Off to the Races
On the edge of Ponyville, a large string of ponies stood at the starting line. Some were doing some last minute stretches while others stood ready and excited to run.
Standing in the middle of the crowd and practically over it, Triple Crown smiled. "Are you ready for your first 'Running of the Leaves'?" He asked his little filly.
Crown Jewel was visibly excited, standing on the top of head to get the best view. "Oh yeah. We're gonna be awesome at this."
Triple loved the enthusiasm, but since she was riding him. He wasn't planning on going too hard so he chose to stick with the crowd. It would offer her the most excitement while also not risk her getting hurt. "Just make sure that you hold on tight, ok."
"You got it, Dad."
XXXXX
Midnight quietly read some of the books he brought with him as well as multitasking by scribing the books he had read in Twilight's library. Occasionally, he would look through a spyglass that was aimed at the castle ruins. Despite not seeing anything strange throughout the night, he wanted to be sure if he could spot anything strange before he made the trek through the Everfree Forest.
"Well it has been rather uneventful all night. Today seems no different." He said with a bit of annoyance in his voice. "On the bright side, a little time from work isn't a bad thing."
He turned the telescope towards the hot air balloon hovering over the dozens of ponies below while taking a swig of fresh coffee. At the very least, he had a good seat.
XXXXX
Blitz Krieg and Muffins stood in front, ready and waiting. "Ohh, this is gonna be fun." The gray Pegasus said cheerfully.
"Yeah, I've never actually did one of these before. You know, with Cloudsdale not having any trees and all that, hehe." Blitz giggled.
"And it's even funner when you win." Blitz turned to see Rainbow Dash standing next to them. Brandishing her cockiness wide on her face.
"And what makes you say that?" The mare questioned, her competitive nature rising to the surface.
"Because there's no competition here, obviously." Rainbow stated, polishing a hoof on her chest.
"Oh it…is…on." Blitz and Rainbow lowered their front legs in a sprinting position, their bodies now coiled like springs.
"Uh, Blitz aren't you taking this a bit too seriously?" Muffins asked, concerned.
"The only thing serious is the beating I'm about to give Rainbow Dash when I take first place and rub that gold medal in her face." Blitz answered, her attention focused on the trail before her.
"Uh, ok…?" Muffins said, a bit uncertain at how the situation evolved.
Both Rainbow and Blitz stole glances as they pawed at the ground, waiting with intense eagerness.
"All right everypony! On your Mark…get set…GO!" A massive cloud of dust erupted as the ponies took off.
XXXXX
"And they're off as we begin Ponyville's 'Running of the Leaves'!" Pinkie Pie said as she began to narrate. "And Rainbow Dash is in the lead. No surprise there."
"But it looks like somepony isn't going to let her win without a fight." Spike pointed out.
"Ooooh, a new pony I haven't met yet. Looks like I'll have to add even more party cannons tonight." Pinkie squealed with delight.
Peacemaker observed the race from above, documenting the events as they unfolded. "So as this is not only a tradition for Ponykind to perform this task. It is also necessary to usher in the coming of winter." She wrote. "So with the Elements of Harmony involved with this event. Are we expecting anything strange or odd to occur?" She asked.
"Well it is hard to say. I wouldn't say anything too out of the ordinary. At least nothing that tops the legendary Apple-Dash. That was quite the spectacle." Pinkie replied.
"Nice name, mind if I add that to my piece?" She asked.
"Of course, don't forget to include the eeepic party that we're gonna have tonight." The Element of Laughter added.
"Sure." Peacemaker said, albeit begrudgingly.
XXXXX
"Yeehaaa!" Jewel screamed as she rode her father's back. She was ecstatic from the rush of the wind in her mane along with the thundering hooves around her. It was so exciting to be moving this fast. She watched all of the other adult ponies around them with just as much intensity as her dad. They were certainly fast too as she waved to a few, who smiled at her. One even waved back and almost tripped in the process.
"How are you doing back there?" Tripled asked.
"Great, we're going so fast!" She shouted back.
"Well don't forget that this is more than just a race. Look." He said, turning his head.
Following his gaze, she could see the golden brown leaves falling as they passed. "Wooooow."
Triple smiled at the wonder in his little filly's eyes. Despite him being gone a lot, he always made sure to treasure the time he had with Crown Jewel whenever they were together. This moment would be most special to him.
XXXXX
The two multi-colored streaks rounded a sharp bend through the White Tail Woods. Shortly followed by a gray blur.
"I'm impressed that you've kept up with me so far. Most ponies would have given up by now." Rainbow Dash commended.
"Well as a fellow Wonderbolt, I'm not about to lose the opportunity to beat you in a contest of speed."
"A Wonderbolt, really? You must be in the reserves since I haven't seen you around." The Element of Loyalty said in a provoking manner, which Blitz did not take kindly to.
"Oh yeah, well if this is the fastest you can go, then prepare to eat my dust." The mare shifted gears and zoomed into the lead. "See you at the finish line, slow poke!"
"Oh, I don't think so!" Rainbow growled as she also put on speed.
Muffins gasped for air as she galloped as hard as she could. Her job as a mail pony was a big help for her endurance, but she never pushed herself this hard for this long. She could feel her legs and lungs burning, but she was determined.
"Must…keep…running. Must…not…lose…new…friend." The pony willed herself to push harder, even as the two mares continued to shrink into the distance.
XXXXX
Somewhere in the woods, somewhere along the trail, Flying Nimbus was sleeping soundly. He must have worked hard during the night and only made due with a sleeping bag.
Soon the ground began to quake, loose rocks bouncing around. Vibrations that were strong enough to wake the stallion from his slumber.
"Wha wha what's happening?" Nimbus groaned as he quickly got up to get his bearings. In a flash, he remembered where he was.
"Oh no, I was too tired to finish checking out the trail!" He panicked as he packed his gear hurriedly and darted over the trees.
He could see a small cloud of dust closing in quickly with the much larger cloud far behind. "By the Moonlight, I don't have enough time!" He would have to pick the obvious issues if he needed to get his job done.
Loose rocks, a broken twig, a prefallen leaf. At the very least, the trail had to be clear of debris. He could hear the shaking becoming louder and louder so he thought it best to avoid being found out as he dove back into the woods.
"I hope that will be enough, but I'd rather not get noticed and allow those who would conspire against Equestria to know when and how I'll reach the castle." So like a shadow, he faded into the woods.
As the land rumbled a rather large tree at the edge of the treeline had started to crack.
XXXXX
"Wow, that pony is sure giving Rainbow Dash a run for her money. Who do you think will win, Spike?"
"If it's anything like last time, neither." Spike commented as he used a pair of binoculars to see the two from above.
"Well you got a point there. Oh, maybe it'll be Muffins. She's certainly stepped up her game since last year." Pinkie said gleefully as she snuck a peek at the trailing pony.
XXXXX
"So are you regretting your choice to not run this year?" Night Shade asked her cousin, who just finished making a sale.
"Well I would have really enjoyed a rematch with Dash, but I've got a family to take care of. You know how it is." Applejack said. "It's still fun to watch, though." She nodded at the large screen with a bird's-eye view of the event.
"Yeah, plus we're really making some good bits while we're at it." Night agreed.
"Ain't that the truth? I'm almost plumb run out of things to sell." Applejack said, having only a few apple items left.
"Same here. Say, we could save what we have left for the racers. Don't want them to be hungry and thirsty after a hard run."
"That's a great idea, Cuz." Both ponies tapped hooves in solidarity. "Then let's get to work."
XXXXX
Peacemaker jotted down some notes as she continued to observe the run. Although it would be a good piece. Her journalist instincts wouldn't let her pass up a juicy opportunity to get an interview with another Element of Harmony.
"So Ms. Pie, as the Element of Laughter, what was it like to become such a figure of renown?" She inquired.
The pink pony tapped her chin in thought. "Hmmm, well at first I felt really tingly. Then really jittery. Then really sparkly. Then zappy. Then buzzy. Then tingly again. And then, BOOM!" The pony exploded with balloons and confetti, completely filling the basket. "Element of Laughter. (Squeeee)"
"Pbbbb." Peacemaker blew out a small hole from the pile. "I was more interested in your newly acquired celebrity." She corrected, using her telepathy to pick up the confetti pile and throwing it away.
"Oh, well I'd say it's great since I get to meet lots of new ponies and make lots of new friends and have lots of parties!" Pinkie grinned wide with happiness.
"Interesting and what about you Spike? From what I understand, you've been friends with Princess Twilight the longest am I right?"
"Yep, ever since I was an egg." Spike beamed.
"Is that so? I'm sure you have quite a few tales to tell."
"Oh yeah, I know lots of stories. Not to brag or anything, but I've got a few stories myself. I've even saved the Crystal Empire from disaster once or twice." The little dragon's chest swelled with pride.
"Really? So there's more to you than meets the eye?" Peacemaker said with acknowledgement.
"Uh huh, I was even Dragon Lord for a while." He boasted as the pony wrote down his claims.
"This is a lot to take in. I may have to make this into a proper interview at a later date."
"No problem." Spike said, giving her a thumbs up.
Peacemaker peered over the basket to check on the status of the race. Then her eyes noticed something and it wasn't good.
XXXXX
Blitz and Rainbow were once again neck-and-neck. Both pushing their legs as hard as they could. Their snorts of exertion almost as loud as their hooves hitting the ground.
"Tired yet!" Rainbow huffed.
"I can do this all day!" Blitz replied between breaths.
"Well that might end sooner than you think." Rainbow declared as they were in the home stretch with the finish line in sight. Knowing that the end was near, they put all they had left for the final push.
"Hey look out!" A voice shouted from above.
The tree suddenly snapped violently and began to fall. Fortunately, the two passed by it without a problem.
"Whoa, we sure got lucky on that one." Rainbow Dash said, knowing they were already far from danger.
"Yeah, guess we're just too fast." Blitz said with a little laugh as she looked behind and the tree was still falling and her eyes caught a figure from behind the tree.
"(Gasp) Muffins!" Blitz shouted.
The gray pony only had enough time to realize her situation before the great tree collapsed on top of her.
The crimson Pegasus, the that moment, experienced a dilemma as she looked at the finish line, then back to the tree than back at the finish line. After a second she growled at herself.
"Buck it!" Blitz slammed all four hooves into the ground. Her teeth clenched hard as her legs dug deep furrows into the earth as she fought against her momentum. Once she ceased movement, she turned around and bolted back to Muffins.
"Hey! Wait up!" Rainbow Dash shouted as she too abandoned the race to help.
The red pony quickly reached the tree, which was a rather large one was that was several times wider than she was tall and it completely blocked the road.
"Muffins! Muffins! Are you ok!" She cried out as she pushed through the tall branches and foliage.
"Blitz?" Came a muffled voice that helped Blitz sift through the pile to find the Pegasus pinned by one of the branches.
"Hey Blitz, it's not often that something runs into me." She chuckled pleasantly at her situation.
Blitz let out a sigh of relief. "Well I'm just glad that you're ok." She said as Rainbow Dash reached them.
"Geez Muffins, are you hurt!" She asked as she began helping.
"I don't think so, but I think I'm stuck." The pony replied, struggling to break free.
XXXXX
Amongst the heard, Triple Crown was enjoying the run with his daughter, who was sharing in the fun. However, his higher vantage point allowed him to see situation when the tree crash onto the gray Pegasus.
"Something's wrong up ahead! Crown Jewel! Hang on tight!" He commanded.
"Ok, Dad!" The foal grabbed his mane in response.
The stallion stomped the ground hard enough to launch himself over the crowd like he was shot out of a cannon.
"Ahhhh!" The tiny pony screamed as he landed and charged forward, her mouth flapping from the sheer speed her father was galloping as each step shook the ground like he was his own stampede.
XXXXX
Blitz and Rainbow struggled to pull Muffins out, but she wouldn't budge despite their combined effort.
"What are we gonna do? The tree is too big for us to move." Rainbow Dash asked, worried.
The earth quaked under their hooves as they realized that they wouldn't get her out in time. Out of a sense of protection, they hugged Muffins and wrapped their wings to protect her, waiting for the crash.
The ground stopped shaking as the arborous form groaned as it moved seemingly on its own. They opened their eyes to see standing underneath its frame was a massive turquoise stallion, holding it over his head with one forelimb.
"Triple Crown!" The three said in surprise, Rainbow Dash noticeably geeking out.
"Is anyone hurt?" He asked, unconcerned by the weight of the tree.
"Hi." The little filly waved behind his neck who obviously having a great time.
"No. Thank Celestia." Rainbow Dash said.
"Good." With a powerful shove, the tree was flipped from its axis to fall harmlessly in the forest. Sensing the incoming herd, he took his daughter off his back and placed her with the mares. "Don't move."
He sat down and planted his forelegs around the group of girls as they huddled together, becoming a mountain of muscle against the waves of ponies as they ran by, avoiding him as they pushed forward covering the group in a cloud of dust.
After the herd passed, he stood up. "Well, this was a rather interesting day, wasn't it?" He chuckled a little. "But I don't think we're gonna win."
"It's ok Dad. It was a lot of fun anyways." Jewel said with a wide grin.
Rainbow, now realizing what he said, turned to see the crowd crossing the finish line.
"Whawhawha awww man." She groaned in disbelieve.
"Come on, even though we lost. We've still got a race to finish." He coached the three with his girl on his back.
Rainbow Dash was now annoyed at the outcome, but agreed and the group cantered towards the finish line.
"Are you sure you're ok, Muffins?" Blitz asked, trotting along.
"Yeah, just a bit tired from the run. You're really fast." Her friend said warmly.
"Thanks, I probably wouldn't forgive myself if you got hurt because of my competitiveness."
"Oh don't worry about it. I've ran into so many things. It doesn't really bother me." Muffins smiled cheerfully, which caused Blitz to laugh. "You certainly have made my time here more interesting. Thanks."
"No problem." Muffins said with a smile.
XXXXX
The winner's circle was full of ponies as medals were given to the best runners and the participants were congratulated on another successful prep for the winter.
"I mean, did you see that. It was SO cool! Like 20% cooler than last year." Rainbow Dash said, as she described the incident with the tree, drawing in quite the crowd as she reenacted what had happened 5 minutes ago.
"You were so cool Dad." Jewel said, hugging him tightly.
"I'm just glad that nobody was hurt." Triple stated as he started to make his way from the crowd, expecting them to swarm. Suddenly, he was blocked by a pony.
"Peacemaker, Manehattan Times. It seems that you're making a name for yourself outside of the Hexagon, Mr. Crown. Care to comment on what happened?" The silver pony asked.
"Please, no comment. I was just in the right place at the right time. I'm just trying to enjoy some time off." He said, trying to be polite.
"Of course, but I can't say I was doing my job if I didn't ask." Peacemaker put away her pencil and pad and began walked away as a smile crossed her lips. "For the record, it was great what you did back there. Not everypony has what it takes to save a stranger."
This comment made Triple look at her retreating figure curiously before his attention was drawn to three fillies that appeared before him.
"Wow, that was really cool what you did." Apple Bloom said. "I'll say." Scootaloo added. "You even impressed Rainbow Dash." "Do you want to have a sleepover?" Sweetie Belle asked excitedly, her question aimed at Crown Jewel.
"Uh, Dad?" The little unicorn asked, her face covered with mixed feelings.
Triple Crown was almost heartbroken seeing his little girl wanting to be around him, but also wanting to hang out with her new friends.
"Ok but first, I would like to talk to whoever will be chaperoning this sleepover?"
"No problem, we usually stay at my big sis' place since she's got the biggest house." Apple Bloom assured.
"Then I don't see why not."
XXXXX
After the crowd of ponies disburses from Rainbow Dash's tale, all that was left Blitz and Muffins.
"Although we didn't win any medals." Blitz began. "It was a lot of fun to go against you." The red pony extended a hoof, which Rainbow shook.
"Yeah, I'll admit it. You are pretty fast. Which makes we wonder why you're just a reserve Wonderbolt."
Blitz scratched her head in embarrassment. "Welllll I have a problem with being on time when it comes to such things." She explained in which the Element understood.
"You did good too, Muffins. Maybe you should try out for the Wonderbolts too." Rainbow offered.
"Thanks Rainbow Dash, but I'm happy doing what I'm doing." The Pegasus said with a smile.
"Wow! What a way to end the 'Running of the Leaves'!" Pinkie Pie shouted as she wrapped all three ponies in a hug. "Now it's time to PARTY!"
XXXXX
That night, Ponyville was alive with lights, music, drinks, and cake. It looked like the entire town had joined in the festivities.
Standing at the steps of the Town Hall, Princess Twilight stood before the crowd that had gathered.
"Everypony, today not only marks the beginning of winter for Equestria, but also recognizing a moment of friendship when there was a pony in need." She nodded towards Triple and Blitz who were standing beside her. "These two brave ponies, who have only just arrived to Ponyville, showed that you don't have to know somepony in order to offer a helping hoof. So by putting their safety at risk; I award Triple Crown and Blitz Krieg the 'Medal of Friendship'." Everypony clapped or stomped their hooves in celebration as she levitated the medals over their heads as they thanked her.
"YEAH, PARTY!" Pinkie Pie blasted a party cannon in their faces, covering them in confetti, but they brushed it off with a laugh.
"I know that you also helped with the rescue, but you get enough attention as it is so I decided to wait until after the ceremony." Twilight said, placing a medal over the blue pony's head.
"Yeah I figured. There's only so much of me to go around." She boasted, looking at the medal for a moment.
"Of course." The Alicorn said as she had grown used to her friend's oversized ego.
"Congratulations." Triple said to Blitz. "Who would have thought by visiting Ponyville that we'd turn into heroes." He stated with some surprise.
"Yeah, I was just in the middle of a race and here I am. It's like it's not even real." Blitz replied in some disbelief.
"Well if you like the spotlight. Enjoy it while it lasts." He said. "Enjoy the rest of your night Ms. Krieg."
"You as well, Mr. 'Wild Stallion'." She called, causing him to snicker as he left.
"That was quite the spectacle." One of the local ponies came up to Blitz. "I had my bits on Rainbow Dash, but you certainly had me worried there."
"Thanks, yeah we were pretty close in the end there. How much did you put on her to win?" The pony asked.
This caused the pony to laugh. "Oh no. I was betting on her to lose." To which Blitz had a look of surprise. "Yeah, she might be one the fastest ponies in Equestria, but she has really bad luck when it comes to finishing these races. Well anyways, enjoy the party." She said and walked away.
"Huh? I did not know that."
XXXXX
"Well it is a pleasure to see you again, Miss Applejack." Triple said, speaking to the mare with his daughter. "So I assume that Apple Bloom informed you of her invitation."
The orange pony nodded. "It's nice to make your re-acquaintance Mr. Crown hehe." Laughing at being formal. "Please, just call me Applejack and yes, she did happen to tell me after she already asked." She eyed her little sister, who smiled nervously. "But it would be a pleasure to have your little one spend time with her new friends if that's all right with you. I can promise you that they will be well taken care of."
"As I would expect from the Element of Honesty." He nodded in acknowledgement, as she was flanked by both Rainbow Dash and Rarity along their respective fillies. Night Shade was quietly standing behind her cousin.
"You've got nothing to worry about." Rainbow stated confidently as her smaller counterpart agreed.
"Well I can assure you that these girls will be on their best behavior." Rarity said as she batted her long eyelashes at the large pony. "I, on the other hoof can be persuaded to be otherwise." Triple raised an eyebrow questioningly at her comment.
"Come on Rarity. Give it a rest, would ya." Applejack groaned.
"I don't know what you mean." Rarity played off the moment with a haughty raise of her chin.
"It's alright. I'm flattered really." Triple said as he knelt down to Crown Jewel. "Now be a good girl and have fun ok. I'll pick you up at Apple Bloom's in the morning, ok?"
"Ok Dad." She said as she hugged him. "Love you."
"Love you too Sweety."
"Hey, wanna go help that red pony get her cutiemark?" Scootaloo suggested the group.
"Yeah, Cutie Mark Crusaders Forever!" The four cheered and ran off in a rush.
"Now remember that curfew is in an hour!" Applejack shouted.
"Ok!" The fillies shouted as they disappeared into the crowd.
"Well, I'd better start 'kid-proofing' the house before they get there." The orange mare sighed.
"Don't worry Cousin. I'm here to help." Night said assuringly, wrapping a leg over her shoulder and placing Applejack's hat on her head. "Now let's skedaddle, time's a wastin." She said with a country accent as the two marched off back to Sweet Apple Acres.
"Do I really sound like that?"
XXXXX
And so, under the cover of darkness, Night snuck out of the window, Peacemaker placed a sheet over a pile of pillows, Triple never returned to the hotel, Blitz carefully creeped out of Muffins' house, Midnight and Nimbus had their tack packed.
All six stood at the edge of the Everfree Forest, each at different entry points. Some stood before trails while others decided to brave the thick brush.
All of them looked into the distance, seeing the tallest point of the castle ruins penetrating the forest canopy. With their destination in sight, they each ventured forth. Who or what awaits them?
XXXXX
A/N
It has been a while since I've updated this. Life has a way of doing that.
I will be juggling this with "The Rising Sun" but I'm hoping that I can be more active with these stories while I have the time to work on them.
