Pegasi by Aileen Rose

The Final Stretch

  Dusty had been left to rest, to have time to take everything in. Dottie sighed in worry as she approached the room with Chug beside her, looking in. She hated seeing Dusty hurt, seeing him like this was painful. Chug nudged her a bit and she went in, approaching Dusty's bed.

"Dusty?" She called softly. "Are you awake?"

Dusty had his back turned to her on the bed he was resting on. He raised his head a little but then lowered it, sighing.

"Can you believe it? He hasn't been straight with me this whole time... least you were honest... you were right... I wasn't built for this... I should've listened..."

Dottie went over to him, sitting down so she was eye level with him. "Dusty... If you HAD listened to me... I would've never forgiven myself... The Skipper may have been wrong for what he did... But he was right about you..." She gently tilted his head up, smiling gently. "You're not a crop duster... You're a racer... And now... all of Equestria knows that."

Dusty looked at her in surprise before smiling a little, a small tear getting out. Chug came over, an encouraging smile on his face. Oh guys...

"Thanks Dottie... that means a lot... but..." he frowned. "I've gone as far as I can, look at me I'm busted up and so are my wings..."

"Yes, look at you." said a voice from outside.

The three looked over to see El Chupacabra standing at the door, with the framework for artificial wings next to him.

Dusty blinked recognizing the model. "Say... Aren't those the wings of the Shooting Stars?" he asked as he sat up a little.

"When the War of Discord happened, Shooting Star Artificial Pegasi came to help my home. They did not ask questions, they just came and helped because that is what compadres do."

Dusty smiled. "Thanks El Chu-Wait..." He blinked seeing his Wing Pony go by. "What's that?"

"My lunch, don't even think about touching it." El Chupacabra said with a bit of a snort before a grin came on his face. "But the wings are yours."

"El Chu-"

"Sh Sh Silencio... You helped me with my matters of the heart, now, we are here to help you."

"We?"

Rochelle came up beside El Chu. "Oui. Good luck tomorrow Dusty, I am so proud to compete with you." She beamed, setting down a box of medical supplies, before stepping back. "Something to help in case you need a boost of strength."

Other racers came filing in, each giving their gifts. Bulldog was next, presenting a new radio headset. "You're a good egg Dusty, here's a radio device in case... in case you're all alone and need a friend." he said, doing his best not to cry again.

Dusty chuckled a bit nodding. "Thank you Bulldog."

"Here's a set of leg braces, winds can be rough on an injured body." said the racer Little King as he came by setting the container down.

"It's an honor to fly beside you." Tsubasa added as he too set down supplies.

Soon enough there was a pile, everyone had contributed something to help get Dusty back in the race. Dottie took inventory of everything unable to hide the excitement in her voice.

"This is FANTASTIC! Looks like the only thing you need now are-"

"New feathers?" Ishani came forward, nudging a container with the feathers she had before in them. "How about some Sky Slycer model fives?"

Dusty looked at the feathers wide eye. "But Ishani, these are yours... You could still win the race."

The Hollow Shades champion grinned a little. "Oh I intend to..." She stretched out her wings showing her gold feathers. "But with my old feathers... These... Didn't really suit me. I think you'll have better luck with them."

Dusty smiled, a grateful look in his eyes. "Thanks Ishani..." he looked to Dottie. "So Dottie, can you fix me?"

She grinned levitating one of her wrenchs over. "Is Ripslinger a jerk?"

Dusty laughed. "Yes!"

Twilight came over with her council. "Need a hoof or two?" she asked.

Dottie nodded, as Sparky also trotted over. "Yeah, we'll need all the help we can get. Let's get him ready to race!"

Everypony hurried back into the clinic to help get Dusty fixed up. They spent the whole day getting his wings ready and getting him healed.

During that, Chug was looking over racing records of Ripslinger winning each of his first Wings Around Equestria races... when something caught his attention. He grinned as he hurried over to Dusty to tell him what he discovered.

The next morning, Dusty left the clinic, geared up and ready, determination in his eyes. He wasn't giving up. Anyone who thinks I will... They can watch me win...

"It's him." one pony whispered.

"Dusty..."

"He's back."

Ripslinger saw him and growled, storming over. "Bolting on new parts doesn't change who you are..." He got up in Dusty's face, sniffing him a little. "I can still smell the farm on you."

Dusty smirked, laughing.

"You know what? I finally get it." he got close to Ripslinger's face. "You are afraid. Of getting beat. BY A CROP DUSTER!" A glare was now fixed in his eyes. "Well check six, cause I'm coming." he snorted before walking off.

Ripslinger growled. "He's going to pay... I swear he'll be a pile of bones when I'm done with him...!"

Dottie and the others were waiting near the runway for Dusty. "We'll see you in Canterlot..." Dottie smiled.

"Good luck!"

Dusty nodded as he made his way to where the other racers were going.

Chug smiled. "You gotta hand it to him, he never gives up."

Skipper overheard this. He was sitting alone keeping his head down. Might as well stay here... I'm a failure as a teacher...

"Skipper?"

Skipper saw Sparky standing before him. "You coming? The ship is ready to leave."

"I think it's best... If I just stay here..." He murmured looking away.

Sparky looked shocked but he lower his head, respecting Skipper's wishes. "O-Okay..." he walked away leaving the dragon alone.

Sorry Sparky.... I think I've been enough trouble for you and for my own student...

"We're gonna end this once and for all."

Hm?

Skipper looked outside the hangar to see Ripslinger talking with Ned and Zed.

"He won't see it coming." Ripslinger said with a smirk. "Ready for some fun, boys?"

The two stallions nodded, grinning. "It's party time."

Ripslinger lead the way to the runway, the two following after him.

Skipper growled a bit. They're plotting something... They won't get away with it...