My Little Pony: Friendship Conquers All

Chapter 4 - A Race Amongst the Clouds

Heart's Desire approaches Princess Twilight Sparkle, who is signing documents on her throne. "Princess?"

"Yes?" Twilight looks up to see the disheveled grey mare slowly wobbling into the throne room. "Oh, my! What happened to you?" She flies over to her pupil, catching her before she falls to the ground in exhaustion.

"I-I've been training nonstop for the past week," Desire says, struggling to keep her gaze on her mentor.

"What for?"

Desire hesitates, remembering the rules from her deal with Ember Glow, but she decides to remain honest. "I have to train for this race against Rainbow Dash's student, or I won't be able to stay here and study with you."

"What do you mean by that?" Twilight lays with Desire on the floor, resting her mentee's head on her chest.

"If I lose this race, I'll lose everything! I'll lose Solar, Sapphire," Desire begins to sniffle, tears falling down her eyes, "I'll lose you, Princess! I do want to lose everything I have here!" Her quiet whimpers become sobs. "I don't want to lose anyone!"

"Oh, Desire," the purple mare says, pushing hair away from Desire's face. Desire's mascara stains her face. "You will never lose me or your friends. This is a tough challenge that you must face, but remember that you have support from me, your family, and your friends."

"But what if I fail?"

Twilight wipes away Desire's tears. "Success is nothing without failure. Remember when I told you about the time I thought I failed my mentor? I was such a wreck thinking that I was going to fail her! However, with my friends by my side, I conquered my fear of failure and passed without even knowing! Failure is a part of life, but with the right people, you too can succeed."

"You think I can really do it?" Desire asks, looking into Twilight's eyes.

"I don't think it, I know it." She hugs Desire tightly, caressing her back and admiring a moment of silence with her star pupil. After a few moments, Twilight asks, "Would you like me to be present at the race?"

"Y-yeah," Desire says, still clinging to her.

"Okay, I'll be cheering you on in the crowd, and I'll bring extra support."

"Thank you, Princess."

"Of course. What would I be without my star pupil." As they share another hug, Twilight looks toward the setting sun and says to herself, "Thank you, Celestia. You are always in my heart."

~One pony can tame it...~

It is a warm morning in Cloudsdale. The sky is clear of storm clouds, thanks to Ember Glow and her team of weather ponies. Almost all the attendees who are invited to spectate the grand race gather in the cloudy colosseum. As Desire's family shuffle into their seats, many ponies and creatures salute the honorably discharged Moonshadow Flash. Others gawk at Lavender Starbright and Gentle Wish, both whom are unicorns and should've hit the ground by now since only flying creatures can stand on clouds. Solar Façade, Sapphire Moonlight, and any guests with no wings sit comfortably on the clouds thanks to Princess Twilight's spell that allows non-flying creatures to remain on clouds.

The last to enter the colosseum are Princess Midnight Sky, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and her family, and Princess Twilight Sparkle. All of Twilight's friends sit in a special booth designated for the princesses and their guests of honor. Twilight waves down to Desire, who waves back with a warm smile. Desire then turns to see Ember Glow stretching her wings. Her nerves kick in, but Desire remembers what her mentor told her. Success is nothing without failure, she thinks to herself. She takes a deep breath and takes her place at the starting line.