private A Cultural Exchange 1x1 with DwhitetheGamer

[Illiad Easle 3,175]

@@DwhitetheGamer,

 

Sir crouched down to be eye level with Nebula, accepting her offered gesture. "I'm glad we finally have an Equestrian delegate, be warned, you're going to have a hard first few weeks. Most every country has a bone to pick with Celestia. I'll make sure it doesn't get too unruly though." He stood back up. "Well, if you're all ready we should make our way down to the track. It promises to be an exciting race if yesterday's training was any indication." He began to make his way past the group. as he passed Celestia he paused. "Do try to keep them in line. I have no desire to be stone again." and with that he walked out of the dining hall the way the others had entered. If any looked toward the counter, Cookie Pie was peacefully asleep with her head on the counter.

[DwhitetheGamer 867]

@@Illiad Easle, 

 

Nebula nodded at Black Knight at the notion of the first few weeks.  "I understand, sir."

 

When Black Knight went to Celestia, she nodded.  "I have no intention for encasing you in stone."

 

The Mane Six broke apart a bit after Black Knight left, but Fluttershy was still scared.  "I-I-I don't know if us being here was a good idea."

 

Luna shook her head.  "As long as thou does not get on his bad side, everything will be fine, Fluttershy."

 

Copper got up, having already finished is breakfast.  "If you all excuse me," he said as he took his tray and finished drink to the dish return.  He then returned to the group with a smile on his face.  "This'll be so much fun!"

[Illiad Easle 3,175]

@@DwhitetheGamer,

 

Midnight did likewise with his empty tray. "Don't mind Sir too much, he had a pretty bad relation with the last set of elements, turning him to stone and all for trying to stop Luna before she became Nightmare Moon. Then he had a pretty bad first impression with you guys, not that he blames you for not setting him free, he knows Celestia is solely at fault for that, he just can't help but remember you guys as the ones that didn't save him." As he began to make his way to the door. "I'm sure he'll warm up to you guys eventually." 

[DwhitetheGamer 867]

@@Illiad Easle, 

 

Twilight looked rather confused at Midnight after he spoke.  But she shrugged.  "Eh, I hope he does."

 

The gang followed Midnight to the door of the dining hall.  Nebula took one last look at the hall, seeing Cookie sleeping on the counter, then made her way out of the hall with the others.

[Illiad Easle 3,175]

@@DwhitetheGamer,

 

It was not a long trip down the mountain, the colony of the children was abuzz with activity. The crowds parted for the group as they traveled, not wanting to interact with the strange newcomers beyond a simple wave. The track was a simple thing, a walled off straight area with a start and finish line. The equestrian reporters were gathered under a few of the shade umbrellas set up to either side of the track. Only a few of the colonists had arrived for the race at the moment, but if the activity was any indication there would be many more before the race started. 

[DwhitetheGamer 867]

@@Illiad Easle, 

 

The group followed Midnight as they made their way to the area where the race will start.  Copper was excited, as he was humming a tune to himself.  Pinkie was her normal bouncy self, as well.  The rest of the Mane Six waved at the crowds as they walked by, smiling at them.

Edited February 15, 2016 by DwhitetheGamer

[Illiad Easle 3,175]

@@DwhitetheGamer,

 

Having arrived at the track Midnight turned to the group. "Well, I suppose we can start soon if you are all ready. I just need to stretch a bit and I'll be good to go."

 

The Black Knight took a seat on a sort of announcing platform set at the halfway point of the track. Gari and an empty chair sat to his right, and two empty chairs to his left. Presumably for the princesses. 

[DwhitetheGamer 867]

@@Illiad Easle, 

 

The gang nodded.  Copper took the time to stretch out himself before the race to keep himself as a rubber band, while Celestia and Luna headed beside to where Black Knight was, nodded to him, and took their seats.  The Mane Six sat with the crowd, and Nebula took a seat to where she could report the race.  Once Copper was finished with his stretching, he made his way to the starting line, a happy, yet determined look on his face as he waited for Midnight.

[Illiad Easle 3,175]

@@DwhitetheGamer,

 

Midnight finished his stretches and took his position next to Copper. With them standing side by side the size difference was quite apparent to those gathered. There was muttering in the crowd as to how this race could even be fair with one who looked far superior. The crowds had filled in nicely and it was clear that most of them were from the colony, the thestral nests, and the zebra village, though the latter-most gave the Equestrians a wide berth. It was good that they didn't know an Apple, a Pie, and a Sparkle were in their midst. Midnight didn't know what would happen if they did, but he didn't think it could be good. there was a board a bit of a ways behind the starting line that was taking a tally of bets being placed on the race, the posted odds were fairly even, though one of them was clearly a fan favorite given who were placing the bets.

 

Wind Whisper and Fly-By-Night took their positions on the front of the platform that the Black Knight and the princesses were sitting on. They each had their own megaphone to announce the race with. They had been hyping up the crowd for some time now, and were ready to begin the race now that Midnight and Copper were as well.

 

"Ladies and gentlemales of all ages and species, it's the time you've all been waiting for. The race for the title of Fastest Earth Pony. Copper Strikes Verses Midnight Star! The first race is just running, no abilities, 200 meters to the end. The second race is all out, another 200m to the end with any abilities they want. This is the last chance to place your bets folks as the race is about to start."

 

(Time for another race through messages. You ready?)

[DwhitetheGamer 867]

@@Illiad Easle, 

(I'm ready.  LEEEEEET'S DOO THIIIS!)

 

Copper stood tall and proud, despite him being shorter than Midnight.  He had a confident look on him as he took his place.  He looked at Midnight and smiled.

 

"The best of luck to you, Midnight."

 

He then assumed a ready stance as he waited for the call.

[Illiad Easle 3,175]

@@DwhitetheGamer,

 

"To you as well Copper"

 

"On your marks! Get set... GO!" 

 

Midnight started the race fast, quickly taking the lead and he seemed determined to keep it, quickly accelerating as much as he could despite his legs aching in protest. He dared not look back to see how much of a lead he had, but was determined to keep on. Eventually he could feel the fatigue begin to slow him down just past the halfway point. By the sound of the cheers Copper was catching up, but he kept running as fast as he could even with the fatigue slowing him down. He crossed the finish line completely exhausted, clearly his age had finally caught up to him. He laid himself down in the slightly cool grass at the end of the track as he recovered from the race.

 

"Midnight Star Wins!"

[DwhitetheGamer 867]

@@Illiad Easle, 

 

Copper stumbled at the start of the race, earning moans from the crowd.  But he quickly recovered and took off as quickly as he could.  He knew his mistake cost him this race, but he was determined to finish.  He could feel his hooves aching, but he pressed on.  He crossed the finish line just over a second after Midnight did, and in doing so, he skidded to a stop.  He lost his breath, but as he saw, it wasn't as bad as Midnight was.  He laid down in front of Midnight and grinned.

 

"Great... job.  The better... colt... won this one.  You... earned it." he gasped between breaths.

[Illiad Easle 3,175]

@@DwhitetheGamer,

 

A slight smile came to Midnight's exhausted face, "Heh, it would have been closer... If you hadn't stumbled... I'm glad you didn't give up."

 

Gari trotted over with Midnight's  armor cloak in her magic, she draped it gently over Midnight's prone form. He sighed in relief once it was on him. "Great job on the race you two, Wind Whisper is already hyping up the crowd for the second part, but you guys still have some time to recover. Here," She pulled some bottles with a bluish liquid that glowed slightly. "Energy potions for a quicker recovery, though you guys will certainly sleep well tonight because of it."

 

"Thank's Gari, I should be good to go in 10 to 15 minutes." He guzzled down one of the offered bottles, a full body shudder going through him as he did so. He looked much more energized. "That certainly has a kick to it."

[DwhitetheGamer 867]

@@Illiad Easle, 

 

Copper grinned slightly.  He knew his mistake cost him that race, but he wasn't going to let that get to him.  "Thanks.  I'm not one to give up so easily."

 

He gave a look of confusion to Gari once he saw the bottles in hoof, but when looking at Midnight after he took a bottle, he figured, why not?  He took a bottle and drank it, and too felt a full body shudder.  He widened his eyes in shock, then looked a lot better.  He smiled at Gari.  "Thanks, Gari.  That felt so good!"

[Illiad Easle 3,175]

@@DwhitetheGamer,

 

She smiled back at Copper, "I'll be sure to let Tingle know you liked it, he made them after all."

 

Midnight got back up off the ground, stretching a bit as he did so. "I need to go put my armor on in preparation for the Lightning Sprint, hopefully it doesn't scare any of the Equestrians to look as I did back then. You should prepare too, no doubt the crowd is anxious for the second half of the race." He trotted over to the back of the stage that Sir was sitting on to a larger bundle that had been placed there. Taking off his cloth cloak he retrieved a set of chainmail of about the same shape and put it on, replacing the cloth covering over it so he looked only slightly different than before. 

[DwhitetheGamer 867]

@@Illiad Easle, 

 

Copper nodded at Midnight. He knew the Lightning Sprint required noise, so he hax to be prepared for it. Luckily, his Spin Dash would be able to clear out some of the noise, as it makes some itself. So he stretched himself to clear out the remaining pain and, after finishing, waited for Midnight with his armor.

Edited February 18, 2016 by DwhitetheGamer

[Illiad Easle 3,175]

@@DwhitetheGamer,

 

Midnight  put the neck plates on next, arranged to let his long mane through, and finally his helmet, the eyes glowed blue for a moment before turning red like Sir's. Clouds were beginning to roll in, in the distance it was already raining. Midnight, now fully armored came back over to Copper. "You ready?"

[DwhitetheGamer 867]

@@Illiad Easle, 

 

Copper saw Midnight come back to the now-starting line with his full armor.  Clouds were beginning to roll in, and it started raining in the distance.  Copper knew things were about to get real.  He looked straight at Midnight, a smile on his face.

 

"I'm ready.  Let's do it."

 

He then took a ready stance and waited for the signal once again.

 

(Time for another run with messages.  Oh, and I'll add that, assuming both abilities guarantee a no stumble, the Spin Dash has a slight advantage over the Lightning Sprint.  While the speed slowly but gradually decreases, Copper can maintain his talent longer.)

[Illiad Easle 3,175]

@@DwhitetheGamer,

 

Midnight too took a ready stance, he was confident that this race would be no contest. "I'll do what I can to keep ambient static away from you, it shouldn't be a problem." 

 

"Alright! The second race is about to begin, everyone watch closely, this race will not last long. When the lightning strikes the race will begin."

 

Sir rose from his chair and took a step forward, "Fulgor Concitus." He raised his sword to the air as a bolt of lightning came down to it, with a turn the blade pointed to Midnight and the bolt was cast towards him, energy ran over and through him, the race had begun.

 

(Currently you have your spin dash pegged at 28m/s, the lightning sprint is at 51m/s (2.5x his top). He is nearly twice as fast as you now, and as there is not really any choices to be made the race does not need to be done by messages.)

[DwhitetheGamer 867]

@@Illiad Easle, 

 

(Alright.  That blew my advantage out of the water.)

 

Copper overheard Black Knight yell something and saw a bolt of Lightning come down.  It scared the living daylights out of Fluttershy.  He saw his chance, and started charging his Spin Dash.  Once he heard the bolt hit Midnight, he had his Spin Dash already charged up to full, and let loose as soon as the connection was made.

[Illiad Easle 3,175]

@@DwhitetheGamer,

 

The energy flowed through Midnight, invigorating him. The helmet was specially designed to help him see clearer, so he could move faster without worry of stumbling. He saw Copper take off next to him. A second later he took off too.

 

To those gathered he moved like a streak of light, reaching the end of the course in just under four seconds, but he didn't stop at the end, he kept going in a wide loop in the field they were in, returning to the end of the track well after Copper had finished and just as the lightning sprint ran out. 

[DwhitetheGamer 867]

@@Illiad Easle, 

 

Copper felt Midnight roar past him.  He knew he greatly underestimated the Lightning Sprint, and that he lost the race.  Once the Spin Dash was nearing its end he got out of it and slowed to a stop in front of Midnight.  He smiled.

 

"I guess you're the fastest Earth Pony ever, Midnight.  Congratulations, you deserve it."

[Illiad Easle 3,175]

@@DwhitetheGamer,

 

Midnight removed his helmet. "I have centuries of training and worlds of experience. Still, you were no less impressive. You're spin dash is something you can do by yourself, I need Sir to do the lightning sprint safely. You did well today and yesterday, I think you've made great improvement even though you lost, and so long as I don't live in Equestria, you will be the fastest earth pony there." Midnight made his way towards the platform that Sir had returned to sitting on.

[DwhitetheGamer 867]

@@Illiad Easle, 

 

Copper had a proud smile on his face when hearing Midnight's words, especially when it was said that he would be the fastest Earth Pony in Equestria if Midnight doesn't live there.  Midnight would hear the cheers from the crowd as he made his way to the platform.  When Copper went after, the cheers came back, and he took a graceful bow.

 

Twilight was the first to congratulate him.  "Great job, Copper, even though you lost."

 

"You were quicker than I thought, Sonic." Rainbow Dash said, giving Copper a noogie.

 

"Yeah!  You went vroom and zoom and you went really fast!" Pinkie Pie said.

 

"I'm gonna be honest here, I don't think I would've beaten Midnight myself.  Amazing job, by the way" Applejack said.

 

"That was great work, Copper." Rarity said.

 

"Are you upset, Copper?" Fluttershy asked.

 

"Not at all, Fluttershy, not at all." Copper replied.  "Thanks, girls.  Now come here!"

 

The Mane Six then grouped together and hugged Copper, without squeezing the daylights out of him as they did before.

[Illiad Easle 3,175]

@@DwhitetheGamer,

 

To be honest, Midnight was slightly envious of the friendships that Dax had cultivated. Sure he was practically brothers with Sir, but his long life seemed to make it hard for him to form lasting connections with those around him outside of a fatherly sort. He understood how Celestia felt in wanting to remain ever needed by her subjects. He almost wished he could live a normal life, but so long as Sir lived he would be there to help him.

 

There was no award ceremony, the crowd simply began to disperse once the winner was clear. Many bits changed hooves this day, and the flow was mostly towards the colony. Midnight took a seat on the stage, placing himself between Sir and Gari. Sir ran his armored glove through Midnight's mane and down the back of Midnight's neck as a congratulatory gesture. It was a familiar thing to him, bringing back memories of a simpler time, and he appreciated it.