Who You Want to Be

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Okay! Forgive me! I know I promised The Flying Crown...and well...HA-HA! You guys got it! Sorry, little trick. Without further adieu, here's the Flying Crown. Hope you guys enjoy it

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Song 1: Huzzah

By: Sofia the First Cast

From: Sofia the First

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Song 2: Light of your Cutie Mark Parody

By: CMC & Diamond Tiara

From: My Little Pony

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The day had finally arrived! The preliminary Flying Derby race! The race that will leave one team in a pool of their woeful tears, and the other on their way to the championship to win the coveted of all trophies, THE FLYING CROWN! Those who carry the Flying Crown will come to be known, across the globe, at the top dogs of the Youth Division Derby League! The sponsors, the scholarships, the acceptances onto professional teams will fall into their laps because of this crown, and the school's they represent will attract future students from all around. Of course rival schools will seek to knock them down a peg. What's competition without bitter rivalries.

Royal Prep, the infamous underdogs of Flying Derby versus West Loch prep, the second favorites to win the whole shebang are battling it out on Royal Prep course for their chance to go head to head with the Derby Champions, The Junior Knights Academy, to take the crown, the glory, and the recognition! The crowd could already feel the tension on their arrival! Sitting the bleachers, the Royal Family of Enchancia in the Balcony Box, watching this race enter on its final laps was almost too much to bear! The excitement and energy charging the whole course had everyone - especially those still shoving to get inside - on the edge of their seats and on their toes.

Sofia and James, Royal Prep's golden racers, were on the brink of being diagnosed sleep deprived when they arrived for the race! At the starting line their nerves were getting the best of them. Making them fidget and writhe. But the moment the whistle blared and the flag was swung those two cleaved off their fatigue and anxiety, and West Loch learned fast that they wouldn't have such an easy win! The entire race was leading in a four way tie. Or two way if one wants to be technical. West Lock would pull ahead by a nose, then Royal Prep by a feather, they collided and bumped one another, and they went so far as to have the horses climb on each other! These two teams were out for blood, and blood they would have to go to the Championships! West Loch always makes it to the Championships! This year will be Royal Prep's time to shine, and they will leave the Junior Knights and West Loch in the dust! As the racers enter the final laps, Royal Prep's dreams may come to fruition, or die and become ash in their mouths!

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The two teams passed the finish line, coming into their final lap of the race and crunch time to seal away any gaps that will lead to a humiliating loss! All four horses cleared the hoops, wove between the poles, and passed over the pond, showing off their horses agility by springing off one of the erected crumbled pillars! "And as the riders enter the final stretch, the horses are neck and neck and neck!" The announcers shouted through his surprisingly loud megaphone. Though everyone was sure he's naturally loud, letting his voice carry.

In the balcony above him, The Royal Family, Baileywick and Servants, Hildegard, Cleo, and Astrid were squirming as their team kept hard on West Loch's tails! Roland was leaning to the wall, secured by Miranda, practically falling onto the course as his kids lit the track ablaze. Their kids who started out as pure amateurs were on the cusp of being forever labeled as Royal Preps best flyers, and the team that took the whole contest! Amber, Cleo, and Hildegard were huddled so close they would have conjoined into one person, screaming for their leading Princess to show these boys what she's made of! James was there too, but a girl has never been on the derby team before, let alone in the contests! This was beyond exciting! Lydia and Astrid, overcome by the suspense, were chowing down on their 10th Derby Provided Crepes, and were on their 15th refill of carbonated fruit juice! Their full bladders and moaning stomachs can stick it! This was getting good!

"UH-OH! West Loch pulls ahead by a nose!" The Announcers absolutely killed the vibe for the Prep Supporters. Eezeyal plopped from the awning onto Baileywick's head. A good thing he didn't speak owl, because Lydia was going red with shame at his language. West Loch's team wriggled their way out and ahead, their horses beating the wind and galloping on the current! They were gaining the lead fast, leaving James and Sofia behind.

"COME ON, GUYS, YOU'VE GOT THIS! DON'T GIVE UP!" Astrid bellowed between her palms. Her cheers were heard, but something was happening leaving her in dismay. James was pulling back! "WHAT?! WHAT'S HE DOING?!" She forthed.

Lydia grinned knowingly, placing a pacifying hand to her shoulder. "Watch this!"

"And now Prince James is dropping back?! What is Royal Prep going to do?!" The announcer formed the shroud of suspense. James angled his horse back and had him pump his wings! A powerful gust of air caught Minimus's little wings and that purple stallion took off like a bolt from a crossbow, breaking through West Loch and bringing Royal Prep back in the lead! West Loch was so startled by her breakthrough that even their horses slowed in shock, letting James pulled ahead with her! The crowd went wild! "Now it's Royal Prep who pulls ahead thanks to a beautiful wing blast!" James and Sofia got the crowd going with cheers and fists pumps! Astrid and Lydia squealed loudly, squishing each other in a bouncing hug. "That's one gorgeous team playing, right there! And now Princess Sofia is in the lead with the finish line IN SIGHT!" Crunch time was now crushed time! This will be the final length that decides it all! "Remember, folks, only one rider needs to cross the line for the team to win! And whichever team wins today goes on to the Flying Derby Championships, where they will race for the greatest prize in all Royal Sport, " The announcer had to salute ot it's greatness, "The Flying Crown Trophy!" The teams burst through the bell tower to sound off the bell of encroaching victory or defeat! This was no time to slack or become complacent! James and Sofia knew they could lose their lead at anytime! They have to keep pushing!

"THIS IS SO EXCITING!" Amber twisted animatedly. She could hardly contain herself! She was about to burst. "GO, SOFIA!" She waved her fan in the air. It went silent, all eyes fell on her. She was forgetting someone. Lydia leaned in and whispered to her. "And James!"

Lydia sarcastically pat her head, "Good sister."

"STEADY ON, TEAM!" Sir Gilliam was heard, not wanting to get wrapped up in victory before that tape was broken.

"And here comes West Loch again! They're just too fast!" Precisely what Gilliam and the team feared! James and Sofia are good, but West Loch is known for its speed! That was going to be the factor that could rob them of this race!

"OH NO! They're so close! They can't lose now!" Cleo fretted, fanning herself crazily.

"COME ON, SOFIA AND JAMES!" Hildegard screamed at the top of her lungs.

"DON'T BLOW THIS JAMES!" Amber roared.

Lydia pushed her head down, smashing it into a pillow on a stand. It was holding her spare tiara. Baileywick moved it last second. "IGNORE HER AND KILL IT, JAMES!"

"GO, SOFIA!" Astrid howeld.

"The kids are violently into this, aren't they?" Miranda cringed. Roland, Baileywick, and Company feverishly bobbed their heads.

"Boom, boom! Royal Prep pulls off a beautiful double Derby swerve!" Heads went back to the action, finding Sofia swerving as a roadblock to keep West Loch off them. One would try to pass her but would end up pulling out from nearly hitting Minimus's heels. The other just wasn't fast enough. "That just goes to show you being fast is no match for a good team play!"

"Yer darn right it ain't!" Eezeyal hooted.

"Prince James is all alone in the lead and BOOM, BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!" The balcony had their souls scared right out of them as the Announcer was screaming his head off, slapping the railing of his box. "HE'S HEADING FOR THE FINISH LINE!" Now the whole balcony was climbing on the edge! James was leading! Sofia was losing her swerve and West Loch was breaking through! James kicked at his horse's side and he gave it his all! All breath was held until finally...THE TAPE WAS SNAPPED BY JAMES AND THE CROWD WENT WILD! "AND THEY'VE DONE IT! BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!" The announcer slammed the railing so hard his hand was about the snap. "ROYAL PREP WINS!" Sir Gilliam cheered louder than anyone in that audience. That was his team taking the gold there! He coached those youngsters! "ROYAL PREP WINS!" Amber, Lydia, and their friends jumped to one another, hooting with pumping fists. The announcer had to find one more breath to shout, "ROYAL...PREP...WINS…!" He titled himself as far back as he could, using all of his breath on that final shout. Normally announcers are supposed to remain neutral in sports. Completely unbiased, no favorites, all teams get to have an equal amount of zeal in their progress. Yeah, this referee was letting his love for Royal Prep echo from sea to shining sea. He then collapsed on his hind, megaphone and hat flipping in the air before landing on him. "Ow…" The crowd was coming down from their cheering, but their vivacious applause was a white noise that flooded the school in all directions. The Fairies circled the derby course in a tizzy of glee, sending crackling streams shooting about to burst in vibrant colors. Never before has Royal Prep had such a clean winning streak! A near sweep on their way to the championships. Nothing was going to stop them now!

The referee blew his whistle, piping up Royal Prep's marching band. The crowd knew what was coming next when those horns began. Why let the adrenaline die down before getting in a victory song for their school's Derby Power Duo! "HUZZAH!" Fists ramped up high. Amber was louder than anyone in the Royal Family Booth for her girl. "HUZZAH!" Zandar and his boy squared off to see who cheered louder for their boy. Then the crowd and booth broke out into a wave, all chanting, "FOR RPA!"

"Huzzah! Huzzah! For Royal Prep!"

Amber and her friends were more energized that a Princess was taking the gold. "For the red, and green, and blue~..." Hands were in the air, basking in the glory of their school's color and what they represent. "We're all for one, and one for all." Hands gestured to the all around them, then went to their heart to show where they stood. "At RPA," The young Princesses in the top benches led the clap, "You'll hear our royal call!" Vivian astonishing herself with how into the music she was getting.

"Huzzah! Huzzah! For Royal Prep," Fist pumps were swirled overhead, like wands were being waved. Astrid and Lydia hugged each other by the shoulders, hands to their hearts, "Yes, we're loyal through and through~~..."

"We rule on the field," Miranda and Roland sang as a stated fact, "And off it too!" And those were proud parents to say so.

"That's for Royal Prep to a T we're true!" And the crowd wasn't ashamed to pour their hearts out to this very academy. Well...except for Hugo...who was in the audience with his Dad and Brother. He wasn't feeling very...supportive. And Lydia arched a somber brow noticing.

Meanwhile, after completing their very deserved victory lap, James and Sofia steadied their horses to a pacified halt, bringing them down from their rush. They pet their beautiful horses, turning them toward the band and crowd. That cheer was for them too.

"WE DID IT!" Sofia cheered, still a bit breathless form that amazingly close race. "We're going to the championships!"

"YEAH!" James exclaimed, high fiving his little sis.

"SOFIA AND JAMES," Their family screamed for them the loudest, "Royal through and through!" The crowd welcomed them with open arms, no doubts in their Royal persona. "Huzzah! Huzzah!" Amber was standing on the booth wall, skirt pinched by a impassive yet very concerned Lydia and Hildegard. "For red, green and blue!" Hard for the Royals and Servants to sing when concerned for Amber.

"That's Royal Prep to a T we're true~~..." The music was dying down, and the crowd was returning to their seats for one final, "HUZZAH!" They roared in applause as James and Sofia strode on their horses towards the pen. Amber was shoving Hildegard and Clio for the stairs to get to the field. She had to shower her brother and sister in praise. Hildegard and Clio were scared, but laughing. Astrid and Lydia went after them before someone got hurt. That is until this very virulent gurgling came to their stomachs and their faces went green. Their punishment for stress eating. they promptly excused themselves and found the nearest bin to...empty their contents. Roland and Miranda would be down later to congratulate them. A King and Queen's work is never done, even at sporting events.

Sofia and James put their horses inside the pen, letting them decompress from such a great run. The stable boys already had fresh water and oats ready for them. A couple of fist bumps and those two logged this day as the perfect win. They turned and were met with a crowd of their friends, Lydia, and Astrid, cheering them on. James was soaking up the praise when… "OH, SOFIA, YOU DID IT! YOU WON," The cold breeze of Amber's brush off rooted him and she was smothering Sofia with all the adoration. So much for being proud of both her sibs.

"Hey, I won too!" James wanted that love.

"I know." Amber dismissed him with a flick of the wrist and went back to Sofia. "Royal Prep hasn't made it to the Championships in a hundred years!" Lydia, spitting out mouthwash and chewing on a handful of mints, sympathetically patted James on the back while being irritated by Amber's one sided fawning. "And it's all because of MY SISTER!"

"AND BROTHER!" James and Lydia stressed.

"Uh-huh." She didn't care right now. James was stupefied! He's taking second place! AFTER COMING IN FIRST!

Lydia kissed him on the cheek. "I'm proud of you." He cupped his hands at his cheek and sighed dreamily, batting his eyes in thanks to his big sis. She snickered adoringly.

"Now you two just have to win that Flying Crown!" Lydia rolled her eyes, pursing her lips with credit to her say two. "We're all counting on you, Sofia! Don't mess this up, James." She warned him, gripping his chin. So much for recognition.

"Amber, stop stressing them out. They're going to do great." Lydia implored her. She hugged both Sofia and James, never so happy for them in her life. "I won't lie, though, this had me on the edge of my seat." She exhaled heavily, patting her chest. Yep! Her heart's still ticking. "I don't think my old heart can take the championships."

"You're gonna have to suck it up, Lyd, because we are going to dominate!" James nudged his knuckles to her ribs. "Enchancia's Prince and Princess are going to make history!"

"Don't we know it!" Lydia slapped palms with them both and pumped them, getting her blood back in circulation. Grrrr….She blushed at her rather loud stomach. Astrid held hers laughing. Way to ruin the moment, stomach. "And that is a sign that I need to go get some food. I'll see you guys in a bit."

"Me too." Astrid waved goodbye. "I haven't eaten at all today. I was too excited." She poked Lydia's stomach. "But I see even your stomach has a loud opinion."

"I'm amazed we're hungry considering we ate the entire crepe stand!" It's not an exaggeration! The stand owner was billing Miranda for this enormous chunk taken out of the stand! It was a horse that got out of its pen, but the girls are the ones who ate him out.

"We also just vomited the entire crepe stand." Astrid would like to redirect her attention to the poor fool who had to take clean out the bins. They cringed and ran for the hills.

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"Now what do we want to eat?" Astrid pondered, perusing the small number of food stands provided by the school. She and Lydia didn't know what to get. Chow Mein from Weiling, Ramen from Japan, Burgers from the New World, Pasta from Italy - there are so many choices, but very little room in their stomachs. To be honest, the smell of the food was making them a little nauseous. But they must eat. "I guess we could go salad and try something with more substance."

"I'll do a fruit salad. Raw veggies do nothing for me but put a bad taste in my mouth." Lydia hates salads. She'll only eat vegetables if they're cooked and mixed with other food.

"You need more vegetables, Lydia, to maintain a healthy metabolism."

"I just ate a whole crepe cart and didn't gain a single pound!"

"For now! Metabolism like yours fades after a certain age." Astrid scolded her.

"Yours will fade before mine! You did just turn 19 last week!" She then tossed her bitterness aside to hug her lovingly. "Happy belated Birthday!"

"Oh thank you!" Astrid pressed her cheek to hers, squeezing her in a hug. "But seriously! You need-"

"I'm telling you Hugo, there's nothing like crossing that finish line!" Astrid and Lydia knew that voice. Their heads craned to the cotton candy stand, spotting a very miserable Hugo ignoring his self adoring big brother Axel. "The thrill of the whole crowd watching! The rush of wind on your skin! The unbearable, gnawing sensation that you might blow it!" He animated his glory days as a Derby Champ, rubbing salt in Hugo's wounded pride. "And then when you hear that tape SNAP! BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!" He imitated the announcer, shoving green cotton candy into Hugo's face. He peeled it off, not at all humored underneath it. "Sorry, Baby Bro!" He laughed, eating a piece of his humiliation. "I just get to pumped when I think about my wins."

"Way to NOT be supportive, Ax." Astrid scolded him playfully, she and Lydia meandering with hands on the hips and folded. They eyed him with disapproval. How can he be so oblivious to his brother's agony?

"If it isn't our favorite freak of nature and her bestie!" Axel greeted with a little salute of two fingers. Hugo didn't say much. He just ate his cotton candy dismally. Lydia wasn't going to respond to being called a freak of nature. She's gotten used to that. "Not gonna blow me up for being mean to my baby bro, are you?" He dragged Hugo in by the neck, giving him a noogie.

"NEVER." Lydia puckered her lips, batting her eyes with feigned innocence. "I'll just shrink your head so Hugo can hang it off Electra."

"I like that plan!" Hugo brightened up in a snap, shoving himself out of Axel's grasp.

"Ha-Ha! Imma go get some snacks. Catch you two later." Axel strode off with a prideful strut. Astrid touched Lydia's shoulder, excusing herself to go catch up with Axel.

Lydia and Hugo waited till they were gone before dropping their facades with heavy sighs. "He's still pretty shaken up, huh?" Axel calls her a freak of nature in order to control his trauma from Lydia's birthday.

"We all are." Hugo picked sadly at his cotton candy. That left everyone shaken up. Boswell's assault, Lydia the embodiment of so much power, her split personality - that was a lot to swallow. Sometimes its difficult to remember everything from it happening so fast. "That was scary."

"For you and me. But I'm more concerned about you." She poked his forehead, tilting his head so he'd look at her. "It's hitting you hard, isn't it? I know you wanted to be out there too." She saw him for some of the race. He was less thrilled to see Sofia and James win than he was sitting there.

"Yeah…" He swatted my hand off, throwing his cotton candy with a swing of his arm. It landing with a swish in to the grounds keeper's sack. He thanked the Prince and moved on. "But thanks to your sister and brother, I got cheated out of what's been mine for years! What should have been mine!"

Lydia's brow twitch. "Uh, excuse me?!" She furiously bent forward, getting right in his face. "If I remember correctly, you're the one who cheated and it bit you in the behind for it!"

"Ethier play hard or go home!" That's his motto.

"NOT play dirty, Hugo!" There is an extreme difference to playing hard and playing dirty! And Hugo only knew how to play dirty! They were drawing attention to each other. Lydia guided him along, taking him to a barbecue stand. "They play against the Junior Knights soon, right?!"

"Yeah! They win every year!" And it makes him sick.

"I've seen the races and tryouts for The Junior Knights before. None of them have done what you did to Sofia! Which I'm still very angry about." Hugo huffed under his breath, turning away so he can pretend he wasn't sorry. He wasn't fooling anyone. Lydia breathed hard, coming down into her zen space. "But Sofia put it behind her, and so can I." She held up two fingers to the vendor, pointing to the special. "I thought, after what went down last year, and how well you got on with everyone, you were past it too."

"You're not the only one who can wear a fake smile." He shot back.

"I know what fake smiles look like. Those weren't it." She poked his cheek impishly.

"Shouldn't you be with the champions of our school?" He slapped her hand away.

"I was hungry." Right on cue, two pulled pork sandwiches on rye, extra sloppy on the sauce, strings of steamed carrots, kosher dill pickles rounds, and some cayenne for spice wrapped in foil were set to the counter. Lydia paid and offered one to Hugo. "Pulled Pork Sandwich?"

He was about to refuse when the aroma had him drooling. "Thanks…" He unwrapped it. The two took one bite and they were melting, sparkling with bliss. They found a bench to eat and relax on, letting today wash off of them. Those sandwiches really hit the spot.

"Hugo, it does sting when you're on top and you get knocked down." She assured him, throwing their trash away. That's a pain everyone who lives in success knows. She's been knocked down plenty of times. "But it's said that a prideful fall brings humility to save you from the impact." It's so the person isn't demolished to the core of their being. "That's when we get our second chance to rise again and actually earn our spot there."

"Are you saying I'm going to get a second shot to show all of Royal Prep, My Family, and everyone else, that it was a mistake labeling me as third best?" Lydia deadpanned. Not really what she meant. That whistling sound is the message flying over his head, and Lydia thinking she Amber isn't the only oblivious one. "PFFT! Yeah right! I don't know what sort of Fantasy books you read, Lydia, but stuff like that doesn't happen!"

(Ten minutes later)

"I'M ON THE TEAM!" Hugo beamed to Sir Gilliam.

"So much for fantasy." Lydia mumbled pleased with herself. Though she really doesn't like that it took James tripping over his own feet and spraining his wrist.

"You're the third best rider in the school, so yes." Sir Gilliam placed the Derby Team helmet on his head, almost knighting him. "You and Sofia will ride for Royal Prep in the Championships." Axel and Astrid were really lost on how this came about. And how the heck did James hurt his wrist so soon after winning?!

"James, really? A flat surface?" Lydia she flicked the side of his head. She got the gist of the story from Gilliam when he came to get Hugo. Astrid and Axel arrived shortly after when Hugo got named a member of the team. "It'd be more heroic if you said stupidity tripped you."

"Kinda did." He rubbed the back of his neck, blushing angrily at himself.

"You know, it does pain me when Amber's right all the time." She seems right on the nose when it comes to James.

"It kills me." It's a dagger straight in his gut. "She's never going to let me live this down." He dropped his head.

"No she will not." Lydia dreaded to say.

"Imma go drown my misery in the stables." James tramped off miserably, half his body swaying. Lydia saluted him as he left.

"Alright…" Sir Gilliam clapped, ending that bit of drama, "See you two at practice first thing tomorrow." He went after James. He might be able to cheer him up.

"YES, SIR GILLIAM!" Sofia confirmed. That was the easy part. Now for the real challenge. "Listen, Hugo, I know I beat you in the try-out race," Lydia and Astrid inwardly groaned. Worst icebreaker, "But hopefully we can put that behind us now that we're teammates. No hard feelings?" She held out her hand.

There was a very brief drumroll when Astrid, Lydia, and Axel glanced to Hugo. "You just got lucky." CRASH! The three cringed. So much for burying the hatchet. He really can hold a grudge.

"Okay…" Sofia awkwardly took the hand back. This was going to take a bit. "Well, we don't have much time before the big race. But James and I've been working on some new team plays I could teach you."

Hugo scoffed at her petty gesture. "I'm so fast, Sofia, we don't need any team plays. All we need is ME flying across that finish line." He pranced off, so confident that victory is in the bag for him.

"Okay! See you tomorrow then!" Sofia tried her hardest to stay cordial.

"I swear. It's like five steps backwards with that kid!" Lydia snarled. She's losing her patience.

"He's still sore about the loss last year." Axel excused him. "Don't worry, he'll come around."

"I hope so." Sofia moaned. "We can't win if we're not on the same page."

"You're not wrong." Astrid shrugged matter of factly, but doesn't see what they can do if Hugo is too proud to work with her. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. In this case, Hugo's a stubborn mule willing to dehydrate in order to save his pride. This was going to be a headache.

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The Derby Race originally left Lydia and Astrid pretty winded, and bringing up the cart full of crepes they ingested in one breath. Their plan was to head home and collapse into their rooms, fade off into a nap with a good book, some work, or anything that would exhaust their minds. A good end to a whirlwind of a day. But that thing with Hugo and Sofia had them antsy, unable to sit still. Axel especially. The whole situation was too bitter to swallow, and left the older siblings feeling abnormally anxious that their team could lose if he didn't shape up. Going home and going to bed wasn't going to alleviate this nagging in the back of their minds. So Astrid proposed an idea. That the three of them decompress at her castle for the day and come back to the school tomorrow bright and early to cheer on the team. Axel quickly declined her offer. There was no time to decompress. Not with the Championships only days away. He needs to be with Hugo, working his tiny Princely butt off to zoom passed that finish line and bring honor to his family name. Axel planned on pushing Hugo beyond his limits so that he'll leave everyone in the dust like his family before him. The declaration shook Astrid and Lydia, the two nervous this may overwhelm Hugo to collapsing rather than making him stronger. But Axel was his brother, knew him better than anyone else. This might be what Hugo needed to get his rear in gear.

Meanwhile, Lydia was happy to take Astrid up on her offer and wanted to know what she had in mind to decompress. Astrid's remarkably sinister grin, a grin her very precious face should even be able to contemplate making, had Lydia quaking in her boots. Astrid is a very talented and creative individual. She's known across Frezenberg as the Princess who can take two opposing activities and create an exercise, or sport from them. One year she combined Archery with Jousting. Not very creative seeing as riding a horse and firing an arrow is done in wars. The next thing she made up was Gymnastics mixed with dancing. Basically dancers had to stay atop balance beams over pools of freezing water. Lydia later heard about Blind Frog Leap across a rope bridge. Yes, Astrid is capable of being insane and Lydia was terrified. However, Astrid wanted to keep it simple and not kill Lydia before the big race. So she promised the activity would be kept in her Castle's Ice Rink. Which calmed Lydia down on the spot. Astrid is the regional Enchanted Ice Skating Champ, a true work of art on the ice. Lydia's coordinated enough without ice. On ice should be safe enough. Boy did she misread the plans! Because it turns out that Astrid also had fencing practice...oh boy.

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"AHH-OOF!" This can be tallied as the 19th time Lydia was tossed flat on her back to the in door ice rink. Even her enchanted skates were in a daze. The form fitting sleeves of her red practice outfit did not prevent her from feeling the sting of the ice hitting her. good thing the black tights are made of sturdy material.

Astrid came gliding around her in her glittery outfit, giggling at Lydia's expense. She stopped so perfectly and on a dime that not even a spray of ice showered on Lydia. "I find it ironic that you can skate on magic but not on magic skates."

"I control the magic." She stretched her leg up, pointing at the heinous contraptions. "These control me. Major difference for my lack of coordination. And pride." She went limp in place, wanting the ice to swallow her. "Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to die in place."

"Right." Astrid rolled her eyes. So dramatic. "You dropped this." She plopped Lydia's rapier onto her stomach.

Lydia ogled the weapon with deep bitterness, wanting to snap it in half. "Fencing and skating - two things that should never be together." On the bright side it isn't her fencing with Miles so there is no danger of any shrapnel blowing in Astrid's face. Hm...how come nothing is blowing up? She gets pretty worked up and ends up using a burst of magic on a reflex to not fall. Yet nothing bad has happened. Is it because I don't want to bust my head open, or because I'm having a good time. Despite being tossed onto her hind quarters everytime.

"Oh quite being a baby and get into your stance." Astrid hoisted her onto her feet, balancing her by the waist. There's no getting out of it, so Lydia exhaled and took her form. She and Astrid curtsied, and then they kicked off. The lock of their blades resounded in a shrill ring and had them stopped inches from one another, determination burning in their eyes. They pushed off one another, digging in the blades of their skates, then came at each other at the sides, glancing blows of their blades repelled. Lydia spun to face her while Astrid criss crossed her legs to glide backwards around her. Lydia should be bothered that someone was about to get the drop on her for the 20th time in one day, but she was having the time of her life instead.

Astrid was a true magician on the ice. Her body and tricks were in perfect sync with one another and those blasted skates. She was one with her sword, deflecting and parrying Lydia's boorish thrusts and strikes. A thrust that would seem to miss would come with a quick stop and spin that had the sword grinding along Lydia's, sending the girl back a ways. Lydia was too focused on what the skates were planning rather than learning that it the position of her feet and the sway of her body that dictate what the skates will do next. Astrid knows how to keep herself grounded or take flight, but this was a good lesson for Lydia...and it was fun to watch her squirm. She rode over the ice as if her skates were never touching it. Lydia conceded she was out of her league...and then her mind started to wander...Lezard.

"AHH! OOF!" And on her back she went, but without an irritated sigh. Instead she just stared up at the navy ceiling, tracing the smooth edges of the carved prisms forging the cave like point. Why Lezard comes to mind now...it really leaves her queasy. She can't help it. Hugo...reminds me...of Lezard.

"Your jumps and thrusts are really lacking oomph." Astrid crouched beside her. "You seem down."

"Not down...just nostalgic." Lydia sat up, groaning somberly. "Hugo...is like Lezard."

"Your ex-boyfriend, right? The one who…" Astrid bit her tongue catching Lydia flinching. "Right. How is that?"

"Lezard was fixated on being number one in our school. So fixated that being on top meant more to him than...than me." That really shouldn't be causing her chest to tighten. She's accepted the fact he never liked her...just the power she has. "When graduation came, it never occured to me until he attacked me, but he wasn't happy at all when he was ranked as number one and me number two."

"He became number one because of the taboo, right? His hands?" She flexed her palms, forgetting the name of the spell.

"Leech Palms, yes. With them he could absorb and use the magic of anyone he touched." He can steal every ounce of their magic and leave them in a comatose state, or kill them. Anyone with those palms could become the most powerful being in the world. More powerful than the Fairies, and they're stronger than her. "The drawback is that they can never be removed and have to always be fed. Driving a person mad." The hunger for magic is tantamount to the hunger felt by a dog starved for weeks. Eventually...they attack, dying to fill their bellies.

"How does this remind you of Hugo?" Astrid tilted her head, missing the plot.

"Lezard always felt he was second to me because of my powers, and because he knew he couldn't match me so long as I had them. So he committed a taboo and is now in jail!" What goes around comes around and lands the offender in prison. He should be thrown in a trunk to the bottom of the ocean. "Hugo will always feel second, or dead last, to Sofia and James because he cheated and lost." Lost all of his mindless followers and crushes too. Amber threw him to the curb without a second thought. Lydia's still very proud of that. "I'm worried he'll do something crazy in order to win and to get his pedestal back." Crazy like make Sofia have an accident so he can have a mindless flunky as his sidekick.

"Competition does bring out the worst in everyone." Astrid can admit that she gets pretty ugly when faced with the possibility of defeat. "But not everyone is as bad as their competitive nature." As everyone knows, competition is fierce and it devours those involved. "Hugo is a boy who's down on his luck and just wants to get back up. And he feels winning is the only way. It's all that matters in his world."

"Axel did tell me his family has a long history of Derby Champs."

"They do. Axel, their dad, their uncle, his grandfather and so on." That's right. Girls and women weren't allowed into Derby races, or just never tried out. Go, Sofia. "And that is an immense amount of pressure, and achievement to live up to." That's a familiar pressure. Being named Crowned Princess, and the step-daughter of King Roland, Lydia feels she can't sneeze without someone wanting to tell her she's nothing like Roland. It really shouldn't bother me that I'm not like someone who isn't my blood. But it does. "He felt he lost that chance when he lost the tryouts. Now that he has his chance, he's scared to lose it." And losing isn't an option in the least if he wants it. Astrid put a hand to Lydia's shoulder, smiling warmly to her. "But if he had people there to support him, show him there is more to living up to a name than winning," Like how Lydia had people to tell her she isn't a monster, "He will stand taller than he ever has. Regardless if he wins."

"I...I think I hear what you're saying. Thanks, Astrid."

"Of course." Astrid helped her off the cold ice, skating for the bleachers. it was time for a break. "Besides, I need to believe Hugo can rise above this. He's an amazing rider and a fantastic racer." Lydia won't deny that. She's gotten to see him race a couple of times. He's near flawless. Near. "He hasn't let his family down, and he never will. The only person he'll let down is himself if he keeps behaving this way."

"Has he always been this stubborn?" Lydia asked, passing her a canteen of water.

"Him and Hildegard both." She remarked exhausted. She rubbed her head. "I don't know if you've noticed, but those two have a reputation around the school as the best in some field."

"I've noticed." Lydia groaned with a roll of her eyes. It's pretty hard to watch. "Hildegard is fawned over and envied, especially by Clio, as the most knowledgeable and confident. And Hugo was the Golden Boy of the Derby Team and inspirational to the other Princes. Even James wanted to measure up." Still kind of does. James always fears Hugo will take his place permanently if he ever slacks off. Having his arm sprained must be killing his self esteem. "Amber's the same way."

"Precisely. Their reputation is all they have to feel better about themselves. Take away what gave them that reputation and they feel left with nothing." Kind of sad when she says it out loud. "They can always rebuild that reputation with a new lease, but with their self confidence shattered and their self worthless worthless…"

"That's a ladder they're too crippled to climb." The fall bruises the body, but it sudners the soul and will to get back up again. Hugo suffered his worst fall when he lost. "Hugo's a good kid. He has to want to work with Sofia. He knows he can't win without her." It's because of her and James he's in third anyway. Sir Gilliam stating that fact didn't help.

"True Athletes put their grudges aside for the team." As an athlete herself, this isn't hot air spouting from her lips. It's hard to put differences and pride aside for the team. "If Hugo really wants to impress his family, he has to be willing to forgive, forget, and swallow that it was his own methods that made him lose."

"Good luck with that." Lydia voiced her doubts. "Hildegard and Amber choke when they have to admit they're wrong. Hugo might suffocate."

"Then you, me, and Axel have to be there to perform CPR and get him back on his feet!" She encouraged, wrapping an arm to Lydia's shoulders.

"I don't know CPR." Lydia droned.

"I'll teach you-" They got up and Astrid pushed Lydia right back down, making her fall between the bleachers. "Right after I teach you about your stance."

Lydia's brow bounced Irately . "Says the twig!"

"Who are you calling-AHH!"

"SNEAK ATTACK!" Lydia sprang like a feral cat out of hiding, tackling Astrid to the floor.

"CHEATER!"

"DEAL!" The guards heard the commotion and rushed to help, only to find the two girls winded and laughing on the floor. Earlier it sounded like two cats going at it.

xxx

Classes at Royal Prep are being cut short for the championship race, leaving Sofia and Hugo the whole day to practice. Visitors from all around were coming to see the crowd favorites, the Junior Knights, and the Underdogs, Royal Prep, the newfound rivals for the Flying Crown, duke it out for the championship. It i unprecedented that after 100 years the ones to bring RPA to the championships would be a Prince who never practiced, and a Princess! This had to be seen to be believed. And the bragging rights afforded to the supporters of either team will be sweet ambrosia on their lips.

Lydia was pretty winded from her trouncing by Astrid, and it was pretty late after she'd had dinner with the Royal Family of Frezenberg. So she spent the night and got a nice shade of Frezenberg blue nail polish put on her hands and feet. It sparkled like Hildegard's dress. Very pretty. The girls hung out for the day before heading out for the school. Astrid adored Eezeyal, loved scratching that special spot on his tummy and listening to him purr. Eezeyal asked that Lydia take a one hour stroll so he could enjoy this. It wasn't so. They had to get going.

By the time the girls arrived to the school, Axel was with an annoyed Minimus and a disheartened Sofia were standing outside the track. There was no sign of Hugo or Electra. It was pretty early. Practice couldn't be over already. Sofia and company brightened seeing the two girls and Eezeyal, but it was very short lived.

"How was practice?" Astrid asked fretfully.

"Didn't happen. Hugo doesn't want to practice with me. He just wants to cross the finish line." Sofia informed her sadly.

"Ugh...that boy!" Lydia fumed.

"Isn't there anything any of you can do to get him to practice with me?!" Sofia pleaded. Astrid and Axel cringed, hissing through their grit teeth at a loss. No one can make Hugo work with her if he doesn't want to. He'll just buck them at every turn. There has to be a way to provoke him into racing with her. Poke his hive to get his hornets buzzing for the thirst of competing with a fellow rider.

"Hmm, you know what, there might be something I can do." Lydia bobbed a finger in the air. Eyes lit up on her. It's a long shot but it might work. "You're going up against the Junior Knights, right? Chris is a reserve on his Derby Team. He can help ignite a spark in Hugo's saddle."

"Who's Chris again?" Astrid and Axel raised their hands.

"My friend Adelea's little brother. He attends the Junior Knight's Academy." He's the first of his age group to be named a Junior Knight from Paige.

"That's a great idea!" Sofia jumped excitedly. "Hold on, won't he be busy training for the championships?"

"Not this time. He's planning an excursion with one of the Knights. He has some free time before the trip, through." Him and Adelea are always off on their own adventures while she stays how ignoring suitors. What a dull life she's leading. "I'm sure he wouldn't mind a trial race or two."

"Thanks, Lydia. What would I do without you?" Sofia hugged her, batting her eyes.

"Whatcha talkin' about? I get my sweet, helpful, charitable side from you, remember." Lydia ruffled her hair. "Get on home and take care of our idiot brother. Tell Mom and Dad I'll be home late."

"Okay. Thanks, Lydia." Sofia got on Minimus and flew off home.

"Our castle has a Derby Course. Why don't we all meet there?" Axel proposed. "Hugo might relax more if he's on a course away from the Flying Crown in his face and a crowd." Students were gathering around in hopes of catching some of the actions. Many of them were annoyed and sad that Hugo and Sofia weren't going to give them a trail run

"Sounds good." That will only add to the pressure Hugo's feeling. Lydia can hear a couple of students already doubting Hugo will be any good. That he'll cost them the championship. She wanted to tell them to stick it, and that they were talking out of their butts. But actions speak louder than words and Hugo working with Sofia to win was the best course of action. "Imma go pick up Chris. I'll see you in Albuquerque."

"I want to come too. I haven't gotten to see the Knight's Academy." Astrid pleaded.

"Then let's go." Lydia would love the company. And she and Astrid haven't had time to themselves since they first met. Why stop now?! They're having a great time!

xxx

The great times were kind of spoiled when they made it to the Junior Knight's Academy. Lydia and Astrid had to apologize to the Headmaster for their sudden visit. He pretended that it wasn't a big deal, but just a week ago Astrid's mom, Pamela, had borrowed a handful of his best knights for a hike up through the Everglades. What she was doing in a swamp was unknown to everyone. Including Henrik. Swamps aren't her place of choice. She bans mud. Anyway, getting back on topic, they were hoping to borrow Chris for a day or two to help a friend of theirs renew his confidence for a Derby Championship Race. The Headmaster immediately knew it was for Royal Prep. He heard one of the racers was injured and that Prince Hugo was a replacement. A talented young man whose hunger for victory finally turned sour in his mouth. While the Headmaster didn't approve of aiding the enemy team, one of their reserve members no less, he saw valor in wanting to stoke flames that have lost their luster. Additionally, Chris's excursion with one of the knights is going to take him through a region where flight is demanded. This will be good practice for him. He'll allow Chris to train with the young Prince. But he must be returned no later than Saturday morning. Lydia thanked him, picked up Chris, and off they were on flying horses to Albuquerque. Lydia and Astrid filled him in on the way, and he was laughing his head off.

"James sprained his wrist?! Days before the championship?!" He almost rolled out of the carriage laughing so dang hard. "I don't know if I should laugh or cry." He's already laughing.

Lydia twisted his ear. "Considering I have you miles in the air, and that's my baby brother-" Surely he doesn't want to become a stain on Albuquerque land.

"Got it! Sad! Boo-hoo, poor James." Chris changed his tune, writhing in pain.

"That's better." Lydia let him go, pleased he understands.

"Still...ow...I'm shocked anyone wants to help the kid who basically isn't afraid to cheat to get what he wants." Chris commented, rubbing his ear.

"Remember, we're here to help Hugo." Astrid scolded him. "Axel's already rubbed his loss in his face enough." Chris hears her, but he's heard of Hugo. Been in the same room as him. He's not the easiest boy to get along with. Let alone willfully help. Still, Lydia and Sofia are his friends and he'll do what he can to help her.

xxx

King Garrick stared into the afternoon sky with a grin to his face from the castle landing strip, spotting a flying Enchanica coach, and two wonderful ladies waving at him. Axel was there too, but was more interested in the dirt on his shoes than his guests. He and Garrick stood off to the side as the coach came in for its landing, stopping right in front of him. Garrick approached as the coachmen let the trio out, bowing to them.

"Ladies, Gentleman, thank you for coming!" Garrick welcomed with open arms. Axel waved nonchalantly. Odd behavior considering he invited them over.

"Good to see you again, King Garrick. Axel." Lydia said brightly. "You both remember Chris."

"Your Majesties…" Chris bowed. Axel regarded him with a huff and a brow twitch.

"Young Knight, thank you for coming." Garrick bowed to him.

"Where's Queen Irene?" Astrid was surprised she wasn't there with them.

"She's taken ill these past couple of days. A virus in her stomach that isn't showing signs of relenting." He was sorry to say.

"Oh no! Is she alright?" Astrid fretted.

"She's going about the day to day, eating light so her stomach won't get upset." That's progress. Eating is good. "Our Court Physician says these things can last up to about a week, and then slowly the patient gets back on their feet."

"That's good. I hope she gets well soon." Lydia prayed.

"Me too." Garrick appreciated their concern. "She's resting right now. Maybe you can see her after you've finished a run with Hugo." Astrid and Lydia would love that. They cupped their hands together, nodding animated.

"He's at the obstacle course just in back. I'll show you." Axel volunteered, speaking up for the first time. He's really out of sorts. He motioned them along. "Talk to you later, Dad."

"You kids have fun!" Garrick waved them off, returning inside.

"Challenging Hugo with a Derby reserve. Nice." Chris wasn't stupid. He can hear that Axel doesn't think much of his skills. Reserves in his eyes are contenders who weren't good enough for the team to begin with. "You recently became the top dog of your school, right?"

"Not the top dog. I just got promoted from Page to Junior Knight." He shrugged. It stopped being a big deal to him a month afterward.

"At the ripe old age of nine-"

"Ten!" Chris barked irritated. "I'm ten, and I get enough crap from my seniors. I don't need it from you." He set Axel straight, making Lydia and Astrid smirk.

"Geez. Knights aren't friendly." Axel waved him off.

"No, Axel, you're just a jerk." Lydia retorted, fist bumping Chris. Axel didn't wittily retort back. Instead he sneered at Lydia...and increased his pace.

xxx

Astrid, Chris, and Lydia walked to the other side of the castle, absorbing the family tree vines fo Hugo and Axel's heritage that lined most of the walls. It was a pretty crafty piece of decoration, and keeping alive the legacy of the Royal Family of Albuquerque. Beside each plaque of the members was a brief history that added value to them. The roots of the family began at the foyer at the front doors, and split off to opposite wings. The Families of Garrick and Irene and their long journey to building Albuquerque into what it is now, to their times five great grandparents meeting and uniting their families. What started off as a fued of Royalty vs The Common people gradually evolved into a love story to transcend the ages. Supposedly the branches and leaves all meet up at the Throne Room where they would find Garrick and Irene's insert, and from there Axel and his future Queen will be added, and Hugo's future will drift off to a different branch to keep the tree growing. Astrid has something similar at her castle too. Instead of a tree, it was a massive wall engraved with snowflakes linked to one another, each one different to show how different every member was and what they brought to the table. Lydia wants something like that in her home. But what would she use for her family line? What is her family line?

"WHOAAA!" Chris and Lydia's jaws hit the ground like anvils hit by a hammer. When someone says backyard, they expect a large yard with maybe something to climb on, or something like what Enchancia has. Astrid's backyard was the a winter wonderland stroll. This...this...THIS WAS RIDICULOUS! Axel had brought them through a tunnel from a flight of stairs, bringing them out to a stone wall that had a 50 story plummet of a drop that Chris and Lydia nearly walked off...and would have fallen to their deaths into an Olympic sized Flying Derby Arena. "THIS IS INSAAANNEE!" Their cries echoed, making Axel and Astrid laugh.

Their eyes hurt trying to absorb it all. Their heads were spinning! It was three courses in one giant acreage of area! The ground level was a dirt laden track with sea of moguls, fence hurdles, tall poles, deep pools that have their own waves, and...are those desert hills?! There were stretches of road between them, and hoof prints on the top. Two ways through. The finish line had a series of gaps and jumps with...spikes?! Oh no! Those are fake spikes! Foam made with nets at the bottom. Good. The poor horses. That wasn't the craziest part! Far from it!

The middle level was where the flight took place and the obstacles were intensified. There were rings to fly through that lit on fire periodically, rising and falling in two dips. Servants were suspended on cranes with massive fans to create intense wind situations, coupled with leaves, ice blocks to act as hail, sticks and rocks, and flying pigs to emulate the cows picked up by tornados. Onward were massive volcano props that actually spewed lava - garlic marinara sauce - and fake boulders that come tumbling down. Towards the finish line are...CATAPULTS AND CROSSBOWS?! It doesn't matters whats packed into the pouches, those will sting on a direct hit. Oh but it wasn't done from there!

The highest level, and they really need to figure out who the architect is because he must study sorcery on the side, was a sea of natural disasters that flyers face in the air. The erupting garlic volcanos shot spouts into the air. The middle level deals with the shower. The true aerial battle came from dodging the spouts. Storm clouds that shoot actual lightning, hail, heavy rain, and snow hovered over head. These horses are put through extreme conditions for races.

"What do you guys expect of your horses?!" Lydia asked in a frightened sweat.

"The best!" Axel pumped a fist, then slyly grinned at Eezeyal. He was rightfully terrified and hid behind her. Lydia placed a hand on his head. Her glare warned Axel that if he came any closer she'd throw him to his death. "Anyway, Hugo should be on the second course coming around...there!"

Right on cue, Hugo was clearing the boulders. His whole body was leaned forward, adjusting and leaning with his golden glory steed Electra! She earned her name with stripes! She darted through the air like an electrical storm, nothing able to being this unstoppable force to a halt! Electra's wings beating the air heatedly, her body weaving in and out of the boulders was a thing of beauty. She and Hugo were in sync! Until they cleared the boulders...and had to come around a sharp turn that would take them to the catapults and crossbows. It was a pillar with one of the servants on top with a flag. He would have gotten down from a zipline. Hugo was nearing the turn...but was coming in too hot and too close. Axel and the others were going to scream for him to watch out! Electra tried to veer from the pillar too late! A piece of her wing hit the pillar, throwing her off course and sending her hurtling into flips! Hugo was thrown off into the air.

"HUGO!" Axel cried. Lydia threw her hands out in a panic! Electra and Hugo missed the safety nets and were about to land headfirst into props. Suddenly they froze in mid air. They poked their eyes opened fearfully, gasping at how close their impending doom was. They looked around confused how they were saved, when Hugo saw his brother, friends...and Lydia panting hysterically from having strained to catch him. She smoothly set the pair down, lurching forward with her hands to her knees in relief. She caught him! He was alright! She caught him! Chris pat her on the back. Hugo was picking himself and Electra up, dusting himself and her off.

"We can all pretend we didn't see that." Astrid urged. No sense in this being the wrong foot.

"Agreed! Hold on!" Lydia brought Axel and Astrid in. Chris touched her side. A puff of turquoise smoke consumed them and they reappeared on the course with Hugo. Astrid and Axel wobbled away from her, choking to not puke. "Sorry, it's disorienting at first." She shrugged with a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of her head. Chris was fine. This sort of thing is what he deals with thanks to Adelea.

Astrid fanned her hand, assuring her she'd recover. She rushed to Hugo and Electra, helping the poor horse stand. "You both okay?!"

"We're fine! We're training! What do you guys want? Why are you here?!" Hugo huffed angrily. Nice to see you too. Chris snarled.

"We're here to help you train." Lydia stated firmly.

Hugo visibly flinched. "I don't need help." He scoffed.

"You just crashed on a simple turn." Axel scolded him. He checked Electra, pleased that she wasn't hurt. "You need help." He declared.

Hugo shook angrily, kicking at the dirt. "I've crashed on that same turn four times already! I don't get why Electra keeps crashing!"

"ME?!" Electra screeched heatedly, neighing to everyone else.

"Boy, I was a mile away and I saw it was your amarture self that made her crash!" Eezeyal roared.

Lydia touched their mouths, shushing them so she can correct him. It was hard for Astrid and the others to remember that she can understand animals. Her face told them Electra and Eezeyal weren't happy with him. "You're too tense." She declared. Hugo sputtered affortnedly. "Animals, especially horses, can sense when their owners are agitated. It makes them nervous." Eezeyal shuddered playfully, kneading his talons into her shoulders. Lydia flicked his forehead with pursed lips. "You need to relax, and remember that Electra is here to help you like you are her."

Hugo was about to tell her she didn't know what she was talking about. But when he heard Electra sputter at him, he was overcome by guilt. He's been working her worse than a dog in in a dog show. He went over and hugged her, smoothing his hands to her. "I'm sorry, Electra." She scoffed at his pitiful apology, but had to concede with a smile that he was too adorable for her to stay mad at. She nuzzled her snout to him, making him laugh. "Aw, good girl."

"Alright, now that we're calmed down, let's get a race in!" Astrid declared with a clap of her hands. "Lydia and Chris vs Hugo and Axel. Losers have to clean the horses."

"Sounds good to me!" Axel gave a thumbs up. Chris and Hugo were on board too.

"If no one minds, Ezee and I have a trick we need to work on." The pair nodded to one another. He floated into the air. She flipped her hair, exposing a seal on her back. Eezeyal landed to that seal, becoming one with his girl, and out form her back spread a set of owl wings, wowing her audience with how quickly she became on par with an angel. "Our duration together is a little low." It becomes painful when the strain starts to hit.

"That's cool!" Chris and Astrid fawned over the wings, moving them up and down. Lydia flinched feeling them pinch her feathers. Hugo was wowed and grossed out at the same time. Axel tried not to pay it any mind. He bit into his lip rancorously.

"Let's do it!" Astrid cheered. "I'll referee!"

Axel arranged flying horses for him and Chris. Lydia gave Astrid a lift to the referee booth at the finish line, and then she took her place at the starting platforms with the boys. A once around was called for this race, just to get a feel for the track. The racers agreed and got ready. Astrid amped them with a raise of her hand, their bodies tensed for….the drop! Astrid bellowed that they take flight. Wings came down hard, the air catching to their feathers and off they flew, launched like cannonballs. Chris and Hugo were in the lead for their teams, leaving Axel and Lydia behind to battle it out! So long as they kept one another behind, it was a toss in the air which team would come out on top. The rings were cleared with not a single feather signed or touch to the hoops. Axel was vicious when he bumped at Lydia, trying to throw her off course. Lydia's lack of horse made her more nimble and agile, so she swirled and dove around him, swiping at his hair to tease him. He snarled at her like an animal and she sneered back at him. But their focus on one another was strained when Hugo and Chris started to get loud. Hugo was snapping his crop at Electra's hip. Not hard enough to hurt her, but enough that she would pick up speed. The servants creating the high winds gave Chris an idea. He had the horse angle downward, catching a stream of wind that shot him ahead of Hugo by a wing. Hugo wasn't having it and brought Electra up and over Chris. Dismay consumed the boy when he realized Hugo was going to have the horse trounce on him. Lydia used Axel's horse to kick off ahead, getting in real close. Chris saw her spreading her wing, catching a pocket of air. Chris had his horse spread his wings. Lydia fell back beating hers as hard as she could. A wing blast was performed and Chris was rocketed out of Hugo's reach, leaving the boy falling down fast and falling behind. Lydia pulled ahead with Chris, both fornwing at his dirty trick. Axel dove and flipped his horse upside down, creating an updraft for Hugo to pull up with. The two were back in the race, and gaining on Chris and Lydia. The false volcanoes began to spew...and the racers all had some garlic bread to scoop some of it up with. It was delicious. Still, they rounded the volcano and watched for the falling sauce and boulders. The finish line was getting closer. Axel shouted at Hugo for them to perform their own wing blast but with Hugo would need to swerve to have a chance to getting past them. Hugo ignored his brother, too focused on the finish line drawing closer. He kicked Electra into high gear, taking the turn and the falling boulders too fast. Axel shouted for Hugo to stop. Hugo didn't listen to him. He tore past the boulders, coming right up on Chris and Lydia. The duo pulled off a double swerve right as he got close, Lydia the fall behind with Chris having his horse buck her with her feet planted to the hooves. Hugo was flustered by their speed and pulled Electra's reins too hard. She ended up bucking him off and he fell...again. Chris and Lydia screeched to a halt, crying out in terror. Axel caught him like a Princess in his lap, bringing a wave of relief. Axel was irritated with him. His haste cost them the race and nearly got him killed.

The group landed with Astrid, seriously rethinking their strategy. Hugo wasn't sorry for his actions, only that he couldn't break through. Astrid tapped on the railing of her box in deep thought. That was a bit of a disaster. "Let's call that the warm up round." She decided. "How about a mix up? Lydia and Axel vs Hugo and Chris." She cringed so badly she had the soul robbed from her. There was a four way stream of sparks surging between their glares. Axel and Lydia, for one reason yet to be voiced, are not on the best of terms, and Hugo will not partner with a racer allied with his rivals. There is a lot of tension on this field. "Ohh...kay...nevermind." She squeaked.

"No-no! It's fine!" Axel snapped. He put his hands to his hips. "Working with someone you have ill feelings towards is the sign of true athletes." Axel may have been speaking to Hugo...but he was looking at Lydia the whole time. The teams mounted up...and...the second race wasn't any better. For starters, Hugo and Axel left their teammates in the dust, wanting to go head to head...and really not feeling working Lydia and Chris. The pair didn't let it get to them and just flapped their wings, catching up to the best of their abilities. Axel showed off his superior driving skills by weaving in and out of the first rings, frying a few sausages for the road. Hugo wasn't impressed by his brother and just drove through the rings, pulling out alongside him again. They bumped and bashed into each other, having their horses kick at one another to trip the other up. Chris was getting sick of this. He moved in front of Lydia, raising his horse's hind legs. Lydia panicked and on reflec leaned back and crossed her arms. She fell into his trap. A barrier caught the hooves, like Chris knew it would, and his horses pushed off with all its might, sending Lydia flipping out of control. Chris broke right through Hugo and Axel, disrupting their brotherly squabble, chanting how great he was at pulling ahead. Axel wasn't going to let him keep the lead, but Hugo was faster by having his horse jump off Axel's and catching up with Chris. Axel hissed venomously, refusing to let it go like this. Lydia caught up with him, equally insulted by those cheap shots, and annoyed by the bird's nest she took with her digging herself out of the tree. Axel had a plan that will send them to the lead, he just hope she can handle high speeds. It's a play no one in Hugo's age group would know. He latched onto Lydia by the wrists. She became unnerved, not liking that look in his eye. She wasn't going to like this. Axel yanked her hard, his horse flinging into a full spin. Lydia screamed at the top of her lungs, wanting very much to get off this ride. Chris and Hugo glanced back, wondering what all the noise was. Hugo gaped in dismay at what he was seeing. Axel roared like a lion and threw Lydia with all his might. She went flying, and screaming in pure terror with teasing spilling out of her eyes. Chris, Hugo, and their horses all screamed, but weren't fast enough to dodge when Lydia tore right through them, shaving patches of fur off the horses, and breaking the finish line tape. Unfortunately she didn't stop there and Astrid could only watch in dismay, and cringe, when Lydia crashed into a net of crash test dummies.

"Not...cool…" She moaned dizzily. Astrid got out of the box, rushing to pull her out. Hugo and Chris landed, and sat their in worry if she was going to be alright. Axel landed last, laughing nervously and rubbing the back of his head. He didn't think she'd go flying like that. She's lighter than he thought. Astrid cradled Lydia by her hip and with her one arm around her neck, minding to walk slowly as the dizzy Lydia sang drunkenly. "We're climbing'...soarin'...a thousand...ha-ha-ha..." Astrid flinched at the lump on her head. She was going to feel that tomorrow. But she was going to be okay.

"THE FLYING SLINGSHOT?!" Hugo roared at his brother, frothing at the mouth. His shout broke Lydia out of her stupor. "How the heck do you guys know the Flying Slingshot?!"

"How do you know about that?!" Axel gasped. That move hasn't been used since his grandfather. Axel only ever used it once before in trail races, but never in actual races. Still, it was before Hugo's time.

"Sofia said she looked it up in some dusty old playbooks!" Hugo fumed.

"SHE READS OLD PLAYBOOKS TOO?!" Axel smashed his cheeks in, stretching them out in disbelief.

"You mean that spinning top of death toss has a name?!" Lydia howled. Bad move. Her head was spinning.

"Hugo, remind me again why you're so bent on not working with such a valuable teammate!" Axel scolded him. Someone willing to delve into the past to make a win today isn't someone that should be tossed aside. Axel briefly noted that Electra wasn't looking too good. She was shaking.

"She's not valuable! She's a princess who got lucky!"

"Ignoring that!" Lydia hissed. A worker on one of the platforms, however, did wonder how his lunchbox spontaneously combusted.

"Alright, alright, everyone relax!" Astrid got in the middle, arms raised high to divert hospital gazes in her direction. She was going to remain positive that this was progress. "We have seen what effective teamwork does for a team, we just haven't had the right match up." Right match up? PLEASE! There's no such thing as the right match up! He just needs to go it solo! "Maybe we can try Hugo and Lydia vs-"

"OR WE CAN TRY THIS!" Hugo pulled on Electra, breaking her into a running start into the air. "You guys just leave me alone and let me practice by myself!" Electra nearly tripped on her take off, but managed to gain altitude once her wings shook off the stiffness. He veered her sideways, having her hover high above these imbecilic peons who insist one preaching about effective teamwork. "I don't need a team, and I don't need Sofia! I'll cross that finish line myself and win the whole championship! HYAHH!" Electra neighed loudly, taking off fast and out of the Palace's training yard.

"HUGO! COME BACK!" Lydia cried.

"Where's he going?!" Chris exclaimed.

"Who cares where! Get after him!" Axel implored. "Electra can't handle this much stress anymore!" She been flying since early this afternoon. She's going to cave! Chris and Lydia nodded and took off after him.

"I'm coming too!" Astrid jumped down onto Axel's horse and they were off.

"JKA's Derby Team won't get in my way…!"

He snapped the crop on Electra's hind, wanting her to go faster, to reach the town and show the people within that he's no chump. She panted heavily,her wings feeling heavier than lead. "Royal Prep will soon know the truth!" He ghosted through the bell tower, sounding the bell and stopping all in their tracks. "I'm the best of the three!" Heads snapped up in awe, fingers pointing in amazement of the young Prince zooming over the skin of their town, and then gasping when three more came flying after him.

"Stop!" Hugo gaped and sneered at the trio insisting on tailing him. "Hear us, Prince Hugo, this is not the way!" Hugo rolled his eyes and picked up speed. Axel and the others were not giving up. "We know you're better than this hostility!"

Hugo brought Electra to a cart shop's massive sized gorilla prop and had her buck it. It came toppling down, snapping off of its moorings. Lydia eyes glowed bright, bringing the ropes to life. They snagged to the gorilla, planting it back in place, freeing her and the others to dive into the town after Hugo. "You don't even know~ me~ at all!" Hugo and Electra wove through the town, breaking into a sprint on the street past roaming carts. "Don't understand the meaning of my fall!" He squeezed his eyes closed, clutching a fist to his chest. Electra went bolting through a square, spinning passersby like tops. "What my family would think if I ever fail at anything!" The daunting shadows of his family line of Derby Champions loomed over him, beady red eyes boring holes into his back, peeling him apart. They raised their medals to him. Chains of heir expectations of victory of him sprouted, constricting to Hugo from neck to legs. He couldn't escape them. So he raised his head and glared ahead, seeing nowhere else to go but forward.

His forward charge took him out of the town and the open field of the forest, blowing pollen and dandelions into the air. "Tough as a Diamond – that means I'll never break!" He guided Electra, who was becoming as brittle as glass, to the treeline, wowing everyone in terror when he cut through a branch with is crop. Chris and Lydia feared that would be them if they made him angrier. "No matter what be the cost of the path I take!" Hugo clutched his hand, hiding it at his chest. His crop had actually snapped, and a gash was ripped into his palm. "Whatever I have to do," He closed the hand tightly, biting back the hiss at the sharp sting, "To win in the end...!" He swung his arm out to the side, throwing traces of blood and his reservations aside. Discarding all that would stand in his way of absolute victory.

"STOP!" Lydia laterally slid in his path, arms opened wide in a barrier. Hugo pulled hard on Electra's reins, veering her sharply to the left. "This is not the answer!" She pleaded to him, calling out to his rational side.

"Wait!" Chris dropped down from the blue. Hugo drove Electra right over his head, quickly guiding her to the right when towering trees impeded his path. "And it's plainly seen!" Chris ogled the boy sadly, knowing his burden.

"Listen!" Axel and Astrid rose up from the meadow. Hugo yanked so hard on Electra that she flipped in a 180, heading back in the direction of town. "You can redeem yourself!" Chris and Lydia caught up, and back they were with this game of three cats and one mouse. "But by helping Sofia, not by being mean!" Hugo didn't want to hear it! He doesn't need her, them, anyone! They saw it for themselves! He was so fast and agile that everyone in town barely caught a glimpse of him! He's a blurr, a streak, a bolt of lightning, a wisp on the wind! No one can match him! No one can catch him! James isn't better than him! Sofia isn't better than him! He's the greatest racer in the school! They'll all see soon enough that they were fools to cast him aside for a Princess and a Chump!

Astrid jumped from Axel onto Lydia, wrapping herself to her side. The weight strained her wings, diminishing the time she had left. Still she persevered, coming out ahead of Hugo and Electra, baffling them with her backwards flying. "We know you have friends who admire you!" No I don't! I don't have anyone after my loss! They abandoned him the second someone else took his place. "You can be their star with all the glory too!" Glory I'll never have if Sofia crosses the finish line first! he has to be number one no matter what. "But there's a better way," Lydia came up and by his side, letting Astrid slip off behind him. "There's a better wa-a-ay." The girls touched his shoulder, slyly coaxing him to guide Electra for the palace. Hugo showed signs of doubting his previous thought pattern. Is there really a better way, or are they just trying to help their crowd favorite? He doesn't know anymore.

Chris and Axel came around with punches to his shoulder, going beside and under him to help the girls take him home. "There's so much more still left to learn about yourself!" Chris showed off the crest of the Junior Knight's Academy, and Axel his Derby Championship medal, showing what their roads have led them to. Astrid showed her Regional medal, and Lydia pointed to the crest on her forehead. "See the potential we see in you!" Just like their families saw their potential, and let them pursue their passions. "We know you can be the champion." Hugo looked around at all of their amazing accomplishments, biting on his lip in anxiety and sweating. How...how can I be a champion if I don't win?!

Astrid slid off back to Axel's horse, pulling ahead of a distraught Hugo with the others. "Take a pause right now," They raised a hand, getting him to stop on a dime, "And try another start." They directed his attention to a road fraught with peril, plant life decayed, and the air possessing a daunting chill. The road Hugo has traveled for so long for the sake of his reputation, never realizing it was falling apart. While there was a barely touched path laden with luscious greenery, vibrant and fresh, awaiting Hugo to travel to his own salvation. "You'll finally free yourself from the dark." Hugo clutched at his throbbing head, shaking violently as he tore himself apart. He doesn't know what to do! Electra was feeling his wavering sense of self, becoming distraught herself. "And see how you can…" Axel and company moved closer, opening their hands to him, wanting him to see the light, "And see how you can and will leave your mark." Hugo bit furiously into his lip and kicked Electra. She neighed shrilly in fright, taking off in a blurr and blowing past everyone, nearly bowling them over like pins. Axel and the others watched in dismay as Hugo left them in his dust...heading straight home where he may drown his sorrows...and finally let Electra rest. Poor girl was losing feathers. Axel asked that they let him have the lead this time, let him cool down. It wasn't clear if they got through to the stubborn boy, but at least he's done running his horse ragged.

xxx

Hugo put Electra back into her pen, having special vitamin oats and candied carrots brought to her. She was staggering arduously to get back into her pen, lying against the wall fresh out of breath. Hugo personally filled her water, then went over to lovingly pat her side. He flinched at the feel of her pounding heart at his palm, going pale with self loathing. Her face was flushed, her wings were spasming from cramps in the joints, and she was trembling for the number of runs. Hugo cursed himself. He was flying his horse to death. He moaned regrettably, throwing himself to her. He spoke not a word of apology, just lied there. There is nothing he can say to Electra now. His only option was to win and show her all of this suffering had a purpose. She'll see, even if everyone else doesn't, that she and he are the best in Flying Derby. No Princess or her Donkey were going to rob him of that.

Astrid helped Axel walk their horses to opposite stables, taking care not to alert Hugo of their return. Chris and Lydia were outside Hugo's stall, both sharing melancholic glances. Lydia had Eezeyal passed out in her hood, wrapped up in a little blanket. They can dress this mad dash around the Kingdom as prettily as they want. It doesn't change the fact that they felt like they got absolutely nowhere. Hugo was adamant on denying he was in the wrong, and wants to be the one in the spotlight so everyone knows he's the best. He will defy what his brother, Astrid, or anyone tells him just to be in the right. Regardless if it costs his school their one shot at being the champions.

Astrid and Axel joined Chris and Lydia, all unanimously at a loss of what to do for him next. "Think he'll be ready for the race in a couple of days?" Chris asked Axel.

"Can't say." Axel rubbed his head. This was tiring. He peered out the horizon, astonished by how dark the sky had gotten. The last of the sunset was tracing the mountains in the distance. "But it's getting late. We should all get home and rest."

"No arguments there." Astrid raised her hand.

Lydia stretched and yawned, seconding the motion. "Chris, you can stay the night at the castle if you want."

"Yes, please!" He sparkled. He loves staying the night at the castle. Lydia giggled at him, heading for the carriage with Astrid.

"See you guys at the race." Lydia bid farewell to Axel.

"See you…" Axel said with feigned delight. Then...as he turned away, "Creepy."

"You say something?" Lydia stopped at the carriage steps, arching a brow at him.

Axel jumped out of his skin, spinning around nervously. "Nope, nothing…!" He laughed nervously, breaking into a fast walk for the castle. "Freak show." He growled.

Lydia knit her brow, knowing full well what she heard. Astrid and Chris exchanged troubled glances. As if there weren't enough problems. Chris closed the door behind them, tapped the roof, and off they were. Lydia sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of her nose. Astrid reached over, patting her knee. "He doesn't mean it-"

"Yes he does, and its fine." Lydia stopped her right there. She doesn't need fake reassurance. "I don't need people who only pretend to be friends."

"I'm not pretending." Astrid shuddered, abnormally testing at a blade that cut her insides. She can't think I'd treat her any differently. "It was scary...but I would never-I couldn't..." Lydia's her friend! She's no different from the girl she met at the school stables! Powers or not.

"Astrid, it's fine. I'm used to this." This is only a taste of what she's been getting since everyone learned about her. "It will pass." She fanned a hand. "We need to focus on Hugo right now! If he doesn't shape up, then all of this will have been for nothing." Should that come to pass, he'll never be forgotten as the boy who cost his school their one chance at being champions. And that plummet he's been on will come to and end with a soul shattering splat!

To be continued