Twilight and I were reading in the castle library. Given her moans as she read, it was safe to assume…
“I'm bored,” said Twilight.
“From reading?” I asked. “That’s a first.”
“I've read all these books already, and Starlight doesn’t have her friendship lessons today. I wanna do something! Things have been so slow around here and I just—”
“Twilight! Spike!” Rarity’s voice shouted.
Twilight and I quickly left the library and went to the throne room. There, we saw the map activated again with Rarity waving at us.
“Ooh, Twilight, darling!” Rarity called out. “Oh, thank goodness! It seems that my—”
We heard hoofbeats approaching. Applejack came galloping in the room like she was running from a bugbear.
“Whew!” Applejack wiped her forehead. “Got here as fast I—”
“Yes! Finally!” Twilight cheered as she looked at AJ’s and Rarity’s glowing flanks. “We've been summoned! I wonder where the map wants us to—”
“Twilight, your cutie mark’s not glowing,” I said, joining the interrupting bandwagon.
Twilight groaned once more.
Just like in the show, the map called for Applejack and Rarity to go to Manehattan. I realized then the events of “Made in Manehattan” and “Brotherhooves Social” would occur soon.
I knew what was going to happen. Applejack and Rarity would visit Manehattan to solve a friendship problem. However, that would mean Applejack had to miss the Sisterhooves Social with Applebloom. That left Big Mac resorting to crossdressing to take Applejack’s place in the social, despite the fact that it wasn’t necessary.
I could convince Big Mac not to crossdress. He could still participate in the Sisterhooves Social as he is, since they were relaxed on what qualified as a “sister”. I could also try to talk to him early so he’d get a chance to practice with Applebloom for a short while.
Rarity gasped. “I just remembered something! The Sisterhooves Social!”
Applejack sighed. “We'll have to miss it. No tellin' how long we'll be in Manehattan. I sure hope Applebloom and Sweetie Belle aren't too upset.”
“Big Mac could help Applebloom,” I said. “I don’t know about Sweetie Belle, though.”
“I suppose we should tell our sisters about this,” said Rarity.
Applejack and Rarity left the throne room. Twilight threw her body onto the table in defeat.
“Hey, guys,” Starlight greeted as she walked in with a kite in her hoof. “I just saw Rarity and Applejack leaving the castle. I take it they were summoned to solve a friendship problem?”
“And then some,” I replied. “Much to Twilight’s disappointment.”
“Ah, yeah. It has been rather slow around here these days. When were those construction ponies supposed to come again?”
“Not for another week,” Twilight replied. “Same to the plumbers who were gonna install that sprinkler system. For now, it’s just nothing but boredom.”
Starlight put her kite on the table. “Now that I think about it, doesn’t it seem...unusual that you’ve got very few duties as a princess? I was surprised you had enough time to teach me about friendship, but now you seem to have much more time even with me.”
“Well, her princess status hasn’t even been a year old, Starlight,” I pointed out. “Of course she’s not gonna be busy right from the get go. In fact, all this extra time could be good for her.”
“Not if there isn’t anything I can do,” Twilight rebutted.
“I know. Why don’t we participate in the Sisterhooves Social again, Twilight?” I offered. “It’ll give you something to do.”
Twilight rubbed her chin. “Alright. It wouldn’t hurt to try it once more.”
“The Sisterhooves Social?” Starlight asked.
“It’s an event where somepony and their sibling work together to compete with other ponies and their siblings,” I replied. “Twilight and I competed last year and came in third.”
“Wait, but you’re a male dragon. Isn't it supposed to be for sisters only?”
“Nah, they’re very loose on the guidelines. I’m allowed to join even if I’m not a mare, a pony, or even blood-related to my sibling.”
“Still, with a name like ‘Sisterhooves Social,’ it would invoke some restrictions.”
“Well, it’s not like they can change it to ‘Sibling-appendages Social’. Doesn’t roll off the tongue very well.”
As Twilight talked to Starlight about the different events at the social, I left for Sweet Apple Acres. By the time I got there, I saw Big Mac standing over a hill, staring at the orchard. I was no less than five feet away from him when he acknowledged my presence.
“Hey there, Big Mac,” I greeted softly. “You lost in thought about something?”
“Eeyup,” Big Mac replied.
He looked to the barn. I did the same and saw Applebloom leaning against the barn door and sulking. I guessed Applejack had already left for Manehattan.
“I heard Applejack had to solve a friendship problem,” I said. “Looks like Applebloom doesn’t seem too happy.”
“Eeyup.”
“She and Applejack were supposed to compete in the Sisterhooves Social, right?”
“Eeyup.”
“And now Applebloom may not have a partner for the social?”
“Eeyup.”
“I see. I guess you can’t substitute for Applejack?”
“Ee…uh…” Big Mac turned his head to look at me.
“What’s keeping you from attending? The social allows stallions. I was there last time, and I’m clearly a boy dragon. No doubt they’ll allow you as well. You won’t need to disguise yourself as a mare or anything like that.”
Big Mac stared at me in silence.
“Just ask Applebloom if you can join her,” I said. “There’s no shame in trying.”
Big Mac turned back to the barn. He walked down the hill towards his home. I knew Big Mac was a stallion of a few words, but hopefully, he’d used those words to talk to his little sister.
On the day of the social, Twilight and I signed up to compete in the race. Just like last year, we chose to only race. Starlight was with us to cheer us on.
“Remember not to use your magic or wings to cheat,” the attendant said as she handed us a couple of yellow bandanas.
“Understood. Thank you,” said Twilight.
Twilight and I quickly tied the bandanas around our necks.
“Good luck, you two,” said Starlight. “I hope you guys win the obstacle course.”
“Thanks,” I replied. “Say, do you have any siblings, Starlight?”
“No. I was an only child. In fact, so was Sunburst.”
“I guess that would explain how you two were so close.”
“Since we have time before the race, how about we take a look around?” Twilight asked. “We can see what the others are up to.”
As we toured around the festival, I checked for any signs of the CMC. I knew Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo were competing, but I hoped Big Mac and Applebloom were as well.
That’s when the realization hit me. Rainbow Dash hated pies, and there was a section in the obstacle course where both siblings had to eat an entire pie before continuing. In the show, it was implied that Rainbow and Scoots already passed that part, meaning both of them ate one whole pie. I would have to address that plot hole when it comes up.
“Well, howdy-doo!” An old mare’s voice greeted.
The three of us saw Granny Smith walking up to us.
“I’d a feelin’ you two were gonna compete in the social once more,” said Granny.
“I’m sorry that Applejack had to miss out on this event due to a friendship problem,” said Twilight. “Applebloom wasn’t too upset, was she?”
“I ain’t gonna lie to ya, princess. Applebloom was sadder than an onion cutter when she heard her big sister was gonna be out for the event. But thankfully, she found somepony else to take her place.”
“Really? Who?”
“Her big brother!”
“Big Mac?!” Twilight widened her eyes.
Thank Celestia.
“Yup,” replied Granny. “You wouldn’t believe our surprise when he came by ‘n’ asked Applebloom if he could join her. That big red stallion’s got a big red heart.”
“I mean, they do allow stallions for this event,” Starlight said.
Granny looked at Starlight. “Say, are ya competin’ here too?”
“Just a spectator, Granny.”
“Oh, what a shame. We’ve been gettin’ a lotta your friends competin’ this year. Rainbow has young Scoots competin’ with her.”
“Rainbow Dash is in the competition as well?” Twilight asked. “Small world.”
I wouldn’t be surprised if every one of the Mane 6 competes in the race next year.
Starlight, Twilight, and I continued watching some of the social’s events. It didn’t take long for us to find Big Mac and Applebloom at one of them.
Thankfully, the only thing Big Mac was wearing was his traditional brown yoke. I sighed in relief. I liked his “Orchard Blossom” persona just as much as the next brony, but I didn’t want him to make a fool of himself in front of everypony just to impress Applebloom.
The event that Big Mac and Applebloom were currently participating in was the jump rope competition. Unlike in the show, Big Mac was able to jump with only minimal problems. That made me wonder if his outfit in the episode weighed him down or his shoes got stuck to the ground.
Despite the improvement, Big Mac and Applebloom couldn’t come first in the competition. Judging by Applebloom’s disappointing expression, this wasn’t the first contest they lost today.
“Nice to see those two having fun together,” Starlight said.
“I think only one of them is,” I said.
It was then the speakers announced that the race was about to start soon. We quickly hurried over the course.
By the time we got to the starting line, Big Mac, Applebloom, Rainbow Dash, and Scootaloo were already there.
“I’ll be watching from the sides,” said Starlight. “Looks like a difficult course.”
“We’ll manage,” Twilight replied. “We got through it last time, and it looks like they didn’t change the obstacles that much.”
“Alright, Scootaloo. Remember the parts where teamwork really comes into play!” Rainbow exclaimed.
“How could I forget? We've been training all week!” Scootaloo replied excitedly.
“Wow, those two really got their spirits up,” Twilight said quietly.
“That’s RD for ya,” I responded with the same volume of voice.
“Competitors! Take your positions!” Granny Smith announced from her megaphone. “And a-ready, and a-set, GO!”
Twilight and I instantly took off down the track. Both of us got over the mud pit just as easily as last time. The barrels weren’t a challenge this time, and neither was the crates. It was a good thing I still remembered some tips from my parkour lesson.
By the time Twilight and I got to the pie table, Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo were already there. Scootaloo was halfway done while Dash was just staring at hers untouched.
“Yeah, you gotta eat the whole thing, Dashie,” I said. “That shouldn’t be a problem, right?”
“Hurry up, Spike!” Twilight called out as she pushed a pie towards me.
“Right! Sorry!” I quickly ate it.
I was only halfway done when I heard Rainbow Dash yell, “Done!”
I looked up to see Rainbow’s tin already empty with the cyan pony wiping the crumbs from her mouth. My eyes widened.
She ate the pie that fast? No way!
Twilight and I finished our share and followed swiftly after Rainbow and Scootaloo. Our next task was to push a hay bale. We pushed ours only a few feet when we saw Big Mac and Applebloom shoving theirs right past us.
“I never imagined Big Mac to be the competitive type,” Twilight said.
“Yeah, you’d be surprised,” I replied.
We turned the corner to the next set of obstacles. Starlight was sitting at the top rows of the bleachers, cheering at us.
Once we got to the grapes, I hopped on Twilight’s back and climbed into the barrel. I smashed the grapes with my feet until Twilight told me to stop. I climbed out and followed her as she carried the jar of purple juice to our respective stools.
Next was apple-catching. I knew how bad Twilight was at throwing apples without magic though.
“Twilight, how about I throw the apples and you catch them?” I offered.
“Sounds good to me,” Twilight replied.
She ran to the other side and grabbed a basket. I threw every last apple in the basket. Thankfully, Twilight was much better at catching them by hoof than throwing them.
Our attempts at balancing an egg went as well as last year. Twilight nearly dropped hers, but we were able to pass that section of the course without any problems.
The final obstacle was the hurdles. As Twilight and I leapt over them, I noticed Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo ahead of us. So were Big Mac and Applebloom. I guessed I didn’t pay much attention to the latter duo.
Unlike in the show, Big Mac actually jumped over the hurdles instead of charging through them like an oncoming train. I guess not pulling a Mrs. Doubtfire curbed some of Big Mac’s enthusiasm for competition.
I wasn’t the only who noticed the ponies up ahead.
“Looks like they’re neck and neck up there,” Twilight said after jumping over her sixth hurdle.
By the time we were done, the four ponies ahead of us had just passed the finish line in a literal flash.
“A photo finish!” Twilight called out as she and I passed the finish line.
The photographer’s camera printed out the picture. Big Mac, Applebloom, Rainbow Dash, and Scootaloo were peeping right over his shoulder, waiting for the photo to be developed.
“Hey! Gimme some space here!” The photographer barked.
Everypony took one step back.
“Thank you.”
A few minutes later, the photo developed. Rainbow and Scootaloo’s cheering was all I needed to figure out who won.
“Looks like we win, squirt!” Rainbow exclaimed.
“Woo-hoo! Yeah!” Scootaloo gave her honorary sister a hoof bump.
Applebloom groaned at Big Mac. “I told you I should've just waited until the next social to win with Applejack.”
She then stormed off. Big Mac looked at the dirt ground below him. Twilight covered her mouth with her hoof.
At least they weren’t disqualified this time.
I looked to see some of the judges at the pie table.
“Hey, did you count the pies correctly?” One of the judges asked another. “There seems to be one extra pie here.”
“Of course I did,” replied the other judge. “Twice. I was sure there was exactly enough for each pony and their respective sibling.”
“Then why is there an extra?”
“Must’ve been a mistake,” a third one replied. “With so many pies baked, there’s bound to be one that was made by accident.”
“Sorry you two came third again,” said Starlight. “It looked like a close race.”
“It’s alright, Starlight.” Twilight framed our third place ribbon and hung it beside the one we got last year. “As long as Spike and I had fun, that’s all that matters.”
“I’m a bit worried about Applebloom and Big Mac, though. Applebloom didn’t seem to be happy about coming second.”
“I’ll head to the farm and see how she’s doing,” I said. “Hopefully she’s not too sore anymore.”
I left the castle and made my way to the farm. The sun setted on the many apple trees by the time I got there. I didn’t have to go through the arch to see Big Mac and Applebloom resting on top of a hill. In fact, it was the same one Big Mac was on yesterday.
I could see the stallion's lips move from here. If I had to guess, the scene was playing out like in the show. Applebloom and her brother made up, and he would explain how she used to look up to him before Applejack became the “hero of the Apple family.” But it turned out, Applebloom still does look up to him.
“Yer gonna stand there blockin’ the path, sugarcube?”
I turned around to see Applejack looking at me.
“Oh, hey Applejack. Back already?” I asked as I got out of the way.
“Yep. Hope the social went okay.”
“It did. Twilight and I participated in it again…and got third again.”
“Heh. Talk about a coincidence. Well, I gotta head inside. I’ll be sure to tell you ‘n’ Twilight about our adventure tomorrow.”
I nodded while Applejack went into the barn.
As I headed back, I was a bit relieved about how this episode turned out. While Big Mac didn’t win with Applebloom, he didn’t crossdress or cause himself and Applebloom to be disqualified. I would have to wait until tomorrow to hear about Applejack’s story, but I was positive it was going to be the same as in the show.