Pegasi by Aileen Rose

Thinking like a Racer

  "Another day, another leg of racing for Dustmiester!" Chug cheered as he turned the TV on in Skipper's hangar.

"Well, he's doing pretty good so far." Sparky said, stretching a little. "This leg should be a bit more fitted to him today, right Skip?"

Skipper nodded. "The Tall Tale Obstacle Course. This one will work well for him."

"Yeah, all skill, this should work perfectly for Dusty." Dottie said as she turned her attention to the screen. You can do it Dusty, this leg is all yours.

------

It's not about speed, it's skill.

Dusty thought of the words he and Skipper had shared last night as he went through some of the pylons the other racers were going through. So far this leg was working out for him. He wasn't in last for once.

For once low and fast has given me an upper hand. He thought. And I'm not all by myself either.

"MAYDAY! MAYDAY! I'M BLINDED I CAN'T SEE!!"

Huh?

Dusty looked to the side to see Bulldog going down. He gasped seeing that one of the flashlights that was attached to his front left hoof had gone out and he had oil in his eyes.

Oh no... Dusty looked around to see others taking note of him but not bothering to help him and he was going down fast.

Isn't anypony...? ... No... they won't... but I will.

Dusty took a dive down, following after Bulldog. Once he was beside him he helped Bulldog stabilize his flight path.

"Bulldog! Can you hear me?"

Bulldog nodded. "Y-Yes."

"Listen, I'm gonna help you get to the end of the course, just do exactly as I say, I'll fly right beside you the whole time, you're gonna be okay."

"G-Got it."

Dusty nodded, giving instructions as they went through the area. Dusty correcting him from time to time using his wings to bring him back up if he was flying too low. Finally, the runway came into view.

"Alright, we're gonna land, prepare to make contact, start your trot."

Bulldog did as told. "Trot started."

"Wings in glide position."

The two came down, Bulldog landing first and Dusty shortly after, both making a smooth landing.

"Excellent job! Well done!" Dusty cheered.

Bulldog sighed with relief once he was firmly planted on the ground. Dusty walked over to him and helped him over to the medics that had arrived on the runway. An orange Pegasus came over with a blue Unicorn who used magic to conjure water to clean off the oil.

"Thanks for your help, matey." Bulldog started as his vision began to come back to him. "You saved my tail-" he stopped short when he saw who was in front of him. Dusty gave a small smile. "You're welcome."

"You... YOU saved me?" Bulldog asked. "What did I tell you boy? Every pony for himself!"

"Well, where I come from, when you see some pony falling from the sky you-"

"But this is a competition! Now you're dead last! ... and... I owe you my life." Bulldog's lower lip quivered a little.

Dusty blinked back surprise. "... Are... you crying...?"

"I don't cry I'm Canterlot!" Bulldog smiled a little. "Thanks..."

Dusty nodded. "Anytime Bulldog."

"Come on Bulldog, let's be sure your eyes aren't infected." the Unicorn said. The Unicorn looked to his Pegasus assistant. "Can you be sure we're well stocked on medical supplies?"

The Pegasus nodded. "You bet." He looked to Dusty. "You're amazing by the way!"

Dusty smiled, giving a nod.

The Unicorn and Pegasus lead Bulldog away, leaving Dusty to himself.

"Hey, Crophopper."

Dusty looked behind him to see Ripslinger with his team. "Ya know, you're a nice guy."

Dusty gave a bit of a prideful look. "Oh, thanks-"

Ripslinger smirked. "And we know where nice guys finish." he said, trotting off with Ned and Zed right behind him snickering.

Dusty lowered his head a little, feeling a little embarrassed that he thought Ripslinger was actually complimenting him.

He's nothing like the pony I saw on TV.

He sighed. But he's right... I'm dead last...

------

The resting area for Tall Tale was being held at the local cider cellar. It was a huge party when Dusty got there. Everyone was drinking cider and enjoying each other's presence. There was music all around that was being conducted by some pink Earth Pony Dusty took note of. She had everyone dancing and having a good time.

Dusty would've joined in but he wasn't really in the mood. He sat by himself at one of the tables, deep in thought.

"Why the long face, sugar cube?"

Dusty looked up to see an orange Earth Pony with a blond mane and cowboy hat looking at him with a concerned look.

Dusty sighed. "I think you have a good idea if you've been following the Wings Around Equestria."

"Ah, you must Dusty Crophopper, I'm Apple Jack, one Twilight's council members."

Dusty gave a small bow. "It's a pleasure to meet you. May I ask why you're in Tall Tale?"

"Well, Twi thought it would be good to bring most of us along for the Wings Around Equestria to help the racers since she wasn't sure he could do it all on her own. I volunteered to help with food distribution in certain rest areas, the first one being here. Pinkie Pie is around to help bring positive spirits as you might've noticed."

Dusty nodded. "Yeah, quite the party... so all of her council will be seen on the course?"

"All but one. Our friend Rainbow Dash left for training a few days ago. She doesn't know about us being part of the race since it was last minute."

"Oh... if you don't mind me asking, where is she?"

Apple Jack shrugged. "Dunno, she couldn't tell us. All I know is I think she would've loved to have been here, she loves racing."

"I see... wish I could've met her too. She's one of the best in Equestria, especially for someone her age."

"Darn right. But enough about her, let's get you cheered up."

Apple Jack trotted off then came back with some fresh cider. "Here, courtesy of Sweet Apple Acres, we make some of the best cider."

Dusty smiled. "Thanks."

Dusty was about to take a sip when he heard a bit of a small sobbing. He and Apple Jack looked to see El Chupacabra stumbling over to the table, a very sad look on his face.

"Um... El Chu?" Dusty started. "You okay?"

"No..."

Apple Jack raised an eyebrow. "You've been drinking a lot of cider out of all the racers I've seen. What's got you down?"

"Dusty is last in the race... and I am last in the race for love..."

It clicked for Dusty.

"Rochelle?" he asked.

El Chupacabra nodded. "Her love is sadly... not for me." he sniffled.

Dusty gave a sympathetic look. "Tough break El Chu..."

"Sorry, sugar cube."

"Um... excuse me?"

The group looked to the other side of the table to see a small teal colored Unicorn at the other end of the table looking at Dusty with a hopeful look. What really caught Dusty's attention was the pair of what he could assume were wings on his back.

"Yes?" Dusty asked.

The Unicorn smiled. "Um, my name is Franz and I'm a huge fan of yours."

Dusty's eyes lit up a little. "I... have fans?"

"Oh no, just me."

Oh...

"I just wanted to thank you for representing all of us Artificial Pegasi."

Dusty blinked back some confusion. "But... you're a Unicorn... Artificial Pegasi are generally... like myself. Earth Ponies with the wings I have." Dusty explained, looking at his own wings.

"Ah, but I'm a different kind, I use magic for the wings I have here, in a sense an Artificial Alicorn."

Franz stood back, casting a spell with his horn to get the wings on his back to spread. Unlike Dusty's, his actually looked like they had real feathers instead of the special material ones Dusty had. It was rather impressive to see.

"Wow..." Dusty whispered once the wings were fully spread.

Franz gave a bow. "Hello Dusty, I am Fliegenhosen."

"Huh? But I thought you said your name was Franz?"

"No, no, Franz is the one with weak spine who does the magic and deals with the roads, in the sky, I am in charge." he answered, giving a serious look.

Dusty looked to the other sitting at the table. Apple Jack didn't know what to make of it and El Chupacabra wasn't sure either.

"I think this pony needs to get his head checked, serious identity issues." El Chupacabra whispered.

Franz looked at him with a questioning look. "Says the one wearing a mask."

El Chupacabra bit his tongue. "Touche."

Franz's wings lowered and he seemed back to his old self.

"We're both rooting for you Dusty." he said with a gentle smile.

"Thanks, I need all the help I can get."

Franz nodded. "Might I make one humble suggestion?"

"Sure."

Franz looked at Dusty's wings. "Wouldn't a different set of feathers be better for flight? Those seems on the heavy side."

Dusty looked at them. "They're crop duster feathers, I need them for work back at home, I don't know if I can just replace them."

"Ah, but you're in a race now, they won't do you much good out here."

El Chupacabra nodded in agreement. "I think the little pony is right, maybe you should start thinking like a racer."

Dusty hesitated a little, looking at the ground.

Apple Jack put a hoof on his shoulder. "I'm sure you can get them adjusted when you get home, sugar cube. Let's focus on the present."

Dusty smiled a little. "Right... know any pony who can help me get new feathers?"

Franz smiled. "Yes, you're looking right at him, and he'll do it for free."

Dusty's eyes lit up. "R-Really?"

"Yes, we want you to succeed Dusty."

Dusty gave a grateful look. "Thank you."

Apple Jack got up, gesturing her head over at the door. "Well come on, let's get you ready."

"Right."