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Tales of Apple Scratch: Roseluck & Fleetfoot

by RoyalRainbow

Chapter 13: Chapter 13 – Race to the Finish

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Chapter 13 – Race to the Finish

At 5 o’clock in the afternoon, Roseluck and Cloud Kicker got off the train station in Canterlot, and they made their way to the capital city’s racetrack. Considering that Rose has rarely gone to a city before, she was rather nervous by the massive population as she stayed as close to her Ponyville Guard friend as possible while they weaved through the crowded streets. Eventually, the main entrance to the racetrack was within their sights of the two Ponyvillians as the flower girl smiled in relief over her initial anxiety.

“Thanks again for coming with me to Canterlot, CK.” Rose said to her with gratitude.

“Of course, Rose.” Cloud Kicker nodded with a smile. “No way would I let anyone take advantage of you in a big city like this.”

“You mean someone like you perhaps?” she joked mildly.

“Ouch… the pretty Rose still has her thorns I see.” CK chuckled in response.

As they get closer to the facility’s grand entrance, Rose asked with slight hesitation, “Hey Cloud… I hope I’m not being too noisy about this… but in your past experiences, have you ever… gone out with Fleetfoot before?”

“Hmmm… no I don’t think I have. Why do you ask?”

“I guess I was hoping to receive any dating advice if things work out with me and Fleetfoot. I’m kind of surprised to hear that there's actually someone who can resist your legendary charms, CK.” she added with a giggling smile.

“Oh believe me, I’ve tried to persuade her, but she just wasn’t interested in me. So I knew when to cut my losses and moved on to the next hot guy or girl.” she shrugged with a casual smirk.

Then, Cloud Kicker observed the solemn, discouraging look on Roseluck’s face. Getting a general idea on why the red-haired flower girl was feeling down, the blonde woman laid a hand on the Eponian's shoulder and boldly reassured her, “But hey, you shouldn’t be so worried about something like that. Just remember that it was Fleetfoot who wanted to spend more time with you, no one else. So through her eyes, you are her sexy Cloud Kicker. Remember that.”

Roseluck blinked speechlessly from heeding such strange words of wisdom from the prideful Cloud Kicker before she chuckled with a sincere smile, “That’s… not the kind of analogy I would want to keep in mind, but I appreciate the assurance none of the less.”

At the end of the gathering crowd, who were in line to enter the racetrack's grandstand, Cloud asked with a smirk, “Well, here we are. So, you ready to go in there and reclaim what is rightfully yours?”

“I wouldn’t go that far, but yes, I am ready.”

“If you need me, you know where to find me.”

Then, Roseluck warmly hugged her blonde friend and said, “Of course. Thanks for everything, Cloudy.”

“You’re welcome, Rose.”

After their friendly hug, Cloud Kicker let go of Rose and flew off to the Canterlot Palace to meet up with her girlfriend, Lady Twilight Sparkle, while waving goodbye to the red-haired Eponian. After the purple-winged Jupitarian was gone, Roseluck sought to get in line as well while searching for the VIP entrance.

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Inside one of the racetrack’s private rooms, all the Wonderbolts were getting ready for their traditional race as they just finished putting on their signature, blue-and-yellow, skintight jumpsuits. Their captain, Spitfire, was already suited and was pleased to see her team all geared up as well.

“Alright everyone! It’s almost time!” Spitfire announced to her teammates. “So get out there and let’s give them a run for their money!”

Hollering with excitement, the gathered Wonderbolts exited out of their meeting room as they prepared to get in position for their parade. After a quick headcount, Spitfire realized that someone was missing from their group. Of course, it didn’t take long for her to figure out on who that person was. Sitting in the far corner of a bench was Fleetfoot, who was still suffering from her own disheartenment over her unintentional parting with Rose last week as she aimlessly looked at the ground.

After sitting next to the white-haired Jupitarian, Spitfire goaded her with a playful grin, “Hey Fleetfoot… the Derby is just about to start. You ready to defend your title once again?”

“What’s the point?” Fleetfoot dismayed in her unusually cheerless self. “It’s just one lousy race. I don’t see much reason in being here in the first place.”

“Oh… I don’t think you would want to miss this race in particular.” Spitfire smirked all-knowingly.

“Why do you say that?”

“If you want to find out, you’ll have to be on the racetrack yourself.” she answered with a crafty smile and a wink.

Without giving much of a care, Fleetfoot sighed in response, “Fine. Whatever.”

Steadily, she got up from her seat and dismally walked out of the room. Following her last teammate behind, Spitfire silently prayed that all will go according to plan.

Please Roseluck. Please be here for Fleetfoot. She needs you now… more than ever.

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Once Roseluck showed her VIP ticket to security, they directed her to an attendant before she was escorted to the privileged boxed section on the grandstand’s upper floor level. Once there, the attendant opened the door for Rose before she gasped at the racetrack’s exclusive clubhouse. Inside, the luxurious sky box was filled with dozens of guests, who were likely the elites and nobles of Canterlot, as they were waited hand and foot by the servers and other attendants. On the Eponian’s right side, there was an extravagant buffet line that was filled with scrumptious-looking appetizers, which some of them were already being served by the tray-carrying waiters. Towards the back of the room was a bar with every expensive alcohol on hand. And on her left were the opened box seats that were separated from the lounge area by the room’s glass panel doors. From seeing all of these intimidating upper-class members, Roseluck was indeed nervous by their presence as she was afraid that her simple origins wouldn’t allow her to fit right in.

Suddenly, a familiar voice of a gentleman asked his lovely spouse once he pointed to the startled Roseluck, “I say, is that who I think it is, sweetie?”

“Why yes it is, my dearest husband.” the lady nodded with a soothing smile. “It’s Ponyville’s most renowned gymnast, Roseluck Greentouch.”

Soon, the pair approached Rose as she began to distinguish the well-respected couple of Canterlot. The monocle-wearing gentleman with the blue mustache and nicely combed hair wore a very sleek, black suit while his elegant wife with the long, flowing, pink hair had a lovely, white dress that fitted perfectly on her curvaceous body. Eventually, Rose’s eyes widened in immense shock once she recognized the famed duo.

“Oh! Fancy Pants! Fleur de Lys! I had no idea that you would attend for this event!”

“Of course we would, my dear.” Fancy nodded with a pleasant grin, “We’ve always come here to see the Wonderbolts Derby every year. Rather, we are quite surprised to see you here ourselves. Heh, the world is indeed a small place to live.”

“Indeed it is, Fancy, but it still has its nice surprises to offer.” Fleur added with a giggling smile. “By the way, that is a lovely, red dress you’re wearing, Roseluck. Have you ever considered modeling for a change? I would be more than happy to pull some strings for you.”

Blushing from the compliments given by the supermodel, Rose responded humbly, “Oh, thank you for your kind words, but I much rather prefer my flowers and dancing instead. Anyway, this dress was something that a friend picked out for me, and I certainly can’t measure up to someone with a passion in fashion and such an elegant figure as yours, Mrs. Fleur de Lys.”

With a hearty giggle, the fashion model insisted sweetly, “There’s no need for formalities, dearie. We’re all good friends here. Please, call me ‘Fleur.’”

“O-okay… Fleur.” she rearticulated with very rosy cheeks. “You’re also welcome to call me ‘Rose’ in return.”

“In any case, would you care to join us, Rose?” Fleur asked kindly. “We would certainly appreciate your company this evening.”

A bit surprised to receive such an invitation, Roseluck accepted it with a modest bow, “I-I would be delighted. Thank you.”

With another attendant opening the glass door for them, Fancy Pants, Fleur de Lys, and Roseluck walked to the back row as each of them get comfortable in their individual seats. The outdoor seating section not only offer a great view of the entire raceway where the tracks were entirely made of out magically-made clouds, but it also featured a large canopy, which provided a nice, shady spot for its VIP guests. As Rose was amazed by how comfy the leathery cushions were, a waiter came outside and asked for any last requests for drinks and snacks. As per Fancy’s suggestion, the three each had a glass of raspberry-flavored iced tea to enjoy while they waited for the Wonderbolts to arrive.

“So how is everyone back in Ponyville?” Fancy Pants inquired.

After sipping her sweet iced tea, Roseluck answered, “Everyone is doing great, Fancy Pants. Things are a lot quieter once the Games were over, but I actually prefer it that way. Uh… no offense, of course.”

“None taken.” he replied with a sincere chuckle. “I, for one, find Ponyville to be a charmingly rustic town to enjoy. Perhaps we may come back there for one of their famed… mmm… Cider Seasons!’

As the gentlemen figuratively drools over that enticing apple cider, Fleur rolled her eyes with a gentle smile, and Roseluck offered her own advice on that local event, “Well, if you take my word, you better get there bright and early. Because the Apple Family’s famous cider runs out quickly. Last time on their opening day, they had a line of campers stretching just about a mile long."

“A mile, you say?” he said in astonishment. “Well well… that would be problematic. No matter, we’ll deal with that once we cross that bridge at some point.” he shrugged it off casually.

Eventually, the audience’s attention was turned to the racetrack as the Wonderbolts began their parade while they marched in a long line. As the announcer called out the racers’ names, cheers rang out for each of the professional flyers.

By the time Fleetfoot’s name was announced, Roseluck smiled widely as she leaned closer to get a better glimpse at the return of her friend. Once she spotted the familiar Wonderbolt, she got as giddy as one of the team’s fangirls when she vigorously waved out to Fleetfoot. But to Rose’s disappointment, the white-haired Jupitarian hardly paid any attention to her surroundings as well as the countless spectators. With her waving going unnoticed, the young Eponian almost considered on shouting out to her, but was too nervous and self-conscious to do so.

As the parade came to an end, the well-respected Jupitarians started to take their starting positions behind the finish line. The circumference for the cloudy, oval main track is one mile long. Of course, with the Wonderbolts’ tremendous flying speeds, they had to complete four laps before a grand winner was declared.

“So, who do you think is going to win the Derby this year?” Fleur asked her husband.

“Well, due to Spitfire’s outstanding performance in the Games’ aerial race, I would say that it might be her this time.”

Fleur then turned to Roseluck and asked for her opinion, “And how about you, Rose? Any takers?”

With a growing blush, Rose answered meekly, “I would have to say… Fleetfoot… perhaps?”

“Oh, that’s right!” Fancy remarked with a keen smile. “Fleetfoot won the Derby two times in a row, didn’t she? Hmm… interesting. I wonder if she will take the crown thrice this time?”

“Well it looks like we’re going to find out eventually.” said Fleur as she directed her two assessors to the racers down there.

Just like in a traditional race found in the Equestria Games, the Wonderbolts took their mark and got set as they arched their backs, locked their flexed legs in place, pressed their fingertips onto the cloudy surface, and spread their magical wings while they anxiously waited for the sound of the bell’s signal. Finally… the rattling ring was heard, and the racers sprinted into action.

From that simultaneous takeoff, nearly every Wonderbolt had a good start in this anticipating race of theirs. But halfway through the first lap, Spitfire took the lead. As for Fleetfoot, she started the fall from behind while her other competitors gradually passed her. The game’s announcer and spectators are baffled by the decreasing pace of last year’s champion as was Roseluck. By the time Spitfire completed her second lap, Fleetfoot was trailing behind in last place.

Over the course of the race, Rose was greatly concerned over Fleetfoot’s latest performance as she fretted that it was because of their separation that caused the Wonderbolt to be in such a depressing state. She wasn’t entirely certain based off the flyer’s unusual behavior, but Roseluck was quite positive that despite the Jupitarian’s abrupt departure last week, Fleetfoot still missed her.

The apprehensive Eponian was indecisive on how to assure Fleetfoot that she was here to see her. Plus, since she was in the sky box that was so far-off from the on-going race, she could barely get the white-haired Jupitarian’s attention from this far away. There was one option that did come to mind. However, it would seem so embarrassing for her to do so. But if it will allow her presence be known to her… if it will somehow help Fleetfoot out of her depression, then she would gladly casted her own shyness aside just for that.

Standing up tall without paying any attention to her surroundings, including the perplexed glances of Fancy Pants and Fleur de Lys, Roseluck took a very deep breath and let out an almighty shout that echoed across the grandstand.

“YOU CAN DO IT, FLEETFOOT!! DON’T GIVE UP NOW!!”

When it comes to racing, it was important for Fleetfoot, as well as for the other Wonderbolts, to not let the various sounds outside of the playing field to distract her and break her concentration when she was in the middle of a competition. And yet, despite knowing that important rule herself, a familiar, pleadful cry rang into her sharp ears, which snapped her out of her melancholy. Unable to restrain her curiosity for long, she turned her head to pinpoint the source of that exceptional noise as her vigilant eyes looked up at the private box.

And from that glance, time seemed to have slowed down as Fleetfoot’s eyes locked on to a sight she thought she would never to get a chance to see ever again. The well-known figure may seem small from a distance, but Wonderbolt could definitely tell that it was her, from her snow white skin to her shortly cut, raspberry-colored hair.

“PLEASE DON’T GIVE UP!!”

From seeing that red-haired woman shouting out her support once again, Fleetfoot’s eyes widened even further as she could hardly believe that Roseluck came all this way just for her. As her heart beaten rapidly, her earlier dismay began to melt away, and a warm, gaping smile stretched across her face.

She… she came. She came.

SHE CAME!!

With time seemingly resetting at its normal rate, Fleetfoot got back in the game with reinvigorated excitement by the time the Wonderbolts were on the fourth and final lap. Renewed with an intense burst of newfound strength and passion, Fleetfoot beaten her strong wings increasingly like the pistons of a locomotive as she picked up drastic speeds like no one has ever seen before. The crowd was completely thunderstruck by the Fleetfoot’s turnabout as she quickly passed each of her competitive teammates.

While still maintaining the lead, Spitfire glanced back and was just as surprised as everyone else that not only was Fleetfoot suddenly catching up to her, but her comrade was no longer disheartened as she was displaying a bold, determined smirk on her face. While the Captain of the Wonderbolts was definitely glad to see her best friend feeling much better than before, she wasn’t going to go easy on Fleetfoot winning the Derby once again as Spitfire kicked it up at her top speed.

After they completed their final turn in this nail-biting race, Spitfire and Fleetfoot were neck-and-neck with each other. At the Derby’s final stretch, Roseluck uncontrollably kept chanting Fleetfoot’s name and cheered her all the way through. Like supplying an abundance of coal into the train’s steam boiler, Rose’s afar words of encouragement provided enough fuel to Fleetfoot’s inner fire until at last… she overtook Spitfire by an arm’s length, crossed the finish line first, won her third victory in the annual Wonderbolts Derby.

The grandstand was filled with overwhelming applause for Fleetfoot’s outstanding achievement as she did a leisurely victory lap while waving to her cheering audience. But most of her attention was focused on her biggest supporter of them all: Roseluck Greentouch.

While the triple-crowned winner waved toward the Rose, the ecstatic Eponian hollered in deafening delight as she was truly overjoyed over Fleetfoot’s close-shaved victory. With the race finally over, Roseluck began to settle down as she became aware of her surroundings once more. From noticing the wide smirks of her two noble friends, she immediately shut up and sat herself down with her hands on top of her bent knees as she blushed immensely from feeling like that she was making a fool of herself, even though it was totally worth it for her.

“Ahem! Uhh… sorry you had to see that.” she apologized in a flustering manner. “I… usually don't do it that often.”

“Quite alright, Rose.” Fancy responded with an understanding smile, “It’s always nice to see such a devoted fan taking great enjoyment in an event such as this.”

“Yes, kind of reminds me of a certain niece of ours, wouldn’t you agree, dear?” Fleur asked with clever grin.

After witnessing the Wonderbolts Derby’s traditional award ceremony where Fleetfoot was awarded with a wreath of colorful carnations around her neck and her third-consecutive golden trophy, Fancy Pants, Fleur, and Roseluck got up from their cushiony seats, and they went back inside the VIP lounge.

“Well then… how about we pay a visit to our esteemed winners, hmm?” he suggested to his wife and their new friend.

Like a restless child being taken to her favorite amusement park, Roseluck gasped with excitement and asked Fleur next to her, “Can we?”

Giggling over Rose’s cute expression, Fleur concurred, “Of course we can, dearie. Would like us to lead you there?”

While maintaining her obvious enthusiasm as best as she could, she answered modestly, “I would certainly appreciate that, Fleur. Thank you.”

Considering that the couple had visited the Wonderbolts on multiple occasions, especially at the famed Derby, Roseluck was led downstairs as the attendants directed them to the women’s locker room. Along the way, Rose spotted a familiar stand in one of the grand hallways: a flora booth. But that wasn’t what stopped her in her tracks. From that booth, she spotted a lone bouquet that featured a rare type of flower that only she would be able to distinguish. Knowing full well on what separated these flowers from their everyday counterparts, the Ponyvillian florist thought that these would make a fine gift to offer her congratulations to Fleetfoot.

“Oh wait. May I stop by the flower shop real quick?” she asked her gracious guests.

From the seeing the flowers, Fleur had a general idea on what her red-haired friend had in mind before she kindly permitted her, “Of course, Rose. Go right ahead.”

Hastily, Rose made her way to the stand and sought to make her purchase right away on these one-of-a-kind flowers before she would get back on track from upcoming reunion with Fleetfoot.

Yes! These will be perfect for her!

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Inside the women’s locker room, where only a few have access to its private facilities, Fleetfoot removed the flowery wreath from her neck and placed her latest trophy on a bench next to her locker while the rest of the female members offered their praises to her.

“Wow, Fleetfoot! You were amazing out there!” commended Blaze, who was a younger, orange-haired recruit of the Wonderbolts.

Then, another teammate with fiery, two-toned, electric blue hair named Misty Fly commented to the winner as well, “Yeah, I just can’t believe that you managed to pass all of us in one lap!”

“What? You didn’t think I was going to let you all beat me that easily, did you?” Fleetfoot smirked in a playful boast. “I figured that giving myself a handicap would make things more interesting and challenging for this year’s Derby, that’s all.”

“Hmph! Showoff.” Misty responded with a small grin.

“Still, it’s great to have you back to your old self, Fleetfoot.” Blaze stated with sincerity. “We’re been so worried about you.”

“Thanks, girls.” Fleetfoot said to them with a grateful smile as she hugged both of them. “It’s definitely good to be back as well.”

Waiting by the door, Spitfire grinned over the return of Fleetfoot’s cheerful demeanor as it looked like the first step of her week-long plan was a big success. Now, she just had to wait for the next step to come into play. And not a moment too soon, a couple of knocks were heard from the door next to her as a female attendant called out from the other side.

“Excuse me, ladies. There’s a VIP guest who would like to speak with Miss Stormwind.”

“Go ahead. Send her in.” Spitfire permitted without hesitation.

The rest of the Wonderbolts were curious by the unexpected guest as the door began to open. With the full reveal of their visitor, Fleetfoot flustered immediately once she saw Roseluck entering the locker room. From this closer proximity, the Jupitarian marveled at all of Eponian’s features that she didn’t get a chance to see from the race earlier, including her soft, green eyes and her slender, elegant figure in that gorgeous, red dress of hers. In her arms, the equally blushing Ponyvillian was carrying a wrapped bouquet as an ideal gift for today’s winner.

Not wanting to get in the way of this premeditated reunion, Spitfire hinted to the rest of her teammates with a clever grin, “Hey girls, why don’t we go on ahead and leave these two be for the time being? I’m sure they have a lot of catching up to do.”

Without a fuss against their team leader, the other women grinned knowingly just the same as Spitfire before they walked out of the room with their leader following from behind. Through the crack of the door, the grinning Captain winked to Fleetfoot before closing it gently. As things got very quiet, the two remaining women carried on with their blushing stares before Roseluck spoke up first.

“Congratulations on winning the Wondersbolts Derby, Fleetfoot.”

“Oh… umm… thank you.” After another moment of uncomfortable silence between them, Fleetfoot then added nervously, “Rose… I…”

“Oh, here!” Roseluck said in slight surprise from nearly forgetting something as she unwrapped the bouquet. “These are for you.” From the unveiling, the florist revealed a bouquet of extraordinary, white roses.

“Aww… you shouldn’t have.” Fleetfoot awed mildly.

“I didn’t mind it at all.”

“No, seriously. You really shouldn’t have.” she rephrased with a dark chuckle. “I’m not that good when it comes to handling flowers ‘cause well… you know.”

Noticing the increasing gloom from Fleetfoot’s response, Roseluck reassured her with a tender smile, “These are different, Fleetfoot. I picked them out just for you.”

“For… for me?”

“Go on." she nodded as she handed the roses to the reluctant Wonderbolt. "You can touch them if you like.”

With the bouquet in her arms, Fleetfoot took a moment to examine the white roses before she carefully guided her hand to one of the blossoms. Just as she was about to pull her hand back from touching it, she was shocked to see that her usually cold fingertips didn’t cause the fully bloomed flowers to automatically close up once they came into contact.

“Hey… they’re not reacting to my touch at all!” she gasped in amazement as she gently caressed the petals. “What kind of roses are these?”

Happy to see Fleetfoot’s beaming face once again, Roseluck gladly explained it to her, “They’re called ‘Winter Roses.’ They’re pretty much the rarest kind of flower imagined since they are the only ones that can survive in arctic climates due to their thick stems and roots that can melt the ice and convert it into water as well as absorb hardened nutriments. The only downside to them is that they are more sensitive to heat, so it’s better if they were within indirect sunlight or shady areas. Also, I thought these roses would be perfect for you… since… well… their color matches with that nice-looking hair of yours.” she concluded with a modest blush.

Taken aback from receiving such a thoughtful gift, Fleetfoot began to feel really guilty on how she left Roseluck on their last day in Ponyville as a heavy flow of tears streamed out of her pitiful eyes. At once, she greatly apologized with all her heart.

“I’m so sorry, Rose! I didn’t mean to run off and hurt your feelings like that! I was just really scared and didn’t even bother to tell you about it!”

As Fleetfoot continued to sob uncontrollably, the Eponian went up to her and gently patted and caressed the Jupitarian on the shoulder while comforting her with a sincere smile, “It’s okay, Fleetfoot. I understand. I’m just happy to see you again as well as from hearing you telling me this. I really appreciate that from you.”

Feeling better from receiving such soothing comfort, Fleetfoot gazed at Rose with an appreciative smile before she composed herself and asked, “Say Rose… you’re going be at the after-party, right?”

“Of course. Why?”

“It’s just that…” she said nervously while stroking her fluffy hair instinctively. “…when we get the chance… there’s something I really should tell you. Something I should have told you beforehand.”

Understandably, Roseluck agreed with a nod, “Whenever you are ready, you’re always welcome to talk to me about it.”

Smiling in relief, Fleetfoot then said to Rose, “Anyway, if it’s alright with you, I need to catch up with the Wonderbolts first as well as put all this stuff away before I head over to the party.”

“Alright… I’ll see you there.”

Once they confirmed their next destination this evening, Roseluck turned around and headed toward the exit of the locker room. But before she could touch the door, Fleetfoot called out to her.

“Oh, wait a minute!”

When Rose turned back and was about to respond, Fleetfoot flew up to her and quickly kissed her right on the cheek. A couple of seconds later, the Wonderbolt ended her gratifying smooch with a wet, smacking sound as the cheeks on the flabbergasted florist’s face brightened up significantly.

“That’s my way of saying ‘thanks’ for everything that has happened today.” Fleetfoot stated with a cheeky grin.

“N-n-no problem.” she stammered immensely.

“Ok, see you later!”

After opening the door for Rose, Fleetfoot waved goodbye to blushing Eponian and closed the door afterwards. She then looked at the marvelous, white roses she just received and took an enjoyable whiff of their lovely fragrances. Smiling in relief over all that has happened today, Fleetfoot went back to her locker to gather her stuff while making a strong resolution for herself.

Tonight… I will definitely tell her everything tonight!

Author's Notes:

You know, as I must I have enjoyed this pair, I don't know which shipping name is more appropriate for these two. "RoseFoot" or "FleetLuck?" I don't know. They're not as catchy as the other more familiar names.

Next Chapter: Chapter 14 – Cold Hands, Warm Hearts Estimated time remaining: 32 Minutes
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