Chapter 10 ~The Equestrian Games~

December 6th
4:34 am
The Crystal Empire
Ventus Stormwing

The train ride was smooth to the Crystal Empire. Why am I here? I'm here with Fluttershy and her friends, to cheer on Rainbow Dash in the Equestrian 500, one of the bigger sports events in the Games. I myself was rather intrigued, and wanted to see how the race would go.

From what I hear, the race takes the participants down towards Canterlot, circling to Manehattan, and then cutting over the Everfree Forest and Ponyville back to the Crystal Empire. Unfortunately, Twilight had business in Canterlot, and couldn't make it to the Games. "Don't you just think this is the most exciting thing ever?" Pinkie Pie said, bouncing around the train car.

"I'm bursting with excitement." I said. Rather flatly, I might add. The mares in the car hadn't paid any attention to it, however, and instead talked amongst each other. I pulled out a book, Advanced Magical Theory, By Princess Twilight Sparkle, and began to read. I figured I could use the resources in the Library to further my understanding of magic, since I could use it myself.

"What'cha reading?" I heard. Looking up, the Rainbow-headed pegasus herself had asked the question.

"A magic theory book." I said, flipping the page with my hoof. To answer the next question before she asked it, I said, "Magic's always interested me. I like to learn." Rainbow simply nodded and sat a little ways away from me, pulling out her own book- Daring Doo and the Ring of Destiny. I had heard she was into the adventure/fantasy books.

Within an hour, the train finally arrived at the station. We departed, greeted by the Crystal Ponies of this area of the world. So, the stories were true for once- they really did sparkle like, well, crystals. It was unsettling, but at the same time, new and kind of cool. I wonder how I'd look as a Crystal Pony.

"Next." A voice called out. Rainbow had already gotten in line at the check-in, where the athletes who were participating received their flight suits. The Equestrian 500 was the first event of the day, right after the flag-carrying ceremony. I'd heard that two little fillies from Ponyville won the right to carry the flag in.

"Rainbow Danger Dash." The mare in front of us said; we'd gone in the line with her, chatting all the while. "Thanks." She said, grabbing her flight suit, which was a royal blue.

The attendant called for the next pony, and I walked up. "Highwind Heart Jr." I said. The ponies I came here with, Dash especially, gasped in shock. "Thank you." I said, grabbing my jet-black flight suit. Turning around, I saw their faces of disbelief. "What?"

"You're racing against me?" Dash asked accusingly.

"To be fair, I did tell you I was going to enter. It sounded like fun, and a chance to test my skills, so I signed up the next morning." I laughed a little.

"I thought you were joking when you said that!"

"And I thought you were joking when you said your middle name was 'Danger.' Really? It is your middle name?" I teased back. Fluttershy looked off. "What's wrong, Flutters?" I asked.

"I… I don't know who to cheer for anymore…" She muttered. That brought about a round of laughs from us.

~Half an hour later, male locker room #3~

This place smelled of sweat, tears, and even a little blood. But mostly sweat. My nose wrinkled a little at the sheer stench of the multitude of Stallions in the room. Well, it should have been expected; it reminded me of my days in school. I began slipping on my flight suit, when another pegasus accidentally bumped into me. "Sorry," he said.

"No problem, mate." I said, helping him to his hooves. "Highwind Jr. you?" I asked, holding out a hoof. He shook it.

"Cruise Control. Man, I'm psyched for the Equestrian 500 this year, since I was forced to miss it last year." The stallion said. His coat was a bluish purple, and his eyes were green orbs set beneath a pair of goggles.

"What happened? If you don't mind me asking." Great, Fluttershy's shyness was rubbing off on me.

"A young mare was accused of murder. What was her name again… Oh, I forget. I wasn't actually at the trial and I haven't seen her in over a year; don't think I remember her. She was found innocent, I know that much." That was news. I definitely didn't hear of a murder trial, normally that would make front-page news.

"Well, I'm in the 500 as well, Control." I said. "Here's to a fair race."

"I second that. See you on the track!" He hurried into the locker room, and I slipped on the head part of the bodysuit. Testing my flying skills, I found myself at the same level of power I had grown to own. Let's see how that compares to Dash's speed.

~One hour later, the stadium~

"Oh, I hope they come out soon, this heat is disastrous for my mane." Rarity said, even as she was underneath a bejeweled parasol with a fan in one hoof. Applejack ignored her, an instead pointed out the arrivals of the racers, eight in all.

"Ladies and gentlecolts, may I please welcome the ponies who are competing in this year's Equestrian 500!" the announcer said. He was to announce everypony's name as they were on the roster; I was number five. "In the first position, from Manehattan, we have Sky Charger!" the crowd cheered for every name announced.

"The second position, from Canterlot, Cruise Control!" the crowd cheered a little harder; maybe he was a celebrity back home?

"The third position, also from Canterlot, Captain of the Wonderbolts, Spitfire!" the mare in question bowed deeply as she received the biggest applause yet, and I'd find out it would be the loudest one out of all.

"The fourth position, from Fillydelphia, Great Scott!" The stallion in front of me looked on the older side, and his spiky white mane had an eccentric look.

"The fifth position, from Ponyville, Highwind Heart Jr.!" When name was called out, I got more applause than what I expected. Maybe due to my father's reputation.

"The sixth position, from Cloudsdale, Gray Tail!" The stallion behind me was a light blue in color, and seemed to radiate a cold, chilling aura.

"The seventh position, also from Cloudsdale, Luciana Heartfillia!" the mare behind Gray Tail looked to him, and they nodded; perhaps a couple?

"And last, but most certainly not least, From Ponyville and winner of the Best Young Flyer's competition two years in a row, Rainbow Danger Dash!" more applause from me for the flyer who could boast.

I looked forward as the seconds passed. Adrenaline was in my veins now, I could feel the excitement rising in each breath. "Is everypony ready?" The announcer called out. "Then let's get this started! Three!" I crouched in takeoff position.

"Two!" the crown held its breath in bated excitement.

"One!" I prepared to jump, my eyes fully open in concentration.

"GO!"

~Just outside Canterlot, T.G.A.P. Trixie~

This charm I found… it did indeed feel powerful. Incredibly so. To try out is strength, I attempted an age spell of a passing bird. The canary turned into an egg in mid-air, and then I quickly changed it back before it hit the ground below. I chuckled to myself. "The Great, and Powerful Trixie is back to full power!"

Yes, and now I ask something of you, in exchange of this power. I pondered for a moment, then decided to let the charm speak further. I am looking for the Elements of Harmony. Today holds a race in the skies above Canterlot, and one of them is participating. I want you to down her over the Everfree Forest.

"Is that all?" I said. "Trixie hates the Element Bearers as well. This will be fun."

~End of Chapter~