Two sets of hooves raced down the dirt path towards the finish line. One set light brown; the other set cyan blue. Neither was giving an inch. The uproar of cheers from all around grew louder as the finish drew ever closer.
"I'm not gonna just give this to ya, Rainbow. I respect ya too much to do that. You're gonna have to take it."
SUGARCUBE CORNER
ONE WEEK EARLIER
When Twilight walked into Sugarcube Corner, she was surprised to see a few ponies making purchases.
"Oh, why hello there, Twilight. What brings you here today?" Mrs. Cake greeted.
"Well, I heard the crime scene investigation is complete, they got everything cleaned up, and that they allowed you two to open shop again. Just thought I'd stop by and see how everything's going."
Mrs. Cake finished the transaction of the current customer at the pony and bid them a good day.
"It's been a little slower than usual, which I suppose is to be expected. But the general belief around town is that we didn't have anything to do with what Pinkie was doing down in the basement, and for that, we're very grateful. We were afraid all week that we'd have to close up shop. But that's not going to be the case."
"I'm so glad. Ponyville wouldn't be the same without your sweets."
"I just wish there were signs of what Pinkie was up to. She was flawless at inventory, so we just left her in charge of keeping inventory in the basement. So many lives could have been saved."
"Don't trouble yourselves with it. None of us saw this coming. At least it's over. Anyways, I'd like to place an order for tomorrow morning. Can you do it that fast?"
"Absolutely, dear. What's the occasion?"
SWEET APPLE ACRES
THAT NIGHT
The starry night sky hung over the Acres, providing the lake with a rich, ambient moonlight. The only sound that could be heard above the crickets was the sloshing of water, as the cyan Pegasus went from one end of the lake to the other, uneasily floating on her back.
"Somepony certainly seems to be out late." came a tender female voice from above.
The voice out of nowhere surprised Rainbow, causing her to flail and sink momentarily before her head popped up again above the surface of the water. She looked up, and above the lake hovered a grayish-purple Alicorn pony. Rainbow swam to the nearest shore, and her visitor floated down and landed to meet her. Rainbow gave a short bow.
"Princess Luna, what a surprise." Rainbow said, dripping from her late night swim.
"How have you been, Rainbow Dash?" the younger royal sister asked.
"Improving, slowly day by day."
"I see you've taken to swimming."
"Yeah, I need a little more practice. But I couldn't sleep tonight, so I came out here to try and relax. So what brings you here, your highness?"
