It was an exciting day for some of the ponies around Ponyville: it was the first ever Ponyville Sky High Grand Prix. It was a chance for the ponies that could fly to compete and race against each other without having to travel to Cloudsdale. Not just pegasi either, but any citizen that could fly, including bat ponies, griffons, and unicorns. There was even talk Doctor Hooves was going to enter a flying machine he had built in order to test it under racing conditions.

Little Green Smith Apple looked around as she walked along the grounds, making her way toward the registration desk. Her gold colored eyes were wide as she looked around, trying to take it all in. There were ponies of all types around them, enjoying themselves. Bleachers had been set up, and they were already starting to be filled up. Multiple concession booths had been set up, including one from Sugarcube Corner where Pumpkin Cake was working, and another from Sweet Apple Acres where Little Green's mom was.

"You okay there, Green?" her dad asked, causing her to jump slightly.

"Yes, Papa," Little Green answered. "Just..." she turned away from him, looking around more as she started fiddling with her hoodie's zipper. "There's so much going on and to see."

She could feel her father against her as he moved closer. One of his wings stretched out to wrap around her, pressing to Little Green's side and holding her against him. When she looked up, she could see his attention was on her, one eyebrow raised.

"It's not that much," he said softly. "You've seen a lot more going on at carnivals and even some of my own shows. Want to know what I think?"

"What?" Little Green asked.

Leaning in closer, her father whispered, "I think you might be feeling nervous."

He then pulled back and gave a smile.

"And it's okay to be. I still get nervous before a show."

"No," Little Green said, staring at him. Her father was Soarin, the second in command of The Wonderbolts. The Wonderbolts! He must have done like a million shows or something, and all in front of huge crowds, including all the princesses. There was no way he could be nervous after all that time.

"Yes," Soarin said with a smile. "It's true." After looking around, he leaned in closer.

"Believe it or not," he whispered, "Spitfire and Rainbow Dash get nervous too." He then gave a wink.

That was really hard to believe. Those two were both awesome flyers. Especially Aunt Dash. Little Green had heard all sorts of stories from Scootaloo about the amazing flying Dash had done over the years, like saving Spitfire, Rarity, and Soarin at a Young Flyers' Competition. They had even fought big scary monsters for crying out loud.

Little Green's father placed a hoof on her head, ruffling her mane.

"There's nothing wrong with being nervous," he said. "It's perfectly natural. The important thing is to not let your fear keep you from doing something." He shifted. "That is, if this is something you want to do."

"It is," Little Green replied instantly. "I really really do."

The two of them continued on, making their way to the registration line. It was actually three, and while none of them were very long, it did look like it was going to be a while.

"Alright, Green," her father said, "there you are. I'm going to go check to see how your mom's doing at the apple stand."

"Okay," Little Green said as she headed for the line. As she started to wait, she looked around. There were other ponies around, and even some she recognized. Unfortunately, none of the ponies close to her were ones that she really knew. She was stuck with nothing to do to keep herself occupied.

So Little Green waited, trying to keep herself busy. She fiddled with the zipper on her hoodie, she hummed several songs to herself, she watched some of the ponies around her. Once or twice, her mind even wondered as she imagined herself becoming a hero like Mom and Mom's friends, or a Wonderbolt like her father.

"Hey," a voice said from behind her. Turning, Little Green found an all white bat pony filly wearing dark blue glasses.

"Hey, Snow," Little Green said. "You entering too?"

"Yes," Snowy Night replied. "Rarity thinks I should get out and try some things. Find a hobby and get involved in the town stuff." She turned to look back toward the ponies that were milling around. "Although I don't think she was actually happy about me wanting to enter a race."

"Maybe because she can't really help you with it?" Little Green suggested. From what she understood, in the short time Snow had been living with Rarity, the mare had been having some difficulty bonding with filly.

"Maybe," Snow agreed.

The two of them continued to wait, talking a little as they worked their way closer to the registration desk. With another pony she knew to talk to, Little Green found the wait to sign up faster and less boring. Before long, they had reached the front and Little Green went up to register. It was a pretty quick process: name, age, and species. Then the mare behind the table gave her a piece of paper with a number on it, and another with the time for their race.

Once done, Little Green moved aside and waited for Snowy Night to finish.

"My parents are over by my family's apple booth," she said. "Want to go over there and see about getting a snack before the race?"

"Sure," Snow said. "Although I should probably find Rarity soon."

It turned out there was no need to look for her. Rarity was waiting at the stand, talking with Applejack and Soarin.

"Applejack mentioned that Little Green was entering as well," she explained, "so I presumed that the two of you would make your way here eventually. I take it then that you two are all registered and ready to go?"

"Yes," Snow said, holding up the paper with the time.

"You seem to be feeling better," Soarin said to Little Green.

"Yeah," Little Green answered. She then turned to face her mom. "We're also really hungry." She made her eyes wide and stuck her lower lip out, making it quiver slightly.

"You don't need to waste your doe-eyes on me," Applejack said with a smile. "I'll give y'all somethin' to snack on. Just go easy. Don't want y'all gettin' sick during the race." She then gave the two fillies a fritter each.

"Thanks, Mama," Little Green said before biting into it.

"Thank you, Mrs. Applejack," Snow said as she started on her own.

"You're welcome," Applejack replied. "And good luck to you both. I'll be rootin' for ya while I'm working."

"Speaking of," Rarity spoke up, "we should probably get going if we wish to have good seats." She smiled at Snow. "Good luck, darling, and do your best."

Soarin picked up his daughter, giving her a hug.

"You'll do great," he declared as he ruffled her mane.

Little Green Smith Apple grinned as she looked at her parents. It was nice to know that they believed in her. Finishing her fritter, she got ready to win her first flying race.