A Strange New World: CH4

>You stand outside the packed amphitheatre, taking in the scope of the building.

“Impressive!”

>”I know, right?” Rainbow Dash says excitedly, hovering at your head height.

“I mean, I’ve seen things you wouldn’t believe, but damn. That’s an impressive feat of architecture!”

>”Well, you gonna stand here admiring it, or you gonna follow me in?” she says, motioning towards the entrance.

>You shrug, before following her into the body of the building, whistling as the full scope came into view.

>Hundreds of rows, filled to the brim with cheering ponies, surrounded a large track in the centre of the stadium. At the centre, a number of pegasi were doing squats, stretches and numerous warm-ups.

>”Anon!”

>Turning round to the voice, you see Solaire sitting in a bench, accompanied by all 5 of Rainbow Dash’s associates. The quiet one, Fluttershy, seems to panicking at the sheer amount of persons present, and you suppress a rude laugh.

“Ah, Solaire! I see you’ve acquainted yourself with the others.”

>”I already knew of them, during the changeling incident. Charming, aren’t they?”

“That’s one way to put it…” you mutter, staring at Pinkie Pie, who cringes slightly. “But yes, they were a pleasure to meet.” Pinkie Pie’s smile returns.

>”Well, looks like the two of you turned up just in time! The show is about to begin!”

>You turn your attention back to the crowd of pegasi, noticing a multicoloured streak darting down to meet them.

“I didn’t even wish her luck. Oh well…”

>”Ladies and Gentlecolts! Welcome to the annual Wonderbolts qualifiers!” blares a stern-sounding voice from seemingly everywhere, and you jump in surprise.

“Where on earth did that come from?”

>Solaire, who seems equally fazed, speaks hurriedly into the ear of Pinkie Pie, before turning back to you.

>”She says it’s easier to just call it magic for now.”

“That’s not a very satisfying answer… but it’ll have to do.”

>Ignoring the blaring voice, you notice a flame-haired pegasi, standing atop a podium. She appeared to be holding something… perhaps a magical voice amplifier?

>The magic of this world was certainly different than that of Lordran, that’s for sure…

>”Contestants, line up!” the voice booms and the awaiting pegasi assemble at what you presume to be the starting line.

>Rainbow Dash kneels down, eyes forward, utterly focused.

>”On your marks…”

>She tenses.

>”Get ready…”

>A twitch of the back leg…

>”GO!”

>The crowds yell as the pegasi set off, racing above the ground by a few feet, ludicrously fast.

>Almost immediately, Rainbow Dash takes the lead, leaving a namesake trail behind her as she sets off along the track.

>She had showed this afternoon of how fast she was capable of going, but it was still utterly impressive. You even felt a pang of jealousy at your unconventional friend: what you would give to be able to move with that speed and grace…

>A unanimous gasp from the crowd snaps you back to attention, and you gape at the sight.

>Rainbow Dash, tumbling into the ground,

“Oh my…” you whisper.

>Rainbow Dash finishes tumbling head over heels, as the rest of the competitors immediately over-take her. With a great leap, she attempts to join them back in the air, but swiftly falls again, yelling in pain.

>You cringe at the sight of her cradling her left wing, which appeared to be bent at an awkward angle.

>Thankfully, a duo of stretcher-wielding ponies make their way towards her, loading the downed pegasus onto it and evacuating her from the track.

>Glancing at Solaire, Pinkie Pie and the others, you were greeted by a cohort of unhappy grimaces. Applejack had covered her eyes with her hat, Twilight had buried her face in her hoof, Rarity seemed to be forcing a strained smile, Fluttershy was biting her lips nervously, and Pinkie Pie’s hair seemed to have forsaken its prominent jubilance, and now hung limply.

>For a moment, there is silence amongst the crowd, save for a few discontented mutters.

>”Thunderlane has taken the lead!” a voice blares, and the crowd suddenly erupts into cheers, the moment of Rainbow Dash’s downing already passing on.

“What do we do now? You whisper to Solaire, who shrugs in response.

>”What can we do? It would be folly to follow her now, we should try and enjoy the rest of this display!”

“I suppose so…” you say reluctantly, shifting in your ill-fitting seat.

>”Don’t worry about it Nonny, Dashie’s had worse crashes than that!” Pinkie Pie says assuredly.

“It’s not that I’m worried about. From our short time together, I could still that she was… enthusiastic, about this.”

>”Well, that’s what we’re here for! We’re her best friends, we won’t let her get sad!”

“Hmm… I think I’ll leave it up to your capable hands… er, hooves, to cheer her up.”

>”Okie dokie! Be sure to drop by sometime though, it’ll be a great surprise!”

>You silently nod, before turning your head back to the race. You couldn’t help but feel pity for Rainbow Dash… but to hell with it, Solaire’s right. Might as well enjoy the rest of the race…

 

>Later that night, you find yourself in an infirmary of sorts, surrounded by Rainbow Dash’s friends. Solaire had made his way back to the palace, leaving you alone Twilight Sparkle. All her other friends had apparently gone out to obtain pleasantries for the downed pony, insisting that they’d arrive shortly after the two of you did.

“Are you certain that we’re going the right way?” you ask, apprehensive of your surroundings. You had never had a good experience with traditional healers: they seemed more interested in causing harm than good.

>”The nurse said her room was number 24” Twilight replies, studying the passing rooms intently. “22… 23… ah, here we go!”

>You follow her in, grimacing at the cast which bound the mare’s wings.

>”Hello Rainbow Dash? How’re you doing?” Twilight asks enthusiastically.

>She is greeted with a thunderous look from Rainbow Dash, who’s eyes were bloodshot-red.

>”How am I doing? Take a guess, egghead? How do you think I’m doing!”

“I, uh… Anon! Why don’t you say hello!” Twilight squeaks, before backing out of the room sheepishly.

>Damn it all…

“Ahem. Er, hello Rainbow Dash…”

>”Why are you here?” she demands angrily. “I sure as hay didn’t ask to see anyp0ny!”

“Well then, shall I just turn around and leave?” you reply impatiently, turning round to storm out.

>”Wait!” she cries, her frown replaced with a face of pure desperation.

>With a sigh, you face Rainbow Dash, who seemed to be on the verge of tears.

>”I’m sorry… I just…” She sniffles. “I just can’t believe that I blew my chance like that…”

>Pushing your impatience to one side, you join her on the bed, laying a tentative arm on her shoulder.

“I understand that you’re bitterly disappointed right now. And while I won’t stand being shouted at… I’m here to help you.”

>”Th-thanks, I guess.” She sighs heavily. “It’s so bucking dumb… you know why I crashed like that?”

“I couldn’t tell how. It was just so sudden…”

>”A fly. A fly flew up my nose, I got distracted… you know the rest.”

>Silence descends upon you for a moment.

“A fly…?” you chuckle.

>”What’s the joke?” Dash replies indignantly. “I’m telling the tru-“

“Oh, don’t mistake me for making fun of you. Oh no! I was simply remarking…”

>”On what?”

“I myself have had trouble with some flies before. This one time, long ago, I was battling my way through rickety ramparts standing above a nauseating swamp. Two fellow warriors were by my side… and you know what happened? A fly blinded me with some blood, I tripped, and fell to my death in the swamp below. All the while my companions watched on…”

>”Dying sounds a little more serious than a sprained wing, dude.”

“The principal remains the same. I’ve made a right arse out of myself: I’m not going to judge you for what happened…”

>She grunts. “Thanks, I guess I just… I worked so hard for that race. So much preparation, so much work. And what happens? I snort a fly and crash my flank into the ground.”

“You think it’s unfair?”

>”I know it’s unfair.” She retorts.

“Hmm.” You ponder your reply for a minute.

“Well, I can’t really comment on how fair this all is. Fate rarely is… but let me tell you. I have experienced a world of suffering, despair, torment. A world that never ceased in trying to bring me down. And yet, where other fell, I stood unvanquished. Not because I was the most dextrous, or the quickest to notch an arrow, or the strongest at arm. No, I kept going because of my sheer determination.”

>”I don’t see how this is relevant-“

“Before I descend into mindless rambling, I’ll make my point. When awful things happen, when your progress is halted, when serious events arise from the tiniest of instigations… don’t get angry. Don’t regret it, don’t think about it, just think to yourself: “I’m going to try again. I will not accept defeat. I will prevail!”

>Rainbow Dash gapes at you, before bursting into laughter.

“What’s so funny?”

>”Dude… do you even… oh c’mon, that was the cheesiest thing I ever heard!”

“Cheese…?”

>”Cliché, dude. I mean, I know you wanted to cheer me up and all, but damn…”

>You feel your face growing red as the rainbow-maned pegasus giggles at you.

“Well… I, um… I suppose I’ve said all that needs to be said. Well, best of luck!” you mumble.

>”Heh. Well, if you’re going for realises, then cya around. Sorry bout snapping at you earlier, I wasn’t really thinking straight.”

“Not a problem. I hope my, er, motivational words stick with you.”

>”Heh. Maybe they will. Thanks by the way. I really appreciate you and Twilight coming to visit me… speaking of which, where in the hay is she?”

>The purple unicorn sticks her head around the doorway sheepishly. “Is it safe to come in?” she grins.

“I think so. Anywhom, goodbye for now. You know where to find me…”

>”I’m not going anywhere either. Cya around.”

“Goodbye then. Farewell to you too, Twilight Sparkle.”

>”Oh, one more thing. A private word, if you will.”

>You shrug, nod to Rainbow Dash, and follow the unicorn out into the hall.

>”I was talking to Princess Celestia earlier. She informed of what exactly happened with you… Solaire… that thi-“

“Yes, yes. What’s your need?”

>”Do you mind if I perform some magical tests tomorrow? You don’t even need to leave the palace, I’ll bring everything to you!"

“I certainly don’t mind but… what is the need for this “test”?”

>”I think the princess wants to see what you’re capable of.” She replies, before her eyes widen. “Not like she doesn’t trust you or anything!”

“Calm yourself, I never implied she didn’t.” You shrug. “Why not. I’d co-operate with your tests, if it pleases the princess.”

>”Thank you very much! I’ll also be sure to ask you all about your world!” she squeals, clapping her hooves excitedly.

>Ugh.

“Well then, if I’m to be ready for such an ordeal I’d best get some rest now. Best of luck, Twilight Sparkle.”

>”See you tomorrow, bright and early!” she giggles, before prancing into the infirmary room, leaving you alone in the intimidating hallway.

>No sense waiting around in this forlorn building. Might as well head back to the palace now…