My Little Pony Make Your Mark Idea: The Race For The Hoof of The Princess (Chapter 5)

Queen Haven hosted a championship for The Royal Guards to win the hoof of Zipp.

## Plot

Hitch walked Pipp back to the Crystal Brighthouse. Night had fallen over Maretime Bay by the time they got there. They entered the Brighthouse to find Zipp, Izzy and Sunny all sitting on the sofa watching tv. Sparky was there as well sitting between them, they were watching a movie on Tv and eating ponycorn. One of the more recently released ones that involved all pony kinds. It was called the Pony Knights: Quest for the Princess. The pair saw the lead pony knight with a sword fighting the evil centaur who had taken the princess prisoner.

Sunny paused the movie as she saw her friends enter. “Hey Pipp, Hitch! How was your date?”

“It was… a little awkward at first,” Pipp said. “Hitch was being Mr. I’m So Into The Rules and trying to follow a book about dating!”

“Yeah, and Pipp was on her phone,” Hitch said. “But we managed to recover pretty soon.” Hitch said.

“And we kissed, it is so romantic” Pipp said as The Mane 3 went aww.

“That is so sweet.” Sunny said.

Hitch approached the sofa as Sparky took a bite of corn. “Hey Sparky, I’m back! How was he Zipp?”

“Oh, he was fine. A little mischievous with the dragon fire. Turned a few things into food you know? But we soon turned those back then got some real food and we actually raced a little bit,” Zipp said.

“You took him flying!?” Hitch screamed in fright.

“Hitch relax, I made sure he didn’t go too high. He’s already flying pretty good though. Might be faster than me someday,” Zipp said. “And he liked it didn’t you, Sparky?”

She patted the little dragon on the head as he nodded and gave a small, “Uh-huh.”

Hitch was uncertain as he looked at the dragon he’d come to consider his son. “Alright, as long as you don’t do anything crazy. I guess I can’t restrict him from flying too much. Just make sure to take baby steps. .”

“He’ll be able to fly a lot sooner then any pegasus has for a long time though,” Sunny said.

“Except for the little pegasus foals!” Izzy stated. “I’ve even seen a baby or two that can fly! Glad I’m not babysitting one of them! Cause it would be a hoofful to take care of babies that can fly!”

“I bet Unicorns and Earth Ponies will be just as much trouble,” Sunny said with a smile. “I mean we all have magic again now so nothing is gonna be easy. That caused her friends to giggle.

“Hey Misty left to return to spy on Opaline, she left some text about her plan.” Zipp said.

“Good thing, she is on our side.” Hitch said.

They all sat down and watched the rest of the movie with Pipp and Hitch taking their own sofa with Sparky on Hitch’s leg. They were almost to the end of the movie as the princess (the one in the movie) and her knight were about to kiss after he’d saved her.

RING RING RING RING.

Pipp’s phone let off a series of rings as somepony called.

“Whoops!” Pipp said as she heard it and got it out to see who was calling.

Her mom’s picture appeared on her phone.

“Excuse me for a second, everypony,” she said as she flew off to let them finish their movie.

Once she was upstairs and the sounds of the TV were distant she opened her phone for a video call.

“Hey Mom!” Pipp said.

“I saw your livestream earlier!” Queen Haven said on the screen. “How was your date with Hitch?”

Pipp recounted it and Queen Haven put a hoof to her heart.

“Oh, I’m glad you two enjoyed each other so much!”

“And you’re okay with me seeing somepony now?” Pipp asked.

“Yes. I know I always kept you from dating other stallions. I didn’t want some crazy stalker or potential kidnappers that could hold you for ransom after all! But you and Zipp are both old enough to start that I think. Speaking of which I think its time we start something for Zipp.”

Pipp looked at her mother confused for a moment. “What do you mean?” Then she remembered an old tradition involving dating for members of the royal family. Pipp smirked. “Oh, Zipp’s gonna love that.”

“Invite your sister and new boyfriend over for dinner as soon as possible,” Queen Haven said.

“Uh, he’s not my boyfriend… yet,” Pipp said. “We just had one date so far.”

“Ha, I’m sure it will work out,” Queen Haven giggled. “Just be sure that they both come.”

“Will do,” Pipp said before blowing a kiss at her mother through her screen. “Bye Mom! Love you!”

She closed her phone and walked back down.

“Sorry everypony that was my mom,” she said. “She wants to have me and Hitch over. And you to come as well Zipp!”

“Uh okay,” Hitch said nervously. “Guess I have to get the queen’s blessing huh?”

“She’ll probably be fine with it,” Zipp said. “I just hope she doesn’t have any plans to give me a random princess lesson for when I take the throne.”

Pipp gave a small grin. “Well, I can promise you it certainly won't be one of those random lessons.”

...

Theme

...

Pipp, Zipp, and Hitch checked their schedules tomorrow and found it was clear.

“Okay, I guess we can all go,” Zipp said.

“Good thing we have the Marestream to fly us there, cause it would be too long for me to walk all the way to Zephyr Heights after work,” Hitch said.

Before getting in The Marestream, Izzy stops Pipp.

“Pipp Pipp, I need to ask you something.” Izzy said.

“What is it Izz?” Pipp said.

“I’m in love with somepony.” Izzy said.

“Oh My Glitter! Who is it?” Pipp said in excitement.

“This one stallion I like that does magic shows,” Izzy said.

“Let me guess… Rufus? Or as he likes to call himself… Hoofdini?” Pipp asked, managing a smile.

“Yeah! How did you know?”

“You spend a bit of time with him whenever you aren’t hanging out with us,” Pipp said. “He wanted to get the same hooficure as you after Jazz started making her own designs, and you recommended him to be my show stopping entrance after he saved Glory from falling.”

“You know, if you want to ask him out, I will give you a makeover for the date.” Pipp said.

“Okay, let’s do that.” Izzy said as she hugged Pipp goodbye.

They got into the vehicle that Izzy and Zipp had made. The engines of the Marestream lit up and they took off, heading for Zephyr Heights. Queen Haven stood in front of the royal palace as they landed, a set of Pegasus Royal Guards and her flying Pomeranian Cloudpuff by her side. She smiled as her daughters as well as Hitch and Sparky emerged from the flying magical vehicle.

“Arrf! Arrf!” Cloudpuff barked as he saw his other owners.

“Cloudpuff!” Pipp said pulling the little white flying dog into a hug and kiss him on the noise.

“Zipp, Pipp good to have you both home! You know it feels kind of lonely without my girls here, Hug Mother!” Queen Haven said as she walked up and put her hooves around her daughters.

Pipp smiled brightly while Zipp’s was more soft but still genuine. Hitch meanwhile stayed back and waited for the monarch to turn her attention to him.

“Your majesty,” he said with a polite bow.

She smiled at him and nodded. “Sheriff Hitch.”

Sparky waved from Hitch’s back and spoke in his baby dragon voice. “Aye!”

“Hello Sparky!” the pegasus queen said, putting a hoof to the baby dragon’s head. “Come, we have dinner cooking and there is something we need to discuss.”

The two princesses and the Sheriff with Sparky followed her to the royal dining hall. The meal would arrive soon but in the meantime they would talk.

“So, you both started dating,” Queen Haven stated looking at Hitch and Pipp.

“Yes.”

“Yeah.”

They said similar things together, glancing at each other as they did so and chuckling.

“Well, I’m happy for you. My second born is pursuing her first relationship,” Queen Haven said before looking at Hitch. “From what I’ve seen of you Hitch you are a good Sheriff and quite responsible. I think you could make a good potential husband for Pipp, or Zipp if that had been the pony whom you ended up with.”

This caused the trio of younger ponies to all blush as they looked at each other.

“Me and Zipp?” Hitch asked, looking at the older pegasus princess. “No way! I mean… she’s a great deputy and friend. But we’re just partners right, Zipp?”

Zipp smiled and nodded. “Yeah. Maybe in an alternate universe!”

This caused them all to laugh.

“Jokes aside, I do hope the best for of you both,” Haven said to Hitch and Pipp before turning to Zipp. “Also, there is something else this event had made me think of. Zipp, it's time we discuss something.”

“What is it, Mom?” Zipp asked with a face that said she knew she wasn’t gonna like it.

“As heir to Zephyr Heights, you have responsibilities and duties,” Queen Haven told her oldest daughter.

“I know Mom, but there’s still so much I want to find out,” Zipp said. “About magic, and also there is something else that I-

“And I’m not going to have you abandon that search,” Queen Haven said. “But you must not forget your royal duty to this kingdom, or your family.”

Zipp sighed. “You sure you won’t consider passing it all to Pipp? She’d probably like being queen more than I would.”

“Hmm… probably,” Pipp said, rubbing her chin with a hoof.

“Zephyrina Storm!” her mother said in her stern voice. “You are the heir! And much more responsible and serious then Pipp! She would probably like it more, but she is already practically queen of the media already! Also, I doubt she’ll be off her phone long enough to focus on her duties if she were queen!”

“You’re probably right!” Pipp said with her phone out already.

“You on the other hoof can I think,” Queen Haven said.

Zipp sighed, knowing her mother was right.

“Now as heir, you need to have foals to carry on our family line. I’m getting old,” Queen Haven continued, putting her hoofs to her face. “I know I look even older than I actually am. Stresses of being a monarch are quite heavy. I do hope you will have a better reign. But I do hope to at least have enough time to see my grandchildren.”

Zipp clenched her teeth, thinking she knew where this was headed. “So, you want me to start… dating?”

“Yes,” Haven said. “You and Pipp are both at the age where it has traditionally been allowed. I’ve put it off for a while but it's high time to get a move on. Pipp’s started seeing her first stallion so I think it only appropriate that you begin searching as well.”

Zipp sighed again. “Great now I’ve got to find some hidden threat out there?” she motioned to a window overlooking the land with her wing. “And a husband?”

“Hidden threat?” Queen Haven asked worriedly.

Zipp looked at her mother for a moment. “Uh, yeah… we stumbled across this old recording in the Unity Crystals. It was a message from Twilight Sparkle, saying an evil alicorn named Opaline out there that tried to steal magic for herself and will try again.”

“Oh my! But if that was in Twilight Sparkle’s time, surely that Opaline must be dead by now?” Queen Haven said.

“I don’t know, Mom,” Zipp said. “Twilight’s recording said she built protection around Equestria but-“

“That settles that then, we’re safe. So, we can focus on things that matter right now! And what we need to focus on is finding you a potential husband!” Queen Haven said. “We will start with the males in the royal guard and then look at successful nobles in Zephyr Heights. Oh, and beyond as well! Now that we are no longer enemies with the Earth Ponies and Unicorns its entirely possible for us to create alliances based not only on friendship but also love as well. Perhaps I will find new love myself. I’ve so missed your father all these years but I know he wouldn’t want me to spend all my days alone.”

“Oh, you have somepony in mind?” Pipp asked excitedly.

“Perhaps,” Queen Haven admitted with a blush. “But our primary concern right now is finding a potential match for Zipp.”

“Wow that sounds exciting,” Hitch said.

Zipp shook her head. “But Mom-“

“No buts Zipp! We don’t need to worry about anything else! Whoever that evil pony is, she is probably long gone never to return!” Queen Haven stated.

At that moment their food arrived.

“Ah, wonderful! Our food is here!” Haven added.

Pipp and Hitch were excited as their plates were set in front of them while Zipp looked uneasy.

…

Meanwhile at Opaline’s castle, Opaline was talking to her shadow army.

“You know, why I summon you, because, I am your queen and I am going to rule Equestria and you own me and I will order you around, like doing chores, cleaning, helping me, and doing missions and… trained to fight, I been defeated by the ponies who brought magic back and I will send you on mission for what I want. Okay?” Opaline said as the army agreed as Misty is worried about the army will attack her new friends.

…

After dinner was done and they talked for a while, Hitch returned to Maretime Bay in the Marestream with Sparky since he had to resume his duties as Sheriff. Pipp went to her room and gave Jazz a call.

“You sure you’ll be okay with just you and Rocky working at Mane Melody tomorrow?” Pipp asked her employee over the phone.

“Don’t worry Pipp, we can manage it just fine. Might be a little quiet without a singer though. Maybe we should consider hiring some extra singers in case this happens often?” Jazz’s voice spoke out from the phone.

“That might be a good idea! I’ll think about that,” Pipp said.

She shut off her phone… eventually. She had to make a livestream or two and tell Izzy and Sunny about their mother’s plans for tomorrow. Then she went to sleep. Tomorrow they were going to meet somepony else before they started the search for a potential husband for Zipp. Pipp giggled at the thought.

“Something tells me Zipp is gonna have a fun day tomorrow,” Pipp grinned for a moment then sighed as she lay her head on her pillow. “I hope she doesn’t make things difficult for Mom or me.”

…

In Zipp’s room a couple doors down from Pipp’s, the older pegasus princess lay in bed with her eyes wide open.

“What am I gonna do?” Zipp thought aloud. “I have to find a future husband!”

She was nervous. She had known this day was coming as her mother had educated her on the traditions of Pegasus Royalty since she was born. But she had never felt as if that was where she belonged. She’d been born a princess yet it never made her happy whenever she was called Princess Zipp, much less when she was called by her full name Zephyrina Storm. She had not really thought about this for a long time, since her mind had been preoccupied with all that was going. They’d gotten magic back and become able to fly like the Pegasi of old, then so much had happened. Zipp still didn’t know what she really wanted to do, besides investigate magic and all the other stuff like Twilight’s message. She just didn’t feel like being queen was something she truly wanted. But there wasn’t much choice… she couldn’t exactly just say the word and no longer be a future ruler could she?

It was times like this that she wished she’d been born a different pegasus than the daughter of the queen. She just wanted to be normal and not have to worry about royal duties.

She sighed, hoping things be alright tomorrow at least.

…

Morning came and the royal family got up and waited in the throne room for a while. Then their mother’s guest arrived as the front doors to the palace opened.

“Your visitor has arrived your highness!” Zoom Zephyrwing, Queen Haven’s captain of the guard and advisor spoke.

“Let him in, Zoom,” Queen Haven said with a smile.

The captain bowed and opened the door wider to allowed other two ponies next to Zoom to be seen. One was Zoom’s partner, who had only been a recruit at the time when Zipp and Pipp had met Sunny and Izzy. There was also a familiar gray unicorn with a white mane. Alphabittle, the leader of the Unicorns and bartender of the Crystal Tearoom stepped inside. Queen Haven smiled upon seeing him and he smiled back. As he stepped inside Zipp and Pipp noticed he’d bought a bouquet of roses with him which he presented to their mother in his hoof.

“Your majesty,” he bowed as he hoofed them over.

“Thank you Alphie but there is really no need for formal titles now,” Haven said. “We are even more than friends now.”

They looked into each other’s eyes, the air around them seemed to fill with romance. Zipp and Pipp could imagine it being a bright gold background with pink hearts everywhere. If this were interfering with a plan they might have had for their mother they might have felt jealous. But they both managed a smile.

“Aww,” Pipp put her arm around Zipp with stars in her eyes.

“Ah,” Zipp sighed as in contentment as she wrapped a foreleg around her sister as well. “Guess we should be happy for Mom, huh?”

“Now just think of some way to be happy with what we’re doing for you!” Pipp said. “Just try and enjoy it. Please? For Mom’s sake? You did end up changing your mind about Portrait Day.”

Zipp let out another sigh, this time one to prepare herself. “Okay, guess I’ll just try and have fun. Maybe this won’t be so bad, who knows?”

She put on a smile that lasted for a while. She, her mom, sister, and Alphabittle all had breakfast and talked.

“I had a feeling there something between you two for a while,” Zipp said, looking between her mother and the unicorn stallion.

“Yes, well being leaders of each of our community was one thing we had in common. Once Sunny helped us see we weren’t so different after all,” Queen Haven said. “We started spending time together after magic came back, organizing a couple multi-pony-kind events here and there like the sports and we began exchanging letters. So we just sort of built up a friendship and then decided to take it to the next level. I do enjoy Alphie’s company and think we work well together.” Haven said again as she and Alphabittle wiggle both each other’s noises.

“Yes, I agree,” Alphabittle said. “I think that good teamwork and cooperation are an important part of life. You two and your friends demonstrated that as well when you brought back magic from what I heard. You worked together and cooperated with ponies you were raised to view as enemies.”

“Well to be honest we weren’t taught too much on the whole prejudice stuff,” Zipp said.

“Yeah, Mom always focused more on Royal duties for us. Or at least Zipp,” Pippi said. “She mentioned it a couple times though but most of the schools taught the majority of the lies we made up over the years.”

“Never thought I’d be so happy to neglect to teach you something,” Queen Haven said. “I didn’t want to mention unicorns or earth ponies any more than was necessary. As if by keeping quiet I hoped they would never bother us. Just like I tried to hide the truth about us not being able to fly just like other pegasi. But I see now that the truth is always better than a well meant lie. Zipp understood that, I’m sure she’ll be a great ruler someday.”

“Yeah, I’m sure,” Zipp said, her smile fading.

They finished their meal and Queen Haven got up. “ It's time to begin the search for a suitor! Zipp darling, would you go and put something nice on?”

Zipp bit her lip. “Put something on? As in clothes?”

“And a tiara too! We can’t have the princess and heir of Zephyr Heights meeting possible husbands without looking like proper royalty.”

Zipp’s mouth fell open. She hadn’t worn her tiara in ages, not since the day it had been made for her and she’d tried it on.

“Let me come with you Zipp!” Pipp said. “I’m the fashion expert between us after all!”

Zipp sighed. The two princesses went to the royal gown room where they kept the garments for their family. Zipp very rarely used it, or clothing in general, only making an exception for events like Nightmare Night. While Pipp loved everything her royal status had to offer and fashion in particular, so she visited this place more frequently.

“Let’s see. Ah!” Pipp exclaimed as she found an outfit. “This would look lovely with your coat!”

She put the garment in Zipp’s hoof as her sister took it with a glum expression.

“We should probably do a different mane style for the occasion as well!” Pipp said as she dragged her sister to a nearby magic mirror that showed what other possible hairstyles could look like on certain ponies to try out.

“I think that bangs would be best for the occasion!” Pipp said.

Zipp clenched her teeth. She had once offered to let Pipp style her mane and bangs had been one of the suggestions she’d been horrified of the most.

Seeing her sister's expression, Pipp toned it down a little bit. “Don’t worry Zipp! Would it really be so bad just to have a different style for one or two days? You can have your regular style back no problem.”

Zipp sighed yet again. “I guess you’re right. Alright, go ahead and do it.”

Pipp styled her sister's mane and they put the gown, which was a light blue with a pink center line running down it, on. It went well with Zipp’s mane. She then got out her never used tiara from her closet in her room. It was a silver tiara with a pair of feathers on either side of a pink jewel in the center.

“Oh you look great Zipp!” Pipp said as Zipp turned around. She reached for her phone.

“Please don’t take a-

But Pipp took a picture all the same. Then it was back to the throne room where a number of male royal guards had been gathered. Here came the hard part, Zipp thought.

She went to stand beside her mother. Queen Haven addressed her guards that she’d called forward, all of whom were close to Zipp in age. The recording cameras were activated to broadcast the queen’s announcement through all of Zephyr Heights, and now some ponies in Bridlewood and Maretime Bay would see it as well since their channels had been connected. Zipp and Pipp were sure that Sunny, Izzy, and Hitch would be watching.

“Hello all!” Queen Haven waved. “Today is a very special day! I’m sure everypony everywhere is aware by now that my youngest daughter Pipp has found a stallion and started dating!”

“Hi Hitch!” Pipp said flying in front of the camera her mother was speaking to and waving a hoof before blowing a kiss.

…

Back in Maretime Bay, Hitch blushed intensely at her as he sat on the couch with Sunny, Izzy, and Sparky watching TV. Sunny grinned at him as Pipp blew a kiss. She gave him a tap on the shoulder while Izzy put her hoofs to her mouth in excitement.

“I’m so happy for you Hitch!” Sunny said. “Guess everypony’s starting to find love.”

“Well Zipp hasn’t found anypony yet, she’s just looking right now,” Hitch said.

“Still, that’s a big step,” Sunny said.

“I need to ask Rufus out soon!” Izzy said.

…

“Now, as per our Royal Pegasi tradition, my daughter Zipp, as my heir, needs to find a future husband to sire foals of the family line,” Queen Haven continued. “We will be letting her interact with members of the royal guard today and then start looking beyond to include Unicorns and Earth Ponies as well. Stay tuned! You may receive an invitation to Zephyr Heights to partake!”

Zipp clenched her teeth at the thought of how many ponies might show up.

“As per tradition, the princess decides how she will determine her suitors.”

“I do?” Zipp muttered to herself, before managing a grin as an idea occurred to her.

“She will select an event where a group of Pegasi stallions will compete for the right to court her,” Haven concluded before looking to her daughter. “The last three Pegasi… or other ponies once we include Earth Ponies and Unicorns, will be given the right to court her and see who she chooses… if any of them are lucky enough.”

Zipp smiled. “Well, this might not be so bad after all. Alright, I choose a flight race! If I’m gonna have a husband, he needs to be a good flyer most of all!”

“That will certainly be a Pegasus only event!” Haven said. “Very well! For the first event, we will have a race!”

…

In Opaline’s castle library, Misty was busy reading the books on Opaline had provided her with. The queen paced around her.

“Do you feel ready yet?” the evil alicorn asked impatiently.

“I only just started reading!” Misty said. “And I can’t concentrate with you hovering over me!”

Opaline scoffed. “Very well, I will give you some space. Can’t waste my time waiting for you, especially with how much you have made me wait so far. I'm going to get dragon fire before the hidden dragons come out from hiding.

“I’m sorry Opaline,” Misty bowed her head.

“This will hopefully change if you can become proficient with magic. Then you may prove worthy,” Opaline said. “I’ll go and see what’s happening with our enemies. You just study and don’t lose focus!”

“Of course,” Misty said. “I’ll read till I drop if need be.”

“Good,” Opaline said as she stepped out.

Misty however grabbed her phone and texted Sunny about Opaline’s plan to get more dragon fire from the hidden dragons and she will keep Opaline busy.

…

The Royal family, as well as Alphabittle and the group of around twenty guards that Queen Haven had picked as potential suitors for Zipp, went to the mountains surrounding Zephyr Heights. Zipp looked around fondly.

“This was where I first ran into Sunny and Izzy,” she said to Pipp.

“And now it's where you’re holding your first event to find a future husband! Eee!” Pipp squealed. “This is the place where wonderful things happen!”

“Hey, I only picked here because it made sense,” Zipp said. Don’t want to have everypony flying in the city where we might cause some sort of accident.”

“Places everypony!” Queen Haven said.

The guards all stood side by side on the cliff below. Zipp looked at them, all dressed in the armor she’d seen her entire life. She saw several familiar faces among them, though she didn’t know most of their names. There was one however that she did. A green pegasus with a knight chess piece cutie mark. Thunder Flap, she’d run into him fairly often though she didn’t know too much about him. He’d been a new recruit at the time when Zipp and Pipp met Sunny, Izzy, and Hitch. Thunder had become the partner of Zoom, Queen Haven’s captain and advisor whom she trusted highly.

Based on what little Zipp knew of Thunder, she felt he was a bit nervous. He looked so now as she looked at him.

Then Zipp felt a wing on her back. “Speak to them Zephyrina!”

“Mom! I told you to just call me Zipp!” Zipp said.

“Sorry Zipp, just slipped out,” Haven said. “But perhaps for formal occasions we should use your full name. Regardless, you should speak to them and be the one to explain our plan.”

Zipp sighed. She flapped her wings lightly and landed in front of the guards.

“Uh… thank you all for coming!” Zipp said, forcing a smile. “I’m honored you have all agreed to compete for my hoof.”

The guards said nothing, and there were few changes in expressions. She frowned.

“Um… permission to speak?” she said, hoping to hear them express themselves.

The guards looked at her, then one, a guard with a purple coat and a cutie mark of an arrow pointing right. He bowed.

“The pleasure is ours, Princess,” he said.

“Zipp, just call me Zipp,” Zipp said as she often did to those she met.

“Oh, I couldn’t Princess,” he said. “It would be informal.”

She narrowed her eyes a bit. Protocol and formality wasn’t something she was very fond of, though it was hardly a slight as he was merely trying to respect her.

“Alright then if you insist,” she said. “What is your name anyway?”

“Right Light,” he said.

Zipp’s eyes went from a slight narrow to wide.

“Okay, well that’s an interesting name,” she admitted. “May I ask why you agreed to court me?”

“Well, ahem,” he cleared his throat. “You see, I’ve actually liked you for a long time!”

She was now surprised. A mixture of flattery and creepiness filled her. But she’d see.

“Really?” she asked.

“Yes! I saw you and your sister performing in one of the holidays when we were all foals! I think we were- well, I was eight I think,” Right Light said. “I saw you flying in one of the holiday shows we had and I though, she moves beautifully. I wish I could fly with her.”

“Well, that’s… nice,” Zipp said with a small blush. “I do like flying. How come you never talked to me before though?”

“I was… uh, nervous a bit. You know the idea of courting or even talking to a princess, and we guards are usually supposed to remain silent in your presence unless spoken to directly. Also we didn’t really cross each other’s path too often,” Right said.

“Well, good to meet you, Right,” Zipp said. She wasn’t sure to make of him yet. Though he had at least talked to her. “Anypony else have anything they want to say?”

Thunder Flap did. “I think your royal clothes look very beautiful Princess!”

“Uh, thanks,” Zipp said indifferently to that.

She didn’t really care for the garments. That sort of thing might work on Pipp though.

“Well, if that is everything, please let the race begin!” Queen Haven said.

Zipp flew back up to where her mother, sister, and Alphabittle waited. Queen Haven then began to explain the rules of the race.

“You will do a lap around the mountains surrounding Zephyr Heights! There will be obstacles such as female guards!”

Several female members of the guard, including Captain Zoom, popped up out of the clouds surrounding the mountain on their wings.

“They will restrain you if they catch you and you will have to break free lest you be overtaken by those behind you,” Queen Haven continued.

The female guards retreated into the cover of the clouds out of sight.

“Ready! Set! Go!” Queen Haven announced.

…

The Pegasus males took off, flapping their wings at high speed. They flew along the side of the mountain. Right Light took the lead closely followed by Thunder. Then another Pegasus flapped hard and managed to pass both the leaders, he grinned, thinking he had this in the bag.

Only to have a female guard grab him and restrain him in midair.

“Gotcha!” she said.

The guard struggled as the ones that had been behind him quickly passed. Right Wing was back in the lead again.

More of the female guards popped out of the clouds from below, grabbing the advancing males. Some of the contestants flew up higher to try and avoid the surprise attacks, but Right Light noticed something. Ponies with video cameras flying high above, he wanted to use the opportunity to impress Zipp and anypony else that was watching. He stayed low, where it would be challenging, though he made sure not to stay too low and give himself a respectable distance so he could react.

A female guard swooped up at him. He barrelrolled in midair and avoided her. She didn’t come after him and instead pinned Thunder. More females flew in but Right dodged them all, flying high, low, and off to the side as each one came.

Back behind him aways, Thunder managed to break free of the mare that had restrained him and pursued. Though one managed to get in front of him. He flapped with all his might.

Back at starting point which was also the finish, Zipp and her family watched from Pipp’s phone as the participants flew. It took a long time but after about ten minutes of watching them fly, the competitors came to the final stretch. Right easily dodged the last set of mares that came at him. The one behind him got it and Thunder took second place. Zipp, Pipp, Queen Haven and Alphabittle looked to their right just in time to see Right coming in hot, quickly followed by Thunder. They came in.

3. 2. 1.

Right grinned as he came in first place, landing on the surface in front of Zipp who gave a small smile.

“That was some pretty fancy flying there, Right!” she said. “Maybe we can fly together sometime.”

“I’d be honored Princess Zipp,” he said.

She was intrigued by his flying abilities, though she wouldn’t mind if he were less formal and rule abiding. But that was how the guards were.

Second after Right came Thunder, then another third Pegasus who was brown in coloration.

“And we have the top three contestants,” Queen Haven announced. “Right Light, Thunder Flap, and …”

“Dune Sweeper,” the brown one said.

“Dune Sweeper!” Queen Haven finished. “These three are the first three Pegasi to complete the race. Therefore, they will all compete to win my daughter Zipp’s heart.”

The three turned to Zipp who smiled.

“I look forward to it,” she said, somewhat sincerely.

This hadn’t been as bad she expected at least.

…

A while later, Right Light stood alone in his home, an upper-class mansion in Zephyr Heights.

He smiled in the mirror. “Finally, the chance to court Princess Zipp and become King of Zephyr Heights. Hope the two guards can’t be like me. Now it’s time for me to charm the princess.” Right Light said as put on his charming smile.

…

In the barracks, Thunder Flap sat with Captain Zoom.

“So how do you feel?” she asked.

“Proud I guess, but I only came in second place,” Thunder told his superior.

“Better then fourth or last place, since neither of those count,” Zoom told him. “You really want to be with the princess?”

“I’m not really sure, but she is an amazing pony,” Thunder said. “Not sure she’ll think the same of me.”

“Just try and be confident, you managed to become a good flyer thanks to that flight school she set up,” Zoom said, punching her subordinate on the shoulder.

“Ow,” Thunder rubbed the spot she punched.

“And grow a backbone,” she said.

“Yes ma’am,” he said.

“Also don’t let yourself be distracted just cause you’re now a knight in shining armor looking to win the princess,” Zoom said. “We need to be ready. Earth Ponies and Pegasi may not be our enemies anymore. But no time is truly safe without security. Zephyr Heights and the royal family depend on us. Our king lost his life, and I don’t intend to let that happen to our queen or the princesses.”

Thunder nodded. Despite his training, he was still afraid of danger, but he was willing to fight for Zipp. Though she could probably handle herself being the strong and investigative pony she was. But if she needed help, he would be there if he could. Whatever was out there, he would help her face it.

…

Opaline watched the royal race with intrigue. “Mmm one of my enemies is having three dates, that is going to keep her busy while I keep doing my plans.” Opaline said as She began walking back to the library.

…

Misty had studied the section on the basics of magic for a while. Then she finally tried it, lighting up her horn which glowed a very light blue, cyan. A matching aura surrounded the book and it rose on. Misty ran her magic through the pages, flipping them as she read.

“I got it!” she said.

Hoof taps echoed in her ears and the door opened, causing her to jump and disrupting her focus. The book fell and hit the table with a soft smack. Opaline stood in the doorway. Her eyes widened as she saw it. It had only been for a split second but she saw it.

“You did it,” she said. “You did it!”

“Yes, I did it!” Misty said.

“Well, don’t be too excited about it,” Opaline said, her pleasant surprise vanishing as quickly as it came. “That is a very basic spell. Still, better than nothing.”

Misty looked down, praise was something she never got any of. She’d had to do a lot of work around here, even before magic came back. She’d had to clean the castle since she was a filly after Opaline found her in the woods, make Opaline’s meals, and now she had her spying job as well and got her own magic and cutie mark after joining Sunny and her friends and now is their spy and secretly has her own house near Maretime Bay and Bridlewood and sometimes live with them sometimes.

“Now I believe it is time for lunch,” Opaline said.

“Yes Opaline,” Misty said obediently.

Opaline said what she wanted Misty to cook and then said, “I’ll be there in a while. I just need some fresh air for a moment.

Misty bowed her head and headed to the kitchen but didn't Opaline know that Misty rip some pages and put them in her bag.

…

Misty texts Sunny about Opaline’s plan in secret while she is cooking, hoping she will help them to defeat Opaline for good.

## Characters

Zipp Storm

Pipp Petals

Hitch Trailblazer

Sunny Starscout

Izzy Moonbow

Sparky Sparkeroni

Queen Haven

Cloudpuff

Alphabittle Blossomforth

Zoom Zephyrwing

Thunder Flap

Right Light

Dune Sweeper

Jazz Hooves(Cameo)

Rocky Riff(Cameo)

Seashell(Cameo)

Glory(Cameo)

Peach Fizz(Cameo)

Opaline

Misty Brightdawn

Cherry Flyaway(Cameo)

Skysport(Cameo)

Paper Clip(Cameo)

Autumn Skies(Cameo)

Cherry Prancer(Cameo)

Posey(Cameo)

Fifi(Cameo)

Flare(Cameo)

Delightful Trifle(Cameo)

Dahlia(Cameo)

Emerald Saucer(Cameo)

Leaf(Cameo)

Plum Library(Cameo)

Sugarpuff Lilac(Cameo)

Sunny Styles(Cameo)

Rufus(Cameo and Mentioned)

Windy(Cameo)

Minty Skylark(Cameo)

Seagreen(Cameo)

Mayflower(Cameo)

Smokey Cobalt(Cameo)

Golden Waves(Cameo)

Cyan Bay(Cameo)

Azalea Dolly(Cameo)

Clean Cut(Cameo)

Azalea Fields(Cameo)

Pastel Pop(Cameo)

Seeds(Cameo)

Strawberry Rose(Cameo)

Powder Blush(Cameo)

Elder Blossom(Cameo)

Potion Spring(Cameo)

Lemon Gear(Cameo)

Muffin Top(Cameo)

Skater(Cameo)

Luminous Dazzle(Cameo)

Dazzle Feather(Cameo)

Skye Silver(Cameo)

Philly(Cameo)

Berries(Cameo)

Alpina Aspen(Cameo)

Film Cut(Cameo)

Galaxy Star(Cameo)

Kazoo(Cameo)

Dazey Puzzle(Cameo)

Flower Bloom(Cameo)

Slide Rule(Cameo)

Bubbles(Cameo)

Toots(Cameo)

Sweets(Cameo)

Elder Flower(Cameo)

Pennon(Cameo)

## Trivia

Jazz's hooves are painted with music notes.