We found the spot for registering racers without much trouble. My mom filled out the required papers, it was both quicker and better looking to use her magic than if I used my mouth like everypony else. I was given a number, which I stuck right next to my fireball cutie mark.
”I think I’ll go into the lobby with the rest of contestants,” I told my parents. “You should go find your seats.”
“Yes, that would be best. So... good luck to you, son,” said my father and nuzzled my neck.
“Good luck. You waited for this so long... show us your best,” my mother added, kissing me on the cheek.
“And remember what we taught you.” both of them continued at the same moment.
“I will.”

I trotted to the waiting lobby to take a look at the other contestants. There were lot of them, few hundreds, like I expected. I knew some of them, but I didn’t really feel like talking to them right now.

“You know, I waited for this my whole life. I am gonna totally win this race and then finally join THE WONDERBOLTS!” I heard somepony exclaim.

My heart sank, I knew that somepony. How could I forget about her? How could I be so stupid to think she’d miss the chance to fulfill her lifelong dream?

I slowly turned around to look at her. My idol, my dream.

Rainbow Dash.

She was even more beautiful than in the photo I had on my nightstand. Everything I heard about her was true; her athletic body, beautiful long legs, strong wings, the little bit messy rainbow mane and her rose colored eyes left me speechless. I couldn’t stop looking at her.

After few minutes she finally noticed that I was gazing at her. She slowly walked near me, apparently enjoying the attention.

“You like the sight of this race’s winner?”

I snapped out of it. I didn’t like those ponies who were so convinced they’re gonna win before the race even started and without knowing the other contestants.

“I definitely like what I see, but I wouldn’t be so sure with that “winner” if I were you.” I said coldly. Despite how beautiful she was, this mare needed to be shown that there still were better racers then she was. Not many, but there were. And this was my chance to prove that I am one of them.

She paused for a moment, apparently not used to being talked to this way.

“Yeah, who wouldn’t like what you see, right? But still, I mean what I said. I’m gonna own this race. I waited for this my whole life and I’m not gonna miss my chance. You know who I am, right?”

“Yes, I do. You are Rainbow Dash, the Element of Loyalty and self-proclaimed fastest flier in Equestria.” I intentionally put extra stress on “self-proclaimed”, just to see her reaction.

“After today, it’s not gonna be self proclaimed. It’ll be official,” she said, but apparently lost some of that obnoxious overconfidence.

“Damn, that’s not a way to talk to a mare like this. She’s one of the most famous pegasi in all of Equestria, and she’s so beautiful...” said a voice in my head.

“I didn’t mean to be rude. Sorry about that. Just... you got some serious competition here today, miss. And I am going to give it my best.”

She backed away a few inches, something in my voice and eyes convinced her that I was not boasting.

“Yeah, it’s okay. Anyway, good luck. Let the best of us win.” she said and wandered off to talk to other ponies she knew.

“So much for making a good first impression,” the voice in my head said again.

I went to take a look at the plan of the race track, which was hanging on the wall of the lobby.

The track was marked by thunder clouds, which would zap anypony who’d get the funny idea of taking a shortcut. The track was very long, with a lot of very sharp turns and even an inside loop. Otherwise it was quite similar to the tracks I was used to. And, to my pleasure, there were two very long straight parts, one beginning after the loop and the other just before the finish line.

“Fire Trail, is that you?” I heard a familiar voice behind me.

A few seconds later I was being squeezed in a tight hug.

“Ditzy! I haven’t seen you in years! What’re you doing here?” I exclaimed happily.
“Aw, stupid question. I just never imagined you as a racer, sorry.” I apologized after I realized how that sounded.
“Yes, I decided I would give it a shot, because hey, why not? I can fly pretty well, and it will be a good exercise.” she smiled. “But of course, with you and Rainbow Dash here, I have no illusions of winning now,” she grinned.
“Oh, come on. Maybe you’ll shine far brighter than we will,” I nudged her lightly and smiled.
“Yeah, maybe.” her grin went even wider before she hugged me once again.
I fully lost myself in the hug, old feelings bubbling to the surface. I did not try to push them back. Rainbow Dash might be beautiful and fast and awesome, but her attitude is just something I could not stand. Ditzy, on the other hoof... she was still as cute as she was back at school. Her adorable crossed eyes, light smile, silky blonde mane... she was more than cute. She was beautiful. And more importantly, she seemed like her personality didn’t change at all.

“Contestants, get ready! The race begins in five minutes! Take your place on the cloud with your number on it,” we heard a deep voice announcing.
“Well then... good luck, Ditzy.” I once again looked her in the eyes.
“Good luck, Fire Trail. You can do it.” she said before disappearing into the crowd of ponies who all rushed to find their starting spots. I inhaled deeply and joined them.