Set just into Rainbow Dash's supposed initiation into the Wonderbolts, Wind Rider is pondering his next move, indeed, what his new world is likely to be. And he is not going to go without drawing some blood.

This story is a sequel to Thankfulness and High Society

Or the part in between.

As “Forever Filly” and “On Your Marks” demonstrated oh-so-clearly, times have definitely changed in the Ponyverse. Sometimes those lessons have to be learned the hard and painful way. And sometimes, the “city mice” have to find their own Aesops.

For Rarity's relatives, this is the intermezzo. For the whole day, they are going to be challenging themselves, their way. On their own terms.

In the wake of the previous Applewood Derby, there were scores of painful lessons to be learned on all sides. The Cutie Mark Crusaders made a solemn vow they would never again be vague on the details of their designs or the categories they chose. Now, with this year’s derby a few weeks off, they are making their big pitch to the ponies they’ve chosen to help them out.

With three amazing blue ribbons up for grabs, the Applewood Derby is supposed to be an exciting extracurricular project for the students at the Ponyville Schoolhouse.

But as any professional race-car driver can tell you, there isn’t always a happy ending on the course. And when there’s a great big pile-up – the money shot for many paying customers – injuries don’t mean much to anyone who isn’t in the affected party’s camp.

Well, in this alternate ending, we go into greater detail about the aftermath of the race. There is no do-over, just a hard painful lesson about communication between the sides. All sides.

Their suffering will not be for nothing.

This story is a sequel to Royal Review

Based on the aftermath of The Royal Review. After that less-than-desirable outcome on Restaurant Row, Zesty Gourmand is sworn and determined that she will rise again. But her name is already too well established – and not for the right reasons – among the Canterlot class. How to rebuild her reputation? Maybe by leaving a Subtle Hint about her business, in the big city…