//------------------------------// // Episode 20: Fall Weather Friends: Gala arc Part 13 // Story: My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic With Reiner and Bertholdt Season 1 // by TheUnknownPhantom5 //------------------------------// It was a bright morning at Sweet Apple Acres. Rainbow Dash, and Applejack were in the middle of a horseshoe tossing compettion with Apple Bloom watching on. Dash was up first. She took a deep breath, reared up, and tossed the horseshoe. It landed a few feet away from the ring, but close enough for Rainbow to be proud. "Whoo-hoo"! She exclaimed exclaimed. "Hoo-wee! Not a bad pitch for a pony who works with her head in the clouds". Applejack smirked. "Oh yeah? Think you can do better"? Rainbow Dash scoffed. "I know I can". Applejack stated, her voice full of confindice. She took a deep breath, and tossed the horshoe, only for it to land behind Rainbow Dash's causing the pegagus to smirk. "Heh! Looks like this Pegasus can pitch better than the workhorse. The object of the game is to get the closest to the stake". Dash stated, causing Applejack to grumble, but the earth pony wasn't going to let that deter her. She turned to Apple Bloom, who was watching from the distance with a huge smile on her face. "I'm gonna win this for her Applejack thought to herself, before turning to face Rainbow Dash. "All right, all right. You got another throw there, pony girl". Rainbow Dash threw the horshoe, but this time it flew over the the stake, and land in some bushes. Now it was Applejack's turn to smirk. "Wow, Rainbow, heh. You couldn't hit a barn door with that kind of a throw"! She said sarcasticly, making Apple Bloom giggle. Applejack then picked up her last horseshoe, and tossed it. This time it landed right on the stake making Applejack the winner of the competiton. "Yee-haw! It's a ringer. That's how you do it down here on the farm". Applejack cheered as Rainbow Dash stared in shock. "I lost". The pegagus realized finally after a few seconds. "Ah, don't feel bad, Rainbow. It's all in good fun". AJ tried to reassure her. "I hate loosing". Dash simply muttered under her breath. Applejack however took no noticed, and simply walked of towards where Apple Bloom was waiting. "Besides, you're a mighty good athlete. I'm just better. Heh heh heh". Applejack teased. That caused Rainbow Dash to look up, and glare at Applejack. "What did you just say"? Dash asked with a hint of anger in her voice that Applejack noticed. "I said, I'm. A. Better. Athlete. Then. You!" she said in a way that made Rainbow Dash's blood boil. "I dare you to say that to my face". Rainbow Dash said indimdiling as she flew at AJ. "Glady"! Applejack retorted. Apple Bloom, noticing that things were getting heated, quickly put herself in the middle of the two older mares. "Please don't fight you two". Applejack sighed, and pulled back. "She's right Dash, we can't settle this by arguing with each other, so what do you propose we do." she asked. Rainbow Dash thought for a moment, then an idea flew into her head. "Well, you think you're the best athlete in all of ponyville right"? "I was actually going to say all of Equestria but that might be gildin' the lily". Applejack replied. "Right, and I think I'm the best. So insted of just fighting, how about we see who's the best". "What do you mean". asked Applejack. "I challange to an Iron Pony competition. A series of athletic contests to decide who's the best, once and for all". Rainbow Dash stated. Applejack thought for a moment, before decieding that she liked the idea very much. "You know what, Rainbow? You're on, but we need to set things up for the contest, and we're also going to need somepony to judge. Fourtently I happen to know two ponies who'd be great for the job". "Oh yeah? Who's that?" Rainbow Dash asked. Applejack turned to her little sister. "Apple Bloom, head into town, and fetch Twilight Sparkle, and Reiner Braun". Apple Bloom trotted into town, and headed for the golden oak libaray where see saw Twilight, Spike and Reiner talking. The little filly walked up to the three of them, and called out to them. "Ms. Twilight, Mr. Braun, Spike"! The three of them turned over to see Apple Bloom walking towards them. "Yes Apple Bloom, what do you need"? asked Reiner. "Can you three come to the farm please". Apple Bloom asked. This garnered confused looks from both them. "What for"? asked Twilight. "To be judges of course" Apple Bloom replied chipperly. This confused Twilight Spike, and Reiner even more, but curiosity got the better of them, and they decieded to go with Apple Bloom to see what she was talking about. Arriving at Sweet Apple Acres, the four of them saw Applejack, who was watching Rainbow Dash doing push ups. They walked over to AJ, who turned and smiled. "Hi Applejack, Apple Bloom says you needed us for something"? Twilight asked. Applejack nodded. "Yep". "And what is that exactly"? asked Reiner. "We're having an iron". Applejack began only for Dash to intterupt her. "An Iron Pony competition". Twilight, Spike, and Reiner looked at Dash in confuison. Seeing this, Apple Bloom spoke up. "They're trying to see who the most atheletic pony in all of ponyvile is, so they plan to have a serious of sports competitions". She explained. "Oh I get it. Iron Pony". Reiner realized. "Thank you Apple Bloom". Twilight smiled at the filly. "Hey I'm the one who told you what we we're doing"! Dash exclaimed in somewhat offense. "Like I said, thank you Apple Bloom". Twilight repeated, causing the filly to blush as Twilight, and Reiner turned to Applejack and Rainbow Dash. "And why are we here again". Asked Reiner. "To be our judges and keep score. Applejack explained. "That's right. Somepony's gotta record my awesomeness for the history books". Rainbow Dash stated A few minutes later, the contest was begining. "Hello everypony, and welcome to the first annual Iron Pony competition"! Spike announced, causing Twilight to look at him in confusion. "Spike? Who are you talking to?" she asked Spike, realzing no one was there began to panic. "Um... uh". Luckily for him, he noticed some ponies coming up to the farm. "Them"! he exclaimed as Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Bertholdt Hoover walked up the path. "Let the games begin"! Spike exclaimed exciedtly as the mane 8 minus Twilight, and Reiner cheered. The first event was a race. Applejack, and Rainbow Dash had to run in between several barrels, and get to the end. Whoever got to the finish line in the least amount of time would be declared the winner. AJ was up first. "Ready. Set. Go"! Twilight exclamied. Applejack took off. For a while she was doing pretty well, but she ended up bumping one of the barrels before she crossed the finish line. "Dagnabbit". She muttered under her breath as the others walked over to her. "Time Spike". asked Reiner. "17 seconds". Spike replied. Applejack gasped in both shock, and delight. "You're kiddin'! That breaks my record from last year's rodeo." But her excitment didn't last long, as Spike continued. "But you got a five second penalty for nudging the barrel". Applejack sighed. "Nuts, and Chews"! she cursed, but quickly composed herself. "Still, that's twenty-two seconds. Not too shabby". Applejack turned to Rainbow Dash, who seemed to be a little nervous. "Hey, don't be nervous. Remember, it's all in good fun. Now git on up there". Rainbow Dash walked up to the starting line. "Ready. Set. Go!" Twilight exclaimed again. Rainbow Dash ran in between the barrels, however unlike Applejack, Dash didn't hit a singal one, and made it across the finish line. "Woo! That was some fancy hoofwork there, Rainbow!" Aj complemented. "Thanks, but I couldn't have been as fast as you". Dash replied. Applejack turned to Spike to see how long it took for Rainbow Dash to get to the other side. "What's the time Spike". Spike looked at the clock, and gasped. "18 seconds"! he exclaimed. Both Applejack, and Rainbow Dash gasped in shock, as the farm pony turned to Rainbow Dash with a smile on her face. "18 seconds. Rainbow, are you sure you're not secretly a rodeo pony? Applejack asked. "Rainbow Dash wins the barrel lead!" Reiner stated. "Oh, I can't believe I won". Rainbow Dash stated in total suprise. "Yeah, well, don't you go gettin' used to it". Applejack reminded her. The next compettion was to see who could buck a high striker harder, more ponies had come down to watch the contest. This time Dash was up first, she kicked the thing, and the bell rang. Everypony cheered as Rainbow did a little victory dance before going over to AJ who was resting under a tree. "Mighty respectable". Applejack smirked before getting up. "But let me show you how it's really done". She stated. Applejack walked up to the high striker, and bucked it so hard that the bell shot off, and part of it broke. Everypony cheered as Rainbow Dash looked on in complete shock. Next, both Applejack and Rainbow Dash had to try and buck Spike off of their backs. Spike however wasn't too thrilled about this. "Why me". he mutterd. "GO"! Twilight called out, and Applejack began. "Whoa! Whoa! Whoa-hoa! Whoa! Spike yelled out, before he was finally bucked off. "Whoaaa"! He landed in a stack of hey "Ouch ". he groaned, but no time to relax, as Rainbow Dash had been waiting in the stack. "Ready for another pony ride"? she asked. "No". Spike muttered, but it was too late. "GO"! Twilight exclaimed. Rainbow Dash began moving really fast, much faster then Applejack "Guh guh guh guh guh guh guh guh guh guh guh". Finally Spike was launched off. "Guhwhoaaaaaa!" "Rainbow Dash wins the bronco buck"! Reiner stated. "And I loose". Spike gronaed. The next event was a lasso compettion, with the goal being to lasso Spike, who was none too please with the situation he had been put in. Eventually he was lassoed by Applejack "How did I get roped into this". Spike asked bitterly. The audiance then turned to Rainbow Dash who had manged to tie herself up in a tree. "Does this count"? she asked before falling out of the tree. Spike meanwhile was untied by Apple Bloom, who looked at him with concern as the small dragon vented "I can't believe they're using me as their little guinea pig to win this contest"! he ranted. Apple Bloom gave him a small smile. "Hey don't feel so bummed Spike, you're being a really big help". she told him. Spike looked up at Apple Bloom, her amber eyes sparkling as she smiled at him, he smiled back knowing she was right. With that he walked off to help out however he could. The next competition was to see who could balance, and bounce more balls. Rainbow Dash won that one. After that it was tossing hay bales. Winner, Applejack. Hoof wrestling. Winner, Rainbow Dash. Bucking a football. Winner, Applejack Finally the contest made it to the halfway point as Spike continued to announce to the crowd. "Fillies and gentlecolts, at the halfway point, our competitors are tied at five and five". "Who are you talking too"? Twilight asked in confusion. "Them"! Spike replied as Twilight looked up and noticed the crowd. Next they we're doing push ups, with Twilight Counting. "Ninety-five, ninety-six, ninety-seven, ninety-eight, ninety-nine..." Applejack was forced to stop. "A hundred"! Twilight counted for Rainbow Dash. "Yes"! Dash cheered. "Be a good sport Applejack". The farm pony mumbled. Next was a long jump. First was Applejack who manged to jump pretty far. Now it was Rainbow Dash's turn. She ran forward and leaped, however when she saw that she was about to loose, she used her wings to cheat, and win the contest, however Applejack was the only one who noticed, but she decieded not to say anything. Next they had to walk baby chicks on their backs across some mud in order to get them to their mothers. The chicks that were on Applejack were getting pretty muddy, so they decieded to go over to Rainbow Dash, who once again, was using her wings to shield the chicks from the mud. This frustrated Applejack, but she tried to not let it show. Finally they we're at the finally event, a tug of war. Twilight stood in the middle of the two. "All right, you two. This is the final event. Give it all you've got." she told them. Rainbow Dash, and Applejack both started pulling and tugging as hard as they could, and it seemed like Applejack was going to win. "Looks like the workhorse might come out ahead in this one." Spike stated. That was until Rainbow Dash used her wings to fly up in the sky, liffting Applejack off the ground. "That's not fair. You can't use your wings to help you win"! Applejack protested. Rainbow Dash however pretented that she couldn't understand Applejack. "What was that"? she asked. "You're cheatin"! Applejack accused. "I can't understand you with that rope in your mouth"! Stated. That caused Applejack to open let go of the rope so that Dash could "Understand her". "I said"! But AJ stopped once she realized her error. "Uh oh". Applejack fell, landing in the mud with a loud splash. "Rainbow in the meantime cheered. " Whoo-hoo! I win by a landslide...". Apple Bloom trotted up to Applejack and helped her out of the mud, just a Rainbow Dash flew down to them. "Heh, or mudslide in your case". she sneered before flying up into the air. "I am the Iron Pony". Rainbow Dash declared. "Only cause you cheated". Applejack stated causing Rainbow Dash to look at her. "What"? She asked, venom in her voice as she got into Applejack's face. "You used your wingpower to help you win over half those contests"! Applejack stated. "Sounds like sour apples to me". Dash retorted. "Are you sayin' you didn't use your wings?" Applejack asked. "Welll... no. But you never said I couldn't use my wings. Rainbow Dash defeneded. "I didn't think I needed to tell you to play fair". Applejack argued. Things were beginning to get out of hoof, so Twilight, Reiner, and Apple Bloom got in between the two of them "Both of you stop right now"! Reiner scolded. "Yeah there's no need for this". Twilight repremanded. "She used her wings to cheat"! Applejack accused. "You never said that I couldn't"! Rainbow Dash retorted. Apple Bloom looked up at her big sister. "Rainbow Dash is right Applejack, you never said she couldn't use her wings". "See even your little sister agrees with"! Rainbow Dash stated. This however caused Apple Bloom to turn to her. "But still Dash, you should have known better then to use them to cheat". Apple Bloom stated sternly. "I... uh". Rainbow Dash stuttered as Apple Bloom raised her eyebrow at her. "Well I still would have won without my wings"! Rainbow Dash stated. That caused Applejack to chuckle. "Hah! Prove it". "Gladly"! Rainbow Dash replied. "How"? she asked after not knowing what to do exactaly. Applejack smiled. "Tomorrow is the annual Runnin' of the Leaves. I challenge you to race me in it" Applejack stated. Rainbow Dash just smirked. "Heh! Easy shmeasy". She replied. "Hold on! There is one condition: the point is to run, so no wings allowed". Applejack reminded. Rainbow Dash thought for a momment before replying. "No wings? No problem." The two of the bumped hooves, agreeing to the condtitions of the race. Currently Pubilcly Avalablie Information Running of the Leaves. An anual race taking place in ponyville. Ponies run through a large forest of trees. The objective of the race is not to get to the finish line first, it's to knock down all the leaves off of the trees. The next morning rolled in at Sweet Apple Acres, as Applejack slept in her bed, but she soon heard a voice calling her name. "Applejack. Applejack"! Applejack groaned. "Eh five more minutes". she mutterd as she pulled the covers over her, only for them to be yanked off. That caused Applejack to shoot awake. She looked around and saw Apple Bloom standing at the sighed of her bed with a very stern look on her face. "Come on, you need to get up if you're going to make it to the running of the leaves". Apple Bloom reminded. Applejack's eyes widened in horror. "Oh my god you're right! I almost forgot"! she exclaimed as she got out of bed, and rushed towards the door. "Breakfast is on the table. I worked very hard on it so you'd better eat it". Apple Bloom called out. Applejack turned to her little sister. "Apple Bloom, I really appriecate that but". Apple Bloom intterupted her, "No buts! You won't be able to run on an empty stomach". "Apple Bloom please". Applejack began, but stopped as soon as she saw Apple Bloom glaring at he. "You know what, I am feeling a might hungry, so I think I'll uh....... Go have some breakfeast yeah"! Applejack stated as she rushed downstairs. Apple Bloom simply smiled and started to make Applejack's bed. Meanwhile at the Golden Oak Library Twilight and Spike walked out of the treehouse, on the way to the starting line. Twilight however stopped briefly to look at a butterfly. This frustrated Spike. "Twilight, hurry up, we're gonna be late for the race"! He complained. This made Twilight look up at him in confusion, "Why are you so excited about the race? It's only for ponies"? "Yeah, but I'm hoping I can be the announcer again. Just listen: fillies and gentlecolts, welcome to the annual Running of the--" Spike began, until. " Welcome to the annual Running of the Leaves! This is Pinkie Pie, your official p-eye-in-the-sky announcer"! Spike and Twilight looked up to see that Pinkie Pie was already up in a hot air ballon doing the annoucing. Spike looked down in dissapointment as Twilight tried to comfort him. " Sorry, Spike. I guess that job's already taken." Meanwhile Pinkie Pie continued "As everypony knows, the Running is a very important tradition, for without it, the autumn leaves of Equestria would never fall. So get ready, ponies. The Running of the Leaves will begin in five minutes." Twilight made her way to the starting line. As she walked up she spotted Bertholdt and Reiner, also heading up to the starting line. "Hey you guys"! Twilight called out. The two stallions turned around and smiled at Twilight. "Ah Twilight. I figured you'd be here". Reiner stated. Twilight giggled. "So are you two racing two"? She asked. "That's right, we wouldn't miss this for the world". Bertholdt replied. Twilight smiled, and the three of the made their way to the starting line. Applejack was already there, doing some last minute stretches. She also had Apple Bloom to thank, her little sister had been right, now that she had a full stomach, Applejack was more then ready to win the race. She kept stretching until Rainbow Dash came strutting in. "Pardon me, excuse me. Make way for the Iron Pony". "The Iron Phony, you mean". Applejack muttered as Rainbow Dash walked up to her. "So, Applejack, you ready to win second place"? Dash taunted. "I'm ready to run a good, clean race." Applejack replied. "Yeah, yeah..." Dash muttered not caring in the slightest. "You are not allowed to use your wings." Applejack reminded her. Rainbow Dash simply scoffed. "I could win this race with both wings tied behind my back." That gave Applejack an idea. She then quite litterley tied Rainbow Dash's wings behind her back. "Trussed up like a turkey. Well, a turkey who can't fly, that is." AJ Smirked. "Very funny". Dash grumbled "Least now we know we're racin' fair and square." Applejack stated just as Pinkie Pie started annoucing again. "Racers! Please take your positions!" Then Spike walked up to her. "Um... Pinkie Pie?" "Hey, Spike! What's up?" She asked, but then she realized that it was her. "Oh wait, it's me, I'm up". She laughed. Spike then contiuned. "Uh, yeah. I know you're doing the announcing today and stuff and... I'm sure you're gonna do a great job and all, but... I was just wondering..." "What"? Pinkie Pie asked. Spike realizing it was pointless just sighed. "Aw forget it". he said as he began walking away. Pinkie Pie however was able to realize what Spike wanted. "Spike, would you like to be my co-reporter? We could comment on the action together." Pinkie Pie told him "We could"? Spike asked excitedly. Pinkie Pie just through down the ladder to the hot air baloon, which Spike happily climbed. Back at the starting line, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash we're both complety shocked seeing Twilight, Reiner, and Bertholdt also at the starting line. "Twilight, Reiner, Bertholdt? What in sam hell are you three doing up here"? AJ aksed. "We're racing". Twilight replied. This made Rainbow Dash burst out laughing. "Good one, Twilight." "We're not joking". Reiner replied Now Dash was shocked. "What? But Twilight's not an athlete she's an egghead, and Bertholdt isn't really that strong of a flyer. Infact the only one of you I can see having a chance in this race is you Reiner". Rainbow Dash replied. The egghead response got on Twilight's nerves. " I am not an egghead, I am well-read." She defeneded. "Egghead". Dash whispered to AJ, who chuckled "But have you three ever run a race"? The farm pony asked them. "Both Reiner and I have". Bertholdt Replied. "What about you Twilight". Applejack asked. "Well, no, but I do know a lot about running". Twilight replied. "And you know this from..." Rainbow Dash asked, already knowing the answer to her question. "Books. I've read several on the subject". Twilight replied. This once again made Dash laugh. "What'd you read, "The Egghead's Guide to Running"? Did you stretch out your eye muscles to warm up? Get it? Eye muscles. Twilight just rolled her eyes "Scoff if you must, Rainbow. But the Running of the Leaves is a Ponyville tradition, and since I'm here to learn, I've decided I should experience it myself". she stated. Applejack smiled at the three of them. "Well, I think that's just dandy, Twilight. Good luck. Same too Reiner, and Bertholdt". she stated, before snickering as well. Dash just snickered. "Yeah. See you three at the finish line... tomorrow". The racers all walked up to the starting line. Pinkie Pie and Spike were just about to give the go ahead, when all of a sudden, a voice stopped them. "You guys!" Twilight, Reiner, Spike, Bertholdt, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash, along with the other ponies present turned to see Apple Bloom happily running towards, wearing a cheerleading outfitt, and had a huge smile on her face. Her eyes, hair, as well as the surrounding area seemed to sparkle as she arrived. "Sorry I'm late took me a while to get change". She's, so cute". Twilight, Pinkie, Spike, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash all thought. Sweetie Belle then appeared next to Apple Bloom, also in a cheerleading outfitt, and smiling too. "This was a great idea Apple Bloom". Sweetie Belle stated. Then the voice of Scootaloo spoke up from a distance. Like the other two, she had a cheerleading outfitt on, but unlike the other two, she wasn't smiling at looke rather uncomfortble. "Um, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle. I think I wanna go home and change". She stated. Apple Bloom just smiled, and walked behind Scootaloo. "Don't be that way, it's normal to feel self conscious. You'll get over it, besides think about it, cheerleading cutie marks would be perfect". She stated as she gentley pushed Scootaloo forward. "Look I'm telling you I can hardly breath in this damn thing". Scootaloo protested, as Apple Bloom turned to face the runners. The little earth pony then throw her hooves and pompoms up. "Alright everypony get on out there and welcome the autumm season!" She cheered happily. "YEAH! LETS DO THIS! Shouted a random stalion. Pinkie Pie, and Spike saw that as their cues. "All right, ponies, are you ready?" Pinkie Pie started. "Get set". Spike finished. "GO"! They both shouted as a bell rang, and the runners started running. "And they're off! Welcome to the official coverage of the Running of the Leaves!" Pinkie Pie stated before turning to Spike. "Why, yes, Pinkie, it's the running of the ponies that causes the leaves to fall." Spike replied. Pinkie Pie scoffed. " Ugh. Those lazy, lazy leaves. But this year, the run is about more than the weather. It's about the race to the finish and the two runners who want to win it: Applejack and Rainbow Dash". Spike nodded. "You know, Pinkie, these two ponies have a bit of a grudge match they're trying to settle. Trying to prove who's the most athletic.". "Yes, and Grudge rhymes with Fudge". Pinkie Pie nodded in agreement. "Yes, it... does. What?" Spike asked in confusion. Pinkie paid his confuison no mind and just continued on. "And I like fudge. But if I eat too much fudge I get a pudge and then I can't budge." "So... no fudge"? Spike asked. "Oh, no thanks I had a big breakfest". Pinkie Replied before looking back down at the race. "Let's check in with our two competitive ponies, Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Having come fast out of the gate, Applejack and Rainbow Dash are evenly matched running neck and neck." Pinkie Pie stated, until Applejack pushed head. "But what's this? Applejack is making a move, she's now ahead by a nose." Pinkie said. Then Rainbow Dash pulled ahead as Pinkie Pie kept commentating on the event. "But Rainbow Dash won't let Applejack have it and takes the lead. She's ahead by half a nose. Or maybe three quarters of a nose. No, about sixty-three point seven percent of a nose... roughly speaking". Again Applejack pushed past Rainbow Dash. "Applejack sees this move and pushes forth with her strong workhorse legs slinking ahead by three hundred and fifty noses"! Applejack turned to Rainbow Dash with a smug look on her face. "Not so easy without wings, is it"? She snickered before running ahead of Dash again. Rainbow Dash grimiced. "Come on Rainbow, show 'em a little dash". She murmmered before rushing forward. " Ho-hold your horses, Pinkie! Rainbow Dash is catching up the frontrunner Applejack!" Spike pointed out. "What an upset! I thought Applejack had this in the bag". Pinkie Pie stated. Rainbow Dash with all her might then ran past Applejack. "You didn't think I was gonna let you off that easily, did you?" Dash taunted as she raced past Applejack. Applejack, not wanting to let Dash win, starting running so fast, and hard that she didn't see the rock in her way. Applejack tripped over the rock, and landed with a hard thud. Her trip up allowed for all the racers to rush past her. Applejack stood up, having not seen the rock she thought Rainbow Dash had tripped her. "I don't believe it". she exclaimed, just as Twilight, Reiner, and Bertholdt walked up. "I know, beautiful isn't it". Twilight stated admiring the surronding area. "Not the scenery, Twilight. Rainbow Dash just tripped me". Applejack said acussingly. "No she didn't" Reiner argured. "Yes she did". Applejack argued back. "She did not"! Twilight stated. "She did too"! Applejack repeated. "Rainbow Dash did not trip you Applejack, if you had been paying attetion like the three of us, you would have seen you tripped over a rock. Reiner Stated. Applejack looked over and saw that they were right. "What? Oh, hayseed! Now I got a lot of ground to make up to catch Rainbow". She pointed out. They then heard the voice of Apple Bloom from up the hill. "Applejack! Fight on!" Apple Bloom cheered. "Yay"! Repiled Sweetie Belle. "Yeah, what they said". Stated Scootaloo less enthusacitly. Applejack ran off after the CMCs cheers in order to catch Rainbow Dash. "Be careful". Bertholdt called out as he Twilight, and Reiner continued walking. The colors of the leaves caused Twilight to smile at how pretty it was. "Isn't it wonderful you guys". She asked Reiner and Bertholdt. Reiner chuckled at Twilight excitement. "It sure is something". He responded. Twilight turned around and stared up at the leaves on the trees. She then began to sing. Look at the colors of the trees, and of the leaves on the ground. It's the autumm season and we're here to welcome it. Back near the starting line, Apple Bloom started Singing too. The weather is getting colder, and soon the days will be shorter, but this season has more meaning then just colors and trees. Soon they were both singing. There's tasty treats, and fun festivels, dressing up for nightmare night, Pumpkin Pie and Cider too, cause that's what autumm means to me. Woah Oh Oh Oh Woah Oh Oh Oh [Apple Bloom] That's what autumm means to me. [Both] Woah Oh Oh Oh Woh Oh Oh Oh [Twilight Sparkle] That's what autumm means to me. Then Reiner began singing. A season like no other, can one really complain. Celebrations all around and fabulaos colors in the air. Followed by Pinkie Pie. And all around us ponies having fun, partying throughout the lands, to bring about this new season. Then Sweetie Belle. Fall is such a beautiful time of year, all the colors they dance in the sky. After that it was Scootaloo. Red, orange, and yellow. Mixing together in perfect harmony. Now it was both of them We love this time of year. Where friendships, and familes grow. and Everypony has a smile on their faces, cause that's what autumm means to me. [Spike] A time for tasty food, and hoofball games, a good time to spend with friends. [Bertholdt Hoover] Colors in the sky, make this season so grand. [All] Woah Oh Oh Oh Woah Oh Oh Oh That's what autumm means to me Woah Oh Oh Oh Woah Oh Oh Oh That's what autumm means to me. [Reiner Braun] Sometimes there are moments when you feel alone. [Spike] But no matter what your friends are always there. [All] When you need a helping hoof. [Apple Bloom] Woah Oh Oh Oh Woah Oh Oh Oh That's what autumm means to me. [All] Woah Oh Oh Oh Woah Oh Oh Oh That's what autumm means to me. Woah Oh Oh Oh Woah Oh Oh Oh That's what autumm means to me. Woah Oh Oh Oh Woah Oh Oh Oh That's what autumm means to me. Woah Oh Oh Oh Woah Oh Oh Oh. [Twilight Sparkle] That's what autumm means to me. Back near the front of the race, Rainbow Dash kept running, when all of a sudden she was shocked when Applejack rushed past her. "See you at the finish line"! Applejack taunted. From above in their baloon Spike and Pinkie Pie both looked on in shock as Applejack made it back into first place. "I don't believe it. After a huge setback, Applejack is back at the front of the pack". Spike exclaimed excitedly. "She's the head of the pack, all right. The pick of the litter! The cat's pajamas"! Pinkie Pie stated, but then she stopped and started to go off topic. "Oh wait, why would Applejack take some poor kitty's PJs? That's not very sporting of her". Pinkie pointed out. "Oookay... let's get back to the race." Spike said. Back on the ground, Rainbow Dash had caught up with Applejack. " Not so fast, Applejack! This race isn't over yet!" "It is for you! Heh!" Applejack stated as she pushed on ahead. Rainbow Dash began to speed up, there was no way she was going to let Applejack win this race. Rainbow Dash was going to prove to everyone that the most athlectic pony in ponyville, no in all of Equestria was her. However Rainbow Dash's ego clouded her vision so much that she failed to spot the the tree stump in the middle of the ground causing her trip much like how Applejack did a while back. This little mishap allowed for all the other racers to pass her putting the pegagus in last place. Rainbow Dash got up, and scowled angrily. "Guh, I don't believe it, Applejack tripped me." She accused, before hearing Twilight's voice call out to her. "Don't you ponies ever look where you're going? You tripped on a stump. See"? Twilight stated. Rainbow Dash turned to face, Twilight, Reiner, and Bertholdt. "Oh, I see. A big cheater is what I see." Dash stated, clearly not believing what Twilight had said. "Rainbow, Applejack would never cheat. It was just an accident." Reiner said. "Sure it was". Dash replied sarcasticlay, but quickly correct herself when she saw the looks on their faces. "I mean, yeah, I'm sure it was.". That at least made Twilight smile. "Remember Rainbow, it's just a game". she pointed out, as she Reiner, and Bertholdt trotted off leaving Rainbow Dash. As soon as they were gone, Rainbow Dash smirked. "Yes, but the rules have changed, and two can play at that game". She murmmerd to herself. At the finish line, The CMCs were still cheerleading. "Fight On!" Apple Bloom cheered. "Yeah"! Cheered Sweetie Belle. "Um, Right". Scootaloo said, still slightly embarrased. Rainbow Dash eventually made it back to the start of the race, and was nearly catching up to Applejack. "Welcome back, Ponyvillians, it's me, Pinkie Pie." repiled the party pony. "And Spike. Looks like Rainbow is doing her best to catch up". Spike responded. This caused the pink earth pony to look at him in confusion. "I'm not sure how ketchup is going to help her in this contest. Now, in a hot dog eating contest it can make them doggies nice and slippery, but personally, I prefer mustard. How about you, Spike?" She asked. "Uh... I... like... pickles?" he replied unsurly. back on the ground, Rainbow Dash was beginning to pass Applejack, which Pinkie Pie took notice of. "Aaand it looks like Applejack has found herself in quite a pickle as Rainbow overtakes her". "Look ma, no wings". Dash taunted smugly as the two of them headed for a patch of woods. "As the racers enter Equestria's Whitetail Wood, Rainbow Dash is back in the lead." Spike stated. As the two of them raced, Rainbow Dash spotted a low hanging branch. Seeing that, caused a lightbulb to go off in her head. As she ran towards the branch, she grabbed it in her mouth, and pulled. The branch then swung back, and struck Applejack right in the face, knocking her back. She got up, and scowled at the pegagus pony. "Ugh. Hey, Rainbow!" AJ scolded. Rainbow Dash only spat at Applejack in response. That was when Applejack realized that what happened wasn't an accident. "Why, that little cheater did that on purpose." AJ then got an idea, if Rainbow Dash was going to cheat, then Applejack would cheat too. "It's on". she snickered evily. Applejack then used the branch herself to fling herself forward. Up ahead, Rainbow Dash smirked at her plan. "Nice one Rainbow Dash". she mutteterd to herself, only to be caught by suprise when Applejack zipped passed her. "Later"! The earth pony exclaimed. Now Applejack was back in the lead, she smiled to herself, before noticing one of the trees had a behive hanging from one of it's branches. Applejack went behind the tree, and kicked it. That action caused the hive of bees to fall right near Rainbow Dash, who ran for her life with the angry insects in hot pursuit. Rainbow Dash dove behind a bush, and manged to outsmart the bees. Once she was in the clear, Rainbow Dash took noticed of the sign that pointed in the direction the go. She snickered as she got an idea. She switched the sign so the arrow pointed up the moutain. Applejack fell for the trick, and ran up the mountain. Seeing Applejack fall for her trick made Rainbow Dash laugh and hug the sign. Unfourtenlty she didn't notice the other racers passing her. All of a sudden, Rainbow Dash heard Twilight's voice. "Oh my, Whitetail Wood is just lovely." Rainbow Dash turned around, and saw Reiner, Twilight, and Bertholdt heading her way. She quickly changed the sign back to the way it was, just as they arrived. "Hey Rainbow Dash. Shouldn't you be up front"? asked Reiner. "I'm sure I'll win now". Rainbow Dash snickered. "Except the other racers just passed you". Bertholdt pointed out. "Oh horse apples"! Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she sped off. Meanwhile, Applejack ran up the mountain, but ended up finding herself at the edge of a cliff. She looked around in confusion, before hearing Pinkie Pie's voice. "Applejack, what are you doing up here?" Pinkie Pie asked, as she and Spike floated towards Applejack. "There aren't even any trees up here". Spike replied. "I know, but the signs pointed this way". Applejack stated before realizing what happened. "Rainbow". she muttered angrily. She then looked up at Spike and Pinkie. "Mind giving me a lift"? she asked. So Pinkie Pie, and Spike let Applejack ride on the rope that was under the basket, and flew her back to the front of the line where Rainbow Dash was. The cyan pegagus looked up in shock and anger as Applejack jumped infront of her. "What the hay?! You said no flying!" Dash complained. "No I said no wings". AJ replied as she ran ahead. Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie, and Spike were still narrating. "I must say, Spike, that this has been the most interesting Running of the Leaves in Equestria history!" Pinkie Pie stated. "With the most interesting announcing". Spike mummbled to himself. "But it isn't the running that's been fascinating. It's the lack of running!" Pinkie Pie stated. Applejack then kicked down a bucket of sap causing Rainbow Dash to get stuck. Rainbow Dash pulled and struggled to get free, eventually she manged to fling herself far back, and zip towards Applejack. The speed that Rainbow Dash was going caused Applejack to spin into a small twister which eventually caught Rainbow Dash as well. Both of them spun out off the track, and up a small cliff before stopping on a ledge. The two of them glared at each other, but their weight was too much for the ledge to support, and it broke, causing both of them slide down the mountain, and land infront of Twilight, Reiner, and Bertholdt. "Forgive me, girls. I know I'm not an athlete, but shouldn't the Running of the Leaves actually involve running?" Twilight asked, as she and the two stalions trotted off. Rainbow Dash looked at Applejack and sighed. "You know, I think Twilight's right". "You do"? asked Applejack. Rainbow Dash nodded. "Yeah! If you wanna beat me, you better... RUUUN!" (Attack on Titan Plays) With that, Rainbow Dash sprinted off with Applejack chasing after her. Eventually the two of them were neck and neck, while Pinkie Pie, and Spike kept commentating. "Once again, Rainbow Dash and Applejack are neck and neck, jockeying for position. Applejack inches ahead, now it's Rainbow, it's Applejack, it's Rainbow Dash, it's Applejack..." Pinkie Pie narrated. Applejack, and Rainbow Dash saw they were nearing the finish line, that was Rainbow Dash decieded to play even more dirty, and bumped Applejack. "Oh no, she di'int!" Said Spike. Applejack then bumped Rainbow Dash back. "Oh yes, she di'id". Pinkie Pie replied. The two of them kept shoving each other. "Cut it out". Applejack demaneded, "No, you cut it out"! Rainbow Dash responded. "You started it"! Applejack pointed out. "And now I'm gonna finish it". Dash replied. "Oh no, you won't"! Applejack stated as she bit Rainbow Dash's tail, and yanked her back. "Oh yes, I will". Rainbow Dash said before doing the same thing to Applejack. Applejack then tried to bite Rainbow Dash's tail again, however she only manged to pull off the rope she had tied around Rainbow Dash's wings. Realizing she was free Rainbow Dash decieded that she was done playing fair. She was going to win even if she did it by cheating. "That's it! All bets are off!" Dash stated as she took to the sky. Applejack, also having enough jumped up after her. "Oh no you don't"! she exclaimed. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were now no longer running, they were rolling in a dust cloud, and fighting to the finish line, while Pinkie Pie kept narrating. "It's Applejack, it's Rainbow Dash, it's Applejack, it's Rainbow Dash--" The two of them crossed the finish line, and got up from their fight. "I won"! Rainbow Dash exclaimed happily. "No I won"! Applejack argued. "I won"! Rainbow Dash retorted. "You tied". Spike called out from the baloon. Rainbow Dash and Applejack looked up in confusion. "Tied?!" They exclaimed in shock. "For first"? asked AJ. "For last". Pinkie replied shocking both Rainbow Dash, and Applejack. "Last"?! They exclaimed in shock again. "Then who won"? That was when Twilight, Reiner, and Bertholdt came forward, shocking both Applejack, and Rainbow Dash. "You"?! They said in shock. Twilight smiled and shook her head. "Oh no, but I did get fifth place, Bertholdt got third, and Reiner got second. Also fifth place is rather good considering I've never run a race before". Twilight stated. That only confused Dash, and AJ more. "What? How's that even possible?" Applejack stated. "You three ran so slow, and looked at the scenery. Rainbow Dash replied. "Exactly, we paced ourselves". Reiner replied. "Then at the end, when all the other ponies were worn out, we sprinted to the finish." Bertholdt Replied. Rainbow Dash's mouth was a gap "I don't believe it. Twilight, Bertholdt, and Reiner beat us. "Well, with all your horsing around, it was quite easy". Twilight stated just as the CMCs came up to them. "Exactly, you two kept on fightin and cheating that it cost both of you the race". Apple Bloom stated Applejack sighed knowing they we're all right. "You guys are right Our behavior was just terrible". "We weren't very good sports". Rainbow Dash replied. Applejack then looked at her little sister. "And Apple Bloom, I feel so ashamed. As your big sister I'm suppose to teach you not the cheat, but instead I cheated, just because I wanted to prove a point. Can you ever forgive me"? Applejack asked. Apple Bloom smiled at Applejack. "Of course". she exclaimed happily. "Sounds to me that an important lesson was learned." A voice said. Everyone turned to see Princess Celestia heading towards them. "Princess Celestia". Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash said in shock, before bowing. "W-What are you doin' here?" Applejack asked. "Fall is one of my favorite seasons, so I came to celebrate the Running of the Leaves." Celestia explained. "I'm sorry you had to see us being such poor sports, Princess". Applejack Apologzied. "That's all right, Applejack. Anypony can get swept up in the excitement of competition". Celestia reassured. "It's important to remember that the friendship is always more important than the competition. Twilight stated. "Exactly, Twilight." Celestia agreed before facing Applejack and Rainbow Dash. "Now, unfortunately, because the two of you were busy tricking each other instead of shaking down leaves, many of the lovely trees of Equestria are still covered". She stated. Applejack looked up at the princess with a smile on her face. "Why, Princess, I bet we can knock those leaves down for you lickety-split." she stated before turning to Rainbow Dash. "Whaddya say, friend? Wanna go for another run"? she asked. Rainbow Dash smiled. "I'd love to stretch my legs". she replied. With that, the two of them started running again. This time together, side by side as friends. Just like they should have been doing from the very beginning. Preview. The day of the Grand Galloping Gala is getting closer, and Rarity deciedes to make dresses for her friends, but when Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy all want their dresses to be a certain way, Rarity finds that meeting their expectations will be more difficult then she thought. Next Episode. Sutied for Success.