Have a little surprise for you all here in chapter ten. I hope you all enjoy it.

A Revealing Race

"Fall never looked so lovely" I thought to myself as I made my way over to the starting line in preparation to begin the Running of the Leaves, the annual event held by Ponyville where those competing were to run a marathon through Whitetail Woods. Though most considered it a competition, the real reason the event is held is that the volume of hoof beats causes the leaves to fall down which helps the trees keep most of the nutrients they need in order to survive the long winter. Though most other cities would use magic to cause the leaves to fall or some other method, Ponyville seems to have developed its own way of changing seasons which was something that was both confusing and curious to those who had not lived here before like me and Twilight. Naturally, I had signed up for the race as to not only participate in the event but to also see how well my training has progress so far. The Grand Galloping Gala was coming up in a few months and I wanted to know how well I was progressing.

I looked back on my flank to make sure my number was still secure. I was numbered thirty-six and the piece of paper was covering up my cutie mark and was held together with a special kind of tape that was easy to apply and can be removed while it was attach to hair without causing pain to the pony.

When I got to the front of the starting line, I finally noticed that both Rainbow Dash and Applejack were already there getting ready for the race. They were so focused on warming up that they did not know I was there which was alright by me.

I took a few moments to center my breathing in an effort to calm my nerves before I heard somepony say "Hay Moonsaber, I didn't know you were competing." At first I thought it was coming from Applejack or Rainbow Dash but I quickly remember the voice belonging to Twilight. I looked over at her and saw that she also had a racing number attached to her. I looked at her and said in a bit of a surprise "I should be asking you the same question Twilight? I never pegged you as a pony that competes in races." She merely replied that she was competing only for the sake that the Running of the Leaves was a special event only followed in Ponyville and she was determine to be a part of the event. She then asked why I was competing and I replied that it was just a perfect opportunity for me to see how far my training has gone so far.

It was only around that time that Rainbow Dash and Applejack finally noticed our presence. After a few minutes of them asking us our reason for racing and us giving our answer, Rainbow Dash quickly fell on the ground in a heap of laughter and even Applejack was trying to hold back a few chuckles. I was tempted to give them a stern gaze but decided that the best course of action would be to just ignore them.

It was then that we heard Pinkie Pie and Spike who were acting as the announcers for the race state that said race was about to begin. I got myself into position and I could already feel the excitement flowing through me. It was now my chance to see how far I had progressed.

The horn was sounded and the race was on. I watched as everypony broke into a full gallop right away while I decided to maintain a steady canter at the moment. I knew I needed to conserve my energy so I could have enough to be able to get to the finish line. I was also aware of Twilight next to me, doing her best to keep up with my pace. I gave a small chuckle and slowed down a bit so she didn't have to strain herself. She gave her thanks and I said in a rather joking voice "I guess great minds do think alike." She gave a small giggle and said "Yeah I guess you're right…for a knight anyway." She added in an after tone. I gave a small grunt as I felt my pride get hit and I quickly replied "I'll have you know I have more up in my head then the average banger and whacker." She looked at me and said "Then you could tell me about that weird silver star that appeared on your chest when we took care of the Ursa Minor and Trixie."

The question was asked so quickly and so unexpectedly that I literally had to take a moment to recollect my thoughts. I now wondered if Twilight had actually prepared for this as if she knew how I was going to act and respond. I made a mental note to myself to try and change my habits but then I wondered if I was getting too old for that. After all, I was technically over one thousand years old.

I tried to bluff my way out and said "And what makes you think a star on my chest is important enough that it warrants the attention of Princess Celestia's most prized student?" I saw her face react in a pained look and I quickly felt bad for her. She replied "Well…you were acting all strange when it appeared and…well…I was worried about you." I gave a small sigh and not for the first time, I had to remind myself that this was a different place then what I was used too growing up. However, this was the first time where I truly felt a sense of isolation. Although there was nopony I was particularly close to all those years ago, it was the place and time I was growing up in. I almost felt like an alien now. I quickly realized that Twilight was still waiting for my answer and I gave another small sigh and said "I am a little surprise that Princess Celestia hasn't even taught you how to identify seals yet."

Twilight tilted her head in confusion and replied "Seals…?" I nodded my head and said "A seal is a powerful symbol that can be used for a variety of different magical abilities or spells. The most common and easier ones allow you to be able to use some of you magic to trap whatever it is you need to trap like a pony, animal, even magic." I looked over at Twilight and saw that she had wide focused eyes that clearly told me she was drinking in everything I was saying. I gave a small chuckle and wondered if Celestia had to deal with this face on more than one occasion. Pushing that thought aside, I continued "Now once a seal is in place, it usually does not activate until whatever is sealed inside the magical barrier starts to try and break it. Depending on how much magic you put into the seal and what seal you are using will determine how strong said seal is. Also that while not activated, the seal will remain invisible though there are a few out there that are always visible."

"How do you know so much about seal?" Twilight asked. I looked at her with a stern look and said "Because I needed to use one duh." I gave a tired sigh before apologizing to which she accepted. We were silent for a few moments, content to just keeping our pace and looking at the scenery. We were like that for about four or five minutes before Twilight asked "So…the seal on your chest…what is it holding back." I looked up at the sky and once again wished that my life was not as complicated as it is. I really wish I could enjoy a more simple life where I didn't have to worry about all the things that I had to worry about. However, I had chosen this life and I knew it was not going to be easy and I also knew that I had the strength needed to see things through till the very end. Still…there were those moments. I chose to let out another sigh and said "A monster…that should never be unleashed." Twilight had a horror look to her face and said "A monster?" I nodded my head and wondered how much I should…or was going to tell her. It only took me a few seconds before I replied "A creature I had met and defeated long ago. He is an embodiment of anger, rage, and most of all vengeance." Twilight looked as if she was chocking on her words for a moment before she replied in a soft tone "Are…are we in any danger from it." She sounded so pleading and so worried as if she was well and truly scared of the monster even though she had just heard of it. I knew that it was one of the monster's special tricks. This particular one is that I am unable to talk about him without causing those around me to suddenly get scared. It was just one of his many ways he is able to strike fear into ponies' hearts.

I gave a small smile and said "Don't worry; the seal I have placed on him is long lasting so there is no real threat." Twilight let out an involuntary breath of relief and I looked ahead on the path and said "Well…I think it is about time I wrap-up this little race right now. I am glad that we were able to talk Twilight and I wouldn't put too much worry into my seal or the creature inside of me. I will see you at the finish line." Twilight nodded her head and said "Good luck Moonsaber." Despite myself, I couldn't help but give a small grin and replied "Luck…a knight needs no such thing as luck…only skill."

With that, I quickly broke into a full gallop, leaving Twilight to continue to observe the trees and falling leaves. The speed I was putting off was impressive to say the least and I was able to catch up to the pack in a spam of a few minutes. Most of them turned their heads to see who was coming up the rear and were surprised when they saw me only as what most would describe later as a gust of wind. Before anypony had any idea what had happened, I was now in front of the pack with both Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

The two ponies gave a gasp of surprise and I could not help the pleasurable grin forming on my face. Having ponies underestimate me and then completely blindsiding them leaves a rather unique feeling in my stomach. It was like my stomach was filled up with sweets and that thought only caused the grin on my face to grow wider.

"How in the hay did you managed to catch up so fast?" Rainbow Dash and Applejack said in almost the same time. I looked at one and another before saying "Sorry girls, but you are going to have to do a lot better to beat this old geezer." I put on another burst of energy and started to pull my way ahead of the pack. I could vaguely hear the commentary from Pinkie Pie and Spike and while the bits I gather did mention my sudden take of the lead, they were mostly focused on Rainbow Dash and Applejack. It was something I could understand as I heard Spike telling me when he and Twilight got back from Sweet Apple Acres, I was currently reading over a recent letter from Princess Luna telling me about how well she is doing and hopes that I am adjusting well to the new Equestria, about the Iron Pony Competition that was held and the grudge match that followed.

After that…well I kind of lost my awareness for what was around me. The only thing my mind was focused on at the time was controlling my body to keep up the pace I was at and making sure I was heading in the right direction. There were times when I felt like I was did not have the endurance to go on but somehow I was able to find that extra bit of strength to continue my pace. I knew right then that I was achieving the skill level I except with myself at this moment but I knew I was far from the skill I wanted to be when I take the Champion Test.

So it came to my surprise when I heard the sound of cheering and I found myself already at the finish line. I was a little proud with myself that I was able to come in first place and the fact that I had achieved a rather impressive time. Although I was feeling all the success I had done, in my heart there was a sense of sadness. I knew what was born from that and although I kept trying to tell myself that it was for the best…I knew full well that I had intentionally lied to Twilight.

Well…I guess I should explain something about this chapter. I had wanted to do a song chapter here but I was unable to figure out a way to do so without ruining the flow of the story or causing any more confusion then what I had intended. I apologize for that and if you are curious as to what song I wanted to use, it was "Escape from the City" by Ted Poley, Tony Harnell, and SEGA. I guess you could listen to it while reading this chapter if you want. Once again I apologize for that and I hope you all will…

Read and Review Please

Richer1992