslinger threatened.

Dusty then laughed.

"You know what? I finally get it. You're afraid of getting beat by a crop duster and a pegasus." Dusty said getting in Ripslinger's face.

Ripslinger backed up a bit, a lost look on his face.

"Well, check six, because we're coming." Dusty said.

"You can say that again, buddy." Rainbow said.

They continued to glare at the lead racer as they left, leaving him with a staring crowd.

"And what are you punks looking at?" Ripslinger scolded the crowd, causing it to disperse.

He turned back to his hench-planes.

"we are going to end this, once and for all." Ripslinger said evilly.

"Yeah, man." Zed said excitedly.

"This is going to be fun." Ned said sinisterly.

Unaware to them, Skipper had overheard their little plot. His shocked look changed to a look of anger and determination.

"I'm not going to let my friends down this time."

To Be Continued.

Part 10: The Final Leg

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"This one's all about speed and the willingness to give it all. First to cut the ribbon in New York takes home the trophy and glory."

The final stretch from Mexico to New York marked the end of the race. The horn blew and the green flag was thrown.

"And we're off as the first flyers take to the air."

Ripslinger and his hench-planes were the first to leave. Next were the new couple, El Chupacabra and Rochelle.

"I will wait for you at the finish line, hermosa." El Chupacabra said romantically.

"No, no, no. I will be waiting for you." Rochelle teased.

They continued to give each other nicknames in French and Spanish until their green flag was thrown. They blew kisses at each other and then took off.

"The rest of the field is now off and running. And though Crophopper and Dash did not complete the previous leg, race officials ruled their radio had been tampered with. So they'll be allowed to compete. But with a severe time penalty."

As the timer clocked down, Dusty steadied his engine and looked over to Rainbow Dash.

"You ready for this?" He asked.

"You bet your tail I am!" Rainbow said hotly.

The crowd was going crazy on the countdown and once it stuck zero, Rainbow and Dusty launched into the air. The flew as fast as they could to catch up to the others, both with determination on the faces.

"I've never seen someone come back from this far behind. It's going to take both horsepower and willpower to even have a chance."

As the racers flew high above the clouds, our two heroes stuck near the ground. The lush Mexican fields slowly transformed into a dry, canyon-filled desert. It was no matter to Rainbow and Dusty though. They slowly climbed through the ranks, getting higher and higher on the leaderboard.

Some the racers took notice.

"Good show, Dusty and Rainbow." Bulldog commented.

As the race continued, the crop duster and pegasus found themselves just behind the top three racers. The racers that caused them the most trouble.

"Um, boss?" Zed said.

"What?" Ripslinger hissed.

"They're here." Zed responded.

They all looked over to see their unwanted competition catching up them and fast.

"Okay, we're out of camera range. You know what to do." Ripslinger ordered.

They secretly whipped around a giant rock pillar so that they were behind Dusty and Rainbow. The Ripslinger and his hench-planes descended down on top of them to enact their plan.

"Hey, farmers." Zed mischievously.

"Time to plow the fields." Ned added.

"What the? Where did you guys come from?!" Rainbow asked angrily.

"Looks like you've run out of airspace, Crophopper." Ripslinger said smugly.

He put his landing gear down and pressed Dusty closer to the ground resulting in him smacking into multiple cactuses. Ned and Zed had their fun with Rainbow by pressing their wingtips against her.

"Ack! Hey, that hurts!" Rainbow squawked.

"What are you gonna do about?" Zed asked rhetorically.

Just then, another plane swooped down and knocked Ripslinger away.

"What in the-" Rainbow was in disbelief.

"Skipper?!" Dusty said in shock.

"Dusty, Rainbow, pull up." The veteran plane said quickly.

Ahead was a huge butte. Dusty and Rainbow quickly ascended and swung around to avoid it.

"Skipper? You're flying!" Dusty said astounded.

"Oh, you noticed." Skipper said happily.

"But what are you doing here?" Rainbow asked.

"I overheard Ripslinger's plan to dispose of you two." Skipper explained. "I may have let you two down, but I'm not doing it again."

"Gee. Thanks, Skip." Dusty said.

"Yeah, I guess we owe you some thanks there." Rainbow admitted.

"Listen, I got Rip. You take care of the other two." Skipper said.

"Got it!" They both said.

So now Rainbow and Dusty were weaving between hoodoos, buttes, and land bridges trying to get Zed and Ned off their trail.

"They're on you six, kid. You gotta lose them." Skipper said.

"We're trying." Dusty said in frustration.

"Don’t these morons ever give up." Rainbow said irritably.

"Skip, we can't shake them." Dusty said.

"Pull hard right. I'll break left and take out Rip. Use the rocks." Skipper commanded.

"Good idea." Rainbow said.

"Roger that." Dusty agreed.

They neared a thin canyon opening which gave both of them an idea.

"Hey, go pick on someone your own size." Rainbow daunted.

"Oh. That's rich coming from you." Zed said angrily.

He wasn't watching where he was going and his wing struck a pillar sending him spinning out of control. Dusty and Rainbow managed to squeeze through the crevice. Zed collided with his brother causing them to lodge themselves in the opening.

"Yeah!" Dusty said triumphantly.

"We did it!" Rainbow shouted victoriously.

"Oh, that's going to leave a mark." Ned wheezed, groaning in pain as a rock bonked him in the head.

Skipper and Ripslinger were swinging around rock pillars. The veteran plane made a slow loop so that he was behind the arrogant racer.

"What!?" Ripslinger said in disbelief.

Skipper pulled up alongside the P-51 Mustang.

"Say hello to the Warsaw Windmill." Skipper said in an orotund tone.

He struck Ripslinger's left wing sending him spinning away.

"Woah! You're crazy!" Ripslinger yelled.

"That's right." Skipper said to himself.

Skipper met back up with his friends.

"Dusty, Rainbow, are you okay!" Skipper asked.

"Yeah. Yeah, we're fine." Dusty responded.

"Yep. We took care of those morons for good." Rainbow said presumptuously.

Skipper chuckled.

"That was pretty good for a crop duster and pegasus." He said playfully.

"Hey!" Rainbow said.

"And not bad for an old-timer who doesn't fly." Dusty responded.

"Yeah? Well, I may be old, but at least I ain't afraid of heights." Skipper countered.

"He's got you there, Dusty." Rainbow teased.

"Oh, okay." Dusty laughed.

Then, out of nowhere, Ripslinger struck Skipper in the back. Skipper descended trying to regain control.

"No!" Dusty shouted worriedly.

Ripslinger let out a cocky laugh.

"That's why they call them Sky Slycers." Ripslinger said pompously.

With that he flew away.

"You'll pay for that you blade-nosed jerk!" Rainbow shouted furiously.

"Oh, no." Dusty gawked at Skipper's shredded tail. "Skipper, are you okay?"

Skipper just laughed.

"Are you kidding? I'm great." He said confidently.

"But, your back is all torn up." Rainbow said.

"Yeah. What about your tail?" Dusty asked.

"I'll live. Go get them! Go!" Skipper encouraged.

"We'll avenge you, Skipper. We promise." Rainbow called out.

She and Dusty pull away and chased after Rip, who was already far ahead. Soon, the desert turn into woods and fields as the two racers closed in on Ripslinger.

We're closing in on the final stretch, folks."

"That's right, Colin. And ever since they emerged from Deadstick Desert, Ripslinger has maintained a lead."

Dusty and Rainbow managed to catch visuals of Ripslinger.

"There he is." Rainbow glared.

They both pulled closer toward him.

"Any sign of them?" The race pitty asked.

"Nothing yet." An official answered.

Meanwhile, Amongst the spectators, the Main 7 along with Chug, Dottie, and Sparky were waiting fir their friends' arrival.

"Still no sign of them." Twilight said.

"Do you think they'll win?" Spike asked.

"Of course they will Spikey-wikey. Rainbow is never one to give up and neither is Dusty." Rarity said putting an arm around the little dragon. "Besides what friends would we be if we thought otherwise?"

Spike couldn't help but blush a little in Rarity's embrace.

"Oh, I hope nothing bad happens to them again." Fluttershy said worriedly.

"Have some faith Fluttershy. Rainbow and Dusty have the tenacity to beat that no-good varmin." Applejack comforted.

"If they're still alive of course." Pinkie giggled.

The others turned to her with varying looks of horror and disdain.

"What?" She asked simply before stuffing a cupcake in her mouth.

Back with Dusty and Rainbow, they had finally caught up with Ripslinger just as they past two radio towers.

"What!?" Ripslinger said in disbelief.

"Hi." Dusty said simply.

"Thought you could get rid of us? Think again!" Rainbow yelled.

Ripslinger growled. He accelerated and pulled ahead once again.

"You're not getting away that easily. Come on, Dusty." Rainbow said flying after him.

Dusty tried with all his might to gain more speed, pushing his engine as far as it could go. But it wasn't enough.

"Come on, come on, come on. Not now! Not now! Come on, come on, come on.

He reached max torque and he couldn't go any faster. Dusty was forced to ease of the throttle.

"No!" Dusty yelled in frustration.

Rainbow Dash heard her friend in distress and zipped back over to him.

"What's wrong, Dusty?" She asked.

"I can't get anymore power." He complained.

"What!? Why now of all times?" Rainbow asked incredulously.

Dusty didn't answer, but he did notice the rays of sunlight. He looked up and saw the familiar columns of clouds high above. Skipper's words replayed in his head.

Tailwinds like nothing you've ever flown

"Roger that, Skip." Dusty said to himself.

"Huh. Did you say something?" Rainbow asked.

Dusty didn't answer and began to make his ascent.

"Hey, wait. Where are you going?" Rainbow asked, but it only took a second to realize what her friend was doing.

They both flew higher and higher through the cloud cover.

"Are you sure you can do it this time, Dusty?" Rainbow asked.

"I have to." Dusty said, determined to get over his fears.

Higher and higher they went.

"Don't look down. Don't look down. Don't look down. Don't look down." Dusty said to himself.

Despite his efforts of self-prevention, Dusty compulsively looked down. The ground shrunk beneath the crop duster and he began to hyperventilate. Luckily, Rainbow was there with him.

"Come on, Dusty. I know it's terrifying for you, but. You. Can. Do it!" The blue pegasus yelled in encouragement.

Dusty exhaled and put on a determined face. He looked straight in front of him. Finally, they both broke through the clouds, but, Skipper was right. The tailwinds push them forward with such force it caught them off-guard. Both crop duster and pegasus struggled for control, but once they did, the realization set in. Dusty had finally conquered his fear of heights!

"Oh, Yeah!" Dusty yelled in victor.

"Took you long enough." Rainbow teased, but Dusty was too overjoyed to care.

Both had the time of their lives up there.

Back down onto ground, or in this case water, Ripslinger was nearing the finish line. With no sign of Dusty or Rainbow he felt he had this in the bag. Unbeknownst to him, Dusty and Rainbow were eyeing him from up above.

"Let's do this, Dusty!" Rainbow exclaimed.

"Okay, time to eat our dust." Dusty said.

They both began their descent.

"With another win for Ripslinger seeming inevitable..." Colin began.

Dusty and Rainbow were rocketing towards the ground. So fast that pressure waves began forming around them, but for Rainbow, the waves grew sharper and gained color until...

BOOM!

A giant explosion of color encircled the bay leaving everyone stunned.

"WOAH! What was that!?" Brent asked in shock.

"I don't know, Brent." Colin said astonished.

"Was...was that a sonic rainboom!?" Spike asked in surprise.

"A sonic what?" Sparky asked.

"Yes. It was!" Twilight said in amazement.

"But, that would mean-" Rarity started.

"Wait a second, it's Dusty Crophopper and Rainbow Dash!" Brent revelated.

The gang began cheering.

"Go, Dusty!" Chug said in excitement.

"Come on, Rainbow. I want the party to start now!" Pinkie yelled happily.

"Um. I would be happy if either of you won." Fluttershy said.

Dusty and Rainbow inched their way closer and closer to Ripslinger.

"And here they come, down the stretch. It's going to be close, it's anyone's race." Brent said.

"All right, get my good side, fellas." Ripslinger said, leaning to the left.

That was the opportunity the two were waiting for. The cameras flashed as Dusty and Rainbow made one final radial-G pass to get by Ripslinger.

With Ripslinger yelling in disbelief, the one to rip the ribbon was Dusty with Rainbow just behind him.

"Yes!" Dusty shouted victoriously.

Rainbow was right beside him congratulation him.

"He's done it! He's done it!" Brent praised.

"Crophopper!" Ripslinger yelled angrily.

He was too angry to watch where he was flying. He yelped in surprise as he crashed into a row of portable stalls, sending used oil flying everywhere.

Around the world, people were celebrating Dusty's victory and Rainbow's runner-up placement.

"From last to first. From obscurity to immortality, the racing world will never forget this day." Colin announces.

"For the first time, a crop duster has won the Wings Around the Globe Rally. And a pegasus in second place following that amazing rainbow explosion. You can't make this up." Brent said.

As Dusty and Rainbow came for a landing, the other racers came in congratulating them.

"Yes, Dusty and Rainbow!" El Chupacabra laughed with excitement.

"Magnifique, you two!" Rochelle chimed in.

"You really kicked his bottom, lads!" Bulldog added.

Everyone gathered around the top two racers.

"All right. Yeah! Now that's how to pass." Chug exclaimed.

"You did it!" Dottie said excitedly.

"I didn't know you could make rainbows, Dusty." Sparky said.

"I was the one who did that. It's called the sonic rainboom." Rainbow said.

"Oh." Sparky acknowldged.

Rainbow was then tackled by Pinkie Pie.

"Second place, Dashie!" Pinkie squealed.

"You're not too upset that Dusty beat you. Are you Rainbow Dash?" Twilight asked with a hint of concern.

A warm smile formed on the pegasus's face.

"Nah, this was Dusty's dream after all. Sure I can be a bit competitive, But we helped each other out. This is enough of a win for me." Rainbow said passionately.

"Quite noble of ya to say that, Dash." Applejack commented.

"Yeah, yeah. Stow it, cowgirl." Rainbow grumbled.

Others began crowding around Dusty for his victory and Rainbow for her sonic rainboom.

"I couldn't have done it without you, Dottie." Dusty said.

Dottie chuckled warmly.

"Yeah, I know." She said.

"Hey, buddy, great tip about Ripslinger leaning to the camera. Thanks, Chug." Dusty thanked.

"Hey, anything for my pal." The fuel truck said happily.

"Thank you for the moral support you all. I don't know where I'd be without it." Dusty said to the Main 7.

"That's what friends are for, Dusty. And it's what we're here for." Twilight.

"Ain't nothin to it." Applejack.

"Yippee!" Pinkie squeaked.

"Anything for you, darling." Rarity said.

"You can count on us, bud." Rainbow said.

"Yeah." Spike agreed.

"Yay." Fluttershy said quietly.

"Well done, Dusty. The world has a new champion. And so do I." Ishani said softly.

"Thanks, Ishani. For everything." Dusty said warmly.

"Oh, boy. Another romance." Rainbow rolled her eyes.

"You jealous, Rainbow?" AJ teased.

"What!? No, of course not. Dusty's a great guy, but I only see him as a friend." Rainbow defended.

"Herr Dusty!" Another voice came.

A familiar face had shown up.

"Franz. You here, too?" Rainbow asked in surprise.

"Uhh, you know him?" Spike asked.

"Another friend we made during the race." Rainbow explained. "Franz, these are my other friends."

The Main 7 waved.

"Pleasure to meet ya, Franz." Applejack greeted.

"Greetings to you all." Franz said. "And, of course. We came to watch you win the race. you are an inspiration to all of us."

"All of us?" Dusty asked.

"Yeah. All of us who want to do more than just what we were built for." Franz said.

Machines of all shapes and sizes cheered for Dusty and Rainbow.

"Woah. Thanks, guys." Dusty said.

"Took some inspiration, huh?" Rainbow asked smugly.

Just then, there was another commotion.

"Ripstinker. Yeah, that's your name. That's some supersonic sewer sauce." The race pitty commented.

Ripslinger was being loaded onto a flatbed truck. He was covered in raw oil.

"Man, I thought Vita-stink-a-bunch was bad. That's got nothing on you." He continued.

Ripslinger groaned and looked up avoiding any eye contact.

"Whew. You're just nasty. Nastilicious. You need to go home and wash up. Twice. The pitty jabbed as the truck rolled away.

Everyone had a good laugh at that.

"I think I get it now." Rainbow said.

"Get what?" Dusty asked.

"I get why I didn't like Ripslinger at first. See, a while ago when I was training to be a Wonderbolt, there was this pegasus mare named Lightning Dust. She was really competitive and reckless, so much so that she put all my friends in danger. If it wasn't for me, they would have all fallen to their deaths. She was green just like Rip, so he kinda reminded me of her." Rainbow explained.

"Yeah. I remember that." Twilight said, wincing a bit from the unpleasant memory.

Huh. Interesting." Dusty said.

Rainbow stretched her wings and sighed.

"Justice has been served." Rainbow said coolly.

"Hey, where's Skipper?" Spike asked confused.

As if on queue, the veteran fighter came out of nowhere with a triumphant smile on his face. Dusty, Rainbow, and the others watched in amazement.

"He's flying!" Spike said excitedly.

When Skipper landed, Dusty and Rainbow were right there in front of him. There was a moment of silence before Dusty spoke.

"Thanks, Skip." Dusty said warmly.

"We really do owe you." Rainbow said.

"Don't thank me." Skipper said. "I learned a lot from you two than you ever learned from me."

"EEEEE! This calls for the biggest party EVER!" Pinkie squealed happily, hopping in place.

They all smiled at each other with crowd cheering once again. Dusty received his trophy so did Rainbow. That was when Pinkie decided to start the party. It went on for hours. Pinkie practically made it her mission to make this party the best ever. Their treats, dancing, even Rainbow performed her sonic rainboom again. The Main 7 shared stories to Dusty and the others and even learned new things from them.

“It took a lot of convincing, especially considering we turned her “friends” against her and kind of went against everything she stood for, but Starlight eventually decided to give friendship a try and became my own protégé.” Twilight said.

“Wow, so you’ve basically been traveling to other worlds before this?” Dusty asked quizzically.

“ Well, we weren’t doing it intentionally at that time.” The princess pointed out.

“Yeah, but it was still kinda scary.” Spike said, holding himself.

“Dios mío” El Chupacabra said.

“Oh, oh. How about we talk about the time we released discord from his prison for redemption.” Pinkie said excited.

“Who’s Discord?” Skipper asked confused.

“Eh, it’s a long story.” Rainbow said.

“And a confusin one, too” Applejack added.

“Well, let’s hear it anyway.” Chug said.

“Alright.” Twilight said.

The day began to end and so did the party. When it finally did and crowd dispersed, the gang was talking amongst themselves when Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy's cutie marks began to glow and Spike's scales began to grow.

Hey. What's going on with you all?" Sparky asked.

"That usually means we've accomplished our friendship mission." Twilight said.

"So, what does that mean?" Dusty asked.

Just then a familiar, large, pink and gold portal began to form in-front of the Main 7.

"It means it's time to return home." Twilight said with a bit of sadness.

"Wait. You're all leaving?" Dottie asked.

"Yeah. Once we've helped you achieve your goal, Dusty. And now it's time we say goodbye." Twilight.

"Ahh. I wanted to stay just a little longer." Spike whined.

"Yeah. There's still so much to do." Dusty said.

"Sorry, you guys, but this it. But it was wonderful being with you all." Twilight.

"You are all wonderful friends I must say." Rarity said.

"And fun." Pinkie added.

"And it was great competing with you, Dusty." Rainbow said.

"And it was great competing with you, too, Rainbow." Dusty warmly.

"It was great getting to meet all of you." Fluttershy said kindly.

"Compadres forever. Make sure of that." El Chupacabra sniffled.

"It was a wonderful experience. Merci." Rochelle added.

"Quite right." Bulldog said, keeping himself for outright crying

"We'll you ever come back to visit again?" Skipper asked.

"Of course, We'd love to c'mon back. Maybe bring a few others for ya to meet." Applejack said.

"I gonna miss them." Chug sniffled.

"Oh, Chug." Dottie rolled her eyes.

Fluttershy decided to give the fuel truck a hug. The Main 7 made as best a group as the could for everyone. And with that, they walked over to the portal. The ponies and dragon all waved to there other-dimensional friends and, with tears in their eyes, they walked through the portal. Once they all went through, the portal closed and disappeared. Chug started crying.

"Oh, come here, you big baby." Dottie said.

"I'm gonna miss them." Sparky said.

"I think we all will, Sparky." Skipper said.

"Yeah." Dusty agreed, holding his trophy close.

Part 11: What an Adventure

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The Main 7 were in the familiar free-fall state as they crossed from one world back to their home. After the thousands of miles she had travelled in the Wings Around The Globe Rally, Rainbow Dash was looking forward for a well-deserved rest.

"I cannot wait till we get home. I'm beyond tuckered out." She said as she stretched.

"Can't say ah blame ya, Rainbow. That must've been one heck of ah workout." Applejack said.

"You can definitely say that again, AJ" Rainbow answered.

"It was nice meeting new folks and staying in such a peaceful and quiet place, but, I'm also glad to be heading home." Rarity said.

"Ah, don't hide the fact that you were complainin' of sleepin' on nothin' but straw when we were there." Applejack said.

"It was all itching and dusty and...ugh." Rarity winced. "Just because they didn't have beds for us, didn't mean we had to be treated like farm animals."

"I-I didn't mind it." Fluttershy said quietly.

"You can't expect every world to give you your every need, Rarity." Twilight said.

"Oh, please. A lady, such as myself, deserves some amount of luxury." The fashionista said indignantly.

The others rolled their eyes.

"Oh, I can't wait to tell everypony about our adventure." Pinkie said excitedly. "I'll tell the Cakes, the twins, Zecora, Maud Pie, Marble Pie, Limestone Pie-"

Twilight put a hoof against Pinkie's mouth.

"I think it's best we don't go into a whole lot of detail. The last thing we need is ponies getting the wrong idea about inter-dimensional travel and, what we are essentially talking about, aliens. I don't hold any offense to Dusty or Skipper or Chug or any of the friends we’ve made.” The purple alicorn said.

"Kinda have to agree with Twi on that one." Applejack said.

"Why's that?" Spike asked.

"Let's be honest. A lot of the ponies in Ponyville are a bit...paranoid. So them knowing of other worlds with creatures other then ponies may lead to unnecessary panic." Applejack explained.

"Exactly what I was thinking.” Twilight said. “I mean, remember Zecora?”

“Ah, man." Pinkie pouted.

A few seconds later, a small opening began to form at the end of the portal. It got larger and larger the Main 7 got closer.

"Well, this is it. It seems we’re nearing our Intended destination." Twilight annouced.

They all shielded their eyes as the light grew brighter and brighter until...

They all hopped out one at a time back in the Cutie Map room. Nothing seemed to have changed while they were gone.

“We’re finally home.” Fluttershy sighed in relief.

"I hope Starlight didn't get too lonely while we were gone." Twilight said worriedly.

"I'm sure she's fine, darling." Rarity said.

"Yeah, but you could have at least told me you were leaving to another world." A voice came.

The gang jumped a little and turned to see the lavender unicorn casually sitting in Pinkie's designated chair with smug smile on her face.

"How long were you sitting there?" Spike asked.

"About two minutes. The princess told me you were coming back soon." Starlight answered.

"Wait. Celestia is here, too?" Twilight asked.

"Yes, my little ponies and dragon." A soft voice said.

Everypony turned to the doorway to see the princess of the sun making her way inside the room.

"I'm able to sense when the return portal is about to form." Celestia said.

"Uh. Exactly how long were we gone, Princess?" Applejack asked.

"About two days And don't worry, I kept Starlight company whenever I could." The princess said.

"Wait, but, we were at Propwash Junction for almost two weeks. How could we be gone for only TWO days?!” Twilight asked in surprised.

"Propwash...wha?" Starlight was very confused.

"Time can work differently from one world compared to another. It's something that is almost impossible to explain, I'm afraid." Celestia explained.

Twilight was left with more questions then answers. But then something else came to her mind. Her ears flatten against her head.

"Umm, Princess?" She asked uneasily.

"Twilight, there's no need for the formalities. Just Celestia will suffice." The solar princess said softly.

"I know, but, you know how you said before we left that doing the friendship mission is more important than making notes and observations about the new world." Twilight said, getting more anxious.

"Yes, I do. Why do you ask, Twilight?" Celestia asked.

Twilight couldn't help but sweat just a little bit.

"You okay, sugarcube?" Applejack asked out of concern.

"Well, Pinkie had my one of my journals with me and gave it to me. I didn't want to disobey you, but I couldn't help myself. I'm sorry, Celestia." Twilight said sadly.

She lowered her heard, expecting the princess told scold her in some way. But, all there was a slight giggle from her.

"Oh, Twilight. There's no need for apologies. I may have been a bit to harsh about learning new things from the new world. I know you enjoy making notes and observations about new things, that's what makes you, you." Celestia explained holding Twilight's chin with her hoof. "It's not up to me what you choose to do in these missions, note-taking or not.

Twilight smiled and hugged her mentor.

"Thank you, Celestia." She said.

“You’re welcome, my faithful student.” Celestia returned the hug.

Twilight then turned to Starlight.

"And I'm sorry for leaving on such short-notice and not telling you." She apologized.

"Apology accepted. Just make sure you tell me next time." Starlight said.

Twilight nodded again.

"Well, ah think it's time we all headed home." Applejack said before yawning.

"Agreed, darling. I could go for a nice shower." Rarity said.

"Same here." Rainbow agreed.

"All my animals are probably wondering where I am. I should probably hurry back." Fluttershy said.

"I hope we get more journeys like this. That was fun." Pinkie said happily.

"Maybe not for a while, Pinkie. I'm exhausted." Rainbow said as she left the room.

Pinkie hopped after her. Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rarity left soon after.

"Twilight, how about you tell us about you time in the new world." Celestia said.

"Oh, yes, there's so much to talk about!" Twilight said excitedly.

For several hours she talked about meeting with Dusty and the gang, Rainbow joining the Wings Around The Globe Rally, Skipper's backstory, Propwash Junction, everything. Celestia and Starlight listened intently, while Spike left to take a bubble bath.

Soon, Celestia had to leave back to Canterlot, leaving only Twilight and Starlight.

"I hope next time I'll get to join you guys. It was great talking to Celestia, but it gets kinda annoying being left by myself with all the friendship tests you give me." Starlight said.

"I hope so, too, Starlight. It's such a unique way to learn things about friendship. Believe me, you’ll love it.” Twilight said.

“I don’t doubt it.” The lavender unicorn chuckled.

It had been about a week since the Main 7 journeyed to the new world. They talked a little bit about with their families, but, as promised, didn't go too in-depth about it.

At this time, Rainbow Dash was currently in Wonderbolt training, again. She used all she learned from Skipper to her advantage. Rainbow weaved around the other trainees with sharp turns and with pin-point precision. She past a Purple pegasus with an electric blue mane with a radial-G pass and zoomed by. Down below, another pegasus looked on with a look of shock.

She was bright yellow with an orange, fiery mane and tail. Her eyes were bright orange and her cutie was of a burst of flames. Lastly she wore a blue blazer with whistle around her neck. Her name...was Spitfire.

"When was she able to do that? I've never seen her do this before." She said in disbelief.

Twilight walked up to her.

"Let's just say a new friend of hers helped her train to do all that." Twilight said subtly.

"Huh. Who is this new friend of hers? I'm I able to meet them?" Spitfire asked.

"Unfortunately, he lives a long, long ways away from here." Twilight said. "But, he's a really nice guy and really experienced.

"Bummer. He could've been a great inclusion to the Wonderbolts." The coach mare said.

"I’m sure he would be interested. Then again, he is retired.” The purple alicorn said in a sure tone.

"Well, regardless, he’s missing out." Spitfire simply said.

She went back to coaching the trainees, leaving Twilight to her own thoughts.

I wonder what Dusty and the others are up to right now?

The USS Flysenhower was cruising along in the North Pacific along with some new faces. It had been a couple weeks since Dusty's victory at the Wings Around The Globe Rally. Because of his success, he had received the status as honorary Jolly Wrench. Both he and Skipper were waiting on the Flysenhower.

Dusty, with a new paint job, and Skipper were lifted onto the top deck.

"Attention on deck. Victory!" The Sergeant yelled.

"Victory!" The soldiers repeated then saluted

"It's an honor to be here." Skipper said before saluting.

Some fighter jets flew overhead.

"Hook them up." One of the forklifts ordered.

Both planes were hooked to the catapults. Dusty readied his rudder and elevators and throttled his engine to life.

"You ready, wingman?" He asked to Skipper.

"Roger that." The veteran answered.

"An honorary Jolly Wrench. How's that feel, Dusty?" Echo asked.

"It feels great." Dusty said enthusiastically.

"Back in the saddle again, eh, Skipper?" Bravo asked.

"Well, they didn't have these fancy toys the last time I did this." Skipper replied, referring to the catapults.

"Nothing to it. They hook you up, you nod to the shooter over there, and hang on!" Dusty explained.

A forklift signaled for release and in a split second, Dusty and Skipper shot forward at incredible speed. They took to the air and flew around the airspace. Skipper was having the time of his life.

"Yeah!" He said victoriously.

The flew side-by-side. doing laps around the ship. They looked at each other and smiled.

“If only Rainbow and the others were here for this.” Dusty said to himself.

Then he got an idea.

"Last one back to Propwash buys!" Dusty challenged.

"You're on!" Skipper said competitively.

“Wahoo!” Dusty exclaimed.

Twilight watched Rainbow continue to use Skipper’s training to her advantage. Though, she did see her talk about her new moves to the other pegasi. Twilight sighed in wonder.

"What new adventures await us?"

https://youtu.be/33m7evc6E50

Tara Strong - Twilight Sparkle

Ashleigh Ball - Applejack and Rainbow Dash

Tabitha St. Germain - Rarity

Andrea Libman - Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy

Cathy Weseluck - Spike

Nicole Oliver - Princess Celestia

Kelly Sheridan - Starlight Glimmer

Dane Cook - Dusty Crophopper

Stacy Keach - Skipper

Brad Garrett - Chug

Teri Hatcher - Dottie

Danny Mann - Sparky

Cedric the Entertainer - Leadbottom

Carlos Alazraqui - El Chupacabra

Colin Cowherd - Colin Cowling

Brent Musburger - Brent Mustangburger

John Cleese - Bulldog

Julia Louis-Dreyfus - Rochelle

Priyanka Chopra - Ishani

Roger Craig Smith - Ripslinger

Gabriel Iglesias - Ned and Zed

Oliver Kalkofe - Franz

Val Kilmer - Bravo

Anthony Edwards - Echo

Sinbad - Race pitty/Roper

My Little Pony: Friendship Is Cine-magic: Planes

by IndyWriter Productions

Part 1: Prologue: The Start Of A New Adventure

Part 2: Propwash Junction / New Friends

Part 3: The Qualifier and Some Truth

Part 4: Practice Makes Perfect

Part 5: Stiff Competition

Part 6: Starting From the Bottom

Part 7: Mountain of Emotions

Part 8: Love Machine / Pacific Peril

Part 9: Volo Pro Veritas

Part 10: The Final Leg

Part 11: What an Adventure