Applejack couldn't believe it; Sweet Apple Acres's hugest harvest EVER, and she and Iron had finished it before midday! This colt simply amazed her. "Well, I suppose I should pay you for your help." Applejack said, regretful that she'd have to part ways with Iron so soon. "That won't be necessary." Iron said. "I'm sorry, what?!" Applejack exclaimed "What do you mean 'That won't be necessary'?" she continued. "I don't want any money. Keep it." Iron said calmly. "Now that there's crazy-talk. There has to be someway I can pay you for your help." Applejack said, a hint of confusion in her voice. At that precise moment, Iron's stomach growled, loudly. "Ah know! We'll get somethin' to eat! Twilight and Rainbow were saying something yesterday about eatin' lunch at Rarity's. We can go there!" The mare exclaimed, excited about introducing her new friend. "Oh, I don't want to impose." Iron said, slightly worried. "Nonsense, let's go." Applejack said, she then grabbed Iron and dragged him into town.

The sun was directly overhead when they arrived at Rarity's boutique. As if on cue, Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle soon strolled up and met Applejack and Iron at the door. "Hey Applejack," Twilight said to her friend "I thought you were working today" She continued, turning her head in confusion. "I was, but thanks to mah friend here, we finished early. And pulled in a huge harvest to boot." Applejack replied. "That's great, Applejack!" Twilight exclaimed. "So what's your name, anyway?" said Rainbow Dash, staring at Iron with a look of suspicion. "My full name is Iron-Gold Hoofscythe. Or Iron Gold for short. I also go by 'Iron'. I'm a farmer, from Oxhorse. And let me say that I am pleased to make the acquaintance of such a lovely group of mares." Iron said, almost musically. "A pleasure to meet you, I'm Twilight Sparkle." Twilight said, her face rosy. "And I'm Rainbow Dash. Fastest Pegasus in Ponyville. Heck, I'd say in all of Equestria!" Rainbow boasted. "Well then, Ms. Dash, would you care to wager on that?" Iron asked. "What kinda wager?" Rainbow replied. "A race. If you win then I shall tell stories of your speed and beauty, all the way back to OxHorse." Iron replied, a little smugly. "Alright. But what if YOU win?" Rainbow asked suspiciously. "I get the honor of taking you out for dinner." Iron replied. At this, Twilight and Applejack exchanged shocked expressions. No colt had asked Rainbow Dash out before, all suitors were simply intimidated by her tomboyish mannerisms. "You're on! Tonight, in the square" Rainbow exclaimed, extending her hoof. "Can't wait." Iron replied, shaking her hoof. At that moment Rarity emerged from her home. "Sorry to keep you waiting everypony, but lunch is served." She said. And with that, the five ponies entered Rarity's boutique, all were anxious for the coming night.

The rest of the day passed rather quickly. Iron met Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy and was given a tour of Ponyville. Twilight even mentioned him in her letter to Princess Celestia that day. But the real event of the day was reserved for the night. The time for the race had come. Fireflies illuminated Ponyville, and by their light, ponies from all over town came to the square to watch the race. "Alright!" Iron yelled above the anxious crowd, calling their attention to him and Rainbow Dash. "We'll begin by flying straight upwards, performing an immediate 90 degree turn at the hot air balloon Pinkie is flying. At which point we will fly toward the tallest mountain in that nearby range." Iron pointed at the mountain, "Then we will circle it, return to town, circle Ponyville, then go back upwards and straight down. Landing back here in the square." Iron said, assuredly. "Any questions?" No response. "Any objections?" Again, no response. "In that case, Miss Mayor, if you'd please?" Iron said, motioning to the Mayor, who was standing on a platform with a megaphone. "Alright." She said into the megaphone. "On your marks!" at this, Rainbow Dash crouched into a ready position while Iron removed his bandages with his teeth, revealing his wings, which were silver, like his coat, but had a black undertone, almost like highlights, and were golden yellow at the tips. "Get set!" now Iron too was crouched and extended his wings outward. "GO!" Both pegasi took off at lightning speed. As they soared upwards, Rainbow Dash managed to take an early lead. She quickly reached the balloon hidden among the clouds. "Hi Dashie!" Pinkie Pie yelled. Rainbow remained focus and made the 90 degree turn perfectly before speeding off, followed closely by Iron. He soon caught up and took the lead as they reached the mountain. Soon, they both were headed back to town. At this point, all that could be seen was a trail emanating from both pegasi. From Rainbow, her 6 color trail. And from Iron, a silver and bronze trail that shined like metal in the sun. They circled Ponyville, neck and neck at this point. It was time for the upward stretch, and neither pony let up their speed. Rainbow Dash believed she'd take the lead at the upward point once more, but Iron stayed on her, smirking confidently. Then, when they were above all the clouds, they dropped. Both accelerated to insane speeds, forcing the skin on their faces back. They continued picking up speed, making holes in hundreds of clouds. Neither pegasus cared. They wanted to win. The ground got closer, and Rainbow suddenly heard someone in the crowd yell "THEY"RE GONNA CRASH!". "They're right" she thought "We've gotta slow down!" Rainbow took a look at Iron, who showed no sign of slowing. The ground was getting closer, and at this speed, death was almost guaranteed. "NO WAY! I'm not dying here." Rainbow exclaimed. She slowed down. Iron, completely indifferent to his competition's choice, sped straight to the ground and crashed, leaving a huge gaping crater. "OH MY!" "In the name of Celestia!" "Is he okay" were some of the cries from the crowd, Rainbow gracefully landed by the crater and looked inside, a look of worry on her face. Suddenly, something zoomed upwards, out of the crater and Iron landed by her. "Looks like you and I....have a date."

End Chapter 1