A/N This story contains dramatic scenarios, and material that may be disturbing to some audience members. Reader discretion is advised.
Monday, May 23
Twilight smiled as she read the note over. She and her friends have just received an invitation to join the most famous sporting event know to ponykind. The Platinum Pony Games. Her, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack have been invited to the games, and each has been offered great rewards for victory. Next to her, Rainbow excitedly loads another bag into the weather balloon, while Applejack helps load the necessary supplies for the venture. Twilight smiles and grabs a bag of food, placing it into the balloon. Victory meant their dreams, hopes, and fantasies becoming reality. If Rainbow wins the title of most talented flyer, she is almost guaranteed a spot in the Wonderbolts, as well as a large pen for Tank, where he can be more free than ever before. If Applejack wins the title of most athletic, she wins nearly unlimited advertising for her family business, as well as better farming equipment. Finally, if Twilight manages to win the title of most talented unicorn, she gains riches beyond her wildest dreams, which she can then use to help Rarity, Pinkie, and Fluttershy with their dreams. After all, almost all of her dreams had already come true, it was the least she could do.
"Well, I'd say we're just about ready to go." Applejack says as she loads one final bag into the balloon. Twilight smiles and looks to her right where Spike sits, reading off a checklist she had made for him.
"And, spare medical supplies... Check!" He said as he moved his pen in a check position. Twilight smiled and walked over to him.
"You sure you can handle the library all by yourself big guy?" She said teasingly as she rubbed his head. He chuckled and moved her hoof away.
"Totally! It'll be easy!" He says with a smile. But Twilight notices a hint of sadness in his voice. And she knows why. Ever since he had hatched, he had never been away from Twilight more than a few days, and now she was leaving for three weeks. She asked if he was okay with her being okay her being gone, and his smile vanished. He looked down and carried a sad look. Just like her, he was going to miss his adoptive family. Their relationship was stronger than that of a parent and their child, and they saw each other as brother and sister, but knew that their bond was stronger. Twilight smiled and gave Spike a hug, which he quickly returned.
"Just be careful Twi, the route you're taking to get there is really dangerous." Spike says. Twilight chuckles and pulls away, although she still holds his shoulders in her hooves.
"I promise you Spike, we'll be home before you know it." She said. Spike smiled and hugged her again. Twilight smiled and told Spike that she loved him, and he returned the favor. Twilight remembered something and reached into the balloon, quickly bringing out a small watch, it wasn't expensive, or valuable, but she knew it would carry value for Spike.
"This was given to me by my dad when I was little, before I even dreamed of being in Princess Celestia's school. I've had it my whole life, even though it doesn't fit anymore." She said with a smile. She looked up to Spike, who was observing the watch, and seemed to take interest in her story. Twilight took Spike's hand and placed it in it, slowly closing it around the watch.
"I want you to have it." She said. Spike's face beamed, and he thanked her as he placed the watch on his wrist. The two shared one final hug before Twilight had to go. Applejack had just finished saying goodbye to her family, and Rainbow had just finished telling Fluttershy what to do with Tank.
"You girls ready to kick some flank at the games?" Rainbow asked as she flew above the balloon. Despite insistence from both Twilight and Applejack, she said she was going to fly next to the balloon, only coming in the balloon when she needed a rest. Twilight nods and tells Rainbow to be ready to take off. She looks over to Applejack and nods, who nods back.
"Goodbye y'all! We'll be back before ya know it!" She said as she cut the line holding the balloon the ground. Spike, the Apples, and the others waved goodbye and wished them safe travels. With good fortune, this flight will only take two days, a much quicker time than walking, which would take a week. Twilight waves goodbye to Spike one final time, then sets off to prepare the course to get to the Games.