Girls and Bridle Ch. 09.3

Moonlight wondered what would happen if she were to disobey again and give more than she was asked to. She had done it in the past, and it had led to big trouble. But on some occasions, it had led to good things, like during the first Triple Crown race, when she pulled the cart very hard during the last few seconds to secure a victory.

So far, the three Triple Crown races were the most fun because Morning Star had decided to go very fast right off the bat and all the annoying strategy portion was out the window. Moonlight could hear Sophie trying hard to slow her lead pony down for some obscure reason, which would inevitably cause Morning Star to be scolded after the race, but this confusing disobedience felt right.

If Morning Star could break the rules, perhaps Moonlight could sneak in some disobedience of her own. Because they were only halfway through the track, there was time to take time. If she were careful about it and slowly introduced some initiative, perhaps Sophie wouldn't notice.

It could work...

Probably not...

After all, in the grand scheme of things, Morning Star and Moonlight weren't nearly as smart as Sophie and her many years of experience on the professional circuit. The small driver had studied the ponygirl world since she was little.

Moonlight took a brief look on her left, just enough so Sophie wouldn't notice, and what she saw was different. There was some sadness in Morning Star's eye as if she had done something wrong, or perhaps it was a call for help as if she wasn't sure what to do anymore. To be fair, what Penny did to Morning Star was a bit harsh. Telling her elite pony to take complete charge of the three most important races in the world, and placing the fate of an entire stable on her shoulder, when she had been trained all her life to do the complete opposite. That wasn't very cool. Even if it had yielded dividends so far, Morning Star was probably sick of it. The fastest ponygirl in the world probably wished to return to the old ways and turn her brain off again.

Morning Star and Moonlight had this in common.

They just wanted to run.

This professional environment, where they had to manage their race, where there was a beginning and an end to their exercise, felt, at times, suffocating. Yes, winning was fun and rewarding. Knowing that they beat other powerful racers was good for the ego, and the trophies were shiny, but it was also constraining and dampened the pleasure. On a few occasions, Moonlight had seen Sophie letting Morning Star run freely in the nearby desert before dinner when the sun was going down, and she looked so happy to zigzag between rocks and kick some cactuses.

In a way, a racing track felt like a prison. There were fences on each side, the runners could only go in one direction, there were lots of weird rules, supposedly for safety reasons, and it had a limit. Everybody had to stop past the finish line, regardless of what the racers wanted. It would have been nice to trot some more for a while after a race, just for fun, just to play with the other ponies, but it wasn't allowed.

How boring.

Yes, that must have been why Morning Star looked a bit sad today.

Moonlight really wanted to help in this many ways. Take the load off Morning Star's shoulders and turn this restrictive setup into an open field, a playground. Running for pleasure would undoubtedly cheer up Morning Star.

What about Sophie?

Ah well...

After this race, no matter the result, Moonlight was supposed to return to Tiantang stable anyway. And from that point of view, it was only logical to use this last race with Sophie and Morning Star to have fun. After that, this Triple Crown adventure would be over.

Moonlight playfully pulled on the cart, making it jerk while sending a gagged smile to Morning Star.

I want to run with you...

***

"HEY! Moonlight! Don't do that! We almost hit the railing!"

This time, Morning Star made the cart jerk, just to answer Moonlight's playful move, which almost caused it to hit Brittany's. The two teams were still very much side by side, and there was not a lot of room for mistakes.

"STAR! What are you doooing!? What are you BOTH doing!?"

Game on!

The track turned into a desert where the two ponies could run to their heart content, the same way wild ponies did. There were no more rules, no more restrictions, no more strategy. There were just two ponies who decided to play with each other amid the most important race in the world.

Today, winning was no longer important. They had already won.

Freedom. The ultimate prize.

And then, Moonlight began pulling. And then Morning Star challenged her to pull more.

The cart's wheels rattled violently on the track, sending dirt and small stones flying, leaving a trail of dust behind it.

As they accelerated, Stardust's team began falling behind. Slowly at first, but progressively faster.

No, it wasn't Hemlock and Nightshade who were slowing down. It was Morning Star and Moonlight who were going faster and faster, at a speed that didn't make any sense.

As they entered the last turn of the race, the gap between the two leading teams increased.

One length... Two lengths... three... four...

And the separation accelerated.

***

"What the... Okay... I see..."

Hemlock and Nightshade had given their all and were still pushing through the intense pain that this insane race had forced them to endure. Their lungs burned, their entire body burned. They would have ripped their pink latex suit off their skin if they had been allowed to.

Yes, they had given their all, more than they should have. This punishment was beyond what was reasonable, and Brittany knew it.

As Sophie's cart pulled away from them, there was only one right thing to do.

Brittany pulled on the reins, a perfect display of sportsmanship, perhaps the most important move of her career.

"Okay.. Woah... Hemlock, Nightshade. It's over... It's over... We've lost. You can slow down now. You've done well."

Admitting an unavoidable defeat before it happened was the right thing to do.

The two exhausted ponygirls gradually returned to a more casual pace, one that would be insufficient to preserve their second place. In a moment, the trailing teams would catch up and pass them.

Finishing last would be a cruel reward for having attempted to keep up with the impossible.

***

Ten lengths... Eleven lengths... Twelve...

"..."

There was no more race. A speechless Sophie took a quick look over her shoulder. Brittany and her two elite ponies had given up, depleted, and far behind them, the rest of the pack catching up to them.

There was no threat anymore.

There was no order anymore.

Sophie was done yelling and was now a spectator like everybody else in the stands. She just had a front and center seat to witness what was happening.

Her ponies had unleashed themselves. She had never witnessed it first hand as a driver, but she had seen this before when a pony decided that she was done listening and thought it was better to do its own thing.

The difference here was that it happened to two of them simultaneously, and it happened that they were pulling the same cart, hers.

Usually, this led to a catastrophic result. A race without a carefully applied strategy was doomed to fail.

Fifteen lengths... Sixteen lengths... seventeen...

In this case, it was the opposite.

"Alright... I see how it is... Haha... FINE! STAR! MOON! RUN! JUST RUUUN! HAHAHA!"

Ecstasy!

The speed! The wind! The undying power!

Sophie would have been a fool not to savor this moment. It was so abnormal that her brain gave up trying to understand what was happening and instead selected the route of pleasure. She only had enough common sense left not to stand on her cart as her legs begged her to do. It would have resulted in immediate disqualification.

But she wanted to. So badly. Her voice was her only outlet.

"RRRRUUUUN!"

In the last straight leading to the finish line, there was no more track, no more rules, no more strategy.

A wide and beautiful desert, and an exhilarating sense of freedom.

Twenty... Twenty one... Twenty two lengths... Still increasing...

Alone in the middle of the track was the creation of a myth.

FLASH! FLASHFLASHFLASH!

If it had not been for all those bright camera flashes, they would never have known that they had crossed the finish line. There were no such things in the desert.

***

With an empty tank, Brittany, Hemlock, and Nightshade exited the last turn at speed unworthy of elite racing. Going faster wasn't an option, though, as their legs felt like overcooked noodles.

"The rest of the pack is coming. Let's move to the middle lane to give them some room to pass us."

There was no room for argument. It was the right thing to do. There would be no point in trying to interfere with the race at this point. It was already over. Brittany saw the flashes at the finish line already. There was nothing else to gain from this race. Instead, she slid down on her seat and let her thoughts exit her mouth.

"You know what... If I behave today, maybe they will invite me to return to the Super Cup circuit. It would be nice not to be banned anymore. Ah! Not going to happen... They hate me... but still, it would be nice. And you know what? I'm very proud of you. You tried hard today, and even if you didn't win, to me, you are the best. I want you two to go back to the Super Cup after your suspension is over. I'll find you some promising drivers. I identified a couple of young prospects working in the amateur circuit. You'll like them. They are arrogant and hungry for wins. I don't want to do this Triple Crown crap ever again. I'm done with this shit. It's boring. You two would be so much better on the Super Cup 800 meters tracks. You can get more fame and money that way."

As Brittany was rambling about life and the future while approaching the finish line, she noticed something strange. Nobody had passed her yet, triggering her anger once more.

"What are those idiots doing? What are they... Ghk!"

When she looked over her shoulder to see what was going on, she saw the four other teams perfectly lined up behind her, matching her slow speed.

Nobody had any intention to pass her, which was infuriating. Brittany didn't need their pity.

"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING? GO! PASS US!"

"I don't think so. You and Sophie will make history today. It was a hell of a race. You should be very proud of your ponies. They gave their all."

"WHAT!? What are you talking about! PASS US!"

"I don't think so, no."

The driver of the team right behind Brittany stood up on her cart, disqualifying herself. That was enough to make Brittany's heart skip a beat.

"What the fuck are you doing!? Are you stupid or what? You just disqualified your team! You moron!"

"Yep, I suppose we will all be part of history, now. Right, girls?"

"Yes."

"Ahan!"

"Sure!"

The drivers of the three remaining carts stood up and disqualified themselves as well, and they all smiled.

"You are all stupid! You know that!... But... Thanks..."

Brittany's cart crossed the finish line. Today, there would be only two times recorded and four disqualifications. The two most courageous teams and four witnesses.

This was what racing was about.

***

A week later...

A pickup truck drove up Penny's stable's poorly maintained gravel driveway. Aboard, two female occupants, Brittany and Cassy. Obviously, the small unstable driver wouldn't be very welcome here, so Cassy's presence could act as a white flag. They came in peace.

Brittany never thought she would come back here one day, but it was necessary. On the back seat was a small wooden box that was still as mysterious as the day she found it in a dark corner of a dusty second-hand shop.

"So... What's in the box?"

"You'll never stop asking?"

"Nope. What's in it?"

"You'll see in a minute unless Sophie shoots me down first for being here."

"Why are we coming to see her if you know she is going to kick you out?"

"I'm not coming to see her. I came to see Penny. That old hag will at least listen to me."

"Ah right. Calling them names is the perfect way to make new friends."

"Hey, Cassy! Do you want me to make you sleep in the barn again?"

"I don't mind. It's fun."

"Oh, shut up. Ah, there is Morning Star over there."

"Do you think I can get her autograph? Remember that Triple Crown race?"

"CASSY!"

"Haha. Just kidding."

Brittany parked her vehicle behind Sophie's rusty pickup truck. After letting the dry dust cloud float away, the two women stepped out. Brittany grabbed her box from the back seat and walked up to Morning Star, who was sitting in the old wooden steps in front of the house, reading a racing magazine. She didn't seem too interested or concerned about the very odd presence. After briefly looking at them, she returned her nose to her magazine, one with a picture of Moonlight and herself on the front page.

Standing in front of her, Brittany quickly understood that she wouldn't get a proper greeting, and this is why Cassy, a much friendlier face, came along. The cute helper didn't hesitate to go sit next to the elite pony in civilian clothes.

"Hi, Morning Star."

"Mmm.. Hi."

"What are you reading?"

"A special edition about the Triple Crown. It's in color. Penny got it for me."

"Nice. Can I read it with you?"

"Sure. But I'm just trying to memorize the stats."

"That's okay. I don't mind. Hey, where is Sophie?"

"With Moonlight in the interior paddock. They are grooming it."

"Nice. And where is Penny? Brittany came to see her."

"I'm here..."

The old lady pushed the door open and stepped out on the porch. She wasn't a fan of Brittany, but she was better mannered than kicking a visitor away before inquiring about the purpose of their presence.

"Brittany... What can I do for you?"

"Well... Nothing, really..."

"Interesting. So, why are you here?"

"I need to give you something and... Ow! CASSY!"

"Mmph!"

As Brittany was about to explain what she had brought, Cassy kicked her in the leg. The improbable duo had discussed something on the way here, and clearly, Brittany was on a good path to forget.

"Alright! I get it... So Penny..."

"... yes?"

"Congratulations on your Triple Crown win. It was... something."

"Ah, yes. Something indeed. It wouldn't have been the same without your team chasing after us, Brittany. So thanks for that..."

"Mmm... yeah... Anyway..."

Brittany looked down at Cassy to make sure she wouldn't get hit in the knee again, but she got a nod approving of her good behavior. She could now proceed with her real objective.

"So... Here... This is for you... I mean, for Moonlight... I think..."

"You think?"

"Yeah... I'm pretty sure you'll know what it is."

Brittany extended her short arms and handed the box over to Penny, who grabbed it and casually placed it under her arm as if she had no curiosity about what it contained.

"Thank you, Brittany. I appreciate this."

"... Uh? You aren't going to open it?"

"No."

"... Why?"

"Because I know what it is. I wasn't born yesterday."

"..."

"You may go now. I don't think it would be good if Sophie found out about your impromptu visit. I would rather avoid the drama. Thanks for bringing this to me."

"Fine... Come on, Cassy. Let's go. We're out of here."

"But... What's in the box? I want to see."

"NOW!"

"Aaaah! Okay! Okay! Bye Morning Star. Bye Penny."

***

One year later...

"You can't be serious, Moonlight!"

"Yes. I am. I'm sorry, Xiuying. Tonight is my last race."

"This makes no sense! Why would you leave pony racing now out of all times?"

"Because it's not for me. I'll use the money I made to buy a small shop somewhere. Or maybe a small farm. There is a lot of unused land around here. I grew up on a ranch, you know. My parents were not nice, but I liked living outside the city."

"Moonlight the farmer! That would be the most absurd early retirement I've ever seen. Since you returned to us, you have won every single race on the Super Cup circuit. And now you want to retire after one year?"

"Morning Star won almost all her races before I joined. I'm not that special."

"WHAT! YES, YOU ARE! You pulverized every single track record, and I'll be long dead before I see anybody even come close to your times. Don't you realize how prodigious you are?"

"A win is a win. Anyway, as I said, pony racing is just not for me. Wearing a latex suit and a fancy harness always made me feel uncomfortable."

"Moonlight! You CAN'T retire after one year! Not when you are THAT good. It would be a crime against humanity!"

"I'm not going to change my mind, Xiu. Anyway, can we go to the track now? All the best teams are here tonight, so it's going to be hard."

"No, it won't! And you know it. As usual, you'll crush them effortlessly. You are probably the strongest ponygirl who ever lived. Come, I'll put your bridle on. But we are going to discuss this later for sure. You are NOT going to retire."

"Yes, I will."

***

"Crap! Moonlight is racing tonight. Are you ready to fight for second place again, Morning Star?"

"Yes. I can't beat her. She broke all my records. I have none left."

"Yeah, but I won't allow you to get lazy just because of that."

"I'm never lazy, Sophie. If I am, you'll confiscate my magazines again."

"That's right. You can count on that. Alright, come here. I'll put your bridle on. We have to go to the track. I'm sure you'll perform well to impress your girlfriend."

"Ivory isn't my girlfriend. And she isn't here today. She is performing a show."

"You still have a date with her on Thursday."

"... yes."

"Haha. Cute."

***

"Urgh! Moonlight is here again tonight. How are we supposed ever to win again, Hemlock? She needs a league of her own."

"She is a very fast ponygirl, Britt, but I'm just happy to race against Nightshade and Morning Star."

"Yeah, I guess you are right. We are lucky to be back in the Super Cup league. Thanks to that shrimp of yours."

"She is not a shrimp. Her name is Athena. I gave her her name. For months she ran door to door collecting signatures for her petition to get your ban lifted by the Super Cup league. You should be happy instead of calling her a shrimp."

"Yeah, whatever. By the way, I did see her first race last month."

"REALLY? And you didn't tell me?"

"No, she is not worth it. She finished last during her first amateur race. She sucked."

"Brittany! ALL ponygirls lose their first amateur race. It's normal!"

"Moonlight didn't."

"But Moonlight isn't normal."

"You got that right. Anyway, come. I'll put your bridle on. We need to go to the race track now so she can destroy us again."

***

"Hi, Penny. Can I sit next to you and Stardust?"

"Hi, Tiantang. Yes, by all means."

Tiantang Zhi Ma hopped over the empty seat and sat next to Penny, looking very happy as usual.

"So, Moonlight is racing tonight? I wonder if she will break her own track record again."

"Haha. She will. She is fantastic."

"Is that why you decided to retire early?"

"Yes. I preferred to leave while at the top. Anyway, I'm getting too old for racing. Morning Star is still at the top with Hemlock, and now even Nightshade can win. I wouldn't stand a chance."

"Capable of winning... when Moonlight isn't around."

"Haha. That's right."

***

One by one, the ponygirls entered the track and began zigzagging around to warm up. Tonight there were eight competitors, but only seven had shown up so far.

Brittany and Hemlock almost hit Sophie and Morning Star, probably deliberately.

"Hey, Britt the turd! Watch where you are going!"

"Just move your retarded pony out of the way, crab face! Leave the track to the adults."