site event 🍃The Running of the Leaves (2025) Race Event!

[Roswell]

Roswell watched all of the other ponies and gave a little smile which he rarely does but after getting to know these ponies better, he felt happy to have them as his friends.

 

He noticed the photographers moving towards him which made his brain kick into motion as he did that crazy backflip he did while bucking the trees but he did it while the fireworks went off.

 

He gave a confident smirk as photographers took many photos of him but he pointed at the other ponies and said ‘I’m not the only star of this race, there’s a whole bunch of stars over there’.

[Dusk Haven 335]

1 hour ago, Moonlight Wane said:

While the photographers are busy photographing Dusk Haven's stunning display, Moonlight notices fireworks hidden in a barrel behind the podium. "I hope I can borrow some." He carefully chooses a couple that would give the best effect, and approaches the finish line, just as Dusk finishes her show. He gives photographers some time to aim at him, before standing on his hind legs and opening his arms and wings. The fireworks drop on the ground and activate, flying and exploding around Moonlight as he holds the pose long enough to let them get some good shots.

boom—crackle—flare!

Violet and gold arcs spiraled upward, bursting into shapes that mirrored the season itself: maple leaves, stars, and one rather impressive likeness of a crescent moon.

Dusk turned just in time to see @Nitobit Moonlight Wane, standing proud and still amid the smoke, wings flared wide as the last sparks danced around him.

For a heartbeat, she simply stared—then laughed, bright and genuine. “You certainly know how to steal an ending,” she called, voice carrying over the cheering crowd.

She trotted closer, the light of the fireworks catching on her eyes. “That was beautiful, Moonlight. Unexpected… but beautiful.” Her tone softened into that familiar half-smile she wore when truly pleased. “Though I imagine we’ll both be explaining this to the organizers before long.”

A pause, then—just enough mischief in her voice to earn a grin from anypony nearby:
“Still—worth it.”

59 minutes ago, Roswell said:

He noticed the photographers moving towards him which made his brain kick into motion as he did that crazy backflip he did while bucking the trees but he did it while the fireworks went off.

 

He gave a confident smirk as photographers took many photos of him but he pointed at the other ponies and said ‘I’m not the only star of this race, there’s a whole bunch of stars over there’.

The crowd erupted into cheers as Roswell’s hooves struck the ground with a perfect landing, the last shimmer of fireworks reflecting off his coat. Dusk couldn’t help but laugh, the sound light and genuine.

“Well said, Roswell,” she called, her voice carrying easily through the crisp autumn air. “A true star doesn’t shine alone.”

[PrincessPriscillaPT 614]

*Priscilla notices @Samurai Equine Samurai came to a sudden stop before the finish line* "Hey! Why'd you stop? Are you gonna let us cross the finish line?"

[Starlight Glimmer 177]

As Starlight watched alongside her cohost and fellow commentator, Pinkie Pie, the unicorn had noticed that the racer's had finally made their way out of the dark forest. Taking in the view from underneath the hot air balloon, Starlight gasped softly as she knew where they were. "Pinkie! Do you see what I'm seeing right now? With our contestants making their way out of the forest, the finish line is within reach!" Starlight exclaimed, watching at everyone was getting closer and closer to the finish. "It's been a long and exhilarating race, but this will no doubt go down as our most amazing race yet! I still can't tell for sure who changed up the obstacles or why, but it still didn't stop our competitors from giving it their all!" As she turned her attention over towards the finish line, Starlight's eyebrows raised in alarm and concern as the finish line tape was nowhere to be seen. The only thing that could be seen were Dynamo, Rainbow, photographers, two burnt poles and a space between where the finish line tape was supposed to be. 

Putting two and two together, Starlight turned her attention back towards the race. "It seems there might have been a change in plans. Something must have happened to the tape in preparation for the home stretch. Without the tape, it seems our racer's might have to improvise in their approach to the end goal." Not long after she had said that did her question become answered due to Dusk Haven, who used her magic and wings to bring the leaves with her in her gallop. "Oh, wow! Now that's arriving in style! Dusk just used her magic to cause the leaves to form as a colorful ribbon! Not only that, but the leaves bursted outwards in a rain of fire and frost! Now that's how you show your Fall spirit!"

[Pinkie Pie 713]

Upon hearing that the race was nearing it's conclusion, Pinkie gave a cheer as she launched her party cannon full of confetti sky high into the air. "Woohoo!!!! Talk about a stunning conclusion for an over the top, cupcake filled, amazing, super duper race every~!" Pinkie exclaimed, giggling as she looked over to the finish line alongside Starlight. Only to find that the finish line seems incomplete without the use of a finish line tape. "I wonder if that random shivering I felt earlier was somehow that sort of doozy I was worried about." Pinkie pondered, uncertain with all of the doozies that were transpiring throughout the race. Looking down towards the rest of the racer's, the pink party mare had watched as some of the participants were improvising on their entrance to the finish line. "Priscilla is racing alongside Samurai and Roswell, while Shiny Silvermoon is making a hop, step and a jump to the finish. Hearing her give a yippee makes me want to yell a yippee, too! In fact, YIPPEE!!!!" Pinkie exclaimed with a grin and a squee as she continued to monitor the race alongside Starlight.

"In a stunning turn of events, it looks like Samurai stopped just short of the finish line and is letting Priscilla, Roswell and Moonlight to cross before him. I think that really shows good sportsmanship and a form of unity with all of the obstacles that they all made their way through this race together! Not only that, but this lets Moonlight appear in with some style! Using some of the fireworks to use as a sort of backdrop to further add onto his pose and entrance! I was wondering where I put those fireworks as I felt that was a great way to end the race." She smiled, happy to know where the missing fireworks had been and that they had gone to a great plan.

[Starlight Glimmer 177]

With each contestant continuing to put on a marvelous display of crossing the finish line, Starlight looked down to Moushley. With the tiny mouse commentating, Starlight looked to where Moushley had been pointing to. Looking down to see Rainbow Dash with her cloud, Starlight smiled and nodded in agreement. "You can say that again, Moushley. There's a reason that Rainbow is a part of the Wonderbolts. She always knows how to appear and help save the day when there might be some form of trouble." Starlight says, turning her attention over towards the rest of the competitors with a smile. "It seems that Moonlight isn't the only one using the fireworks to further enhance his stunning entrance! It looks like Roswell wanted to follow him up, while also using that incredible backflip from earlier to make his entrance!" She exclaimed as more and more racer's were crossing the finish line. Seeing that the race was reaching the end, Starlight used her magic on the lever to help bring the hot air balloon slowly down towards the ground.

[Dusk Haven 335]

On 2025-10-28 at 8:24 PM, Samurai Equine said:

Samurai smirks and runs up ahead as fast as he can, however...
He ultimately stops just shy of the finish line.
Instead, he lets @TheRockARockster Roswell, @PrincessPriscillaPT Priscilla, and @Nitobit Moonlight (in any particular order) cross first before following after them. "It's better this way. Besides, #5 is totally my kind of number."

Dusk had just finished speaking with Moonlight @Nitobit, her breath visible in the crisp autumn air. The energy of the crowd buzzed like the last flicker of magic still clinging to her wings. She’d barely caught her breath when she noticed it — @Samurai Equine Samurai’s stride breaking, his hooves stilling just shy of the line.

For a moment, she simply watched. There was no grand gesture, no need for words. Just quiet understanding. When he crossed after the others, she smiled — small, sincere, and full joy.

As he approached, Dusk called over softly, “You know, there’s a rare kind of strength in letting somepony else have the moment.” Her tone was light but genuine. “I saw what you did. It was graceful — in the best way.”

She glanced toward the gathered runners, laughter and autumn leaves swirling around them. “I think the forest might’ve just approved.”

[Samurai Equine 57,140]

Moushley gives some kind of commentary while watching all this. Hard to make out what she is saying, but based on her tone and the way she is bowing, it is clear that Moushley is signing-out as a commentator. She gives @Starlight Glimmer's hoof a hug. She runs up to @Pinkie Pie's head and gives her snoot a friendly boop.

And as she heads to the ledge of the basket, she calls out to @Shiny Silvermoon Socrate for a lift back down to the ground. Maybe they can return to @Dynamo Pad for the time being.

 

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17 hours ago, PrincessPriscillaPT said:

*Priscilla notices @Samurai Equine Samurai came to a sudden stop before the finish line* "Hey! Why'd you stop? Are you gonna let us cross the finish line?"

 

"That's the idea." Samurai says happily as he guides Priscilla to the finish line, letting her cross first before crossing it himself.

 

2 hours ago, Dusk Haven said:

Dusk had just finished speaking with Moonlight @Nitobit, her breath visible in the crisp autumn air. The energy of the crowd buzzed like the last flicker of magic still clinging to her wings. She’d barely caught her breath when she noticed it — @Samurai Equine Samurai’s stride breaking, his hooves stilling just shy of the line.

For a moment, she simply watched. There was no grand gesture, no need for words. Just quiet understanding. When he crossed after the others, she smiled — small, sincere, and full joy.

As he approached, Dusk called over softly, “You know, there’s a rare kind of strength in letting somepony else have the moment.” Her tone was light but genuine. “I saw what you did. It was graceful — in the best way.”

She glanced toward the gathered runners, laughter and autumn leaves swirling around them. “I think the forest might’ve just approved.”

 

After crossing the finish line in 5th place, Samurai strikes a victorious pose. "Aki Matsuri Racing kanryou!" His pose finishes with a flash of magical fire for flare.

But then, he sees Dusk approaches and walks over to her as well. "What can I say? I don't need to win the race. The real prize for me is friendship... Friendship and adventure!" Samurai says, his shining resolve absolute. Upon her words, he looks at the forest and smiles calmly. "I am so very thankful... Earlier, I thought I had sensed danger; perhaps an enemy about to invade this race course. I have stood against malicious forces. I didn't want such things to happen here as well. Thankfully, that did not happen. All's well that ends well, and now we can enjoy the peace that abounds."

Samurai closes his eyes and holds his hooves together like a prayer. "Ikken rakuchaku." And with a clap, as if closing a book, Samurai opens his eyes again and is ready to join the rest of the racers for the after-party.

[Moonlight Wane]

19 hours ago, Dusk Haven said:

boom—crackle—flare!

Violet and gold arcs spiraled upward, bursting into shapes that mirrored the season itself: maple leaves, stars, and one rather impressive likeness of a crescent moon.

Dusk turned just in time to see @Nitobit Moonlight Wane, standing proud and still amid the smoke, wings flared wide as the last sparks danced around him.

For a heartbeat, she simply stared—then laughed, bright and genuine. “You certainly know how to steal an ending,” she called, voice carrying over the cheering crowd.

She trotted closer, the light of the fireworks catching on her eyes. “That was beautiful, Moonlight. Unexpected… but beautiful.” Her tone softened into that familiar half-smile she wore when truly pleased. “Though I imagine we’ll both be explaining this to the organizers before long.”

A pause, then—just enough mischief in her voice to earn a grin from anypony nearby:
“Still—worth it.”

"Haha, thanks Dusk! Yours was also a pleasure to witness." Just then Moonlight realises how tired he is. He makes his way to the benches, where other tired runners come to sit and rest. "Phew. That was a good run. Everypony did a great job! Can't wait to hear who knocked down the most leaves."

[Shiny Silvermoon]

*Without any warning, Shiny Silvermoon tackled Samurai ( @Samurai Equine ) to the ground in a tight embrace. After delivering the hug to her friend, she stood up and began to gleefully bounce in cercles around his proned figure.*

"SAMURAI!!! You've done it! You brought everypony to the finish line, or what's left of it, safe and sound!" *The unicorn praised him with her frantic motions.*

*Meanwhile, Socrate was flying in cercles high above the forest and the racers, like a vulture. With his big developed ears, the fruit bat heard the squeaking call of Moushley. Right away, she dived back into the balloon to pick up the mouse. Then, he carefully brought her to the ground.*

[Samurai Equine 57,140]

@Shiny Silvermoon

Moushley holds on tight as they float back down to the ground together. She gives Socrate a big hug when they land and pets his head. She then goes over to @Dynamo Pad Dynamo and waves at him, ready to see how this race wraps up.

 

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Now you see him, now you don't~! Ladies and gentlecolts, the disappearing stallion!
Before he can even blink, Samurai has been tackled to the ground by Shiny. "Yamette, wagon-kun. I don't want to be isekai'd~." Samurai says with dizzy spirals in his eyes.
However, once he snaps out of it, he gladly hugs Shiny back just as tightly. He then gets up and dusts himself off. "Just glad to help. It's all in a day's work, my friend. Or in a night's work? Some parts of that race course were so dark, I feel like a couple of days have gone by."

[Roswell]

Roswell walked over to all of the other ponies and looked at all of them and told them something.

 

’That was quite an adventure, really out of the ordinary but quite an adventure nonetheless’.

 

’Let’s go again next year and run over every challenge in our path’.

 

Roswell extends his hoof.

’Who’s with me?’

[Dusk Haven 335]

4 hours ago, Roswell said:

’Who’s with me?’

Dusk walked softly through the settling crowd, the last of the leaves still tumbling in slow spirals around her hooves. The air smelled of earth and laughter, warm with the energy of ponies celebrating together. She brushed a loose strand of her mane from her face, her breath still a little quick from the run, and smiled. She heard @TheRockARockster Roswell's comment and turned her attention to him.

“This was my first year ever running,” she said quietly. “For decades, I’ve stood along the sidelines — watching, cheering, feeling the rhythm of the race in my chest. But this time… I was in it. Every step, every breath.”

She glanced back toward the forest, where the trail wound through a sea of drifting color. “The sound of hooves on the soil, the rush of wind, the way the trees answered when we passed — it was alive in a way I’ve never felt before.”

Her gaze softened, thoughtful but content. “It doesn’t matter who gathered the most leaves; in the end, what mattered was being there, feeling the season turn beneath our hooves.”

Dusk let out a quiet laugh, brushing a bit of dust from her shoulder. “Of course, I speak for myself, but it was a joy from start to finish,” she added, voice warm and sure. “And I can’t wait to do it again next year. Thank you for sharing the experience with me, Roswell."

[Dynamo Pad 11,901]

With more and more racer's making their way across the finish line, Dynamo smiled both happily and in relief to see that everyone was back and safe. He had noticed that @Dusk Haven, @Samurai Equine, @Nitobit Moonlight, @Shiny Silvermoon, @PrincessPriscillaPT, and @TheRockARockster Roswell had crossed the finish line. "Hey, guys! Congratulations on finishing the race! I'm really glad that everypony is back and safe." He says, walking over toward the group. He had seen up above that the hot air balloon containing Starlight and Pinkie was making its descent back towards the ground. Turning back towards the group, he had seen that some were covered in what looked to be mud from a bog. Other were wet from the rain and he wondered what kind of a race had they been through. As he walked closer, he had seen Samurai, who had used his flames for a magical blast of flare. "Now that's how you make a stunning entrance, Onii-San. The same goes to the rest of you. I'm really sorry about the lack of a finish line tape, but can't go wrong with a little improvisation."

The gaming unicorn couldn't help in chuckling softly as Shiny had tackled Samurai into a hug. "I always knew my tackle hugs would catch on. One can never say no to hugs, or I guess in this case, tackle hugs." He says, before a look of concern became present upon his facial expression. "Is everypony okay? I had heard some of the commentary from Starlight and Pinkie as they oversaw the race. What even happened?" He asks, trying to make heads or tails of how the race had transformed. As he asked, he noticed Moushley, who had exited the basket and waved at him. Smiling softly, he waved back at the mouse as she made her way over towards him. "Hey, Moushley! How was flying up in the balloon with Starlight, Pinkie and Socrate? It's good to see you all again."

[Shiny Silvermoon]

12 hours ago, Roswell said:

Roswell walked over to all of the other ponies and looked at all of them and told them something.

 

’That was quite an adventure, really out of the ordinary but quite an adventure nonetheless’.

 

’Let’s go again next year and run over every challenge in our path’.

 

Roswell extends his hoof.

’Who’s with me?’

"I'm all in to participate to the next Running of the Leaves! Next time, I'll hopefully be a racer too!" *Shiny answered to Roswell ( @TheRockARockster ), as she gazed down at his extended hoof with question marks in her eyes.*

*She ended up placing a cupcake in his hoof, one from when the Cupcake-inator 3000 was still in function.*

[Shiny Silvermoon]

3 hours ago, Dynamo Pad said:

With more and more racer's making their way across the finish line, Dynamo smiled both happily and in relief to see that everyone was back and safe. He had noticed that @Dusk Haven, @Samurai Equine, @Nitobit Moonlight, @Shiny Silvermoon, @PrincessPriscillaPT, and @TheRockARockster Roswell had crossed the finish line. "Hey, guys! Congratulations on finishing the race! I'm really glad that everypony is back and safe." He says, walking over toward the group. He had seen up above that the hot air balloon containing Starlight and Pinkie was making its descent back towards the ground. Turning back towards the group, he had seen that some were covered in what looked to be mud from a bog. Other were wet from the rain and he wondered what kind of a race had they been through. As he walked closer, he had seen Samurai, who had used his flames for a magical blast of flare. "Now that's how you make a stunning entrance, Onii-San. The same goes to the rest of you. I'm really sorry about the lack of a finish line tape, but can't go wrong with a little improvisation."

The gaming unicorn couldn't help in chuckling softly as Shiny had tackled Samurai into a hug. "I always knew my tackle hugs would catch on. One can never say no to hugs, or I guess in this case, tackle hugs." He says, before a look of concern became present upon his facial expression. "Is everypony okay? I had heard some of the commentary from Starlight and Pinkie as they oversaw the race. What even happened?" He asks, trying to make heads or tails of how the race had transformed. As he asked, he noticed Moushley, who had exited the basket and waved at him. Smiling softly, he waved back at the mouse as she made her way over towards him. "Hey, Moushley! How was flying up in the balloon with Starlight, Pinkie and Socrate? It's good to see you all again."

*Shiny Silvermoon promptly rushed toward Dyny to grasp both of his shoulders into her hooves. She then proceeded to shake him energetically, until he saw stars orbiting around his head.*

"THE HORROR!!! When we began the race we were 70 and now we're only 30! A calamity brought us to make unbearable choices and some had to sacrifice themselves!" *The mare yelled to the gaming unicorn, while shaking him.*

*Suddenly, the sheer expression of suffering on her face shifted to a cheeky smile.* "Teehee! Kidding! We're all good!" *Shiny chuckled, after she ceased to shake Dyny.*

"Don't beleaves everything I say!" *Her own pun caused her to burst into laughters.*

Spoiler

 

[Samurai Equine 57,140]

16 hours ago, Roswell said:

Roswell walked over to all of the other ponies and looked at all of them and told them something.

 

’That was quite an adventure, really out of the ordinary but quite an adventure nonetheless’.

 

’Let’s go again next year and run over every challenge in our path’.

 

Roswell extends his hoof.

’Who’s with me?’

 

Samurai sees the offer and connects his hoof with Roswell's. "Yosha! Let's make the third year even better." Samurai says excitedly.

 

3 hours ago, Shiny Silvermoon said:

"I'm all in to participate to the next Running of the Leaves! Next time, I'll hopefully be a racer too!" *Shiny answered to Roswell ( @TheRockARockster ), as she gazed down at his extended hoof with question marks in her eyes.*

*She ended up placing a cupcake in his hoof, one from when the Cupcake-inator 3000 was still in function.*

 

...That is, until he notices a cupcake between his hoof and Roswell's. "Oh. ...Is that strawberry?"

 

7 hours ago, Dynamo Pad said:

With more and more racer's making their way across the finish line, Dynamo smiled both happily and in relief to see that everyone was back and safe. He had noticed that @Dusk Haven, @Samurai Equine, @Nitobit Moonlight, @Shiny Silvermoon, @PrincessPriscillaPT, and @TheRockARockster Roswell had crossed the finish line. "Hey, guys! Congratulations on finishing the race! I'm really glad that everypony is back and safe." He says, walking over toward the group. He had seen up above that the hot air balloon containing Starlight and Pinkie was making its descent back towards the ground. Turning back towards the group, he had seen that some were covered in what looked to be mud from a bog. Other were wet from the rain and he wondered what kind of a race had they been through. As he walked closer, he had seen Samurai, who had used his flames for a magical blast of flare. "Now that's how you make a stunning entrance, Onii-San. The same goes to the rest of you. I'm really sorry about the lack of a finish line tape, but can't go wrong with a little improvisation."

The gaming unicorn couldn't help in chuckling softly as Shiny had tackled Samurai into a hug. "I always knew my tackle hugs would catch on. One can never say no to hugs, or I guess in this case, tackle hugs." He says, before a look of concern became present upon his facial expression. "Is everypony okay? I had heard some of the commentary from Starlight and Pinkie as they oversaw the race. What even happened?" He asks, trying to make heads or tails of how the race had transformed. As he asked, he noticed Moushley, who had exited the basket and waved at him. Smiling softly, he waved back at the mouse as she made her way over towards him. "Hey, Moushley! How was flying up in the balloon with Starlight, Pinkie and Socrate? It's good to see you all again."

 

"Well, since you like them so much..." Samurai smirks then hugs Dynamo. "As for the race, it was a little touch-and-go there for a moment. The darker parts of the course proved to be a bit too perilous for some racers. But with some help from the other racers and myself, we all got through it together. Here's hoping next year's race isn't quite as dangerous. ...And also, hopefully far less wet." Samurai says with a nod.

Moushley answer's Dynamo's questions with a bunch of squeaks and pantomimes. At one point, she looks like Pinkie Pie putting on a party. At one point, she looks like Starlight looking fabulous. At one point, she even looks like a confused racer. But she ends her mousey story on a happy note, with a pint-sized rainbow streamer. She even bows to Dynamo, perhaps thanking him for the event?

 

[Dusk Haven 335]

9 hours ago, Dynamo Pad said:

With more and more racer's making their way across the finish line, Dynamo smiled both happily and in relief to see that everyone was back and safe. He had noticed that @Dusk Haven, @Samurai Equine, @Nitobit Moonlight, @Shiny Silvermoon, @PrincessPriscillaPT, and @TheRockARockster Roswell had crossed the finish line. "Hey, guys! Congratulations on finishing the race! I'm really glad that everypony is back and safe." He says, walking over toward the group. He had seen up above that the hot air balloon containing Starlight and Pinkie was making its descent back towards the ground. Turning back towards the group, he had seen that some were covered in what looked to be mud from a bog. Other were wet from the rain and he wondered what kind of a race had they been through. As he walked closer, he had seen Samurai, who had used his flames for a magical blast of flare. "Now that's how you make a stunning entrance, Onii-San. The same goes to the rest of you. I'm really sorry about the lack of a finish line tape, but can't go wrong with a little improvisation."

The gaming unicorn couldn't help in chuckling softly as Shiny had tackled Samurai into a hug. "I always knew my tackle hugs would catch on. One can never say no to hugs, or I guess in this case, tackle hugs." He says, before a look of concern became present upon his facial expression. "Is everypony okay? I had heard some of the commentary from Starlight and Pinkie as they oversaw the race. What even happened?" He asks, trying to make heads or tails of how the race had transformed. As he asked, he noticed Moushley, who had exited the basket and waved at him. Smiling softly, he waved back at the mouse as she made her way over towards him. "Hey, Moushley! How was flying up in the balloon with Starlight, Pinkie and Socrate? It's good to see you all again."

Dusk brushed a few damp leaves from her mane as Dynamo approached, her coat still streaked in places with rain and river water. She offered him a tired but genuine smile.

“I appreciate the concern — and the welcome,” she said softly. “Everypony made it back in one piece. A bit muddier, a bit more… windblown than expected, but safe.”

She glanced toward the others — Samurai still dusted with embers from his flare, Shiny clinging to him in a hug, Roswell laughing despite being splattered with bog water. The sight made her smile deepen.

“As for what happened…” Dusk exhaled, the humor fading into something more thoughtful. “There were… disruptions along the trail. Magic where there shouldn’t have been any. Sudden fog, shifting paths, slippery slopes turning dangerous.” She shook her head lightly. “Could’ve caused real harm if ponies hadn’t looked out for each other.”

Her eyes lifted back to Dynamo’s. Calm. Clear. “We don’t know who caused it yet. Pinkie, Starlight, maybe a few others saw more than we did from the ground.”

Then, with a slight, grateful nod: “But for now — thank you. It’s good to be greeted by concern rather than chaos. That may be the finest finish line of them all.”

[Iridescent Edge]

What happened to Iridescent? Well, midway through the race, he tripped over a branch, got disoriented, and lost track of the...track. Some say he's still aimlessly bucking trees to this day. Those ponies are wrong, however, because he eventually got tired.

[Dynamo Pad 11,901]

With @Shiny Silvermoon rushing over towards him, the gaming unicorn didn't have a chance to process everything as Shiny reached him and grasped his shoulders. With each shake, Dynamo vision became blurry, while his equilibrium started to give out on him. "S-S-S-Seventy a-and th-th-thirty? I-I didn't know t-that the r-race had turned into s-s-something like that!" He tried to speak through each time he had been shaken. With the shaking slowed down to a stop, Dynamo thought he had been seeing stars. "Oh, look at the time. Gotta go, Tata~!" Taking one step, the blue unicorn promptly fell to the ground. Closing his eyes to take time and gather his bearings. After a few minutes had passed, he slowly opened his eyes to take in his surroundings. Picking himself up to stand on his hooves, he looked over to Shiny, who had been chuckling after the reveal that she was joking. "It's good to know that wasn't the case, but don't leaf me in suspense." Dynamo responded with a wink a chuckle. He was a unicorn that loved puns and couldn't resist the back and forth of puns between friends.

The gaming unicorn was caught off guard as he was pulled into a hug by @Samurai Equine. However, he smiled and returned the hug as was someone that couldn't pass up a hug. "I did hear about the darker part of the course. Starlight's and Pinkie's commentary had reached us and I was trying to make heads or tails of the situation. I'll admit that I nearly wanted to stop the race when things were getting a little out of hoof, but when Starlight and Pinkie were giving their reassurance and helping out, I felt better knowing that they were giving their support." He smiled softly, before giving a nod in agreement. Turning towards @Dusk Haven, the gaming unicorn offered her a smile. "I'm really glad that you and everypony else made it back safely. I must admit that I did discuss with Rainbow, the weather team, Starlight and Pinkie. The weather was going to be really nice outside, but the rain said otherwise and was unexpected. I will try and plan for this event to happen again, but I still don't get something. I do hope that Starlight and Pinkie were able to figure out what was happening as I honestly don't have a clue. Whatever happened, it seems like some kind of force wanted to stop the race from happening. For what reason, I wish I could say." With everyone's recollection of the past events, it seemed like someone was trying to put a stop to the race. Even though he wished to have the answers, he knew that he would have to try and prepare better for next year.

"To be honest, I'm really grateful that everypony worked together during the race. I know that the Running of the Leaves is meant to be a competition, but it's like I said before at the beginning. It's all about teamwork and having fun and it sounded like everypony did their best to work through whatever was happening. Along with trying to having fun in the process." He says, smiling softly with a kind and thankful expression upon his face after receiving Dusk's thanks. "You're welcome and I should be the one to thank you. Despite everything that had transpired, I'm honestly really happy that everypony had fun."

[Starlight Glimmer 177]

With the balloon touching ground once more, Starlight exited, while using her magic to tie down the balloon. Making sure that it was secure so it wouldn't fly away in the process. With Pinkie exiting alongside her, she and the pink party pony had made their way over towards the group. "I'm really relieved that everypony is okay and made it across the finish line. Does anypony see anything suspicious while they were racing through the course?" She asks, knowing that the whole course itself didn't seem right from the original course they had planned up. Turning towards @Dynamo Pad and @Dusk Haven, who had mentioned about seeing more from above the ground. "I remember Pinkie had said there her Pinkie Sense had been going off numerous times. She couldn't exactly pinpoint the source, but we thought that it might have been whatever was happening during the race. Unless it was somepony trying to change up the race or stop the Running of the Leaves, I'm just as lost as you all are. I was even trying to think of who could have been responsible. At first, I thought it was Discord, who had taken part in the race with his magic. However, we decided against that possibility as he would have made his appearance known. As far as I can tell, whoever did this was possibly far away or well hidden. Let's just hope that we can prepare for them if they ever try to come back."

[Pinkie Pie 713]

4 minutes ago, Starlight Glimmer said:

With the balloon touching ground once more, Starlight exited, while using her magic to tie down the balloon. Making sure that it was secure so it wouldn't fly away in the process. With Pinkie exiting alongside her, she and the pink party pony had made their way over towards the group. "I'm really relieved that everypony is okay and made it across the finish line. Does anypony see anything suspicious while they were racing through the course?" She asks, knowing that the whole course itself didn't seem right from the original course they had planned up. Turning towards @Dynamo Pad and @Dusk Haven, who had mentioned about seeing more from above the ground. "I remember Pinkie had said there her Pinkie Sense had been going off numerous times. She couldn't exactly pinpoint the source, but we thought that it might have been whatever was happening during the race. Unless it was somepony trying to change up the race or stop the Running of the Leaves, I'm just as lost as you all are. I was even trying to think of who could have been responsible. At first, I thought it was Discord, who had taken part in the race with his magic. However, we decided against that possibility as he would have made his appearance known. As far as I can tell, whoever did this was possibly far away or well hidden. Let's just hope that we can prepare for them if they ever try to come back."

As the balloon touched the ground, Pinkie stepped out alongside Starlight and headed towards the others. All the while, fiddling around with the Cupcake-inator in the hopes of restoring it for future cupcake party use. At the mention of her name, Pinkie's eyes darted from the Cupcake-inator to the group, before darting from participant to participant. "It was true! My Pinkie Senses were going all haywire. From one shivery shake to a twitchy tail, to my hooves feeling all wobbly to even more shivery shakes! It was as if someone had their own kind of sense like Cheese Sandwich and his Cheesy Sense! I guess this is more of a Competition Sense of sorts as they must have prepared the race the way it did!" Pinkie exclaimed, pondering on the moment briefly, before ultimately giggling at the thought. "Nah! Although, it was rather strange for the race to turn out the way it did. I was even there with Dynamo, Dashie, Starlight and others making sure to have everything planned the way it was meant to go. Looks like a last minute change in plans is something that's always unexpected. Even though the weather tried to rain on the fun parade. I wish I could have tried to find out who was involved with trying to make the race go the way it did. Perhaps we could have made a compromise, or tried to talk things out, or maybe have a compromise party to try and have everything and all of the best to both worlds!" Pinkie says, looking down at her cupcake cannon with a proud smile. "It's a good thing that we had the Cupcake-inator when we did! If not, then it would have been a disaster of everypony trying to make their way through that crazy maze. Now I just need to take this cannon back with me to the drawing board and see if I can get it running once more!"

[Dynamo Pad 11,901]

18 hours ago, Samurai Equine said:

Moushley answer's Dynamo's questions with a bunch of squeaks and pantomimes. At one point, she looks like Pinkie Pie putting on a party. At one point, she looks like Starlight looking fabulous. At one point, she even looks like a confused racer. But she ends her mousey story on a happy note, with a pint-sized rainbow streamer. She even bows to Dynamo, perhaps thanking him for the event?

With Pinkie's and Starlight's arrival, Dynamo smiled as the duo, along with Socrate and Moushley had joined them. "Starlight! Pinkie! I'm really glad to see that you both are okay, as well! I do want to thank you both for the help in the commentary." He says, before frowning in concern at the news that they too hadn't seen anyone suspicious. "To be honest, it feels disheartening. They could possibly make their appearance known again, but as for when? I don't know, but I guess I just don't understand why somepony wants to ruin Fall and The Running of the Leaves. Hopefully they can understand how much fun such and event can become when racing alongside friends and other competitors." He shook his head as he knew now wasn't the time to be concerned about such worries. Looking over to Moushley, Dynamo chuckled softly as he saw the little mouse explain everything to him. "It sounds like you and Socrate got to take part in a fun event, as well. Thank you both for the commentary alongside Starlight and Pinkie and I'm glad that you guys got to have fun, too!" Dynamo knew that now was the time to celebrate Fall and the spirit of fun and competition. 

Knowing that now was the time, he started making his way over towards the stage. Climbing up the steps, he slowly made his way over towards the microphone. A few medals were right behind him in preparation to be handed out. Making sure that the microphone was working properly, he looked towards the racers, then to the crowd, before taking a deep breath and spoke. "Fillies and Gentlecolts! I want to thank you all so much for joining us in this year's Running of the Leaves! With this, our competition has come to a close, but awards are still to be handed out. So much has happened and while it didn't go as the race was originally planned, everything had managed to work out somehow! I want to give a big thank you, as well, to @Starlight Glimmer, @Pinkie Pie, Moushley and Socrate for their lovely commentary throughout the competition!" Dynamo started, hearing a round of applause from the audience as he waited patiently for the applause to cease, before continuing. "As I had mentioned before that we have some medals to hand out to our top racer's! While The Running of the Leaves is still a race, the theme of this race wasn't to finish in first place! That's right, everypony! The goal was to knock down as many leaves as you possibly could! Which means that even if you arrived in second, third, fourth or finished last, you could still win based on the number of leaves you managed to knock down! After going through the number and double checking, we finally have our top three participants!" Dynamo announced, trying to build up the suspense as he started to make the announcement. 

"In third place with 292 leaves, we have @Nitobit Moonlight! In second place by just a few leaves ahead of third. We have @Samurai Equine Samurai with 298 leaves! Which means that your winner of The Running of The leaves with 326 leaves knocked down, it's @Dusk Haven!" Dynamo exclaimed, stomping his hooves as he and everyone in the crowd gave not only the top three, but everypony that participated a round of applause. As he stopped in his applause, the gaming unicorn extended a hoof over towards the steps that lead to the stage. "If you all will please step onto the stage, then you shall receive your prize!" Dynamo grinned, lowering his hoof as he brought the microphone with him in a levitation spell. All the while, pointing towards the medals on the table as he made his way to meet up with the top three participants. 

[Dusk Haven]

3 hours ago, Starlight Glimmer said:

I was even trying to think of who could have been responsible. At first, I thought it was Discord, who had taken part in the race with his magic. However, we decided against that possibility as he would have made his appearance known. As far as I can tell, whoever did this was possibly far away or well hidden. Let's just hope that we can prepare for them if they ever try to come back."

Dusk’s eyes drifted toward the treeline where the last of the leaves still fell lazily through the air. She exhaled softly, a calm breath misting in the cooling light.
“Vigilance, Starlight — it seems that is the constant cost of peace in our little world.”

[Dusk Haven]

3 hours ago, Dynamo Pad said:

"In third place with 292 leaves, we have @Nitobit Moonlight! In second place by just a few leaves ahead of third. We have @Samurai Equine Samurai with 298 leaves! Which means that your winner of The Running of The leaves with 326 leaves knocked down, it's @Dusk Haven!" Dynamo exclaimed, stomping his hooves as he and everyone in the crowd gave not only the top three, but everypony that participated a round of applause. As he stopped in his applause, the gaming unicorn extended a hoof over towards the steps that lead to the stage. "If you all will please step onto the stage, then you shall receive your prize!" Dynamo grinned, lowering his hoof as he brought the microphone with him in a levitation spell. All the while, pointing towards the medals on the table as he made his way to meet up with the top three participants. 

Dusk froze mid-bite of a caramel apple pastry, her one true weakness when her name was called. She turned slowly, the pastry still hovering beside her, eyes wide with disbelief.

She didn’t even realize she carried it all the way to the stage until she caught the stares... then promptly slurped the rest of it down in the most un-royal fashion imaginable.

She cleared her throat, sugary crumbs and all, and looked out over the crowd — not just at the winners, but every mud-streaked, leaf-covered racer who had made it to the end. Her voice, when it came, was soft but steady.

“To me, this race was never about winning — or even about shaking the most leaves from the trees. It was about being here. Actually running, for the first time, is something I’ve only ever watched from the edges. For centuries, I stood beside the trail and cheered as others ran, fell, laughed, and returned home. All while consealing what I am. I was proud of them. And this year… I wanted to try what it felt like to be one of them — to meet new ponies, to belong for a little while, instead of just observing, but as myself”

She paused, smiling faintly, a touch wistful.

“My mother once told me: if I ever wore a crown, I should know when to take it off. That a princess, a Steward of ponies, must walk beside others, not above, them. I’ve spent my long years healing the sick, helping small villages, trying to live by that. So to be here — to run, to laugh, to win…” She huffed a breath of disbelief. “It means more to me than I can put into words.”

She took another breath, steadier this time.

“But — I can’t accept first place. Because there was someone else here who acted beyond pride, beyond competition. Somepony whose honor spoke louder than any number of leaves. And he didn’t nearly give @Nitobit Moonlight a heart attack in the process.”

A ripple of laughter moved through the crowd. She smiled.

“So, with respect to the @Dynamo Pad panel and their maticulous leave counters, I’d like to offer first place to @Samurai Equine. He earned it and I happily yield.

Dusk stepped back, head bowed in quiet sincerity — pastry crumbs and all.